My Walk Through Life 3/13/2018

I usually do the blogging in the mornings, but I had to go out today and do some research for my next project, a local ghost walk. I learned all sorts of fun stories about the downtown buildings. Now I need the Horrible History.

St. Patrick's Day is coming up in a few days. Here are some fun things to do with your family.

Green Candied Popcorn (from the Disney Family Website)
 4 quarts popped corn                  1 1/2 c. sugar
 1/2 c. light corn syrup                 2 T. butter
 1/2 t. salt                                     1/4 t. cream of tartar
 1/4 t. vanilla                                1 t. baking soda
 green food color
   In a heavy saucepan on medium heat, melt butter than add sugar, corn syrup, cream of tartar and salt. Increase the temperature to medium high and bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
   Once the mixture boils, add in food color and stop stirring. Boil for 5 minutes (do not stir). Mixture should be about 250-260 F. Remove from heat and carefully stir in vanilla and baking soda.
   Working quickly and while mixture is foamy, pour mixture over popped corn and gently stir to coat the popcorn.
   Place the popcorn into a large roaster or rimmed baking sheet (lined with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray) and bake at 200F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Cute Mask Idea (found on pinterest)




St. Patrick's Day Oreos (from Crafty Morning)
  Oreos (double stuff or regular) 
 Green and white candy melts/chocolate
 Green and white sprinkles
 Wax or parchment paper
   Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl for 30 seconds at a time. If you do not have green candy melts, white chocolate with green food coloring will work.
   Dip the oreos halfway into the chocolate and place on parchment or wax paper
   Shake sprinkles onto the chocolate while still warm.
   Let them set for about 20 minutes.


Give the gift of creativity with Green Kid Crafts!


MAKE MONEY FROM HOME

Here is a great list of money making ideas. 
Link
   

 

My Walk Through Life 3/12/2018

A dear friend told me I was missed. I stay busy with so many projects, but I do miss my blog, so I will do my best to stay active with it. I am going to include helpful hints, odd news, freebies, random act of kindness ideas, sweepstakes, ghost stories, and whatever else catches my fancy. No Politics!

Mondays will be hints to help you make life a bit easier, save some money, save some time.

The other day, I was going through my sock drawer, hoping I might possibly have a pair of pantyhose to wear. It has been a long time since I bought a pair but wanted to dress up a little bit when I went to see a play. I found some. They were all pretty "holey". There are so many things you can do with pantyhose, so they didn't get thrown away yet. Here are some ideas:

I don't wear contacts, but if you do, and if one falls to the floor, use a rubber band to attach a piece of pantyhose to the hose. Vacuum slowly over the area you dropped the contact. Keep the hose raised a couple of inches above the floor. The pantyhose will stop your contact from being sucked up, but make it so much easier to find.

One morning at Walmart, I was asked by some men to help them find some large pantyhose. They use the pantyhose to strain lumps out of paint by stretching them over the paint can and pouring the paint through into the paint pan.

If you toss a pair of pantyhose into the dryer with your wet clothes, it keeps lint from attaching to your clothes.

Roll up a pair of pantyhose and rub it along a window screen to clean it.

Cut strips from an old pair of pantyhose, and use the strips to tie tomato plants to stakes.

Roll up a pair wet pantyhose and use to clean bugs from the front of your car without scratching.

To keep your wrapping paper clean for the next use, store the roll in a leg of used pantyhose.

Cut off the waistband and use it as a large rubber band





FREEBIES

Free 2 year subscription to Kraft Food and Family Magazine. This is a great foodie magazine for quick family recipes
Free

Free sample of Mama Millies Instant Soup
Free

If you shop at City Market or Kroger, make sure you have their frequent shopper card. I get coupons in the meal frequently that include items for free, such as peanut butter, water, and chocolate chips.



$2.00 OFF on ANY ONE (1) Garnier® Shampoo, Conditioner or Treatment (excluding 2 oz, 2.9 oz,3 oz, travel size and Wonder Mask)


Win a trip to Nashville for the Cocktail Festival. 21 and over only
Win

Win Books from Simon and Schuster
Win

Visit my eBluejay store

My Walk Through Life 4/14/2017

YouTube is a great media for entertainment and education. My introduction to it was watching videos my husband and children would find. The Nu Ma Nu Ma Guy was the first video I watched. Then there was the The Llama Song which my kids loved. My friends and I ended a dinner party one evening watching Trunk Monkey Videos.
   One daughter listens to her favorite music and another watches television shows and Broadway musicals.
  After the death of my husband, I had to learn to use tools and fix things. Instead of calling someone in to fix the belt in my dryer, I found a video on how to fix the exact same dryer that I had. That saved me a lot of money! Since then, I have fix toilets and a lawn mower. 
   You can learn to play an instrument, make crafts, cook any meal, paint, and so much more. Ask the 8 year old boy in Ohio. 
   The little boy wanted a McDonald's hamburger. Everyone had gone to bed, so instead of waking his parents, he watched a video on YouTube so he could learn to drive a car. He stood on his tiptoes to reach the keys, put his 4 year old sister in the van, and off they went. When the server at the drive-thru window realized that it wasn't a prank, the police were called. The police stated that it was amazing that he did so well. He caused no damage and obeyed all the laws, including stopping at red lights. 
   I always tell people to look on YouTube if they need to learn something :)


SWEEPSTAKES



Win a House in Scottsdale
Win



FREEBIES

Free sample of Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Zero.
Free

Free admission to National Parks on April 15-16 and April 22-23. Get out and enjoy the weekend.



Save 50% off select Easter Gifts at 1800Baskets.com! Use code 50EASTER (Valid 4/12/17-4/19/17)

MAKE MONEY FROM HOME

Grow your own business and help people 
Link





Disclaimer: I can make money off of some of the links

My Walk Through Life 4/12/2017

The library. That was my refuge when I was an insecure kid, going to a new school every few years. I volunteered where I could, and just read and checked out books where I couldn't. I had always felt at home in a library no matter where I lived. 
   Books are not as popular as they once were. People use other means to read, such as online and book readers. Libraries have had to figure out other ways to serve their communities. 
  All libraries have different things to offer, but here are some of the things that I have found:
  If you have children, find out what is on the calendar for them. Some things I have seen offered are movie nights, authors reading their books, reading circles, craft classes, and games.
   There are great varieties of music, movies, and television shows you can check out.
   Do you want to learn a different language? See if you local library offers Mango. It is free and you can sit at home instead of a classroom. You can even learn Pirate! If they don't have Mango, they may have Rosetta Stone. 
   The library offers a place for different clubs to gather. I have seen book clubs, coupon clippers, crafters, for some examples.
   If you don't have a computer at home, they have them at the library for you to use. A great way to apply for jobs, do research, or if you have a high school student, they can do their FAFSA. 
  Most libraries have a genealogy section but you can link in with HeritageQuest online if you have a library card.  
  Do you need to do work around your home but don't have the tools? Some libraries lend out the tools you need for home improvement and gardening.
  With a library card, you can get free passes to local museums and attractions. If you can't get a free pass for the day, there may be a discount. My library system will lend out a backpack for a week. In this backpack there is a free pass to the local state parks, books on birds, plants, or bugs, a Go-Pro and more for your adventure.
  Don't have a library card? You might want to get one and open up a new world. 

SWEEPSTAKES

Win items for spring get togethers from  Gold Peak Tea. Instant win.
Win



Dollar Tree
Shop For Brand Name Health And Beauty Products Today At Prices You Will Love!


FREEBIES

Free goodie box. I haven't gotten one yet, but I keep hoping. I did just learn that if you are on their facebook page, your odds are better
Free

Free Rachel Ray pet food samples
Free





MAKE MONEY FROM HOME

Ibotta. Make money back on your shopping trips


Disclaimer: some links on this page will make me money

My Walk Through Life 4/11/2017

                                 

Pets Throughout History

My dogs are a large part of my life and I know many people who have pets that are part of their own families. These pets can be dogs, cats, turtles, fish, or even a pig. We love them and our lives are focused on them. No vacation is taken without making arrangements. I have seen a photo of my daughter's fish tank fastened in a set belt while taking it to the "babysitter."

   The famous and infamous have also had pets. Some a little odder than others. 

President Andrew Jackson was a tough "bird" and had a pet parrot that learned some bad habits from the war hero. Parrot copy sounds and words that they hear often. This bird heard a lot of cuss words, so it seems. During the president's funeral, the bird had to be removed because it let loose a string of cuss words and shocked the attendees. 

Re-gifting is okay if the recipient is responsive to it. President John Quincy Adams received a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette that was given to him from a grateful nation, for the help he gave George Washington to achieve American independence. The gift the Marquis decided not to keep was an alligator. The president kept his pet in a bathing tub in the unfinished East Room. Adams used the alligator to pull some pranks on visitors before it was homed elsewhere.

Cambridge University did not allow dogs....so Lord Byron brought his pet bear to university. After Percy Shelly visited his friend in Venice he wrote: "Lord B's establishment consists, besides servants, of 10 horses, eight enormous dogs, three monkeys, five cats, an eagle, a crow, and a falcon....I have just met on the grand staircase five peacocks, two guinea hens and an Egyptian crane." Lord Byron at one time also kept a wolf named Lyon and a dog named Boatswain. Boatswain died of rabies and was memorialized in marble.

I have seen many backyards with ponds full of carp. In ancient Rome, the aristocrats kept moray eels in theirs. It is reported that Lucius Licinius Crassus adorned his favorite pets with jewels and wept when the eels died. 

Do you like quiet pets? How about a pet lobster? The French poet, Gerard de Nerval was on the coast one day and rescued a lobster from a net. He named it Thibault and took it back to Paris with him. Lobster can stay out of water for a few days, so Nerval would tie a blue ribbon around Thibault and take him for walks around Paris. "lobsters are peaceful, serious creatures, who know the secrets of the sea."

Save 30% on the Ghirardelli Chocolates Gift Baskets for only $28 SHIPPED at 1800Baskets.com! (Valid 4/4/17 or while supplies last)

FREEBIES

Get a free subscription to Diabetic Living magazine. If you are new to business magazine subscriptions, just answer the questions. 

Free

MAKE MONEY FROM HOME

Become a needler. If you love to chat, this is a great job for you. Earn points for your time to redeem in their store

Link

Are you looking for an at home career? Do you like to help people? Watch this video and contact me for more information.

I am loving Mintvine. I have been making real money on this site

Disclaimer: Some of these links will make me money

My Walk Through Life 4/10/17

Stale bread is one of largest items that cause food waste. When I have stale bread, and remember to grab it, I take it to my brother's house to feed their chickens. There are so many good ways to use stale bread, we should never have to throw it away. 
   It can be refreshed by putting the bread in a damp paper bag and heating it in a 300F oven for three minutes.
   Use it in recipes like grilled cheese, strata, bread pudding, French toast, or French onion soup. You can add bread to a soup to add texture. If you are not ready to use it in a recipe, freeze in a zip-lock freezer bag. Bring it to room temperature before adding new bread.
   Make bread crumbs by laying the bread out on a cookie sheet and drying it out on your ovens lowest setting. Grind in a food processor and then dry some more for an hour. Store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Add some Italian seasonings if you want to flavor it up.
   Make croutons by cubing the bread. You can season it by tossing the bread squares in olive oil and seasonings. Lay out on a cookie sheet and dry at a low oven setting until golden brown. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks. 
   I store my brown sugar in a tight covered container and add a slice of stale bread to it to keep it soft. You can add a slice of bread to a container of soft cookies to keep them soft. Also, if a slice of bread is kept with your vegetables in a crisper drawer, it will keep them fresh. Put in new bread every couple of days. 

Make a beer or an ale from bread:
   Fill a glass jar or other container with pieces of stale bread or crumbs.
   Fill container with water or make an herbal tea of your choosing.
   Cover with cheese cloth. You want to let air circulate but keep insects out.
   Let the mixture sit for 1-2 days. 
   Strain through cotton flannel, a jelly bag, a pillowcase or other cotton material, to remove the solids.
   Measure the amount of liquid that has been drained out.
   For each pint of liquid, add 2 tablespoons of sugar. You can choose to use white sugar, barley sugar, honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, etc.
   Stir.
   Drop in a few raisins.
   *I apologize for the next couple of instructions. I have researched and not sure I understand them.
   You may or may not need to add yeast or a yeast starter. The bread and the open air may have allowed the yeast to generate or the raisins will carry in yeast. Allowing it to sit for a couple of days will help the process. If not, you can add yeast at this point. Using yeast meant for beer brewing is recommended but you can use any yeast. Add a pinch of yeast for each cup of liquid.
   Cover the jar with an airlock.
   When the raisins start to float, the beer is ready to drink. I will mildly carbonated and low in alcohol. If you want it to be more alcoholic, add more sugar and brew for longer periods.
  This recipe came from the site Wind in the Roses. She has a lot of interesting recipes for home remedies, ideas for frugal living, and more.

There is a brewery called Toast that is based in England. They use surplus bread from bakeries to make their bread. They even share their recipe. 


Make French Toast Sticks
    4 thick slices white Texas Toast bread (stale is best)
   1 1/2 Tablespoons butter
   2 eggs
   1/4 cup milk
   Salt
   1/4 cup sugar
   1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 
Remove the crust and cut the bread into 4 sticks.
Using a large bowl, mix milk and eggs and a pinch of salt. 
In a flat bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
Heat the butter over medium heat in a skillet.
Roll the bread sticks into the egg mixture, shaking off the excess and place in the pan.
Turn each side until golden brown.
Once done, transfer immediately into the cinnamon sugar mixture and roll to coat. 
If desired, put syrup in a small container and dip.

Recipe for Austrian Dumplings from Mother Earth News
Recipe


FREE

TopCashBack is a great way to get money back when you are doing online shopping. 

Free Magazine with a SHORT survey
Free

Every month PinchMe gives you a chance to get a box of free samples in the mail. I haven't qualified a couple of months, but received an email giving me a free magazine subscription. 
Free

Try Extend nutrition bar
Free






Win a $500 HSN gift card
Win

Win a $2000 bathroom makeover
Win


Vera Bradley Spring Items have Sprung! Shop now!

My Walk Through Life 12/1/2016

Christmas Story:
For the Man Who Hated Christmas
By Nancy W. Gavin

It’s just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past ten years.

It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas. Oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it—overspending and the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma—the gifts given in desperation because you couldn’t think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way.

Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was on the wrestling team at the school he attended. Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes.

As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler’s ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford.

Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, “I wish just one of them could have won,” he said. “They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them.” Mike loved kids—all kids. He so enjoyed coaching little league football, baseball and lacrosse. That’s when the idea for his present came.

That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes, and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed a small, white envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done, and that this was his gift from me.

Mike’s smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year. And that same bright smile lit up succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition—one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on.

The white envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children—ignoring their new toys—would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents. As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the small, white envelope never lost its allure.

The story doesn’t end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree. And the next morning, I found it was magically joined by three more. Unbeknownst to the others, each of our three children had for the first time placed a white envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing to take down that special envelope.

Mike’s spirit, like the Christmas spirit will always be with us.

Start your own business with LegalShield
Link

Free Purina One Sample
https://www.purinaone.com/cats/tender-selects-blend

Free Noosa yogurt. Only yogurt I will eat!It says to send to a friend. I sent it to myself
Free

If you have a Kroger shoppers card, don't forget to check the website daily for the free offers.