tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33639282198091132462024-03-06T03:01:22.501-06:00Savouring A Blessed LifeSerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-62219025607686326572011-06-04T13:54:00.021-05:002011-06-04T14:02:47.705-05:00Life is Good!Life is Good... Well, Hello again. I have been gone for a while...but I am sure that each one of you understands. Life just takes over sometimes. Family and jobs come first. So I hope that each of you have been doing well. That you have had a wonderful and prosperous Spring. And that you survived the floods, storms, rains, and tornado's. We had some flooding in our basement, but nothing like some folks. Our hearts and prayers go out to ALL that were affected.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY59kr8hcao0YYps8cs5qzgohW_nGfyT5C1RpmRtob4fzIAXD983MpJYnKA3qEYyWUPtUJVYko8m8UbaDTXB1SHEoBZIM2ofgfPDASBYVsqCejACZJST_fWa7UDPHyymOWCi_axs3lVcQU/s1600/michele+grad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY59kr8hcao0YYps8cs5qzgohW_nGfyT5C1RpmRtob4fzIAXD983MpJYnKA3qEYyWUPtUJVYko8m8UbaDTXB1SHEoBZIM2ofgfPDASBYVsqCejACZJST_fWa7UDPHyymOWCi_axs3lVcQU/s200/michele+grad.jpg" t8="true" width="128" /></a>Summer is here unofficially, if you are going by the calendar. Yesterday, the heat index was above 100 degrees and it is only the 3rd of June. I can't imagine what August is going to be like if we are that hot now. I may have to come up with an outside kitchen quickly, so I don't overheat the house when we start canning alter this summer.So, here are some of the things that have been happening in my world the last few months: </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
Our daughter, Michele, graduated from high school. The two weeks before her graduation was filled with year end dinners, awards ceremony's, presentations, etc. She has received 10 awards/achievements and scholarships (woohoo!). We are so proud of her. She is planning on going to our local college this fall. majoring in Early Childhood Intervention. She loves children, especially child with disabilities.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0Qlwt5ObgfJX49sqiplWorvQJuKRzQNPaoroabqvzzkVH7AybzpkN1dOgzYXZ-AhImhY4AVHuRqjXN3kivK2PDXE_HcA5PT80YiP1L01USlILJK6ASvOZ6eDUEiDLOQLqImH9cwAR8t9/s1600/kendall+and+michele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0Qlwt5ObgfJX49sqiplWorvQJuKRzQNPaoroabqvzzkVH7AybzpkN1dOgzYXZ-AhImhY4AVHuRqjXN3kivK2PDXE_HcA5PT80YiP1L01USlILJK6ASvOZ6eDUEiDLOQLqImH9cwAR8t9/s200/kendall+and+michele.jpg" t8="true" width="150" /></a>Our son, Kendall got his drivers license and a part-time job as Chester Cheeto, but we won't let him drive to work just yet by himself. So, we are still in the mode of taking and picking up each day, especially now that school is out and his sister is working and can't be the errand girl anymore. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I changed jobs. I took a position as the Director of Development for a non-profit organization called<a href="http://www.lifesourceinternational.org/index.html"> LifeSource International</a>. We serve the community in many ways; Food Pantry, Clothing Pantry, Kid's Life After-school and Summer Camp programs, Senior Citizen assistance, professional Counseling, Adult Education, Monthly meal outreach & Food baskets, and medical referrals. Thus, I have been trying to settle into a new job and rearranging all my normal routines (since I go into an office each day and not work from home).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeU0tsCdOynqJAzkERqYrPP9Iv0FMBLxoWvJe8AyEyZ7MiXQoV-Rf8DjGVeKgs0h7ueHDwADn7TPS1bk-WalhgsNCktyq7pwFHpWbkANqd2WtFqIt4ZSjYUm5dS1D3m-ExRbx00mtcVb0/s1600/lifesource+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqeU0tsCdOynqJAzkERqYrPP9Iv0FMBLxoWvJe8AyEyZ7MiXQoV-Rf8DjGVeKgs0h7ueHDwADn7TPS1bk-WalhgsNCktyq7pwFHpWbkANqd2WtFqIt4ZSjYUm5dS1D3m-ExRbx00mtcVb0/s200/lifesource+logo.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a> </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In between all the busyness I planted a garden, flower bulbs and plants. Now I am just waiting until they all burst forth in all their loveliness.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So there you have it...all my excuses for not being around much the last month. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Life is good and we are blessed. Even though, I haven't gotten to get out much and find any good deals at flea markets or yard sales. Nor have I gotten to home-can anything, just too busy and tired when I get home. Nor have I gotten to read any good books, other than some grant writing books for work. But, I cannot complain..we are all safe, we have a roof over our heads, we have jobs, and food to eat. Life is Good!</div></div><br />
<div></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-49620310475999341862011-04-10T19:06:00.001-05:002011-04-10T19:06:00.064-05:00Garage Sale Find...What is it?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJy6B3n6NzRKShghfLKY72HuKPcfAkYye-V2kXOwv92f6d2THpwt0-SR0yrA-IxUgPQyF50yVeBfJkQiRODynnIxwBvUExoLz7veX-7oEQLw2UdwsefT41jRQph1e6nD-Kx0qiY1khJL_N/s1600/honey+pitcher.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJy6B3n6NzRKShghfLKY72HuKPcfAkYye-V2kXOwv92f6d2THpwt0-SR0yrA-IxUgPQyF50yVeBfJkQiRODynnIxwBvUExoLz7veX-7oEQLw2UdwsefT41jRQph1e6nD-Kx0qiY1khJL_N/s320/honey+pitcher.JPG" width="240" /></a>Okay, so the other day it was so beautiful out. Spring has sprung and my Knight was stir crazy from being in the house for 3 weeks (burn injury). He so wanted to get and do something. So, we decided to take a drive and see if we could find a few yard sales. We did. In fact, we found some pretty good deals. </div><br />
A few antique/retro green water goblets that matched my grandmother Hilda's set which I inherited ($1 for 2). Found Shell-Belle a pair of brand new white GAP pants (marked $42, for $4). An old fashioned kitchen scale that can weigh up to 25 lbs. of "whatever" for a $1. A couple of shirts for $.25 each (Sonoma brand). And a few other odds and ends.<br />
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Then we found this ----> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(see pic)</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Know what it is???</span></b><br />
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When I first saw it on the table I thought it was an oddly shaped syrup pitcher. That is until I picked it up to see if the slide-lid worked. Too my surprise there was no slide. When you pressed the lever on the handle something else happened. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you figured it out yet???</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfx_vGwqQ5xKiY61DXSwk1yIgqhhCAcsI_A6EJL0tC_-lAQW-c_rYtmhksLRxQl6AQWukyU1YzA2mfUtukIh-wwStu3khB7P2-QgnGQ7Kf8xq-mgRmjRdDJg65XSiqTsaHbjawvm3Cuy0w/s1600/honey+pitcher+w+honey+in+it.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfx_vGwqQ5xKiY61DXSwk1yIgqhhCAcsI_A6EJL0tC_-lAQW-c_rYtmhksLRxQl6AQWukyU1YzA2mfUtukIh-wwStu3khB7P2-QgnGQ7Kf8xq-mgRmjRdDJg65XSiqTsaHbjawvm3Cuy0w/s320/honey+pitcher+w+honey+in+it.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>It is a HONEY pitcher.<br />
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When you press the lever on the handle it raises a plug at the bottom of the pitcher, so that it will dispense honey at a slowy and gently rate without any mess. Then when you release the lever it closes and you set it back into the holder. Which also catches any drips.<br />
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I did a little research on the internet about it. It is not an antique. But it still a very useful item, especially since we use honey a lot at Red Bud Cottage. I found the pricing to be anywhere from $9 to $19.95 for this item, not including S/H or tax.<br />
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So for $3, I got a unusual item for the kitchen that will come in very handy, useful, and make for a good conversation piece.<br />
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Have you found any good deals as of late?<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-81121513828009833372011-04-09T18:28:00.000-05:002011-04-09T18:28:36.236-05:00Senior Prom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVdXEKM0Kb83e5r9f8naTsYySq4dRflOSWXUa81clxvP7elunPUTqw0vC8mJtKqndG9mbTltJpI8o300xWNAYXXAB53HWamU-l4UgbIbcrfWAXEgY4Sg_SvXmqTs0jVzL0slHWGr_cLf_/s1600/GEDC0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVdXEKM0Kb83e5r9f8naTsYySq4dRflOSWXUa81clxvP7elunPUTqw0vC8mJtKqndG9mbTltJpI8o300xWNAYXXAB53HWamU-l4UgbIbcrfWAXEgY4Sg_SvXmqTs0jVzL0slHWGr_cLf_/s320/GEDC0012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Prom time is here! My baby girl is off at her Senior Prom. It seems like only yesterday that I was giving brith, changing diapers, helping with homework, and driving her everywhere.<br />
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My how the time flys! In a month she will be graduating from high school and focusing on college courses. The funny thing is; is that she has already been to a few college courses...I was prego with her during my last year of college. And she attended my graduation ceremony at the age of 5 months.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">She was 2 weeks old when I started back to classes for my last semester. Her Aunt, who lived close to the campus, watched her for us. I made my scheule so that I could go to a class, then go to her Aunt's house to feed & check on her, then go back to class each day.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Enough of the memories....</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mcmsRzCVvznMv4KUhYB8WDS8nJhfg3lPMfhy46bwNcMCP4lIf5iEEj5m_22jFc12-R2S46wlzlsj5jJoDrJI6-CpHrtYxZq9XlkpTi8RnOisrkpzTCsbqEoxJvkixYDztBYCuRR5nHi-/s1600/Michele+and+Andrew+prom+2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mcmsRzCVvznMv4KUhYB8WDS8nJhfg3lPMfhy46bwNcMCP4lIf5iEEj5m_22jFc12-R2S46wlzlsj5jJoDrJI6-CpHrtYxZq9XlkpTi8RnOisrkpzTCsbqEoxJvkixYDztBYCuRR5nHi-/s320/Michele+and+Andrew+prom+2011.JPG" width="218" /></a>Shell-Belle,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You have become a beautiful young woman! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You have made all of us very proud (Bill & I and your Dad & Lynne). </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter of your life.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Keep your focus on the goals you have set for yourself and you will suceed.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But, most importantly <u>always</u> keep <strong>CHRIST </strong>first and foremost in your heart and life.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Love you!</div>MOM<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-12760883845953307832011-04-05T17:52:00.000-05:002011-04-05T17:52:55.066-05:00Miracles, Blessings & Homemade Burn Salve Just as I thought everything was getting back to "normal" a few weeks ago, in regards to blog posting, canning routine, and just normal life; a huge "curve ball" was thrown into the mix. On March 17th my Knight was burning leaves and an unexpected "surprise" was in the fire. A spray paint can had unknowingly found its way into the hot flames. As the can got hotter and hotter it exploded and released its pressure and last bit of paint. Acting like a blow torch, it sent large flames in the direction of my Knight, who was shirtless. Causing 2nd degree burns from one side of his abdomen to the other and from his belt-line to just below his breast. His left fore-arm also sustained 2nd degree burns. The intense heat singed his beard, mustache, eyebrows, and hair on forehead. Plus, other minor burns on his hands, nose, and chest. (no pics...too gross)<br />
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After a trip to the ER, a concoction of pain meds, tons of anti-biotic ointment and gauze, lots of bed rest, and lets not forget the many many PRAYERS that were sent heavenward by countless friends and family, we are beginning to see healing of the wounds. His arm is the first to show signs of good healing. Today he was able to go without the bandages all day, while keeping it moist with salve (see recipe below). The salve is so that it doesn't dry out, crack, and then cause more pain. It should also help to reduce scarring.<br />
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Though we rejoice in seeing this healing, the pain to the nerve endings are still there. This is what causes him the most discomfort. Second degree burns are the most painful of all burns, because the nerve endings are exposed, yet not damaged as they would be in a 3rd or 4th degree burn. And since the largest wound is across his stomach area; it becomes almost impossible to get into a comfortable position, since we use are stomach muscles to sit, turn, bend, lay down, etc.<br />
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As we look at this "curve ball", we find <u><b>MIRACLES</b></u> throughout it all. First miracle, he had on jeans and shoes. Not shorts and sandals. Thus, keeping his feet and legs from getting burned. Second miracle, he was shirtless. If he'd had a tee shirt on it could have caught fire spreading the flames on up to his chest or around to his back. Third miracle, he had his hand up in front of his face lighting a cigarette <span style="font-size: x-small;">(this is the one and only time I will be grateful he smokes) </span><span style="font-size: small;">breaking the wind from the lighter when the explosion occurred. This act saved his face, eyes and ears from sustaining burns. Fourth miracle, his hands didn't sustain any major burns, just a few first degree on the back of the hands. His passion is playing his guitar</span>s. Fifth miracle, the bottom of the can flew past him at an extremely high velocity of speed embedding itself into the deck beam that were behind him. Had that hit him it would have been as a large bullet, causing sever damage or possible death. <br />
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There you have it, <u><b>5 Miracles</b></u> in a matter of a few seconds that could have changed this whole unfortunate situation into something much more worse than it is. Now please don't think I am down grading the severity of his injuries. I am not. They are extremely bad, grotesquely ugly and very painful. But, we can see that our Lord and Savior was protecting him. For that, we are very thankful.<br />
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<u><b>Blessings</b></u> have abounded. Family and Friends have rallied around us and provided us with wound care supplies, ointment, bandages, meals, and financial help. We are so <u><b>BLESSED</b></u> to have such caring and giving people in our circle of relationships. How can we say "Thank You" enough for all that each of you have done to help our family get through this? Words do not seem enough to express what is in our hearts.<br />
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Now that his arm is past the point of infection, we can now use a salve to keep the wound area moist instead of the expensive triple antibiotic ointment we were using. So since, I am one who likes to use Natural products I have a recipe for a Beeswax Burn Salve that I will make. This salve is similar to the formula used for the better known: Burt's Bees Salve. Which can be rather expensive when using it in the amounts that we will be using it. Thus, we will be making our own. Saving our ever fading checking account from further drainage. (severe injury + no insurance + no work = ever fading checking account)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfraF2wGvRHS_6ygTLuYId2QnzXqTkVxsfTfp51-XkHSjrF9AO9yAtGbcBlhK-ZkIa_W_a62dKI0ZWbRHkfUtPtgyRPiV0C_CqYKHnDVZrap8oRwqjMeyYaEMUnFN49N2LrtUIDlYnNNB/s1600/Homemade+burn+salve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfraF2wGvRHS_6ygTLuYId2QnzXqTkVxsfTfp51-XkHSjrF9AO9yAtGbcBlhK-ZkIa_W_a62dKI0ZWbRHkfUtPtgyRPiV0C_CqYKHnDVZrap8oRwqjMeyYaEMUnFN49N2LrtUIDlYnNNB/s320/Homemade+burn+salve.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade Burn Salve</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Homemade Burn/Wound Salve</b></u></span><br />
This salve can bring soothing and healing to; burns, minor cuts, cold sores and rashes.<br />
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1 quart of Extra Virgin Olive Oil<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjTD59OyMXlFcDZo9M5pogv2NXseUoGMj8IHxVdjNjwtzD8zt8NBvb4JkMp_AKo_OIELNb8KgaGyT6W_q6phyphenhyphenfxXFu0zb75rhE77xrvO8jO5CLBrsRq009iYshALKlWiGxmWf2SBfWGZI/s1600/Beeswax.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjTD59OyMXlFcDZo9M5pogv2NXseUoGMj8IHxVdjNjwtzD8zt8NBvb4JkMp_AKo_OIELNb8KgaGyT6W_q6phyphenhyphenfxXFu0zb75rhE77xrvO8jO5CLBrsRq009iYshALKlWiGxmWf2SBfWGZI/s200/Beeswax.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>1 ounce fresh calendula herb flowers<br />
3 ounces beeswax, grated<br />
cooking thermometer<br />
Optional:<br />
5 drops Tea-Tree Essential Oil - for calming the skin and fighting infection<br />
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil - for soothing wound area and promote healing<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KG8MIxsqCQ9kh4YUHp9cIUuxAzeJhrbKzYn_UXOZQD81YhGhdFbi3rNEJD9axJOptUn8t3su4-Somv7i4NZ7v99tZRoUthOlmitqxaYKq2CeKJ4i98QDSsPwYKAmW0pzypJ7gQLootZZ/s1600/candula+flower+in+oil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KG8MIxsqCQ9kh4YUHp9cIUuxAzeJhrbKzYn_UXOZQD81YhGhdFbi3rNEJD9axJOptUn8t3su4-Somv7i4NZ7v99tZRoUthOlmitqxaYKq2CeKJ4i98QDSsPwYKAmW0pzypJ7gQLootZZ/s200/candula+flower+in+oil.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Mix the olive oil and the flowers in a crock-pot and heat to a 175 degrees F overnight (You can do this in a double boiler/saucepan on the stove on low heat, but the longer the flowers are infused in the oil the stronger the infusion and final product is). Strain the oil from the flowers, then discard flowers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigV0hcG5XgyEV_tGG2IVWfdlmTlBdZM-P8M_VyQ1z5NqefWksUBRnD4syIF8groiZIHqWaqNEcx2HLlAeWyGOzd1tL2QXgFSTMg2SXIV0NC9ytwlliW444O9qbbOgvtDB0sOiKBzcZ06Kw/s1600/burn+salve+melting+wax.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigV0hcG5XgyEV_tGG2IVWfdlmTlBdZM-P8M_VyQ1z5NqefWksUBRnD4syIF8groiZIHqWaqNEcx2HLlAeWyGOzd1tL2QXgFSTMg2SXIV0NC9ytwlliW444O9qbbOgvtDB0sOiKBzcZ06Kw/s200/burn+salve+melting+wax.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Place the oil in a saucepan over medium heat (kept in over a double boiler). Add the beeswax and stir. Allow the wax to melt. When the mixture is fully melted, add essential oils if using.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAj6q3rD9Yy3s9YgOJB7SyYaFga-CRpZD3tdt4_4cqfeSDxf4BxGBDP0nIfg1cxi5_TvT1eX7ugpxO6ghtoCXRG80SxXzSJqfkQEIsWuq2TpdWflftDi14XyiK4QWWHOzugbKSxsbrclfJ/s1600/homemade+burn+salve+hot+liquid.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAj6q3rD9Yy3s9YgOJB7SyYaFga-CRpZD3tdt4_4cqfeSDxf4BxGBDP0nIfg1cxi5_TvT1eX7ugpxO6ghtoCXRG80SxXzSJqfkQEIsWuq2TpdWflftDi14XyiK4QWWHOzugbKSxsbrclfJ/s200/homemade+burn+salve+hot+liquid.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Then pour into a jar. (I like to use a large mouth "squatty" jar for easier access to salve.) Let cool completely and secure with lid. Use: apply with fingers to burned, cut, rash or wounded area. Can leave moist over area or rub into skin leaving it soft and moisturized.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-90463618771659707832011-03-11T19:46:00.000-06:002011-03-11T19:46:18.233-06:00Where Does The Time Go? + Onions, Bananas, & Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHOFi0u4nwRGrJvJBNf06NKyw0EfgeCp24LVvTziVNTgF7encJn6Evn2SuPKfe3IsosMFe8I6AYvbh3c4yxg4g3kOQpHRHwPtf2W-1NMHWnVbbgZIfPDnRW-SOTqJRkEEGgEZB84MhBit/s1600/Michele+senior+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHOFi0u4nwRGrJvJBNf06NKyw0EfgeCp24LVvTziVNTgF7encJn6Evn2SuPKfe3IsosMFe8I6AYvbh3c4yxg4g3kOQpHRHwPtf2W-1NMHWnVbbgZIfPDnRW-SOTqJRkEEGgEZB84MhBit/s200/Michele+senior+pic.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>I cannot believe that it has been well over a month since I last blogged. The time has just flown by. You know "LIFE" it sometimes has a way of throwing us a few curve balls along with the normal everyday workings.<br />
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We are preparing for our daughters Senior Prom and Graduation. It is so hard to believe that my baby girl is graduating high school. She has surely grown up to be a beautiful young lady. I am so proud of here.<br />
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On another note....Spring is right around the corner...One of my favorite seasons of the year. With the coming Spring time comes the flowers in bloom. We have daffodils already in bursting forth and showing they beauty. Soon the Iris, Daylilies and Dogwood will be bursting forth.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ieeuykBfgP3RbSPrfSQDd2Lkw07UIxomniqIO5WhLbvf_QkzfPO1G47IvsoX2SWJV9I2MmK8bKvnqRulWQAm3fRuSPQpMYb17pZtIluugaA_bKFlMwLHqcGSwYoGVKALK5jNZDTKIZOE/s1600/cabbage+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ieeuykBfgP3RbSPrfSQDd2Lkw07UIxomniqIO5WhLbvf_QkzfPO1G47IvsoX2SWJV9I2MmK8bKvnqRulWQAm3fRuSPQpMYb17pZtIluugaA_bKFlMwLHqcGSwYoGVKALK5jNZDTKIZOE/s200/cabbage+soup.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veggie Soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then comes the garden...fresh fruit and veggies. Woo who...I can't wait. Even though I can all year round, I just love the burst of adrenaline that comes with a garden for the " stocking of the larder" as the veggies and fruit ripen.<br />
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Speaking of canning, this afternoon I made a huge pot of veggie soup consisting of: spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, cabbage, onions, homemade chicken broth, and spices. I cooked it until it was about 3/4 of the way done, then ladled it up into hot sterile quart jars and pressured canned. Now I have lots of wonderful home canned soup ready to 'heat -n- serve'.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTdZrVSXtQURvJ6JiCnEDrWj07vUGcaKTJEnU07SACPMNofu8ySXwpsCXsvzGsRvXdM3HAdubbr-6xBBqwMoxQJY3padb_oChoJx_aHFI5w1yAGOY9AhrtMY9PkzniKfVOZR66WhJu5m2/s1600/onions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTdZrVSXtQURvJ6JiCnEDrWj07vUGcaKTJEnU07SACPMNofu8ySXwpsCXsvzGsRvXdM3HAdubbr-6xBBqwMoxQJY3padb_oChoJx_aHFI5w1yAGOY9AhrtMY9PkzniKfVOZR66WhJu5m2/s200/onions.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onions in Freezer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also had a whole lot of bananas, so I made 16 dozen Banana Oatmeal Cookies. I would have made more but ran out of oatmeal. Will have to get more from the store tomorrow. Of course, we ate some, then we froze some for later. I still had bananas that needed processing, so I made up a batch of 'Banana Nut Bread Jam'. But, still had bananas....I guess more jam and cookies are in my future for tomorrow. (Jam Recipe Below)<br />
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I also chopped up about 10 pounds of onions. Sorted into freezer bags and placed in the freezer. I haven't found a good way to can them, except to caramelize them. Caramelizing them takes a lot of time, butter, and onions. The end product is excellent, but reduces to about 1/8 of what you started with. So, I just peel, chop, and freeze.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlEz0iRn-lS6rYqt2GARsQUmoZ1FPHtWUlvHl_BxC6AM6ThJbrac-TRm8QpVRSr6r2kwkVas4PRCFapCDxJzQGmaQ58CoHJT_lclxQ3WCLy_SCycTJZeHWiHcLDl1WIDP7YuWUBj1LWno/s1600/Banana+Nut+Bread+Jam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlEz0iRn-lS6rYqt2GARsQUmoZ1FPHtWUlvHl_BxC6AM6ThJbrac-TRm8QpVRSr6r2kwkVas4PRCFapCDxJzQGmaQ58CoHJT_lclxQ3WCLy_SCycTJZeHWiHcLDl1WIDP7YuWUBj1LWno/s200/Banana+Nut+Bread+Jam.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana Nut Bread Jam</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><u>Banana Nut Bread Jam</u></b><br />
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3 Cup of pureed bananas (I like mine a little chunky)<br />
2 Tablespoon lemon juice<br />
1 1/2 cups walnuts, minced (some like the nuts toasted)<br />
1 package powered pectin<br />
1 Teaspoon cinnamon<br />
1/2 Teaspoon nutmeg<br />
4 cups granulated sugar<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
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Mix bananas, nuts, lemon juice, spices and powered pectin in large heavy bottomed pot. Stir constantly while bringing to a full boil. (Watch carefully as mixture is thick and will scorch on bottom if not stirring) Add sugars all at once. Stirring continuously. Heat until brought back to a full boil. boil hard for 1 minute. Ladle jam into jars leaving a 1/4 inch headspace. Process in a BWB for 10 minutes. Adjusting time for altitude. Makes 6 half pints or 3 pints. <br />
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So what have you all been doing lately in the kitchen? Canning, Baking, Freezing?<br />
In the craft room? Sewing, quilting, crocheting, etc.?<br />
In the garden? Prepping, pruning, or planting?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-23384197731075178012011-02-08T20:38:00.000-06:002011-02-08T20:38:39.420-06:00Tuesday Tip: Cinnamon and Honey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk2zYM6209mDgqRJAfJthm9flUgIOvEX0pPKssYVG-r5my3CZhvmq8y44xrTTgijuvAozHxTlD2qqPH4vdRUK2U5EiW3w2BMDVdq17UCrYsOL3WA5tWN9dNwwvcsttLK0G7qJCWty1WB9/s1600/cinnamon_honey_benifits+of+honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk2zYM6209mDgqRJAfJthm9flUgIOvEX0pPKssYVG-r5my3CZhvmq8y44xrTTgijuvAozHxTlD2qqPH4vdRUK2U5EiW3w2BMDVdq17UCrYsOL3WA5tWN9dNwwvcsttLK0G7qJCWty1WB9/s200/cinnamon_honey_benifits+of+honey.jpg" width="200" /></b></a></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I received an email this week from someone that gave all kinds of wonderful benefits of consuming the combination of Honey and Cinnamon. I thought I would share them with you all here on this Tuesday Tip.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I did do a little research and it seems that this is nothing new. Most of the sites that I found were of foreign countries that have been using this combination for centuries. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I do say that if something this natural and healthy has this many benefits than we should be using it more often. I would however recommend that you use the honey in its purest form. Meaning don't buy it pasteurized. Get RAW honey and preferably get it where is comes from your general area, not half way around the county. Doing this also has its own benefits, by helping with allergies and pollen within your region.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> I will forewarn you that this is a long post, but I do hope that you will find it beneficial. I have resorted to start consuming more honey and cinnamon. I think I will make the "tea". Enjoy. </span></span></div><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><u>Honey</u></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. It will do what some call turning to sugar. In reality honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will do what I rather call "crystallizing". When this happens loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the honey container in the hot water, after turning off the heat and let it liquefy. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. To do so will kill the enzymes in the honey. <br />
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Cinnamon and Honey</span></u></b><br />
Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of Honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases. <br />
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Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_43">Weekly World News</span>, a magazine in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_44">Canada</span> , in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists: <br />
<b><u><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_45">HEART DISEASES</span>:</span></u></b><br />
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. </span></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_46">loss of breath</span> and strengthens the heart beat. </span></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins. <br />
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ARTHRITIS:</span></u></b><br />
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the<br />
doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain. <br />
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<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_47">BLADDER INFECTIONS</span>:</span></u></b><br />
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_48" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136);">lukewarm water</span> and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder. <br />
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CHOLESTEROL</span></u>: </b><br />
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three<br />
times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.<br />
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COLDS:</span></u></b><br />
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_49">chronic cough</span>, cold, and clear the sinuses. <br />
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<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_50" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136);">UPSET STOMACH</span>:</span></u></b><br />
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_51">stomach ache</span> and also clears <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_52">stomach ulcers</span> from the root.. <br />
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GAS</span></u></b><u>:</u><br />
According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas. <br />
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IMMUNE SYSTEM:</span></u></b><br />
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases. <br />
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INDIGESTION:</span></u></b><br />
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals. <br />
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INFLUENZA</span></u></b><u>:</u><br />
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_53">natural ' Ingredient</span>' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu. <br />
<b><u><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
LONGEVITY</span></u></b><u>:</u><br />
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age.. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old. <br />
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<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_54" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136);">PIMPLES</span></span></u></b><u>:</u><br />
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root. <br />
<b><u><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_55">SKIN INFECTIONS</span>:</span></u></b><br />
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_56">eczema</span>, ringworm and all types of <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_57">skin infections</span>. <br />
<b><u><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
WEIGHT LOSS:</span></u></b><br />
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet. <br />
<b><u><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
CANCER:</span></u></b><br />
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day. <br />
<b><u><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
FATIGUE</span></u></b><u>:</u><br />
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr.. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and<br />
sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week. <br />
<b><u><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1296612235_58">BAD BREATH</span>:</span></u></b><br />
People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day. <br />
<b><u><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
HEARING LOSS:</span></u></b><br />
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it! </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold;">Who Knew That This Combo Could Do So Much For The Body?</span></span></b></span><br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-55442364408493180422011-02-06T07:01:00.000-06:002011-02-06T07:01:59.841-06:00Normalcy, PLEASE Return!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaWDYhRTcFMxAg_sneR5fiamfRGB8oDqP-YY9Y5lo4KA6baN5xwvUKkBihfNftJSBvMQQUGecaLGdPu06NG_vUNV07LRgHJpzfx7uv-fy-eoxrvt86YAv6Y9T9STsUovWErMKr80kCLkh/s1600/snowey+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaWDYhRTcFMxAg_sneR5fiamfRGB8oDqP-YY9Y5lo4KA6baN5xwvUKkBihfNftJSBvMQQUGecaLGdPu06NG_vUNV07LRgHJpzfx7uv-fy-eoxrvt86YAv6Y9T9STsUovWErMKr80kCLkh/s320/snowey+day.jpg" width="218" /></a></div> It has been a very long time since I have seen snow and ice last this long, six days, here in Arkansas. I am talking 30 + years. And the weatherman is telling us that more is coming in the next couple of days.<br />
Being from the South, if it snows one day it is usually pretty much melted and gone the next. I do believe that Arkansas has switched places with Alaska this last week. At least, it feels and looks as if it has.<br />
Our roads out where we live are still covered in all the ice and snow. And as some of it is s-l-o-w-l-y melting during the day, when the temp drops in the evening it all turns back to ice. Slick and dangerous, ice.<br />
Being snow bound is not the "norm" for us Arkansas folks. After nearly a week of being confined at home, everyone is getting antsy. People are trying to venture out to the store or restaurant, because they feel so cooped up or they didn't prepare well and are running out of supplies. This in and of itself is causing more vehicle accidents now than when is was really bad those first few days. Since Arkansas generally doesn't get this type of really bad weather much, it causes havok. Especially, since people have a hard time adjusting to: road conditions, being home more, spending time with family, or just slowing down in general (cause you can't move fast in this stuff or you will wish you hadn't).<br />
Even at my own home I see my own family "biting at the bits" to get out of the house. I keep telling them that there are plenty of things that they can do; clean a closet, organize a book shelf, catch up on laundry, or 'spring' clean the kitchen. But no one seems to want to take me up on any of the offers.<br />
If I would have had all this time off from work, I think I would have been able to accomplish some of our family resolutions. One being to "rid ourselves of stuff". I would have loved the opportunity to get into the "black hole" of a closet and purge some stuff. But I did not and could not, as I work from home (for the most part). Thus, I had no excuses as to not get to work. Especially, since my compute was from one room to the next. I did get a lot accomplished this week though in the administrative area of my job, but it sure put a damper on being able to get out to do the rest of it.<br />
Though I have enjoyed the time at home with my family, I find myself out of the normal routine of things, which gets everything out of whack. I will be glad when everything gets back to "NORMAL". Whatever that is.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-72028600401975307452011-01-18T19:00:00.000-06:002011-01-18T19:00:02.664-06:00Canning Inexpensively<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSXMseoTqGI-wpGdu6Q7RUr050n4Iomf6YFUt7e3GkP6dxmLVqdT949xX_uNEc18x6hfDod5NW7q6UkigH_rJU1u74S2t1BrDTPzMTPZZeaA6SaXGo4fvw46uKhSbbX5c42ntrH8tR2Dv/s1600/ball_jars_world_over.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSXMseoTqGI-wpGdu6Q7RUr050n4Iomf6YFUt7e3GkP6dxmLVqdT949xX_uNEc18x6hfDod5NW7q6UkigH_rJU1u74S2t1BrDTPzMTPZZeaA6SaXGo4fvw46uKhSbbX5c42ntrH8tR2Dv/s320/ball_jars_world_over.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>I home can foods a lot. There is no denying it. If you were to see my pantry, it is mostly jars of food not cans of food. I enjoy canning and have been doing it for quite a few years now. But what if you want to learn or start canning more often, how do you get started?<br />
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I would recommend that you start s-l-o-w-l-y and do only one simple item/recipe at a time. Start with canning tomatoes or jam. These are easy, meaning; they don't require a lot of equipment or processing, the jars can be sealed using "Boil Bath Method", and you will have successful products. Which is important, because you want to like what you preserve and have gratification and satisfaction in an accomplishment well done.<br />
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Now canning is not as expensive as it might seem, if you plan, watch, be organized, and follow a few simple things.<br />
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1. If you start with canning "high acid" items that can be sealed using the Boil bath Method, then you can use a deep stock pot that you already have. As long as, there is at least 2 to 3 inches of room above the jars to the rim of the rim of the pot. This is so that you will have enough room for at least 1 inch of water above the jars and space for the water to boil without spilling over.<br />
<br />
2. Watch for canning jars at thrift stores, yard sales, tag sales, flea markets, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">craigs list</span>, local newspaper, etc. I am always picking up a jar here and there. Before you know it you will have several dozen. I have target prices that I try to limit myself too for different jar sizes. Quart size .75 cents or less each and pint and half-pint sizes .50 cents or less each. Just make sure and check that there are no nicks on the top of the jar or the lids will not seal.<br />
<br />
3. Each year, early Summer and late Fall, the Sunday newspaper will usually have a coupon for $x.xx amount off 2 cases of Ball/Kerr canning jars. This is a great deal, since it brings your cost down to right around my target price for used jars and you get the band and a lid.<br />
<br />
4. Check out your local discount stores for jars, lids, and bands. Some stores that I frequent are Fred's, Dollar General, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wal</span>-Mart. I recently found standard lids at Fred's for $1.00 box/12. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wal</span>-marts price is about $1.50+ a box. So, I brought home 20 boxes, They are an off brand, but I have had no trouble with them not sealing.<br />
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5. Plan to continue canning. This is an investment, not just a passing fling. You will get the most for you money if you use and reuse your jars and equipment. One of my pressure <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">canners</span> was my grandmothers. So there was no investment in it by me, except to have pressure <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">gauge</span> checked periodically. I also have jars that are 20+ years old still in use. You have to be careful with how you store them when they are empty, so as not to chip the rim. Other than that, good jars will last a long time.<br />
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I do hope this gives you some ways to begin or expand you home canning endeavor. Just remember, start slow and simple, otherwise you might give up to soon. Keep you thoughts to how wonderful home canned food tastes. It is so much tastier than store tinned. And the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">benefits</span> of having food items without all the added preservatives and chemicals, especially if you use organic fruits and veggies.<br />
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<div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Happy Canning!<b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><b style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">SERINA </span></b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-32240769015966747932011-01-15T19:09:00.000-06:002011-01-15T19:09:26.493-06:00Recipe using HC Item: Peach Raspberry Lavender Jam w/Mock Angel Food Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4duiGILwLJMpRplLInUrpLq9trn3-mLnS3vqhpyAUyEHRticUmPvhczOCkoVJEoB-BplHLp5oNCJy7tf1fAI_eXdXotAOLTW2A3RlZerNmzKDLid4_SXcXQj08R8cEwWtv3YebQMNJKRH/s1600/peach+raspberry+lavender+jam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4duiGILwLJMpRplLInUrpLq9trn3-mLnS3vqhpyAUyEHRticUmPvhczOCkoVJEoB-BplHLp5oNCJy7tf1fAI_eXdXotAOLTW2A3RlZerNmzKDLid4_SXcXQj08R8cEwWtv3YebQMNJKRH/s200/peach+raspberry+lavender+jam.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>Did you know that you can use Jams for more that just slathering on a hot buttered homemade biscuit or piece of toast?<br />
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You can use it for sauces on a variety of meats, baked into cookies or fruit bars, a sauce for ice cream or cakes and so much more.<br />
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Saturday's we treat ourselves here at Rose Bud Cottage. We typically don't have sweets during the week, so on Saturday I will make something like cookies, pie, or cake to last the weekend. Today was no different.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcQA5_J5K4Ht_TaGwg0ZWjndLhyphenhyphenYi9bfg60zeybFGzq1IZtJHD_hCkEbf15J7DwJZgnCM37wIxa2RboB3Q8y3zgfb5SNc7YLzqqtwxqXY-zZOYZwgnzzZXk7ES6PLwGYbY09al6bxAAb1/s1600/mock+angel+food+cake+with+peach+raspberry+lavender+jam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcQA5_J5K4Ht_TaGwg0ZWjndLhyphenhyphenYi9bfg60zeybFGzq1IZtJHD_hCkEbf15J7DwJZgnCM37wIxa2RboB3Q8y3zgfb5SNc7YLzqqtwxqXY-zZOYZwgnzzZXk7ES6PLwGYbY09al6bxAAb1/s200/mock+angel+food+cake+with+peach+raspberry+lavender+jam.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
I was in the kitchen, my usual hang out place, straightening up and prepping for dinner later. My son comes in and says, "Mom, what you planning on for today?" I tell him that we will be having Venison Roast, beans, potatoes and glazed carrots for dinner. For dessert I was thinking of making a Mock Angel Food Cake with Peach Raspberry Lavender Sauce on the side.<br />
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His reply was, "Yum! I love today. It just keeps getting better. Why can't every day be like this?" <br />
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<u><b>Mock Angel Food Cake</b></u><br />
Great cake! Moist, easy, and only uses 3 egg whites!<br />
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1 1/2 cups flour<br />
1 1/2 cups sugar or splenda or combo of both<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1 1/2 cup milk, heated<br />
3 large eggs, room temp<br />
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Measure first 4 ingredients into sifter and sift four times. This lets the flours get lots of air in them for a lighter fluffier cake. In saucepan, heat the milk just to the boiling point then remove from heat. Stir into the flour mixture until smooth. In separate bowl, beat the egg whites until still. Fold, do NOT stir, into the batter until no streaks remain. Turn into a greased and lightly floured angel food pan. Bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Invert pan and let cool before removing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_7krhOTYboIyrdtHfk4uCYb2XQhGLptxFThF9w-rQeVuUhYp_oQ1ITusNV9ssDCMDGmeCj-ffGMPc9rGFkRWRqPFFkfBMCOhGnrVBfBii1vB_yPQiTgWUapuHGxJbx0UYgUdqAQIlyKQ/s1600/glazed+carrots+and+canned+potatore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_7krhOTYboIyrdtHfk4uCYb2XQhGLptxFThF9w-rQeVuUhYp_oQ1ITusNV9ssDCMDGmeCj-ffGMPc9rGFkRWRqPFFkfBMCOhGnrVBfBii1vB_yPQiTgWUapuHGxJbx0UYgUdqAQIlyKQ/s320/glazed+carrots+and+canned+potatore.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forgot the black-eyed peas, sorry!</td></tr>
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This cake will not rise as high as a standard angel food cake, but it is still light and airy.<br />
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The rest of our menu for tonight's dinner consisted of:<br />
Home-canned Glazed Carrots<br />
Home-canned Potatoes<br />
Fresh Black-eyed Peas<br />
Venison Roast<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-17213053141134281212011-01-13T19:00:00.003-06:002011-01-13T19:00:02.012-06:00$82.78 for Only $8.15 ~ Now That's a Bargain!I love shopping at Thrift Stores, Yard Sales, and Flea Markets. I never know what kinds of treasures I might come across at a really excellent price that can fit into our extremely tight budget. I am always on the look out for anything, home decor, possible gifts, linens, etc. But since I practically live in the kitchen, except for when I am working at my job, I usually gravitate toward dishes, bake-ware, etc. I think I end up in those areas of the store because I am always on the look out for canning jars on the cheap.<br />
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Anyway the other evening, I stopped into a local Thrift Store (Potters House) and here is what I found:<br />
I love cooking on pampered chef stoneware, but it is too expensive to buy new. So when I came across this little gem, a never used 8" mini baker by Pampered Chef for only $2.49, I couldn't pass it up. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ-QC2vhicK8HdM8p3AIeb0kBOY_BQAEeIIwzP3etNMNXnPwZUSnQn_VsJRQlViEjN_9LIvaYeGqrT1nSrW2whgaeucsWzwgqJ0wMQtq-CoNgLbYoTzzHfNHWnY525z1_TIT2njeD7_6s/s1600/pampered+chef+min+baker+thrift+store+find.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ-QC2vhicK8HdM8p3AIeb0kBOY_BQAEeIIwzP3etNMNXnPwZUSnQn_VsJRQlViEjN_9LIvaYeGqrT1nSrW2whgaeucsWzwgqJ0wMQtq-CoNgLbYoTzzHfNHWnY525z1_TIT2njeD7_6s/s200/pampered+chef+min+baker+thrift+store+find.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3Ey913yPbi-BKDs7DD9bGZ058nc_VYwQYgGi0tlbcxsjawtYzXCT4y-f9-bATf7SYO_MNYGE-HL97Noc_s0Q1DfKotYRn_GILU6laipAvRBQkZQXbyqhKu1bwx0ZG36MMGdyDf-OTp-3/s1600/Pampered+chef+mini+baker+for+sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3Ey913yPbi-BKDs7DD9bGZ058nc_VYwQYgGi0tlbcxsjawtYzXCT4y-f9-bATf7SYO_MNYGE-HL97Noc_s0Q1DfKotYRn_GILU6laipAvRBQkZQXbyqhKu1bwx0ZG36MMGdyDf-OTp-3/s200/Pampered+chef+mini+baker+for+sale.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internet price: $23.95</td></tr>
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Internet price for a NEW one is $23.95.<br />
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What a Deal! $21.49 Savings<br />
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Next, I found 3 Johnson Brothers Plates. Two match the set that I have (The Friendly Village) and a bread plate from a different set (Pennsylvania Fieldstone), but it matches close enough that no one will ever know it didn't really go with the set. I got a Dinner Plate $1.99, Salad Plate $1.79 and Bread Plate $1.29<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vOqXuNhlVNg5_HlykGuMlyTHmd8MbnNUr4VsnMVb4YcgXFW79JLoum20gLh2QnZTAJXgACcUfxqywou7DD_Suh0AjospfqzKepXYNUGMYmVfHOB31tMdo-fN1du8nvqXsLTOIdMq-BJL/s1600/johnson+bro.+thrft+store+find.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vOqXuNhlVNg5_HlykGuMlyTHmd8MbnNUr4VsnMVb4YcgXFW79JLoum20gLh2QnZTAJXgACcUfxqywou7DD_Suh0AjospfqzKepXYNUGMYmVfHOB31tMdo-fN1du8nvqXsLTOIdMq-BJL/s200/johnson+bro.+thrft+store+find.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thrift Store ones - sorry about pic color</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPQyx6CpEBxIyvyXwc2OR7Wzs-VIiOaku-xJtTfZ7l8MxRD4dsUHuJJLWaM8x5dVTnWFSG-G2aCwzCNcLSxpnjv7pzvjBcjpntcnAzkVYcEbpYoVGMEa5FrdD_tuFwUkB-rUkzwYAWbPz/s1600/johnson+Bro.+dishes+for+sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPQyx6CpEBxIyvyXwc2OR7Wzs-VIiOaku-xJtTfZ7l8MxRD4dsUHuJJLWaM8x5dVTnWFSG-G2aCwzCNcLSxpnjv7pzvjBcjpntcnAzkVYcEbpYoVGMEa5FrdD_tuFwUkB-rUkzwYAWbPz/s320/johnson+Bro.+dishes+for+sale.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Internet price for:<br />
Dinner Plate $24.99<br />
Salad Plate $8.00<br />
Bread Plate $9.00<br />
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Savings of $36.92<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b style="color: blue;">Now the Best Deal of that Day...</b></u></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sfzjUHswHe2zy5Ce5OjhSHcufIwHDZ6AyCVThmPtrtlIOWPOEHy_OnnMx8WPUJPuTZJjVYfiTNr_Te0gEXBcPI8uEjr75Gval0k7C7uIcabKb-J-lwpFZ9ajkdCQU-FMsFbzVHH86HLS/s1600/cut+glass+pitcher+for+sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sfzjUHswHe2zy5Ce5OjhSHcufIwHDZ6AyCVThmPtrtlIOWPOEHy_OnnMx8WPUJPuTZJjVYfiTNr_Te0gEXBcPI8uEjr75Gval0k7C7uIcabKb-J-lwpFZ9ajkdCQU-FMsFbzVHH86HLS/s320/cut+glass+pitcher+for+sale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I happened across this Early American Press Cut Glass Syrup Pitcher in perfect condition for ONLY $.59 cents. We make our own pancake syrup here at Rose Bud Cottage, so this lovely piece will be great for those Saturday breakfast when everyone is here and we get to enjoy a hearty breakfast together.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OuPQReEAqoU3HdxZNqS9_XZmsZFNMKW6LKmnRj07XGde0n9IIT0zYN8LkiU5tX4-0gMv-njOXMeO8oFm55Gx4zcfaGL4EqELWN6ccgsWTUlGjUW9vF7YhU2exmTNZDm1f5-a5rIgCndO/s1600/cut+glass+syrup+pitcher+thrift+store+find.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OuPQReEAqoU3HdxZNqS9_XZmsZFNMKW6LKmnRj07XGde0n9IIT0zYN8LkiU5tX4-0gMv-njOXMeO8oFm55Gx4zcfaGL4EqELWN6ccgsWTUlGjUW9vF7YhU2exmTNZDm1f5-a5rIgCndO/s200/cut+glass+syrup+pitcher+thrift+store+find.jpg" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thrift Store find</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Internet price: $24.99</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Savings of: $24.40</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now you see why I enjoy shopping at these places.....I find treasures, I get to shop, and it fits within my really tight <i>(and I mean-you can't squeeze anymore out of it)</i> budget. Win! - Win! in my book.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Total Spent = $ 8.15</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Total Savings = $82.78</b></span></div><br />
Do you like thrift shopping, yard sales, or flea markets? What do you gravitate to, collect, or enjoy? Have you found a really great deal lately? Why not share....Would love to read about it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /> </a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-58904125670723634682011-01-11T18:58:00.000-06:002011-01-11T18:58:13.603-06:00Tuesday Tip: Storing Home Canned Goods<div align="justify"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4bnUip0Ao3NdiTZE-tCTPQx2Dx8pw08hEvf_x3HsJOM5cK6Ss9BSZ0A_RXyaw3Bm7PjT3-bcs9E6BM5V47VSZduRHBIRLktJflV57zHgKnGSllNSME7Fswnre7niRiw4D-usciLMooo/s1600-h/pimento.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365917145252191298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4bnUip0Ao3NdiTZE-tCTPQx2Dx8pw08hEvf_x3HsJOM5cK6Ss9BSZ0A_RXyaw3Bm7PjT3-bcs9E6BM5V47VSZduRHBIRLktJflV57zHgKnGSllNSME7Fswnre7niRiw4D-usciLMooo/s320/pimento.jpg" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is a re-post from June 2009 from a previous blog I had. Hope you find it helpful.</span></i></div><br />
What does one do with all those canned jars now that you have put in all that hard work into preparing them? How does one store them? </div><br />
Here is what I do. After my processed jars have set for 12 to 24 hours the first thing I do is to check and make sure the jars have all sealed. Then I remove the rings and lift the jar by the lid to verify a good seal. Once the jar has sealed there is no need for the ring. If by chance the food in the jar started to spoil you wouldn't be able to tell until you went to open the jar. But, if you take the rings off and store them without the rings, if the food was beginning to spoil it is possible that the lid would start to bulge or pop and you would be able to tell that it was bad immediately.<br />
<br />
The second thing I do before putting away is to wipe my jars down with a damp cloth. This is to remove any residue on the jars and dry them. Thirdly, I label what it is and year made. Sometimes I just write on the lid or put a piece of tape on the lid and write on it, other times my daughter likes to make up fancy labels (especially if using as gifts). Then I place them on my shelves. They are best kept in a cool dark place, such as a basement, root cellar, or closet. Keep at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">temperatures</span> between 50 and 70 degrees are best and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ideal</span>.<br />
<br />
When placing on the shelves REMEMBER to rotate your stock. Move the oldest items to the front and the newest to the back. This insures that a jar doesn't get forgotten about and goes bad before it gets used.<br />
<br />
I do hope this gives you an idea as to how to store those jars so that they last until you are ready to open it up and Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<i style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Serina </span></b></i><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-65544969641234773062011-01-10T18:35:00.006-06:002011-01-10T18:35:00.213-06:00Ball Canning Contest on Facebook<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkEu8x8nc8usozpcwy6MHIhB7upPlJDBDy85vJ-tbY_mXTr_d-YZscqbjeqI_wv8t-e8JmMDt6WXh5BjGogn5OTHagKfWaCZ1dtG4CnNpPtWJshasDngyuRF9l7ybucDcdIJR3ChfRWZu/s1600/ball+canning+contest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkEu8x8nc8usozpcwy6MHIhB7upPlJDBDy85vJ-tbY_mXTr_d-YZscqbjeqI_wv8t-e8JmMDt6WXh5BjGogn5OTHagKfWaCZ1dtG4CnNpPtWJshasDngyuRF9l7ybucDcdIJR3ChfRWZu/s320/ball+canning+contest.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/notes/ballr-canning-recipes/ballr-canning-recipes-contest/185886044762980">Ball Canning & Recipes Contest</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Starting today Ball Canning is having a contest on their Facebook page (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/BallCanning">here</a>) until January 14th at midnight EST. You don't have to be a canner to enter. You can be a crafter too. You just have to up load a photo of how you use Ball jars. It's that easy.<br />
<br />
They will then select 10 winners through a random drawing for a <strong></strong>Stainless Steel Canner with Canning Rack and Ball® Blue Book. Approximate Retail Price - $85.00.<br />
<br />
Detailed contest rules and regulations can be found <a href="http://www.facebook.com/notes/ballr-canning-recipes/ballr-canning-recipes-contest/185886044762980">here</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /> </a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-79498853029147892152011-01-08T11:02:00.000-06:002011-01-08T11:02:54.631-06:00Recipe using Home-Canned Items: Italian Cabbage SoupSome have asked....What do you make with all those different home-canned (HC) items? "I don't can because I don't think I would every use the stuff."<br />
<br />
With those thoughts and questions in mind, I am going to start sharing more of the recipes that use the HC items. <br />
<br />
Today's I will be sharing what we call <i>Italian Cabbage Soup</i>. This is just a soup that I have made up that conforms to the diet that My Knight and I are on. We eat a lot of cabbage on this diet and have come up with numerous ideas for soups using it. Why soup? Because it is more filling. Some of the other soups we have came up with are: <i>Chicken Cabbage "Noodle" Soup, Mexican Salsa Cabbage Soup, </i>and <i>Cabbage "Spaghetti"</i> <i>and Meat Sauce</i>.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAnzdh2AO1Q3-YwWpOLr6yXL2HrHIAhVVSBg507nwuPj8WcXVKmBMoBpR5AB3_Lf5mMxSQLyKPwOv_nenHVMdsCg8Noi0A4-9ng3TePR-6wJnvxQ6L2tKL_KhLrgcYqI_XSnFHjDoyRLt/s1600/chicken+broth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAnzdh2AO1Q3-YwWpOLr6yXL2HrHIAhVVSBg507nwuPj8WcXVKmBMoBpR5AB3_Lf5mMxSQLyKPwOv_nenHVMdsCg8Noi0A4-9ng3TePR-6wJnvxQ6L2tKL_KhLrgcYqI_XSnFHjDoyRLt/s200/chicken+broth.jpg" width="130" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Stock</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9cCNxNf56Mm24xjd3IaxB0cNu_qpZYg3rGl-4c0n-ojeMGw6YiLlJ2MYkgmv6vSGipbnnKUViVy-KAJ8ofKKe6jUVmaMsEYpcBWlmuseOukuFKo1aTilOLQueWZUus5E2GdmBvT-lkaj/s1600/stewed+tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9cCNxNf56Mm24xjd3IaxB0cNu_qpZYg3rGl-4c0n-ojeMGw6YiLlJ2MYkgmv6vSGipbnnKUViVy-KAJ8ofKKe6jUVmaMsEYpcBWlmuseOukuFKo1aTilOLQueWZUus5E2GdmBvT-lkaj/s200/stewed+tomatoes.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stewed Tomatoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<u><b>Italian Cabbage Soup</b></u> - serves 2<br />
<u><b></b></u><br />
1 pint jar of HC broth (chicken or turkey)<br />
1 pint jar of HC stewed tomatoes (tomatoes, peppers, onions)<br />
2 cups cabbage, large shreds<br />
2 cloves garlic, crushed<br />
Pinch of Italian seasoning<br />
8 oz. of ground meat (venison or chuck)<br />
Pinch of Celtic Sea Salt<br />
Pepper to taste<br />
<br />
<br />
Brown ground beef and drain. In sauce pan, combine all the ingredients and bring to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes. This blends all the flavors.<br />
<br />
If you like, you can top with some Parmesan Cheese, and croutons. For a more creamy soup add a few tablespoons of heavy whipping cream. <br />
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<br />
Enjoy!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-75682445327919721392011-01-06T18:00:00.003-06:002011-01-06T18:00:02.448-06:00The Food Channel Predicts Top 10 Trends for 2011<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVbNu7Ta-yRVRT4tc8zZ_JutmYzrRdhxsPhZE551pmfEXxMzrHi4XbHPv4NHaDzUKaSL7u0aN96EBvp2Nu8a_1YKuz9Ax8pjHtJ_dHV0rpJUNyHYtrGbZZn8iRTxub39-BRfbdv-qx6L-/s1600/top_10_trends_logo_mastera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVbNu7Ta-yRVRT4tc8zZ_JutmYzrRdhxsPhZE551pmfEXxMzrHi4XbHPv4NHaDzUKaSL7u0aN96EBvp2Nu8a_1YKuz9Ax8pjHtJ_dHV0rpJUNyHYtrGbZZn8iRTxub39-BRfbdv-qx6L-/s200/top_10_trends_logo_mastera.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.foodchannel.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Look what just happens to their number one prediction? </span></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> I love it...... Read the full article </span><a href="http://www.foodchannel.com/articles/article/food-channel-predicts-top-ten-food-trends-2011/" style="font-weight: normal;">here</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">. </span></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em> </em></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong><em>Top 10 Predictions</em></strong></span><br />
<ol><li style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Canning Comeback – “Putting Up” is gaining popularity for both economy and health.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Men in Aprons – Layoffs have led to more men cooking.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Local Somewhere – We care about hand-tended no matter where it’s grown.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – We’re tired of being told what we can eat.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Appetite for Food Apps – Social media is our guide and our coupon source.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Small is the New Big Business – Corporations are thinking like small businesses.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Fresh Every Day – Rooftop gardens are just part of this trend.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Chefs in Schools – Better flavor is possible in an institutional setting.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Discomfort Foods – Change makes us comfortable with more change.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Eating for Sex and Other Things – We are working longer, and want all the gusto.</span></li>
</ol><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <script src="http://track4.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2010120419383497" type="text/javascript">
</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-73752794754549122082011-01-05T18:35:00.002-06:002011-01-05T18:35:00.412-06:00Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://history1900s.about.com/library/photos/blywwiip211.htm" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjtCe7cKlgl-c6JdRPXdKdZm7a_hVuo5V6pIBZXwS3XcQQ2tYa8N3zPr5LuADVSzJH_Nsk-hBEUkE4WTHOgNz0vmOR2qWd83IgbciXC2OXxRjH9bkzmdVs_yawJuvo3JXgjyvmJkdp-E4/s200/wwiip211.jpg" width="154" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">about.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This is the second of our family's 2011 New Years Resolutions. This saying, "Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do or Do Without" first came a commercial saying during the era of WWII (as noted above from the WWII advertisement). Even though I am sure that it was something that people had been saying for hundreds of years before it became a WWII poster.<br />
<br />
So, what is out family's criteria for trying to meet this resolution for the year?<br />
<br />
<b>Use it up</b><br />
-We are going to use up meal leftovers. By saving for another meal (example: lunch the next day) or combine several leftovers to make a new dish, casserole or soup. Hopefully this will help accomplish one of our other goals, which is to Waste Less. Items that we just won't eat or use up will be either composted or fed to the animals.<br />
-We are going to use up household supplies and items that we currently have on hand (i.e. cleaners, toiletries, colognes, make-up, etc.), then we can make our own (which I prefer) or purchase (if making is not a good option). I will share recipes for cleaners and toiletry items i.e. shampoo, face scrubs, etc. <br />
<br />
<b>Wear it out</b><br />
-We will be using items to their fullest in order to get the most for our dollars spent. This will include things like: furniture, clothing, bedding, towels, wash clothes, dishes, kitchen appliances, etc.<br />
<b>*Note: </b>My Knight and I are going back on our diet (the one we did this last fall) starting this week, if we lose the same amount of weight as we did before, there will be a need for "smaller" clothing. We will be first shopping from home and seeing if we can "take-up" the clothing. Then we will shop from Thrift Stores, Consignment Shops and Yard Sales. Last resort will be buying new. <br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Make it do</b><br />
-We will be making do with the items we currently have, which is way too much STUFF. We will be finding unique and creative ways to re-create uses and items out of the things/items/stuff we currently posses. This will help us accomplish another goal on our list, which is to recycle and reuse what we have. And it will help us to save more money.<br />
<b>*Note:</b> One thing my sister, Amy, is doing is to not buy any wrapping paper or wrapping supplies for the year. Thus, she will be finding creative alternatives to wrapping gifts or recycling wrapping supplies she already has or receives during the year.<br />
<br />
<b>Do without</b><br />
-This can be a tricky one....but our goal here is to find alternate ways to make do, trade, barter, share, borrow, recycle or recreate items that will get us the final product we would like or need. Now, I won't go as far as to say that we are going to go the whole year and not spend on anything....I don't think any of us (I am thinking one family member in particular - you know who you are) could totally commit to that. But, what I would like to see us as a family do is to begin to <b>STOP</b> and <b>THINK</b> about our purchases before giving into them.<br />
<br />
Asking ourselves the questions:<br />
Is there something that we currently have that will work or be just as compatible?<br />
Can I barter, trade, or borrow for the item in need or want?<br />
Do I really need it?<br />
Can I make do without it?<br />
<br />
All in the concept of really <u><b><i>Simplifying</i> </b></u>our<i> </i>home and purchases.<br />
<br />
Do you have any other ideas or concepts for each of these? <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <script src="http://track4.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2010120419383497" type="text/javascript">
</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-85604208870137894492011-01-04T18:30:00.003-06:002011-01-04T18:30:00.396-06:00Tuesday's Tips: Easy Breakfast/Snack for Family for Less than a $1.00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWq8ggxIF60qiGdJwULgx14dOid7tY-n3LNyIjfP-GnQFp68CeBD_PkEXyppsFycn_4Da1Jiikhqg_q4Wl6wTKjOj_yW2zWju0VImtAG-UgukxbeL-WaArHt7HwAnGaBnfB5lsK_MX2_ee/s1600/Tuesday+tips+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWq8ggxIF60qiGdJwULgx14dOid7tY-n3LNyIjfP-GnQFp68CeBD_PkEXyppsFycn_4Da1Jiikhqg_q4Wl6wTKjOj_yW2zWju0VImtAG-UgukxbeL-WaArHt7HwAnGaBnfB5lsK_MX2_ee/s200/Tuesday+tips+pic.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Starting today and continuing through the year, I hope to share tips and hints that will make that will be easier on the pocket book, helpful and overall making life a little simpler.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't be surprised to find tips and hints in many genres. </span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9yBKAwv7VZxiE9f2Pn2rR0Mwc4-6wNYkHpScB1JVcg34aVoJHoN_BZibFeReTLc9htclUyYIqocK2ckqe38nLZzFb4cXGm0u0V-b71-540DJJyu79A7J5lX6_VvupRMdemI3xHYWdfEt/s1600/my+little+cooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9yBKAwv7VZxiE9f2Pn2rR0Mwc4-6wNYkHpScB1JVcg34aVoJHoN_BZibFeReTLc9htclUyYIqocK2ckqe38nLZzFb4cXGm0u0V-b71-540DJJyu79A7J5lX6_VvupRMdemI3xHYWdfEt/s200/my+little+cooks.jpg" width="130" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cooks in Training</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Such as:</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Low Cost Meals and Recipes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cooking and Baking</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Canning and Dehydrating</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kitchen Cleanup Tricks</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laundry and Bathroom</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Homemade Cleaners and Toiletries</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Plus, anything else that comes to mind.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today's Tip:</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>20 Doughnuts + Holes for less than a Dollar</b></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What you need</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 cans of off brand canned biscuits (.40 cents each)</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shortening</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cast Iron Skillet</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Powdered Sugar</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlc9EyImdpgmO-8dnzVNIDhdPIHZCkYEQ5M-gMY9nR8HR0vg5HdchnJe1xTLQsppsFkklGv3JJmG3BsOmIk1e3czV5H5SPq6O_LCnouBHEbgFU8p_zjql9NObBbl6Y72ZQqDOKb0lVxH1/s1600/doughnuts+not+cooked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlc9EyImdpgmO-8dnzVNIDhdPIHZCkYEQ5M-gMY9nR8HR0vg5HdchnJe1xTLQsppsFkklGv3JJmG3BsOmIk1e3czV5H5SPq6O_LCnouBHEbgFU8p_zjql9NObBbl6Y72ZQqDOKb0lVxH1/s200/doughnuts+not+cooked.jpg" width="200" /></a>Heat shortening in skillet over medium-high heat. You will want between 1/4 to 1/2 inch of melted shortening in pan.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While shortening is melting, open the biscuits and separate each, then punch out center. We used a hand-held apple corer; it is just about the right size for the holes. Also, prepare a platter with paper towels on it to absorb extra grease.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCgpllCNwa6ZM42qnP1qM61dZMhJrce8ZHllVBKgVxPawEDwWOhdNwXWNcgGAxaGisKdkzIWelW9xCdD7Vh_nc2MEfMpq07fB0Fp6B2htry5tQGldzWSA5mk2K_c5r6Os7Z0q6Irgygz9/s1600/doughnuts+in+pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCgpllCNwa6ZM42qnP1qM61dZMhJrce8ZHllVBKgVxPawEDwWOhdNwXWNcgGAxaGisKdkzIWelW9xCdD7Vh_nc2MEfMpq07fB0Fp6B2htry5tQGldzWSA5mk2K_c5r6Os7Z0q6Irgygz9/s200/doughnuts+in+pan.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once shortening is hot, gently place several holes or doughnuts into the pan. Do Not crowd the pan, but you can put several in at a time. After about 30 seconds flip the doughnut or holes over to brown on other side.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYTqWMQ60fftZarV2wtPour2rpizWZXc-RSERAFTGFfl7gvOMmCvSOYTSPt6ZFUg9up9ulb4wsuLkHdhMqY4TjgX_cNHkAPjPZnQ2gBkd2Xq2L8oxdyK3zEUNTBcCAvuragcbk0uc933R/s1600/finished+doughnuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYTqWMQ60fftZarV2wtPour2rpizWZXc-RSERAFTGFfl7gvOMmCvSOYTSPt6ZFUg9up9ulb4wsuLkHdhMqY4TjgX_cNHkAPjPZnQ2gBkd2Xq2L8oxdyK3zEUNTBcCAvuragcbk0uc933R/s200/finished+doughnuts.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once golden brown on both sides remove from grease and place on paper towels. Sprinkle with powered sugar while hot. These are best when eaten while still warm.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There you have it a simple and delicious (not so healthy) Breakfast or Snack for under a Dollar.</span> </div><br />
<b><i style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Do you have a simple and low cost recipe that that you would like to share?</i> </b><br />
<b>You can by simply linking it below or by submitting it in the comments.</b><br />
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-13058375254157102902011-01-03T18:00:00.001-06:002011-01-03T18:00:03.614-06:00Live Simply - Simply Live<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZ9VGWvn7dzBALfSk7x-oSPUVup5wBGsezKWm44e1SRdtlISagS9A-AbAgKWLdyKUJ21Wu96GES-bydoKx8E5piJLCJWLo4v-gy6iV4vLz8AggEIjhizf2G1_Cl-5lMG6y2KJz1h-upzy/s1600/Live+Simply.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZ9VGWvn7dzBALfSk7x-oSPUVup5wBGsezKWm44e1SRdtlISagS9A-AbAgKWLdyKUJ21Wu96GES-bydoKx8E5piJLCJWLo4v-gy6iV4vLz8AggEIjhizf2G1_Cl-5lMG6y2KJz1h-upzy/s320/Live+Simply.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
One of our families 2011 New Year's resolutions is to <u>Live more Simply</u>.<br />
<br />
How does one go about doing this in our "<i>over indulgent, tremendously complex, excessively electronic, got to have it now, compounded multitasking, keep up with the Jones', work more for less</i>" society? Honestly, I don't have the answer to that question.<br />
<br />
For my family to start living a simpler life style within the confines of our small area of the universe, I have began a list of things that we here at Rose Bud Cottage can do to begin this process: <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <b><i> </i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Get Home Better Organized </i></b>- a place for everything, everything in its place</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Follow the Budget </b></i>- we have one, but get lax at times with it</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Declutter ALL Areas </i></b>- home & storage</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Have TAG Sale - </i></b>of items gathered in decluttering<b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Donate - </i></b>remaining "decluttered" items to Charity<b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Waste Less </i></b>- time, food, water, electricity, etc.<b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Recycle More </i></b>- compost more, find unique ways to reuse, etc.<b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Use Cloth grocery bags </i></b>- keep in car & not forget to use<b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Watch less TV, Movies, Games, etc. -</i></b><i><b> </b></i>limit time for all areas<b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Buy Local - Buy Better - Buy Less </i></b>- better bang for our buck</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Use Low Cost/No Cost Resources more wisely -</i></b><i><b> </b></i>Library's, Thrift stores, etc.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div>This is the start of my list...Hope to add more to it as we progress and accomplish some of the items. Do you have any ideas on how to live simply, so that we can simply live? Share, please?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <script src="http://track4.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2010120419383497" type="text/javascript">
</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-88327484954067353062011-01-02T10:00:00.003-06:002011-01-02T10:00:03.886-06:00Home-Canned Summer Squash Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWurvfg0fFTvbZqmGLif0XWPuJsuKvZxnmtKWV8i4J5S04lR1IrV8ac0s7Bx2jYwh9cd04s_0smQkqZilxdkDCawax_TJ6bQSNI5idEYcLDzjgzz0gX1gEma25yh7vwgNqf9A_sBTBtMY/s1600/summer+squash+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWurvfg0fFTvbZqmGLif0XWPuJsuKvZxnmtKWV8i4J5S04lR1IrV8ac0s7Bx2jYwh9cd04s_0smQkqZilxdkDCawax_TJ6bQSNI5idEYcLDzjgzz0gX1gEma25yh7vwgNqf9A_sBTBtMY/s320/summer+squash+soup.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I received about 4 pounds of yellow crookneck squash this past week. Knowing that I would not be able to use that much squash up before it began to go bad, I decided I needed to find a way to preserve it.<br />
<br />
I have several quart jars of dehydrated squash already, canned cubed squash gets too mushy, and nobody put me will eat pickled or relished squash, thus I had to find an alternate way to preserve.<br />
<br />
So began the search through my numerous cookbooks and on the internet for soup recipes whose main ingredient was squash. Most recipes that I found contained flour and dairy products. Therefore, I modified a recipe that I found to fit the criteria for canning and here is the result.<br />
<br />
A beautiful golden summer squash soup that is full of flavor and will make a wonderful quick meal. Convenient - Easy - Quick. My kind of meal planning.<br />
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<u><b>Home-Canned Summer Squash Soup </b></u><br />
<br />
3 onions, chopped<br />
5 cup chicken broth (you could use vegetable broth)<br />
5 cups water<br />
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed<br />
4 medium carrots, sliced<br />
4 pounds yellow squash (you could use zucchini or combo of both) about 16 cups<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Saute' the onions with some of the water until translucent. Add remaining water, broth, potatoes, and carrots. Bring to a boil, then cover. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Add squash, salt and pepper. Simmer covered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until all vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and let cool until able to handle. Puree small batches in either food processor or blender until smooth. Fill hot sterile jars with soup, leaving 1 inch head space. Process in pressure canner at 11 pounds pressure for 35 minutes (pints) and 40 minutes (quarts), adjusting time and pressure for altitude. Makes approximately 4 quarts.<br />
<br />
Serving:<br />
Bring to a boil. Heating through well before serving. May want to add a little liquid: water, broth, milk or cream, depending on preference and thickness of soup. Also, you can add fresh parsley or basil for more intense herb flavor. Or possibly add a dollop of sour cream. Use your imagination and flavor preferences. <br />
<br />
Happy Canning!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-6559473082167531762011-01-01T21:49:00.000-06:002011-01-01T21:49:15.993-06:00New Year Resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxsnNJVJY3NkZ-siy8mOZh-QrxDLJ8JiVEvBNwuOcMWIO2H7HnQjaFs0a2F3-GXSZgUrMTH01Hhhbu5FZAqLtE8X02OSdhRglcWYUHDkpFTC7i4uPqqx2gmIRkLzM6y5_8nZ89QlWwzjS/s1600/animated-happy-new-year2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxsnNJVJY3NkZ-siy8mOZh-QrxDLJ8JiVEvBNwuOcMWIO2H7HnQjaFs0a2F3-GXSZgUrMTH01Hhhbu5FZAqLtE8X02OSdhRglcWYUHDkpFTC7i4uPqqx2gmIRkLzM6y5_8nZ89QlWwzjS/s320/animated-happy-new-year2.gif" width="320" /></a></div>2011 is here. Time for planning all those Resolutions for the upcoming year. What do you have planned? Weight loss? Become debt free? Use a budget? Save more? Be more frugal? <br />
<br />
We here at Rose Bud Cottage have several things listed on our resolution list:<br />
1. Live Simpler!<br />
2. Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, or Do without!<br />
3. Grow Spiritually.<br />
4. Be more attentive to others needs.<br />
5. Eat healthier.<br />
6. Exercise more.<br />
7. Spend more time with Family and Friends.<br />
8. Make out home a Sanctuary.<br />
9. Detach and rid our lives of "unimportant things".<br />
10. Be more Grateful.<br />
<br />
<br />
Wishing you the Best for 2011!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <script src="http://track4.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2010120419383497" type="text/javascript">
</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-53669580962979178912010-12-30T23:09:00.000-06:002010-12-30T23:09:22.147-06:00Happy 18th Birthday, Michele!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_tjXHIzgml9OJJenbLEvz3Qm1R52v8ollF13giUiulRRq7EuX3rT8VezxNrEtWWI_6AAKczkISk6Bp9RcKh3zVKTbe7R4Z4StKheGKxM4ZJxpeK7_eEmi2IPtRXFv49Oaz1pPZAbF-ic/s1600/18th+bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_tjXHIzgml9OJJenbLEvz3Qm1R52v8ollF13giUiulRRq7EuX3rT8VezxNrEtWWI_6AAKczkISk6Bp9RcKh3zVKTbe7R4Z4StKheGKxM4ZJxpeK7_eEmi2IPtRXFv49Oaz1pPZAbF-ic/s320/18th+bday.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div style="color: purple; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Birthday to my Daughter, Michele. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><h2 class="title fn" style="text-align: center;">As I Watch You Grow</h2><div> </div><div class="poem_style" style="text-align: center;"> Do you know how much you mean to me?<br />
As you grow into what you will be.<br />
You came from within, from just beneath my heart<br />
it's there you'll always be though your own life will now start.<br />
You're growing so fast it sends me awhirl, <br />
With misty eyes I ask, Where's my little girl?<br />
I know sometimes to you I seem harsh and so unfair, <br />
But one day you will see, I taught you well because I care.<br />
The next few years will so quickly fly, <br />
With laughter and joy, mixed with a few tears to cry.<br />
As you begin your growth to womanhood, this fact you must know, <br />
You'll always be my source of pride, no matter where you go.<br />
You must stand up tall and proud, within you feel no fear, <br />
For all you dreams and goals, sit before you very near.<br />
With god's love in your heart and the world by its tail, <br />
You'll always be my winner, and victory will prevail.<br />
For you this poem was written, with help from above, <br />
To tell you in a rhythm of your Mother's heartfelt Love!</div><span><a href="http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/family/poetry.asp?poem=1604#ixzz19f9XsRhj" style="color: #003399;"><br />
</a></span></div></div></div> © Kay Theese<br />
<br />
Love Ya Shell-Bell!<br />
MOM<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-32752536066099062922010-12-27T16:54:00.000-06:002010-12-27T16:54:35.000-06:00After Christmas DealsToday I was surfing Amazon.com to see what kind of deals I could find. I received a gift card for Christmas and was just checking our my options when I came across this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROiTeEfTn1KyBMNkEktLcwcab5KZ82S9cKk1O18cNtossOiKoDSgIEJpRwXiZqBVPm884RF5h21ogk74pS2d2JtrG5talJcus6QAL5QipNCA3girDkrEVGfJQB7vtU-AdEFl509wanCvC/s1600/steam+juicer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROiTeEfTn1KyBMNkEktLcwcab5KZ82S9cKk1O18cNtossOiKoDSgIEJpRwXiZqBVPm884RF5h21ogk74pS2d2JtrG5talJcus6QAL5QipNCA3girDkrEVGfJQB7vtU-AdEFl509wanCvC/s320/steam+juicer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Steam Juicer<br />
Reg. Price $189.99 <u>I got it for <b>$24.86 + shipping</b></u><br />
<br />
Can you believe it! This is such an Awesome Deal!<br />
<br />
These are so neat. They allow you to just put in whole fruits. You don't have to cut, core, or peel. Just wash and add to the basket. Then allow the steam to extract the juice of the fruits to make a clear juice for canning; juice, jellies, marinara sauces, etc. Plus, you can use to steam veggies or as a standard stock pot. Multiple uses from one item. That is what I like; items that I can use in many different functions.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to get this here, so that I can CAN up lots of wonderful things.<br />
<br />
I then was looking at other the canning supplies and considered getting bulk pectin, clear jel, jar flats, or several different books (I love books), but then I came across this:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXIf3M9oWqZ4Rt2GqoUjUr5KwJoU19J1_UEHf0yFdrt3NHkeFWX7YAL1P9S13OUTyo6gME22eUVX72sSSnCzQybNGaWi3uOf7bOY7odmOvueTKCaPCOozYlnKjnuk1vO5xS87Sf3SYqAV/s1600/steam+canner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXIf3M9oWqZ4Rt2GqoUjUr5KwJoU19J1_UEHf0yFdrt3NHkeFWX7YAL1P9S13OUTyo6gME22eUVX72sSSnCzQybNGaWi3uOf7bOY7odmOvueTKCaPCOozYlnKjnuk1vO5xS87Sf3SYqAV/s320/steam+canner.jpg" width="320" /></a>Steam Canner<br />
<br />
<u><b>Price: $39.98 + FREE shipping</b></u><br />
<br />
This is something that I have wanted for some time now. Since, I do so much canning all year round these use only a 1/4 to a 1/3 of the water that doing a Boil Water Bath does. The steam reaches a temperature of greater that 212 degrees, which is what boiling water is, in only a couple of minutes. Versus using more water and more time and longer processing; which is what I am doing now. This is going to be such a time and energy saver.<br />
<br />
Hurry up and get here! I can't wait to use you!<br />
<br />
So there you have it. I spent my gift card and got two wonderful new items that I hope to get years and years of enjoyment, functionality and use out of. Have you found any deals? Did you get anything for Christmas that you are totally excited about? Or that you have had on your wish list? Share, please!<br />
<br />
If I can CAN then you can CAN!<br />
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-76286870631206430512010-12-26T21:40:00.000-06:002010-12-26T21:40:46.005-06:00Reflecting on Christmas 2010This Christmas season has come and gone. The anticipation of lots of food, fun, gifts and family gatherings has been swept away in what seemed like only a fleeting moment in time. What remains though are the wonderful memories made, family relationships renewed and strengthened, and the love shown to one another. These are are the things that really matter. The time spent with family and friends and the love given freely to others. Just as God did when he sent His son, Jesus, to be born on earth as a man. The One to whom we celebrate during the <u>Christ</u>mas season.<br />
<br />
In the eyes of the world around us, our family's Christmas was slim, to say the least. There were not loads of presents under our tree for everyone. Some of the gifts were even Thrift Store or Tag Sale finds. But you know what? That didn't matter. There was so much laughter, joy, fun and love that was shown and shared that my children didn't mind.<br />
<br />
They have learned over the years that it is not what you get, but the manner it which it is given. LOVE. That is the important thing. I am so thankful that my children have learned this lesson early, for they will be able to carry it with them into their adulthood. They will someday be able to share this with their own children.<br />
<br />
God has been so good to us this year. He has blessed us in so many ways. He has brought my family through some tough times, but He has always been faithful to provide our needs. Not necessarily our wants, but our needs.<br />
<br />
As I reflect over the past year, there have been struggles (financially) and heart-ache (loved ones who died) but, these things do not compare to the Blessings that have been bestowed upon us. We have a roof over our heads. We (Bill and I) have wonderful jobs. We have food on our table. We have our health. We have wonderful children and grandchildren. We have family and friends around us.<br />
<br />
Therefore, Our Christmas was one of great Joy. We are able to look back on this year and with grateful hearts know that we have been Blessed. Looking forward to the New Year, we have lots of dreams and plans. Who knows if they all will come to past? Only God knows. But we will leave that up to him.<br />
<br />
"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." Jeremiah 29:11<br />
<br />
I do hope and pray that you had a wonderful and joyous Christmas and may you be Blessed during this coming year. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-65164472243111434762010-12-25T10:00:00.001-06:002010-12-25T10:00:02.423-06:00Jesus is the Reason for the Season!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU163rGFNX7HWA1UG8zpaxIgQFkQjynG983jWoa5ZLo9DLaIKGjy4QNzT6_MOmTOx456nRYWfy0kP9JgGYrd41aiM6ifhtmiT0zGhp76d6GnjO9hOZTKIHHp5eUr6g2toBZj8Qn5q1FDf/s1600/christmas+photo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU163rGFNX7HWA1UG8zpaxIgQFkQjynG983jWoa5ZLo9DLaIKGjy4QNzT6_MOmTOx456nRYWfy0kP9JgGYrd41aiM6ifhtmiT0zGhp76d6GnjO9hOZTKIHHp5eUr6g2toBZj8Qn5q1FDf/s400/christmas+photo.gif" width="355" /></a></div><br />
<br />
May God's Richest Blessings Be Upon You Today!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <script src="http://track4.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2010120419383497" type="text/javascript">
</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-4890607666706490232010-12-24T13:05:00.000-06:002010-12-24T13:05:40.735-06:00Merry Christmas Eve!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkzbXCalRaa-3qVXr2XeQf5SQ8PYfIqiXFQBlQ5E90WOJ7cmeU3veaDg0HNi8WlhKJwexUFDQRSL02qUxCeGhrZczozdaAellVWnTmhChdfEH0AonW4TS5zJ4ptlSqeB4DmqyGIvss7G9/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkzbXCalRaa-3qVXr2XeQf5SQ8PYfIqiXFQBlQ5E90WOJ7cmeU3veaDg0HNi8WlhKJwexUFDQRSL02qUxCeGhrZczozdaAellVWnTmhChdfEH0AonW4TS5zJ4ptlSqeB4DmqyGIvss7G9/s400/Slide1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/302/57AF9B8F32B5B6149D974741D61F142F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <script src="http://track4.mybloglog.com/js/jsserv.php?mblID=2010120419383497" type="text/javascript">
</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363928219809113246.post-61505420288627647782010-12-22T21:45:00.000-06:002010-12-22T21:45:00.442-06:00Holiday Countdown & Home-canned Ketchup with Odd Ingredient<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ7s7ihQCmvNf4jecFNL2VNOvUDXsgGd1b6yxSz-uV3b4_1QZOFzNFyMSX5u9d-VtSdOd0SJYUH4LIWILH9mfRyK4mmBDrmmKSBXHLVelH6l4vaY1fsi8N-NzCXlcaf6kR-F1MPkcVQWv/s1600/Christmas+Countdown.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ7s7ihQCmvNf4jecFNL2VNOvUDXsgGd1b6yxSz-uV3b4_1QZOFzNFyMSX5u9d-VtSdOd0SJYUH4LIWILH9mfRyK4mmBDrmmKSBXHLVelH6l4vaY1fsi8N-NzCXlcaf6kR-F1MPkcVQWv/s200/Christmas+Countdown.png" width="200" /></a></div>Well there are only 3 days until Christmas and I am sure everyone is busy either finishing up shopping, wrapping, baking, cleaning, cooking or all of the above in various combination's. I know that I am trying to get this list under control. I have had the shopping done for a while, but need to wrap. The Baking ~ Done. The Cleaning ~ Never done. The Cooking, well that's today's story.<br />
<br />
Yesterday evening, while I was away on business, my family was gifted with 2 large boxes of food. When I got home at around midnight I found 15 lb tomatoes, 12 bunches of bananas, 10 bell peppers, 8 lbs fingerling potatoes, 6 lbs mushrooms, 5 bunches green onions, 4 bags spinach, 3 heads of lettuce, 2 winter squash, 1 bunch asparagus, and a pomegranate <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Nope, NO Partridge in a Pear Tree)</span> on my kitchen counter. Thank you, Lord for this Abundant Blessing.....<br />
<br />
I know, I know, some of you are wondering by now <span style="font-size: x-small;">(especially if you have been reading my post for a while)</span>...<b><i>She is always getting gifted with fresh fruit and veggies.</i></b> Yes, I do. Almost weekly. It is a wonderful blessing of which I am very thankful for. It really helps with the food bill. The most rewarding part though is that we get to gift it to others as well, either as fresh fruit and veggies that I can't use or preserve before going bad or through home-canned items.<br />
<br />
Needless to say though, that this is a lot of food and it needs to be worked up within the next 24 hours. So tonight after work, we got busy. Now my kitchen is thrashed, but we have 5 quarts potatoes canned, 4 pints mushrooms canned, 7 quarts stewed tomatoes canned, and the bell peppers, spinach, and green onions are all blanched, cut and into the dehydrator. That just leaves the bananas, plus the few odd pieces which we will incorporate into our lunch and dinners over the next few days.<br />
<br />
Bananas, Bananas, Bananas....I get these gifted a lot. Now I'm not complaining mind you, but I am well stocked in Banana Jams, Butters and Preserves, plus I have given lots of those items away as gifts this year. So I am in need of something new to do with all these bananas.<br />
<br />
By the way, I do have a freezer full (for smoothies and banana bread) and a bunch dehydrated (for instant snacks) for those of you who are thinking about those solutions. Thus, I am still in need of a NEW way to preserve them.<br />
<br />
I usually get a pretty good supply every couple of weeks and if they are in decent shape I pass them out to family and neighbors. Because of my knowing this and the fact that I didn't want more sugary items, I had already been doing some research on other ways to use them. Guess what I found?.......<b>Banana Ketchup</b>. Yes, you read that correctly, <b>Banana Ketchup</b>.<br />
<br />
I curled my nose up at it too. Just like you are doing right now as you are reading this. But hey, I am desperate here. Unless I go into business making and selling Banana Jam <span style="font-size: x-small;">(that's an idea!)</span> I have to try different things. Right? So I said to myself, "The bananas were free. You have the ingredients. It wouldn't really cost hardly anything but time. Why not give it a shot and see how it turns out." So I did. I was pleasantly surprised and so was My Knight.<br />
<br />
I wouldn't tell him what I was concocting until I had a finished product. But you should of seen his reaction when he came into the kitchen and saw mashed bananas and chopped onions in the same pot. He gave me this incredibly strange look and said, "I don't even want to know, do I?" My reply was, "Nope, you don't. Not until it is finished." <br />
<br />
After I had a finished product, I asked My Knight to come taste it. Boy, was he shocked.<br />
<br />
He has concluded that this would be an excellent sauce for grilled chicken, burgers and steaks. There you have it. It past the test. Whoosh, am I glad. Because the Knight is real finicky, if it passes his taste test, I know it is good and will get used.<br />
<br />
His conclusion is that it tastes more like a BBQ Sauce than Ketchup. Okay, I can live with that. So, I guess I have found a NEW way to use up all the bananas now. Guess what everyone on my list will be getting this time next year for gifts????<br />
<br />
<u><b>Banana Ketchup AKA Banana BBQ Sauce</b></u> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>basic recipe from food.com</i></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPnfjB_xRfOYARGezLfqdLrehs7cU9EKt-KU3kM3CtvkeeLWz4sBP9kKbu1qLB2_BG2it32ge7FKQRR0TMhU14GYwfNanxrOV1dJT33qhPGIrggwDPuIwp8bU9iHxgfqDcJ4_hMa62b7u/s1600/banana+ketchup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPnfjB_xRfOYARGezLfqdLrehs7cU9EKt-KU3kM3CtvkeeLWz4sBP9kKbu1qLB2_BG2it32ge7FKQRR0TMhU14GYwfNanxrOV1dJT33qhPGIrggwDPuIwp8bU9iHxgfqDcJ4_hMa62b7u/s320/banana+ketchup.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana Ketchup aka BBQ Sauce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>5 or 6 ripe bananas, mashed equaling 2 cups<br />
2 medium onions, very finely chopped<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground red cayenne pepper<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup distilled white vinegar<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 tablespoon cinnamon<br />
1 tablespoon allspice<br />
1 dash ground cloves<br />
water, as needed<br />
1 teaspoon red food coloring, to make it look more like commercial ketchup (opt)<br />
<br />
<b><u>My additions </u></b><br />
In the first batch I added:<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
2 to 4 tablespoons of Red Hot Buffalo Sandwich Sauce, I just emptied the bottle into it.<br />
<br />
In the second batch I added:<br />
2 to 4 tablespoons of commercial ketchup, I didn't measure, just gave it a few good squeezes.<br />
<br />
Peel and mash the bananas or you can puree them in the blender. Chop the onions very fine. Place all ingredients into a large heavy-bottomed sauce pan. Cook on med-high until onions are softened, stirring frequently to keep from sticking to bottom. Wait for the mixture to cool off a bit, then run through a food processor or blender to get a more smooth ketchup-like consistency. You will want to do this in small batches to get the onions pureed into a nice smoothness. If it gets too thick, add a little water. If it cools down too much, reheat to the simmering point and pack into sterile jars with 1/2 inch head space. Place on lid and ring. Process in BWB for 5 to 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays! <br />
<br />
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script expr:src='"http://feeds.feedburner.com/~s/SavouringABlessedLife?i=" + data:post.url' type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Serinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10937532025866146929noreply@blogger.com1