Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Notebook--PART 2

You have already seen the front--I just want to add, I think it is more fun to make your own cover then to print one out--I do print out covers sometimes, when something really strikes me, but i really like my homemade one too:) Inside front pocket--Cards, stickers, misc things
Front pouch--pens, highlighter, stamps, etc. Lined paper that behind that--that is a must in any notebook.
To be a Good Wife Paper
Proverbs 31
Divider for Addresses and Phone-->
Printable address list that I got form Organized Home.com
Calendar Divider-->
I have a calendar printed out for each month--I do them in pencil for easy correction--and plus, I like writing in pencil (lol)
Kitchen and Grocery Divider-->
I printed out this neat kitchen list from Large Family Logistics--> I love there site:)

Another kind of Grocery list
Everyday Bargain lists-->
Daily/ Weekly Cleaning Divider--->
Daily schedule---this is not a strict schedule---but I do like making lists.

Checklist reminders, courtesy of Fly Lady

I have daily/weekly/monthly printouts--->

Cleaning the kitchen list--> You never know what you might miss. I got this from a Virtuous Woman.
Cleaning Zones Dividers-->


These cleaning Zones are courtesy of Fly Lady--->

Fall/Spring Deep Cleaning Divider--->
The spring list I got from a Virtuous Woman
The Fall list I got from a Mom's Online website, that no longer exists though:(
Routine Examples--->


Routine Examples are courtesy of Fly Lady--->


Notebook Ideas Divider-->
Courtesy of Fly lady and several other interesting websites
Health divider-->
This is just a checklist of things to do to be healthy








A list for helping your metabolism---> I also have sheets on diet, and fats, healthy eating, etc.

Misc. Printout Divider-->An assortment of wonderful printoutsI use all of these things--I make several copies from my copier machine and have back ups behind them.Back notebook pocket--> Letter stickersBack cover----> Courtesy of my daughter:)




Okay, now I want to say--I couldn't take pictures of everything, but I think you can get a nice idea of my notebook. This is my notebook and it works for me--I am a list maker and love finding new and valuable printouts to add to my book. I am always updating and playing with it. I did realize my husband even paid attention to it, until one day I saw him writing down a new address for me in my address section<---Bless his heart:) If you are interested in starting one, just start simple and add what feels comfortable to you and what you like to do. If you have any questions about anything I have in my notebook, just ask, I will be happy to answer any questions or let you know where I got a certain printout.
The End: xoxox

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

My Notebook Part 1

This is my notebook---The notebook is a 3 ring binder, that has plastic on the front and the back--so I periodically change the cover to fit my moods:) This is what my cover looks like now--A happy little cover, don't ya think:)


When you open the notebook, I have extra things in the side pocket--also, cards for occasions, stickers..etc. then I have a pencil holder, that has pens, highlighter, erasers, stamps etc--this idea I got from Fly Lady. Then I have lined paper--that I use for everything--jotting down so much and list making, My *Good Wife* paper is there and also proverbs 31 is also printed out. Then I have dividers. Certain dividers, that I don't have in this notebook are finances and budget---my husband pays the bills and does all the banking---I use to do it, but he would do things and not tell me and mess me up (OOPS) so we find it easier for just one person to do it.
Plus, the number one necessity I need for my binder are plastic covers--- almost everything is in plastic-----

Dividers:
1st Divider---Address and phone
2nd Divider--Calendars
3rd Divider--Kitchen and Grocery
4th Divider--Daily/weekly cleaning--this is also where I have a schedule of my days.
5th Divider--Cleaning Zones----(These are things I have printed from fly lady)
6th Divider--Fall/spring deep cleaning
7th Divider---Routine Examples
8th Divider---Notebook ideas
9th Divider--Health
10th Divider--Misc/extra printouts

I have pictures coming--my camera needed to be charged half way through my picture taking--so those will be in part 2--I will go in to more detail as to what exactly I have in each divider.

Okay, so now you all have a tiny glimpse as to what my notebook is all about---it really is a very important part of me keeping a well organized home--plus it is fun to have and to always be able to add new printouts and such. I use to have a recipe section, but I actually had to make a binder just for that---I will post pictures of my recipe binder--boy, you will laugh at that book, as I sure need to make a recipe part 2 binder (LOL)

Well, hopefully my camera will be charged in a little bit and I can finish this post:)



Monday, February 26, 2007

Picture Time

This weekend went by very quick--I did a lot of baking, as the weather was cool and it would rain off and on. All the laundry has been completed--except I just have the bed sheets---and then it starts all over again. It is cool today about 58 degrees--these are the clouds in the sky right now--> This is part of my street. The houses are so close together. Can you see the palm trees?
My flowers are starting to bloom in my yard:) Pretty pink:)
On Saturday, I went to the Farmer's Market, and I stocked up on fruits and veggies for the week--I cleaned everything and got everything ready for easy use. The green onions are all washed and cleaned and put in a bag--the radishes are all cleaned and ready for use and put in baggies and so on, and so on---depending on the room I have in my fridge, I will use tupperware, so I don't waste baggies, but the room in my fridge is rather snug this week, so the baggies fit better.
Also, Martha says to wrap your cilantro in paper towel and put in a bag, to keep it fresh--mmm, I just love cilantro-->
At the Farmer's Market, I was so happy--all the lettuce was so much cheaper then the grocery store---instead of paying 3.00 for Romaine at the Grocery I got it for .97 cents--so I got romaine, green leaf, and yes, I even got iceberg--I know iceberg doesn't really have any nutritional value, but it adds a nice crunch when mixed with the other lettuce. I got green peppers, carrots, cucumbers, etc....fruit too--bananas, melon, grapes--OHHH, and Avacados were on sale too--YAY--I bought a bunch--and my favorite, alfapha sprouts:)

Last, but not least---My ducky border--->


Menus
Saturday Dinner:
Nachos<----one of my husband's favorites:)

Sunday:
Pork Roast
Roasted potatoes and carrots
Homemade gravy
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Salad with all all the fixings--plus AVOCADOS--MMMMMMM

Monday Dinner:
I have chicken out---not quite sure yet--Will update

Friday, February 23, 2007

To Be A Good Wife:

A few years ago, this was posted on a forum that I visit---all the ladies laughed at it and thought it was silly. I on the other hand loved it--and I stated that I loved it. I just don't understand why some women, have such a hard time accepting that they are women and their rolls. We are not men, we will never be men so why do some feel the need to act like men? I love being a girl---I am so happy God made me a female and not a male. I don't think there is one thing I can honestly say, I am unhappy about being a woman. From wearing dresses, having babies and scrubbing the kitchen floor--there is nothing I would rather be doing then being a wife and mother.

Okay, I have printed this article out and it is in my notebook right in front. I like to see it and read it---it always makes me smile:)




The following is an excerpt from a home economics textbook used in Ontario during the 1950'S. Each excerpt is followed by a Bible quotation.


Get your work done. Plan tasks with an eye on the clock. Finish or interrupt them an hour before your husband is expected home. Your anguished cry "are you home already?" is not exactly a warm welcome.

"She...worketh willingly with her hands." Proverbs 31:13

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal on time. This is a way of letting him know you have been thinking of him and are concerned for his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.


"...She bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens." Proverbs 31:14,15


Prepare yourself. Take 15 min. to rest so that you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.


"She maketh herself covering of tapestry; he clothing is silk and purple. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come." Proverbs 31:22,25

Clear away the children. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order and it will give you a lift too.


"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27


Prepare the children. Take just a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair and if necessary change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.


"Her children arise up, and call her blessed..." Proverbs 31:28


Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate noise of washer dryer, dishwasher, vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.


"And that ye study to be quiet..." I Thessalonians 4:11


Be happy to see him. Greet him with a smile and act glad to see him.


"...Her husband also, and he praiseth her." Proverbs 31:28


Some don'ts, don't greet him with a problem or complaint. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this minor compared with what he might have gone through during the day.


"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her..." Proverbs 31:11


Make him feel comfortable. Have him lean back into a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillows and offer to massage his neck and shoulders and take off his shoes. Speak in a soft, soothing, pleasant voice. Allow him to relax to unwind.


"Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." Proverbs 31:29


Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.


"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." Proverbs 31:26


Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.


"Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." Proverbs 31:31

The goal, try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.


"She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." Proverbs 31:12


Thursday, February 22, 2007

Thursday--Already???


Ha-Ha!! It is Thursday--yay:) I can not believe how fast time is going right now--don't get me wrong, I appreciate everyday, but I am just so excited to meet my new baby---I have 8 weeks and 1 day--I am getting so excited.

It is quite cold today, and the forecast calls for rain this evening. So, we shall see. Have any of you made bagels yet? I am anxious to hear about it.

I do have a question for all of you--the baby is almost here, and I am pretty much all prepared for baby---I exclusively nurse too. Tell me something, that was a must for you to have when you had your children? You know, when you think you have everything, and then you have that AH-HA moment, and think yes, I need that!!! Do you all remember the Boppy? I love that---I am on the lookout for another one too--the one I used with my daughter, I gave away when it wasn't needed anymore.

Also, I love and appreciate all the wonderful comments I get, I also enjoy the emails----I got one the other day, that was so sweet--anyway, the lady was asking me about my Home Notebook and what I have in it. So I am going to post about that, just in case someone else wants to peek into my notebook--I know I love to see how other people organize their home--I am so nosey--so if you all want to see, I am going to do a post on my notebook--I know after googling it--hundreds of people have posted theirs--but I am going to do it anyway..LOL. Who knew we all had the same idea:)))

Update on Rubber Ducky: I think it was Kitty that suggested Walmart---well---she was not kidding---they had everything you could think of for a bathroom in the rubber ducky theme..(LOL) I bought the border and put it up--I will post a picture of it, in my next post----it looks so cute. They also have a rubber ducky shower curtain---that is my next purchase. Anyway, I must go for now--you all have a wonderful and blessed Thursday xoxoxox

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Bagels

I made bagels over the weekend, and promised to post pictures. When I do make bagels, I like to make them on the weekend so I have them for the week--my son loves them for breakfast before school---my daughter likes to eat them anytime.

I added all the ingredients in the bread machine in order it was given and put it on the dough cycle. After the dough cycle I put the dough on a lightly floured counter and started my water. I then made 9 balls--->
Then I poked a whole in the center of the dough balls and twirled it around my finger to make the whole big-->
(My daughter helped me twirl)
Let them rest for 10 minutes---> Boiling water should be ready too
Then I place a couple bagels at a time in the boiling water--for 30 seconds on each side--->
They all get placed on a clean dish towel out of there water bath---->
*Note--don't use paper towel--it sticks bad.
Then the bagels are placed on a cookie sheet that has corn meal sprinkled over it--->
Baked for 20 minutes or so---I don't let them get too dark, because we toast them in the toaster when we want one----and I don't want them too dark---->
Here is the recipe I used:


Bread Machine Bagels
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 3 Hours 25 Minutes
Ready In: 3 Hours 55 Minutes
Yields: 9 servings

"The bread machine does the heavy work, but you still boil and bake these bagels. Top them with poppy seeds, garlic or whatever pleases you."

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons white sugar
3 cups bread flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
3 quarts boiling water
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon cornmeal
1 egg white
3 tablespoons poppy seeds
DIRECTIONS:
1.
Place water, salt, sugar, flour and yeast in the bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select Dough setting.
2.
When cycle is complete, let dough rest on a lightly floured surface. Meanwhile, in a large pot bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Stir in 3 tablespoons of sugar.
3.
Cut dough into 9 equal pieces, and roll each piece into a small ball. Flatten balls. Poke a hole in the middle of each with your thumb. Twirl the dough on your finger or thumb to enlarge the hole, and to even out the dough around the hole. Cover bagels with a clean cloth, and let rest for 10 minutes.
4.
Sprinkle an ungreased baking sheet with cornmeal. Carefully transfer bagels to boiling water. Boil for 1 minute, turning half way through. Drain briefly on clean towel. Arrange boiled bagels on baking sheet. Glaze tops with egg white, and sprinkle with your choice of toppings.
5.
Bake in a preheated 375 degree F (190 degrees C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until well browned.
This recipe appears in the Allrecipes "Tried & True Favorites" cookbook.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2007 Allrecipes.com