Easy Valances

Posted by wardeh

I’m always on the lookout for inexpensive fabric choices. Most of the valances in my house come from vintage printed sheets from second hand stores, where you can buy quite a bit of fabric for not very much money. My preference for window hardware is inexpensive, too. I like to use the tension rods that fit right in the window box — they are about $3 to $5 to $8, depending on the size. There are two added benefits of using tension rods instead of curtain rods — 1) there are no brackets involved to mark up your walls and 2) brackets often fall out because there is rarely a stud in the right place to anchor them.

Finished Size: 12 inches deep (length) and the width of your window

Needed Materials

• Sufficient fabric of your choice (Step 2 helps you determine how much you need)
• Matching thread
• Tension tod or other window hardware that spans across your window size

1. Measure width of window.

2. Determine needed dimensions of fabric for valance.

• width – about twice the width of the window, plus one inch for seam allowances
• length — 15 inches, which includes 2-1/2 inches to make the rod casing and 1/2 inch seam allowance on the bottom edge

Example: For a window that is 45 inches wide, needed fabric dimensions are 91 by 15 inches.

3. Cut fabric.

If necessary, cut multiple pieces that together will equal the needed width, adding an extra inch to each piece for seam allowances, if possible. You may do one of two things with these pieces. You may sew them separately as valance panels. Or you may sew them together at the beginning to make one long valance panel.

Example: Cut 2 rectangles that are 46-1/2 by 15 inches. However, if fabric is only 45 inches wide, cut rectangles that are 45 by 15 inches. This isn’t an exact science; a missing inch or two will not affect the overall result significantly.

4. Zig zag or serge along all raw edges. Any salvage edges may be left as is.

5. Fold the short sides under 1/2 inch, wrong sides together. Pin in place and seam close to the edge. You only need to turn these edges under once, since they have either a salvage edge, or a zig zag or serge finished edge.

6. Fold bottom long edge under 1/2 inch, wrong sides together. Pin in place and seam close to the edge. Once again, only turn the edge under once.

7. Fold top long edge over 2-1/2 inches. Pin in place. Seam 1/2 inch from the edge. Seam 3/4 inches away from the fold.

8. Press and hang in window. Use desired window hardware, spreading out the fullness and arranging as you desire.

Note: Adjust the seam positions in Step 7 to adjust for wider window hardware. This pattern assumes needing a 1-1/4 inch casing.

© Copyright 2006 by Wardeh Harmon. Used with permission from the author.

Would you like to see more valances in my house? Click here.

Are You Ready To Worship?

Posted by Glenys

It can certainly be busy, even frantic getting ready for church in the morning can’t it? There is an early breakfast, baths or showers, perhaps a hasty repair of some clothing or a button replaced- and your favourite skirt is still in the ironing basket! The time’s flying, the kids are fighting and as you superglue your hair into place and grab something from the freezer for dinner whilst running out the door you wonder if it is worth the trouble worshipping.

The frantic preparations have left you a bit frazzled and you know that today should be a day of rest and worship, and you guiltily realize that God has up to now been the last thing on your mind. Perhaps next week will be easier you think as you enter the church foyer.

I don’t think this scenario is an unrealistic one for those of us with a family to get ready and little time to do it in. But really with a little planning and organization during the week, it is possible to have a relaxed morning and arrive at church ready to worship and relax for the rest of the day. Because when we come to think of it, we have six days to prepare for the Sabbath- be it a Saturday or Sunday.

Over the years I have found that it helps to lay out everyone’s clothes the night before. Then there are no unpleasant surprises first thing in the morning. Another trick I found was to plan a menu for the evening meal and my favourite friend in the kitchen for cooking ahead is my crockpot. These are so safe to leave on whilst you are out and there will be a lovely meal to return to if you have cooked it the night before or you can just switch it on as you leave in the morning for a delicious evening meal. Some folks like to eat out after church or visit friends. So it is wise to plan extra meals in advance if you are hosting lunch or dinner at your home.

I also found a quick clean up and tidy of the house just before going to bed should have the home presentable for guests after church. Anything done before the day will enhance the relaxed mood of the day of rest. To prepare our hearts for worship I play songs of praise and worship as background music whilst we are getting ready. Also I pack my bag and prepare the offering envelopes before I retire the night before the Sabbath. Mothers of young children would do well to pack diaper bags the night before as well.

Anything done prior to the day of rest will be beneficial in enhancing not only relaxation after the week’s work, but will help you unwind so that the heart may prepare to worship.

This is a Biblical concept. The children of Israel had to collect a double portion of manna before the Sabbath: And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, . . . This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe: and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. (Exodus 16:22-23)

Try to plan a balance of social activities and rest on this day and keep in mind that the LORD has blessed us with a day of rest and worship for our good. How we ready ourselves for worship will either make or break us. I know what we all would prefer- let’s make an effort to make it a reality.

We will benefit in so many ways if we come prepared to worship and rest and look upon the Sabbath as a day of delight.

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

Preparing for Back to School Lunches

Posted by traci

My children attend a small private Christian school.  It’s an awesome school, but they do not provide hot lunch service, so my children take their lunches every day.  Milk is provided, but no way to heat lunches - so a little creativity is in order to offer the children healthy, balanced meals, without resorting to sandwiches every single day.

Here’s a few items that I believe are must-haves for school lunches on the go (by the way, these tips work well also for those of you who homeschool and are on the go to a field trip, music lesson or whatever):

• Lunch bags:  There are many lunch bag options from the literal brown paper lunch (which now also comes in white! ), to reusable lunch bags in a variety of choices.  We have opted for an insulated bag that’s reusable.  I have the children buy their milk at school, even though a thermos thingy came with their lunch bag.  It’s only a quarter for them to buy milk - so I opted for that. 
• Gladware:  Now repeat after me:  Gladware is our friend!  I love Gladware!  It’s inexpensive and reusable.  So if the children should happen to forget and throw away the Gladware, there’s no need to take it out of their inheritance.  ;)  Seriously, it’s worth getting some Gladware.  I use Gladware to send salads, canned fruit, or just about anything.  I do use resealable sandwich bags for sandwiches, but Gladware would work for this too.
• Cold Pack:  You will also need something to keep cold food cold and other food from spoiling.  I buy cold packs you stick in the freezer, then pop in the lunch bag and you’re good to go.
• Utensils:  plastic flatware is my preferred choice.  I found some in cute colors and animal shapes and send those.  I’ve lost one too many forks and spoons from my regular set to consider that an option for us.  Another option is to buy an inexpensive flatware set at The Dollar Store or Dollar General or something.

What are the kids eating? 

Sandwiches are an obvious choice.  Anything from the traditional peanut butter and jelly to lunchmeat sandwiches works well.  My husband tells me stories of having to eat peanut butter and jelly every single day his entire 9 years in private school as a child.  So I took that as a hint that variety in lunch choices is in order. 

Some things I give my children for lunches are:

• Sandwiches of all types.  I always keep a cold pack in their lunch bag, so there is no spoiling
• Leftovers.  I will place them in a Gladware container, heat them up before I put them in the lunch bag with the cold pack.  Yes, the cold pack does cool it down, but it’s usually about room temp when lunch time arrives and perfect for my kiddos to eat, without any spoiling happening.
• Fruit.  My children love fruit.  I’ll send whole apples, bananas, or canned fruit in Gladware.  I have bought those individual cups of fruit from Aldi’s, a slightly more expensive option, but a convenient one.
• Veggies.  My kiddos LOVE those baby carrots.  I’ll send those quite often.  Broccoli flowerettes, cauliflower and salad are also good choices.
• Napkin and flatware.  Don’t forget these important tools.
• Drink.  If your school doesn’t offer milk, then send some in a thermos.  Or send a juice box, or bottle of water.
• A Note from Mom:  this is a special thing I love to do for my children.  I’ll leave a note just for them.  I often put a scripture on it.  Something to let them know I’m thinking of them.

What you will not find in my children’s lunchbox:  dessert.  It’s just not needed.  They don’t need the extra sugar.  If you want to give your child a sugary treat, save it for an after school snack.  Or opt for popcorn or graham crackers.

So there you have it - the very basic and simple solutions for school lunches.