Replies

Real estate took such a hit that I don’t think I could afford to sell here and Az. got way too expensive right after I left. I’ve got some great neighbors now and I’ve learned to appreciate how important great neighbors are. So different than the walled neighborhoods in Phx.<<<

Kingman is much cheaper than Phoenix and less crime, but it is coming and of course the dope making goes on, there are meth labs all over and they keep arresting them and more come in.

Prescott and Flagstaff are college towns and expensive.

In 1990, I spent a week in Cedar City, Utah and wanted to move there, but the time was not right.

It is also a college town, but I think different from what we have here, they had classes and stage productions going on for the town to join in.

I was looking at a small home and managed to lock my keys in the car, so asked the man across the street what to do and he said call the cops first, if they can, they will open the door.

It was a Lincoln and you couldn’t pick /jimmy the lock, so the beautiful young man called for a locksmith and stayed with me until he came.

I found out that since the house was 3 or 4 miles from the college, none of the students lived there and that he had never had a call to this block before.

And how much he loved Cedar City.

Cedar City has desert to the west of town and to the east it is fancy ski resorts.

The street was a 100’ wide and huge trees shaded it.

Just plain beautiful.

If I had not found Cedar City, I was thinking of the tree country, areas of Texas, LOL, not the flat land where I was born in the Panhandle.

Now, it is impossible and I won’t make any more moves in this lifetime.

I really think that listening to the police scanners will decide on the area you move to, for some area’s have so many gangs that the bullets will come through your walls and kill you.

Las Vegas is out, that is a real hellhole now, the gangs shoot up the areas on an hourly basis.

Bullhead City and Laughlin, Nv. have all the problems Las Vegas does and they are only 35 miles from Kingman.

Phoenix and Tucson are both bad areas, for if there is a big nuclear blast in San Diego, the air currents are said to be such that they will dump the fallout on them.

Next time you come this way, take a few days and check out southern Utah, I like what I have seen of it.

Good luck with making it happen, you could put the house on the market and wait until someone buys it, a long wait no doubt, but it sure will not sell, if it isn’t listed.

For canning food, you only need to read through the posts of Dela Where, he is doing it right and has posted several reports and links to canning, following the latest guides for safe canning.

LOL, I am out of date and would need to start all over again.

http://mormonfoodstorage.blogspot.com/2008/09/pantry-paragon-or-how-to-make-your-own.html

A Pantry Paragon; or, How to make your own can storage bins
We visited my husband’s grandparents for the weekend. I’ve mentioned them in the blog before. Grandpa is an engineer, and this is evident by the way their house is planned and organized. Visitors love to look through their house at all of the good ideas in each room. The pantry is no exception.

Here is a picture of their pantry. As you can see, Grandpa has made his own can rotating storage bins out of painted cardboard. He likes this version because they are small and versatile, and can fit into a variety of pantry situations. Of course his version is also much cheaper than the commercial systems.

I asked if he could explain how these are made. To my surprise, he pulled out an engineering drawing with exact instructions. He gave permission for me to share the plans with the readers of this blog. These plans are for non-commercial home use only.

Added 1/6/09: Because I couldn’t put a pdf file on Blogger, and because I got sick of emailing these out, the nice gals at Food Storage Made Easy have posted the plans on their site here.

Added 2/16/09: Jodi at Food Storage Made Easy made a cardboard can storage bin from Grandpa’s instructions. They took pictures of how they did it! Check out their advice here.

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2009/02/16/build-your-own-can-rotating-rack/

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/

He saved good quality cardboard and cut it to the dimensions indicated on the paper. It’s important to cut the cardboard with a razor blade, he says, so the edge of the cardboard is square, so it will glue together correctly. He says that you need to stick close to those measurements in order for it to work. He glued it together with white glue. After it was assembled, he painted it. Any paint will do, he says. The paint significantly increases the strength of the cardboard. He has been using the bins pictured here for about 13 years, and they are still in good condition. Each bin is labeled, which makes it easy to find exactly what they want when they need it.

http://mormonfoodstorage.blogspot.com/2008/10/if-you-are-freaking-out-about-economy.html

In case you are freaking out about the economy: How to be frugal

Lately I’ve talked to more people who are freaking out about the economy. I became concerned last winter and spring, and I’m still following economic news closely. I’m assuming some amount of freaking out accounts for the newfound popularity of food storage information. The values of assets are disappearing, but the debt remains (unless it gets bailed out, but if I understand this right, a bailout of that size would eventually lead to huge inflation). This, plus the uncertainty of some jobs and the decreased access to credit, means we are feeling less prosperous than we used to.

I think the best first step to take after freaking out, and taking a deep breath to calm down, is to practice frugality. A lot of this preparedness stuff requires money, and getting the money requires cutting back on non-essentials. So, how can you make the transition to living frugally?

* Write down where you spend your money. Look at the non-essentials, and start to make cuts.
* Get ideas for where you can creatively cut costs. The best place to start getting ideas is from Amy Dacyczyn’s Complete Tightwad Gazette. You could also see about checking it out at the library, but in my opinion this is a book worth owning. Some of it is out of date, and some of the ideas are, um, extreme, but the bulk of the information is very helpful. I especially like her philosophy articles, which help you see things from a frugal perspective so you can start to solve your own frugal problems. The book is entertaining to read in little snippets of time. Trent at the Simple Dollar arranged an interview with her last May. If you’re a fan, check it out!

* Start going to yard sales. Craigslist or the local newspaper website usually have lists of yard sales near you. Think ahead about things you will need in the future, and start looking for them now. Especially good items to look for are clothes in sizes your kids will wear in the next 5 or so years, according to your available storage space and moving plans. Kids yard sale clothes are a bargain at 25 cents to $1 each. Look for canning jars and other preparedness items. Granted, these were more easily found a few years after Y2K, but I was able to find a hand wheat grinder for $3 this spring, so apparently not everyone is freaking out. Breadmakers are still relatively easy to find cheaply. You might also look for gifts. Depending on your family and changing economic circumstances, you might be able to get away with buying extraordinarily thoughtful used gifts in good condition. I also like to look for books that would be good for self education, such as classics, children’s books and old textbooks. These are usually 25 cents to $1 each.

* Speaking of yard sales, if you have a lot of extra junk, sell it! Usually most items fetch better prices on Craigslist or eBay. Yard sales depend on a cheap buyer happening across the thing you want to sell on that particular morning, but on Craigslist you can find a buyer who specifically wants the thing you are selling.

* Cook more; go to restaurants less. If you are used to restaurant food and don’t like your cooking, keep practicing. Get a good cookbook or get acquainted with online recipe sites, and keep trying!

* Start thinking about how changing economic circumstances will affect your kids. Your family may need to cut back on activities, cutting back to only the most important to your family or your child. Look into inexpensive activities, such as scouts. Substitute with more involvement at home, like playing catch in the yard or reading chapter books in the evenings. Also, children and adults may need to adjust their eating habits to avoid wasting food. Amy D. has an article about this, called “War and Peas,” in her book. After you are calm, talk to your kids about what changes are going to happen at home, and why those changes are smart and will prepare you for the future.

* Use time to save money. Many money-saving things require more time. If your hours have been cut back at work, perhaps you already have more time. Or perhaps you can carve out more time by working together as a family, and limiting unproductive time (like surfing the internet, she said sheepishly). Wealth is increased by cutting expenses and increasing productivity.

* Learn new skills. You can count on making mistakes at first, but don’t let that discourage you. Eventually, after you make the required number of mistakes, you figure it out.

* Think about how people used to do things. Last week, a caller to the Dave Ramsey show really wanted to go on a cruise to celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary, but she didn’t have sufficient money saved. She became upset when Dave said that she shouldn’t go. That call got me to thinking: how did people celebrate anniversaries 40 years ago, before cruises became popular for everyone? Were people’s marriages less worthy of celebration back then? No, most people had happy marriages, but they celebrated more simply. This idea extends to other topics, such as houses. My grandparents raised 8 kids in a 1200 square foot house. My parents raised 4 kids in a 2000 square foot house. Now the average new home size is 2500 square feet, and most families have 1 or 2 kids.

* That leads to a sad topic. Can you afford your house? Based on the stats, a lot of people who bought during the boom years in boom markets cannot afford their homes over the long term. Carefully look at your own numbers. If you don’t have a fixed rate mortgage and you want to keep the house, now is the time to look into refinancing, because short of more bailouts, financing isn’t getting any easier to get.

Compare the fixed rate payment to the cost of renting acceptable housing. Consider selling your home and renting if it would be much easier on your budget. If you need to sell, in my controversial opinion now is better than later. House prices need to go down until prices are affordable to buyers without “creative” loans, and there’s no sense in throwing good money after bad in order to try to keep an unaffordable house.

* If you can see a necessary change looming in the future, start the process of changing now. Our family believe that oil will be more difficult to come by in the coming years, so we have gotten bikes for all family members and are using those for local transportation in good weather. It’s easier to make a change before you are forced to, and it will help you save money in the long run.

* Cooperate with your neighbors. Not every family needs every kind of tool and piece of equipment, if you can share with those around you. My neighbor and I are trading carpool trips in exchange for use of my wheat grinder.

* Look on the bright side. Going down to a lower standard of living doesn’t mean unhappiness. We’re usually about as happy as we are in the habit of being. People weren’t any less happy 30, 50, 80 years ago. The transition may be painful, but once you are used to the changes it won’t be painful. Some changes can even be good. Decreased spending in restaurants can lead to better health. Smaller homes and fewer children’s activities can lead to more family togetherness.

At this blog, we are committed to helping you find frugal ways to prepare. Smart frugal decisions will help your family make the most of your money as we prepare for whatever may be to come.

[This was in comments, links not checked....granny]

If you want to learn how to save money on your grocery bill, stock up your food storage and pantry and to have your families weekly meals planned for you based around items on sale each week, check out our blog and website. I would LOVE to hear your feedback and see what you think about it! Email me at Shandra@myfoodstoragedeals.com and I will set up an account for you.

Shandra
www.myfoodstoragedeals.com
www.myfoodstoragedeals.blogspot.com

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/

Guest Post: Let’s Talk About Wheat!
Posted on March 13th, 2009 by Admin

Last week “Andrea’s Corner” over at The Obsessive Shopper featured some great places to buy grains online. One of the recommendations was HiStakes-Spelt.com which happens to be owned by a friend of ours on Twitter. Jamie is an expert at all things wheat and spelt so we asked her to give you a quick run-down of some of the nutritional benefits of whole wheat and talk about her company a little more in depth.
Let’s Talk About Wheat!

Hi. We are farmers and grow hard white wheat so you can enjoy wholesome wheat straight from the farm. You can find us at HiStakes-Spelt.com. We would like to show you why you would want to use more whole wheat in your food storage and in your everyday diet.

Differences to Consider When Choosing Whole Wheat: If you need advice and are wondering what kind of wheat to choose to make your bread and other pastries, I’ll tell you my preferences. If I had to choose only one type of wheat to store and eat regularly, I would choose hard white wheat. (For those who can tolerate the gluten.) It makes a lighter texture, lighter colored, sweeter bread that other wheats make. Mostly, it is just really good. (How do you like that description?) Breads made with hard red wheat produce a fuller, heartier, almost-heavier flavor, and the bread will have a slightly darker color. However, both make good bread - it is just a matter of taste which you prefer. Actually, my favorite bread uses a combination of hard white wheat, hard red wheat, and spelt (more to come in another post on spelt).

Hard White Wheat (spring and winter varieties) are most often used for breads as well as specialty noodles. Our hard white wheat protein levels are at about 13 (which is standard) and will make a light, sweet, wonderful whole wheat bread. (Especially if you make your own fresh flour from your own grain mill, like the WonderMill.)

Remember, don’t confuse “whole grain white wheat” with store-bought “white flour”! Whole “white” wheat is slightly lighter in color than “red” wheat, both have good nutritional value and are very close in actual color. Store-bought “white flour” has had all the nutrients removed from it adding no nutritional value to the products you use it in. Whole grain white flour and store-bought white flour are not even close to the same thing!

Do you know about Oxidation? In whole-grain foods, the plant’s cellular walls protect their nutrients from oxidation. As soon as grain is ground, the process of oxidation begins to occur thus exposing the cell’s contents to oxygen in the air. Whole grain flour that is several days (or more) old, has been exposed to oxygen that significantly reduces its nutritional value. You get full nutrition from whole grain foods if you mill them when you need them, right in your kitchen. Modern high-speed grain mills make it fast and easy to enjoy the freshest, best tasting and most nutritious food imaginable!

Our grain is thoroughly cleaned and tested by baking bread with it - which is really the ultimate test. Our natural whole grain wheat makes bread and other baked goods that taste wonderful and are packed with natural nutrition! (And we use our own product. That says something!)

Our wheat and spelt are thoroughly cleaned to ensure you receive a pure product and also to protect your grain mill from any foreign objects. (Grain that isn’t sufficiently cleaned may contain small stones that will damage or destroy a grain mill… not to mention that you don’t want such things in your food!)

You should store your grain in air tight containers in a dark, dry and cool place. It is recommended to use an oxygen absorber in your airtight container to keep your grain fresher until ready for use. (Rumor has it that oxygen absorber packets can damage the possibility of sprouting grain, not true. In fact, the grain stored with oxygen packets sprouted faster and better than the grain that was stored naturally.)

At HiStakes-Spelt we don’t just offer wheat and spelt, we also offer many quality bread baking ingredients so you can make successful, delicious bread that your family will love. We are also happy to answer any bread baking questions you may have. We also blog about our food storage adventures at Food Storage Plus and would love to have you come by and say hello!

Follow Jamie on Twitter
Follow Food Storage Made Easy on Twitter

Thanks Jamie for being such a great resource for us to learn more from. We hope everyone will get to know you better :)

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/

LIES about LONG TERM Food Storage Debunked!!!
Posted on March 2nd, 2009 by Admin

As we began to think about building our LONG TERM food storage we started to come across some ideas that kept holding us back from really becoming serious about it. As we’ve been researching for our blog, and actually building our own storage, we discovered that a lot of things were not true for US. We’ve summarized them here into seven food storage lies that we have debunked.

Don’t be afraid to replace certain foods with foods you use more often. For example, the typical calculator may tell you to store way more, or less, of a certain ingredient then you would ever use. For example, Jodi likes to use her grain mill to grind corn for cornbread, so she’s not taking the cornmeal recommendation literally and is storing corn kernels instead.

We often hear people think they must cook meals with only shelf-stable ingredients. While these recipes can be useful and are good to know about in case of a severe emergency situation, they are NOT the be all/end all of food storage. The idea is that you will be learning to cook with your food storage and constantly rotating it. It’s okay to mix and match “food storage” items with “non-food storage” items.

TOTAL LIE! See our small spaces storage solutions post for ideas on how to start no matter how tiny you think your house might be.

NOT! Let’s be honest, unless you have tons of cash lying around, this isn’t going to happen. Start small. Commit yourself to buying food, little by little. Decide you will gather small amounts of a variety of long term food storage items. Once you discover which items you use most often, re-adjust and keep on buying when you can.

FALSE. Crystal at Everydayfoodstorage.NET shows you how you can use your food storage in EVERYDAY ways. She is great at teaching you to take the meals your family typically eats and incorporating food storage into them.

This is a lie that Julie thought was true until she really got into using food storage. She has always tried to cook with really “healthy” types of ingredients, and didn’t know how to incorporate long term food storage items into her typical meals. She learned that everyday food storage, means using your food storage in meals YOU would typically make. It’s surprising how you can adapt and start using your food storage even if you don’t cook the standard meals “everyone” else seems to be making. Stay tuned for some of Julie’s “health-conscious” discoveries that have had her dreaming about legumes.

While this is the reason a lot of people think you should get into food storage, it is one of the very last reasons why we LOVE having food storage. We have found that we use food storage for health reasons, self-reliance reasons, to weather against economic storms, and so much more. While it’s good to eventually make plans for how to survive without things like gas and electricity, there is no need to let that get in the way of you starting to use and rotate through your food storage TODAY!

We wanted to get you started thinking about your long term food storage because this week have a BIG surprise for you which we’ll be announcing at the end of our Fun With Food Storage March TV Show airing on March 4 at 7 pm MST. Believe us, you don’t want to miss this!

WORRY

Is there a magic cutoff period when
Offspring become accountable for their own
Actions? Is there a wonderful moment when
Parents can be come detached spectators in
The lives of their children and shrug, “It’s
Their life,” and feel nothing?

When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital
Corridor waiting for doctors to put a few
Stitches in my daughter’s head. I asked,
“When do
You stop worrying?” The nurse said,
“When they get out of the accident stage.”
My
Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little
Chair in a classroom and heard how one of my
Children talked incessantly, disrupted the class,
And was headed for a career making
License
plates. As if to read my mind, a tea c h er
Said, “Don’t worry, they all go through
This stage and then you c an sit back, relax and
Enjoy them.” My dad just smiled
Faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime
Waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come
Home, the front door to open. A friend said,
“They’re trying to find themselves..
Don’t worry,
In a few years, you can stop worrying. They’ll be
Adults.” My dad just smiled faintly
And said nothing.

By the time I was 50, I was sick & tired of being
Vulnerable. I was still worrying over my
Children, but there was a new wrinkle. There
Was nothing I could do about it. My
Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing. I
Continued to anguish over their failures, be
Tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in
Their disappointments.

My friends
said that when m y k ids got married I
Could stop worrying and lead my own
Life. I wanted to believe that, but I was
Haunted by my dad’s warm smile and his
Occasional, “You look pale. Are you all right?
Call me the minute you get home. Are
You depressed about something?”

Can it be that parents are sentenced to a
Lifetime of worry? Is concern for one another
Handed down like a torch to blaze the trail of
Human frailties and the fears of the
Unknown? Is concern a curse or is it a virtue
That elevates us to the highest form of life?

One of my children be came quite irritable
Recently, saying to me, “Where were you? I’ve
been
Calling for 3 days, and no one answered I was
worried.”
I smiled a warm smile.
The torch has been passed.

PASS IT ON TO OTHER WONDERFUL PARENTS
(And also to your children. That’s the fun part)
May your
troubles be less,
your blessings be more,
and nothing but happiness
come through your door

unknown author

Recycling For The Birds

Posted: 15 Mar 2009 06:01 AM PDT

How cool is this? Even though these particular cases might be hard to find, this idea should be enough to spark an idea to use other items for birds.

I have an old computer case and I think would work fine with a few modifications. Think about it and check out the source article.

Very cool stuff. Here’s a snip from the original post

Macadamia farmer Rex Harris turns old Macintosh computers into birdhouses. The Australian environmentalist owns Piccadilly Park where he’s launched on an intensive wetland restoration project encouraging rainforest trees on the land. The trees attract birds. The birds act as predators to keep undesirable insects in check. This, in turn, reduces the need for pesticides.

All those birds need homes, so Harris decided to take Apple’s eco-commitment to new heights. He guts old Mac Plus and Mac Classic cases and modifies them to use as birdhouses on his farm. . .

Here’s the finished product. Isn’t this cool? What do you recycle for the birds? Share your ideas with us. It’s almost Spring and if we can help out our feathered friends, we should.

Make sure to click here to see the source post and more pictures.

http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycling-old-computers-eco-friendly-macbirdhouses

Avian Apartments Edit
‘Super Kingdom’ Birdhouse Exhibit
Avian Apartments - ‘Super Kingdom’ Birdhouse Exhibit

(GALLERY)

Avian Apartments - ‘Super Kingdom’ Birdhouse Exhibit (GALLERY) 2

Avian Apartments - ‘Super Kingdom’ Birdhouse Exhibit (GALLERY) 3
Avian Apartments - ‘Super Kingdom’ Birdhouse Exhibit (GALLERY) 4

Avian Apartments - ‘Super Kingdom’ Birdhouse Exhibit (GALLERY) 5

Avian Apartments - ‘Super Kingdom’ Birdhouse Exhibit (GALLERY) 6

Avian Apartments - ‘Super Kingdom’ Birdhouse Exhibit (GALLERY) 2,075 Views - Click for Larger Image

The ‘Super Kingdom’ birdhouse exhibit is sort of an ultra high-density condo community for the aviary set. Duo Bruce Gilchrest and Jo Jelson of London Fieldworks created this commissioned work as a comment on the overpopulated suburban area that surrounds the King’s Wood Forest in England.

The functional display was created after researching bird hibernation patterns and will also be the subject of a video piece the pair is producing over the winter. I think the home with the slot-shaped holes could actually be a butterfly apartment.

All images are courtesy of Stour Valley Arts, Kent.

http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-density-living-for-birds-super-kingdom-by-london-fieldworks

Billbirdhouse Edit
Billboards Recycled into Birdhouses

Billbirdhouse - Billboards Recycled into Birdhouses 2,780 Views - Click for Larger Image

The Billbird house is, as you may have guessed, a birdhouse made from a billboard. Stylish and eco-friendly, even the hardware is green - it’s reclaimed (previously used.) The Billbird retails for approximately 90 euros.

References
1. inhabitat

http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-billboards-billbirdhouse

Bullet-Proof Bird Houses Edit
The Architect’s Bird Feeder
Bullet-Proof Bird Houses - The Architect’s Bird Feeder (GALLERY)

Bullet-Proof Bird Houses - The Architect’s Bird Feeder (GALLERY) 2

Bullet-Proof Bird Houses - The Architect’s Bird Feeder (GALLERY) 3

Bullet-Proof Bird Houses - The Architect’s Bird Feeder (GALLERY) 1,382 Views - Click for Larger Image

Those with a modern sense of style and a dwelling to match will appreciate the ‘Architect’s Bird Feeder’ .

Architect Doug Patt designed the contemporary feeder out of bullet-proof polycarbonate. Why bullet-proof? I can only assume that the material’s clearness and durability was his rationale, and not a need to protect the bird seed from misguided buckshot. The 8 piece bird feeder comes flat packed and is an easy, DIY project. Simply fit the pieces together (no tools are needed) and fill with seed before sliding the roof closed.

I think the design’s clean, architectural lines reflect the openness of the outdoors, and the clear view of the seed a natural attractant for the birds.
Be the first to comment

References
1. architectsbirdfeeder
2. coolhunting

http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birding-for-the-ultra-hip-architects-bird-feeder

Designer Living for Birds Edit
The Eva Solo Bird Box

Designer Living for Birds - The Eva Solo Bird Box 2,052 Views - Click for Larger Image

The beauty of design is that it could apply to just about anything. Even to birdhouses! Danish company Eva Solo introduced this sheik birdhouse that not only well designed but also able to handle the outdoor environment. It protects birds from cold, rain and heat. If you are a bird enthusiast that appreciates good design then this is for you!
Be the first to comment

References
1. evasolo

http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/designer-living-for-birds

Fantasy Fairy Houses Edit
Attract a Garden Sprite with Fairy Woodland Homes
Fantasy Fairy Houses - Attract a Garden Sprite with Fairy Woodland Homes (GALLERY)

Fantasy Fairy Houses - Attract a Garden Sprite with Fairy Woodland Homes (GALLERY) 2

Fantasy Fairy Houses - Attract a Garden Sprite with Fairy Woodland Homes (GALLERY) 3

Fantasy Fairy Houses - Attract a Garden Sprite with Fairy Woodland Homes (GALLERY) 4

Fantasy Fairy Houses - Attract a Garden Sprite with Fairy Woodland Homes (GALLERY) 5
Fantasy Fairy Houses - Attract a Garden Sprite with Fairy Woodland Homes (GALLERY) 6

Fantasy Fairy Houses - Attract a Garden Sprite with Fairy Woodland Homes (GALLERY) 7

Fantasy Fairy Houses - Attract a Garden Sprite with Fairy Woodland Homes (GALLERY) 8

Fantasy Fairy Houses - Attract a Garden Sprite with Fairy Woodland Homes (GALLERY) 9

Fantasy Fairy Houses - Attract a Garden Sprite with Fairy Woodland Homes (GALLERY) 10

Fantasy Fairy Houses - Attract a Garden Sprite with Fairy Woodland Homes (GALLERY) 910 Views - Click for Larger Image Buzz up!

With spring around the corner, it’s time to get the garden ready for visiting fairies. These astonishing tiny homes are handmade from Fairy Woodland in Newport, Oregon.

In case you are new to fairy culture, if you place an appropriate home (and perhaps a gift of a crystal or chocolate) for the wee pixies in your woods or gardens, they will know you believe in them and feel welcome. According to Fairy Woodland, “When we believe, the Fairies hear us and are drawn to us. Our act of belief opens the door between their realm and ours and allows communication.”

These small structures are some of the most incredible fairy houses ever and would surely attract a faerie or two into your yard. Make sure you check for them during a full moon, when they like to dance and celebrate.
Be the first to comment

References
1. fairywoodland
2. greenfaerysfairyland.wordpress

http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fantasy-fairy-houses-attract-a-garden-sprite-with-fairy-woodland-homes

[LOL, one could keep clicking away on this site and find fun and weird and idea’s to start the brain to working, art? re-use it all for something, lots of good ideas.......The Fairy houses are really wild.....granny]

Dry Elbow Home Remedies & Treatments

Posted By TipNut On May 7, 2008 @ 8:24 am In Beauty & Health | 1 Comment

Picture of Elbow - Tipnut.comDry & dark patches on elbows can be caused by heavy use (leaning on elbows all the time) and neglect (make sure to moisturize them regularly).

Here are a few remedies I’ve collected to help clean those dark patches up.

If you have a painful case of dry elbows (cracked, sore), check with a doctor since you might have a skin condition that can easily be cleared up with a prescription.
Dry Elbow Home Remedies

Sugar Scrub:

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/8 cup olive oil

* Mix ingredients in a bowl. Massage the scrub into elbows, knees, ankles & any other dry spots. Wash off after 30 minutes.

Crisco (or any other lard)

* Before bed rub Crisco into the dry elbow patches then slide on a pair of clean cut socks (to use as elbow protectors). Do this every night until dry patches disappear.

Lemon Salt Scrub

* Squeeze the juice out of two quarter wedges of a lemon, add salt then scrub into your elbows gently, trying to sluff away the dead skin. Then take the lemon wedges and lean your elbows on them (one elbow on each). Rest like this for 10 minutes. Do this daily until the dark patches disappear.

Lemon Soft Scrub

* Mix fresh lemon juice and baking soda to make a thick paste, apply to dry elbows. Gently rub in to exfoliate the skin and leave to sit for about 15 minutes. Wash off and apply a moisturizer or Vaseline.

Rehydrating Soak

* Exfoliate elbows with a favorite scrub or loofah, then soak elbows in warm water for 10 minutes. Apply Vaseline. If you apply Vaseline to the dry areas right after a hot bath or shower, this will have the same effect.

Basic Maintenance Treatment: Exfoliate or scrub elbows daily then apply honey, Vaseline or a rich moisturizer to elbows. If using honey, leave on for 30 minutes before washing off.

Tip: Use a clean sock, cut off to have two open ends, and slide on over your elbows when applying moisturizing treatments to try to protect the moisturizer from rubbing off (especially good for overnight treatments). You could also wrap your elbows in plastic wrap.

If your elbow patches are thick and quite dark, this will take several regular treatments to clear up.
Also See These Tips:

* Sunburn Relief Home Remedies - Over 50 Soothing Treatments [1]
* 12 Simple Beauty Hacks From The Kitchen [2]
* Floral Infused Olive Oil: Rich Beauty Aid [3]

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/dry-elbow-home-remedies-treatments/

URLs in this post:

[1] Sunburn Relief Home Remedies - Over 50 Soothing Treatments: http://tipnut.com/sunburn-relief-home-remedies-over-50-soothing-treatments/

[2] 12 Simple Beauty Hacks From The Kitchen: http://tipnut.com/simple-beauty-hacks/

[3] Floral Infused Olive Oil: Rich Beauty Aid: http://tipnut.com/floral-olive-oil/

Floral Infused Olive Oil: Rich Beauty Aid

Posted By TipNut On February 24, 2009 @ 10:50 am In Beauty & Health | No Comments

Flowers & Olive Oil - Tipnut.com

Flowers & Olive Oil - Tipnut.com
Did you know olive oil is a lovely (and natural) skin moisturizer? Here’s a way to make it more special…infuse it with flowers picked fresh from your garden!

Floral Infused Olive Oil Recipe

Ingredients:

Glass jar (pint)
Flower petals (1 1/2 cups)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 3/4 cups)
6 Vitamin E Capsules (400 IU)

Directions:

* Fill a clean jar with your choice of fresh flower petals or buds. Pierce the vitamin capsules and squeeze the oil into the jar on top of the petals.
* Heat olive oil over medium heat then pour over petals. Seal and shake jar gently to mix.
* Place the jar in a sunny location and turn it over daily for 2 weeks.
* After 2 weeks, strain the oil to remove all petals then bottle in a sterilized container.

Tips For Use

* Use as a bath oil (2 to 3 TBS) or apply on skin after bathing/showering and use as a body moisturizer.
* Apply to dry patches of skin on hands, elbows [1], knees, feet.
* Can be used as a facial moisturizer, be careful not to get the infused oil in your eyes.
* Some believe that eczema, rosesca and stretch marks benefit from applications of olive oil, try a regular treatment to see if it helps.

Flower Choices With Reported Skin Healing & Therapeutic Qualities

* Echinacea, Lavender, Marigolds, Rose Petals, Pansies, Calendula
* Herbs can also be used

Note:

* Do not use petals that have been sprayed with chemicals, they’ll transfer to the oil and then be absorbed by your skin.

Also See These Tips:

* 12 Simple Beauty Hacks From The Kitchen [2]
* Homemade Rose Bath Oil [3]
* Homemade Rose Petal Vinegar Recipe [4]

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/floral-olive-oil/

URLs in this post:

[1] elbows: http://tipnut.com/dry-elbow-home-remedies-treatments/

[2] 12 Simple Beauty Hacks From The Kitchen: http://tipnut.com/simple-beauty-hacks/

[3] Homemade Rose Bath Oil: http://tipnut.com/homemade-rose-bath-oil/

[4] Homemade Rose Petal Vinegar Recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-rose-petal-vinegar-recipe/

http://keepitcheap.blogspot.com/

What To Do With Alberto VO5

Here’s another list of tips that no one knows where it started from. I was sent this in email and the person who sent it to me received it in email. So, what and who is the source? Not sure. My guess is this list is just one of those things that people keep adding on to and sharing it with friends.

Do you use or have or even remember Alberto VO5? Do you have a tip? Let us know you? I sure would love to hear from you.

Now on to the list. There’s a bunch of tips and I haven’t tried most of them so proceed with caution. Overall I think the tips are feasible and pretty darned handy.

Alberto V05® Conditioning Hairdressing

Prevent silver from tarnishing. Apply a thin coat of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing with a soft cloth to clean, polished, dry silver candlesticks, picture frames, silver sets, and other decorative items. Wipe off excess leaving behind a very thin, virtually invisible, protective coating. VO5’s organic protectants actually prevent tarnishing.
*

Remove a ring stuck on a finger. Rub on a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing, then hold your hand up toward the ceiling to drain the blood from the area, and slide off the ring.
*

Make cleaning up after painting or doing a messy auto grease job easy. Lightly coating your hands with Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing before painting or fixing the car, allows you to clean them off afterward without harsh solvents.
*

Soften your feet. Before going to bed, coat your feet with Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing and put on a pair of socks.
*

Prevent spray paint from sticking in your hair. Before spray painting, slick a dab of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing the size of a quarter over your hair so you can wash away the paint more easily.
*

Prevent static electricity in your hair. Comb a dab of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing through your hair.
*

Protect your scalp during a permanent. Rub some Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing into the scalp before giving yourself a perm.
*

Minimize drying out your hair in a chlorinated pool. Rub a long dab of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing through your hair before taking a swim.
*

Prevent hair coloring from dying your skin. Dab a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing on your forehead and around the hairline and ears to help keep the color from staining your skin.
*

Remove makeup. A dab of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing on a tissue or cotton ball gently removes makeup.
*

Glitter your face for a holiday party. Rub in a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing onto your cheeks, then dust lightly with glitter.
*

Moisturize your face. Rub in a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing in the lines around your eyes to help prevent dry lines.
*

Remove an adhesive bandage painlessly. Rub in a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing into the bandage wings, wait a few minutes, then peel off.
*

Soothe chapped lips and skin. Rub in a small amount of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing.
*

Soothe your legs after shaving. Rub some Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing into your skin after the bath or shower to make your legs feel velvety smooth.
*

Make zippers glide easily. Rub a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing into the teeth of the zipper.
*

Condition leather. If you’re all out of mink oil, substitute Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing.
*

Protect leather shoes and boots from winter salt and ice. Rub in Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing.
*

Shine vinyl and patent leather shoes. Rub in a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing, then buff.
*

Protect your dog or cat’s paw pads. Rub in a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing before sending your pet outdoors
*

Prevent shoes from squeaking. Give squeaky shoes a coat of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing.
*

Detangle and shine a dog’s coat. Comb in a small amount of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing.
*

Prevent cat hair balls and static electricity on your cat’s coat. Rub in a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing. (Don’t worry if your cat licks its fur; Albert VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing is natural and non-toxic.)
*

Shine a horse’s hooves. Rub in a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing.
*

Prevent a leather saddle from drying out. Rub in a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing.
*

Detangle a horse’s maneand tail. Brush in a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing.
*

Stop windows from sticking in their tracks. Lubricate the tracks with a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing.
*

Lubricate pipe joints. A thin layer of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing on pipe connections will make them fit together more easily.
*

Prevent nuts and bolts from rusting together. Lubricate the nuts and bolts with a dab of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing before screwing them together.
*

Prevent tools from rusting. Give your tools a light coat of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing.
*

Stop a faucet from screeching. Remove the handle and stem, coat both sets of metal threads with Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing, and replace.
*

Stop refrigerator racks from sticking. Coat the edges of the racks with a thin layer of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing so the racks glide easily.
*

Prevent squeaky door hinges. Apply a little bit of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing.
*

Lubricate furniture drawers. Rub in a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing on the casters of drawers so they slide open and shut easily.
*

Keep shower curtains gliding easily. Apply a thin coat of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing to the curtain rod.
*

Prevent sliding doors on a medicine cabinet from sticking. Rub a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing onto the glides.
*

Clean wooden knick-knacks and other wood objects. Lightly coat the wood with Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing, then buff.
*

Avoid splattering paint on windows, hinges, doorknobs, and lock latches. Coat them with Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing to prevent paint from adhering to the surfaces. After painting, wipe clean with a cloth.
*

Hide scratches on wood furniture. Put a dab of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing on a clean, soft cloth, then buff the spot.
*

Prevent wood paneling from drying out. Just rub on Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing with a clean, soft cloth, and buff well, giving the paneling a soft glow.
*

Remove candles wax drippings from candlestick holders. Coat the candlestick holders with Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing before inserting the candles.
*

Make a stainless steel sink sparkle. Shine the sink with a dab of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing on a soft cloth.
*

Shine chrome faucets, handles, and car bumpers. Put a little Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing on a soft, dry cloth and buff lightly.
*

Clean plant leaves. Apply a small dab of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing to the leaves with a soft cloth.
*

Break in a baseball glove. Rub the center of the glove with Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing, place a baseball in the glove, fold the mitt around it, and secure with rubber bands. Tuck the glove under a mattress overnight.
*

Lubricate roller skates, skateboard wheels, and bicycle chains. Use a dab of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing.
*

Prevent a sailboat’s spinnaker pole fittings from jamming or sticking. Lubricate with Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing.
*

Make golf clubs shine. Clean the shafts with a dab of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing on a clean cloth.

[If it does all this, why are men so surprised when they go bald?? granny]

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/2008/02/20/better-than-a-popular-roller-mills-pancakes

Blender Whole Wheat Pancakes-Whole Wheat Food Storage Recipes
Posted on February 20th, 2008 by Crystal-Everyday Food Storage

For those of you on the “Whole Grain” band wagon, you may be overspending on popular pancake mixes. If you don’t have a wheat grinder and are constantly perplexed looking at those whole kernels of wheat, do I have the recipe for you to try! This is the most simple, easiest to clean up, and DELICIOUS pancake recipe I’ve ever eaten. Give it a try…(If you really want to get handy you can even…dare I say it…substitute powdered milk for the milk)

Blender Wheat Pancakes

1 Cup Milk (translation for powdered milk is 3 T. Milk and 1 C. Water)
1 Cup Wheat Kernels, whole & uncooked

2 Eggs (2 T. powdered eggs 1/4 C. Water)
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 1/2 tsp Salt
2 Tbs. Oil
2 Tbs. Honey or Sugar

Put milk and wheat kernels in blender.
Blend on highest speed for 4 or 5 minutes or until batter is smooth.

Add eggs, oil, baking powder, salt and honey or sugar to above batter.

Blend on low.

Pour out batter into pancakes from the actual blender jar (only one thing to wash!) onto a hot greased or Pam prepared griddle or large frying pan.

Cook; flipping pancakes when bubbles pop and create holes.

Food Storage Items Used: 5.

For more tips and tricks for using your food storage in everyday ways, please visit www.everydayfoodstorage.NET

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/2008/06/03/the-all-american-bbq-food/food-storage-recipes

The All American BBQ Food: In-n-out Burger Recipe, Baked Beans, and Milk Shake-Food Storage Recipes

Posted on June 3rd, 2008 by Crystal-Everyday Food Storage

Okay, here we go kicking off the spectacular with a classic! If you missed the milk conversion chart, make sure you click HERE to get it. Remember that there are 4 to a page so you’ll need pass along the other 3 to people you love!

Well if this isn’t a plate of classic bbq food. I don’t know what is!! We’ve got a hamburger, milk shake, baked beans, chips, and some corn on the cob. Perfect for a hot summer day…and perfect for using your food storage. If you have a big day planned, get as much done in the morning so all you have to do when you get home is finish a couple of things. If you leave the prep work until you get home, you’ll never do it and you’ll spend a lot of money eating out to re-create this meal. Get your baked beans ready to just re-heat, cut up all your hamburger fixings and put in the fridge, lay out everything you’ll need to make your milk shake, schuck your corn, and so on. When I made this meal we had the whole family over and went swimming. When I got home it took 15 minutes to have dinner on the table, much faster then getting take out!

THE BURGER

I love In-n-Out burgers (animal style of course) with the sauteed onions. Although, when I think of sauteeing onions I get tired…all that chopping, crying from the onions, extra pan to clean, etc. HA HA! This is where your food storage comes in to play (see, it really does save you time AND money!!). Remember those dehydrated onions you have? They make PERFECT sauteed onions with no cutting. So now that we already have our onions cut with out lifting a finger and in no time we need to saute them. So are you ready to wow people with little effort? Here we go…

1. Re-hydrate your onions in water that equals double the amount of onions you are using. Remember that 1/4 dehydrated onions will equal one cup chopped onion once hydrated.

2. After letting your onions sit in water for about 10 minutes, drain off any excess water.

3. Wrap in aluminum foil with a little butter and put on your grill for 5-7 minutes.

4. VOILA! Sauteed onions with no mess, no chopping, and in no time…thanks to food storage!

If you want to solidify a In-n-out animal style burger then make sure you stack your burger correctly:

Bottom Bun, thousand island dressing, tomato, lettuce, beef patty with cheese, brown mustard (put on lightly), sauteed onions, pickles, top bun.

Baked Beans

Okay, here you have two options: 1) you can use a can of beans from your 3 month supply (a great way to store and eat beans) I had a roommate in college that taught me you can always dress up a can of bbaked beans by adding 1-2 T of bbq sauce to them Try it, it makes a world of a difference.

2) if you have a large group coming, it becomes cheaper and easier to make your own. Plus a great way to use those dry beans you’re storing! I’ll be sharing a couple of baked bean recipes but this is the one I used for the picture above.
1 lb. dried white beans
1 quart water
1/2 t. salt
1 medium onion, chopped (You know I’m going to say used your dehydrated onions!)
2 T. yellow mustard
2 T. brown sugar
2 T. molasses
1 C. bbq sauce
Follow the instructions on your can of white beans to get them cooked in just a couple of hours. Save 2 cups of the water you used to cook your beans.

Once they are cooked place in a 9×13 pan and combine the beans, onion, mustard, brown sugar, molasses, bbq sauce, bacon, and 1 C. cooking liquid. Cover and bake at 400 for 45 minutes or until the beans have reached the desired thickness, stirring occasionally. You may need to add some more of the water you saved if you think it is too thick.
(I baked mine in the morning and re-heated when we got home.)

Milk Shake

Okay, if you’re still gun shy about drinking your powdered milk or you really think your kids won’t eat it…put it in a milk shake! Who is going to turn down a nice cold and creamy milkshake? Another great way that using food storage saves you money! For the amount of money it takes to buy ONE novelty milk shake you could make your whole family milk shakes of their own! We really like Oreos so we made our oreo milk shakes but you could add anything in. I’ll show you some other shake ideas in future posts. :)

12 OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
1-1/2 cups milk (4-1/2 T. dry powdered milk +1-1/2 C. Water)
1 pt. (2 cups) vanilla ice cream, softened
2 Tbsp. chocolate syrup (I used the hot fudge sauce cold…if you missed that post click HERE)
CHOP or coarsely break cookies.

PLACE milk, ice cream and chocolate syrup in blender container. Add chopped cookies; cover. Blend on high speed until smooth.

POUR into 4 glasses. Serve immediately.
For more tips and tricks for using food storage in your everyday recipes, please visit www.everydayfoodstorage.NET

This is an awesome blog! I’m totally linking to you. My blog is http://www.mamasfoodstorage.blogspot.com Maybe you could guest post for me sometime. I am just now starting to build my site. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

#
laura, on September 17th, 2008 at 8:37 pm Said:

A tip for breaking up oreos for the milkshake is to place them in a zip lock baggie. Then you can break them up with your fingers or with a rolling pin (or really whatever it takes) and then they are ready to add to the shake and no mess:)

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/2008/06/01/saying-good-bye-to-milk-for-now-and-hello-to-fun-in-the-sun-bbq-spectacular/food-storage-recipes

Whipped Topping from Powdered Milk-Powdered Milk Food Storage Recipes
Posted on June 1st, 2008 by Crystal-Everyday Food Storage

Sorry for the late post. We had some unexpected things come up this weekend. As you can see we’re going to have a BBQ Spectacular for the month of June. I hope you’re all as excited as I am to learn about making some great summer meals with food storage along with some great family activity ideas! We’ll be covering more on milk later…things like making your own yogurt, fat-free frosting (thanks Julie!!), plus more to do with white sauces and cream soups using your magic mix (although, feel free to try it on your own and let me know how it goes!).

Here are a couple of desserts I topped with the whipped topping made from powdered milk. It was very delicious. You would like it if you like the flavor of tapioca pudding. I was glad to have any left once I realized how great it tasted with strawberries dipped in it!

Whipped Topping
3 1/2 T. Dry Powdered Milk
1 C. Boiling Water
2 T. Cold Water
2 t. Unflavored Gelatin
4 T. Sugar
1 t. Vanilla

Dissolve dry milk in boiling water (I just stick my Pyrex in the microwave with the water for a couple of minutes until it boils). Soak the gelatin in cold water. Combine the dissolved gelatin and sugar with your hot milk and stir. Chill in fridge until it jells. Beat the mixture until it acquires the consistency you would like. You may need to add a little water as you are beating for the right consistency (I know I did.) Add the vanilla and whip again.

Also, because I love you all so much I’ve created a quick milk hand out for you to keep on your fridge to help you use your powdered milk in everyday ways. It has a conversion chart for using powdered milk along with the recipes for Sweetened Condensed Milk, Evaporated Milk, and as a bonus…Buttermilk in your recipes. There are 4 to a page so hand the other three out to people you love and let’s all get prepared!!

Click here to download the milk conversion chart. Email me if you have problems downloading

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/2008/05/28/hot-fudge-sauce-with-home-made-evaporated-milk/food-storage-recipes

Evaporated Milk Recipe & Hot Fudge Sauce-Powdered Milk Recipes
Posted on May 28th, 2008 by Crystal-Everyday Food Storage

Okay, we’ve covered Sweetened Condensed Milk made at home with your powdered milk (if you missed that post click here) and now it’s time to enjoy evaporated milk! Evaporated Milk was created back in the 40’s as a way to replace expensive cream and whole milk in recipes. It is whole milk with more than half the water removed before it is homogenized. DO NOT USE IT AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK. However, you can use it to substitute for half and half. Isn’t that great?! I know I don’t keep half and half stocked in my fridge. Use Evaporated Milk, made from your food storage, in any recipe by doubling the amount of the dry powdered milk and leaving the water the same. As a good rule of thumb to go by, for normal milk made from your powdered milk it is 3 T. dry powdered milk per 1 C. water and don’t forget there are 16 T. in a cup.

Evaporated Milk (12 oz. Can)
1 1/2 C. Water
1/2 C. + 1 T. Powdered Milk

Doesn’t that look delicious?! It was unbelievable, WAYYYYY better than anything you can buy in the store and TONS cheaper!! Just think this recipe makes 3 cups (24 oz.) of sauce for under $2.50 and a Smuckers bottle only comes with 11.5 oz. and costs $3.00, that means it would cost $6.25 to buy this much hot fudge at the store! You’ve got to make this a staple in your fridge!

Hot Fudge Sauce - Makes 3 Cups (From Betty Crocker’s Cookbook)
1 can (12 oz.) Evaporated Milk (1 1/2 C. water + 1/2 C. & 1 T. Powdered Milk)
2 C. Semisweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 C. Sugar
1 T. Butter or Margarine (Spreads with at least 65% vegetable oil)
1 t. Vanilla

1. In a 2-quart sauce pan mix your evaporated milk with a whisk. Add chocolate chips and sugar and heat over MEDIUM heat, stirring constantly until it boils.

2. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool for at least 30 minutes or until sauce behins to thicken. Serve warm. Store your remaining sauce covered in the refrigerator up to 4 weeks. Sauce become firm when refrigereated; heat slightly before serving (saue will become thin if overheated).

**Just as a side note for those who live in an area where Kroger brand items are sold. They now have a great knock off on the Dryers 1/2 fat slow churned ice cream for a fraction of the cost**

For more tips and tricks for using food storage in your everyday recipes, please visit www.everydayfoodstorage.NET

Bread Making Videos are on this page ....

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/2009/03/11/making-homemade-bread-the-food-storage-recipe-challenge/food-storage-recipes

EZ Bread (tastes just like store bought bread): Whole Wheat Food Storage Recipes
Posted on March 11th, 2009 by Crystal-Everyday Food Storage

Okay, awhile back Julie from Food Storage Made Easy challenged me to make homemade bread taste more like store bought bread. I guess her DH didn’t believe it was possible. So I got to work and I adapted a great recipe (from Tammy in Huntington Beach) to make it even better (using the dough enhancers we talked about on Monday) and doing it by hand. Yes, making it by hand and not in the bread maker will make a better result. Remember the bread machine is just that…a machine! It has certain limitations (like a set time for rising and baking) and can and does overcook the bread. However, if you really love your bread machine you can click HERE for my tips on making a better product from your bread machine. Anyway, in addition to this AWESOME recipe, I also created a how-to video on how to make bread. Aren’t I so nice? So watch the two videos below (part one and two), check out the recipe following the videos on this post, and take the challenge for yourself…see if your family doesn’t agree that this bread tastes just like store bought bread!

Bread Making Video Part One:

Bread Making Video Part Two:

For more information on the wheat grinder I mention in the video click HERE.

EZ Wheat Bread recipe (I doubled this recipe in the video you watched)

1 1/4 cup warm water
1 Tblsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup honey or 1/3 cup sugar
2 3/4 cups whole wheat flour (or whatever combination white/wheat you like..I use 100% hard white wheat. To learn more about the different types of wheat, download my wheat handout)
1/4 cup wheat gluten
1 tsp salt
2 Tblsp nonfat non instant dry milk
1 Tblsp butter/margarine/oil
1 Tblsp vinegar
1/4 cup potato flakes (NOT potato pearls)

Mix ingredients in order listed in mixing bowl of mixer with dough hook attachment (like kitchen-aid) for 12-15 minutes. Let rise until double, 1- 1 1/2 hours. Punch down, and shape into loaf or rolls. Let rise again until double and bake 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when lightly tapped.
If you are making this recipe in a bread machine, follow your bread machine’s directions for wheat or whole grain selection and add the ingredients in the order listed for their recommendations. (only one loaf will fit in a bread maker)

EZ White Bread

1 1/8 cups warm water
1 3/4 - 2 tsp active dry yeast
2 Tblsp sugar (you can use a little more sugar if you like your dough a little sweeter)
3 cups flour
1 Tblsp vital wheat gluten (remember you don’t need as much gluten if you’re not using whole wheat flour)
1 tsp salt
2 Tblsp nonfat dry milk
1 1/2 Tblsp butter/margarine or oil
1/4 cup potato flakes
(you don’t really need vinegar for white bread, remember the dough enhancers are primarily needed for whole wheat bread)

Add the ingredients in the order listed into a mixer bowl (like a kitchen-aid) with a dough hook attachment and mix on low for 10-12 minutes. Or mix it on the dough cycle in your bread machine.
After all the mixing is complete, if the dough still seems too gooey and you are unable to handle it, add 1 Tblsp flour at a time, and mix after each addition until the dough is manageable with your hands.

Let rise 45 mins -1 hour, punch down and use to make bread, cinnamon rolls, cookie sheet pizza, rolls, or anything else you can think of! Let rise after you have made your creation and bake according to the direction of the recipe you are making.
If you are making it into bread, form into a loaf at this time, place in a loaf pan, let rise in a warm place 45 min -1 hour and bake 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when lightly tapped.
If you are making this recipe in a bread machine. Follow your bread machine’s directions and add the ingredients in the order listed in their recommendations. (only one loaf will fit in a bread maker)

[video on page]

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/2009/03/09/dough-enhancersfood-storage-style/food-storage-recipes

Dough Enhancers for making Delicious Bread: Food Storage Recipes
Posted on March 9th, 2009 by Crystal-Everyday Food Storage

One of my most commonly asked questions is about gluten and it’s purpose in a whole wheat bread. So that has also spurred on questions about a dough enhancer. You should definitely be using dough enhancers in your whole wheat bread because whole wheat flour is heavier and courser than all-purpose flour. The problem is that dough enhancer as a product can be very expensive and you can actually make your own! But in order to understand how to use the dough enhancers we need to understand their purpose in bread. Then you can make any whole wheat food storage bread recipe DELICIOUS with your own dough enhancers! After all we need to know how to make our recipes delicious food storage recipes!

Tips for using your own everyday items as dough enhancers in WHEAT BREAD: (It’s best to use ALL THREE of these enhancers when making whole wheat bread)

Gluten: use 1/2 T. - 1 T. per cup of flour (this means before you measure a cup of flour place the 1/2 T.-1 T. gluten in the bottom of your cup and then measure flour as usual)

WHITE Vinegar: use the same amount of vinegar that you are using for yeast (i.e. 1 t. yeast - 1 t. vinegar)

Potato Flakes: use 1/8 to 1/4 C. per loaf of bread you are making, experiment to see what works best in your recipe. (do not substitute in potato pearls, they don’t dissolve as easily and are artificially flavored which you will be able to taste in your bread)

Make sure to check back Wednesday for my video on how to make bread (non bread machine style!)

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/category/slow-cooker/page/3

Easy & Delicious Beef Stroganoff
Posted on March 25th, 2008 by Crystal-Everyday Food Storage

Beef Stroganoff
1 lb. stew meat, cubed
½ C. dried minced onion
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can mushrooms, drained
¼ tsp. garlic salt
1 C. sour cream (for richer taste, substitute1 pkg cream cheese)
Combine all ingredients except sour cream in greased slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat 6-8 hours. Add sour cream the last hour of cooking. Makes 4-6 servings.

Spoon over hot noodles.

I got this recipe from “101 Things to do with a Slow Cooker” by Stephanie Ashcroft. I love it because it is very easy (especially if you store your meat already cubed) and the most delicious beef stroganoff I’ve ever eaten. Everyone I serve it to just RAVES about how delicious it is. Another perk is that all the ingredients minus the sour cream come from either long term food storage (dried minced onion=dehydrated onion) or my short term food storage (cream of mushroom soup, canned mushrooms, noodles, etc.) I think you could even use canned beef in the recipe if you’re out of time and don’t use the slow cooker, but I’ll have to try it and let you know :)

Don’t be afraid to use your slow cooker in the summer it is still a great way to start a meal in the morning and have it ready in the evening with out heating up your house!

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/2009/01/25/shepherds-pie-food-storage-slow-cooker-easy-dinner/food-storage-recipes

Shepherd’s Pie
1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained (I always cook all my ground beef as soon as I bring it home from the store and then store it in 1 lb. bags making dinners like this one even easier!)
1 can Condensed Tomato soup
1 can Corn, Drained
1 can Green Beans, Drained
2 C. Instant Mashed Potatoes, prepared (use either left over mashed potatoes or you can use potato pearls or flakes from your food storage)
2 C. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 t. Dried Basil In a separate bowl, combine beef, tomato soup, corn, beans, and basil. Pour mixture in the bottom of a greased 3 1/2 to 5-quart slow cooker. Spread mashed potatoes on top. cover and cook on low heat 5-6 hours. The last hour of cooking ,sprinkle cheese on top of potatoes.
Makes 4-6 servings.

Serve with wheat rolls. (And that I did! This post is getting long so I’ll put my trick for making home made rolls EASY on Wednesday!)