May 8th 2008

Editorial

Hi there and welcome to the special Mother’s Day Edition of the Hillbilly Housewife Newsletter.

This edition looks a little different from our usual newsletter, because it’s focusing strictly on Mom stuff including some informative articles, plenty of recipes of course and some fun craft ideas.

In addition to all the great mother’s day info in this newsletter, I’d also like to share a little free mother’s day report with you that my friend Christine from http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/mpc has put together. Just click on the link below, print it and hand it off to hubby and the kids.

Mother’s Day Recipes and Crafts Report

I’ve also been busy working on some freezer muffin recipes for the site. We love muffins for breakfast and snack around here, but I don’t always feel like baking them every other day (especially in the heat of summer when the house is already hot). Instead I started making extra every time we had muffins and storing them in the freezer. Some muffin recipes freeze well, others don’t. After some trial and error, we came up with a whole collection of muffin recipes that freeze and reheat well. You’ll find them in the new Freezer Muffin Recipe section.

Enjoy!

Warm Regards,

Susanne – The Hillbilly Housewife

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Inspirational Mother’s Day Story

Why Mothers Cry ….

“Why are you crying?” he asked his mom.

“Because I’m a mother,” she told him.

“I don’t understand,” he said.

His mom just hugged him and said, “You never will!”

Later the little boy asked his father why Mother seemed to cry for no reason.

“All mothers cry for no reason,” was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why mothers cry. So he finally put in a call to God and when God got on the phone the man said, “God, why do mothers cry so easily.”

God said, “You see son, when I made mothers they had to be special. I made their shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort. I gave them an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times come from their children.

I gave them a hardiness that allows them to keep going when everyone else gives up, and to take care of their families through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave them the sensitivity to love their children under all circumstances, even when their child has hurt them very badly.

This same sensitivity helps them to make a child’s boo-boo feel better and helps them share a teenager’s anxieties and fears.

I gave them a tear to shed. It’s theirs exclusively to use whenever it’s needed. It’s their only weakness. It’s a tear for mankind.”

Mother’s Day Ideas for Younger Kids

There are a number of Mother’s Day ideas for younger kids to become involved in. Let’s explore some of them.

There are a number of Mother’s Day books which younger kids can read to their moms to celebrate the day. In addition, if your child attends pre-school, the teacher may have each of the kids make hand prints as a gift for their moms. Or the child can be helped making flowers using construction paper.

Children love to make gifts for parents. These are just a few of the things younger kids can do to show their love on Mother??”s Day. Here are a few more ideas.

* Dad can make breakfast for mom and the younger child can bring it to mom??”s room and surprise her.

* Make Mother??”s Day signs and hang them around the home.

* Write a letter to Mom on colorful paper.

* Make a Mother??”s Day card.

* Dad can go online and print out a Mother??”s Day template for kids to color and present to mom.

* The kids may offer to do certain chores for a week.

* If age appropriate, the kids could make signs and glue them on to t-shirts.

* Use construction paper to make a hanging sign spelling out the word love.

* There is an award template which can be printed out and given to mom.

There are a myriad of ideas in which younger kids can show mom how much they are loved. Kids are creative, and they may come up with other Mother??”s Day ideas or activities as well. Perhaps dad can take the child out to the garden and choose a rose to give to mom.

Mother??”s day ideas for younger kids, depending upon their age, can encompass a variety of creative and thoughtful presents. Dad, ask your kids what they would like to do, and offer your assistance. Make this day special for mom. She sure deserves it!

Mother??”s Day Ideas for Older Kids

Whether it??”s giving a box of candy or a bouquet of flowers, moms everywhere appreciate whatever their kids give them for Mother??”s Day. Here are Mother??”s Day ideas for older kids.

* Take mom out for lunch

* Buy her favorite CD

* Give her a box of her favorite chocolates

* Place one red rose in a vase and present it to her

* Give her breakfast in bed

* Prepare the table for dinner

* Do the laundry

* Take her to the park for a picnic lunch

* Clean the house

* Bake her a cake or favorite cookies

* Take her to a movie

* Buy her favorite bath oil and some candles

* Make a special card using the computer

* Offer to do a specific chore for a week

* Make a huge Happy Mother??”s Day Sign

* Buy her a gift certificate to her favorite store

* Give her a picture of you in a specially decorated frame

* Make a jewelry box for her using dried flowers

* Make a bag of potpourri using dried flowers from the garden

* Put together a scrapbook with her favorite recipes

You know, moms are special in so many ways. Unselfish, kind, loving, caring; and these are qualities we sometimes take for granted. Mom probably doesn??”t expect anything for Mother??”s Day, which is why anything an older kid does for mom would be appreciated beyond belief. All mom wants is love and respect.

While the kids may not have the money to but some of the items listed above, their ingenuity will see them through. Whatever your kids decide to do to celebrate your special day, know they have thought about it and whether the gift is large or small, it comes from the heart.

Inexpensive Ideas for Mother??”s Day Gifts

Unless your kids have been saving their allowance religiously, they may not be able to afford to buy an expensive gift for Mother??”s Day. However, there are inexpensive ideas for Mother??”s Day gifts which they can utilize.

* Set the table for dinner

* Give her a red rose and place it in her favorite vase

* Make her a special breakfast

* Take her to the park for a picnic lunch

* Bake her a cake and sing Happy Mother??”s Day To You

* Take her to a movie

* Buy her favorite scented candles

* Burn her favorite CD

* Offer to do a specific chore for a week such as washing the dishes

* Make a huge Happy Mother??”s Day Sign

* Give her a picture of you in a specially decorated frame

* Make a bag of potpourri using dried flowers from the garden

* Put together a scrapbook with her favorite recipes

* Make a jewelry box for her using spring ornaments

* Buy packs of herbs or flower seeds your mom could plant in the garden

* Clear out the flower bed for mom to prepare for spring planting

* Rake the leaves and make a compost pile

* Make mom a bracelet using beads from a craft store

* Make a sign for a t-shire that says ??SI love my mom? with an arrow pointing to the right or left

* Wash the car

* Clean your room

There are so many inexpensive ideas for Mother??”s Day gifts, all of which will be appreciated no matter how small. The fact that you took the time to make a present or buy something really special says it all. So whatever you decide to do, know that it will be a keepsake mom will treasure forever.

Mom … This Is A Great Time To Remember To Pamper Yourself and Take Care of YOU

Sometimes we get so caught up in our role as “Supermom” and wife, that we forget that there is one more person we really should be taking care of – ourselves. When was the last time you did something just for yourself? Don’t worry, I can’t remember either (unless you count that rushed shower in the morning).

Here are some great tips and little things you can do to pamper yourself a bit. I think I’m going to start with the pedicure this afternoon. My feet could definitely use the attention (especially if I’m planning on wearing sandals).

Quick Pampering Tips for Moms

Every mom deserves a break. You can??”t always take a day off just for you. However, you can pamper yourself any day of the week, right at home. These quick pampering tips for moms are sure to give you a quick boost!

Listen to your favorite music – When was the last time you bought yourself a new CD of your favorite artist? Turn on some motivating music for yourself. Listen to music to relax or pump up the volume and dance while you do the laundry.

Light some candles – Gather a few scented candles and light them for a soothing effect. Be sure to keep a few of the scents you like best on hand so you never run out.

Bubble bath – Fill your bath tub with hot water. Squirt in some nice-smelling bubble bath. Scents like lavender, mint and vanilla contribute a calming aroma.

Rose petal soak – Instead of using bubble bath or bath salts, drop some rose petals in your water just before you get ready to soak.

Rose petal foot soak – Soak your feet for twenty minutes in warm water with rose petals. The smell from the rose petals have a calming effect and the foot soak is sure to be a treat for mom??”s tired feet.

Manicure and pedicure – What mom doesn??”t deserve a nice pampering manicure and pedicure! Plan a special day out alone for this special treat. If you can??”t afford to pay for this, invite a girlfriend and take turns pampering each other.

Save face – Buy an inexpensive tube of facial mask and soothing cream. Give yourself a facial while relaxing in the tub or soaking your feet in a rose petal foot soak.

Mother-daughter pampering – All moms need special pampering, but don??”t forget to include your daughters from time to time. If you have a younger daughter, use some of these pampering tips we??”ve provided for a fun mother-daughter night. Take turns giving each other facials and manicures, rubbing lotion on your feet or combing your hair. If you have an older daughter, save and plan for a special mother-daughter pampering day at the spa.

Home Manicure Tips for Moms

Having a manicure can be very uplifting, especially if you haven??”t had the time to pamper yourself. While nail salons seem to be cropping up everywhere, there have been reports of infections due to insufficient sanitizing of the utensils. Also, once you??”ve been to a nail salon, chances are you may have to return often. The reason for this is quite simple; nail salons tend to remove too much nail surface, leaving your nails vulnerable to breakage. Thus, a return trip is almost always required. It is much easier to tend to your nails at home. Here are home manicure tips for moms that will ensure your nails will remain strong, and ultimately avoid the unnecessary expense.

1. If you have a desk lamp, set it on your kitchen or dining room table.

2. Prepare a bowl with dish washing liquid and warm water.

3. Have all of your manicure utensils, cotton balls, nail polish remover and polish on the table as well.

4. Place a dish towel on the surface of the table.

5. Remove the polish from both hands.

6. File your nails, if necessary.

7. Using a cue tip dipped in the water, clean under the fingernails.

8. Place one hand in the bowl first, then after a few minutes take the orange stick and push back your cuticles.

9. Follow the same procedure with the other hand.

10. Use your cuticle utensil to remove dead skin.

11. Place your each hand back into the bowl; then wipe dry.

12. Massage your hands with moisturizer before you begin polishing.

13. Apply nail hardener to the left hand first; then the right.

14. Apply the polish to the left hand next; then the right.

15. Apply a top coat of nail hardener to the left hand; then the right.

16. Wait until polish is completely dry; about 30 minutes.

Note: There are cuticle removers available in liquid form. However, they tend to leave your cuticles very dry after a few days.

Manicures do not have to be expensive. If you follow these tips, you will be able to give yourself home manicures whenever needed, and fully enjoy the process at the same time.

Home Pedicure Tips for Moms

Sometimes, it??”s the simple pleasures in life that make us happy. Pampering, even for just an hour, can make all the difference. If you??”ve never had a pedicure, or it??”s been ages since the last one; you??”ll agree it is the most soothing and relaxing hour you??”ll probably ever spend in a salon. However, you can also derive the same pleasure at home. Wait until the kids have gone to bed; and proceed to your bathroom. Then, follow these home pedicure tips for moms.

1. Light an aromatherapy candle, and place it on the countertop in your bathroom.

2. Fill your tub with warm water. Add either Epsom salt or your favorite bath salt.

3. Using cotton balls, remove old polish from your toenails with nail polish remover.

4. Soak your feet for ten to fifteen minutes.

5. Using a pumice stone to rub the heels and balls of your feet to remove dead skin. If you have a soft brush, you can use that as well.

6. Dry your feet thoroughly.

7. Cut your toenails.

8. Using your favorite moisturizer, massage your cuticles and both feet.

9. Gently push back your cuticles with an orange stick, and remove the excess cuticles.

10. Massage your legs with the moisturizer as well.

11. One foot at a time, apply clear nail hardener.

12. Apply your favorite color nail polish.

13. Apply a second coat of nail hardener.

14. Add cotton balls in between toes until nails are dry.

15. Use flip-flops if you need to walk around, or simply relax in your scented bathroom until nails are dry.

Wasn??”t that a wonderful experience? Do you feel relaxed? Home pedicures can be just as soothing as going to a spa or salon; the only difference is it doesn??”t cost anything except the price of a small bottle of nail polish. In addition, having an hour of alone time is completely worth the experience.

Quick Stress Relief Tips For Mom

Stress is a part of our lives. It’s unavoidable, no matter whether you are a working parent or not. That just adds another source of stress to what may sometimes seem an unbearable load.

Here are a few quick tips on how to deal with situations that commonly stress us all.

1. Organize yourself – Sit down with a notepad and pen, and list all your commitments. Write them into a spreadsheet if necessary. The sheet isn’t big enough? Maybe your load of commitments is. Prioritize the important and essential things in your life, and decide how much of you there is to spread around. And don’t forget to save some for yourself!

2. Avoid putting pressure on yourself — Don’t have unreasonable expectations for your life or career. When setting goals, take into account that Man’s best plans can often go awry. Don’t count yourself out as a failure if you’re behind schedule. Remain dedicated to your plans, while remembering that all things take time, and may require adjusting of the outcome or approach.

3. Remove yourself from confrontations – Kids or co-workers, the principle is the same. When your stress is at the point where you cannot be coherent, or deal with the other person, no matter how big or small in a reasonable manner, then you need a break to cool off. Explain that to your child, regardless of how young they are. Toddlers will be reassured that you still love them, and older children will gain an appreciation of the stresses of parenting, if you simply say that Mom is tired, and needs to think about this and come back to it when she’s calmer. Deal with co-workers the same way. Just say that while there are a lot of valid points to the discussion, you need time to organize your thoughts and ask for the opportunity to re-visit the subject at a later time.

Mother’s Day Recipes

Here are some fun and pretty simple recipes that Dad and the kids can use to make mom Breakfast and lunch this Mother’s Day. And don’t forget… there are even more yummy recipes in the Mother’s Day report from Christine.

Happy Mother’s Day Strawberry French Toast

Ingredients:

1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

8 slices bread, white or whole wheat

3 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced

3 eggs, beaten

2 Tablespoon milk

4 Tablespoon butter, optional

2 Tablespoon powdered sugar

Instructions:

Mix until smooth cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Spread on one side of bread. Top with sliced strawberries, covering the spread completely. Spread more of the mixture on another piece of bread and place on top. Press sandwich together gently to enclose strawberries inside. Mix eggs and milk together and set aside. Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and place in oven. Melt 1 Tablespoon of butter in a skillet. Take sanwiches and place in egg and milk mixture covering both sides. Lay sandwich in the skillet and cook until the first side is lightly brown. Flip sandwich and cook the other side. Once both sides have browned, place it on the baking sheet in warm oven. Before serving, top french toast with remaining strawberries and powdered sugar. Drizzle with mayple syrup or Strawberry topping below. Serves: 4

Strawberry French Toast Topping

Ingredients:

1/2 C. maple syrup

2 T. orange juice or Grand Marnier

3/4 C. pureed strawberries

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a small pan. Stirring constantly, heat mixture over medium heat until it begins to thicken (approximately 5 minutes). While still warm, pour over french toast and serve immediately.

Hope Your Hungry Mom Oatmeal

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups skim milk

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1 Tablespoon butter

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup chopped, unpeeled apple

Instructions: Boil milk in a saucepan and stir in oats. Once oats and milk are mixed well add the butter and salt and continue cooking over medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally. Remove oatmeal from stove and add the maple syrup, raisins, walnuts and apples. Stir to mix well. Serve with a tablespoon of brown sugar.

Take the Morning Off Mom Breakfast Muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

8 oz. can crushed pineapple, undrained

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2/3 cup finely chopped Canadian bacon (about 3 1/2 oz.)

Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat muffin tins with cooking spray. Mix flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl and set to the side. Beat eggs, oil and sugar in a bowl. Stir in previously set aside mixture, pineapple, cheese and bacon. Fill muffin tins 3/4 full and bake until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of muffins (approximately 30 minutes). Serve while still warm for best results. Makes 12 muffins.

Or ask hubby and the kids to make your favorite muffin from the freezer muffin section. (Or if they don’t bake, have them pick a few muffins from the freezer and reheat)

I Love You Mom! Coconut Coated Chicken Strips

Ingredients:

3/4 cup pineapple juice, divided

1 cup cream of coconut, divided

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup rice-wine vinegar

2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 cup flour

salt and pepper to taste

6 eggs, beaten

1 (2 pound) bag shredded coconut

3/4 to 1 cup peanut oil

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions:

In a large bowl mix 1/4 cup of pineapple juice, 1/4 cup of cream of coconut, soy sauce, brown sugar and wine vinegar. Add chicken strips and allow to marinate, covered in refrigerator a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. In a pie plate, combine flour, salt and pepper. In a bowl beat eggs and mix with 1/4 cup cream of coconut. In another bowl pour shredded coconut. Coat chicken strips first in flour, next in egg mixture and finally in shredded coconut. In a deep skillet, heat peanut oil (enough to just cover the bottom of skillet) over medium heat. Once oil is hot, cook chicken for 5 minutes on each side, taking care not to over cook coconut. Remove chicken and drain any leftover oil. Place 1/2 cup pineapple juice and 1/2 cup cream of coconut and heavy whipping cream in pan. Cook until thick, scraping drippings from bottom of the skillet. Pour sauce over chicken strips.

Mothers Chicken Salad

2 large boneless chicken breasts

1 cup Mayo

4 large stalks of celery

Salt

Pepper

Roast the chicken breast in a 425-degree oven until fully cooked. Let cool. (You can also boil the chicken breast for twenty minutes)

Each stalk of celery should be sliced into thin slices and chopped finely.

Dice the chicken breast into small dices and combine with the celery. Add 1 cup of mayo and mix well being careful not to break up the chicken pieces.Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Sprinkle celery salt on top of the salad and put on either rolls, toasted bread or crackers.

Mother’s Day Coleslaw

Ingredients:

2 heads cabbage, shredded

1 small head red cabbage, shredded

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 – 2 large carrots, peeled and grated

2 cups mayonnaise

2 Tablespoon mustard

2 Tablespoon sugar

4 Tablespoon wine vinegar

2 teaspoon pepper

2 teaspoon dried cilantro

2 teaspoon basil

2 teaspoon parsley

Instructions:

In a large sized bowl, mix cabbage, red cabbage, bell peppers, onion and carrots. Cobmine mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, pepper, cilantro, basil, and parsley in another bowl. Pour mayonnaise mixture over vegetable mixture and stir well, coating vegetables completely. Cover coleslaw and chill overnight.

Just for Mom Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

1 can prepared lemon pie filling

12 oz. frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 – 15 oz. can tropical fruit salad, drained

1 – 15 oz. can pineapple tidbits, drained

2 – 11 oz. cans mandarin oranges, drained

2 cups fresh strawberries

Instructions:

Mix lemon pie filling and whipped topping together in a large bowl. Add fruit to mixture and chill in refrigerator from 4 hours to overnight. When ready to serve, top with fresh strawberries or fruit of your choice and whipped topping.

Final Thought

That??”s it for this edition of the Hillbilly Housewife Newsletter. I hope you??”ve had as much fun reading it as I had creating it for you. I also hope that you have found the information helpful and useful.

Do you have a question, a tip, a recipe or a story you??”d like to share with us? Email it to me and I??”ll include it in a future issue. Can??”t wait to see what you have to say.

Warm Wishes,

Susanne – The Hillbilly Housewife

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