THE WESTFIELD JOURNAL

Top 7 Youth Fundraising ideas

2009-09-10T16:09:00.000-07:00

Top 7 Youth Fundraising ideas

Summary:
There is one important rule in planning a youth fundraiser, and that is to make sure that everyone has fun!

Keywords:
youth, fundraiser, fundraising, money, group, church, sport,sports, non, profit, non-profit

Article Body:
The most important rule in planning a youth fundraiser is to make sure that everybody has fun!

These ideas will work well for a youth group, a church young people's group, non-profit group or a youth sports (e.g. football, baseball) group.

Here are seven ideas to get your fundraising started:-

Sales -if you type in “youth fundraiser” on any search engine you'll find offers to sell cookie dough, pizza cards, scratch cards, candles, sports goods and plenty more. Depending on the age of the children and the type of group, the locality, consider which of these are likely to be well received in your area. Using existing contacts with family, neighbours and friends alone can be quite profitable.

Car wash - this can be a profitable way to raise funds. It will need good planning. A great free guide to organising a successful car wash event is available from www.carwashguys.com , called “How to run a successful car wash fundraiser” and is written by Lance Winslow.

Fundraising auction - clear out the garage, spring clean the house, ask for donations - and then auction!. Publicise your auction well in advance around the neighbourhood, invite friends and family, have a printed list of auction items and get someone you trust to run the actual auction itself for you.

Sponsored event - such as a walk, sleepover, or 24 hour sports event - your young people will have their own ideas as to what they'd like to do!

Photos - arrange for a photographer to come for a day or evening. Book a time slot for families, children, publicise the event. Arrange a good level of commission on all photographs purchased and ensure plenty of flyers are available to distribute.

Website advertising - does your group have a website? Could you set up a free blog to keep people informed? If so, consider selling advertising space to local suppliers who may be interested - e.g. the local sports shop.

Dance/Disco/Live Music/Barbeque/Casino event - any event that will work for your locality. Obviously, some church youth groups might find a casino night inappropriate. However, most of these are suitable for young people to help to arrange and to attend.

For other ideas to raise money, get your group together and do a little brainstorming. Everyone will have ideas that they can contribute and this will help to get them involve in the fundraising effort.
Remember to follow some simple rules:-

Never go out fundraising alone, but always in groups of at least two.

Have some printed information about your project and how much you are planning to raise.

Involve as many friends and family members as you can - they will want to support what you are involved with.

Have fun!

Thanks for visiting our hints and tips on organizing a youth fundraiser.
For further hints and tips on fundraising, visit Simple Youth Fundraising Ideas

Husband Presents And Wife Presents Shopping The Easy Way

2009-07-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

Time. It's that precious part of our lives that's so easily stolen from us. Especially when we need to go shopping for either husband presents or wife presents.

But life also grants us various escape routes to get the upper hand regarding time. And buying Unique Gift Baskets online is the big break given for those who want to get both wonderful gifts and hassle-free shopping at the same time.

So let's first point out the various themes of these baskets. What's amazing is that the selection is so generous that the odds are overwhelming that at least one would be a perfect fit for your gift giving needs.

OK, let's start with gifts for the wonderful lady of the house. There are baskets chock full of stuff that would prove to be superb wife presents. Like what?

Bath and Spa Gift Baskets come first to mind. What feminine part of humanity wouldn't want to soak in luxury for an hour or so at their chosen times? These are made up of a variety of body pampering items that would mean tranquility for the lucky recipient. And that means a shopping victory for the ol' hubbie.

And then there's chocolate. Yes, there are Chocolate Gift Baskets that would make any gal float into a state of nirvana. This would prove to be a bull-eye for the aim to guide chocoholic-ettes to a dream world of sweet delights. Mission accomplished, for sure!

Are there certain hobbies that she holds dear? There are Unique Gift Baskets specific to some of these to make excellent wife presents. Such as?

How about golf, gardening, picnics, movies and even casinos? These could be wonderful husband presents as well. But these certainly could also be for the active gal who enjoys these cherished pastimes.

The same goes for Gift Baskets that specialize in various types of foods to savor. Both ladies and gentlemen would rejoice when in possession of baskets that specialize in delectable foods that are gourmet, Italian or spicy. Coffee or tea baskets might be the best solution as well. Everyone has more of a fondness for certain treats than others. Just go in that direction for gift shopping and you can't go wrong!

There are also wife presents and husband presents in a basket that are specific to foods that are heart-healthy, sugar free, or kosher. These would be ideal for those who are strict regarding what they eat. And you could fill this need in no time!

Speaking of husband presents In addition to the ideas given above, there are baskets a tad more specific for guys than girls. What might they be?

How about NASCAR Gift Baskets or Motorcycle Gift Baskets? These would be the spark plug to ignite the passions of the rugged automotive fans. And the man of the house would certainly enjoy being reminded of what keeps him young and vibrant.

You've just been given a whole bunch of excellent ideas to choose from. But the question remains on how to both shop for and have these in your possession to give. Relax my friends. Just tap technology on the shoulder for the answer.

That means the internet. Our helpers known as Search Engines can guide us to our desired gift shopping destinations. And have our husband presents and wife presents delivered anywhere within the continental USA. So why not take full advantage of this marvelous convenience that's available to you?

Now go forth my friends and make a big impact with your loved one with a gift that will make both of your lives something to celebrate!

2009-07-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

THE NEWS AROUND WESTFIELD,FRANCISCO,AND BEYOND

2009-07-03T16:54:00.000-07:00

Elementary school is a time when children learn reading, writing, and arithmetic; gain a little independence; and form potentially lifelong friendships. The walls of Nancy Reynolds Elementary School have seen all of this.

Built in 1923 in honor of Nancy Jane Cox Reynolds, the school has educated many of Westfield and Danbury’s residents. However, a recent Stokes County Board of Education decision mandated the destruction of the old school and its replacement with a replica.

Years of use crippled the foundation of the school, and while the new building, expected to open by at least the 2011-2012 school year, will look the same on the outside, upgrades on the interior will enhance its educational potential.

The school opened one last time to the public on June 10 from 8 a.m. until noon for alumni to visit and reminisce. Countless names of men, women, and children filled the visitor sheets while faculty and staff sported “Nancy Reynolds Returning Even Stronger” t-shirts.

READ MORE the stokesnews.com

Sports Calendar

2009-06-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

NTSC soccer signups

Northern Triad Soccer Club, which consist of players from Stokes and Surry counties, formerly known as King Youth Soccer League, is still accepting registration forms for the fall season.

The cost is $65 per player, and is open to boys and girls 4 years old and up, through July 31st. We also are still taking registration forms for Soccer Boppers, which is open to current 3 and 4 year olds and cost $25 per player. For more information and a registration form please visit www.ntsoccerclub.com.

Walnut Cove signups

The Walnut Cove Wildcats will have football and cheerleading signups on July 18 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. beside Tuttle’s Hardware. For more information, visit Walnutcovewildcats.com.

South Stokes softball camp

This year’s South Stokes softball camp will be held at Lions Park in Walnut Cove August 10–13 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. (general Softball) and from 7:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. for pitchers and catchers only. The cost is $60 for the general session and $75 for general admission and the pitching/catching session. Registration will be at 5 p.m. on August 10. Contact Coach Ross at david.ross@stokes.k12.nc.us with any questions.

Wildcats to

host 7-on-7

West Stokes’ football team will host its second annual Wildcat 7-on-7 Invitational on July 24, beginning at 6 p.m. The cost is $3 and other teams participating are North Forsyth, McMichael, North Surry, Bishop McGuiness, Northwest Guilford and Eastern Guilford.

North Stokes Jr Vikings signups

The North Stokes Jr. Vikings will be holding signups for youth football and cheerleading on July 19 and 26 from 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Piney Grove Middle School. Football age divisions are 7 &8, 9 & 10, and 11 & 12 years old. For more information regarding football contact Jerry Moorefield at 593-5414. For cheerleading information contact Karen Handy at 593-2903.

West Stokes

Prowlers signups

West Stokes Prowlers cheerleading and football final signups will be held at King Library on July 19 from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Cheerleading ages are 4–15 years old and football ages are 7–12 years old. There will be a cheerleading/football coaches and board members meeting immediately following signups beginning at 4 p.m. All 2009 board members and those interested in coaching during the 2009 season should attend this meeting. Please check our website for further information www.prowlersfootball.com

Summer Slam

co-ed tourney

The first Summer Slam, an elementary rival co-ed softball tournament, will be held August 1 and 2 at Morotock Park in Danbury.

The entry fee is $15 per person and a minimum of 10 players including five girls can play on a team.

Participants must have a child who went or currently attends or you/spouse are an alumni of Francisco, Lawsonville, Nancy Reynolds or Sandy Ridge.

Players must be ages 16 and up and can get team sponsors for shirts.

The entry deadline is July 11. For more information contact Shawn Mabe at 347-7077 or Robert Shemo at 871-2402.

King Dolphins

Football, Cheer

The King Dolphins Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading signups are July 18 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the King American Legion.

For more information you may contact Randy Anderson at 985-3915 or go to www.kingdolphins.com.

Stokes County Schools -Academic Calendar 2009-2010

2009-06-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

Academic Calendar 2009-2010

August 18-- Optional Teacher Workday
August 19-- Open House - High Schools (contact schools for time)
High School Protected Teacher Workday
August 20-- Open House - Elementary & Middle Schools (contact schools for time)
Elementary/Middle Protected Teacher Workday
August 21-- Convocation - 8:00 am. Calvary Baptist Church, 536 South Main Street, King, NC
Mandatory K-12 Staff Development
August 24-- Optional Teacher Workday
August 25-- First Day for Students/Early Dismissal
August 26-- Early Dismissal
September 7-- Labor Day Holiday
September 22-- Early Dismissal
October 21-- Early Dismissal
October 27-- End of 1st 9 weeks (45 Student Days)
October 29-- Parent Conferences/Protected Teacher Workday
October 30-- Flexible Furlough Day
November 11-- Veteran's Day Holiday
November 25-- Early Dismissal/Flexible Furlough Day
November 26-27-- Thanksgiving Holiday
December 18-- Early Dismissal
December 21-23-- Annual Leave Days
December 24-25-- Christmas Holidays
December 28-31-- Annual Leave Days
January 1-- New Year's Holiday
January 12-15-- First Semester Exams
January 15-- End of 2nd 9 weeks (43 student days)
January 18-- Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
January 19-- Protected Teacher Workday
January 20-- Optional Teacher Workday
February 3-- Early Dismissal
February 26-- Optional Teacher Workday
March 10-- Early Dismissal
March 26-- End of 3rd 9 weeks (46 student days)
March 29-- Protected Teacher Workday
March 30-31-- Annual Leave Days
April 1-- Annual Leave Day
April 2-- Good Friday Holiday
April 5-- Optional Teacher Workday
May 17-21-- EOG Tests
May 31-- Memorial Day Holiday
June 9-- Last day for students/Early Dismissal
End of 4th 9 weeks (46 student days)
June 10-- Required Teacher Workday
June 11-- Optional Teacher Workday
June 14-- Protected Teacher Workday

Westfield homes for sale

2009-06-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

Westfield Real Estate »Westfield Foreclosures »

Get this widget Westfield real estate

OUR SCHOOLS

2009-06-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

Francisco Elementary School, located in Westfield, North Carolina, serves grades PK-5 in the Stokes County Schools district. Based on its state test results, it has received a GreatSchools Rating of 4 out of 10.
Ratings and reviews from parents help tell the story about Francisco Elementary School.

Westfield's Nancy Reynolds Elementary School serves grades K-5 in the Stokes County Schools district. It has received a GreatSchools rating of 7 out of 10 based on its performance on state standardized tests.
Ratings and reviews from parents help tell the story about Nancy Reynolds Elementary

Pilot Mountain's Westfield Elementary School serves grades PK-5 in the Surry County Schools district. It is among the few public schools in North Carolina to receive a distinguished GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10.
Ratings and reviews from parents help tell the story about Westfield Elementary School.

Piney Grove Middle School is located in Lawsonville, NC and is one of 4 middle schools in Stokes County Schools. It is a public school that serves 388 students in grades 6-8 .

This Day in History

2009-06-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

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5 Low Cost Free Summer Activities For Kids

2009-06-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

With budgets a little tighter this summer, it’s good to know there are programs out there that provide free and low cost summer entertainment for you and your kids.

Here are a few things you can do with your kids this summer without breaking the bank.

1.Go to the museum, Target is sponsoring special dates at select museums so you can go for free.
2.Go bowling with the Kids Bowl Free program at bowling alleys across the nation
.
3.Check out the local library, most have wonderful summer reading programs and fun free activities to go with them.
4.Check with your local parks, many have programs or weekly camps at low or no cost. Your kids can learn more about Mother Nature and have fun at the same time.
5.Check with your local movie theater to see if they have a summer movie club, where you can go see movies during the weekdays for a reduced cost. They’re not the current number one blockbuster, but they’re usually good movies that your kids will enjoy. Just make sure you feed them first, so you don’t have to spend a fortune at the concession stand.

summer activities for kids

2009-06-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

As we all know school is out for the summer and some parents have been searching for ways to keep their kids occupied and out of trouble until the end of August when classes start back up again.

A lot of parents have turned to local organizations that offer day camps for kids, either for the entire summer or for a few weeks at a time. These camps provide a wide varity of activities which are designed to let the kids have fun in a safe, supervised environment.
READ MORE
the mt.airy news

Dessert Recipes

2009-05-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

1.7-Up Cherry Dessert

You'll Need:
2 cans ready to use cherry pie filling
1 can regular 7-Up (not diet)
1 (18.25 ounce) box white cake mix
Procedure:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl mix well the pie filling and 7-Up. After thoroughly mixed, pour into an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle DRY cake mix over the top and and very lightly stir ONLY until slightly moistened. Do not over-mix. Bake for about 30 minutes. Cool and serve. May be served with whipped cream if desired.

2.Amaretto Cheesecake

You'll Need:
1/2 cup whole almonds
1 lb Cream cheese
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp Amaretto
3/4 cup sour cream
Procedure:

Spread nuts in a baking pan and bake in a preheated 325F oven for 8 minutes or until lightly toasted. Let cool and finely chop. With an electric mixer, beat cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in eggs, vanilla, Amaretto and sour cream. Reserve 2 tablespoons of nuts, and stir in remaining nuts. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch springform pan. Sprinkle reserved nuts over the top. Bake in the middle of a preheated 325F oven for 25 minutes or until just barely set. Turn off the oven, leave the door ajar, and let cool in the oven for 1 hour longer. Chill. To serve, remove pan sides and cut into wedges.

3.Angel Food Delight

You'll Need:
2 angel food cakes (in loaves)
2 (15 ounce) cans crushed pineapple (undrained)
2 (8 ounce) containers Cool Whip, thawed
1 bag flaked coconut
1 large jar maraschino cherries, drained and halved
Procedure:

Break 1 loaf of angel food cake into bite-size pieces and place in 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan. Top with 1 can pineapple and half of the cherries. Spread 1 container of Cool Whip over entire pan and top with coconut (as much as desired). Repeat layering with remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

4.Angel Food Rocky Road

You'll Need:
2 packages chocolate chips
3 eggs, separated
1 pint whipping cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Angel food cake
Procedure:

Melt chocolate chips and sugar together over hot water. Beat egg yolks and gradually add chip mixture. Cool 5 minutes. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into chocolate mixture. Beat whipping cream until stiff, then fold into mixture. Line a buttered 12 x 8-inch pan with bite-size pieces of angel food cake. Cover cake with a layer of sauce. Repeat the process ending with sauce on top. Sprinkle with nuts. Chill overnight. Delicious!

5.Apple Biscuits

You'll Need:
4 or 5 apples
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine
Ground cinnamon
1 can biscuits
Procedure:

Peel apples and cut into large pieces. Wrap a biscuit around a piece apple and place in a baking dish. Mix the sugar, water, and butter together and boil until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the cinnamon on the apples and pour the sugar, water, and butter mixture over the biscuits. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes.

6.Apple Cheddar Wontons

You'll Need:
Peanut oil
1 package wonton skins
2 medium apples *
10 ounces sharp Cheddar, cubed

Garnishes
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Procedure:

Core the apples and cut into small pieces. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together and set aside. Preheat the peanut or vegetable oil in a deep fryer or other pan used for deep frying. Wrap a piece of apple and a cube of cheddar cheese in a wonton skin and seal according to the directions on the package. Deep fry until golden brown. Coat with the brown sugar - cinnamon mixture and serve. This is good served hot or cold.

7.Apple Fritter Rings

You'll Need:
1 egg
2/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
Dash of salt
5 large tart apples
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Procedure:

In a bowl, beat egg, milk and oil. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; stir into the egg mixture until smooth (batter will be thick). Peel, core and cut apples into 1/2-inch rings. In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375 degrees F. Dip apple rings into batter; fry, a few at a time, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over hot fritters. Serve warm. Yields about 24.

VEG RECIPES

2009-05-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

1.Barb’s Famous Spicy Green Bean Casserole - Green Bean Recipes
You'll Need:
* 2 cans green beans, drained
* 1 can water chestnuts, sliced and drained
* 1 can sliced mushrooms, drained
* 1 can cream of mushroom soup
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* Velveeta Cheese slices
* Durkee fried onions, small can
Procedure:

Mix all ingredients and pour into casserole. Put sliced cheese on top and place in oven at 350 degrees; bake for 25 minutes. Remove; top with Durkee fried onions and put back in oven for 5 minutes to toast.

2.batter fried corn-on-the-cob
You'll Need:
Oil for deep frying
3/4 cup corn meal
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup flour
1/2 to 3/4 tsp garlic salt
3/4 cup milk
2 tbs oil
1 egg
2 pkg Green Giant Nibblers Frozen Corn-on-the-Cob, thawed
1 cup cornflake crumbs
Procedure:

In deep fat fryer or heavy saucepan, heat oil to 375 F. In medium bowl combine cornmeal, Parmesan cheese, flour, garlic salt, milk, oil, and egg; mix well. Dip corn-on-the-cob ears into cornmeal batter to coat; roll in cornflake crumbs. Fry in hot oil 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.

3.Bean-and-Winter Squash Chili
You'll Need:
1 cup fifteen bean mixture, soaked
overnight and drained, (see note)
7 cup water
1 tbl canola oil
1 lrg red onion, diced
1 lrg green or red bell pepper
seeded and diced
2 stalk celery, diced
2 x cloves garlic, minced (2 to 3)
2 cup peeled and diced butternut squash
15 oz canned stewed tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tbl dried oregano
1 tbl chili powder, up to 2
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
Procedure:

* MAKES 6 TO 8 SERVINGS. VEGAN * This stick-to-your ribs chili explodes the myth that vegetarian food leaves one feeling hungry. * In a large saucepan, combine 15-bean mixture and water: bring to a simmer. * Cook uncovered over medium-Low heat, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Drain; reserve 3 cups cooking liquid. * In another large saucepan, heat oil. Add onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic; saute 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in cooked beans, cooking liquid, squash, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste and seasonings. Cook 30 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving. * Ladle chili into bowls. Serve with warm French or Italian bread if desired. * Makes 6 to 8 servings. * NOTE: 15-bean mixtures are available packaged in supermarkets and health food stores. If you prefer, make your own by combining equal amounts dried black-eyed peas, red kidney beans, white kidney (cannellini) beans, green lentils, split peas, black beans, yellow split peas, navy beans, cranberry * (Roman, shell or shell- out) beans, great Northern beans, pinto beans, small white limas. red lentils, cow peas (field peas) and pink beans. Avoid using beans such as garbanzos and large lima beans, as these take longer to cook than other varieties.

4.bubbling cabbage
You'll Need:
1 medium Savoy cabbage, coarsely chopped
1 cup lemon-lime carbonated beverage (like 7-Up)
5 anise seeds, crushed
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
3 tbs butter or margarine
Procedure:

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large skillet; cover and cook over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until cabbage is tender. Add butter and toss cabbage gently.

5.carrot patties
You'll Need:
1 1/2 cups cooked mashed carrots
1 cup mashed cooked potatoes
2 tbs melted butter or margarine
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbs dry breadcrumbs
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
all purpose flour
hot vegetable oil
Procedure:

Combine first 9 ingredients, mixing well. Shape into 8 patties and dust each lightly with flour. Fry in hot oil until browned on both sides; drain on paper towels.

6.Chicken Vegetable and Rice Dinner
You'll Need:
4 x skinless boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tbl vegetable oil
1 can condensed cream of chicken with herbs soup
1 1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 cup uncooked instant rice
2 cup thawed frozen vegetable combination broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots
Procedure:

* Sprinkle chicken with garlic powder. * In skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add chicken and cook 8 minutes or until browned. Set chicken aside. Pour off fat. * Add soup, water and pepper. Heat to a boil. * Stir in rice and vegetables. Place chicken on rice mixture. Cover and cook over low heat 5 minutes or until chicken is done. * Yield: 4 Servings Start to Finish Time: "0:15"

Barbecue recipes

2009-05-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

1.All-American Pork Baby Back Ribs
You'll Need:
4 pounds pork back ribs
Your favorite barbecue sauce (purchased or homemade)
Procedure:

Season ribs with salt and pepper. Place ribs on a medium-hot grill over indirect heat; close grill hood and grill until ribs are tender, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. (Add more charcoal briquettes to fire, if necessary, to maintain grill temperature of about 325 to 350 degrees F.) Finish by turning and basting ribs with barbecue sauce for the last 15 minutes. Serve ribs directly from the grill or, for extra tender ribs remove from grill, wrap in heavy aluminum foil. Place foil-wrapped ribs in brown paper bags, close bags and let ribs rest for up to an hour. Unwrap ribs, cut into serving pieces and serve with extra barbecue sauce. Serves 4.

2.Alaska State Fair Barbecued Spareribs

You'll Need:
3 to 4 pounds beef or pork spareribs
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon mustard
Salt
Pepper to taste
Procedure:

To make the barbecue sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan, add onion and garlic, and cook just until limp. Add remaining ingredients. Stir and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Barbecue the ribs on a grill over charcoal, basting with sauce. The ribs may also be baked in the oven: Place ribs on a rack and bake for 30 minutes at 425 degrees F. Pour off fat carefully. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F and cook ribs an additional 30 minutes, basting several times with sauce. Serves 4.

3.America's Favorite Pork Chops

You'll Need:
4 top loin pork chops
3/4 cup Italian salad dressing
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Procedure:

Place all ingredients in a self-sealing bag; seal bag and turn to coat chops. Chill for at least 20 minutes (or up to 24 hours. Preheat grill to medium hot. Remove chops from bag, discarding marinade. Grill chops for 8-15 minutes or until juices run clear.

4.Apricot Glazed Pork Kabobs

You'll Need:
1 pound boneless pork loin, cut
1 (10 ounce) jar apricot preserves
4 tablespoons orange liqueur or orange juice
4 tablespoons butter

* triple sec, Cointreau or Grand Marnier
Procedure:

Stir together apricot preserves, orange liqueur and butter. Simmer in a mall saucepan until butter is melted. Place pork cubes in a heavy plastic bag. Pour 3/4 cup apricot mixture over to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes. Thread pork onto 4 to 6 skewers (if using bamboo, soak skewers in water for 20 to 30 minutes before using). Grill over hot coals 10 to 12 minutes, turning once. Baste often with the marinade. Warm remaining apricot sauce and serve alongside kabobs.

5.Asian Honey-Tea Grilled Shrimp

You'll Need:
1 cup double-strength brewed orange
spice tea, cooled
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled, deveined
Salt
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Procedure:

In a sturdy, resealable plastic bag, combine tea, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger and pepper to make a marinade. Remove1/2 cup marinade and set aside for dipping sauce. Add shrimp to marinade remaining in plastic bag, turning to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes or up to 12 hours. Remove shrimp from marinade; discard marinade. Thread shrimp onto 8 skewers, dividing evenly. Grill over medium-hot coals or in grill pan 4 to 6 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and are just firm to the touch, turning once. Season with salt to taste. Meanwhile, prepare dipping sauce by placing reserved1/2 cup marinade in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil 3 to 5 minutes or until slightly reduced. Stir in green onions. Yields 4 servings.

6.Barbecue Beef & Pineapple

You'll Need:
6 lb beef short ribs,in serving sized pieces
2 tsp salt
Dash,pepper
1/2 cup water
2 13oz jars pineapple preserve
1 cup whole cranberry sauce
2 tbsp marmalade
1 cup chili sauce
1/2 cup vinegar
Procedure:

Trim excess fat from ribs and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place ribs in a Dutch oven and add water. Cover and simmer for approx. 2 hrs., or until meat is tender. If necessary during cooking, add water. Drain ribs. Combine preserve, cranberry sauce, marmalade, chili sauce and vinegar. Brush some of the glaze mixture over the ribs. Barbecue ribs about 6 inches from coals. Brush ribs with glaze and turn frequently for 15 to 20 mins. Heat remaining glaze and pass with the ribs.

7.Barbequed Catfish in Tomato Sauce

You'll Need:
1 cup onion, finely chopped
Red pepper, to taste
1 cup parsley
Salt to taste
2 tbsp olive oil, or peanut oil
2 cup Burgundy wine
1 tbsp garlic; finely chopped
1 tbsp Soy sauce
4 cup fresh tomatoes, peeled and cut
5-8 oz. catfish fillets, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper.
Procedure:

Place onions and parsley in oil and saute 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and then the rest of the ingredients except catfish fillets. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. On medium-hot grill place fillets, skin side up, for 3 minutes. Turn and cook 2 minutes more. Place in aluminum foil "boat" or grill-safe pan on grill and top with sauce. Close top on grill and cook 10 minutes.

8.BBQ Ham with Orange-Apricot Glazed

You'll Need:
1/4 cup apricot preserves
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lemon juice
5 lb cooked boneless ham
Procedure:

For glaze, combine apricot preserves, orange juice, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Score ham by making shallow cuts, about 1" apart, diagonally across the surface in a diamond pattern. Insert a whole clove in the centre of each diamond. Place ham in centre of the cooking grate. Grill 1 to 2-1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer registers 140?F (60?C), brushing with glaze during the last 15 minutes of grilling time. Let stand 15 minutes. Heat remaining glaze on the side of the grill. Just before serving, brush ham with glaze again. Serve any remaining glaze with ham.

9.BBQ Salmon Steaks with Green Ginger Sauce

You'll Need:
2 tbsp light soy sauce
4 Salmon steaks
1/2 tsp sugar
Green ginger sauce:
1/2 cup parsley
2 tbsp capers
1/2 cup olive oil
1 hard cooked egg
1/2 cup chives, chopped rough
2 tbsp onion, chopped
1 tbsp lime juice
Black pepper, ground
Procedure:

Prepare the Green ginger sauce first: Place the parsley, chives, capes and onion in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Process only until finely chopped. Add the olive oil, lime juice and egg. Puree until smooth, Add ground black pepper to taste. Set aside. Prepare the salmon steaks next: Combine the soy sauce and sugar. Brush each salmon steak with the soy sauce mixture. Barbecue (grill) on a solid plate (griddle), turning occasionally until the salmon is cooked. Serve hot with the Green ginger sauce.

Getting Your Children To Do Chores

2009-05-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or does every kid complain about having to do chores? Its like every kid is born with an anti-work gene. So how do you get the kids to do the work that they should be doing anyway? Can you yell and scream until they do it? How do you get them to do those things and want to do them without complaining?

They have to want to do the work; they have to take ownership in what they are doing. When they are young it doesn't matter if it is done exactly right, as long as they try and make an effort. As they get older, it becomes more and more important for the work to be done right. It doesn't count if you do something and then have to do it over again because you didn't put your full effort into it.

It is difficult for a child to understand the difference between doing something and doing something right. The concept of doing something right the first time or not doing it at all, is overwhelming to them, and many time makes them not want to attack the task at all. You need to start off small, with chores that they can accomplish and them bring in the more complicated tasks little by little.

Everybody in the family has to help out with jobs and tasks and that means getting everybody in the family to help in the process. Helping each other out is what family is all about, if you cant count on each other, it is hard to build that trust with anyone else.

You also want to make sure that the chore are appropriately given to each child, based on age. Your ten year old may be in charge of taking out the garbage, but this is to much of a task for your five or three year old. Instead assign the five year the task of feeding the dog and dusting the tables, while the three year old has to pick up the toys and put them in the toy bins.

Then come the rewards! Although many believe the feeling of a job well done and the accomplishment made by completing a task should be enough, this is not the fact with kids. The older a child gets, their allowance should become a direct proportion to the work that they complete throughout the week. Younger children, don't need money and will be just as happy with your smiling face and encouraging words, however a small amount of money (even a quarter) will make their day that much brighter. But no matter what, saying good jog and thanks for the help is enough to make it all worthwhile

Breakfast recipes

2009-05-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

1..Alligators
You'll Need:
Dough
1/2 package dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (105 to 110 degrees F) , divided
3 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Butter
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
60 pecan halves

Alligator Filling
1 cup sugar
1 (7 ounce) package almond paste
3/4 cup butter
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups ground pecans

Maple Icing
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup butter
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
Alligator Filling: Blend together sugar, almond paste, butter and honey to form smooth paste. Fold in flour, then pecans.
Procedure:

Makes about 2 cups. Maple Icing: Heat maple syrup and butter in small saucepan until butter melts. Add sugar, blending until smooth. Makes about 1 cup. Dough: Mix yeast with about 1/2 cup warm milk. Add sugar, salt, 3 tablespoons melted butter, remaining 1/2 cup warm milk and flour. Mix well. Knead to make smooth dough 6 to 8 minutes. Let dough rest 30 minutes. Roll out on floured board into large rectangle. Spread top with 1/4 cup softened butter. Fold dough into thirds. Repeat 3 more times, using 1/4 cup butter each time, and allowing dough to rest 30 minutes before filling. Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Using 1 portion at time, roll dough as thinly as possible into 18 x 12-inch rectangle. Spread 1/2 Alligator Filling on entire surface of dough, then fold lengthwise in thirds. Place on lightly greased baking sheet and brush with beaten egg. Decorate top with about 30 to 40 pecan halves. Let rest 15 minutes. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. While still hot, drizzle top with half of Maple Icing. Repeat with second portion of dough. Makes 2 alligators.

2..Bacon Cheese Crescents

You'll Need:
1 loaf Rhodes Bread Dough or 12 Rhodes Dinner Rolls, thawed & risen
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Procedure:

Combine 6 rolls together and roll into a 10-inch circle. Repeat with other 6 rolls. Brush both circles with butter. Sprinkle with cheese, bacon and Italian seasoning. Cut each circle into 8 wedges. Starting with wide end, roll each wedge to point. Place, point-side down, on a sprayed baking sheet. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap and let rise 30-45 minutes. Remove wrap and bake at 350 F 15 minutes or until golden brown.

3..Baked Cherry Oatmeal
You'll Need:
2 cups old-fashioned oats
4 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup dried cherries
1 large apple, unpeeled and grated
Procedure:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a 3-quart casserole or baking pan with cooking spray. In mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Transfer to baking dish. Sprinkle top with additional almonds. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Serve hot.

4..Banana Doughnuts
You'll Need:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup shortening
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
Procedure:

Cream shortening and sugar together. Add eggs and beat well. Combine bananas, vanilla extract and buttermilk. Add to creamed mixture alternating with sifted dry ingredients. Roll on lightly floured surface. Cut with floured cutter and let stand 15 minutes. Fry in deep shortening.

5..Biscuits with Sausage Gravy
You'll Need:
12 Rhodes Buttermilk Biscuits, baked according to package directions
1 pound bulk sausage
1 1/2 cups chopped mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic
6 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon sugar
3 cups milk
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Procedure:

In a large pot, thoroughly cook sausage, mushrooms, onion and garlic. Drain the fat. Stir in flour and sugar. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in basil. Serve hot over freshly baked biscuits

6..Bread& Jam Loaf
You'll Need:
20 Rhodes Dinner rolls, thawed but still cold
1/2 cup jam (your favorite flavor)
2 tablespoons sliced almonds

Icing:
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Procedure:

Flatten each roll into a 4-inch circle. Place a teaspoon of your favorite jam in the centers. Pinch edges of dough together to enclose filling. Place filled rolls in a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle with almonds. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap. Let dough rise to the top of the pan. Do not let dough over rise. Remove wrap and bake at 350 F for 35-40 minutes. Cover with foil last 10 minutes of baking. Remove from pan immediately and place on cooling rack right side up. Combine icing ingredients and mix well. Drizzle icing over cooled loaf.

7..Breakfast Apple-Citrus Compote
You'll Need:
2 cups peeled and sliced tart apples (about 2 medium)
1 1/2 cups (about 9-ozs.) pitted prunes
1 1/2 cups orange juice
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 naval oranges, peeled and cut into segments
2 pink grapefruit peeled and cut into segments
- mint sprigs for garnish
Procedure:

In 2 to 3 quart saucepan combine apples, prunes, and orange juice; bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer until apples are tender but not soft, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in honey, juice and cinnamon. Cool, cover, and chill. Stri in oranges and grapefruit. To serve, spoon fruits with their liquid into serving dishes; garnish with mint sprigs

8..Breakfast Sausage
You'll Need:
3 pounds fresh pork shoulder, trimmed well
1 small onion, sliced
4 garlic cloves
2 teaspoons dried sage, crumbled
1 teaspoon dried savory, crumbled
2 teaspoons salt (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
6 tablespoons milk
Procedure:

Trim pork of all fat; cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes. Freeze pork for 30 minutes. In meat grinder or food processor, grind pork and then grind pork again with onion and garlic. In large bowl, mix seasonings into pork mixture. Stir in milk 1 tablespoon at a time. Cover and chill for one hour. Form into 16 patties, cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours to marry flavors. Use within two days or wrap in air-tight paper and freeze. To cook, over medium-high heat on griddle or in skillet, cook sausages until browned and cooked through.

9..Breakfast Turnovers
You'll Need:
6 Rhodes White Dinner Rolls, thawed
6 eggs
6 tablespoons chopped green pepper
1/2 cup ham, cubed
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
salt & pepper, to taste
salsa, if desired
Procedure:

Flatten each roll into a 6-8 inch circle. Mix eggs, green pepper and ham. Melt butter in a skillet. Add egg mixture and cook stirring lightly with fork. Salt and pepper to taste. Divide egg mixture into 6 equal parts. Spoon on half of each roll and sprinkle with cheese. Fold roll in half and seal edge by pressing with tines of fork. Place on large baking sheet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Planning a Baby Shower – A How to Guide

2009-05-25T08:55:00.000-07:00

Often times planning a baby shower can be quite a hassle. You need to determine who will host the shower, who to invite, where & when the shower will take place, and what activities should be planned, what food should be served and what decorations/favors are best. Let’s tackle these issues in order.

Anyone can host the shower; however it should be someone who is close to the mother-to-be or a family member.

All of the mom’s friends and family should be invited. If the shower is a surprise, you need to make sure everyone knows, so no one “spills the beans”.

The shower should be held somewhere that is both convent and comfortable for the expecting mother. It’s also best to have it at a friends or family member’s house, so the mother-to-be don’t have to worry about cleaning up afterwards.

There are so many games and actives that you can do to pass the time. By doing a search online for “baby shower games” you’ll be able to find something. A short speech of congratulations is also a nice touch that the mother will be sure to love.

All the typical part foods are appropriate here. Cake, ice cream and snacks are all great. Don’t forget to ask the guest of honor what her favorite kind of cake is.

Any party supply store should have plenty of decorations for your shower. If you’re looking for a specific theme it may be best to look online. It’s also nice to give a favor away to your guest, as a way to say thank you for coming. These can be bought at any party store as well, or sometimes for a creative touch, they can be made.

When the party starts, make sure you greet every guest as they arrive. Then make sure you’re available at all times to make sure everything runs smoothly. Last, but not least, make sure you have fun! If you’re having a good time, your guests are sure you have fun too.

For more information concerning baby showers, please visit: The Baby Shower Zone a website that specializes in baby showers and how to plan a long distance baby shower
by Tim Bock

Hobbies, Carp Fishing

2009-05-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

Why is carp fishing so addicting? What makes this type of fishing so great? Is it the carp? Is it because this fish can get to monster weights? Is it because carp fishing is one of the best types of fishing? Could be, but then again, some people may disagree and could say that peacock bass fishing or pike fishing is the best. It all comes down to what one likes. In the end, at least for, carp fishing is the only way to go.
If you ever were fishing for carp, then you know that you could be fishing for hours and not even realize that it's late and you must return home. Haven't you ever wondered, when you were fishing and being all wet from your boots up, what you were doing there? But let's actually see what makes it so great.
The carp fishing experts know that these fish have an intelligence or their own and most of them have learned how to spot different types of rigs, and simply avoid them. So if you do not know what you are doing, you may as well end up with a lost day in which you won't catch anything. So, this becomes more than just fishing, it becomes an all out war, in which you must catch the fish and he must catch on that you want to catch him and avoid you traps.
This is probably one of the reasons why carp fishing has become such a great hobby for many people. You have to beat a worthy adversary. It's that sense of competition that makes us all want to win and beat the opponent. Many people put names to the carps they manage to catch and set them back in the water. For many fishermen, it's not about eating the fish, as they often release it, it's about that simple moment when they catch "Lou" or "Jack", that elusive carp. It's that moment that makes carp fishing so great.
Another reason why carp fishing is great is the fighting spirit that the carp has. The moment when you have it down the line, you would better be careful as it may slip away in a blink of an eye and leave you hanging, wondering what just happened. The carp is one fighting fish that never gives up. It will even try to get away while in your boat, and there are people that have lost their 40lb carps because they didn't pay attention to them for a couple of seconds. So, be careful next time you manage to catch a carp as the match is not yet over.
And a last thing (or this could be the first on some people's list) is the fact that when fishing for carp, you can also talk to a couple of friends and brag about the last 100lb carp that got away... A little barbeque by the lake where you have your rods can be the most beautiful and relaxing thing for some people. Being in the middle of the nature, hanging out with some friends and eating a fried carp, what could be better than carp fishing?

How To Make Fabulous Wine At Home

2009-05-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

True wine lovers at one time or another have been tempted to make their own wine at home. Many, however, are intimidated by the perceived difficulty of the task, and don't ever try. Fear not! Making wonderful wine at home is easier than you think. It just takes time, (a little more than a month), and patience. This article will detail the steps in the wine making process.
First, let's get together the ingredients you'll need to make your wine. Let's start with the grapes and sugar. 5 lbs of blue grapes and 8 lbs of sugar will get you rolling. Next, food coloring, 4 oz of yeast, and 2 egg whites. Finally, 3 gallons of purified water, 1 lb of wheat, and a nylon cloth. O.K., we're ready to go!
Go ahead and separate the grapes from the stalks. Make sure to wash the grapes thoroughly. At this point, it's time to crush the grapes. Your decision on how to crush the grapes depends on the quantity of grapes and personal preference. If you have more grapes than this recipe calls for, you may want to consider stomping the grapes. If you take this route, you'll need a commercial sized aluminum bin. Make sure your feet are extremely clean and free from open wounds, fungus, callouses etc. Stomp the grapes VERY thoroughly. Don't be shy, STOMP them! Take the crushed grapes and place them in earthen jars. Should you follow the amount of grapes in this recipe, you may want to crush the grapes with your hands.
The egg whites must be whipped well. Add 4 lbs of sugar and all the other ingredients to the crushed grapes. It's important that you cover the jars with a secure lid. Open the lid daily to stir the contents, making sure that the lid is secured after each stirring. Continue stirring once a day for 21 days. After 21 days, pour the remaining 4 lbs of sugar into the mixture. Do not open for 21 days.
After the 21 days, strain the clear wine off the top using the nylon cloth. Should you desire a color for your wine, use the appropriate food coloring. Add the coloring drop by drop until the wine reaches your preferred color
Voila! Your wine is now ready to be bottled. Incidentally, should you prefer your wine a little less sweet, simply add less sugar. You'll find that your wine making will have an element of trial and error. Oh, what fun the experimenting is