Money Saving Water tip...

With gas prices soaring higher than ever before, and so much unemployment, people are looking for more and more ways to save a dollar here and there 'cause after awhile,those stray dollars add up. When washing dishes or clothes,make sure you have a full load before turning on that switch. It takes just as much energy to power a light load as it does a full one, so remember when you decide to wash those two or three garments, or half a load of dishes,you are flushing your hard earned money down the drain.

For a better night's sleep, try this tip...

It has been documented for years that lavender is a well known sleep inducing agent. Place a lavender plant by your bedside, and let its soothing scent carry you right off to dreamland. Also,try a warm bath with lavender soap or lavender infused oil. Befor you know it, you'll be sleeping like a baby!!

Sauteed Mushrooms & Onions

• This is a wonderful recipe that was given to me when I was probably fourteen{yes, I really have been cooking that long!} and if I had a dollar for every time I have made this for my Momma, I would never have to work! Here is what you're gonna need:
• 1 or 2 large onions, depending upon how many people you are feeding{I use one}
• 1 package fresh mushrooms
• half stick of butter
• soy sauce

Wash your mushrooms and dice them into pieces, not too small. Cut onionsand dice into pieces. Place butter into a skillet and melt. Make sure all butter is melted and skillet is good and hot. Pour mushrooms and onions into the skillet,and sprinkle with soy sauce til you can kind of smell the soy sauce. If you think you have too much soy sauce, just add alittle more butter. This is one of those recipes you have to play with to suit your taste. Cook over high heat, and stir constantly. Cook until butter and soy sauce are cooked down, about 5 minutes. Do not cook ALL the liquid out as this will burn the contents quickly!! Serves 4-6.

Water saving Tip

We here at the Crafty Chandelier believe in the concept of recycling and going green. The Earth only has so many resources folks, and once they're gone, they're gone. Here is a little water saving tip for ya that I have practiced for over a year now. If you have an older toliet that is not an "energy,water saver", get a pint jar {or several of these jars, or a  bigger jar of your choice, it just depends on how much water you really need to flush your toliet} and  put'em in the tank. It changes the water volume in the  tank,and sort of tricks your toliet into using less water each and every time you flush. Less water means less money on that water bill, and more water for something else. It is one of those lovely win-win situations in life that actually saves you money, putting it into your pocket without having to get anything out of it.

Grape Salad

This is one of my family's favorite recipes,and I am gonna share it with all y'all! This is one of those simple recipes,and you ain't gonna need the whole store to have something good in your bowl!

• Two bunches red,and green seedless grapes
• two jars of 7 .oz marshmellow creme
• two 8 oz. boxes of cream cheese

Now,all you are gonna do is wash your grapes, and pick them, and put those in a large bowl. In a different bowl, you are gonna want to cream the mashmellow creme and cream cheese together with a  mixer on the lowest speed until it makes a creamy,white dip. Now,just a little tip here for ya, getting that marshmellow creme out of that jar is a real pain, so take a metal spoon,and hold it under some hot running water first BEFORE you try and have a go at that marshmellow creme. It  will come out soo much easier,I promise!Repeat this process as needed. Add this creamy dip to your grapes and stir until grapes are good and coated. This makes a big bowl,so be  advised before you start, but I ALWAYS have to make this big of a bowl, and once your bunch gets a taste of this stuff,I promise you will too! Makes 8-13 servings.

Simply wonderful fruit dip # 1

This a wonderful, simple recipe that I love to use as a fruit dip. You will want some fruit of your choice on hand, such as stawberries, kiwi, or grapes.

• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 1 cup confectioner's sugar       

Combine cream cheese, sugar, and almond extract and mix well. Chill this until ready to serve. Makes 2 cups of dip. Now, wasn't that so simple?!                         

This month's feel better tip: "Color Therapy"

As March as has descended upon us, it feels like Winter is never going to end, even though Spring is in March,and just around the corner. I have another tip for ya to keep your chin up while waiting just alittle bit longer. "Color Therapy" as I like to call it, has been proven to work in many studies. Keep these colors in mind when picking out your wardobe for the day, or the small things you surround yourself with such as throw pillows,pictures,candles,ect,everyday little items that you encounter day to day. The color red is shown to envoke passion, so if you want alittle sizzle in your life, then wear this color and strow it all about. Blue is all about what calms you. Think of the ocean,or the sky. Orange on the other hand, has just the opposite effect. Stare at something orange to engerize you and get you moving. To feel happier,and more excited,wear yellow. Feng shui suggusts that even wearing a citrine necklace or bracelet attracts good fortune. Last, but certainly not least, for all of you of Irish descent out there {I happen to be one myself!} the color green is shown to boost confidence,optimism and improve concentration. Think of it: did you ever hear of a lost Leprechaun?! Now that infamous pot of gold is a different story altogether! :)