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://oldtips.blogspot.com/search/label/homemade%20gifts

Herbal Gifts for the Season

Gratitude takes three forms: a feeling in the heart, an expression in words, and a giving in return. ~John Wanamaker

Herbal gifts are one of my favorite things to give during the holidays. They are such a pleasure to make and give to friends and family. Of course, always keep a little something for yourself!

Lavender Jelly

from Cooking with Lavender by Joyce Ellenbecker

Infusion: Bring 3 cups distilled water to a boil in a non-reactive pan and pour over 1/2 cup fresh lavender flowers or 3 tbsp dried flowers. Steep for 15-20 minutes, strain and save in a non-reactive container for up to 2 weeks.

Jelly: Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly:
2 cups lavender infusion 1/4 cup lemon juice
4 cups sugar

Stir in 1 envelope (3 oz) liquid pectin. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, add food coloring if desired, pour into jars and seal. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. For gift giving, process the jars in a water bath for 5 minutes after sealing with canning lids. After the bath, turn upside down for 5 minutes, then turn right side up and cool.

Handmade Herbal Lotion

Ingredients:
1/8 teaspoon borax
1/4 cup distilled water
1/2 cup sweet almond oil
1 Tablespoon grated beeswax

Combine the borax and distilled water. Set aside. Heat the oil and the beeswax gently until the beeswax is almost melted. Remove from the heat and stir. Heat the borax and water till almost boiling. Slowly pour the borax water into the almond oil mixture while stirring with a wire whisk. Add 4-5 drops of an essential oil such as rose, lavender, rose geranium, or other gentle scents, also whisking it into the mixture. Pour into a container and allow to cool. Makes 8 ounces.

Sock Drawer Sachet
The Herb Companion, October/November 1993

4 tbsp. Lavender
4 tbsp. Thyme
2 tbsp. Lemon balm

Especially nice for a man’s drawer or wardrobe, this mixture has a clean, refreshing scent. We’ve trimmed our small burlap bag with raffia and a cedar acorn hot-glued in position. Recipe makes about 1/2 cup, enough to fill a 3-by-4-inch bag.

Herbal Sachet

2 ounces dried lavender flowers
1/2 ounce dried rose petals
1/2 ounce dried rosemary
1/2 ounce dried mint
1/2 ounce dried thyme
1 ounce dried scented geranium leaves

Blend all ingredients in a large bowl. Place the mixture into a large glass jar or tin and place on a tight fitting lid. Allow the herbs to sit for 2 weeks. Shake a couple times per week. It’s also optional to add a few drops of essential oil such as a mixture of lavender and rose to the jar. After the 2 weeks divide the mixture and use for sachets or place in small muslin bags. Enclose the sachets in plastic bags to keep until you are ready to give them away.

On OFL we have more herbal gifts to make:
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/gifts1.html

~Brenda

Homemade Gift Mixes Part II

May you have the gladness of Christmas
which is hope; the spirit of Christmas which is peace; the heart of Christmas which is love. ~Ada V. Hendricks

Below are two more great gift mixes, plus the link below has many more. They are all perfect for teachers, mailmen (and ladies), the paper kids. Keep a couple of spare mixes made up for unexpected guests!

REESE’S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS COOKIE MIX IN A JAR
This was shared by jdsmom on our forum:

Cookie Mix:
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 3/4 cups flour
mix with 1 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp. baking soda
8 large Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups cut into 1/2” pieces

Mix the flour, baking powder and baking soda before you
layer ingredients. Wrap the candy in plastic. Layer the
ingredients in the jar in order given. Press each layer
firmly in place before adding next ingredient.

Recipe to attach to jar:
Remove candies from jar and set aside. Empty cookie mix
in large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add 3/4 cup softened
butter, 2 eggs slightly beaten and 1 tsp. vanilla; mix until
completely blended. Stir in candies. Roll the dough into
walnut-sized balls. Place balls 2” apart on lightly greased
cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes or
until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on baking
sheet. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. 2 1/2 dozen.

A BROWNIE MIX TO GIVE

Lina shared this yummy brownie mix to give.

White Chocolate Brownie Mix

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup cocoa
2/14 cup white sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Layering Dry Mix:
Combine flour, baking powder and salt.Place mixture into
quart jar.Layer remaining ingredients into jar in order listed,
packing firmly after each addition. Tip: Use a tart tamper or
the bulb end of a baster to pack layers. Adjust cap. Makes
one quart jar.

To Prepare Brownies, Add: 3/4 cup butter, softened and 4
eggs slightly beaten. Preheat over to 350 Place contents of
jar in a large mixing bowl and combine. Add butter and eggs.
Mix until completely blended. Spread into a lightly greased 9
by 9 inch pan. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until brownies
just begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool and
cut into squares. Makes about 16 brownies.

Be sure to add a recipe card complete with ingredients to
be added and baking instructions. Decorate the jar with fabric
rounds, raffia and a gift tag...

I have had this recipe for about 10 years and make it often,
I got it from the Ball/Kerr company

More Gift Mixes on OFL: http://oldfashionedliving.com/giftmixes.html

Posted by Brenda Jean at 4:34

Homemade Gift Mixes Part I

It is the personal thoughtfulness, the warm human awareness, the reaching out of the self to one’s fellow man that makes giving worthy of the Christmas spirit. ~Isabel Currier

Today I have some more easy mix recipes to give. These are not only simple to make but frugal as well! Tomorrow I will have part two.

Here is a recipe for Country Cappuccino Mix in a Jar.This recipe makes one quart jar of mix. ~Lina

COUNTRY CAPPUCCINO MIX

2/3 cup instant chocolate drink mix (we used Nesquik)
2 1/2 cups dry milk
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/3 cup instant coffee granules
1/2 cup French Vanilla flavored non-dairy cream

Mix together in a large bowl and then put into jar.

Directions: Mix 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup mix to 6 or 8 ounces hot water and stir well.

A MEXICAN SOUP MIX TO GIVE’

I loved making these last year and folks liked them too...enough for these folks to ask for more...I made a Mexican Theme basket and put this into it. ~donnag

Tortilla soup mix in a jar

Ingredients for the jar:
1 cup converted long grain rice
2 to 2-1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips
1 (5 oz.) can chicken

Seasonings:
Mix the following and place in a zipper sandwich bag.
2 T. chicken bouillon granules
2 t. lemonade powder with sugar
1 t. lemon pepper
1 t. dried cilantro leaves
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. ground cumin
1/2 t. salt
1/4 cup dried minced onions

Size of jar: Quart

Place ingredients in jar in this order:
Place rice in jar first. Seasoning packet into jar next. (Gently flatten bag so it is visible from all sides of jar.) Fill jar with tortilla chips. Put lid on the jar. Attach can of chicken to top of jar. Decorate jar and attach the following recipe.

Tortilla Soup Directions:
Carefully empty tortilla chips from jar into a dish. Set aside. Remove seasoning packet. Set aside. Place the rice in a large pan. Add 10 cups water, 1 (10 oz.) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies and seasonings from packet. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and
simmer 20 minutes. Add the tortilla chips. Cover and simmer 5 more minutes. Serve immediately. Makes 12 cups soup.

A GREAT COOKIE MIX

I am going to make these up, put them in the pantry (I do this with many of the different mixes) so I just have to pull out and add the additional ingredients. ~Lina

Oat Pecan Cookie Mix

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 cup crisp rice cereal

Additional Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and
powder. In a 1-quart glass container, layer the flour
mixture, brown sugar, oats, pecans and rice cereal,
packing well between each layer. Cover and store in
a cool dry place up to 6 months. Yield: 1 batch about
4 cups total)If you give this as a gift remember to add the instructions...

To prepare cookies: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter.
Beat in egg and vanilla. Add the cookie mix and mix well.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on greased
baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes or until golden
brown. Cool for a few minutes before removing from pans
to wire racks...Yields about 3 dozen.

From Country woman Issue Nov/Dec 2003
Posted by Brenda Jean

Olive Oil Herb Blends for Bread

Listen! the wind is rising,and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!”- Humbert Wolfe

Today I have another reader’s question:

I have been looking for recipes for spice blends to use with olive oil. What I would like to do for gifts this year for Christmas is to paint bottles for olive oil and then include some spice blends for dipping. ~Helen

I found two blends you could use. The only thing I thought of is they would probably be better if the person you gave it to used fresh garlic instead of the powder or granules— you could give them instructions to use 1 tsp. of fresh, minced garlic along with the oil and the blend if you wish.

Bread Dipping Herb Blend

1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. garlic powder or granules
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

To prepare- mix With:
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon lemon juice

Combine all ingredients, except oil and lemon juice, in a small food processor or grinder. Process and store in a covered container. To serve, combine 1 1/2 tsp. blend to 3 Tbsp. olive oil in a small dish or plate. Dip crusty bread in the oil mixture.

Another bread dipping blend:
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder or granules
6 Tablespoons grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese

This is one serving. Mix the ingredients with a small amount of olive oil and a tiny bit of Balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Another idea for homemade herb gifts are herb jellies. We have a how-to article on OFL here:
http://oldfashionedliving.com/teajelly.html

Posted by Brenda Jean a

Lightning, Thunder & The 30-30 Rule

Posted By TipNut On July 16, 2010 @ 3:17 am In Household Tips,Notes & Tidbits | 1 Comment

Whoa! We’ve been having a lot of thunderstorms this summer (it’s a good thing I enjoy them!) and I thought I’d bring up this tip I published way back in 2006, it’s a good one to know when things are rockin ‘n rollin outside…

Lightning Storm
You can determine how close lightning struck to where you are by counting in seconds after you see lightning until you hear thunder. Divide by 5 for miles, divide by 3 for kilometers.

For Example:

* You see lightning
* You count 12 seconds and then you hear thunder

The lightning struck and the storm is approximately 4 kilometers or 2.4 miles away (12 seconds / 3 = 4 kilometers away; or 12 seconds / 5 miles = 2.4 miles away).

Huh?

The speed of light travels faster than the speed of sound (that’s why we see the lightning first) and it takes approximately 5 seconds for the sonic boom to travel one mile.

If you count less than 30 seconds: Practice the 30-30 rule [1]:

Take appropriate shelter when you can count 30 seconds or less between lightning and thunder.

Remain sheltered for 30 minutes after the last thunder.

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Tipnut’s Hit List – May 2008 – Popular Tips [2]

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[1] Practice the 30-30 rule: http://www.ec.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=D04DC0DA-1

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10 Homemade Applesauce Recipes To Make

Posted By TipNut On July 15, 2010 @ 1:11 pm In Recipes | No Comments

Here’s a treat for this week’s Recipe Hit List–homemade applesauce! It’s healthy, easy to make and a great way to preserve a bounty of this season’s apples. Many of these work well in canning and there are a couple crockpot recipes too. I’ve also made sure to include some flavor twists with added fruits such as blueberries, cranberries and pears while others include spices such as cinnamon and ginger. Lots to pick from here, enjoy!
Homemade Applesauce Recipes

*Note: Descriptions below are quotes from the recipe sites

Make This Lovely Roasted Applesauce With Recipe From closetcooking.blogspot.com

1. Roasted Applesauce [1]: (as seen in picture). The apple sauce was really easy to make; you simply toss the apples with some spices, roast them and then mash them. I let my apples roast for a good long time, until they were nice and soft and caramelizing. Because I let the apples roast so long the apple sauce came out pretty dark but it was great! Found at Closet Cooking.
2. Spiced Applesauce [2]: Also includes recipe for Caramel Apple Jam. Recipes from Chickens In The Road.
3. Baked Applesauce [3]: Well, folks, this is just about the easiest (and BEST) applesauce you will ever make. No peeling, no dicing, no slicing, no kidding. I just can’t decide what I like most about it, the fact that it’s so easy to make, or the awesome apple-pie flavor. Found at Circle B Kitchen.
4. Crockpot (Slow Cooker) Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce [4]: I love this recipe because it is effortless! You make the applesauce in the crockpot (slow cooker) and there is no canning involved. The hardest part is chopping the apples, which I didn’t mind doing. I like chopping, it’s a great stress reliever:) I used a mixture of our CA apples-Gala, Honey Crisp, and Granny Smith. I also added in lots of cinnamon. The house smelled amazing while the applesauce was simmering. Found at Two Peas And Their Pod.
5. CrockPot Applesauce Recipe [5]: This makes enough for 4 people. If you would like to freeze or can, use more apples. From A Year of Slow Cooking.
6. Maple-Ginger Applesauce [6]: If you’ve never made applesauce before, give this a try. If you’re a pro, then you already know: it’s easy, cheap, and so, so New England in the Fall. Found at Cheap Healthy Good.
7. Ruby Applesauce with Cranberries [7]: A favorite New England pairing – apples and cranberries simmered to create a luscious slightly tart sauce, sweetened with organic raw agave. Make it as sweet or as tart as you prefer. This beautiful ruby red applesauce is a lovely side dish for so many fall recipes. Found at Gluten Free Goddess.
8. Apple-Pear Sauce [8]: McIntosh apples work beautifully here if you’re buying specifically for the recipe, but I’ve often used whatever apples we have on hand from the CSA, and it all tastes good. The sauce also works well unsweetened, if you’re into that sort of thing. Found at Serious Eats.
9. Maple-Cinnamon Applesauce [9]: Turn fresh fall apples into delicious maple-and-cinnamon-spiked homemade applesauce with this easy recipe. Found at Eating Well.
10. Spiced Blueberry Applesauce [10]: While it was processing, I took a taste of the applesauce, and shivered. It was that good–flowery and fruity, with the best qualities of both apples and blueberries, with a perfect balance between tart and sweet. The spices were subtle, but definitely present, and they took the sauce over the top into splendid. It will taste great in Kat’s oatmeal, for certain, but it is also something that I see the rest of us eating too. I can see putting it over good vanilla ice cream, or serving it with braised pork or roasted venison. Or using it as a tart filling or a spread on bread. Or just plain old eating it. Found at Tigers & Strawberries.

Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Simple Baked Apple Recipes [11]
* 15 Homemade Beef Stew Recipes [12]
* Tempting Crockpot Recipes [13]

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

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URLs in this post:

[1] Roasted Applesauce: http://closetcooking.blogspot.com/2008/10/roasted-apple-sauce.html

[2] Spiced Applesauce: http://chickensintheroad.com/blog/2008/10/15/caramel-apple-jam-spiced-applesauce/

[3] Baked Applesauce: http://circle-b-kitchen.squarespace.com/food-and-recipes/2010/1/27/baked-applesauce.html

[4] Crockpot (Slow Cooker) Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce: http://twopeasandtheirpod.com/crockpot-slow-cooker-chunky-cinnamon-applesauce/

[5] CrockPot Applesauce Recipe: http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/09/crockpot-applesauce-recipe.html

[6] Maple-Ginger Applesauce: http://cheaphealthygood.blogspot.com/2009/11/veggie-might-mmmm-is-for-maple-ginger.html

[7] Ruby Applesauce with Cranberries: http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2009/09/ruby-applesauce-with-cranberries.html

[8] Apple-Pear Sauce: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/10/the-crisper-whisperer-pear-butter.html

[9] Maple-Cinnamon Applesauce: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/maple_cinnamon_applesauce.html

[10] Spiced Blueberry Applesauce: http://www.tigersandstrawberries.com/2007/10/05/savoring-the-fruits-of-the-season-spiced-blueberry-applesauce/

[11] Simple Baked Apple Recipes: http://tipnut.com/baked-apples/

[12] 15 Homemade Beef Stew Recipes: http://tipnut.com/stew-recipes/

[13] Tempting Crockpot Recipes: http://tipnut.com/crockpot-recipes/

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Yarn Stash Busters: Kitchen Goodies & Cozies

Posted By TipNut On June 5, 2010 @ 11:23 am In Crochet,Knitting,Popular Tips | No Comments

Here’s a list of free patterns for a variety of kitchen items and cozies, these are great projects for using up the burgeoning yarn stash you may have piling up in the craft cupboard.

The bulk of the patterns are for knitting but I have included a dozen crochet patterns as well (toward the bottom of the post).

Some of the patterns listed in the Knitting section do include alternate crochet patterns as well, I’ve noted that where applicable.

Enjoy!
Yarn Stash Busters – Knit Patterns

Can, Bottle & Wine Cozies

1. Soda Can Cozy….Free Pattern [1]: Knit pattern using dpn, knit in the round. Approximately one inch of ribbing for the top then done up in the knit stitch.
2. Wine Cozy [2]: Knit pattern with a twisted yarn rope at the neck, knit in i-cord around the base (helps prevent tipping), includes some embellishment ideas.
3. Swirled Wine Bottle Cozy [3]: Uses one skein, worked in the round. Drawstring closure at top (twisted yarn rope). Nice!

Mug & Coffee Cup Cozies

1. Mug Cozy, with tutorial [4]: Knit cozy for a standard sized mug with handle, has an open slot to accommodate the handle, just pop over the mug and voila! fits snug.
2. Knit Tea Cozy [5] *pdf download. Here’s a tea cozy that’s quite charming, made for a mini-teapot (fits standard size mugs as well), two button closure around the handle slit, tri-color design.
3. Jazzy Coffee Cup Cozy [6]: Knit pattern – This cozy is for takeout coffee mugs (or those large plastic thermal cups without handles), sleeve design, easy peasy to make.
4. Kureyon Coffee Cozy [7]: Knit pattern to fit a 16 oz. coffee cup (takeout), worked on 4 dp needles in the round.
5. Knit Coffee Sleeve [8]: Quick & easy cabled sleeve for takeout coffee mugs. Found on the Craftster forum, pattern is here [9].
6. Slingshot Coffee Cozy [10]: Slingshot style carrier and sleeve for takeout coffee cups, no more burning hands from holding cups of hot coffee.
7. Mug Cosy Pattern [11]: Suitable for large mugs with handles, knitted in aran (worsted) weight wool. Some knitting in the round involved. Pattern is available via pdf download.
8. Starbucks Coffee Cozy [12]: Designed to look like the cardboard sleeves from Starbucks, cute!

Teapot & French Press Cozies

1. Easy Tea & Coffee Press Cozy Pattern [13]: Scroll down the page to view the image, three tied yarn i-cords along the handle opening to keep things tied snugly.
2. Recipe for a Coffeepot Cosy [14]: Drawstring closure at top (3 string i-cord) with a split for spout and handle, rib stitch. The pattern says it’s a coffeepot cozy, but I’d say it’s for a tea pot?
3. Flower Top Tea Cozy [15]: Fitted knit around the pot topped with a leaf and flowers, sweet and simple design.
4. Grannies Traditional Tea Cozy [16]: Uses 4 skeins but in three colors so it’s suitable as a stashbuster, this is a nice fitted cozy with a flower top (pattern is based on an old cozy which is topped with a pom pom–I think that looks cute too).

Mug Mats & Coasters

1. Mini-Rug Mat [17]: Knit pattern using up sock yarn, has fringes on the sides just like a floor rug, cute! Pattern is available in a pdf download.
2. Calla Coasters [18]: Both knit and crochet patterns available, these are finished with a fabric backing.

Knit Dishcloth & Towel Patterns

1. Coasters, towels and potholders [19]: Four knit patterns – Coasters, Garter Stitch Towel, Checkerboard Towel, Potholder and one Crochet Potholder pattern. Nice!
2. Candy Striper Cloth [20]: Knit dishcloth pattern, uses 1/3 of a skein in two colors (dishcloth cotton).

You’ll also find a big list of Knitted Dishcloth Patterns here [21].
Yarn Stash Busters – Crochet Patterns

1. Loaf Pan Tote [22]: A cozy pattern that will fit a loaf pan snugly, has two handles for easy toting.
2. Tribble Scrubbies: Crochet versions of the knit pattern above – Nice crochet examples here [23] plus the crochet pattern version here [24].
3. Crocheting dish scrubbies 101 [25]: Dish scrubbies made out of netting, a how to tutorial.
4. Crochet: Old Fashioned Potholders [26]: Charming 5-sided design, boy do these bring back memories! Examples are nicely done .
5. Crochet Dish Sponges [27]: A new pattern I recently discovered and I love them (featured previously on Tipnut)!
6. Crochet Tea Mug Cozies [28]: Two different crochet patterns for mug cozies, velcro straps close things up nicely.
7. Crochet Teapot Cozy [29]: A simple pattern with bow ties fastening the handle and spout openings, button strap closure along the bottom side, cute!
8. Scrappy French Press Cozy [30]: A Mondrian-inspired cozy, 4 button closure along the side for a snug fit. Perfect, modern design to use up scraps.
9. Coffee Cup Cozy [31]: This is quite a unique design for takeout coffee cups, the cozy buttons over top to catch all the spills, unbutton when you’re ready to drink.
10. Chie Crochets Tawashi [32]: Japanese for “scrubby”, crochet pattern using acrylic yarn, square shaped.

Here are a few more crafty lists:

* Free Scrubby Patterns [33]
* Free Dishcloth Patterns (Crochet) [34]
* Potholder Patterns [35] (Knit, Crochet, Sewing)
* Swiffer Pattern List [36]

These patterns are not only a great way to use up your yarn stash, the items you create are actually useful .

Update: Pruned dead links and patterns no longer available
Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Free Scrubby Patterns [33]
* 14 Laptop Sleeves & Cases: Free Tutorials & Patterns [37]
* Homemade Swiffer Cloth Patterns [36]

Love This Tip? Share It!

Email [38] ~ Facebook [39]

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

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/42-kitchen-goodies-cozies-yarn-stash-busters/

URLs in this post:

[1] Soda Can Cozy….Free Pattern: http://lilknitofthisandthat.blogspot.com/2007/09/soda-can-cozyfree-pattern.html

[2] Wine Cozy: http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTwinecozy.html

[3] Swirled Wine Bottle Cozy: http://taras-knits.blogspot.com/2007/12/swirled-wine-bottle-cozy.html

[4] Mug Cozy, with tutorial: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=15524.0

[5] Knit Tea Cozy: http://www.craftleftovers.com/patterns/knitteacozy.pdf

[6] Jazzy Coffee Cup Cozy: http://pensandneedles.blogspot.com/2006/12/jazzy.html

[7] Kureyon Coffee Cozy: http://mimoknits.typepad.com/knitting/2007/11/post.html

[8] Knit Coffee Sleeve: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=194286.00;

[9] pattern is here: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=194286.msg2050779#msg2050779

[10] Slingshot Coffee Cozy: http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTslingshot.html

[11] Mug Cosy Pattern: http://audm.wordpress.com/2008/01/10/mug-cosy-pattern/

[12] Starbucks Coffee Cozy: http://carissaknits.blogspot.com/2007/12/starbucks-coffee-cozy.html

[13] Easy Tea & Coffee Press Cozy Pattern: http://bethgo.com/?p=385

[14] Recipe for a Coffeepot Cosy: http://knitwithkt.blogspot.com/2007/08/recipe-for-coffeepot-cosy.html

[15] Flower Top Tea Cozy: http://myfivesons.blogspot.com/2007/01/tea-cosy.html

[16] Grannies Traditional Tea Cozy: http://teabythesea.blogspot.com/2008/04/grannies-traditional-tea-cozy.html

[17] Mini-Rug Mat: http://www.girlontherocks.com/knit/blog/2006/10/10/drip/

[18] Calla Coasters: http://www.purlbee.com/calla-coasters/

[19] Coasters, towels and potholders: http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=81&d_id=13&lang=us

[20] Candy Striper Cloth: http://knitwithkt.blogspot.com/2008/02/candy-striper-cloth.html

[21] Knitted Dishcloth Patterns here: http://tipnut.com/dishcloth-patterns/

[22] Loaf Pan Tote: http://www.crochetnmore.com/loafpantote.htm

[23] Nice crochet examples here: http://thekidneybean.wordpress.com/2008/02/23/tawashi-rosebud/

[24] crochet pattern version here: http://crochetpatternsonly.blogspot.com/2005_05_16_crochetpatternsonly_archive.html

[25] Crocheting dish scrubbies 101: http://knit-read-cats-hockey.blogspot.com/2007/06/crocheting-dish-scrubbies-101.html

[26] Crochet: Old Fashioned Potholders: http://mylittlekitchen.blogspot.com/2007/12/crochet-old-fashioned-potholders.html

[27] Crochet Dish Sponges: http://tipnut.com/cotton-dish-sponges-free-crochet-pattern/

[28] Crochet Tea Mug Cozies: http://pippacrochet.blogspot.com/2005/12/tea-mug-cozy-two-patterns.html

[29] Crochet Teapot Cozy: http://www.lullabiesandlace.com/simpleteacozy.html

[30] Scrappy French Press Cozy: http://www.crochetme.com/media/p/89349.aspx

[31] Coffee Cup Cozy: http://thecrochetdudepatterns.blogspot.com/2005/08/coffee-cup-cozy.html

[32] Chie Crochets Tawashi: http://chiescrochetandknitting.blogspot.com/2004/11/my-tawashi.html

[33] Free Scrubby Patterns: http://tipnut.com/free-scrubby-patterns/

[34] Free Dishcloth Patterns (Crochet): http://tipnut.com/dishcloth-crochet/

[35] Potholder Patterns: http://tipnut.com/potholder-patterns/

[36] Swiffer Pattern List: http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-swiffer-cloths/

[37] 14 Laptop Sleeves & Cases: Free Tutorials & Patterns: http://tipnut.com/laptop-sleeves-cases/

[38] Email: mailto:?subject=Homemade Swiffer Cloth Patterns&body=http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-swiffer-cloths/

[39] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-swiffer-cloths/&t=Homemade Swiffer Cloth Patterns

[40] Tweet It: http://twitter.com/home?status=See http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-swiffer-cloths/

[41] Delicious: http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-swiffer-cloths/&title=Homemade Swiffer Cloth Patterns : Tipnut.com

1. Taco Spaghetti Supreme
Posted by: “jackie”

Taco Spaghetti Supreme

8 ounces spaghetti, broken
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 cup water
1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope taco seasoning mix
1 (2 1/2 ounce) can sliced pitted ripe olives
1 (16 ounce) jar thick and chunky-style salsa (mild or medium)
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 ounce)

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water. Drain again.

In a 12-inch skillet, cook ground beef and onion until meat is brown. Drain off fat. Stir in 1 cup water and 1 package of taco seasoning mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cooked pasta, olives, half the shredded cheese and salsa. Simmer another 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to a lightly greased 2-quart round casserole. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.

Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Makes 6 main dish servings.

________________________________________________________________________
2a. Potato Chips
Posted by: “jackie”

Potato Chips

2 pounds potatoes
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup assorted seasonings:
salt, onion salt, garlic powder,
hot chili powder, grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Scrub potatoes and slice as thin as you can, or slice with a food processor.

Oil a large cookie sheet and spread slices out in a single layer. Brush tops of potatoes with vegetable oil. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown.

Pour 1/4 cup of the seasoning of your choice into a clean paper bag and place chips, while still warm, in the bag and shake gently.

________________________________________________________________________
3a. Chocolate Muffins
Posted by: “Lynnda”

Chocolate Muffins

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
6 T. unsweetened
2 t. baking powder
pinch of salt
2/3 milk
1/4 t. vanilla extract
1 stick plus 3 T. unsalted butter, melted
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
12 hole muffin pan, lined with paper cases

Preheat oven to 325. Put eggs and sugar in mixer and beat until pale and well mixed. In another bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, mix milk and vanilla. gradually beat these 2 mixtures alternately into egg mixture little by little. scrape any unmixed ingredients from side of bowl with rubber spatula. Beat until just incorporated. Stir in melted butter with wooden spoon, then fold in chocolate until evenly dispersed. Spoon batter into paper cases until two thirds full. Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until skewer inserted in center comes out clean. Let muffins cool slightly in an before turning out onto wire rack to cool. You can vary this recipe by adding bittersweet, milk or white chocolate chips.
Makes 12
Source: The Hummingbird Bakery

________________________________________________________________________
4a. Blueberry Muffins
Posted by: “Lynnda”

Blueberry Muffins

2 3/4 cup flour
1 3/4 cup sugar
1 t. salt
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 egg
1/2 t. vanilla extract
5 T. unsalted butter, melted
1 pint blueberries
12 hole muffin pan, lined with paper cases

Preheat oven to 325. Put flour, sugar,salt, baking powder and baking soda in mixer and beat on slow speed. Put buttermilk, egg and vanilla into bowl and mix to combine. Slowly pour into flour mixture and beat until just incorporated. Pour in melted butter and beat until butter has just been incorporated, then turn mixer up to medium speed and beat until dough is even and smooth. Finally, gently fold in blueberries with wooden spoon until evenly dispersed. Spoon batter into paper cases until two thirds full and bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and skewer inserted in center comexs out clean. Let muffins cool slightly in pan before turning out onto wire rack to cook. Makes 12
Source: The Hummingbird Bakery

________________________________________________________________________
5. Banana and Cinnamon Muffins
Posted by: “Lynnda”

Banana and Cinnamon Muffins

2 2/3 cups flour
3/4 t. salt
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
2 t. ground cinnamon, plus extra to sprinkle
3/4 cup sugar, plus extra to sprinkle
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 egg
1/2 t. vanilla extract
5 T. unsalted butter, melted
1 3/4 cups mashed bananas
12 hole muffin pan, lined with paper cases

Preheat oven to 325. Put flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon in large bowl and beat with electric mixer until mixed. Put buttermilk, egg and vanilla in a bowl and mix to combine. Slowly pour in the flour mixture and beat on slow speed until just mixed. Pour melted butter in and beat, then stir in bananas with a wooden spoon until evenly dispersed. Spoon batter into paper cases until two thirds full and sprinkle a little extra sugar and cinnamon over top tops. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted in center comes out clean. Let muffins cool slightly in pan before turning out onto a wire rack to cool. Moist and sweet, nuts or chocolate chips can be added for variety.
Makes 12 muffins
source: The Hummingbird Bakery

________________________________________________________________________
6a. Strawberry Marshmallow Pie
Posted by: “jackie”

Strawberry Marshmallow Pie

1 crust pie shell
1 package frozen strawberries (use no syrup)
1 package strawberry Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
16 large marshmallows
1/2 cup milk
1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip

Bake pie shell.

Thaw and drain frozen strawberries. Set aside. Combine strawberry Jell-O with boiling water.

Mix until Jell-O is completely dissolved. Add syrup from strawberries plus enough water to make 1 cup liquid. Mix well. Chill until partially set.

In a saucepan, combine marshmallows and milk (cook over low heat and cool). Fold in whipped cream or Cool Whip. Set aside.

Add drained, thawed strawberries to partially set Jell-O. Combine the strawberries-Jell-O mixture to the marshmallows-whipped cream mixture. Fold together and put in your baked crust and chill until firm in refrigerator.

________________________________________________________________________
7. Fried Red Tomatoes
Posted by: “Pam Cobb”

I was watching the new Food Channel and a guy fixed this. It looked so good I”m going to try it soon.
Pam
Fried Red Tomatoes with Sour Cream and Prosciutto
Recipe courtesy Chuck Hughes

4 servings

a.. 3 firm ripe tomatoes
b.. 1/2 cup white flour
c.. 3 eggs, beaten
d.. 2/3 cup panko bread crumbs
e.. 1/4 cup olive oil
f.. 1 tablespoon butter
g.. 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
h.. 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
i.. Sour cream, for garnish
j.. 3 slices prosciutto, fried till crisp, for garnish
k.. A few sprigs of fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish
l..
m..
Directions
Cut tomatoes into 1/2-inch slices. Sprinkle with coarse salt and cracked black pepper. Place flour, eggs, and crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Heat the oil with a dollop of butter, in a medium skillet on medium heat. Dip the tomato slices in the flour, then the eggs, and then crumbs. In batches, fry half the coated slices at a time, for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Coat the remaining tomatoes in the flour, egg and bread crumb mixture, and cook. Remove the tomatoes to a warm serving tray. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, crumbled crisp prosciutto, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives.

________________________________________________________________________
8. Fruit Loops Trail Mix
Posted by: “jackie”

Fruit Loops Trail Mix

1 (15 ounce) box Fruit Loops cereal
1 15 ounce) bag mini pretzel twists
1 (1 pound) bag M&M’s
1 box raisins
1 can salted peanuts

Mix all together and store in airtight container

________________________________________________________________________
9. Mexican Fried Potatoes
Posted by: “jackie”

Mexican Fried Potatoes

1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 pounds potatoes, scrubbed and diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 poblano chile, seeded and sliced thin
2 medium tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
Salt, to taste
4 oz. mexican blend cheese; shredded

Heat oil in a large heavy skillet. Add potatoes, stir to coat with oil, then pat into a flat layer. Cook over medium heat until they begin to sizzle and turn golden around the edges, about 10 minutes. Stir in the onion and chile and pat into a flat layer again. Cook over medium heat until the potatoes are browned on the bottom, about 5 minutes. With a spatula, turn the potatoes over to brown the other side.

If using tomatoes, stir them in and pat into a layer again. Sprinkle with salt to taste, raise the heat to medium-high, and cook until the potatoes are nicely browned on the bottom again, about 5 minutes.

If using cheese, sprinkle over the top and cook 2 minutes more, or until the cheese softens. Serve immediately.

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

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm219449.htm

J & H Besta Corp. Issues a Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Slim- 30 Herb Supplement Found to Contain an Undeclared Drug Ingredient

Contact:
Jason Wang
516-735-1436

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 16, 2010 - J & H Besta Corp. of Hicksville, NY, has been informed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that FDA lab analysis of Slim-30 Herb Supplement distributed by the company was found to contain undeclared N-Desmethyl Sibutramine and traces of Sibutramine. Sibutramine is an FDA-approved drug used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss. The FDA has not approved this product, therefore the safety and effectiveness of the product is unknown.

FDA advises that this product poses a threat to consumers because Sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke.

Slim-30 Herb Supplement is marketed as a Natural Herb for Weight Loss. Slim-30 Herb Supplement is packaged in plastic bottles containing 30 capsules per bottle and bears UPC 8 31457 005009 2. The affected lot/code being recalled is 032009. The product was sold to distributors and retail stores nationwide and China and via internet sales.

No illnesses or injuries have been reported to the company to date in connection with this product.

J & H Besta Corp. is taking this voluntary action because of the concern for the health and safety of consumers. The company has discontinued distribution of this affected product lot. It sincerely regrets any inconvenience to our customers.

Consumers should not consume the Slim-30 Herb Supplement and should return it immediately to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions should contact Jason Wang at 516-735-1436, Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, EDT.

Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program online [at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm9], by phone 1-800-332-1088 [1-800-FDA-1088], or by returning the postage-paid FDA form 3500 [which may be downloaded from the MedWatch “Download Forms10” page], by mail [to address on the pre-addressed form] or fax [1-800-FDA-0178].

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

###

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