50 Super Foods – The Ultimate Shopping List

50 Super Foods – The Ultimate Shopping List

If you have always wanted the “ultimate shopping list” of the healthiest foods available, search no longer. You’ve found it. Let this list comprise the majority of your overall diet and you’ll regain or improve your health by leaps and bounds!

APPLES
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
Find out why.

APRICOTS
These orangey little fruits are a health inducing powerhouse!
Read more here.

ARTICHOKES
While it can be tough to eat these without drenching them in butter or mayo, these fabulous green globes may actually lower your cholesterol.
Find out more here.

AVOCADOS
Avocados are pretty tough not to love. Read on to find out why.
Read more about avocado’s benefits here.

BANANAS
Bananas may be one of the most pleasant ways to enhance your health.
Find out how by reading more here.

BEANS
Beans provide a ton of fiber to your healthy eating plan. They also provide a host of other health benefits as well. Read about them here.

BEETS
You either love em’ or hate em’. There’s very little in between. But if you love em’, you’ll have a great leg up on those that don’t. Find out why here.

BLUEBERRIES
These lovely little berries are a true nutritional powerhouse!
Find out what they can do for you here.

BROCCOLI
When Mom told you to eat your broccoli, she knew what she was talking about!
Find out about Broccoli’s main health benefit here.

CABBAGE
For those of you who love your cabbage, you can brag about the extra health benefits you may be getting. Find out what to tell your friends here.

CANTALOUPE
Cut into one of these lovely melons and you may just improve your health
in the following ways…

CARROTS
Every kid knows you have to eat your carrots to have healthy eyes. Well guess what? The same applies to adults! But that’s not all you get out of eating your carrots.
Click here to read about the health benefits carrots have to offer.

CAULIFLOWER
This good for you veggie is tops in Vitamin C and Manganese.
Find out what else cauliflower can contribute to your overall health.

CHERRIES
Cherries are one of those nutritional super foods that you should devour while you have the chance. When cherry season arrives, you can feel good about what you’re doing to preserve your brain and heart health. Cherries may be credited with slowing down the aging process and even with ending insomnia!

CHESTNUTS
Often overlooked, these nuts may be great for weight loss, blood pressure and cholesterol. They may fight cancer too!

CHILI PEPPERS
Heat up your meals every chance you get by adding chili peppers to your plate. They promise better digestion, an improved immune system, better blood circulation and digestion. There is even a rumor that chili peppers aid in weight loss by increasing your metabolism!

DARK CHOCOLATE
If you need a good excuse to eat your chocolate, look no further. Dark chocolate (not milk chocolate) may be great for cardiovascular health, premature aging and cancer. And guess what!? Dark chocolate is low on the glycemic index!

FIGS
I had a fig tree in my yard growing up and I never ate a single fig. Of course now, I could kick myself for it. Why? Because figs may aid in weight loss, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and may even fight cancer. Not bad for this old world fruit!

FISH
While we have to be increasingly careful about the fish we eat, it’s incredibly healthy for you if you can find the good stuff. It may protect your heart, fight cancer and strengthen your immune system.

FLAX
This little seed is a nutritional powerhouse. It may help your digestion, strengthen your immune system and help with diabetes. The only thing better than flax is Chia seeds. But that doesn’t mean you should forgo flax. It’s far more readily available than Chia seeds and often more cost-effective for those on a budget.

GARLIC
Most folks these days know the benefits of eating garlic. But just in case you don’t, here’s the low-down. Garlic may lower cholesterol, help with high blood pressure, fights cancer and even kill certain bacteria. And don’t forget the REAL benefit of garlic. It scares away the vampires! (Or anyone else who gets to close to you after you’ve eaten a lot of it! lol)

GRAPEFRUIT
These under-appreciated fruits may help with weight loss, strengthening your heart and lowering cholesterol.

GRAPES
This fruit is fabulously portable so there’s no excuse not to include them in your healthy eating plan. They may strengthen your eyes, help with circulation and may even fight cancer and kidney stones.

GREEN TEA
1 cup a day is the general rule of thumb with green tea. It may help you fight cancer cells, lose weight and battle against strokes.

HONEY
This ancient medicinal remedy has been used for millenia for various ailments. Among those are the ability to heal wounds, increase digestion and even fight allergies. Try to find local honey if you are using it for allergies.

LEMON/LIME
These sour fruits are amazing at so many things. They may fight everything from cancer to the common cold. Never miss a chance to include these in your eating plan.

MANGOS
This tropical delight may help strengthen your memory as well as your digestion. It also may fight cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

MUSHROOMS
The lowly mushroom deserves a pedestal for its medicinal uses. It may help control blood pressure and lower your cholesterol. And yes, like many other foods on this list, mushrooms may fight cancer too!

OATS
Oats are well-known for their possible cholesterol lowering abilities. But did you know they may also improve the condition of your skin and help fight diabetes?

OLIVE OIL
Olive oil should be a part of many dishes you cook. It may strengthen the heart, fight diabetes and cancer and help with weight loss. For those with dry skin, it may be an excellent way to cleanse your skin as well! Just put a little on a cotton ball and wipe clean. You’ll never use cleansers and water again!

ONIONS
Onions add a flavorful punch to any dish. But they also may improve your cholesterol and strengthen your heart.

ORANGES
We all know that a nice glass of OJ goes well with just about any breakfast. But did you know that oranges may strengthen your immune system, fight cancer and strengthen your heart?

PEACHES
These summer time treats may be great for digestion and constipation.

PEANUTS
While many have allergies to these little guys, but those that don’t, may enjoy a lower risk of heart disease, cholesterol and prostate cancer. Plus, they may help with weight loss!

PINEAPPLE
Never miss a chance to eat pineapple! Not only is it absolutely delicious on a hot summer day, it may also strengthen your digestion and your bones and aid with weight loss.

PRUNES
So, I think most of us know that one particular benefit that prunes provide. They will definitely “get things moving” when you are constipated. But they may also help your memory and lower your cholesterol.

PUMPKIN
Some folks see pumpkins as something to carve once a year. But the truth is, your friendly Jack-O-Lantern also provides tons of fiber and may control blood pressure and normalize heart function. So this year, carve your pumpkin a few hours before dark, and then bring it in for cooking when the festivities are finished.

POMEGRANATES
These amazing fruits may have up to 7 times the amount of antioxidants of green tea! Impressed? They may also fight cancer, and reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol.

RICE (BROWN)
Brown rice should be a staple in every one’s diet. Not only is it a very low allergen food, it may also protect your heart and fight diabetes, kidney stones and cancer.

SALMON
Wild salmon provides oodles of omega-3 essential fatty acids, a crucial bit of nutrition for us humans. But that’s not all. Salmon also provides many other vitamins like vitamin B3 and B12 which contribute to a healthy metabolism.

SPINACH
Popeye had the right idea. You have to eat your spinach to grow strong! Why? Spinach may help fight cancer, improve your cardiovascular health and improve brain function!

STRAWBERRIES
These little berries are easy to include in your eating plan. I mean, who doesn’t like strawberries? (Unless you’re allergic). Strawberries may fight cancer, strengthen your heart, helps you stay calm and increase your memory.

SWEET POTATOES
Healthy eaters know, sweet potatoes are a fantastic carb to include in your healthy eating plan! But why? Because they may protect your vision, encourage a good mood, fight cancer and keep your bones strong. That’s why!

TOMATOES
These fabulous orbs may be big time cancer fighters! They also help battle high cholesterol.

WALNUTS
These nuts may be great for lowering cholesterol, fighting cancer and improving your memory. (I need LOTS of walnuts!)

WATER
We all know we have to get our 8 glasses of water every day (although, we also now know that it can very according to your size and weight). But why is water so vital? Put aside the fact that your body is mostly water to begin with, and you’re left with the fact that water may help you lose weight, fight cancer, keep your skin in great condition and help you battle kidney stones.

WATERMELON
This wonderful summer time treat may be a fabulous aid for weight loss, lowering cholesterol, avoiding strokes and controlling your blood pressure. So eat up!

WHEAT GERM
The healthiest “germ” you’ll ever include in your diet! It may help fight colon cancer, keep things “moving smoothly” and help your digestion in a big way.

WHEAT BRAN
Bran is just as important as the germ. It may help fight colon cancer and keep constipation at bay. But it may also lower cholesterol while it keeps your digestion moving smoothly.

YOGURT
Choose non-fat Greek yogurt to get more protein on top of the following benefits: it may help with increased bone strength, lower cholesterol, a better immune system and better digestion. May also be great for ulcers.






I did not compile this list. Once again I just copied it here so I would have it handy for myself. Please visit Skinny Ms.  


Just Me
©2006-2012 emptynester, all rights reserved.

Getting Organized for Summer

Summer can be an unstructured and relaxing time, but that can also lead to more disorganization. Here are some tips for keeping things running smoothly:

• Keep travel-sized sunscreen and bug sprays in your car. That way you never are without it.
• Buy a mesh laundry bag at the dollar store. This is a great bag to tote beach gear/toys around in. Not only will it keep all your beach toys in one place, it is easy for transport and the mesh material allows sand to be shaken out at the beach (not inside your car).
• If you are out of school and at home with the kids for the summer, keep a schedule anyway. Pick a certain time each week for cleaning, one for errands, etc. Let the kids know that despite the laid back feel of summer, things still need to get done and post your schedule.
• Another idea is to post a list of jobs that need to be done and assign prices to them. Allow the kids to earn extra money throughout the week and then make time for a trip to the store to spend their earnings. This is a great thing to send the kids to when they whine about being bored.
• Right now is a great time to do a check of all summer equipment. Take a half hour to check all your equipment to make sure it is in good, safe, operating order. If it is not, get it fixed right away so that when you are ready for fun, your stuff is ready to go too.
• Set up a box in your garage or extra space. Make this your “donate/sell” box. As you go through summer, put anything that no longer fits, works or is used in that box. At the end of the season, take any summer items not used and include them in the box. If you didn’t use it this year, you most likely won’t next summer either. Lighten your load.

~*~ This is my disclaimer .. I am only sharing, I am not claiming. This actually came from a cute lil blog Clear the Clutter. Please visit over there.~*~


I found several of these ideas insightful and helpful. Which reminded me about the bag I carry to all baseball games & practices. Everyone claims I have everything but the kitchen sink. But I feel it is important to be ready for as much as possible. Items I carrying are:

• Sunscreen (spray & cream)
• Bug Spray
• disposable ice packs
• Icey Hot Patches & Cream
• Naproxen
• Antibacterial Hand spray
• Baby wipes
• Neosporin (the new Neo to go & cream)
• Ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen
• Band-aids (but I was out the other night and what a BAD MOMMY!! Catcherdude needed them bad .. tore mess out of knee sliding into second)
• Nail File & Nail Clippers
• 2 wrenches
• 2 screw drivers
• Battery Operated Pencil Sharpener
• Pencils
• of course my scorebook(I keep all of Catcherdudes stats for him, plus it helps me keep track of game, score,etc. Keeps my head in game not getting wrapped up in the mommy chatter)
  

So there is my Organized for Summer Baseball bag. But I am still going to use some of these ideas above.


Baseball Mom
©2006-2009 baseballmomrambles, all rights reserved.

WD-40 Uses

When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has
ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as
well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stovetop... Voila! It's
now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed.

Here are some of the uses:

1) Protects silver from tarnishing.

2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.

3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.

4) Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery.

5) Keeps flies off cows.

6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.

7) Removes lipstick stains.

8) Loosens stubborn zippers.

9) Untangles jewelry chains.

10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.

11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.

12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.

13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.

14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.

15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.

16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.

17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes

18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring.. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.

19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!

20) Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.

21) Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.

22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.

23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.

24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.

25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.

26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.

27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.

28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.

29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.

30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.

31) Removes splattered grease on stove.

32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.

33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.

34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).

35) Removes all traces of duct tape.

36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.

37) Florida's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.

38) The favorite use in the state of New York WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.

39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not
allowed in some states.

40) Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.

41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.

42) Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and re-wash. Presto! Lipstick is gone!

43) If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.

44) Helps 'unstick/unclog' door and car keyholes

Helpful hints.

How many of these did YOU know about?

A sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a
Knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed.

==============================
Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appli ance cords . It keeps them
Neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.

======================
For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put
Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't
Refreeze. (wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)

======================
To remove old wax from a glass candle holder , put it in the freezer for
a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The
Wax will fall out.

=======================================
Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped
In baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is !).

=====================
Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store re! ceipt
BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.

=====================
Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of
Scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw
Away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would
Be much more economical. Now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely!
In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get 'sharpened'' this way!

======================
Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen
Peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works
Every time! (Now, where to put the body?) LOL

======================
Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal
For inside windows. This way you can tell which side has the streaks.
Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows
On a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.

=======================

Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely
Light scent in each room when the light is turned on.

=====================
Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will
Smell freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels
And linen.

=====================
Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3
Hours prior to burning.

======================
To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the
Flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt
And leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!

======================
To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet , simply add a drop or
Two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to
a boil on stove top.

======================
Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring
In tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.

======================
Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will
Keep for weeks.

======================
When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the
Corn's' natural sweetness

.=======================
Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your
Forehead. The throbbing will go away.

=======================
Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future
Use in casseroles and sauces .
======================
To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area
And you will experience instant relief.

=======================
Ants, ants, ants everywhere .. Well, they are said to never cross a chalk
Line. So, get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants
Tend to march. See for yourself.

===========================
Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still,
Leaves a lovely smell to the shine.

===========================
Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer........
Clean a toilet.
Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush.
The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous.

===========================
Clean a vase.
To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water
And drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.

====================
Polish jewelry.
Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the
Jewelry for two minutes.

====================
Clean a thermos bottle.
Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak
for an hour (or longer, if necessary).

====================
Unclog a drain.
Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the
drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes,
and then run the hot water.

Math help

This was sent to me and I thought this was the easiest place to save it.

Go ahead and post what your son needs help on, I'd love to help.

Here are some math sites that may be helpful for you in the future:

• http://mathforum.org/dr.math/ put in a topic and search
• http://www.webmath.com/ This one will work the problem out for you and then explain the answer. This site is good for parents to use who are trying to help the kids understand.
• http://www.myalgebra.com/algebra_solver.aspx This one solves the problem, but does not explain it, you have to buy the software for that.
• http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/solve/solve0/solve0.html Another solve and explain site.

I hope these can help someone

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Addendum:

Check this out: http://library.thinkquest.org/20991/prealg/index.html
And, keep this handy for the upcoming years too: http://www.algebrahelp.com/index.jsp

Reduce Stress In Your Life

With school upon us, I thought I would post this list I got back in April. Seems fitting.

Reduce Stress In Your Life

1. Get up fifteen minutes earlier in the morning. The inevitable morning mishaps will be less stressful.

2. Prepare for the morning the evening before. Set the breakfast table. Make lunches. Put out the clothes you plan to wear, etc.

3. Don't rely on your memory. Write down appointment times, when to pick up the laundry, when library books are due, etc. ( "The palest ink is better than the most retentive memory."- Old Chinese Proverb)

4. Do nothing you have to lie about later.

5. Make copies of all keys. Bury a house key in a secret spot in the garden. Carry a duplicate car key in your wallet, apart from your key ring.

6. Practice preventive maintenance. Your car, appliances, home and relationships will be less likely to break down "at the worst possible moment."

7. Be prepared to wait. A paperback book can make a wait in a post office line almost pleasant.

8. Procrastination is stressful. Whatever you want to do tomorrow, do today; whatever you want to do today, do it now.

9. Plan ahead. Don't let the gas tank get below one quarter full, keep a well- stocked "emergency shelf'' of home staples, don't wait until you're down to your last bus token or postage stamp to buy more, etc.

10. Don't put up with something that doesn't work right. If your alarm clock, wallet, shoe laces, windshield wipers-whatever-are a constant aggravation, get them fixed or get new ones.

11. Allow 15 minutes of extra time to get to appointments. Plan to arrive at an airport almost 2 hours before domestic departures.

12. Eliminate (or restrict) the amount of caffeine in your diet.

13. Always set up contingency plans, "just in case." ("If for some reason either of us is delayed, here's what we'll do..." Or, "If we get split up in the shopping center, here's where we'll meet.")

14. Relax your standards. The world will not end if the grass doesn't get mowed this weekend.

15. Pollyanna-Power! For every one thing that goes wrong, there are probably 10 or 50 or 100 blessings. Count 'em!

16. Ask questions. Taking a few moments to repeat back the directions that someone expects of you, etc., can save hours. (The old "the hurried I go, the behinder I get" idea.)

17. Say "No!" Saying no to extra projects, social activities and invitations you know you don't have the time or energy for takes practice, self-respect and a belief that everyone, everyday, needs quiet time to relax and to be alone.

18. Unplug your phone. Want to take a long bath, meditate, sleep or read without interruption? Drum up the courage to temporarily disconnect. (The possibility of there being a terrible emergency in the next hour or so is almost nil.)

19. Turn "needs" into preferences. Our basic physical needs translate into food, water, and keeping warm. Everything else is a preference. Don't get attached to preferences.

20. Simplify, simplify, simplify.

21. Make friends with non-worriers. Chronic worrywarts are contagious.

22. Take many stretch breaks when you sit a lot.

23. If you can't find quiet at home, wear earplugs.

24. Get enough sleep. Set your alarm for bedtime.

25. Organize! A place for everything and everything in its place. Losing things is stressful.

26. Monitor your body for stress signs. If your stomach muscles are knotted and your breathing is shallow, relax your muscles and take some deep, slow breaths.

27. Write your thoughts and feelings down on paper. It can help you clarify and give you a renewed perspective.

28. Do this yoga exercise when you need to relax: Inhale through your nose to the count of eight. Pucker your lips and exhale slowly to the count of 16. Concentrate on the long sighing sound and feel the tension dissolve. Repeat 10 times.

29. Visualize success before any experience you fear. Take time to go over every part of the event in your mind. Imagine how great you will look, and how well you will present yourself.

30. If the stress of deadlines gets in the way of doing a job, use diversion. Take your mind off the task and you will focus better when you're on task.

31. Talk out your problems with a friend. It helps to relieve confusion.

32. Avoid people and places that don't fit your personal needs and desires. If you hate politics, don't spend time with politically excited people.

33. Learn to live one day at a time.

34. Everyday, do something you really enjoy.

35. Add an ounce of love to everything you do.

36. Take a bath or shower to relieve tension.

37. Do a favor for someone every day.

38. Focus on understanding rather than on being under stood, on loving rather than on being loved.

39. Looking good makes you feel better.

40. Take more time between tasks to relax. Schedule a realistic day.

41. Be flexible. Some things are not worth perfection.

42. Stop negative self-talk: "I'm too fat, too old, etc..."

43. Change pace on weekends. If your week was slow, be active. If you felt nothing was accomplished during the week, do a weekend project

44. "Worry about the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves." Pay attention to the details in front of you.

45. Do one thing at a time. When you are working on one thing, don't think about everything else you have to do.

46. Allow time every day for privacy, quiet and thinking.

47. Do unpleasant tasks early and enjoy the rest of the day.

48. Delegate responsibility to capable people.

49. Take lunch breaks. Get away from your work in body and in mind.

50. Count to 1,000, not 10, before you say something that could make matters worse.

51. Forgive people and events. Accept that we live in an imperfect world.

52. Have an optimistic view of the world. Most people do the best they can.

Helpful Hints

Bed Sheets

After drying my sheets, put both sheets and one pillowcase in the other pillow case. Fold neatly in a square. Next time you change sheets, you just take the one pillow case and all the sheets and pillow case are inside. No need to look for matches.

Clean your glass shower

To clean the glass in your shower easily, apply lemon juice to the glass with a sponge. Then, take newspaper and wipe the lemon juice off the glass. It will be clean and sparkle with no scrubbing!

Reheat Pizza

Heat up leftover pizza in a non-stick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.

Easy Deviled Eggs

Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

Expanding Frosting

When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar/calories per serving.

Reheating refrigerated bread

To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

Newspaper Weeds-Away

Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go, cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic, they will not get through wet newspapers.

Broken Glass

Use a dry cotton ball to pick up little broken pieces of glass - the fibers catch ones you can't see!

No More Mosquitoes

Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

Squirrel Away!

To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.

Easier thank you

When you throw a bridal/baby shower, buy a pack of thank you cards for the guest of honor. During the party, pass out the envelopes and have everyone put their address on one. When the bride/new mother sends the thank you's, they're all addressed!

MINE!!!!!

If you purchase a new bike for your child, place their picture inside the handle bar before placing the grips on. If the bike is stolen and later recovered, remove the grip and there is your proof who owns the bike.

Flexible vacuum

To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

Reducing Static Cling

Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and -- voila -- static is gone.

Measuring Cups

Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill it with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry the cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

Foggy Windshield?

Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

Reopening envelope

If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Voila! It unseals easily.

Conditioner

Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair...

Good-bye Fruit Flies

To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass fill it 1/2" with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dishwashing liquid, mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

Get Rid of Ants

Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," & can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, esp. if it rains, but it works & you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

Fun Ideas that Won't Break the Bank

When the kids say "I'm bored", make some of these fun and inexpensive crafts! Not ready to spend a fortune on supplies? We've come up with some fun projects you can make with recycled materials from around the house. Here are some ideas to get you started!

MILK JUG BIRD FEEDERS

Rinse out an empty plastic gallon milk jug with lid. Cut a window in the front of the jug, and make two small poke holes for the perches. Insert pencils for perches and fill the bottom of the jug with bird seed.


JUICE CARTON CRAYON BOX

Wash and dry an empty cardboard juice carton and cut off the top. Using bits and pieces of masking tape, have the children tape up the entire carton, covering all sides, the more tape the better. Use crayons to color the masking tape box. The tape makes the box sturdier and will make a great crayon holder for their desk or dresser.

ALUMINUM CAN CRAFTS

Paint an empty and rinsed out tuna can with spray or acrylic paint. Decorate with glitter and glue, pom poms, buttons, lace, or stickers. These make cute holders for barrettes, pony tail holders, paper clips, rubber bands, keys, jewelry, or other small items. Using the same ideas, paint a soup or vegetable can to make a pen or pencil holder.

COFFEE CAN WISH BANK

Have the kids cut pictures from old magazines or draw pictures of something they want. Decorate the cans with glitter, the pictures, stickers or anything else you have

around. Cut a hole in the plastic top of the can for the kids to deposit money. Each time they add money to the can, they are contributing a little bit more to the "wish" item. A great way to teach kids to save money!

COFFEE CAN STILTS

Using two 1-pound coffee cans, turn each can upside down so that the plastic lid is on the bottom. Using a screwdriver, poke two holes, one on each side of the can. Using several strands of yarn braided or twisted together, or some rope, thread through holes in cans. Tie off inside the can. Cans can be decorated if you like.

JAR CANDLES

Save the stubs of candles. When you have several saved, melt them together in a double boiler. Color the wax by adding bits of crayon to the mixture. Pour the wax into glass jelly or mason jars or metal cans. Use cotton yarn for wicks, or

you can purchase a roll of wick at a craft store. Decorate the outside of the candle holder with acrylic paints.

MAGAZINE HOUSE

Using an old catalog or magazine, cut out pictures of chairs, tables, curtains, bathroom fixtures and other furnishings. Spread out a newspaper or large sheet of

drawing paper. Sketch an "open sided" house. Have children place the pictures of the furnishings in the rooms of their choice. They can cut out more pictures to redecorate their house, cut out pictures of people, toys, pets, anything they like!

ALPHABET CATALOG COLLAGE

Using old toy, clothing, and plant catalogs, have the kids cut out colorful pictures that begin with a specific letter of the alphabet. Assign different letters to each child.

Have them glue the pictures onto a piece of construction paper. Discuss the pictures afterward.

PAPER TOWEL RAIN MAKERS

Young kids love noise makers. Color, paint, and decorate paper towel rolls. Cover one end of a paper towel roll with waxed paper and close it off with a rubber band. Pour a handful or two of dried beans (split peas work well) in the open end, close open end the same as the other. Poke toothpicks through the rolls at different intervals to add a "rain shaker" sound.

PAPER TOWEL TUBE HOLDERS

Decorate a paper towel tube with paint, markers, glitter, stickers, construction paper and crayons. This becomes a colorful carrying tube. Roll their pictures up and put inside to take to their teacher, grandparents, friends, or relatives. Some special pictures could be for their Grandparents, a special aunt or uncle, or even for a brother or sister.

PAPER PLATE HOLDERS

Using two paper plates, cut one plate in half and place on top of the other plate (turn the half plate to form a pocket over the whole plate). Use a paper punch to make holes going around the outside of the plate. Use scraps of yarn and "sew" through the holes of the plate. Start and end at the top of the plate so that it can be extended about six inches and tied. Have your children color, paint or decorate their

plates. Now they have their very own place to put prized possessions, notes from Mom and dad, special pictures and more.

PAPER PLATE AQUARIUM

Color an underwater scene on the "eating" side of a paper plate. Glue goldfish crackers to the scene, a couple pieces of plastic plant for seaweed, and using glue and a little sand or soft dirt, make the sea floor. Using a second paper plate, cut a circle in the middle. Cut a circle of blue plastic wrap 1 inch in diameter larger than your hole in the plate. On the "eating" side of this plate, glue the blue plastic wrap so that it covers and overlaps the hole on the plate. Glue or staple both plates together with "eating" side toward the inside. Punch a hole in the top and string a piece of yarn through the hole to hang your aquarium from the ceiling.

TREASURE SHOE BOX

Decorate an old shoe box and lid with construction paper, markers, paint, glue and glitter, crayons, googly eyes, stickers, lace, doilies, or whatever else you can find. Be sure to put the child's name inside the lid. This box make a great box for treasures found out in the yard, on the way home from school, or anywhere else your children "hunt".

SHADOWBOXES

Pain the inside of a shoebox with black or dark blue poster or acrylic paint. Alternatively, you can glue black construction paper inside the box. Using white crayons or stickers, make a night scene with stars and the moon on the black background. Get creative, use small plastic toys to create a scene inside your shadowbox, or make your own with construction paper and glue. Cut out small pictures from coloring books and color and adhere to your scene. Hang a spaceship or shooting star with a piece of string and glue.

CARTOON STRIPS

make your very own cartoon adventure with crayons and a pad of paper. At the bottom of a pad, on each sheet, draw a figure (i.e., a dog). The first frame will be on the first page, second frame on the second page, and so on. Change the movement with each page. When you are finished, fan the pages with your thumb to see the show!

CREATE A STORY

If you have several children together, this can be great fun. Give each child two or three pieces of paper. Have them each drawer a picture and write a sentence. When finished, see if they can put it together to form a story. New pages can be created as you go along. A book cover can be made from two pieces of construction paper, a hole punch, and yarn.

NUMBER FUN

Pick a number from one to ten. Write it on a piece of paper. Ask the children to draw sets of things in that number. If the child get number four, have them draw four apples, four trees, four dogs, and so on. Have them color their pictures with crayons and markers.

ANIMAL JUMBLE

Using construction or white paper, ask each child to drawn a different body part of an animal, but to have their animal be a secret. For example, have one child draw the head, another draw the tail, another the legs and so on. let the children pick the animal they want to draw. When they are done have then put the animal together with tape or glue. Have fun coming up with a name for the animal (monk-dog-lion-potamus).

PET ROCKS

Find smooth, flat or round rocks. Be sure to clean off any dirt or sand and dry completely before starting. Paint with acrylic paints. Decorate faces by using google eyes, yarn for hair, markers, glitter, and any other tidbits you like.

BOOKMARKS

Great for back to school or as a gift to someone you love. Make fun bookmarks with construction paper, markers, paints, and stickers. You can also use glitter, sequins, lace, doilies, buttons, and any other little bric-a-brac you have laying about. Cut strips from construction paper, painting the construction paper will make it sturdier, or you can visit the local library or office supply to have them laminated for longer lasting use. To complete the bookmark, attach a tassel make from strands of yarn.

20 FUN IDEAS THAT WON'T BREAK THE BANK

70 Uses for Vinegar

70 Uses for a Humble Jug of Vinegar
From KitchenCraftsNMore.net

Vinegar for personal care


Vinegar in the bath. Add one-half cup of vinegar or so to warm bath water when bathing and get double benefits: softer skin and a cleaner bathtub with less work!

Hair conditioner. Vinegar makes a simple, inexpensive conditioner for your hair and helps remove the sticky stuff shampoo can leave behind. About a tablespoon will do it.

Dandruff treatment. Simply pour a few tablespoons of vinegar on your hair and massage into your scalp. Wait a few minutes, then rinse and wash hair like normal. Try this for a few days until you see results.

Weight loss. Vinegar naturally helps to remove fat from the body. Apple cider vinegar is especially good for this. Drink some in a glass of water a few times a day. Add a little lemon or honey for a nicer flavor. This will also help reduce your appetite.

Dry skin repair. Smooth a little vinegar on cracked, dried skin to help it heal.

Clean dentures. Soak dentures overnight in Heinz White Vinegar, then brush away tartar with a toothbrush.

Facial spritzer. Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle. Refreshing!

Hair cleanser. Use one cup of vinegar in some warm water to rinse your hair after you shampoo. Vinegar adds highlights to brunette hair, restores the acid mantle and removes soap film and sebum oil.

Vinegar for cleaning



Glass cleaner. Mixed with water or simply sprayed full strength on glass and mirrors, vinegar does a great job quickly and easily. Spray on and wipe windows dry with crumpled-up newspapers, and watch your windows sparkle.

Car cleaner. Use vinegar full strength to polish car chrome with a cloth, and see it shine! Use it on your car’s windshield and windows, too.

Clean drinking glasses. Soak cloudy drinking glasses in warmed white vinegar for a few hours to remove the film. Simply wipe clean, rinse and dry.

Clean the washer. Periodically run a gallon of distilled vinegar through your washing machine to clean it thoroughly, get rid of soap scum and clear out the hoses. Run the machine through the warm water wash cycle empty and then add the vinegar during the rinse cycle.

Furniture polish. Make your own furniture polish with one part vinegar and three parts lemon oil or olive oil.

Remove price tags or stickers. Paint stickers with several coats of vinegar and let it soak in. Depending what you are removing them off, most will slide off easily but some may require a little heavier rubbing.

Clean the iron. Pour vinegar into your iron’s water compartment and let the iron steam itself clean. Remember to flush it with water when you are done.

Clean paintbrushes. Simmer paint brushes in pure vinegar, then wash in hot soapy water.

Wash walls. Wipe down your walls with a vinegar-water mixture, which helps absorb odors and clean surfaces.

Remove spots from glass. Use a vinegar-soaked cloth to remove spots from glassware or crystal.

Unclog drains. Pour boiling white vinegar down clogged drains to remove the clog.

Clean jars. Remove odors and stains from jars by cleaning them out with vinegar.

Clean old lunchboxes. Soak a piece of bread in vinegar and let it sit in the lunchbox overnight.

Clean and deodorize the garbage disposal. Make vinegar ice cubes and feed them down the disposal. After grinding, run cold water.

Clean the tea pot. Boil a mixture of water and vinegar in the teapot. Wipe away the grime.

Clean the dishwasher. Run a cup of vinegar through the whole cycle once a month to reduce soap build-up on the inner mechanisms and on glassware.

Clean the microwave. Boil a solution of 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water in the microwave. This mixture will loosen splattered-on food and deodorize the microwave.

Remove smoke smells from clothing. Add a cup of vinegar to a bath tub of hot water. Hang clothes above the steam.

Clean eyeglasses. Wipe each lens with a drop of vinegar.

Remove stains from furniture and upholstery. Remove stubborn stains from furniture upholstery and clothes. Apply Heinz White Vinegar directly to the stain, then wash as directed by the manufacturer's instructions.

Natural air deodorizer. Heinz Vinegar is a natural air freshener when sprayed in a room.

Remove rust. Soak the rusted tool, bolt or spigot overnight in undiluted Heinz White Vinegar.

Clean the toilet bowl. Pour in one cup of Heinz White Vinegar, let stand for five minutes and flush.

Brighten fabrics. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Natural cleaning wipes. A cloth soaked with vinegar sanitizes kitchen counters, stove and bathroom surfaces. This is just as effective as antibacterial products and does not promote resistant strains of bacteria like commercial products can. This is also a cheaper and greener way to protect your loved ones.

Remove lint from laundry. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Remove grease from suede. Dip a toothbrush in vinegar and gently brush over grease spot.

Remove perspiration stains from clothing. Apply one part vinegar to four parts water, then rinse.

Clean coffee or tea stains from china. A mixture of salt and vinegar will clean coffee and tea stains from chinaware.

Clean coffeepots and coffee makers. Vinegar can help to dissolve mineral deposits that collect in automatic drip coffee makers. Fill the reservoir with vinegar and run it through a brewing cycle. Rinse thoroughly with water when the cycle is finished.

Longer-lasting pantyhose. Add one tablespoon of vinegar to the rinse water when washing, and your pantyhose will last longer.

Vinegar for food and cooking



Cheese storage. Cheese will last longer if you store it in a vinegar-soaked cloth.

Whiter cauliflower. Add a teaspoon or so of white vinegar to your cooking water while cooking cauliflower. It will retain a whiter color.

Stretch ketchup. Only have a little ketchup left in the bottle? Add a bit of vinegar and give it a good shake -- you'll have a bit more!

Boiling eggs. Add a bit of white vinegar to the water you're boiling your eggs in, and the shells won't crack.

Cooking cabbage. Add a bit of vinegar to the water you're cooking your cabbage in to remove that stinky cabbage smell.

Fluffier meringues. Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar for every three egg whites, and you'll have fluffier meringues.

Tenderize meat. Soak in vinegar overnight.

Unsticky rice. To cook rice without sticking, add a spoonful of vinegar.

Remove onion odors. Eliminate onion odor on your skin by rubbing vinegar on your fingers before and after slicing.

Disinfect and clean cutting boards. Clean and disinfect wood cutting boards by wiping with full-strength vinegar.

Make buttermilk. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and let it stand five minutes to thicken.

Vinegar for gardening and yard care



Clean clay pots. Remove white salt buildup on old clay pots by soaking them in full-strength vinegar.

Kill grass. Undiluted vinegar kills grass between bricks and sidewalk cracks.

Kill weeds. Spray full strength on weeds, but be careful not to spray it on the surrounding grass because it will kill that, too.

Deter ants. Spray vinegar around doors, appliances and along other areas where ants are known to gather.

Keep cats away. Sprinkle vinegar in areas you don't want the cat walking, sleeping or scratching.

Freshen cut flowers. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar for each quart of water.



Vinegar for health care



Soothe sore throats. Suffering from a sore throat? Mix a teaspoon of vinegar with a glass of water. Gargle with the mixture and then swallow.

Remove calluses. Try soaking your feet in a combination of white vinegar and warm water nightly, and watch your feet soften noticeably.

Sunburn and bee stings. Soak a washcloth in vinegar and gently apply it to sunburned skin for cool relief. Reapply as needed as it evaporates. Besides sunburn, vinegar also soothes the itch and irritation of bee stings.

Arthritis tonic. Take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water several times a day.

Jellyfish stings. Dot the irritation with vinegar to relieve itching.

Sinus infections and head colds. Add 1/4 cup or more vinegar to the vaporizer.

Wart removal. Mix one part Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar to one part glycerin into a lotion, and apply daily to warts until they dissolve.

Soothe an upset stomach. Drink two teaspoons of Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar in one cup of water to soothe an upset stomach.

Mosquito bites. Use a cotton ball to dab mosquito and other bug bites with Heinz Vinegar straight from the bottle.

Vinegar for pets and animals



Pet drinking water. Add a teaspoon of vinegar to your pet's drinking water to encourage a shinier coat and reduce odor.

Remove skunk odor. Use vinegar straight to remove skunk odor from your pet's fur.

Stop your cat's scratching furniture. Sprinkle or spray vinegar on areas you don't want the cat scratching.

Fish bowl cleaner. Eliminate that ugly deposit in the gold fish tank by rubbing it with a cloth dipped in vinegar and rinsing well.

Remove pet stains from carpets. Blot up urine with a soft cloth, flush several times with lukewarm water, and then apply a mixture of equal parts vinegar and cool water. Blot up, rinse and let dry.

5 Ways to Keep Cool

borrowed Creativehomeschooling

1. Avoid using your oven to cook food. Instead, try dishes that can be made in a crock pot, stove top or small toaster oven. If you DO HAVE to cook, pre-make the next day's meal at night, then just reheat in the microwave.

2. Get a DOOR ALARM! These little alarms can be bought for around $20. Whenever the door is open, it makes a very loud and IRRITATING sound until the door is closed. You'd be surprised how fast you WANT to close the door. Works great for winter time too. It's the modern version of yelling, "Close the door, we don't live in a barn!"

3. Place fans IN the windows at night. This is a very effective way to get your house cooled down for the next day. Just opening the windows at night won't bring much of the cool air in. Be sure to get the fans out FIRST THING in the morning and close all windows to keep cool air in! Otherwise, you will be blowing the rapidly warming air in.

4. Take a VERY cold bath/shower before going to bed or throughout the day. The longer you can stand to freeze yourself, the longer you will stay cool afterwards.

Tip! Kids have trouble sleeping from the heat? Try letting them go outside to play in the pool or sprinkler at night, just before bed. It's fun and will get them off to a good sleep.

5. Barbeque whenever possible! I usually grill up enough chicken to last 3 days for items such as: chicken sandwhiches (w/hamburger bun reheated in the toaster oven), grilled chicken salads and chicken pasta (tossed with olive oil, basil, garlic and parmesan).

Website of the Day for March 31--CaloriesPerHour.Com

CaloriesPerHour.Com

If you manage your weight by counting calories and exercising, our website of the day will come in handy.

CaloriesPerHour.Com is a fun, simple website that will tell you precisely how many calories are burned by all the activities in our lives.

You type in your age, gender, weight and height and choose an activity from a list of several hundred.

For instance, a 39-year-old man of average height will burn 318 calories doing 45 minutes of traditional American Indian dancing.

Thats enough exercise to burn off four apples.

If that same man runs for an hour, he'd burn 887 calories--the equivalent of a McDonald's fish sandwich and a small shake.

Found KSKD

Website of the Day for February 8--PseudoDictionary.Com

PseudoDictionary.Com

Our website of the day makes everyone's "pseudo English" legit.

PseudoDictionary.Com has thousands of words that aren't in the dictionary, but probably should be.

You can submit your own words, and look up slang words so you can finally understand what your kids are saying.