"A Healthier You" Activity

Here are some tips and tricks shared at the January RS Activity regarding the use of vinegar!

Top bacteria spot in the home:

1. Toilet bowl: 3.2 million bacteria/square inch
2. Kitchen drain: 567,845 bacteria/square inch
3. Sponge or counter-wiping cloth: 134,630 bacteria/square inch
4. Bathtub, near drain: 119,468 bacteria/square inch
5. Kitchen sink, near drain: 17,964 bacteria/square inch
6. Kitchen faucet handle: 13,227 bacteria/square inch
7. Bathroom faucet handle: 6,267 bacteria/square inch
8. Bathroom sink, near drain: 2,733 bacteria/square inch
9. Pet food dish, inside rim: 2,110 bacteria/square inch
10. Kitchen floor, in front of sink: 830 bacteria/square inch

A straight 5% solution of vinegar kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of viruses

• Clean sink and tub with full-strength vinegar. Simply spray, let sit for a few minutes and wipe clean.

• Clean you ceramic tiles with a solution of 1/4-cup vinegar to one-gallon warm water. If the grout between your tiles is looking hard, dip a toothbrush in full strength vinegar and gently scrub.

• Get rid of that nasty, grimy dirt that builds up around the faucets by soaking paper towels in full strength vinegar and wrapping them around the fixtures. Let sit for one hour, and then clean as usual.

• Stains on your carpet? Combine 2 tablespoons of detergent, three tablespoons of vinegar and one quart of warm water. Work mixture into the stain, but don't soak. Blot with clean cloth.

• Accidentally spilled white glue on rug or sofa? Remove it with white vinegar.

• Clean up a puppy or child’s accident on your carpet by blotting up as much of the liquid as possible. Dab the spot with equal parts vinegar and warm, soapy water. Blot again with a clean, white cloth until no more liquid is absorbed.

• To remove scents from a carpet, sprinkle with baking soda. Let stand for at least fifteen minutes, then vacuum. Repeat as needed. You may also spray with vinegar and blot until dry.

• Children's toys can be cleaned using 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart warm water. Submerge in this mixture (or wipe with a cloth dampened in it), then rinse with clear water.

• Clean the dishwasher: Vinegar reduces soap build up, so throw a cup of vinegar in your dishwasher and let it run a full (empty) cycle once a month or so.

• Loosen food grime and clean the microwave: Place a microwave-safe bowl with 2 cups water, 1/2 cup vinegar inside the microwave and microwave on full power for 3-4 minutes (it needs to boil). Keep your microwave closed for a few minutes to allow the steam to loosen the grime, then open your microwave, carefully remove the bowl, and wipe clean!

• Remove grease from kitchen walls: Put straight vinegar on a dishcloth to wipe grease off kitchen walls, or the stovetop.

• Clean and shine no-wax vinyl or linoleum or laminate floors: Mix 1 gallon of water with 1/2 cup vinegar in a bucket, then mop or scrub your floor with the solution.

• Inexpensive scouring powder: Combine two tablespoons each of vinegar and baking soda for an effective scouring powder.

• Unclog the showerhead: Mineral deposits from hard water can cause a sputtering, clogged shower head. Place the showerhead in a pot, add enough vinegar to completely cover it. Heat the vinegar to just below boiling, then remove from heat. Allow to sit for at least 6 hours. The acid in the vinegar will eat away the deposits. Rinse the showerhead well, and it's ready to go again.

• Remove rust: To get rid of rust, soak items in vinegar (do not dilute). This will work on any metals.

• Polish patent leather purses and shoes: Place vinegar on a clean cloth, then rub over patent leather. Wipe dry with another clean cloth.

Just fillup spray bottles with straight vinegar and use it as you would any cleaner. Kitchen counters, bathroom cleaning…

February 27th

Here are the announcements:

1. Please report your visiting teaching to your supervisor via phone or emailing Cimarron Sisters.
2. The March 17th RS celebration is coming up and we want you all to be part of the video for the evening. You will be contacted about having your picture taken (or you can email one to us) of you doing something you do every day. Also mark your calendars for this special evening and book your babysitter!
3. Remember the ward 40 day fast. If you are not fasting, remember to pray for those families that are fasting this week.
4. The following families are scheduled for cleaning the church this Saturday: Seear, Sebryk, Smith (J&L) and Smith (J&E). If you are unable to be there, please find someone to fill in for you.

Our lesson this week was on the conference talk "Trust in God, Then Go and Do". President Henry B. Eyring said, "You show your trust in Him when you listen with the intent to learn and repent and then you go and do whatever He asks."

Next week's lesson is on the Relief Society Anniversary - Back to the Basics.

February 20th

Here are the announcements:

1. The ward temple trip is this Saturday for the 11:30am session. If you need a ride or babysitting please let us know as soon as possible.

The lesson this week was Chapter 27 - Work and Personal Responsibility. Work is a commandment that we should find joy and happiness in!

Next week's lesson is October 2010 General Conference talk "Trust in God, Then Go and Do" by President Henry B. Eyring.

February 13th

Here are the announcments for today:

1. Join us for our next RS Meeting - Thursday, February 17th at 7pm. Come join us for an evening on learning how to make yummy bread and buns! With cinnamon rolls to wrap up the evening!
2. The Ward Temple trip is February 26th for the 11:30am session. We are strongly encouraged to attend as a ward family. If you require babysitting or a ride to the temple, please let us know as soon as possible!
3. Sign up to be part of the ward 40 day fast. If you did not see the calendar, please contact Brother Anderson or the Bishop to sign up.

This week's lesson was Chapter 26 - Sacrifice. One thing we discussed was that our love for those we serve will grow as we serve them and in turn we need to allow others to serve us.

Next week's lesson is Chapter 27 - Work and Personal Responsibility.

February 6th

Here are the announcements for this week:

1. The next RS Activity will be February 17th. It will be on bread/bun making so please send us your favorite recipes so we can share them with everyone.
2. The quarterly ward temple trip will be February 26th at 11:30am. The Bishop would like to see everyone there as a ward family so if you require a ride or babysitting, please let us know.
3. For the Single Sisters - there will be a Chinese New Year Celebration on February 12th at Heritage Chapel. It is potluck so bring something that goes with rice. Karaoke starts at 7:30pm and will be followed by a dance. Bring your friends!

We had our visiting teaching conference this week - it was great! Please remember your sisters and do all you can to get out and visit them at least once a month.

Next week's lesson is in the gospel principles manual - Chapter 26: Sacrafice

January 23rd

Here are the announcements from RS today:

1. The ward will be fasting next Sunday for Mary as she has an upcoming surgery. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.
2. Mark Saturday, May 14th from 5:30-8:30pm on your calendars as we will be having a Stake Women's Conference - "We Believe, We Rejoice".

This week's lesson was on the conference talk "Because of Your Faith" by Jeffrey R. Holland. We were reminded that we are doing a great job and to keep up the good work!! Jeffrey R. Holland said, "I have struggled to find an adequate way to tell you how loved of God you are and how grateful we on this stand are for you. I am trying to be voice for the very angels of heaven in thanking you for every good thing you have ever done, for every kind word you have ever said, for every sacrifice you have ever made in extending to someone—to anyone—the beauty and blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

Next week's lesson will be a message from our Bishopric.

January 16th

Here are the announcements:

1. For Sisters with Youth - there is a Standards Fireside tonight at 7pm at the Stake Center.
2. For Single Sisters - there is a fireside tonight at 7pm at the Heritage Chapel. Brother Lynn Rosenvall will be speaking on the Book of Mormon. There will be a dessert potluck to follow.
3. Our first RS activity of the year will be on Thursday (20th) at 7pm at the chapel. It will be an evening around a healthier you!
4. For Single Sisters - there will be a games night on Saturday (22nd) at 7:30pm at the Crescent Road Chapel.

Our lesson this week was on Chapter 25 -- Fasting. We were reminded to fast with a purpose and that it is a joyful experience!

Next week's lesson is from October 2010 General Conference - "Because of Your Faith" by Jeffrey R. Holland.

January 9th

Here are the announcements for today:

1. Mark your calendars for January 20th at 7pm. We will be having our first RS activity of 2011! It will be an evening focused around our health.

Our lesson this week was on The Sabbath Day and was taught be Lisa. During the lesson some ideas of Sabbath Day activites were shared and we were encouraged to complete at least one of them. If you were not able to do this today, try it next Sunday! If you need some of the ideas again you can email Cimarron Sisters or contact Lisa.

Next week's lesson is Chapter 25: Fasting.

January 2nd

Here are the announcements from this week:

1. Time Out for Women is coming up. See http://deseretbook.com/time-out/event/146 for more information if you are interested.
2. The Cardston Temple is closed until the 17th for maintenance.

This week's lesson was taught by Kimberley. We discussed how we are not alone in our trials. We have family, friends, ward members and the Savior is always there for each of us.

Next week's lesson is found in the Gospel Principles manual - Chapter 24 - The Sabbath Day.

December 26th

Here are the announcements:

1. Winter Wonderland New Year's Eve Adult Dance - 9pm to 1am at the Stake Centre. The dress is semi-formal (Sunday dress) and there will be light refreshments.

Next week's lesson: A message from the RS Presidency.

December 19th

Here are the announcements for this week:


1. Please drop off your giving tree items on Wednesday, December 22nd from 6-7pm at the church.
2. The Nativity Pageant at Heritage Park is December 20th - 24th from 7-9pm. Shows are every 20 minutes.

Next week's lesson is on the October 2010 Conference Article "The Divine Gift of Gratitude" by President Thomas S. Monson.

Hope you all have a great week and a very Merry Christmas!

December 12

Here are the announcements for this week:


1. Welcome to Arlett - the newest member of Relief Society!

The lesson this week was on the Gifts of the Spirit. We were encouraged to read D&C 46:8, 11-12 and pray about what spiritual gifts we have been given. Margaret also asked us to read the scriptures about Satan imitating the gifts of the Spirit. (Exodus 7:8-22, 2 Nephi 9:9, Isaiah 47:12-14, Deuteronomy 18:9-10).

Next week's lesson is Chapter 23: The Sacrament.

December 5th

Here are the announcements:

1. 1st Presidency Christmas Devotional is tonight at 6pm at the Okotoks Woodgate Chapel or the Stake Center.
2. Stake Carol Festival is tonight at 7:30pm at the Stake Center.
3. The Ward Musical Fireside is on December 12th at 6pm.
4. Please report your visiting teaching for November to your supervisor, Brandy or Kimberley.
5. Mark your calendars - there will be a baptism Friday at 7pm! (More details to follow)

We were challenged in the lesson this week to make a cake (or cookies, cupcakes, etc.) and give them to someone else.

Next week's lesson is Chapter 22: The Gifts of the Spirit from the Gospel Principles manual.

November 28th

Here are the announcements:

1. The Ward Christmas Party is on December 4th at 5pm. If you missed the sign up sheet for potluck items, please contact Josie.
2. 1st Presidency Christmas Devotional is December 5th at 6pm.
3. Stake Carol Festival December 5th @ 7:30 at the Stake Centre.
4. The Ward Musical Fireside is on December 12th at 6pm.
5. Please report your visiting teaching for November to your supervisor, Brandy or Kimberley.
6. Welcome to the ward - Chelyn - who was baptized on Saturday.

Next week's lesson is a RS Presidency message on Lifting and Encouraging Others/Being a Better Neighbour.

November 21st

Here are the announcements from Sunday:

1. Thank you to everyone who was able to participate in Super Saturday and make it a great success! You can pick up and pay for any crafts you ordered and didn't get from Meagan.
2. The Ward Christmas Party is on December 4th at 5pm. If you missed the sign up sheet for potluck items, please contact Josie.
3. The Ward Musical Fireside is on December 12th at 6pm. There will be potluck desserts to follow. As RS sisters we will be singing "When Mary Sang Her Lullaby".
4. The primary is looking for any animal costumes for their production of The Nativity at the Christmas party. If you have any that would work, please contact a member of the Primary Presidency.
5. There will be a Job Fair at The Heartland Retirement Residence (47 Riverside Gate - located behind Smitty's) on Tuesday, November 23rd from 2pm-7pm. They have immediate openings for chefs & food servers, housekeeping, maintenance, administration, recreation and other management positions. More information can be found at www.reveraliving.com/careers and if you are not able to make it to the job fair, please forward your resume to ajay[dot]khanolkar[at]reveraliving[dot]com.

The lesson this week was from the Gospel Principles manual - Chapter 21: The Gift of the Holy Ghost taught by Lisa. She asked that each of us take a few minutes on Wednesday at 1pm to listen to some relaxing music (without words). This will help us slow down for a minute and really listen for the promptings of the Holy Ghost. We were encouraged to follow any promptings we receive.

Next week's lesson is on the article "Two Lines of Communication" by Elder Dallin H. Oakes from the October 2010 General Conference.

November 14

We hope you were able to enjoy Stake Conference this weekend. Here are just a few reminders:

1. November 20th (this Saturday) is Super Saturday. See you at 9am at the church! Don't forget to bring soup if you signed up.

Next week's lesson is Chapter 21 - The Gift of the Holy Ghost.

November 7

The announcements from Sunday are as follows:

1. Next Sunday (November 14th) is Stake Conference.  It will be at 10am and we have been invited to attend at the Bannister Road Chapel.  If you would prefer you can also attend at the Stake Centre.
2. November 20th is Super Saturday at 9am.  You must sign up and pay for your crafts by November 14th.  If you need to see what items are avaliable, please email us.

Also for your information, the Relief Society Presidency was reorganized this Sunday.  Please refer to the ward website (it should be updated shortly) for information on the new presidency or email Cimarron Sisters.  Thanks.

September 19

Here are the announcements from Sunday

1. Ward Temple Trip - September 25th - 11:30 session
2. Relief Society Broadcast - 5pm for dinner, 6pm for broadcast at the Stake Centre
3. Two weeks left to finish the Literacy Challenge
4. The Bishop read a letter from Sister Gail R.'s daughter thanking the ward for all of their help and support

Our lesson this week was Chapter 18: Faith in Jesus Christ and was taught by Kristin F..  Faith in Jesus Christ is a sure thing, unlike faith we may have in anything else.  We know He cannot and will not fail. 

Next week's lesson will be from Elder Cook's April Conference address: "We Follow Jesus Christ".  Please note - the newsletter lesson title is wrong but the link is correct.

Also, anyone who would like to carpool to the Relief Society Broadcast can respond to any email from the relief society presidency and we will try and organize this.  Please respond with if you can drive or are looking for a ride.  If you can drive, please let us know how many people you can fit into your car.  Thanks!

September 12

1. General Relief Society Broadcast - Saturday September 25th at the stake centre - a light dinner will be served at 5pm followed by the broadcast from Salt Lake at 6pm.  If you plan on attending please respond to any email from the RS presidency if you haven't already.  The Stake would just like a general idea of how many people to plan for.
2. ESL classes at the church every Sunday evening at 7:30pm.
3. Ward Corn Bust/Chili Cook-off - Saturday September 18th - 5pm (please check your email for location and directions.)

Sister Margaret L. taught our lesson on Sunday which was Chapter 17: The Church of Jesus Christ Today.  Next week's lesson will be Chapter 18: Faith in Jesus Christ.

August 29

The announcements from Sunday were as follows:

1. Sept. 25th - Ward Temple Trip, and General Relief Society Broadcast (dinner @ 5pm and broadcast @ 6pm) at the Stake Centre
2. Sept. 10 - Chili Cook-off/Corn Bust - 6pm - if you would like to sign up to bring something please see sign-ups going around Relief Society or contact Josie P.
3. Sept. 11 - Stake Family Fun Run - 9:30am at the Stake Centre - if you would like to help please contact Wendy G.
4. ESL class being offered by the missionaries - if you know of anyone who might be interested please contact the ward mission leader or the missionaries.
5. The building cleaning schedule has been passed around Relief Society.  If you don't know when your family is assigned to clean please contact Ben M..  Also, if you can't make your assigned week, it is your responsibility to trade with someone else.

As for the lesson, as it was the fifth Sunday, we had a joint Priesthood/Relief Society meeting and the Bishop taught about temples.  He said that he liked to think that holding a current temple recommend is analogous to the Jewish people putting the blood on their doors during the passover.  He said that it can offer us similar protection.

Have a great week!