Home gardening offers ways to trim grocery costs [Survival Today, an on going thread]

Dallas News.com ^ | March 14th, 2008 | DEAN FOSDICK

[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."

[nw_arizona_granny]

Welcome to our efforts, with the help of Tenth Amendment champion, we are going in even more directions.

Thanks for coming to read do join the thread, if you would like.

Do you have a special interest? Of course you could be like me and find it all interesting.

[nw_arizona_granny]

I am cussing, mad.

Fox news on kdwn.com radio, just said that there is breaking news, Chrysler will shut down all manufacturing, beginning December 19th and lasting until January 19th.

What a disgusting act, think of the families with small children who are not going to be smiling for Christmas.

Why do they do this at Christmas.........????

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

http://tipnut.com/8-cleaning-tips-for-crusty-stove-tops/

8 Cleaning Tips For Crusty Stove Tops

Here are several different tips for cleaning stove drip pans, burner element rings and porcelain enamel tops that have caked on crud that won’t budge. If things are a real mess, you may need to try a method a few times to remove it all.

Method #1 - Stove Top
Remove stove elements, rings and drip pans. Scrub top with hot, soapy water then dry. Place paper towels over crusty spots and soak with household ammonia. Cover with plastic wrap to keep paper towels moist, and leave sit for several hours. Scrub again with hot, soapy water and crud should wipe away.

Method #2 - Drip Pans, Rings
Take a large kettle, pot or roasting pan and fill with water. Bring to a boil. Add a cup of Cascade dishwasher detergent, stir until powder dissolves. Using tongs place the drip pans and rings in the pot of hot water. Boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Turn off heat, cover with lid and let sit overnight. In the morning remove the drip pans and element rings and scrub in a sink full of hot, soapy water. The caked on crud should remove easily.

Method #3 - Drip Pans
Spray with oven cleaner, place in garbage bags, seal, then let sit over night. Remove them the next day, rinse, then scrub with hot, soapy water.

Method #4 - Drip Pans & Element Rings
Spray with household ammonia, place in garbage bags, seal, then sit over night. Remove from bag the next day and scrub with hot, soapy water. You can also first cover the pans with paper towels, then saturate with ammonia. If it’s a hot, sunny day outside–let the sealed bag sit in the sun to add heat to the process.

Method #5 - Element Rings & Drip Pans
Make a paste with cream of tartar and vinegar (50/50) and slather on rings and pans. Let sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub clean.

Method #6 - Drip Pans & Element Rings
Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil. Add 1/2 cup baking soda, stir to dissolve. Drop in the pans and rings, cover then let sit over night. Scrub in hot, soapy water the next day. If crud is really bad and won’t loosen, try scrubbing with a cleaning pad first dipped in household ammonia.

Method #7 - Stop Top
Generously sprinkle baking soda around the top of stove then spray hot water (boiling hot if possible) over it all–enough to dissolve baking soda without making it run all over. Let soak for about 30 minutes, then scrub clean.

Method #8 - Stove Top, Element Rings and Drip Pans
Cover everything with paper towels then soak thoroughly with white household vinegar. Cover with plastic wrap then let sit for several hours. Remove the paper towels and start scrubbing, things should loosen up and wipe away easily.

Caution: Do not spray the elements themselves with any cleaners, just wipe clean with a hot, soapy cloth.
As always, first test a small area to make sure the cleaning method you use won’t cause any damage.

More Tips You May Like:

Clean Stove Burner Drip Pans: How To

Crusty Crockpot Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Crusty Tap Fixtures

Cookware Cleaning & Stain Removal Tips

Cheese Grater Cleaning Tips

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

I just got a news alert from KFYI in Phoenix (I signed up a couple of years ago and have always found them useful, even though I’m not in AZ any more).

I guess the company has no choice. But I think with the union contract they have to pay the workers whether they are at the plant or not. So it’s a nice paid vacation for them, actually.

Hope you are well today, and warm. Here’s a {{hug}} for you.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

Thanks for the heads-up and reminder. Posted here:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2150465/posts?page=1

[Library Lady]

May God keep you well.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

According to a poster on the Chrysler thread:

UAW workers are paid 95% of their regular wages through the SUB (Supplementary Unemployment Benefit). This basically supplements the state unemployment benefit with money from the companies to reach the 95% amount. I don’t know how long it lasts but, it is a contractual obligation and has been so for a long time.

[nw_arizona_granny]

A new source of police scanner connections, it has the Las Vegas Metro. Police, that I listen to on it.

They are chasing a whole gang now, bunch of excited Officers, intent on the chase, I missed the start of it, so do not know what the crime was......they are now to the elementary school, so it will be shut down, as they always do so.

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.google.com/search?q=listen+to+the+police+scanners+on+the+internet&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

http://www.scannerfeeds.us/

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/common/stomach/196.html

Sorry for the gross topic but it could save your child's life

Vomiting and Diarrhea in Children

What causes vomiting and diarrhea?
Vomiting (throwing up) and diarrhea (frequent, watery bowel movements) can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, foods that are hard to digest (such as too many sweets) and food such as meat or fish that is undercooked (still partially raw).

Can vomiting and diarrhea be dangerous for children?
Yes, vomiting and diarrhea can be harmful because they can cause dehydration. Dehydration occurs when too much fluid is lost from the body. Signs of dehydration are listed in the box below.

Young babies can become dehydrated quickly, but dehydration can occur at any age.

Signs of dehydration
Lack of urine or urine that is darker than usual
Not urinating as often as usual
Thirst (babies may show thirst by crying, being irritable and eager to drink when something is offered)
Irritability
Not eating as well as usual
Weight loss
Dry mouth
Thirst (babies may show thirst by crying and being irritable and eager to drink when something is offered)
No tears when crying
Sunken soft spot in babies younger than 18 months
Skin that isn't as springy or elastic as usual

How can I prevent dehydration?
If your baby or child has had several bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, he or she will need to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

If you are breastfeeding, continue to give your baby breastmilk. Breastmilk has all the fluids and electrolytes needed to prevent dehydration. Your doctor may want you to give your baby an oral rehydration solution (ORS) as well.

If you feed your baby formula, try switching to one that is lactose free while your baby is sick. Lactose can make diarrhea worse. Your doctor may also suggest switching from formula to an ORS for 12 to 24 hours, and then switching back.

For toddlers and young children, use an ORS, which contains the right mix of salt, sugar, potassium and other nutrients to help replace lost body fluids. Children older than 1 year may also have clear soups, clear sodas or juice mixed with water to help prevent dehydration. You should avoid giving your child plain water and dark sodas. Water alone does not contain enough salt and nutrients to help with dehydration. Dark sodas are typically very high in sugar and can irritate your child's stomach.

What is an ORS?
An oral rehydration solution is a great way to replace fluids and nutrients lost through vomiting and diarrhea. An ORS is safe for babies and older children. An ORS can come in several forms, including a powder that you mix with water, a liquid that is already mixed and as frozen popsicles.

Brands of ORS include Pedialyte, Ricelyte, Rehydralyte and the World Health Organization's Oral Rehydration Solution (WHO-ORS). You can purchase these at most grocery stores and drugstores. If you don't have access to store-bought ORS, you can mix 8 teaspoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt in a quart (4 cups) of water. This mixture lacks potassium but is otherwise a good ORS. You can supply some potassium by adding a cup of orange juice to your homemade ORS or feeding your child some banana.

If your child is vomiting, try giving him or her small amounts of an ORS often, such as 1 teaspoonful every minute. When your child is able to keep the drink down, slowly increase how much you give.

If your child keeps vomiting, wait 30 to 60 minutes after the last time he or she vomited, and then give him or her a few sips of an ORS. Small amounts every few minutes may stay down better than a large amount all at once.

When your child stops vomiting, you may increase how much of the ORS you give each time and add clear broths or clear sodas. Remember, small amounts are less likely to upset your child's stomach.

If your child has diarrhea and isn't vomiting, give him or her an ORS and other liquids. Your doctor may ask you to keep track of how much your child drinks. You can use a dropper, a spoon or a measuring cup to help you keep track.

Should I feed my child when he or she has diarrhea?
Yes, you should feed your child when he or she has diarrhea.

Older children should begin eating within 12 to 24 hours after starting to take an ORS. Avoid foods with a lot of sugar and fat, such as ice cream, gelatin, pudding and fried foods. These may irritate your child's stomach and digestive tract. It's best to avoid dairy products for 3 to 7 days.

Sometimes bland foods are recommended for the first 24 hours. Bland foods include bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and unsweetened cereals. If your child does well with these foods, you can add other foods over the next 48 hours.

Most children can return to normal eating habits about 3 days after the diarrhea stops. If your child has been vomiting, wait 6 hours after the last time he or she vomited before eating. Try small amounts of bland foods such as toast, saltine crackers or rice. Do not force your child to eat. Your child may not feel very hungry for a few days after vomiting.

Should I give my child medicine to stop diarrhea?
This usually isn't recommended. Diarrhea doesn't usually last long. If it's caused by an infection, diarrhea is a way for the body to get rid of the infection. Giving medicines that stop diarrhea may actually interfere with the body's efforts to heal. Antibiotics are usually not necessary either. Talk to your family doctor if you think your child needs medicine.

Will my child need to go to the hospital?
Probably not, unless dehydration becomes severe. In this case, your child may need to be given fluids intravenously (through an IV) to replace fluids lost through vomiting or diarrhea. Call your doctor if you notice any of the signs in the box below.

Call your doctor if your child is vomiting or has diarrhea and:

Is younger than 6 months old.
Is older than 6 months old and has a fever higher than 101.4°F.
Has signs of dehydration (see box above).
Has been vomiting longer than 8 hours or is vomiting with great force.
Has blood in his or her stools.
Has blood in his or her vomit.
Has not urinated in 8 hours.
Might have swallowed something that could be poisonous.
Has a stiff neck.
Is listless or unusually sleepy.
Has had abdominal pain for more than 2 hours.

Can I help prevent vomiting and diarrhea in my children?
Vomiting and diarrhea may be caused by foods that are hard for your child to digest (such as sugar or by bacteria in undercooked meat). Make sure your child eats a healthy diet.

Most infections that cause diarrhea are caused by a virus found in feces. Help prevent infection by disposing of dirty diapers properly and by washing your hands after changing a diaper or going to the bathroom. Make sure your child washes his or her hands frequently, especially after going to the bathroom.

Common Conditions in Children

For Kids: Vomiting
For Kids: Diarrhea
Constipation in Children
Pinworm Infection
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Intussusception
Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

American Academy of Family Physicians

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2150025/posts?page=1

China Bans 17 Substances as Food Additives
VOA News ^ | 17 December 2008

Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 10:07:49 PM by nickcarraway

China has banned food producers from adding 17 substances, including some chemicals more commonly used as insecticides or disinfectants.

continued.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Thank you.

Prayerful good wishes to you and wishing you a Merry Christmas.

[nw_arizona_granny]

UAW workers are paid 95% of their regular wages through the SUB (Supplementary Unemployment Benefit). <<<

I hope so, but there will be many who are a little scared for their jobs and not smiling and full of Christmas cheer.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

Yes. Many folks at dealerships, parts suppliers, delivery companies, etc. This has a big ripple effect on many others. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/christmas/ornament-bowl.shtml

Christmas Ornament Bowl Centerpiece

Add the glow of Christmas lights to a bowl of glass Christmas ornaments for a designer decorating look in minutes!

Copyright © 1999-2008 Susan Spatone All rights reserved. Published with permission from CraftAtHome.com

Materials:

Frosted Glass Bowl
Glass ornaments
Mini Light set (quantity will depend of bowl size)

How to:

In minutes you can have this great little decorative bowl. The photo isn't great, but these look magnificent.

I placed a set of lights at the the bottom of the bowl, added ornaments, plugged in the lights and that was it!

So easy, but so pretty!

Tip:

- Use a strand of battery-powered lights for an arrangement that you wish to place as a table centerpiece, or where no power source is readily available.

---

I couldn't get the photo to come up, so visit the website to see what it looks like. Very pretty. I imagine a clear glass bowl would be just as nice.
10th

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

http://www.lhj.com/style/decorating/easy/twinkle-light-christmas-centerpiece/

Twinkle Light Christmas Centerpiece
Soft, sparkling light enhances the holiday mood. This glowing centerpiece welcomes guests. Set a warm tone with soft lighting.

What You Need:

Grapevine wreath
White spray paint
2 strings of white tree lights on white cord (see Step 2)
Large glass or crystal bowl
Clear glass ornaments, orbs and stars

Instructions:
1. Spray grapevine wreath white. Let dry.
2. Wrap a string of lights around the wreath. If the decoration sits on an end table or in an entry, you can use plug-in lights. Otherwise you'll need to use battery-operated ones.
3. Nest the bowl inside the wreath, and lay more lights inside the bowl.
4. Fill the bowl with orbs, ornaments, and stars made of clear glass.

More Ideas:
A bowl of multicolored lights will also add a seasonal touch.
Other ways to soften the lighting around your home: Lower the wattage in table lamps, and supplement them with small decorative lamps, picture lights over artwork, and candles.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/06/diy-project-janes-doily-bowl.html

diy project: jane’s doily bowl

designer jane schouten’s lace doily bowl was a bit hit during this year’s d*s diy contest- and today jane is sharing her instructions for making your own doily bowl at home. it’s a great way to spend a steamy summer day (when staying inside with your air condition is the only option) and allows for all sorts of personal customization. click here for the full instructions or just click “read more” below. also, you can click here to view jane’s portfolio, here to visit her new online shop packed with vintage finds, and here to view her last diy project, an incredible patchwork chair.

[ps: thanks to domino for posting the d*s scholarship winners on their homepage today!]

DOILY BOWL
Materials
fabric doily
masking tape
interesting pieces of paper
buttons
anything else you want to sew on the bowl
embroidery thread
a large bowl to use as a template
paint brush
PAVERPOL (online here) or a similar fabric hardener.

1. “Mend” the doily with masking tape and paper (add tape and paper where you like)
2. Stitch the paper (machine stitching is easiest) and masking tape to the doily
3. Sew on everything else (an extra paper, fabric, etc.) making sure both sides look interesting
4. Add some embroidery and a few buttons.
5. Cover the template bowl with plastic foil to protect it, then lay the doily over it.
6. Apply a layer of Paverpol with the paint brush. Correct the bowl form and let it dry for at least a day.
7. When dry, remove the doily bowl from the template bowl and apply a layer of Paverpol on the inside. Dry again for a few days or until the bowl is hard enough.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

From:

Christmas Tree Photo Cards

Thse festive tree cards are a decorative and fun way to share photos of the kids -- and, they're yet another wonderful craft made using our handy circle cutter.

Tools and Materials
Card template
Light-green card stock
Circle cutter
Ruler
Bone folder
Craft knife
Gold trim
Wide-tip glue pen
Glitter
Dove craft punch
Personal photo
Double-sided tape

Christmas Tree Photo Card How-To
1. Print the card template on light-green card stock.

2. Line up the center of the circle cutter with the logo in the center of one of the circles, and cut according to the measurement marked. Repeat for the second circle on the template.

3. Score inner lines of template, using a ruler and bone folder. Cut out card.

4. Embellish edges of card by attaching gold trim with craft glue.

5. Cover a small square of card stock with thin glue (we used a wide-tip glue pen). Sprinkle with glitter and allow to dry. Punch the glittered card stock with a dove craft punch.

6. Secure glittered dove to card with glue, placing its beak over the branch on the front of the card.

7. Cut a photo with the circle cutter slightly larger than the inner circle of the card. Secure photo to the inside of the card with double-sided tape so that it shows through the two circle windows of the card.

Resources
Gold trim is available at crafts and fabrics stores. All other tools and materials are available from Martha Stewart Crafts. For other holiday inspirations, visit our Christmas Workshop.

[Library Lady]

Merry Christmas to you, too, and may God bless!

[nw_arizona_granny]

This message contains the following:

1. Grease Removers Recalled by Fantastic Distributors Due to Chemical Burn Hazard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09066.html)

2. Regal Lager Recall to Replace Phil & Teds Strollers Due to Fall Hazard (http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09067.html)

3. Xtreme Toy Zone Recalls Toy Dinosaurs Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard(http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09068.html)