Homemaking Cottage Online Newsletter Archive: recipes, articles, crafts

Cherry and Cheese Treat

2008-05-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

A new favorite snack of mine is this Cherry and Cheese Treat. We discovered the combination when searching for something I could eat on my diet.

1 can cherry pie filling
Bowl of cottage cheese
1 tsp. almond extract

Mix the almond extract into the pie filling. Spoon pie filling over the cottage cheese. Enjoy!

Rules for Meals

2008-05-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

Breakfast is golden;
Dinner is silver;
Supper is lead!

At least five or six hours should intervene between the meals.

-Ten Talents Cookbook

One Year Food Storage Menu eBook

2008-05-08T16:37:00.000-07:00

One Year Food Storage Menu eBook

Day by Day, Moth by Month dinner menu

By Genevie Doyle

The purpose of this food storage menu is to give families the "I can do this!" approach to getting their year's worth of food storage. All of the meals on this menu can be prepared with storable goods available at your local supermarket. Additionally, for those of you who have a lot of things stored but are not quite sure if it is enough or not or even what to do with it, make yourself a menu as such and it will become clearer.

Price: $15.00
Ebook 109 pages

Order today!

Preparedness in the Home

2008-05-08T16:35:00.001-07:00

By: Shiloah Baker

Why should every homemaker be prepared for every kind of situation? The answer is simple- emergencies or unplanned situations do occur in life. Those who prepare are calmer and have more peace of mind. As the homemaker assists her family and does her best to make a potential stressful or disastrous situation into one devoid of terror and confusion. The homemaker who practices and learns how to do as many things in her own home is a woman of confidence and peace.

What situations could occur to cause a need for food storage or emergency 72 hour kits? What would happen to you or your family if you lost everything in a fire, a flood, or a catastrophe? What about if your husband lost his job or became injured and could no longer provide for the family as he had in the past? There are countless reasons for being prepared. You will always been thankful that you did.

What is self-reliance? It is "reliance on one's own capabilities, judgment, or resources; independence."

The high cost of inflation has made it more essential for us to learn to provide as many of our necessities as possible. We have the opportunity to develop many talents and learn new things which may be used to achieve a sense of self-sufficiency. Some examples are: emergency preparedness, recycling, food storage and home food production.

We live in an area where hurricanes can affect us. This area also never seems to have enough food on the shelves for the amount of people that live here just on a regular basis. I am certain when panic hits for a pending hurricane or other disaster the shelves will be empty of all or most of the food and water. Did you know that the average grocery store only has enough supply of food for their area to last a week?

There are many reasons to have a food storage and water storage, but the main reason is because we have been instructed to do so. How can you do this? Where can you start? Start with three months of regular food storage. Things like canned goods, extra pastas, meats in the freezer, etc. Buy extra each time you go to the store. Start there.

Learn how to cook from scratch. Learn how to do the basics of anything you can. If you can buy it in the store, chances are you can make it yourself. Learn how to do these things and you will have a confidence in yourself should any situation arise that will enable you to use these skills.

Plan to build up your food supply just as you would a savings account. Save a little for storage each paycheck. Can or bottle fruit and vegetables from your gardens and orchards. Learn how to preserve food through drying and possibly freezing. Make your storage a part of your budget. Store seeds and have sufficient tools on hand to do the job. (CR, 1980)

Don't get discouraged while you are in the midst of preparing. Anything stored or set away for the future is better than nothing.
________________________

Works Cited

CR. (1980, November). Ensign , p. 10.

Family Emergency Preparedness

2008-05-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

By: Katie Johnson

Just as families in many homes must be prepared for sickness, fire and other unexpected occurrences, you must also be prepared for accidents and medical emergencies. Each emergency is very different and requires a unique response. You should begin learning about these emergencies so that you are better prepared to react and protect your family. Family emergency preparedness is an important issue in the home. The following passage provides basic information you need to keep about your family's health record so that you can be prepared to handle medical situations and other threats during an emergency.

The most important step to start with in preparation is planning. Planning ahead of time is very critical because most of the time, disaster strikes when least expected. Below are a few things you can do to prepare.

The key is discussing with your family members and looking at the types of emergencies most likely to happen in your family and what role each member in the family can play. Planning how you will contact each other when not together is especially crucial. A disaster may strike when some family members are away at the time.

Equally important in planning is to make sure that you keep some needed supplies ready for emergencies; first aid supplies, prescription medications, sanitary supplies and special items for family members with special needs.
Also, learning more about the types of emergencies and how your family's medical condition may be affected is very important. Read up on key terms such as burns, food poisoning, wounds, cuts and other types of injuries. You can find this information at your local library, health center, on the internet and by watching health related TV programs.

Getting involved in community planning efforts can also be very helpful, especially in family related emergency seminars. In addition, always be alert during an emergency by using resources with emergence messages and important safety instructions from government authorities or other approved authorities.

It is also very important that you include a picture id of each family member on their health records file. You may also want to provide information about current medications, allergies, age and weight of children in an easily accessible place somewhere in your home. Training a family member in CPR and First Aid has also proved to be helpful.

Click here to visit the Health Care Information Guide Online for informative articles about health. UK readers can visit the UK Online Hospitals Directory for health articles, hospitals information and more. Copyright 2007. Katie Johnson

April's Ezine Introduction

2008-05-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

We live in a world of uncertainty, ill health, and unstable economies. We, as homemakers, can prepare and plan ahead. By doing this we become self-reliant or reliant on our skills and preparation.

Spencer W. Kimball said, "No amount of philosophizing, excuses, or rationalizing will ever change the fundamental need for self-reliance." There will always been a need to be prepared. We share ideas, tips and insight on how to prepare your home and family and become more self reliant.

Enjoy the theme of this month's ezine. We would love to have you join the Deluxe Edition. It is full of exciting and interesting articles, and it also helps support the website.

Please feel free to forward this entire ezine to friends and family.

Zesty Cod Fish and Asparagus

2008-05-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

By Shiloah Baker

My children love cod fish and jump up and down with excitement when I tell them we are having cod for dinner. The mild fish flavor of cod makes it easier for those who aren't excited about eating fish (like my husband) to handle it a little better.

Our favorite way of preparing it is to roll it in egg or oil and then it seasoned bread crumbs.

Another way we love to prepare it is to season the fish with fresh garlic, crushed peppercorns, lemon zest, and Kosher salt.

Fish is tasty when served with steamed asparagus tips. We also enjoy eating Risotto as a side dish with the fish.

Home Responsibility

2008-05-08T14:21:00.001-07:00

By Winona F. Thomas

I thought to write a poem,
One was running through my head,
But I made you pajamas
To keep you warm in bed.

I could have made a picture,
But I knew you had no bread
I kneaded dough and baked the loaves
So that you would be fed.

I fingered the piano;
My music was outspread.
When I saw dust upon the floor
I cleaned your house instead.

That night my prayers
were heaven sped.
"Thank God for you,"
is what I said.

"Too Much Stuff" Syndrome or How Decorating and Organizing Can Help Your Sanity

2008-05-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

By: Lisa DeClue

This area of home life is different from others in that it involves all the senses and to that degree it is successful, engendering varying emotions. Decorating isn't really a hobby, nor is it merely an activity; it's a driving force of many people to live in comfortable and pleasing surroundings while they regenerate from a stressful world.

Yet, decorating by itself is not nearly as completely satisfying as having an organized home that is rich in beautiful detail. Decorating and organizing go hand-in-hand, like a one-two punch of home completion.

In an effort to motivate you to action, use these suggestions to help you on your way to an organized home this season.

Paper Clutter

1. If you're like my dear Mother and you still have newspapers from 1978 because you haven't read them all: Don't walk, RUN to the sanitation department and rent an industrial sized dumpster to leave in your driveway for a week.

2. I'm giving you permission to touch your incoming mail and papers more than once - only if the second "touching" is on the way to the dumpster.

3. You know that pile of "things to file" that keeps growing? Guess what - dump that too. You can always print off another copy or send away for the info. over the Internet. (This, coming from the daughter of a paper monster...)

Clothing

Twice a year, my mom would make me try on clothes for the upcoming season. She would invariably choose cold mornings to try on summer things and the hottest day on record to slip into woolens and flannels... (If your kids give you flack for trying on clothes in the comfort of air conditioning, you may use this as your own example.) If you haven't worn something in the time it took you to have your second child, it's probably not worth hanging on to (unless, of course, the dumpster is full).

Use a great tip I just discovered: Pick three nights a week to try on 5 items in your closet, then go to your dressers and do the same thing. At this rate, the average American woman should be able to go through all her clothes in about 3 years, 9 months and 14 days. No need to worry, it'll be a different season then!

Kids' Toys

1. You could try to "limit" the number of toys they play with each month and cycle them to and from the garage so your little ones get variety.

2. That takes too much effort. I just threatened my boys if they left toys out on their floor at bedtime, they would be in the dumpster the next day (the toys, silly!). Do this twice, and you'll have this hot spot under control.

I hope these points have given you some new ways to look at the problem of clutter and refreshing methods to deal with them. Given the fun you'll have with that dumpster, you might want to consider renting a second one for the hubby's stuff.

Article by:

Lisa DeClue is a WAHM and really does love her Mother. She owns Decorating with HGPgal, a website that incorporates interior and garden/patio decorating resources, articles, tips and a monthly newsletter in addition to a unique business opportunity. Subscribe to the newsletter at HGPgal.com/newsletter.html and be entered into the monthly prize drawing. Don't forget to check out the Q&A on the DecoForum! "Making A Difference One Person & One Home At A Time"™

Is Your Home a Toy Corral? (Deluxe edition Article)

2008-05-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

By Shiloah Baker

Do dolls seem to multiply at night in your home? Are little toys always underfoot at the most painful times? Do your children like to empty toy boxes and have more fun inside of them than playing with the toys? Perhaps your troubles are the same as mine. Read on and find what I have done to help remedy this common, child -friendly problem.

Click to finish reading... If you are not a Deluxe Edition member join today!

Simplify Your Home

2008-05-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

By: Melissa Buck

Are you on the quest for "the simple life"? Do you want more out of life than material goods and "keeping up with the Joneses"? The first step to simple living is to simplify your home. An organized and clutter-free home helps organize and declutter your mind, too! I read in a book once that everything you possess needs to be managed, from your bank account all the way down to the little trinket on your mantle. We don't think too much about all the little trinkets in life, but they add up and can quickly seem unmanageable!

I have 4 children, 1 husband, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 3 birds, and 4 fish. I have a lot to manage just in the "living beings" department. There was a time when I felt that I just couldn't keep up. Laundry, dishes, garbage, meals- all the necessary things to maintaining a household. My house was always messy, and no matter how many times I picked up those toys, they always found their way back to the floor! I began reading about the concept of Voluntary Simplicity and simple living in general and was inspired. I realized that my messy house wasn't because I was lazy or my children were extraordinarily messy, it was because we had too much STUFF. I set out to fix my home, and it changed my life.

You don't need any expensive charts or journals or "accessories" to help you change your life. These are just more items that need to be managed! I cleaned, organized, and simplified my home using the common sense steps below. My only "system" is that I looked at what I needed to do, and I did it without straying. No amount of charts, spreadsheets, or "to do" lists will keep you focused on your goal. They will merely distract you with the added responsibility of their maintenance. The one thing that I "accessorized" with was a blog. I told all my friends and family about my blog dedicated to the journey I was making in life. I felt that if I had others reading and seeing what I was doing, it would motivate me to keep it up. Peer Pressure. Maybe not the coolest way to motivate, but it worked for me!

Do not attempt to tackle your entire house at one time. Do not attempt to complete one room at a time. It can turn into the neverending struggle. This is not an instant fix; this process takes time and dedication. This is not a time for multi-tasking. You obviously can't work on this 24/7, so set aside 2 or 3 hours of every day for this transformation. While you may do chores all over the house during the rest of your day, this time should be set aside to work on the task at hand only. Depending on the size of your home and the time you are able to work each day, it can take from 2 weeks to 2 months to complete the entire process.

Read the rest of this article here...

March Ezine Introduction

2008-05-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Subscriber,

Spring is in full bloom and the summer months are fast approaching. Now is the perfect time to clean and organized our homes. Let the spring cleaning begin!

Enjoy the theme of this month's ezine. We would love to have you join the Deluxe Edition. It is full of exciting and interesting articles, and it also helps keep this website up and running.

Please feel free to forward this entire ezine to friends and family. Every new member for March and April will go into a drawing for a free Deluxe Edition!

Shiloah Baker, owner of Homemaking Cottage & Co.

Easy Stuffed Peppers

2008-02-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

By Shiloah Baker

Ingredients:

2 boxes jambalaya mix
1 pound regular sausage
6 large green peppers
1 package Swiss cheese slices

Fry the sausage in a large skillet or pot; Drain. Add water according to package directions. Continue to follow package directions to finish the rice mix.

While the rice is steaming, cut off the tops of the green peppers. I like to chop these up and add to the rice- or we snack on them. Pull out the center of seeds and rinse the peppers inside and out.

When rice is done fill the peppers with the rice mixture. If you are using small peppers you can set them in a muffin tin to keep upright. I use large ones and put them in my large casserole dishes. Cover the dish tightly with tin foil.

Bake at 425 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove the tin foil and immediately add a slice of swiss cheese to each pepper.

Quote; Mother Truest friend

2008-02-16T14:59:00.000-08:00

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us;
when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in
our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us,
and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness,
and cause peace to return to our hearts."

~Washington Irving

The Best Flowers For Spring

2008-02-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

By: Jennifer Houck

After a long, cold winter, you are probably anxious for the first signs of spring. Springtime automatically brings thoughts of flowers. Choosing the best flowers for spring can be difficult and it is often confusing. Perhaps the most effective way to ensure spring flowers that bloom each year is to plant bulbs in the fall to mid-winter. There are of course flowering plants that you can purchase from your local nursery, but you will want to make sure any chance of freezing weather has passed before planting and in many areas of the country, spring does not arrive until late in the season and by that time you will want to plants flowers in anticipation of summer. You always have the option of purchasing bulbs that have been grown in pots over the winter and are in stock in most garden centers beginning in the late winter months. Here are a few choices of flowering plants that are suitable to plant now and will produce early spring flower:

Winter Aconite, or Eranthis hyemalis, will give you yellow flowers approximately three inches in height and resemble common buttercups. These particular bulbs may begin to flower as early as January if you live in a warm area and you will get the best results if you plant them in masses as they grow low to the ground.

Glory Of The Snow, or Chionodoxa luciliare, produce flowers that are bright blue with a white center. The plants will grow between six and ten inches tall, making this particular plant very handy for walkways, borders, and rock gardens. You may also be able to find white/pink varieties depending on the area in which you live

Spring Snowflake, or leucojum vernum, give you bell-shaped flowers that droop from the green part of the plant. These plants will be six to twelve inches in height and are white in color with small green spots on the ends of the petals. You will get the best results if you plant them in clumps and you can expect to see blooms in late February to early March. As with any other springtime bulb, they are best planted in the fall but you can plant in the mid to late winter if you purchase potted bulbs that have already begun the growing cycle.

Netted Iris, or iris reticulate, are wonderfully scented and are most commonly purple in color, although you can also find light blue and white irises in many areas. Irises are one of the earliest blooming plants and you can expect a beautiful display of flowers in early March. As with any other type of bulb, after several growing seasons you will have to thin the bulbs from time to time, as they tend to reproduce rapidly and could actually begin to stunt the growth of the plants due to over-crowding.

Article by:
Jennifer Houck is the owner of www.bestflowergrowers.com , the Best Flower resource for learning how to grow your flowers. Learn what foods to feed, when to plant flowers and how to design a flower garden.

Refreshing Your 72 Hour Kit (Deluxe Edition Article)

2008-02-16T14:55:00.000-08:00

By Valerie Steadman

There is a list a mile long when it comes to maintaining a home and raising a family. Some things are easy to remember, while others are forgotten for years. Many of us remember to toss old food from the fridge, empty the garbage, even rotate our food storage. With food storage, we know that food expires and will lose it's quality, so we use the oldest items first, and store new food storage in the back. Do we do the same with our 72 hour kits?

Click to finish reading... If you are not a Deluxe Edition member join today!

A Garden Party

2008-02-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

By: Chaele McMillan

Here are a few ways to save time and money and have a beautiful yard.

1) Share Plants and Flowers

I use to joke to my husband about don't let his Grandma see my back yard because she would be back there digging in my flower beds but the truth is people that love plants..love to share. It beats buying flowers from the Nursery or Wal-Mart that may not last very long. I have a flowerbed that came from my Grandparents house and I love to see them bloom. It reminds me of the walks I had with my Grandmother. Set up a plant exchange and have a great "Garden Party".

2) Flowers will make your day.
Plant a cutting flower bed near your house. Every morning while you are drinking your coffee go out and cut a few fresh flowers. I love to use dahlias and roses for my cut flowers.

3) Make an Herb Garden.
Enjoy fresh herbs and the pleasure of watching them grow. I love to plant basil, chives, mint, parsley, thyme and bay.
Once your herbs are dried, crumble them up and store them in an air tight jar. You can also experiment with different herb mixtures and it makes a great gift!

4) Meadow Garden
This takes work but it is beautiful. Stop mowing the yard and plant a meadow. Buy mixed wildflower seeds. Select an area and plant the maintenance free meadow (Once it begins to grow) It takes work to establish it but it is VERY beautiful once it grows! No more mowing.

5) Kid Garden
I love spending time with my kids planting flowers and seeds. It teaches them how to plant, water and care for nature. We plant seeds in the spring and enjoy the Kids Garden throughout the summer.

____________________
Gardening is a great way to work off stress. Have fun and schedule a "Garden Party".
Article by:
Chaele McMillan is a work at home mom. She owns Mom State University (www.momstateuniversity.com) and is the Outreach Manager for (www.SunriseRetreats.com)

February 2008 Newsletter

2008-02-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

Gardening is both a rewarding and fun hobby. Being a military wife, I move often and haven't been able to have a full garden in years. I was talking to my sister a month ago about her newly planted indoor herb garden. A few weeks later I received a surprise in the mail- 2 small peat moss containers with seed packets for every herb my sister could find at the stores. I'm excited to start my indoor herb garden after years of going without.

Enjoy the theme of this month's ezine. We would love to have you join the Deluxe Edition. It is full of exciting and interesting articles, and it also helps keep this website up and running.

Shiloah Baker, owner of Homemaking Cottage & Co.

Cheesy Artichoke Dip

2008-02-16T13:27:00.001-08:00

By Shiloah Baker

Perfect for Christmas snacking or Christmas or New Year's holiday parties.

1 jar of artichokes
1 cloves of minced garlic
1 cup mozzerella cheese, grated
1/2 parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp. dried parsley

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Drain the artichokes well. Separate them and place in a small casserole dish.

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise. Pour this mixture into the casserole and mix well until the artichoke hearts are mixed in well. Sprinkle the parsley over the top.

Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is brown.

Quote: Christmas

2008-02-16T13:24:00.000-08:00

Oh holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth,
A thrill of hope, the wary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night, when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine.

-- Cantique de Noel" (O Holy Night)
Placide Cappeau (1808-1877), French poet

Tips for Starting Family Christmas Traditions without Breaking the Bank

2008-02-16T13:21:00.000-08:00

By: Sherry Frewerd

The Christmas holiday is fast approaching and along with it the overspending and over abundance of stuff, stuff and more stuff. What usually comes after the 'stuff' has been devoured destroyed or stashed away? For most families it's the stress of how to pay the credit card bills. Here's an idea, keep the cards in your wallet this year and start new a new Christmas tradition with your family. If Christmas fun to you and your family means frequent trips to the mall, then you may find the following tips either ridiculous or refreshing. There are ways to bring back the real meaning of Christmas without spending a fortune.

· Do you hear what I hear? One of the best parts of the Christmas holiday is the abundance of special music and concert performances. Most churches put on free seasonal plays or Christmas musicals. Museums and dance companies often times offer free performances as well. Call your local chamber of commerce to see what is being offered in your town this Christmas.

· You light up my life; and my holiday season. People love decorating their homes with holiday light displays. Get your family together and take an invigorating walk around your community or neighborhood. Some cities and even small towns have community light displays in parks where families can pile in the car and drive through to see the lights.

· It really does feel better to give. Most communities have a 'giving tree' where families can pick a child in need to buy a toy or gift for. There are shelters or church organizations that would truly appreciate any volunteer time you and your family may have to offer. Let your children pick some of their old toys that are still in good condition and wrap them to donate to a shelter. Look for opportunities to give to others this Christmas. Visit senior citizens in nursing homes and bring them homemade holiday cards. They love seeing young children and will feel joy at someone thinking of them.

· Start a new Family Christmas Tradition. Your kids are only small for a short time, and time does indeed go by fast, so don't miss another year without experiencing special times with your family. Involve your extended family as well. Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles love to see your kids at Christmas, so invite them to join in your new Christmas activities. Plan a family cookie baking day and let everyone help with the holiday baking. Make festive gingerbread houses. Build little bird feeders and hang them outside for the birds to enjoy. Visit the neighbors and bring them some of the cookies you made as a family. Whatever you select to do as a family, make it special and don't forget to take lots of pictures for scrap booking. This too is another activity that can bring the family together in a very memorable way.

Starting family Christmas traditions need not cost a fortune or even a cent. Bring your family back to the true meaning of the holiday and avoid causing future financial stress by planning meaningful holiday traditions this year.

____________________________________________
Article by:

Sherry Frewerd is an affiliate marketer who publishes websites and blogs on various topics. Visit her 'Family Christmas Ideas' website familychristmasideas.homestead.com where you will find ideas for creating new Christmas Traditions for your family.

Back to Basics: An Old-Fashioned Christmas (Deluxe Edition Article)

2008-02-16T13:17:00.000-08:00

By Lori Nawyn

The look and feel of an old-fashioned Christmas is simple yet strikingly beautiful. If you yearn for the joy of Christmas past, dust off your grandma's antique ornaments, buy a package of tinsel, and get out the old black and white photos.

Dime Store Finds - Clear or frosted plastic icicles add elegance to a Christmas tree. Red, green, gold, or silver tassels and bows add color. Cookie cutters, tinsel, small metal stars, candy canes or wrapped candies add whimsy. Try tying bows from Jute, colored twine, or raffia.

Click to finish reading. If you are not a Deluxe Edition member join today!

Conquer Clutter in Your Holiday Home

2008-02-16T13:16:00.000-08:00

By: Colleen Langenfeld

The holiday season can bring some special organizational challenges to the average home. Here are some simple tips to help you conquer clutter during the fast-approaching holidays.

-- Don't overdo.

Just as it's easier to enjoy the holidays when you don't over pack your schedule with too many activities, your home will breathe easier if you match your holiday decorating with your personality and time limitations.

If you don't have extra time each week to dust, don't put out a zillion decor items that need to be picked up, dusted and replaced perfectly.

If you detest taking out all those holiday decorations and then packing them up again after the season is over, don't do it. A handful of well-thought out decorations, like centerpieces, will bring you more enjoyment and be easier to clean, thus staying beautiful in your home.

-- Got kids?

Conquer clutter big time during the holiday season by only putting out kid-friendly decor. A big basket for holiday cards, decorations that are hung on walls not strewn on tables, and nothing tall and tippy (things like that are just waiting to fall over and break) can go a long ways towards keeping holiday clutter to a minimum.

-- One thing at a time.

Part of the reason the holidays are such a hectic time of year is because many of us don't EXCHANGE one busy schedule for another; we ADD an additional holiday schedule on top of an already crowded life.

If you are doing this, too, you are definitely adding clutter to your home. Conquer that clutter by choosing some everyday activities that you will deliberately set-aside during the holiday season. By doing so you will eliminate (temporarily) the 'stuff' that accompanies those off season activities. That way you can concentrate on the holiday clutter that is bound to arise. One thing at a time.

-- Plan your clutter.

Instead of getting out the gift wrap supplies and then leaving them out throughout the holiday season, why not focus on getting your shopping done and then having a gift-wrapping marathon one evening? All the clutter comes out once, the job gets done, and everything gets put away, all in one step.

You can do the same for your other traditional holiday activities. If you enjoy baking, then plan a baking day. If you like to make decorations with your kids, then plan a weekend and do it all at once. Need to write cards to friends and family? Pick a night or two and do the whole job. You'll feel great getting these tasks done and the accompanying clutter will be kept to a minimum.

-- Control incoming clutter.

To conquer clutter that can stream into your home on a daily basis is always challenging. If you notice that you get an influx of this type of clutter during the holiday season; children's holiday projects from school, for example, then take a minute to decide upfront what you want to do with that clutter.

Do you want to display it? Pass it along to Grandma? Archive it? Whatever you decide, by having a clutter-control plan in place you are free to enjoy your children's holiday expressions and make the most of their hard work while still knowing that all that incoming stuff will not add to the clutter in your home.

You can lift considerable holiday stress off your shoulders by controlling the clutter that appears during the holidays. Put these simple tips into place to conquer clutter in your home, and enjoy this blessed time of year with your family.
______________________________________

About The Author:

Colleen Langenfeld has been parenting for over 26 years and helps other moms enjoy mothering more at www.paintedgold.com . Visit her website and get more tips on how to conquer clutter today.

Christmas 2007 Newsletter

2008-02-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

This Christmas season in my home, we are all hard at work making handmade gifts for family and friends. I have enjoyed holiday shopping amongst the crowds and heavy traffic. We've even make a couple of batches of Christmas cookies.

Despite the temptation to overdo things, and allow ourselves to become overwhelmed by trying to do everything possible during the holiday reason- remember to slow down. Remember to make as many enjoyable and pleasant memories as you can.

"At Christmas play and make good cheer,
For Christmas comes but once a year."
-Thomas Tussers (1524-1580)

A very merry Christmas to you and yours from everyone at The Homemaking Cottage!

-Shiloah Baker, owner of Homemaking Cottage & Co.

__________________

Join this ezine today!

Caramellized Apple Pie

2008-02-16T13:12:00.001-08:00

By Bethany Menard

3 tablespoons butter
2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick
2 pounds Macintosh Apples, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick
1/2 cup sugar (I usually use less, but use the whole amount if you want)
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 lemon, juiced (or 2-4 Tbsp lemon juice)
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Pinch ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecan pieces (optional)
1 recipe Pie Dough (enough for a top and bottom crust)
1 egg for glazing
2 Tbsp cinnamon sugar

In a large saute pan, melt the butter. Add the apples and saute for 2 minutes. Add the sugars, lemon juice and flour. Continue to saute for 2 minutes. Season the apples with nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly and remove from the heat. Mix in the pecans, if using.

Cut the dough into 2 halves. Lightly dust a rolling surface with flour. Roll out each half of dough to 12 inches in diameter and about 1/8-inch thick. Fold one circle of dough in fourths. Carefully lift the dough and place in a 10-inch deep-dish pie pan. Unfold the pie dough and spoon the apples into the pie shell. Place the second round of dough over the apples. Using a sharp knife cut away the excess dough. Using your fingers, crimp the edges of the pie firmly to seal the dough completely. Make vents in the dough with the knife. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Place the pie in the oven and bake for 50 minutes. Return the pie to the oven and continue to cook for 8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, if desired.