make up snack station

One question asked several times a day at our house is  "What is there to snack on" So if your house is like mine then you may want to make a snack station as well. Because we are creating the snack station we are also in charge of what they are snacking on as well.

Starting with a box of snack sized ziplock bags and several snack foods you will be ready to go. The individual packets are perfect for snack food portion This is also an economical idea as buying in bulk is often cheaper than buying pre packaged snacks.

Ideas for snacks include granola bars, cereal bars, yogurt raisins, dried fruit, nuts, trail mix and popcorn. If you would like you can also make up a cold food snack station using juice boxes, apples, string cheese, and fruit cups.


resource idea found here

Tips for Online Shopping

With online shopping gaining more popularity be aware of the same ways to save money:

• In any type of shopping at brick and mortar or online going armed with a shopping list will be very helpful. 
• After deciding upon what to buy do a price check to compare prices on websites. 
• Look for possible coupons that may be out there. Upfront discounts which offer reduced prices are the best type If deals offer cash back how long does it take to fulfill such deals
• Some websites allow you to compare prices and get alerts if the price drops to a certain point. 
• free shopping is a great deal, saving even more money 
• Use those online shopping communities and social sites to find the best deals around. 

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Which Pair Panties Best for You

The G-string is a type of thong underwear, they are also commonly wore at swimsuit. Made up of pieces of cloth, leather, or  for some plastic that covers or holds genitals, passes between the buttocks and is attached to a band around the hips.

The undergarment known as a thong is worn by women as underwear or can also be wore as a swimsuit bottom. Often work to ensure no visible panty lines or to increase one's sex appeal. The thong resembles a bikini with less fabric. The hip is more exposed in thongs than in bikini.

Tanga underclothing is located somewhere between a medium panty and a bikini. They are made up with small panels connected by strings at the sides.

The Brazilian cut panty has a lot to do with the back of the panty.  The front comes in a variety of styles the back is wider than a thong but covers less than a bikini cut. The sexy look shows part of the buttocks, and allows glimpse of skin. The brazilian style gently lays on top of the buttocks and does not ride up. This style has an apparent pantie line.

While I did not show description for each style I hope that you see that each is a bit different and can find the style perfect for you.

What To Do When Forgiveness Is Hard To Offer

It can be hard to forgive others that have hurt you in one way or another. They often say that forgiveness will help you feel better but this may not happen at the time forgiveness is offered. Forgiving someone does not make the action that occured o.k. and sometimes the problem will not go entirely away either. Forgiveness is as much for us as it is for them. Our Heavenly Father offered us forgiveness... likewise we should offer forgiveness to others as well. Forgeiveness also gives us a chance to feel less upset and at peace.

What we Can Do When It Is Hard To Forgive

• Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Then repeat.
• Try to think about why the other person might have done what he or she did.
• Walk away and come back when you’re not so angry.
• Tell the other person how you feel about what he or she did. Speak calmly, without yelling.
• Say, “I forgive you.”
• Do something kind for the person you’re upset with.
• Remember that there are times when you need to be forgiven. 
• Pray for help to forgive when it’s hard. 
• Remember that sometimes the person you forgive might not be sorry. But we can forgive anyway.
• If you’re upset with something you did, forgive yourself and try to do better next time.

Friendship Soup

Have you ever wondered what goes into making up a good friendship?? We thought we should share this great recipe as school is ready to start and making friends is part of the game

Friendship Soup Mix
recipe from allrecipes.com

Ingredients:
1/2 cup dry split peas
1/3 cup beef bouillon granules
1/4 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup dry lentils
1/4 cup dried onion flakes
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup uncooked small pasta

Directions:
Get your ingredients ready to layer in your jar. Start your layers with the split peas in the bottom of the jar.
Add the pearled barley.
Next add the beef bouillon granules.
The lentils go next, and I prefer the red lentils since they add a beautiful color to the layers.
After the lentils, add the dried onion flakes...
then add the dried Italian seasoning...
and the long grain rice.
Gently place your bay leaves over the rice.
Place your pasta in a small plastic bag and place the bag on the top.
Cover with your lid.
Doesn't that look pretty with all the layers?
Make a label with the following instructions: "Additional Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, black pepper to taste, garlic powder to taste, 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes - undrained, 1 (6 ounce) can tomato sauce, and 3 quarts water. To Prepare the Soup: Remove pasta from top of jar, and set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, brown beef with pepper and garlic; drain excess fat. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, and soup mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover, and simmer for 45 minutes. Stir in the pasta, cover, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta, peas, lentils and barley are tender."

Catfish Monrh

While these two fish may not be wanting to be "cat-fish" I know many that love to dine on catfish , including myself Whether we visit the river boat for a good meal of catfish or prepare our own at home catfish is something that we love to eat.

In the past catfish has been known to get downplayed by nutritionist and others. Some have even said that catfish is "dirty" as the catfish their selves are bottom feeders and often live in the muddy part of the river eating off the bottom. Farm raised catfish has a much more healthier eating habits.

Catfish also has some good points as it contains a large potion of our vitamin B daily needs, is low in mercury and is leaner than other types of fish.  Catfish is also more economical than other types of fish. So let the catfish go and enjoy some of the many ways catfish can be prepared.

Individuals that live in the Southern part of the United States know how to cook up some good catfish. While the most common method is deep-frying, catfish can also be grilled, baked and pan fried. The fish is mild, with a sweet flavor and is less flaky and denser than other fish.

What you may or may not know about catfish

• .Most Catfish are found in fresh water.
• U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is a lean fish.
• Catfish are distinguished by the presence of barbels, or "whiskers"; the lack of true scales.
• Catfish is an excellent source of protein. 
• Fresh water catfish are usually egg layers and will watch over their eggs until they hatch. 
• Most catfish have small eyes and rely on taste, smell, and hearing. 
• Catfish is low in saturated (bad) fat and is a moderate source of polyunsaturated (good) fat and omega-3 fatty acids.  
• U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is the No. 1 farm-raised finfish in America. It is also the fourth most popular fish in the U.S. 
• Many catfish are inactive during the day, coming out to feed at night. 
• Ninety-four percent of all U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is raised in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. 

Hillbilly Catfish (recipe resource here )

7 small catfish or 5 whoppers

1 cluster of salt dat fits in da bottum ah yor hand

bout-- 2 cups ah self risin Cornmeal

some pepper cordin ta how much you like pepper

corn oil or veggie oil

Moonshine to wash it all down wit

Gt' yor gear yor dog and yor milk goat and head down to da rivers edge.  Ty da goat up and let'er eat a nice clean spot ta do yor cookin at while ya fish.  Once ya catch a whopper....... whollip him and skin him and cut out his floats to take back to the youngons ta play wit.

Take that bucket dat'ya brout and milk yer goat. Den toss datt skinned fish in it to sit for a spell while ya fish for more.  Tell yer dog to sit there and watch over it so no other cridders come and eat the fish.  Now built yer fire and let your black iron skillet start ta warming while ya fish some more.  Once you catch a bucket full- ah- soakin......... then yor ready furr fryin.

Now take ya hat off yor head and pore some cornmeal in it and some salt and pepper.  Take each fish out of the milk and slang a bit of it off so it wont be soppy.  Put dat fish in yur hat and shake it till its all coated in cornmeal.

Fill yor black iron skillet with oil and when its sizzlin..... den flop dat fish in it to cook. Do this till all the fish are cooked.  You can den let yor dog drank the goat milk if he wants.

Now here come the best part.  Da Soppin Gravy!  While dat skillet is hot....... take that corn meal left in yor hat and put some in the skillet to brown real good in all that oil dats left in it.  Once its startin to smell almost burnt but it aint, then ya take the skillet off da fire.  This is fineeeee eatin when it come to soppin yor bread in it or spreadin the thick stuff on a piece of loaf bread and eatin it with yor fried catfish.  My Nanny taught me how ta do it and if you aint ate this yet den yor in for a fancy treat for shoreee!

While In Southern Illinois you will want to stop by the E-Town River Boat to get some delicious catfish. It is located right around the bin in Elizabethtown Illinois. The restaurant is truly floating on the river and welcomes guest from all over that come for a visit. While the catfish is truly a number one dinner platter here you may also love the views from the Ohio River as well. Historic Elizabeth town host the oldest hotel, river front an \d in our opinion best catfish in the state of Illinois. 

It Takes 2 To Raise A Child

It takes two.....
To do so many things a duo is needed. To dance the waltz, to complete knock knock jokes, to get married, and to have a child. When a child is born into this world because it took two individuals to create it should take two take care of the new life as well. Often this means that one "parent" will be paying child support to help take care of the child's needs. 

Child support is the continuous , periodic payment made by either co-parent for the financial care of their child. Divorce, separation, dissolution of marriage, or annulment often brings about child support. 

In the state of Illinois a parent must be the child's legal parent to be required to pay child support. There are a few different ways this can be established:

• DNA testing that results in showing parentage
• married woman and man before child born where husband is considered father
• married after child born but husbands name placed on birth certificate

Good Eats at Back To School Time

There are many ways that you can make going back to school special. Some of the great ways to celebrate going back to school is through food. Whether it be a special breakfast, lunch, night before meal or a special after school snack they can all be very special.

Prepare a special breakfast whether it is something that they choose or something special that you choose. Choosing their favorite breakfast to prepare the morning of the first day of school to make it a special back to school day you will want to make a plan and have plenty of time. A filling breakfast and a note of encouragement can get the day and school year started off right

Packing up a special lunch for the first day can be fun as well. Include a special note to encourage your student in with the healthy meal.

• Making lunches at night instead of in the morning is a great idea on those days that you are running short of time.
• Good way to keep sandwiches fresh is to place the cheese slices directly on the bread then top with any condiment you choose 

Here is one of our favorite lunch box ideas. What is yours?? 

 Bagel thins or Bread rounds (either is a great option)
 Pepperoni or Salami
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Favorite pre-made pizza or marinara sauce
Grapes


When our children arrive home they are often full of excitement from the days activities, may be a bit worn out from getting back into routine and  often hungry as well. One fun snack that is easy to prepare is s'mores pudding cups.

Mix miniature marshmallows and broken graham crackers in your favorite chocolate pudding cup.


What special treats will you be making this week

Art in America

If I asked you to name a famous artist could you?? I would most likely say yes and I would also bet that the names that would most often be named include Rembrandt, Picasso, Monet, and other famous European classical artist. There is of course other art forms including thousands of Americans who have shared their own inspiration and talent in their art.

Can you name a famous American artist??
Do the names Warhol, Grandma Moses, Rockwell, Georgia Okeefe and Mary Cascott send any artistic visions to your thoughts?? During the rest of the month of August here on Annies Home we will be featuring American artist and their work. American artist have embraced a great variety of art styles. Styles such as painting, quilting, sculpture, photography, etching, textile art, composing, installation art and more. From postmodernism, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Pop Art, abstract expressionism and cubism to name just a few.

Better Than Potato Chips Snack

Potato chips have been a long time favorite but with 155 calories, more than 10 grams of total fat and 149 milligrams of sodium per oz. they are a snack that I need to find an alternative for. One crunchy and healthier alternative that is great for kids and adults like are carrot chips.

Carrots should be sliced 1/4 inch thick Seasoned for flavor with paprika, garlic, or flavor of choice. Baked in 250 degree preheated oven 45 minutes

Taking Care of Baby Teeth

Cavities occur as a result from a surplus of bacteria caused by poor oral hygiene, excess sugar and starches and a limited access to fluoride. The enamel of a child's tooth will begin to wear down from the bacteria leading to the tooth turning brown or black as the cavity forms.

Many falsely believe that baby teeth are dispensable as they eventually lose baby teeth anyways. The truth is that baby teeth wiggle their way out of a growing child's mouth but they should not be viewed as less important. Untreated cavities in baby teeth may lead to more serious problems. If cavities are left untreated in baby teeth problems that may occur include:

• extensive pain and discomfort
• inability to eat properly
• struggle with normal speech
• sleeping problems
• problems with self esteem and confidence

If cavities are left untreated the pain children suffer in addition to the dental issues that may occur down the road should help convince you that baby teeth need cared for. Diagnosing cavities in teeth demands a full checkup and dental x-rays if needed.

Cavities in baby teeth as well as regular teeth can be prevented through regular routine oral hygiene practices. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular 6 month dental checkups and cleanings will help as well.

Heading Back To School Can Be Better With a Friend

Schools often host a night to meet the teacher take advantage of that and make it an adventure. It is a great time to not only meet the teacher but become familiar with the classroom as well. With the student being aware of their surrounding and teacher it may help to ease their anxieties. My grand-daughter loved the fact that there was a class room roster with the names of other students in the class on the list. It was a great date to see who was present and plan an adventure for her and a friend.

Another Great Idea
Help ease the nerves of kids before school by creating a craft together. Younger students may feel a bit of pressure to start school or starting a new school so a bit of craft time together can help. In addition, finding a good book about starting school can help ease first day jitters as well.

Homemade Modeling Dough in green, yellow, and pink or other colors
Pencils
Toothpicks and plastic knife
Pencil cup or other tall container
Nail polish or varnish
Wax paper
Optional: Black marker and vegetable oil



Modeling Clay Recipe
½ cup (130 grams) salt
¾ to 1 cup (100 to 125 grams) flour, white or unbleached
½ cup (120 ml) boiling water
1½ teaspoons (7 grams) powdered alum (optional)
1½ teaspoons (7 ml) vegetable oil (optional)
Optional: Food coloring, clear nail polish or varnish, acrylic paint

Combine flour, salt, and alum in a mixing bowl. Start with the smaller amount of flour, and add more if needed.
Add vegetable oil and boiling water. Stir with a spoon until the dough is well blended and comes away from the sides of the bowl. Add more flour or water if needed. When the dough is cool enough to handle, knead it with your hands until it is smooth. This should only take a minute or two.
If you want colors of dough other than white, separate the dough into two or three balls. Flatten the ball and make a well in the center. Add 2 or more drops of food coloring to the well—2 drops for a pastel color, more for deeper colors. Knead the dough until the color is even.
Tip: Some food colorings, particularly certain blues, make unexpected colors due to a reaction to the alum. Test a drop of the food coloring on a tiny ball of dough the first time you use it.
Store your finished modeling dough in an airtight plastic bag or container. It will keep for weeks if stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to let it warm to room temperature before using.


How TO Make Pencil Toppers

Spread a sheet of wax paper on the table so the dough won't stick.
Pinch off enough dough to make a ¾" ball, and leave the rest in the sealed bag or container. Push the ball onto the eraser end of a pencil and start shaping your creation. Attachments like petals, noses, and ears can be shaped from smaller balls and glued in place with a dab of water. See Modeling Ideas below.
To make several balls of dough the same size, roll the dough into a long snake and cut into equal-sized pieces with the plastic knife. To make ¾" (1.5 cm) balls, roll the dough into a snake about ½" (1cm) in diameter and cut into 1" (2 cm) segments.
Dry and Seal Topper
When you have finished molding your pencil topper, put the pencil with pencil topper aside to dry in a pencil cup or other tall container. It should dry in a day or two to a hard finish. Toppers may be left plain or painted with nail polish or varnish for added durability. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area when using nail polish or varnish.
The modeling dough will dry to a hazy finish. To restore the bright color of the dough, rub some vegetable oil into the dry topper


craft resource found here

rye bread and the great Reuben sandwich

Rye bread is bread made with rye grain flour. Rye comes in both light and dark color(s). Rye bread is often denser than bread made with wheat flour and also is stronger in flavor. Rye bread was considered a staple through the middle ages. 

Health benefits of Rye Bread include:

• Many individuals who begin dieting will immediately rid their diets of carb rich foods like bread. Perhaps, this is not the best choice as not all breads are the same. Rye bread may surprise you with the number of health benefits that it offers. Many doctors and nutritionists have started to take a second look at rye bread and you may as well.
• Rye bread does not behave like other starchy foods in that it does not break down directly to glucose. Rye bread has  low glycemic index and while it contains starch it does not have the same ill effects.
• The fiber in rye bread can help aid in digestion health. Rye bread fiber bonds well with water molecules and encourages a feeling of being full as it expands to fill your stomach. The fiber also acts as a probiotic and promotes the growth of beneficial intestinal flora that works as "roughage" that offers a comprehensive form of digestive health
• Have a fear of Gallstones?? If you have ever suffered pain from gallstones then you know that they are very unpleasant and not something anyone wants. Rye bread is recommended by nutritionists for those at risk of developing gallstones. The rye bread fiber helps reduce production of bile acids that cause gallstones to form.

One sandwich that calls for rye bread is the reuben. How this sandwich came about has a few probable sources (1) Reuben Kulakofsky was hosting a poker night at the Blackstone Hotel where the sandwich earned a spot on the menu  (2) Reuben's deli o New York City invented the sandwich but was it the owner Arnold Reuben or the chef Alfred Sheming that invented the sandwich??

2 slices Rye Bread
8 oz Corned Beef (flat cut is best) thinly cut slices
~1/2 cup Sauerkraut (drained)
1 slice Swiss Cheese
1 tablespoon Thousand Island dressing
1 tablespoon Butter (adjust to cover bread)
Sea Salt

Prepare corned beef in advance: Boil corned beef according to packaging ensuring it is tender enough to separate with a fork but not falling apart. Refrigerate to cool (overnight). This will allow you to slice it easier. Once cool trim off excess fat and cut out 8oz for sandwich.

Slice enough Swiss cheese to cover the bread and place the slices on one side of the bread.
Butter cast iron skillet on medium heat and place bread slices topped with cheese in the buttered pan when it is hot to touch. Toast exterior of the bread in butter until golden brown.

In another pan spread corned beef on the bottom of the pan and cook on both sides till heated through. Push beef off to the side and place sauerkraut in a lump in the pan and quickly heat through, flipping the lump once.
While sauerkraut is heating pile the meat on the non-cheese bread slice. After flipping the sauerkraut add it on top of the meat, cover with the cheesed bread, and add a generous helping of Thousand Island dressing to the sandwich. Lightly sprinkle the bread with sea salt.
Slice sandwich in half and serve.

Mustard PIckled Veggies

 Years ago, not to long ago though, the fine art of putting away goods for the winter months was a popular theme. Now days it has become a fixture that is not used as much with canning seemingly put on the shelf in exchange for the convenience of modern times. The abundance of fruits and vegetables has not went away and the truth is that the only thing that ends the freshnesss is when the season fades away. But canning and preserving is what helps the taste stay around all year long.

Modern day has made it more convenient to find foo making the need to preserve food for survival fade. Past times would see fresh fruit and veggies ate in season and canning throughout the season as well to prepare for fall and winter months.

2.2 lb/1 kg carrots shredded
2.2 lb/1 kg sweet banana peppers or Cubanelle pepper sliced thinly
2.2 lb/1 kg red bell pepper sliced thinly
2.2 lb/1 kg onion sliced julienne
2.2 lb/1 kg green tomatoes thinly sliced
2 medium celeriac plus the leaves- the celeriac is shredded, leaves are chopped
2 cups/500 ml white vinegar
4cups/1 liter plain water
1¼ cups/250 g granulated sugar
3½ Tablespoons/60 g salt
½ tsp/5 g fresh black ground pepper
3-4 bay leaves
Mustard Sauce:
2½ cups/ 600 g mustard
3½ cups/750 ml vegetable oil(like sunflower oil)
8-10 32 oz(Quart) Jars cleaned and sterilized


Prepare the vegetables: slice the onions julienne, shred the carrots and the celeriac(a food processorworks perfect for this step), slice thinly the peppers and the green tomatoes.
In a big pot, bring to a boil the water, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper and bay leaves.
When the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil, throw the vegetables in the pot in the following order: carrots, celeriac, onions, peppers and finally the green tomatoes. Bring the pot back to a boil and keep the vegetables only 3 minutes from the time the pot started to boil again. Remove them with a spatula and place them in a big bowl.
You will not need the vinegar and water solution anymore after that.
Mix the mustard and the oil separately, like a mayonnaise.
Pour the mustard sauce over the mix of vegetables in the bowl and mix well.
Fill up the jars with this vegetable mixture, close the jars tight and flip them upside down until they cool down completely.
Keep the jars in a cool, dark place.
Serve this vegetable mixture as an appetizer, salad or next to roasted meats in the winter.

recipe resource here

Happy Birthday Coast Guard

The United States Coast Guard is one of the five US Armed Forces. The Coastguard is available during maritime, military and multi missioned service. During peace times the Department of Homeland Security leads the coast guard, during war time the US Navy other times Congress, the President and US Navy may be in charge

The coast guard was created through the U.S. Congress act signed by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson January 28, 1915. The act put together the Revenue Cutter Service as well as the U.S. Life Saving Service as well as created a single maritime service that was dedicated to saving lives at sea as well as enforcing maritime laws.

The coast guard is responsible for maintaining the U.S. lighthouses and aid in navigation. President Franklin Roosevelt announced plans to transfer the U.S. Lighthouse Services to the coast guard May 1939.

Psoriasis Awareness

 August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. The National Psoriasis Foundation is embarking on a campaign that aims to empowers patients to take control of their health while raising awareness to the 7.5 million Americans that are affected by the disease.

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic disease that affects the immune system. The skin is the area where psoriasis is most noted. Painful, raised, red, itchy patches on the skin can affect both men and women. Psoriasis is not discriminatory affecting both men and women, all ages and races. One can not "catch" psoriasis from another individual whose lesions are not infected. Battles of aches and pains, exhaustion, risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, dealing with stigma attached to the disease are all parts of the daily life of someone with Psoriasis.

Psoriasis Awareness Month was created to help bring awareness and educate the public concerning psoriasis. Psoriasis is chronic , non contagious, genetic autoimmune disease that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. The skin can crack, itch and bleed. An average of 7.5 million individuals are affected by Psoriasis in the United States.

Psoriatic arthritis develops from Psoriasis. Around 1/3 of those affected by Psoriasis will develop Psoriatic arthritis. This type of arthritis is inflammatory and causes pain and swelling of the joints along with the tendons. In addition to psoriasis causing a type of arthritis the immune system of those with psoriasis short circuits resulting in the acceleration of growth of skin cells. There is no cure known but a number of treatment options exist.

The Mayo Foundation advises that those with psoriasis symptoms eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains , low fat dairy products and lean meats and fish. Dealing with such an illness can be quite trying that is why the American Academy of Dermatology offers these tips:

• Making informed decisions will be easier if the one with psoriasis has knowledge of treatment options. Be sure to stay informed 
• Living a healthy lifestyle of eating healthy diet, exercise, no smoking and drinking low to no amount of alcohol will help
• Seek advice of a dermatologist if your joints seem stiff and sore. These can be first signs of psoriatic arthritis.
• Take note of your nails make sure they do not easily pul away from the nail bed or develop pitting, ridges or yellow orange color. These are also signs of psoriatic arthritis and a dermatologist should be sought at once. 
• Join a support group for those suffering with psoriasis. The support group or mental health professional should help you stay in a good mood
• Stay in contact with your dermatologist. Inform them if any problem arises, if you can not afford your medicine or any other important issue. 

To sum it all up

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busy monday 

Mom Always Had Cookies After school ==== Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup melted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar (pack it!)
1/2 cup white sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (ok, if you think you want to use semi-sweet, it will be ok-wink-)

Turn oven on and heat to 325, grease or line your cookie sheets
Stir together flour, baking soda and salt
In another bowl beat the melted butter and brown and white sugars until well blended, then add in vanilla egg and egg yolk and beat until light and creamy
Mix dry ingredients into wet until just blended
Stir in chocolate chips by hand
Place dough in scoops onto cookie sheet leaving a few inches in between for them to grow
Bake for 15-18 minutes, look for edges to be lightly toasted and not shiny

Campfire Safety

Have you taken note of the fires burning out of control in the United States?? Did you know that nine out of every ten wildfires are started by individuals not being careful. Often those disposing of hot embers, ash or even cigarettes do not do it properly resulting in a fire being started. It is individuals like that makes others talk about those that enjoy a good campfire and also adds a bit of fear as well. IF you plan on having a campfire to sit around in the future here are some steps you may want to take note of:

•  If there re existing fire circles or pits available use them. Never build a fire during dry or windy conditions. Have knowledge of any local fire or burning restrictions in place. Fires should not be built close to flammable material, shrubs, or a tent. Fires should always be built 15 feet away from anything that could start a fire
• Before starting a camp fire , look up make sure there are no tree limbs or branches hanging over where your fire will be. 
• Do not use aerosol cans, pressurized containers , glass or aluminum cans near fires. These items can easily explode, shatter, as well as create harmful fumes or dust.

• Campfires should always be watched 
• supervise children and pets near the fire
• keep a bucket and shovel near at all times
• One of the most important things to remember about campfires is to extinguish the fire. It is best that flames burn down to ashes and water is poured over all embers no matter the color. 

School will start here in the next 2 weeks and all ready even before the doors open the school supervisors know there will be certain issues that will have to be faced. These issues happen each and every year and include behaviors, students not doing as well as they could , truancy and the list goes on. Today, as far as this post goes we will take a look at the issue of truancy:

Truancy ===== unexcused absence from school. The number of absences allowed depend on both state law and the age of the offender. Truancy is recognized as a criminal act by all states and has been seen as a problem for schools, law enforcement and the community.

Truancy may result from substance abuse, physical abuse, mental and physical illness or poverty that impairs a child's ability to attend school. Children not attending school on regular bases may face other issues as well such as getting into trouble with police and future substance abuse issues. Students that do not attend school regularly are also in danger of falling behind which in return makes class harder and develops the desire not to attend class at all.

Schools that do not keep good records will have trouble finding truancy issues early on. Students may not get along with authorties including the teacher creating a lack of interest in the student to attend school. The student may also have a learning issue or be gifted either manner creating an unhealthy environment that is stressful. Pay attention to how students do in school can help this greatly. This often lays on the laps of schools but parents that are aware may notice struggles as well.

Issues that involve the students family life can create issues of truancy as wll. Perhaps parents work to much, do not understand the importance of education, or otherwise struggle to get students to go to school. Highschool issues include teen pregnancy and parenting as well. Health issue of students can lead to issues of truancy as well. Whether it be physical or mental health issues if not taken care of they can lead to future problems.

Truancy can be costly to society in that it may lead to criminal behavior, drop outs that in the future do not pay their share of income taxes due to unemployment. So what is it that we can do?? Take part in an established program created to reduce unexcused absences. These programs may be found at school, through the courts and through community programs. Getting parents involved is a good answer as well as calling parents if any problems do arise.

grow your blog=== blog share 10/


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Summer Inspired Crustini

\
6 slices Crusty Bread, About 1/2 inch thick pieces
4 teaspoons Olive Oil, Divided
1 small Zucchini Squash, Sliced into half-rounds, about 1 cup
1 cup Grape Tomatoes
1 clove Garlic, Peeled and finely chopped
Salt and Pepper
zest of one Lemon
2 ounces Goat Cheese, At room temp
2 ounces Hummus
1-2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme

Preheat your toaster oven to 400°F.
Place bread slices on a cookie sheet and drizzle with 2 teaspoon of the olive oil. Bake 5 to 8 minutes until lightly browned. Remove toast and set aside but leave toaster oven on.
In a baking dish combine the zucchini, tomatoes, garlic, and remaining olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; stir well to coat all of the vegetables with oil.
Roast vegetables for 12 to 16 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking, until the zucchini has softened slightly and most of the tomatoes are starting to burst open

1. Allow vegetables to cool for about 5 minutes then stir in all of the lemon zest.
2. To assemble the crostini spread each toast with goat cheese or hummus, top with zucchini and tomatoes, sprinkle on fresh thyme and enjoy.

Notes

• Remove the baking dish once most of the tomatoes have just split open. This will help them keep their shape and prevent the tomatoes from becoming soggy.
• Turn this into a crowd-pleasing appetizer by cutting the bread slices into smaller pieces before toasting and topping.

recipe resource here

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Don't Let A Bully Ruin The School Year

Have you ever been around and saw one person bully another?? If so then you were present as a bystander. A bystander is an individual who sees or knows about bullying or another form of violence that happens to someone else. Some bystanders join in becoming part of the problem and are hurtful others are helpful and become part of the solution and others do nothing happy that it is "not them" .

The individual that does nothing is in just as much wrong as the others. It is as if they are giving the bully the "o.k." to carry on. Bystanders can help stop bullying in a matter of seconds so become part of the solution and stand up for what is right.

Be sure your child knows that the best way to prevent bullying is to report it to an adult. Whether they are the one getting bullied or know someone else that is reporting it can bring awareness to it. Tell them how proud of them you are for being strong enough to have the courage to report bullying. Teach your child to stand up to the bully and look right through them as if they are aware of something they are not.

If your child witnesses bullying here are a few things they should do:

• tell a parent, teacher or other adult that can be trusted. 
• Be kind to the kid being bullied, include them, sit with them, talk to them, or other wise just be nice

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