A Quest to Simplify

The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary

so that the necessary may speak.

Hans Hofmann

I am on a quest - a quest to simplify my life, to eliminate the needless stress that I tend to invite by my actions.  Consciously, but slowly, step by step, I plan to find ways and methods to relieve stress, create time, and simplify.  I yearn for serenity.

Over the next couple of months, I hope to share with you what I have tried, and what has worked and hasn't worked for me, in the hopes that maybe you will find your path to serenity.

First, I need to get rid of the unnecessary, the clutter, and the unwanted.  At the same time, I need to acquire new habits to save time and energy.  They say that if you do something for 30 days, it will become a habit.  From there, I am unsure what the next step is.  I want to say to grow, but that's where by chaos came in to play - doing too much at one time.  Just maybe, the next step would be to be still, reflect, and think, while I maintain the new habits I have learned.  From there, I can then go on to what I discover is important to me, and then grow in those areas. 

A little secret - I think I already know what is important to me.  Hint:  The topics in my blog postings.  I'll let you know if I'm right.

Time Savings

The first new habit that I will practice is to get my outfit ready for the next day.  This will include my clothing, my jewelry, and my bags.  I know that many of you have a habit of doing this, but I have never done this, so this is new to me.  Usually, I am running around, trying to figure out what matches what, finding socks to match, grabbing jewelry, stuffing things in my bag, and running out the door.  I don't know how many times I had to run back in because I forgot something, or not being able to find a pair of earrings that go with my necklace.  I sell jewelry, so I have to make sure I look like a jewelry lady, right? 

Well, beginning tonight, that will change.  I will let you know in my next couple of blogs how I'm doing on this new habit.

Money Savings

I came upon this idea on a blog I visited, and, after I explain it to my husband, we're going to do this.  It's called Eat from the Pantry Challenge, and was started by Jessica G. Fisher at Life as Mom and Crystal Paine at Money Saving Mom.

Per Jessica, "Here are some guidelines to help you think about this challenge and how you can grow in kitchen management this month:

• Reduce grocery spending. We're talking about reducing grocery spending this month, not eliminating it. Set a goal that is lower than your regular food budget and shoot for not exceeding it.
• Take stock. Take an afternoon and empty your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator. Ditch what's gone bad and make a list of what's left. Knowing what you have will make you less likely to buy more.
• Use what you have. Check your pantry before you meal plan or head off to the store. Develop meals based on what you have rather than buying new.

It's a personal challenge, and you make up the rules.  My goal is to sit down with my husband and come up with our rules by the end of the week.  I'll let you know what they are by the weekend. 

One of my biggest problems is buying things on sale.  Our pantry is loaded with brownie boxes, and jello, and God knows what else.  I know that we need to go through our freezer, (throw out what is freezer burnt,) and take inventory, but I would love to try to eat from our pantry to save money.  I do still plan on buying from Angel Food Ministries because of the money savings. 

One note - I think I may have offended someone when I suggested Angel Food Ministries to them.  Per their website, "There are no qualifications, minimums, income restrictions, or applications.  Everyone is encouraged to participate. Some churches even encourage participants to apply the money they saved to help someone else in need."  Also, they say "With a heart to help others and a generous spirit, Joe and Linda Wingo founded Angel Food Ministries in 1994 to provide food for friends and neighbors who were struggling financially."  They purchase the food from "the nation's top food suppliers" at discounted prices.

Since the majority of us are going through financial hardships at this time, they encourage everyone to participate.  I believe that they are able to charge so little because church volunteers coordinate and distribute the food.  It gives seniors a chance to volunteer - to feel needed, and it gives us help and hope.  I kind of look at it as sort of a God food co-op.


I better go pick out my outfit.  Talk to you soon!
Aunt Janet

Listen to the Silence & Hear

The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't being said.

~Author Unknown

I had one of those nights where I just did not understand what was being said to me. I kept asking questions, but still didn't get it. She became more persistent, trying to explain herself, sometimes loudly, but I still couldn't understand. After going through everything I thought was being said, I finally realized, she wasn't talking to me. She was talking to Maggie.

Okay - Puppy kept barking all night. One of those barks that is trying to tell you something. Puppy is dying of bone cancer, so I try to listen closely to what she is trying to say. Having been her mom for over eleven years, I usually get it. I understand her, and she understands me. But tonight was one of those nights that I just wasn't hearing her. After I asked her for the umpteenth time if she wanted to go out, she decided to take me up on it, only to trick Maggie so she'd get up and go to the door. Puppy then went to the spot where Maggie had been sleeping. All along, she wasn't talking to me - she just wanted Maggie to move. So, in the end, as Maggie continued to snore, she used me to help her communicate to Maggie "Get up! I want that spot, now!"

Now, content, she is sound asleep, and Maggie is bugging me. Not having as many years with her as Puppy, I don't completely understand her yet, but I think she wants to go out.

How many times do we communicate with others, but don't understand? Sometimes, we need to look at what isn't being said to completely understand. If I would really looked, I would have seen Puppy keep looking at Maggie. But, I didn't really look. Instead, I was caught up in what was being said. This wise old dog taught me a lesson today - what someone is trying to communicate is not always said in words, but also in actions and behavior.

Time Saving Tips

I hate paperwork! If someone would come to my house unexpectedly, they would find piles of paper. It's on the table, counter, credenza, dresser - everywhere! (Now, if I knew you were coming, it would be hidden in a box somewhere.) I've tried different techniques, and even took an on-line course once, but they didn't fit my personality.

I need tips on how to deal with my paperwork, cheaply because I'm broke. I know someone has a system that will help even me, and thus, save me time and money, please! I'm desperate.

Okay, for my time saving tip, I know that they say to file your paid bills right away. If I do it is a question that I will leave unanswered for the moment.

Easy Recipe

There is nothing like home grown tomatoes. And my tomatoes are ripening on the vines as we speak. Here is one easy recipe that I love.

Marinated Tomatoes

Go out to that garden and pick how ever many tomatoes as you need to feed everyone. Wash & core them using the handy tomato corer I sell. Slice the tomatoes thinly with that great tomato knife that I also sell. Place in a bowl, and cover with Italian dressing. I prefer to make the Good Seasons Italian dressing. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes before serving.

(Now, if you are interested in that great tomato corer or knife, email me at auntjanetjwlr@sbcglobal.net, and I will be happy to send you a catalog.)

Listen to the silence,
Aunt Janet

Rest

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.

Ovid

Time to rest - to refresh myself. Life's challenges have worn on me. I need to rest. Sweet dreams!

Time Savings Tip

Take time to rest. Your mind will be sharper if you are rested, and you will accomplish more with a good night's rest than if you are dead tired.

Sleep,

Aunt Janet

Keep Pushin' On

When the road gets rough, and there is no answers to the questions, just keep pushin’ on because tomorrow will be better day.

Janet A. Bartos

This quote was given at a high school commencement by the valedictorian. She had gone through some turbulent times as a teenager. Her first love, the break-up, the loss of this best friend, trying to make new friends in a new town years after she moved there, the boy that never went away, dealing with a difficult and distant father, trying to stay number one in her class, when she liked to party and have fun, and other normal growing up pains. She had caused some of the turbulence by making poor decisions. Others had just happened. Standing in front of friends, families, teachers, and fellow students, she really believed what she said because she had lived it, she had experienced it, and she knew, like one of her favorite songs, if you keep pushin’ on, tomorrow will always be a better day.

I am this person. I gave this speech. I believed in what I said. And I did have fun!

Yes, my name has changed, my education continued, I fell in love again, my father passed away, my grammar has improved (should be are, not is), and my challenges have become more difficult, but I still believe. I am blessed with the continuing friendship of girls who had put their arms around this broken-hearted new kid on the block. I am blessed with an education, and the ability to have paid for it on my own through long hours and hard work. And, yes, I’m still blessed with friends and family that know I still like to have fun!

When life throws another curve ball, all I have to do is put in the CD, turn up the volume, and sing along with REO Speedwagon the song that kept me going, “Keep Pushin’ On” because tomorrow will always be a better day.

Easy Recipe

My friend served this dessert at her last dinner party, and I couldn’t eat enough. It is so delicious! (I found the recipe, so you don't have to send it to me.)

Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips

2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2 Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced
8 ounces raspberries
1 pound strawberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor

10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
butter flavored cooking spray
2 cups cinnamon sugar

In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, Golden Delicious apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit and spice mixture.

Time and Money Saving Tips

If you have left over potatoes, put them in a oven safe bowl, top with cheese, and bake for around 20 minutes until cheese is melted in 350 degree oven. Sometimes I even throw in a couple extra potatoes so I can have this the next day. It saves time, and helps turn leftovers into something totally different.

Books

Have you read "New Moon" yet? My mom questioned why I would want to read a story about vampires, something evil and ungodly. You have to read the book. It's about vegetarian vampires, who, because of their beliefs, were not evil. I highly recommend it. You can't put it down. And the main vampire character is so cute!

Keep Pushin' On,
Aunt Janet

The Rainbow after the Storm

Have faith in your dreams and someday

your rainbow will come smiling through.

No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep believing,

the dream that you wish will come true.

Dream is a Wish in Your Heart

It's Spring and it's raining! Memories of my childhood come flooding back. When it was storming, my sister, brother, and I would sit on the front porch and watch the lightening. We would argue whether the angel who was bowling got a strike or not. We'd count the seconds, and declare that the heart of the storm was raging that many miles away.

If it got too bad, my mother would shoo us in the house. If the electric went out, it was that much better. We'd sit around telling stories and laughing. I loved those times!

When the sun reappeared in the dark sky, we'd search for the rainbows, and count the pastel colors. My mom would remind us that rainbows were God's promise to man. He would never flood the earth again.

As in life, rainbows follow storms. I am continuously learning how to laugh during the storm, make the most out of the high winds, and look for the gold in the rainbow. After all, the loudest thunder was a strike!

Time Savings Tip

To clean out the inside of a microwave, bring a cup of water to boil in it. The steam will help loosen dried on particles making them easily wiped away.

Money Savings Tip

Okay, don't laugh - I'm a little slow to pick up on this one. It is so much cheaper to buy a six pack, 12 pack or carton of pop at the store then it is to buy it from the vending machine. I just really realized the savings - over $2! So, this tip is for those of you, like myself, who didn't really realize this. $2 a week time 52 weeks is money in my pocket!

Until we blog again,
Aunt Janet

Life is a Journey

They say "life is a journey." But you know what they don't say? It's a crazy, bewildering, mysterious journey ... The journey is your very own. Everywhere you wander, you belong. And everyone who cares about you wants to come along.

Hallmark Cards

While I was searching for an e-card for a friend, I found this and fell in love with it. It is so true - life is a journey. It's a journey that doesn't always take us where we think it will. It takes us where we are suppose to be.

At times, it doesn't feel like we are on the right road. We feel lost, confused, and bewildered. Why me? Where am I going? But, when we look back and contemplate the tough roads we have traveled, the path becomes clear and the why is answered. Life is a journey. Live it to the fullest!

Free Stuff

Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Sample

Cream of Wheat sample - Click here then click on Try Cream of Wheat FREE on the bottom of the right side.

Money Savings Tip

Want to keep your lettuce fresh? Wash your lettuce and remove any damaged leaves, and dry it thoroughly. Wrap the lettuce in paper towel, and place in a plastic bag or storage container. Put in refrigerator, preferably the crisper drawer. Replace the paper towel any time it gets really wet.

Time Savings Tip

CUT DOWN ON JUNK MAIL.Visit the Direct Marketing Association Web site and ask them to remove you from direct mail lists you don't wish to be on: http://www.the-dma.org/consumers/offmailinglist.html.

Recipe

This is one of my family's favorite cookies. My sister makes them during the holidays, and everyone eats at least one (or two or three).

Seven Layer Bars

1/2 cup butter
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups butterscotch chips
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup salted peanuts
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Melt the butter or margarine in a saucepan. Mix with the graham cracker crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan. Layer the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and peanuts over the graham cracker crust. Pour the condensed milk over the layers.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool. Cut into bars.

Who Are You?

I subscribe to SiteMeter, a service that tells me how many people visited my blog, what they looked at, and how far away they live. It does not give me e-mail addresses or other personal information. Being the curious one, I wonder who you are, especially the ones that visit my site often.

So, every so often, I will ask who someone is by referring to where they live. If you respond, by e-mailing me at auntjanetjwlr@sbcglobal.net, I will send you a free sample of the tasty food that I sell. Please include your name and address in the e-mail. I will not post any of your personal information - name or address.

Okay - My First Who Are You? You live about 470 miles away from the Chicago area - I think somewhere in Kansas - the upper or middle East side. Who are you? I'd love to find out.

Until our paths meet again,

Aunt Janet

The Promise of Spring

There is no winter harsh enough to withhold the promise of spring.

Karen Kaiser Clarke

I was born a gardener with dirt under my fingernails. It was passed on from my grandparents. Some of my siblings and cousins did not receive this gift. Others acquired this passion, and the next generation is popping up with its own set of gardeners.

Each child has put time in my garden. From their hours spent digging, planting, weeding, and harvesting, I can tell which ones were born with this love. I do believe that each one has made discoveries in the little garden of mine, and were amazed and awed. It might be a cocoon or butterfly, a baby rabbit nibbling at lettuce, the first radish or a hidden bunch of strawberries, or, for the boys, a garden snake. Aah!!! Once a possum even took residence in my tool shed.

No matter what is going on in my life, I am at peace in my garden. The sense of time vanishes. Only when the sun begins to set, do I realize that I've been meandering too long in my piece of heaven. Shh - I've been known to take a flashlight out. I would go out, say, to get a tomato for dinner, stop to pull a couple of weeds, and before I knew it, I couldn't see which tomatoes were red. God put out the lights!

This past weekend made me yearn to explore my garden. I'm even thinking of what I could plant now. Is it safe? Has winter past? Spinach, broccoli, cabbage, and even maybe lettuce if I dare. I don't know, but what I do know is that no matter how harsh the winter, spring will always come. It gives me hope in everything. No matter how bad things get, good things will come around. It's a promise He gave us.

I am anxiously awaiting spring!

Easy Recipe

I found this recipe years ago in a cookbook my sister Judy spent hours at typewriter, banging away because home computers did not exist. It was our church's cookbook. If I want to please my nieces and nephews, all I have to do is make this recipe. I think they all love it!

Crescent Chicken Squares

3 oz. pkg cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. butter, softened OR add more cream cheese
2 c. cooked, cubed chicken
1 Tbsp. chopped onion or green onions
2 Tbsp. Milk
8 oz. can refrigerated crescent rolls (or 2 cans for smaller squares)
Salt and pepper, if desired (I usually don't add any)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In bowl, blend cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add chicken, onions, and milk, and mix well. Separate crescent rolls into 4 rectangles. Press perforations to seal. Spoon about 1/2 cup (less if making smaller squares) into center of each rectangle. Pull 4 corners to top and twist slightly to seal edges. If desired, brush top with melted butter. Bake 20-25 minutes.

Money Savings Tip

Plan your meals by the sale paper. If you are like me, and I have to admit, if something finds its way to the back of my freezer, I'll never find it. So, I usually shop for 1 to 2 weeks. I guarantee that what we eat today was on sale a week or two ago. Very rarely do I buy meat that isn't on sale, and I think I've never bought steak for full price, that is, when we can afford steak.

I do have one exception. The vegetables usually stay where I put them. Since we freeze many of the items from our garden, this is a very good thing. But the darn veggies do move around on my husband, especially the corn. (Side note - we canned or froze enough vegetables to hold us through the winter, and into the spring. Yeah!!)

Now, if you are one of those super organized people, and/or the stuff cooperates and stays where you put it, then you have the luxury of buying meat on sale, and planning your meals according to what's in the freezer.

Time Savings Tip

I have to mention this because I've told you how my nieces and nephews have helped in the garden. Canning is a lot of work, and I usually recruit who I can to pick, wash, peel, chop, and can the vegetables. One way I can guarantee help is making tomato sauce. Got me, but they all love smooshing the tomatoes in the juicer what-cha-ma-call-it.

Part of the fun of gardening is in the harvest, and call in the gang to help. A couple of years ago, the phone rang. I answered it and proceeded to watch my nieces chattering, and canning all by themselves, without my instruction. One put the stuff in the jar, one took the air bubbles out, and the other wiped off the top, put the seal on, and put it in the canner. What a picture!

Wow! I think I taught them something that they will remember forever. Now, if they all will can is the question, but, if they do, I am certain that another will be by their side, talking and laughing, chopping and filling jars.

So, my point is, recruit helpers in the kitchen! Children love to help, especially if they can lick the spoon afterwards.

Spring is coming! The robins are here!

Aunt Janet

P.S. Happy 21st Birthday, Jeremy! I remember when you first made your appearance in our family. You were dressed in a tiny red suit, and you had a head full of curly hair! I fell in love with you immediately!

Happy Birthday, Mandie! I won't tell the world how old you are, but I think you're still alot younger than me. I love you!

Success After Many Trials

When I have fully decided that a result is worth getting, I go ahead of it and make trial after trial until it comes.

Thomas A. Edison

Here I am working on a new look for my blog, and it’s already 3:30 Sunday afternoon. I’ve been playing with it all weekend. Since I’m still not feeling well, there’s not much else I can do, right? Well, I really don’t have a lot of energy yet, and I’m having fun doing this! Here is a sneak preview – auntjanettest2.blogspot.com. After you view it, you will have to click the back button to go back to this post. Please leave your comments about the new look below - I’m excited to hear what you think!

Well, the quote for today fits me perfectly this weekend. I keep trying and trying until I get it right. Why? I am hoping that I can touch someone’s life with this blog, with either a quote, a story, a money saving idea, a time saving idea, or an idea to ponder. I began this blog to hopefully still reach out to my nieces and nephews. They are too old for lectures, too old to hear Aunt Janet’s stories, and they only know what’s best for themselves. Yes, they are at that age. (Sorry, guys, we’ve all been there, done that, understand.) I still hope I can touch their lives for I love them as if they were my own, each and every one of them. They are all unique, with their own personal talents and blessings that God has given them. Yet, just like you and I, each day is a new discovery into who they are, and who God meant them to be.

I hope I can touch yours, too, as I hope that you, in turn, will touch mine with your comments, emails, and friendship. I am having fun doing this blog – looking for and revising computer html code has got me right now. That’s why, I have to keep trying until I get it!

Easy Recipe

Even though this is one of the products I sell, I never heard about this recipe until my niece Jillian told me about it. It has more to do with the type of bakeware you use, and the method in which you cook it. If you don’t have a stoneware bundt pan, please email me, and I’d be happy to send you a catalog.

10 Minute Cake

Cake Mix, Made According to Package Instructions

Unless stoneware bundt pan has been thoroughly seasoned, oil pan, getting in all the nooks and crannies. If you don’t know what seasoned means, or for a good measure to prevent sticking, oil it anyway. Pour cake mix in the stoneware bundt pan. Bake in microwave for 12 minutes – normal setting. (Cooking time may differ according to microwave.) Check to see if it’s done with cake tester or toothpick. If it’s not done, bake for 1 minute increments until cake tester comes out clean. Cool, remove from bundt pan, and frost as desired.

It’s so easy and moist! Thanks, Jill!

Money Savings Tip

Keep your virus software up-to-date on your computer. If you don’t know, I am a computer technician by day. At night, I do some moonlighting fixing friends’ and colleagues’ computers. The majority of the problems I fix are caused by viruses or spyware, which would have been prevented if the computer had up-do-date virus software installed. Even though I do not charge a third of what a computer repair service would charge (they’re my friends), they end up paying over $100 for my time, and I don’t charge for the time I’m not sitting at the computer. 90% of the time, I have to reload the computer from scratch because it would take me too long to repair the damage the virus or spyware caused, and, thus, increasing the computer owner’s cost. About quarter of the time, they lose some or all of the data on the computer.

Yes, good virus software is not as cheap as a gallon of milk, but it’s cheaper than $100, and it’s well worth it! One thing – when you install it, you need to make sure that the automatic updates are turned on. Also, when it expires, you need to renew. If you don’t understand what I mean, either ask a computer person, look at the virus software’s website help, or call the virus software’s support line.

Time Savings Tip

Leftovers! Especially in the winter, a big pot of stew, chili, or soup is always better the second day.

Aunt Janet’s Famous Saying

You are grown-up* when your realize you don’t know everything. (*Can be replaced with an adult, old enough, etc.)

You Reap What You Sow

…For a person will reap what he sows… So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people…

Galatians 6:7-10

You reap what you sow. What goes around, comes around. Do good and good will come to you. How many times have we heard these sayings? We heard them from our parents, our teachers, our churches, books, and other influential people throughout our lives.

So, we live our life with this in mind, giving, with the promise that someday we will reap the harvest and benefits. The problem that I have encountered in my life is the waiting. See, all my life, I have tried to sow, tried to give, tried to be kind ... and I have waited for the harvest.

I was at the yearly rally for my jewelry company. It’s held in Fort Worth, Texas, in a big stadium. There on the stage was a minister from Chicago, my city – the place I was born, the roots of my family. With his Chicago matter-of-the-fact way of talking, he told me that no where in those verses does it say when – it just says it will happen. And, to top it off, I’m not supposed to grow weary and stop doing or giving.

His words hit me like a ton of bricks. God promises that someday I will reap the harvest. I need to be patient. How? To do this, I try:

To give thanks for the little things in life, no matter how small. My animal children, a bird chirping, the first seedling that appears, a snowman, a really good movie, and …

To realize that He has a plan that I cannot even venture to understand.

To know that there is something for me to learn in all of this. Maybe I’m to be more involved when it comes to dealings with me. You know – always read the fine print. Maybe it’s to take people as they are without trying to change them. Maybe it’s to stand up for myself when someone is taking advantage of me.

And, even when the creditors are calling, the bills can’t be paid, I am too tired to make another business phone call, a family member is sick, or I own the money pit - to know that He is in charge and He will give me the strength. I might not see it at first, but it will come if I look really hard in small things. I’ll get an order from out of the blue. $20 will appear in the pocket of a pair of jeans. A friend will call to ask how I’m doing or offer to bring over dinner. He’s in those small things!

For those of you who do not know my situation, I will attempt to explain it in one newspaper heading:

"Financial Ruin for Heiress Who Kept Money Pit to Aid Relatives"

Okay, heiress makes it sound like it’s something really big – it’s not. Had to spice it up. In fact, after it’s sold, I didn’t inherit anything, instead I lost money. But because of it, I am in the midst of a financial nightmare.

One favor or plea to you - you can help me make $$ by utilizing the advertisements on my blogs, checking out my eBay items, and emailing me about my home businesses. Maybe you would like to have a show for me or purchase an item or two (beautiful jewelry, helpful kitchen gadgets, and tasty foods). Anything would be greatly appreciated!

Question to you – I am thinking of selling some short stories that I have written from my website. If I did, would you be interested in purchasing one? If so, how much would you be willing to pay? Also, how about a Donations button? Do you think they are tacky? How about if I gave a free sample of my tasty food business with a donation? (I'm thinking about that super model who got out of debt by doing this. If she could do it, why not me? he he) Thanks for your opinion in advance!

Aunt Janet’s Famous Sayings

When you go to heaven, God’s not going to ask you what others did to you. He’s going to ask you what you did for others.

There are consequences to every action. If you do something positive, there will be a positive consequence. If you do something negative, there will be a negative consequence. You may not experience the consequence right away, but you will eventually.

Money Savings Tip

First, I do not advocate credit card use, but with today’s credit ratings, it is almost impossible to build credit without a credit card or two. With that in mind, save for your purchases, and pay for your credit card balances at the end of each month.

If you find yourself having a balance (shame on you and me), never have a credit card maxed out. It is better to have smaller amounts on two credit cards than to have only one credit card that is almost maxed out. This will affect interest rate and your credit score. Google it if you don’t believe me.

Easy Recipe

UT’s Favorite Onion Chip Dip

16 oz. Sour Cream
1 pkg Onion Soup Mix

Mix together until blended well.

Time Savings Tip

If you do not want to receive my blog (save you time from deleting it), please email me. If you would like to subscribe to it (instead of receiving personal emails from me), click on the subscribe button under my profile – top right corner. If you enjoy my blog, please comment, and pass it on to your friends!! I even have an e-mail your friend button under my profile.

And where are all my nieces and nephews? I miss your comments, and I miss you!!

Thanks for reading my blog! God Bless!

Aunt Janet
(Suffering from Empty Nest Aunt Syndrome)

Shoot for the Moon

Shoot for the moon.

Even if you miss it

you will land among the stars.

Lester Louis Brown

Where are my stars? I know that they are there, I just have to look differently at the sky - my situation.

You know how you see a goal almost being reached, and then all of a sudden it is snagged away. The disappointment can be so heart wrenching. For example, I want to adopt internationally, but I am not financially able to. I felt like I was being blessed with $$$, but it never came. I know that this is one of the road stones that I need to climb over. God has a reason, I just don't know what it is.

Maybe I am suppose to find other means to make $$$, like selling more jewelry, or more kitchen gadgets. Maybe by updating my blog more and inviting more people to view the blog. Maybe by selling some of "stuff".


Time-Saving Tip

Organize your bills by date. Write the date and amount on the envelope. This way you won't have to look through the whole pile every time you pay bills.


Easy Recipe

Creamy & Cheese Potatoes

1 pkg of Southern Style Hash Browns (cubed, not shredded)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
8 oz. cheddar cheese

Cook hash browns until soft (don't have to brown). I usually cook it on medium heat. Add soup and cheese. Finish cooking over low heat until potatoes are done.


Money Saving Tip

Shop by a list. And never go grocery shopping when hungry. This will save you a lot of money.


SAVINGS

If you would like to be put on my jewelry mailing list, please e-mail me at auntjanetjwlr@sbcglobal.net. Later this week, I plan on having a Table Sale with lots of discounted jewelry, and hope to post and e-mail them.

Want a Free Purse and Free Jewelry? Have a Jewelry Home Show! You can keep it very simple by having a 2 of your friends, you, and me show. E-mail me.

Also, if anyone is interested in having a kitchen gadget Internet Show, please e-mail me.

(I'm trying to look for the stars! Please help! Any ideas would be appreciated!!)

Strength

Strength is born in the deep silence of long-suffering hearts;

not amid joy.

Felicia Hermans

I know that I will learn from the trials that I experience in life. I know that God will bring me through these times. Why then do I agonize over them? Why do I let these trials get the best of me?

There is a wonderful book a read - I can't remember the author, but the title is "Hinds Feet on High Places". Whenever I am going through trials in my life, I think of this book. God is always there with us. He lets us go through these trials to strengthen us. I know this from the past. I wonder if, when I am old, will I find peace in my trials, knowing that God has a greater plan for me, and, thru these trials, He will give me a wonderful life.

Time Savings Tip

When you feel overwhelmed, that you cannot accomplish everything, sometimes it's best to take a time out. Relax, rest, and rejuvenate yourself!

Easy Recipe

Candy Apple Salad

8 oz. cream cheese

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Cream until blended.

Fold in 8 oz whipped topping.

Mix in 3 cups of chopped apples, and 1 cup of nuts if desired.

Request

Please pray for me as I go through this difficult time in my life. Thank you.