Posted on 03/23/2008 11:36:40 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny
Americans finding soaring food prices hard to stomach can battle back by growing their own food. [Click image for a larger version] Dean Fosdick Dean Fosdick
Home vegetable gardens appear to be booming as a result of the twin movements to eat local and pinch pennies.
At the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta this winter, D. Landreth Seed Co. of New Freedom, Pa., sold three to four times more seed packets than last year, says Barb Melera, president. "This is the first time I've ever heard people say, 'I can grow this more cheaply than I can buy it in the supermarket.' That's a 180-degree turn from the norm."
Roger Doiron, a gardener and fresh-food advocate from Scarborough, Maine, said he turned $85 worth of seeds into more than six months of vegetables for his family of five.
A year later, he says, the family still had "several quarts of tomato sauce, bags of mixed vegetables and ice-cube trays of pesto in the freezer; 20 heads of garlic, a five-gallon crock of sauerkraut, more homegrown hot-pepper sauce than one family could comfortably eat in a year and three sorts of squash, which we make into soups, stews and bread."
[snipped]
She compares the current period of market uncertainty with that of the early- to mid-20th century when the concept of victory gardens became popular.
"A lot of companies during the world wars and the Great Depression era encouraged vegetable gardening as a way of addressing layoffs, reduced wages and such," she says. "Some companies, like U.S. Steel, made gardens available at the workplace. Railroads provided easements they'd rent to employees and others for gardening."
(Excerpt) Read more at dallasnews.com ...
http://christmas.tipnut.com/category/crafts/
[page one, the links are live on the site....]
Project Category: ‘Crafts’
Click The Title Links To Visit The Websites For Full Details
This category currently has 66 articles
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“Basic Sock” Christmas Stocking w/ Satin Bow: Two different knit stockings you can make that are a basic sock style decorated with a satin bow. Made with super bulky yarn, very nice! The other pattern for the white cabled stocking is found here. Patterns found at pickinandthrowin.blogspot.com.
Date Added: Dec 01, 2007
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3D Paper Stars: Tutorial available by pdf download. Found at Lost Button Studio.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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Advent Calendar: I’m pretty sure you haven’t seen an Advent Calendar like this one, it’s super cute and easy to make too! Pattern and instructions are found at allsorts.typepad.com.
Date Added: Dec 01, 2007
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Advent Elf: Here’s a 17 page pattern (pdf download available on site) for an advent elf. Very creative! Found at Calamity Kim.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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Beaded Origami Ornament: Here’s a nice origami ornament that incorporates beads, very original and these can be made into quite beautiful pieces (check out the large picture here). Free tutorial found at yasutomo.com.
Date Added: Dec 01, 2007
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Beaded Snowflake Ornaments: (Popup Warning) Here are instructions for how to make beaded snowflake ornaments, they are very pretty! Easy to make and supplies are basic: pins, beads, glitter paint and thread. Instructions found at BHG.com (Better Homes & Gardens).
Date Added: Dec 01, 2007
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Beaded Snowflakes: These are Martha Stewart’s instructions for making beaded snowflakes. You can either wrap wire around the center when forming the snowflake form, or solder them. There is also this Pink Glass Bead Snowflake. Martha always has the good stuff ;). Found at MarthaStewart.com.
Date Added: Dec 01, 2007
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Bitsy Elf Clogs: Very cute little elf clogs that you can use as ornaments, decorations or even place card settings. Template download available (jpg). Found at allsorts.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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Carpet Stockings: Another pattern from Martha Stewart, this one is to make a Christmas stocking from pretty carpet remnants. Quite easy to make and a template download is provided. Found at MarthaStewart.com.
Date Added: Dec 01, 2007
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Chandelier Ornament: Made from heavier weight paper, embellished with beads, glitter, gold thread, whatever you like. Pattern template available for download. Found at Cheeky Magpie.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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Christmas Baubles: Cover polystyrene balls with decorative paper (cut into bits) using wallpaper paste. Project found at Inspirational Tips, Techniques & Tutorials.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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Christmas Card Star: Have you always wanted to know how to make those stars made out of Christmas cards? Here are the full instructions to make them, they’re actually not as hard to make as you might think. Star point pattern and star body template are available too. Details found at JennyHarada.com.
Date Added: Dec 01, 2007
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Christmas Cracker Favors: Makes a 10 ¼ inch cracker with a 5” x 2” cylinder for filling. Tutorial found at Sugar Blossom Weddings.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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Christmas Ornament Tutorial: This is a Christmas ornament made out of shrinkable plastic and adorned with itsy bitsy buttons. Template download is provided. These are a lot cuter than they sound, please check it out! Tutorial found at Yoonie-At-Home.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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Christmas Trees In Denim: Adorable ornaments made from denim with red ribbon hanging tags. Super easy to make. Tutorial found at One Crafty Mumma.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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Christmas Wreath Tutorial: Here’s a tutorial for making a fabric covered wreath using a styrofoam wreath form and Christmas fabric scraps or wide ribbons. Tutorial found at I’m A Ginger Monkey.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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Clear Ornament Tutorial: Stamp a holiday themed image on a piece of transparency, decorate it and slip inside a clear glass ornament, embellish with a bit of glitter and ribbon. Tutorial found at Technique Trail.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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Colorful Ornaments: Cover 3 inch styrofoam balls with colorful pieces of fabric, an easy and fun project the whole family will enjoy! Found at Inspired Ideas.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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Crafty Mini-Wreaths: You can use up all sorts of scraps to make these decorative holiday wreaths. Found at CraftStylish.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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Curled Paper Christmas Tree - Tutorial: You could make these for any occasion or season. All sorts of papers or themes can be used and different papers will create different looks. Tutorial found at Taylor Design.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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Decoupage Christmas Card Balls: Take inexpensive paper maché balls and cover them with torn bits from last year’s Christmas cards. Display in a bowl, in a basket, on your mantle or on a footed plate and accent with holiday greenery. Found at Inspiring Ideas.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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DIY Crepe Paper Raffia: Here’s a handy tip to make your own decorative raffia out of crepe paper. Use to decorate gifts, gift jars and wrap baking. Posted at Tipnut.com.
Date Added: Dec 01, 2007
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Double Knit Mini Christmas Stocking Ornament: Here’s another mini stocking pattern, and I mean mini! Very tiny and very cute. Use as an ornament or even attach beside a gift tag for extra decoration. Knitting pattern found at pieknits.com.
Date Added: Dec 01, 2007
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Easy Paper Ornaments: These are super easy paper ornaments that look very pretty on a tree. They are also very light, which is great if you are trying to hang them on a miniature real tree. Found at A Paper Garden.
Date Added: Nov 29, 2008
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Elf Stitchette Embroidery Patterns: Here is a free embroidery pattern for two of Santa’s elves, the example project shown is a pair of Christmas stockings–cute idea! But you could use this embroidery pattern on any project you like (maybe a Christmas tablecloth or table runner, etc.). Cute pattern found at weewonderfuls.typepd.com.
Date Added: Dec 01, 2007
You are so great posting all this. Now I just have to settle down and figure out which things to make!!
Self ping - I am forever getting cold sores (no immunity left with this MM) for natural remedy.
This calls for a haiku. Are you game, Jack?
Have fun!
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-raisins.html
Health Benefits of Raisins
The health benefits of raisins include relief from constipation, acidosis, anemia, fever, sexual weakness. Raisins also help in weight gain, eye care, dental care, and bone health.
Raisins are indispensable when it comes to dry fruits. Those golden, green or black colored delicacies are favorites of almost everybody, especially children. Raisins are widely used worldwide in cuisines (especially in desserts), health tonics, as snacks and also as food for mountaineers, trekkers etc.
Raisins are obtained from drying grapes (green or black), either in sun or in driers and look like golden, green or black gems. Indeed they are like gems when their nutritional values and health benefits are considered.
Let us watch their brilliance.
Constipation: When ingested, raisins swell as the fiber present in them in dried form absorbs water. This helps giving relief in constipation.
Weight Gain: Raisins, like all dry fruits, are very good for gaining weight, as they are full of fructose and glucose and give a lot of energy. Thus, they form an ideal part of the diet for either athletes or body builders who need a lot of energy or those who want to put on weight, without accumulating cholesterol. This is further boosted due to presence of many vitamins, amino acids and minerals (such as selenium, phosphorus etc.) in raisins which facilitate absorption of other nutrients and proteins in the body.
Acidosis: Acidosis is a state of increased acidity of the blood (also known as toxicity of the blood) or of the gases in our respiratory system, the source of acids for both being our stomach. This is very harmful for the body as it may give rise to a number of problems like boils, skin diseases and damage to the internal organs, arthritis, gout, renal calculi, hair loss, heart diseases, tumors and even cancer. Raisins are good source of potassium and magnesium (two of the most popular constituents of antacids, being basic in nature) both of which are very effective in reducing acidity. They neutralize the acids and thus help check acidosis.
Anemia: Raisins contain considerable amount of iron which directly helps treating anemia. It also contains many members of vitamin-B complex which are essential for formation of blood. Copper in them also help formation of red blood cells.
Fever: Phenolic Phytonutrients, well known for their germicidal, anti biotic and anti oxidant properties, are present in abundance in raisins and help cure fever by fighting viral and bacterial infections.
Sexual Weakness: Raisins are known to stimulate libido and induce arousal, primarily due to presence of an amino acid called Arginine, which is beneficial in treating problems in erection. It has been a common practice in India to make the bride and the groom drink a glass of milk each, boiled with raisins and added with a pinch of saffron. It is also recommended for those suffering from sexual weakness, to consume raisins regularly. This effect is aided with the presence of lot of energy in raisins.
Bone Health: While Calcium, which is the main constituent of bones, is present in raisins, it is one of the best sources of Boron, a micro nutrient (a nutrient required by the body in very small amount as compared to other nutrients) which is very necessary for proper bone formation and absorption of calcium. Boron is particularly helpful in preventing osteoporosis induced by menopause in women and is very beneficial for bones and joints.
Eye Care: Raisins contain polyphenolic phytonutrients which have anti oxidant properties which are very good for ocular health, as they protect eyes from damages caused by free radicals (oxidants), such as macular degeneration, age related weakening of vision, cataract etc. In addition, it contains very good amount of vitamin-A, A-Beta Carotene and A-Carotenoid, all of which are essential for a good ocular health.
Dental Care: Oleanolic Acid, one of the phytochemicals present in raisins, plays crucial role in protecting your teeth against tooth decay, cavities, brittleness of teeth etc. It effectively prevents growth of Streptococcus Mutans and Porphyromonas Gingivalis, two of the species of bacteria which are most responsible for cavities and other dental problems. In addition, it is rich in calcium which is very good for promoting dental health, as it prevents breaking or peeling away of teeth and enamel and makes them strong. One more interesting thing about raisins is that the longer they stick to your teeth, the better, as it ensures longer contact of Oleanolic Acid with the teeth preventing growth of bacteria. In addition to above, boron present in raisins plays a very important role in checking growth of germs in the mouth as well promotes health of bones and teeth.
Other Benefits: Catechin, a phenolic anti oxidant present in raisins, is very effective for prevention of tumor and cancer of colon. The fibers in it help excretion of bile from the body, burning of cholesterol and thereby ensuring good cardiac health.
Health Benefits of Dates
Dates are a great source of dietary fiber. The American Cancer Society recommends that you consume 20-35 grams of dietary fiber a day. Dietary fiber comes in two forms – soluble and insoluble. Each serves a valuable function. Insoluble fiber increases the rate at which food moves through the digestive system. Soluble fiber may help control diabetes by decreasing elevated blood glucose levels. Soluble fiber also had been found to help lower serum cholesterol levels, particularly undesirable low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
According to researchers at the University of Scranton in Scranton Pennsylvania, they have the highest concentration of polyphenols among dried fruits. The findings of this research suggest that dried fruits should be a greater part of the diet as they are dense in phenol antioxidants and nutrients, most notably fiber.
A serving of power-packed dates contains 31 grams of carbohydrates, making them a powerhouse of energy. Carbohydrates include 3 grams of dietary fiber and 29 grams of naturally occurring sugars such as fructose, glucose and sucrose to provide quick energy and are readily used by the body. Dates are a perfect energy boosting snack.
Dates are one of the best natural sources of potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral your body needs to maintain muscle contractions including the vital heart muscle. Potassium is needed to maintain a healthy nervous system and to balance the body’s metabolism as well.
Since potassium is not stored in the body, and much is lost in perspiration, it must be continually replenished. As you consume potassium you excrete sodium, helping to keep blood pressure down. As people age, their kidneys become less efficient at eliminating sodium. About a 400 mg increase in potassium intake has been associated with a 40% reduction in the risk of stroke. This roughly amounts to one additional serving daily of Dates.
Dates also contain a variety of B-complex vitamins – thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 and pantothenic acid. These vitamins have a variety of functions that help maintain a healthy body – to metabolize carbohydrates and maintain blood glucose levels, fatty acids for energy, and they help make hemoglobin, the red and white blood cells. Dates also contain Magnesium which is essential for healthy bone development and for energy metabolism and Iron which is essential to red blood cell production. Red blood cells carry all the nutrients to cells throughout the body. In addition, Dates are fat and cholesterol free!
This blog is full of crafts, how to do it, links and even more:
http://creaturecomforts.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/05/diy-paper-wrapp.html
“I have never been so humiliated in my life!!!”
“YOU are going to do what?, YOU are not expecting me to wear this for every meal? Are YOU?”
Thank you so much for moving Henry to the thread, he belongs here today.
Every time that I see Henry, I bust out laughing.
When my kids were about 12 years old, there was a Halloween parade in our small town and my daughter wanted to dress in a Navy uniform, and dress Scott as a girl......no way, Scott went as a mummy and Debra dressed our Border Collie in pants, and a shirt and walked the parade with a dog, he did not seem to mind, it wasn’t often he went to town.
Thank you, it pleases me to have Henry on this page to.
Something about him, makes me laugh.
I thought that you might see a smile in him too..............
Your Angel looks better here, than it did on the home page.
There were several patterns there that I would have been in a hurry to copy, once.
Why am I not surprised that it is a sweet Angel and not a cat in that photo. LOL, bet there is a photoshop coming on.
You are so great posting all this. Now I just have to settle down and figure out which things to make!!<<<
Thank you, but the credit goes to the Tip Nut, she has gone to the trouble to find the best ideas and links.
I am still laughing when I see Henry, thanks for posting him.
Do you have a link for making taffy? <<<
I thought I had posted it a couple of times, about the middle of the thread, I don’t know that I have a link as such or one that could be found.
I will watch for the recipe again.
Cool website I found somehow, don’t remember how I got there:
http://www.organickingdom.com/
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Interesting site, but I will stick with walton feed.com, I know which of their products I want to reorder....
I did note that they wheat free products, or so it appears at a fast glance.
http://creaturecomforts.typepad.com/my_weblog/for_free/
With the dinner table in mind I fashioned these simple little Printable Napkin Bands as well as some little doily inspired extras that can be printed and then hung like a mobile, strung in a row to create a garland, or even used as gift tags.
The napkin bands print 6 to a sheet in two different variations (one with a blank oval for writing a name and another with only the doily pattern). They can be trimmed to fit your napkins and sealed in the back with double-sided tape. The doily mobile/garland prints one large and one small doily per sheet.
I like to use premium quality heavy-weight paper for projects like these, but standard card stock would would also work.
Download Free-doily-napkin-bands
Download Free-doily-mobile-garland
Please feel free to pass these along to friends and family. All my freebies are intended for non-commercial use. Enjoy!
{cloth napkin image from flag and banner}
[Dig around, she has other freebies and for sale items....granny]
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