Debbie Hedin has been a member of the Grant Stake for her entire life. She was born and raised in the Grant 12th Ward, which is now the Millstream Ward. Her parents, Marvin and Pauline Love, still live there. She is the youngest of 5 children.
She met Kevin while serving on Seminary Council at Granite High School. They married on Feb. 25, 1987 and were fortunate enough to move into the ward as soon as they were married. They rented Charlene Robinson's house for about 6 months before Charlene moved back from Washington. Then they rented a house on Barrows Ave. before they were able to buy the home on Lake Circle. They feel it has been one of the greatest blessings in their lives to be members of this ward.
Kevin and Debbie are the parents of 5 children. Logan, their oldest, is serving in the Merida Mexico Mission. Adam is graduating from Olympus High School, Megan will start High School at Skyline next fall. Noah is an 11 year old scout and Jonas is in Cub Scouts.
Debbie recently started teaching the 6,7, and 8 year olds in Primary. She LOVES her class. She is working at Roosevelt Elementary as a teacher's aide and returned to the University of Utah to finish her degree in Early Childhood Education.
Springview Relief Society Newsletter
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Saturday, May 30, 2009
June 2009 Newsletter
June Lessons
June 7 RS Presidency/Group Leadership Kristy Gellerson
June 14 Stake Conference
June 21 Joseph Smith #32 Responding to Persecution with Faith and Courage
June 28 Teaching for our Times General Talk from April 2009 Conference – TBA Myrna Clark
The Lady of the Month
This month we are spotlighting Sister Debbie Hedin
Ancestor of the Month
This month, to encourage interest in our ancestry, I thought we could spotlight parts of some of their lives. This first time I chose my Great Great Great Aunt Desdemona Fullmer Smith Benson
Scripture Thought
I was thinking over the scripture from last month:
Moroni 10:4,5.
4. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask of God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
I remember a time when there had been a challenge to read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover. Although the Book of Mormon had always been around, and I was quite familiar with it, this is the first time I had read it all the way through. As there had been many stories concerning this challenge, I was planning on formally going through the process. As I was reading, the stories were very vivid and came to life for me. As I got further into Moroni, I knew the challenge was coming and was preparing myself for it. However, a thought came to me, “Why would I ask the question when I already knew the answer?” The Holy Ghost had revealed the truth to me from the beginning of the book.
June Recipe
Since summer is a good time for camping – I have chosen a dutch oven recipe (a method of cooking which can be very useful in emergency situations) There are also more recipes are on the blog.
Chicken and Rice
Into a prepared Dutch Oven, put the following items:
• 2 cans of Cream of Chicken Soup (spread across bottom)
• 2 soup cans of water
• 2 cups of white Rice (evenly sprinkled on top of the soup)
• 4 Chicken breasts
• 2 diced carrots
• 1 diced piece of broccoli
Cook with a few coals under the Oven (~6) and most coals on the lid (~14 on a 12” oven) to avoid
overcooking the rice onto the bottom of the oven. Check often and add water if drying out.
I like this recipe because of its adaptability. Although it calls for chicken breasts, I’m sure (when needed) any canned meat/poultry/fish can be used - as could any vegetable and/or grain product
Summer Weather Tips
Lightning
During a thunderstorm with lightning, you are safe inside a vehicle. Don't park near or under trees or other tall objects that may topple over. Be wary of downed power lines that may be touching your car. Stay inside your vehicle; you may get a shock if you step outside.
Heat Waves
During summer heat waves, drop into a cool store, restaurant or theatre every so often. At home, cool down by running water on wrists, behind the knees and holding a wet towel on your neck or forehead. Also try sitting in front of a fan blowing over a bowl of ice cubes.
UV/Radiation
If your shadow is shorter than you are, you should protect yourself from the sun. Wear clothes that cover your skin such as hats, shoes, long pants, and long sleeved shirts. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that are UV rated.
June 7 RS Presidency/Group Leadership Kristy Gellerson
June 14 Stake Conference
June 21 Joseph Smith #32 Responding to Persecution with Faith and Courage
June 28 Teaching for our Times General Talk from April 2009 Conference – TBA Myrna Clark
The Lady of the Month
This month we are spotlighting Sister Debbie Hedin
Ancestor of the Month
This month, to encourage interest in our ancestry, I thought we could spotlight parts of some of their lives. This first time I chose my Great Great Great Aunt Desdemona Fullmer Smith Benson
Scripture Thought
I was thinking over the scripture from last month:
Moroni 10:4,5.
4. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask of God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
I remember a time when there had been a challenge to read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover. Although the Book of Mormon had always been around, and I was quite familiar with it, this is the first time I had read it all the way through. As there had been many stories concerning this challenge, I was planning on formally going through the process. As I was reading, the stories were very vivid and came to life for me. As I got further into Moroni, I knew the challenge was coming and was preparing myself for it. However, a thought came to me, “Why would I ask the question when I already knew the answer?” The Holy Ghost had revealed the truth to me from the beginning of the book.
June Recipe
Since summer is a good time for camping – I have chosen a dutch oven recipe (a method of cooking which can be very useful in emergency situations) There are also more recipes are on the blog.
Chicken and Rice
Into a prepared Dutch Oven, put the following items:
• 2 cans of Cream of Chicken Soup (spread across bottom)
• 2 soup cans of water
• 2 cups of white Rice (evenly sprinkled on top of the soup)
• 4 Chicken breasts
• 2 diced carrots
• 1 diced piece of broccoli
Cook with a few coals under the Oven (~6) and most coals on the lid (~14 on a 12” oven) to avoid
overcooking the rice onto the bottom of the oven. Check often and add water if drying out.
I like this recipe because of its adaptability. Although it calls for chicken breasts, I’m sure (when needed) any canned meat/poultry/fish can be used - as could any vegetable and/or grain product
Summer Weather Tips
Lightning
During a thunderstorm with lightning, you are safe inside a vehicle. Don't park near or under trees or other tall objects that may topple over. Be wary of downed power lines that may be touching your car. Stay inside your vehicle; you may get a shock if you step outside.
Heat Waves
During summer heat waves, drop into a cool store, restaurant or theatre every so often. At home, cool down by running water on wrists, behind the knees and holding a wet towel on your neck or forehead. Also try sitting in front of a fan blowing over a bowl of ice cubes.
UV/Radiation
If your shadow is shorter than you are, you should protect yourself from the sun. Wear clothes that cover your skin such as hats, shoes, long pants, and long sleeved shirts. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that are UV rated.
Pioneer Stew Recipe
Ingredients
Catch your meat or if you are unlucky hunting go to the store for some beef cubes.
3 lbs beef cubes
2 tsp salt; pepper
1 ½ cups flour
Add your favorite spices
ADD: 1 red onion coarsely shopped
ADD: 1 turnip cut into small cubes
4 peeled potatoes (figure on 1 potato per person)
2 cups diced celery
8 or more carrots peeled cut into bite sized pieces
2 cups canned tomatoes with juice
2 cloves of garlic
1 tsp dry mustard
8 pearl onions
1 TBL spoon Maggi
4 cups water (may be more water you need to cover ingredients)
Equipment
Large pot or a large dutch oven, knife, large spoon
Instructions
Place flour mixture in a brown paper bag. Add beef cubes to coat. Save Flour mixture for gravy. Brown meat on all sides Place browned beef cubes and drippings into a large, heavy pot
Cover and simmer at least 5 hours until the meat, vegetables and potatoes are tender About half way through simmering, add enough
Reserved flour mixture to make gravy. Serve hot. Fresh baked bread is excellent with this old time stew.
CommentThis can cooked over an open fire or on a camp stove. You can stir the stew using a fresh bay leaf branch but you have to strip the bark off first. I found this recipe in a pioneer's diary and modified it for today's world
Catch your meat or if you are unlucky hunting go to the store for some beef cubes.
3 lbs beef cubes
2 tsp salt; pepper
1 ½ cups flour
Add your favorite spices
ADD: 1 red onion coarsely shopped
ADD: 1 turnip cut into small cubes
4 peeled potatoes (figure on 1 potato per person)
2 cups diced celery
8 or more carrots peeled cut into bite sized pieces
2 cups canned tomatoes with juice
2 cloves of garlic
1 tsp dry mustard
8 pearl onions
1 TBL spoon Maggi
4 cups water (may be more water you need to cover ingredients)
Equipment
Large pot or a large dutch oven, knife, large spoon
Instructions
Place flour mixture in a brown paper bag. Add beef cubes to coat. Save Flour mixture for gravy. Brown meat on all sides Place browned beef cubes and drippings into a large, heavy pot
Cover and simmer at least 5 hours until the meat, vegetables and potatoes are tender About half way through simmering, add enough
Reserved flour mixture to make gravy. Serve hot. Fresh baked bread is excellent with this old time stew.
CommentThis can cooked over an open fire or on a camp stove. You can stir the stew using a fresh bay leaf branch but you have to strip the bark off first. I found this recipe in a pioneer's diary and modified it for today's world
Desdemona Fullmer Smith Benson
Desdemona Wadsworth Fullmer, a daughter of Peter Fullmer and Susanna Zerfass, and the sister of David Fullmer, was born in Huntington, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, 6 Oct 1809. She embraced the Gospel about the close of the year 1836, in Richland County, Ohio, being baptized by Elder John P. Greene. Soon afterwards, she removed to Kirtland, Ohio, and from that time forward shared in the persecutions to which the Church was subjected in Ohio, Missouri and Illinois. She was living with her brother David’s family near Haun’s Mill, Missouri, at the time when the massacre of the Saints occurred at that place, and she and other members of the family were forced to hide in the woods to escape the mob. (L.D.S. Church Encyclopedia, Book page 235)
In 1842 she married Joseph Smith, Jr. who had been born 23 Dec 1805 at Sharon, Windsor, Vermont. After his death, and just before the exodus of the Latter-day Saints from Nauvoo, Illinois, Desdemona married Ezra T. Benson on 26 Jan 1846 at Nauvoo, Illinois. On this same date, 26 Jan 1846, Desdemona was sealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr., Ezra T. Benson stood as proxy.
Eighteen women gathered on Thursday, March 17, 1842 in the second-story meeting room over the Smith's Red Brick Store in Nauvoo. Smith, John Taylor, and Willard Richards sat on the platform at the upper end of the room with the women facing them. The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning was sung, and Taylor opened the meeting with prayer. The women in attendance at the initial meeting were:
Emma Hale Smith Sarah M. Cleveland Phebe Ann Hawkes
Elizabeth Jones Sophia Packard Philinda Merrick
Martha Knight Desdemona Fulmer Elizabeth Ann Whitney
Leonora Taylor Bathsheba W. Smith Phebe M. Wheeler
Elvira A. Coles Margaret A. Cook Sarah M. Kimball
Eliza R. Snow Sophia Robinson Sophia R. Marks
“Sometimes the mob would come to the door all armed and yell like Indians, ‘You must leave here in three days or all will be killed!’ When snow and winter was there, my brother lay helpless with fever. I spoke and said, ‘We have no team and wagon. We may as well die in the house as a few rods from it.’ So they let us go. We started to march for Illinois. On the way, the sectarian priests came around us and would say to us, ‘Give up your faith and stay with us, and you shall never want.’ I said, ‘I have no faith in you nor in your father, the Devil.’ So I shut them up every time.
“In Nauvoo I lived until the spring after the war took place. Afterwards, the mob often came to the house and told us to leave. My father lay speechless at that time with a fever. There were three or four families living in that house at that time. The mob came one day with 100 armed men. Part of them stayed in the street and yelled like Indians. The rest of them came into the house, broke locks and took all they pleased to take. They found one keg of powder. Then they told all of us to leave in one hour. I told them that keg belonged to a man they had driven away that morning.”
In 1842 she married Joseph Smith, Jr. who had been born 23 Dec 1805 at Sharon, Windsor, Vermont. After his death, and just before the exodus of the Latter-day Saints from Nauvoo, Illinois, Desdemona married Ezra T. Benson on 26 Jan 1846 at Nauvoo, Illinois. On this same date, 26 Jan 1846, Desdemona was sealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr., Ezra T. Benson stood as proxy.
Eighteen women gathered on Thursday, March 17, 1842 in the second-story meeting room over the Smith's Red Brick Store in Nauvoo. Smith, John Taylor, and Willard Richards sat on the platform at the upper end of the room with the women facing them. The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning was sung, and Taylor opened the meeting with prayer. The women in attendance at the initial meeting were:
Emma Hale Smith Sarah M. Cleveland Phebe Ann Hawkes
Elizabeth Jones Sophia Packard Philinda Merrick
Martha Knight Desdemona Fulmer Elizabeth Ann Whitney
Leonora Taylor Bathsheba W. Smith Phebe M. Wheeler
Elvira A. Coles Margaret A. Cook Sarah M. Kimball
Eliza R. Snow Sophia Robinson Sophia R. Marks
“Sometimes the mob would come to the door all armed and yell like Indians, ‘You must leave here in three days or all will be killed!’ When snow and winter was there, my brother lay helpless with fever. I spoke and said, ‘We have no team and wagon. We may as well die in the house as a few rods from it.’ So they let us go. We started to march for Illinois. On the way, the sectarian priests came around us and would say to us, ‘Give up your faith and stay with us, and you shall never want.’ I said, ‘I have no faith in you nor in your father, the Devil.’ So I shut them up every time.
“In Nauvoo I lived until the spring after the war took place. Afterwards, the mob often came to the house and told us to leave. My father lay speechless at that time with a fever. There were three or four families living in that house at that time. The mob came one day with 100 armed men. Part of them stayed in the street and yelled like Indians. The rest of them came into the house, broke locks and took all they pleased to take. They found one keg of powder. Then they told all of us to leave in one hour. I told them that keg belonged to a man they had driven away that morning.”
Friday, May 29, 2009
June 2009 Visiting Teaching Message
Visiting Teaching Message
Participate in Sincere Prayer
Ensign, June 2009
Prayerfully teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.
Sincere Prayer Has Strengthening Power
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: "Think of our combined strength if every sister had sincere prayer every morning and night or, better yet, prayed unceasingly as the Lord has commanded. If every family had family prayer daily . . . , we would be stronger" ("What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 110).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Prayer changes our lives. Through it we draw near to the Lord, and he reaches out his finger and touches us, so we never again are the same.
"Prayer is a great tower of strength, a pillar of unending righteousness, a mighty force that moves mountains and saves souls" ("Patterns of Prayer," Ensign, May 1984, 32).
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Every honest and sincere prayer adds another piece to chain-mail armor. . . . One of the most important ways to clothe yourselves in the armor of God is to make sure that prayer—earnest, sincere, consistent prayer—is part of your daily lives" ("Be Strong in the Lord," Ensign, July 2004, 10).
D&C 112:10: "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."
Sincere Prayer Is Holy Communication
President James E. Faust (1920–2007), Second Counselor in the First Presidency: "First, prayer is a humble acknowledgment that God is our Father and that the Lord Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. Second, it is a sincere confession of sin and transgression and a request for forgiveness. Third, it is recognition that we need help beyond our own ability. Fourth, it is an opportunity to express thanksgiving and gratitude to our Creator. It is important that we frequently say: 'We thank Thee . . . ,' 'We acknowledge before Thee . . . ,' 'We are grateful unto Thee . . . ' Fifth, it is a privilege to ask Deity for specific blessings.
" . . . Sincere prayers come from the heart. Indeed, sincerity requires that we draw from the earnest feelings of our hearts" ("The Lifeline of Prayer," Liahona, July 2002, 62; Ensign, May 2002, 59–60).
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Meaningful prayer requires both holy communication and consecrated work. Blessings require some effort on our part before we can obtain them, and prayer, as 'a form of work, . . . is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings' (Bible Dictionary, 'Prayer,' 753). We press forward and persevere in the consecrated work of prayer, after we say 'amen,' by acting upon the things we have expressed to Heavenly Father" ("Ask in Faith," Liahona and Ensign, May 2008, 95).
President Thomas S. Monson: "As we offer unto the Lord our family and our personal prayers, let us do so with faith and trust in Him. Let us remember the injunction of the Apostle Paul to the Hebrews: 'For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.' If any of us has been slow to hearken to the counsel to pray always, there is no finer hour to begin than now" ("A Royal Priesthood," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 61).
Participate in Sincere Prayer
Ensign, June 2009
Prayerfully teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.
Sincere Prayer Has Strengthening Power
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: "Think of our combined strength if every sister had sincere prayer every morning and night or, better yet, prayed unceasingly as the Lord has commanded. If every family had family prayer daily . . . , we would be stronger" ("What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 110).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Prayer changes our lives. Through it we draw near to the Lord, and he reaches out his finger and touches us, so we never again are the same.
"Prayer is a great tower of strength, a pillar of unending righteousness, a mighty force that moves mountains and saves souls" ("Patterns of Prayer," Ensign, May 1984, 32).
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Every honest and sincere prayer adds another piece to chain-mail armor. . . . One of the most important ways to clothe yourselves in the armor of God is to make sure that prayer—earnest, sincere, consistent prayer—is part of your daily lives" ("Be Strong in the Lord," Ensign, July 2004, 10).
D&C 112:10: "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."
Sincere Prayer Is Holy Communication
President James E. Faust (1920–2007), Second Counselor in the First Presidency: "First, prayer is a humble acknowledgment that God is our Father and that the Lord Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. Second, it is a sincere confession of sin and transgression and a request for forgiveness. Third, it is recognition that we need help beyond our own ability. Fourth, it is an opportunity to express thanksgiving and gratitude to our Creator. It is important that we frequently say: 'We thank Thee . . . ,' 'We acknowledge before Thee . . . ,' 'We are grateful unto Thee . . . ' Fifth, it is a privilege to ask Deity for specific blessings.
" . . . Sincere prayers come from the heart. Indeed, sincerity requires that we draw from the earnest feelings of our hearts" ("The Lifeline of Prayer," Liahona, July 2002, 62; Ensign, May 2002, 59–60).
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: "Meaningful prayer requires both holy communication and consecrated work. Blessings require some effort on our part before we can obtain them, and prayer, as 'a form of work, . . . is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings' (Bible Dictionary, 'Prayer,' 753). We press forward and persevere in the consecrated work of prayer, after we say 'amen,' by acting upon the things we have expressed to Heavenly Father" ("Ask in Faith," Liahona and Ensign, May 2008, 95).
President Thomas S. Monson: "As we offer unto the Lord our family and our personal prayers, let us do so with faith and trust in Him. Let us remember the injunction of the Apostle Paul to the Hebrews: 'For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.' If any of us has been slow to hearken to the counsel to pray always, there is no finer hour to begin than now" ("A Royal Priesthood," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 61).
Saturday, May 2, 2009
May 2009 Newsletter
May Lessons
May 3 RS Presidency
May 10 Joseph Smith #30 Valliant in the Cause of Christ Ramona Ford
May 17 Joseph Smith #31 God Shall Be with You Forever and Ever: The prophet in Liberty Jail Kamilla Lloyd
May 24 Teaching for our Times General Talk from April 2009 Conference – TBA Myrna Clark
The Lady of the Month/Scripture Thought
This month we are spotlighting Sister Freed for both the story and a scripture thought.
Household helps
Here are some tips using a couple of common household items – ketchup and vinegar.
Some uses for ketchup (esp. “those old ketchup packets stashed away in [our] kitchen drawers.”
These suggestions include:
Shine copper bottom pots - with a pinch of salt for stubborn stains.
Get Auto Parts Gleaming – works well tarnish but not as well on removing dirt.
Get back prettier hair from chlorine damage – helps counteract the chlorine from pools.
Soothe wounds – again using the ketchup (or soy sauce) packets, just freeze for a quick ice pack to apply to wounds
Some tips for vinegar include:
Clean Windows - 1/3 c. vinegar to 2/3 c. water
Clean Carpets - one part vinegar, one-sixteenth part lemon juice and eight parts distilled
Wash produce – 3 parts water 1 part white vinegar then rinse with water
Deter Cats – pour vinegar around edges of areas you don’t want cats
My Sister – My Friend
Springview Relief Society
May 2009
May Recipe
In honor of Mother’s Day a recipe for family portraits would be fun. An elaborate recipe that basically boiled down to slicing bagels in half (larger ones for the grownups in the family and the mini bagels for the kids) – bread (or even round cookies) could possibly be used instead. Spreading some type of topping (cream cheese, peanut butter, etc) over the bagel and then creating a face with cut or chopped fruits, vegetables, nuts, olives etc. depending on your imagination and pantry. The main point is to have a fun family food that everyone can help make (and, as suggested, serve to mom as part of breakfast in bed).
In honor of Cinco de Mayo a recipe by Lucille Gardiner in the Springview Ward Cookbook would be nice.
Taco Soup
1 lb. hamburger ½ c. green/red ppers
½ c. onion 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans
½ c. salsa 1 (11 oz.) can corn
½ pkg. taco seasoning mix 2 (15 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes
In a large soup pan, fry hamgerger and drain off fat. Add onion and green/red peppers. Fry about 3 minutes. Drain Kidney beans. Add rest of ingredients and simmer about 15 minutes. This is a thick soup. You can add water or beef broth. Top with grated cheese
"No matter what circumstances you sisters experience, your influence can be marvelously far-reaching. I believe some of you have a tendency to underestimate your profound capacity for blessing the lives of others. More often than not, it is not on the stage with some public pronouncement but in your example of righteousness and the countless gentle acts of love and kindness done so willingly, so often on a one-to-one basis."
--James E. Faust, "You Are All Heaven Sent," Ensign, Nov. 2002, 110
May 3 RS Presidency
May 10 Joseph Smith #30 Valliant in the Cause of Christ Ramona Ford
May 17 Joseph Smith #31 God Shall Be with You Forever and Ever: The prophet in Liberty Jail Kamilla Lloyd
May 24 Teaching for our Times General Talk from April 2009 Conference – TBA Myrna Clark
The Lady of the Month/Scripture Thought
This month we are spotlighting Sister Freed for both the story and a scripture thought.
Household helps
Here are some tips using a couple of common household items – ketchup and vinegar.
Some uses for ketchup (esp. “those old ketchup packets stashed away in [our] kitchen drawers.”
These suggestions include:
Shine copper bottom pots - with a pinch of salt for stubborn stains.
Get Auto Parts Gleaming – works well tarnish but not as well on removing dirt.
Get back prettier hair from chlorine damage – helps counteract the chlorine from pools.
Soothe wounds – again using the ketchup (or soy sauce) packets, just freeze for a quick ice pack to apply to wounds
Some tips for vinegar include:
Clean Windows - 1/3 c. vinegar to 2/3 c. water
Clean Carpets - one part vinegar, one-sixteenth part lemon juice and eight parts distilled
Wash produce – 3 parts water 1 part white vinegar then rinse with water
Deter Cats – pour vinegar around edges of areas you don’t want cats
My Sister – My Friend
Springview Relief Society
May 2009
May Recipe
In honor of Mother’s Day a recipe for family portraits would be fun. An elaborate recipe that basically boiled down to slicing bagels in half (larger ones for the grownups in the family and the mini bagels for the kids) – bread (or even round cookies) could possibly be used instead. Spreading some type of topping (cream cheese, peanut butter, etc) over the bagel and then creating a face with cut or chopped fruits, vegetables, nuts, olives etc. depending on your imagination and pantry. The main point is to have a fun family food that everyone can help make (and, as suggested, serve to mom as part of breakfast in bed).
In honor of Cinco de Mayo a recipe by Lucille Gardiner in the Springview Ward Cookbook would be nice.
Taco Soup
1 lb. hamburger ½ c. green/red ppers
½ c. onion 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans
½ c. salsa 1 (11 oz.) can corn
½ pkg. taco seasoning mix 2 (15 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes
In a large soup pan, fry hamgerger and drain off fat. Add onion and green/red peppers. Fry about 3 minutes. Drain Kidney beans. Add rest of ingredients and simmer about 15 minutes. This is a thick soup. You can add water or beef broth. Top with grated cheese
"No matter what circumstances you sisters experience, your influence can be marvelously far-reaching. I believe some of you have a tendency to underestimate your profound capacity for blessing the lives of others. More often than not, it is not on the stage with some public pronouncement but in your example of righteousness and the countless gentle acts of love and kindness done so willingly, so often on a one-to-one basis."
--James E. Faust, "You Are All Heaven Sent," Ensign, Nov. 2002, 110
Sister Barbara Thornblad Freed - Story & Scripture Thought
Being invited to tell something of yourself can sure make your mind go blank! However, I will give it a try.
From age 7, I grew up in this neighborhood and ward. The ward boundaries and names changed every once in a while, but the neighbors were always the same! There are several people presently in the ward with whom I have associated for many of those years. My current visiting teaching partner, Ruby Kidd, was raising a young family back then, and when I was a teenager, I used to baby sit for Marva Marx. One of our great ward families was the Gudmundsens, whose youngest daughter was an adorable little thing (and is now the fabulous Patricia Wilson). When I married, we moved away, but years later found ourselves back in the same neighborhood. I could go on and on with this subject, as I have very fond memories of growing up here.
I’ve always had a broad field of interests, which has never changed throughout my life. My spare time activities often involve things like sewing, making family films and DVDs, photography, word puzzles, cooking, reading, and checking out the latest pictures from the Hubble telescope. I have had a lot of ideas for “that book I am going to write someday”. Maybe I’ll surprise myself and actually do it.
My four children are terrific people and I find joy in their association, and with my fabulous grandchildren. The time I spend with them is all gain for me.
The first official church calling I received came when I was 15 years old. I was asked to play the organ in Sunday School (that was long before the 3 hr. block). I’ll never forget that experience, as the deacons decided to play a big joke on me. Let’s just say my initiation into that calling was somewhat embarrassing.
That was the start of a stream of continuous callings, which have always been various, rewarding and usually great fun! The people I have worked with, and the experiences we have shared have certainly added to the quality of my life, to my testimony of the Godhead. Throughout my life I have developed a firm conviction that the children of God are His greatest creations, and working side by side with them is an education.
As it must be with everyone, it is very difficult, if not impossible to try to put my life, experiences, feelings, thoughts, and all that is me in a capsule. Maybe I can just say this……
I talk too much and make a lot of mistakes. I feel deeply about life, this earth and all it holds, and the heavens from which I came. I tend to study people and find them very interesting and inspirational. My heart holds a deep respect for who are generous, kind and brave. I know that we are part of a great plan and that there is a Heavenly Father who blesses me more than I expect or deserve. I like to look at, and study what is around me with the naked eye, and through a camera lens. I think that I will never stop being amazed!
Scripture Thought
Moroni 10:4,5.
4. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask of God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye many know the truth of all things.
As a teenager, I decided to find out for myself if I could be given a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. From my own experience, I knew that God existed, but I didn’t have any real knowledge as far as the Church was concerned. It didn’t matter too much at the time because I wasn’t sure that a person needed to know if they had proper faith. Also, the teachings of the book were the excellent teachings of the Savior.
However, in my mid twenties, a concern about the real truth of things troubled me. As I was aware of the promise of Moroni 10:3, 4 and 5, I decided to put it to a test. Faith is a very literal exercise for me and that is what I had to put forth to receive the fruit of this promise. I read the Book of Mormon in all earnestness, knowing that I would get an answer (yes or no). One day, I received the testimony to the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, and that Joseph Smith really was a prophet of God, as are the prophets after him. That was all I needed to know because that is the core of the restored Church. I did not receive a testimony that everything anyone ever said or did in the Church was inspired truth. All I needed to know was the two important facts that were testified to me. This one experience has been the foundation for me to stand with the Church. To see that the Lord has put all of this in the hands of imperfect human beings is awesome, and has helped me understand that His trust needs to be honored by doing our best for Him.
From age 7, I grew up in this neighborhood and ward. The ward boundaries and names changed every once in a while, but the neighbors were always the same! There are several people presently in the ward with whom I have associated for many of those years. My current visiting teaching partner, Ruby Kidd, was raising a young family back then, and when I was a teenager, I used to baby sit for Marva Marx. One of our great ward families was the Gudmundsens, whose youngest daughter was an adorable little thing (and is now the fabulous Patricia Wilson). When I married, we moved away, but years later found ourselves back in the same neighborhood. I could go on and on with this subject, as I have very fond memories of growing up here.
I’ve always had a broad field of interests, which has never changed throughout my life. My spare time activities often involve things like sewing, making family films and DVDs, photography, word puzzles, cooking, reading, and checking out the latest pictures from the Hubble telescope. I have had a lot of ideas for “that book I am going to write someday”. Maybe I’ll surprise myself and actually do it.
My four children are terrific people and I find joy in their association, and with my fabulous grandchildren. The time I spend with them is all gain for me.
The first official church calling I received came when I was 15 years old. I was asked to play the organ in Sunday School (that was long before the 3 hr. block). I’ll never forget that experience, as the deacons decided to play a big joke on me. Let’s just say my initiation into that calling was somewhat embarrassing.
That was the start of a stream of continuous callings, which have always been various, rewarding and usually great fun! The people I have worked with, and the experiences we have shared have certainly added to the quality of my life, to my testimony of the Godhead. Throughout my life I have developed a firm conviction that the children of God are His greatest creations, and working side by side with them is an education.
As it must be with everyone, it is very difficult, if not impossible to try to put my life, experiences, feelings, thoughts, and all that is me in a capsule. Maybe I can just say this……
I talk too much and make a lot of mistakes. I feel deeply about life, this earth and all it holds, and the heavens from which I came. I tend to study people and find them very interesting and inspirational. My heart holds a deep respect for who are generous, kind and brave. I know that we are part of a great plan and that there is a Heavenly Father who blesses me more than I expect or deserve. I like to look at, and study what is around me with the naked eye, and through a camera lens. I think that I will never stop being amazed!
Scripture Thought
Moroni 10:4,5.
4. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask of God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye many know the truth of all things.
As a teenager, I decided to find out for myself if I could be given a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. From my own experience, I knew that God existed, but I didn’t have any real knowledge as far as the Church was concerned. It didn’t matter too much at the time because I wasn’t sure that a person needed to know if they had proper faith. Also, the teachings of the book were the excellent teachings of the Savior.
However, in my mid twenties, a concern about the real truth of things troubled me. As I was aware of the promise of Moroni 10:3, 4 and 5, I decided to put it to a test. Faith is a very literal exercise for me and that is what I had to put forth to receive the fruit of this promise. I read the Book of Mormon in all earnestness, knowing that I would get an answer (yes or no). One day, I received the testimony to the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, and that Joseph Smith really was a prophet of God, as are the prophets after him. That was all I needed to know because that is the core of the restored Church. I did not receive a testimony that everything anyone ever said or did in the Church was inspired truth. All I needed to know was the two important facts that were testified to me. This one experience has been the foundation for me to stand with the Church. To see that the Lord has put all of this in the hands of imperfect human beings is awesome, and has helped me understand that His trust needs to be honored by doing our best for Him.
Some more May Recipes
For a breakfast for Mother's Day
How To Make French Toast
Cooking and mother are synonymous to each other. It is a known fact that most moms spend a major portion of each day in the kitchen preparing delicacies for their family and children. This Mother's Day, give your mom a respite from the daily chores of cooking. You can don the chef caps, while your mom takes a day off from kitchen. Well, if you are wondering what to prepare for breakfast or brunch, you can resort to French toast. A hot favorite option, it not only tastes delicious, but is sure to appeal to the taste buds of your mom. To know more about the varied French toast recipe, browse through the following lines.
How To Make French Toast
French Toast
Ingredients:
4 Eggs
2 ½ tbsp Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Whole milk
1/4 teaspoon Vanilla extract
12 Thick slices of bread Butter
Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
The first step would be to beat eggs, sugar, salt, milk and vanilla in a shallow dish.
Once the mixture has been prepared, soak the bread in it.
Now, heat butter over medium high heat in a pan.
Bake each slice of bread in the pan until it turns slightly brown on each side.
The last step would be to sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired and your French toast is ready to be served.
Pecan French Toast
Ingredients:
4 Eggs
2/3 cup Orange Juice
1/3 cup Milk
1/4 cup White Sugar
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 (1 pound) Loaf Italian Bread, cut into 1 inch slices
1/3 cup Butter, melted
1/2 cup Pecans, chopped
2 tbsp Orange Zest, grated
Instructions
The first step would be to mix beat together eggs, orange juice, milk, sugar, nutmeg and vanilla extract, in a large bowl.
In a baking pan, place bread slices on the bottom. Then, pour the above mixture over the bread pieces. Cover the pan and refrigerate overnight, turning once in between.
In the morning, preheat the oven at about 350 degrees F.
Now, coat a pan with melted butter. The next step would be to arrange the soaked bread pieces over the pan. Once you have arranged the bread slices, sprinkle some orange peel and pecans.
Bake the bread slices until they turn golden brown.
Baked French Toast
Ingredients:
1 (1 pound) Loaf French Bread, cut diagonally in 1 inch slices
8 Eggs
2 cups Milk
1 1/2 cups Half-and-Half Cream
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
3/4 cup Butter
1 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
3 tbsp Light Corn Syrup
Instructions
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, arrange the bread slices in the bottom.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla and cinnamon.
Once the mixture has been made, pour it over the bread slices, cover, and refrigerate it overnight.
Next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In the mean time, prepare butter, brown sugar and corn syrup mixture. Take all the three ingredients in a small saucepan and heat it until bubbling.
Pour the mixture over the bread and egg mixture and bake it for about 40 minutes. The Baked French Toast is ready to serve!!
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cups chopped broccoli
1 1/2 cups sliced onion
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
4 garlic cloves, minced
12 ounces sirloin tips, cut crosswise into thin strips
3 tablespoons beef broth
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1. Stir the spaghetti into a pot of lightly salted boiling water and cook it according to the package directions. Drain the noodles well, then return them to the pot and toss them with the sesame oil.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and onion and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and continue stirring while the mixture cooks for another 30 seconds. Add the sirloin and cook it, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until it is no longer pink.
3. In a small bowl, mix the broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and oyster sauce. Add the soy sauce mixture and the pasta to the skillet and continue cooking, stirring often, for 1 to 2 minutes or until everything is heated through. Serve the lo mein hot. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
For Cinco de Mayo
Fabulous Fajitas
Wedges of onion and colorful bell pepper sauteed with chicken and mushrooms make this Mexican dish a true standout. A simple seasoning of Italian dressing mix simplifies preparation. Wrap in tortillas or pita and garnish with tomatoes and lettuce.
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients
2 green bell peppers, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms
2 cups diced, cooked chicken meat
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
10 (12 inch) flour tortillas
Directions
Cut peppers and onion into thin slices. Do not dice, leave slices long and thin.
Saute peppers and onion in a small amount of oil until tender. Add mushrooms and chicken. Continue to cook on low heat until heated through. Stir in dry salad dressing mix and blend thoroughly.
Warm tortillas and roll mixture inside. If desired top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomato and shredded lettuce.
Grilled Picnic Taco Nachos
5 coups tortilla chips 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained, rinsed and mashed
1 can chopped green chiles 2 tsp taco seasoning mix
2 tomatoes, chopped 2 medium green onions, sliced
2 cups finely shredded cheese
Heat gas or charcoal grill. Spray 12 X 18 inch foil pan with cooking spray. Spread tortilla chips in pan.
In medium bowl, mix beans, chiles and taco seasoning mix; spoon with cheese. Cover pan with foil.
Place foil pan on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Carefully remove foil.
How To Make French Toast
Cooking and mother are synonymous to each other. It is a known fact that most moms spend a major portion of each day in the kitchen preparing delicacies for their family and children. This Mother's Day, give your mom a respite from the daily chores of cooking. You can don the chef caps, while your mom takes a day off from kitchen. Well, if you are wondering what to prepare for breakfast or brunch, you can resort to French toast. A hot favorite option, it not only tastes delicious, but is sure to appeal to the taste buds of your mom. To know more about the varied French toast recipe, browse through the following lines.
How To Make French Toast
French Toast
Ingredients:
4 Eggs
2 ½ tbsp Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Whole milk
1/4 teaspoon Vanilla extract
12 Thick slices of bread Butter
Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
The first step would be to beat eggs, sugar, salt, milk and vanilla in a shallow dish.
Once the mixture has been prepared, soak the bread in it.
Now, heat butter over medium high heat in a pan.
Bake each slice of bread in the pan until it turns slightly brown on each side.
The last step would be to sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired and your French toast is ready to be served.
Pecan French Toast
Ingredients:
4 Eggs
2/3 cup Orange Juice
1/3 cup Milk
1/4 cup White Sugar
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 (1 pound) Loaf Italian Bread, cut into 1 inch slices
1/3 cup Butter, melted
1/2 cup Pecans, chopped
2 tbsp Orange Zest, grated
Instructions
The first step would be to mix beat together eggs, orange juice, milk, sugar, nutmeg and vanilla extract, in a large bowl.
In a baking pan, place bread slices on the bottom. Then, pour the above mixture over the bread pieces. Cover the pan and refrigerate overnight, turning once in between.
In the morning, preheat the oven at about 350 degrees F.
Now, coat a pan with melted butter. The next step would be to arrange the soaked bread pieces over the pan. Once you have arranged the bread slices, sprinkle some orange peel and pecans.
Bake the bread slices until they turn golden brown.
Baked French Toast
Ingredients:
1 (1 pound) Loaf French Bread, cut diagonally in 1 inch slices
8 Eggs
2 cups Milk
1 1/2 cups Half-and-Half Cream
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
3/4 cup Butter
1 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
3 tbsp Light Corn Syrup
Instructions
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, arrange the bread slices in the bottom.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla and cinnamon.
Once the mixture has been made, pour it over the bread slices, cover, and refrigerate it overnight.
Next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In the mean time, prepare butter, brown sugar and corn syrup mixture. Take all the three ingredients in a small saucepan and heat it until bubbling.
Pour the mixture over the bread and egg mixture and bake it for about 40 minutes. The Baked French Toast is ready to serve!!
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cups chopped broccoli
1 1/2 cups sliced onion
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
4 garlic cloves, minced
12 ounces sirloin tips, cut crosswise into thin strips
3 tablespoons beef broth
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1. Stir the spaghetti into a pot of lightly salted boiling water and cook it according to the package directions. Drain the noodles well, then return them to the pot and toss them with the sesame oil.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and onion and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and continue stirring while the mixture cooks for another 30 seconds. Add the sirloin and cook it, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until it is no longer pink.
3. In a small bowl, mix the broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and oyster sauce. Add the soy sauce mixture and the pasta to the skillet and continue cooking, stirring often, for 1 to 2 minutes or until everything is heated through. Serve the lo mein hot. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
For Cinco de Mayo
Fabulous Fajitas
Wedges of onion and colorful bell pepper sauteed with chicken and mushrooms make this Mexican dish a true standout. A simple seasoning of Italian dressing mix simplifies preparation. Wrap in tortillas or pita and garnish with tomatoes and lettuce.
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients
2 green bell peppers, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms
2 cups diced, cooked chicken meat
1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
10 (12 inch) flour tortillas
Directions
Cut peppers and onion into thin slices. Do not dice, leave slices long and thin.
Saute peppers and onion in a small amount of oil until tender. Add mushrooms and chicken. Continue to cook on low heat until heated through. Stir in dry salad dressing mix and blend thoroughly.
Warm tortillas and roll mixture inside. If desired top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomato and shredded lettuce.
Grilled Picnic Taco Nachos
5 coups tortilla chips 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained, rinsed and mashed
1 can chopped green chiles 2 tsp taco seasoning mix
2 tomatoes, chopped 2 medium green onions, sliced
2 cups finely shredded cheese
Heat gas or charcoal grill. Spray 12 X 18 inch foil pan with cooking spray. Spread tortilla chips in pan.
In medium bowl, mix beans, chiles and taco seasoning mix; spoon with cheese. Cover pan with foil.
Place foil pan on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Carefully remove foil.
Tips with Ketchup and vinegar
By Brian Clark Howard
Now that you know ketchup can be used for shining copper and repairing hair, or that vodka can be used to repel insects and freshen laundry, you may have been wondering what tasks you can get done for cheap with other household items. Since May is National Vinegar Month (did you forget??), we thought we'd take a closer look at this inexpensive, versatile good.
According to the Vinegar Institute, the useful stuff was probably discovered by accident (most wine drinkers know what happens when you leave a bottle sitting around too long). In fact the word vinegar comes from a French translation for "sour wine." Over the centuries vinegar has been produced from many stocks, including molasses, dates, sorghum, fruits, coconut, honey, beer, maple syrup, potatoes, beets, grains and more. But the principle is the same: you get acetic acid (a.k.a. vinegar) after first fermenting natural sugars to alcohol, and then fermenting again.
As Michael de Jong, TDG's Zen Cleaner and author of the Clean series of books, points out, vinegar has been pressed into service for many uses over the centuries. It has been prized as a foodstuff, condiment, preservative and natural remedy.
What's so great about vinegar? Besides being effective, vinegar is cheap and widely available. It is non-toxic and lasts for a very long time without losing strength. It does not pollute land, air or water or combust. It's much safer to have under your sink than bleach, ammonia or other toxic cleaning products. Many folks also swear by the benefits of apple cider vinegar.
In the spirit of green cleaning, green thrift and green creativity, we put together this list of alternative uses for vinegar. Add your own in the comments!
1. Clean Windows
Instead of spending money on window cleaning chemicals -- especially ones that include toxic or potentially toxic chemicals -- make your own! Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a used spray bottle. Squirt on, then scrub with newspaper, not paper towels, which cause streaking.
Gerville Hall/Istock
2. Get Spring Fresh Laundry
Got grass stains? No problemo, says Michael de Jong. Make a mixture of one-third cup white vinegar and two-thirds cup water. Apply the solution to the stain and blot with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until you've removed as much green as possible, and then launder as usual.
When your big washing day comes around, toss in a capful of white vinegar. Your colors will come out bolder and your whites whiter. If you've recently had an encounter with a skunk, it will take more than a capful.
After washing, get a sharper crease in pants by dipping the cloth in a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Then wring out the cloth and press the creases. Now you look like Dilbert!
3. Clean Carpets
According to this TDG community member:
"Spots in carpets often remove with a simple dilution of one part vinegar, one-sixteenth part lemon juice and eight parts distilled water."
Thanks for the tip!
4. Wash Produce
According to the green team at Ideal Bite, vinegar can help remove bacteria and pesticide residues from fruits and veggies. Mix three parts water to one part white vinegar, and dispense in a spray bottle. Then rinse with water. The site claims the wash kills 98% of bacteria on produce.
Luca di Filippo/Istock
5. Break Bad Bonds
Having trouble getting that annoying sticky label residue off a product? Or accidentally glue something together? Vinegar can be used as a solvent to dissolve many common adhesives. Vinegar is also good at cutting grease.
6. Fight Hiccups and Cramps
If you often get foot or leg cramps in the middle of the night, you may want to try boosting your potassium levels. There are a number of great superfoods rich in potassium (way beyond bananas). Some folks have also suggested trying this remedy: Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of honey and a cup of hot water. Then drink before bed. Yummy!
Some have also said they were able to cure pesky hiccups instantly by swallowing a teaspoon of vinegar. Hey, if the Roman legions drank it, it must be good for you!
7. Deter Cats
We love cats here at TDG (even LOLcats!). But sometimes you don't want them doing their business in the kids' sandbox. Or in your flower bed. According to HomeEnvy, a simple solution is to pour vinegar around the edges of the area you want to protect every few months.
9 Uses for Ketchup That May Surprise You
Photo: Craig Veltri/ Istock
By Brian Clark Howard
Whether you enjoy ketchup with fries or -- like some Americans -- a few fries with a boatload of ketchup, there's no denying the ubiquity and popularity of the distinctive red condiment. Ketchup has been satirized, politicized (W Ketchup anyone?) and considered for reclassification as a vegetable. Many folks can't even agree how it should be spelled (catsup or catchup perhaps?).
We're guessing we're not the only ones who squirrel away unused packets of ketchup in desks and cabinets after a quick meal on the go. (Or who have aging, half-empty bottles of the stuff crammed in the back of the fridge.) And since we hate to waste things here at The Daily Green, we got to thinking about ways to creatively reuse extra ketchup -- we mean besides the obvious choices of making recession ketchup "pizza" or "spaghetti." Shudder…
By the way, wonder what's in ketchup? Typically tomato concentrate (duh), the ubiquitous corn syrup or another sweetener, vinegar, salt, spice and herb extracts (including celery), spice and garlic powder. Some brands also include allspice, cloves, cinnamon, onion and other vegetables.
Perhaps not surprisingly given the condiment's popularity, ketchup is now available in organic formulations, including from industry leader Heinz. A recent study at the Agricultural Research Service in Albany, California found that organic ketchups tested had more lycopenes than conventional brands. Lycopenes are thought to offer cancer prevention properties.
There also are a number of brands available without corn syrup, such as Nature’s Hollow Sugar Free Ketchup, sweetened with the birch tree extract xylitol.
Another drawback of ketchup is that it usually contains a large amount of salt, a concern since our diet contains 43-74% too much of the stuff, according to the FDA. In fact one tablespoon of ketchup can contain up to 190 milligrams of sodium, and many of us use more than that in a sitting. There are low-sodium versions from Hunt's and others, and organic brands often have a bit less. Note that Worcestershire, barbecue and cocktail sauces typically have even more salt than ketchup.
So check out these great alternative uses for ketchup, which will save you money and time:
1. Shine Your Copper
Whether you have copper-bottomed cooking pans, architectural detailing or shiny knick-knacks, forget mucking about with costly and potentially toxic metal polish pastes. Why not use some of those old ketchup packets stashed away in your kitchen drawers?
Here's a very simple recipe from Michael de Jong, TDG's Zen Cleaner and author of the Clean series of simple living books:
Massage ketchup over the copper and watch it dissolve the tarnish away (thanks to the acid). In the event that you have stubborn spots, add a pinch of table salt while you polish.
2. Get Those Auto Parts Gleaming
According to The Cymbal Book by Hugo Pinksterboer, some folks have seen decent results getting their cars to shine by rubbing with ketchup. The book notes that the condiment does a good job cutting tarnish, but not so well in removing dirt. Sounds like you may need a multi-step process, with some soap and water as well.
Give it a try and let us know if it works for you.
3. Fight Skunk Odors
If you've lived in a rural or even suburban part of North America, chances are you may have had a run-in with a skunk one night or evening. Or perhaps your dog has. Although some experts have cautioned that the technique may not actually work well (beyond a masking sensation), many people still swear by tomato juice as a way to remove potent skunk odor. Michael de Jong points out that in the event you don't have any tomato juice on hand you can try using plain ketchup instead.
4. Get Back Prettier Hair from Chlorine Damage
According to de Jong, ketchup can also be used to correct limey-hair-highlights-gone-green, which can sometimes occur from exposure to chlorine found in swimming pools (another good reason to check out natural pools as a refreshing alternative).
How? Restore your normal hair color -- or at least the one you paid dearly for -- by applying full strength ketchup to your hair. Smoosh it in, let it linger for about 20 minutes and then wash it out thoroughly.
5. Fake Blood/Battles
As any elementary school jokester knows, ketchup makes great (albeit messy) fake blood. This goes for lunchroom antics as well as Halloween parties. Of course, we recommend you exercise a lot of caution with this one, since it's not much of a win for you or the planet if you have to try to launder away tough stains.
Also, we wouldn't really recommend random ketchup attacks on transit riders, or assaults on estranged family...although we suppose those technically are reuses.
Unusual Uses for Ketchup Packets
About those packets we mentioned...they pile up across America by the millions, as hurried diners and service staff often grab huge handfuls, only to end up using a few. Since we don't like to see things go to waste, here's some ideas to get at least one more use out of them:
6. Soothe Wounds
Lisa posted over on Seacoast Online that she freezes leftover ketchup and soy sauce packets to use on her children's "small booboos and bumps." She claims, "The kids LOVE them." Apparently even the mere appearance of the packets often makes their hurts go away.
We just hope they don't discover the "art" of ketchup packet fights.
7. Use Them for Target Practice
Speaking of that, a couple of chums over at Cockeyed went to some trouble to make an elaborate Ketchup Packet Bear, out of chicken wire, paper, plastic and sealed condiments. I'll let them tell the story:
"The sauce packet bear emerged from a discovery that ketchup packets burst open when you hit them with a BB gun. Leif and I shot a few in the kitchen one night. I got a remarkable bloody mess. I was intrigued, and set about designing a better bleeding target."
Click on the link above to see how their little experiment panned out (hint: it ends with a bonfire).
8. Speed Painting
Need to indulge your creative side? Why not try speed painting? This took 10 ketchup packets and 50 minutes, sped up into four minutes for our viewing pleasure. See who's face emerged? Nice job Eclectic Asylum!
Now that you know ketchup can be used for shining copper and repairing hair, or that vodka can be used to repel insects and freshen laundry, you may have been wondering what tasks you can get done for cheap with other household items. Since May is National Vinegar Month (did you forget??), we thought we'd take a closer look at this inexpensive, versatile good.
According to the Vinegar Institute, the useful stuff was probably discovered by accident (most wine drinkers know what happens when you leave a bottle sitting around too long). In fact the word vinegar comes from a French translation for "sour wine." Over the centuries vinegar has been produced from many stocks, including molasses, dates, sorghum, fruits, coconut, honey, beer, maple syrup, potatoes, beets, grains and more. But the principle is the same: you get acetic acid (a.k.a. vinegar) after first fermenting natural sugars to alcohol, and then fermenting again.
As Michael de Jong, TDG's Zen Cleaner and author of the Clean series of books, points out, vinegar has been pressed into service for many uses over the centuries. It has been prized as a foodstuff, condiment, preservative and natural remedy.
What's so great about vinegar? Besides being effective, vinegar is cheap and widely available. It is non-toxic and lasts for a very long time without losing strength. It does not pollute land, air or water or combust. It's much safer to have under your sink than bleach, ammonia or other toxic cleaning products. Many folks also swear by the benefits of apple cider vinegar.
In the spirit of green cleaning, green thrift and green creativity, we put together this list of alternative uses for vinegar. Add your own in the comments!
1. Clean Windows
Instead of spending money on window cleaning chemicals -- especially ones that include toxic or potentially toxic chemicals -- make your own! Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a used spray bottle. Squirt on, then scrub with newspaper, not paper towels, which cause streaking.
Gerville Hall/Istock
2. Get Spring Fresh Laundry
Got grass stains? No problemo, says Michael de Jong. Make a mixture of one-third cup white vinegar and two-thirds cup water. Apply the solution to the stain and blot with a clean cloth. Repeat this process until you've removed as much green as possible, and then launder as usual.
When your big washing day comes around, toss in a capful of white vinegar. Your colors will come out bolder and your whites whiter. If you've recently had an encounter with a skunk, it will take more than a capful.
After washing, get a sharper crease in pants by dipping the cloth in a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Then wring out the cloth and press the creases. Now you look like Dilbert!
3. Clean Carpets
According to this TDG community member:
"Spots in carpets often remove with a simple dilution of one part vinegar, one-sixteenth part lemon juice and eight parts distilled water."
Thanks for the tip!
4. Wash Produce
According to the green team at Ideal Bite, vinegar can help remove bacteria and pesticide residues from fruits and veggies. Mix three parts water to one part white vinegar, and dispense in a spray bottle. Then rinse with water. The site claims the wash kills 98% of bacteria on produce.
Luca di Filippo/Istock
5. Break Bad Bonds
Having trouble getting that annoying sticky label residue off a product? Or accidentally glue something together? Vinegar can be used as a solvent to dissolve many common adhesives. Vinegar is also good at cutting grease.
6. Fight Hiccups and Cramps
If you often get foot or leg cramps in the middle of the night, you may want to try boosting your potassium levels. There are a number of great superfoods rich in potassium (way beyond bananas). Some folks have also suggested trying this remedy: Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of honey and a cup of hot water. Then drink before bed. Yummy!
Some have also said they were able to cure pesky hiccups instantly by swallowing a teaspoon of vinegar. Hey, if the Roman legions drank it, it must be good for you!
7. Deter Cats
We love cats here at TDG (even LOLcats!). But sometimes you don't want them doing their business in the kids' sandbox. Or in your flower bed. According to HomeEnvy, a simple solution is to pour vinegar around the edges of the area you want to protect every few months.
9 Uses for Ketchup That May Surprise You
Photo: Craig Veltri/ Istock
By Brian Clark Howard
Whether you enjoy ketchup with fries or -- like some Americans -- a few fries with a boatload of ketchup, there's no denying the ubiquity and popularity of the distinctive red condiment. Ketchup has been satirized, politicized (W Ketchup anyone?) and considered for reclassification as a vegetable. Many folks can't even agree how it should be spelled (catsup or catchup perhaps?).
We're guessing we're not the only ones who squirrel away unused packets of ketchup in desks and cabinets after a quick meal on the go. (Or who have aging, half-empty bottles of the stuff crammed in the back of the fridge.) And since we hate to waste things here at The Daily Green, we got to thinking about ways to creatively reuse extra ketchup -- we mean besides the obvious choices of making recession ketchup "pizza" or "spaghetti." Shudder…
By the way, wonder what's in ketchup? Typically tomato concentrate (duh), the ubiquitous corn syrup or another sweetener, vinegar, salt, spice and herb extracts (including celery), spice and garlic powder. Some brands also include allspice, cloves, cinnamon, onion and other vegetables.
Perhaps not surprisingly given the condiment's popularity, ketchup is now available in organic formulations, including from industry leader Heinz. A recent study at the Agricultural Research Service in Albany, California found that organic ketchups tested had more lycopenes than conventional brands. Lycopenes are thought to offer cancer prevention properties.
There also are a number of brands available without corn syrup, such as Nature’s Hollow Sugar Free Ketchup, sweetened with the birch tree extract xylitol.
Another drawback of ketchup is that it usually contains a large amount of salt, a concern since our diet contains 43-74% too much of the stuff, according to the FDA. In fact one tablespoon of ketchup can contain up to 190 milligrams of sodium, and many of us use more than that in a sitting. There are low-sodium versions from Hunt's and others, and organic brands often have a bit less. Note that Worcestershire, barbecue and cocktail sauces typically have even more salt than ketchup.
So check out these great alternative uses for ketchup, which will save you money and time:
1. Shine Your Copper
Whether you have copper-bottomed cooking pans, architectural detailing or shiny knick-knacks, forget mucking about with costly and potentially toxic metal polish pastes. Why not use some of those old ketchup packets stashed away in your kitchen drawers?
Here's a very simple recipe from Michael de Jong, TDG's Zen Cleaner and author of the Clean series of simple living books:
Massage ketchup over the copper and watch it dissolve the tarnish away (thanks to the acid). In the event that you have stubborn spots, add a pinch of table salt while you polish.
2. Get Those Auto Parts Gleaming
According to The Cymbal Book by Hugo Pinksterboer, some folks have seen decent results getting their cars to shine by rubbing with ketchup. The book notes that the condiment does a good job cutting tarnish, but not so well in removing dirt. Sounds like you may need a multi-step process, with some soap and water as well.
Give it a try and let us know if it works for you.
3. Fight Skunk Odors
If you've lived in a rural or even suburban part of North America, chances are you may have had a run-in with a skunk one night or evening. Or perhaps your dog has. Although some experts have cautioned that the technique may not actually work well (beyond a masking sensation), many people still swear by tomato juice as a way to remove potent skunk odor. Michael de Jong points out that in the event you don't have any tomato juice on hand you can try using plain ketchup instead.
4. Get Back Prettier Hair from Chlorine Damage
According to de Jong, ketchup can also be used to correct limey-hair-highlights-gone-green, which can sometimes occur from exposure to chlorine found in swimming pools (another good reason to check out natural pools as a refreshing alternative).
How? Restore your normal hair color -- or at least the one you paid dearly for -- by applying full strength ketchup to your hair. Smoosh it in, let it linger for about 20 minutes and then wash it out thoroughly.
5. Fake Blood/Battles
As any elementary school jokester knows, ketchup makes great (albeit messy) fake blood. This goes for lunchroom antics as well as Halloween parties. Of course, we recommend you exercise a lot of caution with this one, since it's not much of a win for you or the planet if you have to try to launder away tough stains.
Also, we wouldn't really recommend random ketchup attacks on transit riders, or assaults on estranged family...although we suppose those technically are reuses.
Unusual Uses for Ketchup Packets
About those packets we mentioned...they pile up across America by the millions, as hurried diners and service staff often grab huge handfuls, only to end up using a few. Since we don't like to see things go to waste, here's some ideas to get at least one more use out of them:
6. Soothe Wounds
Lisa posted over on Seacoast Online that she freezes leftover ketchup and soy sauce packets to use on her children's "small booboos and bumps." She claims, "The kids LOVE them." Apparently even the mere appearance of the packets often makes their hurts go away.
We just hope they don't discover the "art" of ketchup packet fights.
7. Use Them for Target Practice
Speaking of that, a couple of chums over at Cockeyed went to some trouble to make an elaborate Ketchup Packet Bear, out of chicken wire, paper, plastic and sealed condiments. I'll let them tell the story:
"The sauce packet bear emerged from a discovery that ketchup packets burst open when you hit them with a BB gun. Leif and I shot a few in the kitchen one night. I got a remarkable bloody mess. I was intrigued, and set about designing a better bleeding target."
Click on the link above to see how their little experiment panned out (hint: it ends with a bonfire).
8. Speed Painting
Need to indulge your creative side? Why not try speed painting? This took 10 ketchup packets and 50 minutes, sped up into four minutes for our viewing pleasure. See who's face emerged? Nice job Eclectic Asylum!