Monday, December 21, 2009

FAMILY ROOM MUSIC BOX

If you want to foster impromptu jams and performances in your house, create a music box (or basket) and keep it handy.  To fill it, start with some of the following instruments, and keep an eye out for used instruments at tag sales and flea markets:  kazoo, triangle, shakers, finger cymbals, sticks, bells, drums, inexpensive guitar or ukuele, recorder, or harmonica.

by Deanna F. Cook and the experts at FamilyFun Magazine

Thursday, December 17, 2009

How to Stick to Your Spending Plan during the Holidays

 By now your holiday gift shopping is likely underway or maybe even finished! I find that finishing too early can be good and bad. It can be good because you are able to move on and focus on other things and people! It can be bad because you may be tempted to add on more items and deviate from your budget. Assuming you have decided on reasonable limits for each person on your list, below are a few tips to help you stick to (or close to) your plan:


Done shopping?

- Turn off the endless stream of marketing both online, in print and on television. Once I am done with shopping, catalogs go straight into the recycling bin! I delete quickly emails with tempting offers like free shipping and deep discount coupon codes.



- Get out and volunteer your time to a worthy cause. Check the newspaper for local volunteer opportunities and/or find out through local churches what community service projects are going on.



- Have a non-holiday project lined up to divert your attention to other things. I am organizing a cluttered closet and planning for some work to be done on our basement for next year.



Still shopping?

- Find your savings! Promotion marketing is huge this time of year so there are savings available on most everything if you look hard enough. Use the internet to search for printable coupons and sales. Watch your mailbox for coupons and organize them around the items on your list.



- For families, communicate often on how things are going. This exchange of information will help you to be accountable to the plan and each other. Shop together if needed and listen to signs from one another that might mean you are veering off the plan. I know this is hard, but it is an important part of meaningful communication.



- If you use credit cards, keep a running total of expenditures. Credit card balances have a way of creeping up this time of year and I am a strong believer in paying off credit card balances in full every month!



- Give yourself permission to be done! This will help cut the urge to add just one more thing.
 
From the Couponizer.com

Friday, December 4, 2009

Whole Wheat Bread by Suzanne B.

4 C warm water (85-100 degrees)
1 T salt
1/3 C oil
1 C honey
1 1/2 T dough enhancer
2 T yeast (active dry)
1/2 C wheat gluten
7 C whole wheat kernels (approx. 9 C ground)
*I prefer white wheat.  You can mix red & white together

Place water, salt, oil, honey, dough enhancer, wheat gluten and yeast in electric mixing bowl with dough hook (i.e. Bosch mixer).  Mix until blended.  Add 9 C of freshly ground flour.  Mix.  Add just enough extra flour so that the dough does not stick to the edges.  Allow mixer to knead the dough for 12 minutes on low speed.  Remove kneaded dough from mixer and place on buttered surface.  Separate into 4 equal parts.  HSape dough and place in greased bread pans and ocver with lint free cloth.  Let rise for at least 1 hour until doubled.  Bake for 25-30 minutes @ 325 degrees.  Remove immediately from bread pans and cool on cooling rack.

Dough enhancer - keeps bread from crumbling
Gluten flour - gives bread a chewy texture

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Lion House Rolls - Rachel B.

2 cups warm water (110 - 115 degrees)
2/3 cup nonfat dry milk (instant)
2 Tbs dry years
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
1/3 cup shortening (butter or margarine)
1 egg
5-5 1/2 cups flour, all purpose (bread flour can be used if you have it on hand)

In the large bowl of an electric mixer, combine the water and the milk powder and stir so that melk dissolves.  Add the yearst to this mixture then the sugar, salt, shortening, egg and 2 cups of the flour.  Mix on low speed of mixer until ingredients are wet, then turn to medium speed and mix for 2 minutes.  Stop the mixer and add 2 more cups of flour then mix on low speed until the ingredients are wet, then turn mixer on medium speed and mix for 2 minutes.  The dough will be getting stiff and you may n eed to remove the bowl from the mixer and mix in the remaining flour by hand.  Add approximately 1/2 cut of flour and mix again.  (This can be done by hand or mixer.)  The dough should be soft, not overly sticky, and not stiff.  (It is not necessary to use the entire amount of flour.)  Scrape the dough off the sides of the bowl and pour approximately one tablespoon of begetable oil all around the sides of the bowl.  Turn the dough over in the bowl so it is covered with the oil.  (This helps prevent the dough from dtying out.)  Cover with plastic and allow to rise in a warm place until double in size.  Sprinkle a cutting board or counter with flour an put the dough on the flour.  It is now ready to roll out and cut into desired shape and size of rolls.  Place on greased (or parchment lined) baking pans.  Let rise in a warm place until the rolls are double in size (approx. 1- 1 1/2 hours).  Bake in a 375 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are browned to your satisfaction.  Brush with melted butter while hot.  Yeilds 2 to 2 1/2 dozen rolls.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

EASY FRENCH BREAD - Annie K.

2 1/2 cups of very warm water
2 T    sugar
2 T    yeast
2 T    vegetable oil
1 T    salt
6       cups of flour

Proof yeast with water and sugar.
Add remaining ingredients.
Beat vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes.
Let rest for 10 minutes, then beat again.
Repeat rest process 5 more times.
Turn dough onto floured board.
Knead until dough can be handled.
Divide dough in half.
Roll dough into a 9" x 12" rectangle.
Roll like a jelly roll and pinch edges.
Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Cut 3 gashes at an angle on top of loaf.
Brush entire loaf surface with beaten egg.
Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Three Bags Full Sale

Three Bags Full Children's Consignment Sale Fall 2009 Updates!


Consignor registrations are now OPEN for the Three Bags Full sale! Visit http://threebagsfull.info/Consignor_Homepage.html to register


Are you a new mom? Expecting? Register online for the "Just for EWE" Early Shopping Pass and shop for those baby essentials before the general public. Visit http://threebagsfull.info/Expecting_New_Moms.php to register


New for Fall: "Fundraiser Friday's!" Your non-profit group, school, classroom, youth group, etc can now fundraise with Three Bags Full. Contact bagsfull_3@hotmail.com to receive a flier for your organization. Pass them out and when those individuals shop at the Three Bags Full sale, your organization earns 10%. All families buy clothing, toys & gifts for their kids. now you can earn 10% of those sales. Some restrictions apply, be sure to check http://threebagsfull.info/uploads/Fundraising.pdf for complete details.


Do you own a business or market a product? Be a vendor with Three Bags Full and reach your target audience. Download a form here: http://threebagsfull.info/uploads/VENDOR_REG_FORM.pdf


Lots of baby equipment & good quality clothing but no time? Utilize our VIP Tagging Service! Don't just throw it away, earn a return on your investment. What doesn't sell is donated to local charities. Visit http://threebagsfull.info/uploads/vip_tagging.pdf for more details



Upcoming Sale Dates & Locations:
Hartford Fairgrounds (Johnstown): September 24-26, 2009



Delaware County Fairgrounds: October 16-18, 2009



East-Dayspring Community Church (CW): October 22-24, 2009

Returning Consignors:

Read http://threebagsfull.info/uploads/returning_consignor_updates.pdf for important updates to the sale!

Moved? Changed an email address? Verify your information after registering for the sale. Your check is mailed to the address on file so be sure it is current.

You will be asked to agree to the Consignor Agreement during the registration process. A copy of the Consignor Agreement can be found on each sale's registration page.



Why Consign with Three Bags Full?


Name your price on the items you sell

You shop for things your kids need while other moms buy your items

No wasting a weekend sitting in your garage only to have it rain

More sells with more shoppers

You keep 65%-80% Earn more by volunteering!

Shop FIRST! You get first dibs on thousands of items

You will be asked to agree to the Consignor Agreement during the registration process. A copy of the Consignor Agreement can be found on each sale's registration page. You are not obligated to consign by registering. However, please "unregister" if you decide not to participate this fall.

Print this email and bring it to any sale location for $3.00 off your purchase. Limit of one coupon per family per day.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

FREE SEWING PROJECTS FOR KIDS

Starting with an easy sewing project is a great way to learn to sew. Those same simple projects are a great way to revive your spirits when you just need to sew something without getting into a complex sewing project.  Also a fun way to get the kids started sewing.

http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/tp/teneasiest.htm

Monday, July 6, 2009

CHECK IT OUT!

http://www.allyou.com/general/grocerychallenge/?xid=AOLShortcuts-GroceryChallenge-281x242Banner

All You Grocery Challenge Sign-Up


We're thrilled that you're joining the ALL YOU Grocery Challenge! Show off your shopping smarts by spending no more than $25 per family member per week on groceries over a four-week period beginning July 13. That's $100 a week for a family of four. You could win a $1,000 grocery card plus a year's supply of Knorr side dishes and the chance to appear in ALL YOU magazine.



Follow these guidelines:

During the contest, groceries that you purchase count toward your weekly total. However, feel free to grow, barter or use stockpiled food to supplement your meals. Creativity and ingenuity count!

If you eat at a restaurant or buy takeout, the cost must go toward the week's total.

Household supplies and toiletries do not count toward each weeks total.

Keep track of your money using the optional Spending Log.

Save receipts--you will be required to submit them if you are a finalist.

Post your strategies on our Grocery Challenge blog, and be sure to tell us your money-saving tips

_____________________________________________________________________
http://staplesprintergiveaway.dja.com/

Printer a day giveaway!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

BMV NEXT OF KIN REGISTRATION

http://www.ohiobmv.com/I just thought this was a great new thing the BMV started, it a Next of Kin/Emergency Contact information linked with you Driver's License just in case something happens it helps the police and/or anyone else needed to get in contact and you can't give them the info. I recommend doing this, it's about time they do something like this!


http://www.ohiobmv.com/

Then go to features section and look for: Next of Kin Emergency Contact Enrollment Online

Then you will need you driver license info and input your 2 contact people info! It's SO easy and only takes a few minutes!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Teaching Kids About Money Management

Here is a great website I stumbled upon that can help us teach our children (or ourselves) about money management. This would be a great supplement to the LDS booklet, "One for the Money."

http://www.umsl.edu/~wpockets/index.html

This is one example of the helpful doo dads they have on this site.
Also, did you know that this website exists to help us out with other information for childred?

http://www.kids.gov/

These are just a few of resources (free) available!


Thursday, June 11, 2009

Organization Tip


Spoons & forks not staying in place when you open and close the drawer. Try this little trick. Insert those little plastic medicine cups to take up the extra space. It will help keep the silver (or whatever eating utensils you have-mom's leftovers, church cast-off's, garage sale specials) in place!


Wednesday, May 27, 2009

MAY HOME MANAGEMENT GROUP

Thanks to everyone who came, taught, and participated in our second Home Management Group meeting.

Joanne
Bobby
Mary
Suzanne
Kelly
Maryanne
Autumn
Rebecca
Alicia
Abbey
Holly
Lani
Ashley
Georgia
Carlene
Janeen
Missy
Stephanie

There was lots of learning, sharing, and socializing! Mission Accomplished!!!

HUMANITARIAN PROJECT


The fourth Thursday of every month. 9-4. COSS Chocolate provided!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Prize!

Be the first to read & respond to the "Discount Shopping" post and you will receive a prize!!! Check it out & post a comment!!!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Chicken Taco Soup

48 oz can white beans

4 cups cooked shredded chicken (6 breasts)

2 medium onions

4 garlic cloves

1 T olive oil

2-4 cans copped green chilies

¼ t cayenne pepper

6 cups chicken broth (5 cans)

2 t ground cumin

1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese



Cook chicken with one cup of water and chopped onion in crock pot 6 to 7 hours prior (so it will shred). Combine all other ingredients and simmer 1 hour to warm.



Serve with lime chips, jack cheese, lime wedges, avocado, and cilantro.

From Rachel B. (I got to partake of this delight! So yummy!)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

50% OFF WENDESDAYS

Gals, you have to go check out the OHIO THRIFT stores on the last Wednesday of every month. All clothing is 50% off. Rebecca, Merci, Abbey, Autumn, and Bonnie walked away with some good deals!

Monday, April 27, 2009

MAY HOME MANAGEMENT GROUP:

Class will be at Suzanne's B.'s home. 7 p.m.

FREEZER JAM will be taught by Suzanne. This will help us be ready for our fall harvests!

CONTAINER GARDENING is going to be taught to us by Mary L. This is a great way for everyone to be able to grow their own fresh vegetables and/or herbs.

BROWN BAG BRAG BOOK will be demonstrated by Bonnie A. Gather up your pretty papers, doo dads, ribbons, etc. to decorate your your book. These can be used for gifts, organization, memories, or whatever. Please bring $1 to make and take one home.




Friday, April 24, 2009

ALL DAY ENERGY

Tips from the May 2008 Woman's Day Magazine on how to keep up your energy. (That would help us out in the home management business, wouldn't it!)

OPEN YOUR CURTAINS: exposing yourself to light is like winding your internal wristwatch and increases levels of serotonin.

TAKE A WALK: exercise is breakfast for your brain!

EAT BREAKFAST: any breakfast boosts mental altertness, but whole grains (like oatmeal) are high in fiber & they'll help keep your blood surgar stable for hours.

TACKLE IMPORTANT TASKS IN THE MORNING: that's when we are best at understanding & paying attention to details.

STRETCH: move around before lunch time to stimulate the central nervous system.

DON'T SKIP LUNCH: this is crucial to maintaining a constant power supply.

CRANK UP THE TOONS: play up-beat music in the afternoon to help stimulate your heart and keep you feeling pumped.

MOOD_BOOSTING SNACK: between 3 and 3:30 our brain's supply of serotonin starts to dip - have some carbohydrates.

TAKE A WALK: get more sun and get your blood pumping.

DRINK WATER: not being hydrated can make you feel sluggish.

DE-STRESS AFTER YOUR BUSY DAY: do something relaxing or distracting to keep your mind off your worries

HAVE A FEEL-GOOD DINNER: something with protein to increase energy.

SLOW DOWN BEFORE BED: prepare yourself for sleeping. A good night's sleep is key to feeling rested and restored the next day.

(For more details, go to the May 6, 2008 Woman's Day article by Sara REistad-Long)

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

DISCOUNT SHOPPING!!!

There has been some interest in going in together to make an order for the new Gospel Art Book. The information is listed below:

Gospel Art Book
This book contains 137 pictures that can be used in the home or at church to enrich gospel teaching and learning. The pictures are organized into six sections: Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Church History, Gospel in Action, and Latter-day Prophets.

Price: $3.50 each
Case price: $1.50 each for quantities of 20 or more

Check out the link below to see the picture. If we can get 20 sisters to put in their money, I'll make order so that we can get the discounted price.

http://www.ldscatalog.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10151&langId=-1

Also, there are bookmarks that have the Relief Society Declaration on them. I was thinking that we could also order those. They are $.10 each.

http://www.ldscatalog.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/LDSItemFullsizeImageView?catalogId=10151&storeId=10151&productId=39159&langId=-1

In order to cover the cost of shipping and to order extra book marks for our nonmember sisters who visit the Home Management Group meetings, we are asking for $2 per person/per books/bookmarks ordered.

Questions? Post one. Thanks!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

April Home Management Group - Fantastic!

Thanks to everyone who came and participated in our first meeting! It was literally a full house!

Our spotlight of the month was Abbey A.
Rebecca S. got us started out learning sign language.
Libbey W. was our first sister to use & be rewarded for the Word of the Month.

Stephanie got us off to a great start on learning about Home Storage. Check out the blog to get more details: thehomestoragehive.blogspot.com

And we had our Celestial University kick-off! Who will be the first to graduate with their Bachelor's Degree???

We missed all of you who couldn't make it. Start planning for the May meeting at Suzanne's!

Thursday, April 2, 2009


Hello ladies! Welcome to the new blogspot! This site is the online place for all of our dear sisters to meet, review, and share their thoughts about the Enrichment group called the Home Management Group. We are so excited to have this forum to pull together as sisters! Please join us!

Humanitarian Service Project

Humanitarian Service Project
The 4th Thursday of every month: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. @ COSS
The most important of the Lord's work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes.
---------------------Harold B. Lee