A Trip to the Co-Op Health Food Store

Bars of Tea Tree Oil Soap

 

Tonight I raced home so I could change clothes, pile the family in the Pathfinder and go get my dad.

We made a dinner stop at Wendy’s.  Good stuff was had by all.

Then a super-quick stop at the co-op health food store in Goshen.  Love that place.

My tea tree oil soap is almost gone.  I use it every day on my face — prior to shaving.

The bar at the top of the photo is my current favorite brand of tea tree soap.  I happened to see the Dr. Bronner’s soap and had to get one of those bars to try too.

They both smell AMAZING.  If you’ve never smelled the earthy, almost medicinal smell of tea tree oil, they you owe it to yourself to take a whiff.  It. is. good. stuff.

I’ve been shaving since about the 7th grade.  Yeah, it’s true.  I’ve used creams, foams, soaps, you name it.

A few months ago, I was surfing this web site and found this wonderful little soap company.  Being a sucker for a good, organic product (at a discount to-boot) I ordered some.

Smart choice.  This is now my all-time favorite shaving soap.

Check out their website and make a list of the soaps and other personal-care items you might want to try.  But wait!  Don’t buy anything just yet!  I’m soon to be interviewing Alan Hicks (the man behind Eco Natural Soap) here on the blog.  He’s  a great guy.

I can’t wait to hear his story and pick his brain about all the great products he and his wife make.  I will share it all with you!

Alan has promised to give all my blog readers a special discount code.  And, get this, shipping is free.  It doesn’t get any better.

Okay, gotta run.  I have to be up at 3:45 AM tomorrow.  Matt is headed to Cedar Point for the day.  It’s the annual band trip.  All the well-behaved kids earned a trip to the amusement park.  I’m proud to say that Matt is VERY well-behaved.  (Love you dude!)

Roller coasters?  No thanks.  But I know Matt and his buddies will ride the rails until it’s time to board the buses for home!

Hope YOU’RE having a great weekend, too!

 

Busy Days and Nights Call for Make-Ahead Meals

Hotdog stew collage

 

It’s been a long time since I’ve made hotdog stew.  And while it may not sound very appetizing, it’s really quite tasty.  Matt, my soon-to-be 13 year old loves the stuff.  So tonight, after dinner, I made a big pot of Hotdog Stew.  For tomorrow night’s dinner.

We’ve had a lot going on the past few weeks.  Seems that end of the school year time is ultra-hectic.

Make-ahead dinners are a very good thing.

Tomato-based recipes are ALWAYS better the next day anyhow.  Can you say pasta casseroles and chili?

To help you with a possible crazy week, I’m sharing the recipe with you.

 Hotdog Stew

  • 1 46oz. can of vegetable juice (like V8)
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Onion flakes (or a small-medium onion, diced)
  • 1 green pepper (diced).  I cheated and used about 3/4 cup of frozen, chopped peppers
  • 1-1/2 to 2 tablespoons beef bullion (or 2 cubes)*
  • 1/2 – 3/4 cup diced or sliced (like coins) carrots
  • 2 teaspoons dried Oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon of Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of Salt (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon of Black Pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of Parsley Flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon of Celery Seed
  • 1 pkg hot dogs (cut into coins)
  • 1 cup frozen (or canned) peas

Pour vegetable juice into large stock pot or Dutch oven.

Over medium-high heat, add all other ingredients (EXCEPT FOR THE PEAS) and bring to a light boil, stirring frequently to keep the juice from scorching.

When the carrots are almost done, add the peas.  Simmer until peas are cooked.

You can enjoy the stew while it’s hot.  However, this recipe is MUCH better the next day.  Allow the stew to cool slightly, place in a covered container and refrigerate.

Re-heat and enjoy!

Let me know what you think.

*I use Watkins Beef Soup and Gravy Base.  It is way better than the other brand.  My wife and I are Watkins Associates.  Drop me a line and I’ll send you a free catalog.

 

 

 

Get Ready to Craft! Memorial Day Projects on the Way!

geranium in pot

  In preparation of Memorial Day (May 27), we're gearing up for some quick and easy craft projects. My son Matt is going to be helping out with craft projects this summer.  Once school is out, he's going to be my official "assistant".  … [Continue reading]

Back on the Paleo Plan

paleo breakfast salad final

I’m overweight. There.  I said it.  No sense trying to skirt around the issue. I’m fifty-one years old.  My thyroid has been broken for many, many years.  (I take medicine, don’t worry.) I have a beer belly.   But I don’t drink … [Continue reading]

How a Laundry Basket Saved my Marriage

laundry basket

  On the “Great Husband” scale of one to ten, I’m certainly not a ten.  But I’m pretty sure I’m far from a one.  I should check with my wife.  Or not. In my mind, I’m maybe a six or seven.  Some days I might even make it to … [Continue reading]

A Tribute to my Mom

Mother's Day Quote

It's a special day for moms. And I really want to stay positive today.  But my heart is still broken over the tragic, unexpected, death of my mother -- eighteen years ago. It is sad when your mom passes just two months after your first-born … [Continue reading]

Mother’s Day — Some Food for Thought and Thoughts on Food!

Florentine Egg Muffins550

  Sunday is Mother’s Day.   Today is Saturday.  Doing the math, that only gives you a few hours to get something nice for your mom.   And for the dads out there:  You need to move quickly if you’re going to find a gift … [Continue reading]

Mother’s Day Flowers – Part One

A trip to the greenhouse

Early last Saturday morning, we ventured out to get started on our annual flower purchases. With Mother's Day rapidly approaching, we knew that the longer we waited, the skimpier the selection would be. I am happy to report that we did very … [Continue reading]

A Few of My Favorite Things

A Few of My Favorite Things

Warning!  Big photos ahead. Here are a few of my favorite things:   Picking out tomato plants with Matt.  He's my official garden helper! Country Living Magazine.  I've been a subscriber for many, many years. Homemade (of … [Continue reading]

Newsflash: Nate Turns 18!

Nate's 18th birthday cake

  Nate celebrated his 18th birthday on May 1st. So hard to believe that he's really 18.  I mean honestly.  Where did the time go? Such a silly question, isn't it? My wife is busy finishing up Nate's scrapbook so it's ready to be … [Continue reading]