Putting God First
     

Good Words to Remember:

Sometime we think of putting something else in front of God.  Perhaps it is your spouse, child or friends.  Then again, maybe it is your business, career. We all have that temptation.  However, I have found that when I place God ahead of everything else, including the ones I love, things have a way of working out a lot smoother because God already has the plan, I just have to move to him and he’s already there waiting on me.

Today's Challenge:



Take a look at your calendar. What does it say about your priorities?
  
    

 

Stress Free Marriage

1. Talk Together

I put this second because it’s much easier to work through a problem if you put God first.  It is good to talk but women in particular will avoid talking about money troubles if they think the additional stress will cause an argument. However, talking about money stress is the only way to tackle it. But find the right time to do it.
  
Do not try to start the conversation when one of you is in a rush. Instead wait for a quiet moment, perhaps during a meal out together, when you can both chat without the kids butting in. Once you have explained your fears and admitted you are worried, you will feel more relaxed. After all "A problem shared is a problem halved". And you can only start to
address your financial problems when you both understand the size of the problem. 

2. Do Not Lay Blame

 

It is human nature to try to lay blame for a problem. Maybe you have lost your job? Or your partner was frivolous with a purchase you did not think was necessary? Whatever the reason for your troubles, placing blame will not make matters better, only worse. Find a way to discuss your money worries objectively without blaming anyone for them.

3. Get Help

 

Sometimes it is easier to get help with your money worries from people outside the marriage. You could ask a close friend to help if they are experienced in financial matters, although many people prefer the unfamiliar impartiality of a credit counselor. Whomever you choose, a third party often sees solutions and alternatives to problems that you would not see on your own.

4. Work Together

 

When you have money stress in your marriage, it is very important you work through it together. This is not saying you should both be involved in all tasks equally; it is probably a good idea for you each to take on different roles or tasks. But it is not a good idea for one person to be in the dark about what is going on whilst the other takes on all the work to solve the problem. This will only lead to anger and resentment and more marital stress!

5. Keep Money Issues Separate

 

Money issues are everywhere in daily life, but do not lose sight of the relationship inside your marriage. Do not let your financial stress come between you. Try meeting together once a week, fortnightly or monthly, specifically to discuss finances. And at all other times, focus on other issues. This will mean you also get some "time off" to enjoy being together as a couple and as a family, even during the times when you do have money worries.

Remember you can choose to pull together or pull apart in times of financial stress. If you work together and decide to pull together, you will emerge from your money worries with your marriage even stronger than before. Money worries are stressful but they do not inevitably lead to divorce. 

 

Saving Your Hard Earned Money  

View your bank balance periodically. Seeing the numbers grow will give you a sense of accomplishment. You will also be quite pleased with the interest that you accrue, which will inspire you to save even more money. Also check if you are saving your money with the optimal type of bank account and bank. Just remember that deals too good to be true often are. At the same time, though, do not short change yourself for a sub-optimal bank account that may not be earning you as much interest as you deserve. Calculate how much interest you will earn from the money in your bank optimal account in one year, in ten years, and will be even happier that you are saving right now. Equate it with something enjoyable. For example, you could make $20 in one year, and you could probably use $5 to eat a delicious burger or whatever exotic dessert you like. Just think of that ice cream that you could use a fraction of that interest earned to buy. Yum yum.

Remember the saying that one dollar saved is two dollars earned. This is especially true in high-tax countries where making every two dollars only gives you a dollar in returned. You can also think of it as if you had spent that dollar, you would be -1. However, because you have that dollar, you are +1. Therefore, the difference is two dollars.

Do not risk your money. A sure way to lose your money is to engage in high-risk money-losing activities. This includes gambling, buying the lottery, or buying stocks. You can definitely do those things if you have extra money, but if the goal is to save money as its earliest stages, then those things should not be done. The chances of losing your money are simply greater than gaining more money. If you would like to reinforce this concept, just calculate the odds that you would win a prize versus the odds that you would lose your money with a calculator or computer. If you really would like to do these high-risk money-losing activities, then just do it in simulation in some sort of computer game or something of that sort. You will find that you lose much more often that you win. How would that be fun?

Time is money. You yourself are money. Do not waste your time as your time can be spent thinking of ways to make money, thinking of an invention, doing a part-time job that makes a lot of money, or just enjoying yourself so that you can continue your full-time job with more energy. Remember that each time that you want to waste time doing something that you do not like to do. Learn how to say no (see the article on assertiveness) when confronted with tasks that you do not want to do. Also do not spend time saving a few cents if it takes several hours of your time just to save those few cents. Remember to 
always balance your time with the amount of money involved.

Encourage other members of your family to save money. Make it a game. See who can save the most money for that month, and they will get a dessert or a small prize. If the entire family saves money, then the entire money will be wealthy. However, if even one member of the family is a spendster, then it can definitely cause problems. Try not to force others to save money; it must come from within. Be creative in encouraging others to save money, but don't lose your patience.
      

 

 Happy KIDZ

Naturally, when you put God first, then Spouse 2^nd, you will have Happy Kids.

These helpful tips, according to Sean Platt of the Writer Dad blog, will insure a happy, well founded family life.

  

1. Let your child know you are excited to see them when they enter the room. Let them see the light dance inside your eyes when their gaze drifts into yours. Be mindful of their presence by showing them your smile and greeting them warmly. Say their name out loud. Not only do children love to hear the sound of their name, they also long to feel validation from their loved ones. Think about it from an adult perspective – wouldn’t you love it if the face of the person you loved most lit like a holiday parade every time you entered the room? Your child loves you the most, imagine the returns after a childhood filled with such affection.
 

2. Teach your child it’s okay to be bored. As parents, it’s often our instinct to entertain our children each and every waking hour. When we don’t possess the time or energy, it is all too easy to allow the glowing blue babysitter in the living room to do the heavy lifting. But when we rely on television, or any other form of autopilot attention, we succeed only in limiting our child’s development. Children have vivid imaginations that flourish upon nurturing. But without the opportunity to coax their creativity, it will only whither on the vine. Allow your child idle minutes to develop their creativity with hands-on activities to stimulate their thought. A few sheets of paper and a box of crayons can keep a well rounded child busy for far longer than an episode of Dora.

3. Limit your child’s media. Related, but not limited to number two. Limiting your child’s exposure to media isn’t only a positive move for promoting their creativity, it is an excellent method to broaden their attention span while grooming their ability to stay calm. Your child will have plenty of exposure to more than you want soon enough. During those precious years when you are the designer of their decisions, you must make sure they are learning to live a life independent from the over-exposure that is often too easy to rely on. Yes it is difficult, but we owe it to the next generation to search for the right road rather than the easy one.

4. Let your child know they are more important than work by giving them eye contact and attention. Your child doesn’t just need you around, they need you present. Play with your child, interact with them, find out what is important to them by asking questions and listening to their answers. Your child deserves at least a little bit of you each and every day, at least a few minutes where you are not considering your email or allowing your thoughts to wander over what’s been left sitting on your desk. Letting your child know they are important is like giving them an insulin shot of happy.

5. Let your child make a few of the rules. You don’t have to make them the boss to let them feel empowered. Often, power struggles with our children are the direct result of them feeling a loss of control. You can easily curb these instances by allowing your child to feel like they are part of making up some of the protocol. By at least appearing to give your child some of the control, you are helping them understand household law inside and out. This will lead directly to a willingness to follow.

6. Teach your child – don’t assume it’s all happening outside the house. Home schooling is every parent’s job. Whether your child attends public or private school, or receives all their schooling at home, it is essential to the world’s best future that parents are the ones to fill in the blanks. There are plenty of skills not taught in school that play a massive role in determining who your children will grow up to be. Children are not raised in tupperware, and when they finally leave us to enter the world far away from our watchful eyes, they must have the sharpened tools that will help them be the best that they can be.

7. Model appropriate behavior. In my opinion, this is the most important item on the list. Children do as they see, not as they’re told. If you want your child to be mindful of others, you must be mindful of others yourself. If you want your child to by happy, you must smile without hesitation. There is no one more influential to your child than you. At least for now.

Raising a happy child is hard work, but it is something that can and must be done.  Once you focus on the needs of your child and ensure you are doing all you can to meet them, your efforts will be rewarded. You will have a healthy and happy child, fortunate to have been raised in a family where childhood wasn’t permitted to simply fade away. 
 

 

 

 
Natural Skincare

Tip 1: Give Yourself a Dry Brush Exfoliation

A dry brush exfoliation can be done in the morning before you shower. It eliminates dead skin cells and allows the skin to detox (skin is the largest organ of elimination). Dry brush exfoliation also improves lymph and blood circulation and decreases puffiness. An added benefit is that the gentle pressure is calming to the nervous system. To give yourself a dry brush exfoliation, you'll need a soft, natural bristle brush. 

• How to Give Yourself a Dry Brush Exfoliation

 

Tip 2: Rev Up Your Digestion

In alternative medicine, good skin is a reflection of a good digestive system. People with skin disorders such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis often suffer from constipation, imbalanced "good" vs. "bad" bacteria, leaky gut, and other digestive conditions. The two most common sluggish digestion culprits are:

 

• Culprit #1: Not Enough Water.  Water bathes cells and eliminates waste products, preventing constipation.  5 Ways to Boost Your Water Intake           
• Culprit #2: Not Enough Fiber Most people lack fiber in their diets - the average person eats only 12 g of fiber a day. In 2002, the National Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board established recommended fiber intakes. For men aged 19-50 years, 38 g fiber is recommended, and for men over 50, 31 g fiber is recommended. For women aged 19 to 50 years, 25 g fiber is recommended, and for women over 50, 21 g fiber is recommended.                 

 

 

Add Whole Grains  - combChoose whole grain products over refined. Have brown rice instead of white or make your own 50:50 ination. 

An Apple a Day - Have an apple, skin on, as a snack.

Eat Cauliflower - Try a delicious Roasted Cauliflower recipe!

1. High-fiber snacks - Snack on nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, such as dates, figs, and prunes.
2. Try a "Prune Power" Smoothie - Prunes are a great source of fiber. Start your day with a tasty Prune Power smoothie.
3. Eat Beans and Legumes - Open a can of your favorite beans or legumes. Rinse them well and add them to your meal.
4. Ground Flaxseeds - For any easy fiber boost, sprinkle ground flaxseeds (available at health food stores) on rice, salads, oatmeal, or any other meal. Store flaxseeds in the fridge. 

Tip 3: Invigorate Sluggish Circulation

• Do you sit at your desk for hours, only getting up to go to the bathroom? One of the best things you can do for your skin, stress level, and overall health is to get moving! Inactivity may affect skin and promote bloating and puffiness, acne, cellulite, and loss of muscle tone.
   
  Here are some quick suggestions: ...................
• Book a massage therapy appointment.
• Close your door and stretch.
• Go to the gym.
• Start each morning by stretching.
• Get a skipping rope.

 

 Tip #4: Avoid Excess Sugar

Most people do not realize this but excess sugar is considered one of the main causes of premature aging. The more sugar we eat, the more sugar we have entering our bloodstream. Over time, this can result in a process known as glycation, which is when a glucose (sugar) molecule damages a protein molecule by sticking to it. The new molecules formed are called advanced glycation end-products, or AGEs. AGEs damage collagen in skin, cartilage, and ligaments and promote a loss of elasticity. Wrinkles form and skin begins to sag.

• Try This - It may seem impossible to reduce your sugar intake, but it can be done! A gradual approach works best. In the next week, choose one thing you're going to do to decrease the amount of sugar you consume. For example, start by cutting the amount of sugar in your daily coffee or tea by half. Every week, find another way you can decrease your sugar intake. Pretty soon, you'll be surprised at how far you've come!         

 

 

Tip #5: Eat Some Good Fats

Essential fatty acids are simply fats your body cannot live without. They are needed to make cell membranes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Essential fats are thought to keep your heart healthy, fight inflammation, and possibly prevent cancer. They are also particularly important to people with inflammatory conditions such as eczema and acne, and also for people with dry skin. People with essential fat deficiency sometimes notice bumps on the backs of their arms. Here are my suggestions on getting more essential fats:

• Flaxseed and walnut oil - Use flaxeed oil or walnut oil with balsamic vinegar as a salad dressing. Be sure to keep these oils refrigerated. They should not be heated or used for cooking.
• Cold water fish - Sardines are a good source of essential fats. Salmon is another good source, however these salmon accumulate toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (otherwise known as PCBs) in their body fat during the 95 percent of their lives they spend at sea

 

 Supplements - Consider fish oil supplements    

  


Easy Recipes

Speaking of ways to save $$$$$.........eat at home more often, eat out less.  And with these easy recipes, your family will think you’re a Chef.  You will find that the crock pot is your best friend, and please send your recipes.
 

Crockpot Appetizers

CROCK POT ARTICHOKE & CHEESE DIP Ingredients: 1 lb. shredded Mozzarella 1 cup grated Parmesan 1 cup (8 oz. jar) mayonnaise 1 cup (8 1/2 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped Minced onions Directions: 1. Mix ingredients together. 2. Cook in in lightly buttered 3 1/2 quart Crock Pot on high for about 1 hour. 3. Serve with broken up French bread or wheat crackers

CROCK POT BEST DIP EVER Ingredients: 1 (1 pound) package Velveeta 1 can Chili - no beans 1 pound medium or spicy sausage, browned and crumbled Directions: 1. Put all ingredients into the Crock Pot on low until blended and then keep it there to serve

CROCK POT BOILED PEANUTS Ingredients: 1 1/2 quarts green uncooked peanuts 1/2 cup salt 2 1/2 quarts water Directions: 1. Wash Peanuts until water runs clear. Put clean peanuts in crock pot, add salt and water; stir. 2. Cook, covered, on high for 5 to 7 hours. Add additional water during cooking, if necessary, to keep peanuts covered.

BROCCOLI CHEESE DIP Ingredients: 2 (10 oz.) boxes of frozen chopped broccoli 2 cans cream of mushroom soup 1/4 cup sour cream 1/2 lb. Mexican Velveeta cheese 1/2 lb. reg. Velveeta cheese 1 Tablespoon garlic salt Directions: 1. Cook and drain broccoli. Melt cheese in slow cooker/Crock Pot. 2. Mix soups, sour cream, broccoli and garlic salt. Mix into melted cheese. 3. Serve as dip with tortilla chips.

CROCK POT BROCCOLI DIP Ingredients: 1 pkg.(10oz) frozen chopped broccoli 2 ribs celery, chopped 1 medium white onion, chopped 3/4 stick margarine 2 rolls garlic cheese 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 medium can mushroom pieces 1 can sliced water chestnuts 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce Directions: 1. Cook broccoli until tender. Saute celery and onion in margarine until tender. 2. Place broccoli and sauteed vegetables in slow cooker/Crock Pot; add mushrooms, cheese, cream of mushroom soup. 3. Stir well and heat on low until cheese is melted. Add water chestnuts and Worcestershire sauce. 4. Serve warm in the slow cooker/Crock Pot, with chips or crackers.

CROCK POT CAJUN PECANS Ingredients: 1 pound pecan halves 4 Tablespoons butter, melted 1 Tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Directions: 1. Combine all ingredients in Crock Pot. Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes. 2. Turn on low, uncovered, stirring occasionally for 2 hours. 3. Transfer nuts to a baking sheet and cool completely.

CROCK POT CHEESE & ARTICHOKE DIP Ingredients 8 ounces process American cheese (Velveeta) 1 can (10oz) 98% fat-free cream of mushroom soup 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup evaporated milk 1 teaspoon dry mustard1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1/3 cup chopped roasted red pepper 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped Directions: 1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker/Crock Pot. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, until melted. 2. Stir well and serve with assorted crackers, bread cubes, or chips.

CROCK POT CHILI BEEF DIPIngredients:1 (11 oz.) can condensed chili beef soup 3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sour cream 1 Tablespoon water 1 teaspoon prepared mustard 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon chili sauce 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, optional Directions: 1. In slow cooker/Crock Pot, combine all ingredients; mix well. 2. Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, or until cheese is melted and dip is hot. 3. Serve warm with tortilla or corn chips.

CROCK POT CHILI CHEESE TACO DIP Ingredients: 1 lb. hamburger 1 can chili (no beans) 1 lb. mild Mexican Velveeta cheese, cubed or shredded Directions: 1. Brown hamburger; drain and place in slow cooker. 2. Add chili and cheese; cover and cook on low until cheese is melted, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to blend ingredients. 3. Serve warm with taco or tortilla chips.

CROCK POT CLASSIC SWISS FONDUE Ingredients: 1 clove garlic 2 1/2 cups dry white Rhine, Chablis or Riesling wine 1 Tablespoon lemon juice 1 lb. Swiss cheese, grated 1/2 lb. Cheddar cheese, grated 3 Tablespoons flour 3 Tablespoons kirsch Freshly ground nutmeg Pepper Paprika 1 loaf Italian or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes Directions: 1. Rub an enameled or stainless steel pan with garlic clove. Heat wine to a slow simmer (just under boiling). Add lemon juice. 2. Combine cheeses and flour and gradually stir in. Using a figure-8 motion, stir constantly until cheese is melted. 3. Pour into lightly greased Crock-Pot. Add kirsch; stir well. Sprinkle with nutmeg, pepper and paprika. 4. Cover and cook on High setting for 30 minutes, then turn to Low setting for 2 to 5 hours. Keep on Low setting while serving. 5. Using fondue forks, dip bread cubes into fondue.

CROCK POT COCKTAIL KIELBASA Ingredients: 2 rings of Kielbasa (about 2 lbs) 1 (18 oz) jar apple jelly 1 (9 oz) jar prepared mustard Directions: 1. Slice Kielbasa 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Mix jelly and mustard in slow cooker/Crock Pot. 2. Add sliced Kielbasa and mix until meat is covered. 3. Set slow cooker/Crock Pot on low to cook for 2 hours and keep on low while serving. Stir periodically

CROCKPOT BREAKFAST RECIPES

CROCK POT BREAKFAST COBBLER Ingredients:  4 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced1/4 cup honey1 teaspoon cinnamon2 tablespoons butter, melted2 cups granola cereal Directions: 1.  Place apples in slow cooker and mix in remaining ingredients. 2.  Cover and cook on low 7-9 hours (overnight) or on high 2-3 hours. Serve with milk.

CROCK POT HEARTY WHEAT BERRY BREAKFAST Ingredients: 1 cup wheat berries, rinsed & drained 2-2 1/2 cups apple juice 1/2 cup chopped apricots 1/4 cup raisins 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon clove 1/4 teaspoon cardamom Directions: 1. Place everything in the crockpot the night before. Cook on low all night. Serve in the morning.

CROCK POT BREAKFAST CASSEROLE Ingredients: 1 32 oz. bag of frozen southern style hash brown potatoes 1 lb. of bacon cut into pieces, fried and drained 1/2 cup diced onions 3/4 lb. cheddar cheese diced 1 dozen eggs 1 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard salt & pepper Directions: 1. Layer the frozen potatoes, bacon, onions, and cheese in the crock pot in three layers. Finish up with cheese. 2. Beat the eggs, milk and mustard, salt &pepper together. Pour over the whole mixture. 3. Cook on low for ten to twelve hours.

CROCKPOT BRUNCH CASSEROLE  Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb. ground beef 1 onion, large; finely chopped 2 Tablespoons olive oil or butter 2 garlic cloves; minced 1 can mushrooms, sliced; drained; 4 oz 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon oregano, leaf 1/2 package spinach, chopped 3 Tablespoons flour 6  eggs, beaten 1/4 cup milk, scalded 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, sharp; grated Directions:   1. In skillet, lightly brown ground beef and onion in olive oil; drain well. 2. Place in well-greased crock-pot 3. Stir in remaining ingredients except eggs, milk and cheese until well blended. 4. Beat eggs and milk together. Pour over other ingredients; stir well. Dust with additional nutmeg. 5. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 7 to 10 hours or until firm. Just before serving, sprinkle with grated cheese.

CROCK POT BRUNCH FLORENTINE Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated and divided 1 9 oz. package frozen spinach, thawed and drained 1 cup white bread, cubed 1 cup fresh button mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cup green onion, thinly sliced 6 eggs 1 1/2 cups milk 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder Directions:   1. Lightly grease the slow cooker. Layer half of the cheddar cheese, spinach, bread,mushrooms and green onions in the bottom   of the crock pot. 2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper and garlic powder until thoroughly combined. 3. Pour this egg mixture over the layered mixture. Do not mix. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. 4. Cover; cook on High for 1 1/2 to 2 hours

CROCK POT OATMEAL Ingredients:  2 cups milk 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 Tablespoon melted butter 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup chopped apple 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Directions:   1. Grease the inside of crockpot. Put ingredients into crockpot and mix with whisk. 2. Cover. Just before going to bed turn on the crockpot on low. The cereal will be ready in the morning

CROCK POT CHEESE SOUFFLE Ingredients:   14  slices fresh white bread, crust removed 3 cups grated sharp cheese, cheddar 1/4 cup butter 6 large eggs 3 cups milk, scalded 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon salt paprika Directions: 1. Tear bread in small pieces. Place 1/2 in well greased crock pot. 2. Add 1/2 cheese, 1/2 butter. Add remaining bread, cheese and butter. 3. Beat eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce and salt. Pour over bread and cheese. Sprinkle with paprika. 4. Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours. Do not open until ready to serve.

CROCK POT WESTERN OMELETTE CASSEROLE  Ingredients: 32 ounces hash browns, frozen 1 pound ham, extra lean, cooked and cubed 1 medium onion diced 1 medium green bell pepper, diced 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded 12 eggs 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste Directions: 1. Place a layer of frozen potatoes on the bottom of the crock pot, followed by a layer of ham, then onions, green peppers and cheese.2. Repeat the layering process two or three times, ending with a layer of cheese.3. Beat the eggs, milk and salt & pepper together. Pour over the mixture inside the crockpot, cover and turn on low.4. Cook for 10-12 hours, overnight, and enjoy for breakfast or brunch the next day.

CROCK POT REFRIGERATED PICKLES Ingredients:   1 cup vinegar 1/2 cup pickling salt 1 quart hot water 3 quarts cold water Directions: 1. Mix ingredients and set aside.2. Put the following into the bottom of gallon jar: 1 garlic clove and 1 sliced onion. 3. Pack pickles in jar.  Pour mixture over pickles. 4. Close and refrigerate for 1 week.

CROCK POT KOSHER DILL PICKLES  Ingredients: 4 quarts water 1 cup cider vinegar 1/2 cup canning salt cucumbers, 2-3 inches fresh dill, cut (1-2 bunches) garlic, chopped (1-2 whole cloves) grape leaves, washed Directions: 1. Place a bed of grape leaves on bottom of crock pot.  Alternate layers ofcucumbers, dill and garlic to fill crock pot. 2. Bring water, vinegar, and salt to a boil.  Cool and pour over cucumbers.  Place more grape leaves on top. 3.  Weigh down and let set in cool place 3-5 days or until flavor is desirable to taste. Place left over pickles in refrigerator.