Seasonal Craft Idea: Easter-All-Natural Easter Egg Dye Recipes

All-Natural Easter Egg Dye Recipes

Use these all-natural dye recipes made from household ingredients to create Easter eggs in beautifully subdued shades. Leave eggs soaking in the dye in the refrigerator overnight for the richest colors. This would be a great experiment for your children or grandchildren.

Pink

1 cup pickled beet juice and 1 tablespoon vinegar

Lavender

1 cup grape juice and 1 tablespoon vinegar

Brown

1 cup strong coffee and 1 tablespoon vinegar

Blue

Cut 1/4 head of red cabbage into chunks. Add cabbage to 4 cups boiling water. Stir in 2 tablespoons vinegar. Let cool to room temperature. Remove cabbage with a slotted spoon.

Bluish-Gray

Mix 1 cup frozen blueberries with 1 cup water. Bring to room temperature. Remove blueberries.

Dark Pink

Cut 1 medium beet into chunks. Add beet to 4 cups boiling water. Stir in 2 tablespoons vinegar. Let cool to room temperature. Remove beets.

Yellow

Remove the peel from 1 orange. Add peel to 4 cups boiling water. Stir in 2 tablespoons vinegar. Let cool to room temperature. Remove orange peel.

Seasonal Gift Idea: Easter-Easter Egg Crate Goodies

Seasonal Gift Idea: Easter-Easter Egg Crate Goodies

Treat your Easter hostess, mom, grandma, sister, pastor's wife, secret sister or just a good friend to this cute gift idea!
Fill an empty egg carton with fizzy bath balls, Cadbury chocolate eggs or just any goody that will fit in the spaces. Cover the carton top with pretty paper and tie with a ribbon. I love this idea because the "gift bag" is so inexpensive! LOL!
So save those egg cartons and make an Easter gift today. :)

Seasonal Decoration: Easter-Candle Holder Egg Tree

Seasonal Decoration: Easter - Candle Holder Egg Tree

Almost any type of candle holder can be transformed by using it to hold beautifully colored eggs. Consider setting eggs on a silver candelabrum, candlesticks, or inside little votive cups. Use sticky tack to secure the eggs, if necessary.

Exercise-You Can Do It!

Today, I decided to get back on my treadmill! Hooray for me! :) Since I became pregnant, morning sickness and exhaustion had taken over my body. I was just happy to take care of most of my regular duties and couldn't think of much more. Today, I just wanted to see if I could do it. So I walked - for 30 minutes and did almost a mile. Not any records but I did it. :) I did feel good after I was done...and spent the rest of the morning doing housework. Two loads of laundry, a little bit of ironing, dishes, rearranged my bedroom and a few other things. I may not get as much done as I used to but it is more each week! :)

Sometimes, it is good to baby ourselves because our bodies need it at that time. There were some days in the beginning that I literally was back in bed sleeping by noon...I was just so tired. Nothing has ever hit me that hard. During those times, I took my husband's advice and took care of my body and its needs. :) Now, I am feeling for the most part energetic and even a little adventurous. It may have taken a little pushing and prodding to get back on that treadmill...even though it is just walking...it is going to help my body.
I don't want to give up!

So if you have given up or fallen off the bandwagon as they say...I am encouraging you to get back on! Just try it today. Don't make any long term commitments or goals. Just do it today. After you have done it, you will encourage yourself for tomorrow!

Here are a few thoughts on taking care of your body and exercising...

-Set a certain time that you will exercise.
For example: walk for 30 minutes or do a 20 minute exercise video.

-Exercise is not always enjoyable. You do not have to do what everyone else is doing...do what you ENJOY! You might not enjoy walking but you enjoy biking. Pick what you want to do!

-Treat yourself while or after you exercise.
For example: I have a bottle of water and a healthy treat while I actually walk. Snacks-grapes, almonds with sea salt, apple slices, carrot sticks.

-I actually like to browse through cooking magazines while I walk on my treadmill. The time passes pleasantly and I am not always looking at the clock.

-Involve a friend, spouse or child into your workout.
My kids love to do the Biggest Loser workout with me. It is entertaining for me to watch (LOL) and they get exercise!

-Write down your accomplishments each day you exercise.
My father-in-law also walks on his treadmill. He has a notebook that he keeps track of the date, how many minutes he walked, how many miles and the speed which he walks.

-Invest in something to help you reach that accomplishment of exercising! I bought a treadmill - $40 on Craig's List from someone who was moving. I also bought 2 hand weights at Wal-Mart. I asked for a workout video for Christmas. I wanted a treadmill because of three small children...I can not just even walk in my neighborhood unless I take them or my hubby is home. Now I can walk anytime in the day on my treadmill and I have no excuses! Think of the way you would enjoy exercising the most and then buy what you need to do it!

Remember...exercising is not just for the purpose of losing weight! It is for your health. Take care of yourself...it is important!
Happy exercising!

Recipe: Sweet and Sour Popcorn Chicken

Do you have a favorite hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant? I remember on our old bus route in Chicago...there was a great little, tucked away Chinese restaurant that we would eat at on a Saturday afternoon. My favorite Chinese food is sweet and sour chicken. Don't wait until you go out! Here is a recipe to have a little take-out for your dinner tonight! We had this meal with eggrolls tonight! :) By the way, you can use chicken nuggets in place of the popcorn chicken and the kids will love it!

Sweet and Sour Popcorn Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 medium green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened pineapple chunks
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 package (12 ounces) frozen popcorn chicken

Directions:

• In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry green pepper and onion in oil for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain pineapple, reserving the juice in a 2-cup measuring cup; set pineapple aside. Add enough water to the juice to measure 1-1/3 cups; stir in the vinegar, soy sauce and ketchup.
• In a large bowl, combine brown sugar and cornstarch. Stir in pineapple juice mixture until smooth. Gradually add to the skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add pineapple. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes or until heated through.
• Meanwhile, microwave chicken according to package directions. Stir into pineapple mixture. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings.

Project: Starting Seedlings for your Garden

"Project: Starting Seedlings for your Garden"

In these modern days of supermarkets and conveniences, it is always great to take time to teach your children the joy of gardening.

The process of starting new life...watching it sprout and grow...the feel of the earth and soil beneath your fingers...and lastly the thrill of the fruits of your harvest...there is not a sweeter or more fulfilling feeling.

Perhaps it is because I grew up in the country. We grew a garden every year as children and teenagers. We planted, watered, and bless God...we had to pull those weeds! :) As children, those tasks are not quite as fulfilling as when you are an adult! LOL! Sometimes we would earn a quarter for every row we weeded. The sweetest part was picking the crisp green beans, the yellow ears of sweet corn or the ripe, red tomatoes. You will not find a better tomato than a homegrown tomato!

We would visit both sides of grandparents...my Grandma McCurdy had a wonderful green thumb growing beautiful roses of all colors to sweet red strawberries! My Grandma Holt grew rows of sweet corn and a rhubarb patch. Those memories linger in my thoughts every summer season of gardens past.

Since I have married and started my own family almost 9 years ago...a garden was not always possible. Some years we have lived in apartments or a condo so a garden was not possible. When we lived in Indiana, I often visited my nearby sister and helped her plant, weed and harvest a garden at her home. Last summer was our first summer in our home here in Nevada. I had a small garden patch...not very productive...yet I put many hours of time into it...enjoying every minute. This year, I hope to do more to make my garden more productive and have more fruit for my labor. Yes, it takes time but that time is well spent.

Even if you don't live in an area that you can garden easily, you can always start a container garden. If you have children or grandchildren, teach them how to start seedlings. I have included a few tips to help you in this project. Give your children and grandchildren the gift of love for the earth and all the wonderful things that the Lord has made for us. If you need more help or tips, take a trip to your local library. Check out some children or young adult gardening books. You do not need to be an expert. You do not need to make this into an overwhelming project. Just try something small and you will enjoy it! These memories will last a lifetime!

Knowing when to start seeds indoors takes some backward thinking. First, find out the average date of the last frost in your area and the number of weeks before that date you should start a particular seed. (The number of weeks varies and is listed on the seed package.) Then count backward on the calendar from the average last frost date. Most seeds should be started six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Some seeds can be started a few weeks before it, while others may need a lead time of 12 to 14 weeks. If you start seeds too early, you'll have to keep the seedlings inside too long, and they will be weak by transplant time.

A cardboard egg carton makes an excellent seed-starting flat, as do cut-down milk jugs, yogurt cups, nursery flats, and disposable aluminum pans. You also can purchase biodegradable peat pots that can be set in the ground when it's time to move seedlings outdoors. Whatever you choose, make sure the container has holes in the bottom for good drainage.

Because seeds contain enough food to support the germinating seedlings in their first days, they don't need to start in an especially nutrient-rich medium. Use a sterile, weed-free soil mixture that's substantial enough to absorb and hold water but not so densely packed that it keeps air out and inhibits roots. Good commercial seed-starting mixtures are available at nurseries and garden centers.

Finally, many seedlings look alike, so labels are a good idea. Write the plant names on frozen-dessert sticks or other labels and stick them in the soil. Keep your seed packages for reference.

Ready to grow? Just add water. Water softens the seed coat and allows the food source stored within to nourish the emerging seedling. You must keep your seed-starting medium moist -- but not soggy -- until sprouts appear. Small containers dry out quickly, so check them often.

Seeds vary in the amount of light they need to germinate. Some must have lots of light, so they should not be covered with soil when sown. Others do best with some light, requiring just a thin covering of soil. Still other seeds germinate best in darkness and should be covered with 1/4 inch of fine soil, firmed down. Check the recommendations on the seed packages.

After germination, light is essential for all seedlings, and it can be natural or artificial. If you have sunny windows in your home, take full advantage of them, but you'll need to supplement sunlight with artificial light. Seedlings require 12 to 16 hours of light per day.

Happy gardening and happy memories!

Spring Days...

Life is about to get very busy in the Tastet household...

Last Sunday, I celebrated my 33rd birthday. My husband and girls were so good to me! A dozen yellow roses, candles and a new digital camera! On Tuesday, I had a date with my hubby at Red Lobster. Each year is sweeter!

We are on our countdown to the end of school! Forty-one days! :) It has been a wonderful year!

My husband will be starting a new job on Monday! It is with a medical company called Bennett Medical. He will be delivering health care items to homes. This new job was an amazing blessing! Considering the job market and the poor economy...my husband was able to get a higher paying job! We have been praying for this for a long time.

My hubby will also be starting an EMT class that will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for the next several months. This is paid for through the fire department that he volunteers for on Wednesdays. This is also a great opportunity that he has blessed with! I am so proud of him - even though I will miss him as he will be very busy!

We have several fun and exciting events coming up in our church! Next Saturday, the junior age kids will be going to the roller skating rink. My hubby and I will be going along to help chaperone. Our oldest girls are very excited to go on this event just for them.

On Easter, we will be having a sunrise service at 8am and then a catered breakfast at our church. Then we will have our regular services. Easter is one of my favorite holidays. I love the joy of celebrating our risen Savior with fellow believers!

The following Tuesday, we will be having a Ladies' Fellowship - "Spring Clean-Up" is the theme. We are to bring our favorite spring salad or dessert. It is always refreshing to spend time with other Christian ladies!

I will be entering my second trimester next week! It is hard to believe that time has flown so quickly!

The weather is very springlike here in Reno! We are loving it! We had our first bonfire of the season this week in our backyard! :) Hot dogs, s'mores, the smell of the fire...welcome to the season! :) The thing I love about a campfire...you can just take the time to sit back, stare into the fire and meditate. There is something about the flames of a fire that is soothing to the soul. No matter what has gone on in your day...it all seems to fade away into the night.

I pray you have a blessed week and your troubles fade into the night!

Recipe: Easy Baked Potato Soup

Blustery spring days are here!

Here is a yummy soup recipe for your next windy, rainy day! :)

Easy Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 medium baking potatoes, baked
• 5 bacon strips, diced
• 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of potato soup, undiluted
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
• 3-1/2 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Dash Liquid Smoke, optional
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

• Peel and dice the baked potatoes; set aside. In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels. Drain, reserving 1-1/2 teaspoons drippings.
• Add the soups, milk, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, pepper, Liquid Smoke if desired and reserved potatoes to the drippings.
• Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Stir in sour cream; cook for 1-2 minutes or until heated through (do not boil). Garnish with cheddar cheese and bacon. Yield: 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

"There Is A Hello After Goodbye..."

This is a song/video dedicated to a very special friend.
You know who you are.
I love you.

Please listen to this song...just click on the the link below.
You will be blessed!

"Hello After Goodbye" by Legacy Five

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1znOs8qY6bM

Praise the Lord!

Monday's thought..."Praise the Lord!"

Yesterday, one of my lady friends, Shannon, gave me a gift. It was a zippered blue tote bag from the Ladies Conference in Napa, CA. Inside the bag was a coffee cup from Cracker Barrel that says "Praise the Lord" and a sign with the words to "Amazing Grace". I am going to hang it in my bathroom. It was such a sweet and thoughtful gesture from my friend! What a better way to start my day than reading those words as I drink my cup of coffee...Praise the Lord! We can not be reminded of that thought too much!

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name." Psalms 100:4

"O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory." Psalms 108:1

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord." Psalms 40:1-3

No matter what you may be going through today...praise the Lord! Put a reminder where you may see it...like my coffee cup...to remind yourself to praise the Lord! Isn't He so worthy! Share your praises of the Lord with others!

In closing, I want to share a praise with you! This week, our pastor will be signing the papers to purchase the other half of the storefront building where our church currently is! We will take possession the first of May and will be remodeling to create more Sunday School classes, a fellowship hall area, another bathroom and a larger auditorium. Yesterday, we had 103 in attendance! God is so wonderful and today, all the praise goes to Him!

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalms 43:5

March...

I hope you all had a wonderful month of February! February was a rough month personally for me with lots of morning sickness, chilly and cloudy weather and some difficult happenings at our church. Through it all, I enjoyed my time each day with my Savior! The Bible stayed so real to me and I look forward to the nuggets that I uncover each day!

March has begun here in Reno! Each time we think we are nearing spring, it slips away! On a recent Wednesday, it was 60 degrees and sunny! My husband took our family out fishing on the river! We even grilled out for lunch! On that Saturday through Sunday, we received two feet of snow in our neighborhood! So we know not to get too excited too early! LOL!

My pregnancy is going well. Except for the 8 weeks so far of morning, afternoon and evening sickness...it is all good! LOL! Yesterday was my 11 wk. mark. My daughters have really stepped up and become good helpers! I praise the Lord for them!

Home schooling is coming along as well. Autumn has 45 lessons left and Addie has 50 lessons. It has been a wonderful year!

We love you all! Have a great day!