Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today

Did you hear about the guy that lives on nothing? No seriously, he lives on zero dollars a day. Meet Daniel Suelo, who lives in a cave outside Moab, Utah. Suelo has no mortgage, no car payment, no debt of any kind. He also has no home, no car, no television, and absolutely no “creature comforts.” But he does have a lot of creatures, as in the mice and bugs that scurry about the cave floor he’s called home for the last three years.

To us, Suelo probably sounds a little extreme. Actually, he probably sounds very extreme. After all, I suspect most of you reading this are doing so under the protection of some sort of man-made shelter, and with some amount of money on your person, and probably a few needs for money, too. And who doesn’t need money unless they have completely unplugged from the grid? Still, it’s an amusing story about a guy who rejects all forms of consumerism as we know it.

How to Brew Your Own Beer and Maybe Save Some Money. A fantastic introduction to home brewing, something I’ve never done myself, but always been interested in trying. (@Generation X Finance)

Contentment: A Great Financial Principle. If I had to name one required emotion for living a frugal lifestyle it would be contentment. Once you are content with your belongings and your lot in life you can ignore forces attempting to separate you from your money. (@Personal Finance by the Book)

Use Energy Star Appliances to Save On Utility Costs. I enjoyed this post because it included actual numbers, and actual total savings, from someone who upgraded to new, energy star appliances. (@The Digerati Life)

Over-Saving for Retirement? Is it possible to “over-save” for retirement? Yes, I think so. At some point I like the idea of putting some money aside in taxable investments outside of retirement funds, to be accessed prior to traditional retirement age. (@The Simple Dollar)

40 Things to Teach My Kids Before They Leave Home. A great list of both practical and philosophical lessons to teach your kids before they reach the age where they know everything. I think that now happens around 13 years-old. (@My Supercharged Life)

Index Fund Investing Overview. If you are looking for a place to invest with high diversification and relatively low fees (for broader index funds with low turnover), index funds are a great place to start. (@Money Smart Life)

5 Reasons To Line Dry Your Laundry. My wife and I may soon be installing a clothesline in our backyard. In many neighborhoods they are frowned upon - one of the reasons I don’t like living in a neighborhood. I digress. One of our neighbors recently put up a clothesline, and we might just follow his lead. (@Simple Mom)

* 4 Quick Tips for Getting Out of a Rut * Young and Cash Rich * Embracing Simple Style * First Trading Experience With OptionsHouse * The Exponential Power of Delayed Consumption * How Much Emergency Fund is Enough? * 50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind * Save Money On Car Insurance

http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/

The Best Carrot Cake in the World....and it just happens to be vegan

Is there nothing better than trying a new recipe, inventing parts as you go, and having your family absolutely rave over it? The experience I had with this carrot craisin cake boasted one of those moments. I didn’t tell my people it was vegan before the first bite, because they become embittered and close-minded when they think they’re eating vegan. I waited until after John and the 17-year-old boy had plopped huge bites of cupcakes into their mouths. Once his tastebuds registered the cupcake, the 17-year-old boy started mmmming and making strange sounds while his mouth was still full of food, but I could tell they were sounds of delight. After he swallowed, he volunteered, “These are really good!” If you know the 17-year-old boy, you know he doesn’t gush, so this response was really something. I laughed evilly and told them that these were vegan, with no milk or eggs, and, if I remember correctly, John said, “In spite of that, they’re very good.” That’s all I needed to hear.

The next morning, as the 17-year-old boy looked over the leftover cake on the island, he said, “There really had better be some of this when I get home. I really hope you don’t eat it all.” There was half a cake left. I tried to ignore the insinuation that I would eat half an entire cake by myself, and told him that if he wanted to ensure there was a piece left when he got home, he should set some aside for himself and hide it in the fridge. He did just that and saved it to take to his room later that night as he read his current novel.

One reason I love this recipe is because it uses flax seeds instead of eggs, which add essential omega-3 fats, and the carrots and craisins are full of phytochemicals and nutrients. If you want an even healthier version, try making it with half white, half whole wheat flour. I haven’t tried this, but I’m sure it would be wonderful.

This recipe is doubled from it’s original source, as I am freezing a portion of everything I make, and this made two 9” rounds, 1 9x13 pan, and a dozen cupcakes. I hope you enjoy this as much as the 17-year-old boy did!

Amazing Vegan Carrot Craisin Cake

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons whole flax seeds
1 1/2 cups water
4 cups sugar
3 cups vegetable oil
6 cups flour
4 teaspoons cinnamon
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
2 teaspoons vanilla
6 cups grated carrots
2 cups craisins

Directions:

Step 1: In a blender, blend flax seeds and water until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine oil, sugar and the flax seed mixture.

Step 3: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.

Step 4: Add the flour mixture to the flax seed mixture, and stir until well mixed.

Step 5: To this mixture, add the vanilla, pecans, carrots and craisins.

Step 6: Pour this batter into greased pans or cupcake papers, and bake at 350 degrees F until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The time will vary depending on what size pan you use, but will probably be between 20 and 35 minutes.

Step 7: Frost with your favorite vegan or omni frosting and enjoy!

http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/search/label/Homemaker%20Mondays

Spiced Banana Cake

(Yes, I know, this is a dessert, but dessert is my favorite, so why not start out with the best? This recipe has been quadrupled from it’s original version. If you’d like the regular-family recipe, go to this link at allrecipes.com.)

Ingredients:

* 2 cups butter, softened
* 4 cups packed light brown sugar
* 2 cups white sugar
* 5 teaspoons ground allspice
* 4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
* 8 eggs
* 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
* 5 cups all-purpose flour
* 3 cup rolled oats
* 1 tablespoon baking soda
* 1 tablespoon teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/3 cup sour cream
* 4 cups mashed bananas
* Your favorite frosting or icing recipe

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, then, in a large bowl, cream butter until fluffy.

Step 2: Add sugar and beat until smooth.

Step 3: Add in spices, eggs and vanilla, and beat until well-blended.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Step 5: To this mixture, add the butter mixture.

Step 6: Add smashed bananas and combine. We used a 20 quart restaurant-style mixing bowl for the job...

Love this bowl!

Step 7: Pour into prepared pans, bake for 20 to 35 minutes, depending on your pan size, let cool, then frost or glaze. Here’s how many pans we filled with the batter...

One quick note: Did you know you can freeze overripe bananas for later use? We did and here’s what they look like when you remove them from the freezer...

My kids are often appalled that I am actually going to put these in our food, especially when they see how they look after I let them thaw and squeeze them out of their peels...

...but they certainly don’t complain when I serve them the final product...

Enjoy!

Quinoa, which I recently learned is pronounced “keen-wah”, is a grain recently introduced to me by my sister with the PhD., and I am in love with it. The following is a paragraph taken from All About Quinoa...

“The quinoa seed is high in protein, calcium and iron, a relatively good source of vitamin E and several of the B vitamins. It contains an almost perfect balance of all eight essential amino acids needed for tissue development in humans. It is exceptionally high in lysine, cystine and methionine-amino acids typically low in other grains. It is a good complement for legumes, which are often low in methionine and cystine. The protein in quinoa is considered to be a complete protein due to the presence of all 8 essential amino acids. Some types of wheat come close to matching quinoa’s protein content, but grains such as barley, corn, and rice generally have less than half the protein of quinoa. Quinoa is 12% to 18% protein and four ounces a day, about 1/2-cup, will provide a childs protein needs for one day. The 6-7% fat of quinoa is relatively high when compared to other grains, but it boasts a low sodium content and also provides valuable starch and fiber. Quinoa also contains albumen, a protein that is found in egg whites, blood serum, and many plant and animal tissues. The seeds are gluten-free which makes this a nutritious and flavorful alternative grain for those with gluten sensitivity. Quinoa would be a worthy addition to anyone’s diet, supplying variety as well as good nutrition.”

Because I am striving to maintain a vegetarian kitchen, this is such a great option for our family, as it is a complete protein. Here’s how to make and use quinoa...

Step 1: Rinse the quinoa in a strainer, as it is coated with a naturally occurring, bitter substance, which protects the grain from insects...

Step 2: Place one part quinoa and 2 parts water in a pot and boil, then simmer for ten minutes, uncovered. It should look like this after about 5 minutes...

....and like this when it is finished...

So far, we’ve eaten this two ways....like oatmeal, with a little salt, butter and sugar, and as a side dish, with teriyaki sauce and canned veggies, which was super-easy...

There are thousands of ways to use quinoa, such as in salads, ground into flour, in waffles, more side dishes, as a rice substitute, etc. Just scour the internet and see what you can come up with. If you’ve used quinoa before, I’d love it if you left a comment and told us how! Thanks for listening!

http://wiseanticsoflife.blogspot.com/2010/01/homemade-poptarts-make-your-own-monday.html

Homemade Poptarts: Make Your Own Monday #1

Welcome to week one of Make Your Own Monday. It’s a new pet project/resolution of mine to make more things at home with ingredients I can pronounce. My son, The Musician, has been teasing for poptarts since school began. I was less than enthusiastic about buying them, however. In my childhood, poptarts were bigger. You got more in a package. They seemed to taste better (but that may be a faulty memory, as so many childhood memories tend to be).

Then, one morning, The Musician, always looking for a way to get sweets, suggested in a semi-innocent tone, “Why don’t you make them homemade and blog about them? “ He has learned the way, Boy! has he learned the way.

So. I went on a little hunt to find some poptart recipes. I figured most of them were just pie crust with jam in them. Our favorite variety, however, is brown sugar and cinnamon. I found them at Chickens in the Road, a fun blog by author Suzanne McMinn.

Anyway, here they are:

Poptarts:
Make piecrust (or buy the ready made...of course, that would be defeating the whole “make your own” idea, but it is easier and may be more efficient in the long run for some of you.)
Here is my recipe:
11/3 cups fat (butter, lard, shortening, tallow...use a combination of two for the best flavor)*
4 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 Tbls sugar
2/3 cup cold water
*that may seem like a lot of fat, basically, you are making enough piecrust for 3 pies....play with the amount and see if you get good results
Combine the fat, flour, salt and sugar with a pastry blender or in a food processor. Add the water a little at a time, mixing with a fork or food processor until it forms a slightly moist ball. Divide into two balls and roll out on a floured surface.

At this point, you can trim off the edges so you have nice, neat rectangles, but I didn’t want to waste any, so these are less than perfect.

For the filling, you can as I said, use jam or chop up some apple pie filling. We chose to the brown sugar variety: Melt 3 tablespoons butter and combine with 1/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl.

Cut your pie crust into smaller rectangles...making sure you cut an even number (tops and bottoms). Sprinkle some of the filling (about 1-2 Tbsp) on every other one.

Carefully place a top piece on the filling. Using a fork, crimp the edges shut to seal in the filling, but prick the tops to vent. If you are using jam or a fruit filling, this is especially important or you will have a mess on your baking sheet. Transfer the poptarts to a cookie sheet (I put a silpat on mine). Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes, switching from the top wrack to the bottom wrack halfway through the baking time. You will know they are done when they get a little tan aroun the edges and loose the shiny look in the middle. Remove from the pan and let cool completely on a wire wrack.

If desired, frost with a powdered sugar glaze:
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla
1-2 tsp milk (you don’t want this runny)
1 tsp cinnamon (for the brown sugar filling)
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, whisking briskly to remove lumps.

I put sprinkles on top to make it fun.

The verdict: “Mom, these are way better than the store kind!”
This recipe made 7 very large poptarts; probably the equivalent of 2 store bought boxes. It cost much less than the $4+ it would have taken to buy them and they were amazing.

I had an inquiry about a chocolate poptart variety and I have given it some thought. I think that melting chocolate chips and adding them to the crust before the water (when it is still in the crumbly stage) would be the best way to get chocolate crust. For the filling, try this: 1/2 stick butter, 1 square semisweet chocolate, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 3 Tbls flour, 2 Tbls cocoa. Melt the butter and chocolate in the microwave. Add the sugar, egg and vanilla and stir vigorously. Combine the flour and cocoa and add.

Granny - if you have a ping list can you add me? I have been (way too) busy lately and just don’t visit this thread as often as I’d like to.

One thing I use Lavender oil for is burns. It is a healer for burns like nothing else, although immersing the burn if possible in very cold water, and later applications of clay packs, after the application of lavender oil, are also very very good. No household should be without lavender oil. It also calms the mind and helps uplift depressed spirits.

I have an internet friend who is a very knowledgeable herbalist as well as a scientist and is very concerned about the recurrence of swine flu - it’s starting up again in most states. He helped me through a bout of swine flu in October that took 2 months to recuperate from - lungs still working on getting back to normal. I am posting below his website of herbal extracts that are very affordable. I make my own herb formulas but if I did not, I would take his.

http://lifewurx.com/

I also have an email for him if anyone wants to contact him about using his formulas. I would urge anyone concerned about flu to have remedies on hand, because flu viruses replicate SO FAST it is vital to hit them with whatever you have IMMEDIATELY.

I got swine flu twice - once in January last year, and again in October. I went from “well to hell” in less than 12 hours each time. This is such a bad flu virus and it is mutating and creating different strains, that getting it once doesn’t mean you can’t get it again, and likely the vaccines won’t work well - people have gotten vaccinated and weeks later still gotten sick.

He also has formulas for other needs as well.

I don’t go around touting businesses but he is a personal friend of the highest moral character and his products are excellent.

Seed Packet Printables & Templates {Free}

Posted By TipNut On July 4, 2009 @ 6:36 am In Paper Crafts | 3 Comments

Here is a lovely collection of free seed packet designs and template printables I’ve found online, use these to collect and organize your seeds and to give the seeds you’ve harvested from your garden as gifts. A few of the sites offer more than one design (I’ve noted those in the descriptions).
Free Seed Packet Printables

*Click on pictures to get your copy

Garden Seeds Packet Download By Content In A Cottage

Two Different Colored Seed Packets Available By Modish

Assorted Free Seed Envelopes By The Allotment Junkies

Pretty Patterned Template With Labels From M & Co.

DIY Scrapbook Paper Seed Packet Project By Vale Design

DIY Seed Packet Project By Vale Design

Assorted Printable Seed Packets By Alenka’s Printables

Assorted Seed Envelope Patterns By Caustic Musings

Origami Seed Packet Directions By Caustic Musings

Seed Packet Freebie By Pamela Donnis Designs

How Does Your Garden Grow Seed Packet By Always Kawaii

Assorted Seed Packets By Mardar’s Stuff

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Free Printables: Over 35 Packaging Templates [1]
* Free 2010 Calendar Printables {Lovely} [2]
* Mini File Folders & Labels: Free Printables [3]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/seed-packets/

URLs in this post:

[1] Free Printables: Over 35 Packaging Templates: http://tipnut.com/free-printables-packaging-templates/

[2] Free 2010 Calendar Printables {Lovely}: http://tipnut.com/free-2010-calendars/

[3] Mini File Folders & Labels: Free Printables: http://tipnut.com/mini-file-folders/

Free 2010 Calendar Printables {Lovely}

Posted By TipNut On December 31, 2009 @ 4:05 am In Paper Crafts | 1 Comment

Some fantastic freebies here! Many of the designs shown below are just a sample of what each calendar offers and there’s quite an assortment here to suit everyone’s preferences. You’ll find monthly calendars, year-at-a-glance, desktop cd case calendars and even a wall pocket. Don’t miss the bottom section where I have a lot of resources listed for online calendar generators, blank calendar templates and planner pages to download (perfect for updating your household notebooks and binders [1]). You know how this works…just click a picture to visit the freebie source and enjoy the goodies!

Printable 2010 Monthly Calendar By alicecantrell.com
[2]

Free Gleaux Monthly Calendar by loveobsessinspire.typepad.com

2010 Wall Pocket Calendar By creaturecomfortsblog.com

Free 2010 Monthly Calendar by blueantstudio.blogspot.com

Free 2010 Calendar Download By My Wings Are Made Of Faith

Download: Matryoshka Calendar By aprintaday.blogspot.com

Free 2010 Printable Calendar by Barefooted Blessings

12 Months of Cookies Calendar By foodloveswriting.com

2010 CD Case Desk Calendar by ruffledblog.com

2010 Monthly Calendar Pages By sheepdogpd.blogspot.com

CD Case Calendar By collagediva.typepad.com

Free 2010 Planner Pages By brendaarnall.typepad.com
[3]

2010 Dada Calendar By littlebrownpen.blogspot.com

Year At A Glance Calendars:

Printable 2010 Calendar and Template By donteatthepaste.com

2010 Free Printable Calendar (Full Year) by livinglocurto.com

7 Different Designs To Choose From By stylishcorrespondence.com

Mini Print: 2010 Year Calendar By themodernhive.com

Here’s an assortment of online resources that offer calendars and planner pages to print out for free, some offer customization options!

* MyFreeCalendarMaker: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly formats available [4]
* YearlyCalendarMaker [5]: Make & create a free yearly photo calendar
* ePrintableCalendars Create a Free Printable Calendar [6]
* MintPrintables: Blank Day Planners, Weekly Calendars, Monthly [7]
* CalendarLabs: 2009 – 2010 Online Calendars, Blank Calendar, 2009 – 2010 Holidays Calendar & More [8]
* PrintablePaper: Monthly, Weekly, Two-Week, Half Page w/ Notes, & More [9]
* PDFcalendar: Generate Your Own 12-Week-Per-Page Calendar Printout [10]

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* 2009 Calendars: Freebie Printables [11]
* Buncha Cool Free Printable Calendars + DIY Calendar Projects [12]
* Seed Packet Printables & Templates {Free} [13]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/free-2010-calendars/

URLs in this post:

[1] household notebooks and binders: http://tipnut.com/make-a-household-organizer-notebook-buncha-links/

[2]

Printable 2010 Monthly Calendar By alicecantrell.com
: http://www.alicecantrell.com/blog/2009/12/a-gift-for-you.html

[3]

Free 2010 Planner Pages By brendaarnall.typepad.com
: http://brendaarnall.typepad.com/its_a_new_day/2009/11/get-with-the-plan-year-3.html

[4] MyFreeCalendarMaker: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly formats available: http://www.myfreecalendarmaker.com/

[5] YearlyCalendarMaker: http://www.yearlycalendarmaker.net

[6] ePrintableCalendars Create a Free Printable Calendar: http://www.eprintablecalendars.com/

[7] MintPrintables: Blank Day Planners, Weekly Calendars, Monthly: http://www.mintprintables.com/calendars/

[8] CalendarLabs: 2009 – 2010 Online Calendars, Blank Calendar, 2009 – 2010 Holidays Calendar & More: http://www.calendarlabs.com/

[9] PrintablePaper: Monthly, Weekly, Two-Week, Half Page w/ Notes, & More: http://www.printablepaper.net/category/calendar

[10] PDFcalendar: Generate Your Own 12-Week-Per-Page Calendar Printout: http://www.pdfcalendar.com/12-weeks/

[11] 2009 Calendars: Freebie Printables: http://tipnut.com/2009-calendars/

[12] Buncha Cool Free Printable Calendars + DIY Calendar Projects: http://tipnut.com/cool-free-printable-calendars/

[13] Seed Packet Printables & Templates {Free}: http://tipnut.com/seed-packets/

Free Printables: Over 35 Packaging Templates

Posted By TipNut On August 15, 2008 @ 1:09 pm In Paper Crafts | 5 Comments

Today’s feature is from Mirkwood Designs with dozens of free printable templates [1] as well as Osaka International School with Packaging Templates [2] (many are from the first link). You’ll find printable templates for lots of things including:

* small favour box
* bon bon candy box
* cake slice box
* teapot gift bag
* Victorian sewing box
* stationary box
* heart basket
* door hanger gift box

And lots more! Visit the site above for all the goodies.

Updated: I added Mirkwood Designs to this feature since that site was the actual designer of most of the templates listed on the second site (thanks to Donna for the heads up!).

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Seed Packet Printables & Templates {Free} [3]
* Adorable Bookplate Printables: Free Download [4]
* Canning Jar Labels: Free Printables [5]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/free-printables-packaging-templates/

URLs in this post:

[1] dozens of free printable templates: http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/templates.htm

[2] Packaging Templates: http://yayoi.senri.ed.jp/departments/OISTech/OISDT/gr7dt/templates.htm

[3] Seed Packet Printables & Templates {Free}: http://tipnut.com/seed-packets/

[4] Adorable Bookplate Printables: Free Download: http://tipnut.com/adorable-bookplate/

[5] Canning Jar Labels: Free Printables: http://tipnut.com/canning-jar-labels/

Canning Jar Labels: Free Printables

Posted By TipNut On July 25, 2009 @ 6:53 am In Paper Crafts, Popular Tips | 10 Comments

* Canning Lids Download [1]: A set of 12 cute printables for canning jar lids, pdf download available.
* Vintage Design Labels [2]: Nice printables on pdf that you can edit to add the contents or your name, whatever you like. Gorgeous!
* Alenkas Printables – Labels Templates [3]: Both circular jar toppers and rectangular labels available, type your info right on the graphics and then print.
* Canning Labels & Gift Tags [4]: Another set of labels from HP.com, pdf download (not editable like above–handwrite the info instead).
* Free Country Labels & Canning Jar Labels [5]: A small assortment of country style graphics for preserves and canning jars. Each file is available separately (graphic image download).
* Free Printable Labels [6]: Country style labels, a few quite suitable for canning. There is a full printable sheet per design set.
* Rainbow Row Graphics Canning Labels [7]: These are more for gift giving, some cute stuff to print.
* Decorative Jam Labels [8]: (newly added) Three different designs of jam labels from Martha Stewart.

Also check out this tutorial for making your own personalized labels online, they’re great for making canning jar labels too: How To Make Personalized Mailing Labels: Tutorial [9].

Don’t miss Free Gifts In A Jar Recipes + More [10] and this cool kitchen hack: Tip: Use Mason Jars With Your Blender [11].

Updated: Originally published: August 2, 2008

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Free Gifts In A Jar Recipes + More [10]
* 19 Free Kitchen, Household & Crafty Printables [12]
* Free Recipe Card Download + Mailing Label: {Printables} [13]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/canning-jar-labels/

URLs in this post:

[1] Canning Lids Download: http://asonomagarden.wordpress.com/2008/07/21/canning-lids-download/

[2] Vintage Design Labels: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/acProject?project=vintagehandcraftedproductlabels&extcat=labelscovers&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en

[3] Alenkas Printables – Labels Templates: http://alenkasprintables.com/free_labels.shtml

[4] Canning Labels & Gift Tags: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/acProject?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&extcat=labelscovers&project=canninglabelsandgifttags

[5] Free Country Labels & Canning Jar Labels: http://www.countryclipart.com/countrylabels.htm

[6] Free Printable Labels: http://www.graphicgarden.com/files17/eng/print/labels1e.php

[7] Rainbow Row Graphics Canning Labels: http://rainbowrowgraphics.com/printables/canning%20labels/index.html

[8] Decorative Jam Labels: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/decorative-jam-labels

[9] How To Make Personalized Mailing Labels: Tutorial: http://tipnut.com/mailing-labels/

[10] Free Gifts In A Jar Recipes + More: http://tipnut.com/free-gifts-in-a-jar-recipes/

[11] Tip: Use Mason Jars With Your Blender: http://tipnut.com/use-mason-jars-with-your-blender-tip/

[12] 19 Free Kitchen, Household & Crafty Printables: http://tipnut.com/free-kitchen-household-crafty-printables/

[13] Free Recipe Card Download + Mailing Label: {Printables}: http://tipnut.com/recipe-card-mailing-label/

Free Gifts In A Jar Recipes + More

Posted By TipNut On December 21, 2009 @ 2:01 am In Food Tips, Popular Tips, Recipes | 11 Comments

Gifts in a jar typically include all the ingredients to make or bake something that are stored in jars (like mason jars or jam jars, etc.) and presented as gifts.

They can be cookie mixes, cake mixes, bath & beauty ingredients (like bath salts [1] and foot soaks [2]), hearty soup mixes, bread, buns, pastry ingredients, seasoning mixes, hot beverage recipes (like Homemade Spiced Mocha Mix [3]), any recipe that will keep well in a jar pretty much works.

Sometimes the ingredients are all layered in the jar and this can look quite appealing if there’s some contrast between the colors, other times the recipe ingredients are fully mixed together before being placed in the jar.

After filling the jars, you can decorate the lids to look pretty and more festive. Make sure to include the list of ingredients and recipe directions for cooking or baking the mix or how to use the gift.

Here’s a collection of resources that share hundreds of free recipes for these lovely homemade gifts. I also added a few treats at the bottom for how to decorate the jar lids as well as some freebie printables (labels & tags for gifts in a jar).
Free Homemade Gifts In A Jar Recipes

* Nikibone.com – Gifts in a Jar [4]
* JoycesFineCooking.com Recipes – Gifts in a Jar [5]
* Recipes To Go – Gifts In A Jar Recipe Category [6]
* Heart4Home.net – Jar Mixes [7]
* Gifts From Your Kitchen – Gifts in a Jar or Bag [8] (click categories to view all the recipes)
* Craftbits – Jar Gifts Category [9]
* Mary Mae’s Jars and Mixes [10]
* 354+ Edible Gift Mixes [11]
* Gifts You Can Make: Delicious Hot Drink Mixes [12]

Decorating Ideas For Gift Jar Lids

* Martha Stewart: Decorative Jar Lids [13]
* Felt Jar Topper – LuckyKate Crafts [14]: This has a strawberry design but you can change it to whatever you like.
* Directions to Sew Fabric Canning Jar Covers [15]
* Jar Topper With Bias Tape Finished Edge [16]
* Oilcloth Gift Jar Toppers [17]
* Scrappy Jar Lids Tutorial [18]

Tags & Labels For Gift Jars

* Lollychops [19]
* Domino Sugar: Baking Gift Tags [20] (pdf)
* Domino Sugar: Spa Gifts In A Jar Tags [21] (pdf)
* Canning Jar Labels: Free Printables [22]

And here are some tips if you’re new to making gifts in a jar: Giving Dessert Making Ingredients in Jars and Containers [23] (About.com).

Homemade gifts in a jar are easy to make and they’re great frugal gifts, they’re also nice additions to homemade gift baskets [24]. Also see Gifts From The Kitchen: 30 Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes [25] and 30 Pampering Beauty & Spa Gifts To Make [26].

Updated: Originally published December 15, 2007

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Canning Jar Labels: Free Printables [22]
* Gifts From The Kitchen: 40 Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes [25]
* Plant Related Gifts You Can Make [27]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/free-gifts-in-a-jar-recipes/

URLs in this post:

[1] bath salts: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-bath-salts-soaks/

[2] foot soaks: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-foot-soak-recipes/

[3] Homemade Spiced Mocha Mix: http://tipnut.com/homemade-spiced-mocha-mix/

[4] Nikibone.com – Gifts in a Jar: http://www.nikibone.com/recipe/gifts_in_a_jar.html

[5] JoycesFineCooking.com Recipes – Gifts in a Jar: http://www.joycesfinecooking.com/gifts_in_a_jar.htm

[6] Recipes To Go – Gifts In A Jar Recipe Category: http://www.recipestogo.com/foodgift/foodgift.html

[7] Heart4Home.net – Jar Mixes: http://www.heart4home.net/giftsinajar.htm

[8] Gifts From Your Kitchen – Gifts in a Jar or Bag: http://www.giftsfromyourkitchen.com/jar/jar.html

[9] Craftbits – Jar Gifts Category: http://www.craftbits.com/viewCategory.do?categoryID=REC

[10] Mary Mae’s Jars and Mixes: http://www.members.tripod.com/~MaryMae/jarlinks.htm

[11] 354+ Edible Gift Mixes: http://everythingyourmamamade.com/2008/12/12/354-edible-gift-mixes/

[12] Gifts You Can Make: Delicious Hot Drink Mixes: http://www.momadvice.com/blog/2009/11/gifts-you-can-make-delicious-hot-drink.html

[13] Martha Stewart: Decorative Jar Lids: http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/decorative-jar-lids

[14] Felt Jar Topper – LuckyKate Crafts: http://lucykatecrafts.blogspot.com/2008/07/tis-season-for-strawberries.html

[15] Directions to Sew Fabric Canning Jar Covers: http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/carjarlidsvisua.htm

[16] Jar Topper With Bias Tape Finished Edge: http://www.achristianhome.org/Homemaking/sew_a_jar_topper.htm

[17] Oilcloth Gift Jar Toppers: http://oilclothaddict.blogspot.com/2008/12/oca-tutorial-6-gift-jar-decorations-by.html

[18] Scrappy Jar Lids Tutorial: http://fowlsinglefile.blogspot.com/2009/10/scrappy-jar-lids-tutorial.html

[19] Lollychops: http://www.lollychops.com/lollychops/2008/12/tagerific-tags.html

[20] Domino Sugar: Baking Gift Tags: http://www.dominosugar.com/mm/files/Baking-Gift-Tags.pdf

[21] Domino Sugar: Spa Gifts In A Jar Tags: http://www.dominosugar.com/mm/files/Sugar-Scrub-Gift-Tags.pdf

[22] Canning Jar Labels: Free Printables: http://tipnut.com/canning-jar-labels/

[23] Giving Dessert Making Ingredients in Jars and Containers: http://baking.about.com/library/weekly/aa081799.htm

[24] homemade gift baskets: http://tipnut.com/homemade-gift-baskets/

[25] Gifts From The Kitchen: 30 Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes: http://tipnut.com/kitchen-gifts/

[26] 30 Pampering Beauty & Spa Gifts To Make: http://tipnut.com/beauty-spa-gifts/

[27] Plant Related Gifts You Can Make: http://tipnut.com/plant-related-gifts-you-can-make/

75 Tips to Survive a Down Economy

Posted By TipNut On July 10, 2008 @ 1:03 pm In Frugal Living | 4 Comments

Today’s feature is from Frugal Dad with 75 Tips to Survive a Down Economy [1]:

I originally titled this post, “75 Tips to Survive a Recession,” but since there is still some dispute from economists on whether or not we are actually in recession, I just stuck with the phrase, “down economy.” Regardless of how economists refer to it, people are hurting, financially. $4.00 a gallon gasoline, rising food prices, declining home values, and a deflating dollar are combining to make it tough to stick to a budget.

Quite the list, check it out! Some more discussion and ideas from Tipnut:

* Make Your Own Household Cleaners [2]
* How To Save Money On Groceries – Tips Guide [3]
* Making A Coupon Organizer System – How To Guide [4]
* Frugal Tip: Stockpile & Save Money [5]
* Future Costs Preparedness: What Are Your Plans? [6]
* Cheaper Transportation: We Downgraded–What’s Your Plan? [7]
* Sharpen Your Frugal Senses: Keep A Wish List [8]

Browse through the Frugal Living Tips [9] and Green Living [10] categories for lots of specific ways & ideas to cut down.

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Get Organized & Save Cash: Grocery Stockpiling Tips [11]
* Price Books Save Money: Here’s How [12]
* Frugal Living Helpers [13]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/75-tips-to-survive-a-down-economy/

URLs in this post:

[1] 75 Tips to Survive a Down Economy: http://frugaldad.com/2008/06/16/75-tips-to-survive-a-down-economy/

[2] Make Your Own Household Cleaners: http://tipnut.com/category/cleaning/cleaning-recipes/

[3] How To Save Money On Groceries – Tips Guide: http://tipnut.com/how-to-save-money-on-groceries/

[4] Making A Coupon Organizer System – How To Guide: http://tipnut.com/coupon-organizer-system/

[5] Frugal Tip: Stockpile & Save Money: http://tipnut.com/frugal-tip-stockpile-save-money/

[6] Future Costs Preparedness: What Are Your Plans?: http://tipnut.com/future-costs-preparedness-what-are-your-plans/

[7] Cheaper Transportation: We Downgraded–What’s Your Plan?: http://tipnut.com/cheaper-transportation-we-downgraded-whats-your-plan/

[8] Sharpen Your Frugal Senses: Keep A Wish List: http://tipnut.com/keep-a-wish-list/

[9] Frugal Living Tips: http://tipnut.com/category/household-tips/frugal/

[10] Green Living: http://tipnut.com/category/household-tips/green-living/

[11] Get Organized & Save Cash: Grocery Stockpiling Tips: http://tipnut.com/grocery-stockpiling/

[12] Price Books Save Money: Here’s How: http://tipnut.com/price-books/

[13] Frugal Living Helpers: http://tipnut.com/frugal-living-helpers/

35 Ways To Watch Television Without Cable Or Satellite

Posted By TipNut On July 4, 2008 @ 1:04 pm In Frugal Living | 2 Comments

Today’s feature is from My Two Dollars with 35 Ways To Watch Television Without Cable Or Satellite [1]:

At my house, basic digital cable TV cost over $69 per month (plus taxes) and we watch maybe 10 of the 150 channels that they provide to us, meaning that we pay for many channels that we have no interest in. While the price of just about everything headed skyward, paid cable and satellite TV is sometimes one of the first things to go from someone’s budget – there are a lot of people who have taken the big step of getting rid of paid TV in their house and reverting back to antennas or no TV at all.

Aside from a couple TV shows that I’m hooked on, I don’t watch a lot of TV and could easily live without a cable package. I do have a husband and son to contend with (big sports fans) so pulling the plug on the cable package would be an issue . But if money was tight and it came down to living a little easier or enjoying cable tv, the cable would be gone in a flash.

This list has a lot of good ideas to still enjoy some TV watching–without the cable price tag. You’ll also catch a few more suggestions in the comments area, please visit the site for all the ideas. You’ll also find 10 Productive Things You Can Do While Watching TV [2] for some ideas to make the most of your TV watching time.

I’m curious, do you find yourself spending more time on the internet than you do watching TV? If I look back to about 5 or 10 years ago, the internet has definitely taken over the time I used to watch TV. I also recall that our cable package was between $40 and $50 dollars a month (about 15 years ago) and we’re now paying between $100 and $125 a month (this includes our internet connection). We have a lot more features than we did back in the day, but snap! that’s a big jump.

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Price Books Save Money: Here’s How [3]
* 12 Ways To Save On Baby Stuff [4]
* 12 Easy Ways To Go Green (And Save Cash) [5]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/35-ways-to-watch-television-without-cable-or-satellite/

URLs in this post:

[1] 35 Ways To Watch Television Without Cable Or Satellite: http://www.mytwodollars.com/2008/06/23/35-ways-to-watch-television-without-paying-for-cable-or-satellite/

[2] 10 Productive Things You Can Do While Watching TV: http://tipnut.com/10-productive-things-to-do-while-watching-tv/

[3] Price Books Save Money: Here’s How: http://tipnut.com/price-books/

[4] 12 Ways To Save On Baby Stuff: http://tipnut.com/baby-stuff/

[5] 12 Easy Ways To Go Green (And Save Cash): http://tipnut.com/12-easy-ways-to-go-green-and-save-cash/

Future Costs Preparedness: What Are Your Plans?

Posted By TipNut On June 24, 2008 @ 1:03 pm In Frugal Living | 15 Comments

Today’s feature is from Mother Earth News with What steps would you take to prepare if you knew that five years from now everything would cost 10 times what it costs now [1]:

What steps would you take to prepare if you knew that five years from now everything would cost 10 times what it costs now — gas, food, electricity, solar panels, hybrid cars — everything, but your income would not change? What would you do now to be in a better place to cope?

Some thoughts they toss out:

* Find land to develop skills to grow and preserve a good portion of your own food
* Have you considered how you would keep your home warm?
* Would you move closer to work, invest in a bicycle to save on fuel costs?

A pretty heavy topic, but some excellent points to consider. There’s a discussion going on in their forum here that you can participate in: Despair? Determination? Delight? — Let’s Discuss [2].

I’m curious to know what your thoughts are, do you think we’re trending toward a permanent higher cost of living with lower or stagnant wages or do you think we’re just experiencing a temporary blip and fears over future high costs are alarmist?

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Start A Coupon Club At Work [3]
* Tipnut’s Hit List – June 2008 – Popular Tips [4]
* Child’s Drawing Desk: Free Woodworking Plans [5]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/future-costs-preparedness-what-are-your-plans/

URLs in this post:

[1] What steps would you take to prepare if you knew that five years from now everything would cost 10 times what it costs now: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Nature-Community/2008-06-01/Discuss-Emergency-Preparedness.aspx

[2] Despair? Determination? Delight? — Let’s Discuss: http://www.motherearthnews.com/forums/forum.aspx?boardid=1202&g=posts&t=132850

[3] Start A Coupon Club At Work: http://tipnut.com/start-a-coupon-club-at-work/

[4] Tipnut’s Hit List – June 2008 – Popular Tips: http://tipnut.com/june-2008-popular-tips/

[5] Child’s Drawing Desk: Free Woodworking Plans: http://tipnut.com/childs-drawing-desk/

15 Tips For Leftover & Surplus Food Items

Posted By TipNut On June 24, 2008 @ 6:37 am In Food Tips, Frugal Living, Popular Tips | 16 Comments

Here are 15 Quick Tips for stretching out and using the last little bit of a food item instead of tossing the extra bit out. This is not only less wasteful–it saves cash!

This page is a compilation of individual Quick Tips previously published that will be deleted from the Tipnut blog–they’ve been moved here all on one handy page for convenience.
Tips For Leftover & Surplus Food Items

1. Have a cup or so of rice left over from last night’s meal that you don’t know what to do with? Toss it into your lunchtime vegetable soup or even chicken broth. Bulks up the soup a bit and saves the rice from being tossed out.
2. Make big batches of rice and freeze in meal size portions to use later when preparing quick meals. When freezing individual sized portions, freeze with leftover veggies, meats and sauces for hassle free & cheap work lunches.
3. Drop large spoonfuls of any leftover whipped cream on a wax paper lined cookie sheet and freeze. Once frozen individually, store them in a freezer bag. You can use these on desserts and hot beverages like hot chocolate and coffee (just let them thaw a bit first). These don’t store long though, use within two weeks. For excellent homemade whipped cream, try this: Real Whipped Cream Recipe [1] (second recipe).
4. Freeze your leftover tea in ice cube trays with a mint leaf or a curl of lemon zest–even a slice of lemon. Use the frozen cubes to chill and flavor iced tea when serving. Great for large batches or individual servings.
5. Have eggs that need to be used up before they expire? Eggs can be frozen whole or separated in amounts usually needed. For example: If you make your own mayonnaise, freeze in containers the number of eggs yolks you normally use per batch. In another container, freeze egg whites.
6. Once a fresh banana is too ripe to eat don’t throw it out, you can freeze it in a number of ways, see this tip [2] (includes a recipe for banana bread).
7. If you can’t eat the grapes fast enough before they start going bad, try freezing them. First wash the grapes well, allow to dry, then lay them neatly on a cookie sheet (not touching each other). Place the tray in the freezer and once the grapes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. Store in the freezer and just take out what you need when you want a cold, fruity treat (eat them as is–frozen–or add to things like yogurt, smoothies and ice cream). This also works well for berries (raspberries, blueberries, pitted cherries, etc.).
8. When needing just the broccoli florets, save the uncooked stems, wash well and chop finely. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate. Add the stem bits to salads and cooked dishes like rice or scrambled eggs. This not only helps prevent waste, it also adds a little health boost to your dishes.
9. Whenever you have leftover bread on hand that won’t be eaten in time before it goes stale, wrap well then freeze. You can grate the frozen bread easily and make your own breadcrumbs.
10. Frugal tip: Don’t toss out your bread once it’s no longer fresh, homemade croutons are yummy! Here’s a quick and easy method to make them: Homemade Croutons – Yum! [3]
11. A couple ideas for leftover ham: Cut into steaks, wrap individually in plastic wrap and then store in freezer bags. Take them out for lunches or quick meals as needed. Cut ham into cubes and store in freezer bags (meal size portions). Mix in scrambled eggs, leftover potatoes (hash browns or breakfast mash), add to pasta salads, omelets, whatever you like.
12. Freeze leftover wine in icecube trays, then remove and seal in freezer bags. Freeze these until you need wine for cooking, removing wine cubes from the bag as needed. First measure the wine as you fill your first cube so you know how much each cube holds. Or if you find you mainly cook with full tablespoons of wine for most sauces and dishes, you can measure 1 tablespoon amount in each cube.
13. If you have part of a bell pepper left over from a recipe and no other immediate use for it, just slice it into strips or dice (whichever you prefer), seal in a freezer bag and freeze. You can also freeze whole bell peppers, see Freezing Bell Peppers [4].
14. If you have apples that are no longer that fresh but still good to eat, here’s a tip to use them up fast: Cut apples into wedges, fry slowly in a bit of butter and then sprinkle with cinnamon. Your kids will eat them up lickety split! If you’re really ambitious, use them to make an apple crisp or apple pie.
15. Store leftover nuts like walnuts and almonds in an airtight container and keep in the freezer. This will keep them fresh and tasty. This will also prevent them from going rancid. Also if using nuts in baking, toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes first, cool, then add to batter. They won’t sink to the bottom of the batter as easily.

*Some comments below will be timestamped from an earlier date–these have been moved here from the individual quick tips that have been deleted so that the comments wouldn’t be lost.

*If you previously bookmarked or saved one of these individual Quick Tips, not to worry–your bookmarks and links will automatically forward to this page so nothing has been lost .

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* 10 Frugal Leftover Turkey Recipes [5]
* 7 Easy Freeze-Ahead Shortcuts [6]
* Can Eggs Be Frozen? You Betcha! [7]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/tips-for-leftovers/

URLs in this post:

[1] Real Whipped Cream Recipe: http://tipnut.com/substitute-for-whipped-cream/

[2] see this tip: http://tipnut.com/freeze-bananas-plus-banana-bread-recipe/

[3] Homemade Croutons – Yum!: http://tipnut.com/homemade-croutons-yum/

[4] Freezing Bell Peppers: http://tipnut.com/freeze-leftover-bell-peppers/

[5] 10 Frugal Leftover Turkey Recipes: http://tipnut.com/10-frugal-leftover-turkey-recipes/

[6] 7 Easy Freeze-Ahead Shortcuts: http://tipnut.com/freeze-ahead-shortcuts/

[7] Can Eggs Be Frozen? You Betcha!: http://tipnut.com/eggs-frozen/

Saving Money Is Hot! Tips For Shifting To Frugal Living

Posted By TipNut On April 30, 2008 @ 1:11 pm In Frugal Living | 3 Comments

Piggy Bank Savings

Today’s feature offers some frugal goodies and tips, props to The Digerati Life with this great article that inspired today’s post: Saving Money Is In! The Recession Diet and The Shift To Frugal Living [1]:

As the economy slides downwards, behavioral trends are also shifting as people are making the necessary adjustments to the new financial realities they face. As certain economic realities begin to dawn upon most of us and we start feeling the pinch of higher prices, lower investment returns and a slowdown in the job market, we’re finally taking stock of our financial situations and actually making some concrete changes. At least, that’s what some newspapers have been reporting lately.

Topics Covered:

* Will Economic Changes Herald a New Frugal Era?
* How To Go On A Recession Diet
* What’s In and What’s Out In Today’s More Frugal World

I think the Frugal Living movement has been building over the past several years and it isn’t going anywhere but up, we all LOVE saving money! Today it’s easier than ever to find good information and encouragement online…

Saving Money Support & Advice

* Me Frugal? No, I Just Watch MY Cash [2] and plenty more from Dumb Little Man [3]
* Wise Bread [4]
* Mommy Savers [5]
* The Cheapskate Guide: 50 Tips for Frugal Living [6] and lots more from Zen Habits [7]
* Work It Mom [8]

Tips For Saving Money

Plenty of easy-to-do ideas available to save money on groceries:

Coupon Tips and Tricks That Can Cut Your Grocery Bill By 80% [9], Tips Guide On How To Save Money On Groceries [10] and the Coupon Organizer System [11] will all help you slash costs without feeling a pinch!

How about ideas for how to save money on gas? MSN Money offers 12 Ways To Find Cheaper Gas [12].

Here’s a list: 10 of the easiest ways to save money [13]. I think making your own cleaning supplies [14], laundry detergents [15] and learning [16] how to do [17] things yourself [18] is not only frugal, but provides a lifelong payback (you grow to be relatively self-sufficient).

Frugal living isn’t practiced solely out of necessity, there are plenty of folks who simply enjoy holding onto their cash and want to pull back from excess or expensive trends. With today’s economy though, many who never considered choosing a frugal lifestyle are now starting to check things out and thanks to the net and blogging–there’s a wealth of information available for everyone to benefit from.

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Frugal Living Helpers [19]
* Price Books Save Money: Here’s How [20]
* Lou Manfredini’s Top Ten Energy Saving Tips [21]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/saving-money-is-hot-tips-for-shifting-to-frugal-living/

URLs in this post:

[1] Saving Money Is In! The Recession Diet and The Shift To Frugal Living: http://www.thedigeratilife.com/blog/index.php/2008/04/28/saving-money-is-in-the-recession-diet-and-the-shift-to-frugal-living/

[2] Me Frugal? No, I Just Watch MY Cash: http://www.dumblittleman.com/2006/06/me-frugal-no-i-just-watch-my-cash.html

[3] Dumb Little Man: http://www.dumblittleman.com/

[4] Wise Bread: http://www.wisebread.com/

[5] Mommy Savers: http://www.mommysavers.com/

[6] The Cheapskate Guide: 50 Tips for Frugal Living: http://zenhabits.net/2007/08/the-cheapskate-guide-50-tips-for-frugal-living/

[7] Zen Habits: http://zenhabits.net/

[8] Work It Mom: http://www.workitmom.com/

[9] Coupon Tips and Tricks That Can Cut Your Grocery Bill By 80%: http://www.thedigeratilife.com/blog/index.php/2008/04/22/coupon-tips-and-tricks-that-can-cut-your-grocery-bill-by-80/

[10] Tips Guide On How To Save Money On Groceries: http://tipnut.com/how-to-save-money-on-groceries/

[11] Coupon Organizer System: http://tipnut.com/coupon-organizer-system/

[12] 12 Ways To Find Cheaper Gas: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveonaCar/10waysToFindCheapGas.aspx

[13] 10 of the easiest ways to save money: http://consumerist.com/384015/10-ways-to-save-real-money

[14] cleaning supplies: http://tipnut.com/category/cleaning/cleaning-recipes/

[15] laundry detergents: http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

[16] learning: http://www.curbly.com/

[17] how to do: http://www.diylife.com/

[18] things yourself: http://lifehacker.com/

[19] Frugal Living Helpers: http://tipnut.com/frugal-living-helpers/

[20] Price Books Save Money: Here’s How: http://tipnut.com/price-books/

[21] Lou Manfredini’s Top Ten Energy Saving Tips: http://tipnut.com/energy-saving-tips/

Gifts From The Kitchen: 40 Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes

Posted By TipNut On December 22, 2009 @ 2:46 am In Popular Tips, Recipes | 4 Comments

Infused Vinegars

1. Cranberry Vinegar Recipes [1]
2. Raspberry Thyme Vinegar Recipe [2]
3. Homemade Rose Petal Vinegar Recipe [3]
4. Lavender Vinegar Recipes [4]
5. Multipurpose Herb Vinegar: Recipe [5]

Homemade Liqueurs & Alcohol

1. Lavender Liqueur Recipes [6]
2. Homemade Cranberry Liqueur [7]
3. Homemade Irish Cream Recipe [8]
4. Make Your Own Apricot Brandy [9]

Mug Mix Recipes

1. Homemade Spiced Mocha Mix [10]
2. Homemade Instant Flavored Coffee Recipe – Cafe Viennoise [11]
3. Homemade Flavored Instant Coffee Recipe – Mocha [12]
4. Amaretto Mocha Recipe Mix [13]
5. Homemade Instant Cappuccino Recipe [14]
6. Homemade Chai Tea Recipe [15]

Homemade Extracts & Oils

1. Homemade Vanilla Extract: Recipes & Tips [16]
2. Homemade Orange Extract Recipe [17]
3. Homemade Lemon Extract Recipes [18]
4. Homemade Vanilla Oil [19]

Flavored Sugars

1. Homemade Lavender Sugar Recipes [20]
2. Homemade Lemon Sugar Recipes [21]
3. Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipes [22]

Spa Gifts

1. Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipes [23]
2. 5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks [24]
3. Candy Cane Sugar Scrub – Recipe [25]
4. Milk Bath Recipes To Pamper Yourself [26]
5. Bath Cookies Recipe [27]
6. Homemade Kitchen Hand Scrub: Recipe [28]
7. Rosemary Herbal Hand Scrub: Recipe [29]
8. Homemade Sea Salt Scrub Recipes [30]

Baking & Food Gifts

1. Parmesan Popcorn Seasoning Recipes [31]
2. How To Make Chocolate Dipped Spoons [32]
3. Squares, Slices & Tarts For Holiday Baking [33]
4. 30 Holiday Cookie Recipes [34] and The Cookie Batch [35]
5. 21 Tempting Coffee Cake Recipes [36]
6. 16 Homemade Salsa Recipes [37]
7. 101 Homemade Jam, Jelly & Marmalade Recipes [38]
8. Pickled Peppers Recipe [39]
9. Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes [40]
10. Make Ahead Herb Seasoning Salt [41]

More Easy Gifts–In A Jar

* Free Gifts In A Jar Recipes + More [42]

Tips

* Homemade Gift Baskets – The Ultimate How To Guide [43]
* Baking Gifts: Creative Container & Filler Ideas [44]
* Holiday Baking Tips: Cookie Assembly Line [45]
* Fruitcake Baking Tips [46]
* Homemade Candy Making Tips [47]
* Kitchen Q&A: Holiday Baking Edition [48]

Updated: Originally Published December 12, 2008

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Free Gifts In A Jar Recipes + More [42]
* Homemade Kitchen Hand Scrub: Recipe [28]
* Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipes [22]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/kitchen-gifts/

URLs in this post:

[1] Cranberry Vinegar Recipes: http://tipnut.com/cranberry-vinegar/

[2] Raspberry Thyme Vinegar Recipe: http://tipnut.com/raspberry-thyme-vinegar-recipe/

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

[4] Lavender Vinegar Recipes: http://tipnut.com/lavender-vinegar-recipes/

[5] Multipurpose Herb Vinegar: Recipe: http://tipnut.com/multipurpose-herb-vinegar/

[6] Lavender Liqueur Recipes: http://tipnut.com/lavender-liqueur/

[7] Homemade Cranberry Liqueur: http://tipnut.com/homemade-cranberry-liqueur/

[8] Homemade Irish Cream Recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-irish-cream-recipe/

[9] Make Your Own Apricot Brandy: http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-apricot-brandy/

[10] Homemade Spiced Mocha Mix: http://tipnut.com/homemade-spiced-mocha-mix/

[11] Homemade Instant Flavored Coffee Recipe – Cafe Viennoise: http://tipnut.com/homemade-instant-flavored-coffee-recipe-cafe-viennoise/

[12] Homemade Flavored Instant Coffee Recipe – Mocha: http://tipnut.com/homemade-flavored-instant-coffee-recipe/

[13] Amaretto Mocha Recipe Mix: http://tipnut.com/amaretto-mocha-recipe-mix/

[14] Homemade Instant Cappuccino Recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-instant-cappuccino-recipe/

[15] Homemade Chai Tea Recipe: http://tipnut.com/chai-tea/

[16] Homemade Vanilla Extract: Recipes & Tips: http://tipnut.com/homemade-vanilla-extract/

[17] Homemade Orange Extract Recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-orange-extract-recipe/

[18] Homemade Lemon Extract Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-lemon-extract-recipes/

[19] Homemade Vanilla Oil: http://tipnut.com/vanilla-oil/

[20] Homemade Lavender Sugar Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-lavender-sugar-recipes/

[21] Homemade Lemon Sugar Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-lemon-sugar-recipes/

[22] Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-vanilla-sugar-recipes/

[23] Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-sugar-scrub-recipes/

[24] 5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-bath-salts-soaks/

[25] Candy Cane Sugar Scrub – Recipe: http://tipnut.com/candy-cane-sugar-scrub-recipe/

[26] Milk Bath Recipes To Pamper Yourself: http://tipnut.com/milk-bath-recipes/

[27] Bath Cookies Recipe: http://tipnut.com/bath-cookies-recipe/

[28] Homemade Kitchen Hand Scrub: Recipe: http://tipnut.com/kitchen-hand-scrub/

[29] Rosemary Herbal Hand Scrub: Recipe: http://tipnut.com/herbal-hand-scrub/

[30] Homemade Sea Salt Scrub Recipes: http://tipnut.com/salt-scrub/

[31] Parmesan Popcorn Seasoning Recipes: http://tipnut.com/parmesan-popcorn-seasoning-recipes/

[32] How To Make Chocolate Dipped Spoons: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-chocolate-dipped-spoons/

[33] Squares, Slices & Tarts For Holiday Baking: http://tipnut.com/squares-slices-tarts/

[34] 30 Holiday Cookie Recipes: http://tipnut.com/holiday-baking-cookies/

[35] The Cookie Batch: http://tipnut.com/cookie-batch/

[36] 21 Tempting Coffee Cake Recipes: http://tipnut.com/coffee-cake-recipes/

[37] 16 Homemade Salsa Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-salsa/

[38] 101 Homemade Jam, Jelly & Marmalade Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-recipes/

[39] Pickled Peppers Recipe: http://tipnut.com/pickled-peppers-recipe/

[40] Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes: http://tipnut.com/sun-dried-tomatoes/

[41] Make Ahead Herb Seasoning Salt: http://tipnut.com/herb-seasoning-salt/

[42] Free Gifts In A Jar Recipes + More: http://tipnut.com/free-gifts-in-a-jar-recipes/

[43] Homemade Gift Baskets – The Ultimate How To Guide: http://tipnut.com/homemade-gift-baskets/

[44] Baking Gifts: Creative Container & Filler Ideas: http://tipnut.com/baking-gifts-container/

[45] Holiday Baking Tips: Cookie Assembly Line: http://tipnut.com/holiday-baking/

[46] Fruitcake Baking Tips: http://tipnut.com/fruitcake-baking-tips/

[47] Homemade Candy Making Tips: http://tipnut.com/homemade-candy-making-tips/

[48] Kitchen Q&A: Holiday Baking Edition: http://tipnut.com/holiday-baking-answers/

Plant Related Gifts You Can Make

Posted By TipNut On May 2, 2008 @ 1:15 pm In Beauty & Health | No Comments

Today’s feature is from You Grow Girl with Plant Related Gift Ideas On The Cheap [1]:

Herb Mix Recipes:

Every year my recipes are different but they are always based on what I think are the three things people want out of a bath; to heal, to revitalize or to relax.

As a result I mix my herbs accordingly. I always add a few extra ingredients aside from herbs to each bag. I add rolled oats (coarsely ground in the blender first) for moisturizing and soothing, epsom salts for muscle relaxation and celtic sea salt (as opposed to table salt) for its healing properties. Powdered milk or citrus peel can also be added. I have listed this year’s recipes below and a listing of other potential ingredients at the side.

Visit the site for directions and recipes for making herbal bath teas (really easy to do, cheap to make and lovely to use). I also have a bunch of ideas here:

1. Homemade Herbal Sleep Pouches [2]
2. Homemade Herbal Bath Bag Recipes [3]
3. Homemade Shower Spa Bags [4]
4. Homemade Rose Dusting Powder Recipe [5]
5. Homemade Potpourri [6]

Tip: You can use these to fill small spa gift baskets [7].

Careful: Make sure to use herbs, plants and flowers that are pesticide free. You’ll also find more bath & beauty recipes in the Beauty & Health category [8].

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* 42 Pampering Beauty & Spa Gifts To Make [9]
* 5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks [10]
* Free Gifts In A Jar Recipes + More [11]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/plant-related-gifts-you-can-make/

URLs in this post:

[1] Plant Related Gift Ideas On The Cheap: http://www.yougrowgirl.com/use/giftideas_bathtea.php

[2] Homemade Herbal Sleep Pouches: http://tipnut.com/homemade-herbal-sleep-pouches/

[3] Homemade Herbal Bath Bag Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-herbal-bath-bag-recipes/

[4] Homemade Shower Spa Bags: http://tipnut.com/homemade-shower-spa-bags/

[5] Homemade Rose Dusting Powder Recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-rose-dusting-powder-recipe/

[6] Homemade Potpourri: http://tipnut.com/homemade-potpourri-101/

[7] fill small spa gift baskets: http://tipnut.com/homemade-gift-baskets/

[8] Beauty & Health category: http://tipnut.com/category/beauty-health/

[9] 42 Pampering Beauty & Spa Gifts To Make: http://tipnut.com/beauty-spa-gifts/

[10] 5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-bath-salts-soaks/

[11] Free Gifts In A Jar Recipes + More: http://tipnut.com/free-gifts-in-a-jar-recipes/

Frugal Living Helpers

Posted By TipNut On July 4, 2007 @ 6:07 am In Frugal Living | 5 Comments

For me the secret to successful Frugal Living is all about perception, your state of mind when it comes to making lifestyle changes to save money.

If I determine that by not purchasing “that toy” I’m denying myself something rather than propelling me forward to a debt free lifestyle, I’m going to feel deprived and that’s not a desirable place to be.

If I focus on how darn good it will feel when “that credit card” is paid off, I feel motivated and in control of my finances.

There are plenty of areas I can make better budgeting and financial choices, but the beauty of thrifty life hacks and tweaks is that they can be extreme if you need them to be, or simple baby steps that progress over time. They all add up and living a frugal life can be at your own comfort level.

If you’re interested in learning more about frugal living or need a bit of a motivational boost, here is a great collection of frugal tools, tips and resources:
Helpful Frugal Sites

* The Dollar Stretcher [1]
* Wise Bread [2]
* Hillbilly Housewife [3]

Frugal Tools

* Budgeting Tools & Calculators [4]
* Consciously Frugal: Tools [5]
* Create A Price Book [6], or this Grocery Savings Spreadsheet [7] or try the printable Price Book page [8]
* Mr. Peanut’s Debt Snowball Calculator [9] (updated link to webarchive since original web page is no longer available)
* Financial Spreadsheets Galore [10]

Thrifty Tips & Articles

* Bohemian Revolution: Emotional Bill Prioritization [11]
* Real Simple: Surprising Expiration Dates [12]
* Dumb Little Man: Me Frugal? No, I just watch MY cash [13]
* MSN: 20 ways to save on a shoestring [14]

Money Savers: Forums

* GardenWeb’s Finance Forum [15]
* Money Saving Expert [16]
* Frugal Village [17]
* SlickDeals.net [18]
* Big Big Forums [19]
* Fat Wallet Forums [20]

Tipnut’s Frugal Hits

A few of Tipnut’s more popular frugal hacks and helpers [21]:

* How To Make Laundry Detergent [22]
* Homemade Cleaner Recipes [23]
* Cheaper Transportation: We Downgraded–What’s Your Plan? [24]
* How To Save Money On Groceries – Tips Guide [25]
* Making A Coupon Organizer System – How To Guide [26]
* Frugal Tip: Stockpile & Save Money [27]

Tips For The Frugal Lifestyle

Frugal lifestyle choices don’t have to be about “20 Ways To Productively Use Dryer Lint & Save Money”, it can be a comfortable process that leaves you more conscious of your purchasing decisions and feeling more empowered.

Try one new money saving method each month, it doesn’t have to be painful. Maybe skipping one takeout meal a week, or cutting back from two coffee purchases a day to one. Stick with it and you’ll see what a difference frugal living can make for your life and your bank account .

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Price Books Save Money: Here’s How [28]
* A Self Sufficient, Frugal State of Mind [29]
* Not The Step-By-Step Guide To Simple Living [30]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/frugal-living-helpers/

URLs in this post:

[1] The Dollar Stretcher: http://www.stretcher.com/

[2] Wise Bread: http://www.wisebread.com/

[3] Hillbilly Housewife: http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/

[4] Budgeting Tools & Calculators: http://www.betterbudgeting.com/budgetingtools.htm

[5] Consciously Frugal: Tools: http://consciouslyfrugal.blogspot.com/2007/03/helpful-tools.html

[6] Create A Price Book: http://www.cheapcooking.com/pricebook.htm

[7] Grocery Savings Spreadsheet: http://www.uncommonwaytowealth.com/excel-finance-spreadsheets/grocery-savings-spreadsheet-price-book/

[8] printable Price Book page: http://organizedhome.com/content-73.html

[9] Mr. Peanut’s Debt Snowball Calculator: http://web.archive.org/web/20071012030804/http://www.geocities.com/snidecl/debtsnowball.html

[10] Financial Spreadsheets Galore: http://www.exinfm.com/free_spreadsheets.html

[11] Bohemian Revolution: Emotional Bill Prioritization: http://bohemianrevolution.com/emotional-debt-saving-prioritization/

[12] Real Simple: Surprising Expiration Dates: http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/print/0,22304,676079,00.html

[13] Dumb Little Man: Me Frugal? No, I just watch MY cash: http://www.dumblittleman.com/2006/06/me-frugal-no-i-just-watch-my-cash.html

[14] MSN: 20 ways to save on a shoestring: http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Savinganddebt/Savemoney/P36020.asp

[15] GardenWeb’s Finance Forum: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/finance/

[16] Money Saving Expert: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/

[17] Frugal Village: http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/

[18] SlickDeals.net: http://forums.slickdeals.net/

[19] Big Big Forums: http://www.bigbigforums.com/

[20] Fat Wallet Forums: http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/

[21] frugal hacks and helpers: http://tipnut.com/category/frugal/

[22] How To Make Laundry Detergent: http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

[23] Homemade Cleaner Recipes: http://tipnut.com/category/cleaning/cleaning-recipes/

[24] Cheaper Transportation: We Downgraded–What’s Your Plan?: http://tipnut.com/cheaper-transportation-we-downgraded-whats-your-plan/

[25] How To Save Money On Groceries – Tips Guide: http://tipnut.com/how-to-save-money-on-groceries/

[26] Making A Coupon Organizer System – How To Guide: http://tipnut.com/coupon-organizer-system/

[27] Frugal Tip: Stockpile & Save Money: http://tipnut.com/frugal-tip-stockpile-save-money/

[28] Price Books Save Money: Here’s How: http://tipnut.com/price-books/

[29] A Self Sufficient, Frugal State of Mind: http://tipnut.com/a-self-sufficient-frugal-state-of-mind/

[30] Not The Step-By-Step Guide To Simple Living: http://tipnut.com/not-the-step-by-step-guide-to-simple-living/

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