These days, there is a lot of pressure to do everything “right” and one group really feeling that pressure is families with kids thinking about college. The choices of which schools to visit, which tests to take, where to apply….it all gets to be TOO MUCH. I hear you, friends, I have been there and as I sit here now, with a Senior in COLLEGE, I do have some advice for those of you just starting this journey. First and foremost-let’s talk about the money. While little Sally and Johnny are worried about what the dorm rooms look like, let’s face it, as parents we are worried about how we are going to pay for it all. My son’s high school counselor suggested he take the ACT and so that’s what he did.What I didn’t realize was that the College Board and SAT connects students/families to over $180 – I think the most recent number now is $220K million in scholarship dollars each year. Who doesn’t need help paying for college?There are other factors about the SAT that I wished I’d known. For instance, did you know there is no penalty for guessing wrong on the SAT? This is a fairly new development within the scoring of the test and is a huge advantage! ...
How To Secure Your Stuff On Campus
I am sure that by now you have all the sheets, towels, shower curtains and supplies to successfully send your college student off to school. You have checked the school list and even read my list of list of must have college dorm room supplies. You've even read my advice on how to help your student transition to college but there is one thing we haven't talked about. Security and how to secure your stuff on campus. How to Secure Your Stuff (and YOU) on Campus *this post contains both affiliate links and sponsored contentCreative Storage One thing that is important to remember is what is out of sight isn't an easy target. I love these little dorm ottomans that have storage in them. While they won't secure an item it does provide an easy place to drop your laptop or something similar in when you just want it out of sight. Plus it doubles as an extra seat and additional storage. If you are looking for something a bit more secure try a traditional foot locker. We found these were perfect for the break weeks (Fall, Christmas, Spring) to make sure things were put away with all the maintenance going on and just a few students staying. Bonus that it comes in cute colors and again ...
Cooking With Essential Oils
Cooking with Essential Oils has gotten even friendlier now with Young Livings Vitality Line (which you get some with the Premium Starter Kit sale I have going on). All of the oils in this line are labeled as safe for internal use. So there is no reason at all to not get started kicking up your meals with these little bottles of goodness. Remember, when cooking with oils, a little goes a long way! For some of these you won't even need a full drop. Dip a toothpick in the bottle and swirl it in the recipe. Talk about saving money!!! Here are some of my favorite recipes to get you started. CHIMICHURRI: Sauce for SteakGUACAMOLE: Dip for ChipsKALE SALAD with LemonRAINDROP SALAD DRESSINGSAVORY SAUSAGEBEET SALAD This summer beet salad is one of my all time favorite recipes. Click the link or the picture to get the recipe, directions and a cool tip to keep the red off your hands while handling beets. ...
Summer Beet Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A few months ago my friends and I took a cooking class where we learned how to make this amazing Summer Beet Salad with pickled and candied oranges, almonds and a to die for citrus vinaigrette. I have now made it at home several times and have adapted it a little more to the home kitchen but beware this does take a while to make due to all the steps and it makes enough to feed a large picnic. This is going to be your summer picnic potluck go to for sure! Step 1: Pickle and Candy the Orange PeelsIngredients:3 whole oranges, sliced with peels left on 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup white wine vinegar 3 whole cloves 1/2 cinnamon stick 1/2 c waterDirections: Place the orange slices in a pot and and cover with water (not the 1/2 c needed above). Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Continue simmering for 1 hour. Strain the orange slices and return them to the pot. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to help dissolve the sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer. Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Separate the orange pulp from the rind and discard the pulp. Slice the rind into 1/8" think ...
Orange Dream Cake-Baking With Essential Oils
Oh my friends, get ready to preheat the oven and cheer for Heather is at it again with another amazing baking recipe for us: Orange Dream Cake-vanilla cake with orange marmalade filling and orange cream cheese icing!Orange essential oil has quickly became my most favorite oil. I love using it in my baking! I am a cake baker by trade, so I've been brainstorming a recipe to include orange oil for quite sometime. This is the moistest cake you will ever eat...promise! The orange marmalade and orange cream cheese frosting really complement it well.You will want to make this filling up a day or two in advance so it has time to firm up. I used lemon essential oil in the marmalade to complement the oranges.Orange Dream Cake Ingredients This list contains affiliate linksFor the filling:3 oranges 2 cups sugar 3 drops lemon essential oil (Get a great deal on Young Living Essential Oils here)Peel oranges making sure to remove as much of the white as possible. Chop oranges and place in a medium, microwave-safe bowl. Add sugar to oranges and stir to combine. Place in microwave for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Remove from microwave and allow to cool for ...