Works For Me Wednesday--Muffin Mania

I have been trying to make use of all my zucchini's from my garden and also all the apples from my mom's trees.

Muffins it is. And they are healthy!

I have made a few batches to replace the processed Cascadian Farms granola bars that I buy on a regular basis. Even though I am sure they are healthier than other brands, they are still processed and contain a few ingredients I would rather leave out of my diet.

My kids and even my hubby love 'em!


Nutty Apple Muffins

1 1/4 cup honey (I use raw--taste is so worth it!)
1/2 cup oil (I use cold pressed olive, safflower or coconut oil)
2 eggs
3 cups grated apples
7 cups whole wheat flour
1 3/4 cup water
2 TBS plus 2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 TBS cinnamon
1 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 cup raisins ( I omitted these)

Mix oil, eggs, honey,and apples in a large mixing bowl. Add dry ingredients and stir to moisten. Add in nuts and raisins. Do not over mix. Spoon into greased muffin tins. Bake about 20 min. at 400 degrees. Makes 3 dozen large muffins.


Zucchini Muffins

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp of each: baking soda, salt, nutmeg
1/4 tsp tsp baking powder
1/2 cup honey (raw)
1 1/4 cup grated, unpeeled zucchini
1 egg
1/2 cup water
2 TBS softened butter
1/8 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 tsp finely shredded lemon peel
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients well. Make a hole in center of flour mixture in the bowl and add wet ingredients. Stir with wooden spoon just until all mixed together. Spoon batter into greased muffin tins. Bake at 375 degree for 15 min. or until a toothpick stuck in center of muffin comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Makes 12 muffins.


Banana Muffins

1 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
1/4 cup butter milk or sour milk (If you don't have raw milk just use vinegar or lemon juice to "sour" your milk)
1 egg
1/3 cup honey (raw)
3 TBS oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup walnuts

Mix dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well blended. Add wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Bake in greased muffin tins for 15-20 min. at 375 degrees.


**For a little something extra I made some cream cheese frosting for the apple muffins. I used cream cheese, whole apple juice, and a little powdered sugar. Delicious!!!!

**All recipes come from Hopkins' Healthy Home Cooking


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Works For Me Wednesday: Yogurt & Eczema

I just wanted to pass along this article from Stonyfield about the positive effects yogurt can have on eczema.

Two out of my three kids have suffered with this skin condition as babies and into their toddler years, and Stonyfield yogurt has been a part of their daily diets for quite some time. I also use Dannon Naturals yogurt. Now at ages 6 and 3, my two are eczema free and have been for a while.

While I have used many other natural remedies over the years, which is another post in and of itself, maybe their daily dose of Yo Baby/Yo Kids yogurt has been a tremendous help! I have been very fortunate to be able to keep allopathic treatments far, far away.

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Works For Me Wednesday: "Mom, I'm Bored" Edition

Summer's here and eventually we moms will hear the ever familiar whines from our spoiled (I mean sweet) kids, "Mom, I'm bored!" :)








While we do have many fun things planned for summer, everyday can't be a party and being stuck inside during triple digit temps. out here in the desert can bring on those boredom blues. But, I can usually hush them up with threats of chores if they continue to hassle me!!!

So, what are some ways we ragamuffins ease the blues of boredom? Well, for starters we got out a piece of construction paper and a marker and made a list of things the kids could to do around the house that don't involve my help. Then, I hung it up on our dry erase board, so they could easily consult the list. The list includes simple things like: play a board game, play with little sister, watch cartoons, play computer/X-box games, draw or do art, read a book, do summer workbook pages, help with extra chores, etc... The last 3 items mentioned bring me to my next point for this special, themed Works for me Wednesday.

Inspired by the Harry Potter books, we have a "house point" system. I am sure many of you are familiar with the 4 houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff. Well, we decided as a family to name "our house" Stormcrow after the dearest of wizards, Gandalf. Yes, we are all die hard Lord of the Rings fans as well!! Anyway, all throughout the year my kids can earn house points for various things, but this summer I have decided to add an incentive to earn even more points. I am hoping this will help keep them busy and out of my hair while I try to get some things done. (I home school, so it is imperative that I make wise use of my time off!!)

Here's what they have to do to earn those extra points, which will help them reach 300 points by summer's end. (They can redeem 300 points for a trip to Chuck E. Cheese.) I guess I should mention here, too, that during the year they can turn in 100 points for a certain reward or wait until they reach 200 points for an even better reward. Any time they choose to use their points, we start over at 0. Okay, with that out of the way I will move on.

I have bought a workbook for each of my boys and they can receive 1 point for each completed page. Each workbook has over 75 pages. For each novel that my almost 9 year old reads, he earns 5 house points. For each easy reader that my 6 1/2 year old reads, he earns 2 points. For extra chores I will give points based on performance. So, hopefully with those incentives, my boys (daughter is still too young to participate) will choose to earn points instead of choosing to bug me to death!!

**My kids can also earn 5 points for each Bible verse they memorize over the summer. Our aim is 1 per week.

The House Point system has definitely worked for our family, so hopefully it will work for yours, too! I would love to know what your "house name" would be if you choose to use this idea!!

Please visit Rocksinmydryer for more tips on keeping your kids occupied during the summer.

Works For Me Wednesday: Soaking Your Oats

I think I have heard a saying about "sowing your oats" or something like that, but that is not what I am talking about today. :)


Oats, like other gluten-containing grains are not easily digested by us humans because they contain phytic acid. This acid is located in the outer layer of the bran, which binds minerals and can block their absorption. This is possibly why so many people have an allergy to whole wheat since it is the highest in phytic acid. (Good grief, aren't they telling us to eat more whole wheat for our health's sake?)

Soaking oatmeal, and all other grains for that matter, will make them easier to digest because one, it neutralizes the phytic acid, especially if the water is acidic,and two, lactobacilli break down the gluten and other proteins that are difficult to digest. These 2 components combined make the nutrients in the oatmeal available to us. The acidic water also encourages the production of many beneficial enzymes, which enhances the vitamin content, especially the B vitamins.


**So here's a very simple thing you can do to up the nutritional value of your oatmeal:

Mix 2 cups rolled oats and 2 cups warm water and let it soak overnight. (adding 4T. plain yogurt, sour milk, or buttermilk helps.)

The next morning you will need to add your soaked oats to boiling water (recipe says 2 cups but I use less), reduce heat and simmer until hot.

I love to eat mine with chopped nuts, chopped banana, brown sugar and milk!



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*Sorry no WFMW label or other photos--Hubby took the laptop to work.

Healthy, Homemade Salad Dressing

It's about time I did another one of these!

I recently discovered how to make my own yummy tasting salad dressing that doesn't contain awful stuff like hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup etc. I must give credit to my slightly obsessed friend, Staci, who loves to research and post about healthy living.



Healthy, Homemade Salad Dressing

1/2 cup oil (olive or grape seed work well)

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup agave*

1/4 tsp. paprika

1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 T. poppy seeds

2 T. sesame seeds

1 1/2 T. dried, minced onion

*Agave nectar can be found next to the honey in the health food section of your grocery store.

This dressing does not require refrigeration. I just mixed and stored mine in a clean coconut oil jar.

I personally find this dressing to be very tasty. It has a sweet and tangy taste, and went very well with my salad of red and green leaf lettuce, pecans, dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, feta cheese, and chopped red onion!!

For more awesome tips visit Rocksinmydryer.

Works For Me Wednesday: Backwards Edition

Yea, I get to ask for advice this time!

Q: I would like advice on the best way to sell books. I want to clean out our book closet. I have a variety that I would like to sell--home school, baby and pregnancy, Christian Fiction, just to name a few.

I have had some recent success selling some vitamins on ebay but don't really know how well books will sell.

*Would selling on Amazon be a better option?

*Would I have a better chance of selling if I sold several books in one lot?


I know I could donate or freecycle, but I really don't want to. I donate a lot of stuff to charity,but I would like to make some extra money on the books since all are in great condition. Being a stay-at-home, home school mom I just don't have very many opportunities to make extra cash. Sure would be nice to have some, so if you can give me some advice on this I would greatly appreciate it!!!


Visit Rocksinmydryer to offer more great advice.

Works For Me Wednesday: Candle Wax Removal

I learned a tip a few years ago about removing leftover wax from glass candle holders in a mess-free way. (I used to melt the leftover wax in the oven by turning the glass upside down on a cookie sheet with a paper towel in between. Time consuming and messy.)

Here's the tip: Just stick the entire candle, glass container/votive holder and all, in the freezer for a couple of hours, and the leftover candle will pop right out. Now you have a perfectly clean container ready for a new candle.

This works wonderfully for me! Don't forget to stop by rocksinmydryer for more neat tips.

Works For Me Wednesday: Veggie Muffin Meatloaves

For a great kid friendly recipe go here.

Hide lots of veggies in these little "muffins". I have also provided pictures so you can see what they are supposed to look like. You can use ground turkey or ground beef, but I will be honest-- the ground beef does taste a little better. This recipe is on my menu for tonight, and I will be using ground elk meat instead.

This recipe works for our family! To find more great tips visit Rocksinmydryer.

Works For Me Wednesday: Backwards Day

I am so glad it's backwards day today because I have a few questions that I hope you all can answer for me!!

1. Has anyone ever used Sheer Cover makeup? I have never been an infomercial type of gal until I bought Pro Active. It has worked well for me, so now those Sheer Cover infomercials keep catching my eye. If you have used it, please tell me what you think!

2. How do I do auto posts and posts that "stick" at the top of my page?

3. Where can I buy inexpensive bows on line for my toddler? I don't like the big, fancy kind--just simple styles will do.

4. I home school and was wondering if you all could help me find a SIMPLE art/drawing program. It doesn't even really have to be a program, it could just be one book. It would be even better if it was something the student could do without my help!! I bought Drawing With Children by Mona Brooks, and I personally just don't have the time to go through those lessons.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions!!

Visit Rocks in my dryer to offer advice to lots of other moms...

Works For Me Wednesday: Grapefruit Seed Extract

Since I am right in the middle of battling a cold/sore throat, I thought I would take a moment to share a wonderful, natural product that I use instead of antibiotics.

For a couple of years now, I have been using Grapefruit Seed Extract for the whole family. Mostly I use it when someone is sick, but I have used it as a preventative also. I have even added a few drops to water and used it as a multi-purpose cleaner. After doing quite a bit if research, I have found many other uses for it, too. Here, is where you can take a moment to read about Grapefruit Seed Extract.

The actual brand that I buy is NutriBiotic The Original GSE Liquid Concentrate.
This link will take you to the home page. It is easy to spot this stuff in a white bottle with a red cap. I buy it at my local health food store, and a 4 FL. OZ. bottle costs around $20.00. It lasts a long time, though. I have had the same bottle for over a year. It just takes a few drops, and there are about 4000 drops per bottle. We take ours in a little bit of orange juice instead of water since the taste is quite horrible!!!

I just found out that Elijah Wood uses this product as well. Now I really feel special!!

Anyway, I make sure that we never run out of this amazing formula--it has definitely worked for us!

For more fantastic tips go here.

Works For Me Wednesday: Clear Skin

If I had my very own genie, I would wish for a beautiful, clear, olive complexion! Unfortunately I must have inherited my Norwegian ancestors' fair, slightly freckled skin. That, coupled with the off and on breakouts I have experienced since I was about 17 make for a not so lovely face. The Maybelline Cover Up Stick has been my companion for far too long!


I am one of those "use as many natural products as you can freaks", so I have definitely tried countless natural solutions to help clear up my skin. Many have helped a little, but not to my complete satisfaction. Just when I was about to throw up my arms in desperation and give up, I decided to beg my husband to buy me Proactiv for Valentine's Day last year. He did just that, and my life hasn't been the same! Seriously, I don't want to sound like a big cheese ball here, but this stuff has been a lifesaver. My skin looks and feels better than it has since I was two. I have been using it for 10 months now, and I am very pleased with the results. Forget cover up, I rarely even wear foundation anymore!


I could go on and on, but I will stop before I bore everyone to tears. I just thought I would share how this product has worked for me because surely I can't be the only 30-something struggling with breakouts. If only I could have had this as a teenager!!!!


For more insightful tips, visit Rocksinmydryer.

Works For Me Wednesday: The What Do I Fix? Edition

So, what do I do when my cupboards are as bare as Old Mother Hubbard's?



Well actually this was me yesterday. 3:00 pm rolled around, and I opened my pantry door. Hmm, was about all I could manage to say. Smoked Vienna Sausage and Pork N Beans didn't sound too appetizing, so I went to the fridge, which was almost as bare as my cupboard. Well, I decided dinner would have to be the leftover box of chicken nuggets, frozen peas and butter noodles. That is until my thoughtful husband called and asked if it would be okay if he brought home Kentucky Fried Chicken. I am sure you can guess my answer!!



Well, I better get on with this b/c I have to go to the store in just a bit with all 3 kids! Yippee!




Just like Shannon over at Rocks in my Dryer, Tomato Soup and grilled cheese are great stand- bys for me. I also make eggs and home made pancakes when the pickings are slim. My kids think that is a treat, anyway. If I have tortillas, cheese and salsa on hand, then making quick burritos will fill our tummies until I can get to the grocery store.



Head on over here to get more tips on what to fix when your in a pinch!

**I am looking for new Christmas recipes to make this month, so please stop by over here to participate in my Christmas Recipe Exchange. Thanks!!

Works For Me Wednesday: Movie Review Site

If you guys are like me, then you want to know what's in a movie before you see it. I don't want to pay $ for a movie and have to walk out of the theater, or rent one only to have to stop watching half way through due to inappropriate viewing material.

Screen It is a site that reviews movies in great detail. This is a free service. You do have the option of joining for a price, so if you don't want to just scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click the "No Thanks" button. After that you are ready to start "screening" movies.

I have tried to use Christian sites in the past for this, like Focus on the Family, but I always felt that the reviews were not detailed enough for me, or that the reviewer gave too many opinions instead of just sticking to the facts.

Screen It has definitely worked for our family! If you know of any more sites out there like this one, please pass it on!

For more tips visit Rocksinmydryer.

Works For Me Wednesday--Scripture Memory

Sword Fighting has been such a blessing for me and my kids, so I thought I would share it with you all.

This is such a wonderful way of memorizing scripture--if only I would have thought of it sooner. I have always had trouble committing Bible verses to memory long term.

Following the suggestions in the book, I wrote the temptations on an index card. Then, I wrote the matching verses on swords, which I cut out in the shape of Sting, Frodo's sword. The boys really liked that!

Though, Shiloh isn't memorizing just yet, she enjoys handing out the temptations to the boys on Fridays. (We have already completed the entire book, so on Fridays we just do a review.)

The book contains 52 temptations and verses, so you memorize one a week. Each day you read a Bible story that corresponds to that particular temptation and verse. It really is a great way to teach kids how to specifically apply God's Word when dealing with temptation.

I love this way of learning Scripture so much that I plan on using this technique to write out more temptations and matching verses when I have the chance.

*If you do click on the above link, it will take you directly to Karyn Henley's site. She is the author of the book. You can just type in Sword Fighting in the search box on her site.

To read more great tips visit RocksinmyDryer.

Works For Me Wednesday: Backwards Day

Oh goody, I get to ask a question this time!! I hope someone out there has an answer!

How in the world do I remove hard water stains??

Back in Memphis I had mold problems. Glad I don't have to deal with that anymore, but now I have hard water stains that I don't seem to be able to get rid of.

Mostly, the problem area is in my shower, but it's also in my sinks, toilets, and fridge water tray. It looks like I have a dirty shower even right after I scrub it. Please help, I have tried so many things--scrubbing with baking soda, borax, Ajax with bleach, vinegar, and I have even tried CLR(the stuff advertised on TV). If anyone has had a similar experience, I would greatly appreciate the advice.

On a different note, I can't remember from whose Works for Me Wednesday post I got this idea, but it is working for me, too! It has been a great and inexpensive way to organize my spices, etc. Just wanted to say thanks.

To view more posts just like this one, go to Rocks in my Dryer.

Disinfect Kitchen Sponge Fast!

A few years ago my mother-in-law shared a wonderful tip with me: To get get rid of nasty germs/bacteria on your kitchen sponge, just zap it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds!! I have become pretty obsessive about it, too. I nuke it about 5 times a day, now!! (Make sure it is WET first!)

For more Works For Me Wednesdays, go here.

Works For Me Wednesday: Natural Carpet Deodorizer

Want an alternative to perfumey, sneeze inducing, allergy inviting carpet powder? Well, search no further. Here is yet another way to incorporate baking soda into your everyday life!


Recipe for Natural Carpet Deodorizer:


* 10 drops Tea Tree oil
* 10 drops Lemon oil
* 20 drops Lavender oil
*1 16oz. box of baking soda


Mix baking soda and essential oils very thoroughly in a large bowl. Make sure the lemon oil is mixed well so that no undiluted lemon oil stains your carpet. ( I had no problems with this) Store mixture in a glass jar or airtight container.



When ready to use, sprinkle onto your carpet and allow to sit for about 10-20 minutes. Then vacuum it up! ( A clean large spice container that has holes works nicely for sprinkling onto the carpet.)



Recipe came from www.aromaweb.com


FYI:


Medicinal properties of lemon oil: antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, calming, diuretic, lowers blood pressure. Lavender oil: analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic (destroys intestinal worms), anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, decongestant. Tea tree oil: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, decongestant, causes sweating.


Oil info came from the book, What To Do When Antibiotics Don't Work! By, Dirk Van Gils




I have used this recipe many times and it definitely works for me!!!

For more great Works For Me Wednesdays, visit Rocks in my Dryer.

Works For Me Wednesday: Lavender

Lavender has become one of my very best friends, in fact my hubby as referred to me once or twice as the "Lavender Lady". A few years ago I began using a homemade lavender spray to disinfect my home instead of Lysol. I just fill a 20 oz. spray bottle with water and add about 10 drops of lavender oil. Swish and you are ready to mist just about any surface! I do avoid getting it on the wooden furniture,though. I lightly mist couches, door knobs, bedding, bathroom surfaces, stuffed animals, the "air" in general, and I even use it to clean my kitchen counters, the fridge, etc, etc... The best part is, you don't have to worry about it being toxic to your kids. In fact sometimes I mist them!! Inhaling the fumes leaves you feeling calm and relaxed.




You can find the essential oil of lavender at most health food stores. Here is a photo of the kind I buy. (Aura Cacia) There are many other great brands, though. Just depends on what your local health food store carries.








Here are a few facts about the pure essential oil of lavender for those who may not be familiar with it.





*natural antibiotic


*natural antiseptic


*natural sedative


*natural detoxifier


*promotes healing and prevents scarring


*stimulates immune system





**Though most essential oils are considered safe when used correctly, always keep out of reach of children. Most oils should not be used unless they are first diluted.

One of the books that I have found most helpful concerning the subject of essential oils is, The Complete Book Of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, by Valerie Ann Worwood.

For more Works For Me Wednesdays, go here.

Works For Me Wednesday

Okay, so I have caved in to bloggy peer pressure. I just can't resist these, so here is my first Works for Me Wednesday!

I use baking soda for a ton of things, and for the first time a few weeks ago, I used it in my hair. I just followed the directions on the box--mix about a tsp. of baking soda with shampoo and wash hair as usual. I really didn't expect to see or feel much of a difference, but I did!!! Made my hair feel soft, clean, and shiny!! I will definitely be doing this once a week from now on.