Leftover Lanolin Cream

For our babies, We have always chosen to breast feed and at the beginning I tend to have some issues with cracking and sensitivity. So for me it  is a good idea to have some lanolin cream on hand in advance. Well a little of it goes a long way, so I typically have leftover. I have also discovered that it does go bad after several years. The shelf life is about 5 years for this stuff so you can’t always leave it in the back of the closet till the next baby comes along.

Anyway, I was trying to figure out what I could use the leftover on and one day it just came to me. Not to gross anyone out, but my feet tend to get cracked and icky on the heals especially this time of year. I typically don’t have time to do anything to them so they just get worse and worse. In under 5 minutes, I can rub some old lanolin on and throw on some socks to keep it from getting all over. During the course of the day or overnight my feet are getting softer and looking better. It is amazing how well it works!

Do you have any tips for using leftover lanolin?

Inside Activities for Kids

Recently we had a week of cool wet weather and the kids were inside more that usual. I couldnt wait to send them back outside to run, jump, scream, and tackle. This made my thoughts turn to winter and how much time we spend inside during winter months. So, I decided I need to start thinking and prepare now for activities to break up the monotany especially for the younger pre-reading ages.

One of my “go to” activities is a tub of beans. I usually have some on hand in my pantry so it is simple to do. I put beans into a big Tupperware like tub and hand the kids an old plastic set of measuring spoons and cups. Sometimes we even have a dumptruck or two join in the fun. Depending on the kid or number of kids and their interest, I have had this activity last anywhere from 20 min to several hours. Preschoolers love it, and I have even had a second grader that loved it too.

My tip: Even though I tell them to keep the beans in the tub, it really isnt realistic that they will. So before I set the tub down, I spread out a clean blanket or sheet. Then when it is time to clean up, I can just gather up the corners and get all the stray beans into one spot. This activity would also work with rice or dried field corn.

Do you have a simple “go to” winter activity for kids? I’d love to hear your ideas!!! Afterall, I did just add collecting winter indoor activity ideas and supplies onto my To Do List.

Happy Fall

Happy fall! I’m not a huge fan of Halloween but I love the fall. Carving pumpkins, pumpkin seeds, making and eating apple anything, the brisk fall air, flocks of birds, and the changing color of the leaves are all at the top of my fall favorites list. Fall is such a warm rich season and I’m so glad it is once again here. What is your favorite thing about fall? Do you have any fun fall traditions like making homemade apple cider, going to a corn maze, a consume party, or a church harvest party?

Olive Oil

Do you use Olive Oil? Years ago I switched over to only using light olive oil and no other vegetable oils. I prefer the Bertolli Extra Light and typically it is less expensive at Sam’s club.

So when we make a trip to Sam’s, I stock up. The last time I was there I was surprised to find a special offer for a free cookbook  when you purchase 2 containers at Sam’s. I was stocking up anyway, so it was perfect. I’m always looking for new recipes to throw in with our standard meals every so often.

Anyway, if you like olive oil and need to stock up you may want to check it out. The special cookbook offer runs through the end of this year. I know there are millions of recipe ideas online, but to me there is still something comforting and nice about having the actual cook books.

This post is completely my own opinions, and my opinions are not necessarily those of any other person or business. I was not compensated in any way for writing this post.

Fall is coming

I feel blessed to live in an area where we do have 4 different seasons in a year. I honestly couldnt pick a favorite, I love them all. The peaceful slow hush and cozy times by the fireplace in winer; the hope, freshness, and beauty of spring; the hum, playfulness, and produce of summer; and the crispness and energy of fall. How could I ever pick? God gives us everything in its season and each change brings its own joy.

So whenever it gets to the end of August, I am happily and eagerly awaiting fall. Actually, I already started decorating for fall and my pumpkins look like fall already.

How about you? Do you grumble at the thought of shoveling snow like my husband does? Do you dread the hot humid days of summer? Or do you enjoy all the seasons?

One More To Do

Do you LOVE “To Do” lists like me? My husband teases me, but I have actually made a list of lists before. I’m a list person, it keeps me sane. However, I often find myself adding just One More To Do. Unfortunately, I add things at a much faster rate than I seem to be able to cross them off. My list has turned into  a random eclectic sample of my life, just like this blog. I’m hoping that this blog might help inspire one person to try something new or learn a fun new tip/ trick of how to do something.

Ok, now to check start blog off my “To Do” List 😉