know the power of epsom salts.

This post is in honor of my dear daddy, Jerry Wallerstedt, who went to his ultimate Home on July 2, 2010.

Throughout my growing up years I have memories of my dad soaking something in Epsom Salt, usually a body part. A package of Epsom Salt reads "Magnesium Sulfate" but it might as will read "Wonder Drug". It was not until I was an adult that I realized that my dad was really on to something. While I am not actually sure how it works such wonders, I know it does. I have often said that many God-made, "in nature" cures beat the man made kind all to heck. This would be an example.

In honor of Jerry, try it out next time you have some ache or pain. I recommend it for sore muscles, stiff joints, any funky skin thing, any kind of itch-y irritation, open wounds, bug bites or anything that is bringing you discomfort. Fill a basin or bathtub with warm water, dump in a generous amount of Epsom Salts and experience the magic. Don't laugh until you try it. It is very cheap and can be purchased at any drug store.

(My dad also believed in "snore strips" but I will not be commenting on that.)

pull out your camera when life is happening.

Some of my favorite photographs are ones I snapped at unconventional times. Have a camera close at all times and don't hesitate to use it. Nearly every time that I did not have my camera with me I have missed capturing something special that I have regretted.

My strategy: Have a camera handy at all times.

My advice: Take photos even when you aren't sure that you should.

I decided to pull out my camera when my dear daddy was spending his final days on this earth. We kept a round-the-clock vigil with him for three days and nights around his hospital bed. The photos I took are absolutely precious to us, as they have helped us savor a very rich time as a family.

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.