Natural Stone Magnets

blessedroots — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:59:56 +0000

In searching for refrigerator magnets, I found they were too small, too big, not attractive or too expensive. The simple function of a magnet in the style of which I wanted could not be found. For that reason, I decided to make my own with materials I already had and purchased from my local craft store. Below are step-by-step instructions, and the list of materials used in order to make my stone magnets. Use your imagination to create your own homemade refrigerator magnets, the options are endless. Any item with a flat surface is ideal for the best results of your homemade decorative magnet. Enjoy!

Materials:

craft magnets
glue gun
glue stick
natural stones

Plug in your glue gun before you’re ready to start applying the glue and insert a glue stick.

Apply a small amount of hot glue on the desired area where you intend to place your magnet.

Place your magnet upon the hot glue and let dry for at least 5 minutes.

Continue applying enough magnets to support the weight of your item.

Completed ‘hope’ magnet proudly displayed on our refrigerator.

Last, but certainly not least, the natural stones completed with side and front view.

Hope you’ve been inspired to create your own decorative refrigerator magnets.

Reusable Shopping Bag

blessedroots — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:16:16 +0000

Question: Paper or Plastic? Answer: Neither, use a reusable shopping bag. Simply make the choice to help our environment by refraining from using plastic or paper shopping bags. Since our family has been using reusuable shopping bags, I’ve saved money and discomfort from carrying heavy plastic bags from the grocery store. I’ve found in some stores, for example, Safeway, they will give you a bag credit for not using the paper or plastic bags. Many stores, including online sell reusable bags and they vary in price, design and style.

The Problem:

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimated 3,960,000 tons of plastic bags, sack and wraps were produced in 2008. Of those, 3,570,000 tons (90%) were discarded. Recycling helps, but it’s not the solution.

The Impact:

The extremely slow decomposition rate of plastic bags leaves them to drift on the ocean for untold years. According to Algalita Marine Research Foundation, these plastic bags cause the death of many marine animals (fish, sea turtles, etc.), every year when animals mistake them for food.

In the statistical breakdown of a 2008 cleanup by the Ocean Conservancy, numbers were kept on 43 different types of trash. Cigarette butts were the most common and plastic bags came in second.

The Solution:

The solution is not a plastic bag ban. This is an emotional response which fails to strike at the heart of the issue; instead of a market-based solution, a ban shifts production to paper bags and compostable bags, both of which have heavy environmental consequences.

The solution is not switching to paper bags or compostable plastic bags. A study on the life cycle of three types of disposable bags (single-use plastic, paper, and compostable plastic) showed that both compostable plastic and paper bags require more material per bag in the manufacturing process.

Before & After Backyard

blessedroots — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:20:20 +0000

In the beginning of Summer 2010, the Evans’ Family started work on cleaning up their backyard. With long evenings and endless weekends of pulling weeds, trimming plants and removing roots we’ve come to a backyard we can be proud of. Photos below include Before and After’s.

Always In Our Hearts

blessedroots — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 02:04:42 +0000

Nelson isn’t just a name, it is a way of being, as Nana taught us all to be strong, independent and caring. Memories are filled with my many years spent with Nana and each was a blessed gift. As the lyrics to the song “One More Day” by Diamond Rio, “I simply wished for one more day with you.” If there is one person who exemplified “unconditional love”, it was Nana who would forgive and forget, love with all of her heart, and keep your secret of ‘taking butter without asking from the refrigerator as she napped’ as though she was unaware. Our trips to Carriage Market with her grocery cart and the savory smell of fresh salami offered freely by the kind butcher are memories that I won’t ever forget. Letter magnets on her fridge, water bubble toy in the back closet and crocheted blanket on the davenport are fond thoughts I have that take me to a place where I was always safe and loved. Tears fill my eyes with the feeling of love and loss over my Nana and how I wish she could be here to share my life. Love will forever be in my heart for my Nana, Papa and Gramma Teckla, may you rest in heaven. ♥ ♥ ♥

Independence Day

blessedroots — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:25:17 +0000

Sunday July 4th, 2010 was spent at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica. Nathan’s 1st time playing at the beach; sand he enjoyed, the cold ocean water not so much. When all fun at the beach was over, we went home for Nathan to get some much needed rest and spend time with family. The evening was spent with sights and sounds of fireworks going off around town and quality time with Daddy. We had a very enjoyable 4th of July and hope all had a safe and wonderful celebration. Our thoughts and prayers are with our brave soldiers fighting everyday for our freedom and their safe return home. God Bless the USA!

Homemade Playdough

blessedroots — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 01:09:21 +0000

Support for my son’s daycare comes in the form of Parent Points. To fulfill Parent Points, you may volunteer your time, purchase wishlist items or help with different activities during the year. Making homemade playdough was a wishlist request, so I thought I would make an effort and do my best. Below I’ve included the recipe and step-by-step instructions with photos. Hope you enjoy!

Homemade Playdough Ingredients:

2 cups of flour
1 cup of salt
1 tbsp of cream of tartar
2 cups of warm water
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
food coloring

Add all dry ingredients to a medium saucepan.

Then add all of the wet ingredients.

Mix the wet and dry ingredients together stirring constantly on low heat.

When the dough thickens and pulls away from the sides, turn off the heat and allow to cool.

Place cooled dough onto a clean counter or silicone mat and knead until becomes smooth.

Cut into desired number of sections to mix for each color.

Take one section of dough and make an indent in the middle to add the food coloring.

Mix until you achieve the desired shade of color.

You’re all finished! Enjoy your homemade playdough and remember to store in an airtight container.

Finished playdough – red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.

Welcome to Blessed Roots!

blessedroots — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:18:54 +0000

Inspiration to start a blog has led me here to wordpress.com, so this is quite the learning experience. Hopefully with time I will be able to find my way around and intrigue readers. Since watching the movie ‘Julie & Julia’ I have thought to start my own blog and begin documenting my life. Many thoughts have filled my mind for what to include in my blog, and I hope to find many readers intrigued by my posts. Photography, genealogy, gardening, organizing, baking, and green living are a few of my passions that let me be creative which I find very enjoyable. Welcome to my blog, please comment as you wish and thank you for your support.