12/9/03 TOO BUSY, ABERCROMBIE & FITCH INFO, GIFT AND RECIPE IDEAS
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for YOU with LOVE by Lois Breneman
12/9/03 TOO BUSY, ABERCROMBIE & FITCH INFO, GIFT AND RECIPE IDEAS
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CONTENTS:
TOO BUSY FOR CHRISTMAS
WHOEVER STARTED CHRISTMAS?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH
MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS
GIFT AND RECIPE IDEAS
PRETZEL WREATH
HERB SACHETS
SCENTED SACHET CIRCLES
BUTTON EARRINGS
GLASS BEAD BRACELETS
PRETTY GIFT BOXES
BATH BALLS
PINECONE FIRE STARTERS
TEACUP CANDLES
HEATING PAD OR FOOT WARMER
HOT PADS WITH AROMA
SPICY POTPOURRI
FRAGRANT SOAP BALLS
BEANBAGS
SCOOPS OF HUGS AND KISSES
CANDY TRAIN ENGINE
A SECOND CHANCE FOR QUILTS AND CHANDELIERS
DOG BISCUIT MIX IN A JAR
GOURMET BUTTER BLENDS
NO CRUST QUICHE
HOLIDAY BREAD RING
CHEESE KRISPIES
STUFFED DATES
COCONUT BANANA BITES
TOO BUSY FOR CHRISTMAS
By Rachel Greenawalt Keller, a Heart to Heart friend in Virginia
The innkeeper was too busy
to welcome the newborn king.
He missed the very first Christmas
wrapped up in other things.
King Herod missed the first Christmas--
too afraid of the little child.
He sought to destroy the Son of God--
this child so meek and mild.
The chief priests and scribes missed His birth,
although they knew He'd come
Their religion was their stumbling block;
they missed God's only Son.
Many missed that first Christmas--
the birth of God's holy Son.
Busy with so many things,
they knew not of that One.
Too busy for the Lord above?
Oh, may it never be!
Will you miss the joy of Christmas?
Open your heart to see.
Don't miss this blessed Christmas day
wrapped up in petty things.
Take time to remember the birth of Christ;
make Him your Lord and King.
Written December 10, 2000
Copyright Rachel Greenawalt Keller
Rachel's Writings http://www.rachelkeller.com
WHOEVER STARTED CHRISTMAS?
Contributed by Barb Campbell of Mississippi
A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable. And after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.
She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.
Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."
From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry we already crucified Him."
Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH
Information from BreakPoint with Charles Colson ~ Commentary #031208 12/08/2003
Go to http://www.breakpoint.org and click on Commentaries to read the article, Abercrombie and Flinch, about how Abercrombie and Fitch has been receiving three hundred calls per hour from angry citizens about its catalog exposing kids to porn. Dr. James Dobson, Marlin Maddoux, Charles Colston and others have been alerting parents to boycott Abercrombie and Fitch as well as return items already purchased there, because of their greed for money at the expense of our future children and grandchildren. The boycott has worked for now, but they are not really planning to change. Abercrombie says the spring issue of the quarterly will hit the stores in January, and it will be just like it has always been. If so, pro-family groups will need to continue this boycott, because this is a fight we must win.
Call BreakPoint 1-877-322-5527 to request the fact sheet "How to Keep Your Kids 'Unbranded.' Ask what you can do in this boycott. Christians are called to be salt and lightand that includes protecting kids from sexual sewage and lifestyle advice that would destroy them.
TAKE ACTION: Contact Abercrombie & Fitch and let them know how you feel about their pornographic quarterly publication being available to children and teens or anyone: Michael Jeffries, CEO, Abercrombie & Fitch, 6301 Fitch Path, New Albany, OH 43054; Phone 614-283-6500.
Be aware of where your teens shop and let them know about this companys objectives.
Watch SCARBOROUGH COUNTRY on Wednesday night, December 10 at 10 PM Eastern Time on MSNBC. Dr. James Dobson said Joe Scarbororough has invited him to be on the program for the entire hour! It is almost unheard of for him to have only one guest! Watch and pray for Dr. Dobson and call in with a question or comment.
In November my husband and I had the privilege of touring Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, in combination with visiting our son, as well as other family and friends in Colorado. A friend from my home church in York, Pennsylvania, along with his wife, work at Focus. Since he works in broadcasting, he took us on a behind-the-scenes tour of broadcasting, which was very interesting. He let us know that Joe Scarbororough would be interviewing Dr. Dobson that afternoon and we would be welcome to sit in the gallery and watch. We did, and since it wasnt information given on the regular tour, we were the only ones in the gallery. When Dr. Dobson entered the studio, he looked at us and said Hi with a smile and waved. Later he asked us if we could hear. We couldnt so he made sure that we could. When it was over, he waved at us again. It was great seeing my favorite radio personality in operation - one who works so hard on behalf of the Christian family! For more on Focus on the Family, go to http://www.family.org.
MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS
The Passion of Christ ~ The Rev. Billy Graham gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up to Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of Christ, based on the Bible, after a private screening with the movie star. He was moved to tears while viewing it. In my view, this is one of the few movies worth supporting. ~ Lois
Frozen Bubbles ~ On a cold and humid day or even at night, have your children bundle up and blow bubbles outside all around your house. There is a possibility that some bubbles may remain longer than you expect in the form of frozen glass-like bubbles if it is freezing and very humid. Try it, but dont tell you children that they may be there in the morning. If there are, let it be a big surprise!
Bubbles in the Bathtub ~ The bathtub is a perfect place for blowing bubbles, even in the wintertime! Our grandson loves catching them!
Babies and Music ~ Our grandson, Justin Daniel, really loves music and when his mommy and I rock him to sleep, we sing to him. Over Thanksgiving when he got sleepy, I told him to lay his head down on my shoulder, which he did right away. As I began to rock him, I didnt start singing immediately and he let me know that was the routine, by humming two different notes Hmmm, hmmm. I thought that was precious, coming from an eight month old baby! He says Da-Dee, Mama, and with his fascination of clocks, I taught him to say, tick tock over Thanksgiving. Fun! ~ Lois
Velvet Cross Ornament ~ "Last year Alice gave me a beautiful silver and blue velvet cross ornament. Morgan, who was 3 ½ reached for it on her tiptoes and said: "Nana, Jesus died on this cross for you and me." I nearly cried, but realized that her parents were already teaching her about Jesus and what He did for us. Margot" contributed by Barb Campbell in Mississippi
GIFT AND RECIPE IDEAS
PRETZEL WREATH
Use small heart-shaped pretzels to make this wreath. Arrange one layer of pretzels in a circle, touching the next one. Use a hot glue gun to glue a second layer on top of the first layer, joining the pretzels together over the middle of a pretzel on the first layer, as bricks are laid. Weave ribbon between the holes for an extra pretty look. Hang with a ribbon. This is not edible.
HERB SACHETS
Cotton fabric (4x4 squares) 1 Tbsp. crushed cloves or a few drops of oil of cloves
1 handful dried lavender flowers orange peel (chopped in food processor)
1 handful dried rosemary lemon peel (chopped in food processor)
Spread citrus peels on a tray to dry for several days, stirring occasionally. Mix herbs and dried citrus rind in a bowl. Place a small amount in the center of the fabric and tie with a ribbon. If you sew, fold over, leaving an opening. Fill with herbs and tie with a ribbon. Attach a note suggesting that the sachet be placed in a drawer or closet to add freshness and protect clothing from insects.
SCENTED SACHET CIRCLES
Cut a circle of lightweight fabric 8-10 inches in diameter. In the center of the fabric, place one of the following combinations: cotton balls with vanilla oil (or any other oil fragrance); cinnamon bark with orange peels and cloves; lavender leaves; lemon thyme and lemon verbena leaves; cotton balls with perfume. Turn under the edge ¼ as you sew a basting stitch all around the edge. Draw up tight and knot by hand. Sew on a loop of ribbon as a hanger.
BUTTON EARRINGS
Select appropriate buttons with a shank from a fabric store that would make pretty earrings. There are so many beautiful buttons that work for this project. Remove the shank with pliers. Purchase earring backs from a fabric or craft store. Glue the earring backs onto buttons with jewelry glue.
GLASS BEAD BRACELETS
Check in a craft store for glass beads to make bracelets. Cut a section of clear or black elastic longer than you think you will need, so you can tie knots when finished. Choose beads that are similar in color or a mixture of various colors, with metal separators in between. Thread glass beads and metal separators onto the strand of elastic and tie the ends with a double square knot. Trim ends of elastic.
PRETTY GIFT BOXES
Using soap boxes that bars of soap, such as Dove, come in, you can make lovely little gift boxes! Fold the top ends inside the box and tape down. Using colorful fabric scraps or wrapping paper, cover the box and glue the ends, with the seams on the sides of the box. Avoid having the seam on bottom of the box, because it wont stand up very well. Trims of lace, ribbons and beads add a special creative touch too. If you want, you can even add a ribbon or raffia handle. Even brown paper from a grocery bag that is sponge painted would make a nice gift box with a raffia handle. Tuck a small gift into the box with colorful tissue paper. This is perfect for earrings or a bracelet!
BATH BALLS
2 cups finely ground sea salt 1 tsp. Vitamin E oil
½ cup baking soda 2 eggs
½ cup cornstarch 25 drops fragrance oil
2 Tbsp. light oil
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Mix all ingredients together. Using a teaspoon of the dough, gently roll it into a 1 inch ball. Continue this method, placing balls on an ungreased cookie sheet. If desired, you can decorate balls with whole cloves or rose buds. Bake the bath balls for about 10 minutes until they are lightly browned do not over bake. Allow the balls to cool completely. To use: Drop 1 or 2 bath balls into a warm bath and allow to dissolve. Note: If you give these bath balls as a gift, be sure to list all the ingredients as well as how to use, in case of allergies.
PINECONE FIRE STARTERS
Melt paraffin or old candles in a coffee can placed in a pan of hot water on the stove. If color is needed, add old crayons. Add a few drops of scented oil to the wax cinnamon, cloves, orange. Dip each pinecone into the melted wax. You can do that by tying a candlewick or heavy crochet thread to the top of each pinecone to make it easier to dip into the melted wax. Allow the wax to harden, while holding or resting it on wax paper between dips. For gift-giving, arrange pinecones in a basket with a note of instructions: Add 2-3 pinecone fire starters to kindling wood when starting a fire in the fireplace. Light the wicks.
TEACUP CANDLES
Do you have some teacups and saucers that came with your set of dishes that you never use? Slowly pour hot melted wax into a pretty teacup with a candlewick.
HEATING PAD OR FOOT WARMER
This is great to warm cold feet when going to bed or to sooth tight muscles.
½ yard cotton flannel 4 cups uncooked white rice
1 Tbsp. whole cloves
Cut the flannel into a 14x18 rectangle. Fold with right sides together, so the rectangle measures 7x18. Sew around edges, leaving an opening for turning. Fill with rice and cloves. Hand sew the opening shut. For gift-giving, include instructions: To use as a heating pad, microwave for 1-2 minutes in High.
HOT PADS WITH AROMA
Using the directions above, make square, round or oval hot pads. When setting a hot dish on the pad, it will give off a pleasant aroma.
SPICY POTPOURRI
Peel 4 oranges and 4 lemons, leaving the white pith on the fruit. Process the pieces of rind in a food processor until quite small. Spread peel on a large tray to dry. Combine ½ whole cloves, ½ cup whole allspice, 10 broken cinnamon sticks, and 10 crumbled bay leaves. In a large bowl combine the spices with the citrus rind. For even more fragrance, add a few drops of cinnamon, orange or clove oil to perk up the potpourri. Store in airtight container. To use: Display in a pretty open dish or put 1 tablespoon of potpourri into a potpourri pot with hot water. Great fragrance! If you dont have a potpourri pot, just simmer on the stove in a small pot.
FRAGRANT SOAP BALLS
You will need: Ivory Snow Flakes ~ Perfume or scented oil ~ Food coloring
Moisten soap flakes with water to the consistency of very stiff dough. Divide into several bowls if making a large quantity, so you can make a variety of scents and colors. Shape about 2 tablespoons of mixture into balls. Place on wax paper to harden for several days, turning each day. Wrap in colorful cellophane and tie with a ribbon to give as gifts.
BEANBAGS
Children love tossing beanbags and they are so easy to make! This is a great stocking stuffer. Simply cut a circle from a scrap of pretty fabric about 4 ½ in diameter. There are also so many choices of childrens fabrics available. Sew a 1/4 seam around the edge, leaving an opening to turn the fabric and fill it with small dried beans or rice. Hand sew the opening shut.
SCOOPS OF HUGS AND KISSES
Fill washed laundry scoops with candy hugs and kisses. Wrap plastic wrap around the scoop and gather it around the handle, tying with a pretty ribbon. Attach a note saying, Hugs and Kisses from me to you!
CANDY TRAIN ENGINE
A fun favor or ornament! Glue a roll of ring-shaped candy such as Lifesavers to a wide side of a package of gum. Glue 4 round peppermint candies to the bottom against the gum pack for wheels. Make a loop of narrow ribbon and glue the ends to the top of one end of the candy roll. Glue a caramel on top of the ribbon ends for the engineers cab. To the other end of the candy roll, glue a chocolate kiss for the smoke stack and another kiss on the same end of the package of gum for a plow in front. Remove the tag from the second kiss.
A SECOND CHANCE FOR QUILTS AND CHANDELIERS
If you have old torn quilts, try making them into pillows, stuffed animals or framed artwork. Using an old or broken crystal chandelier, remove the crystal drops and turn them into lots of tree ornaments.
DOG BISCUIT MIX IN A JAR
1 cup unbleached flour ½ cup instant nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup whole wheat flour 1 tsp. brown sugar or white sugar
½ yellow cornmeal pinch of salt
½ tsp. garlic powder
Combine all ingredients. Pour into a 1 quart, wide-mouth canning jar. Close jar tightly. Tie a dog biscuit cookie cutter and instruction card around the top of the jar with a ribbon:
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place contents of jar in a medium sized bowl. Add one egg, ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ - ½ cup hot chicken broth, beef broth or very hot water. Make a very heavy, but not sticky, dough. Add more flour or water, a little at a time until the right consistency. Turn dough onto a floured table and knead 8-10 times until elastic. Let dough rest for 5 minutes before rolling dough to a thickness of ½ inch. Cut with a dog-bone shaped cutter. Place cookies close together, because they will not spread. Bake for 1 hour in the center of the oven, rotating the cookie sheet 180 degrees. Bake for another 30 minutes. Cool on the pan for a minute before transferring to a wire rack or counter top to cool completely.
GOURMET BUTTER BLENDS
For healthier butter, whirl 2 # real butter, about ¾ -1 cup olive oil and a little added salt to taste in a blender. Other blends suggested to be added to 2 sticks of real butter:
Garlic 2 tsp. paprika, ½ tsp. pepper, and 8 cloves crushed garlic.
Orange 2 tsp. grated orange peel and 2 Tbsp. orange juice.
Almond 2 Tbsp. finely chopped almonds and 1 tsp. almond extract.
Raspberry 1 cup crushed raspberries and 2 Tbsp. sugar or ½ cup raspberry jam.
Herb ¼- ½ cup chopped fresh or 1-2 Tbsp. dried herbs (basil, chives, garlic chives, thyme, oregano, tarragon, rosemary), 1 Tbsp lemon juice and ¼ tsp. salt.
Give as a gift in a teacup. These delicious blends can be refrigerated up to three weeks or frozen for several months.
NO CRUST QUICHE
2 cups grated cheese (cheddar or Swiss) 2 Tbsp. butter
1 onion, chopped 16 Ritz crackers
2 (10 oz.) cans sliced mushrooms, drained 8 eggs
Salt and pepper to taste 8-10 slices crisp bacon, optional
Saute onion and mushrooms in butter. Set aside. Crush crackers. Combine all ingredients, except mushrooms and onions, which are added at the end. Fill muffin tins ½ full or use two 9 pie pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 minutes.
HOLIDAY BREAD RING
3 cans refrigerated biscuits, cut into quarters
1 pkg. bacon, fried crisply and crumbled
1/2 cup raw onion
1/2 cup green pepper, finely chopped
1/2 cup red pepper, finely chopped
1 1/2 sticks butter, melted
3/4 cups shredded cheese
Combine all ingredients and put into a bundt pan lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Cover the top with shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.
CHEESE KRISPIES
½ cup soft butter 1 cup flour
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated 1 cup Rice Krispies
pinch of cayenne pepper
Cream butter and cheese. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well. Shape into 1 balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with fork. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. They will be more crispy if pressed thin. Makes about 3 dozen.
STUFFED DATES
You will need: bacon, dates and cheese. Cut bacon strips in half. Place on paper towels on a plate and cover with more towels. Cook a little more than halfway in microwave. Drain. Cut cheddar cheese into small lengths that will fit into the dates. Slit dates and stuff with 1 length of cheese. Wrap with ½ slice partially cooked bacon. Broil until the bacon is fully cooked.
COCONUT BANANA BITES
5 firm bananas 1 cup vanilla yogurt
2 Tbsp. lemon juice 2 cups flaked coconut, toasted
Toast coconut at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until light golden brown. This can also be done in the microwave, with stirring and watching closely. Cut bananas into 1-1 ½ pieces. Dip in lemon juice and drain on paper towels. Dip in yogurt and roll gently in coconut. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving. Serve with cocktail toothpicks. Yields approximately 30.
I will try to send one other newsletter before Christmas maybe poems and stories to enjoy with your family.
Enjoy your families and have a wonderful and blessed Christmas before we enter 2004!
Your Heart to Heart friend,
Lois
The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to bring godly and practical encouragement to women through creative ideas for the Christian family regarding homemaking, marriage, children and so much more. You may receive this bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, country and the name of the person who referred you to Lois Breneman at [email protected].