take a cake decorating class.

One of the smartest things I ever did was to take a cake decorating class back when I was in high school. It is one learned skill that I have used over and over with great pleasure. There are a few simple tricks that can make you look like a professional in no time. Also, invest in a pretty cake stand. And always remember that everyone likes having a cake on their birthday.

don't say blast & wretch.

A favorite movie line from Little Women, and one of Mother Rabbit's oft spoken reprimands. In the movie (and book) Amy scolds her Jo for using derogatory language, and it is the perfect reminder for young girls everywhere to refrain from course or trashy talk. Mother Rabbit would hate to repeat whatever inappropriate language she hears slipping out of her girls' mouths, so she will continue to say "Don't say blast & wretch" as needed.

know your down comforter movies.

Down comforter movies are ones that brings you comfort & pleasure again and again. You know most of the lines and you anticipate certain scenes everytime you watch them. It is very important to know what your down comforter movies are for when a truly bad day hits, or when you get sick. It is wise to keep them handy because when you really need a down comforter movie, you don't have the energy to expend hunting for them. Know what they are and keep them close. Love, Mother Rabbit

if you could pick only one cleaning product, select parson's lemon ammonia.

I love to clean. I mean deep, deep clean. I do not believe you need a lot of fancy-pantsy cleaning supplies to do it either. In fact, Mother Rabbit believes you can do practically everything with Parson's Lemon Ammonia. Add lots of elbow grease and real cotton terry washcloths to scrub and real cotton tea towels to dry, and you are good to go.

If Mother Rabbit were to recommend other cleaning helpers she would also recommend SoftScrub with Bleach for sinks and tubs. Remember, no kitchen is clean without scouring the sink with SoftScrub with Bleach, or some bleach solution. Remember the Oprah Show that Angie Rennerfeldt's family was on where the scientists found more bacteria in the kitchen sink than the toilet? It adds such a fresh smell to a clean kitchen too. Think of it as the finishing touch.

use whole milk when cooking.

When you are cooking and baking and the recipe calls for milk, use whole milk. You will be baking more goodness into whatever it is you are taking the time to make. You do not need to be afraid of it. Did you know that when you buy 2% if means you are getting 2% milk fat, and whole milk gives you about 4%? The difference is not that great, but it will make a big difference in your finished recipe. This kind of "fat" equals goodness in baking. Mother Rabbit would say never cook with skim milk. It is not really milk in her opinion.

I had the pleasure to buying raw whole milk straight off of a family farm today. This brings back memories from my childhood that I am enjoying.

beware of a sale.

You have heard me say again and again "If you wouldn't pay full price for it, don't buy it just because it is on sale." If you would pay full price for something you see on super sale, then by all means snatch it up. If not, leave it on the rack. It's probably the sale that appeals to you, not the item.

Another good bit of wisdom: If you can live without it, don't buy it. This is what I say to you when you call me from the store and describe in detail this amazing clothing item you just found on clearance. I know if you are taking time to call me about it, you are having doubts and want some confirmation. You won't get it from me. Love it or leave it.

I don't know anyone who doesn't have too many clothes.
Love, Mother Rabbit

remember the four hour rule.

This is a valuable piece of wisdom. Basically it goes like this: If you throw up, do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours. Do not cheat on this time frame even by 10 minutes. It takes four hours for the lining of the stomach to heal. So if you have the flu and you keep drinking water (because you will be thirsty) you will keep throwing up. Wait the four hours. Then start with ice chips and tiny sips to test the stability of your tummy. You will thank me for this. No one likes cleaning up vomit, even if it is from your precious child.
Love, Mother Rabbit