Simply Sacred Cleaning - Laminate Floor Cleaning

My parents put in beautiful laminate floors.  They are always shiny and brand new looking.  I asked my parents how they stay so lovely and the answer surprised me.  It wasnt some expensive product or lots of hand scrubbing!  It was simply dampmopping with this mixture:

1 Gallon of Very Warm Water
1/2 Cup of Vinegar
2-3 squirts of liquid dish soap (scent of your choice)

If streaks appear in your floor, add another 1/4 cup of vinegar to the mixture and mop again.  It should leave a streak free shine.

Jazzed up for Creativeness

Right now my house is (semi) clean.  My children are just about to go back to school after their long Christmas break.   I am getting jazzed up to do some crafting, creating and projects.  I have already started on creating some beautiful new painted new pendants.  I have videoed part of the process to share when completed. 

I am trying to let my spirit soar with continuing to make space in my life for new projects.  Clearing out some of the old stuff that hasn't been touched for long enough there is an inch of dust to accumulate.  Think of old projects that brought joy to me that can be shared with you and my boys and new projects to add to my life. 

There is a lightness coming over me that is quite enjoyable.  I hope to encourage this feeling in any way possible.

Thank you for coming on this journey with me.

Frugal Living Tip - Freezer Soup

Take an empty large plastic container and start putting the spoonful or two of vegetables that are leftover after a meal.  Store in the freezer.  Any time that you are roast a chicken or turkey, throw the extra juices in the plastic containers.  Keep layering all those wonderful leftovers in the freezer containers until they are full.  Do not worry about seperating the vegetables.  Mix them up.  Bits of meat can go in there too if you desire.  Just avoid putting fatty bits.  When you have one or two full containers, put them on the stove for a simple base for a soup! 

If you have saved up enough drippings, you will basically just be able to thaw out a wonderful chicken veggie soup from your freezer.  Add just a bit of salt or pepper.  Maybe some onion or garlic (powder or fresh for either).  Save up all summer when veggies are more plentiful, and you can have plenty of soup base all winter long. 

Scrapbooking Paper Piecing for the Beginner

Scrapbooking Paper Piecing for the Beginner. 
Simple Tips and Techniques

Paper piecing is one of my favorite embellishments in scrapbooking.  It is one of the most inexpensive ways to add a lot of dimension and emotion to a page.  You can truly create anything with just a couple pieces of paper and imagination.   If you have a pen, paper and a little imagination, you can create a paper piecing.  

The way most people start paper piecing is to use free patterns which are available on the internet or from friends or scrapbooking resources.  This guide is for people who want to move beyond other people's creations, and make their own personal paper piecing patterns.   I have over 50 paper piecing patterns that I have created that I work from.   The joy of using your own creation is indescribable.

Usually, a paper piecing pattern begins with an idea and simple sketch.  The sketch is created in approximately the size i want the finished paper piecing to be.   Then, using a light box, overlay the sketch with a blank piece of white paper.  Look at the sketch and break down the simple sketch into its parts.   Arms, legs, bodies etc.  or wheels, body, windows etc..  Identify each component which makes up an image and trace it individually.   Make sure that you are giving room for pieces to overlap to put your adhesive! Once you have  tracing those pieces from your original sketch, you have a pattern.  

This pattern now can be used to create a paper piecing!  Using your light box,  trace the pieces and cut out. Assemble as you have pictured it.

Congratulations!  You have now created your first original paper piecing!

If you are no good at drawing, you can use coloring pages or simple line drawings.  The paper piecing will not be your original work, but will still be great for your scrapbooking pages!!
If you just want a finished paper piecing, feel free to visit my store or contact me for the paper piecing you are looking for!

Simply Sacred - Grime Cutting Glass Cleaner

Windows become quite grimy over time.  In order to make them sparkling clean without spending a fortune, take some common household ingredients, mix in a bottle and use.  It will leave a fresh smelling, completly clean surface.

Grime Cutting Glass Cleaner
3 tbsp. Ammonia
1/2 cup Alcohol
1/4 tsp. Liquid Dish Detergent
Water

Mix the ammonia, alcohol and dish detergent together in a clean spray bottle.  Fill the rest of the bottle with water.  Use just as you would commercial cleaner!  For extra shine, use newspapers to clean the glass.  It will leave a sparkling clean surface.

Simple Sacred Cleaning - Play Music

Have a an upbeat soundtrack to your cleaning adventure.  Put on some loud music with a good beat to life your spirits and encourage you to clean longer.  You will find increased motivation, quicker movements and get more accomplished. 

Give yourself a challenge per song! 
Try to get a pile organized before this song is over. 
Can you load the dishwasher before the song is over?
What about scrubbing that toilet to the beat before the last note??

Make it fun.  Allow the music let your creative spirit soar.

Simply Sacred Cooking - Peanut Butter Cup Bars

I have fond memories of childhood each time I bite into one of these delights.  My Grandmother used to make Peanut Butter Cup Bars on occasion.  After school, I would walk into her house and see the plate on the table and squeal with delight.  They are creamy, and rich.  Cut small and they are sophisticated for the adult palate, or cut large and delight any child!  I still take mine cut large. 

It is a delight to share with you this recipe.  See it come together in the video and the text recipe is below for your enjoyment.

Peanut Butter Cup Bars

Bottom Layer

1 cup butter melted

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

2 cups confectioners sugar

1 cup peanut butter

Top Layer

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

4 tablespoons peanut butter

Mix together the bottom layer ingredients in a 9x13 pan.  Mixture should be slightly crumbly.  If needed, add extra graham cracker crumbs.  Smooth out to an even layer.

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave. Stir every 30 seconds until they are melted.  Combine melted chocolate and peanut butter.

Layer the chocolate peanut butter on top of the graham cracker mixture.  Place in the refrigerator to harden for at least 1 hour before cutting into desired squares and serving.

Simple Sacred Cooking - Chocolate Pecan Delights

There are over 20 pecan trees gracing my property.  Every other year I have a bounty of freshly fallen pecans filling buckets in my home.  With this overflow of fresh (and free) pecans, I am able to spoil those around me with some delightful treats.  One of the first pecan treats learned was for Chocolate Pecan Delights (Similar to the Turtles Brand Candies you buy at the store, but WAY less expensive).  They are my Mother's favorite.  Every holiday I am bound to make a few dozen of them for her to enjoy.  They are simple, delicious and perfect for any occasion.

Chocolate Pecan Delights

Pecans
Butter
Salt
Caramel
Almond Bark (Chocolate Flavored) or chocolate chips

• Roast the pecans at 350 degrees with butter and salt to taste until they are starting to darken. Do not allow to burn!  This will create a rich, nutty flavor to complement the chocolate.
• Place a layer of parchment paper on a large cookie sheet. 
• Arrange roasted pecan halves in pairs on the parchment paper.
• Melt caramel.  Drop a small bit of caramel on top of each pair, "gluing" them together.
• Allow them to cool.
• Melt the chocolate flavored almond bark (or chocolate chips)
• Using a fork, dip each double pecan with caramel into the chocolate so it is covered on all sides.
• Place back on the parchment paper. 
• Allow to cool until completly hard.

Simple Sacred Cooking - Perfect Sweet Potato Bread Recipe

Sweet potatoes were calling to me this year.  Their delicious flavor and texture left me wanting new dishes to treat my family with.  After experimenting, this recipe came out to be a perfect addition to the menu.  My family ate the first batch before it could make it to the gathering!  That is particularly amazing at my home with two picky kids and a picky husband.

Perfect Sweet Potato Bread
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potatoes

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or muffin tin.

Mix together the sugar, oil and eggs. Combine thoroughly. Stir in the mashed sweet potatoes. In another bowl the combine dry ingredients, flour, baking soda, salt and spices, thoroughly. Slowly add dry mixture to the wet mixture.

Bake until starting to brown and bread has firmed.

Simple Sacred Cleaning - Vinegar

Cleaning is a necessary act.  Everything gets dirty at one point or another, especially within the household.  Its best to look at this necessary act as one of honor rather than drudgery.  Think of small acts of cleaning as a blessing to your person, your family and your home.  Simple tips and tricks will make it a pleasent experiance.   Saving both your sanity and money. 

Would you like to have a product that is an effective deodorizer, disinfectant, stain remover, toilet bowl cleaner and fabric softener all in one??  And it costs $2-3 for a full strenth gallon, making each application cost pennies?

You probably already own this wonder.  Vinegar is one household way to clean for pennies on the dollar, get a fresh smelling home and cut your work in half!  It is a powerful cleaner that is often overlooked by individuals. 

Clean with vinegar by:

• Add 1/2 cup to a large load of laundry to deodorize and act as a fabric softener.
• Add 2-3 cups to the toilet before bed.  Scrub with the toilet wand in the morning to remove buildup, germs, even stains.
• Equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle makes an effective all-purpose cleaner that is great on countertops, windows, stovetops, sinks and other surfaces.
• Remove crayon marks on the wall by using a scrub brush (old toothbrush works too) and full strength vinegar.  Wipe with water dampened towel after clean.
• Carpet stain removal - 1 tbsp liquid detergent, 1 tsp vinegar, 1 pint of water.  Use an old toothbrush or small scrub brush on the stain and blot up moisture with a dry towel until it blots up clear.
• Clean deposits out of your coffee maker by running full strength vinegar through your coffee maker.  Run through water to rinse afterward.  Your coffee will have a better flavor.
• Clean the Microwave - 1/4 cup vinegar with 1 cup water.  Microwave for 2 minutes.  Allow to stand for 5 minutes.  Wipe down with a rag.

The list goes on and on. Save money, save time by using this simple, readilly available cleaner. 

Simple Sacred Cooking - Hot Cocoa Recipe

One of the indulgences for the simple sacred within your life on a cold winters day is a cup of hot chocolate.  This warming beverage will bring you directly back to happy memories of childhood.  Creamy warmth will enter your body and bring a moment of peace and happiness.  Make your own mix to have a perfect cup every time.

Winter Memories Cocoa Mix
1/2 Cup Powdered Baking Cocoa
3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
3 Cups Powdered Milk

Place all ingredients into a container with a tight fitting lid.  Shake until they are combined thoroughly. 

Use 2 tablespoons for every 4 ounce mug of hot chocolate.  Can be made with boiling water or with warmed milk for extra creaminess. 

Festive touches such as marshmallows, marshmallow fluff, chocolate shavings, cinnamon, etc. can be added to taste.