Trials of Faith

I found this quote today in 1Peter 1:6-7:

"6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

 7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ..."

Remember that our trials are what makes us stronger...  Hope everyone has a great Sunday!

Flexible Spending

If you haven't heard of flexible spending, now is the time to learn!  Flexible spending is a plan that takes pre-tax dollars from your paycheck and puts them into an account (or accounts) for medical/dental/childcare expenses.  This is done directly through your employer once a year.

Now, let me begin by saying that I am by no means an expert, and you should consult your human resources and/or a tax advisor.

So, if your employer offers it, flexible spending can save you EXTRA money on your taxes.  Who doesn't want that?!  You may put up to an employer determined dollar amount (usually between $2500 and $5000) per year into each account (medical and childcare).  At the beginning of the pre-determined year (varies depending on the employer), ALL of these funds are available to you immediately.  Then, you will pay them back with an automatic withdrawl from your paycheck with pre-tax dollars.

What does this mean to you?  This means that your co-pays, dental bills and eye exams/glasses AND childcare (or preschool!) is now 100% tax deductible.  If you do not have a flexible spending account, most medical expenses are only deductible if you spend over 6% of your annual income on them (if your insurance is taken out pre-tax that doesn't count).  Childcare expenses are deductible at a percentage based on your tax bracket.  So, to make it simple, say I spend $1000/year on childcare.  Without flexible spending, if I am in the 15% tax bracket, I may deduct only $150.  However, if I use the flexible spending, that entire $1000 is now deducted pre-tax!  That also effectively lowers your taxable income - so you will actually see less taxes come out of your paycheck. 

Now, one more benefit:  they will often supply you with a debit card!  This may cost you a few extra dollars per year - but it's well worth it.  With the debit card, you no longer have to worry about coming up with that co-pay or deductible.  If no debit card is offered, don't stress.  You will simply pay the bill, then turn in your receipt for a quick reimbursement.

Like I said before, I am not an expert.  I do strongly recommend you speak with your human resources department and/or a tax advisor.  Here is a link to help you learn a little more:  gotta love Wikipedia!

Mess Kits

When I was a Girl Scout, we made mess kits to bring to camp.  A couple of years ago, I decided these would be a perfect addition to our food storage.  The concept is simple: each person needs to have plates, utensils and cups to eat with.  They need to be able to be washed and dried easily, and all without getting dirty again (in the event that you are "camping out."

So, how do you make one?  

1. Take a larger kitchen towel of your choosing (we got ours at the 99 cents store and let each person pick his/her own), and fold each of the shorter ends down about 1.5 to 2 inches.  Sew in place, leaving open the ends. Hint: if you use a thinner kitchen towel, it will allow the dishes to air dry faster. 
2. Then fold your towel in half, so the two new seams are together.  Sew up the sides.  
3. Next, take several feet of ribbon or string and put it through the seams which are now at the open end of your "bag" to make a drawstring.  
4. Now pick out and inexpensive plate, bowl, cup and utensils for each member of the family.  We had fun with this and let the kids each pick out a melamine plate, bowl and cup, since they will not easily break.  

If you put these in your food storage (or 72 hr kit), all you need to do is wash the items and place them in the bag.  If you hang the bag by its drawstring, the dishes will drain and be ready to use for the next meal - plus they will stay free of dust and dirt!

Easter message

Among the most cherished thoughts and writings in this world is the divine statement of truth: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

The message of Easter is that the Savior lives! And because He lives all shall indeed live again. This knowledge provides the peace for loved ones of those who have passed on: "Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: 'I know that my Redeemer lives!' "This precious Son, our Lord and Savior, atoned for the sins of all mankind. That memorable night in Gethsemane His suffering was so great, His anguish so consuming that He pleaded, "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." Later, on the cruel cross, He died that we might live, and live everlastingly. Resurrection morning was preceded by pain, by suffering in accordance with the divine plan of God. Before Easter, there had to be a cross. The world has witnessed no greater gift, nor has it known more lasting love.

Thomas S. MonsonHenry B. EyringDieter F. Uchtdorf

Perfectly delicious healthy blueberry muffins

These are the best muffins. It's hard to believe they are healthy.

2 mashed ripe bananas
3/4 cup coconut milk
1 egg
1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup ground flax
1/3 cup RAW sugar
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees
grease or line 12 cup muffin pan

Mix all the wet ingredients including the bananas in mixer. In separate bowl mix the dry ingredients and add to wet all at once. Mix only until blended. Do not over-mix. Fill prepared pan and bake for 15-20 min.

Morning Routines

Do you or your husband usually walk out the door in the morning and come back in because you/he forgot his wallet/lunch/etc?  How about the kids, do they usually run to the bus stop carrying their jackets and with untied shoes?  Get out the door on time and organized with a few simple tips:

1.  Prepare lunches the night before.  I know it only takes 5 minutes to make a quick sandwich and throw in some snacks, but that's 5 minutes less for the morning routine!  Place lunches in their respective bags in the fridge so they are completely ready in the morning. To go along with this idea, make sure backpacks are packed too.  I set reminders on my cell phone to remember library day, etc so we don't forget to pack those extras too.

2.  Pick out clothes the night before.  Give your child 2 or 3 choices to pick from, and they will still feel like they are making a choice - and you have now eliminated the daily argument about what they are wearing to school.  If you have room in the closet,  get one of those weekly clothes organizers that hang.  Place their 7 outfits inside and tell them they can pick any cubby of clothes they want each day. 

3.  Always place backpacks, wallets, purses, keys, cell phones, etc. in the same place.  That's right - no more crazed search on the way out the door.  You may want to try a nice shelf with hooks near the door.  Keys, coats and purses go on the hooks - wallets and cell phones on the shelf.

4.  Have a morning routine.  We get up an hour before the kids need to leave.  First, they get dressed complete with socks and tied shoes.  Then, it's breakfast time followed by teeth brushing.  We then make doubly sure backpacks and coats are packed (see #1 and 3), and read our scriptures.  None of these things take  more than a few minutes, but because we have allowed extra time, we are generally not rushing out the door.

Anyone have ideas to add?  Comment below!

Orange Beef Stirfry

OK. I have been a lurker but i will contribute today with one of my favorite recipes! Oranges are very inexpensive right now and I have successfully frozen this meal in stages. {I will explain that later}

I snagged some super sweet and juicy oranges at Henry's for 4lbs for $1! We even had orange shakes for breakfast. Yum.

Recipe:

• 3 oranges
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 1/2 pounds trimmed boneless sirloin or rib eye cut into 1/2-inch-thick strips
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 to 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 6 scallions green parts only, cut into 1-inch lengths

Directions

1. Into a small bowl, finely grate zest and squeeze juice from 1 orange. Add garlic and soy sauce.
2. With a sharp paring knife, peel remaining 2 oranges. Slice oranges crosswise 1/2 inch thick, then halve slices; push out, and discard any seeds. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, toss meat with cornstarch until coated. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Working in batches (adding more oil if needed), brown beef on all sides, 3 to 5 minutes; transfer to a plate.
4. Pour juice mixture into skillet, and boil until syrupy, about 1 minute. Return beef to skillet; add orange slices and scallions. Toss until coated and heated through. Serve hot

To freeze, you can cook the beef, and combine the liquid ingredients (uncooked) and then store the meat and sauce in separate baggies having to add the fresh oranges and scallions when you're ready to eat. saves a lot of prep work when you don;t have to juice and zest oranges and cut meat, etc.