A Grateful Heart Proverbs 15:15

Dollar Tree Science for Kids Kit Gel Ball Review

I bought this Science for Kids kit from the Dollar Tree for $1.00. 

They normally bring them out during the warm months of the year. The kit contains instructions and the gel ball pack (sealed). The instructions are easy place in a container add water and watch them grow. I added a little over a cup of water and it took 30 minutes for them to get to the full size. I wanted to do this and see the difference from a Amazon Gel Ball kit I bought year ago and I can honestly say that these are just the same but cheaper. 

Check out the video for the short review. The enjoyed the size, colors, and consistency of the gel. Would I buy these again Yes! This would be a fun thing to do during the summer, trips, sleep overs, and picnics bring them in a zip lock baggy and let them play. If you squeeze them hard they will will turn to mush that is part of the fun for kiddos too. 

These are the items used:  kit, kitchen towel, scissors, glass measuring cup, and a little over 1 cup of water into the measuring cup.

 This is the sealed package containing  the 100 gel balls.

This is what the gel balls look like dry inside the measuring cup. 

 After 25-30 minutes all the water has been used to form the 100 gel balls featured below the colors are vibrant and fun.

Find Your Fairy Name

I saw this on the Victorian Trading Co. Blog. Victorian Trading Co. is a online store which I buy from and they have nice craft projects on their Blog. I saw this posted and wanted to share. I hope you enjoy finding your magical name.

Dollar Tree Easter Wreath DIY

March 11, 2018, I posted a quick Dollar Tree DIY for a Easter Egg Wreath. I wanted to re-post it here for all to enjoy. This was a quick and easy DIY. This can be found on my DIY Playlist as well on my channel Youtube. I really enjoyed the the beautiful glittered pastel colors. I did note in the video to hot glue the eggs on the sides to one another for a more secure display. My wreath is still in great shape. I am planning on sharing a few easy DIYs for Easter and Home soon.

Items Needed:

Hot Glue Gun
Glue Sticks
Wreath (of your liking)
Eggs from the Dollar Tree (your choice)

Up-cycle Clothes & Home Using What You Have

January, I presented myself with a challenge of sorts. I wanted to up cycle some clothes that didn't fit correctly, unflattering, or a bit damaged. I wanted to keep items with good fabrics, color, and condition to re-create a new looks. I still have not started..... 

What am I afraid of? 

I had not started my projects and they sit in a pile staring at me. What is holding me back?  I am not afraid of the fabric or messing it up.... well maybe a little. 

I am afraid of failing. 

I see I will need to push through this feeling and just start 1 project from start to finish. I will pick something simple. I already did my bedroom curtains which I lined with the white cotton center of a queen size bed ruffle. The thick tapestry ruffle left over will be valences for my home. 

So, this week I am pushing myself out of my comfort zone to create something more personalized for me. Something Unique and Different. I will share on my channel what I am going to do and steps I will take to make it happen. I will start and finish this regardless of how good or bad it may look,lol. Wish me luck!!!
Anything I cannot capture on a video I will post photos here on my Blog. 

Gooseberry Patch Royal Strawberry Shortcake

Royal Strawberry Shortcake

Thanks to Becky Smith from North Canton, Ohio, for sharing this recipe!  

1/4 c. butter
1/3 c. sugar
1 egg, beaten
2 c. all-purpose flour
4 t. baking powder
1/8 t. salt
1 c. skim milk
2 t. vanilla extract
3-3/4 c. strawberries, hulled and sliced
Garnish: light whipped topping, powdered sugar

In a large bowl, blend together butter and sugar. Add egg; mix well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with milk. Stir in vanilla. Spread batter in a greased 9"x13" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool; cut shortcake into squares and split. Place bottom layers of shortbread squares on dessert plates. Top with strawberries. Add whipped topping if desired. Add shortcake tops and more berries. Add more topping if desired. Makes 12 servings.

Nutrition Per Serving: 163 calories, 5g fat, 3g sat fat, 26mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 9 sugars, 4g protein Exchanges: 1 starch; ½ fruit; 1 fat; ½ other carbohydrate

Natural Healing Hints and Tips

I was going through Pinterest this fine morning and came across a few items that I thought were food for thought. The first photo above shows a wonderful way of growing your own herbs inside. Beside is a short list of common herbs found in our kitchens that can provide healing properties. Most of us forget the ways of our ancestors and natural healing. 
Embracing the old to become the new of our everyday.

Lastly, I wanted to share this leaf identification. This is information most should know. I plead guilty I do not nor my children. My husband is another story he can identify alot of trees and leaves. In this day and age most young people and children cannot identify a indigenous plant,tree, birds, or animals for their immediate area or state. But these young people and children can identify clothing and shoe logos for hundreds of manufacturers. Times have changed but not in a good way the basic knowledge of our ancestors needs to embraced and re-introduced to our young people, children, and grand children.

Food When Times Are Lean Prepping

Lets, talk about quick easy and cheap food options. Alot of families are struggling right and will be in the future. Although, these may not be the most nutritious choice's out there this will provide full tummies. Always look for Sales, Coupon, Cash Back (offers), Rebates, and don't be afraid or prideful and visit a food bank. They are there to help. When you get back on your feet give back with either your time or food. 

Cheap Foods List:
Oatmeal
Rice
Pasta (Many Kinds)
Pasta Sauce
Top Ramen (change up the sauce, meat, or make into a cold salad)
Eggs
Beans (dried or canned)
Bread
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Cheese (grilled cheese sandwiches)
Hot Dogs 
Canned Soups/Veggies
Tortillas (Eggs, Lunch Meats, Rice/Cheese, Meats(Wraps)
Pancake Mix
Syrup (on sale or Dollar Tree)
Lastly, lets not overlook spices. Spices can elevate your meals to whole other level of enjoyment and satisfaction.

Tip: 

1. Canned Chili will serve well with Hot Dogs also on Baked Potatoes, or inside a fajita wrap with rice/cheese 












Sale Only items:

Potatoes Apples, Grapes, Bananas, Carrots, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Lemons, Pineapple, Leaks,etc....
(Apples can be made with Peanut Butter as a treat).


Save Gas run all errands on 1 trip. You will need to organize yourself, coupons, list for a effective day.

There are a ton of recipes online,library, and in books you may have in your library at home. Its time to open them up and make something new with what you have at home. 

Dollhouse Miniatures 1:12 Scale Dollhouses and DIY Projects

Here are a few of my video's that I have posted on my Dollhouse Miniature Hobby in the past you may not have seen. I will be posting new ones soon. Enjoy

This is a Tour of 1 of my Dollhouses:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UZwPqB9T04

This is a Lace Bed Tutorial DIY:
https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=XWrcSpHqehk

2 Room Tour of My Pink Cottage:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsirQNoCVd8

DIY Bench Tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOeodKYExRU

Baby Steps towards Organization

                                   
Today, has been a interesting day. As you know my word for the year is Home. I decided to start in my kitchen. The kitchen is a area where most families cook, eat,share meals but also hang out.
My kitchen has been a bit of a struggle for me I will admit. So, today I challenged myself to clear certain areas that were cluttered. As I went through the different sections I felt a sense of freedom, calm, and happiness. I threw away a box of items. Recycled another box and changed/stored certain items in their new homes. My kitchen is rather large so this will be a challenge lasting about 1 week. Lets break down what I accomplished so far:

1. Cleared the clutter on the floor behind a chair(it was alot).
2. Scrubbed the wall, trim, and 2 doors in the kitchen.
3. Cleared all items off the large ottoman and placed a blanket to cover the fabric that has seen better days. This also is a storage unit.
4. Moved all my soap making supplies (melt and pour, molds, cutters, shea butter, scrubs, and essential oils to a new home).
5. Placed all my various Honey's that I have into a large basket for easier access/use.
6. Washed Dishes by hand and put them away
7. Cleaned the lint trap of Dryer with Vacuum.
8. Placed all loose Emergency items into a box to find a home later this week.
9. Bagged up all the children books and toys.
10. Swept the Kitchen Floor then vacuumed.
11. Pile of Magazines went through them and recycled after tearing out what I wanted to keep.
12. Table Cloth threw away plastic flannel back cloth that had seen better days with a fresh Red Plaid Cotton table cloth.
13. Took down Christmas items from the kitchen into container
14. Placed vacuum sealed cereal into plastic zip lock large bags for storing (bought these from Dollar Tree).
15. Cleared the front of the refrigerator and top.

and of course in between this cooking,watching the kiddos, approving comments, and watching netflix as I cleaned,lol. I still have a long way to go to complete the kitchen project. I hope you all are taking active steps towards your goals.

Keeping Warm in 1700's

The average family was not well off.  They would live in a 1 room house with no separate bedrooms, kitchen, or closets. All the family activities where typically around the homes fireplace. As homes were cold and drafty most did all their activities during the cold season by candle light and wood fire. The average family had a small fire place that was badly designed and most of the heat would escape. The fire place served as the kitchen too. Some families with children would create a loft with wooden ladder for children to sleep in. One of the ways they kept warm were sleeping side by side (body heat). They kept all their clothing on no matter of cleanliness. Also, the heat rising from the fire place would help. The parents would sleep below to keep an eye on the fire and keep it going. This would provide a bit of privacy for the parents as well. The examples above is a typical home found in the USA. There are many different kinds of homes depending on your families financial status. 

 Other ways people kept warm were by keeping busy. Daily chores would not only provide task completion but warmth by moving the body. At night to help warm their beds stones or coals placed inside linens or bed warmers (see below) were used. These were used between sheets and blankets. Average home would have many homemade quilts and blankets that would be piled up on top of one another for warmth at night. 

Clothing and hygiene was different during those times as well. The average person would not bathe weeks, months or just 1/2 times a year. Which did not help with illness and disease.

The clothing of the average family or working person was made for functionality. It would serve for warmth during the cold but not comfort or fashion. The outer layer of clothing would be made of wool (typically itchy) underneath the linen would help with the scratchiness of the wool. The linen fabric would serve as a layering piece as well. Most of the time these where not washed or removed for extended periods of time. It was said they believe the smoke/peat from fires would act as a deodorizer for clothing worn. So, it would not be surprising if most smelled of smokey clothing and body odor.

 Coats consisted of wool and animal skins. Hoods and smaller interior hats of linen would keep the head and body warm. Coats/Capes where typically made of wool and animal skins. Hunters would have leather (animal skin) pants and jackets that would be worn during all kinds of seasons. These would keep skin dry from snow and rain. They also wore mittens during those times made of leather or wool. 

 

Homemakers Pantry and Prepping Challenge

Here are some canned foods I bought from the Dollar Tree today to help expand my pantry and prepping efforts.A friendly reminder most Dollar Tree stores accept manufacturer coupons. Please visit their website for the coupon rules www.dollartree.com. I looked up prices online to see what my savings are and I was pleasantly surprised. 

How to Extend Your Canned Goods:

Simple ways to extend canned meals by adding chicken/beef stock, vegetables, rice, noodles, or all. These canned foods are also good for left over chicken or beef you simply break it up add and touch up with spices. 

Crider Dark Chunk Chicken 10oz goes for $2.17 at Walmart

my savings are $1.17

Campbells Kitchen Classics Chicken Noodle Soup 14.5 oz cost 

online $1.98 my savings are $.98 cents

Campbells Kitchen Classics Beef Barley Soup 14.5 oz cost 

online $1.98 my savings are $.98 cents

Hormel Chili made with Chicken 10.5oz cost online $2.00 my savings are $1.00

Hanover Wedding Bell Soup 15oz goes for $1.58 online my savings are $.58 cents

1 Month Up-Cycle Challenge Clothing, Accessories, and Home

Recently, I have been going through my home donating many bags of toys, clothes, and household items. However, I chose to keep certain pieces I felt that I could improve upon to keep in my wardrobe. I am challenging myself to Up-Cycle these pieces so I can continue to enjoy them in a new way. 

They have a lot of great You-Tube videos and Pinterest ideas on this. I am a beginner so I will aim for simple changes and work my way up. I enjoy looking at the creativity and thought process of others. They create pieces and styles I would not have thought of myself. Remember there is no right or wrong in this challenge. Everyone has a unique style and this will allow you to express yourself via Couture (Unique HandMade).  I will be sharing a video on my channel about his challenge and sharing some of the pieces I would like to change. 


Up-Cycling is not new. Many countries use this method in their everyday lives. They use every scrap of fabric/material notions in their possession. Nothing goes to waste. They use materials for not only clothing, coats, hats, gloves, scarves but also home (Curtains, Sheets, Pillow Cases, Table Cloths, Room Dividers, and dish towels). Some even make shoes.


We have becoming a consuming country with a throw away mentality. If something breaks just throw it away and get a new one. If a shoe needs a new heel or sole just toss it. When was your last visit to a Shoe Repair/Cobbler. Do you even know where one is located in your area? They are now far and few to be found. 

Where did all the Hat Makers and Glove Makers go? Hat/Glove Stores were women and men would shop for unique or a simple daily wear. This would be a place where customers would talk to each other and catch up while shopping. Women and Men alike would not have a complete outfit without a Hat and gloves. No matter your station or place in life.

We are swimming in the ocean of mass production in a daze. When the tides turn economically a lot of us will be drowning in the confused state of how to survive with what we have with no skill to create, mend, re-use, and re-create. I ask you to join me on the personal challenge and try your hand changing or updating a piece of clothing, jewelry, or home item. 

M&M Marbled Biscotti Recipe

This was one of my Thrift Store finds. This recipe card indicates a baking time of 35 minutes makes 24 pieces and is freezer friendly. How great is that!! Under Tips on the bottom right hand corner how to get the best results in the freezer.

Thanksgiving Dinner for 1 Please

The Holiday Season can be a difficult for those who have lost loved ones or not near family or friends.

Dinner for 1 Please. I truly believe that we can create our own joy and happiness in simple ways.  Nor worries you can enjoy this Holiday for 1! Think of the things you enjoy this could be the Hallmark Channel, Crafting, Woodworking, Sewing, Scrap Booking, Reading, Puzzles, Journaling, Bible Study, Drawing, Painting, Planning, Cooking, or looking at Photo Albums the list goes on and on.

Decide to do 1 or 2 activities that bring you joy and a therapeutic calm. I know when I hand sew or work on Dollhouse Miniatures this brings me to a serene place. Taking a walk outside does this as well. Reach out and wish family and friends a quick Happy Thanksgiving! Pamper yourself today with hand treatment or mask at home. Where your comfy clothes and cozy socks. Embrace this time with joy. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends here and remember to reach out to those that are home bound, shut-ins, senior citizens and anyone alike that may be alone this time of year! Lets love one another year round not just on Holiday's.

Winter Home Preparation and Car Kit List

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and it will be the coldest one since 1996 in Maryland. The arctic cold air from Canada will sweep in and leave our area struggling with frigid temperatures and wind chills in teens and 20's. This is a nudge from mother nature of how chilly our weather will be in the coming months. I hope all have taken out their winter items here is a list t help get your home ready:

1. Winter Clothes: sweaters, scarves, warm socks, layering shirts, warm pants
2. Winter Coats, hats, gloves/mittens/scarves/ear muffs
3. Winter Warm Shoes: any kind 
4. Winter Car Kit (see below separate paragraph)
5. Home window treatments curtains lined flannel, plastic window treatments (Dollar Tree),caulking (Dollar Tree), carpeting on cold floors
6. Blankets: comforters, throws (around the home for extra warmth), warm flannel bedding or fleece.
7. Room dividers for home that are older/chilly a common practice is to use curtains on the door entry ways to keep the chill out from the main home (by closing out unused or colder rooms). This does help. 
8. Fireplace/wood stove or back up heat source if your blessed to have one of these have enough wood/propane to carry your family through a tough season of cold harsh weather. (We don't have either in our rental)
9. Home Slippers or thick socks to keep the chill away while in the home
10. Sweaters or Cardigans for the home solely that you can leave on a go to place to keep the chill away. Great for the entire family and keeps illness/colds at bay. Its better to take off layers.
11. Humidifier Cool Mist: we have them in our bedrooms to help keep the air with a touch of moisture this helps keeping colds at bay as well. These must be cleaned every few days or 1 time a week.
12. Having your pantry fully stocked at all times so if there is a winter storm you don't have to make a store run.
a. Water, coffee, juices, ciders, teas, cocoa's
b. Food, soups, pastas, rice, beans, veggies, fruit, canned foods
c. Toilet paper, paper plates, plastic utensils, tissues, napkins, paper towels
d. cleaning supplies
13. Medicine: anything your family normally use:
cough and cold
fever reducer
diarrhea/fiber/anti acid
head ache/pain
sore throat lozenges
thermometer (they have these at the dollar tree)
first aid/ace bandages for sprains.
herbal tinctures (if you make them yourself)
women's personal care (pads, tampons, treatments Yeast Infections Azo Cranberry Pills for Urinary Tract Infections etc) 
diapers for families with younger ones
baby wipes for body 
14. Keep a full tank of Gas at all times whenever you can if you need to leave/evacuate you can quickly

Winter Car Kit: Blankets, Warm Hands, Extra Hats/Gloves (Dollar Tree),Water, Food, Extra Warm Clothes, Boots for walking, Medicine/First Aid Kit, Portable Urine Container, Winter Blend Windshield Wiper Fluid, Windshield Snow Remover, Flat Tire Repair Can, Jumper Cables, Playing Cards, A few entertainment items if your stuck for hours in your vehicle.

If you have extra money for the car kits: a battery jumper 

I know this list is not complete if you want to leave any suggestions please leave them below in the comment section. I hope this helps someone.

Making Your Home Your Haven

Making your home a Haven. This can be done little by little.

1. Cleanliness
2. Organization
3. Decluttering when feeling overwhelmed
    a. donating
    b. giving to family/friends/neighbors
    c. selling your unwanted or used items on ebay/poshmark/yard sale/church etc..
4. A home that smells good either by cooking, fragrance, or cleanliness (love the smell of Pine Sol in a home). 
5. Changing your home decor on a budget
    a. Thrift Stores
    b. yard sales/church sales
    c. create a swap party where family/friends can bring 10 items or more they no longer use or want everyone gets to swap for things they may need. Everyone wins. You can even do them by theme ex: Christmas, Autumn, Halloween, Clothes/Accessories, Home Decor/textiles, Crafting, the themes can be limitless.

These 5 Simple Steps begin the journey to making your home a Haven. This has been a journey of sorts for me. I have been donating alot.  I slowly chip away at it each day going room by room and getting myself together. Setting up bags for donation and putting items for other times/seasons away. 

First Step is to Start!