Archive | April, 2009

Guest Post: Three Herbal Healers

By on April 7, 2009 in health & nutrition
Guest post by Kristen at Simply Kristen where she writes on herbs, homesteading and natural living.

Have you ever started researching something new, bought a bunch of supplies just sure it would work out just right, then be disappointed and feel like you spent money carelessly? Well, if you haven’t – I know I have a few too many times! Herbs, just like any hobby or new research area, can be a waste of money in the beginning if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why I’m going to share three Herbal Healers that cost next to nothing and you’ll find easy success with- I know I have!

Two of the three Herbal Healers can be found at most large grocery stores, and one right in your yard! They are: Aloe Vera, Plantain, and Garlic.

Continue Reading →

Comments { 17 }

Family Bible Readings for Holy Week

By on April 3, 2009 in building the family, faith & womanhood

jesus-and-childA dear mother in our church compiled this devotional guide for Easter week for families to use in preparing our hearts for Resurrection Sunday. She graciously allowed me to share it with you all. It includes ideas such as making a Lenten wreath, fasting, cross-centered worship songs, discussion, and focused Scripture passages.

Here are her thoughts:

Resurrection Sunday is almost here! Through the years of raising our sons, it has been a constant battle to make this time of year of significant importance for them.  The media makes so much more of other holidays, yet to us as Christians, Easter should be THE MOST IMPORTANT.  Perhaps you have already begun celebrating Lent–praise God!  If, however, you are caught off-guard like I usually am, here is a Holy Week Devotional for your family to help you make the week special and build up the anticipation of celebration on Resurrection Sunday.  Please feel free to print and use it however you like. It will take some preparation on your part.  Some of the readings are quite long especially for young children. In those cases, you could use the references and read from a children’s Bible.

We invite you to use this resource together with us this next week. Let us rejoice together in the wonders of Christ’s coming, death, and resurrection and the glorious grace that was purchased for us!

Download the document here: Family Bible Readings for Holy Week

Comments { 13 }

10 Ways to Reuse Coffee Grounds

By on April 2, 2009 in frugal & simple, recipes & kitchen tips

coffee-groundsGuest post by Andreanne Hamel from The Coffee Couple.

Don’t throw out those coffee grounds. Turn them into something useful and safe for the environment with these household tips!

Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh coffee brewing first thing in the morning? But once you’ve finished your cup, the grounds that went into making it probably get thrown away or rinsed down the sink.

Just like a plastic water bottle can be used over and over, coffee grounds can also have a second, earth-friendly life. Here are 10 ways you can soften your skin, protect your garden, and make your house a greener, better place to live with the help of coffee grounds.

Retouch furniture scuffs

Coffee’s dark hues match perfectly to brown or black furniture that’s been nicked or scuffed. Simply let used coffee grounds re-brew and then steep for a few hours or overnight. Strain it and you’ll be left with a chemical-free stain that you can apply with a cotton swab.

Deodorize your closet or refrigerator

Pack a small amount of dry coffee grounds into a sock and hang it from your curtain rod or leave wet grounds to dry in the refrigerator in a small dish. It will naturally deodorize either space and save money on air fresheners. Add a small dab of vanilla to give it a sweet scent.

Scour pots and pans

Use the grounds to scrub out greasy pans or stuck-on food. The grounds rinse away and you’re left with sparkling dishware.

Continue Reading →

Comments { 41 }