My Walk Through Life 3/20/2018

EASTER FUN

The day before Easter, put jelly beans in your garden. Before the kids wake up, "plant" lollipops. 

Easter baskets, themselves, multiply and seem to have no use after the holiday. Find useful items to make cute Easter baskets such as a cute pair of rain boots, a cute umbrella opened and filled, a fishing tackle box, a base ball cap, a Tonka dump truck, etc. 

Peeps Crispy Treats (from https://www.yellowblissroad.com/layered-peeps/)
   4 tablespoons butter or margarine (divided)
  4 3-oz package Peeps (in 4 different colors)
  6 cups of Crispy Rice cereal (divided)
1, Prepare an 8-9" loaf pan by lining with foil and spraying lightly with cooking spray.
2. Divide the Peeps by 10s of the same color, 10 pink, 10 yellow, etc. (use whatever colors you prefer)
3. In a deep, medium sized microwavable dish, microwave 10 of the same color peeps with 1 tablespoon of butter on high for 45 seconds. Microwaves vary in temperature so, watch closes so the  Peeps do not flow over the side of the bowl. Stir butter and Peeps together until fully melted and well mixed. (tip-spray a spatula with cooking spray so the mixture doesn't stick)
4. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cereal until fully coated. Press firmly into the loaf pan.
5. Repeat steps 3-4 with the other Peep colors
6. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Find more ideas at this Link


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From Flylady.com

Today is the day to attack the clothes pile. Now you all know what I am talking about. This pile is either on a chair, on top of the hamper, dresser or at the foot of your bed. Set your timer for 15 minutes and grab some hangers or start folding. While you are doing this do not hang up or fold something that you hate! This is the time to let it go!! If you do not love it, send it right out the door!

Find unique jewelry at Angels Beautiful Things

My Walk Through Life 3/19/2018

I make a lot of my own cleaners. Not only does it save me money, but also they smell fresher than the store bought products. My staples are baking soda, borax, and Dawn. Here are some recipes for you to try.
   All Purpose Cleaner
1. Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 1 teaspoon liquid soap, and 1 liter water into a spray bottle. (I use Dawn dish soap)
2. Soak orange peels and vinegar in a sealed mason jar for two weeks. Pour the orange vinegar into a spray bottle for a nice smelling cleaner.
3. Mix 4 tablespoons household ammonia with 3 cups of water in a spray bottle.

All  Purpose Cleaner Wipes
1/4 pint of rubbing alcohol
1 1/2 tablespoons household ammonia
1/2 tablespoons liquid dish soap
1 quart water
   Mix all ingredients in a 2 quart container. Lay a roll of paper towels on its side and cut it in two. Put 1/2 roll in a container and pour 1/2 of the solution on the towels. Turn towels over, pour the rest of the solution on. Remove the cardboard insert.

Heavy Duty Cleaner
Mix 4 liters hot water, 1/4 cup cloudy ammonia, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Double the ingredients except for the water, for a stronger mixture.

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From Flylady.com
Today I want you to spend 15 minutes getting rid of anything that does not belong in your bedroom. Things that have gotten thrown in a corner, on a chair or even the floor. The things that you almost don't even see because they have just become part of the room, get it out! If it does not belong there then out it goes!

This does not mean that you have to spend three hours in your bedroom, do what you can do for 15 minutes.

My Walk Through Life 3/17/2018

March 17th is the day everyone is Irish. I remember before I went to school, searching closet and drawers for something green because I didn't get pinched. If you go to bars or certain eateries, there is green beer, green shakes, and lots of cabbage and corned beef. But how did this holiday get its beginnings?
  St. Patrick died on March 17, 461 (that is the common belief). The Irish have been celebrating since. The holiday falls during the time of Lent, so they would go to church in the morning and celebrate in the evening. Meat is not supposed to be eaten during this time, but it would be waived and everyone would dance, drink and eat a meal of bacon and cabbage. (I am not sure where the corned beef comes in)
  St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Roman Britain, was kidnapped and brought as a slave to Ireland when he was 16. He escaped but returned to the Irish bringing Christianity to the people. One of the legends about him, is that he explained the Holy Trinity using the three leaves of the clover, or shamrock. He was also credited for banishing snakes from Ireland after he was attacked by a bunch of them. It is pretty certain that Ireland never did have snakes. 
   St. Patrick's Day began as a religious celebration, but now Ireland uses it as a tourist attraction. It is a day of eating, drinking, concerts and fun. The United States is the first country to have a parade. On March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the British military, marched through New York City. This helped them connect with their country and their fellow Irishmen. They continued to have parades with bagpipes and drums and only grew as many Irish came to the U.S. 
  Today this Irish holiday is celebrated all over the world. Everyone is Irish! Hope you are wearing your green.

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FREEBIES

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My Walk Through Life 3/15/2018

Kindness. One of the easiest things you can give to another person. I constantly hear about about paying for the coffee of the person after you in line at Starbucks. That one is rather silly, in my mind, but if it makes a person feel better about themselves and makes someone else smile, then it is good. Instead of buying the coffee for the person behind you, buy and extra cup and give it to a homeless person. They would probably appreciate it much more than the person who was in line to get coffee anyway. 
  Pay attention to the people around you. If you see someone struggling, help them. If an elderly person is having a hard time putting groceries in their car, stop and help them. If someone needs a smile, give them one. We tend to keep our heads in the clouds and forget there are other people sharing our space.
  Homeless people are literally brought to our town in buses from Utah and Denver. I do not give money to the people standing on the corners but I do donate items to the homeless shelter. They are always in need of personal items, cleaning products, coffee, and such. If you want to help, check your town and see what their needs are. A friend of mine buys pizzas from Little Ceasars Pizza and takes them to the park where many of the homeless stay during the day. 
  Keep an eye on your elderly or ill neighbors, especially if they don't have family around. There are always things you can do to help them. Mow their lawn, do minor repairs, see if they need anything when you run to the store.
  Our world needs to be kinder. Maybe it would make it safer and a much better place to live. 

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FREEBIES

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Another rebate site. DOSH. This is a phone app that will give you an automatic rebate for eating out, shopping, and staying at hotels. 

If you shop online, Ebates is a must. I get checks from them every few months for doing what I do anyway. Free money makes me happy!

Checkout 51 offers I use this app along with Ibotta and I always get some of my money back. Great rebates sites.

FROM FLYLADY.COM: Use this site daily to help keep control of you your home when you have a busy schedule.

The bathroom sink is calling you! Let's shine our bathroom sinks and counter tops. Scrub the sink and the faucets, wipe down with Windex (remember to be careful that you are not mixing Windex with any bleach products, make sure you rinse very well before using the Windex). Take time to wipe down your counter tops and give them a shine as well.

Your mission for your Stash and Dash space is to go back again to throw away anything that needs to be tossed or recycled. We are going back to do this again because now that we have peeled back one layer it is very possible that there is more to be tossed or another space to toss from.

My Walk Through Life 3/14/2018

During my research yesterday, I came across an article on the vote to name the new town, back in 1891. Two of the names were Belly Ache Flats or Poverty Hollow. Personally, I wouldn't want to live in a town name either of those. Luckily, Mr. Crawford settled on Grand Junction for the Junction of the Gunnison and the Colorado Rivers. It got me thinking of other odd names for towns.
  Down the road is No Name, Colorado. Not much there.
  Nothing, Arizona. Doesn't look to be much there either.
   Hazard, Nebraska doesn't sound safe.
  Hell, Michigan. According to the sign it is the home to the official U.S. Weather Bureau.
  Imalone, Wisconsin. Sad.
  Alone, Michigan, which is near Friend.
  Los Banos, California. Doesn't that mean bathroom?
  Pee Pee, Ohio. Hmmm.
  Mosquitoville, Vermont. That would be first on my list to move to.
  Pie Town, New Mexico. Okay, I would live there!
  Tightwad, Missouri. For the people who know me, they know this is my place.
  This list can go on, but the last one to make me smile was Unalaska, Alaska.

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From Flylady.com

It is Anti-procrastination Day! It is time to take a look into the medicine cabinets and toss the empty bottles and boxes that are taking up space. While you are doing this also take a look at the expiration dates on the medicines that are there. If you have some that need to be gotten rid of take care of that as well. Grab a damp rag and wipe down the shelves. Don't take everything out, just lift, wipe and put back.

Your Mission for the Stash and Dash space is to spend 5 minutes putting away the things that have a home, you know where they go but you tossed the in a pile while stashing and dashing because someone was coming over. The Stash and Dash spaces are just piles of procrastination.

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!


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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





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