My Blog = My Life [blogging as is] 

I'd like to blame it on the winter weather, but I know better. A bad case of the Grouchies seems to be ruling our home lately. It has nothing to do with being snowed in, and everything to do with the sin that lives in the hearts of our children, just as it does in mine.

The last few weeks have been particularly trying. Boredom and sickness make a good breeding ground for poor manners, foolishness, and bad attitudes. It was time to recommit to some serious character building, beginning with myself.

My friend Caroline and her husband Sean created the Character Badges program around the same time as my resolve, and I was eager to give it a try.

Previously, I've shied away from using character building programs because we want to teach our children good character without making them believe that their "righteousness" can earn something. When they fail in their attempts to "be good" and cry, "But Mommy, I can't be good!", we need to point them to the Cross and say, "I know, honey. Mommy can't be good either and that's why we both need Jesus!"

Here's how the system works.

The Character Badges program comes with three charts (the Obedience Chart, Disobedience Chart, and Consequence Chart), flashcards that reinforce biblical characteristics with a Scripture verse and a simple illustration, and a series of badges to be rewarded for good behavior.

The Obedience Chart lists several good character qualities (and leaves a few blanks so you can fill in particular areas of concern), along with a row of check boxes to mark off when you notice your child exhibiting good behavior.

Throughout the month, you can reinforce positive behavior by allowing your child to mark off a check box when you notice they have done something kind, worked hard, told the truth, or were quick to obey. Our children are not allowed to fill in or ask to fill in their own check boxes and can only do so when we pick up on something and give them permission.

Once any one of their rows have been filled, they get rewarded with badge to wear for the day. The Character Badge creators suggest accompanying the badge with a special prize, outing, or gift to help keep your child motivated.

Also included are Disobedience and Consequence charts. They are similar to the Obedience Chart in that a check box is meant to be marked off when you pick up on poor behavior (i.e. lying, laziness, hurting others, etc.).

The first day we put the program to use was interesting. The badges were a great incentive to good behavior, and my favorite moment is when our daughter announced, "You know what? It's actually more fun when we're being nice to each other!" Imagine that.

Then the first infraction happened. Instead of disciplining like I normally do, I decided to utilize the Disobedience Chart. One offence led to another and the idea of having to mark down her sin completely stressed out our child-in-training.

I realized that she didn't need a long list of offences hanging over her head. She needed to know that when we confess our sin, God is faithful and just to forgive it, and purify us from all unrighteousness. He removes our transgressions as far as the east is from the west, and we too should keep no record of wrongs. (1 John 1:9; Psalm 103:12; 1 Corinthians 13:5).

The chemical aerosol fresheners you can purchase in the store may send off a pleasant odor, but they wreak havoc on our health! The highly condensed level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and artificial fragrances can cause headaches, earaches, diarrhea, vomiting - even wheezing in young children!

However, sometimes it take more than just an opened window to clear out an unpleasant odor from a room. This Herbal Mist Air Freshener is completely natural and the scent is as lovely as you choose to make it! Mist in the kitchen after frying onions and bacon, spray inside the diaper pail, and store a bottle in the bathroom.

To make your own herbal spray air freshener, all you need is a clean spritz bottle and 2 basic ingredients:

1. Distilled water
2. Essential oil (I've provided some blend suggestions below)

• Country Spice | cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, bay

• Spring Morning | lavender, rose, geranium, rosemary, sweet orange

• In the Woods | sage, thyme, cedar, patchouli, frankincense

• Lover's Lane | vanilla, sandalwood, ylang ylang, jasmine, neroli, rose

• Far East | patchouli, cedar, sandalwood, lime, coriander

• Energizing | basil, lavender, orange, nutmeg, mint

• Calm, Cool, & Collected | bergamot, geranium, clary sage, chamomile, yarrow

• Garden Glimpse | lemon, orange, basil, thyme

Linking to: Natural Living, The Prairie Homestead, Mind Body Sole

Hi everybody! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years!

Once again I'm linking up with my dear friend Laurie for a A Few Of My Favorite Things Saturday, and Cindy at Show and Tell Friday!

Some of you from wayyyyy back might remember a similar picture to this one in my blog header. It featured one of my favorite pieces, a beautiful french blue opaline urn with lid.
I found the urn many years ago and paid under $100 for it. I didn't know anything about opaline glass at the time I just loved the color and form.
Well... one day recently while searching ebay I came across an identical urn from a seller in Sweden. And I won it for not much more than I paid for my original piece! Yippeee!!! I just love when that happens!
So I'd like to share my very small (almost) collection and a couple of other pretties.

Do you see the small pale blue french opaline half egg watch display? That was another ebay find for cheaps. Inside I have a couple of special treasures...

Can you see? There's a small timeworn locket and a small brass ring.
I found the locket in the pocket of an old coat I'd purchased at the Goodwill. And the childs ring belonged to my Grandmother.

Here's a closeup of the locket.

And inside are two pictures of someone who must have been very special to her husband?... or children?... She's a wonderful mystery to me. It looks like one features her as a young woman and another as she got older? Don't you think?

Here is my Grandmothers childhood ring. When she died she had virtually nothing to her name. But she kept this small ring in a locked strong box along with a picture of her parents so I know it must have been very precious to her, and it's one of my most prized posessions.

And here's my new opaline urn! Just look at those cute little lion paw feeties!! Aren't they cute?!

Santa (aka my hubby) was very kind to me this year and bought me this beautiful (well at least it is to me *winks*) bronze french clock... And I had an AH HA!" moment. The blue of the clock was a pretty close match to the opaline urns and I thought they might make good clock garnitures?
Here's the clock... It doesn't function... It's just a beautiful shell but I don't care!

Of course it has a cutie cherub!

And some swag-o-liciousness!

What do you think? Do they work together? I've been trying them out in various areas of my home and haven't found quite the right place yet... (You can click to get the larger view)

I tried them in the livingroom.. but not quite working. I have WAYY to many collections! I know I need to edit. But what to get rid of?? It's so tough when you love EVERYTHING! Hopefully you won't see me on that hoarders show, but I make no promises! *winks*

Here is another sweet french blue and bronze piece (An inkwell maybe?) I just love that color! Can you see the little birdie on top?

I also have a couple of bristol glass vases in a similar blue.

And this lustre found for $28 on ebay. (Melanie are you listening? *winks*) I bring Melanie my new blogging friend from The Tiny Tudor into this because she's contemplating her first ebay purchase. And I'm so excited for her! And dying to see her first ebay treasure! Ebay is another one of my favorite things!!

I LOVE when this happens! I found this (nearly) identical urn below on the web here for $795!

And this very similar urn is on ebay for $1495 or best offer... Do you think they'd accept my offer for $90?... Probably not! I think I did pretty good! But it could also be that the sellers have been smoking some funny stuff (you know what I mean *winks*) It's amazing that there are such large discrepencies in pricing isn't it?!

If you're interested in learning about french opaline glass? Joni at the Cote De Texas did a wonderful story here. I learned a ton from her! Thanks for stopping by! I hope you'll come by again soon! Vanna

It's time again for Flea Market Finds!! Whoopee Ding Dong!! Shee Blam!! Whoohoo!!
Can you think of ANYTHING more exciting???!!
"Watching the grass grow you say?" Or perhaps "chatting up a used car salesman?"
Mais noooooo ma cheries! This post will be even better than those! *winks*... OK maybe only slightly lol!... But I'm gonna try real hard!
It's been hard times on the thriftin' trail for me. The fabulous finds have been elusive... But... I did manage a few nifty treats. Well... I'll let you be the judge... so I'll start with my absolute fave (it's kind of a close three way tie this week)
This charming little antique french miss is actually an inkwell. $86.50 at a local antique store. I love the sweet little cobalt well! It even came with a matching blue quill.

Update: My friend Richard from My Old Historic House and antiquer extraordinaire told me this inkwell is old paris porcelain and early 1820-1840! YIPPEE!! I done good!

Isn't she sweet?

Then I stumbled on this reproduction antique barometer at a local antique mall. The owner of the space was there and he told me his father had worked at La Barge in the 70's and he brought this home from there. It was $75 and if you know anything about La Barge? it was a VERY good price *winks*

I found this large antique charcoal portrait of a young 18th century man on craigslist for $20. He's a keeper! Sorry about the bad picture, the glass was very reflective. This shot doesn't do him any justice.

This huge mirrored tray was $20 and has cherubs with little birds on each end. It will be living on my coffee table *winks*

Isn't he a cutie?

Then while I was at the Goodwill I found this wacky crazy cool vintage Japanese lady lamp from the 50's. It's also a music box and plays "Some Enchanted Evening" (The Japanese lady spins) The color of the globe is bright blue until you turn the lamp on and then it changes color! There's also a small pagoda that can be seen in the crystal spire with a small deer sitting beside it. I'll be adding it to my etsy goodies.

Unique and kooky!! Lol!

The top reads "MERRY LAMP" It's in pristine condition.

Can you see the outline of the little deer under the pagoda in the spire?

I found this pretty hand painted rose bowl at the Value Village.

Aren't the soft pink roses luscious?!

This darling planter with barbola rose swags was $5.99 at the Goodwill. It originally had a black rose arrangement in it! Eeeeeewwww! Can you imagine a worse choice?!! What were they thinkin'? Anyhoo out they went... Needless to say I'm ready for Halloween with my black bouquet *winks*

And some more vintage alabaster grapes from the Goodwill for $3.99.

Another addition to my Odd Fellows collection. This antique collar was $5 on ebay.

I love the little metal tassels!

I tried my hand at a little gesso transformation via Rosemary at Villa Barnes on this frame/plateau from the Goodwill for 99 cents. It started out a bright tacky gold with some pressed dried flowers. I'm not sure it's much of an improvement lol! *winks* but I can always slap on some more gesso!

Sorry I didn't get a better shot of the before, it somehow got deleted, but you get the idea.

And finally a set of sheer white lawn curtains with the prettiest tucked detail at the top from the Value Village.

That's it for this week. I hope you'll come back next week for more flea market finds. Please leave me a comment, I'd LOVE to hear from you! And I'll do the same *winks* Vanna
I'm joining Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

And The Charm Bracelet Diva for:

Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

When you start any Blogger blog, it automatically installs a navigation bar or banner running across the top of the screen with the links: "Follow," "Share," "Report Abuse," and "Next Blog." This is called the "navbar" and is a real eye sore to most visitors. The good news is, removing the navigation bar in Blogger is easy.

"But, wait? Don't I want those links?" you may ask... Not generally. The only two links that are really useful to you are first the "Follow" link, but you took care of that in a much sexier way when you installed your classy and sexy follow buttons, right? And the "Share" link, but there are much better ways to setup sharing on your blog (which I'll discuss soon).

The "Next Blog" link takes visitors away from your blog. The "Report Abuse" button let's people report your blog to Google which could lead to Google taking action against you (and, subsequently also leaves internet trolls the easy opportunity to try and sabotage you, though this isn't generally a problem).


But more than anything, it's amateurish and ugly. It screams "I have an out-of-the-box Blogger blog!" So, my advice is to ditch it. Here's how you do it (please note that this doesn't work in the old version of blogger, but you can still do it. Check out this page for more info on that. Be sure to scroll down to the section about Classic Blogger templates).
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Well, I just went on my first major vacation as a blogger. It was a 20 day vacation to visit my brother in England, far from my home battle station PC. And with summer in full-swing, chances are you'll be going on a few vacations of your own. So, what have I learned about blogging while on vacation? And what will I probably do differently next time? A few things. On both counts.

There were three ways I could go about blogging while away. First, I could not blog at all and pick it up when I got back. Second, I could repost some of my older popular posts (a common thing to do in the blogging world). Third, I could keep fresh posts coming each day. Obviously the third option would be the biggest commitment. And, despite what some women might think, I'm not afraid of commitment, so I took door number three. ;)

To not blog at all while on vacation is to shoot yourself in the foot (as I learned by not blogging here on WW4F). A big rule of blogging is that you should post often enough that people always have a reason to come back. In this big, fat, crazy internet world we live in, people will forget you pretty quickly if you disappear. It will probably take me a little while to remind everybody that was following that I still have posts coming on WW4F. Others will never find their way back, I'm sure. If I had it to do over, I would have prewritten and pre-scheduled several posts for WW4F.
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This dessert has got to be one of my favorite ways to enjoy summer fruit! Supposedly the recipe makes 6 servings, but our family finds it's never quite enough! Double the recipe for a 9X13.

Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups sliced peaches, fresh or canned 1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen 1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen 1/2 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup organic butter 1/2 cup oats (I use gluten-free) 1/4 tsp sea salt 3/4 cup raw cane sugar
Directions: Gently stir fruit together. Pour into the bottom of a square baking dish (8x8 or 9x9). In a separate bowl, mix remaining ingredients together until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of fruit. Bake at 375F until top is golden brown, about 40 minutes. Serve warm with shipped cream.
Makes 6 servings.

Alternatively, replace the peaches and berries with 4 cups of pears or sliced Granny Smith apples.

It's in the garden, amid the blooms and thistles, the soil and the stony ground, the dead seeds and lush vegetation where the story of sin and forgiveness, the Fall and Redemption, and life as one who has been engrafted into Christ can be told with real-life illustrations like no other. How fascinating it is that the place our children love to play is the same ground that can be used for discipling their eternal souls!

"Do you see that clematis? That's such a pretty vine! Jesus said that He was the True Vine. Everyone who loves Jesus has to bear fruit just like those purple flowers. Otherwise the Lord will cut off the dead branches like Mommy does so the rest can grow better."

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:1-2

"These flowers are called a peonies. Sometimes flowers like to grow in fields of grass where the horses are, even though they'll get cut down when the farmer makes hay. If God even cares about clothing a field of grass with pretty flowers, then we certainly don't have to worry about where we will get our clothes because He cares for us even more!"
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Matthew 6:30

"This pot is made out of clay. The person who made it is called a potter. The Bible says that God is the Potter and we are His clay. He made us and can do with us whatever He wants to do. That should make us very happy because God's plan for His people is perfect - much better than any sort of plan we could think of."

But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Isaiah 64:8

"These pumpkin seeds are dead. They won't grow if we leave them on the driveway. But if we put them in the garden where the soil is really healthy, they will begin to grow and produce beautiful orange pumpkins! Our hearts have to be like the soil in the garden, ready to receive God's Word with joy and produce fruit. If are hearts are stony like the driveway, than we will fall away from the Lord when temptation comes."

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13: 20, 21, 23

"What kind of plant is this? That's right, a tomato plant! How did you know? Because it has tomatoes! Jesus says of His people that by their fruits we will know them. The best way to tell if someone loves the Lord is if they want to do the things that please Him."

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Matthew 7:16, 17

"When we're sick, we don't need to buy our medicine from the store. God tells us that the fruit from the plants He made are for food and the leaves are for medicine!"

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine Ezekiel 47:12

The parallels here only scratch the surface. So much more could be said about Creation, the sin that enter the world by disobedience in Paradise, and what it means to be engrafted into Christ. Next time you're out pulling weeds, pause for a second and whisper these truths in to the eternal souls of your dirt-covered, sun kissed, wee ones.

With the official start of summer, comes the official start of soaking up the sun on restaurant patios.

Here are a few of my recommendations in Regina:

Cafe Orange: At the moment, Orange is doing coffee and sweets, but they tell me that a full menu is coming soon. Hopefully by Canada Day. In just two years, this place has gone from a coffee house/kitchenware store; to an all-out coffee house; and now a restaurant. The latest transformation looks to be the best. And the deck out front on Robinson Street (by the 13th Ave. Safeway) is so new you can still smell the sweet scent of new wood. (306) 779-0779 (no website)

Sweet Bakery and Coffee House: An ever-expanding list of baked goods, combined with comfortable surrounds in a heritage building (and a very nice, if small, patio outside) are turning this new Broad Street place near College Avenue into a favourite of many. Recommend an Americano with a Lemon Tart, if you're at a loss. (306) 352-9338 (no website)

La Bodega: the treetop patio at this Cathedral Village favourite is... tops, no pun intended. Sip a few drinks or have lunch high above the Albert Street traffic. You won't even notice the cars going by. www.labodegaregina.com / (306) 546-3660

Fireside Bistro: while opinions on Fireside often vary, their patio on the corner of Smith Street and 15th Avenue is second to none. Definitely worth a drink or two and an appetizer on a hot day. (306) 761-2305 (no website)

Beer Bros.: Watch the people go by on downtown's pedestrianized portion of Scarth Street. Beer Bros newly refinished patio is small but full of sunshine. Stop by and sample an exotic beer whose name you can't even pronounce (and that's before you start drinking). www.beerbros.ca / (306) 586-2337

Atlantis: This downtown coffee spot isn't licensed for liquor, but that doesn't keep the crowds away. Open from the early morning until late, and offers free wireless. Oh, and the artwork on the walls is all by local artists. www.atlantiscoffee.com / (306) 565-2213

More to come! Please follow the blog for updates to this list, and new reviews.
Follow me on Twitter: @The_FoodDude

Hi peeps!! Just a few things to share this week because of my shopping extravaganza last week *winks*
I'll start as usual with my favorite find. It's a vintage HUGE rose covered fully lined curtain that I found at a local antique mall for $60! This one curtain is 8' tall and 15' long! I couldn't get the entire thing in a shot because it was just too big for my poor camera. It could easily be cut apart to make several individual curtains, which is what I'm hoping to do. Love the green color and all the roses!! Isn't it gorgy??*sighs*

Close up.

Then I found this Italian shadow box jewelry display case on craigslist for $15. Inside I have one new/old treasure and the other three are older finds but I haven't shared them here so I thought I'd take the opportunity now *winks*

The newest find is this cigarette case with a portrait of a woman. $12 at a local antique store. I will definitely be looking to collect more of these.

My next find is from a few years back. I paid $125 (which was actually half price) It's a micro petit point purse featuring a courting couple adorned with some stones and enamel flowers.

The back features a castle and swags with pink roses.

Lined with the palest pink ruched silk that is starting to tear and fray.

Next is this little silver mesh purse/compact that I purchased from an elderly neighbor for $15.

I would love it if these little blue stones were sapphires! *winks* But most likely pretty glass.

And finally this little beaded purse/compact was $10.

I found a new addition to my silver collection at the Goodwill. This silver glass caddy was on one isle for $1.99 and the dessert wine glasses were 50 cents each on another. So all told $4.99... Not bad I think!

And then I did discover something NEW to me... Maybe new to you also?
Let me start by saying I've been in love with antiques for most of my life and in all that time I've never known about this...
The Odd Fellows!
Who and what are they? Weeellll... here's a little vid about them

The Odd Fellows (it turns out) are the Father of all fraternal organizations. Formed in England in the 18th century. I discovered them when I was trying to find information about these antique red velvet collars that I'd found on craigslist. A set of four of them for $12. Sooo ornate and beautiful with their silver appliques, fringe and tassels. I thought originally they might have been priests vestments of some sort? But was quickly made aware that they were something else. I took a look on ebay and couldn't believe how cheaply these items were selling! Some at 99 cents plus shipping, and some of the beautiful velvet ceremonial robes were little more than $20. Also some beautiful ornate medals for a song! I couldn't help but think of all the custom bag/purse and pillow makers who could use these old pieces in their designs. Am I the last one to know about these? Let me know! I feel I've discovered textile nirvana! Lol! *winks*

Each less than the cost of a latte!

And last (and definitely least) some vintage aqua lace trim from the Value Village for $1.99 and an egg vase for my etsy.

That's it for the flea market finds this week. I hope you'll come back next week for more thrifting fun! And please leave me a comment and I'll do the same for you *winks* I'd LOVE to hear from you! Vanna

I'm joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

And Jill at The French Cupboard for:

Cream puffs aren't nearly as intimidating as they seem. The trick to getting them nice and puffy is how you add your flour and the heat at which they bake. The cool thing about these delightful pastries as that you can make them any size, and fill them with whatever you please. Yesterday I posted about Strawberry sauce. Can Cream Puffs taste good without it? I'm really not sure. I don't think I've ever tried. They're awfully messy, but that just adds to the experience. :-)
You'll need: 1 cup water 1/2 cup butter 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp salt 4 eggs In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring water and butter to a boil. Add flour and salt all at once. This is very important. Stir together until you get a smooth ball. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until you get a smooth, shiny mixture that looks something like above.

Drop by round tablespoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove to wire rack.
Immediately slit puffs open. Remove tops and set aside. Discard any soft dough inside. Cool completely.
Now the fun part! Fill them with whatever you please-from classic whip cream, strawberries and chocolate, to funky flavored lemon pudding, or mocha mousse. Either way, you've got the perfect shell to compliment your choice of filling!

A few years ago I joined the site Rate My Space. There I shared many of the rooms in my home and met so many wonderful people! The other day I decided to take a trip down memory lane and read some of the lovely comments that had been left over the years, only to find that all my spaces had been deleted! I had the various spaces linked on my sidebar. Alas never to be found again. *sighs*
Soooo I'll be sharing my rooms here on my blog starting with my Shabby guestroom. It's encountered quite a few changes since the RMS days. Hopefully for the better?
This could take a wee while so you might want to get yourself a nice cup of tea or coffee... or even better wine *winks* and settle in for LOTS of pictures!
I'll be moving clockwise around the room so come on and follow me and I'll show ya around! *winks*
This is the room overview...

Large white antique mirror for pretty primping...

This is the newest addition to my shabby room, a chippy old wicker bed corona (found last week at a yard sale for $10) I wanted to use this as a shelf for displaying some rose paintings. However it just wasn't strong enough so I had to make do for this photo-op *winks* Whatcha think? fine or flop?

Close up.

This french floral sconce sits at the top of the mirror. I love its delicate beauty.

My lovely Marie dress form. One of my favorite things in the room!

French armoire...

Filled with all kinds of linens and treasures...

Come a little closer and take a peeky poo...

A favorite little french lamp.

The lady in green is the newest addition to my boudoir lady lamp collection.

Isn't she sweet?!

In the corner lies a victorian tete a tete chaise that I won at an auction. Fell in LOVE! Had to have it! Despite its shabby condition *winks*

A little pause for a spot of tea...

Italian stacking tables in cream with dreamy florals...

And above is a shelf filled with my small Norah Wellings doll collection.

The little brown pixie is one of my favorites!

Who can resist a smile like this???! Their little faces make me happy each and every time I see them!

A shabby chippy garden goddess adorned with rosaries and rhinestones...

A vanity found at the local Goodwill.

This little celluloid box featuring a courting couple still has its original interior brush set on a bed of blue silk.

Above hangs a bronze cherub lamp...

Frenchy bedside table.

Bed corona.

Darling ballet pointe shoes... One pair signed... Against a background of vintage roses... I want more!!

Can you tell I LOVE roses?! *winks* Naw... to subtle for ya? LOL!

I wish I could've gotten a better shot of this 19th century Vinea hand colored aquatint, but the glass was too reflective so hopefully you'll get the gist?

It has lots of cavorting cherubs which I adore!!

A little shelf filled with some more of my boudoir ladies.

And we've come all the way around. I hope you enjoyed the tour of my shabby bedroom. It's my one room for over the top femininity! Have to consider the poor hubby in the rest of the house! *winks* So if you're a girl who loves things French foofy and poofy? You're welcome to come stay for a visit. I'd love to have you! Sorry boys I just couldn't do this to you! *winks* You might come away with tassels on your ears! LOL!

And as you leave the room this pretty french couple is waving goodbye! And wishing you a wonderful day! Please leave me a comment and I'll do the same. And come back for a visit anytime! Vanna

I'm joining over at French Country Cottage for:

And Sherry at The Charm Of Home for:

I know I said I wasn't going to write on WW4F until I got back from England, but I had a few extra minutes so I thought I'd discuss an interesting phenomenon that I've seen take place since the end of May/beginning of June. It seems that summer has changed my best time to post on Single Dad Laughing in a big way.

One way that I have gauged what time is best for posting is how many of my friends are currently available on Facebook chat. Since I started using this as one of my measurements, 8 AM MST has been just as good a time as any other, and often better than any other time.

The last few weeks though, I haven't been watching it too closely and my traffic has been dropping even though I've been posting at the same time I usually do. I was surprised when I realized this, and so I started looking at different traffic influencers to see where things might be causing the dropping. What was the first thing I noticed?
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I came up with this recipe shortly after we started eating the Trim, Healthy Mama way. It combines a few of our favorite flavors into one mouth-watering, plan-approved, protein-packed, tender piece of chicken.

Servings: 4 Baking Time: 25 minutes. Gluten-free, sugar-free, nut free, soy-free
*For anyone else who's a THMer, this staple falls under the Satisfying category.
Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 Tbsp Truiva (or plan approved sweetener)
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved length-wise
• 2 cups sliced, fresh mushrooms
• 8 bacon strips
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• fresh chives, snipped

Fry bacon. Set aside on paper towel to absorb the excess oil. Discard all but 1 Tbsp of bacon fat. Saute mushrooms and cook chicken until lightly golden in bacon fat.

Arrange chicken in 8x8" baking pan. Wrap each breast with two strips of bacon to from an "X". Pour mushrooms over top and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Garnish with chives.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

Linked up at: Trim Healthy Tuesdays.

The Round-up:

• Food - 3.5 out of 5
• Service - 3.5 out of 5
• Atmosphere - 3 out of 5
• Overall - 10 out of 15

It's slightly gutsy to open a restaurant on a semi-abandoned block in downtown Regina that has seen its share of restaurants come and go over the years.

But entrepreneur Astrid Baecker did exactly that two years ago when renovations at 1822 Broad Street got underway. After sitting empty for a few years, the building was looking in pretty rough shape when things got started. Within a few months Baecker and her team added plenty of shine.

What's now known as Bitten used to be home to Gingerz. Before that it was a satellite location of India House for a matter of months. And wayyy before that it was New Orleans. And that's all the history I know of the place.

The room itself, long and narrow with a balcony looking over the main floor, is an awkward shape for a restaurant. That being said, Bitten has made things work by modernizing the colour scheme and placing high-top tables with bar stools on the main floor that can be easily moved around to accommodate groups of all sizes.

The second floor balcony is cozy and closer to the bar. If drinking is your main reason for visiting Bitten, sit upstairs.

The menu has grown over the last two years. It's now several pages long and covers a surprisingly wide range of cuisines. If you want Asian, Bitten does that. If you want Italian, Bitten does that. If you want Cajun, they do that too. While the variety is nice, the menu lacks focus overall. Some of the appetizers, like the stuffed mushroom caps, seem like a throwback to the '80s.

On the other hand, appetizers come in very generous portions. Some might even find them large enough to be a meal. They definitely make for good sharing in a group.

As for the rest of the food, it's generally good. Some entrees, like a Surf and Turf I had around Valentine's Day in 2009, lacked flavour. However, the pizzas and salads are filling, tasty, and priced just right.

I've been to Bitten five or six times in the last two years and the service has always been good, no matter the server. Service isn't always lighting fast, but it's attentive. And Bitten isn't really the type of place you go for a speedy meal.

I can't finish this review without talking about dessert. Bitten's motto, after all, is "Life is Short... Have Dessert First."

The menu features a whole page of desserts to choose from, all of them made in-house. Bitten does a good job of classics like the Creme Brulee and Creme Caramel. The Mascarpone Toffee Parcels were delish when I tried them a few months back. I haven't had Bitten's version of Sticky Toffee Pudding just yet, but that's next on my list.

My advice: check Bitten out if you haven't been, or if it's been awhile. It's worth supporting a local eatery that's breathing life into our downtown core.

It's time once again for Flea Market Finds!!! YAYYYY! WHOO HOOO! YIPPEE!!
Seriously I really mean it this week because I had a fabulous tiquing extravaganza! So keep reading *winks*
This past week the hubbs and I went for a day trip to Centralia Washington. I didn't expect to find much (rarely do) But it just goes to show ya... you never know when serendipity will strike! It seemed everywhere I turned there were amazing finds! I don't even know where to begin with my favorites because I have so many!
So... I'll just start here with this beautiful small oil portrait of a girl on board. I can't stop looking at her. She's a little the worse for wear but I LOVEEEE HER!!

She was 49 well spent dollars *winks*

Then this 1920's twin bed was a MAJOR score at $45... Yes that's right 45 dollars! Can you believe someone would sell this bed for soooo little? It has paintings of nudes on both the head and footboard! I do NOT need another bed but I couldn't say no to this one.

Dancing nude ladies (The three muses?)... Love em!!

Do you see the little sheep in the background?... Perfect!!

Then... I found a fab Dresden-esque vanity mirror with cavorting (Don't you just love that word?Lol!) cherubs and had visions of it sitting on my vanity table. Problem was it only had a hook for hanging on the wall. Sooooo off to the Goodwill we ran, where we (And by "we" I mean my husband *winks*) found an old picture frame (99 cents) with the perfect sized back to convert the mirror to one that will stand on a dressing table. The hubby cut it to fit and applied some silicon glue so it could be removed if desired and...
After applying the back piece.

VOILA!!!... After!

Hazy old glass.

I'm loving it so much I might just have to keep it + the same mirror is on ebay for $1500 (crack smoker!) but just sayin' *winks*
What do you think? Doesn't it look good here? My hubby is the handiest darn guy!
So if you're needing an inexpensive solution for how to stand up an old mirror? This did the trick nicely!

Then I hit the silver blessings button when I found a Victorian bun warmer and a HUGE butter dish! It's so large it's almost a server. The tea cup and saucer set with legs ($6.99) was what I scored at the Goodwill run for the mirror back solution while the hubby was digging through about a gazillion frames! Divide and conquer! *winks*

Open

Another cute but slightly tattered doll ($28) for my boudoir doll collection HERE

An antique celluloid box with a pretty girl for $20.

A large shabby rose painting on tin for $20. I'll be doing an arrangement of some rose paintings in my shabby guestroom so I hope you'll come back for a peek.

A 1940's body double dress form that came with it's original box and pamphlet for a steal from my new friend Jenny! I want to give her a shout out because she's such a lovely person to deal with and has the most wonderful shabby chic items in her booth space in Centralia at the Northwest Tub Company (Don't let the name fool you, it's actually a small antique mall that carries old tubs in addition to lots of other wonderful goodies. *winks* So if you ever find yourself there please stop in and say "hi!" She's booth space #10... and she'll wheel and deal with you too!

This aqua vase was $4.99 at the Goodwill.

A couple of jewel caskets (Both for $20) to go with my collection HERE

And finally this set of frenchy doll furniture for $10 with its original box. I paid too much, but I love that the little piano and bureau are trinket boxes.

Well those are my treasures for this week. To quote my friend Dawn from Bohemian Valhalla I'll be "adding some water to the beans" for awhile to make up for this wonderful bender! Lol! I hope you'll come back next week for more flea market finds! Though they might be a bit piddlin' *winks* Please leave me a comment and I'll do the same. I just love to hear from you! Vanna
I'm joining my friend Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

My sweet friend Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

The French Cupboard for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

Funky Junk Interiors for:

This recipe is easy-peasy! And has zero nutritional value. But, oh is it ever good! Monkey Bread is a great hit with young people as well as a perfect recipe for little chefs. It's a fast, no-fail winner that everyone and their uncles will love.

You'll need: 1 (3.5 ounces) package of cook and serve butterscotch pudding mix 1 Tbsp. Cinnamon 3/4 cup Sugar 1/2 cup Butter, melted 3 (10 ounce) cans of refridgerated biscuts (I used Pilsbury) icing sugar & milk for glaze optional: nuts of your choice Combine pudding mix, sugar, cinnamon and nuts (if you're using them) together in a bowl with a tight fitting lid. Pour melted butter into a seperate dish. Cut biscuts into quarters with kitchen shears. Dip each piece in butter and than place in cinnamon mixture. Seal lid and shake until each piece is evenly coated. Remove to a greased, 10-inch bundt or fluted pan. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.
Dig in!

If you're on a mission to clean up your diet, getting your kids on board with the idea can seem impossible. If they're used to snacking on cookies, party-mix, Smarties, or packaged granola bars it can be frustrating for both of you to adopt healthier eating habits.
Thankfully, there are many scrumptious, nutritious recipes available that'll appeal to the pallet the same way junk food does. But instead of artery-clogging fats, refined sugars and flours, MSG, and simple carbohydrates, you'll be serving your child snacks that are loaded with nutrition and energy to help build a growing body.
Here are 10 snacks our kids love (and have no idea they're good for them!):

1. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Flax Muffins

2. "Just Like Wheat Thins" Crackers with Cheese from Trim Healthy Mama

3. Snicker Snackers

4. Apples or Bananas with Peanut or Almond Butter

5.Raw vegetables with natural, homemade salad dressing.

6. Yogurt or kefir, with berries and raw honey

7. Skinny Chocolate from Trim Healthy Mama

8. Cottage Berry Whip from Trim Healthy Mama

9. Peppermint Patties

10. Trail Mix.

Linked up to: Stacy Makes Cents.

Lavender has got to be my all-time favorite herbal scent. I purposely brush my legs against the plants when I walk along my garden so I can catch a whiff of their glorious fragrance. With a little work, I can preserve and enjoy the smell and its healing properties long after the blooms have died off.

Although not as strong as a distilled essential oil, a lavender oil infusion produces the same fragrance and can serve the same purpose without the need for dilution. Here's how I made mine:

You'll need:

• a pale colored oil with a mild scent (olive, almond, or jojoba work well)
• fresh lavender blooms, not completely opened
• a plastic (Ziploc) bag and wooden spoon or mallet (or a mortar and pestle)
• a glass jar with lid
• a piece of cheesecloth or muslin, large enough to cover the mouth of your jar
• a smaller jar in which to pour the strained oil

1. Place the lavender heads in the Ziploc bag and seal tightly. Green leaves and stems can be added too, but keep anything woodsy or branch-like out.
2. Tap the flowers lightly with the wooden mallet or spoon to bruise them so they can release their fragrance.

3. Stuff the large glass jar full and pour in enough oil until they are covered. 4. Seal the jar and shake well. Set aside for 48 hours for the flowers to steep.

5. After 48 hours, strain the oil with a cheesecloth into a dark colored jar and discard the flowers and stems. Store in a cool, dark place.

You'll find the aroma to be quite subtle, but it will become more pronounced when it's warmed or rubbed into your skin. Stay tuned for a luxurious, all-natural hand cream recipe that uses the oil we've just created.

Like many of you, we are a single-income, larger-than-average, (1.8 or more children), homeschooling family.

And both my husband and I come from a rich, Dutch heritage.

In other words, whether or not we need to be, we enjoy frugal living. I'm also a lover of nutritious, from-scratch, whole-food cooking. Overtime, we've found that you can have one and the other! Here's how we can enjoy a mainlywhole-food diet on a budget (we still eat take-out more often than I'd like to admit!).

Cheap foods that are good for you

1. Whole grains. Oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa are cheap! For ultimate nutritional value, choose any of these grains and soak them for a hearty breakfast that'll keep you energized all morning.

For a fabulously healthy, gluten-free, blueberry-muffin smelling breakfast, pour 1 cup of steel-cut oats, brown rice, OR quinoa in a crock-pot. Add 1 1/2 cups of almond milk, 1 1/2 cups water, 1-2 Tbsp of ground flax seed, 2-3 Tbsp butter or coconut oil, 1 cup fresh blueberries, cinnamon, sea salt, and sweetener (honey, maple syrup, stevia, or brown sugar) to taste. Stir. Cook on low overnight. Alternately, try using diced apple and a handful of walnut in place of blueberries.
2. Beans and legumes. Beans are one of the cheapest proteins available and can be used to replace meat in a meal. Given a good, over-night soak in purified water, they are a highly digestible form of fiber, complex carbohydrates, iron, and folate - ideal if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.

Our favorite way to enjoy beans are in chili, taco salad, and brownies (there's a Special Agent Brownie recipe in Trim Healthy Mama that's absolutely fabulous!).

3. Eggs. Eggs are one of the very few complete proteins available to us (they contain all 9 essential amino acids), contain only 70 calories, and are chock full of nutrition. Besides being excellent sources of protein and good cholesterol, they also contain iron, vitamins A, D, E, and B12, folate, selenium, and lutein.

Eggs can be cooked quickly in a variety of ways (hard or soft-boiled, fried, poached, scrambled) and provide great structure and texture when added to baked goods.

We enjoy them on their own and in omelettes, crepes, breakfasts bakes, and pizza crust.

Foods worth paying more for

No matter how tight our budget, there are certain foods I don't cheap out on as we feel the extra dollars are insignificant compared to the health benefits. We'd rather "pay the farmer than the pharmacy," as the saying goes.

1. Oil. It's a safe bet that anything you can get in a big plastic jug for $4 is not good for you. Vegetable oils and margarine derived from cheaply grown or genetically modified plants like sunflower, corn, soybean, canola, safflower have little nutrition to begin with and are chemically altered and deodorized in order to make them palatable. Our bodies were not meant to consume them.

Opt instead for healthy saturated fats that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. These include butter (preferably organic), coconut, olive, and red palm oil.
2. Fresh, local, organic produce. We can't afford to purchase all of our produce this way, but we try our best to grow or purchase the infamous "Dirty Dozen" organically as these fruits and vegetables contain the highest pesticide residue otherwise:

• Peaches
• Apples
• Celery
• Peppers
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Pears
• Cherries
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Potatoes
• Grapes

• onions
• avocado
• sweet corn
• pineapples
• mango
• asparagus
• bananas
• cabbage
• broccoli
• papaya
• kiwi

Instead, we use coconut or almond milk. They contain high levels of vitamins A & D and are lactose free. They cost slightly more than pasteurized, hormone enhanced cow's milk, but since we rarely use it for more than our morning smoothie, we don't notice a difference in our grocery bill.

As our budget allows, we try to purchase higher quality dairy products like kefir, greek yogurt, cream and cottage cheese.
4. Meat. Cheaper cuts of meat are usually that way because they come from animals that are pumped full of genetically modified grain products, growth hormones, and antibiotics - the sole purpose of which is to fatten an animal up as quickly as possible for slaughter. Food Inc. is a fascinating documentary that explains how the food industry is making us sicker, fatter, and poorer through this process.

Although more expensive, grass-fed, locally raised, organic beef and chicken is a far more nutritious alternative and of much less consequence to your health.
5. Sweeteners. Sugar is cheap, appeals to our pallet, and is easy to come by. Consequently, diabetes, obesity, cancer, heart failure, and a host of other health concerns are also the norm. We stay away from refined sugar as much as possible and use raw honey, pure maple syrup, and stevia instead.

While they should still be used in small quantities, these sweeteners contain healthy enzymes and minerals which are difficult to get from other foods. They also have a healthier Glycemic Index which means they don't mess with your blood sugar levels in the same way refined sugar does.

Where to get healthy food for less

1. Garden. Anyone can grow their own produce, even a little bit. Be it a pot on the balcony of your apartment or a 3 acre market garden, all you need is some seed, soil, water, and sun and you're in business.

We put in a large raise bed last year for free - my husband made a tarp in exchange for a truckload of triple-mix and I used the gift cards I got for my birthday to purchase our seeds and plants.
2. Farmer's Market. Farmer's markets are great places to find local, seasonal produce, cure meats, eggs, honey and maple syrup at a fraction of the price you find in the store. Plus, farmers generally care about individual relationships with their customers and often offer a faithful buyer further discounts and "throw in a little extra."
3. Local Farmer. In the fall, we often purchase 1/4-1/2 a cow from a Christian farmer who grows his beef organically. We get to choose how we'd like it butchered and our freezer is well stocked for several months. We estimate purchasing our meat this way saves us 30% of the store price.

If we had the space for it, we'd love to keep our own chickens. We go through plenty of eggs around here! Thankfully, they are cheap to come by! We buy them from Brad's co-worker whose family keeps organically raised laying hens as a sideline business.

In the summer, we pick our own berries, freeze most of them, and turn some into sauce or jam. A relative of ours keeps a bountiful raspberry patch where we can come and go as we please.

It didn't work out last year because of pregnancy complications, but this summer, my mom, sisters, and I plan on putting up other produce from local farms that we don't grow ourselves: peaches, pears, carrots, pickles, etc.

4. Bulk Stores. I buy most of our grain from The Bulk Barn. We often receive coupons for $3.00 off a purchase of $10.00 or more (which I can easily spend in one visit!). I blend whole kernels with my Wondermill and the stuff I purchase pre-ground (flax), I purchase in small quantities as it goes rancid quickly. I purchase my organice herbs, teas, sea salt, and spices from The Bulk Herb Store.

I also purchase soap and other dried goods here like coconut, almonds, walnuts, and cranberries.
5. Grocery Store. You can save money at the grocery store by using coupons, ad-matching, checking the clearance shelf, and purchasing store-brand non-perishables like brown rice and tomato paste.

The clearance shelf where everything is ripe and ready, is a wonderful place to get greatly discounted produce. If you have a juicer, freeze your juice into Popsicles for a healthy summer treat or into ice cubes for slushies. Peppers and onions can be cut up and bagged for pizza toppings, apples turned into sauce, and mushrooms sauteed in butter for a fine steak topping.
6. Online. I must admit to rarely purchasing groceries online. I prefer to see the product myself. The exception to this is the extra virgin coconut oil I get from Tropical Traditions. The quality is truly remarkable. We use it a lot, especially in desserts like Chunky Cream Pops, Skinny Chocolate, and Peppermint Patties. I'm thankful it regularly goes on sale for 40-50% off.

In the interest of full disclosure, some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I receive an affiliate commission. I only recommend products I use personally. Your purchases through these links help support Growing Home. I humbly thank you for your support! Linking to: Mind Body Sole, Raising Homemakers, Deep Roots At Home, Frugally Sustainable, Natural Living Raising Arrows, Time Warp Wife, Far Above Rubies, Homestead Barn Hop, The Better Mom,

Hi y'all! It's that time of the week once again for Flea Market Finds!!! Bet you weren't holding your breath for that one huh? *winks*
just a few small things to share for this week. Try as I did to find an amazing garage sale, the weather just wasn't cooperating here in the Pacific Northwest. I hope the sun is gently shining on you wherever you are! And could you send a little my way? *winks*
I'm going to start with my favorite find... a vintage lavender straw hat loaded with flowers from a local antique mall for $24. Kind of a lot for me but it was justtttttt right! Hats seemed to be my theme for the week.

It has lots of my favorite flowsey blowsey flowers!

Then my second favorite find (s) were these pretty vintage red wine glasses adorned with various courting couples from the Value Village. I paid $5.99 for each stem, but I'd never seen any quite like them, so home with me they came *winks*

Aren't they sweet?

Another antique mall find was this vintage painting for $20 featuring some of my favorite subjects... Sheep!! It's very folk-artsy dont'cha think?

A couple of darling boudoir pillows for my etsy.

As well as this sweet Dresden reticulated compote.

Another little addition to my boudoir doll collection for $12. I'm big time hooked on these!

One vintage avon perfume from 1976 and three vintage compacts (The mesh is Whiting and Davis) The smallest is a coty rouge compact (never used) and the largest needs a little rehab. I'm thinking of adding a rose decal to it? Or perhaps some rhinestones? I just loves me some bling! All for $7!

This little blue silk doll hat was $1 and I've been having fun trying it on every doll and marble bust in the house!

I found a set of these paper mache hand painted trays for $2.50.

And lastly this set of angel plaques to paint and play with ($2) lying on a set of Ralph Lauren Allison ruffled pillow shams for $3.98.

That's all for this week. Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you'll leave me a comment and I'll do the same *winks* And please come back next week for more flea market finds! Vanna

I'm joining my friend Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

My friend Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

And French Cupboard for:

If you need to make an impression but are completely intimidated by the idea of baking a real cheesecake, this recipe will stop the show. I've made it many times and love the silky smooth texture, the way it slices perfectly, the combination of vanilla and chocolate, the richness of the cream, and how versatile it is for decorating. Not to mention that it can be whipped up the day before and stays good for a really long time.

That is, if you haven't eaten already.

You'll need: Crust: 1 1/2 cups of crumbled Oreo cookies 3-4 Tablespoons melted butter Chocolate Layer: 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin 2 Tablespoons cold water 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Vanilla Layer: 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin 2 Tablespoons cold water 1 2/3 cups heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions: Crust: Mix cookie crumbs and melted butter together. Pat into a 9" spring form pan. Set aside.
Chocolate Layer: In a small saucepan, bring cream to a simmer. In a separate small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water; let stand for 1 minute. Add to warm cream and stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir chocolate chips into remaining warm cream until melted. Stir in gelatin mixture and remaining cream. Pour on top of crust. Cool in fridge for 45 minutes or until firm.
Vanilla Layer: In a small saucepan, bring cream and sugar to a simmer. In another bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water; let stand for 1 minute. Stir into cream until gelatin is completely dissolved. Add vanilla. Carefully spoon over chocolate layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
After removing the sides of the spring form, you can garnish this beautiful dessert any way you like. In the picture shown above, I simply rubbed some more Oreo cookie crumbs onto the sides. Using several thin strips of waxed paper, I created a lattice stencil on the top of the dessert, sprinkled on some more crumbs, and carefully removed the strips of paper. Then I added a "haystack" of chopped chocolate covered peppermint sticks.
I've also served this with a fresh strawberry sauce made by pureeing strawberries and sugar in the blender for a fresher taste. Be creative-the possibilities are endless!

*GF Variation: Simply use Gluten-free cookie crumbs instead.

The hardest part about being gluten-free, according to my dear husband, is missing out on baked goods that taste good. Bread, cake, cookies, donuts, muffins... nothing quite tastes as wonderful as things made with white flour.

Then I discovered the Easy Peasy Cinnamon Muffins in Trim Healthy Mama. Brad said he hadn't had a muffin that good since he started eating gluten-free two years ago! I've made a couple of alterations to the original recipe and apparently we have a winner! Brad takes two in his lunch every day to work and never tires of them. The kids love them too.

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Muffins (adapted from Trim Healthy Mama)
Time: 15 minutes plus baking
Servings: 24 small muffins or 12 large
Ingredients:

• 3 eggs and 3 egg whites
• 3/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp water
• 3 Tbsp. coconut oil
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups ground golden flax seed
• 1/2 cup finely shredded, unsweetened coconut
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 4 Tbsp. cinnamon (not a typo!)
• 12 tsp of Truvia (or 1 cup sugar)
• 1 cup raisins

Two things of importance to report today. Actually, make that three.

1.) I am still on a carbohydrate high from all the perogies, rice, noodles, pasta, and dessert consumed during Mosaic this weekend. Hope that everyone indulged just as much as I did at this great annual event that showcases just how diverse our city is.

2.) A few weeks ago I posted a review of The Mercury Cafe. Since that time, a number of people have posted comments about the place. Last week, one reader alleged that the Mercury's burgers were not homemade, contrary to what it says on the Mercury's menu. Here's what she wrote:

Anonymous said...

May 26, 2010 9:37 PM

I was a bit shocked by this. I really believed the burger I ate was homemade -- both the look and taste of the burger did not seem like they came from Safeway across the street. Then again, you never really know unless you're in the kitchen standing next to the chef.
Today, I posted two more comments on this topic, presumably from employees at the Mercury. They said:

June 4, 2010 9:59 AM

Dave said...

June 5, 2010 6:39 PM

Well, I'm outta here for the next three weeks while Noah and I travel on a very overdue vacation! While I'll still have daily posts going on Single Dad Laughing during that time, I'll won't be posting to Will Work 4 Followers until after we return.


Until now, most of what we've covered here on WW4F has been foundational and blogging constructive. We've been working on the look of our blogs, the setup, feel, functionality and more. While I'll still be uploading many posts that are instructional and foundational from here on out, I'd like to start moving WW4F to what it was originally intended for... real discussion about blogging life, growing blogs, etc. So, here's your big chance to let me know what you'd like me to write about in the future here at WW4F. If you'd like to be as awesome as I know you are, take a sec, and answer the following three questions in the comments section of this post:
Read & Comment >>

The amount of actual living space in our house is quite small, and since our kids prefer to play near Mommy (and I prefer to keep them within ear shot so I can break up squabbles), storing our toys in the main living area, adjacent to the kitchen, proved to be both wise and aesthetically pleasing! It's hard to tell at first glance, but between the baker's table and our bookshelf, 90% of the toys in our home are stored away.

My favorite feature of the baker's table (which doubles as an end table for the couch), is the swooping drawer. Designed to store large bags of flour and sugar, the deep sections are perfect for storing bulkier toys like trucks, teddies, and balls. Above the deep drawer is a smaller pull-out which we use to store puzzles and flat-laying games.

Inside our bookshelf cupboards are four bins I picked up from the Dollar Store. They keep the smaller, most used toys organized. One bin is for dolls and their accessories, the second is for toy food and play kitchen utensils, the third bin stores Mr. Potato Head parts, and the fourth stores Mega blocks.

The bin solution has been an excellent tool for teaching our two-year-old to clean up after herself. When she's tired of playing with dolls and wants to build a tower out of Mega Blocks instead, she first has to put away all of her dolly things and slide the bin back onto the shelf. She's learning that "When we take something out, we put it back."

The great thing about using small bins for storage is that it makes the cleaning-up process seem less daunting to a child. Even our 1 year-old can hold his attention long enough to finish putting all the Mega Blocks into a bin! A few of the bigger toys (a plastic shopping cart, doll carrier, and a ride-on toy) are stored in their bedroom closets and can be pulled out upon request.

Once in a while someone will comment on how few toys we have in our home. I like to think that we have enough. Space issues aside, our children really don't care for playing with "real" toys all that much. They prefer to play in the sandbox, or with everyday items like spoons, boxes, canning jar rings, blankets, and hats. Keeping toys to a minimum does several good things:

1. It increases our children's imagination and creativity. Do you know how many different ways you can use a box?!
2. It minimizes their entitlement mentality. We have never taken our children toy shopping or picked one up while they were with us. Hence, I can easily go shopping at Wal-mart without them begging for another teddy bear or a new ball. The more we have, the more we want.
3. It reduces the clutter in our home. Less cleaning, more room to play with the toys they already have.
4. Slim picking with toys creates many opportunities to teach sharing, as a wise Mom said on our Facebook page.
5. Fewer toys teaches our children that work can be fun! With less toys to distract them, we can spend more time doing constructive things together like making dinner, washing the car, or weeding the garden.

How's the toy situation in your home? Have you found a good method for keeping it all organized? I'd love to hear your solutions and advice!

Would you believe me if I told you these things help you lose weight? Seriously! Every time you reach for a cookie, grab a Peppermint Patty instead and the pounds will melt off.
They contain no sugar or dairy and are virtually carb-free. Yet, they're loaded with the kind of fat that's good for you (coconut oil) and helps burn off the bad stuff by improving your metabolism.
The best part? They're so decadent and flavorful, there's no way you'll feel deprived. I am addicted to them and keep a stash in the back of our freezer. But don't tell the rest of my family or they'll be gone!

Time: 15 min. plus cooling time Servings: 12 large patties or 24 small patties *For THMer's, this is a Satisfying dessert.
Ingredients: Chocolate:

• 1 cup virgin coconut oil (Tropical Traditions is my favorite)
• 1/2 cup pure cocoa powder
• 2 Tbsp Truvia (or alternative sweetener)

• 1 cup finely shredded coconut, unsweetened
• 1 Tbsp Truvia (or alternative sweetener)
• 1/4 cup virgin coconut oil
• 1/4-1/2 tsp pure peppermint extract
• 1/8 tsp sea salt

Enjoy!

Little Natural Cottage, Stacy Makes Cents

Last week we talked about the need to make your blog posts look good. Today, I want to talk specifically about resizing your Blogger images to fit perfectly within your content. This will apply to bloggers on other platforms if they use Picasa to host their images. Making your images look right is key to having blog posts that people will like and will want to share.

If you blog on blogger, you probably are aware that you have five size choices after installing your images. Small, Medium, Large, X-large and Original Size.

Read & Comment >>

Hi ya peeps! It's time once again for Flea Market Finds!!!!
Actually I seriously wondered if I was going to have anything to share with ya this week. I wasn't in much of a shopping mood (Yes HE-double hockey sticks did possibly freeze over *winks*) but I did venture out to my local Goodwill and hit PAY DIRT!! Sometimes when it rains it pours... champagne! *winks*
Let me start with a story about my favorite find (and not a bargain) from ebay. A few years ago (2009) I spied this french mirrored plateau from the seller Nouveaurose and fell in love! Alas someone else was willing to spend more than I, and I missed out... *sniffle sniffle*

Weeeelll I was perusing ebay as I am wont to do occasionally *winks* when I ran across an almost identical plateau from the ebay seller flea hound who always has the most charming statuary for sale... but I digress...
I hit that "Buy It Now" button so fast my finger got whiplash lol! And now it's mine all mine!! Doing the Happy Dance!! La La La La La!!
What do you think? Doesn't it look almost identical to the white one from nouveaurose? Do you think I should paint mine too? I'm wondering if it would bring out more of the detail? A lovely thing to ponder...

Then (as if that wasn't fab enuff *winks*) there I was at the Goodwill scoping about, when across the room I spied out of the corner of my eye a large PAINTING, and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the price... wait for it... $8.99!!! I've seen mediocre prints there that were priced higher than that! I had three ladies stop to ask me if they could look at it before I made it to the check out lol!

The lady featured in the painting pushing the baby had a slice in her poor head so somebody gave this up. YAY!!

Isn't she pretty?

And a darling puppy too!

Then I found some rosy linens for $3.99 ea. Left to right is Rachel Ashwell, a vintage duvet cover and two different Ralph Lauren rose patterned sheets, as well as a funny handmade victorian style doll for my etsy store.

These cute lucite earrings in pastel colors were $2.99.

And lastly this book titled "Angels In The Air" by Ania Molchlinska for $3.99. The angels easily pushout to form mobiles. If you love angels and cherubs this book is full of some beautiful ones. You can pick it up on Amazon for almost the same price I paid HERE.

I HEART the Goodwill!!
That's all for this week. I hope you'll come back next week for more flea market finds. I'd love to hear from you! So please leave me a comment and I'll do the same. *winks* Vanna
I'm joining my friend Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

The French Cupboard for:

My sweet friend Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

"Say: 'These are scrumptious'." My husband told me to write that when I asked him how I should describe these bars. He also wanted you to know that he cuts the grass straighter than anyone else he knows, and that he's wearing white socks today. Ha!

He also said I better not write that. ;-)
Back to the bars. They are really yummy. We ate a whole recipe between the two of us in just four days. Pretend that isn't true. The cool thing about these bars is that not only are they a cinch to make, they can also be made very quickly, everyone loves them, and the possible variations are endless. More on that at the end.

You'll need:

1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/8 tsp salt 1/2 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8 inch square pan, line with parchment paper and then grease well.

Combine your dry ingredients together and mix in your butter until crumbly.

Press 2 cups of the mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan.

Spread jam on top...

... and then sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Press lightly so top coat sticks into jam.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned.

Cool, cut into bars and Enjoy!
Now for the variations. The raspberry jam could be replaced with any jam or jelly. Think blackberry, strawberry, blueberry, peach, or maybe even a combo deal! Or try making the middle layer chocolate or date for an even richer taste. I skipped drizzling these bars with icing sugar or melted white chocolate, but that equals yummy too. I'm sure of it. I have a sweet tooth.

When is the best time of day to upload and publish new blog posts? This is a question that readers keep asking me, and the answer is simple... it depends.

Each person's blog is different. Each person's content is different. Each person's audience is different. And, each person's best time to post will be just a little bit different. Some bloggers will do far better posting in the evening than they will in the morning. Other bloggers will see a lot more traffic if they post early in the morning.

Over the past ten months, I have heavily experimented on my best times to post, and I can tell you that there is no exact science to it. I believe there are a few different times of day almost anybody can post to get maximum traffic to their blog, and that each blogger needs to pick a time that works best for them, and for their audience.
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I have longed and searched for the elusive duchesse brisée (Or broken Duchess) a type of French chair/chaise combination for years! There's just something so romantic and well... French that grabbed my heart and won't let go. I'm Duchesse obsessed!
What is it about this chaise divided into two or three parts that makes it sooooo much more expensive then almost any other type of chaise? And why do I always fall in love with the durned most expensive things?!! *winks* I keep hoping I'll somehow run into one at an auction or estate sale and nobody else will want it (Yeah I'm realistic like that!) so I'll be able to pick one up without selling a kidney or body organ of some sort lol!
Won't you come join me for a tour of some of my beautiful favorites?
Translated from french:
'a duchesse brisée'
the 'duchesse' was at first in three parts,
two 'gondola type' chairs of different depth and height,
combined seats end to end, with a 'labouret' between them.
still detachable to be used at two seats, with a footstool.
the later rococo merged these into a single piece,
France, 1740 ca.

Hmmm I didn't know that center section was called a "labouret" Good to know huh?
OK lets start with one of my favorites. Isn't it gorgeous?! I don't even mind one bit that the silk is shredding on the end. It only adds to it's patina and charm.

This one is very Hollywood glam of the 1940's don'tcha think?

Or how about something in a two parter? I could curl up right there with a good book and visions (delusions) of french chateaux floating in my head. Couldn't you? *winks*

I adore this moth eaten looking green velvet!

Or perhaps something in Louis XVI cane? Just needs some pillows!

Or dreamy blue with squishy down cushions? *swoons*

Tattered from a chateaux?... Yes please!!

Or one that's cool in crewel? Perfect in this chinoiserie room.

Or how about one with a more closed back? And sooo pretty in pink too!

I adore them all!
But until I find that needle in a haystack duchesse... Dare to dream and *fingers crossed* I'll just have to be happy with my french chaise (here draped in tambour lace) And continue to buy the occasional lottery ticket. *winks*

And my fauteuil with ottoman from craigslist.

Do you have a dream piece that you obsess over? One that's almost impossible to obtain? I'd love to hear from you! Please leave me a comment and I'll visit you and do the same *winks* Or perhaps you have a duchesse just layin' around that you want to be rid of? I'm your gal! Thanks for dreaming with me for a minute or two! Vanna

Home school conventions and curriculum fairs are full of them: stressed-out homeschooling moms in search of the "perfect" curriculum. Anxious faces suggest meandering through the crowded hallways and sifting through myriads of material is no easy task. Moms stop other moms to ask, "What curriculum do you use?", hoping to discover the link to a successful school year.

What am I really asking when I implore another homeschooling mother about her curriculum choice? Because in all honesty, the curriculum she uses with her children probably won't help me with mine.

Giving myself the benefit of the doubt, perhaps her child does learn the same way as my child. Maybe that's why I'm curious. Maybe I really am looking for the most effective way to teach my child their ABC's and 123's.

Or maybe, I'm liking the way her kids are turning out and want my kids to turn out like that too.

It's silly isn't it? That I can think the key to a successful home school lies in a brand of textbooks. It's silly that I can stress over curriculum as if my choice will make my child turn out okay. I can put more thought into how they're going to learn the comparably insignificant three R's when my focus ought to be teaching them about our ruin in Adam, redemption in Jesus, and the renewing of our hearts and lives by the Holy Spirit.

What an awful lot of unnecessary pressure we put ourselves under, when ultimately, it's the grace and power of a super-natural God that is absolutely necessary to make any home school successful!

In the end, it matters not whether Johnny learns to read. Reading won't get him into Heaven. Neither will his ability to write, compute numbers, or dissect a frog.

"If you try to give people knowledge, and you haven't trained them in character, based on faith, they will become intellectual reprobates." - Doug Phillips
In the end, what matters is my child's salvation. This is not something that can be found in a curriculum, worksheet, or activity binder. I can't give them a page of multiple choice questions and give them a passing grade. I can't do anything to make their salvation happen.

Hallelujah!

From beginning to end, salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit, applying the atonement Jesus paid for with His blood to sinners who God loved for no reason in ourselves (Hebrews 7:25).

This is what gives me hope as a home school mom. The God who can save my child is the same God who takes no delight in the death of the wicked, but desires everyone to come to repentance (Ezekiel 33:11). He is the same God who promised that those who seek Him shall find Him (Proverbs 8: 17). And these promises are certain because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrew 13:8).

Therefore, as a homeschooling mom, I ought to be pouring my energies, sweat, and tears not into curriculum, but into familiarizing my children with the Bible because faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

Don't get me wrong. We ought to do due diligence in choosing curriculum that corresponds to the individual needs of our children. But if it's not working, don't sweat it. There is one thing needful in a child's education, and that is to sit at Jesus' feet (Luke 10:42).

Start your day in God's Word. Choose curriculum that is Word-centered. Pray for the salvation of your children. Present them with the Gospel as you sit in your house, walk along the road, when you tuck them in bed at night, and when you get up (Deuteronomy 5: 6,7).

Go forward and home school in hope. The salvation of your child does not hinge on your curriculum choice; it rests on the finished work of Jesus Christ who has freely offered Himself in the Gospel.

Linking to: Raising Homemakers,, Deep Roots At Home, Wise Woman, Raising Arrows, The Better Mom, Walking Redeemed, A Mama's Stoary