Gel Pack

A Mom from preschool told me about this today and I just had to share. I hate buying those expensive gel-type freezer packs. They are expensive! Here is a cheap way to make your own. Im going to stock my freezer with a few of these!

2/3C rubbing alcohol
2C Water

*Mix together and freeze! Too easy and almost free!

Lemon Sauce

This recipe is my go-to this year for gifts for people who you just need to say: "Hey, thanks for all you do for me, I think you rock, I appreciate you and I hope you have a merry Christmas! Oh ya, enjoy this lemon sauce on top of some Christmas pancakes or waffles while your at it" Love, (your name!)

Lemon Sauce
1/2 C sugar
1 T. cornstarch
1/8 t. nutmeg
1 C water
2 T butter
1/2 t. lemon zest
2 T lemon juice

Stir together sugar, cornstarch and nutmeg in a small saucepan; add water. Cook over med heat until thick and bubbly; cook and stir for an additional 2 min. Remove from heat; add remaining ingredients. Stir just until butter melts. Serve warm.


I am putting mine in cute little Bell jam jars w/Christmas fabric in the lid and a package of my Grandmothers FABULOUS buttermilk pancakes! (minus the wet ingredients of course)

Grandma Antoninos Buttermilk Pancakes

These are probably going to be the best pancakes you have ever or will ever eat, so just do yourself a favor and STOP buying those pre-packaged pancake mixes...this is better and cheaper and so super simple. Plus, your family may do super nice things for you all day long because you make these for them, and that alone is reason enough!


1 C flour
1 1/4 C buttermilk
1 egg (beaten)
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 T sugar
2 t. baking powder
2 T oil

-Beat egg and buttermilk and oil together. Add all other ingredients. Top with syrup, jam or my new favorite, THIS!

Drain Cleaner

This is the best drain cleaner when you don't have anything else.

Drain Cleaner
By Vickie Orton


1 Cup salt
1 Cup baking soda
1 Cup vinegar
2 Quarts boiling water
Pour salt, baking soda, and vinegar down the drain. Follow with boiling water.