Mooseyard Madness

3-22-10 Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

I actually used all of the menu plan for the past week. This upcoming week, I am depending on my e-mealz subscription for much of the menu

Meal 1

Turkey Chili - I still have tomatoes to use!!

Meal 2

Grilled chicken breasts, Potatoes, mixed veggies

Meal 3

Mexican Casserole (once again I will make two)

Meal 4

Cheese Ravioli, salad, texas toast

Meal 5

Egg substitute brunch casserole, apple sauce, toast

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

3-15-10 Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

My birthday and our St Pat's celebration was great fun. I didn't do too much cooking with all of the festivities. Lets see if I get more of my list done this week.

Meal 1

Tatertot Casserole & Salad (didn't make last week)

Meal 2

Crustless Bacon cheddar quiche & Fruit
(didn't make last week)

Meal 3

Meatloaf, Baked Fries, Stewed Tomatoes (another last week repeat)

Meal 4

Cheesy baked Tilapia, sweet potatoes, asparagus (Idea from my emealz subscription)

Meal 5

Turkey Sausage Fajitas w all the fixins

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

3-8-2010 Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-08T09:46:00.000-08:00

Well, I promised daily blog posts and of course I didn't deliver. What's up with that? As usual, a hectic life and too much nice weather! Lets hope I do better this week, but no promises.

Meal 1

Beef Barley Vegetable Soup w crackers

Meal 2

Crustless Bacon cheddar quiche & Fruit

Meal 3

Tatertot Casserole & Salad (another recipe to make two)

Meal 4

Unforgettable chicken casserole (making two), melon (I didn't get this done last week

Meal 5

Meatloaf, Baked Fries, Stewed Tomatoes (another last week repeat)

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Weekly Words March 7, 2010 Spiritual Sundays

2010-03-07T10:55:00.000-08:00

I've chosen to focus on the last part of this verse this week, "eager to what is good." As one of the redeemed, I must be eager to do what is good.

The spring fever is making me crazy for the joy of the Easter holiday. My kids are coming next weekend to celebrate St. Patties and my birthday and we will probably get our Easter plans set. I am so excited.

As always, the graphic is a modified Edwardian postcard that you can print.

To find more Christian messages and inspiration, visit the host of this meme, Spiritual Sundays.

March 1, 2010 Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-01T08:21:00.001-08:00

March! It is one of my favorite months, if not my favorite, of the year. It brings sure signs of spring, my birthday, St Patrick's day, and often, although not this year, Easter. I plan on making an entry to this blog each day in March. I also plan on doubling one recipe for the freezer each week. I remembered that I was not going to name my meals for specific days.

Meal 1

Apricot Chicken, Corn, Potatoes (This did not get made last week)

Meal 2

Jennio Turkey Roast, Mixed Vegetables, stuffing, Cranberries

Meal 3

Garlic Tilapia, cheesy biscuits, Peas

Meal 4

Unforgettable chicken casserole (making two), melon

Meal 5

Meatloaf, Baked Fries, Stewed Tomatoes

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Weekly Words 2-28-10 Spiritual Sundays

2010-02-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

Christ did not have to die for us. He wanted to do this for us. We needed him to do this for us. We needed a redeemer to bridge the gap to God that was created by sin.

As always, the graphic is a modified Edwardian postcard that you can print.

To find more Christian messages and inspiration, visit the host of this meme, Spiritual Sundays.

Menu Plan Monday 2/22/10

2010-02-22T08:09:00.001-08:00

This week, we have just a bit of last week leftover. That will give us tonight's meal and hopefully, I will get shopping done to feed us the rest of the week. It will be a hectic beginning of the week.

Monday – Turkey Pepperoni Wraps & Fruit

Tuesday – Leftovers

Wednesday – Oven broiled Tilapia, Broccoli, Brown Rice

Thursday – Tortellini in the crockpot w Garlic bread

Friday – Kielbasa, Corn Bread, Baked Beans

Saturday – Apricot Chicken, Corn, Potatoes

Sunday – OUT or leftovers.

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Weekly Words 2-21-2010 Spiritual Sundays

2010-02-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

I am just too excited to share the resurrection message. Easter is my favorite Holiday. The church scene right now is solemn, as Lent is a season of remembering Christ's sacrifice for us, but I am like a kid in a candy shop, because I know the rest of the story! I want to celebrate it and shout it from the rooftops, so Lent makes me antsy.

You see, although I was born to a church going family, I did not understand or comprehend the gift of eternal life or that only through Him could I be saved. I made so many mistakes, and committed some horrible sins. I felt alone and condemned because of my behavior. Praise the Lord, he didn't give up on me.

I still make mistakes, but now I try to live as God wants me. I love him first, and everything falls into place. When I screw up, I run to Him with my confession and He forgives me. I am a new creation!!

Be forewarned, you will probably get Easter images for the remainder of the season as I cannot control my amazement and delight. Yes, I do mourn that Christ had to die for my sins, but the fact that He loves me just turns me into an amazed child.

To find more Christian messages and inspiration, visit the host of this meme, Spiritual Sundays.

2-15-10 Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-15T05:59:00.000-08:00

Oh what a fun week it was. I must say, I truly enjoyed the recipes of the last week and now must face another week of planning. I am so glad that there are other's menus to look at for inspiration.

Today we are having ribs in the crock pot. I will make them quite similar, but I am using pork ribs. Sides will be potato gnoches (found these at World Market last week,) and mixed vegetables.

Meal 2 Barbecued chicken breasts, corn on the cob, Garlic bread

Meal 3 Quiche in peppers A new take on stuffed peppers. Hashbrowns for side.

Meal 4 Chili - I have to use those frozen tomatoes up!!

Meal 5 Turkey Pepperoni Mozzarella wraps, & fruit

The rest to leftovers and maybe using one of our meal certificates! We have several and they are from last October!!

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Weekly Words 2-14-2010 Spiritual Sundays

2010-02-14T11:51:00.000-08:00

The ultimate Valentine. The ultimate love.

John 3:16

For God so love the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

As always, the graphic from this page is a 3"x5" printable image.

To find more Christian messages and inspiration, visit the host of this meme, Spiritual Sundays.

2-8-10 Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-08T03:43:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Week! I am excited. I am planning on making one of my husband's childhood favorites, so let's hope it turns out as tasty as he remembers.

Monday – Pasties (Store has them on sale)

Tuesday – Leftovers (cooking for funeral once again)

Wednesday –Making Broccoli Cheese Soup for church voters meeting. We are also serving Chili, cheese, crackers, and bars.

Thursday - Trying my vintage pot beef recipe with seeded rye buns and baby carrots

Friday – Leftovers

Saturday – Crustless Spinach Quiche, Mixed fresh fruit salad

Sunday – Shake-n-Bake Chicken, new potatoes, Corn

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Weekly Words 2-7-10 Spiritual Sundays

2010-02-07T11:02:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is more desirable than great riches;

to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Oh, so true! Protect your name and your name "Christian." Remember that what you do reflects on you and your family. Not just the people in your home, but your Christian family as well.

I chose this verse for this week, because it keeps me mindful of so much I want to do for the Lord. If I strive to be the best I can be in His eyes (none of us are perfect), my siblings in Christ will also be esteemed.

Once again, I will print out and reflect on this verse daily. As always, the graphic from this page is a 3"x5" printable image.

To find more Christian messages and inspiration, visit the host of this meme, Spiritual Sundays.

Give-Away! $10 eBay Gift Certificate - Winner

2010-02-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Alli, our winner. Alli will be contacted by email and her certificate sent. Thank you for participating. We will do another drawing in March.

2-1-10 Menu Plan Monday

2010-02-02T06:04:00.000-08:00

I know its Tuesday, but I am a bit under the weather. Even my fingers hurt yesterday.

Once again I worked at church yesterday, so we had leftovers.

Today I will be making Hawaiian Pizza (pineapple bacon) using a refrigerated crust.

Wednesday - Baked Chicken, Green Beans, Corn Bread

Thursday - Turkey Enchilada Casserole (Instead of ground turkey, I am using shredded turkey meat from freezer) apple slices

Friday - I hope we are out to eat

Saturday - Meatloaf, red potatoes, corn

Turkey dinner again - I have yet another turkey to make, and then my freezers will be turkey-less (or at least whole turkey-less)

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Weekly Words 1-31-10 Spiritual Sundays

2010-01-31T14:36:00.000-08:00

I didn't know whether to focus on joy or love this week. Since the sermon at church focused on this verses today, I decided that would be my week's verse as well.

I was so tickled when my daughter shared that she went to church today! My heart is overflowing with joy. I have been praying for more of Christ's influence in their busy lives. It tickles me pink to know that she will continue to grow in her relationship with Christ. Her husband may be dragged along for now, but he is a good man and I know his big heart will only grow with more God in his life.

1Co 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

It's an easy verse to spend time on. I will try to find ways to express faith, hope, and love. Maybe by doing what pastor suggested this morning that I substitute my name for the word love in the earlier verses.

1Co 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
1Co 13:5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
1Co 13:6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
1Co 13:7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Then becomes:

Deb is patient, Deb is kind. She does not envy, she does not boast, she is not proud. Deb is not rude, she is not self-seeking, she is not easily angered, she keeps no record of wrongs. Deb does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Deb always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Lofty goals to make that truth! Especially when the "patient" word is the first description. I will spend time praying on this, for sure!

As always, the graphic is a printable 3"x5" image.

To find more Christian messages and inspiration, visit the host of this meme, Spiritual Sundays.

Give-Away! $10 eBay Gift Certificate - Ends 2/4/10

2010-01-29T05:45:00.000-08:00

Time for a give-away to beat your winter blues. I have been busy listing vintage snowmobile parts for Leo on eBay, but have found time to get some really fun things listed, too. But with this drawing, you get a certificate that you can spend in our eBay store or anywhere on eBay.

Lots of ways to win!

I ask that your first entry be that you follow this blog. If you already do, leave a comment to that effect. Other ways to enter:

Leave a comment with a fun, eBay experience you've had or an eBay shopping tip.
Leave a comment with what you'd like to see posted on my blog..
Blog about this giveaway, leave a comment with link to the post.
Follow me on Twitter, djfshop .
Tweet about this giveaway, leave a link to the tweet (can be done daily).
Visit our eBay store, Frank's Stuff and leave a comment about an item that you liked in the store.

Leave a separate comment for each entry. Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. Giveaway ends 2/4/10 (Thursday) at 8 pm CST. Winner will be randomly drawn and will have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or another winner will be drawn.

Click here to see the entire Giveaway Blog Hop List....

Another Yummy recipe on our Vintage recipe blog

2010-01-28T14:12:00.000-08:00

Check it out! Any special kind of recipe's you'd like to see?
Vintage Recipe: Vintage Recipe Thursday, Orange Coffee Cake

1-25-10 Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-25T09:10:00.000-08:00

I am still participating in the Eat From Your Pantry challenge. So, the menu is a bit dull as we search for odds and ends in the pantry and freezer. I did buy butter, skim milk, croutons, soda, spinach leaves, and grapes yesterday.

We are having leftover turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and corn tonight.

Tomorrow, I am once again cooking for a funeral, so we will have leftovers from that or sandwiches.

Wednesday I will make a pizza with leftover meats and cheeses from the weekend's baby shower and a pizza kit in the pantry. I'll have to search in the freezer for a veggie or make a side salad.

Thursday we will have roast beef sandwiches (freezer food), Pasta side, and a salad.

Friday will be the very last of the turkey burgers!! (I promise honey) with a rice or pasta side (I have several packages in the cupboard) and another frozen veggie.

Saturday - Turkey & Zuchimi skillet. Yes, I have frozen turkey and frozen zucchini in the freezer. I'll put a little olive oil in the electric fry pan, add the frozen cooked meat, frozen squash, some chopped green onions, diced green peppers, garlic, and some cajun seasoning and see what we end up with. If it needs a side, it will be brown rice.

Sunday will be odds and end day. Eat left-overs or those pot pies in the back of the freezer (EEK!)

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Weekly Words 1-24-10 Spiritual Sundays

2010-01-24T14:54:00.000-08:00

For the past few weeks, I have been sharing my weekly Bible verse with a group of bloggers that participate in Spiritual Sundays Blogging, and I have enjoyed their visits very much.

This week found my very busy and getting a bit overwhelmed with commitments. Cooking for a funeral seemed to put my mood over the edge and once again I almost let the joy of serving get sucked right out of the day. I began my morning Bible study and God spoke to me almost immediately. Even though I am studying in the book of Ruth for the next few weeks, a reference passage in the study I am doing led me to Galatians 6:9. Thank you God for such a gentle reminder!

Gal 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

This week I will meditate on this verse and I will not let Satan steal my joy when I am serving my Lord!!

To find more Christian messages and inspiration, visit the host of this meme, Spiritual Sundays.

1-18-10 Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-18T05:55:00.000-08:00

Home and getting ready for an exhausting week

Cooking for church 2 days this week, so I will rely on leftovers or frozen pizza on those days. On Saturday, a few of us are throwing a large baby shower for my SIL, so I will rely on leftover shredded beef for sandwiches that night

As for the rest of the week, I will be roasting a turkey one day and freezing most of it, but we will have one "Thanksgiving" type meal.

Tonight, I plan on making the corn chowder tonight, although I will be using frozen potatoes and cooking the potato and onion in chicken broth. I also plan on serving a bit of pickled bologna on the side. I would only recommend this side dish to the brave of heart. It is something we picked up in Michigan. I haven't had it in 20 years and hope we will still like it.

The other planned meal will be turkey burgers, cheesy grits, and mixed vegetables.

I am still participating in the Eat From Your Pantry challenge,so we will have to frugal in buying snacks and sodas for the hotel and driving..

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Weekly Words 1-17-10

2010-01-17T14:07:00.000-08:00

We've spent a fun few days in Michigan visiting, and have arrived home to the hustle and bustle of "catch-up" with chores, church commitments, and work commitments. I am so glad that Leo and I decided to do our couple's devotions as we drove the 6+ hours home, because it was a great reminder for us to invest loving words, even though we are both a bit pooped.

So that is my challenge for this week is to focus on this verse daily, and make extra efforts to love those I come into contact with from dear friends and family to crabby customers.

Don't forget that each week, my graphic is a 3"x5" printable.

To find more Christian messages and inspiration, visit the host of this meme, Spiritual Sundays.

Real or fiction - White deer

2010-01-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

These albinos are the real thing! I just loved this broadcast on Wisconsin Public Television and had to share it. I have not been blessed to see one of these in the wild, but have put it on a mental "to do" list.

1-11-10 Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

I am so excited, we are going on a trip this week. Leo and I, along with our daughter Nicole and Son-in-love Bo are going to visit our "adopted" daughter Shifrah and her family in Michigan. My menu planning is limited to just a few days this week.

Today, I am once again cooking for a funeral at church and will bring home leftovers or carry-out on my way home.

I have my chicken meal left over from last week that didn't get made, so that will take care of another night.

I do not want a lot on my plate the day before we leave, so I think we may just have "take and bake" pizza.

I am still participating in the Eat From Your Pantry challenge,so we will have to frugal in buying snacks and sodas for the hotel and driving.

Unfortunately for any of my dear readers, no new recipes on this week's menu. I will try to get at least one vintage recipe posted on my recipe blog.

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Weekly Words 1-10-10

2010-01-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

At times I get frustrated. One of my many faults. I dream big and want to have immediate results. In the past, when I have prayed about this, the answer I have come across in the Bible have revolved around patience. This week was no exception.

For some time, a small group of women at the large church in which I belong have been getting together to make plans for expanding women's ministries in our church. This group is planning a kick-off event to promote ministry opportunities for women in our church. We invited and hoped that existing groups would embrace this chance to promote their events, missions, and Bible studies. The event is in February, and as of this writing we have not heard from another group at church.

As we begin to scale down our plans and agenda, I was becoming disheartened. Sure enough, when I began to do my Bible study for the day of our planning meeting, wasn't one of the focus verses stressing patience? Once again, my heart was bolstered by His word and timeliness of the message.

So this week's verse is the very one that served as my reminder.

(NIV)2Ti 4:2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

I will meditate on this verse and do a word search on patience in the NIV to find a few more gentle reminders that everything is in His plan and not mine.

I found a meme on another blog with lots of participants for Sundays, Spiritual Sundays.

01-04-2110 Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

Being the last week of Christmas, I decided to use this Christmas banner one last time. This month, I am trying to empty my freezer and pantry of extras. I am participating in a blog challenge, eat from the pantry, to keep me motivated. My challenge is to keep my grocery bill to under $50 per week. I fear we will be eating stewed tomatoes and chili a lot this month thanks to a bumper crop in late summer.

Now the only things I should have to buy for this menu are the bread and milk needed for other meals, fresh melon, a few fresh fruits and veggies, and the stew meat.

Meal 1- Tilapia, Pasta Salad

Meal 2- Marmlade chicken breasts, hash browns, stewed tomatoes

Meal 3- Crustless Quiche, hash brown, melon

Meal 4- Chili Mac, crackers

Meal 5- Beef Pot Pie made with squares I bought at the Amish Store and Salad

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Weekly Words 1-3-2010

2010-01-04T08:32:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the lateness of this entry. I enjoyed a full afternoon sharing fellowship with some of God's most enjoyable children. These Christian brothers and sisters are developmentally disabled adults and always bring me great joy when I share with them, but I often am tired at the end of it.

I chose this week's verse to encourage us on our journey, especially to assist us with temptations to give up on what is right and good. He can save us from temptation! Just ask and lean on Him.

This week I will:
1. Review and memorize this verse
2. Remember to turn to the Lord in prayer for assistance with temptation.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

Happy and blessed 2010 to all! I always relish the new year. Seems I can visualize a clean slate easier on this day,

Several years ago, I was motivated by the self-improvement plan I read in Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography. Franklin created a list of 13 virtues he desired or felt were important for a man to be successful in life. The virtues, as written in his autobiography:

1. TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

2. SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

3. ORDER. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

4. RESOLUTION. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

5. FRUGALITY. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

6. INDUSTRY. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

7. SINCERITY. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

8. JUSTICE. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

9. MODERATION. Avoid extreams; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. CLEANLINESS. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.

11. TRANQUILLITY. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

12. CHASTITY. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

13. HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

Following in this learned man’s footsteps, I’ve created a checklist with the traits, dreams, and goals I have for myself. Each year, I limit myself to 12. I try to include goals or traits that are simple and measurable. After I decide upon my goals, I create a simple graph to monitor my successes. I can get a whole month’s checklist on one sheet of paper. I put the pages in my loose-leaf day planner and review my goals each night as part of my evening routine.

Here’s this year’s focus chart(Many return year after year and are just to keep myself faithful)

This year, to add incentive, I am awarding myself a dollar a day for each perfect day. This "reward pot" will be used to purchase an item on my wish list.

To read more of Franklin’s self-improvement plan:

http://www.earlyamerica.com/lives/franklin/chapt8/

Menu Plan Monday, Decemer 28, 2009

2009-12-28T15:02:00.000-08:00

The Christmas recipes were a hit. Often I end up shuffling my meals around from the plan, so I am going to begin numbering them. We seldom require more than 5 as I usually cook for 4, so despite Leo's huge appetite, we usually do have a night of leftovers and we usually have a night out. This week, I have no special plan for the holiday. I decided to make one of my husband's favorites.

Meal 1- Turkey Burgers w onions, chips, rolls

Meal 2- Foil pack chicken & Broccoli Dinner

Meal 3- Tilapia, hash browns, salad

Meal 4- Pulled Pork Sandwiches, mandarin oranges

Meal 5- Shepherd's pie (Leo's treat)

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Weekly Words 12-27-09

2009-12-27T16:12:00.000-08:00

The new year is almost here and we start to think of new beginnings. Often we make resolutions and start new endeavors. As Christians, we are constantly making fresh starts. Bolstered by the fact that we are forgiven, we strive to be Christlike. Granted we often fail, but as long as we believe and try we are comforted that we are doing His will.

I resolve as the new year begins to remember that I am the daughter of God and that my behavior should reflect such a noble calling. I hope that my joy and gratitude to God the Father shows always.

This week:

1. Meditate on the verse

2. What areas in your life need to be focused on so that you are in God's will for your life?

12/21/09 Menu Plan Monday

2009-12-21T15:34:00.000-08:00

I hope that I can get to my daughters with the odds and ends I must make. She wouldn't tell me her definite menu, so I am bringing what I feel hungry for. LOL.

Monday - Pizza, simple and easy as I did more than 4 hours of traveling today

Tuesday - Chili mac (simple midwestern chili with pasta)

Wednesday - Chicken Fajitas

Thursday - Pork Roast, Potatoes, carrots (Didn't get to this meal last week

Friday -Shrimp cocktail, Easy sausage cups, Texas Caviar, Melon balls, Cranberry nut bread. Plus we will have whatever everyone else brings and whatever Nicole and Bo make for us.

Saturday - Leftovers

Sunday - Turkey, Couscous, veggies (another meal never gotten around to making)

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Weekly Words 12-20-09

2009-12-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

Choosing the verse for this week was easy! Truly, other than the news of Christ's rising from the dead, the news of His birth is the most joyous the earth has ever heard.

Meditate on this message this week. Keep the "joy" at the center of all you do as you celebrate the holiday season.

Do not be worried by those that celebrate but do not believe. Let Christ's life shine through you, so that they may see by example.

Be full of great joy and be blessed!

Menu Plan Monday, Decemer 14, 2009

2009-12-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

For me, meal planning seems easier this time of year. It's either parties or watch intake closely. This week is no exception.

Monday - Stuffed Acorn Squash (We've really come to like this)

Tuesday - Christmas Party

Wednesday - Steak Fajitas

Thursday - Pork Roast, Potatoes, carrots

Friday - Leftovers or Pizza

Saturday - Turkey, Couscous, veggies

Sunday - Frank Family Christmas

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Weekly Words 12-13-09

2009-12-13T10:30:00.000-08:00

I took the week off from blogging. I stewed on what to write. I stewed on what to write this week. I just couldn't get a handle on expressing myself. This season brings me great joy, despite missing loved ones and the inability to give everyone the gifts I would like. I was lost as to how to express my joy mixed with sorrow. I wasn't spurred on until the 9 a.m. church service and heard this verse. As always, the verse is on a printable graphic.

(Zep 3:17) The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

The verses were prophetic in telling of a time when the Lord would come and we would be forgiven, but the message warmed me as I heard how much God truly cares for me!

My challenge for this week is to memorize the verse and to rejoice with all around because God takes "great delight in you."

Weekly Words 12-6-09

2009-12-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

The verse I chose for this week is from the Old Testament because of Matthew's reference to it in the New Testament. He tells us that this is Old Testament verse was the foretelling of John the Baptist.

(Mat 3:1) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea

(Mat 3:2) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

(Mat 3:3) This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, "Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'"

There are so many references in the Old Testament to the New. I find the way in which God revealed His word, constant and true, through a span of hundreds of years just one more of His wondrous gifts.

This weeks verse talks of preparing the way for the Lord. Are you ready? Are your family and friends ready? Christians know that they are save by Grace through faith in Christ, but what of those we love that are not saved yet? My focus for the week is to prepare those near to me.

The assignment for the week is:

Meditate on Isaiah 40:3
Make a list of at least 5 people you come into contact with that are not saved
Pray for the list of unsaved and seize any opportunity to share why you are a Christian.

Vintage Recipe: Individual Turkey-Mushroom Pies

2009-12-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

I've begun the task of scanning my many vintage recipe notebooks, clippings, books, and recipe cards. I will be posting many of these new recipes. Here's the link to today's post.

Vintage Recipe: Vintage Recipe - Turkey Leftovers

Free Christmas Printables

2009-12-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

A friend shared this great site for free Christmas (and other holiday) printables. I was really delighted to find a site with no apparent strings attached. Check it out!

Free Christmas Printables

Weekly Words 11-29-09

2009-11-29T12:41:00.000-08:00

Advent – The season of preparing for the Lord's arrival. As the pastor reminded me in church today, this is the season of acknowledging three "arrivals." We remember and celebrate how Christ came to live as man to be the living sacrifice for our sins. We remember and celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit into our own person. Lastly, we prepare for Christ's final arrival in the end days.

Are you ready for His arrival? Are you ready to celebrate His arrivals? This month, I am going to focus on preparing myself for His arrival.

Col 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

This week's memory verse reminds us that we must forgive. After all, aren't we recipients of God's grace? Remember, each time we recite the Lord's prayer we say "Forgive us our trespasses and we forgive those that trespass against us." Time to let go of the grudges.

Your challenge for this week is to:

Memorize this week's verse. You can print the image with the verse for a handy reminder.
Review your life. There must be someone you need to forgive. Begin to make steps to forgive. Confrontation, especially if it is impossible or a matter of safety, is not necessary for forgiveness. Forgive in your heart and ask God to forgive you and the person you are forgiving.

A Winner! Congratulations to Jennifer!

2009-11-27T08:48:00.000-08:00

Jennifer of My not so Hurried Life was the winner of our eBay gift card giveaway. Thank you to all that participated.

Continue to follow this blog for more fun giveaways in the near future.

Black Friday Sale

2009-11-25T08:52:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is almost here! Not only does the Holiday provide a wonderful opportunity for food, family, fellowship, thanks, and praise; but a chance to get some fantastic bargains.

We will be running a special on all of our eBay store items this weekend. Visit Frank's Stuff for some holiday bargains.

And don't forget, you still have a chance to enter our giveaway for a $10 gift certificate from eBay. You can use the gift certificate anywhere on eBay.

Vintage Turkey Tips

2009-11-24T14:24:00.000-08:00

I've scanned and posted some vintage turkey tips from a 1947 Wisconsin Michigan Power Company Holiday Book. Enjoy!

11-23-09 Menu Plan Monday

2009-11-23T05:06:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving week. My daughter Nicole is hosting our family Thanksgiving this week I am so excited. I am only making the cranberries. I've purchased a journal for them. It will be their Thanksgiving journal and each year of their married life they and the people that they share this holiday with will log in it. Should be fun for them. On to this weeks menu.

Monday

Chicken Fingers
Oven Fries
Mixed Veggies

Tuesday

Chili
Cornbread

Wednesday

Handmade Turkey Pepperoni Pizza

Thursday

Nicole is cooking! I'm just bringing the
Cranberries

Friday

Out to eat

Saturday

Turkey Burgers on the grill
(May have to move these in if it ever gets cold)
Praline Sweet Potatoes
Salad

Sunday

Zucchini Frittata
Toast

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

11/22/09 Weekly Words

2009-11-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving week! I am excited. My daughter and husband are hosting the holiday. Should be lots of fun. It is their first Thanksgiving together. As always, if you click on the vs, it is a very printable 3"x5" size. Resize it or re-use it as you wish.

One more thanksgiving verse for this weeks memory and meditation.

(Php 4:6) Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything, by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

I really like this verse. Do not be anxious about anything!! Wow, if I could only keep in mind this truth, I could spare myself hours of worry. I am becoming more seasoned at giving it to God, but worry is one of my follies sometimes.

The verse reminds us to take everything to God, but notice the "with thanksgiving." Before asking God for something, we should express thanks for the gifts already recieved, especially His saving grace.

This weeks challenge:

1. Memorize and meditate on the verse
2. Before your prayers each evening, once again list 5 things you are thankful for.

11/20/09 $10 eBay Gift Certificate

2009-11-20T05:09:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Christmas! Use the gift certificate in our store, Frank's Stuff, or anywhere on eBay.

Lots of ways to win!

I ask that your first entry be that you follow this blog. If you already do, leave a comment to that effect. Other ways to enter:

Leave a comment with a fun, eBay experience you've had.
Leave a comment with what you'd like to see posted on my blog..
Blog about this giveaway, leave a comment with link to the post.
Follow me on Twitter, djfshop .
Tweet about this giveaway, leave a link to the tweet (can be done daily).
Visit our eBay store, Frank's Stuff and leave a comment about an item that you liked in the store.

Leave a separate comment for each entry. Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. Giveaway ends 11/26/09 (Thanksgiving Day) at 8 pm CST. Winner will be randomly drawn and will have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or another winner will be drawn.

Click here to see the entire Giveaway Blog Hop List....

11-16-09 Menu Plan Monday

2009-11-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

I have been stuck in a rut with sides. Hopefully next week's holiday will inspire me. Salads and broccoli are so easy. Also, I am back on my diet (holidays and holiday parties excluded) so that I can just maintain through the holidays.

Monday

Leftover chili for Leo and a Salmon Fillet for me
Green beans

Tuesday

This didn't get served last week, so I thought we'd try again this week
Porkchops with Pineapple salsa

couscous

Salad

Wednesday

Leftovers from church or pizza

Thursday

Crockpot chicken
Instant Potatoes
Broccoli

Friday

Out to eat

Saturday

Turkey Burgers on the grill
Oven Fries
Fruit

Sunday

French Toast (this is always popular with hubby)
Bacon
Canned fruit

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

11/15/09 Weekly Words

2009-11-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

It sure does the heart good to focus on giving thanks and praise! I have had a wonderfully lifted mood. There are medical studies that have shown that those that give regular thanks and praise to God report less stress, hypertension (high blood pressure) and bouts of depression among other things. Praise God!

This week's memory verse is another thanksgiving verse.

Rom 14:6 He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

This weeks challenge:

Commit the verse to memory
Post one Praise or Thanksgiving entry in your blog, twitter, or facebook each day! Share the praise

And the Winner is

2009-11-14T04:53:00.000-08:00

Congratulation to Cindi of Tally's Place. She was the lucky winner of our antique postcard giveaway. WTG Cindi!

11-13-09 Coupon Lot Giveaway

2009-11-12T17:10:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am a coupon user! But with just the two of us at home, even with using coupons to get charity items, there are still many coupons I just don't use. Grandpa Frank provides us with 2 Sunday paper inserts, we get our own paper, magazines, and everywhere else I can get my hands on coupons. So this weeks giveaway is going to be a huge batch of coupons!

I will hand pick the entire lot to be sure that all expire later than November 30th so that the lucky lot winner will get a chance to use the coupons. I'm certain there will be at least 50 coupons and probably many more than that!

Lots of ways to win!

Leave a comment with one frugal idea for the holiday season.
Leave a comment with what you'd like to see posted on my blog.
Follow my blog.
Blog about this giveaway, leave a comment with link to the post.
Follow me on Twitter, djfshop .
Tweet about this giveaway, leave a link to the tweet (can be done daily).
Visit our eBay store, Frank's Stuff and leave a comment about an item that you liked in the store.

Leave a separate comment for each entry. Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. Giveaway ends 11/19/09 at 8 pm CST. Winner will be randomly drawn and will have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or another winner will be drawn.

Click here to see the entire Giveaway Blog Hop List....

11-10-09 New Facebook Group with Giveaway

2009-11-09T08:59:00.001-08:00

A new exciting Facebook group, Net Friends! Join to share to meet friends, share tips on online business, or just to win the weekly give-aways. This week's giveaway is the Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book 6 loaded with recipes, crafts, and decorating ideas.

And don't forget about the giveaway on this blog, the antique postcard giveaway!

11-09-09 Menu Plan Monday

2009-11-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

Still trying to eat more of the things we have at home.

Monday

Italian chicken and vegetables (stir fried chicken breasts and frozen veggies with Italian dressing)

Garlic egg noodles (from the amish store.)

Tuesday

Porkchops with Pineapple salsa

couscous

Salad

Wednesday

Leftovers

Thursday

Turkey Brats

beans

Raw veggies

Friday

Out to eat

Saturday

Chili & crackers

Sunday

French Toast

Chicken Sausage

Canned fruit

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

11-08-09 Weekly Words

2009-11-07T12:08:00.001-08:00

With Thanksgiving coming, my verse focus for the next few weeks will be on giving thanks. As always, the image can be printed as a postcard, index card, or business card for your use.

(1Th 5:18) give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

So much for which to be thankful. This passage reminds us to be thankful in all circumstances. Sometimes, when we get too bogged down in earthly events, it is so easy to forget to express that gratitude. "In all circumstances" sounds like a bit much, but God's grace is always there to think of and cause your heart tobe joyful and give thank and praise to God.

My challenge this week is:

Memorize the verse.
Each evening, thank God for 5 things from that day.

Antique Postcard Giveaway!

2009-11-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

Do you enjoy Edwardian Postcards? I am happy to announce this weeks giveaway! 10 antique postcards simililar to those shown above. All are about 100 years old.

How can you be the lucky recipient of this free bit of history? It's easy! Just do one or more items from the list below. Each time you do one of the items, make a comment entry. Winning entry will be selected using random.com on November 12 and the winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond with contact information or a new winner will be selected.

1. Promote this blog or our store Frank's Stuff on social media site such as facebook or twitter. Comment for each site.
2. Visit our store and describe an item that you like in the store.
3. Purchase an item from our store and make reference to that item in your comment.
4. Become a follower of this blog.
5. Blog about our store or this giveaway.
6. Link to our blog on your blog sidebar.

If you enjoy freebies, check out some of the links below!

11-01-09 Weekly Words

2009-11-01T11:45:00.003-08:00

A new month and a new weekly theme! My God is the most important thing to me, so I do wish to share my Christian faith with my readers. My weakness in memorizing scripture inspired me to share with my women's group and the blogosphere. I will strive to have a weekly pretty printable Bible verse each week. Some weeks, there may not be much commentary, but I will try.

ESV Psalm 69:32 When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.

This week was a trying week. Maybe I should have chose perseverance as my study topic for today, but I really needed to be "revived." I want to reflect God's love and the joy it brings to me, and I have found myself wallowing in grief and mixed with some self pity. I'm sure many can relate to my week. A death of a friend, tragedy, personal physical issues, ill loved ones, worries about children... The problems on the laundry list of things that I let rob me of joy sometimes seem to happen all at once!

On to the verse...When you read the first part of the passage, "When the humble see it," the first question that popped into my mind was 'what is 'it'?" The psalmist David explained in the earlier verses:

Psalm 69:29 But I am afflicted and in pain; let your salvation, O God, set me on high!

Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Praise and thanksgiving! David said these will please the Lord more than sacrifices! The song of praise and thanksgiving that David wrote will please the Lord and make those that see it glad!

The second part of verse 32 has a bit more to explore as well. The description of "you who seek God" is a clear definition of all of us in the body of Christ. I do like rather like that description.

"Let your hearts revive," is my favorite part of the passage. The Hebrew root of the word for revive translated means to give life, quicken, repair or restore. That's just what I need, to be restored.

As always, God has shared the secret to restoring my joy. Without doubt, I am certain that sharing my praise and thanksgiving will please God, make my fellow Christians glad, and repair my heart.

The weekly challenge for all that read this is:

1. Commit to memory psalm 69:32.

2. Take your list of woes and find reasons to offer God praise and thanksgiving! For example, I have been worried about my daughter's case of H1N1, but the illness has afforded her some well deserved rest time and God has seen her through each day!

3. Share your praise and Thanksgiving to God with others, so that they may be glad!

11-02-09 Menu Plan Monday

2009-11-01T11:45:00.001-08:00

This week, I am concentrating on eating much from the freezer, so the recipes may be a bit willy-nilly

Monday

Cooking at church so leftovers or pizza

Tuesday

Sticky Chicky

Instant potatoes

Salad

Wednesday

Pork Chops

Apple Sauce

Pirogues

Thursday

Leftovers

Friday

Out to eat

Saturday

Chili & crackers

Sunday

Chicken patties parmesan

(Frozen breaded chicken patties topped w spaghetti sauce and cheese and baked until all is warm and melted)

Salad

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Menu Plan Monday, October 26

2009-10-26T12:45:00.001-07:00

We survived Le0's 50th birthday party, and now things can get back to their normal dull roar.

Monday: Pasta w Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs

Tuesday:
Apple Cinnamon Pork Tenderloin (Got this from this meme's hostess) served with rice and broccoli

Wednesday:
Stuffed Acorn Squash with pears

Thursday: Leftover buffet

Friday: Halloween Hayride (they usually serve hot dogs)

Saturday: Eggs, chicken sausage, & hash browns with melon for dessert

Sunday: Black Bean Ham Bone Soup with cornbread and salad

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

Meal Plan Monday 10-12-09

2009-10-12T14:38:00.001-07:00

Is it Monday? Once again the whirlwind week has soared past. The menu plan did work much better with less planned meals. I still didn't make the turkey shepherd's pie, so that is top priority tomorrow.

Monday

Leftovers

Tuesday

Turkey Shepherd's pie

Cranberries

Wednesday

Out to eat

Thursday

Ground Beef & Apple Filled Acorn Squash

Friday

5 Spice Sticky Chicky

Potatoes

Broccoli

Saturday

Leftovers or pizza

Sunday

Slow cooker pulled pork

Rolls

Applesauce

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

October 5, 2009 Menu Plan Monday

2009-10-05T08:49:00.001-07:00

We zoomed right through September and into October. I've been planning too much food for us lately. Between leftovers from church work, the occasional pizza craving, and maybe a bit of a slowing down of Leo's voracious appetite leaving more food left-over from the meals I make, I don't seem to get to all of my week's plan. Not a big deal, but I can plan for less.

Here's this week's "less" plan. Let's see how it goes.

Monday

Left-overs or Pizza

Tuesday

Slow cooker Orange Chicken (see last week for recipe)

Rice

Wednesday

Slow cooker meatballs

Pasta

Salad

Thursday

Left-over buffet

Friday

Salmon Frittata

Stuffed Zuchini

Saturday

Out to eat

Sunday

Turkey Shepherd's Pie (See last week)

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

September 28, 2009 Menu Plan Monday

2009-09-28T07:17:00.001-07:00

So many days menus just didn't get done last week, so they have to be repeated this week. I am glad, because I am short on time lately. The kids are busy getting into their new house, so it may be a long time before we ever get back into a normal routine.

Monday

Beef Roast

Salad

Tuesday

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Steamed mixed vegetables

rice

Wednesday

Black Pepper Pork w Ramen Noodles

Salad

Thursday

Leftover buffet

Friday

Turkey Shepherd's pie (frozen leftovers from last week)

Saturday

Out to eat

Sunday

Scrambled eggs w fresh veggies

Hash browns

Bacon

Toast

To view many, many more meal plans, visit the link below!

September 21, 2009 Menu Plan Monday

2009-09-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

This week, we hope to start moving the kids into their new home. Could make for a hectic week, so lots of slow cooker meals.

Monday

Frozen Pizza

Lettuce Salad w Peppers

Grapes

Tuesday

Wendy's Burger Goulash

Garden Green Beans w Garlic & Pesto

Wednesday

Black Pepper Pork w Ramen Noodles

Salad

Thursday

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Steamed mixed vegetables

Friday

Out to eat (I hope)

Saturday

Beef Roast

Salad

Sunday

Roast Turkey

Flavored Rice

Chive Biscuits

To see 100's of meal plans, visit the Organizing Junkie. Just click on the icon below

Menu Plan Monday, September 14, 2009

2009-09-14T15:03:00.001-07:00

Wow! September is nearly half over! Time certainly does fly as you age. Leo and I had a delightful time on our little jaunt and now it's back to business for the two of us. This week's menu is easy and fun

Monday

Chicken Cordon Blue

Kale (Leo's not fond of it, but I have a garden full)

Grapes

Tuesday

Chili w Cheese

Artisan Bread

Salad

Wednesday

Salami Spaghetti

Apple sauce

Salad

Thursday

Pizza! (I have an early meeting)

Friday

Pork Chops

Applesauce

Mashed potatoes

Saturday

Hamburgers

Green Beans

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Sunday

Chicken Wings

Salad

To see 100's of meal plans, visit the Organizing Junkie. Just click on the icon below

September 21, 2009 Menu Plan Monday

2009-09-06T13:20:00.001-07:00

This week, we hope to start moving the kids into their new home. Could make for a hectic week, so lots of slow cooker meals.

Monday

Frozen Pizza

Lettuce Salad w Peppers

Grapes

Tuesday

Wendy's Burger Goulash

Garden Green Beans w Garlic & Pesto

Wednesday

Black Pepper Pork w Ramen Noodles

Salad

Thursday

Slow Cooker Orange Chicken

Steamed mixed vegetables

Friday

Out to eat (I hope)

Saturday

Beef Roast

Salad

Sunday

Roast Turkey

Flavored Rice

Chive Biscuits

To see 100's of meal plans, visit the Organizing Junkie. Just click on the icon below

Tuesday is eBay Night

2009-09-01T15:17:00.001-07:00

Frequently, Leo and I launch our eBay auctions on Tuesday night. Why Tuesdays? We usually use 7 day auctions and this is the best closing day so that we can assure a two-day turn around upon payment. Tonight's launches are mostly my lots, vintage doilies and 1940's Ladies Handkerchiefs. Now my plan is to have a bit of theme on Tuesday's with my auction launches. Share a bit of info or fun facts and share a link to our store.

I adore the vintage handkerchiefs on their own, but fell in love with the butterfly quilts. I am saving a few from my collections to make a quilt or have my aunt stitch one.

A few of my eBay items

Model A Ford Rat Rod Yard Art Doodlebug Tractor Truck	Pretty Estate Embroidered Floral Square Tablecloth	Gorgeous Large 4 1 2 Inch Seashell Shell Belt Buckle	Estate Embroidered Runner Hearts n Roses Needlelace
Vintage NOS Ford Threaded Axle Wheel Hub Cap 2 5 8 OD	Estate Dishtowel Embroidered Herbs 28x28 Inch Parsley	3 Estate Painted DOW Dishtowels 26 x29 Inch Frogs	1972 73 K 400 Clinton Sea King 4 HP Outboard Fly Wheel
4 Pretty goldtone Pendants w Stones Estate Jewelry	1972 73 Clinton K400 Sea King 4 HP Outboard Motor Prop	Wisconsin Estate Little Miniature Baby Doll	Pretty 3 Pc Estate Crochet Antimacassar Chair Set
Elegant Blue Carnival Glass Footed Candy Dish Bowl	Adorable Vintage Goldtone w Rhinestones Poodle Pin	Vintage Soft Plastic Little Boy Blue Doll w Glass Eyes	Unusual Goldtone Estate Adustable Choker Necklace

Free Quick*Sell Gallery from ISDN*tek

August 31, 2009 Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-31T13:46:00.001-07:00

The Women Reaching Women Conference and the Beth Moore Live Event were both awesome. I had a delightful stay in Green Bay and met many new friends! Now we are back to a bit of our usual routine this week, so a fun, full menu to share.

Monday

Slow Cooker Beef roast with Garden Vegetables

Instant potatoes

Cantalope

Tuesday

Low fat Garlic Shrimp Fry (Package)

Rice

Mandarin Oranges

Wednesday

Homemade Hawaiian Pizza

Thursday

Tender Beef Pot Pie (using leftover beef)

Salad

Friday

Grilled Salmon Burgers

Fruit & Nut Slaw

Saturday

BBQ Ground Turkey & Vegetable Skillet Meal

Sour cream, Cheddar & Chive Biscuits

Sunday

French Toast bake

Sausage

Grapes

To see 100's of meal plans, visit the Organizing Junkie. Just click on the icon below

Menu Plan Monday - August 24

2009-08-24T12:32:00.001-07:00

Wow! Another Monday! In September, I plan on ramping up my blogging. I have family, friends, and customers that like to know what's going on. I just have to plan it in my schedule.

Of course, it is my favorite Meal Planning Monday and I once again have little to plan. It is fun to be this busy, but I do enjoy a normal week once in a while as well.

Monday

Per request by dh - Pizza! A no cook night

Salads

Tuesday

Chicken Stir - Fry

Wednesday

Brats w condiments

Baked beans

Broiled Zucchini slices (use olive oil and seasonings of your choice)

For more zucchini ideas, I just found this site

Thursday

I will be gone, Leo will live on shredded beef and chicken patties in freezer

Friday

I am still at my ministry conference and Beth Moore study. So excited.

Saturday

I come home today, but want to keep it simple so we will have scrambled eggs and bacon

Sunday

Pork chops

Potatoes

Applesauce

Steamed Green Beans

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-17T08:09:00.001-07:00

I do love to cook, but I do like a week that affords me the opportunity for little cooking and going out as well. This week I only need to plan a few meals for myself with 'planned-overs' for Leo on evenings I will be with friends.

Thursday, I am making meatloaf. The thing I like about meatloaf is once you get used to making it, you can start substituting ingredients for different tastes. I have included a link to a basic recipe, but mine will probably be much different as I plan on adding shredded squash as part of meat, oatmeal instead of bread crumbs, dried onion and green peppers, and a bit of hot pepper sauce.

I am still waiting to hear from the cardiologist, so I am still relying on the kindness of friends and loved ones to get around.

Monday

Once again it's Wedding Chicken (I think this is the last of it!)

Instant Potatoes

Corn

Spinach salad

Tuesday

I'm scheduled to help at the Thrivent Financial Open House. Meal is included, so Leo can take me, get his meal, and pick me up.

Wednesday

Scheduled to go the zoo with developmentally disabled church group (pass due to health issues) or assist with making and serving our senior lunch at church. Since I've opted for the luncheon, there will be leftovers or frozen pizza for supper.

Thursday

Meatloaf (making 2 so that Leo has some to take to work on Sunday)

Baked potatoes or steak fries

Spinach salad

Friday

Salmon burgers (pre-made) w wheat buns

Coleslaw

Melon

Saturday

Step-Niece's wedding meal

Sunday

Out with friend to a play and dinner.

Leo will have meatloaf sandwiches

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-10T09:51:00.001-07:00

Another week has flown by. This week I have my tests at the cardiologists. I really hope to be back to regular activity, especially driving, soon. Because of my driving limitations, I have been trying to make from my well stocked home. I suppose if the lack of driving becomes a long term issue, I will have to resort to new measures. Luckily, when my husband went to town the other day, he let me know and I did get some fresh veggies and fruit

Monday

Cheesy Rice and Ham (I'm throwing this together and will share recipe if it is good)

Squash (crooked Neck made w butter, cinnamon, & stevia)

Watermelon slices

Tuesday

French Toast

Bacon

Blueberries

Wednesday

Spicy Salsa Beef & Cheesy Chive Biscuits

This is just using some cooked shredded beef (frozen from the wedding), mixed with a jar of salsa.

For the biscuits, I just use the boxed mix and add chives from my garden and shredded cheese.

Spinach Salad

Applesauce

Thursday

Out to eat (hospital day)

Friday

Beef on potatoes (or bread if I am not up to cooking)

Baby Carrots

Ice Cream

Saturday

Leftovers or frozen Pizza

Sunday

Chicken from wedding (Frozen broasted chicken that just needs to be reheated)

Steak Fries

BBQ sauce or Ranch or Ketchup for dipping

More Squash

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

2009-08-07T09:15:00.001-07:00

My friend the Book Faerie is once again giving away another interesting book. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer is based on the life of a young man who changed the lives of many in his village. She also has a mystery give away. Stop by Jo Ann and see the Freebies she has as well as peruse her book store for some real bargains.

Prolonged QT Interval

2009-08-07T09:07:00.001-07:00

The current thorn in my side. Who knew that a little squiggly line could get doctors so excited. Just days before our daughter's wedding (August 1) the cardiologist told me that I should not do anything to raise my heart rate or drive a car. This has been a challenge, and I must confess that I did drive twice on the day of the wedding. Just had to get things from point A to point B.

The problem is that this prolonged QT interval puts me at a high risk of bad arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, so I need to take it easy. I do hope that these restrictions aren't permanent. It has been a great wake-up call for me. My God should be my priority and at times my busy Martha life takes over.

Next week, I have tests at the hospital. Hopefully, I will have some answers then. I'm not scheduled to see the Electrocardiologist until September!!!

Wedding Week – Menu Plan Monday

2009-07-27T09:50:00.001-07:00

This week's menu plan is going to be shy a few meals! I am excited to say that the week of my daughter's wedding has finally arrived. I am excited and relieved.

My dear husband nixed the All You Grocery Challenge last week. He wanted to go out to eat with his brother who is visiting from Missouri. He decided that this challenge was no longer fun when it was not in our budget to go out. To be honest, I am glad. I do like to be frugal, but I do not like to watch every penny unless I must.

With health issues looming in the background for me, this past week has been a bit upsetting. Hopefully, we will make it through the wedding and then I can have all the issues my body thinks is necessary. For this week, because of the wedding, I am focusing on simple and quick rather than healthy and economical and I have fewer meals to plan.

Monday

Leftover Buffet or frozen pizza

(I let my husband decide as he takes leftovers to work, so he can decide whether he needs to preserve a few for his lunch.)

Tuesday

Pasta w spaghetti sauce and ground beef

Cheese

Zuchini

Wednesday

Chicken Taco Salad

(Of course, I will lighten this up a bit with Fat Free ingredients when possible)

Thursday

Chinese Take-out (the bride's favorite)

Friday

Rehearsal Dinner

Saturday

Wedding Dinner (chicken & Beef)

Sunday

Wedding Leftovers

Menu Plan Monday

2009-07-20T11:26:00.001-07:00

All I seem to have time to post lately is my Menu Plan Monday and All You Grocery Challenge entries. We are just overly busy with wedding plans.

Last week, I managed to keep my spending on groceries under $30, but I would have liked to have bought more produce to freeze. Maybe this week. I have a hard time passing up discounted meat at the grocery store, so I will have to decide to save room for freezing some produce.

If you've noticed, I usually do not list our breakfast, lunch, and snack options, as these usually consist of leftovers, smoothies/shakes, or cereal. This weeks menu (mostly from pantry foods) is as follows:

Monday

Ham & Egg scramble

Herbed steamed cauliflower w banana peppers (I have a lot of these little peppers)

Tuesday

Manwich Sandwiches

Melon de jour (several on sale this week)

Chips (for Leo)

Wednesday

Grilled Turkey Brats

Vegetable packets on the grill (see previous entries)

Melon

Thursday

Crock Pot Chicken & Veggies (Grabbed from freezer supply)

Friday

Crustless Quiche (w ham)

Melon again!

Saturday

Left-overs or frozen pizza

Sunday

Beef Roast

Baked Potatoes (Instant potatoes if I forget to buy bakers)

Green Beans

Menu Plan Monday

2009-07-13T14:25:00.001-07:00

Oh no!! It's Monday already?!! Where did my time go? And then to make matters worse, I forgot that today is the day that the All You Grocery Challenge begins. It sure is a good thing that I was thinking about this for a while. I have decided just to still plan the evening meals, but I will have to record the other meals and snacks on a meal form, so I will have to find one I can print for DH as he is computer challenged and will not be able to enter his meals. I'll put the estimated prices in this blog.

I will be challenged in keeping my costs down for food as I have been using diet shakes for other meals as of late. Now it will be back to fruit smoothies and cereal… About ½ of the groceries I buy for the $50 allotment for the 2 of us for this challenge will probably be frozen or put in pantry. Leo does get his meals at work and he thrives on my leftovers for breakfast. LOL.

Once again, eggs are on sale, so we will be having them twice this week. At 48 cents a dozen, we are talking an inexpensive, protein loaded meal.

Monday

Scrambled Eggs with low fat Mozarella Cheese $1.00 (Actually, cheese was frozen from a sale, but I am adding the price in for some of my pantry/frozen items this first week)

Stir Fry Vegetables $1.00 (Another Sale item I had in Freezer, so I will randomly chose an average price. I usually by when they are 2/$1)

Toast or left-over Cherry Pie .25

Milk .50 ($1.86 a gallon last week)

Tuesday

Leftover church food or Tombstone Pizza (Pizza is in Freezer, purchased 4/$10 w coupons) $2.50

Yes, another funeral to cook for… If there is plenty of food leftover, I do get to bring it home for supper or we will have pizza.

Wednesday

Leftover church food or sloppy Joes on toast (fixings in pantry already and I have ground beef that I bougt in bulk for .98 cents a pound that I separated and froze.) $2.20

Chips (Bought on sale w coupon, ½ bag) .50

Salad - Dole salad on sale this week for .98

You got it. I have to cook at church again, only this time for a senior luncheon.

Thursday

Salsa Chicken Double recipe and cook half and freeze half (For the half we eat this night $3.49 for breasts, .25 cents for taco seasoning, and .50 cents for Salsa)

Cheesy Chive muffins (bisquik and milk) .75 and chives are from garden

Cheese for top of casserole and in muffins $ 1

Frozen Corn $1

Instant Potatoes (Leo must have potatoes with corn) $1

Friday

Salmon loaf $1

Frozen Peas $1

Cantaloupe $1

Saturday

Cheese Omelet $1.24 (6 eggs and one bag of shredded cheese)

Bacon $2

Toast .25

Fruit or Vegetable from farmers market $2

Sunday

Ham (Large in bone ham pick of for .89 a pound. Will eat and save some for sandwiches and freeze rest for casseroles. $1.68

Yam fries (sliced, baked yams) $3

Fresh fruit or veggies from farmers market $2

New at Frank’s Stuff

2009-07-07T10:31:00.001-07:00

We have been busy going through many of our items and getting ready to get back into high gear on listing new items in our store, Frank's Stuff.

We will be adding new additions in Jewelry, Dolls, and Leo has some fun additions too.

Coming soon! Watch for news on the prize winner for our drawing for helpers with doll identifying!

Menu Planning Monday

2009-07-06T16:55:00.001-07:00

Well, I was terrible at sticking to my diet and at following my menu choices this past week, let's see how I do for this week. I don't have to cook for Leo at the end of the week as he will be coming and going to the Iola car show and eating there, so I just can plan for me.

Monday
Cooked for church and brought home leftovers

Tuesday
Boneless Pork chops
Apple Sauce
Mashed Potatoes
Romaine Salad

Wednesday
Corn Omelet
Salsa
Toast

Thursday
Shrimp Stir-fry (Leo’s Gone)

Friday
Baked Tilapia with Slivered Almonds(Leo’s Gone)
Sweet Potato Wedges
Green Beans

Saturday
Grilled Turkey Bratwurst (Leo’s supposed to be gone)
Grilled Vegetable packet

Sunday
Grilled Rib’s on a stick w barbecue sauce
Sweet corn
Salad and or leftover veggies

Freebie Friday

2009-07-03T09:19:00.001-07:00

Another Friday! Where does the time go. I've found a few fun freebies. For the women of the house, here's a chance to receive a free Kotex Sample.

My friend, Jo Ann the Book Faerie, is offering yet another free book, I, Alex Cross by James Patterson. This sounds like another good mystery by Patterson. Read Jo Ann's review and enter for your chance to win.

Menu Planning Monday

2009-06-29T10:59:00.001-07:00

Oh, I am so excited! I now have the capability to scan my antique and vintage recipe books and convert them to words automatically! How exciting!! In anticipation of this, I have decided I can now post more recipes on my Vintage Recipe Blog .

With that excitement, I decided it was time to join a fun activity I have seen in the blogging community called:

Here's what we are eating at our house this week. No desserts, as I am still in dieting for daughter's wedding mode.

Monday

Leftovers (Plenty from last week)

Tuesday

Spaghetti casserole

Romaine Salad

Garlic toast

Wednesday

Corn Omelet

Salsa

Toast

Thursday

Stir Fry Chicken & Veggies

Wild Rice

Strawberries

Friday

Baked Tilapia with Slivered Almonds

Sweet Potato Wedges

Green Beans

Saturday

Grilled Turkey Bratwurst with buns

Grilled Vegetable packets

Sunday

Boneless Pork chops

Baked apples

Mashed Potatoes

Garden Peas

Freebies Galore - Paint, Books, Coupon Organizer

2009-06-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

I do love my freebies! I get so excited when I read that a blogger or manufacturer is giving away something I might like. I've found a few I wanted to share today.

Money Saving Madness.com is giving away not one but two of these wonderful coupon files. Check out the link for your chance to win.

Planning on doing a summer project around the house? Glidden will be giving away free paint starting on June 25, 2oo9. See A Thrify Mom for mor details.

My good friend The Book Faerie is giving away an advanced reading copy of The Link by Colin Tudge. Visit her site and read the review to see if it might be one you would like to read.

New at the Frank's

2009-06-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

The Frank farm i s getting to be a busy place. With the anticipation of grandpa's 80th birthday and Nicole and Bo's wedding shower this month, the plans and people are flying fast and furious.

We are also busy getting new items listed at our online store, Frank's Stuff. Above is a blacksmith made animal trap. Some of the other items in the myriad of items Leo will be listing today include vintage boat motor parts and vintage car parts.

I'm still working on identifying and listing dolls. This little cutie is probably from the 1940's

I also am slowly but surely getting some of the estate costume jewelry listed. It is so much fun to sift through the baubles and photo them.

Another Book Give-away

2009-06-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

My friend, the book faerie, is giving away another book! This one is a fantasy entitled The Edge of the World by Kevin J Anderson. Read Jo Anne's review at her website and enter her contest for the give-away.

Don't forget that I have a contest going too! Help identify the dolls, even if your response is sorry I just don't know and I will enter you in a drawing for a vintage music box.

Help Identifying Dolls Contest

2009-05-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

Do you like this pretty vintage porcelain covered musical trinket box? You could win it or a gift certificate for 10% off our eBay store (up to $10.) How? Help me to identify the dolls in this photo album. Simply post your answers in the album or here, but make sure you leave me contact email information. I will delete email addresses ASAP or you can email me them at stuff3@charter.net. All those that help will be entered in the drawing for each and every doll they offer information about. I would love to know makers, names, dates, functions, values, or anything else you might think is helpful for me to know about the doll.

I've a plethera of dolls, many of whom I have never identified. I am going to begin selling the dolls as well as my daughter's doll collection on eBay. Please help

Last Day of May

2009-05-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

I've survived another Memorial Day weekend rummage sale. For the past several springs we have done this sale, equivalent to a flea market almost. We set out tons of vintage iron for gardeners, lots of estate odds and ends, and a few fine antiques. Much of our stuff is priced 50 cents or $1. As with past years, we were happy to bring in about $3000. We experienced an exhausting but lucrative few days.

Today, I walked on our farm. It was an enjoyable jaunt with many finds that I will be sharing in the next few weeks. The most exciting is that the lady's slippers are blooming. I adore these beautiful wild orchids and look forward to there showy splash in our pine woods every year.

I won!! I'm so excited.

2009-04-15T14:07:00.001-07:00

I am so excited, because I am just not very lucky. Frequently my dear friend Jo Ann, AKA the Book Faerie, gives away books that she reviews. I enjoy reading her reviews on her blog and sometimes enter to win the book she has reviewed. I won Jo Ann's copy of The Chosen One, by Carol Lynch Williams. If you enjoy books, you may enjoy Jo Ann's online store as well!

Morning Devotions

2009-04-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

For Lent season, I got up at 5:30 and read a chapter of the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Now this is my second time through this book, and I must say, I enjoyed even more than the first time through. If you need help in focusing your spiritual efforts, this book is most helpful.

Now that I am in the habit of my early morning read, I would like to pick another book to read. Any suggestions. I do have many on my bookshelf, but I am always looking for more. I may start on a study of the book of Acts.

Fantastic Tree Frog Give-Away

2009-03-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

My dear friend dear is being featured on this wonderful Green Giveaway Contest site and they are giving this fantastic 8"x10" painting done by Jill! Our family has several of Jill's paintings, but I would love this one!

To enter to win Jill's painting, just follow the directions on the site. Good luck!

Hectic Holidays

2008-12-26T10:16:00.001-08:00

We've been overly busy with the holidays and a "surprise" marriage of our one and only daughter.

Yes, I did say surprise. She is still planning a big shindig for August 1, 2009; but they got married on December 19 in a small chapel wedding ceremony. Why? Because the company she works for is discontinuing health care benefits, and her new husband has good benefits that family can be included in. So not only have we been doing the usual Christmas and Holiday parties, but we had a little wedding celebration as well.

Congratulations, Bo & Nicole!

Our Different Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T12:32:00.000-08:00

How strange a Holiday it was. I spent many more moments giving thanks to the Lord, as it cheered me.It was the first holiday without mom. Originally we planned on taking Nicole out after she finished her shift at 2 pm. Her fiance' is visiting his father in Virginia so she was to be alone for the evening so we had planned on the hour drive. Nicole called on Wednesday, excited about an invitation to dinner with friends, so we didn't make that drive.

Leo had decided days earlier that we should take an elderly brain injured gentleman out to eat in the morning. So that commitment remained and we left at 8:00 am to drive to the city the gentleman was in. Now it may sound strange to treat this man, who today has no memory of our outing, to a meal on the town, but his delight made it worth it. He wanted to go out for steak and eggs, so we proceeded to a local establishment known for its breakfasts. He opened doors for me, rushed to help me out of the vehicle, a perfect gentleman. At other times, Leo had to remind him that his off-color jokes were not appropriate.

While we waited for our meal this man, a man that cannot function on his own to do needed daily activities, delighted me with card tricks and even showed me how he palmed the cards. When our meals came, we enjoyed a leisurely meal, waiting for our guest to slowly finish. When he was done, he was thrilled to show me how he had managed to eat his entire meal with the one tooth in his mouth.

Then our guest asked if we could stay at the restaurant and play some cards for a while. Having no other plans, we indulged the card player until we suddenly realized at 11:30 am, there were no other customers in the restaurant. Deciding to pack up and leave, I thanked the hostess and commented on the empty dining room. She informed me that they had closed at 11:00! When I scolded her for not letting us know, she smiled and looked at our guest and said she knew we were enjoying ourselves.

Driving back to the group, for about the tenth time that day, our guest commented on how much he enjoyed himself and thanked us.

I am thankful that the Lord planted the idea of of this outing to my husband. He often volunteers with this man, but the Holiday was a special outing. It provided a much needed distraction and a very different, but Blessed, Thanksgiving Day

I am Thankful!

2008-11-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

Times are tough for so many and it is difficult to turn the television or radio on without hearing depressing news. With the recent death of my mother, I find it most necessary to express my gratitude to the Lord for all of my gifts, just to keep me going. They truly do trip off a happier mood.

I am thankful for my salvation through Christ. Try as I might, I can never measure up to perfect, so it sure is re-assuring that God forgives me and I will see heaven.
I am thankful that my mom believed in Christ. Though I miss her, I will see her again.
I am delighted to have our daughter's wedding to anticipate. Even though it isn't until next August, it usually needs some consideration almost daily. I just picked her dress up from the bridal shop the other day!
I am thankful to have the resources to make plans for a Thanksgiving celebration. We are blessed that Leo has a job in the health care field and our online sales continue to do alright in these tough times. If we had only relied on scrap iron for an income, we would not have any income now!
I am thankful for my many friends. It is a warm feeling to walk into our church or anywhere in the community and to have so many friends and acquaintenances to greet. What a blessing the fellowship at church has brought.

I could expound on this all day, but I feel better already and need to get ready to watch the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. Of course, I will route the Packers on...Just another thing to be thankful for.

Clifford Thompson AKA The Norwegian Viking Giant

2008-08-07T10:04:00.001-07:00

Topping out at 8 ft 7 inches tall, Clifford Thompson heralded himself as the world's tallest man. I stumbled on Clifford's life story when I was researching a real photo postcard a had acquired at a recent estate auction.

Clifford was born in 1904 in Rugby, North Dakota and moved to Scandinavia, Wisconsin with his family soon after and was raised in Wisconsin.

He spent 8 years traveling with various circuses and sideshows. He also performed in movies and appeared in many advertising promotions.

He married his 5'6" wife in 1939.

In 1944, Clifford earned his law degree from Marquette University and eventually settled in Portland Oregon, where he died in 1944

I do currently have this postcard listed in my eBay auctions.

To view more pictures and read more about Mr. Thompson, you can visit the Ames Historical Society, Tallest Ever Movie Giants, Genesis 6 Giants and Phreequ e.

Autumn Leaves

2007-10-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the slide show! We sure did enjoy our Super September Give-Away! Congratulations to all 4 prize winners.

Winner #2! Super September Give-Aways!

2007-09-20T13:20:00.001-07:00

Our second winner in our Super September Give-Away is Kevin! He also was a eBay Motor Customer. (Week #1 winner was too!) Kevin has been notified and his prize will be going out in the mail tomorrow.

We will be drawing on the 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th. Surprise prizes may include reproduction Victorian Cards, mugs, and more. You do not need to buy anything to be entered in the drawings! There are lots of ways to enter. Enter as often as you wish!

To enter:

All of our successful eBay buyers are automatically entered
Simply comment on any of our blogs, including this one to recieve one entry per comment.
Leave a friendly message in "My eBay World" guestbook or our website www.djfshop.net guestbook.
Subscribe to any of our newsletters.
Submit contributions such as articles or photos for consideration to our website or blogs. Subjects include Primitive Decor, Rat rods and car projects, and vintage recipes. You retain copyright priveleges to the contribution but allow us to publish it in our blog or website.
Promote our eBay store Frank's Stuff on your blog, about me page or other. Don't forget to notify us of your posting so that we can enter you in the drawing!

Winners will be notified by email, so make sure we have your email or eBay contact info so that we can let you know you've won and get your mailing address to send your prize!

My Five Legged Friend

2007-09-14T13:12:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure where he is now, but for several weeks this little fellow lurked on the side of our house. I first noticed him about 2 weeks ago when a storm was brewing and I went outside to enjoy the show.

There he was, swaying on the side of the house like he was twirling an invisible hula hoop. The movement looked so funny, that I had to take a closer look. That's when I noticed the stick was missing a leg.

For one reason or another, our siding on our house and garage has always seemed to draw these strange creature. My elderly neighbor smashes them if she sees them, insisting they bite. I am quite certain that they are harmless.

It was fun to be able to identify this stick (his 5 legs gave him away) and he hung around my back door for some time. I have not seen him in the last few days and decided to see what walking sticks do for the winter.

My research didn't answer my question about wintering, but did confirm my belief that they were harmless. They are vegetarians. Unfortunately, I may never know if I see my 5 legged friend again, because like starfish, they can regenerate limbs. He'll look like any other walking stick. But, I wonder if other walking sticks hula dance? Who knows, maybe this is how they shed their skins.

Super September Give-Aways!

2007-09-03T11:41:00.001-07:00

4 Drawings! 4 chances to win! We will be drawing on the 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th. Surprise prizes may include reproduction Victorian Cards, mugs, and more. There are lots of ways to enter! Enter as often as you wish!

To enter:

All of our successful eBay buyers are automatically entered
Simply comment on any of our blogs, including this one to recieve one entry per comment.
Leave a friendly message in "My eBay World" guestbook or our website www.djfshop.net guestbook.
Subscribe to any of our newsletters.
Submit contributions such as articles or photos for consideration to our website or blogs. Subjects include Primitive Decor, Rat rods and car projects, and vintage recipes. You retain copyright priveleges to the contribution but allow us to publish it in our blog or website.
Promote our eBay store Frank's Stuff on your blog, about me page or other. Don't forget to notify us of your posting so that we can enter you in the drawing!

Winners will be notified by email, so make sure we have your email or eBay contact info so that we can let you know you've won and get your mailing address to send your prize!

A Badger, What's That?

2007-08-27T15:12:00.001-07:00

I live in the badger state, but I've never seen one in the wild. This morning, I got up and started an early morning walk/run on our farm. A storm front was coming and I wanted to get my workout in before the rain.

It's always fun going for an early morning walk. My dear Amber is still in her kennel, and its nice to explore the world without an eager dog chasing everything that moves. I spotted the Sandhill cranes, although they flew when they saw me jogging toward them. They let out some of their prehistoric bellering, which has earned them the nickname of pteradactyls at our house.

There was only one young deer on the trail, but I couldn't help but feel the cornfields were probably full of them. I did get a little nervous when I heard some heavy rustling in the woods and something growling. If there is a bear around, I usually know, as Amber runs the other way. I didn't see anything amongst the pines so I decided it must be a sickly sounding squirrel. They can make the funniest noises when scolding or scared.

Onward I walked and reached the main farm trail. I started down it, heading further from the farm and was surprised to find a fresh foxhole or den dug into the bank of the trail. This home had to be made by the biggest woodchuck or fox in existance, and I decided to take a photo of it. When I flipped my phone out to photo the excavation, I noticed a missed call from my husband. I decided I better call Leo to see what he wanted. He knew I was walking.

"I just wanted to let you know that Pat says there is a badger that's taken up residence on the farm. He says that you should be careful as they are not friendly animals and will attack. Where are you?"

Pat is our farmhand. I'm not certain that he has extensive knowledge on wildlife but the silly question from my husband caused me to nervously laugh and reply, "I believe I am standing in front of the said Badger's home." I hadn't planned on doing more jogging this morning, but I did decide a run from the scene was probably the best move.

I looped wide through the woods along the road on my way back to the farmyard. I do love nature but when a blue jay clamoring in the branches makes you skiddish, you know its time to go home. How do you get rid of a badger? I think one of my research projects for the day will be on badgers

Progressive Charity Auction! Antique & Vintage Beads!

2007-08-02T14:11:00.001-07:00

Do you craft? Do you make jewelry? Even if you've never done so before, you may want to try this fun way of expressing yourself with the vintage and antique beads! Best part of it is that the more bids on this auction, and the more beads to create with! I can't wait to see how it ends! The most exciting part is that we are doing this auction for charity!

Beyond Borders is a Christian Charity to promote leadership skills in native peoples while preserving their ethnicity. To learn more, go to our auction below and click on the Beyond Borders Link.

Cosmetiques

2007-07-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

Moving along in our book, lets look at 19th century beauty...Should we explore how to clear a tanned skin? Or how about Pearl Dentifrice? No, I think we will look at the recipe for removing wrinkles. Looking at my mother at age 77, I may need to try this recipe.

Wrinkles in the skin

White wax, one ounce
Strained honey, two ounces
Juice of lily bulbs, two ounces

The foregoing, melted and stirred together, will remove wrinkles.

2007-07-18T05:59:00.000-07:00

Still enjoying the book "The A & P Every Day Cook Book." I'm quite sure that most of the recommendations and recipes are from the 19th century. I will continue to share them for your pleasure, but please know that you must consider safety first before anything! I am not recommending any of the recipes or suggestions! That being said, when I saw in the household section, a paragraph with cleaning oil or grease from Men's clothing, I just had to read it. Here it is.

An excellent way to remove grease spots from boys' and men's clothing particularly, is made of four parts alcohol to one part ammonia and about half as much ether as amonia. Apply the liquid to the grease spot and rub diligently with a sponge and clear water. The chemistry of the operation seems to be that the alcohol and ether dissolve the grease and the ammonia forms a soap with it which is washed away with the water. The result is much more than when something is used which only seems to spread the spot and make it fainter, but does not actually remove it. If oil is spilt on the carpet and you immediately scatter corn meal over it, the oil will be absorbed by it. Oil may also be removed from carpets on which you do not dare put ether and ammonia, by laying thick blotting paper over it and pressing a hot flatiron on it. Repeat the operation several times, using a clean paper each time.

I Can't Part With It!

2007-07-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

It's not the prettiest book in the world, but when I went to list it on eBay I found myself reading it rather than writing the description. What's the ugly book about? It's entitled The A & P Every Day Cook Book. I've not found a copyright date, but it is definitely before the use of the modern stove or modern standard cooking measures.

What's so fascinating? It has amazing recipes (and many quite bizarre recipes) of which I've never heard the like. It also has recipes for 'cometiques' and household hints. With my love for all things Victorian & Edwardian, this silly little book will just have to stay with me for a bit longer.

It contains many fascinating recipes, including the recipe for headcheese. Maybe I will take some time to share a few of the recipes and helpful hints in this blog.

Now, what to share first...Something funny or a recipe? Or a funny recipe? I'll start with a recipe that maybe a good cook could easily adapt to modern methods. I've taken the liberty of making it look a little more like a modern recipe.

Indian Chetney

8 oz sharp, sour apples - pared and cored

8 oz Tomatoes

8 oz salt

8 oz browned sugar

8 oz Stoned Raisins

4 oz cayenne pepper

4 oz powdered ginger

2 oz garlic

2 oz shallots

3 quarts vinegar

1 quart lemon juice

1. Chop the apples in small square pieces and add to them the other ingredients.

2. Mix the whole well together, and put in a well-covered jar.

3. Keep jar in a warm place, and stir every day for a month, taking care to put on the lid after this operation.

4. Strain, but do not squeeze it dry. Reserve liquor as it will serve as an excellent sauce for meat or fish.

5. Store the chetney away in clean jars or bottles for use.