Make Your Own FOAMING SOAP

I don't know about your kids, but handwashing reminding can sometimes get so frustrating but I have found that the "Foamy Soap" Dispensers are a"Big hit", and you don't have to continually buy these special kind of bottled liquid soaps, just re-use one with an easy recipe below and save money too!

FOAMING SOAP RECIPE

• Pour a few Tablespoons of Liquid Soap (Shampoo, Body wash or Dishwashing liquid can also be used) into a previously purchased/used Foaming Soap Dispenser Bottle
• Fill with warm water (not completely to the top but leave a little room - an inch or so to work properly) screw on the lid/pump and gently shake.
• Squirt a few times to get it started

**I also like to add a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil to it for an added fragrance bonus!

Once you have tried this, you find your not having to buy as much liquid soap as nearly as often! I am not sure why I didn't figure this out sooner :)

NEIGHBORHOOD FRUIT Website

Wow, August is going by quickly and that means many fruits are falling off the vines from ripeness or just getting started such as apples. I recently came across this really helpful website that I hope may come in handy for you as well. 
Neighborhood Fruit helps people find and share fruit locally, both backyard bounty and abundance on public lands - 10,000 trees nationwide and counting!

Neighborhood Fruit was created to make use of the abundant fruit growing in our urban environments. Currently, the bulk of fruit grown in backyards and in our cities goes to waste, while the fruit we consume is grown in water-intensive orchards far from our homes.

Check out NEIGHBORHOOD FRUIT 'S Website to see if fruit is available in your area that you can use or for you to post for others if you have fruit available to share!

Happy picking!!

FLAVORS OF SUMMER

I think we finally hit some summer weather temps in the 80's today! Not complaining here at all considering the record breaking high heat going on in most of the US right now. I am enjoying some fresh raspberry lemonade with mint while trying to decide on what to make or do with the 7 pounds of freshly picked raspberries and strawberries I picked earlier. (See one of my favorite Berry treats below)

I am also trying to figure out ways to use/store the large amounts of mint that grows like weeds in my backyard! I have dried some for use in the fall/winter and I love it in my lemonade, summer fruit salads, and even use it with lavender to add to my bath for a relaxing soak.

What are some of your Favorite Summer Flavors?

Shana's Easy Frozen Berry Cream

• Frozen berries ( I like a mix of strawberries, raspberries & blueberries) approx 1 cup
• Sugar - approx. 2 tsp
• Half-n-half Milk, Whole or Lowfat milk, or non-dairy such as soy, almond or coconut milk - approx 1/2 cup

Put all in bowl and break up with spoon until desired consistency. (I like the way the milk freezes to the frozen berries and creates a delightful frozen treat.) Enjoy!!

FREE Lego Club Magazine and Events Info. for Kids

My son sure looks forward each month to receiving his Lego Club Magazine in the mail! It is a FREE 2 year Subscription he enjoys with great building ideas and upcoming Lego features. Yesterday he attended a Free Lego Speed Building Event at our local Lego Store. (See Pic. below) This kind of information is advertised as well in the magazine, although we just happened to be there recently at the right time as a treat for his week long hard working of goals he personally acheived.

Click Here to Sign Up for Your FREE Lego Club Magazine

Make at Home, Fruit and Veggie Wash

Recently, I ran out of Fruit and Vegetable Wash and just didn't want to drive to the location that I originally purchased (Trader Joes) with gas prices what they are, it just didn't seem justifiable to do so when I just had a feeling their must be a natural way to do so from ingredients at home because the ingredients are basically "natural". I tried several fruit and vegetable wash "recipes" and this seemed to be best for my use requirements. The vinegar has natural antibacterial properties and the lemon is a natural astringent. This solution helps break down and remove pesticides so you can feel better about the health benefits than using just plain water.
(NOTE)  Just remember if you are going to wash "soft" skinned fruits such as strawberries, you might add the spray to some water in a bowl to dilute, and rinse well after soaking briefly to avoid any heavy vinegar taste.

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 cup distilled white vinegar

1 tbsp baking soda

1 tbsp lemon juice (from lemon)

• Combine all ingredients above. (I like to combine into a pourable pitcher). The reaction of the baking soda and vinegar will cause a "cool" bubble reaction or "explosion",as my son says! but will subside quickly :)

• Pour into a spray bottle with a pump (or a jar with a lid.)

• Spray mixture on produce and let sit for 5 minutes.

• Scrub (if necessary), and rinse well.  (Or if just storing mixture in a jar, pour some  into a bowl, add a little water, then the fruit and soak briefly before thoroughly rinsing.)

I like to store this Easy Fruit and Veggie Wash in the refrigerator for a few weeks at a time, then make more as needed!

Make Your Own Hummingbird Feeder

 

Here's an easy, fun kid-friendly project to do this summer if you would like to try attracting hummingbirds to your garden before you go out and spend a fortune on fancy feeders. My son and I really enjoy the rare moments we have been able to see these amazing little birds and their high bursts of energy "flitting by". Let me know how this works for you :)

On a note of interest....Hummingbirds are the only group of birds that are known to be able to fly backwards!


Go Here to Make Your Own Hummingbird Feeder

Here is another good site to check out for what would be good to grow to attract them too!
How to Attract Hummingbirds

How "Yeshua" Became "Jesus"

If you have a genuine desire to study the bible from a "hebraic" perspective to gain valuable truths not necessarily taught in the Christian churches I will post some links for your personal studies to know Him better. YHWH bless you!

How "Yeshua" Became "Jesus"

Mostly FREE or Easy on the Wallet Summer Kids Happenings!

Here are some sites to check out for your family fun this summer that won't break the bank. I will be updating this list as more come in, so check back soon. Let me know if you have any to share as well. Have a great summer!

Free Bowling for kids

$1 Summer Movies

Buy 1 Get 1 Minor League Baseball Ticket

Kids Free Lowes Build and Grow Events

Victoria Clipper Vacation Contest/ Giveaway -Ends 6-30-11 (EXPIRED)

If you love flowers and have been thinking of a weekend getaway, you should check out the beautiful gardens in Victoria, British Columbia called Butchart Gardens. In fact, Victoria Clipper has a Giveaway currently running which includes a Getaway to Victoria (and Butchart Gardens!) for two.

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EXPIRED

THE PRIZE: Northwest Multi City Vacation Getaway for Two

• Cruise on the Victoria Clipper plus a champagne continental breakfast aboard
• One night accommodation at Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel & Marina
• Transportation via Cruise Victoria motor coach to the Butchart Gardens
• Admission for two to The Butchart Gardens including high tea
• Pacific Coach Lines transportation and BC Ferry between Victoria and Vancouver, BC
• One night stay at Delta Vancouver Suites in Vancouver, BC
• Tickets for the Hop On Hop Off Vancouver Trolley Tour
• Amtrak Cascades transportation between Seattle, WA and Vancouver, BC
• One night stay at the Mayflower Park Hotel in Seattle
• Savor Seattle Pike Place Market Tour

Getting your garden ready

I am so excited to begin the process again this season of getting my garden ready for our summer favorites! I don't consider myself an expert in this area but I have learned a few tips from the years in my particular climate with certain flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables that I hope may be of assistance in the next several months. I also will post some websites with gardening information that have been very helpful for me. Garden Guides and The Sequim Lavender Festival blogsite (to get things started) has great tips for herbs such as lavender, my favorite!
If you have children, get them involved in the planting process too. I like to set up an area just for my son to plant his favorites and learn each year as well. We have a great time getting dirty and many homeschool science lessons have been completed in the backyard and nearby farms and gardens.


gardenguides.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USwoUgSdWR8