Parent's Time Out

Parent's Time Out
November 9, 2001

Time Out for the Week	What's for Dinner?
Just for You	Site of the Week

This weekly feature of the Online Exchange is committed to helping parents take back quality time and devote it more fully to spending it with their children. Here is where you can start to take a Time Out from the TV, computer, housework, and bills. It only takes a few minutes to do fun and memorable things with your children and we will lend a hand each week to get you started. Tune in here for encouragement, fun and easy things to do, and other tidbits, all geared just for you and your precious ones.

~ Time Out for the Week

Play Dough Galore

Playdough Recipe #1

1 c Flour
1/2 c Salt
1 c Water
2 tsp. Cream of Tartar
1 tsp. Salad Oil
Food Coloring
Mix together all ingredients and cook for 3 minutes over low heat. Stir well. Add food coloring. Store in a plastic container. Kids love it and it is easier to clean up.

Playdough Recipe #2

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
3 tbsp oil
1 package of Koolaid (for color and scent)
1/2 cup of water
This is a great recipe, keep it in the fridge and if it gets too sticky after a while you just add a bit of flour to it! Keep it in an air tight container.

Playdough Recipe #3

1 C. Flour
1/2 C. Salt
2 Tbsps cream of tarter
2 Tsp cooking oil
1 C. water with food coloring
Combine ingredients and put on warm heat in saucepan. Heat till thickens, remove and knead.

More next week, let us know which one is your favorite!

~ What's for Dinner?

Beef & Parmesan Pasta
Here is a great recipe that is quick, easy, and surprisingly good. A great way to serve a little something different to your family

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
2 cups beef broth
1 (15 1/2 oz.) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
2 cups thinly sliced zucchini
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

In large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain, and remove beef.

In same skillet, add broth, tomatoes and pasta. Stir. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium. Cook, uncovered, 15 min. stirring frequently. Add zucchini; continue cooking 5 min. or until pasta is tender.

Return beef to skillet & stir in 1/2 cup cheese, heat through. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Makes 4 servings. Cook time 30 minutes.

~ Just for You
and your family- Part 1

Environmentally Safe (and kid safe)
products to clean your home:

Five basic nontoxic ingredients that can be used as cleansing agents:

These ingredients, supplemented with vegetable-oil- based soaps, lemon juice, herbs or toothpaste, can be mixed together and used to bring a natural, economical and safe shine to your home.

baking soda washing soda
borax salt
white vinegar

Here are some of the compounds you can make:

Disinfectant:
Mix 1/2 cup borax (a natural mineral that kills mold and bacteria) with 1 gallon hot water. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and cool. Store in a recycled plastic spray bottle.

Floor cleaner:
Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 2 gallons hot water. For greasy floors, add 1/4 cup washing soda and 1 tablespoon vegetable-oil-based soap to the above mixture.

Window-washing fluid:
Mix 1 cup vinegar with 4 cups hot water.

Oven cleaner:
Make a paste of baking soda and hot water. Sponge onto stains and wipe clean.

Look for more next week!

~ Recommended Site of the Week

Animaland
Read the latest news about your favorite animals, play interactive games, meet real-life animal heroes and find out how to take care of your pet. http://www.animaland.org

Thank you for joining us for this weeks Time Out! Now the rest is up to you. Take the time to do the things suggested, or think of your own ways to spend precious time with your family. But most importantly, HAVE FUN!!

Be sure to tell your friends about us! Highlight the parts of the page you like the best and print it. Then keep a folder of ideas and recipes.

We would like to hear from you! If you have a favorite family site or craft, send it to us and we might share it with our readers. Or, just let us know what you think of our feature.
Contact Sara.

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Giving Credit were Credit is Due...
We search all over for great tips, ideas and recipes and don't want to forget to let you know where it all comes from. This week we would like to thank the following:
www.homeschoolzone.com www.animaland.org
www.pinksunrise.com