Mom's Zucchini Bread

adapted from allrecipes.com
~
Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (you can do 1/2 whole wheat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter 
• 1/2 cup of light olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 1/4 cups of brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated zucchini (do not drain)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Grease and flour 4 - 5 x 3 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Mix flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs, oil, butter, vanilla, and sugars together in a large bowl. Add mixed ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
4. Bake for 40 mins,or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 10 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.

Dangers of Food Additives and Preservatives

About Additives and Preservatives 

The period of time post World War II marked an era of change for the food industry. During this time, manufacturers began to investigate and employ all sorts of chemical substances into food products in order to increase shelf life, flavor and consistency. However, limited studies were performed during this time regarding the actual safety of these additives. Naturally, the bulk of these chemicals underwent laboratory testing, typically on animals, and if they passed a certain amount of surveillance, they were deemed fit for consumption. Some of these chemicals were deemed appropriate for human consumption but only in specified amounts.

The trouble with such tests at the time was that they were not conclusive regarding long term safety of certain substances. Some additives are not always excreted by the body and, instead, are stored in small amounts which over time can cause toxicity within the human system. Sometimes, as decades would pass and more information became available about the long term effects of certain preservatives and additives, some of these substances lost their stamp of approval and were banned from the food industry.

The Dangers of Food Additives and Preservatives

The additives and preservatives in commercial foods today have typically received the Food and Drug Administration's approval. However, consumers are catching on to the inconsistencies of the FDA's surveillance. It is not an uncommon occurence whereby the FDA will approve a substance that will later become is removed due to the outcry of medical professionals. The FDA will also approve substances said to be safe, but only in very small amounts. This means that studies exist which indicate larger amounts of the substance in question are not safe. Moreover, there is little done to control the consumption of these foods within the human population. The average American who lives on a processed and fast food diet may be consuming undetermined amounts of a chemical substance that simply hasn't been tested proficiently at certain levels for long periods of time.

The rise in cancer since the 1940s has been used as an indicator for many alternative health professionals to deem the condition of most processed commercial food to be adulterated, unnatural and unsafe. So, what exactly are the dangers of food additives and preservatives? Again, this question lies in an ambiguous field. Certain preservatives such as BHT are very prominent in packaged foods as they are an excellent preservative agent for fats. BHT is an antioxidant and many consumers will hear the word "antioxidant" and feel this chemical must be a good thing. However, scientific studies have yielded information regarding BHT's negative effects on human behavior and health. These studies are not fully conclusive because some individuals metabolize the agent differently than others.

The Gray Zone

There are many naturally derived preservatives and additives that still have a negative effect on human health. Oftentimes it is difficult to truly test these agents in a realistic medium because, as mentioned previously, various individuals metabolize these substances differently than others in their test group. Some chemicals are outright toxic, while others fall into a gray area where only a small percentage of consumers experience detrimental effects.

The safest approach regarding additives and preservatives is to avoid them in favor of whole foods and a healthy diet that steers away from processed food products. The live active enzymes found in raw plant based foods not only avoid the additives issue, but they promote a healthy body as well. Unfortunately, if you aren't buying organic, you may find yourself dealing with issues like pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics in your produce, meat and dairy foods. It is very difficult for the average consumer to fight the additives craze that currently affects a gigantic portion of the food industry.

Researching any suspicious ingredients on nutritional labels is the second line of defense. The Internet contains a wealth of information regarding additives such as caramel color, maltodextrin, and modified food starch. Some ingredients can secretly harbor substances like MSG and gluten which can be highly problematic for sensitive individuals. Diligence and knowledge are the most effective weapons of a wary consumer.

post from LoveToKnow

Valentine's Day Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

Valentine's Day used to mean long, romantic dinners at nice restaurants with wine, dessert, and flowers. Now, though, at least for those of us with kids, the idea of getting a sitter in the middle of the week just to sit in an overpriced restaurant is absolutely not worth the trouble.

What a lot of us do, then, is the at-home Valentine's dinner. Dim the lights, light some candles, break out the nice china and glassware, and make your favorite dinner -- complete with Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake for dessert. Lo and behold, you've got a very nice Valentine's Day for a lot cheaper than you would if you'd gone out.

Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake (adapted from Cooks.com)

Crust:
•1 1/2 cups crushed Oreos, about 18
•2 tbsp. butter, melted

Truffle mixture:
•1 pkg. (6 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
•1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
•1/3 cup seedless raspberry preserve

Filling:
•3 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
•1 cup sour cream
•1 1/4 cups sugar
•3 eggs
•1 tsp. vanilla

Glaze:

•2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
•3 tbsp. whipping cream

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees.

2. For crust: Combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press mixture firmly over bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

3. For truffle mixture, melt chocolate chips in small saucepan over very low heat, stirring until smooth (you can also do this carefully in the microwave). Remove from heat after chocolate melts. Beat one 8 oz. package cream cheese in small bowl until fluffy. Gradually beat in raspberry preserves and melted chocolate; set aside.

4. For filling, beat three 8 oz. packages cream cheese in large mixer bowl until fluffy; beat in sour cream and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Pour into prepared pan. Drop truffle mixture by spoonfuls over top of filling, being careful not to swirl mixture. Bake until set, 75 to 90 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack.

5. For glaze, melt chocolate chips with cream over very low heat; stir until smooth. Spread over top of cheesecake; let some drizzle over side. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, several hours or overnight.

6. If desired, just before serving, garnish with dollops of whipped cream and fresh raspberries.

You are More than Enough

The following is a guest post by Courtney Carver of Be More with Less.

When I first wrote Living in the Land of Enough as a guest post on this blog, I had no idea it would become a 7-part series on my blog, or translated into Italian, but the more I wrote about The Land of Enough, the more time I wanted to spend there. Today, as the series comes to a close, I thought it would be exciting to share the conclusion on the same blog where it started.

 In the very first post about the Land of Enough, I wrote about seven topics. Subsequently, each topic became its own chapter in the series. Here is a quick recap:

Visiting the Land of Enough

1. Save Your Money. There is no need for credit cards or therapeutic shopping in the land of enough. There are also no overdraft fees or ATM charges. Just put your cards away for 10 days. Then, keep a list of purchases you would have made if you were using your credit card, or if you were shopping for sport, and take note of the money that you didn't spend.
2. Take Your Time. In the land of enough, you have time to breathe. Stop trying to squeeze so much in. If you are always running late, falling behind, or trying to catch up, try slowing down. Cancel a few unnecessary appointments and don't schedule any new ones if you can help it. Then, make a little time everyday for solitude.
3. Disconnect. Set a specific time to disconnect each day. In the land of enough, there is less need to be plugged in. If you can, commit to not using a computer after dinner or before lunch time. Be mindful of how much time you spend online and are virtually available. Protect your time and your mind.
4. Eat Real Food. Only eat food that you prepare. Summertime is the perfect time to eat fresh food – fruits and veggies are often fresh, local, and less expensive than buying them in winter. Do not eat anything from a box, restaurant or drive-thru. While you may choose to eat less by eliminating processed foods, you may find that you naturally eat just enough.
5. Make Space. Clear out some space in your house. You don't need to take on big purging projects during this time to make space. Simplify one room (or even just the corner of one room) and keep it as clean and clutter free as possible. Even if the rest of your house is cluttered, this area can be a great reminder of how you might feel living with less.
6. Entertain Yourself. Unplug your TV and plan to enjoy your friends, family, the great outdoors, or a book you have been meaning to read. Do not spend time and money on expensive shows, travel or recreational activities. While the land of plenty calls you to spend more money for entertainment, you already have enough right where you are.
7. Say Thank You. As you go through these steps, you will find enough time and space to be grateful. Through prayer, thank you cards, or a kind gesture, share your gratitude every day.

I love the Land of Enough, but the challenging part for me is being there, and attending to my everyday life at the same time. Some of you commented that living this way all the time is not realistic, and I agree.
If you think that living this life is appealing, but impractical on a daily basis, don't give up all together. Instead, set aside one day a week, or month to live according to the recommendations above. Choose your favorite ideas and make them part of your life.

When you begin to spend even a few minutes a day in the Land of Enough, you will quickly realize that the experience starts in your heart and begins to change it. But even before you start to make changes, know that you are enough. Sometimes we think we have so far to go to get to where we want to be, that we don't even try. We think we don't deserve better because of our current situation. Regardless of your current habits or circumstances, you are enough. You've always been enough.There is one thing about The Land of Enough that I forgot to tell you. Because everyone there is living more authentically and simply, and because they don't live under a burden of constant stress, they are loving. Simply put, it is easier to love more deeply when you realize you have enough… that you are enough.

The transition from regular life to the Land of Enough takes time. Instead of trying to incorporate all of the changes at once, slowly and deliberately transition the best parts to your life.
What is one change you would like to adopt from the Land of Enough?
***
Read the entire Land of Enough series or visit Courtney's blog. She writes about simplifying and living life on purpose at Be More with Less. You can also follow her on Twitter.

40 Ways to Use Baking Soda

Most of us know that baking soda can be used for more than just making homemade cookies and other dough rise. It's not uncommon to see an open box of this leavening agent deodorizing refrigerators, for example. But did you know that there are at least 40 different ways to use baking soda?

Baking soda makes a perfect stand-in for many personal care, cleaning, and deodorizing products. The list of benefits is long: It is inexpensive, free of toxic chemicals, versatile, and effective.

Wondering how baking soda, aka sodium bicarbonate, works its magic? It helps regulate pH — keeping a substance neither too acidic nor too alkaline. When baking soda comes in contact with either an acidic or an alkaline substance, its natural effect is to neutralize that pH. Beyond that, baking soda has the ability to retard further changes in the pH balance, known as buffering.

This dual capability of neutralizing and buffering allows baking soda to do things such as neutralize acidic odors (like in the refrigerator) as well as maintain neutral pH (like in your laundry water, which helps boost your detergent's power). It's a simple reaction, but one that has far-reaching effects for a number of cleaning and deodorizing tasks.

Here are some very creative ways you can use baking soda.

Personal Care

1. Make toothpaste
A paste made from baking soda and a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution can be used as an alternative to commercial non-fluoride toothpastes. (Or here's a formula for a minty version.) You can also just dip your toothbrush with toothpaste into baking soda for an extra boost.

2. Freshen your mouth
Put one teaspoon in half a glass of water, swish, spit, and rinse. Odors are neutralized, not just covered up.

3. Soak oral appliance
Soak oral appliances (like retainers, mouthpieces, and dentures) in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in a glass or small bowl of warm water. The baking soda loosens food particles and neutralizes odors to keep appliances fresh. You can also brush appliances clean using baking soda.

4. Use as a facial scrub and body exfoliate
Give yourself an invigorating facial and body scrub. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean. This is gentle enough for daily use.

5. Skip harsh deodorant
Pat baking soda onto your underarms to neutralize body odor.

6. Use as an antacid
Baking soda is a safe and effective antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and/or acid indigestion. Refer to baking soda package for instructions.

7. Treat insect bites and itchy skin
For insect bites, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply as a salve onto affected skin. To ease the itch, shake some baking soda into your hand and rub it into damp skin after bath or shower.

8. Make a hand cleanser and softener
Skip harsh soaps and gently scrub away ground-in dirt and neutralize odors on hands with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water or 3 parts baking soda with gentle liquid hand soap. Then rinse clean.

9. Help your hair
Vinegar is amazing for your hair, but baking soda has its place in the shower too. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly — baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable.

10. Clean brushes and combs
For lustrous hair with more shine, keep brushes and combs clean. Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.

11. Make a bath soak
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration. It also makes your skin feel very soft. Or just focus on soothing your feet. Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub.

Cleaning

12. Make a surface soft scrub
For safe, effective cleaning of bathroom tubs, tile, and sinks — even fiberglass and glossy tiles — sprinkle baking soda lightly on a clean damp sponge and scrub as usual. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. For extra cleaning power, make a paste with baking soda, coarse salt, and liquid dish soap — let it sit then scour off.

13. Hand-wash dishes and pots and pans
Add 2 heaping tablespoons baking soda (along with your regular dish detergent) to the dish water to help cut grease and foods left on dishes, pots, and pans. For cooked-on foods, let them soak in the baking soda and detergent with water first, then use dry baking soda on a clean damp sponge or cloth as a scratch-less scouring powder.

14. Freshen sponges
Soak stale-smelling sponges in a strong baking soda solution to get rid of the mess (4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water). For more thorough disinfecting, use the microwave.

15. Clean the microwave
Baking soda on a clean damp sponge cleans gently inside and outside the microwave and never leaves a harsh chemical smell. Rinse well with water.

16. Polish silver flatware
Use a baking soda paste made with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry for shining sterling and silver-plate serving pieces.

17. Clean coffee and tea pots
Remove coffee and tea stains and eliminate bitter off-tastes by washing mugs and coffee makers in a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. For stubborn stains, try soaking overnight in the baking soda solution and detergent or scrubbing with baking soda on a clean damp sponge.

18. Clean the oven
Sprinkle baking soda onto the bottom of the oven. Spray with water to dampen the baking soda. Let sit overnight. In the morning, scrub, scoop the baking soda and grime out with a sponge, or vacuum, and rinse.

19. Clean floors
Remove dirt and grime (without unwanted scratch marks) from no-wax and tile floors using 1/2 cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water — mop and rinse clean for a sparkling floor. For scuff marks, use baking soda on a clean damp sponge, then rinse.

20. Clean furniture
Clean and remove marks (even crayon) from walls and painted furniture by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.

21. Clean shower curtains
Clean and deodorize your vinyl shower curtain by sprinkling baking soda directly on a clean damp sponge or brush. Scrub the shower curtain and rinse clean. Hang it up to dry.

22. Boost your liquid laundry detergent
Give your laundry a boost by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry to make liquid detergent work harder. A better balance of pH in the wash gets clothes cleaner, fresher, and brighter. Or you can add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle for fresher sheets and towels or to neutralize gym clothes and odoriferous clothing.

23. Clean and freshen sports gear
Use a baking soda solution (4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water) to clean and deodorize smelly sports equipment. Sprinkle baking soda into golf bags and gym bags to deodorize and clean golf irons (without scratching them!) with a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda to 1 part water) and a brush. Rinse thoroughly.

24. Remove oil and grease stains
Use baking soda to clean up light-duty oil and grease spills on your garage floor or in your driveway. Sprinkle baking soda on the spot and scrub with a wet brush.

25. Clean batteries
Baking soda can be used to neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc., because its a mild alkali. Be sure to disconnect the battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and reconnecting the terminals, wipe them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion. Please be careful when working around a battery — they contain a strong acid.

26. Clean cars
Use baking soda to clean your car lights, chrome, windows, tires, vinyl seats, and floor mats without worrying about unwanted scratch marks. Use a baking soda solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road grime, tree sap, bugs, and tar. For stubborn stains use baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge or soft brush. Eliminate odors by sprinkling baking soda directly on fabric car seats and carpets. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) and vacuum up the baking soda.

Deodorizing

27. Deodorize your refrigerator
Place an open box in the back of the fridge to neutralize odors.

28. Deodorize trashcans and recyclables
Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your trashcan to keep stinky trash smells at bay. Clean your recyclables container periodically by sprinkling baking soda on a damp sponge. Wipe clean and rinse. Also, sprinkle baking soda on top as you add recyclables to the bin.

29. Deodorize drains and garbage disposals
To deodorize your sink and tub drains and garbage disposal and keep lingering odors from resurfacing, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water — it will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain. (This a good way to dispose of baking soda that is being retired from your refrigerator.)

30. Deodorize and clean dishwashers
Use baking soda to deodorize before you run the dishwasher and then as a gentle cleanser in the wash cycle.

31. Deodorize lunch boxes
Between uses, place a spill-proof box of baking soda in everyone's lunch box to absorb lingering odors.

32. Remove odor from carpets
Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Let set overnight or as long as possible (the longer it sets the better it works). Sweep up the larger amounts of baking soda, and vacuum up the rest. (Note that your vacuum cleaner bag will get full and heavy.) An added bonus: You'll also deodorize your vacuum cleaner.

33. Freshen closets
Place a box on the shelf to keep the closet smelling fresh.

34. Deodorize pet items
Cover the bottom of your cat box with baking soda, then fill as usual with litter. To freshen between changes, sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter after a thorough cleaning. Eliminate odors from your pet's bedding by sprinkling liberally with baking soda, wait 15 minutes (or longer for stronger odors), then vacuum up.

35. Deodorize sneakers
Keep odors from spreading in smelly sneakers by shaking baking soda into them when not in use. Shake out before wearing.

36. Freshen stuffed animals
Keep favorite cuddly toys fresh with a dry shower of baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on and let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing off.

Miscellaneous

37. Cure all camping needs
Baking soda is a must-have for your next camping trip. It's a dish-washer, pot-scrubber, hand-cleanser, deodorant, toothpaste, and fire extinguisher, and has many other uses.

38. Extinguish fires
Baking soda can help in the initial handling of minor grease or electrical kitchen fires, because when baking soda is heated, it gives off carbon dioxide, which helps to smother the flames. For small cooking fires (frying pans, broilers, ovens, grills), turn off the gas or electricity if you can safely do so. Stand back and throw handfuls of baking soda at the base of the flame to help put out the fire — and call the fire department just to be safe.

39. Care for the septic system
Regular use of baking soda in your drains can help keep your septic system flowing freely. One cup of baking soda per week will help maintain a favorable pH in your septic tank.

40. Scrub fruits and vegetables
Baking soda is the food safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. Just sprinkle a little on a clean damp sponge, scrub and rinse. Here's another way to clean your vegetables as well.

OK, so there are my 40 suggestions (with a little help from the Arm & Hammond baking soda site, thank you).

10 Tips to Help You Ease Holiday Stress

The holiday season is one of the most stressful times throughout the year. While the holidays bring visions of sugarplums, family gatherings and parties into mind, it also brings tired feet, empty wallets and anxiety trying to find that “perfect gift” for each family member.


Below is a list of ways you can de-stress during this busy time and take a moment for yourself.

1. Do only what you can. While trying to please everyone, you can only get so much done yourself. Share the celebration, the joy and the planning with family and friends.

2. Take care of your body. Lack of sleep and overly exerting yourself can lead to major stress. Making sure to get enough sleep and take care of yourself as it’s especially important during the holidays.

3. Keep it simple. Pre-wrapped chocolate gifts for the hard-to-buy, dessert treats made-in-minutes…. Utilize some of our premium chocolate holiday ideas as a way to maximize your valuable time.

4. Check it off. Make a check list of what needs to be done. Set priorities of what needs to be accomplished along with a reasonable timeline. This could include menu planning, gift selection, shopping, baking and cooking. Once it is on paper, it can be easier to keep track and get it accomplished.

5. Adhere to a budget. Take a close look at your current financial situation and create a holiday spending budget. This will help alleviate money stresses and prevent from overspending. This is one of the most common sources of stress during the holidays.

6. Ask. Don’t feel bad asking people what they want for Christmas. Surprises are great but asking others can make shopping less stressful and fun when you know they’re getting something they really want.

7. Plan some fun. Schedule a girls (or guys) night out right after the holidays. This gives you something to look forward to once the holiday madness is over with.

8. Enjoy the season. There is so much more to the holidays than entertaining and shopping. Rent a couple of Christmas classic movies, listen to some of your favorite Christmas tunes and consider taking a drive with your significant other to see the lights and decorations around town.

9. Have a potluck. Instead of having to cook for hours on end, make one of your gatherings into a potluck where everyone can bring one item.

10. Enjoy “me time”. Sit down, put your feet up and relax. Indulge yourself with a smooth-melting Lindor truffle. Take the time out after a busy day to silently unwind and pat yourself on the back for all of your hard work!

Lindor Truffles

And His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful

And His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful by Simon Dewey

Christ: The Real Gift of Christmas

Christ: The Real Gift of Christmas is a wonderful new website with resources for your family and Friends.

By focusing on your loved ones, enjoying or building holiday traditions, and following the Savior's example of service, you can give yourself and your family true, lasting Christmas gifts.

Christmas Videos
Christmas Traditions
How to Have a More Worshipful Christmas
Christmas Media Resources
There is music player to Play the song, or in a MP3 (Music & Words) or MP3 (Music Only)
Great Articles
Coloring Pages & Games

The Bible Christmas Story

Luke Chapter 2, King James Version Luke 2 in the New Testament is the sacred account of the birth of Jesus Christ. With links to songs, articles, and videos, you can now experience the familiar story in a new way.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Jocelyn's 2009 List of the Best Christmas Books for Young Children

Jocelyn's List

of the

Best Christmas Books for Young Children

2009
~

From the blog:

We Talk of Christ

We Rejoice in Christ

1 – The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
by Susan Wojciechowski - Ornament Craft: Heart Ornament
2 – A Christmas Dress For Ellen
by Thomas S. Monson - Ornament Craft: Scrap Ball Ornament
3 – One Wintry Night
by Ruth Graham - Ornament Craft: Paint Swirl Glass Ball Ornament
4 – Christmas Oranges
by Linda Bethers - Ornament Craft: Christmas Orange Pomander
5 - The Polar Express
by Chris Van Allsburg - Ornament Craft: Santa's Jingle Bell
6 - The Gift Of The Magi
by Sauber/O. Henry - Ornament Craft: Wrapped Mini-Gift Ornaments
7 - Grandfather's Christmas Tree
written by Keith Strand, illustrated by Thomas Locker - Ornament Craft: Carve duck family out of soap
8 - Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect
by Richard H. Schneider - Ornament Craft: Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree
9 - This Is The Stable
by Cynthia Cotton - Ornament Craft: Manger
10 - Humphrey's First Christmas
by Carol Heyer - Ornament Craft: Folded Paper Camel Craft
11 -The Clown of God 

an old story told and illustrated by Tomie dePaola - Ornament Craft: Easy Felt Ornaments with "colored balls" buttons or one to represent each color juggled
12 - Who Is Coming To Our House 

written by Joseph Slate, illustrated by Ashley Wolff - Ornament Craft: Toothpick/Christmas Card Ornament
13 - My First Story of the First Christmas

retold by Deanna Draper Buck, illustrated by Jerry Harston -
Ornament Craft: Glittery Christmas Star
14 - Snow Music
by Lynne Rae Perkins - Ornament Craft: Snowflakes Paper
15 - The Donkey's Dream
by Barbara Helen Berger - Ornament Craft: Tea Bag Donkey
16 - Snowmen at Night (or Snowmen Christmas Eve)

written by Caralyn Buehner, pictures by Mark Buehner -
Ornament Craft: Marshmallow Snowmen
17 - The Crippled Lamb
by Max Lucado - Ornament Craft: Woolly Sheep Ornament
18 - The Sweet Smell of Christmas
(with scratch & sniff scents inside) written by Patricia Scarry, illustrated by J.P. Miller - Ornament Craft: Gingerbread Ornaments
19 - We Were There: A Nativity Story

by Eve Bunting - Ornament Craft: Christmas Spider
20 - Santa Mouse

by Michael Brown - Ornament Craft: Merry Christmouse
21 -  Morris's Disappearing Bag
by Rosemary Wells - Ornament Craft: Small "Disappearing Bag"
22 - The Animal's Christmas Eve

(a little golden book) written by Gale Weirsum, illustrated by Alex Steele Morgan - Ornament Craft: Baby Jesus in Manger
23 - The Night Before Christmas
(a golden book, printing 1975) written by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Corinne Malvern - Ornament Craft: Sugarplum/gumdrop ornament
24 - The Littlest Angel

written by Charles Tazewell, illustrated by Sergio Leone -

Ornament Craft: Paper Angel Cutout


CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF THE CHRISTMAS CRAFT ACTIVITIES FROM THIS LIST

The Food Nanny

I was up late last night (with grandbaby) :-), I was watching BYU TV and this great show came on. I have been a Mom for many years with my oldest 25 and making dinner each night can be be a pain. As I watch I realized I had lost sight of what the purpose of dinner was. Liz has such a great attitude and I loved her planning ideas. I used to plan but with so many kids and things to do the plans went out the window years ago. I see that I need to get back to a plan and really make that time a priority for my family!    

http://www.byutv.org/foodnanny/

Go to her great site and make your plan with her great planner

Family dinner is back!

Nothing can replace family dinner. The Food Nanny philosophy is built around the idea that the most important thing you will do each day is cook dinner for your family and sit down together to eat. The smells and chemistry that permeate the home throughout the dinner hour are without substitute. Research has shown that kids who eat dinner with their parents are healthier, more advanced in literacy, and less likely to get involved in drugs and alcohol. You can make a more unified, happier family in just one hour a day.
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The key to a successful family dinner all comes down to planning. My famous Nanny Plan liberates you from the hassle of last-minute meal planning. Never again will you be faced with inventing a meal at 5pm! Using my Theme Night system each week is the best method for success. Your family will have something to look forward to if you choose consistent weekly themes. My Nanny Plan will also simplify your shopping efforts and reduce trips to the store.
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The proof is in the pudding. Or in the cinnamon rolls. Or in the pot roast. Whatever foods your family loves, I’ve got the recipes to put smiles on the faces of even the pickiest eaters. My recipes are easy to make and delicious to boot. You’ll get a sampling of them in the online Nanny Plan, but for a complete list of mouthwatering recipes, my book The Food Nanny Rescues Dinner is your best bet.

About The Show

The Food Nanny is a new reality makeover show that takes a disastrous dinner situation and whips it into shape. From innovative tips and tricks on creating engaging conversation and enlisting your kids’ help with meal preparation to advice on refreshing tired meals, The Food Nanny will give you the recipe you need the most—a successful family dinner.

About The Food Nanny

Food Nanny Liz Edmunds wants to help you make over your dinnertime routine! For over 20 years, this vivacious dinner coach, author, and mother of seven has helped bring countless families back to the dinner table, night after night, for delicious meals and memorable conversations.

About The Book

The book that started it all, The Food Nanny Rescues Dinner will introduce you to the wonderful world of Liz. With over 200 delicious budget-friendly recipes, plus instructional pictures and pages of Liz’s expert advice, it’s so much more than just a cookbook. The Food Nanny Rescues Dinner is the next best thing to having Liz in your kitchen!

The Food Nanny Rescues Dinner: Easy Family Meals for Every Day of the Week [Paperback]

Show Your True Colors

With the new trend in parties and receptions, the grand candy buffets and treat tables full of darling cupcakes. What a sight to behold, I love them but the problem I have is the amount of artificial colors involved.

I am so happy that there has been a new awareness. We are paying closer attention to what we are eating and products we are using. For so long we went along without regard to what we were putting in our bodies and the bodies of our children.

inspiration board by The Party Dress
Check out her great blog!

The FDA has estimated that between 47,000 and 94,000 Americans are sensitive to food dye Yellow No. 5, one of the most commonly used dyes for one. It can cause asthma, hives, headache, and is linked to behavioral changes. In a double-blind study reported in the Journal of Pediatrics, the study clearly demonstrated a relation between ingestion of Yellow No. 5 and behavioral changes in children who are allergic to it.

Recent studies have linked artificial food colorings to cancer and brain tumors as well as links to hyperactivity ADD, ADHD, and other disruptive behaviors in children. Artificial colors are made up of tar derivatives, long chain hydrocarbons, and other petrochemicals and are of no use to your body.

In effort to safeguard our children the FDA is now requiring a warning label on foods with artificial dyes or colors and is considering, under the advisory of advocacy groups, banning the sale of the following commonly used colors: Yellow #5 and #6, Red #40 and #3, Blue #1 and #2, and Green #3, and Orange B

What's the solution? Nature's Solution Nature's Flavors was the first company to come up with a full array of Natural & Organic Colors and Flavors and has always been committed to bringing our customers the best possible products. These colors are made using only all natural and organic plant extracts which have been shown to be high in bioflavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants all of which are active, beneficial, additives to you and your children's daily diet.

Nature's Flavors

100% all Natural Food Colors

Nature's Flavors Food Color is a Liquid Food Coloring made from all Natural Ingredients. It is Vegan Friendly, Kosher Certified, and Gluten Free. Our Blue Food Color is the natural alternative to artificial food dyes, and is packed full of powerful anti-oxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. This natural food coloring is also heat and freeze stable.

Applications

These colors work well in ice cream mixes, baking, beverages, sauces, snow cones, candy formulas, frostings, coloring milk, cottage cheese, or yogurt.

Shop Online : Nature's Flavors Home - Best Flavors Natural Food Coloring

                                        Seelecttea.com

India Tree Food Coloring Natural Decorating Colors

India Tree Food Coloring Natural Decorating Colors are made from highly concentrated vegetable colorants and contain absolutely no synthetic dyes or corn syrup. Just 3 simple colors – red, yellow, and blue - can be combined to produce icings in soft beautiful pastels and the rich jewel tones found only in nature, naturally! The full spectrum of colors you can create from India Tree natural food colors includes periwinkle, lavender, orange, violet, terra cotta, and green, in a lush, delicious, and natural variety of shades. Set of 3: red, yellow, and blue. 75 oz each, for a total of 2.25 oz of color in the set.

Ingredients: BLUE: glycerin, deionized water, red cabbage. RED: beet juice, citric acid. YELLOW: glycerin, deionized water, turmeric, sodium hydroxide.

India Tree Nature's Colors Decorating Sugar

India Tree Nature's Colors Decorating Sugar is subtly delicious. Made from FDA and EU approved vegetable colorants, with absolutely no artificial ingredients, Nature's Colors Decorating Sugar from India Tree are an exciting alternative to sugars made with artificial dyes. Contains sugar crystals, natural vegetable coloring and food grade carnauba wax. 3.3-ounce.

India Tree Nature's Colors  Nonpareils, 3 oz

India Tree Nature's Colors Lavender Nonpareils Party Decoratifs add a playful note to cookies, cupcakes, and ice cream. India Tree Nature's Colors Party Decoratifs come in festive colors created with all natural vegetable colorants approved by the EU and the FDA. 3-ounce jar.

Nature's Colors

• Frost White Decorating Sugar 3.3 oz.

• Raspberry Red Decorating Sugar 3.3 oz.

• Spring Green Decorating Sugar 3.3 oz.

• Sunflower Yellow Decorating Sugar 3.3 oz.

• Strawberry Pink Decorating Sugar 3.3 oz.

• Periwinkle Blue Decorating Sugar 3.3 oz.

• Marigold Orange Decorating Sugar 3.3 oz.

• Decorating Dye Set 2.25 oz.

• String of Pearls Party Decoratifs 3.5 oz.

• Snowflakes Party Decoratifs 1.7 oz.

• Pink Nonpareils Party Decoratifs 3 oz.

• Yellow Nonpareils Party Decoratifs 3 oz.

• Lavender Nonpareils Party Decoratifs 3 oz.

• White Nonpareils Party Decoratifs 3 oz.

• Peppermint Crunch Party Decoratifs 2.3 oz.

• Butterscotch Crunch Party Decoratifs 2.4 oz.

Shop Online: You can shop for India Tree products online at the following web sites. Please note that the sites might not offer the full line of India Tree products.

Amazon.com
ChefTools.com

Natural Food Coloring by Chefmaster

 

This all natural  food coloring by chefmaster is really an all natural food coloring that you can use to color your cake icing with or anything else you need an all natural food coloring for. Each order is 1 oz

Chefmaster Natural Coloring



Chefmaster is an internationally known maker of decorating food colors has a line of natural coloring for food. While you may think it can only be used for icings, it can easily be use for any kind of food coloring.

Some Available Colors:

Green

Blue

Brown

Pink

Purple

Yellow

Orange

You can shop for these online at Bakers Nook

                                                 Amazon.com

What Are They Made Of?

All natural food colorings are made from natural products that are safe to ingest. In the past, this was done by adding herbs, vegetables, and fruit to foods to change their color. For example, grated carrot was added to cream when it was being churned to give the butter a golden flavor. Making your own dyes can be a hit or miss operation. It is hard to know when you have an intense enough dye to give good color.

Commercial, natural dyes are not always organic. If you want the food coloring to be all natural as well as organic, be sure that both of these things are stated on the label or box. Read the ingredient list carefully, especially if someone in your family has allergies. Chamomile can set off an allergic reaction in people that have pollen allergies or are allergic to grass. If you are unsure call or email the company to get the answers you need.


Some of the colors available and what they are made from are:

Blue – often made from blueberry skins or red cabbage
Green - usually made from vegetable extracts, like spinach
Orange - made from a pulp which surrounds the annatto seed
Purple - made from a purple colored carrot
Brown - made from caramelized or burnt sugar, but may add flavor to some products
Red - often made of hibiscus
Yellow – made form turmeric
Blue – sometimes made from red cabbage

Pink – often made from beet

All Natural Food Coloring - LoveToKnow Organic