Is Recession Preparing a New Breed of Survivalist? [Survival Today

Yahoo ran an interesting article this morning indicating a rise in the number of survivalist communities cropping up around the country. I have been wondering myself how much of the recent energy crisis is causing people to do things like stockpile food and water, grow their own vegetables, etc. Could it be that there are many people out there stockpiling and their increased buying has caused food prices to increase? It’s an interesting theory, but I believe increased food prices have more to do with rising fuel prices as cost-to-market costs have increased and grocers are simply passing those increases along to the consumer. A recent stroll through the camping section of Wal-Mart did give me pause - what kinds of things are prudent to have on hand in the event of a worldwide shortage of food and/or fuel? Survivalist in Training

I’ve been interested in survival stories since I was a kid, which is funny considering I grew up in a city. Maybe that’s why the idea of living off the land appealed to me. My grandfather and I frequently took camping trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around the Smoky Mountains. Looking back, some of the best times we had were when we stayed at campgrounds without electricity hookups, because it forced us to use what we had to get by. My grandfather was well-prepared with a camp stove and lanterns (which ran off propane), and when the sun went to bed we usually did along with it. We played cards for entertainment, and in the absence of televisions, games, etc. we shared many great conversations. Survivalist in the Neighborhood

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Seeds on My Peace Lilies and Pink Cloud Caladiums

Question:
I think I have seeds on my Peace Lilly and on Pink Cloud Caladiums. There are extra growth’s that have white or brown seeds on them. Are they seeds and where do I snip them off?

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Thanks for your help.
Sherry from Valdosta, GA
Answer:
Sherry, I’m going to answer your questions separately as they related to each plant. Let’s start with Caladiums. Breeding these plants can be complicated, but it is possible to harvest their seeds. Caladiums are “protogynous” plants. What this is means is that the female flowers are receptive before the males flowers shed their pollen. To collect seed, you will need to hand-pollinate the female flowers, which requires watching the plant carefully in order to determine when the timing is right. Once the Caladium flowers are pollinated, they will produce a fruit that eventually gives you viable seed. Propagating them this way will result in new combinations of leaf patterns and colors (hybridization), but it will not give you Caladiums identical to the parent plant. An easier way to propagate Caladiums is to start with new tubers each year. The tubers can be cut up into pieces, with each piece containing an “eye” similar to the “eye” on a potato tuber. This method will give you offspring true to the parent plants. More information on propagating Caladiums can be found at http://www.happinessfarms.com/askthedoc.html. Incidentally, if you’re just looking to remove the extra growth, you can cut the flower stems off right above where they emerge from the leaves.

As for Peace Lilies, the seeds are located on the green structure (pod) that appears in the middle of the flower. Wait until the pods turn brown (then black) before cutting them off, Use a tweezers or nail file to scrape the seeds off the pod for planting, Like the Caladiums, you can cut the flower stem on your Peace Lily at the point where it emerges from the leaves. Starting Peace Lily seedlings this way is a slow process, and they will take several years to flower. Dividing the plant’s roots is a much faster means of propagating them.

Ellen

About The Author:
Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest - Ready To Go

Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest can be pretty pricey most of the year, but I eliminate this consideration by freezing the juice and zest when lemons are on sale. Roll the lemons briefly on a hard surface to release all the juice, and then use a zester tool to harvest the zest. Next, cut the lemons in half and juice into a strainer to remove the pulp and seeds. Pour the juice into a plastic ice cube tray, freeze hard and then release the individual cubes into a plastic freezer bag for long-term storage. (Hint: if you will take the time to use a measuring spoon and water to know exactly how much your ice cube tray holds in one of the partitions, you won’t have to guess if you have enough for a recipe.) Freeze the zest in a recycled yogurt container. Then, throughout the year when you need fresh lemon juice or lemon zest in a recipe, you already have it.

By Ronsan from Southwest Missouri
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Get More Juice Out Of Your Lemon

Place lemon(s) in microwave for about 10-20 seconds (based on your microwave) until the lemon is very warm to the touch (almost hot). Wait until you feel comfortable handling the lemon, then cut and squeeze. You should be able to get at least 30-40% more juice than normal.

By Cajunc from Collinsville, IL

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Using It All - Lemons

I keep looking for the price of lemons to go down, but alas, this is not happening. My family uses lemon in a variety of ways so hear are my tips. For the best buy, I usually look for fruit sold in bulk mesh bags; and until I started to use these little tricks, I would often find that at least one or two pieces of fruit had gone bad by the time I needed it.

When you first bring the fruit home, wash and dry every piece, then using the fine side of a hand grater (not a zester), grate off the rind of at least a few of the fruits. Store the zest in a small zip bag in the freezer to use in muffins, quick breads and other recipes.

Then squeeze the juice from all of the lemons that you will not be using within a week. Pour the juice into an ice cube tray and freeze. Store the lemon juice cubes in a zip bag of their own in the freezer.

When a recipe calls for two Tablespoons of lemon juice or more I can thaw as many cubes as i need. A cube has 1 1/2 Tablespoons of lemon juice.

This has saved me money and time! You can also use this for oranges and other citrus.

By Bobbie from Rockwall

RE: Using It All - Lemons
Post by Cantate

You can also soak extra citrus peels in vinegar to make a nice deodorizing spray. This is great when you have animals, especially cats who mark their territory inside. Cats don’t like the smell of citrus so they leave the place alone for a while. We do like the smell of citrus!

Cantate

RE: Using It All - Lemons
Post by orquidea

Maybe this is a silly question but I’m newbie to these things so I’ll ask anyway...

Do not the ice cubes stick to each other when we put them in the zip bag?

Thank you!

RE: Using It All - Lemons
Post by mommamoody

PS Aldi’s sometimes has great deals on lemons

RE: Using It All - Lemons
Post By Ouiser

The best yet :) Lemons will help you lose weight!
After reading so much about it, I decided to give it a try and I have lost something like 10 pounds in less than two months!
Just squeeze the lemon juice into a bottle, fill with water to the top - NO SUGAR - add some peppermint decoction for better taste if you like. Keep handy and drink whenever you feel thirsty during the day!

RE: Using It All - Lemons
Post By Donna N., San Diego

I can go you one further. After I grate the lemon peel and juice the lemons, I cut the remaining peels into small chunks and use them in my garbage disposal. You can even freeze them and use them in the disposal as needed. They really help to get rid of that funky smell you sometimes get in your disposal!

Tip: Using it all - Lemons
Post by jess_admin

Squeeze Only the Desired Amount

Many recipes call for a squeeze of lemon juice. Well, after wasting many lemons in cutting them open, I found a more thrifty way for a dab of lemon juice. Here it is.

For a small amount of fresh lemon juice, poke a hole in the lemon with a toothpick and squeeze out the desired amount.

Just put the lemon in a plastic bag in the fridge and save for the next time.

By Carolyn from East Northport

Getting More Juice Out of Lemons

Submerge lemons in hot tap water before squeezing and it will yield almost twice as much juice.

Answers:
RE: Using it all - Lemons
If you heat the lemon in the microwave for about a minute, you’ll get more juice out of it. (10/21/2005)

By Edisto
RE: Using it all - Lemons
If you roll it on the counter top or table first, (pressing quite hard with your hand) greater juice-yield too. (10/23/2005)

By kiwi eema
RE: Using it all - Lemons
I have a lovely bowl on my kitchen table for bananas and lemons. I keep the lemons in the fridge for longer life. For better juice, I take what I’ll need that day and put them in the bowl to come to room temperature. Life imitates still life. (06/03/2006)

By the Oracle

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Nut Lover’s Chocolate Bread Machine Loaf (Freezer Bread)
By Cynthia Smith

freezer mealsWhat’s more convenient than a bread machine for fresh loaves of bread? Knowing that you can enjoy your favorite nutty treat anytime when you keep an extra loaf tucked away in your freezer!

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 eggs
* 1/4 cup water
* 2 tablespoons butter, cut up
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
* 2 cups bread flour
* 1 cup whole wheat flour
* 1/3 cup sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast or bread machine yeast
* 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
* 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
* 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
* 2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate pieces
* 1/2 cup shortening

Directions:

1. Add milk, eggs, water, butter, vanilla, both flours, sugar, cinnamon, salt, yeast and 1/2 cup of the chocolate pieces to the bread machine according to the machine’s directions. Select the ‘dough’ cycle. When the cycle is complete, remove the dough from the machine, punch it down, cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
2. Divide the loaf in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 10 x 7 inch rectangle. Divide the 1/4 cup of chocolate pieces and the walnuts between the separated dough pieces sprinkling them on evenly and lightly pressing them in.
3. Beginning at a short side, roll up each rectangle into a spiral before sealing the seams and ends. Place the loaves with the seam sides down into 2 greased 8 x 4 x 2 inch loaf pans. Cover the pans and let them rise in a warm place until they are nearly double their original size (usually between 35 to 45 minutes).
4. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped. Remove the bread from the pan and cool just a bit on a wire rack.
5. In a microwaveable bowl, combine 2 tablespoons chocolate pieces and the shortening. Heat on HIGH for 30 to 45 seconds or until the chocolate is soft enough to stir smooth. Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the slightly cooled bread.
6. To freeze the Nut Lover’s Chocolate Bread Machine Loaf, seal and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
7. To serve frozen Nut Lover’s Chocolate Bread Machine Loaf, thaw at room temperature.

Each loaf yields 16 servings.
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Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread I
Ingredients

* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
* 1 cup pumpkin (canned)
* 1/2 cup salad oil
* 2 eggs (unbeaten)
* 2 cup flour (sifted)
* 1 tsp. soda
* 1/2 tsp. each: salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon
* 1/4 tsp. ginger
* 1 cup raisins
* 1/2 cup nuts
* 1/4 cup water

Directions

Combine sugars, pumpkin, oil, and eggs. Beat until well blended. Sift together flour, soda, and spices; add and mix well. Stir in raisins, nuts, and water. Spoon into well oiled 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 65-75 minutes. Turn out on rack to cool thoroughly. Frost if desired. Makes 2 loves when using 2 small loaf pans.

By Robin
Pumpkin Bread II
Ingredients

* 2 cups all purpose flour
* 2 tsp. baking powder
* 1/2 tsp. baking soda
* 1 tsp. salt
* 1 tsp. cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
* 1 cup canned pumpkin
* 1 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 eggs, slightly beaten
* 1/4 cup margarine, softened
* 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Sift together 1st six ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, milk and eggs. Add dry ingredients and butter, mixing until just moistened. Stir in nuts. Spoon into well greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Bake for 65 minutes or until bread tests done. Cool 10 minutes before removing from baking pan. Makes 1 loaf. (to make 2 loaves use 1 lb. of canned pumpkin and double rest of ingredients.

By Terri
Pumpkin Bread III
Ingredients

* 3 1/3 cups flour
* 2 tsp. soda
* 1 1/2 tsp. salt
* 1 tsp. cinnamon
* 1 tsp. nutmeg
* 3 cups sugar
* 1 cup vegetable oil
* 4 eggs
* 2/3 cup water
* 2 cups canned pumpkin or 1 (16 oz.) can

Directions

Sift flour with soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add remaining ingredients, mixing well throughout. Blend until smooth. Pour batter into 3 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour. Cool slightly in pans. Remove from pans and cool thoroughly on rack. Wrap in foil or plastic; refrigerate. Bread should be made at least 1 day before serving.

By Robin from Washington, IA
Pumpkin Bread IV
Ingredients

* 3 cups sugar
* 1 cup salad oil
* 4 eggs (beaten)
* 2/3 cup water
* 16 oz. pumpkin
* 3 1/2 cups flour
* 2 tsp. soda
* 1 1/2 tsp. salt
* 1 tsp. baking powder
* 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
* 1 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
* 1 tsp. vanilla

Directions

Cream sugar and oil together. Add eggs and pumpkin; mix well. Sift all dry ingredients and add alternating with the water, mixing well after each addition. Pour into well greased and floured bread pans. It will make 3 medium loaves. Bake in 350 degree F oven for 1 hour until it tests done with a toothpick in the center of the loaf. Remove from pan and cool. This makes a wonderful gift at holiday time for my friends. It has been a lot of fun to share this recipe with others!

By Robin from Washington, IA
Pumpkin Bread V
Ingredients

* 3 1/2 cups flour
* 3 cups sugar
* 1 1/2 tsp. salt
* 2 tsp. soda
* 1 tsp. nutmeg
* 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp. ginger
* 2/3 cup water
* 4 eggs
* 1 cup pumpkin
* 1 cup oil
* 1 cup raisins (opt.)
* 1 cup chopped nuts (opt.)

Directions
Sift dry ingredients into large bowl. Add water, eggs, pumpkin, oil, raisins and pecans. Stir well. Grease and flour 3 or 4 coffee cans (1lb. size). Fill cans 2/3 full of batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or until done. Makes 3 loaves.

By Robin from Washington, IA
Pumpkin Bread VI
Ingredients

* 1 cup sugar, brown or white
* 1/2 cup oil
* 2 eggs
* 1 cup yellow squash or pumpkin, blended smooth
* 1 1/2 cups flour
* 1 tsp. baking powder
* 1 tsp. soda
* 1 tsp. salt
* 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp. cloves
* 1/2 tsp. ginger

Directions
Beat together sugar, oil, eggs and squash or pumpkin. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Pour into greased and lined loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes.

By Robin from Washington, IA
Pumpkin Bread VII
Ingredients

* 3 and 1/2 cups flour
* 3 cups sugar
* 2 tsp. baking soda
* 2 tsp. baking powder
* 1/2 tsp. salt
* 1 tsp. cinnamon
* 1 tsp. nutmeg
* 1 cup canola oil
* 4 eggs
* 2 cups of pumpkin
* 1 cup chopped nuts

Directions
Grease 3 1-pound coffee cans and fill 1/2 full with the mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for one hour or until a toothpick comes clean when inserted to test.

Source: I have had this recipe for many years. It was passed down to me from my husband’s grandmother. It is wonderful to make any time of year. You will have three when finished. Keep one for yourself and give the other two away. This makes a wonderful Christmas gift, too.

By Bobbie from Texas
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My Frugal Life - An Active, Frugal Family

I am 43 years old and my husband is 40. He has just recently completed nursing school so, for the last 2 years, money has been extremely tight. We have 3 children, two teenagers and a five year old. Prior to my husband’s schooling, we both worked extra to pay off all outstanding debts. He only worked 32 hours a month while in school, I worked full time as a waitress. We started shopping at Aldi’s grocery store and saved about $40 a week there. My Frugal Life

For the past two Christmases, we have only taken cash to shopping and a list with the amount we can spend on each person. The teens got $100 cash wrapped in a big box, $30.00 worth of movie tickets, a gift certificate to a local science center, roller skating rink or things like that. I know it sounds expensive but to those of you who have children, you’re going to end up spending the money anyway, so give it as a gift. The way we see it is two for the price of one; more stuff under the tree and they have the means to go do what they enjoy (shop and hang out with their friends).

Check into family passes at your local pool or amusement park. Usually 2 visits takes care of the price. In our local area, we can get a family pass to the Louisville Zoo for $65.00, good for a year. Then when we vacation, it will get us into other zoos for free or half price. Last summer, we went to Cincinnati. We went to Kings Island Amusement Park where we got two for 1 tickets through my husband’s job. We went to the zoo for free, then to the Newport Aquarium for 1/2 price. We camped at a nearby state park. We had a nice vacation for 5, including meals and gas, for about $550.00. This year we are going to a state park in Kentucky. This will include camping, hiking, river rafting, rock climbing, swimming and fishing for the total cost of $400.00. We will be spending 4 days there.

We also hit every free festival that we can make. I usually have the older kids earn their own spending money by doing chores around the house and that is what they can bring with them. Last week, our town had its festival and the teens spent their money on climbing the rock wall and a snack. On the fourth of July this year, we are going to a free concert, Trace Atkins in Louisville, Kentucky, just across the Ohio river from where we live. It also has free fireworks. You can only bring in bottled water so there is the cost of food. Last year, we went and saw Jo Dee Messina there and wound up spending $30.00 for food. I didn’t think that was too bad for 5 people for an all day outing. They have free tents set up for kids activities, plus the adventure sprinkler park is on the same property, which is free and a GREAT WAY to cool off.

This year, we are Walking For Fathers, a prostrate cancer awareness walk. If you raise $100.00 in donations, you get 2 free tickets to Six Flags, 4 tickets to Churchill Downs and 4 tickets to the local minor league baseball game. Do a good cause and get something in return. If nothing else, you teach your children to give. We always do our local river clean up of a section of the Ohio river bank, it is a fun morning with the kids.

My husband is very handy. Last year, he built our patio. Out of found driftwood, he built the furniture and a privacy fence for our backyard. This year, he has almost completed a treehouse for himself (oh, I mean, for the 5 year old) made almost entirely out of salvaged driftwood. The entire cost of the treehouse project will be about $150.00. That includes the play features: rock climbing wall, hammock, rope swing, and swinging bridge, and a chalkboard inside for those important secret messages. Everyone is helping on this project, the kids are learning something and it is fun.

I shop at the Goodwill for most of my things and the 5 year old. The teens are a different story, so I give them a set amount of money. If they choose to spend it all on two or three items, then that is what they have. They are learning to be careful shoppers. Hey, Walmart and the Goodwill don’t look so bad to them anymore.

We frequent the local library for day camps for the little one, and movies for all volunteer days for the teens. We also joined the YMCA. The kids take free karate lessons there, they have an indoor pool (great for the winter), nice teen room and activities for them. Midnight basketball is the last thing that they did there. Plus, I get to work out too. If you’re really tight for money, they have a student rate or a sliding fee scale. My 13 year old daughter also goes to the local boys and girls club for cooking classes, dance classes etc., the cost is $15.00 a year. My 5 year old takes gymnastics free through our church, plus they have Fun Fridays once a month all year long; with stories, plays, games food, everything. I could go on and on with all there is to do to save money. You do have to get involved, spend a little time but it is well worth it. The kids are up and ready to head out to the library and then to the Y. I’m set for a fun free day with my kids.

Billie Jo from Jeffersonville IN

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My Frugal Life - My Frugal Garden

My Frugal Life - My Frugal Garden
Thrifty is my middle name, just ask my kids. I blame it on the fact that my parents were raised during the depression, though there’s really no cause for blame. Thrift has served me well over the years.

One area in which I am particularly frugal is my gardening. “Waste not, want not” is definitely my motto here. I am the only person I know who is content to allow wild blackberry bushes to thrive. I do this because I can pick, wash and freeze the berries, which I use to make cobbler during the cold winter months. Other people tend roses. I tend wild blackberries.

My thrifty nature in the garden is really a creative outlet. For instance, I grow lavender because I love both the color and the fragrance. But with me, it doesn’t stop there. I dry the flowers, strip the stalks, and tie the fragrant bits up in scraps of fabric to make drawer sachet and little bundles to add a relaxing scent to bath water. I have also steeped the dried flowers in water to make tea, which is refreshing poured over ice and served cold. You can also dry stalks of lavender and use them in dried flower arrangements and on wreaths for yourself or for gift-giving.

Another one of my favorite things to grow is tomatoes, summer just wouldn’t be the same without them. The harvest from even a few plants will provide you with enough tomatoes for many sandwiches and salads. Tomatoes can also be baked, broiled, stewed, and used in countless meat and pasta dishes. Somehow, no matter how many I use, there are always more. My grandmother used to peel and can hers to use for making sauce. I like my own method of preserving because it saves a great deal of time. I simply chop the tomatoes, toss them into a blender (seeds, skin, and all), liquefy, and freeze them in plastic containers. Later I defrost as necessary and add tomato paste and seasonings to make sauce.

Would you ever consider adding broccoli or cauliflower to a sauce you’re making? No? Well, think again, because it’s a great way to make use of the stalks. First you chop the stalks into one inch pieces. Place them into a saucepan and cover them with water or chicken broth. Cook them until they are fork tender. Allow the mixture to cool slightly (do not drain) and ladle it into a blender. Liquefy, pour into plastic containers, and freeze. Defrost as necessary and add to your favorite tomato sauce recipe. You can also add this to some soups. Your family will never know you’re sneaking in another serving of vegetables.

A few other plants definitely worth your time and effort are zucchini, pumpkins, and sunflowers. Sunflowers are big, bold, beautiful, and something I really enjoy. I always save some seeds for planting, some for sharing, and some for feeding the birds. The seeds can also be roasted for snacking.

To prepare seeds for roasting, soak them in salt water for half an hour. Dry the seeds on a tray, stirring occasionally so they dry on all sides. When they are dry, spread them out on a baking sheet Bake them at 225 degrees F. for thirty minutes, then at 350 degrees F. for fifteen minutes longer. Cool the seeds and store them in an air-tight container.

Seeds from pumpkins can also be roasted for snacking. Remove seeds from the pumpkin, wash and dry them. Spread them out on a baking sheet and sprinkle them with cooking oil and a little salt. Bake them at 350 degrees F., stirring often, until lightly browned. Cool and serve as a crunchy snack. The pumpkin itself can be cooked and prepared to use in making pies, cakes, muffins, cookies, and even soup. Zucchini is another vegetable perfect for cakes, muffins, cookies, and soup, in addition to any other favorite ways your family may like it served.

Flower gardens also invite creativity. Assuming your flowers are pesticide-free, hearty marigold blossoms can be frozen inside ice cubes to add color to beverages. Try decorating a birthday cake for someone special with fresh violets, or topping a salad with fresh nasturtiums. Check your library or search the web for information on additional edible flowers.

Keep in mind you don’t have to eat flowers to make use of them. Blossoms with thin petals, such as clematis, can be pressed and dried between the pages of a phone book. Frame the pressed flowers and use them to decorate your home or give them as a gift. Strawflowers are a delight to grow. The blossoms can be used right off the plant, and with a little glue, they can spruce up picture frames, mirrors, shelves, and more.

Gardening offers us many opportunities to save money. Start planning next year’s garden now. What do you plan to grow, and how do you plan to use what you grow? How frugal can you be?

Marie from West Dundee, IL

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My Frugal Life - A Frugal Challenge - Up From Homelessness

In August of 1998, I decided to find an apartment after living in a long term homeless shelter for over 2 years. I was frugal because it was necessary before this and I found how to get a lot of things for free. While in the shelter, I attended school to upgrade and improve my job skills. I took loans and worked in a language lab for expenses. I only had to pay about $75 a month for rent and pay for my food and transportation expenses. My Frugal Life

During those 2+ years, I found and bought a lot of household and personal things that I needed. I walked out with only 1 suitcase of personal things from the past. I was 58 years old and starting over in obtaining things I needed for independent living. I found clothing from donations from the shelter, went to thrift stores, yard sales, church rummage sales (my favorite), and checking out and taking discarded items on junk day. I acquired clothing and some small household items but I had no furniture.

In October 1998, I moved into a low income senior housing apartment. I slept on the floor for 2 weeks until I got a sleeper sofa. Very slowly, I’ve acquired a kitchen set, a full size bed (a donation) dressers, shelf units, trunks, my first Christmas tree with lights, shelves, bedding, clothing, food (unwanted commodities), waste baskets, decorative items, glassware, plants, potting soil, shopping carts, baskets, stools, office chair, my latest free item, an office desk and other items too numerous to mention.

In 1999, I found a job with the City of Milwaukee as a clerk in the police department. I just retired about 2 weeks ago and now have to take my frugality skills to a higher level. My skills at finding things free have enabled me to live comfortably. At this time, I don’t look at the junk anymore because I have too much as it is. If I had to, I would get involved in Freecycle which they didn’t have 8 years ago.

I’ve learned over the past 8 years that if you willing to look at possibilities without preconceived ideas you can have a comfortable life without spending a lot of cash. I am still a student of frugality because it is a challenge for me. In the past 8 years, I’ve lived frugally but not all the time. It is a lot easier now and there seems to a clarification in my mentality about what is important and what is not.

There is almost always a cheaper alternative to what you are doing and creativity is important in solving financial problems whether they are large or small.

mmgarren from Milwaukee, WI

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My Frugal Life - My Frugal Grandfather

My Frugal Life - My Frugal Grandfather
This isn’t actually a story of my life but one of my grandfather who passed away 4 years ago. I still miss him.

I remember going to my grandparents on a regular basis. My grandparents went through the depression which made my grandfather become very frugal due to the fact they had 6 kids. My mother would always tell me as a child, they always had meat, potatoes and a veggie at every meal. But each person was only allowed 1 piece of meat, no matter how much was left over.

They raised chickens, not only for meat but for eggs. Laundry was washed on a wringer washer and hung out on the line before they went to school. They still had chickens even as I grew up and laundry was still hung out on the line.

Grandfather would buy his clothes at garage sales or flea markets. Dishes and furniture too. They had the same furniture for as long as I could remember. All meals were made from scratch and nothing wasted. But we never cared, we would go for walk along the creek and look for arrow heads or maybe fish. Just spending time with him was all we wanted

IMAQT1962 from ILLINOIS

RE: My Frugal Life - My Frugal Grandfather
Post By Lynda

My grandmother worked in a sewing factory during the Great Depression, then came home with tossed
remnants from her boss and pieced them together for blankets. Other times the family tells of how she’d take my grandfather’s old suits and tear them
apart at the seams only to cut them down for her two sons suits, and still figure how to have enough left over for three girls’ jumpers/skirts and even coats or jackets for each. Remember how in the Sound of Music, Julie Andrews played the role of a new Nanny who took down huge drapes and made
completely new outfits for the whole VonTrapp (?)
family, a TRUE story, so they could perform for the
Nazi soldiers who were capturing every Jew, and killing even NON-Jews, but who were finally tricked because of the Nanny’s love, skills, courage, observation, cooperation among all family members,and well planned actions, along with a strong love for and belief in the Creator of Heaven and Earth. They escaped against unbelievable odds.

The Great Depression for many was a time without running water, indoor plumbing, electricity, and
everyone had to eat whatever they could grow or
barter.

My mother picked cotton until she was 18 only to become an entrepreneur with more than 3 million dollars before it was confiscated by crafty and deceitful family members, my mother losing all of her rights and belongings JUST when she planned to
retire, relax and travel at last. She developed dementia and the “wolves” were behind every tree ready to lunge and attack, taking control of all she had.

She was frugal in some things and extremely wasteful in others. Sound familiar? She wore bed clothes, socks, underwear, robes, until they were threadbare, as she was taught by my grandmother. She accumulated money, invested it in stocks/bonds at the suggestion of one of the “wolves” who got paid for it, then lost GREAT
amounts during the last crash.

However, my father left home at age 12, raised, supported, and defended himself until old enough to teach himself and learn everything he could to try to make up for lost time, becoming wealthy in Steel
Buildings, and seldom spending anything but rather
bargaining for large items, such as new cars, in exchange for his services. He could build most anything, hunted and ate all he killed. He was a naturalist and believed in recycling and repairing rather than buying replacements. He taught me to save every screw, bolt, nut, washer, nail, chain, etc.
for doing the same. He was not well organized but
always seemed to find whatever he needed to repair
something. He had been an Infantry Officer in the Army, surviving WWII in Austria and Germany during the war, and bitter winters for several years until the end of the war. It made him a very tough and talented man by the age of 20, but also very disturbed that the following generations would not know enough about evil, survival, deceit, craftiness, and war.

Fruit, chocolate, candy, nylon, rubber products, and many other things became almost non-existant. Everything was rationed and lovely plants were pulled up out of every yard across America, Europe, in favor of edibles. (We may not get that chance but at least we can hope that we might and prepare ourselves for such times in light of what is threatening.)

People drew closer to God and churches were filled
every time they were opened. Songs, poetry, diaries
and class-work before field-work kept the common people’s mind off what could have happened in this
nation and didn’t then, but might NOW.

Few folks had money. Most learned to do without or
create solutions to all problems where possible. One
story my grandmother tells is how she had to sew
animal wounds with her sewing thread/needle, since
there were no vets or money had there been.
Also, being half Am. Indian, she had learned about treating human illnesses with herbs, tonics, salves,
and preserving many items. She was a midwife for
those giving birth. They lived in a farmhouse without
screens and fought flies with rags, gathered eggs,
canned and stored root vegetables under their home.
They planted and raised cotton, all children working in the fields from after school to sunset, then doing
their schoolwork by a single lamp light at the table,
all bathing once a week in the same washtub of water that turned to “soup” with dirty bubbles from
it and homemade soap they made. All clothes were
washed in a large iron pot, with the bar soap, over a fire outdoors, by my grandmother, overworked, paid nothing but with more work for her five children.

Their only makeup was wet red crepe paper they’d come by from celebrations at school or church, and cornstarch and alcohol for body sweat. They
were so poor they had to use catalogs for toilet paper until the children grew up and got jobs in the city, having to give all they made to my grandfather
who’d raised them, and who gave them only lunch money in return for their efforts. Each lost motivation and moved away to their own homes at about age 19.

Upon their arrival home after school, their only snack
was to go to the field/garden and pull a green onion or a raw turnip, then return to the kitchen for a dried biscuit. (As it turned out, the onion helped to keep mosquitos away and build their resistance.) They were given Castor Oil routinely to cleanse their bowels, which made them gag, even when mixed with orange juice. Vasoline was their only topical medicine. Garlic bags were hung everywhere out of superstition, but likely kept flies to a minimum and
intruders must have kept their distance? lol

In Texas most folks then road in wagons once a week to town to sell their crops and buy only needed
supplies if they got enough money, and to pay their
debts/rent on their property, because few owned land
and homes.

Their parents were Circuit Riding Preachers and Free
Masons, honorable back then, but when the Great
Depression hit, many folks lost everything, including
their papers, which is what happened to my Grandmother’s proof of being Indian, losing her claim to Okla. land she was entitled to, which likely
has oil on it even to this day. She lived to see all of her children become wealthy and live long lives during times when money was easier to come by for all your hard work. Each family member had walked about five miles twice a day in every kind of weather
to/from all schools. Most had only one pair of shoes, usually handed down.

Only the remaining male got college by the family scrimping and saving once the girls left for their careers. He is brilliant, but not so smart that he took care of his health, suffering untold agony with one thing then another.

My grandmother’s famous words were to “take anything anyone will give you, or that you find, and make something out of it. The time will come again when you will need and use every single thing you have. Be caring, helpful and generous, and know that God loves you always.” This is why I do what I do and believe that since I was raised several years
by her that I may be financially poor, but materially and spiritually wealthy, taught that being godly and frugal pays off. Thank you, Thrifty Fun for your site.

RE: My Frugal Life - My Frugal Grandfather
Post By Stace3

Sounds a lot like my Grandpa. Thanks for sharing

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My Frugal Life: Enjoying Being Frugal

My Frugal Life: Enjoying Being Frugal
Even though my husband took a pay raise when we moved to NJ almost two years ago, NJ is one of the most expensive states to live in. We are a one income household, so we have to be very frugal.My Frugal Life I shop at the Goodwill for our clothes, household items and toys. I have found some brand new items there still with the tags on them. I do our grocery shopping at Aldi stores and Costco.

I have decorated our house using “oops” paint from Home Depot or Lowes at $5.00/gal. I am always on the lookout for free samples on the net. Our laundry is hung up, I use the dryer very little. We have energy saving light bulbs on every light in my house and a programable thermostat. We renovated this year with a new front door, more insulation for our attic, water heater blanket, and took down three 50’ trees in our yard (causing damage to our foundation and roof). We’ve saved $1179.49 on our PSE&G so far this year. We enjoy camping trips for our vacations and we also go down the Jersey shore when ever we can. My husband is a wood worker and makes our furniture. We own two cars (just paid them off) and own our house. We have only one credit card and it gives us travel benefits. We will be using the travel miles to go to Tennessee and also to go on a cruise in 2008. We have cable, phone and internet but I use a strict budget system for our bills so we are able to have some enjoyment in our life.

I haven’t had any challenges from being a frugal person. I have seen a “big payoff”, so to speak. Before putting us on a budget, I had no idea how much money was going out. Now I have everything budgeted out and I know exactly where the money goes. We have been able to have a savings account for our vacations. We don’t live paycheck to paycheck like most people do. We live in a very small house so we save on the electric and gas bill and we don’t buy what we don’t need. I am thinking of growing a garden in the summer and am looking forward to it. I really enjoy being frugal and I tell a lot of people that I am frugal. I really like to see how much I can save.

Stacia from Mount Holly, New Jersey

RE: My Frugal Life: Enjoying Being Frugal
Post By (Guest Post)

I would still VERY much like to get ideas from you on how you do some of those things, you know, pick your brain for more ideas. Please email me at lpme AT gbta.net if you would like to share some of your ideas with me. Thanks

RE: My Frugal Life: Enjoying Being Frugal
Post By Lara

I love oops paint too! I thought it was a great deal until I figured out that I can go to the local recycle center and take all the paint I want for FREE! They say that they cannot dispose of it there so they have to have it trucked out to somewhere else. Maybe you could ask some centers in New Jersey about this. I live south of Atlanta. Good luck.

RE: My Frugal Life: Enjoying Being Frugal
Post By Tanya

I am glad to hear you are still being frugal. My grandparents started out there marriage very poor in a cabin with no electricity in the late 1920’s and they had a garden and children. They got rich from a suggestion my grandpa made to his in-laws which was to start a real estate investment and restaurant company. They did not take to the idea, so it was put off for a long while.

Meanwhile my grandpa hunted and sold the meat he hunted to the butcher in a nearby town. My grandma sewed all their clothes and washed clothes in a tub for the neighbors who were rich farmers.

Later when my great grandpa died he left my grandma a sum of money, which made their life better. They moved into a home with electricity, and started that real estate and restaurant, and had three more children. One of them my mother.

My grandparents remained extremely frugal till the very end of his life. He did become very rich, but they were still frugal. They sewed all home decorations, went to auctions, ate what was left over at the restaurant and meat my grandpa still hunted. They used coupons for every thing, and I do mean everything including gas for their new car bought used with cash saved only. They bought their car on sale too. They never took a loan from anyone, not even bankers.

My great grandparents were extremely rich. I guess it skipped two generations because my parents were poor, and they still are poor, as am I. I use coupons for everything, and all my grandparents had gardens, as did my parents. They still do. I am the only one without a garden. I have one brother who has a garden, and two sisters each with their own gardens and homes. I live in an apartment with my family.

Every detail is accounted for including shopping at thrift stores for everything too. I shop at dollar stores as well, and I haven’t been in in a grocery store in ages. i did work in one, but I never shopped their in these past years. I am a member of a warehouse store, but it is the only place I shop in bulk. Bulk shopping helps a lot. My groceries from the money we get isn’t much. I have it way better than most in the United States of America I admire what you have done keep it up and good going. God Bless. Tanya from MN

RE: My Frugal Life: Enjoying Being Frugal
Post by MartyD

This kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth, One is nearer God’s heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.

RE: My Frugal Life: Enjoying Being Frugal
Post by MartyD

It almost gets to be a sport after a time and we always win!
I love to go shopping and come home feeling like I robbed the place.

RE: My Frugal Life: Enjoying Being Frugal
Post By Jamish

I love hearing all the tricks that people use, please share all the little things that you do that could possibly help me. People all over that are frugal always do something different and we can all learn from them. Thanks in advance for sharing

RE: My Frugal Life: Enjoying Being Frugal
Post by Glenn’sMom

Wow! I thought WE were frugal but you have us beat hands down! I do some of what you do but I haven’t tried the paint at Home Depot...haven’t needed to since my husband retired.
You mentioned having a garden. That will REALLY save you $$$! When we have more than we can use right away I can and freeze and dehydrate. Many, many times we sit down to a meal with food that only came from our own place becasue my husband is a hunter and keeps the freezers full. We eat balanced meals and have a great variety of veggies and meats. It’s terrific to come in after a long trip or full day working on the farm and just open a can of soup that has just exactaly what YOU want in it and you KNOW it’s going to be good.
We have fruit trees and this really saves money. I have all that stuff in my freezer and make jams and jellies with some. We have fresh fruit with every breakfast.
My point in writing is to tell you that you’ll really love having a garden and it’ll save you even more...plus it tastes much, much better! Oh, and you can compost, too!

RE: My Frugal Life: Enjoying Being Frugal
Post By Rheaad

A garden IS being frugal. I Live on LI and some-
years my tomato plants are producing thru November.

Suggestion: Buy @ a garage sale a used freezer
if you don’t have one. Reduced meat @ supermarket if properly packaged will keep.

Also, if you go thru w/the garden, you might want to learn how to can so you have vegetables in winter
when the East Coast prices are exorbitant.

Your cut grass becomes a compost pile, adding veg
& fruit discards to it so it seasons.

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Frugal Cooking With Herbs
By Cyndi Roberts

Herbs are fun to grow and easy to use. Herbs can be a frugal cook’s best friend because they can enhance even the simplest fare making it seem grand! Herbs are easy to grow—you can even grow them on your kitchen windowsill.

The addition of herbs can change completely the flavor of foods-from homemade breads to soups, stews and vegetables. And they can add variety and excitement to your diet.

A beginner should use herbs with care, adding a little at a time and adjusting to your own taste. Each herb has its own individual flavor and certain herbs also have well-known associations with particular foods. Basil is often paired with tomatoes, rosemary with lamb, chives with cream cheese and cottage cheese.

Fresh herbs are wonderful as garnishes. Herb vinegars can be used in salad dressings, soups and marinades. You can also add fresh herbs to mayonnaise or butter for a different flavor.

Fresh herbs will keep in the refrigerator for several days. A good way to freeze herbs such as basil, oregano, and dill is to chop, place in ice cube trays, cover with water and freeze. Then just add to stews and sauces when needed.

Some easy herbs to grow are lemon balm, rosemary, oregano, dill, basil, parsley, peppermint, lavendar, sage. Of course, you can buy herbs to cook with at the supermarket, also.

Here are some simple recipes to get you started using herbs in your cooking.

Lemon Chive Dressing

* 1 clove garlic
* dash of salt
* Rind of 1 lemon, finely grated and the juice
* 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard
* 4 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Put the garlic and salt in a bowl and crush together. Add lemon rind, juice and mustard, stirring until smooth. Slowly whisk in the oil. Fold in chives and season with black pepper, if desired.

This is a good dressing to pour over warm, cooked new potatoes. Add finely chopped green onions.

Mint Iced Tea

Wash 8 sprigs of fresh mint, 12 inches long (any mint, spearmint, peppermint, applemint will do). Place in blender with 4 cups water and liquefy. Let it set for about 1/2 hour and strain.

Herb Butter

* 1/2 cup butter
* 4 tablespoons fresh herbs or 2 teaspoons of dried herbs

Soften the butter to room temperature. Finely chop the fresh herbs. Blend herbs and butter well. Store in fridge.

Use to season vegetables, as a spread on bread, biscuits or baked potatoes. Anywhere you normally use butter.

Here’s something different: not really cooking, but a recipe that you might find fun! Basil-Lemon Facial Mask

Pulverize a handful of fresh basil leaves. Peel 1/2 of an avocado and mash. Add avocado to basil in blender, along with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon honey. Mix until smooth.

Apply to clean face and leave as long as desired. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

In short, you don’t have to be an herb specialist to learn to enjoy using herbs.

About The Author:
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of “1 Frugal Friend 2 Another” bi-weekly newsletter, bringing you creative, practical tips to help you with budgeting, cooking, shopping, parenting and much more as you strive to “live the Good Life... on a budget”. To subscribe visit the “1 Frugal Friend 2 Another” website at
http://www.cynroberts.com
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RE: Saving Herbs and Spices
Post By Ariana

I grow and save herbs to use all winter, My method is With Basil & Parsley, pick your herbs early in the morning,Before hot sun reaches them. De-stem,soak in a clean sink with cold water for 20 min, I then dry in a salad spinner, if you don’t have one ,lay out towels, and air dry. I then pulse in a food processor with extra virgin olive oil, If you don’t have one you can finely chop with a sharp knife. You don’t need a lot of oil just enough to keep the blades spinning. I then store in freezer bags (wally world kind) I use the small bags and i Put a cup of ground herbs in the bottom of the bag, Then laying flat on table, I push out the air from bag and flatten the herbs to a thin sheet, about 1/4 inch thick, Label bag and freeze. The benefit of this method is that you can break off a frozen piece easily, And it defrosts quickly. This method results in high quality herbs . You can also Freezer preserve Cilantro.

RE: Saving Herbs and Spices
Post By Debra in Colorado

Why don’t you dry them. You can find easy instructions for drying herbs on the internet or call your local county extension office they will gladly give you the information. It is not hard if you have a dehydrator which can be picked up for about 20.00 dollars at Walmart or if you are a garage saler try to find one at one of these sales or a your local thrift store. You will find that in the end you will be saving money as you do not throw those herbs away which can be expensive if you are buying and not growing them. You can also build a small rack for your oven and dry them that way also. 2 by 2’s built into a square using L brackets for the corners and you will need to buy some close weaved mesh fabric and staple to frame. These work great and I used only them when I first started drying fresh herbs. Also try and store in dark colored bottles so they don’t lose there potency due to sunlight.

RE: Saving Herbs and Spices
Post By Mari

Chop them up and add to ice cube trays. When solid put all the same herb in a mason jar and food save. This will last longer than ziplocs. If you don’t have a food saver, then just the mason jar will keep them very well in the freezer. (ziploc bags do eventually let in air and dry out the contents) Walmart has 4 oz mason jars. These are just right for herbs.

RE: Saving Herbs and Spices
Post by kidsNclutter

I’ve read about keeping the fresh herbs w/ stems in a small glass of water in the refrigerator. This extends the time they stay fresh before wilting. If you won’t use them that quickly then refer to the posts about freezing.

RE: Saving Herbs and Spices
Post by beanygurl

I put them in a sealed ziploc bag and when they are good and frozen, crumble them in the bag. It thaws quickly, so may take a few tries to crumble it all. In the meantime, use a spoon to dig out the smaller crumbs from the bottom corner of the bag. (even better if you freeze only the leaves and not the stems)

These taste as good as fresh and keep a long time!

RE: Saving Herbs and Spices
Post By shirley

I have found that freezing them in an unsealed bag eventually dries them out for you.

RE: Saving Herbs and Spices
Post by valleyrimgirl

I just chop them up and freeze them in little ziploc type bags in the fridge freezer. I take what I need and then pop them back in the freezer again. The herbs stay fresh that way. I have parsley, summer savory and basil in my freezer right now from last summer to use yet this winter/spring.

Sherbet Salad

Ingredients

* 2 packages raspberry Jello (3 oz. size)
* 3/4 cup boiling water
* 1 pint raspberry sherbet
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1 cup boiling water
* 1 cup cold water
* 1 1/2 cups blueberries (frozen or canned), drained

Directions
Dissolve one package raspberry gelatin in 3/4 cup boiling water. Add sherbet, stir to blend. Pour into mold; chill until firm. Spread with sour cream. Dissolve second package raspberry gelatin in 1 cup boiling water, add 1 cup cold water and blueberries. Spoon blueberry mixture over sour cream layer. Chill until firm.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Roasted Vegetables and Rosemary Chicken Soup

I often roast twice the vegetables and freeze them with chicken and minced rosemary for a really quick weeknight meal. A rotisserie chicken supplies enough meat for two soups and can be used to make homemade broth too.
Ingredients

* 2 carrots, coarsely chopped
* 2 potatoes, coarsely chopped (Yukon Gold are my favorite)
* 1 each, green and red pepper, coarsely chopped
* 1 large yellow or sweet onion, coarsely chopped
* 4-6 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
* 2 Tbsp. olive oil
* 1-2 cups cooked chopped chicken
* 2 Tbsp. minced fresh rosemary
* 2 qts. chicken broth

Directions

Roast vegetables in 350 degree F oven, uncovered for 1 hour or until soft and browned. When vegetables are done, add to soup pot with chicken, rosemary and broth. Let simmer for at least 30 minutes, add salt and pepper to taste.

Jess from Portland, OR

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Brown Velvet Cake

Ingredients

* 2 cups brown sugar
* 1/2 cup shortening
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup water
* 2 egg yolks
* 5 tsp. cocoa
* 4 Tbsp. hot water
* 2 1/4 cups cake flour
* 1/4 tsp. salt
* 1 tsp. soda
* 2 egg whites
* 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Directions
Cream together the sifted brown sugar and shortening. Mix sour cream with 1/2 cup water and whip well. Add to first mixture. Then add 2 well-beaten egg yolks.combine cocoa with hot water to make paste and then add. Sift together flour, salt and soda and combine with other ingredients. Lastly, fold in stiffly beaten egg whites to which flavoring has been added. Turn into two layer pans and bake for 30 minutes in a 350 degrees F oven. This cake has a most unusual and delicate flavor. It is definitely different.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Sausage Biscuits and Gravy

Ingredients

* 1/2 lb. bulk sausage (I use Jimmy Dean Sage)
* 1-2 Tbsp. butter
* 2 Tbsp. flour
* 2 cups milk
* Salt and pepper
* Biscuits

Directions

Cook sausage in a frying pan until browned. Remove from pan, leaving about 1 Tbsp. of drippings in the pan. Add 1 Tbsp. of butter and melt at a low heat. Add flour and cook together, stirring constantly. It will mix together and make a nice paste. Add the milk slowly, stirring constantly until it thickens to a gravy. Add back in the cooked sausage and mix together. Season to taste and serve over split biscuits (I use refrigerator biscuits, but you could certainly make a batch using a mix or even homemade).

Jess from Portland, OR

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Hot Toasted Sandwiches

Ingredients

* 1/4 lb. American cheese
* 4 hot dogs
* 3 medium-sized sweet pickles
* 1/3 cup ketchup
* 2 Tbsp. chopped onion

Directions
Grind together the cheese, hot dogs, and pickles, using the coarse blade on a food chopper or blender. Add the ketchup and onion and mix well. Spread bread with this mixture and cover with another slice. (Whole Wheat bread is best.) Place on baking sheet and toast in a hot oven for 12-15 minutes (350-400 degrees F.) By Robin from Washington, IA

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Open-Face Cheese Sandwiches

Ingredients

* 1/2 lb. grated Cheddar cheese
* 1/2 can tomato soup
* 1 medium onion, chopped fine
* 3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
* 1/2 cup green pepper, diced
* 1/2 cup olives or sweet pickle, diced
* Buns and butter

Directions
Butter each half of hamburger bun. Combine remaining ingredients. Spoon onto bun. Put on cookie sheet and heat in 300 degrees F oven for 20 minutes. This may also be prepared in the broiler, but watch closely. Broil until cheese is bubbly.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Easy But Elegant Cheese Pie

Ingredients

* 2 eggs
* 1 package cream cheese
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1 tsp. vanilla
* 1 crumb crust
* 1 cup sour cream
* 2 tsp. sugar
* 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Beat eggs and add the cream cheese (don’t even think about starting this unless that cheese is at room temperature), 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla. When thoroughly mixed, turn into the crumb crust and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F. Remove and cool. Mix together the sour cream, 2 tsp. sugar and 1/2 tsp. vanilla and spread this on top of the pie. Return to 350 degrees F oven and bake for 5 minutes. Cool and refrigerate.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Saving Money on Spices

Saving Money on Spices
Tips for saving money on spices.
Check Your Co-Op
I was surprised to find sea salts for only 23 cents per pound at my local co-op! I couldn’t believe how cheap it is there, and I’ll never buy it elsewhere again.

By AuntyB
Buy Just What You Need
Visit your local bulk store where you can buy only a little bit of the spice you need at a time. When you get home, place it into a small sealable jar (I use little tupperware containers that hold 1/4 cup, but baby food jars would work, too.)

If you go to the grocery store, you have to buy a jar of the spice. Then the spice will probably sit in your cupboard for years before you will be able to use that amount.

Buying bulk will give you the ability to buy as little as a few teaspoons at a time and you’ll always be able to have FRESH spices in your cupboard. Just compare the prices, you’ll be amazed at the money you save by buying at the bulk store.

By valleyrimgirl
Buy Bulk At Health Food Stores
The health food store here sells spices in bulk. You can buy as little or as much as you need with the minimum being 25¢. I buy all my spices there and store them in the little tiny jars that come in Jelly sampler packages that one usually receives at Christmas time. Or you could use empty pill bottles with the labels stripped off to store them.

By Harlean from Arkansas
I buy mine at our local health food store. I even buy yeast for the bread machine. 3.69/lb compared to about $20/lb in the grocery store. The first Thursday of every month you get an extra 15% off your order. Can’t go wrong!

By Mikki
Find A Bulk Food Store
Look for a bulk food store (not a warehouse store) in your area. This is where you can purchase any amount you need at less per ounce/pound than you would pay for prepackaged at a traditional store. There is one not far from where I live so I stock up on spices I use frequently.

By thriftsavvy
Mexican Food Section
I buy most of my spices in the Mexican food section. I keep small jars from old spices to put them in because they are always in cellophane packages. They seem to be larger amounts but at a smaller cost!

By GH in OK
Order Spices Online
Order spices in bulk online from places like Emergency Essentials http://beprepared.com/category.asp?c=944

Pure garlic powder, 7 dollars a pound instead of 4 dollars for a 4 ounce bottle. Salt-free “Mrs. Dash” type seasoning, 7 dollars a pound instead of three dollars for an ounce and a half. Whole black pepper for pepper grinders, 7 and a half dollars a pound instead of...

Too much for your own use? Split the cost and the spices with a friend.

By Speedwell
Get together with some friends and order them by mail order from http://www.bulkfoods.com, so that you get them very inexpensively, plus you don’t have to drive anywhere to get them.

By teachpad
Check Dollar Store For Spices And Seeds
My local dollar store has name brands for a buck, sea salts, mustard seeds. Learn to make your own blends. What a savings! For me, it was taco seasoning, blackened mixes, chili powder and ranch mixes. I make my own now and save loads. Garlic powder is not that hard to make, plus there is no filler. Same with grow your own, no stems only the best of the plant, plus great taste. A small package of seeds will give lots of parsley, basil and such.

By Shirley
Great Store In Tennessee
We have a tiny store that sells spices, noodles, flours, different types of sugars, just about everything that you can imagine for cooking in small scale. They buy in bulk and break it down. I’m in west Tennessee. If anyone is in this area I’ll be glad to furnish the name and town where this store is.

By Megan’s mom
Costco Has Common Spices In Bulk
I buy large salt and pepper grinders at Costco for much less than at the grocery store. I also stock up on larger containers of the herbs and spices I use often, like thyme. I just refill the little container in my spice rack as needed. For less used spices, I buy what I need in the health/bulk section of Fred Meyer. I grow rosemary and basil and experiment each year with different herbs. Oh, and mint! I have more mint than I know what to do with.

Jess in Portland, OR
Tips On Storage, Purchasing And Growing
Buy spices in their whole form if possible. Like whole nutmeg will keep almost indefinitely; where ground nutmeg loses it’s punch fast. Then grind your own as you need it. I have a coffee grinder that is dedicated for herbs and spices. That way I don’t get a unusual taste in my coffee (which I also grind fresh)! They are inexpensive to buy new and turn up at garage sales, thrift stores frequently too. Once you taste the difference of fresh ground spices you will never go back to buying the pre-ground type! Believe me there is a big difference!

Never buy spices at the grocery store. You have no way to know how long those spices have been on the shelf and the staff will not know anything about them, nor can you buy small amounts. Scout out local co-ops and health food stores that have a bulk spice area where the spices are sold fast enough to keep them fresh and the help should be able to help you with questions you may have and may even share a favorite recipe with you. Ask your friends where they shop for spices and ask questions at the stores too about the age of the spices where they came from, etc.

Grow your own. Few will be able to grow a nutmeg tree but you can easily grow basil, chives and many others in your yard in the summer months, on a bright window shelf or under lights in the winter.

Freeze or dry your extra harvest for later use. Freezing fresh herbs like basil in a little water will keep a lot of the color and flavor too. Put your herbs chopped in a ice cube tray with enough water to cover, freeze and you will have “fresh” basil whenever you need it.

By Denise McCall http://www.automaticbuilder.com/kyss
Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf894909.tip.html
© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com

RE: Saving Money on Spices
Post by 4libros

Buy a vanilla bean and a bottle of inexpensive brandy. Cut the bean lengthwise along the middle, then into 1-inch strips and put the whole thing into the bottle of brandy. Try to get all the tiny black seeds into the bottle. Shake, then store. Once in a while, shake it again.

In a month, you’ll have mild vanilla flavor - three months for strong. It keeps till the brandy’s gone and keeps getting stronger. Use it just like real vanilla extract in your recipes. The alcohol bakes out.

RE: Saving Money on Spices
Post By Susan

Megan’s Mom
Where is the store in West Tennessee? I also
live in West Tennessee.

RE: Saving Money on Spices
Post By Sue

Dollar General sells spices at 50 cents a jar. I think they are about 6 oz. or so.

RE: Saving Money on Spices
Post By jessie

It depends if you are talking about saving on herbs or spices. (Herbs are things like rosemary, sage, etc, while spices are mixes usually using herbs.) I’m not sure about the herbs but if you look around, esp on the net, you can find recipes for the spice mixes.

RE: Saving Money on Spices
Post by michawnpita

Buying in Bulk is only prudent when you are making large quantities of food and right away, AND if you don’t mind using more than you would because the spice is older. Generally health food stores that sell in bulk are very aware of how long a spice is considered “fresh” and then just past it’s time. Dollar store herbs are past past their time, you’d be amazed at the difference between a pinch of Cayenne pepper from the dollar store versus the bulk bin at the health food store.

I drive 50 miles (ok, I visit my Grandfather too) to go to a health food store in Santa Cruz, CA that sells bulk vanilla, it’s cheaper than those nearly $10 bottles of Real Vanilla in the grocery store and SO good, my daughter and I use it in lots of things. We always buy tons of bags while there, new things to try (can’t beat the bulk bins for that) and to add to our spice cabinet. Sometimes the stores even have bottles that you can fill right there (ex. for vanilla, pb, honey and sometimes even spices). Coming from my Mom whom is a chef at a “Nuts and Granola” college in AZ, I’ve learned the value of good spices, drying takes some of the punch, but AGE takes a LOT of it. Buy often and you’ll be surprised at the difference you’ll see in your foods!

RE: Saving Money on Spices
Post by peachynptc

How do you get into a co op or how do you start one. I was going to contact AuntyB but she doesn’t have a profile.
Thanks

RE: Saving Money on Spices
Post by Debbie52

Buy the smallest amount you can, especially spices you won’t use much.

If you do a lot of cooking, then buying the more common spices in bulk is perhaps prudent.

RE: Saving Money on Spices
Post By (Guest Post)

While your buying your spices in bulk here are a few spice blends to make up and keep on hand. With the great prices you are getting these should be wonderfully cheap.

Mexican Spice Mix Recipe
Ingredients
1/2 cup chili powder
1/4 cup paprika
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground dried red pepper, fresh if possible
2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1 tsp salt
Instructions
Combine all and mix well. Store in airtight container in a cool, dry place up to four months.

Fines Herbes Seasoning Mix Recipe
Ingredients
1 tablespoon chopped tarragon
1 tablespoon chopped chervil
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
Fresh herbs:
Chop finely and combine. Because these herbs quickly lose their flavor when heated, add to the cooked dish at the end of the cooking process.
Dried herbs:
Combine dried herbs in equal proportions. Place in a glass airtight container and store in a cool, dark place up to four months

Herb Salt Substitute Recipe
Ingredients
1 Tbsp ground cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
1 tsp dried savory
1 tsp ground mace
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp dried sage
1 tsp dried marjoram
1 tsp ground dried grated lemon peel
Instructions
Combine dried herbs and spices and mix well. Place in a glass airtight container and store in a cool, dark place up to four months. Use on all types of savory foods. Yield: about 1/3 cup months.

Poultry seasoning mix
1 t salt
1 t freshly ground white pepper
1 t paprika
1 t dry mustard
1/2 t ground bay leaf
1 t garlic
1t. summer savory
combine ingredients-mix well rub into poultry before grilling

A Little Italian Seasoning
2 Tablespoons dried basil
2 Tablespoons dried marjoram
2 Tablespoons dried oregano
2 Tablespoons dried coriander leaf
2 Tablespoons dried thyme
2 Tablespoons dried rosemary
2 Tablespoons dried savory
1 Teaspoon red pepper flakes

Use this herb and spice mixture in pasta sauces or
with braised or roasted vegetables.

In the bowl of a food processor, combine all the ingredients. Process for 30 seconds until finely ground. Transfer to a tightly sealed container,
label, and date. Store in a cool dark place for up to 3 months

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