Flexi Clip Giveaway!!

 I'm so excited to announce that my friend, Paula from Whole Intentions is also a consultant with Lilla Rose and she's been kind enough to give me a FREE Flexi Clip to try and one to give away!!

I'm a girly girl!  I love to feel like a princess and wear beautiful things!  As Christians, I feel it's important to look our best, fit the part, after all we are daughters of THE King, are we not??  

That being said, I'm going to tell you a little secret, I'm not really all that great at fixing hair...another reason I wanted mostly sons rather than daughters.  {For those of you who don't know, I have 3 daughters and only 1 son.  God most certainly does have a since of humor!!} 

Not only were these flexi clips super easy to use; they were also beautiful, and they made me feel special too!  It really is fun and exciting to wear things that are pretty and feminine.  

 I love this one because it's simple and feminine at the same time.  It's also matches just about any outfit any of us have since it's a plain silver.  You can get more colorful flexies though if you'd rather have more color or chose one to match a certain outfit.

To be completely honest, I didn't get to wear it for a few days.  As I said I have daughters.  After they'd all tried and approved this lovely little clip...I finally got my chance...finally...  

 My husband took this picture for me ~ these flexi clips really are so much better than those plastic claws or ink pens...and yes, I've been know to "pen" my hair up with ink pens.

I love anything that saves me time and makes life easier.  The fact that they were so elegant was a fantastic bonus!!  <---this is why I'm super excited to announce that we're giving one away!  Right here!  Right now!!  

Visit Paula at her Lilla Rose website to see more Flexi Clips.

We ordered a medium size flexi and it worked great for us for the most part.  My oldest daughter and I love it.  It's a bit too big for my second daughter who's hair is shorter and much thinner.  It's a bit too small for my youngest as her hair is very long and super thick....grown adults drool over it every where we go...and she's only 5!!  

Anyway, back to the flexi...there are several sizes to chose from {mini, extra small, small, medium - the size we have, large, extra large, and mega}.  You can watch this video for help with deciding what size is best for you.    They also have hair clips, hair sticks and O-rings.  

I was a bit sceptical about these clips at first.  I was afraid that they'd pull.  I do hate when a single strand of hair pulls.  But they don't.  They don't pull at all.  It's wonderful!

I was also afraid that they would be heavy.  My hair tends to be heavy and sometimes when I put it all up, I get a head ache, but that didn't happen either.  I didn't feel any pain or pulling.  It didn't weigh any more than it ever did before.  I really did like them!!

So, here's your chance to win your own FREE Flexi Clip!!  {Or maybe a FREE Christams gift for a friend??}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for participating!!  We are so glad to have you all here at Hidden Treasures!  I do hope you'll take the time to share this giveaway and our other posts with your friends!!  

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School Year Goals/2012

We've had a change in plans.  

...AGAIN....

We were considering going back to the homeschooling thing...but my husband is a firm believer in the Christian school and I, well, I personally, am torn between the two.  I was home schooled but eventually graduated from a Christian school.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both.  It is my opinion that each of us must find what God wants for our own individual families and then go with it.  

As I said, I've been caught in the middle - torn between the two.  My husband, however never had any doubts that we should send our children to the Christian school.  And, since God provided us with a bigger house {something we desperately needed} that just happens to be adjoining the property of that Christian school, we enrolled our children - ALL of them!!  I no longer have any babies at home with me, which is quite sad...or at least I thought it was going to be until...

 First Day of School!

I was asked to help teach in the preschool this year.  {Kinda a culture shock of sorts for me since I used to teach High School before my oldest was born!!}  BUT, it's turned out fabulously!!  We don't have to spend any money on gas and I'm right there in the same building as my two youngest children.  I get to see them several times throughout the day for little free-be hugs and kisses.  The other kids in their class even seem to get excited to see me in the hall now too!  It's too cute!!  

To keep my children excited about learning, we've they've set themselves some goals for this year.  I sat down with them and asked them what they'd like to know or have accomplished by the end of the year.  I must say, I'm pretty impressed with the goals they've set for themselves.  We've been able to work toward these goals and we've even gained some ground in the 3 short weeks since school has started!! 

Oldest Daughter's Goals (4th Grade):

• To know all of her multiplication tables off the top of her head by the end of the year.  She's already almost half way there!!!
• To get a 100% on at least one math test.  ;)
• To learn/memorize as many *important* spelling words as possible.  She's showing dyslexic tendencies and spelling is a major problem for her, so we made this a goal she could reach.
• To improve in sentence structure and story writing.  She has a hard time getting her ideas from her brain to her paper.  She can do it orally without a problem, so we're going to work on her writing skills a bit.
• To read 10 "fun" books by the end of the year.
• BIBLE QUIZZING!!!  I'm so excited that she can now be a part of this wonderful experience and learn as much of the Bible as she can!  
• To improve her art skills - she's very creative and can draw WAY better than her old mother any day!!!  
• To complete level 2 in her piano books.
• To complete 2 karate classes

Sounds like a great list to me!!!  I'm so excited for her!!

Daughter #2 (3rd Grade):

• To keep a 95% average in spelling   She can definitely do this, just has a hard time staying motivated
• To read 2 -3 "BIG" books every month  Loves to read!!
  
• Learn to type - something she's been interested in for a while now, so why not??  Maybe she'll have her own blog someday??
• Memorize her multiplication tables
• Complete level 2 in her piano books - loves the piano!!
• To learn Karate - which is kinda funny because she's so scrawny and feminine - not at all muscular like her older sister!!

There you have it!!  Our goals for the new school year!!

 New Books that God recently provided us with!

~ The younger kids have planned to play and read by the end of the year; and Jenna would like to count to some number I've never heard of... perhaps *I* should go back to kindergarten! ~

What are your goals for this school year?  I'd love to hear them!  Feel free to leave comments below on on my Facebook wall!!

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Making Simple Sauerkraut

Making sauerkraut and other lacto-ferminted foods is something I've never done, but always wanted to know more about it all, so when my friend Paula from Whole Intentions, said she knew how and was willing to write up a guest post for all of us here at Hidden Treasures, I was more than thrilled!!  {I even went out yesterday and bought myself a few organic cabbages so I could try my hand at this too.}

Paula Writes....

 

If you had asked me five years ago if I'd ever eaten sauerkraut, I would have wrinkled my nose and said, "NEVER!" And if I'd never eaten it, you could bet your boots I'd never made it!

My first recollection of sauerkraut was as a young teenager visiting a friend's house. We walked in the front door and were assailed by a smell that could make your eyes water. When I asked her what it was she shrugged, "Mom's making sauerkraut."

For the next 20 years I steered clear of sauerkraut like it was the plague. (Gasp! Did I just say 20 years!)

Up until a few years ago, I never thought I'd give it another look. Yet here I am, bringing you a recipe and secretly planning several paragraphs of well-written research to convince you to try it for yourself. :) If the information I discovered could change my mind, surely it has the chance of changing yours. Right?

So without further ado, I'll begin my compelling and persuasive argument. . . ;)

How Does Your Garden Grow??

My family has had a very busy summer.  We moved to a new house, did a few repairs and re-modeling projects and a bunch of other things.  In fact we've been so busy I wasn't sure if I was coming or going on some days. 

Because we moved half way through the summer, so I had to leave my spring garden behind and plant a "fall garden".

Here are some pics.....

Watermelon...we may not have time left in the season, but my kids couldn't possibly imagine a garden without it and we did have some seeds left, so we planted them.  Should have plenty of watermelon if the weather holds out.  :)

Scarlett Runner Beans ~ this is my first time planting pole beans instead of bush beans.  So far we have TONS of beautiful red flowers!!

Pickling Cucumbers ~ we've made 4 quarts of Spicy Pickles, and we plan to add Bread & Butter, Lime and Cinnamon to that list. 

Tomatoes ~ TONS of them!!  

We've made some spaghetti sauce, but we need more - and some salsa too!!

My poor Pepper plants had a hard time this year, but they have given us just what we've needed!!

Zucchini!!

Good in soups, breads, fritters, and cookies {anything really!}!!

We have also planted sweet peas, broccoli, brussels sprouts and kale!!  They're pretty small yet and no much to look at though!  :) 

I'll be posting more recipes very soon!!

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Homemade High Bounce Balls

Some days it's too hot to play outside, but what can you do with all those crazy, hyper, stir crazy kids??

Make your own high bounce balls!!  If you're going to have things bouncing off the walls it may as well be balls {as opposed to kids}....

It's super easy and lots of fun.  It's very similar to making "Slime". 

Join us over at Whole Intentions to find out how to make these really fun bouncy balls!!  

 

While you're there you may want to stick around and check out the place.  My friend, Paula has all kinds of great recipes and tips on whole living!

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Breakfast Skillet

This recipe is fantastic!!  We usually have this for dinner since we're not morning people.

All you need: {feeds a family of 6}

• 4 large potatoes ~ cut in small strips
• onion
• mushrooms
• green peppers
• jalapenos
• bacon/cubed ham/sausage
• anything you would normally put in an omelet
• eggs

Directions:

Cut your potatoes into long narrow strips and fry in olive oil with sliced onions, mushrooms and peppers.  You can cook your meat right along with it too, if you like.  I usually like to keep it all in one pot/pan, if I can, to save myself the cleanup. 

Season with garlic, sea salt and pepper.  Cook until potatoes are tender but not mushy, which shouldn't take too long if you slice them into thin strips.

Fry eggs your favorite way - sunny side up, over easy, whatever you prefer.  We prefer sunny side up because we think the yolk is really yummy running all over those veggies.  Place fried eggs over the top and let the yolk run down over it all...

Now, THAT is breakfast delight!!  Can you tell we like our eggs sunny side up??  The yolk makes this meal in my opinion.  :)

Fiesta Breakfast: A Mexican Twist

Follow the same recipe and directions, except you will only want to use potatoes, hot peppers, mushrooms, onions and garlic.  Sausage should be used rather than bacon or ham.  Then you can add some black beans, and cover with sour cream, a bit of shredded cheese, salsa, and eggs - sunny-side-up again.  Sound strange to you??  Believe it or not, it's a pretty good meal!!

A Few Healthy Tips...

• Free Range Organic eggs are best in quality and taste!!  The most inexpensive way to get some is to find a local farmer or raise them yourself.  We get ours for $2.00 a dozen from a friend.  
• I strongly recommend you get organic potatoes as they grow in the ground and soak up all the chemicals used in growing.  If you can't afford the organic ones, you can peal them before you cook them and that will cut back on a bunch of those chemicals.  
• Throw in a bunch of veggies!  If you have children that aren't fond of veggies, this may a great way to sneak a few extra into their diets.  
• Try to find meat that doesn't have any additional nitrates or hormones. 

 I'd love to know what you think of this recipe or any changes you made.  Do share your ideas with us!! 

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Cowboy Candy

If you love spicy, chances are, you'll love this recipe.  It was so easy and so quick!

The original recipe {found here}:

• 1 lb fresh jalapenos
• 2/3 cup cider vinegar
• 2 cups sugar ~ or 1.5 cups of raw honey
• 2 tablespoons mustard seed
• 1/4 teaspoon tumeric
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
•  

Directions:

Slice jalapenos and set aside.   

Mix other ingredients and bring to a boil in a small pot.  

Reduce to simmer and add jalapenos.  Continue to simmer another 5 minutes.  

Fill jar - original recipe says this will yield 2 pints.  I only got 1 and a few leftovers for sampling.  

Process in a water bath for 15 minutes.

 And there you have it - one lonely, little, pint jar of Cowboy Candy!

We put it to the test.  In other words, the Treasured Hubby got to taste it and the verdict is................
it has a great taste, but it's far too spicy!   

So, I suggest you remove the seeds from the pepper as they are the spicy part.  {in my defense, I had a pepper plant last year that wasn't spicy at all...talk about annoying!!...so I decide to leave the seeds in these - just in case!  I wanted them to have some kick...and apparently I was successful} :D

I guess, we learned the hard way, and will be removing the seeds from now on....and, maybe we should quadruple the recipe too!!

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