Some time ago, a homemade recipe for tick repellent spray was shared on a health group I’m on. I saved the recipe to try, but only recently made it. After I heard someone comment how well it worked for them, it inspired me to purchase the oils and make it! I can’t make any claims since we’ve only recently started using it. But it will definitely be something we reach for when heading out doors for extended time.
We have enough ticks to be conscious about them but not a tremendous amount. In the past, we’ve had guineas to help with ticks, besides them being a good snake deterrent. I don’t know if their boisterous cackling scares off snakes or if they eat them. Aside from their boisterous cackling, I loved having them around for those reasons. But our guineas never lasted long around our little farm. Mostly they wander off and get killed or eaten by coyotes. Currently we don’t have any, but I’ve wondered if having them in the past has helped lessen the tick population for us. If you can keep them around and handle their obnoxious cackling and dense behaviors, please buy yourself a confusion of guineas. Yes, a confusion of guineas! Obnoxious, noisy, stupid- I don’t care how confused they are, guineas are worth it compared to Lymes disease!! As much as their cackling rumpled my nerves, I’ll take that any day above lymes and all manor of illnesses ticks can import into a person!!
Here is the recipe for simple tick repellent.
Deep Woods Tick Spray
1/2 cup distilled water
1/4 cup witch hazel
1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera juice
1/2 teaspoon glycerin
20 drops Lemon Eucalyptus
10 drops Lemongrass
10 drops Cedarwood
10 drops Rose geranium
10 drops Peppermint
I omitted aloe vera juice because I didn’t have that. There’s a variety of cedarwood oils- I used Atlas cedarwood. And yes, lemon eucalyptus is a plant oil, and not the same thing as mixing lemon and eucalyptus oils separately. I used Revive essential oils, but obviously, you can use essential oils of your choice. I think this has a pleasant scent. Spray well before heading outdoors!
This recipe made enough to fill this small spray bottle, plus extra to refill. Probably about 3/4- scant 1 cup total.
Another tidbit I’ve learned this summer, is using Lemongrass Spas’s sandalwood bar soap or body wash for tick repellent. The scent is what deters them. So the other week I ordered their sandalwood bodywash. (Their bar soap in that scent is seasonal and not currently available.) In our main bathroom, I put the sandalwood body wash at the sink for hand soap, for frequent exposure to the scent throughout the day.
While I had my oils out, I made fresh roller bottles of various blends. It’s fun but time consuming, and I’m always in my own world, hoping nobody disturbs me in the moment. It takes concentration and labeling before my brain forgets what’s what in those amber bottles!
Since I’m sharing oil recipes, I’m going to include a couple graphics I have in my health album for my own use. It’s nice to have these for easy reference when needed!
Another recipe I made was for breast health. I’m definitely not saying this will cure or keep you from getting cancer. However, preventative/detoxification measures are always better than waiting until a diagnosis! Something as simple as this is always worth a try in my book! Of course I’m not a doctor, so I’ll add my disclaimer-use at your discretion.
This is a combination of oils especially for cancer, opening cells, breast tissue health, and detox. I don’t think anyone could go wrong with using it.
I had a recipe years ago for breast health that used Frankincense, grapefruit and pink pepper. Recently my neice (a Doterra advocate) told me about more oils she adds to a blend for breast health, and I told her how I was applying castor oil in my armpits at night, for detoxing. So the recipe I made is this combination.
You can use fractionated coconut oil and put it in a roller bottle. (Castor oil will not do well in a roller.) So if you want castor oil for added detoxification, I recommend using a dropper bottle. It’s easy to drop a shot or two in your palm and massage well into armpits and breast tissue. I feel I can target a larger area this way better than running the roller bottle over my skin, if that makes sense. I’ve started doing this nightly after showering. I’m sure it won’t happen every night, and it may be good to take a break from it every couple weeks. It is greasy and an extra step with my shower routine but I don’t mind. It soaks in nicely, but don’t be alarmed when it stains your pajama armpits. Just wear an old shirt or something that won’t matter getting greasy.
I’m sure this blend could be used elsewhere on your body too as needed. (Except not on open sores or wounds.)
Here’s what I mixed up for Breast Health.
Frankincense
Restore (Doterra- DDR Prime)
Pink pepper
Grapefruit
Lemongrass
Cypress
For a roller bottle, use 10 drops of each. For a 1/2 ish cup Castor oil, I used more like 30ish drops of each oil. Use a quality Castor oil! This Heritage brand is what I use and was recommended by my Nutritional Dr.
While we’re on the subject, you probably know iodine is good for your thyroid, but did you know it’s also super great for breast health?! Iodine helps detox our hormone receptor cites, and in that way, helps our body better manage our hormones, which impact our breast health.
For a number of years I took Luggols Iodine capsules (Mother Earth Labs brand) with great results, per testing and my Nutritionist’s recommendation. (Always test thyroid and hormones before randomly supplementing.) Currently I’m using another supplement for a little thyroid support. I don’t have any trouble with breast tenderness even when PMSing, like I used to years ago. Breast tenderness/ lumpiness is often a symptom of low progesterone/ high estrogen, as well as low iodine.
My stock pile of the dayWishing you a happy, healthy summer!
Our long anticipated western trip for a family reunion was coming up rapidly. For days before, our schedule was brimming over with responsibilities and activities that couldn’t be avoided. Too many late nights were running me down.
That last night before leaving, I sat down wearily with my Bible and devotional book. I didn’t remember the verses I read, but a quote stuck with me. “God loves to provide for you! “
The exhaustion and failures in being the mom and wife I longed to be, loomed over, haunting me with guilt. “How can God really love to provide for me when I’ve messed up again?!” Yes I prayed and confessed but still felt down and ill prepared mentally for the long haul ahead. Travels with children and a toddler overwhelmed me in my raggled frame of my mind.
“I wonder how He will provide for me on this trip,” I thought. I know He always does, but I faced this trip with skepticism. This was a 9 day trip, not a weekend jaunt. My sleep is one of the quickest things to evaporate with the slightest stress. And then my 16 month old. She sleeps great at night, thank God! But travels in her car seat is where the real concern lay.
We woke well before dawn and headed out in the darkness. Surely the children would all go back to sleep! But the baby had no such plans. My fears rose with the sun. An hour after leaving, the crying began. Offers for snacks, toys and drinks. Prayers. Disciplinary actions. “Just go night night, honey.”“Waaaaahhhh, waaahh”, on and on she howled. “She has to learn,” hubby reminds me. “She’ll do better tomorrow,” he speaks with more optimism than I.
With hours of listening to my baby’s fussing, I was more than weary. I was in despair. How would I ever cope with this long day? With the days of travel ahead? I didn’t even try to keep back tears. Noise rapidly overstimulates my brain. Fatigue plagued me. But no matter how tired I am, fussing baby or not, I cannot sleep while traveling. My eyes burned from tears, dry contacts, and tiredness. Headache. My shoulders were tight. I felt the pain in my arm muscles/elbow that was bothering me for months. Countless prayers arose in the ‘groanings which couldn’t be uttered’ sort.
Let me clarify. I’m melancholy by nature, combined with gut/brain issues so it doesn’t take much to throw me in the gutters. I realize there are much worse scenarios life can bring and there are Mamas with much stronger brain health than me. So to you, my situation may sound pittly. Also, I’m beginning to wonder if being a 40ish mom doesn’t play into things too. Instead of the vigor of a 25 year old, my brain and body sags quicker with the demands of littles.
Back to the travels. I let my mind wander what I would ask if I could order anything I wanted. With my immediate needs plaguing me, these came to mind. Quietness. Solitude away from my children. A massage. A good long massage would feel amazing! A tidy room with a soft bed and cool sheets. A place to sleep undisturbed for many long hours. Waking refreshed, I’d bask in warm sunshine, reveling in the peaceful quiet of nature.
After 6 hours, Macie finally fell asleep for about 30-40 minutes. Grateful I was, but knew we were in for it. How would we survive 6 days of travels?! (Three days out and three back home) Tears coursed down my cheeks as we sped along, when suddenly, the vehicle dings merrily. The cruise had quit and soon Jerald informs me the transmission is acting up. I almost laughed. In my frame of mind, who knows what would go wrong next. It also humored me that exactly nine years ago this month, we were headed to Montana, just as we were this time, and our van’s alternator gave up the ghost. How’s that for a track record? Both times we were in South Dakota. I like the west but it appears our vehicles do not. With prayers and faith we rolled on another 30-40 miles to get our Yukon checked out.
God’s provision? Absolutely!
Silly as it sounds, I was relieved my weepy self and fussy toddler were no longer the problem in focus. Our overnight plans haunted me because I was in no shape for socializing, managing children, getting them to bed, plus being gracious guests in my distressed shape. Being delayed with checking out the vehicle, put us further behind. We canceled our overnight plans with relatives. Instead of despair, relief flooded me.
The children and me lounged on the strip of grass outside the shop. Yes it was hot and windy, but oh the relief of a happy baby. God’s provision? Absolutely! I briefly imagined what if we were stranded and literally had to spend the night on the street. But deep down I knew God would provide. I had a kind, wise husband who would take care of his family. Most of all, I had a big God who would provide for His weary child. Just as I was happy to have my howling baby out of her seat and trotting around, God was happy to provide that strip of grass and fresh air for my baby and me.
The shop guy hooked up his scanner, cleared all the sensors, and praise Jehovah! We were back on the road with a working vehicle! The transmission kept working good the remainder of our travels. On hot days it heated up a little, but never quit working. God’s provision? Absolutely!
We stopped at Golden Corral for supper. Gladness filled my heart as I fastened Macie’s bib and prepped her plate, eager to see her enjoy the food. And just then the thought flashed through my mind- “God loves to provide for you just like you love to provide for your baby!”
Aahh, yes, God was providing for me and my family’s needs! Hubby found an Airbnb near Rapid City, SD. We rolled in there, unpacked, I bathed Macie and this Mama went to bed long before the usual bedtime. God’s provision? Absolutely!
And how many times did God provide for me that day? On that 9 day trip? How many times God provides for His children in ways we don’t even notice?! I have no answers. I don’t know why I still fret. Being over the hill, I really should have my act together. Instead it seems the older I get the more needy I become.
God also loves providing things for us that are pure enjoyment and not absolutes for survival. Brilliant blooms, intricate petals of flowers, the sweetness of summer fruits, the smell of freshly mown grass, or baking bread. The buzzing bees and hummingbirds, the beauty of the rolling ocean, the majestic mountains. He could have kept this world barren, with no color. He could have given us one single food or no taste buds. He could have kept this world in complete darkness, instead of creating sunshine. He gives so much more than we deserve!
Thompson Falls Montana
“But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 9:24
God is not scolding us for not managing better. When our emotions are fragile and the children’s chaos deplets our brain, it doesn’t mean we’re a failure. It means we’re dusty humans in need of God.
My own first response when I mess up is giving myself lectures. But when Elijah collapsed with exhaustion under the Juniper tree, God didn’t give him a lecture. He provided for his immediate needs.
God loves providing for you, weary friend! Trust Him when the baby fights sleep and the toddler howls. Trust Him when your loved one stays ill instead of recuperating. Trust Him when the relationship you put lots of effort in falls flat. Trust Him when there’s more tears than smiles. When you don’t know how you’ll manage through your changing circumstances, God will provide! But perhaps not in the way we imagine.
God’s provision is not always a cool pillow to rest our weary head. It’s not instant relief from pain, hardship, or stressful circumstances. It’s not a sudden, happy toddler or instant healing. We might not recognize God’s provision immediately, but it doesn’t mean He’s not providing. He just might be teaching us reliance on His grace in ways we wouldn’t learn otherwise.
The Hebrew meaning of Jehovah Jireh is: the Lord will provide. He provided for our family on this trip when it looked impossible. There were plenty of emotional needs going on with all of us. But we also had times of peace and prayer. Prayers especially for Macie and our vehicle, as well as imploring God’s help for all our moods.
You might want to journal His everyday providence in your life. I’ve found it helps solidify His provision in the past, to my forgetful brain.
It was a balmy summer day. The kind with puffy white clouds and cheerful, dappling sunshine. Toting our babies and baskets of goods, we gathered beneath the stately maples in Karla’s front yard. The weather was epic! Not hot or windy- definite blessings for the Nebraska plains.
We placed our wares on gingham covered tables, browsing, and delighting over the creative options.
The invitation came from Karla several weeks ago, who graciously offered to host us church ladies for a friends farmer’s market. The old fashioned sort where vendors swapped their goods. And so it was, twenty some ladies found themselves in her front yard on that summery Wednesday morning, bringing their handcrafted items.
Our host had sewn colorful cloth bags, placed at the beginning of the line, ready for us to fill. After the goods were arranged, we filed past the tables collecting our treasures. Many of the crafts and foods were embellished or labeled. It was just good, old fashioned fun!
📷 Mary Steria📷 Mary Steria 📷 Mary Steria 📷 Mary Steria These mini bouquets were my contribution along with mini jars of hummus. Indecisive me couldn’t decide which, so I did both.Josie’s contribution was these avocodo paintings. She decided this last minute, putting in some long hours the night before. The paintings said ”Avo good day”Here is the recipe for the hummus I made. This is the stash I brought home.
Here’s a list of the items that were brought. We had around 20 vendors, so each one brought that many items. Everything was handcrafted or homemade.
Maple pecan butter
Honey butter
Mini banana and lemon poppyseed bread
Strawberry and blueberry preserves
Mini bread loaves
Protein balls
Mini layer cakes
Alfajor cookies
Hummus
Granola
Party mix
Vanilla extract
Tea bags and mini jars of honey
Dill dip mix
Cloth bags
Mini bouquets
Handmade cards
Hand soap
Potholders
Clothespin bags
Lisianthus flowers
📷 Mary Steria
Karla served us a tasty charcuterie style salad bar- a feast for the eyes and mouth both.
📷 Mary Steria
The towering maples spread their shady limbs over our gathering. We chatted with friends and held tiny, slumbering humans. A quilt for toddlers to play on and soft grass for mini bare feet. The day reminded me of the sort you read in books of yore. When life was slow and a social like this would be discussed and remembered for days to come. And so we will! One day we’ll look back at our babies and brim with tears for those sweet young tots. We’ll exclaim over our youthful faces and oh, the way our dresses were made back then! When we look on bygone days, we tend to remember the good and forget the hard. But in our day to day living, it’s easy to forget the good and see the hard.
📷 Mary Steria
Don’t overlook the gold in today’s moments. Of course there are things we wish were different. But remember, each moment is an opportunity to create good old days.
Find yourself a bevy of friends, craft your items and gather for a taste of nostalgia.
What better time to celebrate new life than Easter? The power in Jesus’ resurrection is proof He’s living and real! No other religion could do the miracle of raising the dead to life and then living forever! Every spring, new life unfolds all around us, little reminders of His resurrection!
I had quite a number of new subscribers since my last post. In regards to that, I belatedly updated a couple things on my About page. One of which was a new link to the book of my cancer story. My apologies to those who may have clicked and saw it was outdated. Welcome, and thank you for being here! It’s my prayer that you will find content that encourages and blesses your life.
Ahhh Springtime! It thrills my heart how the sun waits to say goodnight for a couple hours longer, begging us to stay outside. Chirpy birds, greening grass and budding trees, who could say there is no God?!
Let’s chat about our kitchen tables. Obviously it’s a place for nourishing meals and interaction with families and friends. But aside from meals, what does our table look like? A flat, central surface will attract clutter sure as pies attract flies. And it’s ok. We need a place to put things. But who enjoys a constant disarray, where it needs cleared before every meal? If you don’t know where to start cleaning up, just clear the table. A clean kitchen table with a pretty centerpiece can give you courage when the rest of your house is crumbling. Daily resetting/clearing this surface will help combat the piles that (almost) magically appear.
I had fun playing around with a variety of centerpieces and shooting photos, to hopefully give you some inspiration. I know how fun it is to see other’s ideas, so feel free to send me your own inspirations! There’s countless options and ideas one could use for a nod to the season. With Easter coming up this weekend, why not celebrate with a beautiful bouquet for your table? Here are a few ideas:
Obviously any spring blooms are a win! Daffodils, tulips or lilies all speak Spring/ Easter. But the arrangement of colors and type of vase or vessel you put them in can make a huge difference in the appearance. Take a look at these centerpieces.
A glass vase or jar is classic, but I’ve learned, if you avoid clear ones, you won’t see the yucky looking water that happens after a couple days. Using a watering can as a vase lends to spring, though I will say it wasn’t exactly my style. I think a cuter watering can would make a difference, but this is what I use for watering my houseplants. If vintage tea cups are your style, that would make a cute vase as well, paired with a small stack of old books. Adding candles always adds coziness, but I don’t use them as much in spring or summer.
Scattering a variety of mini vases with singular blooms down the center of the table gives a unique twist. I’ll admit, I didn’t like my try at this, but it gives you the idea. I liked the mini vases on the wooden tray better. I loved the pottery with baby’s breath and white bird. It’s neutral, easy on the eyes and gives peaceful vibes. The pottery with tulips also struck me. Mini fresh plants grouped on a wooden cutting board or tray is also pretty, though it nods more to summer, in my opinion. Adding in small birds or real looking bird eggs in a nest is also cute! I stay away from bunnies and colored eggs because it has nothing to do with the true meaning of Easter.
A variety of table cloths or runners totally change things up. I don’t use tablecloths anymore except for company. Its cozy, but it feels a mite stuffy for me.The plaid runner is the only one I have, which I use occasionally. But I think that’s why I didn’t like a couple of the centerpieces because the runner didn’t jibe and looked too busy. An earth toned runner might look better with my brown vases.
This option here was my favorite which I kept on the table.
I had loaned out some vases for an event last week, and my friend graciously said I could keep the flowers that were in them. So that’s what I used in these pictures.
We are probably behind many of you in our growing season and don’t have any blooms yet. We moved from southern Indiana to Nebraska 8 years ago. Every spring I think longingly of the large patch of daffodils we left behind at our place there. They grew along the field, offspring of an old homestead. I could pick to my heart’s content, scattering bouquets through the house. Here’s a picture of Josie and me in that patch.
Shop your house, for trays, baskets, pitchers, pottery, or wooden bowls or cutting boards. (yes your house. You don’t need to go visit the store.) You can create a fresh look by pulling something out that you hadn’t used in a long while. A bowl with fresh lemons or red apples looks cheerful. Greenery and sprigs or apple/cherry blossoms stuck in pottery is lovely! I still remember one spring I was so ‘hungry’ for freshness in my house, I cut a bunch of greening sprigs along the edge of the woods and stuck it in jars, with decorative rocks in the bottom. When my husband came home, he laughed and says ”that’s weeds!” Weeds or not, it was pretty to me!
If you like keeping things like salt and pepper and napkins on the table, consider corralling all those little items in one large tray or basket, along with your pretty centerpiece. It helps tone it down to look like one item instead of 5 little things that tend to clutter.
A resurrection garden would also be a perfect Easter centerpiece. It’s something I’ve wanted to do with my children but have never yet managed it. Every year we make these super simple resurrection rolls which they always love.
And now for a fun springish kind of recipe! This Taco dip is very light and perfect for a Sunday night supper or maybe an outdoor party. It requires some prepping of ingredients which can be done ahead of time. It doesn’t take long to assemble and can be refrigerated for a couple hours. You can also add a layer of canned beans such as chili, black or pinto, for more protein.
We really like the Better Goods brand of chips, particularly the guacamole flavored ones. They’re lightly fried in avocado oil and have cleaner ingredients. Available at Walmart.
As homemakers, we get the privilege of decorating our homes and creating spaces to our likening. (And if you don’t enjoy home decor, its ok! It doesn’t mean your not a good homemaker. Please don’t think I’m trying to tell you to get your act together and pretty up your house.) Much more important than any decor is the ability we have to set the atmosphere in our homes, for peace or tension. We’ve probably all heard the convicting statement “if Momma ain’t happy ain’t nobody happy!” Some days we can barely keep our own boat afloat. Any flailing of youngsters or husbands in the wrong direction flip us over in turbulent waters of hormones. Often, motherhood doesn’t look like photos in parenting magazines. It’s more like running a marathon, exhausted and wondering how we can keep going one more day. And that’s exactly how God teaches us dependence on Him. We can’t keep going without Him to give us strength for one more step! And how grateful I am for God’s mercy and unending love, that’s not based on our performance level. When our children crunch on our last nerve and we messed up again! We ask forgiveness and trust God for better tomorrows.
Love your family! Create moments to celebrate Easter and new life this season!
Our church typically has a week of revival meetings in March, which is happening next week Lord willing.
How can we as moms simplify for a more enjoyable week? Don’t we all know how hectic it can be?! Especially if you have little tykes and school children. And when we get frustrated, the whole family gets disorderd moods. I certainly don’t have this down pat. The week still wears me out from the aspect of going away and getting to bed later every night. But here’s some practical tips for revival survival.
● Stay Home
Not from church, but through the day. Don’t go away more than absolutely necessary. Avoid appointments or other obligations this week if at all possible. If you really need groceries, and don’t already do this, consider doing pick-up. (We’ve done this on a regular basis now for a few years. It saves multitudes of time and energy for this often weary mother.)
Staying home gives more time for keeping the house tidy, your routines in place, naps on schedule, and focusing on preparation for the evening.
● Prepare Simple Suppers
Either cook extra the week before and tuck in the freezer or plan very easy meals that require minimal prep and clean-up. Or plan crockpot meals if that’s your style. Along with this, I’m planning to use paper plates because an offspring of ours capsized on the door of the dishwasher and ruined it the other day. You’re not wasteful if you use paper products even if your dishwasher works. You’re being efficient by simplifying for the necessary Bread of Life.
● Simplify BreakfastAnd Lunches
This might not apply to you, but when there’s school involved the morning after the night before, its super helpful to have quick breakfasts without much mess! I make it a point to keep at least 2 or 3 breakfast options in the freezer. This school year I have been doing this on a regular basis. This is huge for cutting down on stress for me. We generally have the same thing each week on the designated day. And I definitely want easy options when there’s a busy week!
As for lunches, I’m planning to bake a pizza early in the week for easy packing. Purchase pizza pockets if you’d rather. Or pot pies. Or make wraps. Just be prepared by having a little stash to pull out for simple lunches. Putting forethought into action is key to eliminating frazzled mornings.
● Do The Basics
This is not the week to undergo spring cleaning, major outside work, sewing projects or decluttering closets. I don’t plan anything other than the basics of cooking, laundry and cleaning. If I find time to do a little extra here or there, that’s fine. But it’s perfectly fine to do nothing else except care for your family and yourself! Take the extra time to sip your tea and relax instead of rushing on to another project. Take a nap if you can. Sit and do nothing for 15 minutes. No phone or magazine browsing. No reading. This might sound scary but its an awesome habit to cultivate on a regular basis. Productivity is not our identity. Not to speak of how much more rested our minds and bodies feel when we do this. (A work in progress over here!)
● Pack Your DiaperBag
Every morning, check your bag and restock and prepare it for the evening. This is one less thing to do during that time crunch before rushing out the door. It won’t hurt your purse’s feelings to sit neglected for hours until the service.
● Prepare Clothes And Shoes
Especially if you have a row of preschoolers, bathe them in the afternoon before naps. And they really don’t need a bath everyday. Unless they’re a heavy spitter sort of baby or have been in the mud all afternoon. Have their clothes set out or hung aside in the closet. This makes it easier not only for you, but also when Dad or an older sibling is dressing them. And a side note, I may be old fashioned here, but don’t hesitate to hang up and re-wear clothes, for littles or yourself. If they’re not visibly dirty or smelly of course. I mean, we shower, use deodorant, sit in pews in regulated air for an hour and a half. Does every garment really need washed?
● Prepare Yourself Early
I find it helpful to shower late afternoon as well as do my hair. Having myself basically ready well before supper is a huge help. After dishes, it doesn’t take long to slip in my Sunday dress and covering. This sure beats blasting through the shower 15 minutes before its time to leave.
● Children’s Chores
Have the children do their chores as early as possible, to avoid adding to last minute rush. Also, have them wash up lunchbox and supper prep dishes, before supper. This makes clean up afterwards a breeze.
● Give Yourself Margin
A big key to eliminate a stressful week is to give yourself lots of margin. Keep your days relaxed and the unexpected won’t be as quick to trigger high blood pressure episodes.
Aim to have everyone ready to leave 10 minutes prior to departure time. Again, this gives margin for the unexpected. If there’s no unexpected, sit in your chair and congratulate yourself. Honestly, sitting for even 5 minutes before heading to church really does help achieve that calm atmosphere.
● Hosting The Preacher
Typically we have a sign up sheet to have the speaker over for a meal. This takes considerable effort for moms to juggle along with the rest of our responsibilities, but it’s a blessing to share physical food with the one who studies and prepares spiritual food for us every evening. Again- keep it simple! Prepare food the day before hosting to alleviate last minute frazzles. There’s enough to do with adding the finishing touches to the meal. Having the main dishes ready to slide in the oven long before necessary, majorly cuts down on stress. Your fridge will not be offended for hosting a casserole dish or two for an extra 24 hours. Plus, you have time to wash up cooking dishes without being in a tizzy.
My old faithful menu for preachers is taco salad. I think every one of them has always commented how good it was and how nice to have a lighter meal, after all the big meals they are typically served. Although there’s nothing wrong with serving the preacher a hearty meal. Just don’t stress it.
Keeping the house relatively tidy and giving the bathroom a quick ‘wipe swipe’, is likely enough. This is where the beauty of regular cleaning comes in. When you don’t let it get completely awful, you can skimp on the busy days, allowing more time for food prep, unexpected interruptions or other necessities the day of hosting.
● Prepare Your Heart
This should be at the top of the list, but because I was on the practical side of things, it’s listed here. We can’t expect to race through the day, pack our brains to the brim with constant activity, spin through the shower, roar off to church and expect to get revived. More than likely we’ll be nodding to sleep instead of the message. I realize with little ones, our days are still often full and noisy. I’m not talking about that. But be intentional to not plan anything else, so you can find quiet moments. Spend time praying for the speaker, the audience and especially your own heart. Ask God to show you whatever you need. Speaking to myself here. Sit in silence and muse over the previous night’s message. God speaks in a still small voice that we’re likely to miss if we don’t quiet our minds and hearts.
● Give Yourself Grace
These tips are just suggestions. My intention is not to make anyone feel guilty or inadequate for not doing them. You might run on the fly better than I. Things come up or are on the agenda that are unavoidable. And if you’re not able to make it to church on time, give yourself grace there too. God understands. Accidents happen. It’s when it becomes habitual is where the true problem lies.
And incase you wonder, my taco salad is nothing famous. Simply fix taco meat, (I add beans to it) and prep all the fixings. Shredded lettuce, diced or cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, corn chips or crushed tortilla chips and homemade French dressing. Have the meat warm. Just before sitting down to eat, I mix everything in a large bowl and drizzle with dressing. Toss to combine and serve immediately. This pairs well with a side of biscuits and jam and sweet tea. And yes, I’m partial to Southern vibes!
What are your tips to simplify during a week of meetings? I’d love to know.
Over the years I’ve struggled with depression. Overall, I’m much better than a couple years ago, but it still crops up in late winter or when I battle insomnia, physical issues or pain. I had all this going on days before leaving for our anticipated Florida vacation. (Yes, I know, that alone should have boosted my spirits, and I was grateful, but its not like it cures a brain in despair when it sets in.) Thanks to God, and 3 chiropractor treatments in about that many days, I felt well by the time we left. Jerald too was dealing with various issues in health and business. Not being strong mentally, I can barely keep my head above drowning when my sanguine husband gets down. We just had alot going on that felt like adversity. When my brain is weak, it fogs my vision with a pitifully bleak lens. While in Florida, I aspired to write a poem, (albeit, rather elementary) of the two extremes of colors I saw.
God’s Canvas
My waking thoughts focused on pain,
Gloomy doubts hounded my brain.
The murky depths sent my spirit sagging-
No joy to be found with morbid thoughts nagging.
There was abundance of sighing
And a boat load of crying.
With sundry needs beneath my head,
Tormenting fear imagines me dead.
Desperate pleas for health and healing-
“God, please remove these fears that I’m feeling.”
The only colors that February day
Were varied shades of brown and grey.
One week later- how could it be?!
The rainbow of colors God showered on me?!
Brilliant red berries and geranium flowers
The green of the palms in stately towers
In vast expanse the deep blue lies
Of ocean water and clearest skies
Hibiscus and sunshine with soothing rays
Yellow brings cheer these February days
Orange in the citrus and sun in the west
With flying colors, God’s paints are the best!
We were able to suprise my Mom who was also in Florida for a few weeks. That was such a highlight for me! Our time there was an absolute balm for my soul. It was amazing how God worked out the details about the trip and provided that we could even go. Such a privilege and gift from Him for sure. While I realize we can not measure God’s love based on His gifts to us, this felt like a huge God hug!
What a privilege to be with my dear Mother and aunts. Mom is in the middle here with her two sisters, Rosa Yoder and Sarah Gingerich.We celebrated mom’s 79th birthday while in FL with her. Rosa and Sarah are both in their 80s.We had balmy weather, but failed to be prepared for the evening chill that moves in as the sun lowers. It was much too cold to be barefooted and jacketless! A beach photo with the baby’s tongue sticking out, nonetheless.
Has anyone found dreams fulfilled beneath loads of smelly garments? Or, how many of us have dreamed of life without laundry? Or maybe you love it? I personally loathe it, aside from the fact I’m grateful for clothes to wear. Laundry never ends; it only takes naps.
Before my new system a few months ago, there was always this cloud of dread on wash day mornings. Gather up towels and rags, lug hampers to the laundry and then spend 10-15 minutes sorting, spraying/scrubbing stains and finally getting the first load into the washer. After that was accomplished, it felt like I could start my day. If I don’t get a load in until 9 or 10 A.M, it feels lousy. But if I can have a load going while I’m gone driving school children and have it ready for the dryer or hanging out as soon as I’m back home, it feels like efficiency.
I’m still not in love with laundry, but the dread has lifted slighly since I switched up my system. We purchased a three bin, rolling laundry hamper. After showers, everyone throws their clothes into the correct bins and woohoo- sorting is done!
For a long time I didn’t purchase a divided hamper because I didn’t feel we had space. I determine to use a minimalistic approach before purchasing items. Figure out where I’ll put the item or exactly what I’m going to do with it before it’s in my home. I thought long and hard over where we could set it for entire household use. None of our bathrooms are large enough and the laundry room itself is narrow.
The children’s bedrooms are downstairs but they prefer to use the main floor bathroom. So their clothes ended up in Macie’s hamper in her room, which is right next door. We discussed and measured and decided we can make room for the new hamper in her room. It has been working beautifully!
I marked the bins so everyone can see which bin is for what. This parks neatly in the laundry, while still giving me room to walk past changing out loads. And no, the sweet baby face is not included with the hamper.
So here’s the laundry scoop. With the new system, the number one thing I love is, the clothes are pre-sorted! This is huge since that always was the biggest hurtle for me. There’s still spots to spray at times, but I try to do that as soon as the clothes are removed. This also gives time to soak it in Luminate water if need be. Then it’s ready to throw in the correct load the next wash day. Also, I still need to gather towels and rags from the bathrooms and kitchen but that doesn’t bother me like sorting did.
Secondly, I love how this hamper keeps clothes nicely contained– no more stumbling over unsightly Mt. Everests on the floor!
The third great thing is, since I combine more clothes, I have less loads! Win win! Typically I have 3 loads each wash day.
Yes, I confess I throw towels and dish rags in with the light colored load. The dark towels I throw in with the underwear/wash cloth load. And, (brace yourself,) I wash all darks together- jeans, Sunday pants and the whole works. But please don’t tell anyone. I cringe to do that. Occasionally if there’s a bunch of jeans I’ll make a separate pile and feel like a virtuous woman. But so far, nobody has turned me in for not washing the jeans separately, so I plan to continue. But let me hasten to assure you, hubby has an office job which means his jeans are not grimy and greasy. Neither are Reece’s school pants terribly dirty.
Please don’t pass out over this, but I don’t sort pockets. Jerald has been excellent in removing items from pockets ever since I married him. There’s been few accidents. Reece is super possessive of his 3 pockets knives and wouldn’t dream of leaving them in his pants. Occasionally there’s been a few rocks or wrappers but very rare. I’m pleased, because in my opinion, digging in crummy, sweaty pockets plays no part in a peaceful morning routine.
Another thing I changed was washing 3 times a week- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This is a paradox because, no, I don’t like doing laundry, but by washing more often there’s less overwhelming mountains in a day. You may prefer washing a load everyday and never end up with mountains. But I knew that method is not for me, because it feels like a bother to constantly be tending a load. It’s an exuberant feeling to wake on non-wash days, knowing I can enjoy a quieter morning and do more appealing tasks than handling dirty clothes. Although, really, when are we ever done with laundry?? Not till the day we die!
The fourth wonderful thing about this divided hamper is wheels!! Jerald was very good at carrying out the heavy hamper from our closet. But still, there was times I did. Some days I was desperate enough I threw a towel on the floor, set the hamper on it and scooted it over the tile. Heavy hampers are a nuisance. I have a bad hernia on my belly and lifting heavy is just not cool when you got a hernia.
What is cool is these wheels!! The children still have to take turns pushing the cart to the laundry room, it’s that exciting. And me, when the last load is in? I whip that cart back in it’s place feeling like a professional worker of sorts. Did you know we can be professional homemakers?! Wheels. Get yourself a divided laundry hamper with wheels! My sympathy if your laundry room is on a different level of the house.
A great addition to your laundry system would be using non-toxic and environmental friendly laundry soap such as Tahor. We originally began Tahor in 2024 and due to the increase in sales and not having the time for it with our young family, we sold the business last year. Mckenzie Nisly, who lives locally, does a great job stirring up soap and managing the business! Try it out if you haven’t yet!
Here’s a couple pictures of our laundry this past summer when we repainted it and installed a few cabinets.
BeforeAnd After! My laundry room is narrow but I’m grateful to have it on the main floor! Also, keep the space tidy and it’s not as depressing to work in it.
Our family doesn’t often get super sick. Last week, we got hit very suddenly. Jerald and I only had a touch of it; it seems to settle in children quicker. I wanted to share our experiences and remedies in hopes of helping others! Especially with babies, croup is nothing to mess with and I highly recommend keeping your shelf stocked for suddensicknesses, especially coughs and croup.I’m also posting some fever information that may be helpful for young mothers.
Christmas vacation was here at last! Monday morning, I roared off with spinning tires, for an appointment in Omaha. With Jerald off work, he was home with the children. I started laundry, and between him and the children, they had it mostly finished till I got back. We started packing, and prepping the Yukon for our planned travels. I felt scatter brained all day, and the back of my mind was weighed down with the fear of sick children.
By Tuesday, Josie kept up a steady volley of coughs. Reece did a ton of sneezing. Poor Macie’s voice sounded raspy. Jerald and I both felt a little something in our throats- surely just frogs…?? I mean, we were leaving early on Christmas eve, weren’t we?! We continued dosing out vitamin C, Respaid, Juice Plus, garlic and OnGuard softgels.
I ambled around the house doing more packing. That afternoon I loafed on my recliner feeling depressed. Packing for trips is one of my “worst ever jobs.” And how would I ever cope with this batch of half sick youngsters? Not to speak of the boat loads of herbals and immune boosters to drag along.
By bedtime it was evident this Croup Group wasn’t going anywhere. A relief, but disappointment at the same time. I relaxed about packing, but had to kick into high gear by Christmas eve nursing my sick children. We were already slathering them up with garlic salve besides having them drink red raspberry tea, grape juice, and onion juice. Even my sweet baby happily downed a mixture of all of the above.
Still, nobody was getting better. Reece felt warm Tuesday evening and was up once that night but wasn’t anything to worry about otherwise. He never got very sick, besides hacking around and spitting out junk like we all did. He pretty much kept up his dancing and bouncing around the house, looking for availabilities to play games with him.
By Wednesday afternoon Josie lay conked out on the couch, getting warm with fever. I was mostly set on cruise, running to and fro, liberally greasing everyone with garlic salve and an essential oil blend for croup. Dishing out potions, whisking up warm lemon juice and honey for croaky throats, reminders to “drink your tea, drink your juice, here, drink some broth” “Have you been drinking water?!”
Let me tell ya, it keeps a Mama hopping to get this done. With it being Christmas vacation, my good man was at home helping me, but even then I was on the run more hours than not. And especially with a baby, I definitely needed extra hands.
I was loathe to pull out the onions, but I couldn’t go by the want to or not. I wasn’t waiting any longer. I chopped up a whole mess of those strong smelling things, fried them lightly with a drizzle of oil and salt and made cloth poultices for their chests. We spooned onions in plastic sandwich or ziploc sort of bags and slipped that over their feet, with a sock overtop to keep in place. It took two of us to get Macie’s onion poultices on and her prepped for bed. Sometimes even to get the herbs in her mouth. When she was grouchy or mad she’d pinch her lips shut.
This was our Christmas eve. The pungent aroma of onions and garlic permeated the house. Not exactly festive.
Old t-shirts are perfect for poultices. I sewed crude little pouches, letting enough of an opening to spoon in onions, then folded it over and fastened it with a safety pin. For Macie’s chest, we cut a pamper in half and laid it on top of the poultice, against her onesie, and secured it all with safety pins. Change out the onions about twice a day and for sure put fresh ones on before bedtime. It took a few days, but it does loosen croup!! We went through almost 3 bags of onions in about that many days. We also set onion halves around the house to help absorb germs/sickness. Please consider the humble onion as a best friend in sickness! Hoot all you want- I’ll take onions and garlic and all manner of herbs over a hospital stay any day!
I was worried about my girls that night. Thankfully Macie had no fever but I’ve heard so many scary RSV stories, I doubted myself and my home remedy capabilities. Thankfully, Josie’s fever never exceeded about 103. I have a tincture called Temp Assure that I give, then soak a rag with apple cider vinegar and lay that on her forehead. Soaking socks in vinegar and putting on their feet is another option, but her feet were full of onions. Sometimes I’ll rub diluted peppermint oil or an oil blend along their spine too. We beseeched the Lord much on their behalf. About midnight I checked her fever and it had come down, thank God! I always tell myself a fever is good for their body and it’s ok! Although I still get a little nervous and especially with a young baby, its important to seek medical attention. (More information on that further down) But I do not give Tylenol or anything like that to bring it down, unless it would be super high. I only use it as a last resort. It really is good for their bodies to fight a fever! It boost their immune system! Keep them lightly dressed, rub with oils, use vinegar soaked rags, give immune boosters, or try a lukewarm bath. Always, always push liquids! With fever, hydration is super important! Make them drink anything they will drink. Suck popsicles or crushed ice. If breastfeeding, feed as often as possible.
One more thing to try for reducing fever is whipping an egg white up with a bit sugar and vanilla (to make it palatable) and have them drink as much as they can. This is an old fashioned remedy that worked for me as a little girl. I keep this as a last resort since swigging down plain, raw eggs is rather gaggy.
The following information on fever is from a knowledgeable source and not original with me.
Notes on fever: Any fever in a baby under 3 months, should be seen by a doctor. Fever of 102 or more in a baby 3-6 months should be seen by a doctor. Any high fever that does not respond to treatment should be seen by a doctor. A fever over 107 degrees can cause brain damage. And here’s a couple more informative charts.
Any symptoms in the yellow or red charts should be seen by a doctor.
I wished so bad I had Nature Sunshine Seasonal Allergy (formerly ALJ) on hand! That is full of great herbs that are safe for infants even much younger than Macie at 10 months. But I did have Resp-Aid, which has many of the same ingredients, as well as Horehound Blend, which is another kid safe tincture with similar herbs. The bottle says not younger than 1 year but Macie was close enough and I certainly wasn’t risking croup elevating to RSV or pneumonia! I gave it cautiously at first then increased it in the next couple days.
These ingredients in Horehound Blend are, astragalus root, horehound herb, orange peel, mullein leaf, sage leaf, oregon grape root and ginger root. In a base of glycerin. This is the tincture I use for fever and earache. I also make a roller bottle blend of oils to rub around the outside of the ear. (Tea tree, basil and lavender oils diluted with a carrier oil)
I also wished so much for straight Lobelia, to rub on her chest. I’ve heard that works amazing for croup. I ordered these items but of course, by the time they arrive, we won’t need them. I always try to keep tinctures and things on hand so we’re prepared for sickness. And I thought I was prepared, but I am going to be better prepared next time! Or maybe some other croupy baby will need them, and I can help out with having it on hand. If you live near me, please holler if you need croup herbs immediately!
This is what I want to impress on your minds; if you want to treat colds, earache, croup or whatever, YOU MUST BE EARLY AND CONSISTENT!! And by consistent I mean giving some kind of immune booster every hour or more. You can switch out with whatever ones you have on hand or prefer. Elderberry, Children’s cold and flu, Resp-Aid, Horehound Blend, Seasonal Allergy, Herbal cough syrup, Silver, Vitamin C etc. JUST BE CONSISTENT! Consistency wins the battle (usually). I’m not saying don’t go to the doctor. Use your own judgment and ask wisdom from the Lord. But you can’t expect natural herbal remedies to be compared to pharmaceutical meds to be taken once or twice a day and see results.
Also, besides onion poultices, rub chests and feet with salve often! You can switch off between garlic and Pneumonia salve or Lungah Fevah Shmeah. I only had the garlic. I know some people like Unkers and I hate to admit it, we finally got some for added tactics, but I do not like it! It may work, but I am not keen on rubbing oil/gas on my little people!! Yes, Petroleum is oil so, like gas, in other words. 🤯 Some pneumonia salves are made with olive oil or lard, and some with Vaseline. And since Vaseline is petroleum based, I’d recommend checking ingredients.
I didn’t have the chest rub on hand when we needed it, but I ordered it from Ann’s Naturals when I was restocking my supplies. It is a much healthier alternative to Unkers.
Give vitamin C often! Whole food vitamin C is best. You really won’t overdue it. (If they get diarrhea you will know) We simply gave lots of Juice Plus since we already have that on hand and take regularly. Pure Synergy is a trusted brand of whole food vitamin C that I’ve heard lots of good things about, although I’ve never used any. To get extra vitamin C into Macie, I poured a bit grape juice into a tiny bottle and opened up a capsule of Juice Plus berry blend. She guzzled this right down. I tried to do this two or three times a day. Vitamin C helps thin mucous, making it easier to get out.
Happily drinking her vitamin C juice.
I’m going to include the RSV protocol for any one who would be interested. It’s only pictures out of a Keeper’s At Home magazine so it’s not great quality. But if it can save some worried Mama and her baby from a hospital visit, I am thrilled to share it!
I haven’t ever used the Oregon grape root this protocol suggests, but that is one of the herbs in the Horehound Blend that I use.
Here is a list of recommendations to have on hand especially for croup or any colds:
Whole Food Vitamin C
Horehound Blend
Resp-Aid, or
Nature’s Sunshine Seasonal Allergy (ALJ)
Nature’s Sunshine VSC
Herbal Cough syrup
Garlic salve, Chest rub, or Pneumonia salve
Lobelia this is an herb to be used topically for croup. It is in some tinctures but what I’m talking about is for topical. You can put it in a roller bottle for easy application.
Essential Oil Croup Blend – In a 10 ml roller bottle, put 10 drops each of these oils. Breathe, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon. Dilute with carrier oil.
As far as the essential oils I use, I currently have some from Doterra but have mostly switched over to Revive. Revive is reputable company with great quality and much much more affordable prices. Revive also has a wide selection of organic oils.
Most of these items can be purchased through catalogs such as Sun Lite Herbs 937- 464-9099, Ann’s Naturals 270-524-4680 (These two places are my favorites!! Ann’s especially has very reasonable prices!) Nature’s Warehouse would carry most of these too, as well as some health food stores. And of course, good old Amazon has some of these also.
Sun Lite Herbs carries both of the Nature’s Sunshine products I mentioned, plus the Horehound Blend, cough syrups, salves and so much more. The girls at Sun Lite who take orders are always super helpful and so pleasant to speak with.
Here you can see the prices and how many of Ann’s tinctures are safe for infants and children. The Resp-Aid is at the bottom of the page.
We were grateful for God’s healing on all of us and that there was enough improvement that we were able to leave for Indiana to visit Jerald’s parents on Saturday. It was a short visit, returning home late Monday night. We weren’t there for Christmas, but we were happy to overlap with more of the family just a wee bit before they left.
Do yourself a favor and stock your medicine cabinet with natural remedies before you need them this winter!
With the Christmas season upon us, I have been musing about Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
I have long been impressed how she called herself a handmaiden, which is the main focus I’ve been thinking about. Handmaiden particularly means a female servant, who’s essential function is to serve. She lives to accomplish her master’s will. Willing to serve in whatever way or place her master asks. A true servant heart will serve without thought of personal gain.
Luke 1:28 reads, And the angel came in unto her, and said, hail thou that art favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
Long before she realized it, God had planned for her to be the favored, chosen one to carry His Promised Son. I believe she was living her life in a humble, quiet manner. Content to serve in the daily grind where she was called. She was not out soliciting attention to her good deeds or trying to shrug off her responsibilities. She was simply a lowly servant, faithful in the ordinary.
For most of us women today, our lives are similar in the repetitive, obscure places of service. We’re not pastors preaching powerful messages. Or leading massive Bible study or kids clubs. Cleaning the grimy bathroom or washing a child’s face is of no less importance. Can we find contentment in the service God asks of us?
God looked for a woman who would respond willingly. In complete submission. We see Mary’s response in Luke 1:38. …Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it unto me according to thy word.
It doesn’t mean she didn’t question or wonder at the astonishing news the angel brought. Verse 29 in this same chapter references her fears and confusion. She was a normal woman with hormones and feelings just like us. Who of us wouldn’t be disturbed by such exotic, yet heavy news?! And yet, she chose to believe! To submit. To release her fears and doubts to complete trust in her Savior God.
No doubt this new charge given her would bring accusations and gossip. Do you think she laid awake at night, playing conversations in her mind of how she would love to set them straight?! Did she wish to prove to them, she had nothing in this of herself? That she had not cheated on Joseph?
Are we humbly submissive in what and where God asks us to serve? Willing and ready, even when it takes us out of our comfort zone? Do we respond in cheerful obedience, even when it means sacrificing our time, or dreams? Can we forgive a misunderstanding or thoughtless comment made about ourslves? I’d dare say the gossip about Mary was much worse than most of us have faced. And yet, being the virtuous woman she was, I don’t think she retaliated. (Incase this is stepping on your toes, please know mine are being firmly squashed.)
What about our willingness to serve in some lowly place? There’s always needy spots in church. Are we happy to help? Especially in ‘behind the scenes’ service. Or do we wish we could serve in a more notable position? Or maybe we like to hide behind the safety of “others can do this job better“. While there’s truth to that, it’s not an excuse to not do our job. Suppose Mary had responded like that?
Some women want to travel, teach or serve in ‘noteworthy’ ways before they settle down and get married. But God’s call for them is to be a young wife. There’s plenty to be learned in marriage, or other noteworthy service so it’s not like you get out of bumpy terrain either way. Plus, I believe in God’s eyes, service is service. I don’t believe He measures it by noticeable or not noticeable.
Some young women would like to get married immediately or sooner. But God calls them to single service for Him for a few (or many) years. Neither is above the other. There’s lessons to be learned in either place.
Some women would love to mother a houseful of children, but find infertility to be their lonely companion. Some women had no thoughts on family size and fight tears and overwhelm at the realization of yet another little gift headed her way.
God calls some to walk the thorny path of cancer or precarious valleys of emotional health. Maybe your call is to walk beside someone precious who battles these things.
We all have dreams and heart longings. And God blesses each of us abundantly with good gifts! But sometimes the things He allows in our lives are way off our radar. Instead of curling clenched fists at the itinerary God asks of us, can we keep our palms open and uplifted to His will? It’s ok to feel that initial fear, confusion, and wondering questions with no answers. God knows. He sees our heart’s desire. Mary too was troubled. But her response then was humble acceptance, trust in her Savior, and eventually, a spirit of praise.
Luke 1:46 & 47 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
Not only is the house beginning to look like Christmas, but it’s smelling like that too- I’ve just finished stringing up cinnamon ornaments and dried oranges.
Over Thanksgiving vacation, the children and I made the old fashioned cinnamon applesauce ornaments/cutouts as well as some salt dough ones. I had never made either one, although the salt dough ones are much like play dough except you then bake the shapes. Thanks to my friend Grace for recently sharing a recipe….
We don’t put up Christmas trees so we didn’t make either of these ornaments for that. But I think they’re very cute strung up with dried oranges!
For the salt dough:
Combine 2 cup flour and 1 cup salt, then slowly pour in 1 cup water. Knead 5 minutes. Let the dough rest in the fridge for 20 minutes. Roll out and use any sort of cookie cutters you like. While the dough is still soft, you can also make cute imprints by pressing on leaves, twigs or evergreen sprigs. Use a straw to punch holes in the top of each one. Place on parchment lined baking sheets and bake at 275 for 2 hours. You could also let these air dry but I preferred the baking so they’re done quicker.
Looks like sugar cookies, but the taste will quickly tell you otherwise! This was a perfect project for the children the next afternoon. They’re always wanting something to paint.
These would look cute strung up with a garland of greenery. Or you can also use these as gift tags. Tie it on with a sprig of greens and gingham ribbon or jute cord for a cute, earthy look!
For the cinnamon applesauce ornaments:
Combine 2 cups cinnamon, 1 ¹/² cups applesauce, 2 T. ground cloves and 4 T. Elmers glue. Knead a few minutes. Sprinkle cinnamon or cloves on your surface to roll out the dough. We had some trouble with the dough cracking apart. We mostly used gingerbread men, stars and bells for the cut outs. Remember to use a straw to punch a hole for stringing. Let air dry for several days. I think these can baked at a low temperature, but we did the air dry method. We were waiting for the dried oranges to arrive anyway.
The cinnamon applesauce ornaments definitely won out in my opinion. Yes they were messier to work with than the salt dough, but the aroma!! It smells exactly like Christmas with no synthetics! And the dark color makes it pop more with the oranges.
I ended up stringing most of these since the jute cord can unravel as you thread the items on and the children quickly tired of it. It’s best to tie the string and then evenly space them out. I love the simple festive look! This combo along with greenery also makes a cute centerpiece.
You can always use real greenery and add pinecones or whatever else you wish. I don’t like the mess of fresh greens, so I used some fake glittery greens.
The children also made paper snowflakes to hang by a couple windows. All of these extras hanging around makes things look full and a mite cluttered, but I’m OK with it because it’s temporary. And its cheap, simple fun for children and their mom.
You can dry your own oranges in the oven but I could guess how mine would turn out. (They wouldn’t! 🙂 So I opted to skip that and ordered these off Amazon. I don’t know if Hobby Lobby would have them this time of year or not?? I’m guessing Michael’s crafts would.
Would you just look at this sweet little girl?! Christmas of 2020, Josie and I strung cranberries and popcorn 🥰
of windowsills and breezy hills 