I LOVE This Stuff!

I had read somewhere about people using Bar Keeper's Friend on their pots and pans that were getting old, or had some "heat damage" and wondered how well it would work on my cleaning nemesis. My electric stove's drip pans. I have tried EVERYTHING on those, but they never seem to get shiny again. It wasn't just the grease and gunk that stained them, but the heat of cooking that made them look grimy. Living in a rental, I was prepared to buy new drip...

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Homemade Fun: Play Dough

Summer! We all need activities to keep the kids busy when we're this far into summer vacation. Here is the first of a few homemade supplies/activities to keep us going. This play dough recipe is the EASIEST. And to make things even easier, I used the steaming hot water I keep on hand for tea, so my oldest can make this for the littler ones! You will need: 1 C flour 1/2 C salt 1 pack of flavored drink mix (the kind without sugar!) Mix these thoroughly...

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The Easiest Bread- No Knead

This bread is tasty, requires minimal effort, and is so easy my kids can do it. Seriously. All you need is a little planning because it takes time to slowly rise into delicious perfection. It goes so quick and easily I didn't even get to take any pictures of the process...but you don't need them! Non-ingredients you will need: mixing bowl a dutch oven or heavy casserole with a lid. (I use my camping cast iron dutch oven) a bit of parchment paper About...

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Easy DIY Gel Potpourri

Gel potpourri, it's not cheap. There are recipes all over the internet that use unflavored gelatine to make lovely gel air fresheners using recycled home glass on the cheap. But, as these evaporate and release their fragrance into the air, they start to shrink, and start looking rubbery and well- not so pretty anymore. Here is a great way to make a home air freshener CHEAPLY, recycle pretty glass containers, and use your favorite liquid potpourri...

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I am One of Zach's Friends

Two months ago, my sweet friend, Melissa, lost her son. On April 8th, 2011 our lives were forever changed when we lost our beloved son, Zachary.Zachary was a funny, energetic, loving son...who also battled depression. On April 8th Zachary ended his life.  While no one likes to talk about suicide, it's time we start talking and raising awareness.  By educating ourselves and others we can start to recognize the...

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Making a Potty Training Bribe Better

Potty training #3 is HARD. She has got to be the most stubborn child ever, we seem to have tried everything. I've finally broken down and tried bribing. I read somewhere about having a small container of small candies in the bathroom as rewards, what to put in there was a tough decision. People suggested M&Ms or Skittles because of their small size, but I didn't really feel comfortable in having unwrapped candies in the bathroom. So, I finally...

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