"New" Front Room!

I rearranged my front room and got rid of a couch. Also I made the picture frame that the temple picture is in. I made it out of pallets, so it only cost four dollars and a couple hours on Saturday. I love my "new" front room! How do you all like it?

Home made Tots for Tots

Mom's can eat them too! Here's the recipe. 

Home made Tots for Tots

6 potatoes (I used russet)

Approx, 1 Tbs flour

 1 egg 

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying

Directions: Wash and peel the potatoes and place in pot of water. Salt potatoes then boil for 6-8 min, drain, and let cool in a colander. 

 Once the potatoes are warm, not hot, take out of colander and use a fine toothed grater and grate into a bowl. If there is any water in the potatoes put them in a cheese cloth and strain it out. Add flour, egg, and salt and pepper then stir until well mixed. Heat oil, I set my stove just past the medium mark. Shape into tater tot shape, or whatever shape you want, and place in hot oil. Fry until golden brown. Salt and enjoy! 

You're welcome! 

Yesterday I crossed two things off my bucket list. I prepared and tasted liver and heart, both from a chicken, for the first time...and I liked it. So did my kids, which was a plus because organ meats are so healthy and full of vitamins. Not only did I cook and eat organ meats, I also butchered a chicken for the first time ever. It was fun, believe it or not, and strangely therapeutic. I was so proud of myself!

Here's a picture to prove my freezer has three dead, skinned, and gutted chickens. My mother in law showed me how. I only did one of the three, but it was still fun and not as gross as I was expecting.

Battle of the Lip Stains Pt. 2: Jordanna Balm Stains

Hey guys, part two of the battle of the lip stains. I tried Jordana Balm Stains this time.

Battle of the Lipstains: Wet 'n Wild Mega Last Lipstick

So, I've been trying to find a good lip stain at the drug store. I am slowly going to review them until I can find the perfect one. It may be a lot to ask of drugstore products, when compared to high-end (but there's no way I can afford high-end now...or probably ever!), but I am sure it can be done. First up is Wet 'n Wild's Megalast Liquid Lipstick. Watch me go throughout my day and review the product.

Troubles With Wren

I've been having a really rough time with Wren lately. She's explosive and aggressive and is almost constantly hurting Tetra. I have tried to be understanding, I have tried putting her in her room until she calms down, I use "yucky spray" when she bites, I have tried spanking (which just fuels the fire), and several other things to try and help her realize that she is hurting people and her behavior is not acceptable. Nothing is working. She will be ok for a day and then she is back to hurting Tetra and even Fennec occasionally.

 Yesterday, after Wren and Tetra had been fighting all day, I had Erick take Wren for a walk. I looked up "vitamine deficiencies that cause aggressive behavior". I came across this article. The article is found on the Weston A. Price Fountation website. It is kind of long but so interesting. I thought some of you might want to read it. Not only does it cover aressive behavior, but several other "conditions ". The article was also helpful for me because we all know aggresivness is something I struggled with as a child and still struggle with sometimes even now. I hope the ones that read the artical benefit from the information it has in it. If you don't read the whole thing at least read the first four sections. Love you all!

DIY Laundry soap

Hey guys, in our journey to try to live less processed, more whole lives, I've been wanting to experiment with other things as well--not just food. So, enter laundry soap!  It is homemade, and works well. I got this recipe from How Does She. It makes a ton, and fills a 5 gallon bucket about 1/2 way full. It costs about $25 for the whole thing, but it also lasts forever. I feel it is more price effective, and does just as good of a job. I used purex crystals for the scent this time around, but I'm thinking of doing essential oils next time. You should try it!

Ingredients

• 1 (4 lb 12 oz) Box of Borax- Found in the detergent aisle
• 1 (3 lb 7 oz) Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda- Found in the detergent aisle
• 1 (3 lb) Container of OxyClean- Found in the detergent aisle
• 2 (14.1 oz) Bars of Zote Soap- Found in the detergent aisle (You can also use Fels Naptha)
• 1 (4 lb) Box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda- Found in the cooking aisle 
•  2 Bottles of Purex Crystals Fabric Enhancer- Found in the detergent aisle

Instructions

1. Grate zote soap with cheese grater or food processor.
2. Mix all ingredients together in a large bucket.
3. Use 1-4 Tablespoons per laundry load. (I think 2 is plenty for H.E. washers)

So far, I'm loving this! I used the old purex bottles to make some small gifts for people moving into our neighborhood. It seems to be pretty well accepted, and that way, I don't have to worry about allergies, food sensitivities, etc.