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December 2006 ETC Corner
Holiday Online Shopping Tips
Shopping online can be a dream come true. It's a great way to save time, money and gas. Here are some guidelines from the Better Business Bureau to ensure your dream doesn't become a nightmare.
Shop only at Internet merchants you know and trust; if in doubt check with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.
Beware of emails offering cut-rate prices on popular toys, software or other gifts; if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
If you receive an unsolicited email from an Internet merchant, don't click on the links within it. Instead, locate the merchant's Web site address through a reputable search engine.
Check Internet merchants' refund policies; some merchants set a deadline for returns or charge a fee to accept returned merchandise.
For extra protection, enroll your card in anti-fraud programs like Verified by VISAŽ available at www. verifiedbyvisa.com or Secure CodeŽ for MasterCardŽ at www.securecode.com.
Never share your passwords with anyone, and use different passwords for different Web sites.
Protect your private information. When shopping online, look for the retailer's Web site privacy policy and never provide your Social Security number, birth date, or mother's maiden name.
Ensure your computer has the latest anti-virus software installed before shopping online.
Always print and save the confirmation page when completing an online purchase.
Verify credit card and checking account statements right away, or better yet, monitor activity online.
A Whisper Sock for Jesus
by Sheri Del Core
Before Thanksgiving last year, my daughters and I spent the whole day cooking and cleaning to prepare for the following days onslaught of extended family. The tables were set, one of two turkeys was cooked, carved and everything was virtually ready to go, and we were ready for a break. My thoughtful husband graciously offered to take us out to dinner. At the restaurant we were being pretty goofy, punchy from exhaustion, I think.
I shared with everyone a nice little Christmas tradition my friend Susan told me she did with her family. They hang a stocking for Jesus each year and write down things they've done for people during the Christmas season and put them in the stocking. These are their gifts to Jesus. I was hoping my family would like to start this too, but being teenagers, they were pretty clear that they were not going for it.
After much silly laughter and joking they came up with a customized alternative. We would get a sock not a stocking - too commercial. No written cards - too structured. No sitting down and discussing what we've done - also too structured. They established that it should be private and only between oneself and God. We'd place the sock in the doorway of the kitchen and whisper into it what we've done to serve Jesus during the Christmas season. We would be the first on our block to have a Whisper Sock for Jesus! We laughed it up pretty good and I figured the kids were just teasing me, but the next day they asked where the Whisper Sock was.
Delightedly surprised, I went on a quest for the quintessential, non-commercial, suitable for our Lord Jesus, Whisper Sock. I came home and hung a charming knitted sock in the kitchen doorway and was amazed to see my teenage daughters and husband whisper things into it secretively as they passed by. It seemed very Dr. Suess'ish but everyone loved it. As weird as it is, it keeps us mindful of Jesus, His gift of salvation, and reminds us to honor Him with gifts of service. I whisper into it too, but I just can't do it with out laughing. I think Jesus must love it and just might be laughing too!
Tips for Making Overnight Guests Feel Welcome
Although we've never had company live with us for an extended period of time, we have had our fair share of overnight guests. Todd's parents have always lived nearly three hours from us and have come to stay several times a year. We have missionary friends and college buddies who also spend the night with us. And then there are our kids' friends! Each month of the year finds us hosting an assortment of sleepy-eyed teenage girls or bright-eyed and bushy-tailed boys up at the crack of dawn ready to go pester squirrels with their BB guns. Yep, hospitality means sometimes guests spend the night. Here are some do's and don'ts to remember when hosting overnight callers:
Decide where they will keep their things, even if there isn't space in the room where they will sleep. Show them the spot and make sure others respect their personal space and property.
Have a pleasant place for them to lay their head for the night. It doesn't have to be a real guest bedroom. At our old house, company slept on a hand-me-down pull-out sofa we had in our unfinished basement. We purchased a new slipcover for it and made sure it was outfitted with warm, flannel sheets as the room was sometimes chilly. We found a dresser at a yard sale that they could use to put their things in. We painted the walls white to lighten the room and would set out a bouquet of fresh flowers or leave chocolates on their pillows like a real inn would.
Stock their room with needed items. A lamp for evening reading, a mirror for getting ready, and a working alarm clock are the basics.
Show them the bathroom. Have a space cleared on the counter or in a cabinet for them to place their toiletries. Roll a few wash cloths and tie with a ribbon. Place them on top of the bath towel they will use. Fill a small basket with other items they might possibly need: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion, etc. Look for these items in special scents and trial sizes. Or if a hotel says you can take them, then by all means, bring them home!
Let them know the laundry facilities are available to them. Check each day to see if they need anything washed and dried, or ironed.
Have a pitcher of water and glasses in their room. Have the refrigerator well stocked with juices, spritzers, or teas for them to enjoy if they are thirsty.
Consider placing a basket of fruit or shortbread cookies and chocolates in their room. Tailor it to their liking. Include anything that says, "Welcome! We were thinking of you!"
If a coffee lover will be staying with you and you don't drink coffee, consider purchasing a small coffeemaker that they can use in their room.
Let them know your schedule and be aware of theirs. Discuss breakfast the night before. Let them know when supper will be served and make sure it works in their schedule.
Before they come, discuss dietary restrictions.
Pet- and child-proof your guest's room. They will appreciate the protection it will provide their belongings. Also, before arrival, find out if your guests have pet allergies. Rid your place of pet hair and try to keep your animal away from them as much as you can.
Let them know if there are any quirks to how things work at your house. Does the hot water take a while to run? Does the front door lock need a little push to the right in order to open?
If you can't always be home when they will be returning, give them a spare house key.
Treat them like both guests and part of the family. People feel uneasy if you seem to be begrudgingly putting life on hold just to entertain them. As a rule, go about your daily routine, but make them a part of it.
Recipes for Your Bed-and-Breakfast
I just couldn't write a book on hospitality without providing one of my sister-in-law Erin's wonderful recipes from her bed-and-breakfast. Some of her spectacular Mango Inn recipes have been featured in Southern Living magazine.
This recipe is made the night before and then refrigerated until ready to bake. A cool weather favorite!
Baked Apple French Toast with Spicy Cider Syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons corn syrup
2 tart apples, peeled and sliced
1 loaf day-old French bread
5 eggs
1 1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
Spicy Cider Syrup
1 cup sugar
2 cups apple cider
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
In microwave-safe bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup; cover with paper towel. Microwave on high power until butter is melted. Whisk together into a thick syrup. Pour into 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. Arrange apple slices over mixture. Slice bread into 3/4 inch slices. Place on top of apples. Whisk together in small bowl eggs, milk, and vanilla. Pour over bread. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. While baking, prepare syrup by combining sugar, flour, and spices in a 2-quart saucepan. Stir in cider and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir one minute. Remove from heat. Stir in butter. Serve over baked French toast. Serves 6-8.
Click here to purchase Karen Ehman's book "A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart and Home to Others" from Proverbs 31 Ministries.
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