Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Wordless Wednesday - Making My Garden Sing

Hi, my name is Darlene and welcome to my blog. Today I am sharing a couple of old photos of my garden. I miss it very much.


hens and chicks



sedums


.... and one more.

Roses

Pop over HERE and HERE to see the rest of my gorgeous garden and more hardy perennials to make your garden sing.


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Wait a minute! What a pleasant surprise. This post has been featured! I want to thank Cyndee for featuring this post on her blog, Christmas Creations.


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Darlene NemethI love to read your opinions and comments. It makes my day.

Bye for now.
Wishing you the best, Darlene

My apologies, all anonymous comments are deleted due to an excessive amount of spam.



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Monday, June 27, 2016

Personalize Your Reusable Shopping Bags

Hi everyone, I'm Darlene and I am so happy you decided to join me.

Reusable shopping bags are so handy and not just for shopping. They come in all sizes and are great for carrying anything from shoes, books to overnight items - heck they are even great for groceries.

It's true, they are useful but aren't too darn attractive. 

My solution is to add some pizzazz. Cover up the company logo and personalize the reusable shopping bags.




I started with a plain black reusable shopping bag that had a a company's name stitched on the front and one of my granddaughter's favorite t-shirts that she outgrew.

I cut closely around the image on the t-shirt and cut a four inch strip along the bottom.

I used a darning needle and black yarn to stitch the image onto the bag. It looked a little plain so I stitched around the heart shape with pink yarn. The color was a perfect match.

Thinking that Faith would like more on her bag, I stitched several stars randomly and decorative knots.

When I cut off the bottom of the t-shirt I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it but then I noticed that it was a perfect fit around the top of the bag.

I cut thin strips up to the t-shirt hem then stitched it to the bag with black yarn.

I think my granddaughter will love it. She will have a personalized reusable shopping bag to carry her library books, sketch book and markers .... whatever she wants. 

She might not be able to wear that favorite t-shirt anymore but now she can carry it wherever she goes.

Great thing about this little project? You can customize, personalize, somethingize it for anyone. How about a favorite band shirt? Actor or cartoon character?


Are those creative juices flowing? I have a couple more bags to decorate and I can't wait to get at them.


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Hang on one minute. 
Exciting news. My shopping bags have been featured at My Favorite Things Saturday Blog Party. I am absolutely thrilled and excited. Check out all the features HERE.


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Darlene NemethI love to read your opinions and comments. It makes my day.

Bye for now.
Wishing you the best, Darlene

My apologies, all anonymous comments are deleted due to an excessive amount of spam.



Don't forget to subscribe, like and share!

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Wordless Wednesday - Yum, Strawberries


If you love strawberries, check out this super quick and easy STRAWBERRY DESERT.


Darlene NemethI love to read your opinions and comments. It makes my day.

Bye for now.
Wishing you the best, Darlene

My apologies, all anonymous comments are deleted due to an excessive amount of spam.



Don't forget to subscribe, like and share!

Monday, June 20, 2016

Chain Linky Climb


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo CLIMBweek4pics_zps3uaramqn.jpg

WELCOME to the 
JUNE 2016 CLIMB!


It's the month long Networking Blog Hop where Cohosts & Guest Cohosts are added each week for ultimate exposure!
 

Networking means 
helping each other grow!!


If you want to promote the CLIMB link, use #ChainLinkyCLIMB on Twitter or Google+ so that we can all help each other grow!


Here's how the Giveaway & Guest Cohosting works - the hosts, cohosts & Guest cohosts from the previous month's CLIMB will have the opportunity to participate in a Giveaway during the next CLIMB - that gives co-hosts 2 months in a row of blog growing fun!!  (If you would like to guest cohost please sign up at the end of this post using the last "Linky")

We have 2 permanent cohosts for week#2, 3 permanent cohosts for week#3 and eventually we will have 4 permanent cohosts for week#4 making a grand total of 11 hosts/cohosts each month & that's not even including Guest Cohosts!

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  Highest CLIMBer Features!!

Each permanent host & cohost will feature their favorite link from the previous month CLIMB!  Every "Highest CLIMBer" will be pinned to our Pinterest board:


Chain Linky CLIMB Pinterest board

Let It Shine

My Highest CLIMBer from May 2016 is:

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CLIMB GIVEAWAY!

Enter Below
 One person will win:

  • $10 Paypal cash from God's Growing Garden
  • Your choice of 2 month small Ad spaces OR 1 month large
  • Spotlighting Ad Space (for Blogs or Online Shops) on Butterfly in the Attic- $30 value
  • 1 Sidebar Ad Space (for Blogs or Online Shops) on God's Growing Garden - $10 value
  • "Playful Heart" Necklace - $20 value

"Playful Heart" Necklace

 photo CindyJune16_zps6jq2znco.jpg
"I found this pretty sage green slag glass beach stone in Lake Michigan that is kind of heart-shaped. I drilled a 2 mm hole and dressed her up with a colorful aluminum large jump ring and strung her onto a playful colorful 30 inch plastic coated metal bead chain complete with black lobster clasp. The stone measures 1 inch wide. Since the bead chain is color plastic coated, it is a bit stiffer than plain metal, but is very cute and fun to wear!"


by ShorelineDesigned
Total prize value is $70!!



CLIMB Giveaway Rules & Conditions:
- this is open worldwide (void where prohibited)
- You must be 18 years or older to enter
- You MUST have a blog to win the Ad spaces (otherwise these will become second place prizes)
- You MUST have a valid PayPal account to win the Paypal Cash (otherwise this will become a second place prize)
- You MUST have a mailing address in the lower 48 states of the USA in order to win the necklace (otherwise these will become a second place prizes)
- facebook, google & all other social media are NOT responsible for any part of this giveaway
- This Giveaway is open from June 1st, 2016 until June 30th, 2016

Winner must respond to email within 48 hours or a different winner will be chosen
Giveaway Hosts, Cohosts & Guest Cohosts can NOT enter this Giveaway!, however - JUNE 2016 CLIMB blog hop co-hosts ARE allowed to enter this Giveaway (provided they are not also part of the Giveaway)
correspondence is done through email and the winner's email addresses will only be used to deliver or set-up e-prizes.  Email addresses will NEVER be sold or shared.
All prizes will be delivered by the contributing Bloggers/Shop Owners.
if you have any questions or concerns about this Giveaway please email one of the hosts:





a Rafflecopter giveaway


Onto the CLIMB (blog hop):

There are many ways to follow us:
April @ April Noelle
blog  |  facebook  |  google+  |  twitter bloglovin  |  YouTube instagram

Darlene @ Let It Shine
blog facebook  |  pinterest  |  twitter  |  bloglovin  |  google+ etsy

blog  |  periscope  |  pinterest  |  twitter  |  YouTube |  etsy instagram







 photo ClimbFollow_zps7d1a2ebf.jpg




by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo ClimbRules_zpsoye4lmso.jpg

By participating in this blog hop your understand that your link might be featured &/or promoted on our blogs & social media.  Also, by participating in this blog hop your email address will be added to our CLIMB list & you will be sent an email reminder next month. 

CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbLink_zpsf527c076.jpg

Remember - If you Guest Cohost you will receive a free Weekly Sidebar Ad and your blog button will appear on both Angie's blog & Angel's blog!!

(The Ad will run live a few weeks after you have co-hosted)


We are looking for amazing Bloggers like you to Guest Cohost the CLIMB! 

Please click the purple button below to sign up to Guest Cohost or click HERE!


God’s Growing Garden

___________________________________________

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo ClimbSigW4_zpsesd5w6ke.jpg




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Darlene NemethI love to read your opinions and comments. It makes my day.

Bye for now.
Wishing you the best, Darlene

My apologies, all anonymous comments are deleted due to an excessive amount of spam.



Don't forget to subscribe, like and share!

Sunday, June 19, 2016

5 Steps to Find the Right Dentist

Hi everyone, I'm Darlene and I am so happy you decided to join me. A few weeks ago I shared a post listing a few possible problems you may encounter with a Dentist. Today I am sharing 5 tips to find the right dentist. There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing one because your oral health is at stake. 

finding the right dentist

1. Referral/Recommendations

This is probably the best way to find a good dentist. Ask around. 
 2. Logistics
There is a broad range of questions you should have answered. The more questions you ask and research you do increases your chances of finding a dentist that best fits your needs and preferences.
  • Location: Yep it applies here too. Is the location convenient? By this I mean is it within the number of km/miles you are willing to travel. Is facility is accessible to the disabled? Is there parking or public transportation nearby? 
  • Office Hours: Do the office hours work with your schedule? Can you book an appointment for weekends or evenings? How long does it take to get an appointment?
  • Fees: Do they accept OW, ODSP or Status cards. What insurance plans/companies do they accept? If you aren't covered by a benefits program do they offer a payment plan? What methods of payment do they accept?
  • What is their policy on missed appointments? Ask for estimates on some common procedures such as full-mouth X-rays, an oral exam and cleaning, and filling a cavity.
  • Requirements: Will this dentist accept all your family members as patients and has experience with special needs? For example will the dentist be capable of taking care of children, diabetics, those with HIV/AIDS or people who are nervous about dental procedures. Is the environment kid-friendly (games, toys, books, etc.
 3. Placing a Call
  • Phone the dentist office to find out if the dentist is accepting new patients. 
  • At the same time have your questions from number 2 answered. If the receptionist can't answer your questions who can?
  • How long have they been in business?
  • Check out the attitude of the receptionist. How are you treated? Are they friendly or do they seem snappish or rushed?

4. Visiting the Office


Check out the office in person. 
  • Is the waiting area etc. neat and clean? 
  • Do they seem organized - professional?
  • How are you treated when you arrive?
  • Does the office and the equipment look neat, orderly and clean?
  • Does their technology and equipment look relatively new? Outdated equipment can point to the use of outdated and more risky procedures.
  • Do they wear gloves and other personal protection equipment while providing treatment?
A good overall atmosphere is important and you must feel comfortable.

5. First Visit with the Dentist

During your first visit pay attention to the dentist's approach to treatment. 
  • Are things clearly explained? 
  • Can you communicate comfortably with the dentist? 
  • Are your questions and concerns addressed? Do they ask questions to learn more about your situation and take notes on their findings?
  • How well do they explain your oral health situation, the treatments you require and the procedures that will be done? Do they communicate in simple terms or confusing/technical jargon?
  • Do they discuss both the benefits of the procedure and the possible side effects or problems?
  • Did they thoroughly examine your mouth, gums and teeth?
  • Was your medical history recorded and filed?
Good oral health care requires a good relationship between you, your dentist, and the dental team. You may want to call or visit more than one dental practice before making your final decision.


Here is a free printable to make sure you are getting the answers you need and can compare dentists.


Honey Bunny and I went to a new Dentist a couple of weeks ago. Sadly she had six small cavities. And me? It's been almost twenty years since I've been able to pay a dentist a visit. I know. Gross eh? You're probably thinking septic tank mouth. But no way. No cavities, no gum disease - just need a regular cleaning. Awesome eh!

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What an awesome surprise to be featured at the Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party. Thanks Gail.
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Darlene NemethI love to read your opinions and comments. It makes my day.

Bye for now.
Wishing you the best, Darlene

My apologies, all anonymous comments are deleted due to an excessive amount of spam.



Don't forget to subscribe, like and share!

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Between the Lines: a Blog Series



Wordpress plugin [inlinkz_linkup id=640436 mode=1] blogger Wordpress.com

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Wordless Wednesday -









Darlene NemethI love to read your opinions and comments. It makes my day.

Bye for now.
Wishing you the best, Darlene


My apologies, all anonymous comments are deleted due to an excessive amount of spam.



Don't forget to subscribe, like and share!

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Porcupine Meatball Recipe

Hi everyone, my name is Darlene and welcome back to my blog. Today I am sharing with you one of my family’s favorite meals – Porcupine Balls. These are hearty and well-seasoned meatballs with rice which simmer in a rich tomato sauce.
Meatballs  Recipe with Rice in Tomato SauceMy Mom showed me how to make these porcupine balls and in turn I showed my daughters. They now make them for their families. I’m sure your family will enjoy them as much as we do!


Porcupine Ball Recipe
Meatballs Recipe with Rice in Tomato Sauce
Serves: 4-6
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 45 mins
Total time: 60 mins

  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound extra lean ground beef
  • 1 ½ cups uncooked long grain rice (Uncle Bens)
  • 2 slightly beaten eggs
  • ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
  • ⅛ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (optional for low sodium diets)
  • 2 (680 ml) cans Hunts Tomato Sauce
  • 1 cup water


Instructions
  1. In a medium sized bowl combine meat, rice, eggs, onions, pepper, salt and ½ cup water.
  2. Mix thoroughly and shape into 24 meatballs and place into a pot.
  3. Mix tomato sauce and remaining water. Pour over meatballs.
  4. Bring to a boil and reduce heat.
  5. Cover and simmer for approximately 45 minutes.

Meatballs with Rice in Tomato Sauce
You can make these in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-7 hour or on high for 3-4 hours. 

Serve on a bed of rice or with potatoes as a side dish.

Serve the Porcupine Meatballs with diced boiled potatoes. We like to pour some of the sauce over our potatoes.

Does your family have a similar recipe you enjoy? I'd love to hear about it.

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My porcupine meatballs have been featured!

What a pleasant surprise Anne. Thank you so much for featuring my meatballs at your party.

To see the other features please check them out HERE.


What a wonderful surprise to find my meatballs featured by Danielle at her Weekend Wind-Down Party.

To see the other features please check them out HERE.
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Darlene NemethI love to read your opinions and comments. It makes my day.

Bye for now.
Wishing you the best, Darlene

My apologies, all anonymous comments are deleted due to an excessive amount of spam.



Don't forget to subscribe, like and share!