Day one with Youthin

Today I am starting a diet program called Youthin. Recommended by our outside nutrition consultant. It's a packet of pills you take twice a day (I am taking one a day to see how it impacts my system first) and have a cup of Dr. Miller's tea after dinner every night. I am using this method to burn fat and get my metabolism going before getting down and dirty in the gym (AGAIN!). I don't know my weight yet but I'm sure it's out of control. My clothes feel tight and my backside is expanding like a hot air balloon. Unfortunately I can't just let out the hot air! (bad choice of words, there...)

I'm off to Walmart now to do my returns and get my diet foods. I may take my mp3 player with me for a boost (Gaia consort and Kerli today) of energy. I need some new gym clothes too. I'd better meditate before going to Walmart. That place is still a madhouse from the holiday!

This is dedicated to Marli. No explanation necessary.

This is dedicated to Chris for all those times we moved by ourselves. (E.G. - that refrigerator out the french doors)

One Point Foods

Dannon 4 oz light & fit yogurt
Fiber One Cereal 1/2 cup
KASHI Go Lean Cereal 1 cup
KASHI Heart to Heart Oat Cereal 3/4 cup
Kelloggs Special K, protein plus cereal (ten grams of protein) 3/4 cup
Yarnell's Guilt-Free Vanilla frozen yogurt 1/2 cp

0 Points Dips

Black Bean and Poblano Dip
Makes 12 servings POINTS® value | 0 per serving
Ingredients
2 cups fresh poblano chili, seeded, deveined and chopped
14.5 oz canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 tsp salt
1 cup chopped scallions
1 cup chopped tomatoes
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender; process to desired consistency. Yields about 1/4 cup per serving.
About the Green Goddess Dressing and Dip
Works equally well with basil and cilantro.

Green Goddess Dressing and Dip
Makes 12 servings POINTS® value | 0 per serving
Ingredients
2 cups fresh basil or cilantro leaves
2 cups fresh parsley leaves
1 cup chopped scallions
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt (or more to taste)
1/4 cup reduced-calorie mayonnaise
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice (or more to taste)
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender; process until smooth.


Yields about 1 2/3 tablespoons (5 teaspoons) per serving.
About the Onion Soup Dip
Besides being a classic with potato chips, try a little on top of a baked potato or alongside a grilled steak.

Onion Soup Dip
Makes 8 servings POINTS® value | 0 per serving
Ingredients
1 beef broth cube, crumbled
1 Tbsp onion powder
1/8 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp celery salt
1/4 cup dried minced onions
1 cup chopped Vidalia onions
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup non-fat sour cream
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender; process to desired consistency.


Yields about 3 tablespoons per serving.
About the Cucumber, Mint and Yogurt Dip
Great with grilled lamb and alongside crudites.

Cucumber, Mint and Yogurt Dip
Makes 12 servings POINTS® value | 0 per serving
Ingredients
1 medium English cucumber
1 cup chopped red onion
1 cup fresh mint leaves
1 to 3 cloves of garlic, to taste
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp sugar
4 oz non-fat plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender; process to desired consistency. Let stand in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (though overnight is best).


Yields about 1/4 cup per serving.
About the Spinach-Parmesan Dip
Doubles as a sauce for grilled chicken or pasta.

Spinach-Parmesan Dip
Makes 8 servings POINTS® value | 0 per serving
Ingredients
1/2 lb raw spinach, cooked and drained
1 cup tomatoes, chopped
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
5 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender; process to desired consistency.


Yields about 3 tablespoons per serving.

0 Points Salads

Mixed Lettuces with Fresh Tomato Dressing
Makes 4 servings POINTS® value | 0 per serving
Ingredients
1 cup ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp table salt, or more to taste
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup fresh basil, cut into ribbons
1 ¼ tsp olive oil
½ tsp sugar
2 cups romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
2 cups Boston lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
2 cups endive, cut into bite-size pieces
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine tomatoes, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, basil, oil and sugar; let stand for 10 to 20 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine lettuces and then divide evenly between four plates; drizzle each serving with about 1/4 cup of tomato dressing.

Yields 1 salad per serving.
Cucumber Salad with Yogurt Dressing
Makes 4 servings POINTS® value | 0 per serving
Ingredients
1 medium English cucumber, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup scallions, chopped
1 cup radish, cut into bite-size pieces
4 oz plain fat-free Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
¾ tsp table salt
¾ tsp cumin seeds (optional)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine cucumber, scallions and radish. In a small bowl, mix together yogurt, lemon juice, mint, dill, salt and cumin seeds; spoon over cucumber mixture and toss to mix and coat.

Yields about 1 cup per serving.
Health Salad
Makes 16 servings POINTS® value | 0 per serving
Ingredients
4 cups cabbage, shredded
½ medium English cucumber, thinly sliced
½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 large garlic clove, thinly sliced
1 medium green pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
½ tsp table salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 ½ Tbsp sugar
2 ½ Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine cabbage, cucumber, onion, garlic, green pepper and carrot; set aside.

In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients; pour over vegetables and toss to mix and coat. Chill in refrigerator, tossing once or twice, for about 1 hour.

Yields about 1/2 cup per serving.
Arugula, Orange and Red Onion Salad with Raspberry Dressing
Makes 4 servings POINTS® value | 0 per serving
Ingredients
6 cups arugula
1 ½ medium navel oranges, peeled and sliced into 8 rounds
¼ medium red onion, sliced into 4 rounds
½ cup fresh raspberries or frozen, thawed unsweetened raspberries
1 Tbsp fresh orange juice
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
½ tsp table salt
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Divide arugula equally among 4 serving plates. Top each serving with orange slices and one onion slice; set aside.

Place raspberries in a fine sieve and press down on berries with the back of a spoon to extract juice. In a small bowl, combine mashed berries with orange juice, vinegar, salt and pepper; spoon about 1 tablespoon of dressing over each salad.

Yields 1 salad per serving.
Layered Cole Slaw
Makes 4 servings POINTS® value | 0 per serving
Ingredients
¼ cup water-packed roasted red pepper
¼ tsp hot pepper sauce
1 ¾ tsp reduced-calorie mayonnaise
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 medium green peppers, thinly sliced, each slice cut in half
2 cups cabbage, shredded
1 cup carrots, shredded
Instructions
Using a mini chopper or blender, blend roasted pepper, hot sauce, mayonnaise and lime juice; set aside.

Using a dry 1-cup measuring cup, place 1/4 of pepper slices in bottom of cup in an even layer. Next, place 1/2 cup of cabbage on top of pepper and then 1/4 cup of carrot on top of cabbage.

Place a small salad plate on top of measuring cup. Hold plate and cup securely together, and invert, placing plate on work surface. Carefully remove measuring cup. Repeat with remaining ingredients, creating 3 more salads on 3 more individual plates. Top each with about 2/3 tablespoon of dressing.

Yields 1 salad per serving.

2 Points Recipes

Spiced Banana Smoothie
Combine 1/2 large ripe banana, 1/3 cup of fat-free vanilla yogurt, 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg, 2 tablespoons of skim milk and 3 ice cubes in a blender; blend until smooth.

Mango Drink
Combine 1/3 cup of fat-free vanilla yogurt, 1/2 fresh medium mango (chopped) and 2 tablespoons of skim milk in a blender; blend until smooth.

Fresh Lemon Yogurt
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of fat-free vanilla yogurt with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon peel.

Pumpernickel Bagel with Cream Cheese, Scallions and Tomato
Spread 2 tablespoons of fat-free cream cheese on 1/2 a small (3-inch) pumpernickel bagel; top with 1 tablespoon of chopped scallions, 1 thick tomato slice and salt and pepper to taste.

Deli-Style Roast Beef with Steak Sauce
Heat 2 ounces thickly-sliced deli roast beef in a nonstick skillet; serve with 1 tablespoon of steak sauce and 1 cup of steamed broccoli seasoned with salt and pepper.

Blue Cheese Dip with Vegetables
Dip 1/2 cup of grape tomatoes and 1/2 cup of raw broccoli florets into 2 tablespoons of reduced-calorie blue cheese dressing.

Honey-Roasted Peanut Butter and Apple Sandwich
Cut half a medium apple into two 3/4-inch-thick slices; spread 2 teaspoons of honey-roasted peanut butter between them.

Portobello Pizza
Coat both sides of a large Portobello mushroom cap (stem removed) with olive oil cooking spray. Grill (or broil) over medium heat until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Fill inside of mushroom cap with 2 tablespoons of prepared pizza sauce and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese; cover grill and cook (or broil) until cheese melts, about 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil.

Fillet of Sole with Spinach and Parmesan Crumbs
Preheat broiler to high. Coat a small pan with olive oil cooking spray; place a 3-ounce flounder or sole fillet in prepared pan and top with 1/4 cup of cooked, well-drained spinach. In a cup, combine 2 teaspoons of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of panko bread crumbs and a pinch of black pepper; spoon over spinach. Coat fish with cooking spray and broil until top looks golden, about 6 minutes.

Blackened Tuna with Steamed Spinach
Coat a grill or nonstick skillet with olive oil cooking spray; heat over high heat. Coat a 1-inch-thick, 3-ounce piece of yellowfin tuna with cooking spray and dip into 1 teaspoon of seafood seasoning, spreading seasoning all over fish with your hands. Cook, flipping once, about 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 minutes per side (depending on desired doneness); serve over 1 cup of steamed spinach.

Raspberry Sorbet with Fresh Oranges
Place 1/3 cup of raspberry sorbet in a small bowl; top with 1/3 cup of fresh orange sections.

Spruced-Up Mexican-Style Zero POINTS Value Soup
Stir 2 ounces of cooked, chopped shrimp into soup and top with 2 tablespoons of reduced-fat sour cream.

1 Point Recipes

Egg White Omelet with Chives and Parmesan
Coat a small frying pan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. In a small bowl, beat 3 egg whites until frothy and pour into prepared pan. When edges start to firm up, top eggs with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives and 1 teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese. Fold the omelet in half and cook to preferred doneness; season to taste with salt and pepper.

Smoked Salmon Rounds with Lemon-Dill Cream
In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of reduced-fat sour cream with 1 teaspoon of fresh minced dill and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice; season to taste with salt and pepper. Slice 1/4 of a medium English cucumber into 6 thick rounds and spread a little of the sour cream mixture onto each round. Cut 1 ounce of smoked salmon into 6 pieces and top each cucumber round with a piece of salmon.

Easy Corn Soup
Place 1/2 cup of frozen, thawed corn niblets in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of fat-free chicken broth, 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of cumin; bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Puree in a blender and then top with chopped jalapeno, if desired.

Ham-Wrapped Asparagus with Dijon Dressing
In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard with 1/2 teaspoon of reduced-calorie mayonnaise; spread on one side of 2 ounces of smoked Virginia ham slices. Wrap ham slices around 1/4 pound of steamed, cooled asparagus spears, either individually or around several spears at once.

Creamy Chipotle Dip
In a small bowl, mix and mash 1 teaspoon of canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with 2 tablespoons of reduced-fat sour cream. Cut a small green pepper into strips; sprinkle to taste with salt and lime juice. (If dip is too spicy, cool it down with lime juice.)

Cucumber Chips and Dip
In a small bowl, mix and mash 1 tablespoon of reduced-fat sour cream with 2 tablespoon of low-fat (1%) cottage cheese and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives; season to taste with freshly ground black pepper. Cut 1/3 of an English cucumber into thick rounds to use as chips.

Grilled Shrimp with Asian Dipping Sauce
Coat a grill or broiler pan with cooking spray and heat to high. Grill or broil 4 large, cleaned shrimp until they turn pink, about 3 to 4 minutes. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 2/3 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of fresh minced scallions (you can also add 1/2 teaspoon of minced ginger and/or 1/2 teaspoon of minced jalapeno, if desired). Serve shrimp with dip and grilled or broiled 0 POINTS value vegetables.

Pineapple and Shrimp Salad
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of cubed pineapple and 1 1/2 ounces chopped cooked shrimp. Add 1 teaspoon of chopped mint or cilantro, and 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice; toss to mix. Serve over shredded lettuce or baby greens; season to taste with salt and pepper.

Roasted Orange Roughy
Preheat oven to 500ºF. Coat both a small roasting pan and a 3-ounce, 1-inch-thick piece of orange roughy with olive oil cooking spray; season fish to taste with salt and pepper. Roast fish until middle turns opaque, about 7 to 8 minutes; sprinkle with freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice and 2 to 3 teaspoons of minced parsley. Serve with roasted or steamed 0 POINTS value vegetables.

Spruced-Up Italian-Style Zero POINTS Value Soup
Stir 1/4 cup of canned garbanzo beans into 1 cup of soup and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of grated parmesan cheese.

Jell-O Sugar-Free Vanilla Pudding Snack + Canned Pure Pumpkin
This ROCKS! Simply combine the contents of a pudding snack cup with ½ cup of canned pumpkin. Mix well and, if you like, add a little Splenda and/or pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon and nutmeg). This treat is not only delicious, it's filling, too.

One pudding snack with 1/2 cup of pumpkin has 100 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 4.5 grams of fiber for a POINTS value of 1.

Celery + Salsa
Who says celery has to be boring? Not me! I like to dunk mine into some spicy salsa, for a crunchy, flavor-packed and satisfying treat. And eight stalks and 1/2 cup of salsa go a looooong way! Psssst...eating spicy foods might curb your appetite, some say it even speeds up your metabolism. Nice!

8 celery stalks with 1/2 cup of salsa has 90 calories, 1 gram of fat and 7 grams of fiber for a POINTS value of 1.

Turkey Slices + Pickles
One of my absolute favorite go-to snacks are turkey slices wrapped around pickles. YUM ! I love this so much. It's a high protein option, so it really fills you up. It also tastes fantastic. I love pickles...

Two ounces of sliced lean turkey breast and two pickle slices have 68 calories, 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of fiber for a POINTS value of 1.

3-Points Recipes

Berries and Cream
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of mixed berries, 2 tablespoons of reduced-fat sour cream and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar.

Cheese and Fruit Plate
Arrange 1 ounce of light Jarlsberg cheese, 1/2 ounce of soft goat cheese, 1/2 medium sliced apple and 1 cup of raspberries on a plate.

Black Bean Tortillas
In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup of canned black beans (rinsed and drained), 1/4 cup of salsa, 1/4 cup of plain fat-free yogurt, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/4 cup of chopped, fresh cilantro and 1/8 teaspoon of salt; roughly chop mixture. Divide bean mixture among three 4-inch corn tortillas, and top each with 1/4 teaspoon of nonfat sour cream.

Cheese Tortilla
Preheat oven to 425ºF. Sprinkle each of two 4-inch fat-free flour tortillas with 2 tablespoons of shredded light cheddar cheese. Place tortillas on a cookie sheet and bake until cheese melts, about 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of salsa down the center of each tortilla; fold each tortilla in half.

Turkey on Rye
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of fat-free Italian dressing on a slice of toasted light rye bread. Top with 1/4 cup of chopped roasted red pepper (packed in water), 2 ounces of deli-style turkey breast and another piece of toast.

Roast Chicken Slices with Pesto
In a cup, mix 1 teaspoon of store-bought pesto with 1 tablespoon of low-sodium chicken broth (or water). Place 2 ounces of sliced chicken breast and 1 medium fresh, chopped tomato in a small bowl; drizzle with pesto mixture.

Roasted Chicken with Citrus Dressing
In a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 tablespoons of orange juice, 1 teaspoon of orange zest, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Place 2 ounces of shredded, roasted chicken breast on a bed of lettuce. Top with thinly sliced red onion and drizzle with dressing.

Baby Lamb Chop with Mint Jelly
Preheat broiler and broiler pan to medium. Rub 3 ounces of raw baby lamb chop with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 4 1/2 to 5 minutes per side for medium rare (or longer for desired doneness). Serve with 1 tablespoon of sugar-free mint jelly and 1 cup of cooked baby spinach.

Citrus Broiled Salmon
Preheat broiler. Coat a 3-ounce Atlantic salmon fillet with olive oil cooking spray; sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper and then drizzle with 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Broil just until center is no longer translucent, about 6 to 7 minutes. Serve with 1 cup of cooked Swiss chard.

Pan-Roasted Scallops in Hot Sauce
Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles on the surface. Off heat, coat hot skillet with olive oil cooking spray; place back over heat and add 1 teaspoon of hot chili oil. Add 3 ounces of sea scallops and cook until center of scallops are no longer translucent, about 1 to 2 minutes per side; place scallops on a plate of shredded lettuce. Deglaze skillet with 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice and pour sauce over scallops.

Spruced-Up Asian-Style Zero-POINTS-Value Soup
Stir 2 ounces of diced Chinese roast pork and 1/4 cup of diced firm tofu into 1 cup of soup.

Free Soup

1 (46 ounce) can V-8 juice (Hot and Spicy or regular)
23 ounces water
1 cup cabbage, shredded
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and chile peppers
1 cup celery, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can green beans
1 jar mushrooms (optional)
4 to 6 carrots, sliced
2 tablespoons parsley
2 packages beef bouillon
1 package ranch dressing mix

Mix all ingredients together. Cook until vegetables are tender. Serve.

DISTURBING.

Senior Adult Choir: Hey Ya @ Yahoo! Video

I gave the Belly Button gag gifts this year! I got a grin out of my brother-in-law and my dad! I thought it was pretty cute to do. Hey, the men are hard to buy for!

Next up, reorganizing the bathroom. Well, really the entire house. I have to do that after every holiday season! I have to throw out alot and organize the rest. My daughter's room will be hard to do...she needs some organization tools.

I need all this stuff to get organized:

Bookshelf for the bathroom
New handsoap dispenser
Large box for VHS tapes
New larger clothes hamper or three small ones
Bigger cd case
New bedside tables

Homemade Gag Gifts

BELLY BUTTON DUSTER.

Take a sparkly pipe cleaner, cut in half, glue a cotton ball on one end and a small bunch of flowers with bow on the other end.

BELLY BUTTON BRUSH (here's another version)

You need: any color pipe cleaner, long bead, cardboard stock printing paper, small piece of wood (optional). Cut pipe cleaner in 3" sections. Take one end and push down into bead. Roll remaining pipecleaner into a circle. (The bead & pipe cleaner now look like a small toilet brush.)

MORE INSTRUCTIONS: For the belly button duster and brush. Make a matched set with small dowel rods about 9" long and use the pipe cleaner coiled for a brush end. Wrap it to the rod with a small piece of pipe cleaner. Glue a white pom,pom to the other rod. For handles, use some old ball point pens, remove the inside and unscrew them. They work on the dowels. Put a little glue in them to hold then on.

--------------------------

BELLY BUTTON BLOW DRYER

ordinary flexible drinking straw attached to a card that says:

INSTRUCTIONS
Take deep breath. Place one end of dryer in mouth. Bend over. Place other end of dryer near belly button. Blow. Repeat if necessary. CAUTION - Do NOT inhale when dryer is near belly button.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
GIFT NOT INCLUDED

I bought two AA batteries, put them in a box with a note saying "Gift not included"

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HOME EXERCISER

The home exerciser is a block of wood with this saying printed on paper glued to it.

HOME EXERCISER
1. Place in middle of the floor
2. Walk around it two times
3. Rest, you've just walked around the block two times.

-----------------------------------------
FISH SEEDS

Put this topper on a little baggie of goldfish crackers.

Fish Seeds
It's known you like to fish alot,
your line dropped in the water.
But sometimes they aren't biting,
so you can't catch what you oughter!
When these times come, just grab
this pack of ready-to-grow fish seed
, then raise them til they fit the size
your best "fish stories" need!

----------------------------------------

Bank idea (sheri)
glue a tiny figurine onto a baby food jar and cut hole for money. Put what the money is being saved for on the front of the jar on a label or just with a paint pen or marker.
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STRAW HAT

Put some straw in a zip-loc bag and attach a tag that reads "Straw Hat -- Assembly Required"
-----------------------------
RED NECK FISHING

Stick of dynamite (made from cardboard tube painted or colored red and a long string coming out of the end
-----------------------------

PUZZLE

Sawdust in a small zip lock bag labeled "Expert Jigsaw Puzzle"
-----------------------------

SNOWMAN POOP

Take the white packing peanuts or mini-marshmallows put them in a tin can. Add a note that says,

You've been bad
so here's the scoop
all you get
is snowman's poop!


REINDEER POOP - Use Raisinets and change snowman to reindeer.

------------------------------------

HERD STARTER KIT

White beans that have black spots painted on them in a small bag. Attach a card that has a picture of a cow and reads "Herd Starter Kit" the back reads...

To start your own herd, plant the seeds in a warm spot right side up (you don't want the cows to grow upside down, do you? Be patient, it takes a long time to start your own herd. For best results, moo softly while watering.

-----------------------------------

SANTA SOCK

Put an old work sock (complete with holes!) in a zip-lock, and then attach this poem:

"Official Santa Sock"
My puppy must have stolen it
On last year's Christmas Eve.
I hope that Santa's toes weren't froze
When he had to leave.
I'm passing it along to you
As quiet as a mouse!
And THIS year if he's lookin' for it
IT WON'T BE AT MY HOUSE!!!!
--------------------------------
FANNY FLOSS

crochet thread or heavy cotton cording, label reads for those hard to reach areas.

Yule Recipes

Eggless Nog

1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup rum
1 jigger of brandy
nutmeg

Blend all the ingredient except the nutmeg in a blender. Chill until serving time.
Sprinkle with nutmeg and serve.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Orange Egg Nog Punch

1 quart orange sherbet
2 cups orange juice
2 cups pineapple juice
1 quart dairy egg nog
1 cup orange sherbet

In a mixing bowl beat the 1 quart orange sherbet until smooth. Add the juices and blend thoroughly. Gradually add the egg nog. Pour in to a punch bowl or pitcher. Float small scoops of the remaining sherbet on top.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Christmas Elves Peanut Butter Bonbons

1 c Peanut butter; chunky
2 tb Butter
1 c Powdered sugar; sifted
1 1/2 c Nuts; finely chopped
6 oz Semisweet chocolate chips
-1 pk 1 ts Vegetable shortening;solid

Combine peanut butter, butter and powdered sugar, stirring until smooth. Shape into balls. Melt chocolate and shortening over hot (not boiling) water. Dip balls into chocolate, cool slightly and roll in chopped nuts. Put balls onto waxed paper lined baking sheet and refrigerate until firm.

Cinnamon-Apple Chex® Mix

INGREDIENTS :
5 cups Wheat Chex® cereal
1 cup lightly salted whole almonds
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup dried apples
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt-covered raisins

DIRECTIONS:
In large microwaveable bowl, mix cereal and almonds.

In 2-cup microwaveable measuring cup, microwave butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and cinnamon uncovered on High about 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, until mixture is boiling; stir. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated. Microwave uncovered on High 3 minutes, stirring and scraping bowl after every minute. Stir in
apples; microwave uncovered on High about 2 minutes or until apples just begin to brown on edges.

Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool, about 15 minutes. Place in serving bowl, stir in yogurt-covered raisins. Store in airtight container.

16 servings

Why do I doubt myself?

I can mark off yet another accomplishment on my list of things I thought I'd never do! Once I get one minor detail out of the way, I will have letters following my name. These letters: EMT-B.

And to think, I almost quit two days before the end! Some very kind people who believed in me talked me into keeping on. My husband, my instructor, my co-worker and my online girlfriends. THANK YOU!

Quick Homemade Soaps

Things You’ll Need:
soap molds
spray vegetable oil
glycerine soap
cutting board
sharp knife
measuring cup
microwave
soap coloring
essential oils

Step1
Lightly spray the molds with the vegetable oil. Cut the glycerin into 1" cubes.
Step2
Place the cubes into the measuring cup and heat in the microwave until melted. When melted add the soap coloring and essential oils if desired and stir.
Step3
Gently pour the soap into the molds and let cool at least 30 minutes. Turn the mold over to release the soap. Wrap nicely or place in baskets for gift giving and decorations.

Ice Candles

Empty half gallon cardboard milk/juice carton - rinsed and dry, 10 in. white candle, ice cubes, crayons, candle scent-optional, 2 lbs.. wax ( I use Gulfwax which can purchased at the food store. It comes in 1 lb. pkgs. and each pkg. contains 4 slabs of wax.

If you buy Gulfwax you will need 7 slabs of wax. Prior to melting the wax you can prepare the mold. Place candle in the middle of the carton and fill with ice cubes. Make sure candle is centered while filling carton. Place carton in freezer until ready to use. Melt wax in coffee can placed in a pan with several inches of water over low to medium heat. Add bits of crayon/candle coloring and candle scent as desired.

Stir wax while melting-I use a piece of wooden dowel. Do not leave melting wax unattended on stove. When the wax has melted, remove the mold from the freezer and slowly pour the melted wax into the mold. Make sure the coffee can is not too hot to handle prior to pouring the wax.

Fill to the top of the mold and let sit for at least 15 minutes. The ice cubes will start to melt and you can drain water out of the candle by holding over the sink.

Let candle sit for another 15 minutes and drain again. Repeat several more times, then carefully peel away the carton from the candle. Let the candle sit for several more hours in order to ensure all of the water has drained out.

You can dust the outside with glitter or attach sequins for decorations. For a nice display, place the candle on a plate covered with tin foil, put some greens around the base, light and enjoy!!!

Coffee, Tea, ...from me!

CANDIED TEA STIRRERS

Vegetable cooking spray
34 pieces fruit flavored hard candy--crushed--lemon, cinnamon etc.
2 TBS. light corn syrup
heavy weight plastic spoons
Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Spray with cooking spray. In a small heavy saucepan combine crushed candies and corn syrup and melt over low eat stirring frequently.

Spoon candy into bowl of each spoon. Place spoons on prepared cookie sheet with handles on rims and spoons level. Allow to harden. Store in air tight container.

Coffee and Tea Mix Recipes

The first batch of recipes are from the message board at Crafts Niche on AOL. These mixing and serving directions only apply until you get to the dotted divider line.

To prepare the following coffee recipes: mix in food processor or blender until you have a fine powder.

For all the coffee recipes except the cafe' au lait, use 1 to 2 spoonfuls to one mug of hot water (to desired taste)

BAVARIAN MINT

2/3 cup instant coffee
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. dried mint leaves
2/3 cup nondairy creamer
(you might have to turn the mint leaves into powder - not sure about this)

CAFE' L'ORANGE

2/3 cup instant coffee
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. dried crushed orange peel
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
CAFE' MOCHA

2/3 cup instant coffee
3 TBS. unsweetened cocoa
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 cup nondairy creamer
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk
CINNAMON-N-SPICE

2/3 cup instant coffee
1 1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice
TOFFEE COFFEE

1 cup instant coffee
1 cup nondairy creamer
1 cup brown sugar
CAFE' VIENNA

1 cup instant coffee
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 1/3 cups nonfat dry milk
1 tsp. cinnamon
CAFE' ORANGE CAPPUCCINO

1 cup instant coffee
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups nonfat dry milk
1 tsp. dry orange peel
SWISS MOCHA

1 cup instant coffee
1 cup sugar
2 cups nonfat dry milk
4 tsp. cocoa powder
CAFE' VIENNA MIX

1 cup instant coffee
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 cups nondairy creamer
1 1/2 cups nonfat dry milk
4 TBS. cocoa
CAFE' AU LAIT

1 11 oz jar nondairy creamer
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup instant coffee
dash of salt
(use 1/4 cup mix to 2/3 cup hot water for the cafe' au lait)
The next four are from a book I have and I've made them all - they're good:
NIGHT CAP COFFEE

2/3 cup nondairy powdered coffee creamer
1/3 cup instant coffee
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. ground cardamom (I've made this - I'd use less)
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Use one heaping TBS. to 1 cup hot water.
CHOCOLATE MALT COFFEE CREAMER

2 cups instant hot cocoa mix
2/3 cup nondairy powdered coffee creamer
2/3 cup malted mil mix
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
(I've made this one - I like less hot cocoa powder and more malted milk powder) Use to desired taste.
RASPBERRY COCOA MIX (Cherry would be good too)

3 cups instant hot cocoa powder
1 pkg. unsweetened raspberry Kool-aid (0.13 oz size)
Use 2 heaping TBS. to 1 cup hot water.
FORGET-ME-NOT TEA (hot or cold)

1 15 oz jar orange tang-type mix
1 cup sugar
1 cup unsweetened tea mix
1/2 cup sweetened lemonade mix
1 package cherry Kool-aid (0.14 oz, unsweetened)
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
To serve, stir 2 heaping tablespoons tea mix into 8 oz. hot or cold water.

TEAS-from AOL craft niche message boards

RUSSIAN TEA

1 cup instant tea mix (unsweetened and no lemon)
2 cups dry tang powder
1 pkg. lemonade, unsweetened powder
1 cup sugar
1 TBS. nutmeg
1 TBS. allspice
1 TBS. cinnamon
Mix all ingredients together and store in air tight container. To use, place 1-2 rounded teaspoons of dry mix to 1 mug of hot water. (can use a shot of whiskey or spirits for hot toddy.)

Gag Gift

Snowman Poop

As a gag gift, add miniature marshmallows to small snack-size ziploc bags and attach this note:

"You've been naughty and here's the scoop,
all you get for Christmas is snowman poop!"

How to make a Paper Bag Scrapbook

The Grocery List
2-3 paper bags, any size
Cardstock
Scissors
Ribbon
Stapler
Ruler
Hole punch

Directions
When choosing the number of paper bags needed, you will need to know how many pages will be necessary to finish your project. With 2 paper bags, the scrapbook will have 8 pages and 4 pockets to decorate. If you choose 3 bags, you will have 12 pages and 6pockets to decorate. For the purpose of this instruction, I have chosen to use 2 paper bags.

First you will need to cut off the bottom of your paper bags. The easiest way is to leave your paper bag folded flat. Lift the bottom flap and then cut straight across the bag. You will do this to all of your paper bags making sure they are even.

Next you will individually fold each bag in half. Then set them on top of one another.

Use your hole punch to cut 3 holes down the left side of the book. (See the tips below for the easiest way to do this.)

Cut the ribbon into 3 strips about 5 inches long. Feed the ribbon through the holes and tie.

Now the real fun begins. Decorate your pages!


Paper Bag Album Tips
The Paper Bag Scrapbook is not acid free or lignin free. Keep in mind that the photographs stored in your paper bag scrapbook will fade. So you must take extra precautions to protect your photographs. Use copies of your photos, do not use your originals. Also do not use precious items, like ticket stubs, unless you have copied them as well.

If you want less side pockets, then don't cut off the ends of the bags. Some instructions call for alternating the bags before binding them together. This will result in having a side pocket every other page.

Add a poem to a side pocket if you are running short of photographs.

Instead of using a hole punch, use your eyelet setter.

For binding the album together use: eyelets, fancier fibers, brads, metal rings, staples or even use your sewing machine to stitch down the middle.

Use colored bags found in the craft aisle or in the gift bag section. Or use white paper bags found in the grocery store.

Use large grocery bags for a larger album.

Measure the side holes evenly with a ruler, then punch the holes. Then match up the second bag behind the first bag and mark where the holes should be punched.

Precut your cardstock or decorative paper to the same size to use as your background paper. Then go to town!

Use tags as a decorative part of the paper bag scrapbook. Use for journaling then thread ribbon or fibers through the top of the tag so that the fibers come out of the top of the album.

Choose your theme: summer vacation, birthday party, favorite pet, baby album or a cute brag book.

Staple ribbons to the side of your pages that will fit into the pocket. It makes for a cute touch.

Measuring Cup Wind Chimes

How to Make Wind Chimes
Supplies:

Set of 4 metal measuring cups
Wire Whisk
Acrylic paint
A sealer
Fishing line

Measuring Cup Wind Chimes
Instructions:
Start by choosing the different colors of flowers that you want to decorate your measuring cups. I picked yellow, blue, white and purple; one color of flower for each cup.

You don't have to prime the cups before painting. Paint green lines around the sides of each cup, as illustrated below. Then paint on a little leaf. Make 5 little dots in circle and an orange dot in the center for a flower.

For the inside and bottom of the cups, paint a bigger flower in the same color. as illustrated above. Don't be afraid to paint; it's really simple to do (just like when we were kids).

Also paint the neck of whisk. I chose green.

Let all dry. And spray or brush on a sealer. Let dry.

Tie the fishing line to each hole on the cups. Mine had holes on the handle, but if yours doesn't, just drill a hole or take a hammer and nail and make a hole.

How to Make a Sponge Painted Trinket Box

What You Will Need:

Small wooden box (this one had a bow form on the lid, but a plain box is fine)
Blue and gold acrylic paints
Sand paper
Felt (any color, to use as a lining - I used red)
Small piece of sea sponge, rag, or dry brushsmall amount of masking tape
Sponge Painted Trinket Box:
Project Instructions:

Sand any imperfections on the box.

Paint the box blue inside and out, then let dry thoroughly.

To sponge on the gold highlighting, you can use a variety of materials. A small piece of damp sea sponge works well, but you can also a small piece of damp rag or even a dry paint brush. Whichever you choose, apply the gold all over the box, but apply it sparingly - you want an antiqued effect, rather than a heavy gold overlay.

Use a "pouncing" technique, dabbing the sponge, rag or brush lightly straight down on the box surface, lifting it off quickly and repeating in another area. If you don't like the effect in a certain spot, use a clean damp rag to wipe it off and try again. Let the paint dry.

Glue the felt to inside of the box. You can do just the bottom or do the sides too.

Make a pretty pair of decoupaged earrings to put inside, then give this sponge painted trinket box as an expensive gift (only we know differently ~Smile~).

How to Make Decoupaged Jewelery

Decoupage Jewelery Supplies:

The basic supplies required for decoupage jewelry include sheets of chip board, scissors, decoupage sealer (that also doubles as your adhesive), and pretty paper. Various jewelry findings will also be needed to finish off your pieces and make them into true jewels; these include items such as jump rings, chains, hooks, pin backs, etc.

How to Make Decoupaged Jewelery
Instructions:

A pin is probably the easiest item to create. For instance, find an image you like on thin paper - glossy wrapping paper works well. Let's say it's a Victorian cherub or rosebud bouquet. Cut your chip board to the size of your pendant-size image. Glue your image with the sealer to the chip board. Paint the back of your chipboard red or some corresponding color so the piece will look finished from front to back. When the paint is dry, give the back a coat or two of sealer allowing each layer to dry before applying the neck.

The front of the piece may require more than simply your cut-out bouquet. A nice touch would be to frame it with a very thin border of gold foil, but you can make a frame from any paper. Now, give the whole front of the piece about three coats of sealer. Since this is going to be worn against the skin, be sure to use a non-toxic decoupage sealer (most available from the craft store will be non-toxic). Lacquer is also used to coat a decoupage project, but since it is not a non-toxic product, avoid it for jewelry projects.

When the front is dry, you can glue on your pin pack then place and wear it. For charms, earrings and pendants, you simply vary the size of your item and poke a hole in each piece for a jump ring to fit. When complete, the jump ring can be attached to a chain or bracelet sporting your new charms or pendant.

Some great images for decoupage include traditional cameo pictures, silhouettes, leaves, flowers and butterflies. In the case of the charm bracelet, vary the shapes by using ovals, squares, circles and rectangles. The charms can even be fashioned into earrings by adding fish hook earring wires. Decoupage jewelry also makes some great holiday jewels depicting vintage Halloween or Christmas images.

3 things to do with Buttons

Mark a page

Bookworms of all stripes will love these bright place markers. They make sweet stocking stuffers -- and they're fun and easy for kids to create. Simply cut lengths of ribbon (ours are 12 to 14 inches long, to fit a standard-size hardcover book), then attach buttons to the ends using tacky glue or a glue gun. Shown here are just a few of the decorating options: sandwiching the ribbon's ends between two buttons; stacking smaller atop larger buttons; and grouping several small buttons in a pattern.



Tiddle a wink
Our Button Skee-Ball game is an update of tiddlywinks. To make the target, use 2-inch-wide poster board rings 28, 21, 17, and 8 inches long, secured at the seams with double-sided tape. Attach printed point values (or simply write them on)and assemble the rings as shown, securing them with more double-sided tape. Cut out a felt launchpad. Players take turns using a large button to flip 10 small buttons toward the target. The player with the highest total score wins

Button Baubles

CRAFT MATERIALS:
Buttons
Glue (we used Crafter's Pick The Ultimate glue, which is nontoxic and creates a durable bond; it's available at craft stores)
Thread
Elastic hair band
Adjustable ring base
Barrette base
Earring hoops (available at craft stores)

Time needed: Under 1 Hour

1. To make a ponytail holder: Use several loops of thread to secure your largest button to an elastic hair band. Glue other buttons on top.



2. To make a ring: Glue together a stack of buttons of diminishing sizes. Let the glue dry, then glue the stack to an adjustable ring base (available at some craft stores



3. To make a barrette: Glue together buttons of diminishing sizes to create four stacks. Let the stacks dry, then glue them to a hair barrette base.


4. To make earrings: Thread an assortment of buttons onto a set of hoops.

Great Advice on Life

In three words I can sum up everything that I learned about life, "It goes on."

When the going gets tough, make yourself realize that no matter what your problem is, someone is and always will be fighting a harder battle.

Tears don't help problems and whining won't make things better.

Have faith but understand that faith makes things possible, not easier.

Have hope but understand without doing anything nothing gets done.

Be there when people need you, because in order to have friends you must first be one.

Make the impossible, possible.

Never give up!

You only fail when you fail to try.

Keep an open mind; you never know what you may learn.

Never compromise your standards for anyone, do it for you.

Remember that laughter makes the world go round.

Beware of the person who has nothing to lose, see through the problem to find the solution.

Don't make promises that you can't keep.

Keep in mind, those who gossip to you will gossip about you.

Say only what you mean, and don't believe everything that you hear.

Everyday is a gift, even if it sucks.

Count your blessings, not your troubles.

Never waste an opportunity to tell someone that you love them, because you never know what tomorrow has in store for you.

Give people a second chance, because no one is perfect.

Love all that you can, give all that you have, smile away your days, and dream away your nights.

My meditation message today was:

For today's meditation, we visit with our wise friend Confucius, who so correctly observed...

To be wronged is nothing unless you continue
to remember it.

This week, focus on letting go of all those instances when you were wronged in life by somebody or something.

Here's a simple way to let go...

Take three or four long, slow, deep breaths, focus on the pauses between breaths, and feel your consciousness shift into that calm well of silence that is the real you.

When you're calm and centered, think about the most recent instance of when you believe someone did you wrong.

Feel the anger, resentment, or other negative emotion associated with that perceived wrong.

Now, breathe deeply and, as you exhale, let go completely of all that emotional weight that has been holding you down.

Ah, relief.