Wordless Wednesday

A very special lesson from Great-Grandma on how to make her "Butterhorns". This recipe has been passed down from many generations. So happy my granddaughters had the chance to make these!

Get Energized!

Some days I seem to have a shortage of energy. Does that happen to you too? Although now that the weather has turned unseasonably warm for MN I'm finding a little more energy from the sun. (Also a little more motivation to run outside.) However, on those days when I need a little pick-me-up I turn to Simply Celebrate's list of energizers. A quote from the website...

"When my energy is high I feel better, I laugh more, I connect to people more easily, I take action without worrying about perfection. When my energy is high, I simply feel more alive.

I wanted to send you the link to a free download of mine that includes 50 things you can do in less than 10 minutes to get a little more oomph in your life. Click here to download now."

I especially love this one #11 ... You just can't help smile and wish you were there to join in! #16 and 27 are pretty good too.  I think #51 should be ...play a song on your favorite musical instrument. I played a new song today on my piano and it gave me the boost I needed!

Check out the list of energizers and tell us which is your favorite! Or better yet, what is your favorite way to get energized?

A Weekend of Family Fun

This past weekend was a joyous one! My hubby retired from his job after 36 years and we celebrated his 60th birthday. Our son and daughter-in-law flew in from D.C. Our daughter flew in from Colorado. Along with my daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren who live nearby,our family was all together for the festivities.

His co-workers put together a very nice program for him on Wednesday afternoon. It was a little bit serious and yet had some humor. Very nice words were spoken about him from his boss, co-workers and administration. We were very proud to witness how many people he had touched.

Then came the big bash at our house. We both come from large families.So along with parents, siblings and friends we had a houseful. My children and grandchildren helped to put together a wonderful party. Our theme was "He's Going On Permanent Vacation.With three of us being teachers,(my daughter Rana , daughter-in-law Angela and I) we came up with "centers" for our guests to stop at. As they entered the party they were given a "passport".

They had to stop at each center and complete a task. When that was completed they stamped their passport. The centers included birthday pics of Jerry through the years, (They had to guess his age.) a chance to add to Jerry's Bucket list and a short quiz of questions about Jerry. (There were 5 centers in all.) Once the passport was stamped, they got a "ticket for fun". (lottery ticket) We also put out a bunch of photo props, a background and a digital camera. We got some pretty funny pics!

As you can see from the above collage everyone pitched in to create a delicious spread of foods from "around the world"(kept the travel theme going). My daughter Lacie and son Jon are great in the kitchen so we used their expertise! The little girls had fun making tortellin skewers.

We don't have our family all together very often so it was a real treat. (We did miss our son-in-law Cody who wasn't able to join us.)Jerry was pretty overwhelmed by everyone's thoughtfulness and generosity. It was a sweet tribute to him that so many people would come and help him celebrate. I just thoroughly enjoyed everyone's company.

I'm younger than Jerry so I won't be having a milestone birthday this year. I would like to retire next fall though. I'm not keen on the idea of a big party for me (even though Jerry's was fun). My dream celebration would be to have all of my family go somewhere to vacation together. (hint, hint) That would be a great way to start my "Permanent Vacation"!

Wordless Wednesday

                                                                      "Naughty Irish Girl" (the drink...oh, you knew that!)

Help For Damaged Hair

I'm hoping that since March is coming in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb. Winter has been hard on my hair so I found some  home recipes for hair that are perfect for damaged and dry hair  that I'd like to share.

Homemade Hair Treatments For Damaged Hair

1. Avocado Deep Conditioner Hair Mask- Using 1 small jar of mayonnaise and 1/2 avocado. Mix all ingredients, smooth into head being careful to work it to the ends, Use shower cap or plastic wrap to seal body heat in and leave on for 20 minutes.

2. Mayonnaise Your Hair - Apply 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to your dry hair, work in really well, cover your head with a plastic wrap, and let it set for about 15 minutes.

3. Olive Oil Hair Mask - Combine 2 tablespoon honey and 3 tablespoon olive oil together. Apply thoroughly and then cover with plastic wrap and set for 15 minutes.

4. Honey Mask Combine 1 tsp. of honey with an egg yolk and 2 tbps. of olive oil. Spread the mixture evenly through damp hair, wrap with a warm damp towel and let sit for 30 minutes. Wash the mask away with a gentle shampoo, followed by your regular conditioner.

These treatments are great on any type of hair and safe enough for those with sensitive scalps as well.

Homemade Shampoo

1.Baking Soda Hair Mud Mix 1 heaping Tbsp. of Baking Soda and 3-5 drops of essential oils of your choice (lavender, patchouli, rosemary, sweet orange are some of mine:not necessarily all together) with enough water to make a paste. Mix this in the shower. It might take a little getting used to, with there being no suds.

2.Natural Shampoo– Use these three ingredients and use as a natural DIY shampoo, ¼ cup distilled water, ¼ cup liquid castile soap ( I use unscented ), and ½ teaspoon jojoba, grapeseed or other light vegetable oil.

3. Chamomile Fields Shampoo - You'll need: 4 bags of Chamomile tea (or 1 handful of fresh Chamomile flowers) 4 tablespoons pure soap flakes 1 1/2 tablespoons glycerin. Let the tea bags steep in 1 1/2 cups of boiled water for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and with the remaining liquid add soap flakes. Let stand until the soap softens. Stir in glycerin until mixture is well blended. Pour into a bottle. Keep in a dark, cool place.

I've got spring fever (or is it cabin fever?) and it's only the beginning of March. Anyone else ready for spring?

Wordless Wednesday

Where I'd like to be...

It's in the Bag

Okay, girls, if you're like me you have a collection of purses. When switching purses what are the essential items you carry with you at all times? See if you agree with the list below:

1.Wallet. Make sure you have your driver's license.

2.Baby Wipes. They clean everything.

3.Mini sewing kit.

4.Pain reliever.

5.Cell phone.

6.Pen.

7.Gum or mints.

8.Pocket mirror.

9.Sunglasses.

10.Lip balm or gloss.

I have everything on that list in my purse except the baby wipes and sewing kit. I also carry a nail clippers, lotion,band-aids, mini-perfume, kleenex, glasses and contact case and more! I was invited to a baby shower where one of the games was to weigh your purse. Mine weighed close to four pounds!! (You can tell that I have a problem using a small purse.)What can I leave out? It all seems very necessary and important. The one really necessary and important thing I can't do without is Gathered From the Garden's purse-size Goat Milk and Honey Lotion. You can get one of your own here.

What's the one essential item you have to have in your purse?