Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Mutant Teletubbies
Rachel over at Testosterhome has posted these hilarious yet disturbing pictures of something she might get for her boys. I can only hope she is joking.
Pantry Basics, Part 2
Here is part two of the article I posted about a few days ago.
This time Mary has gone into detail about how to organize a pantry, including creating inventory lists that your household’s shoppers can work from and how to establish minimum and maximum quantities. Sounds like something I can use. How about you? Enjoy!
This time Mary has gone into detail about how to organize a pantry, including creating inventory lists that your household’s shoppers can work from and how to establish minimum and maximum quantities. Sounds like something I can use. How about you? Enjoy!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Tea for Today
Today: Saturday, March 28, 2009
Outside My Window: cold and sunny. We got some snow so it is all a nice, crisp white in the sunshine.
Today's Goal: Exercise and drink more water.
Today's Plan: Clear the top of my writing desk.
Today's Tea: In honor of the snow, we had a pot of Sweet Christmas rooibos with breakfast.
Today's Tidbits: We are on track with FlyLady's Zone 4 (Master bedroom) cleaning schedule. The kids finished their school work for the week, so they can pick out a movie to watch today.
Outside My Window: cold and sunny. We got some snow so it is all a nice, crisp white in the sunshine.
Today's Goal: Exercise and drink more water.
Today's Plan: Clear the top of my writing desk.
Today's Tea: In honor of the snow, we had a pot of Sweet Christmas rooibos with breakfast.
Today's Tidbits: We are on track with FlyLady's Zone 4 (Master bedroom) cleaning schedule. The kids finished their school work for the week, so they can pick out a movie to watch today.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Praying for Others
Do you have any triggers that remind you to pray for others?
This topic came up on an email list when one friend said she writes the names of people who have asked for prayers on the packets of injections she has to take every 12 hours. She offers up prayers and the discomfort for that person as she injects herself. Another friend offers up her migraines for people on her prayer list.
Another friend prays for the people in cars going by as she waits at a red light and for the passengers in airplanes that fly by overhead. I know many people who pray for the victims and the doctors when they hear an ambulance's siren.
My Mother-In-Law prays for the person who gave her a gift whenever she sees or uses that gift.
I pray for my parents and siblings whenever the clock says 6:19 or 9:16, as these numbers showed up in various addresses we had while I was growing up. I pray for my children when the clock says 1:23 or 12:34: It reminds me of our home school (learning to count).
What reminds YOU to pray for others?
This topic came up on an email list when one friend said she writes the names of people who have asked for prayers on the packets of injections she has to take every 12 hours. She offers up prayers and the discomfort for that person as she injects herself. Another friend offers up her migraines for people on her prayer list.
Another friend prays for the people in cars going by as she waits at a red light and for the passengers in airplanes that fly by overhead. I know many people who pray for the victims and the doctors when they hear an ambulance's siren.
My Mother-In-Law prays for the person who gave her a gift whenever she sees or uses that gift.
I pray for my parents and siblings whenever the clock says 6:19 or 9:16, as these numbers showed up in various addresses we had while I was growing up. I pray for my children when the clock says 1:23 or 12:34: It reminds me of our home school (learning to count).
What reminds YOU to pray for others?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Pantry Basics
Over at Catholic Exchange, Mary Kochan has posted an article on the practicality of having a pantry. Not the small closet in the kitchen we modern women think of - the one with cereal and mac-n-cheese for this week's meals on its shelves. No - a real pantry like our mothers or grandmothers had - its shelves lined with jars of applesauce, green beans and beets she canned - and maybe grew - herself, the goods meant to last throughout the winter and spring until the next harvest.
This is an intriguing concept, one I hope to see revived in today's homes. Mary's article is the first of four, and I am eagerly awaiting the next one. I hope it will have some practical advice about how to start and maintain my own pantry.
This is an intriguing concept, one I hope to see revived in today's homes. Mary's article is the first of four, and I am eagerly awaiting the next one. I hope it will have some practical advice about how to start and maintain my own pantry.
Pretty Aprons!!!
I like wearing an apron as I go about my daily duties, but I never thought of an apron as a fashion accessory or as a figure-flattering fashion statement. Until now.
These are just the cutest kitchen gadgets I have ever seen!
HeavenlyHostess.com has this same apron in many different prints, and they are all beautiful. Some have matching pot holders, kitchen towels and headbands for sale as well. Some, such as the one above, are available in a matching child size!
This one might make Spring Cleaning something to look forward to:
It is hard to choose, but this one is one of my favorites (bottom picture shows the reverse of the apron). All of the aprons are reversible:
With such a pretty apron on, one might consider having one's hair done and wearing heels to vacuum the carpet! Well, maybe not heels, but cute shoes and lipstick are a must!
If they had one in a tea cup and tea pot print I would seriously save my pennies to get one!
These are just the cutest kitchen gadgets I have ever seen!
HeavenlyHostess.com has this same apron in many different prints, and they are all beautiful. Some have matching pot holders, kitchen towels and headbands for sale as well. Some, such as the one above, are available in a matching child size!This one might make Spring Cleaning something to look forward to:
It is hard to choose, but this one is one of my favorites (bottom picture shows the reverse of the apron). All of the aprons are reversible:
With such a pretty apron on, one might consider having one's hair done and wearing heels to vacuum the carpet! Well, maybe not heels, but cute shoes and lipstick are a must!If they had one in a tea cup and tea pot print I would seriously save my pennies to get one!
April 2009 Tea Newsletter and contest
Hello everyone,
Here is your tea newsletter for April, 2009. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please send them a link and ask them to respond to me directly to be added to my mailing list.
SPECIAL CONTEST FOR MARCH 24 THROUGH APRIL 30: If you are not currently on my email newsletter list, you can sign up now and be entered in a drawing for one free tin of tea of your choice! This is for first-time subscribers only, please.
Thank you,
Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant
kitty.letsdotea.org
719-232-5894
rutherfordfamily@msn.com
================================
Tea Trivia
Afternoon tea was invented by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford (1783-1857), one of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting. In her day, the upper crust ate a huge breakfast, little lunch, and a very late dinner. Every afternoon, the duchess experienced a "sinking feeling." One afternoon she instructed her servants to serve tea and little cakes in her boudoir. The experience was so delightful that Anna repeated it every afternoon thereafter.
Let's Do Tea monthly specials:
For April, 2009, if you host a party, you receive 15% merchandise credit, and one of the following: a free tin of tea (any tea $10.95 and under), a box of any size Tea Sacs, an Empress tea strainer, or a tin of Cinnamon Stick or Fresh Peach White Tea! There is also a Customer Special for April: You can order the Dreamer Collection - teapots and accessories in pretty pastels. All Pieces and Colors will be on sale April 1. *While supplies last* Go to kitty.letsdotea.org for prices. Contact me if you need help.
New Seasonal Teas:
Recipe (you can send me your favorites to be published in future issues!)
Rosemary Sweet Bread
1 Cup milk
1/2 Cup golden raisins
1/4 Cup applesauce
1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 large eggs
2/3 Cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp. sugar
Garnish: rosemary sprigs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine first 4 ingredients in a small saucepan; Bring to simmer over medium heat(Do Not Boil!). Remove from heat; cover and set aside.
Beat eggs at medium speed of an electric mixer until foamy. Add 2/3 Cup sugar and butter, beating well.
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add to egg mixture, beating until smooth.
Add milk mixture; beat until smooth. (Batter will be thin)
Pour batter into a greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan. Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. sugar.
Bake for 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes.
Remove from pan, and let cool completely on wire rack.
Garnish, if desired, with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Yield: 6 servings.
Tea Party ideas
Easter is nearly here already! Enjoy the warmer weather with a tea party on the patio. Serve Rosemary Sweet Bread with your favorite tea.
-----------------------------------------------
If you have any questions regarding Let's Do Tea, hosting a tea party or a catalog party, ordering teas without having a party, or becoming a consultant, please feel free to contact me via email or phone.
Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant
719-232-5894
rutherfordfamily@msn.com
If you aren't already, but would like to be on my mailing list, please contact me via email and let me know. If you are on it already, but would like to be removed, let me know as well, so I don't end up annoying anyone accidentally.
Here is your tea newsletter for April, 2009. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please send them a link and ask them to respond to me directly to be added to my mailing list.
SPECIAL CONTEST FOR MARCH 24 THROUGH APRIL 30: If you are not currently on my email newsletter list, you can sign up now and be entered in a drawing for one free tin of tea of your choice! This is for first-time subscribers only, please.
Thank you,
Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant
kitty.letsdotea.org
719-232-5894
rutherfordfamily@msn.com
================================
Tea Trivia
Afternoon tea was invented by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford (1783-1857), one of Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting. In her day, the upper crust ate a huge breakfast, little lunch, and a very late dinner. Every afternoon, the duchess experienced a "sinking feeling." One afternoon she instructed her servants to serve tea and little cakes in her boudoir. The experience was so delightful that Anna repeated it every afternoon thereafter.
Let's Do Tea monthly specials:
For April, 2009, if you host a party, you receive 15% merchandise credit, and one of the following: a free tin of tea (any tea $10.95 and under), a box of any size Tea Sacs, an Empress tea strainer, or a tin of Cinnamon Stick or Fresh Peach White Tea! There is also a Customer Special for April: You can order the Dreamer Collection - teapots and accessories in pretty pastels. All Pieces and Colors will be on sale April 1. *While supplies last* Go to kitty.letsdotea.org for prices. Contact me if you need help.
New Seasonal Teas:
#2501 Enchanted Berry:
Green Tea, Raspberry Bits, Blueberry Bits,
Rose Petals, Malva Flowers and
Flavourings.
#2502 Easter Bunny:
Black Tea, Rooibos, Caramel, Almond,
Chocolate and Easter Candies.
#2503 Lemon Souffle:
Green Rooibos, Rooibos, Honeybush,
Lemon Bits, Calendula Petals and
Flavourings.
Green Tea, Raspberry Bits, Blueberry Bits,
Rose Petals, Malva Flowers and
Flavourings.
#2502 Easter Bunny:
Black Tea, Rooibos, Caramel, Almond,
Chocolate and Easter Candies.
#2503 Lemon Souffle:
Green Rooibos, Rooibos, Honeybush,
Lemon Bits, Calendula Petals and
Flavourings.
Teas are $10.95 each or 28.95 for the Trio.
Trio includes one tin of each seasonal tea.
Trio #2504 Available April 1st - June 30th
Trio includes one tin of each seasonal tea.
Trio #2504 Available April 1st - June 30th
Recipe (you can send me your favorites to be published in future issues!)
Rosemary Sweet Bread
1 Cup milk
1/2 Cup golden raisins
1/4 Cup applesauce
1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
2 large eggs
2/3 Cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp. sugar
Garnish: rosemary sprigs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine first 4 ingredients in a small saucepan; Bring to simmer over medium heat(Do Not Boil!). Remove from heat; cover and set aside.
Beat eggs at medium speed of an electric mixer until foamy. Add 2/3 Cup sugar and butter, beating well.
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add to egg mixture, beating until smooth.
Add milk mixture; beat until smooth. (Batter will be thin)
Pour batter into a greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan. Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. sugar.
Bake for 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes.
Remove from pan, and let cool completely on wire rack.
Garnish, if desired, with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Yield: 6 servings.
Tea Party ideas
Easter is nearly here already! Enjoy the warmer weather with a tea party on the patio. Serve Rosemary Sweet Bread with your favorite tea.
-----------------------------------------------
If you have any questions regarding Let's Do Tea, hosting a tea party or a catalog party, ordering teas without having a party, or becoming a consultant, please feel free to contact me via email or phone.
Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant
719-232-5894
rutherfordfamily@msn.com
If you aren't already, but would like to be on my mailing list, please contact me via email and let me know. If you are on it already, but would like to be removed, let me know as well, so I don't end up annoying anyone accidentally.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Tea For Today
Today: Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Outside My Window: cool and cloudy. It looked like ait was going ot be a nice, sunny day, but the clouds rolled in and it is getting colder by the minute!
Today's Goal: Exercise and drink more water
Today's Plan: Clean the main bath room and laundry/mud room.
Today's Tea: I had Apricot Peach Black with milk and Ian had my favorite Chocolate Cherry Black with milk and sugar. I wish the company had not discontinued Chocolate Cherry!
Today's Tidbits: We are on track with FlyLady's Zone 3 (bathroom and one other room) cleaning schedule. The girls finished their St. Patrick's Day Madness marathon late last night, so I let them sleep in today before starting their chores.
Outside My Window: cool and cloudy. It looked like ait was going ot be a nice, sunny day, but the clouds rolled in and it is getting colder by the minute!
Today's Goal: Exercise and drink more water
Today's Plan: Clean the main bath room and laundry/mud room.
Today's Tea: I had Apricot Peach Black with milk and Ian had my favorite Chocolate Cherry Black with milk and sugar. I wish the company had not discontinued Chocolate Cherry!
Today's Tidbits: We are on track with FlyLady's Zone 3 (bathroom and one other room) cleaning schedule. The girls finished their St. Patrick's Day Madness marathon late last night, so I let them sleep in today before starting their chores.
Irish Dancing Season
Last night we took our kids to an Irish Dancing recital in which our three oldest daughters participated. I went backstage with the girls to make sure they got to the right place and didn't lose their costume parts while Ian kept the littler kids in the foyer waiting to be let into the auditorium. We had to be there an hour and 15 minutes before the show started, so the littles got a little restless. Thankfully we were allowed to go into a hallway next to the foyer where the kids could run around a bit.
We were able to sit in the third row, behind 2 taped-off rows, so we were able to get a good view of the dancers.
The show was incredible. It lasted two hours and many of the dancers did not have a break between numbers. This was the first such show our girls have ever been in, and they were pretty tired by the time the it was over.
This show was enough to make us all want to sleep for the whole weekend, but GUESS WHAT!!!! The show was just the beginning! Today we have a parade to be in (the girls, not me), and two shows afterward (one in a different town).
BUT THAT'S NOT ALL! I am very glad we don't have any shows on Sunday, but Monday at 7:45 AM begins a grueling day. The girls have 3 performances back-to-back at three elementary schools, followed by an hour-long drive to another town for another show, after which we will eat dinner out and come back home and fall into bed. I hope we make it.
BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE! On Tuesday the girls have two more performances, to which their Grandfather will take them. They said (at the dance school) when we started there in the fall, that St. Patrick's day and the days surrounding it were big, but we had no idea.
We were able to sit in the third row, behind 2 taped-off rows, so we were able to get a good view of the dancers.
The show was incredible. It lasted two hours and many of the dancers did not have a break between numbers. This was the first such show our girls have ever been in, and they were pretty tired by the time the it was over.
This show was enough to make us all want to sleep for the whole weekend, but GUESS WHAT!!!! The show was just the beginning! Today we have a parade to be in (the girls, not me), and two shows afterward (one in a different town).
BUT THAT'S NOT ALL! I am very glad we don't have any shows on Sunday, but Monday at 7:45 AM begins a grueling day. The girls have 3 performances back-to-back at three elementary schools, followed by an hour-long drive to another town for another show, after which we will eat dinner out and come back home and fall into bed. I hope we make it.
BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE! On Tuesday the girls have two more performances, to which their Grandfather will take them. They said (at the dance school) when we started there in the fall, that St. Patrick's day and the days surrounding it were big, but we had no idea.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Simple Woman's Daybook ~ March 10, 2009
The Simple Woman's Daybook~March 10th Entry
For Today...
Outside my window... snow! I had no idea it was going to snow last night.
I am thinking... it is a perfect day to read to the kids.
From the learning rooms... learning about soil and seeds.
I am thankful for...a clean, comfortable home
From the kitchen...BREAD!!! Smells heavenly. Made it from freshly-ground whole wheat!
I am wearing... jeans, black top & black sweater.
I am reading...housefairy.org
I am hoping... to fix the clothesline outside - the gas bill has been too high the last couple of months.
I am creating... tea bags and decorating tea tins for the Open House in a couple of weeks.
I am hearing... the dish washer, clothes dryer, and someone playing with a toy truck
Around the house...friends coming up the drive for a playdate.
One of my favorite things... a cup of tea on a cold, snowy day
A few plans for the rest of the week... dentist, dance class, date night
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Friday, March 06, 2009
Tea For Today 3/06/09
Today: Friday, March 6, 2009
Outside My Window: brilliantly sunny, windy
Today's Goal: Exercise and drink more water
Today's Plan: School; make menus and shopping lists for Monday.
Today's Tea: Key Lime Black tea. Delicious with cream.
Today's Tidbits: The forecast calls for snow in within the next week, so we'll play outside as much as possible before it gets yucky.
Outside My Window: brilliantly sunny, windy
Today's Goal: Exercise and drink more water
Today's Plan: School; make menus and shopping lists for Monday.
Today's Tea: Key Lime Black tea. Delicious with cream.
Today's Tidbits: The forecast calls for snow in within the next week, so we'll play outside as much as possible before it gets yucky.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Tea For Today 3/04/09
Today: Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Outside My Window: sunny, windy
Today's Goal: Exercise and drink more water
Today's Plan: School; install the new side view mirror on the van; take the kids for a play date and dinner at Debbie's house.
Today's Tea: Cinnamon Delight Rooibos. This is so good hot or iced! It's one of my favorites for hot summer days.
Today's Tidbits: The Master bedroom is starting to look nice again - I moved my writing desk against a different wall and Ian hung a fabric wall pocket I made on the wall above it so I can keep clutter off the desk. I can now reach the curtains to open and close them.
Outside My Window: sunny, windy
Today's Goal: Exercise and drink more water
Today's Plan: School; install the new side view mirror on the van; take the kids for a play date and dinner at Debbie's house.
Today's Tea: Cinnamon Delight Rooibos. This is so good hot or iced! It's one of my favorites for hot summer days.
Today's Tidbits: The Master bedroom is starting to look nice again - I moved my writing desk against a different wall and Ian hung a fabric wall pocket I made on the wall above it so I can keep clutter off the desk. I can now reach the curtains to open and close them.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Simple Woman's Daybook ~ March 3, 2009
For Today...
Outside my window... clouds and wind
I am thinking... how nice the weather was yesterday! It was about 75 in town!
From the learning rooms...starting week 24! Only 12 weeks left! Andrew needs more help with reading. He forgets what letters sound like from one word to the next.
I am thankful for... sunshine, helpful kids, and a semi-clean house
From the kitchen... made bread this morning! House smells wonderful.
I am wearing... Jeans, navy tank top and berry-colored "big shirt"
I am reading... Bosch owner's manual - what a great machine (Thanks Mom)!!!
I am hoping... to spend some time outside today, maybe dig some holes for the hawthorns we'll plant next weekend.
I am creating... daily routines to keep the house tidy and everyone happy.
I am hearing... kids playing with Peter's new "Moon Sand" toy he got for his birthday.
Around the house... still some things out of place (folded laundry in the living room, dirty dishes in the sink), but getting closer to clean.
One of my favorite things... 8 kids playing harmoniously.
A few plans for the rest of the week... sew some more on the Christmas projects, sew girls' patches on their dance uniforms, and re-lace their dancing shoes with elastic.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
I love my Bosch!!Tea For Today 3/03/09
Today: Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Outside My Window: Partly cloudy, windy
Today's Goal: Exercise and drink more water; pray the Rosary
Today's Plan: School; make bread, sweep front step; MAYBE install the new side view mirror on the van.
Today's Tea: Apple Spice Black tea: this is a Seasonal Special, only available until March 31. I an enjoying it with cream. YUMMY!
Today's Tidbits: I am re-subscribed to Flylady.net, so I have started cleaning my house's "zones" again. This week is the entrance and mud room.
Outside My Window: Partly cloudy, windy
Today's Goal: Exercise and drink more water; pray the Rosary
Today's Plan: School; make bread, sweep front step; MAYBE install the new side view mirror on the van.
Today's Tea: Apple Spice Black tea: this is a Seasonal Special, only available until March 31. I an enjoying it with cream. YUMMY!
Today's Tidbits: I am re-subscribed to Flylady.net, so I have started cleaning my house's "zones" again. This week is the entrance and mud room.
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