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://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/MJLxS02dZ2xnFYYbjIIQ9goScdlnJqe4Vqj19HFERW8C2CWVptFM_K-OiWZuNq-SFHEZ4v05qTDw22IJ8-AP3tZxQkEOygTq/Breads/Hand%20Made%20Yeast%20Breads%20/Lebanese%20Wrapper%20Bread

Lebanese Wrapper Bread

A Down to Earth Cookbook for Bakers and Bread Lovers by Susan Cheney

1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm spring water
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups whole wheat bread flour
1/2 tsp sea salt

In a medium sized mixing bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water.
Sprinkle in a teaspoon of flour, cover, and set in a draft free spot for
a few minutes to proof the yeast. Stir in 1/2 cup of the flour to form a
batter. Cover and set it aside for about thirty minutes, until a sponge
develops.Stir in the salt. Add flour, 1/4 cup at a time, stirring after
each addition, until a dough forms. Turn it out onto a lightly floured
surface and cover it for several minutes.

Thoroughly knead the dough, lightly sprinkling flour under it only as
necessary to keep it from sticking. When the dough is smooth and
resilient, form it into a ball. Place it in a lightly greased bowl,
cover, and set it aside for one to two hours, until the dough has risen
and does not rebound when pressed with a finger.

Turn the dough out and knead it a few times. Return it to the bowl,
covered, to rise a second time.

Cut the dough into six equal pieces and roll each one into a ball. Set
the balls on a lightly floured surface and cover them for thirty minutes.

On a lightly floured surface, with a rolling pin, roll each ball into a
12 inch circle. Stack them, separated by waxed paper and covered with a
damp towel. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.

Bake bread on an ungreased pan for 15 to 20 seconds on each side.
Alternatively, use a hot griddle or inverted wok on top of the stove. In
any case, work quickly so that the breads stay soft and flexible.

As each bread is done, fold it in quarters, and wrap it in a dry towel.
Serve the breads warm.

6 (12 inch) breads

This is lavosh - large, thin, flexible Middle Eastern flat breads, made
from a strong, yeasted wheat dough. They’re used for scooping or
wrapping up vegetable or bean dips, salads, or kebabs. You can bake them
either on a sheet in a hot oven or on top of the stove, draped over an
inverted wok or on a griddle if the breads are small enough to fit. As
with pita, the yeast in this dough contributes to its flavor and
texture; the bread doesn’t rise when baked.Note: Refrigerate or freeze
the breads when they have cooled thoroughly. Wrap and reheat at 350
degrees F. for several minutes.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 104 Calories; trace Fat (4.3%
calories from fat); 3g Protein; 21g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber;
0mg Cholesterol; 158mg Sodium.

Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat.

Submitted by: Darlene

http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/MJLxS42TD1JnFYYbDrj788GaPstoobRNkxxgMnLoOySoslvObEewILm8YFWoFR3nfZPVih69Ja7wP9eI7BK_u435duGv3jYF/Breads/Hand%20Made%20Yeast%20Breads%20/Yemenite%20Flatbreads%20-%20Mahlouach

Yemenite Flatbreads - Mahlouach

3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 cup plus 2 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
oil for greasing
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. Add the water and lemon juice
and stir until a sticky dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured
work surface and knead until smooth. Transfer the dough to a clean, oiled bowl.
Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Oil a large, rimmed baking sheet. Turn the dough out onto the sheet and divide
it into 8 equal pieces. Press each piece into a 6 inch round that’s 1/4 inch
thick. Brush the rounds with 2 tablespoons of the melted butter and roll them
up into cylinders. Cover the cylinders with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15
minutes.

Unwrap the dough cylinders and flatten them into rounds again. Brush the rounds
with 2 tablespoons of the melted butter; roll them up into cylinders. Wrap the
cylinders in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Repeat the
flattening, brushing, rolling and chilling one last time.

Light a grill. Working with one cylinder at a time, unwrap and roll it out as
thinly as possible between two sheets of waxed paper to form a round that’s
approximately 1/16 inch thick.

Carefully transfer 2 or 3 rounds at a time to the grill. Grill over high heat,
turning once, until lightly charred and starting to puff, about 4 minutes.
Transfer the flatbreads to foil and keep hot while you grill the rest. Serve
hot.

Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared through Step 2 and refrigerated overnight.

Makes: 8 flatbreads

NOTE: To create the layered flatbread called mahlouach, Michael Solomonov
relies on a technique similar to one used to make puff pastry: He brushes the
dough with butter and folds it repeatedly before rolling it out into rounds. To
bolster the flavor, he sears the dough in his restaurant’s superhot taboon, a
burning oven. The bread is also delicious grilled.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 247 Calories; 9g Fat (33.3% calories
from fat); 5g Protein; 36g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 23mg Cholesterol;
403mg Sodium.

Exchanges: 2 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Fruit; 1 1/2 Fat

Submitted by: Darlene

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10 Organic Garden Aids For Pest & Disease Control

Posted By TipNut On May 14, 2010 @ 1:23 am In Garden & Plants, Outdoor Gardening | 5 Comments

With a little bit of planning you can help cut down on pests and disease organically by planting natural repellants near problem plants. I have a few suggestions listed below along with a few recipes using non-harsh ingredients that can help deter pests (and some disease).
10 Organic Garden Aids

Radishes Are Not Only Tasty In Salads, They Help Repel Cucumber Beetles Too!
Epson Salt Spray: 2 ounces of salt per 2 gallons water.
Benefits: Helps with Black Spot, Mildew, Wilt and Rust

Mineral Oil Spray: 3 parts oil per 100 parts water.
Benefits: Helps with Aphids, Codling Moth, Leaf Roller, Mealybugs, Scaled Insects, White Fly

Beer: Stale or mixed with molasses
Benefits: Helps control Slugs [1]

Tomato Leaves Spray: Crush leaves and soak in water for a couple days. Strain then spray.
Benefits: Grasshopper and White Fly control

Soap Spray: 2 TBS soap flakes dissolved in 1 quart water. *Don’t use detergents.
Benefits: Aphid control

Basil: Plant in pots and place around patio or deck
Benefits: Repels flies [2] and mosquitoes [3]

Rosemary, Mint, Thyme: Plant near cabbage
Benefits: Repels cabbage worms

Nasturtiums: Plant near cucumbers, melons and squashes.
Benefits: Repels squash bugs

Summer Savory: Plant near beans
Benefits: Repels bean beetles

Radishes: Plant near cucumbers
Benefits: Repels cucumber beetles

Originally Published June 5, 2007
Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Pest Prevention Concentrate [4]
* Make Your Own Organic Potting Soil [5]
* Natural Pesticides: Recipes & Tips [6]

Love This Tip? Share It!

Email [7] ~ Facebook [8]

Tweet It [9] ~ Delicious [10]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/organic-aids-natural-planting-tips-for-gardening/

URLs in this post:

[1] control Slugs: http://tipnut.com/rid-slugs-garden/

[2] Repels flies: http://tipnut.com/rid-flies/

[3] mosquitoes: http://tipnut.com/how-to-prevent-mosquito-bites/

[4] Pest Prevention Concentrate: http://tipnut.com/pest-prevention-concentrate/

[5] Make Your Own Organic Potting Soil: http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-organic-potting-soil/

[6] Natural Pesticides: Recipes & Tips: http://tipnut.com/natural-pesticides/

[7] Email: mailto:?subject=Natural Pesticides: Recipes & Tips&body=http://tipnut.com/natural-pesticides/

[8] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://tipnut.com/natural-pesticides/&t=Natural Pesticides: Recipes & Tips

[9] Tweet It: http://twitter.com/home?status=See http://tipnut.com/natural-pesticides/

[10] Delicious: http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://tipnut.com/natural-pesticides/&title=Natural Pesticides: Recipes & Tips : Tipnut.com

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20 Homemade Freezer Jam Recipes {Top Picks}

Posted By TipNut On May 13, 2010 @ 1:10 pm In Recipes | 1 Comment

Freezer jam is the easiest way to make homemade jam and if you’re a little intimidated with the thought of canning, this is a great method for beginners!

Homemade Strawberry Jam Is A Tried & True Favorite But Consider Adding A Flavor Twist Or Two For Something New
This week’s Recipe Hit List is a happy mix of hand-picked recipes I’ve found from around the net. You’ll find a selection of traditional berry fruit favorites like strawberries and raspberries but I also found more unique ingredient twists like violets, kiwis and even a Carrot Cake Freezer Jam. So many goodies to choose from, each so simple to make…Enjoy!

Don’t Miss It: This master list for homemade jams, jellies & marmalades [1] features 101 recipes I’ve collected so for (most are prepared with regular canning methods)!
Homemade Freezer Jam Recipes

*Note: Descriptions below are quotes from the recipe sites

1. Pear Raspberry Freezer Jam [2]: Raspberries and pears are great together – the pears balance the tartness of the raspberries while keeping the intense berry taste. This recipe is quick and easy! Recipe from Cook Eat Think.
2. Violet Freezer Jam [3]: We’ve been making a batch of violet jam every spring for the past 25 years or more. You may not think of violets when you think of a great tasting jam, but you should. This is really good, and it’s become a tradition for us. Recipe from Jim Long’s Garden.
3. Gingered Pear Freezer Jam [4]: It is an absolutely delicious jam. I’ll admit that I was a bit surprised at the taste – you first get hit with the ginger. If you don’t like ginger….don’t even attempt this recipe! Then you get a refreshing citrus taste, and then the pear flavor comes out. And since this is a freezer jam, it is unbelievably easy to make. No cooking required! From Recipe Hunter Lisa.
4. Kiwi Freezer Jam [5]: Reminds cooks to keep these rules in mind when making jam: don’t double jam recipes and don’t reduce the amount of sugar. Doing either of these things may result in having liquid jam. Also, if you are canning, consider your altitude and add 1 minute of cooking time for each 1,000 feet of altitude. Recipe from Yankee Magazine.
5. BC Strawberry Kiwi Freezer Jam [6]: Scroll down page to view recipe. Found at BC Strawberries.
6. 30 Minutes to Homemade SURE.JELL Raspberry-Blueberry Freezer Jam [7]: Recipe from Kraft Foods.
7. Wild Blueberry Freezer Jam [8]: From The Canadian Living Test Kitchen.
8. Peach Freezer Jam-Freshest Tasting Jam With No Canning! [9]: The canning process for freezer jam is the easiest of all. Wash your jars, fill them, let them sit at room temperature for 24 hours, then place in freezer. That’s it! Keep a jar in your fridge to use and just grab another one out of the freezer when you need more. Recipe from Southern Plate.
9. Spiced Apple Pear Freezer Jam [10]: Cooking and sugar are kept to a minimum in this spread that resembles old-fashioned fruit butters with sparkling fresh fruit flavour. Recipe from Bernardin.
10. Strawberry Freezer Jam [11]: One of the greatest simple delights of summer is biting into a juicy, sweet strawberry. However, you can savor that moment all year round by making freezer jam. It’s very easy to do, and so yummy- you’ll never want to eat store-bought jam again! Recipe from Enchanted Dandelions.
11. Honey Strawberry Freezer Jam [12]: And I realize that most of us are now past strawberry season. Frankly, I was lucky to get any jam made in the flurry of the last week of school, packing, and getting ready to go. So, if you have some strawberries left, give it a whirl. Otherwise, wait for raspberries or blueberries. I bet they would work equally well. I set out to create a batch of jam that used honey — because the standard recipe for strawberry freezer jam requires four cups of sugar. FOUR CUPS. Are you kidding me? That scared me off right away and I can’t believe I hadn’t given it a second thought before. Recipe found at Cuizoo.
12. Strawberry-Rhubarb Freezer Jam [13]: Recipe from Culinary In The Desert.
13. Peach Freezer Jam [14]: This fruit spread-style peach jam can be made with no sugar at all, but we use 1 cup sugar for just a touch of sweetness (up to 3 cups sugar can be used for a sweeter jam). Recipe from Eating Well.
14. Concord Grape Freezer Jam [15]: Concord grapes have seeds and very sour skins; these should be removed in order to have a more edible jam. So after washing and stemming the grapes I placed them in a stainless steel pot and mashed them with a potato masher. Once I mashed out as much juice as possible I cooked the mixture until it boiled. Then I strained it through a sieve and ended up with 4 cups of juice. I then followed the steps below. Recipe from My Everyday Kitchen.
15. Sugar Free Poached Pear and Pineapple Freezer Jam [16]: No cooking?! Yes! Even more exciting for putting away good jam quickly. The other side…we can just put it in the fridge and use it. So, it’s good in the freezer up to a year, but in the fridge up to three weeks. Recipe from Chef Tess Bakeresse.
16. Raspberry Freezer Jam–Ball Pectin Method [17]: So, when she saw a new Ball brand pectin at the store, she decided to try it, so she can say she’s tried it all. It caught her eye because it uses a lower percentage of sugar, and also doesn’t call for corn syrup like many recipes do. The Damsel doesn’t have anything personal against corn syrup, but white sugar is cheaper and easier to measure, so, yeah. Recipe from Old School.
17. Carrot Cake Freezer Jam [18]: This is absolutely divine on hot biscuits, or for a different twist, try on cinnamon raisin bagel chips. Also, regular liquid or powder pectin will not work in this recipe—you must use freezer jam fruit pectin. Found at Inn Cuisine.
18. Reduced-Sugar Blackberry-Plum (or Raspberry-Plum) Freezer Jam [19]: Nancy Baggett likes to combine plums with berries because they add fruitiness and vibrant color, but no seeds. Plums are also rich in pectin, so they help ensure that the jam will jell well. Recipe found at The Washington Post.
19. “Raw” Berry Freezer Jam (Honey Sweetened) [20]: Sweet berries and raw honey are made into a brightly flavored jam that is raw and delicious! It’s the perfect jam for summer time. It was so nice to not only avoid using sugar, but also to avoid cooking the berries to death. Recipe from The Nourishing Gourmet.
20. Strawberry-Nectarine Jam [21]: There’s also a great article packed with information about making freezer jam. Found at NPR.

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Homemade Jelly Making: Troubleshooting Tips [22]
* 101 Homemade Jam, Jelly & Marmalade Recipes [1]
* How To Make Strawberry Jam: Small Batch Making For Beginners [23]

Love This Tip? Share It!

Email [24] ~ Facebook [25]

Tweet It [26] ~ Delicious [27]

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

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URLs in this post:

[1] This master list for homemade jams, jellies & marmalades: http://tipnut.com/homemade-recipes/

[2] Pear Raspberry Freezer Jam: http://cookeatthink.blogspot.com/2008/09/pear-raspberry-freezer-jam.html

[3] Violet Freezer Jam: http://jimlongsgarden.blogspot.com/2010/04/some-of-you-dear-friends-will-laugh-at.html

[4] Gingered Pear Freezer Jam: http://recipehunterlisa.blogspot.com/2007/10/gingered-pear-freezer-jam.html

[5] Kiwi Freezer Jam: http://www.yankeemagazine.com/recipes/search/onerecipe.php?number=1306

[6] BC Strawberry Kiwi Freezer Jam: http://www.bcstrawberries.com/Recipes.php?View=1&Class=1

[7] 30 Minutes to Homemade SURE.JELL Raspberry-Blueberry Freezer Jam: http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/30-minutes-homemade-surejell-56819.aspx

[8] Wild Blueberry Freezer Jam: http://www.canadianliving.com/food/wild_blueberry_freezer_jam.php

[9] Peach Freezer Jam-Freshest Tasting Jam With No Canning!: http://www.southernplate.com/2009/08/freshest-tasting-jam-with-no-canning-peach-freezer-jam.html

[10] Spiced Apple Pear Freezer Jam: http://www.homecanning.ca/pages/recipe_page/51.php?pid=14

[11] Strawberry Freezer Jam: http://myenchanteddandelions.blogspot.com/2009/05/strawberry-freezer-jam.html

[12] Honey Strawberry Freezer Jam: http://www.cuizoo.com/2009/06/29/honey-strawberry-freezer-jam/

[13] Strawberry-Rhubarb Freezer Jam: http://desertculinary.blogspot.com/2005/05/strawberry-rhubarb-freezer-jam.html

[14] Peach Freezer Jam: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/peach_jam.html

[15] Concord Grape Freezer Jam: http://myeverydaykitchen.blogspot.com/2008/09/concord-grape-freezer-jam.html

[16] Sugar Free Poached Pear and Pineapple Freezer Jam: http://cheftessbakeresse.blogspot.com/2010/04/quick-and-easy-poached-pear-and.html

[17] Raspberry Freezer Jam–Ball Pectin Method: http://www.mynewoldschool.com/2009/07/10/raspberry-freezer-jam-ball-pectin-method/

[18] Carrot Cake Freezer Jam: http://inncuisine.com/rave-reviews/breakfast-aska-lodge-style-recipes-included/

[19] Reduced-Sugar Blackberry-Plum (or Raspberry-Plum) Freezer Jam: http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2005/07/06/reduced-sugar-blackberry-plum-or-raspberry-plum-fr/

[20] “Raw” Berry Freezer Jam (Honey Sweetened): http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2009/07/raw-berry-freezer-jam-honey-sweetened.html

[21] Strawberry-Nectarine Jam: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113079746&ft=1&f=1053

[22] Homemade Jelly Making: Troubleshooting Tips: http://tipnut.com/jelly-tips/

[23] How To Make Strawberry Jam: Small Batch Making For Beginners: http://tipnut.com/make-strawberry-jam/

[24] Email: mailto:?subject=How To Make Strawberry Jam: Small Batch Making For Beginners&body=http://tipnut.com/make-strawberry-jam/

[25] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://tipnut.com/make-strawberry-jam/&t=How To Make Strawberry Jam: Small Batch Making For Beginners

[26] Tweet It: http://twitter.com/home?status=See http://tipnut.com/make-strawberry-jam/

[27] Delicious: http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://tipnut.com/make-strawberry-jam/&title=How To Make Strawberry Jam: Small Batch Making For Beginners : Tipnut.com

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Scented Tea Bag Sachets How-To: {Sewing}

Posted By TipNut On May 14, 2010 @ 1:09 pm In Sewing | No Comments

Today’s feature is from Mademoiselle Chaos with this tutorial Scented Tea Bags For Your Wardrobe [1]:

Make These Lovely Teabag Sachets From mademoisellechaos.blogspot.com

Here’s my little lavender filled teabag for scenting the clothes in your wardrobe. It’s the lavender I grew myself on the balcony back in Hamburg, btw.

…5 minutes of time per bag A real quickie!

I think this is a lovely sachet design and totally gift-worthy. Love the added string and tea tag at the end, so cute! All you need is a scrap of fabric, a button, crochet thread and some dried herbs or flowers like lavender or potpourri. The string end is a simple crochet chain using crochet thread.

The project is simple and quick and the tutorial includes a few pictures to walk you through the process of making one of these cuties.

Please visit the site listed above to review the tutorial, nice job!
Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Pretty Paper Sachets: Tutorial [2]
* Scented Hanger Pouches: Sewing Tute [3]
* Homemade Herbal Bath Bag Recipes [4]

Love This Tip? Share It!

Email [5] ~ Facebook [6]

Tweet It [7] ~ Delicious [8]

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

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URLs in this post:

[1] Scented Tea Bags For Your Wardrobe: http://mademoisellechaos.blogspot.com/2010/05/last-minute-mothers-day-crafts.html

[2] Pretty Paper Sachets: Tutorial: http://tipnut.com/paper-sachets-tutorial/

[3] Scented Hanger Pouches: Sewing Tute: http://tipnut.com/scented-hangers/

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

[5] Email: mailto:?subject=Homemade Herbal Bath Bag Recipes&body=http://tipnut.com/homemade-herbal-bath-bag-recipes/

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How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies

Posted By TipNut On May 17, 2010 @ 5:45 am In Cleaning | 5 Comments

Fruit flies are tiny, pesky flies that are brown and appear to have no fear of people (often it seems they’re trying to fly up your nose and in your mouth) but they’re mostly just clumsy fliers. The good news is that getting rid of and killing fruit flies is not difficult, you just need to do some cleaning, find their food source so you can remove it and lay out a fruit fly trap to bait them with.

Below I have a few cleanup and prevention tips plus a handful of easy & natural homemade fruit fly traps you can make that will capture and kill them–no need to run out for supplies since it’s likely you have all that’s needed in the kitchen already.
Getting Rid Of Fruit Flies: Cleanup & Prevention

Wash The Kitchen Sink Well
Fruit flies love sweets, ripe vegetables and fresh fruit, especially if it’s overripe (the fermenting process is a strong attraction for them). If they’re in your house, they’ve found a food source to feed from and lay their eggs on. To effectively get rid of fruit flies, you need to find their food source and remove it immediately.

* Wash kitchen counters and surfaces daily with soap and water. Wipe up sauces and spills immediately, look under heavy appliances.
* Make sure to keep kitchen sinks and drains washed and clean, if dirty the residue can attract fruit flies. If you think your kitchen sink drain is where they’re gathering, pour boiling water down the drain each day.
* Make sure all food dishes are washed and put away (do not leave dirty dishes out). If food is eaten throughout the house rather than just at the kitchen table, look for dirty plates, fruit pits, rinds and peels that may be left out in another room. Look under furniture.
* Don’t leave beverage bottles, cans and glasses filled with fruit juices, soda pop, wine, sweet liquors or beer sitting out–these are big attractions to fruit flies.
* On hot summer days, tie up and remove garbage from the kitchen daily, the refuse and kitchen scraps start turning faster in the heat and the smell attracts the fruit flies. Or make sure the garbage bin has a tight fitting lid to keep out the flies.
* Make sure to rinse out all cans and bottles before placing in the recycling bins.
* Keep food and fruit wrapped in plastic or in the refrigerator (especially overripe fruit, this is like a magnet to the little pests). Fruit flies love to lay their eggs on food.
* Watch the pantry, bags of potatoes and onions are quicker to turn in the heat and this will attract the little flies. Keep pantry shelves clean of all drips and spills.

Homemade Fruit Fly Traps

Fruit Flies Love Bananas
Fruit flies are one of the easiest little pests to bait and kill, no elaborate trap setups required. Here are a handful of homemade traps you can try, all of them are free from harsh chemicals.

Quick & Easy Trap

* An easy & effective fruit fly trap is to set out a bowl of vinegar with a couple drops of citrus smelling liquid dish detergent. This attracts the fruit flies and they drown. Lay a fresh bowl out each day to keep the smell strong enough to attract them.

Cider Vinegar Trap Recipe

1 cup water
1 cup cider vinegar
2 tsp dishwashing liquid

* Directions: Pour into a jar or bottle and set out close to fruit & produce. The smell will attract the fruit flies and they will come investigate, getting themselves covered with soap and then drown.

Fresh Fruit Bait

* Place a piece of cut fruit in a jar (use a ripe/overripe banana if you can, this seems to be their favorite). Roll a piece of paper into a funnel (cutting the bottom tip so there’s an entry) and place into the top of the jar to trap fruit flies. Make sure the bottom opening of the funnel doesn’t touch the fruit (you don’t want the fruit flies to have an easy exit) and that the sides of the funnel fill the jar opening completely (no cracks for the flies to get out). Make sure to remove and replace the fruit every two days to avoid breeding new fruit flies. You could also skip the funnel and just cover the jar with plastic wrap, poking a few small holes in the top for them to enter.

Coca-Cola Trap

* Leave an inch or two of Classic Coke in the bottom of a pop bottle and twist on the cap. Take a hammer and nail or drill to make a small hole in the cap (about 1/4’’ diameter). Set the bottle in the room where the fruit flies are heaviest. Fruit flies will crawl in and won’t be able to get back out.

Beer Trap (Works With Wine Too)

* Fill a mason jar about 2’’ to 3’’ deep with beer, cover opening with a piece of plastic wrap secured with a rubber band. Poke a few holes in the top of the plastic so the fruit flies can get into the jar to get at the beer–they won’t be able to get out.

Yeast Trap

* In a mason jar, sprinkle active dry yeast over 1/3 cup warm water. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and stir.
* Once the yeast is activated and starts to foam, cover the jar top tightly with plastic wrap (try to keep the surface wrinkle free), secure with a rubber band.
* Make a small hole in the top for the fruit flies to find their way in, most will be unable to get out.

Tips

* If you have an especially heavy infestation, set out a fruit fly trap in a small room with the light left on overnight. Although fruit flies are most active during the day, the flies will be attracted to the light and make their way to the room (and their tempting trap bait).
* Once it seems you’ve gotten rid of the fruit flies, you may notice a fresh batch flying around–these are likely those that have hatched from the eggs of the previous fruit flies (the gestation period is about 7 to 10 days). Repeat the cleaning process and lay out the traps until there’s no recurrence. This is why it’s important to find all their food sources, fruit flies lay eggs on the food that will hatch later.

Originally Published June 23, 2009
Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Get Rid Of Flies: Traps & Tips [1]
* Get Rid Of Wasps: Traps & Tips [2]
* Get Rid Of Gnats: Tips & Remedies [3]

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[1] Get Rid Of Flies: Traps & Tips: http://tipnut.com/rid-flies/

[2] Get Rid Of Wasps: Traps & Tips: http://tipnut.com/wasp-trap/

[3] Get Rid Of Gnats: Tips & Remedies: http://tipnut.com/gnats-tips/

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Get Rid Of Gnats: Tips & Remedies

Posted By TipNut On July 21, 2009 @ 6:16 am In Garden & Plants, Indoor Plants | 2 Comments

Fungus gnats are small dark flies (about 1/8 ‘’ in size) that look similar to mosquitoes and are often confused with fruit flies [1]. They thrive in humid environments and breed in the damp soil of houseplants. The gnat larvae is what causes damage to your plants by eating the plant roots, root hairs and stems. The symptoms of a gnat infestation can be stunted plant growth, plant wilting, yellowing leaves and rotting roots. The adults feed on fungi at the top of the soil (where they lay their eggs) while the larva feasts on the plant roots.

How To Get Rid Of Gnats

Yellow Sticky Trap In Houseplant
Here is a collection of home remedies to get the gnats out of your house along with some tips for trying to control them:

* Dry Them Out: Allow the houseplant’s soil to dry very well to the point that your plants start to wither before watering again (approximately the top one to two inches of soil is completely dry). The soil needs to get this dry so the gnat larvae in the soil will dry up completely (ending their cycle), the adult gnats cannot breed in the dry soil so the cycle ends.
* Sticky Traps: You can purchase yellow sticky cards for houseplants with the purpose of indoor insect control, these will work with fungus gnats. The idea is that the color yellow will attract the gnats and when they come to investigate, they get stuck or trapped by the sticky substance on the card. Look for these in home and garden centers or greenhouse supply stores. If you’d like to try making your own, cover bright yellow index cards with Vaseline or Honey. Tape the card to a straw or chopstick and stick into the soil of the potted plant that has the gnat problem.
* Gnat Killer Soap Spray Recipe: Mix 2 tablespoons Ivory liquid soap or lemon dish detergent with 1 gallon of water, use this mixture to water the plant and drench the soil that is hosting the gnats. After about an hour, lightly spray the plant leaves with clear water to rinse the soap off.
* Gnat Trap: Pour a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar into a small cup, top with water. Leave the cup near the plant with the gnat problem. The gnats will be attracted to the vinegar and will be killed by drowning.
* Vodka Spray: Mix 1/2 cup vodka with 1 1/2 cups water, pour into spray bottle. Spray plants that are affected by gnats (first test a leaf to make sure the alcohol isn’t too harsh for the plant, if it doesn’t burn the leaf after a day or two it should be fine).
* Rubbing Alcohol Spray: Mix 1 cup rubbing alcohol with 1 quart of water, pour into spray bottle. Spray the plant affected by gnats, treat every three days for two weeks. Make sure to test a leaf first to make sure the mix isn’t too harsh for the plant.
* Tobacco: Break open a few cigarettes and make a light layer of tobacco over the top of the soil, the nicotine will get rid of the gnats. Do not use on herbs or plants that are eaten and watch that pets aren’t able to get at the tobacco.

Tips For Controlling Gnats

* Try putting a layer of sand on top of the soil in your potted plants, this may help deter the gnats from setting up home.
* Does your plant have gnats? Here’s a trick to find out if you’re not sure: slice a chunk of raw potato and leave it on top of the soil where you suspect gnats are thriving (lay it cut side down). After seven days, lift the potato up–if you have gnats you will see larvae on the potato.
* To prevent another infestation of gnats, reduce watering as gnats are usually a sign of over watering. Also make sure to remove any water from the saucer underneath the pot. Make sure soil is dry between waterings.
* Remove fallen leaves and plant debris so there’s no organic matter resting on the soil to attract gnats for them to feed on.

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Houseplant Care & Growing Tips [2]
* Spider Plant Care & Growing Tips [3]
* Jade Plant Care & Growing Tips [4]

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URLs in this post:

[1] fruit flies: http://tipnut.com/fruit-flies/

[2] Houseplant Care & Growing Tips: http://tipnut.com/houseplant-care/

[3] Spider Plant Care & Growing Tips: http://tipnut.com/spider-plants/

[4] Jade Plant Care & Growing Tips: http://tipnut.com/jade-plant/

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Get Rid Of Wasps: Traps & Tips

Posted By TipNut On July 7, 2009 @ 6:04 am In Household | 7 Comments

If you’ve ever been stung by a wasp [1], you know they live up to their reputation of being aggressive and having painful stings. When you regularly spot wasps in your yard, chances are there’s a wasp’s nest on your property or nearby. These are not pests that you want hanging about, especially if you have children running around. The best way to get rid of wasps is to find the nest and destroy it, but if you can’t find it or if it’s not on your property, you can use wasp traps to tempt them away from high-traffic areas to another part of the yard to kill them.

Here are directions for two easy homemade wasp traps, they require the same materials and and have the same concept, but two different designs (one’s ideal for hanging, the other for setting on the ground). I used graphics that show soda inside the bottles, but you need to use empty pop bottles (ignore the soda levels shown in the images).
How To Make A Wasp Trap: Ground Version

DIY Wasp Trap

* Take an empty two liter pop bottle or any plastic bottle that has a consistently even width along the sides.
* Using a sharp knife, cut off the top of the soda bottle just below where the start of the bottle sides are at even width.
* Fill the bottom of the bottle with wasp bait about 2’’ deep (ideas below).
* Insert the top of the bottle upside down into the bottom of the bottle (remove the bottle cap first). The pieces should fit together nice and snug, but use duct tape along the top edge to secure the pieces together if you need to.
* Set the wasp trap out wherever you’ve seen wasps (in flower beds, close to a hedge, near the bird bath, etc.).
* The wasps will fly into the trap to get at the bait, but have trouble finding their way out. They’ll eventually drown in the liquid bait.
* This trap setup will also work for killing fruit flies [2].

DIY Wasp Trap: Hanging Version

This trap is well suited for hanging in tree branches or along the eaves of a house (away from entrances since this trap will attract live wasps). The wasps will fly up into the trap from underneath, but have trouble finding their escape by flying down and out.

Homemade Hanging Wasp Trap

* Take an empty two liter pop bottle, tighten on the cap then cut off the bottom few inches of the bottle.
* Taking a second two liter pop bottle, remove the bottle cap and cut off the top part of the bottle right underneath where the width is the same as the rest of the bottle.
* For the bigger bottle piece, puncture two small holes, one on either side of the bottle (at the top) and push through each end of a piece of heavy string or yarn, knotting at each end inside the bottle (this will need to be long enough to hang the bottle and strong enough to hold the weight of the trap).
* Seal the holes where the string runs through with duct tape to prevent wasps crawling out and escaping.
* Place the small piece up inside the bigger piece, securing together with duct tape around the edges.
* Fill the trap with wasp bait about 2’’ deep and hang.

Tips:

* Do not fill the trap so full of bait that there isn’t plenty of air space between the bottom (or top) of the pop bottle opening, you want the wasps to be able to fly in with no trouble.
* Empty and refill the wasp traps regularly, wasps won’t be too tempted by a trap filled with drowned wasps. You can submerge the trap in a bucket of water for about 1/2 hour to make sure all wasps are dead before cleaning and refilling.

Wasp Bait Ideas

Just like ants [3], wasps can be looking for two different types of food sources depending on the colony’s needs at the time: protein or sugar. Set out two different traps to see which bait tempts the wasps best, then continue to fill with that type of bait. Or you could do a sugar & protein bait together (for example: mixing juice with a piece of meat).

* Jam dissolved in water (sweet enough to attract the wasps but diluted enough to drown them)
* Fruit juice
* Beer
* Sweet Soda Pop
* Wine
* Maple syrup diluted with water
* Molasses diluted with water
* If you need protein baits: Try adding a piece of raw hamburger or a chunk of canned tuna, canned dog or cat food to a trap with fruit juices or even plain water (deep enough to drown the wasps but the piece of meat bait needs to be sticking out above the liquid surface to effectively attract the wasps).

Wasp Prevention Tips

* Keep garbage cans and recycle bins covered.
* Don’t leave food or beverages sitting outside, keep beverages covered with a lid. Wipe up spills as soon as they happen.
* If you have water sources in your yard (bird baths, ponds), the wasps could be hanging around for the water (they get thirsty too).
* If you have fruit trees, keep the fruit picked and remove any that have fallen on the ground.

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Get Rid Of Flies: Traps & Tips [4]
* How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies [2]
* Get Rid Of Gnats: Tips & Remedies [5]

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URLs in this post:

[1] stung by a wasp: http://tipnut.com/wasp-stings/

[2] killing fruit flies: http://tipnut.com/fruit-flies/

[3] ants: http://tipnut.com/ant-killer/

[4] Get Rid Of Flies: Traps & Tips: http://tipnut.com/rid-flies/

[5] Get Rid Of Gnats: Tips & Remedies: http://tipnut.com/gnats-tips/

[6] Email: mailto:?subject=Get Rid Of Gnats: Tips & Remedies&body=http://tipnut.com/gnats-tips/

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Get Rid Of Flies: Traps & Tips

Posted By TipNut On September 4, 2009 @ 10:20 am In Household | No Comments

When All Else Fails—Arm Yourself With A Flyswatter

From the first warm weather, every homeowner takes up arms against this most persistent form of pest life. Since houseflies do not bite, many people merely worry about them from the point of view of annoyance. However, it’s important to remember that they are also great disease carriers.

Flies breed in and feed on rotting animal or vegetable matter, garbage and in both human and animal excreta–all of which are swarming in germs. Some of these germs they transport on their hairy legs. Others are nurtured in the fly’s digestive tract and are transmitted via its own excrement or discharges through the mouth.
Fly Control: Prevention Of Breeding

* Sanitary disposal of garbage is essential. Use a covered can always, preferably one lined with newspaper or a paper bag to facilitate removal.
* Wash out empty beer, gingerale and pop bottles, don’t leave dirty glasses standing about.
* Never leave food uncovered, especially meat, fruit, sweets or preserves of any kind.

Follow the Cleanup & Prevention tips outlined in How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies [1] to make your home uninviting to houseflies.
Repelling & Killing Flies

Even when everything possible has been done to eliminate breeding places, flies in the house may still be a problem. Here are some tips to repel them and keep them from getting inside the house:

* Screens: Screen all windows and doors. Make sure all screens fit tightly and mend any tears at once. You can patch them with small squares of similar screening or even paste tape over the hole. Never ignore the gaps, as flies are canny about finding openings.
* Bags Of Water: Hanging clear plastic bags of water near entrances of the home is said to scare off flies, see Lifehacker: Repel Flies with a Bag of Water [2].
* Cotton Balls: Attaching a cotton ball to the middle of a door or window screen is an old-time method of fly control. It was believed that flies were convinced that the cotton balls were moths or some predator so flies wouldn’t go near the area. Attach the cotton ball to the screen with a few quick stitches from a needle and thread, then once secured, pull out the cotton to make it big and fluffy. Another option is to hang cotton balls over doors and windows.

If flies have gained an entrance into the house, here are some ways to get rid of them:

* Flypaper: Can be effective to a certain extent, the idea is to hang strips of sticky paper in areas of the home that will attract flies so they get stuck on the paper and die (see this homemade flypaper recipe [3]).
* Flytraps: Bait a glass jar with 1 part blackstrap molasses to 3 parts water, fruit or leftover milk. Cover the jar with a lid and poke three holes in it with a nail. The flies will be able to fly into the jar to get to the bait but won’t be able to get out. Here’s a more sophisticated project for making a homemade fly trap: Instructables: Fly Trap [4].

The common housefly is the most prevalent type found in homes. Other species may be encountered but control measures are much the same for all.

Source: Adapted From Woman’s Home Companion Household Book (1948)
Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Get Rid Of Wasps: Traps & Tips [5]
* How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies [1]
* Get Rid Of Gnats: Tips & Remedies [6]

Love This Tip? Share It!

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URLs in this post:

[1] How To Get Rid Of Fruit Flies: http://tipnut.com/fruit-flies/

[2] Lifehacker: Repel Flies with a Bag of Water: http://lifehacker.com/5308039/repel-flies-with-a-bag-of-water

[3] homemade flypaper recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-fly-paper-recipe/

[4] Instructables: Fly Trap: http://www.instructables.com/id/Fly-Trap/

[5] Get Rid Of Wasps: Traps & Tips: http://tipnut.com/wasp-trap/

[6] Get Rid Of Gnats: Tips & Remedies: http://tipnut.com/gnats-tips/

[7] Email: mailto:?subject=Get Rid Of Gnats: Tips & Remedies&body=http://tipnut.com/gnats-tips/

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Crafters Medley: 22 Neat-O Projects To Make (May 2010)

Posted By TipNut On May 15, 2010 @ 6:01 am In Crafty Ideas | No Comments

Get Inspired To Pullout The Craft Supplies With This Month’s Craft List From Tipnut

1. Magic Slippers [1]: Adorable knit baby slippers (perfect way to use leftover yarn). No seams at all, no origami construction, all garter stitch, mostly knit in the round, and about one pair per hour!
2. Tutorial: Moleskine Cahier Knock-off Notebooks [2]: These require only simple sewing knowledge and the time spent stitching allows for good conversation around the table.
3. 12 Free Bags & Purse Tutorials [3]: Nice list of freebies from How About Orange.
4. Vintage Pillowcase Apron Tutorial [4]: You don’t have to cut up the beautiful pillowcase, you just do some strategic folding and stitching and it can be unstitched and unfolded to go back to being a pillowcase.
5. Tote Bag Tutorial/Free PDF Pattern [5]: This tote bag is done slightly different to the standard tote where you make the outer bag and then the lining and pop one inside the other. You actually sew one lining to one outer fabric and then sew them all together after putting on pockets and handles.
6. “In the Garden” Shirred Twirly Dress [6]: I don’t normally feature garments but this dress is just too cute…perfect for your favorite little girl.
7. Free Printable Blog Calendar [7]: Nice printable to keep your blog ideas organized.
8. Pocket Mirror Tutorial [8]: You can really make this project your own and add sweet little embellishments on the outside, add some patchwork, or leave it plain, all up to you. Go nuts!
9. Creating Bowls with Plaster and Vintage Doilies [9]: Plaster doily bowls and baskets…fun way to preserve doilies!
10. DIY Keyboard Wrist Rest [10]: Make these with just a small amount of fabric and some rice. Great way to pretty up the office!
11. Linen Beehive and Birdcage Pillows [11]: Lovely vintage inspired pillows, tutorial includes pdf download for graphics.
12. Everyday Containers Upcycled [12]: Turn plastic containers, coffee cans, pringles cans, etc. into something pretty with modgepodge and decorative paper.
13. Lucky In Love Tutorial [13]: Create pillows, print and frame it to hang on the wall, or even grab the mod podge and create something! There are lots of possibilities with this pattern.
14. Stitch Up a Garden Tool Caddy [14]: With less than a yard of oilcloth and some simple sewing, you can have a pretty way to carry your trowel, cultivator, pruners, and gloves. And if it gets dirty in the garden, just hose it off and hang it up to dry.
15. Absolutely Easy Soap Saver [15]: Crochet this soap saver to get the most out of your soap bar! Place small, leftover pieces of soap inside instead of throwing them out, or use the soap saver with an entire bar of soap.
16. Hanging Hand Cloth [16]: Knit this handy cloth that closes up top with a button, perfect for hanging on handles.
17. Rag Doily Rug [17]: Here’s a twist on a traditional doily pattern. Knitted with recycled rag yarn it moves from a delicate table-top accessory to a chunky floor covering. Once you’ve made your yarn it’s a super quick knit…with very fun results! Found via whipup [18].
18. Cute Business Card Case [19]: Here’s an easy-to-make, quick project and it has such a big impact when it is finished. Customize to your own taste (by choosing different colors and different ribbon) so it can really represent your own business style.
19. Flex Frame Purse [20]: Sweet little coin purse you can make with fabric scraps.
20. Travel Jewelry Organizer [21]: Drawstring design, perfect little pouch with inside pockets to keep your valuables organized.
21. Making a Reversible Bag [22]: Tutorial showing you how to make a fun, simple bag.
22. DIY: Jeweled Planters [23]: This planter makes a gorgeous statement, on a wedding table, surrounding your orchids, or adding glamour to your outdoor table. Project is easy peasy.

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Crafters Medley: 23 Neat-O Projects To Make (March 2010) [24]
* Crafters Medley: 27 Neat-O Projects To Make (February 2010) [25]
* Crafters Medley: 32 Neat-O Projects To Make (April 2010) [26]

Love This Tip? Share It!

Email [27] ~ Facebook [28]

Tweet It [29] ~ Delicious [30]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/crafters-may-2010/

URLs in this post:

[1] Magic Slippers: http://sockpixie.blogspot.com/2008/01/solution-to-sock-knitters-dilemma-magic.html

[2] Tutorial: Moleskine Cahier Knock-off Notebooks: http://onecraftywriter.wordpress.com/2010/05/04/tutorial-moleskine-cahier-knock-off-notebooks/

[3] 12 Free Bags & Purse Tutorials: http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2010/05/12-free-bag-and-purse-tutorials.html

[4] Vintage Pillowcase Apron Tutorial: http://www.kitchenclothesline.com/p/tutorial.html

[5] Tote Bag Tutorial/Free PDF Pattern: http://sewprimkhris.blogspot.com/2010/04/tote-bag-tutorialfree-pdf-pattern.html

[6] “In the Garden” Shirred Twirly Dress: http://fromanigloo.blogspot.com/2010/05/in-garden-shirred-twirly-dress.html

[7] Free Printable Blog Calendar: http://www.livinglocurto.com/2010/03/free-printable-weekly-blog-calendar/

[8] Pocket Mirror Tutorial: http://iheartlinen.typepad.com/i_heart_linen/2010/05/pocket-mirror-tutorial-.html

[9] Creating Bowls with Plaster and Vintage Doilies: http://songbirdisnesting.blogspot.com/2010/03/more-fun-with-plaster-and-doilies.html

[10] DIY Keyboard Wrist Rest: http://andsometimesy.blogspot.com/2010/05/diy-keyboard-wrist-rest.html

[11] Linen Beehive and Birdcage Pillows: http://www.flamingotoes.com/2010/05/linen-pillows/

[12] Everyday Containers Upcycled: http://dillydallyandflitter.blogspot.com/2010/04/everyday-containers-upcycled.html

[13] Lucky In Love Tutorial: http://brassyapple.blogspot.com/2010/03/lucky-in-lovetutorial.html

[14] Stitch Up a Garden Tool Caddy: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/04/stitch_up_a_garden_tool_caddy.html

[15] Absolutely Easy Soap Saver: http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-absolutely-easy-soap-saver/

[16] Hanging Hand Cloth: http://barbsz-lifeisgood.blogspot.com/2010/04/hanging-hand-cloth.html

[17] Rag Doily Rug: http://www.cocoknits.com/knit/interiors/rag-doily-rug.html

[18] via whipup: http://whipup.net/2010/05/04/rag-doily-rug-pattern/

[19] Cute Business Card Case: http://jenniferladdhandmade.blogspot.com/2009/03/cute-business-card-case-tutorial.html

[20] Flex Frame Purse: http://whimsyloft.com/2009/12/how-to-make-a-flex-frame-purse/

[21] Travel Jewelry Organizer: http://www.thimble.ca/?p=1435

[22] Making a Reversible Bag: http://verypurpleperson.com/2010/04/making-reversible-bag.html

[23] DIY: Jeweled Planters: http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2009/05/diy-jeweled-planters/

[24] Crafters Medley: 23 Neat-O Projects To Make (March 2010): http://tipnut.com/crafters-march-2010/

[25] Crafters Medley: 27 Neat-O Projects To Make (February 2010): http://tipnut.com/crafters-february-2010/

[26] Crafters Medley: 32 Neat-O Projects To Make (April 2010): http://tipnut.com/crafters-april-2010/

[27] Email: mailto:?subject=Crafters Medley: 32 Neat-O Projects To Make (April 2010)&body=http://tipnut.com/crafters-april-2010/

[28] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://tipnut.com/crafters-april-2010/&t=Crafters Medley: 32 Neat-O Projects To Make (April 2010)

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Little Plants & Charming Pots: {Creative Gardening}

Posted By TipNut On May 10, 2010 @ 1:04 pm In Outdoor Gardening | No Comments

Today’s feature is from Home Made Simple with these clever (and gift-worthy) Creative Container Ideas For Small Plants [1]:

Plant Tiny-Leafed Plants In Muffin Tins For An Adorable Planter Idea By homemadesimple.com

Tiny flowers, little leaves and beautiful colors all define the world of pretty little plants. Not only do these small wonders have adorable features, they can be planted in whimsical ways…

General Planting Tips for Little Plants: Clean and dry out containers thoroughly before planting to eliminate residues that could contaminate the soil. Without drainage holes, you must be careful not to over water. Misting your plants is a great way to keep the soil from getting waterlogged. Pour out excess water immediately.

Really sweet ideas found in the article along with some plant suggestions to try. The creative arrangements are perfect for gift giving, party favors, tabletop decorations and arranged in nooks and crannies around the yard. Some of the creative container ideas offered:

* Stemware glasses; jewelry boxes; muffin tins; decorative teacup; teapots and more.

Note the tip of avoiding over-watering since the “planters” won’t have any drainage holes.

Please visit the site listed above for all the ideas and suggestions, so charming!
Don’t Miss These Tips:

* How To Pot A Plant: Gardening Tips [2]
* Creative Container Gardening: Tips & Ideas [3]
* Charming Kitchen Plants From The Garden [4]

Love This Tip? Share It!

Email [5] ~ Facebook [6]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/little-plants-pots/

URLs in this post:

[1] Creative Container Ideas For Small Plants: http://homemadesimple.com/en_US/nbrcontent.do?contentType=op&articleId=ar094

[2] How To Pot A Plant: Gardening Tips: http://tipnut.com/how-to-plant/

[3] Creative Container Gardening: Tips & Ideas: http://tipnut.com/creative-container-gardening-tips-ideas/

[4] Charming Kitchen Plants From The Garden: http://tipnut.com/kitchen-plants/

[5] Email: mailto:?subject=Charming Kitchen Plants From The Garden&body=http://tipnut.com/kitchen-plants/

[6] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://tipnut.com/kitchen-plants/&t=Charming Kitchen Plants From The Garden

[7] Tweet It: http://twitter.com/home?status=See http://tipnut.com/kitchen-plants/

[8] Delicious: http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://tipnut.com/kitchen-plants/&title=Charming Kitchen Plants From The Garden : Tipnut.com

Posted by: “KittyHawk”

Blue Ribbon Apricot Chutney

1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup cider vinegar
1 Tbsp finely chopped ginger
1 tsp dry mustard
1 dash dried cloves
1 small lime, chopped
3 small dried hot chili peppers, crushed
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 small garlic, crushed
1 cup raisins
4 lb apricots, pitted and quartered
1 tsp ground allspice

Combine all ingredients except apricots in large pot and bring to a boil
then add apricots. Return to boil. Simmer 45 minutes or until slightly
thickened stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Ladle into prepared pint jars and process 10 minutes in a boiling water
bath. Adjust time according to your altitude.

Makes: 4 pints

[Would this work with peaches??
granny]

Posted by: “KittyHawk”

Orange Raisin Applesauce

1 cup seedless raisins
1 Tbsp grated orange peel
3/4 cup orange juice
24 oz applesauce

Combine raisins, orange juice and peel in large saucepan. Heat to
boiling over medium heat; stir in applesauce. Reheat to boiling,
stirring often.

Remove from heat and ladle into prepared half pint jars leaving a 1/2”
headspace. Process
in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes.

Makes: 4

Posted by: “KittyHawk”

French Old Fashioned Mustard

1/2 cup white mustard seeds
1 Tbsp dry mustard
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 cup each white wine vinegar, dry white wine
1 small onion, chopped or 1/2 cup shallots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp each salt and sugar
1/2 tsp dry tarragon
1/8 tsp ground allspice
1/8 tsp ground turmeric

Combine mustard seeds, dry mustard and cold water; and soak for 3 hours
and set aside.

Combine the rest of the ingredients in 1 to 2 quart non reactive pan,
and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, uncovered, over medium heat until
reduced by half.

Pour liquid through wire strainer into mustard seed mixture then whirl
in blender until coarsely ground.

Cook in top of double boiler over simmering water for 8 to 12 minutes,
stirring occasionally, until thickened. Let cool, pack into jar or
crock, and cover tightly.

Makes about 1 cup

Posted by: “KittyHawk”

Taco Salad Dressing

1/3 cup vinegar
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup oil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 cup ketchup
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/3 cup sugar

Mix all ingredients until well blended.

Makes: 2 cups

Posted by: “KittyHawk”

Smoked Pork Butt

7 lb fresh pork butt
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp chili powder

Suggested wood for smoking: Apple Wood Chips

Mix ingredients together and rub onto pork butt. Cook pork butt for 5
hours in a 225 degrees F. smoker using apple wood chips during the first
3 hours.

After 5 hours remove butt and wrap in heavy foil. Cook for an additional
1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Internal temperature should be 160 degrees F.

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FoodPreservationDryingCanningAndMore/

1. TNT Recipe -— Crockpot English Beef Pot Pie
Posted by: “Starkoski

Hi....
We had this for dinner last night and it was very good. Just be sure to note that you need to leave yourself enough time to bake in the oven too....give yourself about an hour before you are ready to serve (after done in the crockpot).
Enjoy...
hugs,
peg

English Beef Pot Pie

2 pounds beef round steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 carrots, pared and sliced
3 potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 (16 ounce) can whole tomatoes
Biscuit Topping

Place steak cubes in crock pot. Combine flour, salt and pepper, toss with steak to coat thoroughly. Stir in remaining ingredients except Biscuit Topping and mix thoroughly. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 10 hours.

One hour before serving, remove meat and vegetables from crock pot and pour into shallow 2 1/2-quart baking dish. Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Cover meat mixture with Biscuit Topping. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Yields 4 servings.

Biscuit Topping:
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup milk

Mix dry ingredients. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Add milk all at one time; stir well. Pat out on floured board; roll out to cover baking dish.

Recipe Source: The Apple Dumpling Gang yahoo group, submitted by Laura Lea

________________________________________________________________________
2. Pumpkin Pecan Loaf
Posted by: “Tracy

Pumpkin Pecan Loaf

Crisco Flour No-Stick Spray
1/2 cup Crisco Light Olive Oil
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup solid pack canned pumpkin
1/3 cup milk
1-1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 cup chopped pecans
TOPPING:
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tbs. Crisco Light olive oil

1. Heat oven to 450. Coat 9x5 inch loaf pan lightly with flour no-stick cooking
spray.
2. Stir olive oil and sugar together with spoon. Stir in eggs until blended.
Add pumpkin and milk. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and ginger.
Add to pumpkin mixture, stirring until well combined. Stir in 1/2 cup pecans.
3. Pour batter into prepared pan. Combine 1/2 cup pecans, brown sugar and olive
oil until mixed and crumbly. Sprinkle over batter.
4. Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan.

-Crisco (magazine ad)

________________________________________________________________________
3. Grilled Rosemary Pork Roast
Posted by: “Susan”

Grilled Rosemary Pork Roast

3 medium tart apples, peeled and chopped
1 cup unsweetened apple cider or juice
3 green onions, chopped
2 tbsp honey
1 to 2 tbsp minced fresh rosemary or 1 to 2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 boneless pork loin roast (3 lb)

In a saucepan, combine the first six ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Cool slightly.

Place pork roast in a large resealable plastic bag; add half of the marinade. Cover and refrigerate overnight, turning occasionally.

Transfer the remaining marinade to a bowl; cover and refrigerate.

Drain and discard marinade. Grill roast, covered, over indirect medium-low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees, turning occasionally.

Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

Heat reserved marinade; serve with pork.

Yield: 8 servings

Taste of Home June/July 2001
submitted by Christine Wilson,

________________________________________________________________________
4. Green Eggs And Ham
Posted by: “Tracy

Green Eggs And Ham

3 eggs
1/3 cup diced half-sour pickles, plus 2 Tbs. pickling liquid
1 Tbs. whole-grain Dijon mustard
3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for frying
1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbs. minced fresh chives
2 Tbs. minced fresh tarragon
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1-1/2 cups instant flour (such as Wondra)
1 cup milk
1 ham steak (about 1 lb.), cut into 4 equal pieces
2 Tbs. capers, drained

1. Place 2 eggs in a saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook 8 to
10 minutes. Cool in a bowl of ice water. Peel the eggs, then separate the
whites and chop them. Mash the yolks in a bowl, then whisk in 2 Tbs. warm
water, the pickling liquid, and mustard. Gradually whisk in the olive oil. Add
2 Tbs. parsley, the chives, tarragon, egg whites, pickles, 1/4 tsp. salt and
pepper, to taste.
2. Combine the flour, the remaining 6 Tbs. parsley and a pinch of pepper in a
shallow dish. In another dish, beat the remaining eggs with the milk. Dip each
piece of ham in the flour to coat both sides, then dip in the milk mixture and
re-dip in the flour mixture.
3. Heat 1/8 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until
sizzling. Fry the ham in batches until golden, about 4 minutes per side.
Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Fry the capers in the skillet until
crisp, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the ham steaks with the capers, and serve the
egg mixture on the side to spoon on top.

-Food Network Magazine, November 2009

________________________________________________________________________
5. Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns
Posted by: “Tracy

Almost-Famous Cinnamon Buns

Cinnabon wouldn’t hand over the recipe for those famous cinnamon rolls, so Food
Network Kitchens whipped up some pretty sweet imitations.

FOR THE DOUGH:
1 cup whole milk
1/4 oz. packet active dry yest
1/4 cup plus 1/4 tsp. sugar
4 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the bowl
1 large egg yolk
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2-3/4 cups flour, plus more if needed
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

FOR THE FILLING:

All-purpose flour, for dusting
12 Tbs. unsalted butter, softened, plus more for the pan
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbs. ground cinnamon

FOR THE GLAZE:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream
4 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted

1. Make the dough: Warm the milk in a medium saucepan over low heat until it
reaches about 100F. Remove from the heat and sprinkle in the yeast and 1/4 tsp.
sugar (don’t stir). Set aside until foamy, 5 minutes. Whisk in the melted
butter, egg yolk and vanilla.
2. Whisk the flour, the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, the salt and nutmeg in the bowl
of a stand mixer. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Mix
on low speed with the dough hook until thick and slightly sticky. Knead on
medium speed until the dough gathers around the hook, 6 minutes. (Add up to 2
more @tbs. flour if necessary).
3. Remove the dough and shape into a ball. Butter the mixer bowl and return the
dough to the bowl, turning to coat with butter. Cover with plastic wrap and let
rise until doubled, 1 hour 15 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough, fill and cut into buns (see below). Butter a 9x13 baking
pan; place the buns cut-side down in the pan, leaving space between each. Cover
with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, 40 minutes. Preheat the oven to
325.
5. Bake the buns until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Cool in the pan 15
minutes. Meanwhile, make the glaze. Sift the powdered sugar into a bowl, then
whisk in the cream and melted butter. Transfer the buns to a rack and spoon the
glaze on top while still warm.

How To Form the Cinnamon Buns
1. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12 by 14 inch rectangle
with the longer side facing you.
2. Spread with the softened butter, leaving a 1/2-inch border on the far long
edge. Mix the sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the butter.
3. Brush the unbuttered far edge with water. Roll the dough away from you into
a tight cylinder and press on the long edges to seal.
4. Cut the cylinder with a sharp knife to make 6 equal-size buns.

-Food Network Magazine, November 2009

This is another great group owned by *Beth*

Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/all-simple-recipes/

Flaming Weekend Chili
Posted by: “~*Piper*~”

Flaming Weekend Chili

1 lb lean ground beef
1-1/4” thick slice red pepper
1-1/4” thick slice green pepper
1 whole medium sized jalepeno pepper
1 small crushed habenero pepper
1-1/4” thick slice onion or to taste
salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
1 10oz can pork’n beans
1 19 oz Primo mixed beans
1 10oz can tomato soup
1 tsp celery salt
1 tsp italian seasoning
drop “hot” sauce
1 tbsp ketchup

In a skillet, fry ground beef until well browned.
Drain excess fat, put into a pot and add remaining ingredients.
Bring mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat and simmer for 4 hours.
Serves 6-8

________________________________________________________________________
2. SALSA MEXICANA
Posted by: “~*Piper*~”

SALSA MEXICANA

When the red tomatoes, ripe and sweet, intervene in this classic salsa,
offered everywhere around the country, you have found the perfect
accompaniment for your botanas. Please cut the ingredients by hand, never
using electric help.

3 ripe tomatoes, chopped;
1/2 cup chopped onion;
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped;
4 to 6 chiles verdes (chile serrano), finely chopped;
2 teaspoons salt;
2 teaspoons lemon juice.

Mix well all ingredients in a serving dish, or salsera. Add a little bit of
water if needed. Salt to taste. You can, of course, make your salsa as hot as
you want, by adjusting the amount of chile serrano you use.

________________________________________________________________________
3a. Salsa from Scratch
Posted by: “~*Piper*~”

Salsa from Scratch

1 gal peeled, sliced tomatoes (drop tomatoes 1 minute or so in boiling water so you can easily peel them.)
2 - 3 cans (4-1/2 oz ) chopped green Ortega chili peppers
1 can (4-1/2 oz) chopped jalapeño peppers or use a couple fresh, minced
4 large onions chopped
6 cloves fresh garlic chopped
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp cumin
1 cup vinegar
Handful or chopped cilantro

Bring to a boil and then simmer 25 - 30 minutes. After it cools, put a small amount in a blender and chop for 3 seconds. Put in containers and freeze.

Makes 7-8 containers, 16 oz each.

This is another great group owned by *~Tamara~*

——————————————————————————————————— To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Simply-Spicy/

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