Dog + Skunk = Ewww and Yuk!

 Our pooch, Shadow, learned a new lesson this morning (we hope) -

"Hmmm.....those furry black and white critters that kinda look like the cat I play with sometimes, really, really stink... and then you get a fizzy bath (or six) that smells almost as bad."

I opened my eyes about 5:30 this morning and was immediately aware of the foul stench of skunk that seemed to permeate our house - eeewww! As if that wasn't bad enough...when I opened the back door and pooch came running...it was quite obvious that Shadow had an encounter with  a skunk in the back yard. I just thought the smell inside was bad...the dog smelled ten times worse than the odor in the house -yuk!

I have always heard that baking soda and vinegar would work to neutralize skunk oil and we tested that hypothesis before the sun came up this morning. First, we soaked the dog with water, then we applied the baking soda, really working it into her fur coat and down to her skin (being careful to avoid her eyes). Now its time for the vinegar.  Either white or apple cider vinegar works for this application, and yes, there is definitely a "fizzing" effect.

Let me just say there's nothing quite like a skunky, vinegar smelling, fizzy dog first thing in the morning.

We worked the fizzy lather all over her, again, being careful not to get any in her eyes, and repeated the process six times before we used the dog shampoo. Definitely did not smell very good during the process, but the end result was a success! Hope that silly dog learned something as this is not a process I would want to do again, anytime soon! Oh - the joy of pets!! Good to know it does work though!

Yet another derivation of fruit pizza...

This looks extra yummy! It seems a bit more complicated than other versions, but only because it has more ingredients and steps (less baking time though). Still looks simple enough. Bet a graham cracker crust would work also, but hey...the fiber of cereal with dessert...it's a win - win!

  Cherry Cream Pizza with Tuxedo Topping 

www.bettycrocker.com
 

Ingredients

Crust

3 cups Fiber One® original bran cereal

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

1/4cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Topping

1 package (8 oz) fat-free cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup sugar 3/4 teaspoon almond extract

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

1 1/2 oz semisweet baking chocolate, chopped (1/4 cup)

1 1/2 oz white chocolate baking bar, chopped (1/4 cup)

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 12-inch pizza pan with cooking spray. Place cereal in resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag and crush cereal with rolling pin or meat mallet (or crush in food processor). 
2. In medium bowl, mix cereal, melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar and the vanilla. Press evenly on bottom and 1/2 inch up side of pizza pan. Bake 10 minutes.
3. Just before serving, in medium bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar and the almond extract with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Spread evenly over cereal mixture. Spread with pie filling.
4. In small microwavable bowl, microwave semisweet chocolate on High about 1 minute or until chocolate can be stirred smooth. In another small bowl, repeat with white chocolate. Drizzle chocolates over filling; cool slightly. Cut into wedges.

Ruffles, Ruffles, Ruffles

 

 Ruffles are so much fun. They can add a little something special to an otherwise plain dress, tee shirt, skirt, pillow and the list goes on...limited only by one's imagination. We offer a variety of pre-made ruffles for your design whimsey at www.yoursmineandhers.com. All of our ruffles are machine washable and finished with bias binding for a unique look and durability. How would you utilize pre-made ruffles?

Homemade Modpodge

                       

I just love decoupage...there are so many crafty things you can do with this age old technique. Decoupage can be used to brighten up a jewelry box, cigar box, photo frame, flower pot, storage bin, lamp shade, bar stool, table, or any just about any other object you have around that needs a new, fresh look.

Mod Podge is great and all, but if you do lots of decoupaging it can be costly. I prefer my mom's recipe of a 50/50 mix of Elmer's glue and water. That's right...mix what you need using equal parts glue and water. Mix up what you need and store left over's in air tight container and it's ready to use for all your decoupage projects. I usually finish my projects with a spray sealer for a protective coating and a gloss or mat finish, depending on the look you prefer.

Why not turn an empty tissue box into handy storage for plastic grocery bags and with a little decoupage it will be durable and unique. The best part...it's a water based process, so it's easy clean-up. If your first try doesn't turn out...no big loss...it's just a box and some glue...and you will have gained valuable experience. The next one will be better. Give it a try...it's really very easy!!


Happy decoupaging!!

Happy 4th of July

Fourth of July Fun Facts

On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.

In July 1776, 2.5 million is the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.
Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970
<http://www2.census.gov/prod2/statcomp/documents/HistoricalStatisticsoftheUnitedStates1789-1945.pdf>

313.9 million is the nation's estimated population on this July Fourth. 

<http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html>

 

Patriotic-Sounding Place Names

Thirty-one places have “liberty” in their names. The most populous one as of April 1, 2010, was Liberty, Mo. (29,149).
Iowa, with four, has more of these places than any other state: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty and West Liberty.
Thirty-five places have “eagle” in their names. The most populous one is Eagle Pass, Texas, with a population of 26,248.
Eleven places have “independence” in their names. The most populous one is Independence, Mo., with a population of 116,830.
Nine places have “freedom” in their names. The most populous one is New Freedom, Pa., with a population of 4,464.
One place has “patriot” in its name. Patriot, Ind., has a population of 209.
Five places have “America” in their names. The most populous is American Fork, Utah, with a population of 26,263.
Source: American FactFinder <http://www.census.gov>

A Little Relief, Finally!

It has been so hot here in Oklahoma, of late. The last two weeks of June brought us our first triple digit temperatures this year. We are accustomed to 100+ temperatures by the time July roles around, but summer came early to the plains this year. The third week of June ushered in 105 degree days with the heat index hovering in the neighborhood of 111 degrees.

Having done a considerable amount of strenuous activity in the out of doors over the last couple of weeks, I am reminded of the critical importance of adequate hydration. I can't stress to my children enough how our bodies depend on water for survival. My rule of thumb is half your body weight in ounces, every day!

Every cell, tissue and organ in our body needs water to function correctly. Adequately hydrated cells are plum-like, to put it simply. Dehydrated cells become more prune-like. Prune-like cells do not function in the same manners as a plum-like cell so we experience the symptoms of pain.

Today there is growing evidence that a variety of modern health complaints can be relieved with better hydration. Some believe that joint pain, back pain, and arthritis are caused by chronic dehydration.

I like to think of water as Mother Nature's own special nectar. We know water is essential for good health and is the best option for staying hydrated...so drink-up.

Thankful that July brought with it cooler temps...only 97 degrees today. WooHoo!!!

Fruit Pizza

                        

www.bettycrocker.com

Oh my this look yummy!!

We have made sugar cookie and fruit pizza with cream cheese for years. My kids all just love it. I never have to worry about storing it, because there is never any left...we eat it up. Sugar cookie crust, spread on cream cheese and top with one can of fruit cocktail (drained), or fresh fruit if it's in season.

Leave it to Betty Crocker to come up with this new twist on one of our old favorites. I can't believe I didn't think of this. Brownie crust, cream cheese and fruit. Gonna try this tonight!

Bet I won't have to worry about storing any leftovers on this one either!

Note: This also works in a 9x13 rectangular pan and is a great take-along dessert.