Lucy's Frugal Living

How to Decode Egg Cartons

2011-03-02T09:30:00.001-06:00

How to Decode Egg Cartons

Have you ever wondered how to decode your eggs? This was an interesting article from Mother Earth News to give you the skinny on eggs... Check it out.....

6 Natural Remedies to 'Cure' a Cold

2010-12-29T16:36:00.002-06:00

Article written by:By Chris Kilham Published December 29, 2010 | FoxNews.com

With winter fully upon us, cold season has officially arrived, with coughing, sinus congestion, and the dullness that colds impart. Fortunately, natural cold remedies can help you to beat colds more quickly, and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Here are a few of my favorite remedies, which are free of side effects.

1. Fresh ginger root
Spicy and inexpensive, fresh ginger root is my all-time favorite pick for cold care. Buy ginger fresh (organic is preferred), and cut a piece about an inch and a half long. Either chop that piece very finely or grate it. Put the finely minced ginger into a tea strainer, and put the tea strainer in a cup. Pour fresh boiling water into the cup. Let the tea sit for five minutes. Remove the tea strainer, and squeeze the ginger with a spoon to get a bit more of the ginger juice into the cup. Flavor with a spoonful of honey and sip. The anti-inflammatory gingerols and shaogals in ginger root will help to relieve a sore throat quickly, and they also kill rhinoviruses, which cause colds in the first place. Drink three or more cups daily until you are well. You can also drink the same ginger tea to warm up on a very cold winter day. For children, reduce the concentration of the tea a bit, so it’s less spicy.

2. Eucalyptus essential oil
You are congested, and your nose feels like it is plugged with baking dough. Fill the bathroom sink with hot water. Drop three to five drops of eucalyptus essential oil into the sink water. Drape a towel over your head, and bend over the sink. Breathe the vapors. Do this for five minutes. Eucalyptus essential oil is nature’s very best decongestant. As you breathe the vapors, you will feel your sinuses opening up. Do this as many times as you need. The eucalyptus vapors will also get deep into your chest, and can help to open up congested bronchial tubes. You can also get eucalyptus-based cough drops. They too will help you to decongest.

3. Echinacea
Even though a recent study found little improvement in colds when Echinacea was used, many other studies have shown that Echinacea, a traditional herbal cold remedy, does in fact reduce both the severity and the duration of colds. Your best Echinacea remedies are those made from fresh Echinacea. Try the Gaia Herbs brand or the Herb Pharm brand of fluid Echinacea extracts, or Echinaforce by A. Vogel.

4. Umcka
This funny name is a traditional San tribal name for the South African herb Pelargonium sidoides. You don’t need to remember the Latin name, but do remember Umcka. Especially when taken at the beginning of a cold, Umcka can cut the entire misery short. Human clinical studies show that Umcka works well. My two favorite brands are Umcka by Nature’s Way, and Cold Check by EuroPharma, which contains both umcka and another cold-fighting herb Andrographis.

5. Elder flower tea
Both a traditional remedy and a well studied modern medicine, elder flower helps to relieve the symptoms of a cold. It is safe even for very small children, and is remarkably gentle. Plus elder flower has a pleasant taste, so kids won’t find it objectionable.

6. The super decongestant tea of all time
If your local natural food store has loose herbs, buy equal amounts of eucalyptus, hyssop and sage. Add equal amounts of the three herbs together. Put a teaspoon of the mixture into a tea strainer. Pour freshly boiled water over the herbs and let steep for three minutes. Strain and drink. I have found that when nothing else will provide decongestant relief, this remarkable tea will do so very effectively. Drink one to three cups daily, and stop if your sinuses dry out too much.

Natural remedies work, and that is why they are the most widely used medicines on earth.

I keep all the remedies above in my home, ready for use. If you supply yourself with natural remedies for when cold season hits, you won’t be left scrambling to get them once symptoms have set in. In addition to the remedies above, if you do come down with a cold, stay warm, get plenty of rest, and take time to recover. And yes, for reasons that we do not entirely understand, chicken soup does help too. There’s a reason it’s affectionately known as “Jewish penicillin.”

Basically, follow the advice of wise grandmothers, and you’ll start to feel better.

Chris Kilham is a medicine hunter who researches natural remedies all over the world, from the Amazon to Siberia. He teaches ethnobotany at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he is Explorer In Residence. Chris advises herbal, cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies and is a regular guest on radio and TV programs worldwide. His field research is largely sponsored by Naturex of Avignon, France. Read more at www.MedicineHunter.com

Read more here

Note from Lucy: I much prefer to try natural cures before going to the doctor.... I usually do much better....

GPS Safety Warning

2010-11-09T07:13:00.000-06:00

If you have a GPS unit in your car, keep it hidden when your vehicle is unoccupied, especially if you pre-programmed addresses in it. GPS units are a popular target of thieves. Having it in plain sight is an invitation for someone to break your window and steal it.

And, if that's not enough, consider this. You're out shopping and a thief steals your GPS. They turn it on and click "home" from the list of pre-programmed addresses. By the time you return to your car, report the crime and write up a report with the police officer, the thief will have also robbed your home.

Realistically, you probably don't need to program home into your GPS. Chances are that you know how to get there without any help! If you really want to program it, call it something else. Label it "Bill" or "Susie" or something that only you would know is your home address. You could avoid a major hassle.

More from Dollar Stretcher.....

2010-09-05T18:11:00.003-05:00

Auto Air Filters

We purchase our own auto air filters and cabin air filters at discount stores and replace them ourselves. If the auto dealership or repair shop replaces these items, you, the consumer, will pay cost plus a hefty markup and labor to do so. We purchase our filters at a chain discount store for about $6.44 each and save a lot of money replacing them ourselves. Denise O. in Beemer, NE

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DIY Coupons

Recently, I have been identifying brands of food that we use most often that I rarely find coupons for. Mostly these include organic or earth-friendly products that also don't often go on sale. I made a list, took it to the computer, looked up each company website, located their "contact us" link, and sent them all an e-mail complementing them on their product and asking if they would mail me a coupon. All of them responded to my e-mail and I have received several coupons in the mail as a result of my e-mails. One company even sent me a coupon for one free product from their brand. It was well worth my time and effort. Eve C.

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Little Luxury: Lunch & a Show

When I treat myself to a movie and lunch, I find that "lunch" costs more than the movie. I have done various things to save money and also keep down my weight. The latest is that I go to a supermarket nearby and buy a boxed salad and a take-out
coffee. All the cinemas have an eating area where I can sit and enjoy my frugal lunch before the film. It used to cost at least $10 by the time I paid tax and tip for the cheapest item on the menu, but now I enjoy a nice large salad and coffee for
about $5. It sure helps me enjoy my outing more without breaking my budget. Trudy

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Selling a Few Shares

I had a brokerage account and decided to transfer my shares back to the company to start a DRIP account, which would save on brokerage fees. After the transfer, there we some half shares that didn't transfer, and I was stuck with about $40 in half shares that would have cost me more in transaction fees to sell than the shares were worth. I went to a search engine, typed in the name of the company, and "promotion," and up came codes for free trades! I was able to submit four promotion codes, sell the half shares, and get the $40 without having to shell out more money!
Natalie B. in Phoenix, AZ

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Local Trip Planning

When you know you are going to run errands or that you will be passing the dry cleaners, always be certain to have your "To Do" list and the things in the car you need to take care of. If you need to put clothes in the dry cleaner, have the
clothes in the backseat or trunk. Many people end up having to "run" back to the house when they are out doing errands just to get the laundry. Even when shopping for groceries, it's a good idea to make a list. You can save gas, time, and money
just by making an errand list for your family! J.

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Preventing a Plumbing Problem

One of my favorite money-saving tips is to use a crochet hook to stick down sink drains to pull out hair. It works equally well on shower or bathtub drains. This is particularly effective if you have someone with long hair that is shampooing her hair several times a week. It works best to twist it and pull. Mary Jane F.

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Note from Lucy: Love the idea of the Crochet hook down the drain.... lol Have a great week everyone....

Negotiation Skills

2010-08-29T18:00:00.002-05:00

by Paul William
5 steps to negotiating a better and smarter deal

Negotiation skills are a powerful asset in life. Understanding how to negotiate will help you get raises and promotions, get a better deal, and get out of paying stupid fees. These five steps will help you learn how to negotiate better and smarter.

1. Prepare

Before you begin negotiating (meeting with your boss or calling a company), take time to prepare for the negotiation. Think about what you want to accomplish and make it a concrete goal. "I want a 10% raise" is better than "I want more money."

Then, take some time to look at it from the other person's point of view. Why should they be willing to give you what you want? In the case of getting a raise, have you proven yourself to be a valuable asset to the company? If you're dealing with a business you buy from, have you been a customer for a long time or is it difficult to get new customers?

The key is to list your accomplishments and reasons why you should get what you want. If you've saved your company money or taken on new responsibilities, write down exactly what you have done. Good examples would be "saved the company $20,000 a
year by reducing waste in..." or "supervising ten more employees than last year." Be ready to justify your request with reasons that will appeal to the other person.

If you've been hit with a bogus fee, review your situation and be ready to explain what happened and why you don't think you should be charged. If you were misinformed by an employee of the company, make that clear when you call. This is also why
it's smart to keep a record of when and to whom you speak when you call a company. You can easily reference the conversation and the person if a problem arises in the future.

2. Choose the Right Time

Timing can greatly help your chances of negotiating successfully. If you're asking for a raise, try to do it right after you finished a major accomplishment or as you take on new responsibilities. Your boss will have a difficult time overlooking the current circumstances, making it easier to give you a raise.

Trying to get a better deal on your cell phone? Wait until your contract is just about to expire. (This works for other bills, too.) Businesses often spend quite a bit of money to get customers, so they'll often do what they can to keep you.
Negotiating when you'll have the option to cancel gives you more power.

3. Be Firm and Confident but Polite

Even if you are nervous or unsure, act confident and be firm as you negotiate. Weakness (real or perceived) puts the negotiating power back in the other person's hands, so avoid it at all costs. This simply means you should not act timid
when making your request. If you know you deserve a raise, act like it!

However, this doesn't mean you should be rude. Nobody likes a jerk. If you become hostile or impolite, people may refuse your request simply because they don't like you. Be pleasant, kind, and patient and you will be rewarded.

Another strategy is to use praise to your advantage. When negotiating a raise, show that you enjoy working there and are aligned with the company's interest. If you're trying to get a good deal with a company, comment on how you've enjoyed using
their product in the past. Let people know you appreciate their time and help and they'll be happy to help you again.

4. Be Ready to Respond

You should be ready to respond to any number of reactions you get. If the answer is yes, then express your thanks. If the person needs to get someone else's approval, let them know you appreciate their support. If the answer is no, things get a
little trickier.

If you're trying to lower your bills or get rid of bogus fees, don't give up at the first "no." Restate one of your reasons for why you should get what you're asking and follow that up with a leading question. Here's an example: "Well, I've been a
customer for 3 years and I'd hate to have to switch to [competitor]. What can you do to help me lower my bill (or get this fee waived)?" Do not follow up with a question that can be easily answered with a "yes" or "no." Push for a "what else" or "how" type question rather than simply saying "Are you sure?" or "OK."

Dealing with your employer is a bit different because you don't want to be so pushy you lose your job. If you think your boss is being unreasonable in denying your raise (i.e., you actually do deserve it), don't be afraid to ask for more details and insist on your accomplishments once again. Be polite but firm. "After saving the company $25,000/year and increasing efficiency by 15%, a 10% raise is a reasonable
award. In addition, comparable positions pay 20% more than my current salary so it is still good for the company."

If your boss still won't (or can't) budge, offer some alternatives that might not cost more money but are still beneficial to you. Increased vacation time, flexible hours, or the option to telecommute one day a week are a few examples. If these don't go over well, ask for concrete goals you can achieve to earn a raise and get an appointment to renegotiate in a few months.

5. Be Ready to Walk Away

Finally, you must be prepared to walk away if necessary. If a company won't offer you a discount, let them know you can get a better deal elsewhere (be specific) and thank them for their time. That's often enough to get what you ask for right away
(but you shouldn't abuse it).

If you are significantly underpaid, work very hard, and have not been able to get a raise, be ready to leave your employer and go elsewhere. I wouldn't use this as a negotiation tactic though. Even if your current employer offers to increase your
salary, they'll know you aren't loyal to the company and they may look to replace you. Your best bet is to start looking for a new job without letting your current boss know. Turn in your resignation after you have a firm offer from a new employer
and move on.

These Tips Do Work!

If you think these tips don't work, I'm proof that they do. Using these strategies, I've gotten 10% raises, lowered several of my bills, and had bogus fees waived several times. Again, preparation and confidence are key. You must know why you deserve to get what you're asking for and be willing to push for it if necessary. Many times, simply asking will get what you want because so many people fail to take that step.
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This article has been reprinted with permission from Provident Planning . You can find the original article at Negotiation Skills . Paul Williams lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and has a passion for teaching people about personal finance, especially from a Christian perspective. ProvidentPlan.com is dedicated to pursuing that passion.

Note from Lucy: This best tips to negotiation is to go prepared..... Know the facts... Last time TF and I bought a car we went to carfax.com and found out how much the invoice price was for the car that I wanted to buy... I had some leverage by just knowing the facts... We ended up saving about $5,000. dollars on the deal..... Have a great week everyone!!

More ideas from Dollar Stretcher

2010-08-17T08:28:00.000-05:00

Powerful Plant Additives

A long time ago, I remember my father emptying his coffee grounds into a planter right next to our back door. He mixed them into the dirt. We had the largest papayas in the neighborhood as well as the fattest earth worms. Everything we planted in the planter grew fantastically large and fast.

Acquiring that much coffee grounds takes time unless you drink a lot of coffee. I found out our local Starbucks has started a "go green" program where they will give away their coffee grounds if you ask. I have now received about 20 pounds of grounds. You can also try your local bakery for egg shells. We leave a empty container with a lid and pick it up about once a week. They add nutrients to the soil, and best of all, they are free. Ken T. in Kailua, HI

Old Purses

Recycle those old purses for disadvantaged, homeless women. Many times, homeless women will go to churches or community centers, seeking help in some small way. Most of the time, churches or other organizations don't have anything to give them. Or don't just hand out cash even if it just a dollar for bus fare.

Many of us have old purses in our closet that we throw away or give to a charity. These could be put to good use by being filled with items a homeless woman might need and not have like pens and notepaper, small bars of soap or shampoo, and lotion. A clean plastic cup put in a small baggie may be appreciated. How many times might a homeless lady desire a drink of water and not have a cup? Give new toothbrushes and small tubes of toothpaste or a pair clean socks that you no longer wear.

We have many of these items just sitting around the house in surplus. Even a small snack like a granola bar or pudding cup could be added. Once the purses are filled, they could be taken to a church or food bank where homeless ladies come or even handed out in areas where homeless women are located. Sometimes a pack of eight toothbrushes or other small bulk items can be bought at a dollar store and divided among the individual purses with one in each purse. It may not seem like much to us, but it will make a big difference to someone who has very little. A.

Little Luxuries: The Theater

I belong to a theater group that performs an annual comedy show for the benefit of a local church. I was checking my local newspaper for fun and interesting things to do and found an invitation to join. It takes very little of my time, and I enjoy being around other people who like comedy as much as I do. I consider this a luxury because it is fun, entertaining, non-fattening and free. It's something I do just for me. We raise money for charity and have a ball doing it! Local newspapers are an excellent source for free entertainment opportunities.
D. T.

editor's note: If you have a method for making you or your family feel good without spending money, please send it to gary@stretcher.com.

Just Add Water

It works! I have tried this, and not only does it save money, but it also looks good and is fun for all. I will never run out of chives for my potatoes or salads again. I took a bunch of green onions and put them in some water. I change the water every few days and the onions continue to sprout brand new green stems for cooking and cold dishes. It looks great on the counter, and I have not run out since I started my own. Dawn in Westlake Village, CA

Handy Burger Patties

To make quick and uniform hamburger or sausage patties, I use two piece jar lids. I use regular size for smaller patties and wide mouth for larger ones. Just dampen both pieces and fill with ground meat, turn over, and push meat out with the insert.
Virginia M. in Clarion, PA

Shopping on the Curb

2010-08-08T20:22:00.002-05:00

By Katy Dotson
Turn your neighbor's trash into a treasure. Katy Dotson shops the curb with her husband in North Louisiana.

Few thrills top the feeling of eyeing a cute little table in your home and knowing it only cost you the price of a can of spray paint. Add to that the righteous feeling of keeping one more piece of trash out of a landfill, and you've got the
triumph of a curbside find. It may sound, well, trashy, but nothing is more economical or environmentally friendly than taking a pre-trash-day drive through your neighborhood.

My first curbside find remains my favorite. On the way to the grocery store, I spied a rusty, gold, three-shelf baker's wrack sitting on the curb. I drove past it, but turned around a few minutes later and mustered up the courage to put it into my trunk. It didn't fit. A bit disappointed, I carried it back to the curb. When I turned to get into my car, an elderly man hurried out of the house.

"It doesn't fit in my trunk," I explained. He said that he was eager to see it leave the curb and offered to help. Together we managed to angle it into the back of my car. One can of primer and a can of copper-colored spray paint later, my patio was graced by what looked like a brand-new plant stand. My mom, an expert at trash-pile treasures who claims to be "green" before "green" was cool, was clearly impressed by my find, and I was on my way to discovering a new, affordable world of home decor. And, I'd met a new neighbor.

Shopping the curb can be daunting, but the following guidelines will help you turn one neighbor's trash into your very own treasure.

1. Use your imagination. An old carport column may look dirty or useless, but with a quick hose-down, it could be your next outdoor lantern post. Brainstorm possible alternate uses for the item, and remember that a coat of spray paint can work
wonders.

2. Set your standards. Upholstered fabrics can be difficult to clean and often contain mystery stains and smells. Because of this, I prefer not to pick up anything with fabric on it. Decide which standards you are comfortable with and stick to
them.

3. Stay home after a rain. Unless you know the water damage is repairable, picking up items after a rain is chancy (and can track muddy water into your car!).

4. Don't keep it if you don't want it. This is important to remember in order to avoid filling your garage with the town's garbage. If you're not going to clean it, paint it, move it or use it, then toss it. Picking up trash is only shabby chic if
you turn it into something cute or practical for your home. Otherwise, it's just shabby. Set a deadline, and if it's still sitting in your garage on that day, put it back where it came from, which is the curb.

5. Don't be afraid to brag. In these frugal times, not only is thriftiness a virtue, but it's also trendy. Feel free to tell guests that footstool is a re-purposed wooden crate from the curb. Who knows? Your success may encourage them to try their
hand at a curbside craft. And just think, we're helping the
environment, too, one rusty plant stand at a time.
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Note from Lucy: I have found some really good treasure on the curb... My sister is an expert at it and somehow makes her treasures look brand new... What kinds of things have you found on the curb?

Homemade Laundry Detergent

2010-08-01T10:29:00.002-05:00

On July 27, 2010, in Self-Sufficiency, Skills, by Country Survival

Making your own home made laundry detergent is one of a way that you can save cost especially saving a lot by not sending your laundry to the laundry shop or buying expensive laundry detergent.

It is really a personal preference, and some might think its just really a big hassle to make it yourself. This is a laundry detergent that does not have the harsh chemicals, dies, and perfumes (like the commercial products) that is is really sensitive for some people.

What you need:

1. 1 bar of soap (Fels Naptha, Zote, Ivory)
2. 1 box of Arm and Hammer Washing Soda (available in the laundry area
3. 1 box of 20 Mule Team Borax
4. A five gallon bucket that has lid on it
5. Three gallons of tap water
6. A big scoop or spoon to stir the ingredients
7. A measuring cup
8. A knife or grater

homemade laundry detergents Homemade Laundry Detergent

The Borax cleans, disinfects and softens the water. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda works on grease and neutralizes odors. The Fels Naptha Soap is a heavy duty laundry soap bar & stain remover.

Do not buy Arm & Hammer Baking Soda in place of Washing soda. They are two different products that are not interchangeable and results will vary if substituting one for the other. Also, grate the soap first this is so it dissolves better in the wash. The finer it is, the quicker it dissolves. Keep in mind this is the most time consuming part of the whole thing after that its a breeze.

Homemade detergents produce low suds; you will not see many suds in the wash. No worries, this is normal and your clothes will still come out clean. You only need 2 Tablespoons of laundry soap per load. This roughly comes out to about 1/8 cup.

Method:

1. First of all you need to boil about four cups of tap water using a pan on your stove until it is almost boiling.
2. You can start shaving the bar of soap into strips by using a knife or grater and put it directly into the pan of boiling water.
3. After you have shave or grate the whole bar of soap, you need to stir the hot water until it is dissolved and it become highly soapy water.
4. Then, you need to put three gallons of hot water into the five gallon bucket. Mix it with the hot soapy water and stir it for a little while before adding a cup of washing soda.
5. Stir it up to a minute or two, before adding a half cup of Borax. Then, stir it again for a few minutes and let the ingredients mix together overnight.
6. The next morning you will be having a bucket of gelatinous slime where by using only 1/8 cup is all it takes to do a batch of your laundry.
7. If you want a scent other than the soap smell, you can add an ounce of essential oils.
8. Please bear in mind that this mentioned method might not be suitable for most front loading washers, while the Super Washing Soda is also not recommended for usage on wool or silk.

Compared to liquid Tide, the cost of homemade soap is about 1/16th of the cost of liquid Tide.

Note from Lucy: I found this recipe for homemade laundry soap and knew it was for me... I have been cutting down on expenses because of the economy... I am using my own homemade fabric softener and now I have found a great homemade laundry detergent.... It is so much more cost effective and it does a great job...You might just want to give it a try... Have a great weak everyone...

School Supplies All Year Long

2010-06-13T04:32:00.003-05:00

From the Dollar Stretcher Website:
When the big box stores run their super cheap back-to-school sales on school supplies, I always stock up for the entire school year. Buying a folder or even a ruled notebook can get pricey when the normal prices come back, but you can get folders at 10 for $1, crayons at 4 for $1, and inexpensive glue sticks in August.

I also stock up on extra markers, crayons and any other fun item I can find to give as a gift when all those birthday party invitations start rolling in. Even if it isn't the main gift, a small gift can seem much nicer when a pack of crayons or makers are added to the bag. I also try to have enough on hand to put in stockings at Christmas or as a rainy day or sick day present.

School boxes or pencil holders are usually $2 to $3 also. These can be great storage containers for craft items or any other small items you may need to store. They are pretty durable and come in lots of colors and a couple different sizes. Some even have handles.
Linda

editor's note: For more on buying school supplies for less, please click here.

Note from Lucy: This is something I have done for years.... I do all of our "supply" shopping in August when the folders, paper, pens, crayons and etc. are one sale... Several weeks ago, when we had our Emergency Preparedness Fair, I used five boxes of crayons that I had purchased last August for the fair... I had only paid ten cents per box for the crayons. My budget for the fair was small and it helped keep my costs down. The supplies that I buy get used all year long and costs far less than if I were to buy them all during the year.... If you own your own business, you might try this method for purchasing supplies....

Have a great week everyone...

Meridian Magazine :: Emergency Preparedness: Back to the Future – A World without Electricity

2010-05-31T09:21:00.001-05:00

Meridian Magazine :: Emergency Preparedness: Back to the Future – A World without Electricity It is always good to be prepared...

The Mayonnaise Jar

2010-04-25T07:48:00.002-05:00

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, When 24 hours in a day is not enough; remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
and start to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded With an unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else -- The small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, You will never have room for the things that are important to you.

So...
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.

'Take care of the golf balls first -- The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled.
'I'm glad you asked'.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Note from Lucy: I have heard this story before, with just a little variation, but it is always nice to hear it again.... Have a great week everyone and remember to put your golf balls in first...

Meridian Magazine :: Emergency Preparedness: Skills Every Self-Reliant Child Needs to Know

2010-04-19T08:47:00.000-05:00

Meridian Magazine :: Emergency Preparedness: Skills Every Self-Reliant Child Needs to Know As parents we have the responsibility to teach our children the skills they will need to live on their own... This is a wonderful list of skills... Please check it out.

Easter Message from Jeffery R. Holland

2010-04-04T10:33:00.003-05:00

Please enjoy this Easter Message from Jeffery R. Holland...

Easter Resurrection Rolls...Easy Recipe for Young & Old
INGREDIENTS:
1 Package of Cresent Rolls
8 Large Marshmallows
Melted Butter
Cinnamon Sugar (equal parts cinnamon & sugar)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350F. Give each child a crescent roll triangle to represent the cloth Jesus was wrapped in. Give each child a marshmallow to represent Jesus (our sweet savior). Have the child dip the marshmallow into the melted butter (representing annointing oils). Roll marshmallow in cinnamon sugar(represents annointing spices). Wrap the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll. Seal edges by pinching. Place in oven for 10-12 minutes (oven represents tomb). Allow to cool. Child will find roll is puffed up like a regular, but a little bigger, crescent, but empty of "marshmallow," but its sweetness remains behind. He is Risen!!

Makes 8 servings.
NOTE: This recipe is a lot easier than the traditional Easter cookie recipe, but still tells the story. A thank you to Betsy, who I think is the person who sent me this originally. From Make a Note....

Meridian Magazine :: Emergency Preparedness: Protect your Credit Identity in Uncertain Times

2010-04-01T06:51:00.000-05:00

Meridian Magazine :: Emergency Preparedness: Protect your Credit Identity in Uncertain Times

Note from Lucy: This is very important in this day and time.... Have a great Easter Weekend....

New Credit Card Statements Could Help Consumers Decrease Debt

2010-03-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

Consumers' credit card bills are looking different since the implementation of the CARD Act. The new debt information on your credit card statement is one of the best provisions of the CARD Act and it will benefit every cardholder.

The most significant change in your statement will be a chart, which will clearly show how long it will take and how much you will actually pay should you make just the minimum payment each month. In addition, the chart will display how much you
need to pay each billing cycle in order to completely pay off your balance in three years.

Suppose you owe $3,000 and your interest rate is 14.4%. Your statement would show that if you made no additional charges and paid only the minimum payment, it would take almost 11 years to pay off the balance at an estimated cost of $4,745. In addition, it would show that if you wanted to pay off the balance in three years, you would need to pay $103 per month and it would cost an estimated $3,712.

Consumers will be shocked at how long it takes to pay down a balance and how much interest is actually paid if you are only making the minimum payment. When people see this personal information clearly presented in black and white, it should
have a significant impact on getting consumers to pay off their credit card balance in a much more timely manner. Cardholders can't ignore reality when they see the numbers each month on their credit card bill.

An example of the minimum payment table can be found on the Federal Reserve website

Consumers will see several additional changes on their credit card bills:

- Your statement should be much easier to understand. Fees and interest charges should be highlighted and explained in simple language in a legible font size, not buried in the fine print.

- Your statement should give a toll-free number for counseling assistance from legitimate nonprofit organizations. Issuers are required to provide contact information for three organizations that have been approved by the United States
Trustee or a bankruptcy administrator to provide credit counseling services in, at the card issuer's option, either the state in which the billing address for the account is located or the state specified by the consumer. The National
Foundation of Credit Counseling (NFCC) has added help lines to meet the expected increase in consumer assistance under the governments new regulation.

- Some issuers will give a summary of total fees and interest paid to date during the current billing cycle and year to date.

Not only will your bill look different, but the delivery and due dates may also be different. Pay attention to the due date because it is possible that your due date has changed as a result of the provision that requires at least 21 days notice
before your due date. Your due date now has to fall on the same day every month. The payment cut-off time cannot be earlier than 5 p.m. on the due date. If your payment due date falls on a weekend or holiday (when the company does not process payments), you will have until the following business day to pay without penalty.
__________________________

Bill Hardekopf is the CEO of LowCards.com wrote this article....

Note from Lucy: We all need to know how the new credit card laws will effect us. I know that I do my best not to carry a balance on credit cards... We use ours as an easy way to order online...When the bill comes in we pay it off... I read an article the other day talking about how all of this is going to affect our credit ratings... If I can find the article again, I will post it... I'm just going to say that things have changed in that area too..

Sorry I have been gone so long friends, I've been busy and have keeping in contact with friends on face book....

Tip on Tubs from the dollar stretcher....

2010-02-07T08:38:00.002-06:00

Shower Scrubbers

My tip is save your used dryer sheets for cleaning soap scum off shower and tub doors and walls. They are also good to shine up the chrome on your sink and tub fixtures. I have the cultured marble tub surrounds, and it works great to clean the soap scum off the walls and keeps them shining. You have to use a used dryer sheet because a fresh one will suds up. You can actually see the dirt on the dryer sheet. And it's free since it's already been used for drying your clothes. Pat

Cleaning Tubs

We have a fiberglass bathtub in our home (nearly 5 years old) that has a "textured" bottom to prevent slippage. I have been trying for some time now to be able to get the textured part as clean as I get the rest of the tub. The soap scum that I clean regularly seem to get "stuck" in the raised texture on the bottom of the tub. I've used all sorts of abrasives (that won't mar the tub), scrubby pads, cleaners, etc. I'm wondering if anyone might've had success using something or if a contractor who installs them has any ideas. I'm out of thoughts, and my "nesting urge" right now is exceptionally strong, so this is really bugging me. Sue T.

Cleaning Tubs: Spray Bottle of Bleach Helpful

I had the same problem with my shower floor and I found that 3 parts bleach and 1 part water in a spray bottle works the best. Let it sit for a few minutes and watch the stains disappear. I too tried all kinds of bathroom cleaners on it and it did no good. It also works great on sinks. I have a white sink in my kitchen that had become stained with coffee and cola that was being dumped down the drain and it worked miracles on it. Alyna

Cleaning Tubs: Try The Works for Results

I know just what you mean. The six of us take at least one shower a day and soap scum and hard water stains build up quick and drive me nuts. I have found a great product that has never failed me for cleaning my fiberglass tub and enclosure. It's called The Works and is available at Target and some Wal-Marts. I spray it on wait a couple minutes and scrub with a soft brush or old toothbrush and voila it is white as new. It also works on rust. I sound like a commercial but it really works. They also make a great toilet bowl cleaner. The products are reasonably priced. If you can't find it in your area, write to: Lime-O-Sol Company, PO Box 395, Ashley, IN 46705 and they will forward you a list of retailers in your area. They even sent me some coupons. Annette

Cleaning Tubs: Highly Recommend CLR

I have a shower stall with a textured floor that was becoming a real eyesore because I could not get the floor clean. I bought a handled cleaning brush and spray with CLR foaming product. Let the spray set for a few minutes then scrub with the brush. The CLR will also dissolve hard water build-up. The shower floor looks brand new, no scratch marks, and no grime! Barbie

Cleaning Tubs: ZAP It

My bathtub was a mess too. I could not get the stuff off the bottom no matter what! I was ready to yank it out and replace it. In a last ditch effort I bought ZAP at Costco and tried it. It was fantastic. I now have a tub that looks brand new and all the bumps on the bottom have been restored! A word of caution about the ZAP. Wear old clothes when you use it. It eats through the material of your clothes. Pam

Cleaning Tubs: A Maintenance Worker's Recommendations

At a NAPA auto parts store get a can of Max's Tar Remover. Use a soft brush, never a cleanser like Comet even if it says it isn't abrasive. Another method is good floor wax stripper which you can get it at an ACE hardware store. Put it on full strength, allow to sit 10 minutes and then flush off with hot water for 3 minutes. The easy way to get some shine back in a dull surface is a couple light coats of Future floor polish. It isn't a wax; don't use a wax. Bill

Cleaning Tubs: Bubbles Do the Scrubbing

I asked a similar question of my niece last year and she turned me on to Scrubbing Bubbles and the stuff is great. I rarely buy name brand stuff, but this works on my bath and shower. Brenda

Cleaning Tubs: Check With the Manufacturer

We had a tub like this at our old house. The manufacture/ installer said to use a netted sponge (there is a net like plastic material attached to 1 side of the sponge) to clean the surface. Sponge can be purchased at Dollar General. He said use Soft Scrub with bleach for really bad surfaces. For weekly cleaning, he suggested baking soda & water or Comet bathroom cleaner works great. Candy

Note from Lucy: Since cleaning tubs is not my favorite thing to do, I want to make sure that it is easy... Try some of the tips above to see what works best for you.... Have a great week everyone!

Obama is trying to orgazine in our high schools...

2010-02-01T15:47:00.003-06:00

I don't usually try to post political stuff on my blog but this is something that every parent should know about.... President Obama is going into our high schools to recruit our kids into his citizens army.... Please check out this article on Nickie Gamboa's blog for furthur details... Tell me that, we as a nation, don't have something to worry about. I've checked this out and it seems to be real... Please ask your school districts if this is going on in their schools.

Ideas from Dollar Stretcher

2010-01-15T06:47:00.003-06:00

Ice Proof Windows

Ice proof your windows with vinegar. Just fill a spray bottle with three parts vinegar to one part water and spritz it on all your car windows at night. In the morning, they'll be clear of icy mess. How does it work? Vinegar contains acetic acid, which raises the melting point of water, preventing water from freezing. Wake up to an already frozen car? Just spray the mixture on your windows and watch it melt.
Mary Jo in Alamo, TN

Holiday Tins

Those holiday popcorn tins are too nice to throw away or recycle. I plan to use mine as either a gift basket or a waste basket for the next holiday season.
Jill

Making Kids' Showers Fun

My kids are now of age to shower by themselves with little supervision, but always had difficulty with the pricey kid's shampoos and body washes that I used to purchase for them. They just didn't seem to be able to hold the bottle and squeeze into a washrag, and most of the bottle would end up running down the drain. In addition, they would spend too much time in the shower, wasting water and running up our bill.

To solve the time problem, we use music played on a CD player. When their two favorite songs are done, they are done. It makes something that feels like a chore to my boys into something more fun. For the soap issue, I buy the inexpensive shampoo and put it into a cleaned out plastic pump-style soap dispenser. A couple of pumps builds up a rich lather for both their hair and bodies, and even the cheapest shampoos come in a variety of nice smelling fragrances. The kids are happy and clean and we save a little money.
Amber P. in TX

Better Than Pantyhose

Ladies, if you wear pantyhose to work in the winter, stop wearing regular pantyhose and start wearing tights. I usually wear black or brown and that covers it all. Initially they cost a little more to buy, but three or four pairs will last the whole season!
Jean C.

Comment on Plastic Steamer Bags

If this person is using plastic bags in her microwave (and recommending that others do the same), she is obviously not yet aware that this is a serious health hazard. Please tell her and your other readers that when the plastic is heated, it releases a chemical into the food that is very bad for your health.

It's much better to buy some glass casserole dishes with lids and microwave your frozen veggies in them. They steam inside the casserole dish and come out delicious. There's a bit of clean up involved, but there's no worry about chemicals from plastics, or the repeated cost of buying bags. I have lidded casserole dishes in various sizes from small to very large, and I even founda few for less than a dollar at a resale shop.
D in Sun Prairie, WI
editor's note: D is referring to a tip from Tuesday's issue. She's right. You do need to be careful. We assumed that readers would check the package to see if the bags were microwave safe before using the idea. But, using glass dishes made for the microwave would certainly be safe and eliminate any chance of error.

Getting Fleeced!

We lived buying electric blankets every other year forever. They just never seemed to last.

I found my solution quite by accident. Having diabetic neuropathy, my feet have become very sensitive. I was on a quest for soft sheets when I found the ultimate in fleece sheets! I bought a good set and was excited to feel the softness. To my surprise, my husband and I about burned up that first night with the electric blanket on as usual. The next night and each night since we've used no electricity on the blanket and relied on the fleece sheets! Flannel sheets come nowhere close to the warmth and softness of fleece sheets. We live in Missouri where the wind chills have been 20 degrees below 0 and heat mostly with wood and propane.

Save buying electric blankets and electricity. Instead, enjoy the warmth and softness of fleece! Claudia H. in Pleasant Hill, Missouri
Note from Lucy: I can vouch for fleece blankets... My feet got cold easily and the fleece blankets are the only ones that keep my feet warm without me having to put on socks. With the very cold weather we have already had this winter, I keep my fleece close..lol.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Smart spending: 7 ways to use gift cards wisely

2009-12-26T23:47:00.001-06:00

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO Associated Press

Got a stash of gift cards for the holidays? Better use them wisely.

That's become a little easier, because many retailers have eliminated expiration dates and fees that sap the cards' value over time.

The changes come well ahead of proposed rules from the Federal Reserve that wouldn't allow gift cards to expire for five years, among other changes.

Even so, about $5 billion, or about 6 percent, of what Americans spent on gift cards this year won't be used, including what's lost to fees, according to TowerGroup. That's down from a high of 10 percent in 2007, said Brian Riley, research director at the financial-services consulting firm.

It's easy to waste those nifty pieces of plastic. You might forget about them by sticking them in a sock drawer, or you might not spend the full amount. But in this tough economy, every penny counts.

“You should treat it like cash and have it be a contribution to something you really need or want,” said Laura Gurski, partner in the retail practice of consultant A.T. Kearney.

Here's how experts advise wringing out the full value of cards you receive:

1KEEP IT SAFE.Experts say that as soon as you get a gift card, put it in a safe place. That means stashing it in an envelope reserved just for gift cards. Some say to just put them in your wallet along with the credit cards.

“Don't leave them sitting on a desk,” said Dudley Blossom, chairman of the marketing department at LIM College, a fashion college in Manhattan.

2MAXIMIZE THE VALUE. Buy discounted merchandise when redeeming a gift card. Shoppers wanting to take advantage of post-Christmas discounts should do so between today and Jan. 2.

That's because stores won't be swimming in holiday leftovers through February, because they came into the holidays with lean inventories.

“You'll find the peak” of inventory right after Christmas, Riley said.

You also should look for any special discounts from retailers like J.C. Penney specifically for gift-card users.

3USE IT ALL UP. Riley says it's better to spend beyond the value of the gift card because that will ensure that you used all of it.

Many shoppers don't redeem gift cards to their full value — but $3 on a gift card is $3 that's not coming out of your own pocket.

4STRATEGIZE: USE ON NECESSITIES. Want to buy that winter coat but couldn't afford it? Use the gift card toward the big purchase.

Gift cards may be free money, but experts say you shouldn't just buy anything, particularly in the difficult economy.

“You have to plan what you want to use it for,” Blossom said.

Gurski said customers getting an all-purpose card such as an American Express gift card should use it on necessities such as groceries.

5EXCHANGE WITH FRIENDS. Don't like that particular store? Then get together with friends and swap cards.

You can even do it online. CardHub.com, a leading credit card comparison Web site, just launched a gift card application for Facebook.

Its main feature is the Gift Card Wish List, which let users pick favorite stores so friends know what gift cards they'd like.

But it also has a gift card exchange, which lets friends post cards they want to buy or sell at a discount.

6SELL OR SWAP CARDS WITH STRANGERS. Card-bearing customers can turn to sites like Plasticjungle.com or Swapagift.com to exchange gift cards or even donate them to charity.

But there is a price. At Plasticjungle.com, customers can sell the card for cash and get up to 90 percent of the balance. (There's a minimum gift card value of $25). Customers can no longer list their cards on the site for direct swapping and must sell them directly to the company.

7REGIFTING. If you receive a card as a gift before the holidays, regifting is always an option.

You can also use the card to buy a holiday present for someone on your list.

This is some great advice.... Have a great week everyone!

Where is the line to see Jesus?

2009-12-24T06:12:00.001-06:00

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas everyone!

The Spirit of Christmas

2009-12-18T06:57:00.002-06:00

May we all remember what the true spirit of Christmas is. Hope all my friends out there in blog land has a wonderful Christmas....

Getting the Most Out of Our Daily Bread

2009-12-10T04:34:00.001-06:00

By: Glynis M. Belec

Maybe those last three slices of bread in the cupboard have gone stale. Perhaps you made too much toast for breakfast. Can't resist the day old bread bargain at the store? Don't know what to do with the excess? Here are a few ideas before you toss all the crumbs to our fine-feathered friends.

* So you left the rice cooking a little too long and now it's scorched. Place a slice of white bread in the pot on top of the rice while it is still hot then replace the lid. Wait five or so minutes. Remove the bread slice. The burned taste will be gone.

* Speaking of rice, if there is a little extra moisture in a pot of rice, remove it from the heat and place a piece of bread on top of the rice. Cover the pot. In a few minutes, the water should disappear.

* If you have leftover toast, don't toss it. Pop it into a freezer tight container and use for making dressing. You can either break up the toast immediately or do it when you make the dressing. Don't forget to label the container.

* Slightly stale bread is perfect for bread pudding. Butter about seven slices of the stale bread and line the bottom and sides of a buttered baking pan. Mix about a quart of milk, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of raisins, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. If you like, add more buttered bread, but make sure it is submerged in the milk mixture. Cook at 350 degrees for about half an hour covered and then uncover it and bake for another half-hour.

* If your marshmallows have gone stale, place a couple of slices of fresh white bread into the bag and then seal it. Leave it for a couple of days and then remove the bread and enjoy the soft marshmallows!

* Do you love cabbage and brussel sprouts but hate the smell when they are cooking? Put a piece of white bread on top of the lid as the vegetables cook. It will absorb a lot of the odor.

* Does your smoke alarm sound when you are broiling meat in the oven? Stop the billowing smoke and splashing grease by placing two or three slices of bread in the drip pan. The bread will absorb the grease, decrease the smoke and lower the chance of the grease catching fire in the oven.

* Remove most dirty or greasy fingerprints from wallpapered walls by cutting off the crusts of a slice of white bread and rubbing the affected area.

* Put two slices of bread in the container of chocolate chip cookies and it will keep them fresher for days.

* If your brown sugar is hard, place a piece of bread in the container and in a few hours the brown sugar will return to its original softness.

* Use the end crust or heel as a spoon rest.

* Wad a couple of white pieces of bread into a ball and use as a sink stopper if you are desperate.

* Soak a piece of stale bread in vinegar and tape it over a bothersome callus or corn overnight. The corn will disappear.

* Attach a slice of bread using toothpicks to the side of a cut edge of cake. It will stop the cake from drying out.

* Buy bread on the day old shelf or use up your old bread to make croutons. Cube the bread. Spray with vegetable oil and then sprinkle with Italian or other seasonings. Package in an airtight container.

* Thread a cube of bread on the handle of a knife before chopping onions. This will absorb some of the odor and eliminate some of the tears.

* Hold a piece of bread in your mouth (between your teeth with the bread hanging out) as you chop onions. This will help absorb the odor and prevent tearing.

* Got a smudge on a suede purse or shoes? Take a piece of white bread. Rub the affected area gently with the bread. You might need a second slice to finish the job.

* Picking up tiny slivers of glass if you don't have a broom and dustpan handy can be easily done using a slice of bread. Press the bread over the area where the glass is. Be careful as you pick up the bread and then toss it in the garbage can.

* Dust your oil paintings by gently rubbing the surface with a piece of white bread.

* Before you toss out excess stale bread, try one of these tips or see if you can come up with additional ways to use it.

Note from Lucy: Wow! I had no idea you could do so much with a piece of bread...lol. I hope you find something that will be of use to you...

Special note on Onions!!!

2009-11-29T18:13:00.004-06:00

Very Important Subject....especially for those who love to cook and eat ONIONS!!!!!!

In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu. Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it and many died. The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he di d find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy.

Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in AZ. She said that several years ago many of her employees were coming down with the flu and so were many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work.. (And no, she is not in the onion business.)
The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office or under your desk or even on top somewhere. Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got the flu. If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the better. If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case..Whatever, what have you to lose? Just a few bucks on onions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now there is a P. S. to this for I sent it to a friend in Oregon who regularly contributes material to me on health issues. She replied with this most interesting experience about onions:

Weldon, thanks for the reminder. I don't know about the farmers story...but, I do know that I contacted pneumonia and needless to say I was very ill...I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion put one end on a fork and then place the forked end into an empty jar...placing the jar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs...sure enough it happened just like that...the onion was a mess and I began to feel better.

Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties.

This is the other note.

LEFT OVER ONIONS ARE POISONOUS

I have used an onion which has been left in the fridge, and sometimes I don't use a whole one at one time, so save the other half for later..

Now with this info, I have changed my mind....will buy smaller onions in the future.

I had the wonderful privilege of touring Mullins Food Products, Makers of mayonnaise. Mullins is huge, and is owned by 11 brothers and sisters in the Mullins family. My friend, Jeanne, is the CEO.

Questions about food poisoning came up, and I wanted to share what I learned from a chemist.

The guy who gave us our tour is named Ed. He's one of the brothers Ed is a chemistry expert and is involved in developing most of the sauce formula. He's even developed sauce formula for McDonald's.

Keep in mind that Ed is a food chemistry whiz. During the tour, someone asked if we really needed to worry about mayonnaise. People are always worried that mayonnaise will spoil. Ed's answer will surprise you. Ed said that all commercially- made Mayo is completely safe.

"It doesn't even have to be refrigerated. No harm in refrigerating it, but it's not really necessary." He explained that the pH in mayonnaise is set at a point that bacteria could not survive in that environment. He then talked about the quaint essential picnic, with the bowl of potato salad sitting on the table and how everyone blames the mayonnaise when someone gets sick.

Ed says that when food poisoning is reported, the first thing the officials look for is when the 'victim' last ate ONIONS and where those onions came from (in the potato salad?). Ed says it's not the mayonnaise (as long as it's not homemade Mayo) that spoils in the outdoors. It's probably the onions, and if not the onions, it's the POTATOES.

He explained, onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion.. He says it's not even safe if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your refrigerator.

It's already contaminated enough just by being cut open and out for a bit, that it can be a danger to you (and doubly watch out for those onions you put in your hotdogs at the baseball park!)

Ed says if you take the leftover onion and cook it like crazy you'll probably be okay, but if you slice that leftover onion and put on your sandwich, you're asking for trouble. Both the onions and the moist potato in a potato salad, will attract and grow bacteria faster than any commercial mayonnaise will even begin to break down..

So, how's that for news? Take it for what you will. I (the author) am going to be very careful about my onions from now on. For some reason, I see a lot of credibility coming from a chemist and a company that produces millions of pounds of mayonnaise e very year.'

Also, dogs should never eat onions. Their stomachs cannot metabolize onions .Please remember it is dangerous to cut onions and try to use it to cook the next day ,it becomes highly poisonous for even a single night and creates Toxic bacteria which may cause Adverse Stomach infections because of excess Bile secretions and even Food poisoning.

Note from Lucy: I am a big onion freak... I love to cook with onions and I have been reading about the benefits of eating onions.. When a friend of mine sent me this email a while back I started buying smaller onions or just using the whole onion in whatever I cooked... Please don't stop using onions, just follow these few rules when dealing with raw onions...

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving..... Enjoy you week!

A Simple But Effective Way to Help Safeguard Your Privacy

2009-11-17T05:47:00.004-06:00

As America's economy continues to collapse, identity theft is soaring.
Yet stealing your identity can be as simple as going through your trash. And that, in itself, is not even illegal. Courts have ruled that trash is no longer private property once it's set out in the street or placed in a dumpster.

Don't make the mistake of casually tossing in the trash sensitive documents such as tax records or statements from credit card companies, banks, insurance companies, or utility companies. Anything with your address or any other identifying information printed on it should be regarded as sensitive.

Using a single discarded piece of mail as "proof of address," any low-life could potentially obtain a library card and check out books in your name (with overdue notices and fines being mailed back to you). Problems with the local library, though, would be the least of your worries. A single piece of "trash" could conceivably be the key that enables a con artist to turn your life upside down.

Shred What You Don't Want Read
There is a simple way to prevent important documents from being used as weapons of mass financial destruction. Shred them. A personal paper shredder is inexpensive and easy to operate. And it can give you the peace of mind of knowing that sensitive documents have been destroyed.

When buying a shredder, opt for one with cross-cut capabilities. Traditional shredders that merely cut papers into a few vertical strips may still leave you vulnerable. A persistent crook, spy, or law-enforcement agent could piece documents back together. Even two or three strips of paper put together could provide an individual with important information. A cross-cut shredder essentially turns every document into hundreds of tiny confetti-like squares of paper that no one would even attempt to piece back together.

Get The Right Kind Of Shredder
A quality shredder is cheap (many are less than $80) relative to the protection it can provide against nosy neighbors, stealthy snoops, "curious" garbage collectors, vindictive ex-spouses, and other potential prying eyes, including random, unemployed garbage can rummagers searching for anything they can use or sell (their numbers continue to grow in this sinking economy).

This is basic stuff, but very few people have a shredder! Don't be one of them. Note from Lucy: Years ago someone tried to open an account in my daughters name... I learned that it is important not to throw things in the trash that anyone could read.... I started cutting my name and address off of envelopes and I would tear up papers that looked important to me. How many times do you get those checks in the mail from your credit card company, trying to encourage you to spend more? Now, I use a pair of scissors that have five blades to shred papers that I don't want read... I have gone as far as to empty the cat sand on top of a lot of papers in the garbage to discourage someone from peeping... Fingers crossed: So far my identity has been safe...Please don't take your identity for granted.. Have a great week everyone.

Keeping Produce Fresh

2009-11-09T04:15:00.003-06:00

by Leanne Ely, CNC
Don't let it spoil before you taste it

One place you can really get nailed on is buying fresh produce. Produce will only keep so long so you absolutely have to have a plan to use it up. If all you do is buy it and let it sit in your fridge, you might as well start flushing five-dollar bills down the toilet!

But still the question remains, how do you keep your produce fresh? That's a great question and the answer varies according to what you have. Let's tackle the most common fruits and veggies, shall we?

First up, some things you need to know. There is a certain chemical compound called ethylene that is released as produce ripens. This ripening action builds up in a closed plastic bag so the gas makes your food break down quicker. What I do is keep the bags open to avoid that too quick ripening factor. If you take it out of the bags, it will dry out so opening the bag really helps to preserve it. Check the packaging you bought your produce in. Often times, these bags have little holes in them to allow the ethylene to release without drying out.

Secondly, there are things that should be refrigerated and there are others that should not. Here is a list of stuff to store in your pantry:

- Onions
- Potatoes
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Hard winter squashes
- Sweet potatoes

Keeping these guys away from the light will help prolong their shelf life and stop your potatoes and onions from sprouting.

Here is a list of stuff to stick in the fridge:

- Apples
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Melons (unless you're trying to ripen up on the countertop)
- Corn
- Berries (don't wash until ready to use)
- Grapes
- Peas
- Any citrus
- Artichokes
- Asparagus (cut the ends off and place them in a glass of water, plastic over the top)
- Lettuces
- Spinach
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Mushrooms
- Peppers
- Leeks
- Greens
- Cauliflower and broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Beets
- Any fresh herbs
- Radishes
- Green onions or scallions
- Zucchini and summer squash
- Turnips
- Green beans
- Celery

The thinner the skin on the fruit or vegetable, the sooner it needs to be used.

Here is a list of stuff that can start on your counter then can go into the fridge if necessary, but you need to be aware that it can get too cold and end up somewhat bruised or ruined by the fridge:

- Avocados
- Bananas
- Tomatoes
- Peaches
- Papaya
- Apricots
- Plums
- Pineapple
- Pears
- Nectarines
- Mangos
- Kiwi

There you go with everything you wanted to know about keeping produce but were afraid to ask! This simple guide should help you start storing and using your produce wisely without the spoilage. Enjoy!

Have a great week everyone!

Twenty reasons why vitamin D is better than a swine flu vaccine

2009-11-06T07:56:00.000-06:00

Twenty reasons why vitamin D is better than a swine flu vaccine

I have made the personal decision not to take the swine flu vaccine because it has too many unknowns... Instead I am working to keep my immune system in top form... Here is a great article on how to do just that with Vit. D. Check it out... Have a great weekend everyone!

Easy Indoor Storm Window

2009-10-30T08:44:00.002-05:00

From the Dollar Stretcher Website....

To help reduce our winter heating bills, I further insulate our windows by sewing a simple panel of white polar fleece fabric and hanging it on a tension rod in the window. Fabric stores often have polar fleece for 50% off and it takes very little for each window.

You simply cut a panel slightly wider than your window and about 4 inches longer than the window. Then you sew a pocket across the top to hold the tension rod. No fancy finishing needed. If you don't sew, you can cut the panel and then fold it over the tension rod and fasten with safety pins.

By putting this between your window glass and window drapes, it adds another layer of warmth. When the season is over, simply lay the panels flat and store between your mattress and box spring! Betsy H. in Texas

Check out this webpage for many more ideas on Winter Proofing your windows...
Winter Drafts

Have a great weekend everyone!

It's a Meme from Annie

2009-10-24T22:51:00.004-05:00

All are invited to do this meme...Thanks Grannie Annie!

Where is your cell phone? purse
Your hair? Disarray
Your mother? Dead
Your father? Deseased

Your favorite food? Mexican
Your dream last night? Weird
Your favorite drink? Water
Your dream/goal? Heaven
What room are you in? Office
Your hobby? radio
Your Fear? Loss
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Alive

Where were you last night? Home
Something that you aren’t? Skinny
Muffins? Blueberry
Wish list item? Crockpot
Where did you grow up? TEXAS!

Last thing you did? TV
What are you wearing? Nightgown
Your TV? ON
Your pets? multitude
Friends? Family
Your life? Mine
Your mood? Tranquill
Missing someone? grandkids
Vehicle? Toyota

Bold - Yes
Something you’re not wearing? earings
Your favorite store? Krogers
Your favorite color? Red
When was the last time you laughed? Now
Last time you cried? Tonight
Your best friend? Husband
One place that I go to over and over? bed
One person who emails me regularly? Pat
Favorite place to eat? Home

Let us know in the comment section if you will take the challenge so we can read your answers. This takes a lot of thought to come up with only one word.

Bilberry and Vision

2009-10-10T16:45:00.003-05:00

Article form: Chetday.com

Bilberry (scientific name actinium myrtillus) is a member of the blueberry family which produces sweet blue colored berries. The bilberry bush is found both in North America and Europe, growing best in damp, acidic soils. The blue to black berries are used for many medicinal purposes, while the leaves are believed to have additional healing properties.

Bilberry and eyesight
One of the most significant properties of the bilberry is its ability to allegedly enhance night vision. Possibly as far back as the sixteenth century, the bilberry was mixed with honey in order to create a syrup known as "rob." While the syrup was traditionally used to treat diarrhea, today the fruits of the bilberry bush are being used to promote good vision, particularly night vision. Here's an interesting anecdote: in World War II, pilots who ate large quantities of bilberries claimed to have more accurate night vision.

Scientific studies have shown bilberry might be able to slow the degeneration of sight, and may even improve visual acuity.

Bilberry is also used in traditional medicine for treatment of indigestion and diabetes.

Bilberry and nutrition
The bilberry contains vast numbers of phytochemicals, which are thought to help lower blood pressure, inhibit the formation of clots, and increase blood flow to the nervous system. Some studies have shown that the antioxidants found in the bilberry bush are up to fifty times as powerful as vitamin E and ten times as powerful as vitamin C.

Bilberry also seems to show promise at reducing vascular insufficiency and other related conditions. Bilberry seems to work in much the same way as ginkgo biloba and horse chestnut, and the circulatory effects it yields are thought to be quite effective at increasing circulation and helping the health of the eyes and organs.

Purchasing bilberry
Bilberry is available in a wide variety of sources, from fresh berries to a number of extract and capsule forms.

How the fruit of the bilberry tree is harvested can make a lot of difference in its effectiveness as a health booster. The bilberry offers the most benefits when it is harvested at the peak of ripeness.

The bilberry, like the blueberry and other related berries, is one of the best and highest quality fruits on the market. Whether you buy your bilberry fresh at the supermarket or health food store, or opt for the easier but lesser effective bilberry supplements, try to incorporate this valuable fruit into your routine diet.

Note from Lucy: I have heard lots of good things about bilberry and I am finally ready to give it a try... As I have gotten older, my eyes seem to get worse... I can not see without my glasses on and that is a tough for me... Next stop, health food store....

Have a great week everyone!

Can My Credit Card Company Do That To Me?

2009-10-04T17:24:00.004-05:00

-- Surviving Tough Times --
Can My Credit Card Company Do That To Me? by Bill Hardekopf
Answers to some of the more popular questions that trouble today's cardholders

One of the most common complaints among credit cardholders is that changes have suddenly been made in the rates, fees or credit limits of an account. The customer usually reacts with the question "Can they do that?" Despite the difficult
personal hardships or the devastating effects these changes can cause on a ousehold, the answer is almost always "Yes, they can."

The ability for an issuer to make changes in your credit card account starts with the terms and conditions, the complicated fine print that is included in credit card offers that explains the rights of the issuer. Issuers can make changes to these terms at any time as long as they notify cardholders, usually with a mailed notice or an insert in the monthly bill. However, it is often easy for cardholders to miss important terms in the application or overlook the notifications, making it easy for customers to be caught by surprise by changes to their account.

The terms and conditions of credit cards are tedious to read but they tell you almost everything that the issuer can do to your account. At the time you apply for a card, the basic information you see makes sense and sounds exciting. However,
when you look closer at the fine print found in the terms and conditions, you can see how many changes can be made to your account and how hefty the fees may be for certain actions.

Here are some "can they do that" questions and the answers:

* Can they change my fixed rate to a variable rate?

Yes. The issuer can switch the rate from a fixed rate to a variable rate even if the original offer said the rate was fixed for the life of the balance.

Some issuers recently angered their cardholders by switching cards from fixed to variable rates. Some cardholders signed up for a card based on the fixed rate for the life of the balance. They discovered that this was conditional. Issuers
probably changed this because the Credit CARD Act requires that interest rates on new accounts must remain fixed for a year unless the cardholder does not pay the bill. Issuers don't want to be locked into that fixed rate, so they switched
the cards from fixed to variable to give themselves more freedom in raising rates, even after the regulations go into effect.

* Can they change my rewards program?

Yes. Some issuers are changing the rewards structure for some cards to cut costs. American Express reduced the amount of cash you can earn from 1.5% to 1.25% on most purchases. Chase created Ultimate Rewards with a less generous rewards program
to replace its popular Chase Freedom card. Capital One has notified some cardholders of a new points program that starts in November, which has slightly lower rewards on a number of tiers.

* Can they close my account?

Yes. Issuers are closing accounts as a way to reduce their own lending risk. Unlike rate increases, issuers do not have to notify you before they close your account. Some issuers state in their terms and conditions that they will not be responsible for the consequences from closing your account.

Some issuers are closing accounts due to inactivity. Right now, credit lines are very important, even if you aren't using them. They can be good for your credit score. To show account activity, use your card once a month on a small purchase and
then pay off the balance completely at the end of each month.

* Can they increase my minimum payment?

Yes. Chase recently increased the minimum payment from 2% to 5% for many of its cardholders. In the long run, this is good for cardholders because the more they pay toward their balance, the faster they pay off the card and the less they pay in interest. However, this is bad timing and a financial blow for many households who are struggling to pay the bills right now. If the increased minimum fee pushes you over the financial cliff, contact your issuer to work out a payment plan.

* Can they cut my credit limit?

Yes. A recent FICO study says that credit card issuers cut limits for an estimated 58 million cardholders for the twelve months ended in April 2009. Issuers can also increase or cancel your credit line or the balance transfer or cash advance portion of your credit line.

* Can they increase fees any higher?

Yes. Issuers will probably continue finding ways to increase rates and fees. In June, Bank of America recently increased the balance transfer fee from 3% to 4%. Chase followed in August with an increase in the balance transfer fee to 5%.

* Can they increase my rate because I defaulted on another credit card with another issuer?

No. This is Universal Default and it is banned under the Credit CARD Act. Issuers must only focus on your payment record with their particular card.

* Can they force me to accept a higher interest rate?

Not any more. The CARD Act now requires issuers to give a 45- day notice before a rate increase. This gives cardholders time to opt out, and close the account at the current rate. Keep in mind that this forfeits rewards and points so use those before
you close the account.

* Can I do anything about significant changes to my account, especially the interest rate increases or decreases to my credit limit?

Unfortunately, unless you have a great credit score, there is not a lot you can do. Several years ago, competition for cardholders was so active that a cardholder had to simply mention a competing offer to negotiate a lower rate. Today, issuers are much more selective and focused on minimizing their own risk. Only the cardholders with excellent credit scores still have power to get a better deal by threatening to
switch to another credit card. Today, if your credit is not excellent, you may be stuck with the changes made to your account. Other issuers are no longer lining up with lower rates and generous terms for balance transfers just to get their card into your wallet or purse.

Cardholders are angry about these changes and are getting very little relief from the issuers. Right now, issuers are focused on the bottom line, cleaning up their loans and saving their business. They are less sensitive to the concerns of their
cardholders than they were a couple years ago. The only way to have control of your credit card is to pay off your balance every month. If you don't carry a balance, a change in the interest rate doesn't have much of an impact on you.
______________

Bill Hardekopf is the CEO of LowCards.com
. The site simplifies the confusion of shopping for credit cards. It is a free, independent website that helps consumers easily compare credit cards in a variety of categories such as lowest rates, rewards, rebates, balance transfers and lowest introductory rates. It also gives an unbiased ranking and review for each card.

Take the Next Step:
- Subscribe to our new weekly "Surviving Tough Times" newsletter by sending
This free html newsletter will provide ways to survive in this challenging economy. Each issue features nine articles to help you stretch your dollar!

Note from Lucy: With all that is going on the the banking industry, I thought you would like this article about credit cards and what the banks are allowed to do. Enjoy your week everyone.

Potpourri Gel Jars

2009-09-25T11:53:00.002-05:00

Recipe By : Real Food for Real People
Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Holiday Non-Food
O.A.M.C.

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cups Distilled Water
4 packages Unflavored Gelatin
50 drops Essential Oil -- (for fragrance)
Food Coloring -- as desired

Heat one cup water in medium sized saucepan. Add gelatin, stirring to dissolve. Remove from heat and add remaining 1 cup of liquid as well as food coloring, and stir until dissolved. Put drops of essential oil into jars then add gelatin mixture. Place in fridge for approximately 2 hours. Remove, cover with plastic wrap or lid if you have one, and store at room temperature. To release the scent simply remove the lid... and when you are finished make sure you re-cover the jar so all the scent doesn't evaporate.

This recipe makes four gel jars/ approximately 4 oz each.

To decorate for gifts, tie ribbon or lace around the neck of the jar or add silk/dried flowers to the bow. It works very well to cut a circle of lace which can be reapplied after removing lid, by screwing the band on over the lace. This will allow the scent to be enjoyed as well as keeping the jar decorative while it is being used.

Note: Some folks in humid areas had trouble with their gel accumulating a thin layer of mold when stored for a long time. If you are in an area like this, or plan to store your jars for an extended period of time, you may want to store them in your refrigerator or a cool, dark place, such as a cellar.

Additional note: Since I first published this recipe in my ezine, Real Food for Real People, folks have sent in ideas to add to it. One of these, was to use the `Easter Egg Coloring' kit dye tablets to color the gel- another, to use recycled candle jars or potted cheese jars. Another reader sent in the following additional recipes & ideas:

"Kaylin, Here's another method of making these cute little jars. They really make nice gifts. You will need:

Clear glycerin soap
Essential Oil
Coloring if desired-to compliment the fragrance you choose.

Grate or chop soap and place in glass measuring cup. Heat in microwave until thoroughly melted. Stir in your essential oil and coloring. Pour into jars and decorate as desired. This will also be a thick enough mixture
that you can suspend things like lemon slices or orange slices in them.

I have also made these gel jars this way. You will need:

4 envelopes Plain Gelatin
16 ounce bottle *Potpourri Oil

In heat proof 4 cup glass cup, place 8 oz. of potpourri oil. Heat in microwave until really hot. This will give off a VERY STRONG fragrance so you may want to open a window. Stir in gelatin until completely dissolved. Add the remaining 8 oz. potpourri oil. Pour into jars and decorate.

*The potpourri oil is available in most Wal-Mart stores and craft stores. It has coloring added to it so you don't need to add any additional coloring. Linda G."

Note from Lucy: With Christmas a few short months away, this is a wonderful way to give some homemade gifts... I don't know about you, but shopping for gifts this year is going to be creative...and this looks like a great way to give a homemade gift and stretch your budget at the same time... I got these recipes from the Real Food for Real People website and Katlin has lots of ideas for gift giving... Check out her website... Have a great weekend everyone.

A Natural Tonic for flu and colds......

2009-09-22T23:51:00.005-05:00

Here is what the lady with the recipe wrote in her book:
This version of what I consider the single best natural tonic for colds, flu, and other acute illnesses comes courtesy of Jamie, a woman who shared it with me in early 2004 when the Asian Bird Flu scare first started keeping a lot of people awake at night. Near as I can tell, the original recipe for this Natural Tonic is based on a plague tonic that's over a hundred years old. Apparently this traditional formulation - which perhaps has its roots in the famous Four Thieves Vinegar from medieval times - was later refined and updated by herbalists John Christopher and Richard Schulze, among others....

Regardless of its derivation, I know you'll consider the Natural Tonic a fine addition to your health arsenal and I encourage you to share its formula with friends and loved ones. In these scary times, it just plain makes good sense to have a powerful and traditional home remedy in your kitchen cabinet - even if you believe in flu shots.

Here's the recipe:
1 white onion, peeled and cut into quarters
1 entire head of garlic, peeled
4 red hot chile peppers, stems removed, chopped (handle with care).
4" horseradish root, peeled and chopped
4" ginger root, peeled and chopped
Approximately 1 quart un-pasteurized apple cider vinegar (Braggs is good)

Put all ingredients in a blender, cover with un-pasteurized apple cider vinegar. Puree. ( Keep the blender going for a while to make sure it is pureed really good.) I keep adding vinegar till the blender won't take any more. Bottle in a glass container and store in a cupboard at room temperature. Adults should take two tablespoons morning and night at the first sign of a cold or flu.

Note from Lucy: I have more information about this tonic and others if you will email me, I will send it to you...I have to tell you that this tonic is hard to stomach, but it works! Try not to take it on an empty stomach and as you use the tonic, add some more vinegar to the bottle and gently shake. This tonic is extremely powerful because all the ingredients are fresh. It's power should not be underestimated. The tonic stimulates maximum blood circulation, while putting the best detoxifying natural ingredients into the blood. This formula is not just for the sniffles, it may even help turn around deadly infections like some of the new mutated killer viruses that defy conventional antibiotics. Dose: 1 to 2 tablespoons two or more times daily. Swish in mouth and do not dilute with water.... Because it's composed entirely of natural foods, the tonic , unlike prescription drugs, is not toxic... Make up plenty as it does not need refrigeration and lasts indefinitely without and special storage conditions.

Ingredient properties:
Garlic cloves (anti bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-parasitical).
White onion or hottest onions available (similar properties to garlic).
Ginger root ( increases circulatin to the extremities).
Horseradish root (increases blood flow to the head).
Cayenne Peppers or the hottest peppers available, i.e. Habanero, African Bird, or Scotch Bonnets, etc. (a great blood stimulant).

How Far Can a Germ Fly?

2009-09-22T07:21:00.002-05:00

Given the presence of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus, chances are this year’s flu season will be fraught with more worry than usual, including continuing debate on how it is spread. Many people know that the virus travels via contact with germ-laden mucus that has been sneezed or coughed out. However, in speaking with Mark Nicas, PhD, MPH, CIH, adjunct professor of industrial hygiene in the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley, who has made a specialty of studying this particular form of transmission, I was surprised to discover how far those little particles can travel.

SALIVA AND MUCUS SPREAD DISEASE

Dr. Nicas’s research primarily centers on building mathematical models of what he calls "the exposure intensity of contaminants in air," which -- when it comes to microbes including the H1N1 virus as well as other viruses, bacteria, molds, and fungal spores -- means studying things like "droplet spray," a nicely euphemistic term for the particles that get coughed or sneezed into the air.

The basics of this research make sense: Larger particles settle out quickly and in limited space, says Dr. Nicas, typically within three feet of origination. In contrast, the smaller particles disperse throughout the room and can be inhaled deeply into the lungs -- and the viruses in these small airborne particles can survive for hours and are able to travel from room to room. If you aren’t blessed with a particularly robust immune system, this can and does lead to increased likelihood of exposure and infection. In Dr. Nicas’s educated opinion, many public health messages have under-stated the risk of infection via the inhalation route.

"If you’re dealing with a new influenza strain such as swine flu," Dr. Nicas told me, "you have to treat all types of exposure pathways as important. There’s no reason to believe that direct droplet spray exposure [meaning you’re at relatively close contact and a particle hits you in the eye or mouth] and hand contact are the only pathways -- inhalation is another and probably even more powerful one."

WHAT THE DOCTOR DOES

I asked Dr. Nicas what measures he personally takes to protect himself and his family during flu season. He washes his hands frequently and avoids touching his nose, mouth and eyes until he’s had an opportunity to wash his hands first. His knowledge of the power of airborne particles has prompted him to minimize the time he spends in crowded venues during the height of flu season, although he says that urban living makes it impractical to always avoid crowded places. Thus far, he is not wearing a respirator mask -- but, he says, if the novel H1N1 virus or any other infectious agent proves to have a high mortality rate, he would consider taking that step as well.

Note from Lucy: I thought this was a good article about how germs get around...With flu season upon us it is important to make sure you build your immune system so that you can fight off these germs.... If anyone is interested, I have a recipe for a flu tonic that would help fight off the flu and build your immune system...

Source(s):

Mark Nicas, PhD, MPH, CIH, adjunct professor of industrial hygiene, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley.

A few more ideas from Dollar Stretcher

2009-09-18T07:10:00.003-05:00

Eyeglass Cleaners

There is no need to buy expensive eyeglass cleaners from the store. Just mix a solution of 1/3 rubbing alcohol, 1/3 white vinegar and 1/3 water and put it in a spray bottle. Use a clean cotton handkerchief or cloth to dry. It works just as
well and costs a lot less. Les L. in Tempe, AZ

*********
Ready to Throw Out the Throw Rug?

We have an oatmeal-color area rug under our dining room set (don't ask me why I chose that color with two teens). It was spotted all over and had ground in "shoe dirt" in front of the seating positions. There was even a large stain where a plate
of spaghetti had been dropped. The carpet had been cleaned many times and spot cleaned monthly, but in a word, it looked horrible.

I was just ready to have my husband haul it to the dump when he suggested using his new "toy," which was a power washer. It worked like a charm! We couldn't believe the amount of soap residue that came out from the previous attempts at shampooing
it. Now he periodically power washes it, using just warm water. It comes out looking almost new every time. Check the fiber content on your carpet before trying this.

We have a slanted driveway, which helps it dry, but I'm sure moving a carpet around on a flat, clean driveway or deck on a couple of hot days should do the trick. I had nothing to lose and gained many more years from this carpet. Conni

*********
Too Many Peppers

When you have an abundance of peppers, wash them thoroughly, julienne them like you would use in a stir fry, lay them on a cookie sheet (do not let them touch), and put them in your freezer. They will freeze nicely. When frozen, place in plastic bags and put back in the freezer until you want to use them. They will not stick together. Just take out what you need and put the rest back in freezer. Janice H. in Somerset, KY
Note from Lucy: This method is called IQF (Individually Quick Frozen). When we do our frozen berry order, I buy blackberries by the 30 lb. case. I take them home and just scoop out berries and put them into quart sized freezer bags and put them on the bottom shelf of the freezer... We use these berries for smoothies, on top of ice cream or just for snacking on... I do this with other veggies too. Give it a try.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Excerpt from: The Heart of a Teacher, by Paula Fox

2009-09-08T07:23:00.003-05:00

He was in the first third grade class I taught at Saint Mary's School in Morris, Minnesota. All 34 of my students were dear to me, but Mark Eklund was one in a million. Very neat in appearance, he had that happy-to-be-alive attitude that made even his occasional mischievousness delightful.

Mark talked incessantly. I had to remind him again and again that talking without permission was not acceptable. What impressed me so much, though, was his sincere response every time I had to correct him for misbehaving. "Thank you for correcting me, Sister!" I didn't know what to make of it at first, but before long I became accustomed to hearing it many times a day.

One morning my patience was growing thin when Mark talked once too often, and then I made a novice teacher's mistake. I looked at Mark and said, "If you say one more word, I am going to tape your mouth shut!" It wasn't ten seconds later when Chuck blurted out, "Mark is talking again." I hadn't asked any of the students to help me watch Mark, but since I had stated the punishment in front of the class, I had to act on it. I remember the scene as if it had occurred this morning. I walked to my desk, very deliberately opened my drawer and took out a roll of masking tape. Without saying a word, I proceeded to Mark's desk, tore off two pieces of tape and made a big X with them over his mouth. I then returned to the front of the room. As I glanced at Mark to see how he was doing, he winked at me. That did it! I started laughing. The class cheered as I walked back to Mark's desk, removed the tape, and shrugged my shoulders. His first words were, "Thank you for correcting me, Sister."

At the end of the year, I was asked to teach junior-high math. The years flew by, and before I knew it Mark was in my classroom again. He was more handsome than ever and just as polite. Since he had to listen carefully to my instruction in the "new math," he did not talk as much in ninth grade as he had in third. One Friday, things just didn't feel right. We had worked hard on a new concept all week, and I sensed that the students were frowning, frustrated with themselves and edgy with one another. I had to stop this crankiness before it got out of hand. So I asked them to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then I told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down. It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed me the papers. Charlie smiled. Mark said, "Thank you for teaching me, Sister. Have a good weekend." That Saturday, I wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and I listed what everyone else had said about that individual.

On Monday I gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" I heard whispered. "I never knew that meant anything to anyone! I didn't know others liked me so much." No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. I never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another again.

That group of students moved on. Several years later, after I returned from vacation, my parents met me at the airport. As we were driving home, Mother asked me the usual questions about the trip, the weather, my experiences in general. There was a lull in the conversation. Mother gave Dad a sideways glance and simply said, "Dad?" My father cleared his throat as he usually did before something important. "The Eklunds called last night," he began. "Really?" I said. "I haven't heard from them in years. I wonder how Mark is." Dad responded quietly. "Mark was killed in Vietnam," he said. "The funeral is tomorrow, and his parents would like it if you could attend." To this day I can still point to the exact spot on I-494 where Dad told me about Mark.

I had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. Mark looked so handsome, so mature. All I could think at that moment was, "Mark, I would give all the masking tape in the world if only you would talk to me." The church was packed with Mark's friends. Chuck's sister sang "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Why did it have to rain on the day of the funeral? It was difficult enough at the graveside. The pastor said the usual prayers, and the bugler played taps. One by one those who loved Mark took a last walk by the coffin and sprinkled it with holy water. I was the last one to bless the coffin. As I stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to me. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. I nodded as I continued to stare at the coffin. "Mark talked about you a lot," he said.

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates headed to Chuck's farmhouse for lunch. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting for me. "We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it." Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. I knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which I had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him. "Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it." Mark's classmates started to gather around us. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. I keep it in the top drawer of my desk at home." Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album." "I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary." Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said without batting an eyelash. "I think we all saved our lists." That's when I finally sat down and cried. I cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.

The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be. So please, tell the people you love and care for that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.

Note from Lucy: I've read this story before, several time, and each time I read it, I cry..... We all want to feel loved and know that other people like us.... Maybe we just want to be needed.... Beautiful story, I hope you enjoyed it. Have a great week, everyone!

Don't send a man to the grocery store.....

2009-08-28T04:25:00.003-05:00

TF and I laughed so hard, tears were coming out of our eyes...... Have a great weekend everyone.

2010 Census Cautions

2009-08-24T06:55:00.001-05:00

by Susan Johnson - August 3, 2009 12:07 pm
Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers
With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country.. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.. The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, they will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org.

I thought this was information we should all be aware of.....Have a great week everyone......

Beef in Walnut Sauce

2009-08-14T13:26:00.001-05:00

4 lbs rump roast -- cubed
Seasoned flour
Olive oil
1/2 cup water
1 can (8-oz) tomato sauce
4-6 garlic cloves -- minced
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1 whole cinnamon stick
8 whole cloves
8 allspice
1 cup ground walnuts
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Sliced sourdough French bread -- toasted

Dredge meat in seasoned flour; shake off excess; heat oil in large frying pan; brown meat well. Transfer to crock-pot. Pour water into frying pan to loosen drippings. Add to crockpot with tomato sauce, garlic and vinegar. Place cinnamon stick, cloves, and allspice in a tea ball or cheesecloth. Add to pot. Cover. Cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours, or until very tender. If necessary, cook down pan juices. Add walnuts and lemon juice. Heat to serving temperature. Serve over buttered toast. Makes 12 servings.

I got this recipe from Chetday.com It sounded so good I had to copy it...I will be trying this next week, hopefully....... Have a great weekend everyone!

Ode to Liberty...By E.R.S. Smith

2009-08-10T06:09:00.000-05:00

Fairest spirit of the skies,
Fairest child of Paradise,
Once Columbia's lawful prize—
Glorious Liberty.

Thee our noble fathers sought—
For thyself our heroes fought,

Thus our bleeding patriots bought
Precious Liberty.

When thy banner waves abroad,
All may freely worship God,
Fearless of the tyrant's rod—
Sacred Liberty.

Never, never cease to wave
O'er the ashes of the brave;
Shield, O shield the patriot's grave—
Flag of Liberty.

Should oppression boldly dare
From thy brow the wreath to tear,
Righteous vengeance shall not spare
The foes of Liberty.

Sooner than to bondage yield,
Bravely in the battle field,
Let the sons of freemen wield
The sword for Liberty.

God, who moved our worthy sires,
When they kindled Freedom's fires,
Zion's noble sons inspires
To cherish Liberty.

Here, with godlike grasp and bold,
We the Constitution hold,
Pure as when it's sacred fold
Sheltered Liberty.

Freedom, Justice, Truth and Peace,
Shall throughout these vales increase;
Shout, O shout, till time shall cease,
Truth and Liberty!

Here, amid the mountain sky,
Freedom's banner waves on high;
Let the heaven-born echo fly—
GOD AND LIBERTY!

2009-08-05T00:29:00.003-05:00

From Make a Note:
BABY/PET/HOUSE SITTING?...GET THAT EMERGENCY CONTACT INFO
Too often people assume that no emergency will arise requiring contact when someone is sitting for them. Most of the time, they'd probably be right. BUT, if something does come up, (to borrow from a popular movie)..."Who ya gonna call?" Be sure that when you are sitting for anyone, whether a child, pet, or house, that you get several forms of contact. Get cell phone numbers, numbers of hotels or family members they'll be staying with, and neighbors who might be able to help. Also get contact info for a back up sitter, in case the sitter has an emergency & can't do their job. We knew some people who left their neighbors to dog sit, but the dog wouldn't let them in the house without the owners there. The owners weren't able to be contacted until they had made a 6 hour drive & they had to turn around & come back. Which brings up another tip...have a trial run WHILE the owners are still in the area. Have the sitter come over alone to make sure they can do it all alone, and the children and/or pets (and sometimes house) cooperates. Sitters should keep the contact info in both the house they are sitting in, AND in their own house. Get vet numbers, doctor numbers, handyman numbers, and hopefully the owners will just be pleased with your foresight. POST IT...near your calendar.
• ---------------
RECIPE: Olive Pesto
Take 6 oz of your favorite olives (olive bar olives tend to be much healthier), 1/4C olive oil, 2 tsp oregano or basil (or 1 tsp of each), 1/4 heaping tsp of garlic powder, and 1 tbsp of balsamic or white wine vinegar. Place everything into a food processor or blender and pulse until desired consistency. Serve on toasted French bread. You can make this without a processor/blender, just chop the olives very fine and mix with rest of the ingredients. POST IT...in your recipe box and on your shopping list.

One busy bee here...... Have a great week.

Government run health care......

2009-07-28T06:00:00.005-05:00

I try not to write too much about politics but this needed to be said.... If you enjoy your freedoms, in this country, you need to see just what will happen if Obama's universal health care plan passes in Congress.... I got this from a friend of mine, Lisa Pippin, and thought it needed to be passed on.

All,

Here are some highlights of the healthcare bill; the more you read, the better it gets. There is a link at the end to the actual bill for those who want to read all 1,000 pages.

Liberty's permeance in American society often makes its manifestations elusive or invisible to those born into it. Even if liberty is acknowledged, it is often taken for granted and its permanence assumed. -Liberty and Tyranny

The following isn't freedom, just another rapid expansion of government.

Pg 22 of the HC Bill MANDATES the Government will audit books of ALL EMPLOYERS that self insure!!

Pg 30 Sec 123 of HC bill - THERE WILL BE A GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE that decides what treatments/benefits you get.

Pg 29 lines 4-16 in the HC bill - YOUR HEALTHCARE IS RATIONED!!!

Pg 42 of HC Bill - The Health Choices Commissioner will choose your HC Benefits for you. You have no choice!

PG 50 Section 152 in HC bill - HC will be provided to ALL non US citizens, illegal or otherwise.

Pg 58HC Bill - Government will have real-time access to individual's finances and a National ID Healthcard will be issued!

Pg 59 HC Bill lines 21-24 Government will have direct access to your banks accounts for election funds transfer.

PG 65 Sec 164 is a payoff subsidized plan for retirees and their families in Unions and community organizations (ACORN).

Pg 72 Lines 8-14 Government is creating an HC Exchange to bring private HC plans under Government control.

PG 84 Sec 203 HC bill - Government mandates ALL benefit packages for private HC plans in the Exchange.

PG 85 Line 7 HC Bill - Specs for of Benefit Levels for Plans = The Government will ration your Healthcare!

PG 91 Lines 4-7 HC Bill - Government mandates linguistic appropriate services. Example - Translation for illegal aliens.

Pg 95 HC Bill Lines 8-18 The Government will use groups i.e., ACORN and Americorps to sign up individuals for Government HC plan.

PG 85 Line 7 HC Bill - Specs of Benefit Levels for Plans. #AARP members - your Health care WILL be rationed.

-PG 102 Lines 12-18 HC Bill - Medicaid Eligible Individuals will be automatically enrolled in Medicaid. No choice.

pg 124 lines 24-25 HC No company can sue GOVERNMENT on price fixing. No "judicial review" against Government monopoly.

pg 127 Lines 1-16 HC Bill - Doctors/ #AMA - The Government will tell YOU what you can make.

Pg 145 Line 15-17 An Employer MUST auto enroll employees into public option plan. NO CHOICE.

Pg 126 Lines 22-25 Employers MUST pay for HC for part time employees AND their families.

Pg 149 Lines 16-24 ANY Employer with payroll 400k and above who does not provide public option pays 8% tax on all payroll.

pg 150 Lines 9-13 Businesses with payroll between 251k and 400k who don't provide public option pay 2-6% tax on all payroll.

Pg 167 Lines 18-23 ANY individual who doesn't have acceptable HC according to Government will be taxed 2.5% of income.

Pg 170 Lines 1-3 HC Bill Any NONRESIDENT Alien is exempt from individual taxes. (Americans will pay)

Pg 195 HC Bill -officers and employees of HC Admin (GOVERNMENT) will have access to ALL Americans finance/personal records

PG 203 Line 14-15 HC - "The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax" Yes, it says that.

Pg 239 Line 14-24 HC Bill Government will reduce physician services for Medicaid. Seniors, low income, poor affected. [They will include "End of Life Counseling" instead.]

Pg 241 Line 6-8 HC Bill - Doctors, doesn't matter what specialty you have, you'll all be paid the same.

PG 253 Line 10-18 Government sets value of Dr's time, proof, judgment etc. Literally value of humans.

PG 265 Sec 1131Government mandates and controls productivity for private HC industries.

PG 268 Sec 1141 Fed Government regulates rental and purchase of power driven
wheelchairs.

PG 272 SEC. 1145. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN CANCER HOSPITALS - Cancer patients - welcome to rationing!

Page 280 Sec 1151 The Government will penalize hospitals for what Government deems preventable readmissions.

Pg 298 Lines 9-11 Drs, treat a patient during initial admission that results in a readmission Government will penalize you.

Pg 317 L 13-20 OMG!! PROHIBITION on ownership/investment. Government tells Drs. what/how much they can own.

Pg 317-318 lines 21-25,1-3 PROHIBITION on expansion- Government is mandating
hospitals cannot expand

pg 321 2-13 Hospitals have opportunity to apply for exception BUT community input required. Can you say ACORN?!!

Pg335 L 16-25 Pg 336-339 - Government mandates establishment of outcome based measures. HC the way they want. Rationing.

Pg 341 Lines 3-9 Government has authority to disqualify Medicare Adv Plans, HMOs, etc. Forcing people into Government plan

Pg 354 Sec 1177 - Government will RESTRICT enrollment of Special needs people!

Pg 379 Sec 1191 Government creates more bureaucracy - Telehealth Advisory Committee. Can you say HC by phone?

PG 425 Lines 4-12 Government mandates Advance Care Planning Consult. Think Senior Citizens end of life

Pg 425 Lines 17-19 Government will instruct and consult regarding living wills, durable powers of attorney. Mandatory!

PG 425 Lines 22-25, 426 Lines 1-3 Government provides approved list of end of life resources, guiding you in death.

PG 427 Lines 15-24 Government mandates program for orders for end of life. The Government has a say in how your life ends.

Pg 429 Lines 1-9 An "advance care planning consult" will be used frequently as patients health deteriorates.

PG 429 Lines 10-12 "advance care consultation" may include an ORDER for end of life plans. AN ORDER from GOVERNMENT.

Pg 429 Lines 13-25 - The Government will specify which Doctors can write an end of life order.

PG 430 Lines 11-15 The Government will decide what level of treatment you will have at end of life.

Pg 469 - Community Based Home Medical Services=Non profit organizations. Hello, ACORN Medical Services here!!?

Page 472 Lines 14-17 PAYMENT TO COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION. One monthly payment to a community-based org. Like ACORN?

PG 489 Sec 1308 The Government will cover Marriage and Family therapy. Which means they will insert Government into your marriage.

Pg 494-498 Government will cover Mental Health Services including defining, creating, rationing those services

Here's the whole bill - I really hope people will read this and become aware
of what they're championing...

If you want to read the entire bill as it stands right now, click here.

Have a great week everyone!

Meridian Magazine :: Family Connections: ÃÂ¢Ãâ¬ÃÅAffair Proofing Your Marriage, Part IÃÂ¢Ãâ¬ÃÂ

2009-07-25T00:26:00.001-05:00

Meridian Magazine :: Family Connections: ÃÂ¢Ãâ¬ÃÅAffair Proofing Your Marriage, Part IÃÂ¢Ãâ¬ÃÂ

Shared via AddThis

Vacation with the Grandkids……

2009-07-12T06:28:00.000-05:00

Well, today I will be taking my two grandkids, aged 7 and 3, to visit Bonnie in College Station, TX… JJ will be going to a summer camp there called “Beyond the Moon” for kids ages 7 to 11. Bonnie found out about it several months ago and it looked like something he would enjoy… It was very reasonably priced and was a chance for him to go to space camp for kids his age. Last week, I decided to take Jocelyne along so she could go on vacation too… I think she is more excited than JJ… She has been carrying her bathing suit all around the house and talking about going swimming with Aunt Bonnie. The last three days have been a flurry as I have been working to get things done before I leave for the week, bills had to be paid, clothes washed and the usual things that you do before you leave on a trip. I may not have access to the Internet, so if I don’t come by for a visit you will know why.

BTW: I made up some of the fabric softener from two posts ago and it works great, I hope you decide to give it a try….. Have a great week, everyone!

More from the Stretcher

2009-07-06T08:00:00.007-05:00

Black Ant Invasion

The best solution for ants is to sprinkle cinnamon where the ants have their run. Ants hate cinnamon and will avoid it at all cost. Annemarie

editor's note: more suggestions on how to stop an invasion of the black ants
or join the discussion in The Dollar Stretcher Community .

Coming Indoors

I have noticed that a great deal of furniture designed for the outdoors would work nicely inside, too. Outdoor furniture is often cheaper. Of course, some outdoor furniture is flimsy plastic that is meant to last one season, but some of it is very sturdy metal. I have had a nice wicker chair in my living room for years and it cost much less than an indoor chair would have cost me. Emilie J.

Stop the Money Arguments

We have managed the past two years with three accounts: Ours, His, and Hers. Equal dollar amounts are routinely transferred from "Ours" to "His" and "Hers" for discretionary spending, which includes dining out costs.

Since we made the change, our bank account has savings in it for the first time in a decade, and we still generally get what we want, but certainly there are times when we weigh the choices out more than we would have before. It took me a while to convince my spouse that this was a good idea. We have more control over our habits and spending, and we only consult with each other on "big ticket" items.

You can avoid confrontation and feelings of frustration over money already spent and focus your energies on future decisions instead. KJD

Note from Lucy: There is not one set way to "pay the bills".... Each family has to devise a system that works for them.... When TF and I were first married, we used his paycheck to pay the bills and we divided my paycheck up for grocery money, gasoline and spending money... It worked great for six years until I quit work to become a stay at home mom.... At that time we had to come up with a new plan and as the years have gone by we have fine tuned the plan as we have needed to....

Off to College

When sending kids off to college, don't spend a fortune on all brand new stuff! Do you currently have a spare set of sheets that are the same size as the dorm bed? Send those along instead of buying new ones. Are there mismatched towels that still have lots of life in them? Off to college they go. Odd man out drinking glasses, silverware, etc. make great college equipment.

Much of the gear at college lives a hard life so there's no point in making a large investment in it. Send along hand-me-downs and save the money to spend on things that are more important like textbooks or a laptop.

Plus, my mom joked that after raising a kid to the age that they were off to college, she deserved to have the new towels. Michele

Selecting an Auto Repair Shop How to select one you can trust

(NAPSA) Having a relationship with a reliable repair shop is critical for most car owners. That's why news that a shop is closing, whether due to the owner's retirement or the economy, can be traumatic. If you are trying to find a new shop, here are some tips on how to select one that you can trust, courtesy of the experts at the Car Care Council:

- Does the business provide a written estimate? The business should complete a written estimate and request your signature prior to starting any repairs on your car.

- Does the business offer a warranty? Most auto repair businesses offer a warranty on parts and labor and the warranty is usually in writing or posted in the waiting area.

- Is the shop and customer waiting area clean and organized? Cleanliness and organization are signs of a well-run business.

- Are customers greeted and treated in a friendly and respectful manner? Many auto repair businesses excel in the area of customer service and satisfaction. A simple phone call to the shop to inquire about their services can give you a glimpse of how they treat customers.

- Does the business have its credentials on display, such as membership in the Better Business Bureau (BBB), certification through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and membership in various trade associations? Credentials and affiliations are indicators of professionalism and the management's commitment to training and education.

- Does the business have a list of satisfied customers or references that it is willing to give you? Satisfied customers and recommendations from family, friends and neighbors are helpful in finding a good shop. Many auto repair facilities also have company Web sites that are worth checking out, as they often include testimonials and additional information about the business.

According to Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council, "Because a vehicle is the second-biggest investment for most car owners, they want it serviced by someone they trust. It makes sense to take the time to select a new auto repair facility that will take the best care of their investment."
_______________

The Car Care Council's Web site features a "Find a Shop" locator to help motorists find a repair shop. To learn more or to find a shop using the locator, visit the Web site

Have a great week everyone!

More frugal tidbits & Happy 4th.

2009-07-03T09:00:00.002-05:00

Pulled Pork Barbecue

Here in the south, there are different types of BBQ. There is Carolina-style BBQ, which uses vinegar. I make a great batch, using a cheap pork butt.

Buy a butt that will fit in your slow cooker. Rub the entire pork down with cayenne pepper. Put the butt into the slow cooker. Water is not necessary. If the lid doesn't fit, wrap tightly with foil. Turn the slow cooker on high for about an hour and then set to low and let cook overnight. In the morning, the pork will be done and there will be a lot of juice/fat.

Take the pork out and let it cool. Leave about one cup of juice in the slow cooker and add two tablespoons of white vinegar. Reserve the remaining juice in case you need more. Shred or pull the pork and put it into the vinegar juice. Toss and heat back up in the slow cooker. If it seems a little dry or not tart enough, experiment with the leftover juices and more vinegar. Make coleslaw, potato salad, and you've got a great picnic.

This is a favorite of my friends and family. It's so easy, takes little time, and is delicious! Diana M. in Chesapeake, VA

Barter Believer

I believe in the good old-fashioned barter system. I can trade a product or service of mine for another. In fact, I found a family member a gig fixing a laptop computer this week. He got paid and I received much needed computer repairs as a referral. RMH

editor's note: We agree with RMH. That's why we recommend TargetBarter

Remember Your Chemistry

I live in a town that has water containing alkali and other minerals. Consequently, things become clogged quite easily. The latest gadget in my home to succumb was the spray hose on my kitchen sink. Remembering that alkali may be dissolved with an acid solution, I poured myself a cup of vinegar and submerged the entire plastic head of the flexible hose in the vinegar and left it over night. Upon testing the spray the next morning, I found that it was as good as new! I didn't have to put in a new spray nozzle! Karla in Kingman, AZ

Note from Lucy: My sprayer hose, on my kitchen sink, start to clog up with tiny rocks and I wanted to take it apart and clean it… What I found was that there was no way to take it apart, so I followed this method of dissolving the rocks and it worked great….This works wonders on shower heads too….Give it a try.

Special Note from Lucy: As all of you celebrate our nation’s independence, please contemplate how much work it took to get to the point of the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Think of those great men who worked tirelessly to put together that document. Please Lord, protect this great country…. Amen..

Have a great 4th of July, Everyone!

Check Scams

2009-06-30T05:21:00.004-05:00

Tips on protecting yourself from check scams

(NAPSA) No one can ever really afford to lose money. But that's exactly what will happen if you fall for a fake check scam. Here's how it works. Someone sends you a genuine-looking check and asks you to wire a portion of the money somewhere. For instance, it may be to pay taxes on a sweepstakes you supposedly won.

You deposit the check, withdraw the money and wire it as instructed. Then you learn that the check is counterfeit. Now the crook has the money and you owe it back to your bank or credit union. The average loss is $3,000 to $4,000.

If you think you can't be fooled, think again. Fake check scams take many forms. Sometimes people are told that they have been selected for a "grant" from the government or a foundation. Another popular variation of the scam involves
earning money as a "mystery shopper" or an "account manager" for a company.

People selling items online are also targeted. Susan Grant, director of Consumer Protection at the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America (CFA), cautioned that people who are experiencing financial problems are especially vulnerable to
promises of "sudden riches" or easy ways to make money.

According to a survey conducted for CFA, a majority of adults in the U.S. incorrectly believe that when they deposit a check, their bank or credit union confirms that it's good before allowing them to withdraw the money. "They can't tell
that these checks are phony," said Ms. Grant. "They trust their customers to know the sources of the checks they deposit. If the checks bounce, the customers will be held responsible." Consumers are also liable if they cash fake checks at check cashing services or stores.

You can learn more at www.fakechecks.org . There, you can take a quiz, get answers to frequently asked questions, watch videos and send an e-card to warn others about these scams.

Remember, there is no legitimate reason why anyone who wants to give you money would ever ask you to send money anywhere in return.

Note from Lucy: There are a lot of people out of work right now and things like this scam look good to them... Please take heed and don't fall for it... About nine years ago, my sister fell for something close to this. She got a letter in the mail that said that she won some money and she needed to send them a certain amount of money to cover taxes on the win...She showed me the letter, I said "Don't Do It"... Her husband had died the year before and she needed some money, without my knowledge, she did it anyway.....She sent her last $ 1,500.00 and it was gone in a flash... It took her three months before she could tell me what she had done.... I think she learned her lesson, or at least, I hope she did.....

Have a safe and happy fourth of July, everyone! Pray for our country.....

Notes from the Dollar Stretcher

2009-06-23T07:32:00.005-05:00

Need Moving Boxes?

When you are planning a move, check with the local moving company for boxes. Often, they will give previously used boxes to you free of charge. They have to dispose of them somehow and often will give them to you. LaVonne

*********
Handy, Neat Ice Tricks

Rather than filling up an ice chest or cooler with ice and either emptying my freezer's ice tray, or having to buy bags of ice, I have some various sized plastic drink bottles that I fill with water (about 75-90% full) and freeze the night
before. I use those to pack the cooler. Once I pack the remaining items, I sometimes use ice cubes just to fill in some holes. These larger ice "cubes" in the frozen bottles stay frozen longer than the little ones, and when they do thaw, you've got ice cold water to drink and no mess to worry about.

This trick is handy for amusement parks or other outings as well; when traipsing around an amusement park or going on a boat ride, we bring some ice bottles, either in a small cooler or loose. It doesn't take long for the ice to thaw a little bit, and once you drink what's melted, you can refill it with water from a fountain and keep using that same large "ice cube" all day for refreshing ice water. Odds are that the bottle will have condensation on it as it thaws, so be aware of that. If we're carrying the bottle in a pack, we rubber-band a washcloth around it to absorb the condensation. Tony C. in NC

*********
Protect Your Package

I discovered the use of egg cartons for cushioning breakables when mailing. SLC

Super Fabric Softener Stretcher

I have come up with a formula for making my fabric softener last three times as long, and my clothes are softer than with the fabric softener alone. I buy a large bottle of softener. Then I pour two cups of softener, two cups of white vinegar,
and two cups of water into a smaller container. I shake this mixture well and then use it just as I would the full strength softener.

My clothes are soft, and the towels are fluffier than with full strength softener. My daughter is now using this formula for her clothes too, and loves it for her kids' clothes. Donna R. in Nokomis, FL

Note from Lucy: This has been an unusual Spring and Summer here in Texas... We had a nice cool spring, so cool that we couldn't get our garden in the ground till May 1st.... Then we had about a week of warmer weather and them bam.... Hot and no rain for over a month....When I say no rain, I mean NO rain, not a drop... I notice on the radar that most of the rain in up in the rockies and out in the northeast...This is weird! We are already starting to get tropical activity down in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, I noticed that the water temps are already around 84 degrees.... The word is HOT! I hope you are doing well where ever you live.. Have a great week, everyone!

You could have heard a pin drop!

2009-06-21T13:52:00.003-05:00

Thanks Richard Sutton for these interesting stories...

When in England, at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the
Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of empire building by George Bush.

He answered by saying, 'Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.'

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break, one of the French engineers came back into the room saying 'Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intend to do, bomb them?'

A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: 'Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can20treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several
thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight
deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?'

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception,
he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries.

Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked, 'Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?'

Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied 'Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German.'

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AND THIS STORY FITS RIGHT IN WITH THE ABOVE...

Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on.

'You have been to France before, monsieur?' the customs officer asked sarcastically.

Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously.

'Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.'

The American said, 'The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it.'

'Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France!'

The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, 'Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find a single Frenchman to show a passport to.'

You could have heard a pin drop.

Note From Lucy: Well, today is Father's Day and I want to wish all the Fathers out there a Happy Fathers Day.... My dad died 9 years ago and I miss him still so much... He was a good dad, a good provider and he loved his kids... He could be stern in his ways but he was gentle in how he scolded us when we needed it... He loved us unconditionally... I miss you, Dad...

Have a great week, everyone!

More tips from the Dollar Stretcher

2009-06-16T09:31:00.003-05:00

Those "Free" Vacations

A huge way people get taken advantage of in travel scams is to get a free vacation to visit a potential vacation investment. People are wary of the hard sell tactics used by these hucksters.

What they frequently don't realize is that the "free" air travel and three-night stay will result in a Form MISC-1099 to the IRS for the full value of the air fare (not discounted)and hotel stay that will create a large federal and possible state income tax liability. I have had clients owe taxes in excess of what they would have paid out-of-pocket for a nice vacation if they had shopped for bargain fares themselves and not had to waste a vacation day listening to the hard sell of condo investors and time-share sellers. Arlene C., CPA

We Don't Need Gas This Summer

To save a little money when every dollar counts, I called my gas company and asked if they charged for turning off the gas and turning it on again. They said that there was not a charge. We only use gas for the furnace and the pilot light is electric. They were charging me every month for not using any gas but for the line, taxes and such to the amount of over $20 per month. I now have them shut off the gas on the first of May and turn on when needed in the fall. Be sure to check with your gas company about the charges. Jean H.

Reviving Veggies

I have always cut my celery stocks into chunks and plunged those into cold water in the fridge to get the celery to stiffen back to its original state after becoming limp. I wondered if I could do something similar to revive some lettuce that I had. My romaine lettuce had become terribly wilted, but not brown on the edge of the leaves. I tore the wilted leaves from the rest of the "stalk" and stood them with the torn/cut ends in a glass of water in the door of the fridge for a day. The water was about two to three inches deep in the glass. I was shocked and pleased to see that the wilted leaves came back to their original crispy fresh state. I have even resurrected the same lettuce leaves more than once with this method. I hate to waste food and I'm not fond of wilted lettuce leaves in salad so this was a delight to discover. Not only did I not waste the food (and money I spent on it), but I also could enjoy it more in its revived state. Dawn F. in Spokane, Washington

Doggie Digging Up Flowers

My dog kept digging in my flowerbed next to my house. A friend of mine told me to put chicken wire over weed prevention covering and secure it with stakes or rocks. My dog could not dig in my flowerbed anymore. This also works on stray dogs or cats that get into your flowerbeds. Velma

Little Luxuries: My Front Porch

Here's one of my little luxuries. With the warm weather here in Kentucky, I make a pitcher of lemonade from scratch, use a crystal pitcher from a yard sale, and kick back on my front porch.

1 cup sugar
5 cups cold water
1 cup lemon juice

Dissolve sugar in lemon juice and half of the water. When fully dissolved, add rest of water. For extra flare, serve over crushed ice with a slice of lemon. Makes 6 1/2 cups

As a kid, I remember visiting the elderly ladies in my neighborhood and sitting on their front porches with them as they enjoyed fresh lemonade. It was always a special thing to savor the sweet and sour in the heat of summer.

A friend balked at the price of my little treat as the cost of lemons is roughly $10 for three gallons of lemonade. It's true that it may be high but an easy cheat is using bottled lemon juice from the store, which is about $3 a bottle. Either way, sometimes when life is tough, lemonade is the answer. Sarah in KY

Note from Lucy: Making homemade lemonade is probably the way to go.... I noticed that the lemonade from the grocery store has High Fructose Corn syrup in it.... Have a great week everyone!

Red Cross Water Safety........

2009-06-10T10:50:00.004-05:00

Summer Water Safety Guide
A recent Red Cross survey shows that almost half the adults surveyed on water safety say they've had an experience where they nearly drowned. It is important to follow the basics of water safety, maintain constant supervision of children and to get trained. This safety guide also contains a discount coupon for the Red Cross store.
Download the PDF...

Would You Know What to Do?
Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime. In an aquatic emergency, every second counts. Survival depends on quick rescue and immediate care.
Download the PDF...

It Only Takes a Moment
Anyone watching children who are in, on or around water must understand that drowning happens quickly and suddenly. Any source of water is a potential drowning hazard, especially for young children and weak swimmers.
Download the PDF...

Is Your Pool Safe?
Home swimming pools offer years of fun and activity for families. They also can be a significant threat to young children—those living in the home or in the surrounding neighborhood.
Download the PDF...

Where Is It Safe to Swim?
Swimming in lakes, rivers and oceans can be safe and fun at a designated swimming area that is protected by lifeguards. However, if these elements are not in place, always assume that any natural body of water is too dangerous for swimming.
Download the PFF...

Your Home Doesn’t Come with a Lifeguard
Staying safe around water is more than staying near the lifeguard at the pool. Every year many children drown in residential swimming pools, bath tubs, buckets of water and other containers of water. Anywhere there is water there is risk for drowning. Do not leave a young child unattended near any source of water, not even for a moment.
Download the PDF...

Life Jackets Aren’t Just for Boats
But, they only work when they are worn. Young children and weak swimmers should wear life jackets whenever they are in, on or around the water, even at a pool or a waterpark. Put it on at the dock, deck or shore and don’t take it off until you are on dry land.
Download the PDF...

Note from Lucy: I would suggest that you print out all of the downloads and put them in a binder and use these materials to educate your family on water safety...I have grandkids and I constantly worry about them swimming in their pool..... Have a safe summer everyone!

Meridian Magazine :: Gardening: SQUARE FOOT GARDENING

2009-06-05T18:47:00.001-05:00

Meridian Magazine :: Gardening: SQUARE FOOT GARDENING

Shared via AddThis

I hope you all enjoy this article...In the last years of my dads life, he did square foot gardening and he loved it. Our tomato garden is basically above the ground and it is doing great.

Have a great weekend everyone.

"And then some................

2009-05-28T11:41:00.003-05:00

These three little words are the secret to success.

They are the difference between average people and top people in most companies.
The top people always do what is expected...and then some.

They are thoughtful of others; they are considerate and kind...and then some.

They meet their responsibilities fairly and squarely...and then some.

They are good friends and helpful neighbors...and then some.

They can be counted on in an emergency...and then some.

I am thankful for people like this, for they make the world a better place. Their spirit of service is summed up in these three little words... And then some."

"When we have done our best, we can await the results in peace." ~Unknown

Note from Lucy: I found these words from the Simple Truths webpage.... I believe that when we give our best our Father in Heaven is pleased with us and we will receive blessings from above... Being in the service of others can make you a happy person.. Have a great day everyone.

Quotes from Great Leaders.....

2009-05-23T08:49:00.002-05:00

1. "Well done is better than well said."
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

2. "A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to put its' pants on."
Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

3. "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."
Mother Teresa (1910-1997)

4. "Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth."
George Washington (1732-1799)

5. "The time is always right to do what is right."
Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)

6. "All the adversity I've had in my life, has strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you."
Walt Disney (1901-1966)

7. "Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today."
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

8. "The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."
Vince Lombardi (1913-1970)

9. "It is better to light the candle than to curse the darkness."
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962)

10. "A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both."
Dwight Eisenhower (1890-1969)

11. "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
Nelson Mandela (1918 - )

12. "We must become the change we wish to see in the world."
Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

13. "The best and most beautiful things in life cannot be seen, not touched, but are felt in the heart."
Helen Keller (1880-1968)

14. "Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."
Henry Ford (1863-1947)

15. "Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music."
Ronald Reagan (1911-2004)

Note from Lucy: I take my hat off to all the service men and women who have put their lives on the line for me, my family and our country. We honor you, once again, this Memorial Day. Please remember these hero's as we celebrate this Memorial Day Weekend.

Faith

2009-05-19T13:10:00.001-05:00

"Increased faith is as vital and necessary today as it was when Jesus walked the earth. Our modern world struggles with insufficient faith. President Gordon B. Hinckley said in a conference talk: “This is my prayer for all of us. … Increase our faith to bridge the chasms of uncertainty and doubt. … Grant us faith to look beyond the problems of the moment to the miracles of the future. … Give us faith to do what is right and let the consequences follow."

--James O. Mason, "Faith in Jesus Christ", April 2001 Ensign pg 22

Note from Lucy: In this day and time we all need faith.. Have a great week everyone.

How Unamerican can you get.........

2009-05-18T06:54:00.006-05:00

HERE is Obama's RESPONSE WHEN HE BACKED OFF FROM HIS DECISION TO LET THE MILITARY PAY FOR THEIR WAR INJURIES........

Bad press, including a major mockery of the plan by comedian Jon Stewart, led to
President Obama abandoning his proposal to require veterans carry private health
insurance to cover the estimated $540 million annual cost to the federal government
of treatment for injuries to military personnel received during their tours on active duty.

The President admitted that he was puzzled by the magnitude of the opposition to his proposal. "Look, it's an all volunteer force," Obama complained. "Nobody made these guys go to war. They had to have known and accepted the risks. Now they whine about bearing the costs of their choice? It doesn't compute..."

"I thought these were people who were proud to sacrifice for their country," Obama continued.

"I wasn't asking for blood, just money. With the country facing the worst financial crisis in its history, I'd have thought that the patriotic thing to do would be to try to help reduce the nation's deficit. I guess I underestimated the selfishness of some of my fellow Americans."

I guess OBAMA just doesn't get that the American people love and appreciate our military guys and gals who lay their lives on the line so we can lay our heads down at night in peace.

That's because he is not an AMERICAN at heart. That much is obvious. Why in the world people voted for him I'll never know, but we all will surely pay the price and
rue the day that he took office. America is getting change but not the change they were looking to get.

It's a shame but the people have been had again.

(AS FOREST GUMP SAYS : "Stupid is as stupid does")
__________________

Note from Lucy: Sorry folks, I just had to post this. I wonder if Obama pays for his own health insurance? Does the congress? Those young men and women who "Volunteer" to help keep our country safe, are not paid much of a salary.... The least we can do is pay for their health insurance and war injuries... For me it is an honor to have these people save guard our country so that we can live in a land free from harm. I gladly give my tax dollars for their health insurance and war injuries. Where does Obama get off calling our troops selfish? Ahhhh, don't get me started!! Thanks, Steve Sanders for sending me this.

More ideas from Dollar Stretcher

2009-05-12T11:14:00.001-05:00

Cheaper, Healthier Spread

To save money and have a healthier spread, use the following recipe to enhance and stretch your butter.

1 cup warm water
1/2 to 1 tsp. lecithin granules (found at health food store and acts as emulsifier for water and oil)
1 cup olive or canola oil
1/2 to 1 tsp. salt, as desired
1 pound butter (room temperature)

Soften lecithin granules and salt in warm water and add oil and butter. Whip until creamy and no lumps remain, store in containers in fridge. Makes a nice creamy spread, and when cold, it still spreads easily. Carol M. in Hamilton, MT

Just a Shake

A quick shake of your clothes before putting them in the dryer saves time and money, which are two things that I never seem to have enough of. When you transfer the clothes to the dryer, give them a hard shake, even the socks. Because they are now untangled and more fluffed, they dry much faster and there is considerably less ironing needed. Rebecca D in Pensacola, FL Note from Lucy: I always shake my cotton shirts that I hang outside and they dry faster and have less wrinkles..

The Trader

I am saving money on plants this summer by trading with friends and neighbors. We all have plants like irises that need to be divided or shrubs that can be propagated. I have a big yard and can't afford much for landscaping. This works out for everybody. T. P. in MO

Night at the Spa

My husband and I are both very busy these days and it seems like our best times to talk are in the evenings after we've put the kids to bed. Recently, my lower back was aching so my husband got a bottle of lotion and rubbed my back for me and we just talked like we were on a date. It was wonderful! I was so relaxed and felt great. The following night, I rubbed his back with lotion and again we talked. He agreed that it was a wonderful stress reducer and he felt great the next day.

You could make this as romantic as you would like. Light some candles, get a "mini" of a favorite lotion from a bath and body store, or add a glass of wine to share. We do this once a month now. Not only is it quality time with my husband, but also it is very frugal and I always feel so rested and re-energized. Angie

Note from Lucy: My husband has a bad back and when it goes into spasms, I massage it with a few drops of lavender oil mixed into a base of sweet almond oil… The lavender helps to relax the muscles and it has a nice sweet odor. Lavender is also considered sensual….. I bought my sweet almond oil at HEB, in their health food section and I ordered the lavender oil over the Internet. Make sure you get essential oils, not fragrance oils…There is a big difference.

Cheaper Than Window Cleaner

To wash all the windows, mirrors, and TV screens in my house, plus to wash the inside of my car windows, I use windshield cleaner available at discount chain stores for $.99 to $1.09 per gallon. I then pour enough cleaner, using a funnel, to fill an empty quart size spray bottle. This comes to $.25 per quart of glass cleaner! Plus, I feel if the windshield cleaner is strong enough to clean my car's windshield of bugs and insects, it is certainly strong enough to clean the glass in my house. L. S. in Sheboygan, WI

Have a great week everyone.....

MOTHERS

2009-05-09T20:57:00.003-05:00

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
They don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
And get their answer when a little
Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth
Is not measured by height or years or grade....
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion..

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about i t?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she
Shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Note from Lucy: I lost my mom 24 years ago... I haven't been able to tell her how much I appreciated her love for a long time now. Those of you, who still have your mothers, let her know you love her. Thanks Nancy for sending me this.

Happy Mothers Day to all Moms out there.

2009-05-05T07:46:00.001-05:00

Feds Continue To Penalize Banks
Which Only Make Loans To Responsible Borrowers

Maybe it's because President OBAMA is too busy running General Motors, figuring out what kind of cars we may buy, and determining what kind of light bulbs are acceptable to notice something so perverse and stupid it would blow any rational mind.

Believe it or not, the federal government is STILL penalizing financially-healthy banks for insisting that borrowers be credit-worthy! Let me explain.

The Massachusetts-based East Bridgewater Savings Bank has weathered the financial storms of late without major loan delinquencies and a $135 million cash reserve. And their reward for operating at a profit and not granting mortgages to people who cannot afford the payments? Running into trouble with regulators.

The Boston Business Journal reports the bank has been penalized by federal bureaucrats with a "need to improve" rating under the Community Reinvestment Act! The bank has gotten into hot water (meaning they have been given a lower rating by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) for not making loans to sub-prime borrowers.

I brought this anecdote to your attention in case you know someone who blames the private sector for the chaos in the U.S. financial system. It now appears some of the same federal policies which helped bring ruination to big U.S. banks - and ultimately the financial system itself - are still being applied to smaller banks across the nation.

Best Regards,
Lee Bellinger's , Publisher Independent Living

Note from Lucy: Is it me, or does it seem like the government doesn't want us to get better? Come on guys, let's fix the problem.....

Who Packed Your Parachute?

2009-05-02T14:41:00.003-05:00

An excerpt from Aim for the Heart
By Tom Mathews

As a leader, do you honor and appreciate the power of WE? Do you stop to thank and recognize the members of your team? Do you consistently show an attitude of gratitude?

I recently read a great story about Captain Charles Plumb, a graduate from the Naval Academy, whose plane, after 74 successful combat missions over North Vietnam, was shot down. He parachuted to safety, but was captured, tortured and spent 2,103 days in a small box-like cell.

After surviving the ordeal, Captain Plumb received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit and two Purple Hearts, and returned to America and spoke to many groups about his experience and how it compared to the challenges of every day life.

Shortly after coming home, Charlie and his wife were sitting in a restaurant. A man rose from a nearby table, walked over and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"

Surprised that he was recognized, Charlie responded, "How in the world did you know that?" The man replied, "I packed your parachute." Charlie looked up with surprise. The man pumped his hand, gave a thumbs-up, and said, "I guess it worked!"

Charlie stood to shake the man's hand, and assured him, "It most certainly did work. If it had not worked, I would not be here today."

Charlie could not sleep that night, thinking about the man. He wondered if he might have seen him and not even said, "Good morning, how are you?" He thought of the many hours the sailor had spent bending over a long wooden table in the bottom of the ship, carefully folding the silks and weaving the shrouds of each chute, each time holding in his hands the fate of someone he didn't know.

Plumb then began to realize that along with the physical parachute, he needed mental, emotional and spiritual parachutes. He had called on all these supports during his long and painful ordeal.

As a leader, how many times a day, a week, a month, do we pass up the opportunity to thank those people in our organization who are "packing our parachutes?"

Note from Lucy: We don't have to be a leader of a large corporation to thank those around us for all the work they do on our behalf...Who around you do things for you? Your husband/wife, your kids, maybe your next door neighbor, your paper or postal carrier? I think we need to take note of those that "pack our parachutes" and give them thanks.... To me, one of those should include your Heavenly Father who loves and supports you, day in and day out...A little note of gratitude is a wonderful thing.

Have a great week everyone.

Pandemics – Prepare for a Quarantine

2009-04-26T22:26:00.001-05:00

By Carolyn Nicolaysen

What is pandemic flu, and how does it differ from seasonal flu? According to the Center for Disease Control:

“Pandemic flu is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person.”

Pandemics are more serious than epidemics, because pandemic flu does not have an available vaccine, and it can spread dangerously fast. Agencies involved in pandemic planning recommend every family have an emergency store of food on hand, because affected areas will have to endure quarantine to contain the spread of disease.

Health agencies disagree on the size of the ideal home store, ranging from recommendations of a ten day to three month supply, with most now recommending a three month supply. As an emergency approaches, retail store shelves will be rapidly stripped of all supplies. As we have seen, when storm warnings are issued it takes only minutes for shelves to empty and may be days before new supplies arrive. The same will happen once the first signs of a pandemic flu appear.

Since even the seasonal flu can take weeks to go through a family, a three month supply should be the goal. You may remember in my last article When the World Catches the Flu, I cited examples of communities who self quarantined voluntarily. The most successful quarantines lasted a minimum of two months. You may also be called upon to help family members and friends, and you will want to be prepared.

If you live in the country on a few acres, your home is the ideal place to self quarantine during a pandemic – and perhaps with nearby family and extended family. This will allow the children to play outside occasionally without exposure to others who may be carrying the flu. A rural setting would also allow contaminated garbage to be kept far from the house. If you have this rural advantage, you are the likely refuge for your family, and will need to store more food and water to be ready.

Don't forget the needs of pets. Store food, water and medications for them as you would any other member of the family.

Stock up on:

Prescription drugs to insure a continuous supply in your home. You may ask your doctor if he has samples or can help you to lawfully prepare.
First aid supplies.
Nonprescription drugs including pain and fever relievers, stomach remedies, anti diarrhea medications, and cough and cold medicines and preventive medications.
Remember, never give young children aspirin. Purchase medications specifically designed for children.
Fluids with electrolytes.
Vitamins.
Anti bacterial wipes for cleaning up after attending to a patient.
Hand sanitizers should also be included in your first aid supplies. These should be used every time you are with someone who is ill or after you shake hands with anyone.
Make sure you also have at least one thermometer on hand and alcohol to clean it.
Medical gloves are essential. Purchase a variety of sizes for the needs of all family members. Remember, some gloves are latex - so if you think you may have a latex allergy use care in selecting gloves.
N95 particulate face masks. These will help prevent the transfer of germs as you are in public or caring for a loved one. There are many types of medical masks. The surgical variety will provide added protection from fluids. These are especially valuable when you are caring for someone who is sweating, sneezing or vomiting. For the best protection these need to fit firmly against the face. If you are using masks for children place the mask on the face and then a bandana. This will help to hold the mask firmly on their face. It can be like dress up! Make sure you remove the bandana and place it directly into the washer. Then discard the mask, preferably outside, and wash your child's hands, face and exposed skin thoroughly with a hand sanitizer. I have heard people advise that masks do not need to be stored because they cannot be fitted tightly enough to the face. So long as hospitals, police and fire departments and schools are stocking up with supplies of masks for all their staff and students, I am stocking face masks, too. When they no longer consider it important, I will stop. Until then, I believe it is important.
Paper plates, cup, bowls, and utensils will cut down on the possibility that germs will be passed as meals are cleared. They will also save precious time for those who are the care givers and a must have should the power fail.
Paper towels, become essential items for keeping your home germ free.
Stock up on TP and facial tissues with anti bacterial properties…you will use more than you think during a time of illness. Each family will need a different amount of these items. Don't guess what your need will be. For at least one month keep track of how may rolls of toilet paper and how many boxes of tissues you use. I suggest you place the wrapper from the TP roll in a drawer and at the end of the month count how many you have used. You can multiply this number by three to understand how much you need to store. Add an additional 25%-50% more to prepare for a pandemic as family members will all be home all day long, and some family members are likely to be ill.
Large plastic trash bags for soiled clothing,towels, and trash.
Liquid soaps: laundry and dish soaps will be much more useful if there is an interruption in your utility service.
Bleach for laundry and cleaning, and other disinfectant cleaning supplies should also be stored.
Remember the foods we discussed in Preparing for a Flu Pandemic with Food Storage.
Alternative to electricity.
For light: Flashlights, glow sticks, and/or lanterns, and batteries.
For heat: Firewood, non-electric heaters (propane or kerosene – follow manufacturer instructions for safety), and heavy blankets and/or sleeping bags.
For Cooking: Portable propane cook stove, barbecue grill and fuel, can opener.
For Laundry: large tub for washing laundry, rope for a clothes line and clothes pins.
For Communications: Battery/solar/crank radio and/or TV to keep up on the news and health warnings.
Water: Bleach and other items needed for purification.
Sanitation needs: Port-a-potty with chemicals and liner, kitty litter or sand to help absorb waste and a plan to bury your waste away from your home. You will also need to be prepared to bury or otherwise dispose of every day's trash in case services are suspended temporarily.
Entertainment: Just think about three months at home with no place to go. Talk about cabin fever! Consider purchasing DVDs that you know your children or spouse would like to have. Keep them put away until they are needed or until the next major gift giving occasion. Then replace the old with new titles. You can also establish a stash of age appropriate books, magazines, puzzles and games. Reading a few classic books as a family would also be a great way to pass the time. Stock up on craft supplies and even a new hobby to start with the kids. Cooking can be lots of fun together so make sure your three month supply includes ingredients to make some fun snacks and meals. A sense of humor is key to survival, so be sure to choose entertainment that is funny and/or uplifting.
Cash: Should the power fail ATM machines and credit cards will not work. Have a stash of small denomination bills on hand for emergencies when you are forced to leave your home.
Gas up: As soon as you hear the flu has come to your region, fill all your cars with gas. Not only will supplies be hard to come by, but if the power fails, so do the pumps.
Develop a list of health care providers in your area including clinics and hospitals. Include friends in health care, who you can call at home to get advice or direction.
A bell or whistle for your patient to sound when they are in need of help. A whistle can be heard much easier than the human voice.
Whether you are trying to prevent disease or prevent it from spreading, you will want to take precautions in every aspect of your family routine. Now is the time to start by teaching and practicing good habits.

Teach your family the proper way to wash their hands. You do not need to use hand sanitizers on a daily basis. In fact, this can prove dangerous as sanitizers kill all germs, good and bad. Hands should be washed with plenty of water, soap and scrubbing. Practice rubbing all the surfaces of the hands, including the fingernails and between fingers, under running water every time you wash. Since this needs to take some time children can learn to be patient and sing either Happy Birthday or the ABC Song while scrubbing. This will help them to recognize the length of time necessary to do a thorough washing.

Avoid shaking hands with someone who is ill, begin the habit now. If this is impossible, thoroughly wash your hands as soon as possible or use a hand sanitizer.

Teach family members to always cough or sneeze into a tissue. If this is impossible teach them to cover their face with their arm, not their hands. Simple bend your arm and place your elbow over your mouth. This reduces the likelihood that you will pass germs along to others as you shake hands or touch objects they may also be handling.

Remind your family to stay away from those who are ill. Please don't send an ill child to school, to after music lessons, or even to church when they are ill. We could avoid so much heartache if everyone would make it a practice to stay home when they are ill.

Have each family member clear their own dirty dishes after each meal. During a period of illness you will use paper plates and have them place their dishes in an outside garbage can. Get a large plastic garbage can that you can set outside the door in the event of emergencies like pandemic. Dispose of any wet or contaminated garbage in that can. This will help keep germs outside, instead of inside your home.

Decide now which room in your home will be used to care for those who are ill. A room with its own bathroom is the best. You will want to keep a patient as far away from healthy family members as possible. Be sure to have several sets of sheets for the bed or beds in that room.

Design a plan to care for extended family and friends if they should become ill and have no one to care for them. In some cases it will be better to have them move in with you at the beginning of the pandemic and hopefully avoid becoming ill as they self quarantine with your family.

Prepare now to work from home if at all possible. You should discuss this with your employer and develop a plan now. If you are a first responder, be sure your employer is prepared for the employees to maintain a self quarantine at your work place.

Check with your child's school to determine if they have a plan for a pandemic. Will they continue to teach using the Internet or a cable TV station?

There is a limit to what government or the health care community can do in advance of a pandemic outbreak. The U.S. Federal Government, the World Health Organization, and others are monitoring the avian flu, as well as other pandemic threats closely. The United States has active national as well as international programs for manufacturing, pre-positioning, and stockpiling antiviral drugs, masks, and other supplies. A lesson we have learned from the response to hurricanes Katrina and Ike, the floods in the Midwest , and the destruction caused by tornadoes, we need to be prepared to care for all of our own needs.

In the United States, Secretary Leavitt of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) has stated that "any community [or individual ] that fails to prepare—with the expectation that the federal government can come to the rescue—will be tragically wrong" (April 10, 2006).

The final article in this series detailing tips for caring for those who are ill, will appear in Meridian Magazine on December 10th. Carolyn is also discussing pandemic preparedness every Friday on her blog, http://blog.totallyready.com/
With the economy faltering and an uncertain economic future, more emergency preparedness advice can be found on Carolyn's blog: http://blog.totallyready.com/

I have more information about pandemic flu if you are interested..... Stay safe everyone.

More tips from Dollar Stretcher

2009-04-24T12:19:00.002-05:00

Water for Your Garden

Water bills can get high when you have a garden. By using a rain barrel, you can collect the water from your roof. Not only are you giving your plants water without chlorine or fluoride, but also it's water at the ambient temperature, so it won't shock your plants the way cold water from the hose can. Also, since your sewer bill is measured by the amount of water that you use, it should reduce that as well.

Many water quality groups offer special discounts and incentives for rain barrels. Look for watershed groups in your area, or contact your local library for more information. You can also make your own rain barrel, using a food-grade barrel. You can pick these up from feed stores, or even used from food processing plants. They can range in price from free to 10 or 15 dollars. Depending on how sophisticated you want to get, you can make one that simply catches water that you must scoop out or one that has a spigot and overflow valve. Use the water for plants, washing the dog, the car and gardening tools, etc. In any case, you can feel good about the money you save, because you are also keeping the rain water from becoming urban run off, a growing concern. You are also returning the water slowly to the ground, where it can recharge the aquifer. Marina

editor's note: Some communities have restrictions on rain barrels. So please check and make sure you meet all local ordinances. Also, make sure that no child or pet could fall in and drown. Note from Lucy:My dad had a water barrel and he watered his gardens for years with rain water... He was an organic gardener he preferred rain water...I guess I need to look for a rain barrel.

Afternoon Coffee

Sometimes we don't drink more than one cup of coffee in the morning. To keep the coffee from sitting and growing stronger during the day, I take a clean Thermos and pour the leftover coffee in and put the lid back on. I can have a fresh cup of coffee in the afternoon without having to start another pot. We have had hot coffee even in the late evenings. This, of course, depends on how good your Thermos is. Wanda M. Note from Lucy:I'm not a coffee drinker but this sounds like it would work...

Natural Make-Up Sponges

If you use natural sponges to apply make-up, check for sponges at art or craft supply stores, such as Michaels or Hobby Lobby. These are the same natural sponges you get at the cosmetics counter or drug store, but they're cheaper. You could buy a bag of small sponges for usually under $5 at a craft store, where you'd pay about that much for one sponge at the drug store.

Also, instead of cotton squares for removing eye make-up, I use the soft microfiber cloths that come free with eyeglasses or sunglasses. I can use one for a few days and then toss it in the wash with the towels. These cloths are soft enough for the eye area and so far they are indestructible, as I've put them through the wash a few dozen times now. Annette

Bright Kids

I just read my first issue and enjoyed that it is short And sweet! I have piles of good magazines I haven't quite Had time to get to, but yours was just right -- a snack that I'll enjoy! --Wanda in AR

"Bright Kids" provides articles and tips for fun and easy learning activities, crafts, homework helps and general ideas for involving yourself in simple ways with your child's educational development.

To subscribe to this free twice-a-month email resource, simply send an email containing any message to: mailto:join-bright-kids@hub.thedollarstretcher.com
or visit http://www.stretcher.com/subscribe/subscribeBK.cfm

Creative Energy Savings

When you are using your oven to cook, turn the oven off five minutes before your food is to be done as the oven will retain the cooking temperature long enough to finishing cooking your food. So, you get five minutes of free energy and save money too. I also put a kettle of water over the burner that vents the hot air from the oven while cooking. At the end of my cooking, I have a kettle of hot water for free to use for tea, etc. April B. in Kentucky

Have a great week everyone!

She stated her views.....and lost.

2009-04-22T17:11:00.004-05:00

The first runner-up for Miss USA tells Fox News Channel that she may have lost her chance at the crown because of her answer to a question about same-sex "marriage." However, she says she had to stand on biblical truth. Check out this story. The gay judge that provided her with the question is bashing her left and right for her answer.... I'm proud of her for standing up for her beliefs....

Check out the video here.

Have a great week everyone.

Prayer....

2009-04-18T06:53:00.003-05:00

"No earthly authority can separate us from direct access to our Creator. There can never be a mechanical or electronic failure when we pray. There is no limit on the number of times or how long we can pray each day. There is no quota of how many needs we wish to pray for in each prayer. We do not need to go through secretaries or make an appointment to reach the throne of grace. He is reachable at any time and any place."

--James E. Faust, "The Lifeline of Prayer", Ensign, May 2002, 59

"God knows the feelings in every human heart. He can soften sorrow and lead when there seems to be no light. Prayer can give guidance and confidence. It reminds us that no one need be alone in this world. If all else fails, remember, God and one other person can be a family."

--Marvin J. Ashton, "While They Are Waiting", Ensign, May 1988, 62

Just a thought on prayer: To me, prayer is an open communication with our Heavenly Father... We talk to him, he listens... By praying, he knows how we feel, what we need, and our thoughts... If we want divine guidance, we need to talk to our Heavenly Father...and we need to listen back...

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Removing Kitchen Odors

2009-04-14T08:45:00.004-05:00

From the Dollar Stretcher Website:

Yesterday, I was cooking some chicken breasts in water for later use in soup. I had to leave to pick up my daughter from school and forgot to turn off the burner. When we came back home, the house was full of smoke and the fire alarms were going off. Now my house smells like burnt chicken! I aired out the house right away and tried boiling vinegar on the stove. It's still pretty pungent in here. Do you have any suggestions that don't require cash? It was pretty warm out when this happened, but the temperature dropped over night and we are now having wind chills in the single digits. I just can't afford to heat the outdoors. Kathy

Clean Odors Trapped in Fabric

Odors don't get trapped in air; they get trapped in fabrics. Be sure to launder all curtains and any loose washable fabrics like pillow covers. Hang any moveable carpets outdoors for a day or so. Leave small dishes of white vinegar sitting around and that will help absorb the smoky smell. Some Febreze(r) sprayed on upholstery may help. Try renting a steamer and cleaning any wall-to-wall carpeting. The smell should be gone in a week. C

Fragrant Solution

Try boiling lemon slices with a handful of cloves for 15-20 minutes. Wipe down the counters with vinegar as vinegar helps to absorb odors. G

The Aroma of Coffee

Open a can of coffee and pour it in about four bowls. Set them around the room. The room will fill with the coffee odor instead. We even use this in old refrigerators that have been closed up and smell rotten. It works for us. Karen in Alamogordo, NM

Simmer. Don't Boil.

Simply heating white vinegar on the stove will remove the smell in your house. Do not boil the vinegar as this will not work. Suzie

Use Charcoal Briquettes to Remove Kitchen Odors

The very best technique I have found for removing odors is charcoal briquettes. A person who worked for a company that cleaned up after fires gave me the tip. Just set them around, but be cautious of children and pets, of course. Sharon

Leave Vinegar Sitting Out

The only suggestion I have is to put white vinegar in a bowl and leave it overnight (or during the day). The vinegar will absorb most of the odors. I realize the user boiled the vinegar on the stove, but I have never tried that myself.

After trying white vinegar, open all the windows in the house and turn on the house exhaust fan for about ten minutes. Always works for me! Dorina

Do you have any suggestions for getting rid of unwanted smells in you kitchen...

Just a suggestion from Lucy: It is a good thing to check you onion bowl when you smell a foul odor in you kitchen...Last Saturday TF asked me "What is that smell"....I had just come home from the grocery store and was putting away the groceries...I had bought some white onions and was reaching for the onion bowl, on top of the refrigerator, when I noticed the pungent smell. There in the onion bowl was an onion that had "gone bad"...I threw that sucker in the garbage and instantly walked it out to the trash can... I washed out the bowl and put my new onions in.....

Have a great week everyone.

Happy Easter Everyone

2009-04-09T19:41:00.001-05:00

"Easter is the celebration of the free gift of immortality given to all men, restoring life and healing all wounds. Though all will die as part of the eternal plan of growth and development, nevertheless we can all find comfort in the Psalmist’s statement, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Ps. 30:5.)."

--Howard W. Hunter, "An Apostle’s Witness of the Resurrection", Ensign, May 1986, 15

A few more ideas.

2009-04-07T18:00:00.002-05:00

Quick Garlic Bread

Instead of heating the broiler or oven to make garlic bread, I drizzle olive oil on the slices, sprinkle them with garlic powder, and put them in the microwave at 50-percent power. The length of time in the microwave depends on how many slices I'm making. This takes only seconds, saving time and electricity. Evah W. in Kansas City MO

Tricky Due Dates

I have never been late to pay any of my bills. Two months ago, I noticed that three of my bills had the due date adjusted to come due a week earlier. One was my phone bill and the other was my electric bill. The third was a credit card payment. The credit card was actually two weeks earlier. Thank goodness I have taught myself to look at every bill the minute it comes in and write the due date on the front envelope.

This saved me a ton of grief. Imagine what my interest rate could have been if I had not been paying attention. I have since paid off the one that adjusted two weeks early and closed that account. I also spoke to a customer service representative from each one. Until 2010, credit card agencies are being permitted to do this without your consent or knowledge. This is happening to a lot of folks that I know, so be careful. Beth

Family Loves Hamburger Helper

My family loves Hamburger Helper, but I can't feed my family of six with one box. Last night, we decided to add two pounds of hamburger and two extra cups of noodles, and we doubled the water and milk. It was amazing! It tasted exactly the same and we all got to indulge! We even had leftovers! For the cost of one box, I can now feed my entire family something they love! Catherine from Missouri

editor's note: You can also save by creating your own seasoning mixes and replace Hamburger Helper(r) entirely! If you have a favorite seasoning combination, send it by mailto:gary@stretcher.com?subject=Seasoning_Mixes and we'll share the best ones in future issues.

Affordable Countertops

My husband and I bought a foreclosure that needed a lot of love and a lot of improvements. We inherited white cabinets and white countertops, and in a family with three messy kids, that's less than ideal. Several of my neighbors have installed
granite countertops for about $4,000. Even new Formica countertops were going to be over $1,000. Neither was an option for us. I took the plunge and painted my countertops. I cleaned them with denatured alcohol, primed with an oil-based primer, spray painted with granite paint, and used four coats of polyurethane to seal them. The finished product looks awesome! I couldn't be more pleased and wish I had done it years ago! The cost of my project? Roughly $100! JAS

Little Luxuries
The Indulgent Glass

At a thrift store, I bought myself a crystal drinking glass. I think the cost was $3. No matter what I pour into this glass, I feel indulgent. Even when I have a rough day or am feeling blue, this glass represents what I want my life to be, which is calm, orderly, and relaxed. Even if I'm wearing a ratty bathrobe, I feel elegant with my goblet! CC

Editor's note: Many of us have given up a lot because of the economy. So we're looking for "Little Luxuries" that we can share with everyone. If you have an inexpensive way to make yourself feel good, please send it by email here . We'll share the best ones in future issues.
These items came from the Dollar Stretcher site, my favorite website.

Note from Lucy: Let me know what you "little luxuries" are..... My favorite little luxury is a bottle of chocolate milk...I know that sounds silly, but I like to buy those little bottles of Bordon's chocolate milk at the grocery store and drink in on the way home in the car...Anyone that is a close friend of mines, knows my favorite little luxury. I'm not sure if it is a weakness or a luxury...lol.

Assorted Items..........

2009-04-01T22:22:00.003-05:00

POSTAGE RATE HIKE/GET THOSE FOREVER STAMPS BEFORE 5/11/09
Postal rates are going up again on 5/11/09, but this time, there IS something you can do about it. During the last hike, they started selling "Forever Stamps." These stamps will ALWAYS be First Class Postage, no matter when you bought them. So stock up before the rush to the post office, and remember, you can order them by mail. Ask your carrier for a form. For amounts of the hike, go to...

BIBLE FAMILY TREE CHARTS ONLINE
If you like to do Bible Study, or are leading one, this is a great site to keep bookmarked. It has one of the best and most comprehensive Bible family trees that I've seen. You are allowed to print out the charts for personal or small group use. Go to...
Scroll down to "Internal Links," and you'll find links you can click on for Old Testament genealogies, as well as one for Jesus. If making a copy, it works best with a color printer. If you don't have one, check out your local library or friend's computer. POST IT...in your Bible.

FREE BOOKS ONLINE
If you like to read more classical books, then check out this website... This is fun for those who just like to read, or if you want to save some money when you have to read one of these books for a class...you don't have to buy it. Sort of like a poor man's Kindle. The works are either in public domain, or the website has gotten permission to post them. My favorite...H. G. Wells short story, "Country of the Blind." POST IT...on your computer, and with your bookstore information.

"While most of our suffering is self- inflicted, some is caused by or permitted by God. This sobering reality calls for deep submissiveness, especially when God does not remove the cup from us. In such circumstances, when reminded about the premortal shouting for joy as this life's plan was unfolded (Job 38:7), we can perhaps be pardoned if, in some moments, we wonder what all the shouting was about."
--Neal A. Maxwell, "Willing to Submit", Ensign, May 1985

If you want to read a “feel good” story, here it is. Every wonder how the friendly skies got it's name?

Have a great week everyone!

The Things We Believe In

2009-03-29T17:05:00.004-05:00

by Gary Foreman
Are you denying facts that could hurt your finances?

The human mind is very interesting. We're given an amazing ability to think. And, yet sometimes we also have an amazing ability to deny the facts and believe whatever we want. Today I'd like to take a look at some of the financial things that we might believe.

Bad things won't happen to me. We'd all like to believe it. We own the one car that won't break down. Others will get sick, but not me. Therefore I don't need an emergency savings account or insurance. I can postpone the savings or insurance until I have more money. But, the facts are sobering. Every car will break down at some point. And almost all of us will spend some time in the hospital during our lives. The truth is that everyone needs a plan for handling unexpected expenses.

I did it before and didn't get hurt. Just because you got away with a bad decision before doesn't mean that you'll continue to get by with it. It's a little like walking away from an auto accident. You don't automatically assume that you'll be as fortunate the next time it happens. So the sane driver tries to avoid accidents.

That "everybody's doing it" is a good reason. If you hear yourself saying this, you need to check your math. Because it's very rare that everyone is doing something dangerous. Usually it's only a few people. And rarely do we know enough about their finances to know whether they're really getting away with it. Even if they look prosperous, that doesn't mean they don't get calls from bill collectors and worry themselves to sleep each night.

Besides, even if everyone were doing it, that doesn't mean that it's smart for you to do it. A few years ago lots of people were using variable mortgages to buy homes they couldn't afford. It seemed like everyone was doing it. But, now we know that it wasn't alright. Bottom line? Think through any move and how it might affect your personal finances.

That I'm smart enough to avoid problems. We'd all like to believe that we're smarter than average. And, that our smarts make us less vulnerable to financial problems than the average guy. The sad truth is that our guard is down when we're so sure of ourselves and we're probably more likely to have problems. Don't be fooled by your own arrogance.

That decisions don't have consequences. We all live with our decisions. But many of us fail to see the connections between the problems that we're having today and the decisions we made yesterday. We chose a new car instead of leaving the money in savings. Months later the refrigerator breaks down and we don't have the money to repair it. Bad luck has nothing to do with it. It's the decision we made to take the money out of savings that caused the suffering today. To understand what went wrong (so that we can learn from the experience), we often have to go beyond the first step. Sometimes the problem goes back a few steps.

Take a look at some of the things that you believe about your finances. You might just find that some of them simply aren't true.
_____________________________

Gary Foreman is the editor of The Dollar Stretcher.com

Note from Lucy: "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." Remember to keep a financial reserve to help cover you if you should suddenly be out of a job. Keep a three months supply of food stored away to help you save money in case of a job loss or an extended illness...

My sister is hanging on at her job right now, after they just laid off 80 employees. Her husband's current job will be over in two months and it doesn't look like he will get a new one right away...He is in construction and he may have to take a job 200 miles away to keep working. Luckily for them, they just paid their house off last November...My other sister works for a department store and they have been laying off people too...Luckily for her, she is one of their top producers and they have moved her to a different department just to keep her.

People don't think it won't happen to you! Get you ducks in a row now. If you are spared of a job loss or an extended illness, you are some of the lucky ones... If not, being prepared can only help you....

Barbecue Cowboy Pinto Beans

2009-03-24T10:02:00.003-05:00

From ChetDay.com

16 oz package dried pinto beans, rinsed and picked over
4 cups hot water
2 medium onions, chopped
1 Tbs chili powder
3/4 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 1/2 tbs prepared yellow mustard
Dash of Tabasco sauce

In your crock pot, mix together the beans, hot water, onions, and chili powder. Cover and cook on the low heat setting about 7 hours, or until the beans are tender but not falling apart.

Drain off all the cooking liquid. Stir in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Tabasco sauce. Cook, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes longer, until heated through.

These sound great.... I'm putting my beans in the pot tonight..

"Procrastination is attitude's natural assassin. There's nothing so fatiguing as an uncompleted task." quote by William James Note from Lucy: Why do we procrastinate? I know that there are times that we put things off and then worry about it until it is done. Why put yourself through all of that worry?

Have a great week everyone.

Before You Buy a Home

2009-03-22T19:57:00.002-05:00

by Shaunna Privratsky
12 questions to ask before you make an offer

You've finally found your dream home and you're ready to sign the contract. Wait! Before you commit to thirty years of mortgage payments, ask some important questions. Finding out the answers now may save you years of aggravation.

1. Why are the owners selling? The answer will show how motivated they are. Someone who has to move quickly for a job is more likely to take a lower offer or to sweeten the deal by paying closing costs or adding in other extras.

2. How long has the house been on the market? The best deals usually sell quickly, but if a house has been for sale for more than a month, finding out the reason could save you a bundle down the road. Maybe there are some expensive "specials" that are going to be assessed, or there is a
problem with one of the systems of the house. If you discover a problem, and you are still interested, you are in a stronger position to negotiate a lower price.

3. What are comparable houses in the area selling for? Known as "comps," your realtor should be able to find out if your
dream home is priced right.

4. Break down the price per square foot to see if you are getting a good deal. You can get the square footage from the tax office, but most listings on the Internet routinely reveal this. This will also tell you if the house you want is priced fairly. A big discrepancy will show up if it is priced too high, and this is another bargaining chip when you get to the negotiations.

5. Notice the other homes on the block. Is your intended house the nicest or most upgraded? This might seem like a bonus, but
it can mean trouble down the road. If your dream home has been upgraded beyond the neighborhood, it will be assessed lower than its true worth, and you will lose equity. It is better to buy a low- or medium-range home and fix it up yourself, to
your liking, and cash in on the equity faster.

6. How desperate are the owners to sell? In this age of foreclosures and upside-down mortgages, the more you know, the better. Some owners cannot come down in price because they need at least the asking price to break even. Houses that have been foreclosed on, or are in danger of foreclosure, may be priced right, but you have to move in quickly. Banks are notoriously unwilling to negotiate, and you may be stuck paying extra fees because of short-sells, where the bank agrees to lose part of the profit in order to sell it.

7. What are your long-range plans? If you think you may need to move again in three to five years, you may not recoup the
equity you put into the home, and may lose money when you resell. In this case, buying a home that is in a lower price range may make more sense.

8. It is important to understand how houses are assessed. A home may be priced higher than the assessment, but if the property values lower, you may not get back your money when it is time to sell. Property values are based on many factors,
including the markets at the national and local levels. Find out beforehand what kind of market you are buying into, in order to safeguard your financial future.

9. If at all possible, take a good look around the neighborhood. Is there adequate parking at local stores, train stations, easy access to major roads and Interstates, post offices, banks, etc.? No one likes to find out after the fact
that it takes half an hour to find a parking space when you have an important meeting.

10. If you have children, or are thinking about starting a family, find out now about the local schools. An easy way to
tell is to check the average SAT scores. Most public schools routinely post these, so that you get a feel for the type and quality of education that they provide.

11. Ask about utility bills. Besides the mortgage payment, you will be responsible for water, heat or air conditioning,
electricity and all the other services it takes to keep a home running. A call to the utility company will give you an average payment for that particular house. This could save a nasty surprise when winter rolls around or you open the first
water bill.

12. Try to speak to the neighbors. They see a lot and can give you the inside scoop better than digging around in old records
or evasive answers from the seller's realtor. They usually know the owner's circumstances, and you can get an idea of how you'll fit into the neighborhood. Take a walk around the block, chat up someone out in the yard, or just knock on the
door for a friendly hello. You'll be surprised at how forthcoming most people are.

Buying a home is usually the biggest purchase a family undertakes. Protect yourself by finding out the answers to these twelve questions, and you will be living in your dream home before you know it.

Take the Next Step:
- Buying a home is usually the biggest purchase a family undertakes, so protect yourself by finding out the answers to these twelve questions.

A question about "authorized users" of a credit card account.

2009-03-20T10:24:00.002-05:00

Dear Debt Adviser,
A relative who had me on his credit card accounts as an authorized user has died broke. The credit card companies are calling me to make payment arrangements. I understand that authorized users are not responsible for the account. Is this correct and where can I cite this?
-- Angela

Dear Angela,
I have never been fond of adding authorized users to an account to build another person's credit. Here's some background on authorized users for those readers not familiar with the practice. Authorized users piggyback on the credit of a friend or relative. The credit history of the account owner gets reported on the credit report of the authorized user and helps build good credit. Sounds good, so far.

But wait, there's more. Things can go bad when the account owner has a problem that results in a negative credit item being reported. Depending on a creditor's policy, the authorized user may get the negative item, too. Usually authorized users have no idea what's going on and, while they aren't responsible for the debt and can't even take their name off the account on their own, they could get hit with the negative trade line on their own credit report and a get lower credit score.

In your case, I'm sorry to say, it may be worse. Here's why. Legally the account is no longer a valid asset. So the lender may write or charge it off. This could mean an R9, or "charge-off" status, which is a negative on your credit report. What you may not know is that the charged off account could be sold, along with other charged off accounts, to a collection bureau at a huge discount and you may hear from it in the future.

Yes, you are absolutely correct that authorized users of credit card accounts are not financially responsible for payment of the accounts. But that won't stop some collectors from asking you to pay. Some reasons they may give is to keep the memory of the person clear or that he would have wanted it that way. The next time you get a call, explain to them that you know your rights and that you are not legally responsible. Ask them to send you a copy of the original agreement for the credit card account. They just might respond with, "We can't send information regarding this account to you because you are not the owner of the account." This would allow you to respond, "I rest my case." Keep all your documentation with the lender in case you need it for a collector down the road.

Most credit card agreements include a provision that the cardholder is wholly responsible for any authorized use by a secondary cardholder or authorized user. The cardholder agreement is a contract between the card issuer and the person who owns the account. Those persons added to the account as authorized users do not in any way enter into an agreement with the card issuer and are therefore not responsible for any charges associated with the account.

In the case of a death of the primary cardholder, some authorized users get into trouble by charging on the account after that person's death. If the card issuer can prove that the charges were knowingly and fraudulently made after the death of the cardholder, the authorized user could be held responsible for any charges made after that date.
You might want to contact the credit bureaus and dispute the account. They should take it off your report. I suggest you do this soon because, should the creditor report the account holder as deceased, it may show on your report and a credit report with any deceased notation on it is not eligible to receive a credit score.
I'm sorry for your loss and hope your conversations with the credit card companies go well. Good luck!

The Debt Adviser, Steve Bucci, is the president of Money Management International Financial Education Foundation

Have a great weekend everyone!

Forgiving Others ... For Your Own Sake

2009-03-19T12:11:00.005-05:00

"Forgiveness means that problems of the past no longer dictate our destinies, and we can focus on the future with God’s love in our hearts."

--Elder David E Sorensen ,"Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to Love", May 2003, Ensign pg 10

Here is an article that I found in "Bottom Lines - Daily Heatlh News" that basically comfirms that you need to forgive for several reasons... Check it out.

This article came from: Lauren Zander, life coach and cofounder of HandelGroup
Last month when I spoke with life coach Lauren Zander about the importance and true meaning of apologies (see Daily Health News, February 12, 2009), my thoughts went naturally to the act of forgiveness and what that entails. Some people assume that apologies go hand in hand with forgiveness, a sort of dance à deux, but we humans are complex creatures and seldom function in a nice linear fashion. It can be easy to apologize, but to truly forgive is often an entirely different story. When I called Lauren to discuss forgiveness, we talked about how the issues involved can be deep and sometimes disturbing.

TWO SIDES OF FORGIVENESS
There are two sides to forgiveness, of course. You can either be the one asking for it, which is the process you begin with an apology (last month's topic) -- or the one of whom it is requested. And it covers a broad swath of infractions, from small ones such as inadvertently forgetting to bring home milk from the store, to major events and actions that damage trust on a deep level, e.g., marital affairs, lying, driving while intoxicated.

Lauren explains that forgiveness is always essential, a necessary step for moving forward in life. Even acts that seem unforgivable -- abuse, abandonment, violent crime -- may be understood within the context of a person's damaged life or soul. We'll tackle that topic next month, but it is important to understand that hanging on to past transgressions -- whether your own or others -- allows "the poison to stay within you," she says. Forgiveness is the only way to resolve deep feelings of anger, resentment or guilt that otherwise can intrude on your ability to form close relationships, to confidently pursue higher professional levels, even to bond properly with your children. In addition, unresolved, anger and resentment can contribute to physical ailments that range from heart disease and high blood pressure to digestive problems and depression. Lauren believes that it is always best to resolve issues as soon as possible, rather than carrying the anger within you for months and often years... sometimes forever. Sadly, it is not unusual for people to continue carrying anger and an unforgiving spirit toward someone who has died, generally a family member.

HOW TO HELP YOUR SELF FORGIVE
Whether the other person is dead or alive, your first step in forgiving is to really try to understand what happened. One way to do this, suggests Lauren, is to write a letter about the behaviors you found unforgivable -- you will know what they are because they continue to haunt you on some level. This is a letter that will never be sent. Rather, it's a way to give voice to your emotions and move your emotional pain out of your body.

Then, having written out your list of grievances, the challenge is to reconsider how the events happened from the other person's point of view. This may seem really difficult. "People who have been hurt by another find it very hard to recognize that there are two sides to every story and that they may have been holding on to facts that are out of balance," says Lauren. Ask yourself, what was the situation like for the other person? What might have made him/her so angry or harsh or led to the actions that hurt you so badly? What could have triggered all the behaviors in the event?

It's okay to come up with more than one explanation for a transgression since you don't know what was really going on in the heart and mind of the other person. For example, I know someone who has long held it against his mother that she forgot his tenth birthday. Challenged to revisit the story, he started to peel back the events of that year... how his mother, a single working mom, was worried that her company would close and she'd be unable to support her three children. In retrospect, he saw that her reality at that time was very different than his, as a 10-year-old excited about a cake and gifts. Once he recognized what was going on from her side, separately from his, he realized that there were reasons why she forgot. Although this didn't erase how hurt he was at the time, he forgave her and was free of it at last. This doesn't only work for childhood memories -- adult situations could include the wife whose friendship with another man became too close because her husband worked 80 hours a week... or the son who rarely visits his ailing mother because he is busy on weekends as a Little League coach.

WHY IS IT SO HARD?
The letter is a tool to help you see past your hurt to other factors that may have influenced the situation. Several aspects of human nature may make this hard to do. One impediment to letting go of hurt or anger is the fear of being hurt again -- but it is important to push past the fear, says Lauren. She describes not forgiving as being like holding a weapon or a shield in front of you, compared with having open arms. Being open lets the other person know not only that you have forgiven, but also that you are ready to trust again and fully reenter the relationship. Resolving the disconnect you had is freeing and nurtures a relationship, but it also makes both parties vulnerable to being hurt again, however inadvertently. Vulnerability can be scary.

The second factor at work, says Lauren, is even more complex. "People experience a type of power when they don't fully forgive because it gives them the sense of being in the righteous position." Forgiving requires not only letting go of that power, but also acceptance of responsibility for your part in the transgression, such as the mate who has been unwilling to make time for his spouse. Though this might be the hardest part, Lauren points out that acknowledging your part also liberates you from the role of victim -- a role that may feel comforting at first, but in the long run limits your ability to grow.

True forgiveness is a challenge that demands honesty about yourself and the other party. No matter your age, it is a call to grow up and deal with others on a mature and loving level. You will know that you have succeeded in forgiving -- or being forgiven -- when love is restored and once again flows. "You are no longer holding this against the other person and you have in fact buried the axe," says Lauren. "This doesn't mean that nothing will ever happen again. It does mean that you have learned from the event and it is over. Forgiveness is healing and that is why it is so important, but," she adds, "it is never easy."
Source(s):

Lauren Zander, life coach and cofounder of HandelGroup (www.handelgroup.com).

Note from Lucy: I have always thought about this quote when thinking about forgiving, "Poison erodes the vessel it resides in."

Grace to Grace......

2009-03-17T13:43:00.001-05:00

"In the many trials of life, when we feel abandoned and when sorrow, sin, disappointment, failure, and weakness make us less than we should ever be, there can come the healing salve of the unreserved love in the grace of God. It is a love that lifts and blesses. It is a love that sustains a new beginning on a higher level and thereby continues from grace to grace."

--James E. Faust, "A Personal Relationship with the Savior", Ensign, November 1976, p. 59. Eph. 4:12, 13

Have a great week everyone!

Caribbean Jerked Chicken and Pot Roast in the Crock Pot

2009-03-14T13:37:00.006-05:00

Recipe from Chetday.com

1/2 cup sliced green onions
2 tbs grated gingerroot
1 tsp ground allspice
3 fresh jalapeno chiles, seeded and coarsely chopped
1 tsp vegetable oil
2 tsp seasoned pepepr
1/2 tsp salt
1 clove garlic
1 tbs honey
5 chicken thighs and drumsticks (joined together)
Cooked rice
Papaya (optional, peeled and sliced

In a blender or food processor, combine onions, gingerroot, allspice, jalapeno chiles, oil, seasoned pepper, salt and garlic. Process until finely chopped. Stir in honey to form a paste. Brush on all sides of chicken. Place a rack in a slow cooker. Place chicken on rack. Cover and cook on low 4 to 4 1/2 hours or until chicken is tender. Serve with rice. Garnish with papaya.

Regarding Tuesday's recipe for Carribean Jerked Chicken, several people wrote in with comments about Jerk, the seasoning that makes the recipe so distinctive...

Chet, jerk is a dry seasoning blend that originated on the Caribbean island after which it's named, and which is used primarily in the preparation of grilled meat. The ingredients can vary, depending on the cook, but Jamaican jerk blend is generally a combination of chiles, thyme, spices (such as cinnamon, ginger, allspice and cloves), garlic and onions. Jerk seasoning can be either rubbed directly onto meat, or blended with a liquid to create a marinade. In the Caribbean, the most common meats seasoned in this fashion are pork and chicken. Such preparations are referred to as "jerk pork" and "jerk chicken." -- Georganna

"Jerk is a Jamaican tradition. The authentic method of jerking has been credited to the Maroons. These Jamaican heroes were runaway slaves who lived in the rugged mountains of the island and hunted wild boar. Portions of meat were highly seasoned with peppers & spices and cooked slowly over a fire pit of smoking pimento wood. Jerk was an option to salt curing which also helped to prevent spoilage in the tropical heat. The depth of flavour is achieved by seasoning large cuts of meat and allowing it to marinate in the spices before cooking. The results are hot, spicy chunks of tender meat." -- Cathy

What I was told is that jerked chicken or pork or whatever, is called that because in Jamaica they cook it over very hot BBQ grills and they have to "jerk" it off because of the heat. -- Brenda

Jerk is a method of cooking pork and chicken that dates back to the Carib-Arawak Indians who inhabited Jamaica. Captured animals were cleaned and then "jerked" with
sharp objects that created holes to stuff with local exotic spices. Jamaica is blessed with a great mix of locally grown spices that have long been a mainstay of Jamaican life and cuisine. The Meats were then placed in stone lined deep pits and covered with the pimento wood which smoked heavily imparting a unique flavor to the meat. The holes on the meat allowed heat to escape without the loss of moisture leaving the meat spicy, moist and tender - simply delicious. This entire cooking process and spice blend have become know as "Jerking." Authentic Jerk Sauces and Spices remain true to the original mixtures used in Jamaica. – Catherine

Note from Lucy: This sounded so good that I just had to post it… I hope some of you give it a try and let me know how you liked it.. The recipe below will be our Sunday dinner, but without the beer...lol.

For those that are more interested in Pot Roast, here is a video that will give you some ideas about how to successfully cook a pot roast in the crock pot.

Have a great weekend everyone....

Pineapple Salsa Chicken

2009-03-12T06:43:00.001-05:00

3-6 skinless chicken breasts
1 can tidbit pineapple (drain the juice)
1 can black beans (do not drain)
1 32-ounce jar of mild to medium chunky style salsa

Place the thawed chicken breasts in the crockpot and add the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with warm tortillas and some rice.

We like the leftovers served in a tortilla with fixins, this makes a great chicken burrito.

Today's Crockpot Recipe Courtesy of Joan Elder

Diane, here's my Sunday dinner.

More Ideas from Dollar Stretcher.....

2009-03-06T21:00:00.003-06:00

Special Pancake Jug

My husband recently bought a shake and pour pancake jug. I thought it was pretty cool, but the price was not so cool. When I was using it, I realized I could just save the jug and refill with my own pancake mix. I get the ease of shake and pour at a fraction of the cost. Lynne in Indiana

Little Luxuries - The Free DVD Store

At work, we made a list of DVDs and videos that each of us have. Rather than rent from the video store or go out for a night at the movies, we borrow from each other. Kim

Check the Tax First

We had purchased "newer" used cars and were hit with personal property tax bill of over $800 the next year! I have an older used car that runs great and costs me less than a hundred dollars annually in personal property tax. It would be wise for a person to check into property taxes before buying even a used car. Kellie A.

editor's note: Each state taxes cars differently. Kellie makes a good point. You need to know your state's taxes and keep them in mind when shopping for a newer vehicle.

15 Ways to Survive a Job Loss

If yours was among the 2.59 million jobs lost so far in this recession, here are 15 ways to handle your financial obligations until you get back on your feet.

Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09feb18d.htm

Myth: Aftermarket Gear Voids Car Warranty

Buyers may soon be able to personalize their new cars without endangering the manufacturer's warranty.

Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09feb20c.htm

Video: How to Lower Your Property Taxes

The only upside of declining real estate values may be lower property taxes. Here's how to get yours reduced.

Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09feb23g.htm

Work History Key to Refinance Approval

Lenders scrutinize work history before deciding whether to approve applications for new loans.

Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09feb20j.htm

Helping Those Less Fortunate by R. Kellogg

You'd support your local food pantry if you could

Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09mar02g.cfm

Wait for Bargains on These 5 Items?

As prices sink and retailers grow desperate, is now the time
to buy these five items? Or, should you wait?

Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09feb18b.htm

Have a great weekend everyone!

They are trying to say it was inherited?

2009-03-05T13:28:00.006-06:00

Just watch the video....
Do it quickly before it gets pulled again.

If that is not enough, Here's another one. This makes my blood boil...

Demand is on the rise at local food pantries:

2009-03-03T07:27:00.002-06:00

With the economy in free fall, local food pantries all over the country are experiencing many new patrons. Check out this story, from the New York Times about the new layer of people using food pantries….

As a member of the Mormon (LDS) church, we are taught to be self reliant….One of the things we are taught is the store food for a time of emergency. Job lay-offs is one such example of an emergency…. A scripture in the Bible says, that “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear”. Having a three months supply of whatever you eat is a good idea… Once you get that first three months worth of food, then you can start putting away items that have a longer shelf life.

Two summers ago, TF had to have Gall Bladder surgery. He was supposed to be out of work for only a week, but unexpected complications kept him out of work for a month… Because we had our food storage and some cash set aside, we did not have to worry too much about going in the hole while he was out of work… It is even more important, with all of the lay offs taking place, to be prepared for anything. It is not that hard to get started.

Think about what you eat on a daily basis… Make a list and figure out how many times you eat certain foods each week, multiply that by 12 and determine how much you need to purchase for your three months supply. Let’s see, for spaghetti, I need 12 cans for tomatoes, 12 packets of spaghetti sauce mix, 12 packages of spaghetti strings, etc. TF eats Maple and Brown sugar oatmeal every morning. I multiply that out and figure out how many boxes of oatmeal I will need….

Once you have figured out what you eat, then you need to shop for it. I watch the sales papers and see what is on sale for that week…..I use coupons, when I have them, and buy things on sale to save money while purchasing my food storage. We eat a lot of chile and a couple of weeks ago, Krogers had Hormel Chile on sale for 50 cents a can if you bought 10 cans. I was able to get 50 cans of Chile for $ 25.00. This will last for almost a year, but I have it when I need it. I didn’t pay a fortune for it and the expiration date was good for two years.

Once you get your food storage in place, make sure you rotate it. Your food storage should be your extended pantry. Don’t let it sit there, use it! Green beans that have been in storage for five years won’t be any good if you don’t rotate it. The idea is to have good food that you normally eat, in a time of emergency.

Another good practice is to have two weeks worth of water on hand. The normal person needs a gallon a day. During Hurricane IKE we were without water for several days and once our water was up and running, we were told not to drink it for several more days…We had water set aside in gallon containers to get us through this time period.

Do you have a financial reserve? It is advised that you have enough money to get you through three months in an emergency… You can start small by saving all of your change at the end of the day… You might take on an extra job for a while until you have some reserves set aside…. Maybe you could sell some of your old stuff on eBay or have a garage sale and put that money aside. There are any number of ways to do this, but it can be done….

All I can say, is start today to be prepared for whatever may come your way.

Have a great week everyone!

What will they think of next?

2009-02-25T19:29:00.005-06:00

Environmentalists launch attack on bottled water:

The Competitive Enterprise Institute says bottled water is fast becoming the new "sin" industry.

Several American cities have passed or are considering bans on bottled water. Lawmakers locally and nationally are also considering levying heavy taxes on bottled water. But the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) is fighting back by launching a petition campaign and a YouTube video that asks the question "What's stupid about bottled water?"

CEI's director of risk and environmental policy Angela Logomasini explains why bottled water is getting such negative press. "They say it makes too much landfill space, has too big of a carbon footprint and things of that nature," she contends. "They also say it's the same as tap water, which we argue and I've shown in a research study that I did that it's simply not the case."

Logomasini adds that bottled water has become the new "sin" industry and she sites efforts to impose a so-called sin tax on bottled water, such as the one in Chicago.

Angela Logomasini (CEI)"They tax it a nickel per bottle. So if you buy a case, it's a 30-percent tax on the entire case because each bottle in the case is taxed," she notes. "Toronto has banned it in government buildings. Salt Lake City banned it in government buildings, or at least banned government purchases, including for firefighters."

According to Logomasini, Chicago had a budget shortfall, so they saw bottled water as an "easy whipping boy" and imposed the tax. She contends that bottled water regulations are the latest effort in the ultimate "nanny-state" government and wonders what industry will be targeted next.

More information on the benefits of bottled water and a petition to stop government intrusion on the industry can be found at EnjoyBottledWater.org.

Note from Lucy: I know that it is better to drink water from a glass bottle, but I do drink a lot of my water from plastic bottles.. I know that it takes up space in the trash dumps, but I recycle my plastic... The gallon bottles are cut down with a special pair of scissors and the smaller bottles are crushed and put into the recycle bin. Since I have been recycling, we have cut down on the amount of trash that goes out into the garbage.

Here's the question: Do you think they should tax us for drinking bottled water?

Tidbits from Make a Note/ Won Tons/Car Accident

2009-02-17T23:20:00.006-06:00

SAVE YOUR FLAT TOP STOVES AND OVEN GLASS
Recently we woke up one morning to a completely shattered glass oven door, and we hadn't used it in 3 days. When the repairman came out to replace it, he provided a lot of helpful info that could keep your repairman away. First, apparently a glass oven shattering is something that is a common occurrence across all brands. Sometimes it is a flaw in the glass that breaks after repeated heating & cooling. He said that the number one cause was probably people trying to clean it with damp sponges or sprays when it was still hot. In other words, do NOT clean oven glass until it has completely cooled. The cost to replace the glass was about a third of the cost of a new oven. But he said if we ever broke the flat top stove, that it would be cheaper to get a new stove, than replace the flat top panel. He said the number one cause of flat top breaks is something falling from the cabinet over the flat top. So maybe the microwaves on top aren't such a great idea. But if you have any heavy items above your stove...glasses, dishes, pots/pans, china, and most of us do...MOVE THEM. When you move them, place a pillow on top of the flat top, so if you drop anything, it won't break it. Number 2 cause of flat tops breaking, apparently the handymen in our lives trying to climb to reach something & either stepping or kneeling on the flat top. So prevent the break, and you'll save yourself money later.
•
• * * USA PASSPORT CARDS
These are new passports, that are ID card sized, convenient and less expensive than the passport book. But they can only be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. They cannot be used for international air travel. Read more about them here...
POST IT...with your current passport, or with your Travel Agent's number.

VETERANS & ACTIVE DUTY...SALUTE IN CIVVIES
For a long time our veterans, and active duty for that matter, were told they should not salute in civvies (civilian clothes). But an amendment was recently passed changing that. So let all those proud veterans and active duty service personnel, that we appreciate so much, know that when a flag goes by or the anthem rings out, to feel free to do a military salute. POST IT...with your hats.
•
• *MISSING: ANNABELLE WILLIAMS-FORLANO
Annabelle (5 yr old, white female, 3'4", 35 lbs, brown hair/eyes) was last seen on February 16, 2009 in Conroe, TX, USA. Annabelle may be in the company of an adult female and an adult male. They are believed to be traveling to New York in a white pick-up truck. Annabelle was last seen wearing a Hannah Montana shirt, a pink jacket, blue jeans, and pink boots. For photos and more information click here..

JOKE
I had been teaching my three-year old daughter, Caitlin, the Lord's Prayer. For several evenings at bedtime, she would repeat after me the lines from the prayer. Finally, she decided to go solo. I listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each word, right up to the end of the prayer:"Lead us not into temptation," she prayed, "but deliver us some E-mail. Amen."
• -Unknown(Editor's Note: If your email inbox is anything like mine, I might be praying "deliver us FROM email".)

Won Tons

1 lb ground beef
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon Accent seasoning (optional)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 packages wonton wrappers (skins)
water
salt

Sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup white vinegar
4 tablespoons ketchup
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice

Mix together ground beef egg, accent, green onions, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Place 1 teaspoon ground beef mixture on each won ton wrap, Wet edges of wrap with water. Fold in half to form triangle. Wet one corner on long side of triangle, bring both points on long side together. Repeat for all remaining wraps. Deep fry 8-10 won tons at a time at 350 degrees Fahrenheit approximately 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain in paper towels. Sprinkle with salt. Serve with sauce. For sauce: mix all ingredients together in saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until thickened (about 2 minutes).
Recipe by: Shaun Zimmerman on the Real Food for Real People website

CAR ACCIDENT IN TEXAS ... PRICELESS !!
If you don't listen to anything else today, listen to this one. This
will definitely make you laugh! Turn up your sound and click on the
website below. The accident occurred in the Dallas - Ft. Worth area.
This is a phone call from a man who witnesses the accident in volving
four elderly women. &nb sp;It was so popular when they played it on
CHUM- FM, and they put it on their website. The guy's laugh is
contagious. Just close your eyes and picture what he sees.

Have a great week everyone!

What would first graders say......

2009-02-15T21:40:00.005-06:00

1s grade school teacher had twenty-six students in her class. She presented each child in her classroom the 1st half of a well-known proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb. It's hard to believe these were actually done by first graders. Their insight may surprise you. While reading, keep in mind that these are first-graders, 6-year-olds, because the last one is a classic!

1.Don't change horses... until they stop running.

2. Strike while the... bug is close.

3. It's always darkest before... Daylight Saving Time.

4.Never underestimate the power of... termites.

5. You can lead a horse to water but... How?

6. Don't bite the hand tha... looks dirty.

7. No news is... impossible

8. A miss is as good as a... Mr.

9. You can't teach an old dog new... Math

10. If you lie down with dogs, you'll stink in the morning.

11. Love all, trust... Me.

12. The pen is mightier than the... pigs.

13.An idle mind is... the best way to relax.

14. Where there's smoke there's... pollution.

15. Happy the bride who... gets all the presents.

16. A penny saved is... not much.

17. Two's company, three's... the Musketeers.

18. Don't put off till tomorrow what... you put on to go to bed.

19. Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and... You have to blow your nose.

20. There are none so blind as... Stevie Wonder.

21. Children should be seen and no... spanked or grounded.

22. If at first you don't succeed... get new batteries.

23. You get out of something only what you... See in the picture on the box

24. When the blind lead the blind... get out of the way.

25. A bird in the hand... is going to poop on you.

And the WINNER and last one!
26. Better late than... Pregnant

Here's the best thing I've read about the Economic Stimulus Plan:

Three contractors are bidding to fix a broken fence at the White House. One
> is from Chicago, another is from Tennessee, and the third is from Minnesota.
>
> All three go with a White House official to examine the fence. The Minnesota
> contractor takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some
> figures with a pencil. "Well," he says, "I figure the job will run about
> $900: $400 for materials, $400 for my crew and $100 profit for me."
>
> The Tennessee contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says, "
> I can do this job for $700: $300 for materials, $300 for my crew and $100
> profit for me."
>
> The Chicago contractor doesn't measure or figure, but leans over to the
> White House official and whispers, "$2,700."
>
> The official, incredulous, says, "You didn't even measure like the other
> guys! How did you come up with such a high figure?"
>
> The Chicago contractor whispers back, "$1000 for me, $1000 for you, and we
> hire the guy from Tennessee to fix the fence."
>
> "Done!" replies the government official.
>
> And that, my friends, is how the new stimulus plan will work.

More ideas from Dollar Stretcher

2009-02-10T10:16:00.006-06:00

Technology Meets the Envelope System

When setting a budget, some people don't like to carry their spending cash around with them, but that's the easiest way to keep track of what you spend and what you have left. My suggestion is to get reloadable gift cards. At the beginning of the month, put your spending money on the card. Put the money you have budgeted for fun, for take out, for morning coffees, etc. Pay for all these extras with the gift card, and when used up, it's gone until the next time you are scheduled to reload it. Remember to get a gift card that has no fees!

Using the gift card for all the non-essential purchases is a convenient way to realize what you spend money on and where you go overboard. In fact, you could have a separate gift card for each account in your budget. That way, you couldn't overspend any of them.
DeAnna D.

Lampshades

I use a lint roller to clean my lampshades. It's very sticky, so it works great! And it's very easy! Aubrey E. in Hays, KS

Sweet Smelling Slippers

My husband's slippers always smell like, well, feet! So we put a used dryer sheet in each slipper and now they don't smell anymore! Wendy D. in Boston, MA

Soak the Dirt Away

If you have a load of laundry that doesn't fade, after the washer has filled and agitated to get the soap mixed in, turn the machine off and let the clothes soak for a short time. The dirt flows out and the clothes will last longer as well as the machine parts because of less agitation. Then just turn the machine back on and over to the rinse cycle to complete the wash. Renee P. in Smithville, TN

Video: New Credit Card Rules from the Fed
Some consumer "unfriendly" credit card practices may soon be changed by the Federal Reserve.

Cash Crunch?
6 ways to get liquid in a hurry If your expenses are rising,
your income is falling, and your credit is cut, here's how to
improve the cash flow.

Qualifying for Unemployment
In a recession, more jobless people claim unemployment, but
whether you get it can depend on state rules.

Haggling With Your Credit Card Company
How to get your interest rate lowered.

"Good cheer is a state of mind or mood that promotes happiness or joy... With God’s help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. It is a process of positive reassurance and reinforcement. It is sunshine when clouds block the light."

--Marvin J. Ashton, "Be of Good Cheer", Ensign, May 1986, 66

Have a great week everyone!

I think Big Dave is on to something….

2009-02-06T09:07:00.002-06:00

I don’t know how many of you read “Big Daves” blog but he enjoys picking up money on the street and in parking lots.…Well, I read a story this morning about a family in New York City that has been collecting found money for three years now and has collect around $ 1,100.00. They go out as a family, take walks and collect pennies and whatever else they can find. When they get home they put it in a big jar and save their new found treasures.

Years ago, when our family was on vacation in Colorado, we were in the town of Silverton walking around. We had taken the train from Durango to Silverton, as our days adventure, and were out seeing the sights… Next thing you know, my son William, was shouting that he had found some money….He happened to look down and found four, one dollar bills…There they were, lying on the ground. He instantly picked them up and proudly showed them to his mom and dad… Well the girls weren’t going to be outdone and they spent the rest of the trip watching the ground…lol. We asked William, what he wanted to do with his new found fortune and he said, “Ice Cream”. I laughed and we all started looking for a place where we could buy some ice cream…. William was happy to part with his found treasure and he treated us all to ice cream, with a little help from his dad.

It is funny how money can burn a hole in a young persons pocket…I wonder how many of us burn holes in our pockets with our hard earned cash…. Are we paying our bills and saving for a rainy day? Do we go out and buy all of the new fangled items on the market? Do you have a spending personality or do you have a saving personality? I have to admit that I have a saving personality and if I spend it, it had better be on sale or marked down……. I am sad to say that William, at the ripe old age of 27 in nine days, still spends his money as fast as he gets it. He is always out of money and has a hard time paying his bills. I know that we did everything in our power to teach him how to use his money but somehow it didn’t take.

Think about you spending habits in this economy and adjust where necessary…

BTW: It has been a really busy week for me, my Uncle died and my sister had surgery…. The funeral went well and I was able to see family that I haven’t seen in a while. Pat’s surgery went very well and she is on the road to recovery…Enough said.

Have a great weekend everyone!

7 Ways to Trash Your Credit Score

2009-02-02T03:47:00.007-06:00

Making some of the following mistakes can ensure that lenders will need a hazmat suit to handle your credit report. By Sheyna Steiner � Bankrate.com

Remember the good old days, way back in 2006, when the streets were paved with credit-gold as far as the eye could see and credit cards rained from the sky? Even the credit-destitute were treated like kings by the credit card companies and courted with lavish offers of unlimited credit.
Here in the future, the world has changed. Banks claim they want to lend money, but really they'd prefer to buy other banks with government money.
Credit issuers aren't sure they want to lend money to people who need to borrow it, a situation somewhat analogous to the Groucho Marx axiom, "I don't want to belong to any club that will accept me as a member."
And woe betide those who ask for loans with glaring blemishes on their credit reports. An unpaid collection is apt to be regarded like a cockroach in the consomm�.
These days, wrecking your ability to get credit is about as easy as blowing over a house of credit cards.

7 ways to be credit-stupid:

1. Close credit card accounts

2. Let credit cards collect dust

3. Run up high balances

4. Apply for new credit repeatedly

5. Don't pay fines or noncredit-card bills

6. Ignore mistakes on your report

7. Make late payments or skip them

Note from Lucy: Now days our credit report is more important than ever when applying for a loan.... I know that it can also determine how high your interest rate will be if you do get accepted for a loan..... A so so credit report will not get you a bottom line interest rate.

Another thought: I have Diane and Jessica on my prayer list, and anyone else who are dealing with the aftermath of those terrible ice storms in Arkansas and Kentucky. As beautiful as they are, they are dangerous. Power lines are down, streets are slick, many people are without power, as well as heat. Let's hope for a quick recovery in that area of the country...

Have a great week everyone!

Crucial

2009-01-26T21:42:00.004-06:00

( I got this in an email form a friend of mine and thought that it was worth blogging about....

Because of recent abductions In daylight hours, refresh yourself Of these things to do in an emergency situation...

This is for you, And for you to share With your wife, Your children, Everyone you know. After reading these 9 crucial tips , Forward them to someone you care about.

It never hurts to be careful In this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do:

The elbow is the strongest point On your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide in New Orleans:

If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM . Toss it away from you....Chances are that he is more interested In your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3.If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car:

Kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4.Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc.,and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side,put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE. If someone is in the car, with a gun to your head, DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Repeat:
DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car.
Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat, they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot or parking garage:

A.) Be aware: Look around you, Look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.

B.)If you are parked next to a big van: Enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.

C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, And the passenger side.. If a male is sitting alone In the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a
Guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7.If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target)4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8.As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic:

STOP It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help'into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point:

Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said,'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night. Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door for a crying baby ----

This e-mail should probably be taken seriously because the Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America 's Most Wanted this past Saturday when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana.

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know. It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle. I was going to send this to the ladies only, but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc.,you may want to pass it onto them, as well. Send this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it's better to be safe than sorry..

Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or love one's life. Have a great week everyone!

101 ways to stretch your food dollars

2009-01-19T18:55:00.002-06:00

101 ways to stretch your food dollars
By Valerie Phillips
Deseret News
Published: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 12:12 a.m. MDT

Food prices are going up. But here are lots of ways — 101 of them — to shave off pennies, dimes and dollars from your food costs.

Not every tip fits every situation. A vat-size container of salad dressing is cheaper per ounce, but not if it sits in a single person's fridge for months on end. Remember, the most expensive food you can buy is the food that goes to waste.

Before you go

1. For a week, track what your family actually spends on food. Don't forget to include work lunches, restaurant meals, vending-machine snacks and convenience store stops. These add up quickly.

2. Have a plan. Jot down simple dinner menus for the week, using the weekly grocery store ads so you can take advantage of what's on sale that week. Having a plan ends the 5 p.m. "what's for dinner?" plight.

3. Make a shopping list from your menu. Having the ingredients you need for the week eliminates extra trips to the supermarket, where more incidental items can end up in your grocery cart.

4. To save time, compile a basic shopping list of things you usually buy on a weekly basis, such as milk, lettuce, etc. Organize the list by the store layout and make lots of copies. Then each week it's just a matter of penciling in the extra ingredients from your menu.

5. Get out of the dinner rut. Check out cookbooks or magazines from the library or attend local cooking classes for new ideas.

6. For low-cost, nutritious recipe ideas, check the Food Stamp Nutrition Connection at recipefinder.nal.usda.gov. The recipes have cost-per-serving and nutrition data.

7. Consider making from scratch many of the things you usually buy in prepared form, such as brownies or salad dressing.

8. Time is a valuable resource. It's usually not worth the time (or gasoline) to hopscotch from store to store to save a few dollars.

9. Consider the advantages when you choose where to shop. Some stores offer credit cards with rebates, discounts on gasoline, special coupons and so on.

10. Club warehouses can save money, but be judicious. Can you use 18 cartons of yogurt at a time? Often you can find similar good buys and a better selection at a regular grocery store

11. Sometimes you're lured into buying things that lose their appeal and end up sitting on the shelf. To cure yourself of impulse shopping, every so often force yourself to make a meal out of those items in the cupboard.

12. Consider group strategies. A neighborhood group or extended family might save by buying in bulk directly from wholesalers and farmers.

Shopping

13. Try shopping with cash, taking only an allotted amount to the store.

14. Statistics indicate that people buy more when they are hungry or accompanied by others, especially children. (However, grocery shopping can be a good learning experience for kids; let them find all the coupon foods and comparison shop with you.)

15. Don't dawdle. The longer you're wandering through the store, the more chance of impulse buys.

16. Avoid convenience stores. They have higher prices and very few specials.

17. Guard against nonfood impulse buys that could end up in your cart, such as the latest DVD, perfumes or toiletries. Do you really need them?

18. Limit trips to the store. Multiple trips usually mean more incidental items added to the cart.

19. Try "catch-and-release" shopping with high-end items. Put that bottle of name-brand, extra-virgin olive oil in the cart, and while you finish the rest of your purchases, ask if it's something you can live without. Then before you check out, put it back on the shelf. After all, dreaming is free. (However, if you end up convincing yourself to buy these things, or you forget to put them back, this method isn't for you!)

Coupons

20. Use the coupon inserts in your Sunday newspaper ads.

21. To maximize coupon savings, use resources such as Pinchingyourpennies.com, the Grocery Guru at www.gurusdeals.com, or Couponsense.com, which help you to coordinate coupons with sales at local grocery stores. By using the coupon with the sale price, you can get items for a fraction of the cost.

22. Multiply the savings. Some people take multiple Sunday newspaper subscriptions for the coupons, and you can also ask your neighbors or relatives for the coupons from their paper.

23. Check other sources for coupons: the "blinkies" in the red boxes on grocery store shelves, home mailers, "peelies" that are peeled off the product itself and printables off Web sites.

24. Be wise about coupons. Sometimes a brand name with a coupon is still more expensive than a generic brand. And resist buying things you may not use just because you have a coupon.

25. Some grocery stores match competitor coupons if you have the advertisement with you.

26. Organize your coupons so you can use them efficiently. A women uses a three-ring binder with clear photo pages or baseball card pockets. Others use a filing box and take out the coupons they will be using and clip them to their shopping list on their way to the grocery store.

27. Send in rebates. One women puts all the money she receives from rebates in a separate account, and she's now up to $200.

Cereals & baked goods

28. One reason people avoid buying cheaper bagged cereals is because they're hard to store and pour. Store them in a plastic pitcher with a pour spout.

29. Consider how much you can save by cooking whole grains for breakfast instead of cold breakfast cereal. Homer Cook of Layton said as a welfare volunteer, he helped a single mother of three cut her breakfast costs from $1,000 per year to $58 per year by cooking cracked wheat (based on Honeyville Grain prices).

30. Buy whole-grain cereals and breads. They're more filling, so you are satisfied with less. And they're better for you.

31. Go '90s retro and pull out your old bread machine. Besides bread, it can be used for rolls and pizza dough.

32. Make croutons or bread crumbs from day-old bread or hotdog buns. The crumbs can be seasoned and used as a "shake-and-bake" chicken coating.

33. Seek out day-old bread "thrift" stores. But be wary of the temptation to overbuy empty calorie items such as cupcakes, potato chips and doughnuts.

34. Bake a batch of muffins from scratch for on-the-go breakfasts. Even if you use a mix, you'll still save over bakery prices.

Produce

35. Buy fruits and vegetables in season when they're cheaper and taste fresher. When compared to the price per pound of meat, cheese, chocolate, etc., they're a nutritional bargain.

36. If you're preparing a commercial meal kit (such as Hamburger Helper or a frozen pasta dinner), toss in a few more vegetables. Chopped bell peppers or celery, and frozen broccoli or peas add color, flavor and nutrition to what is usually a lot of starch, sauce and salt. They can also stretch the meal into more servings.

37. Ready-prepped veggies cost more but may be worth it if you actually use those peeled carrots or sliced mushrooms. A huge percentage of fresh produce goes to waste sitting in refrigerators.

38. A pound bag of chopped iceberg lettuce salad costs more (about $2) than a head of iceberg lettuce (approximately $1 per pound) that you clean and chop yourself. But if bagged salad greens keep you from buying restaurant salads, there's still a savings.

39. If lettuce prices are up, vary your veggies. Consider cabbage, spinach, carrot or broccoli salads.

40. Grow your favorite herbs year-round in your kitchen window. It's convenient to be able to cut a few sprigs as needed, and packets of fresh herbs can cost $1.50-$2 in grocery stores.

41. If you're not up to planting a garden, add a few strawberry or tomato plants to your flower beds. You have to weed and water them anyway. Or add a fruit tree to your back yard.

42. Yellow onions are often 40 cents to 50 cents less per pound than red (purple) onions.

43. When your favorite fresh vegetables are offseason, look for canned and frozen versions. Do the math and figure out which offers the best price per serving.

44. Beans are an inexpensive protein. Add them to tacos, casseroles, salads, etc., so you can use less meat.

45. Dried beans, per cooked serving, are often less than half the price of canned beans. But they take a lot of time to cook. Soak a batch overnight in your slow cooker on low heat, then portion and freeze for later use.

46. Vegetables frozen in butter sauce usually cost more than plain frozen vegetables, and they have more fat and calories.

47. Price fruits with an eye on the cost-per-edible serving. If you are buying by the pound, you are also paying for any inedible seeds and rinds.

48. When buying fresh greens by weight, be sure to shake off the excess water before you put them in your cart. Water hidden in between the leaves adds weight and raises the cost.

49. Serve a vegetable "medley" when you have small amounts of several different vegetables. Mix together and microwave, and top with a little cheese or a sprinkle of nuts.

Dairy

50. Unless you buy powdered milk in bulk for a price break, you won't save money over fresh milk. On a recent shopping trip, the Deseret News found that a box of generic-brand powdered milk that yields 31 cups of milk was $6.49. If you can buy fresh milk at $3 a gallon, you can get 32 cups for $6.

51. Buy a large container of yogurt and divide it into portions yourself. A 32-ounce container, at $2.79, yields four 8-ounce portions at 34 cents a serving. The same brand in single-serve containers was 50 cents each.

52. Milk fat costs. You can often save about 10 cents to 20 cents per gallon by dropping from 2 percent to 1 percent or skim.

53. If you use margarine instead of butter to cut costs, don't use anything less than 100 percent margarine for baking. The lower-fat spreads have water and fillers that bake up poorly (and when poured over popcorn turn it to mush). Real butter is approximately $4 per pound; 100 percent margarine (such as Nucoa) can be $1.50 to $2 per pound. Save the less-expensive spreads for your toast.

54. Consider home delivery of milk and bread. It costs more, but it might save on extra trips to the store.

55. There is no nutritional difference between brown and white eggs; it has more to do with the color of the hen. White eggs usually cost less.

56. Freeze butter to keep its fresh flavor. Grate it, frozen, over toast, baked potatoes, etc. for portion control.

57. Finely shred cheese when topping pizzas, grilled ham and cheese, etc. You'll use less.

Meat

58. Unless they're on special, breasts are the most expensive part of the chicken. Boneless, skinless thighs offer the same convenience for less, and dark meat is more moist and flavorful anyway.

59. Take a cue from restaurant chefs who can make a small portion of meat or chicken look plentiful. They slice it thinly and fan out the slices on top of a mound of rice or potatoes.

60. Tough cuts of meat are usually cheaper. Place a beef brisket in you slow cooker in the morning and by dinner time you'll have tender beef (and a tantalizing aroma in your kitchen).

61. Don't throw out your bacon drippings. Some suggestions from Every Day With Rachael Ray magazine: Stir it into grits, use in place of oil when popping popcorn, saute bread cubes in it for croutons, add to cornbread batter, add to barbecue sauce and brush on ribs or chicken while they're cooking.

62. Compare meat costs by servings, not pounds. Bony meats are cheaper per pound, but they yield less edible meat per pound.

63. Likewise, a large store-cooked rotisserie chicken at $6 is cheaper than buying a raw, 5-pound whole raw chicken at $1.30 per pound and cooking it at home. As a bonus, you can use the carcass and bits of meat on the bones to make chicken broth.

64. Although the price of eggs has nearly doubled in the past year, a $2 carton of eggs can still supply a protein-rich meal for a family of six. Scramble them with leftovers such as chopped ham, crumbled bacon, chopped peppers, onions and so on.

65. Buy ground beef in bulk quantities to get a better price. When you get home, divide meal-size portions in zip-lock bags and freeze.

Canned goods

66. Big cans are often cheaper, but not always. Check the price per unit guide on the grocery shelf, which shows the cost per ounce. Also, consider how you use the product. If you buy a big can of tomato sauce, use a little and end up wasting the rest, you're better off buying the small can in the first place.

67. What to do with the last of the jam or jelly jar: Pour in some milk, refrigerate for a little while to loosen the jam stuck to the jar sides, and shake into a flavored drink.

68. Generic brands can save money. But try one can first before you invest in a whole case to make sure it appeals to your family.

69. Stockpile pantry items you normally use, such as spaghetti sauce or pasta, when they're on sale. Keep a list of quick-fix possibilities on the inside of your cupboard door, such as spaghetti, meatball sub sandwiches, baked tortellini, etc.

Snacks

70. Invest in a popcorn popper. You can make 10 times as much popcorn for the same price as microwave popcorn. A three-pack box of microwave popcorn yields about 10 1/2 cups of popcorn for $2 to $3, depending on the brand. A $1.99 bag of regular popcorn yields 113 cups. You'll have to add you own butter and salt, but you have more control over the amounts.

71. When making s'mores, instead of buying chocolate bars and graham crackers, place the marshmallow between two chocolate-striped cookies. A package of Keebler Fudge Shoppe cookies is approximately $3 and makes 15 s'mores. You'd spend at least that much money on chocolate bars alone.

72. Break the soda pop habit. If you normally drink a can per day, at 50 cents per can, you could pocket more than $180 a year.

73. Every time you have a few leftover strawberries, peach slices, etc., store them in the same zip-lock bag in the freezer. Then every so often, whir them all together in the blender for a smoothie snack.

74. If you like the look of designer bottled water, buy it once and keep refilling with tap water, which is free. Many bottled waters cost more per gallon than gasoline.

75. Use food as a reward sparingly. Make treats more significant by using them only for special occasions. With obesity on the rise, most people don't need them on a regular basis.

76. Nip nighttime snacks. Go to bed a half-hour early and keep yourself from wanting a handful of chips while watching David Letterman. Your waistline will thank you.

Storage

77. Keep an eye on your pantry inventory so you use up all the pancake mix or corn syrup before buying more.

78. Oil goes rancid fairly quickly. Unless you use it often, buy in small quantities or refrigerate after using.

79. Post a "must use" list on the fridge to remind yourself of the half-empty can of pineapple, three hot dogs, etc. that will go bad quickly.

80. Label leftovers with date and contents before putting them in the freezer. You'll actually use these things instead of having mystery containers stuck in the back of the freezer.

81. Use and rotate your food storage. If you aren't using it, it is basically a waste of space and money. Rule of thumb: Store what you use and use what you store.

In the kitchen

82. Use smaller plates. Studies show that when people are served on larger plates, they take larger servings, whether they're really hungry or not.

83. One night a week have leftover night. Pull out all the leftovers from other meals — the half-cup of spaghetti sauce, the slices of ham or stray chicken breast, the chunk of cheese, the corn or peas. Bake some potatoes and let everyone pick the leftovers for toppings.

84. Pack a lunch for the next day from dinner leftovers instead of eating out.

85. Use meals to stretch your entertainment dollars. Go on a picnic in a park or get out the Dutch oven pots, have a hot dog roast or go fishing and then cook your catch.

86. When serving buffet-style, put the low-cost items, such as salad or rolls, at the beginning of the line and the most expensive item — meat — near the end.

87. Have meatless Monday meals.

88. Homemade soups are a good way to use leftover meat and vegetables. Their liquid content also makes them more satisfying.

89. Pasta or rice can also stretch small amounts of food into a meal. Throw in chopped pepper, ribbons of spinach or basil, chopped tomatoes or chicken or ham.

90. Instead of serving fruit punch or juice at meals, use a pitcher of ice water with a few lemon or lime slices floating on top.

91. Use small appliances, such as the microwave, slow-cooker and electric frying pan; they use less energy than a stovetop.

92. Use the dishwasher only when completely full. Washing dishes by hand can cost more than one load in the dishwasher. Let the dishes air-dry rather than using the "dry" cycle.

93. Don't open the oven door to preview baking food. Each time you open it, the temperature drops by 25-50 degrees. It takes longer to cook your food and adds to your energy bill.

Dining out

94. Use your gift certificates soon after getting them. Many have expiration dates.

95. Use frequent-diners' cards. Some restaurants offer punch cards — if you buy 10 meals, the next one is free. For a family of six, it takes only two visits to earn a free meal.

96. Go out to lunch when entree prices are often a dollar or two less than dinner.

97. If a full-course dinner comes with soup, salad, drink and dessert, it's only a great buy if you really want (or need) all that. You may be satisfied ordering an a la carte entree without the extras. Ditto combo meals in fast-food restaurants.

98. Guard against up-sell, when you're asked if you want guacamole with your taco or extra cheese for the fondue. If it costs extra, you might not want it that much.

99. At fast-food restaurants, order a kids' meal for yourself (if there's no age limit). Most of the time, you're getting a more appropriate portion of food (and a toy to boot!).

100. Watch beverage costs. Alcoholic drinks can double your tab, but even soft drinks can add $10 to $15 to the bill for a family of six. Water is a healthier choice anyway. Be sure to specify "tap" water, some restaurants may bring you bottled water at $3 or $4 per bottle.

101. If you feel you can't afford to tip, choose a fast-food or fast-casual eatery where tipping isn't expected. In sit-down restaurants, servers' salaries are less than minimum wage. Tips make up the difference.

I know it was a lot to read, but wasn't it informative.

12 ways to slash your medical costs.

2009-01-17T08:51:00.007-06:00

This article is written by the dolans.com duo....

If you feel like insurance isn’t quite cutting it and you’ve had to pick up more and more of your medical bills, you’re not alone.

Between dwindling benefits of employer-based health insurance to Medicare/Medicaid woes to the rapidly rising costs themselves…

…we’ve got a true healthcare crisis on our hands!

So what follows are 12 quick tips to help you SLASH your medical costs… starting NOW!

Note from Lucy:
I saw this article and found it appropriate for those in need of health insurance.....I feel very grateful that we have good health care coverage but I know many people who have no coverage or coverage that is not very good....Many of you know my daughter, Bonnie, has gone back to school to get her degree in engineering. For the last two years she has not had any medical coverage....I told her, in a joking way, not to get sick or get into an accident. (She did have to go to the doctors office two times in those two years.) Now that she has signed up for the big university, she has some medical coverage....She called me yesterday and told me that she has an appointment for a well woman exam.....I am so grateful that she stayed mostly well while she had no coverage...and I feel relieved that she does have some coverage now. You can bet that I will be passing this along to her.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Walk in the light

2009-01-13T14:01:00.002-06:00

I've been so busy lately that I haven't had much time to blog. I did see this on one of my email pages and thought you might like the quote.

"You make choices every day and almost every hour that keep you walking in the light or moving away toward darkness. Some of the most important choices are about what you set your heart upon."

--Henry B. Eyring, "Walk in the Light", Ensign, May 2008, 123–25

Have a great week everyone!

Friday's Quickies

2009-01-09T05:12:00.005-06:00

Christmas and New Years have passed and once again we start a new year…Did you make any resolutions? One of mine is pretty simple, but important to me. I want to be able to take a shower before 8:00am. every morning, sounds simple doesn’t it. So many times, I’ll get out of bed and start doing things around the house or I’ll get on the computer and check my email first thing in the morning…… Before you know it the clock says 11:00am. and there I am still in my jammies. TF is always saying, “Hun, get your shower.” I’ll say, "OK, just let me throw these towels in the washer first"…..I have tried to get my shower early and I have come to the conclusion that I need to take my shower at night instead. How can something so simple, be so hard? Oh Well.

Bonnie leaves for school in four days. She will be going to Texas A & M University to the Engineering school. She will be living with a young lady, that is working on her Masters degree, in a house she just bought a couple of months ago. I went up with her last Wednesday to help her take some of her “stuff” up there and got to see the house and meet her room mate. I think the girls are going to get along great and have some good times as roomies. My SIL, Jennifer’s husband , will be helping her take her bed and large items up on Monday. He has a truck and a trailer and he has volunteered to help her with that. She is a bit anxious about the move, but I know she will do fine.

Our church meeting, this year, has moved from 2:30pm. to 8:30am. I am not that much of a morning person and this should be interesting…. I am still working with our group to get their food storage. I think, more that ever, it is important to be prepared for what could happen with this economy. I brought home another 25lb. bag of white beans to put up after reading Diane’s recipes for white bean soup. The other hat that I wear is for emergency preparedness….Our ham radio group is busy getting ready for next hurricane season. We have several classes planned and we have been trying to get radios in the hands of our new members in the group. We found a great price on some single band radios that are awesome…

Last night, TF and I were watching “27 Dresses” on TV. It is such a cute movie. The one sister was trying to tell the other one about the guy she was dating; He happened to be her boss and hopeful boyfriend. She was jealous of their relationship and she was trying to tell her sister some of the things that were not good about him….”He sometimes doesn’t wear socks” she says….The other sister says, “That isn’t a deal breaker.” It got me to thinking, what would be a deal breaker? So here’s the question: What would have been a deal breaker in the relationship with your spouse?

OK, something frugal: Have you been shopping the after Christmas sales? Right now, Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and many other stores have marked their Christmas items down 75% off. I always buy my Christmas wrapping paper, cards and any other items I will need for next year at this time. I really needed more cookie tins and paper plates for next year so it was on the top of my list….Thankfully I found them and a few more things that I needed and wanted. I usually buy my stocking stuffers at this time and save a bundle on them…..Give it a try, you will be glad that you did…….Also, check out the January white sales and the mark downs on fall clothing.

Do you believe in second chances? Boy this guy sure did get one.

Have a great week everyone!

Waanda's Tender and Easy Roast

2009-01-01T08:39:00.003-06:00

I found this recipe on Chets website this morning....Yummmmm!

Chet, even though most everything I see says you should thaw meat before preparing, I have been preparing my roast this way for many years -- the whole family really
likes it. I like to use rump roast -- but have also done eye of round roast and occasionally chuck roast for this EASY recipe.

Ingredients:

One frozen roast (rump roast is my preferred type)
3 small cans of cream of mushroom soup
2 envelopes of dried onion soup mix

On Saturday night before I go to bed, I put a frozen roast in my West Bend slow cooker on a low temperature. Mix the cream of mushroom soup and dried onion soup mix
together and pour it over the roast.

On Sunday morning, before I leave for church, I open 2 or 3 cans of whole white potatoes (depending on the number of people who will be eating lunch), drain the liquid off, and put the potatoes in the slow cooker with the roast -- trying to be sure they are all submerged in the gravy.

This makes a VERY tender roast as well as a delicious gravy. When we return from church, the house smells great and lunch is ready.

Note from Lucy: That sounds like too many cans of mushroom soup mix and dried onion soup mix. I am going to try it with 2 cans mushroom soup mix and one Lipton Onion/Mushroom soup mix. Usually, when I cook a roast in my slow cooker, I use 1 package of the onion/mushroom soup mix and it comes out good. I am going to give this a try, this Sunday, and I will give you a report..

Happy New Year Everyone! Tell me what you are hoping for in 2009.

2008-12-24T14:54:00.002-06:00

After watching the news this morning, I realized that may of my blogging friends will be having a white Christmas....Here in Houston, we have temps in the mid 60's and drizzling rain. Where ever you live, I hope you have the best Christmas ever...Filled with love, friendship, hope for a better world, and a belief in Jesus Christ as we celebrate his birth....

Love to you all, TF and Lucy Stern

What goes around, comes around.......

2008-12-09T15:04:00.004-06:00

"The message of this season that is applicable throughout the year lies not in the receiving of earthly presents and treasures but in the forsaking of selfishness and greed and in going forward, seeking and enjoying the gifts of the Spirit, which Paul said are 'love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
--James E. Faust, "A Christmas with No Presents", Ensign, Dec. 2001, 6

Gal. 5:22–23

Here is a story that pretty much says it all.....
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

One day a man saw a old lady, stranded on the side of the road. Even in the dim light of dusk, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.

Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry

He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you.

He said, 'I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.'

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty, and his hands hurt.

As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled dow n the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.
Bryan just smiled as he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped.

Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.

He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, 'And think of me.'

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road, the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas p umps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan .

After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.

There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: 'You don't owe me anything. I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.'

Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard....
She knew how worried her husband was. As he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, 'Everything's going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.'

Good friends are like stars....You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

~GOD BLESS!~

Letter by a Florida teacher ................

2008-12-05T21:52:00.003-06:00

A teacher speaks:

This is a subject close to my heart. Do you know that we have adult students at the school where I teach who are not US citizens and who get the PELL grant, which is a federal grant (no pa y back required) plus other federal grants to go to school?

One student from the Dominican Republic told me that she didn't want me to find a job for her after she finished my program, because she was getting housing from our housing department and she was getting a PELL grant which paid for her total tuition and books, plus money leftover.

She was looking into WAIT which gives students a CREDIT CARD for gas to come to school, and into CARIBE which is a special program (check it out - I did) for immigrants and it pays for child care and all sorts of needs while they go to school or training. The one student I just mentioned told me she was not going to be a US Citizen because she plans to return to the Dominican Republic someday and that she 'loves HER country.'

I asked her if she felt guilty taking what the US is giving her and then not even bothering to become a citizen and she told me that it doesn't bother her, because that is what the money is there for!

I asked the CARIBE administration about their program and if you ARE a US Citizen, you don't qualify for their program. And all the while, I am working a full day, my son-in-law works more than 60 hours a week, and everyone in my family works and pays for our education.

Something is wrong here. I am sorry but after hearing they want to sing the National Anthem in Spanish - enough is enough. Nowhere did they sing it in Italian, Polish, Irish (Celtic), German or any other language because of immigration. It was written by Francis Scott Key and should be sung word for word the way it was written. The news broadcasts even gave the translation -- not even close. Sorry if this offends anyone but this is MY COUNTRY.

IF IT IS YOUR COUNTRY SPEAK UP -- please pass this along. I am not against immigration -- just come through like everyone else. Get a sponsor; have a place to lay your head; have a job; pay your taxes, live by the rules AND LEARN THE LANGUAGE as all other immigrants have in the past -- and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

PART OF THE PROBLEM, Think about this: If you don't want to forward this for fear of offending someone -- YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM! It is Time for America to Speak up If you agree -- pass this along, if you don't agree --- delete it!

Note from Lucy: Thanks Dick Webster, for emailing this to me. This makes my blood boil. I have a daughter who has gone back to school after 12 years on her own and she is working tooth and nail to get some funds for school. In the state of Texas, many of the "illegal’s" go to school on "in state" tuition....There is no way they are in state.... I read a story last year where one of our solders could not get in state tuition because he had been gone for a year.....Guess where he was? IRAQ! Who gave the government permission to use my taxpayer money like this? Don't get me started!!!!

Subject: Noise Complaint at Luke AFB, AZ

2008-12-01T01:49:00.002-06:00

Sometimes just a bit of clarity is needed...

Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were.

A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back.

Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall. When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must have stung quite a bit.

The complaint:

'Question of the day for Luke Air F orce Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird
special? Any response would be appreciated.

The response:

Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m, a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.

At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand
the sacrifices they have endured.

A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.

The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.

Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you.....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr. USAF

Note from Lucy: Sometimes we complain about the stupidest things...Thanks Bro. Sutton for sharing this with me. We all need to remember the men and women who defend our freedoms.....I had written a totally different blog for this week, but somehow I erased it by accident. This article came to mind and I figured that I was supposed to post this instead.

Have a great week everyone!

Top 10 Turkey Tips.....

2008-11-25T14:58:00.002-06:00

Whether you're tackling a Thanksgiving turkey for the first or hundredth time, our top 10 tips will ensure your big bird is the best it can be. From the Food Network.

1. Thawing a frozen turkey requires patience. The safest method is to thaw turkey in the refrigerator. Be sure to plan ahead — it takes approximately 3 days for a 20 pound turkey to fully defrost.

2. For crisper skin, unwrap the turkey the day before roasting and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight.

3. Cooking times will differ depending on whether your bird was purchased fresh or frozen. Plan on 20 minutes per pound in a 350 degree F oven for a defrosted turkey and 10 to 15 minutes per pound for fresh.

4. A turkey will cook more evenly if it is not densely stuffed. Consider adding flavor by loosely filling the cavity with aromatic vegetables — carrots, celery, onion or garlic work nicely — or by carefully tucking fresh herbs underneath the breast skin. For the stuffing lovers, cook the dressing in a casserole dish on the side.

5. For even roasting, truss your turkey.

6. Before roasting, coat the outside of the turkey with vegetable or olive oil, season with salt and pepper and tightly cover the breast with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning (it will be removed in step 7).

7. Don't be a peeping tom (no pun intended)! Once you get the turkey in the oven, resist the temptation to open the oven door and admire your handiwork. When the oven temperature fluctuates, you're only increasing the likelihood of a dry bird. About 45 minutes before you think the turkey is done, remove the foil from the breast to allow it to brown.

8. Remove the turkey from the oven when the deepest spot between the leg and the breast reads 180 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. Check the internal temperature of the stuffing as well; it should be at least 165 degrees.

9. Tent the bird with foil and let rest for about 15 minutes before carving. If you need more time to make gravy, heat up side dishes, etc., you can let the turkey set for up to an hour without losing too much heat. Note from Lucy: Resting the turkey is one of the most important tips......

10. Remember to carve your turkey with a very sharp or electic knife.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Remember to thank your Heavenly Father for all the he has given you.... I am grateful for all of my blogging friends.....

Cranberry-Nut Pumpkin Bread

2008-11-23T10:27:00.000-06:00

(Makes 2 loaves)
3⁄4 cup butter
2 1⁄2 cups sugar
4 eggs
16 oz. can pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not pumpkin filling)
2/3 cup water
3/ 1⁄2 cups unbleached flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1⁄2 tsp. salt
1 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon (I use 1 1⁄2 tsp.)
1 tsp. ground cloves
2/3 cup chopped nuts (I use walnuts)
1⁄2 cup of dried cranberries
In large bowl cream together butter, sugar and 2 eggs. Add remaining eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly. Next, stir in pumpkin and water.
In separate bowl combine all remaining ingredients (except nuts and cranberries) and mix well. Add to pumpkin mixture, a little at a time, and stir until batter is thoroughly blended. Fold in the nuts and cranberries. Spoon batter into 2 greased and floured loaf pans.
Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center, comes out clean. Cool about 15 minutes before removing from loaf pans.

Recipe by: Leslie Gonzales

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thought you would want to know.

2008-11-20T21:49:00.005-06:00

I got this from a friend through email...I don't know how true it is but it should be a heads up for those of you are shopping for gift cards.
Heads up if you tend to give gift cards around the holidays, you need to be careful that the cards will not be honored after the holidays.

Stores that are planning to close after Christmas are still selling the cards through the holidays even though the cards will be worthless January 1. There is no law preventing them from doing this. On the contrary, it is referred to as 'Bankruptcy Planning.
Below is a partial list of stores that you need to be cautious about.
Circuit City (filed Chapter 11)
Ann Taylor 117 stores nationwide closing
Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug ,and Catherine's to close 150 stores nationwide
Eddie Bauer to close stores 27 stores and more after January
Cache will close all stores
Talbots closing down specialty stores
J. Jill closing all stores (owned by Talbots) Pacific Sunwear (also owned by Talbots)
GAP closing 85 stores
Footlocker closing 140 stores more to close after January
Wickes Furniture closing down
Levitz closing down remaining stores
Bombay closing remaining stores
Zales closing down 82 stores and 105 after January
Whitehall closing all stores
Piercing Pagoda closing all stores
Disney closing 98 stores and will close more after January.
Home Depot closing 15 stores 1 in NJ ( New Brunswick )
Macys to close 9 stores after January
Linens and Things closing all stores
Movie Galley Closing all stores
Pep Boys Closing 33 stores
Sprint/Nextel closing 133 stores
JC Penney closing a number of stores after January
Ethan Allen closing down 12 stores.
Wilson Leather closing down all stores
Sharper Image closing down all stores
K B Toys closing 356 stores
Loews to close down some stores
Dillard's to close some stores

I know for sure that Linen and Things are closeing all of their stores. I saw the sign on the building today and went inside to check out the sales....It is sad that our economy is sinking so fast. I think people are just afraid to buy things right now, with all of the uncertainties...

Note from Lucy: I'm not posting this to scare anyone, but I just wanted you to be aware of some store closing.....When you shop at these stores just don't buy a gift card, it doesn't mean you shouldn't shop there....Just a clarification.

Coupons and Holiday Recipes

2008-11-19T07:32:00.002-06:00

DO THOSE SURVEYS, GET THOSE STORE COUPONS BACK TO REUSE

Stores are starting to pull out all the stops now to try to get your business. These new marketing ploys can benefit you. Many stores now have requests on the bottom of their receipts that ask you to complete surveys for various incentives. Many will enter your name in a drawing for cash, free products, coupons, or gift cards. While the odds aren’t great that you will win a drawing, someone has to win, you can’t win if you don’t enter, and it’s a free entry. A store near us gives us a coupon for a free loaf of French bread when we complete their surveys. J. C. Penney’s will give you a 15% off coupon that can be used and reused until it expires (it’s usually good for a month). If you do get a coupon that is reusable, be sure to ask for the coupon back when you use it, many cashiers will automatically put it in their drawer. We’d been using the 15% off coupons for over a year before a cashier told us it could be reused. Many stores also have “clubs” that give you money off coupons once you have spent a certain amount in their stores. Sometimes they’ll even have special sales just for the people on their lists. It never hurts to subscribe to store ads either, as many of them will send special email or mail offers.

RECIPE: OUR FAVORITE ONLINE RECIPE SITES FOR HOLIDAY IDEAS

At this time of year we often receive emails from readers who are trying to find an old family recipe, or in some cases how to healthify (ok, I don’t think it’s a word, but it should be J) old family recipes. We’d like to direct you to our favorite online recipe sites with huge recipe databases and lots of easy search features.
http://www.allrecipes.com
http://www.kraftfoods.com
http://www.foodnetwork.com
http://www.pillsbury.com
I especially love Pillsbury’s Bake Off Contest section, because regular people like you and I came up with the recipes, and enough people loved them to get them to the Bake Off Finals. On these sites you can search for recipes you’ve lost, shortcut recipes, healthy recipes, look for easy recipes, or fancy ones, old fashioned classic recipes or brand new surprises for your guests. These websites are so loaded with great ideas, that it’ll make it hard to sign off. On some sites you can even adjust the printing so it’ll print recipe card sized. Enjoy. POST IT...in your recipe box, and shopping list. Both of these small articles were taken from the Make a Note by weekly email that I receive….

Note from Lucy: The last couple of weeks have been really busy for me. Between family, church, food orders and ham radio; I’ve been a busy bee. Late yesterday afternoon, I called in an order for herbs and spices. We have been doing this, once a year order, for over 15 years now and this year we topped $2,000.00. With 447 items coming in sometime next week, I shutter to think of me sorting through, inventorying and bagging all of this. Thankfully my friend Sonja may be able to help me with this, if she is not working the day it comes in. With the chocolate order behind us and the frozen berry order coming in tomorrow, I should be able to settle down some. Once we get the herbs and spices done, then all I have left are the nuts and seeds order. This is a very busy time of year for me. I am also trying to get the house ready for Thanksgiving and do some paper work for TF’s business.

Have a great week everyone……..

Heat and Electricity 101

2008-11-16T22:10:00.004-06:00

-- Inflation Fighter --by Amy L. Thomas Dollar Stretcher
Establish good conservation habits for now and the future

I always heard ways to save money, but I never listened to them. After all, the people telling me these ideas were my parents, those older people who did not know how things are in today's world, how people my age wanted to live. Cue up an
economic crisis and costs that are rising as we speak, and now I have a different perspective. I just opened up my electric bill, and decided that something has to change. I cannot pay over my family's hard-earned money for a simple utility.

I called my mother to ask, very politely, what were those things that she and Dad did to save money on their heat and electricity? I am very sorry I scoffed at the idea last year, since saving $300 for a small change in convenience seems like
a wondrous thing. As luck would have it, my mother is a very understanding person, and she quickly reeled off ideas that have been put into practice and work.

1. Don't just turn off your technology, unplug. Those little lights that keep on while we are asleep or not using the VCR, DVD player, cable box, coffee maker, etc. do use electricity while they are not in use. Go around your home and find how
many things you have that are inactive but are sucking away at a current. You will be amazed.

2. Shut your computer and printer completely down. I had always been under the impression that this was not a good thing. I thought that it actually took more electricity to boot up your PC, Mac, laptop, and printer than it did not just
leave it on all of the time. Not true. I called a computer manufacturer and asked. It does not take any more to boot up your system than it does to turn on any other appliance. Keeping these off when not in use can save a lot, especially in today's household when there are often multiple computers going. When you leave for a vacation or are spending time away from home, you can also shut down your Internet cable box and your wireless hubs, connectors, etc. Why spend money to have a
signal come into your home when no one is around to use it?

3. Only keep lights on in rooms that are occupied. This sounds simple, but how many of us think that we will be returning to the upstairs, basement, or another room only to get sidetracked and never get there? Also, shut off all garage lights and outside lights when they are not needed. If you like to keep some light on outside overnight, invest in a few solar lights that use a free resource to keep any space or
walkway lit up.

4. Shut the door of any room or bedroom that does not have to be used during the winter months. Place towels or door cozies around the bottom of the door, and shut the registers to that room. The heat will be redistributed to the other areas you
want it, and you will save big time. Why heat something that is not being used or is used very little?

5. Taking a bath is a definite luxury for some, but the amount of water used and the energy spent heating it makes it a pricey indulgence. Limit baths to an occasional treat. Shower smart by using the coolest water temperature necessary, and only turning the water on as needed for rinsing, not letting it run continuously as you soap, shampoo or shave. While kids love to take long showers, you may need to limit their time by using a kitchen timer to remind them to only use the length of
time that is necessary.

6. Kids can use lots of energy and utilities if they are not kept in check. You sure do not want to sound like a drill sergeant, but as my mother delicately put it, you cannot afford to raise them to be wasteful and unaware of the cost of living. I once came home to find three people in my house with almost every light on, two televisions running but not being watched by anyone, three air conditioners blasting in rooms that were not occupied, and a shower being taken that lasted for over fifteen minutes. No more. have become the utility manager in my house, and have sat down and explained that while I want to keep the luxuries we have, if things do not
improve, we will have to give up some creature comforts. This did the trick. No one wanted to give up the televisions, computers, air conditioners, etc., so they all decided to be smarter about their use of these things. It worked. I also told them they would appreciate my "guidance" when they were on their own and had to pay their own bills.

7. Clothes should only be washed in cold water and rinsed in cold water. With today's laundry detergents, there is no need to use warm or hot water.

8. Your thermostat should stay at a constant temperature. Pick the lowest temperature that works for your family when everyone is at home, and leave it on that. If your house will be empty for a long weekend or a vacation, you can drop the
temperature for that time period, but keep it consistent on a day-to-day basis, rather than dropping it during the day when no one is home and then raising it at night.

Saving money and saving energy is important for any family. Taking a few tips from your elders and those who are frugal can help you and those in your household establish good conservation habits for now and the future.

Take the Next Step:
- Subscribe to our new weekly "Inflation Fighters" newsletter.

Note from Lucy: How many of you have other tricks to save electricity or gas this winter. I think some of the best ideas came from our parents or grandparents. To put humidity in the air, when I was growing up, my dad used to put an old coffee can full of water on top of the gas heater at night. I don't remember us having a humidifier back in those days, but it worked like a charm. TF and I have also have put 1 liter soda bottles filled with very warm water under the blankets at night to keep our feet warm....You would be surprised how long those bottles stay warm under a blanket.
Let me hear some of your stories.......Have a great week everyone!

Is your cell phone safe?

2008-11-10T06:06:00.002-06:00

I was reading an article on the internet about safe cell phone use and thought you might like to read this information too. The article has two long paragraphs talking about testing that is being done on the safety of cell phones. Here is the suggestions from the doctor, writing the article, on how to stay safe while using you cell phone.......

Dr. Herberman's memo included 10 practical suggestions for the safe use of cell phones, developed by a committee of international experts, of which he is a member. Here is an edited version...

1. Do not allow children under 10 to use a cell phone, except for emergencies. (Note: The developing organs of a fetus or child are especially sensitive to electromagnetic fields, so pregnant moms and parents with young children should pay particular attention.)

2. Hold your cell phone as far away from your body as you can, even while talking -- for instance, using a headset or speaker whenever possible. The amplitude of the electromagnetic field goes down to one-fourth when the phone is held two inches away ... and to 1/16 at four inches. A wireless Bluetooth headset has less than 1/100th of the electromagnetic emission of a normal cell phone. Also, be aware that the phones typically ramp up power at the start of a call.

3. Avoid using your cell phone in crowded places, where you'll be exposing others to your phone's electromagnetic fields.

4. Reduce electromagnetic emissions by minimizing time spent carrying your cell phone on your person or even sitting nearby -- for instance, while sleeping, keep your phone at least two feet away. This is especially important if you are pregnant. Another safety strategy is to use the "flight" or "off-line" mode, which blocks emissions but still lets you play games or check your calendar.

5. If your cell phone has an internal antenna, keep the back of the phone pointed out and away from you so that the transmitted electromagnetic fields are not directed at your body.

6. Use your cell phone to establish contact or only for brief conversations. For longer conversations, use a land line.

7. When making a call, wait till the person you are calling has picked up before putting your cell phone to the ear. This limits both the power and duration of your electromagnetic exposure. Also, regularly switch from one ear to the other while talking.

8. If your cell phone signal is weak, wait until it is stronger to use it. Similarly avoid using it when you are traveling in a vehicle at high speed -- this automatically increases the phone's power output as it repeatedly attempts to connect to a new relay antenna.

9. Text messages limit duration of exposure and proximity of the phone to the body -- use these instead of calls to communicate whenever you can.

10. Choose a device with the lowest SAR possible (SAR = Specific Absorption Rate, which is a measure of the amount of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body). Aim for an SAR of below 1.6 watts per kilogram of body weight.

Source(s):

Ronald B. Herberman, MD, founding director, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh.

Note from Lucy: As some of you know, I go to a natural health care doctor. He tested me, while holding my cell phone, and suggested that I wear a magnetic bracelet on my wrist while using the cell phone. Ever since then, I wear two little magnetic bracelets when I am using my cell phone or am using my ham radio, since the emit radio waves. I think I would rather be safe than sorry. TF used a hands free unit while driving. So far I haven't been able to get him to wear the magnetic bracelets.....it just isn't "manly"....

Have a great week everyone......

Lucy's Frugal Living

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