Peanut Butter and butter

Would anyone be interested in doing some homemade peanut butter and homemade butter with me (this is Shantelle). I thought it would be something really fun to do and something that we could stock our food storage with and even a possible way to save some money. Let me know. :)

Crafts for the kids

I am not sure if anyone reads this any more or if all the Long girls know about it, but I am hoping that everyone feels like they can post things on here. I have been searching for things for the kids to do and a little like Keri trying to find ways to incorporate learning and found a way to do homemade finger paints. I thought how fun would it be to teach them about colors and how to make different colors then to have the kids help me make a very each recipe. I am already looking to Valentines day and Easter and getting my craft on. Here are a few of the things I thought would be fun...

Just thought I would throw these ideas out for everyone.

WD-40...who knew?

My mom sent me this information on what you can use WD-40 on and with. I thought it was pretty interesting and thought maybe some of you would like the info as well. So here you go....

WD-40 who knew? 'Water Displacement #40'. The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40.

The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you. When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stove top ... Viola! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed.

Here are some not on their list ~ Great for removing bumper stickers, price tags from non-porous items, ink from fingers, traffic citations stuck to car windows.

WD-40 uses:
1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
5. Keeps flies off cows.
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18. It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!
20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers...
22. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open..
24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans
28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes splattered grease on stove.
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37. Florida ’s favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'
38. The favorite use in the state of New York, WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot heaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41. WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.

Oh by the way, the basic ingredient in WD-40 is FISH OIL.

In need of Help

Okay ladies I need some help. I know not everyone starts thinking about Christmas in January but I do and I have had a project in mind for about two years now. I would like to work on it a little more this upcoming year and that is why I need your help. As the Christmas season is soon upon you and everyone will soon start having lessons on the real meaning of Christmas will you do me this favor? If there is any poems, stories or other such things that talk about Santa and the Savior and the meaning of Christmas all together could you pass them along to me. I would GREATLY appreciate it.
Thank-You,

Shantelle

Note from Natalie

I just came across this blog and decided to share. I am working on my personal progress since as a YW I was a slacker and never got my medallion. Well in my searches for my Choice and Accountability project I came across this blog just packed with information that follows my coupon desire but also gives specific instructions on how to have a better grocery budget. I wanted to share. In this economy I think it is very helpful to learn to save money anywhere we can. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/31-days-to-a-better-grocery-budget-stop-making-excuses-and-commit-to-change.html

-Nat

Thanks

Thank you Shantelle for the candy and recipe. That candy truly melts in your mouth. I'm cutting back on sugar right now so I only allowed myself a small bite and froze the rest. It's pretty tempting, knowing there is more so close.
Thanks for the recipe you sent, Heather. I'm going to make it as soon as I see cranberries in the store. It is SO GOOD.
Today is the first day I have pulled the blog up since my last post. Shame on me. There are so many great posts from you all. I will make a point of checking in more often, since we canceled Facebook and don't get any info there now.
Natalie, you are polishing up some very good habits with the couponing and better eating practices. Keep up the good work.
After that comment, I'm embarrassed to add a recipe that is definitely not healthy eating. But it was a great hit with everyone we shared with. If you try it, I know you'll like it.

TOFFEE CRUNCH COOKIES

2 sticks butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 cups quick oats
1 cup crispy rice cereal
1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows

Beat butter with sugars. Add eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Beat in flour, baking soda and baking powder. Fold in oats, cereal, chips and marshmallows.
Drop by 1-2 tablespoonsful onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake in a 350' over for 10-12 minutes.

This is a 'keeper' cookie recipe. Yummy!
This recipe came from "Two Peas In Their Pod" recipe blog. It's a good one to check out.

Happy Grandparents Day

I just wanted to wish all the grandparents that are part of this blog a Happy Grandparents Day.  In Brazil they make a big deal out of these kind of days.  They have Mother's Day and Father's Day, but in addition to this they do Grandparents day and Kid's Day.  On these days the kids give gifts to their grandparents and visit them, and I have decided to try to teach my children this holiday as well.  I just have to try to remember when Children's Day is (not that they really need another excuse for presents, but maybe they will get a special treat that day or something like that).
Anyways for gifts for the grandparents today I decided to go Brazilian and make Brigadeiros.  Yummy stuff for those of you who don't know.  I know Jeremy would know.  What they are (according to Tyrel) is a chocolate version of caramel.  It has the same texture as caramel, and is gooey like caramel, and well it is a favorite treat of mine.  :)  The recipe is so easy and only uses 3 ingredients.  So if any of you want to get your Brazilian on here is the recipe...ENJOY!!!

Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

1 Tablespoon butter

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

Directions:

In a medium sauce pan over medium hear, combine cocoa, butter and condensed milk.  Cook, stirring constantly (otherwise it will burn just like caramel can) until thickened (thick enough to show bottom of pan during stirring).  Remove from heat and pour mixture into a lightly greased dish (I have found that something like a 9X13 cake pan works great!) and allow to cool completely to room temperature.  With slightly greased hands (although your hands will still end up a complete mess from these) form small balls and roll in sprinkles, coconut, or powdered sugar (Brazilian's use the chocolate sprinkles if you want to be really authentic).  *As a side note they will be a little soft after rolling, but if you would like them a little harder just leave out over night and they harden up*

Don't those just look amazing?  And the possibilities with these are endless.  You can add candy or nuts in the middle, or even strawberries.  Plus they are awesome for parties (because you can make a ton and people can really only eat about 2-3 at a time).  

Anyways Happy Grandparents Day...I hope it has been an incredible day for you.  Thank you for all that you do!  Without grandparents this world would be VERY lost!  We love you!