Posted on 07/24/2009 3:37:21 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny
Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition Category: Roundups | Comments(15)
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.
The Frugal Roundup
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)
A Few Others I Enjoyed
* 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
Crock Pot - Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe
Posted by: “momsrecipes”
Crock Pot - Old Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe
During the fall and winter months, I enjoy making hearty soups and stews in my crock pot for my family. I love the fact that I can spend a few minutes in the morning preparing it, put it into the slow cooker and walk away...a few hours later, our dinner is hot and ready to enjoy.
The following recipe was given to me by my 83 year old great aunt about 25 years ago. To this day, I still enjoy making it for my family. If you don’t like okra, you can certainly omit it from the recipe. At times, I have actually substituted the okra with some fresh green beans or green peas, and the stew was just as delicious
.
Old-Fashioned Beef Stew Recipe
2 lbs. beef cubes
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 onion, finely chopped
1 cup beef bouillon
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons table salt
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
4 carrots, peeled and sliced in 1” sections
1 cup celery, chopped
4 potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
4 medium-sized turnips, peeled and quartered
4 1/2 cups water
1 cup partially cooked okra
In a large frying pan, heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides.
In your crock pot combine the browned beef cubes, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, onion, bouillon, pepper, salt, granulated sugar and the vegetables listed in the recipe. Pour in 4 1/2 cups of water and stir so that everything is combined.
Cover and set the dial to high heat and slow cook for 6 hours. Remove lid and stir in flour if it is needed to thicken the soup. Replace lid and turn the dial to low heat and simmer for 1-2 additional hours.
This recipe will make 6 hearty servings.
PLEASE NOTE: If you see a recipe on this site that you would like to share
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Getting Prepared for EMP or a Solar Storm, by David in Israel
Posted by: “Brad”
Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) of the regional effect scale is a threat during times of potential crisis with a megaton class nuclear equipped foe who also has near-space launch capability for these weapons. An EMP-like event of greater strength and duration is also possible during extreme solar flare events. These types of event are caused by ionospheric excitation of the upper atmosphere by subatomic particles and plasma ejected from a massive solar discharge, this motion in the conductive plasma generates massive amounts of radio waves.
An antenna is any conductor of electricity which inductively converts radio waves into voltage, usually grabbing signals in the microvolt range, but—like a tuned guitar string vibrates in harmony when another tuned guitar string is plucked—an antenna best resonates to a frequency resonant with its length. I would ask the readers to quickly brush up on antenna theory with one of the many excellent tutorials on the Internet.
Fortunately for off the grid equipment like portable electronics and vehicles an antenna that best receives these high energy HF radio waves is measured in tens of meters, unfortunately that makes things like electrical power lines and long antennas particularly well suited to absorbing and transmitting large induced voltages into your sensitive solid state electronics.
It is important to remember, if you are concerned about EMP follow the old instructions for during a thunderstorm, disconnect all antennas and unplug your electronics. At a minimum filter your mains power and install gas discharge tubes on antenna feeds for mission critical radios.
Why do the tube tech gadgets survive where solid state dies from HERF? When an errant voltage spike enters a vacuum tube it can just discharge itself to ground if strong enough (so ground everything electronic at every opportunity), the other large components can also mostly take a sudden flash of high voltage without being destroyed. In solid state the junction size is almost universally quite small and if a reversed voltage is applied against the bias of the semiconductor or an over-voltage is applied the gate is almost always ruined in a way that requires component replacement.
While tube tech is much more survivable in an EMP environment, and HF (shortwave) radios are at high risk being tuned to the most affected bands, I wish to remind the readers that in nearly all other categories tube tech is far less survivable and is notoriously wasteful of precious off-grid electricity. The several downsides to “hollow state” tech is mechanical fragility and short life span compared to solid state, we are talking about blown glass and incandescent filaments essentially like a box of light bulbs to the uninitiated. In a well stocked retreat a tube type radio could be an asset after serious preps have been completed, although for the price of a quality collectors item several high quality military grade (civilian ham radio) solid state radios, the tools and parts to repair them, and proper antenna line and power input traps for errant voltage could be purchased providing much better reliable communications to your retreat than tube tech could.
I actually like to play with hollow state components especially when whipping up simple DIY radios and electronics with the kids, it is a much better visual learning tool which can be used to explain how the solid state components work.
I highly recommend that any serious survivalist invest in several good butane soldering irons, quality fluxed lead alloy solder, and a good tackle box full of replacement components, these can either be harvested from junked electronics or purchased in large grab bags form most large electronics engineering supply outlets. The Brunton Fuel Tool [lighter filling adaptor] makes keeping butane in a usable form easier for a prepper by avoiding the mostly incompatible gas cigarette lighter refill cans and instead using lantern/stove cartridges. These, combined with quality test equipment means that most damaged, shot, soaked, or even EMP-damaged electronics could be saved if you have the time to spare testing out components.
If the readers fail to procure the required hollow state and solid state components and practice their electronics repair skills by kitting or repairing intentionally damaged electronics they will not be able to use these skills during a crisis where mission critical equipment might be taken offline.
You must intelligently train, equip yourself for, and practice your medical, electronics, on and off-road driving, long range bicycling, cooking, fieldcraft, armed and unarmed combat, loaded hiking, carpentry, navigation, boating, food preservation, butchering, cycling, farming, veterinary, water finding, cooking, hunting, fishing, leadership, metal smithing, mechanical repair and fabrication, engineering and other critical survival skills. Being a real survivor has nothing to do with hobby shooting, wide-eyed fanatics, or overweight dude commandos, it is about living your life with the calm confidence that you are walking in the path that the Lord has set out for you while taking reasonable precautions to protect the life you have been given as well as being a vital asset to your family and community. - David in Israel
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5. bolster your immune syst. to fight viruses — including H1N1 swine
Posted by: “Misc4MyUse
Foods to Boost Immunity
As you prepare for the fall flu season by getting a flu shot, stocking up
on hand sanitizing gel
and decreasing your doorknob exposure, consider bolstering your immune
system’s ability to fight
viruses — including H1N1 swine flu — by adding certain foods to your
diet.
“We’re not sure of all the reasons why our bodies break down, but we do
know that food can
absolutely help to build us up,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D., spokesperson
for the American
Dietetic Association and weight-loss expert in New York City. “It’s so
important to prevent
illness to begin with by getting enough rest, exercising regularly,
following a healthy diet and
not skipping meals. These are sure-fire ways to help boost your immune
system,” she says.
“There’s no single food that will do the trick,” she says. “Variety is
important.” Here, Taub-
Dix’s top foods for flu season.
Garlic
Chopping garlic releases allicin, a sulfer-containing compound that houses
a potent antioxidant,
says Taub-Dix. “Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals that can
damage them, making it
harder for cells to fight disease,” says Taub-Dix, who suggests adding
fresh garlic to sautéed
vegetables.
Yogurt and Kefir
Embracing certain kinds of bacteria can actually help your immune system.
Yogurt (look for
cartons that say they contain “live, active cultures”) and kefir, a
fermented milk drink made
with kefir grains, all have probiotics or “good” bacteria.
In a recent study, probiotic bacteria was actually found to increase the
body’s immune response
to viruses that cause common infections like colds and flus by boosting
T-cell production.
Yogurt is also high in vitamin D, says Taub-Dix. A separate study found low
levels of vitamin D
to be associated with a heightened risk for respiratory infections like the
flu.
Brazil Nuts
These large nuts are rich in zinc, a mineral known to improve the number
of infection-fighting
T-cells that also has antioxidant properties. Zinc deficiency has been
linked to decreased
response to vaccination and impaired immune cell function, especially in
the elderly. But don’t
overdo it: A few of these provide enough zinc for the day, according to
Taub-Dix.
Tea
Tea is rich in polyphenols, chemicals found in plant foods that act like
antioxidants to protect
cells. And while green and white teas are particularly potent, all teas
will have some benefit,
says Taub-Dix.
Lean Protein
“Protein is important for tissue repair,” says Taub-Dix, who recommends
proteins like white meat
chicken, low-fat cheese or cottage cheese. Low amounts of protein have also
been found to impair
the immune system and have negative effects on T-cells.
Citrus Fruits
No surprise here. Taub-Dix recommends pink grapefruits, oranges and
mangoes, which are all rich
in the antioxidant vitamin C, something our bodies don’t produce or store
on their own. And says
Taub-Dix, “Studies have shown it can decrease the duration of a cold or
flu-like symptoms.”
If you do begin experiencing flu-like symptoms see your doctor. “Even
though I believe that
eating these foods regularly can help you stay healthy, they’re not a
substitute for seeing your
health care provider for proper medication when needed,” Taub-Dix says.
When the lights go off and the grocery shelves are empty- will you be ready?
To visit group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HunkerDown06/
Cheesy Dog Biscuits
4 oz. extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
4 T. butter, softened, and cut into 4 pieces
3/4 cup flour, plus more to prevent dough from sticking
1/2 t. salt
1 T. half and half
Heat oven to 350. In food processor, mix cheese, butter, flour and salt; pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add half and half; process on low speed until dough forms a ball. On lightly floured surface, roll dough to a rectangle about 8 x 10 inches and 1/8 inch thick. Cut biscuits with cookie cutter and transfer to an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let cool. Makes 30 biscuits.
Source: Country Living
-for Poison Ivy Itch
If you can catch it when it’s just a red streak on your skin before it blisters and starts itching, you can take a paper towel soaked in Clorox Bleach and saturate the area that’s been exposed. The red tell tale lines will just disappear and it will never blister or itch.
EASE POISON IVY ITCH
The oozing, itchy poison ivy rash. For quick relief, dampen a black tea bag and apply to the itchy area for 10 min. (If the rash has spread, simply steep three or four tea bags in your bathwater). Thanks to the tea’s tannins, proteins in the skin will shrink, diminishing tenderness, swelling and itchiness...
Chocolate Bark
Baking sheet
Parchment Paper
2 cups dark or milk chocolate
Toppings, to taste
Line a chilled baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour warm, not hot, melted chocolate onto the paper. Using a small offset spatula, spread chocolate evenly so its. about 1/8 inch thick. Sprinkle toppings such as caramelized cocoa nibs cherries, or toasted nuts on chocolate and place in freezer to set, about 20 minutes. For even sized pieces, cut up bark before it completely sets. If you like a more rustic look, allow bark to fully harden before breaking it up. Store in cool dark place.
Caramelized Cocoa Nibs: Line baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside. Cook 3 T. cocoa nibs (find them in specialty food shops or at wholefoods.com) 6 T. sugar and 3 T. water in skillet over medium heat until mixture melts to a deep amber. Stir in 1 1/2 t. butter, then pour mixture onto baking pan. Cool until hardened. Break up with mallet or skillet.
Makes about 1 lb.
Source: Country Living
Winter Wine
3 cups red wine
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 t. whole allspice
1/2 t. whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks, 3 inches
1/2 cup brandy
Bring red wine with sugar, allspice, cloves and cinnamon sticks to a simmer. Remove from heat and steep for 30 minutes. Strain and reheat until hot but not boiling. Stir in 1/2 cup brandy and transfer to an insulted carafe. Serve hot. Serves 4
Source: Country Living
“Hot” Chocolate Cake
1/4 cup cocoa, plus 1 T. for dusting
1 cup flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
8 oz. bittersweet chocolate
1/2 cup plus 2 T. unsalted butter, plus some for cake pan
4 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1 t. vanilla extract
Parchment paper
Preheat oven to 350. Butter one 9 inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Butter parchment paper and dust pan with 1 T. cocoa. Set aside.
In medium bowl, sift together flour, 1/4 cup cocoa, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and cayenne and set aside.
In double boiler over simmering water, melt 6 oz. chocolate and the butter. Set aside.
In large bowl, using electric mixer on medium high, beat eggs and sugars until mixture thickens and increases in volume, about 5 minutes. Reduce speed to low, add chocolate mixture and vanilla, and beat until mixed.
Gradually add flour mixture and beat until incorporated. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake on middle shelf of oven until cake springs back when lightly touched in center, 30 to 40 minutes. Cool cake in pan on wire rack for 20 minutes.
Invert cake onto wire rack, remove parchment paper, and cool completely. Transfer cake to a serving dish. Melt remaining bittersweet chocolate and drizzle over top of cake.
Serves 12
Source: Country Living
Potato Apple Kugel
1 T. oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 T. brown sugar
1 t. fresh thyme
3 large eggs
1 cup Fontina cheese, grated
1 t. paprika
1 t. salt
1/2 t. freshly ground black pepper
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and cored
2 russet potatoes, peeled and immersed in cold water
3 T. Parmesan cheese
heat oven to 350.
Place oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 7 minutes. Add sugar and cook for 2 minutes more. Add thyme and cook for 30 more seconds. Transfer to a medium bowl. Let cool.
Mix eggs, Fontina, paprika, salt and pepper in large bowl.
Grate apple into mixture and set aside.
Grate potatoes in colander, then squeeze out excess moisture. Stir cooled onion mixture and grated potatoes into egg mixture.
Lightly coat an 8 inch cake pan or six 6 oz. ramekins with butter. Set pan or ramekins on baking sheet and heat in oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, place potatoes mixture in hot dish or divide equally among ramekins, then top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 50 minutes. Serves 6
Source: Country Living
Banana Bread Pudding
8 T. butter, 1 stick
4 bananas, sliced 1/3 inch thick
6 T. light brown sugar
2/3 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 eggs, plus 1 yolk
1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 T.
1/8 t. salt
1/2 5. fresh nutmeg
1/2 t. cinnamon
6 slices firm white bread
Heat oven to 325. Butter (using 1 T) a 9 inch deep dish pie plate and one side of a 12 inch square of foil. Set aside.
Cook bananas with 4 T. butter in medium skillet over medium high heat until golden brown. Sprinkle in 2 T. brown sugar and cook until sugar melts and coats bananas. Set aside.
Beat milk, cream, eggs, yolk, 1/3 cup sugar, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon and remaining 4 T. brown sugar together.
Brush bread with remaining butter, cut each slice in half and layer in pie dish. Tuck bananas between slices.
Pour in milk mixture. Press to absorb the liquid. Cover with foil,bake for 30 minutes, remove foil.
Sprinkle with remaining tablespoon sugar and bake uncovered until golden brown, about 25 more minutes. Cool on wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Serves 10
Source: Country Living
MINI MARGARITA MOUSSE
15.25 oz can tropical fruit blend, drained
2 boxes 3 oz each lime Jell-O
1/2 cup tequila
1 1/2 cups frozen whipped topping, like Cool Whip, thawed
1 lime, zested and juiced
Dip edges of 6 glasses in water, then in coarse sugar or toasted coconut. In food processor or blender, puree tropical fruit blend 1 min.
(2.) In bowl, stir together gelatin mix and 1 cup boiling water 2 min. or until gelatin mix is dissolved. Add tequila and 1 cup ice cubes, stir until ice is completely melted. Place bowl in ice bath 2 min. or until mixture is consistency of mayonnaise.
(3.) In bowl, beat gelatin mixture 1 min. fold in whipped topping, 2 tbs lime juice and 1 tsp lime zest, divide among glasses. Chill 15 min. Garnish with whipped topping and sliced fruit, then serve.
MAKES 6 SERVINGS OF MINI MARGARTA MOUSSE...
MUDSLIDE CAKELETS
3 bars 4 oz each bittersweet chocolate, chopped
6 tbs salted butter
1/3 cup coffee flavored liqueur
6 large eggs, room temp, separated
3/4 cup sugar
8 oz container frozen whipped topping, like Cool Whip, thawed
Heat oven to 350 degrees. In double boiler, bring 1” water to a simmer. Add chocolate, butter and liqueur. Cook 2 min. or until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat, let cool 10 min. or until mixture is room temp.
(2.) In bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar 3 min. fold into chocolate mixture. In bowl, beat egg whites 5 min. or until stiff peaks form, fold into chocolate mixture. Divide batter among 6 greased 6 oz ramekins.
(3.) Bake 35 min. or until done. Let cool 10 min. Invert onto cooling rack, let cool completely. Drizzle with melted chocolate. Top cakes with whipped topping, then serve.
MAKES 6 SERVINGS OF MUDSLIDE CAKELETS...
CREAMY CHICKEN & VEGETABLES
10 3/4 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup with herbs
2 leeks, white and light green parts, thinly sliced, or 1 1/2 cups sliced green onions
4 whole chicken legs, skin removed
4 medium potatoes, cut in chunks
8 oz baby carrots
1 tbs Dijon mustard
2 tbs each snipped dill and sliced green onion
Stir soup and leeks in a slow cooker until blended. Add chicken, potatoes and carrots, stir to mix and coat well.
(2.) Cover and cook on low 7 hours or until chicken, potatoes and carrots are tender.
(3.) Remove chicken and vegetables to serving bowl. Add mustard to cooker, whisk until smooth. Stir in the dill and green onion, spoon over chicken and vegetables. Serve in bowls, and garnish with some more chopped dill.
MAKES 4 SERVINGS OF CHICKEN & VEGETABLES...
—
BLT SOUFFLES
2 tbs chopped shallots
3 tbs yogurt spread
3 tbs flour
12 oz can evaporated milk
2 egg yolks
1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
10 oz box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
4 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped
2 egg whites
1/8 tsp salt
Heat oven to 400 degrees. In saucepan, cook shallots and yogurt spread 3 min. Whisk in flour 1 min. Whisk in milk and egg yolks, whisking until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
(2.) Stir in tomato, cheese, spinach, and bacon. In bowl, beat egg whites and salt 2 min. or until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites into spinach mixture, divide among four 6 oz greased ramekins. Place on baking sheet. Bake 20 min. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and mint sprigs, then serve.
MAKES 4 SERVINGS OF BLT SOUFFLES...
COCONUT DREAM PIE
1 1/4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
5 tbs margarine, cut into small cubes
1/4 cup sugar
3 tbs cornstarch
2 cups half and half
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup frozen whipped topping, like Cool Whip, thawed
1/4 cup marshmallow cream, like Marshmallow Fluff
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange 1/4 coconut on baking sheet. Bake 5 min. or until golden brown. Let cool completely. In bowl, combine flour and salt until blended. Cut margarine into flour mixture until fine crumbs form. Stir in 5 tbs cold water, until dough starts to form. Shape dough into disk. On floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4” thick 12” circle. Place in 9” pie plate, crimp edges. Prick bottom of crust 5 times. Top with foil, add pie weights or dry beans. Bake 8 min. remove pie weights and foil. Bake 4 min. more. Let cool completely.
(2.) In saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and 1/4 cup half and half until blended. Whisk in remaining half and half and beaten egg. Bring mixture to a boil. Cook 1 min. more. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and remaining coconut until blended. Let sit 5 min.
(3.) Spoon egg coconut mixture into piecrust. Chill 1 hour or until firm. In bowl, whisk together whipped topping and marshmallow cream, spoon mixture into pastry bag fitted with star tip. Pipe marshmallow cream mixture on pie. Sprinkle toasted coconut over pie, then slice and serve.
MAKES 12 SERVINGS OF COCONUT DREAM PIE...
Creamy Pasta With Bacon
1 (9 oz) pkg. refrigerated linguine
1 onion chopped
1 T. canola oil
2 garlic cloves minced
2 T. all purpose flour
1 1/2 C. heavy whipping cream
3 eggs beaten
8 cooked bacon strips chopped
1/2 C. grated Parmesan cheese
Cook linguine according to package directions. Meanwhile in a large skillet, saute’ onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.
In a small bowl, whisk flour and cream until smooth; stir into the pan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in a small amount of hot mixture into the eggs; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Drain linguine; add to the pan. Stir in bacon and cheese; heat through.
Dorie
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DoriesRecipeBox/
To visit group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SimpleMeals/
posted on a group i am on - cute !!
http://crochet-world.com/patterns/pdfs/cheery_christmas.pdf
Tea cup pin cushions
i added some pre threaded needles i got from $ store sewing kits and pins.
http://www.vintageimagecraft.com/teacup-pincushion.html
Has many other crafts, nice site...granny
http://www.vintageimagecraft.com/christmas-crafts.html
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SimplfyMeWithTipsAndHints/
Companies Growing More Interested In Green Garden Walls
Posted: 15 Oct 2009 06:30 AM PDT
Gardens growing along and onto building walls have long been common since ancient times. Green rooftops are another variation on this theme becoming popular today, one of many methods to combat global warming. Another way to green buildings, although less common, is to build gardens directly on the walls of buildings creating so-called green walls.
Green Living Technologies LLC, based in Rochester, NY, is behind the growing popularity of green walls. The company thus far has created walls on the sides of buildings in New York City, Chicago, Seattle, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. The newest and largest green wall in North America is on the PNC Financial Services Group Inc. building in Pittsburgh.
The green wall on the PNC building is clearly displayed as it covers the size of two tennis courts on the side of the building. The design is elaborate and is a total of approximately 2,400 square feet. At least 15,000 plants create the pattern on the side of the building, placed in square two foot aluminum panels. The plants vary from ferns to sedums to brass buttons.
The plants require approximately 15 minutes of water per week in the summer months and less in other seasons. The plants are actually able to be watered directly by the building’s plumbing.
The aluminum panels which make up the green wall amount to about 600 panels. Green Living indicated that each panel equates to the carbon offsetting of one person per day. In addition, the wall is expected to reduce temperatures inside the building by 25 percent in the location of the design in summer months.
Green Living indicates that the popularity of the walls is growing. In addition to the green aspects of the green walls, many companies find the aesthetic of the walls draw attention to the buildings and therefore the companies. Many view the walls as living art and an overall improvement to cities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2009
Release # 10-013
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 244-8180
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Raynor Marketing Recalls Quantum Office Chairs Due to Fall Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Office Depot Stores
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Quantum Realspace PRO(tm) 9000 Series Mid-Back Multifunction Mesh Chair and Multifunction Mesh Chair with Headrest
Units: About 150,000
Importer: Raynor Marketing LTD, of West Hempstead, N.Y.
Manufacturer: Comfort Office Furniture, LTD, China aka Evergood Co. Ltd.
Hazard: The bolts attaching the seatback on the recalled chairs can loosen and detach, posing a fall and injury hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Raynor has received reports of 33 seatback detachments and 14 injuries involving bumps and bruises.
Description: This recall involves the Quantum Realspace PRO(tm) 9000 Series Mid-Back Multifunction Mesh Chair SKU # 510830 and the Quantum Realspace PRO(tm) 9000 Series Mesh Chair with Headrest SKU # 690690. The Realspace PRO(tm) Mesh Guest Chair is not involved in this recall.
Sold: Exclusively at Office Depot stores nationwide and on the Web at www.OfficeDepot.com from May 2006 through August 2009. The mid-back chairs sold for about $300 and the chair with headrest for about $350.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled office chairs and contact Raynor to receive a free repair kit.
Consumer Contact: For additional information and to receive a free repair kit, contact Raynor toll free at (866) 244-8180 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.Quantumchair.com/recall
To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10013.html
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‘CPSC 2.0’ Launches Product Safety Agency into Social Media — Learn more at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09346.html
* Visit our new blog, OnSafety at www.cpsc.gov/onsafety
* See our videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/uscpsc
[In England Carnation Milk, sells Caramel in a can also...granny]
Caramel
Caramel is a ready-made authentic Dulce de Leche caramel that is easy to use in baking and as a topping. No added colours or flavours, it makes an ideal no-fuss filling for Banoffee Pie.
Scoop this from a tin or apply by a handy squeezy bottle, Caramel is perfect for any caramel pudding need.
Why not use as a milkshake ingredient or even drizzle it over ice cream, fresh fruit or pancakes? For something truly indulgent, add it to the middle of chocolate muffins before baking. Yum…
Available in a 397g tin and 425g squeezy-bottle, it’s a must-have for all pudding-lovers!
http://www.carnation.co.uk/products/caramel
Chinese Hot and Spicy Chicken (Ma La Tze Gee) - Hunan
3 to 4 tablespoons oil
1 green onion, scallion
2 to 3 small hot chile peppers
1 tablespoon shredded ginger
1 tablespoon sherry
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 pounds frying chicken
1/2 cup Chicken broth
1 tablespoon Light soy sauce
2 tablespoons Wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 To 2 teaspoons anise pepper
1 tablespoon Cornstarch
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, marinate 15-20 minutes in ginger, sherry, soy sauce mixture. Cut scallion and hot peppers diagonally into 1-inch pieces. Grind anise pepper to powder. Mix chicken broth, soy sauce, wine vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Heat oil. Add scallion, and stir fry several times. Add ginger, sherry, soy mixture and chicken to scallions and hot pepper, and stir-fry for1-2 minutes more. Add chicken broth mixture, mix well. Cook over low heat until chicken pieces are tender. Add cornstarch to thicken. Serve with rice.
Jack Poulter On an Island in the Pacific
This great group is owned by *~Tamara~*
To visit group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/world-recipe-fiesta/
I use the small onion bags and from turkeys for my winter bird feeders from
fat scraps/grease and cracked corn/chicken scratch.
I have a couple of the medium size mesh bags from potatoes in the utility
room closet with gloves, hats and such in them. The bag hangs easily off a
hanger and it’s easy to reach in.
I use the big 50# onion mesh bags to hang/store horse blankets and such in
the barn.
Hubby is using 50# mesh onion bags for the walnuts he’s gotten husked so
they can have air circulation to dry.
~*~ Shar ~*~
My homesteading blog: http://viewtoponder.blogspot.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GoatMilkCheeseMeat/
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
http://www.saanendoah.com/cheese.html — it is a Website for dairy goat
enthusiasts, particularly the Saanen breed.
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WasteNothing/
OT: Great news about Beau
Posted by: “*~Tamara~*”
[Two 11 year old boys, out hunting, one shot the other in the head, in an accidental shooting.....granny]
Prayers are being answered. This lil boy is a fighter. He was squeezing his Mom’s hand, giving her a thumb’s up sign and pushing them with his legs. This is awesome news!
Thank you to each and every one of you who have been praying for him and his family. I would also like to say that the lil boy who shot him is having a really hard time with it. He and his family could use some prayers, too.
Prayer works!
Tamara
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2. Broccoli Veggie Dip Recipe
Posted by: “Beth
Broccoli Veggie Dip Recipe
This yummy variation on spinach dip gets a bit of crunch from chopped
broccoli. Everyone enjoys this delicious blend, which you can serve with
crackers or in a bread bowl.
This recipe is:
Quick
28 Servings
Prep: 10 min. + chilling
Ingredients
2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
3 cups frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and well drained
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 envelope vegetable soup mix
Crackers or raw vegetables
Directions
In a bowl, combine the sour cream, broccoli, mayonnaise and soup mix; mix
well. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Serve with crackers or
vegetables. Yield: 3-1/2 cups.
Broccoli Veggie Dip published in Country Woman Christmas Annual 2002, p22
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3a. Re: AMISH PUFF COOKIES-—REVIEW
Posted by: “pstarkoski”
Hi...
This is another “keeper” cookie recipe....they are so light and yummy!
I rolled the balls in cinnamon sugar, but the recipe states that you could add chocolate chips...I just used the cinnamon sugar. They are like a snickerdoodle cookie.
Enjoy!
hugs,
peg
-— In all-simple-recipes@yahoogroups.com, *~Tamara~*
> AMISH PUFF COOKIES
>
> 1 c. shortening, rounded
> 1 c. brown sugar
> 1/2 c. granulated sugar
> 2 eggs
> 2 3/4 c. flour
> 1 tsp. cream of tartar
> 1 tsp. baking soda
> 1 tsp. baking powder
> 1/2 tsp. salt
>
> Mix shortening, sugar and eggs thoroughly. Mix dry ingredients and add to sugar mixture. Chill. Form into balls and roll into mixture of 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon or add chocolate chips. Press balls with hand. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet. Cookies will puff, then settle down and look crinkly.
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Amish-Recipes/
> Largest Amish recipe group on Yahoo! Check us out
>
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4. TNT Recipe -— Vegetable Rice Medley
Posted by: “Starkoski Peg”
Hi...
I made this for a side dish for dinner this week and it was very good. ... a great way to use up veggies that you might have on hand. I had some zucchini that I didn’t use for another recipe so I was able to use it up in this recipe before it went bad.
Enjoy!
hugs,
peg
Vegetable Rice Medley
This is really great. It is so easy to make and has wonderful
flavor. Nice way to get in a variety of vegetables. It doesn’t make a lot
so is great for me. Posted by Beth Layman to Simply-side-dishes.
Recipe By : Pat Habiger - Spearville, Kansas
Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
———— —————— ————————————————
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup uncooked long grain rice
3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
4 1/2 teaspoon butter
2/3 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/3 cup julienned zucchini
1/3 cup julienned carrot
2/3 cup cut fresh asparagus (1-inch pieces)
1/8 teaspoon dried basil
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
dash pepper
Pour broth into a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Add rice. Reduce heat;
cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Meanwhile,
in a large skillet, sauté onion in butter for 4-5 minutes or until
crisp-tender. Add the mushrooms, zucchini and carrot; sauté 3-5 minutes
longer or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add asparagus and basil; cook,
uncovered, over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes or until asparagus is
crisp-tender. In a small serving bowl, combine the rice, asparagus mixture,
cheese and pepper.
Recipe Author: Pat Habiger - Spearville, Kansas
Recipe Source: Simple & Delicious
Author Note: With tons of veggies and flavorful rice, this simple dish has
all your sides covered. Hearty and filling, this, paired with chicken or the
pork chops here, is the only side you’ll need. Vary the basil depending on
how sweet you like your meals. Pat Habiger - Spearville,
Recipe source: My Favorite Recipes yahoo group, submitted by Sharon Capps
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5. TNT Recipe -— Pumpkin Bread
Posted by: “Starkoski Peg”
Hi...
I made this for church coffee hour last Sunday and it was just wonderful! I love pumpkin bread and this recipe was really yummy. I added walnuts but did not use raisins this time, but I am sure they would be great added to this bread.
Enjoy!
hugs,
peg
Pumpkin Bread
1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins, optional
In a large small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda cinnamon, salt,
baking powder, nutmeg and cloves. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin, oil,
and water. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in walnuts and
raisins if desired. Pour into a greased 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pan. Bake at
350° for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out
clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
Yield: 1 loaf (16 slices).
Recipe source: Taste of Home Magazine, submitted by Joyce Jackson of Bridgetown, Nova Scotia.
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Pumpkin-Bread
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6. TNT Recipe -— Apple Chip Cookies
Posted by: “Starkoski Peg”
Hi....
I have posted this recipe before, but it was a long time ago....I made these cookies for church since I had some extra apples.....so I thought I would share the recipe again since they are so yummy!
enjoy
hugs,
peg
Apple-Chip Cookies
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1-1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 cup peeled, cored, grated apple (1 medium apple)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
Preheat oven to 350. Grease (or parchment paper line) cookie sheets. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg. In another bowl, sift together the flour, ginger, and baking soda. Stir into butter mixture. Stir in apple, chocolate chips, and oats. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets. Bake 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container.
Makes about 4 dozen cookies.
This is another great group owned by *Beth*
<*> To visit group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/all-simple-recipes/
This is sooooo good. I think it would work as a muffing one too
but it is a quick bread.
The Great Pumpkin
1 - 8 oz package cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
2 1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs
2 cup pumpkin puree
3 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup walnuts (chopped)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Cream together cream cheese, butter and sugar till light. Beat in eggs
and then
add pumpkin.
Combine all dry ingredients then add all at once to creamed mixture and
stir
till just moist. Fold in chopped walnuts.
Pour into a loaf pans and bake 60 to 70 minutes.
Bake in 2 loaf pans
NOTE: You can substitute the walnuts for raisins, chocolate chips or
other nuts.
Darlene
Pumpkin Muffins
4 eggs
1 cup veggie oil
2 cups fresh pumpkin, puréed
2 cups sugar
2 cups cake flour (all purpose has worked for me)
1?2 tsp each ground cinnamon, nutmeg
1?4 tsp each ground ginger, cloves, allspice
2 tsp baking soda
1?2 tsp salt
confectioner’s sugar
Preheat the oven to 350, butter and flour your muffin tin. I have made this as a regular cake, a bundt cake and muffins, and all shapes have come out fine.
Beat the eggs in a bowl until they’re smooth, then beat in the oil and pumpkin purée. Sift the remaining ingredients into a large bowl, then stir the two together. Pour into muffin tins, shake to get air bubbles out. Bake until solid.
Let cool, turn out, serve with powdered sugar.
Ginger Mango Preserves
8 cups chopped ripe mango
1 oz fresh ginger, sliced thinly
1/2 cup lime juice
5 cups sugar
Cook all ingredients in a heavy saucepan, boiling rapidly and stirring
occasionally until thickened.
Ladle into prepared jars leaving a 1/4” headspace. Process in a boiling
water bath for 10 minutes. Adjust time according to your altitude.
I would suggest you look at recipes designed to use Bisquick or a
clone such as Master Mix and then figure out some rules for using
Bisquick in cookie recipes.
http://www.cooks.com/rec/story/73/
http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=GH1055
I think you would be better adjusting the ratio of white sugar and brown
sugar with the cookie recipe and add a little clear jel also.
Professional bakeries use clear jel in there baking. The ratio of white
to brown sugar will give you the crispness you want for the cookie. The
more brown sugar the more soft the more white the more crisp. Also if
using butter do not beat too mush. If the butter heats up too much you
will get a thin crisp cookie. It will spread more. Here is the oatmeal
cookie recipe from the clear jel files. maybe try this and experiment
from there?
Oatmeal Cookies
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp instant clear jel
1 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup butter
2 eggs
3 1/2 cups quick oats
1 cup raisins
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup milk
Mix dry ingredients. In separate bowl mix wet ingredients. Gradually mix
together.
Batter will be stiff; do not over mix.
Place tablespoon size batter on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375
degrees F. for 8
to 10 minutes or until brown.
Baking cookies is a great treat for children and adults. I’ve put
together a few tips to help make sure your cookies bake perfectly
each and every time you make them. I wish you success with each
sheet of cookies you bake!
1. Use shiny cookie sheets.
You could even cover dark cookie sheets with aluminum foil. The
reflective quality of the pan insures even baking and browning of
your cookies. With the right cookie sheet, you will produce
perfectly browned cookies each time you bake.
2. Use a spoon or other measuring device to measure out drop cookies.
Making sure your cookie dough is evenly divided is essential. Your
cookies will bake more evenly during their cooking time. If your
cookies are different sizes, they will require different cooking
times. You will end up with some underdone and some overdone
cookies. We definitely wouldn’t want that to happen!
3. Chill dough thoroughly if you are rolling out cookies.
By making sure that the dough has been chilled completely, the dough
will be much easier to work with during rolling and cutting.
4. Monitor the baking time of you cookies closely.
Remove your cookies from the oven when they still look a little
underdone in their centers. They will finish cooking on the cookie
sheets.
5. Use the correct fat for your cookies.
If the recipe calls for butter, use butter. Butter happens to be my
personal favorite for baking cookies! I never use margarine. If
the recipe calls for shortening, I will use butter flavored. Butter
and shortening provide the bonding fate that keeps our cookies from
spreading too thin while cooking. If you use margarine when it
calls for butter, your cookies may be thinner and may cook too
quickly for optimum taste benefits.
6. Rotate your cookies halfway through the baking time.
Often ovens cook faster towards the rear of the oven. Rotating the
cookies insures even baking of your wonderful treats. If you are
cooking more than one sheet of cookies at a time, make sure you
switch top and bottom sheets halfway through baking time also.
7. Always use large eggs.
This is the standard size egg used for developing cookie recipes.
Your cookies will mix perfectly by using the correct size eggs.
8. Measure all of your ingredients carefully.
Don’t use heaping cups of flour or sugar. Make sure you use a flat
surface to level all dry measured ingredients. Measure your liquid
ingredients carefully also or else you might end up with very dry or
very runny cookie dough.
9. Preheat your oven to the correct temperature.
Do this before you place your cookies in the oven. This will make
sure your cookies will cook properly to become the perfect cookies!
10. Have Fun!
Baking cookies is a wonderful tradition in homes today. Have fun
while you are making them, and the smiles will be even bigger when
you eat them! Having fun and smiling makes everything taste better!
Darlene
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FoodPreservationDryingCanningAndMore/
I’m hypoglycemic and my brother-in-law is diabetic. We both find the glycemic tables to be extremely helpful. For everyday use, the glycemic load values are the most useful. They take into account both the rate at which a particular carbohydrate is metabolized and how much of it is in a particular food. Here is an excellent website to help you understand what you need to know:
This site is the University of Sydney where the research has taken place. When I first started using it, it was not very user friendly because they were mainly concentrating on the research. Since then they have added a lot of supplementary information and made the tables easier to use and understand.
The same information in an even simpler table to use is on this website:
http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm
You can google “glycemic index” and find a wealth of information. Be aware that some of the information you will find is not backed up by research and is simply someone’s estimate of what a value might be (and they are frequently wrong). University of Sydney is the one that has done the research and their table includes everything they have tested. Mendosa’s list is a reprint of their information in a more accessable form.
As to your specific questions, whole wheat bread has a low glycemic load. As for rice, wild rice isn’t low but it does have a moderate glycemic load. So does whole wheat fettucine.
Instead of mashed potatoes, try mashed cauliflower. Add garlic to flavor.
Cauli-Rice The idea is to pulse the cauliflower
florets to small pieces that resemble rice and substitute for rice it wouldn´t work in
dishes like biryani where the rice is supposed to absorb the liquid.
Once cooked gently, the texture of the cauliflower is very much like
rice.
or you can try cous cous, or orzo pasta
I second the beans. they are filling and high in fiber. IF your insurance will pay for it, ask his dr to give you a referral to a nutritionist and they will teach you how to count the carbs.
5 cups cooked chicken, cubed
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cups sliced fresh mushroom
4 tsp white flour
1 1/3 cups water
1 can frozen orange juice concentrate
1 cup sliced green onions
4 tsp. chicken bouillon powder (or 4 bouillon cubes)
On serving day:
2 (11 ounce) cans mandarin oranges, drained
Hot cooked rice
Cook mushrooms over medium high heat in a large skillet, stirring to prevent
burning. Add flour, stirring well. Then gradually add water, frozen orange
juice concentrate, onions and chicken bouillon powder or cubes. Bring to a
boil, reduce heat and add chicken, simmering uncovered for 3-4 minutes. Cool
and pour into freezer containers.
On cooking day, thaw orange chicken mixture. Heat chicken in a saucepan
until heated through and bubbly, then add mandarin oranges, continuing to
heat mixture. Add to cooked rice and serve.
Dorie
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/DoriesRecipeBox/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/frozen-assets/join
Thanks granny.
How are those furbabies?
Thanks, upcountry miss. It’s good to be back as myself again ;)
How are things in beautiful Maine? I sure would love to see some of your lighthouses and that rocky coast sometime.
Foliage is beautiful as usual. Took a long ride last Saturday and hope to go down the coast tomorrow, weather permitting. This is the first year in many that we have enjoyed long rides. Seems good after building our home to be able to take some time just to enjoy OLD AGE.
[photo]
Corporate Shrinkage: Northern Bathroom Tissue
Posted: 16 Oct 2009 08:38 AM PDT
You know how, when a company starts giving you more for your money, they can’t brag about it enough on the packaging? It’s interesting how they try to slip it past you when they start giving you less. The past year has seen coffee prices stay the same while the ounces in each type of standard packaging fall (16 ounces became 12 or 13, for example). Well, I just discovered something similar with my toilet paper:
toiletpaperYes, Northern Bathroom Tissue – Now Smaller! Not only are the toilet paper rolls about a half-inch narrower, they’re also scratchier! Seriously, they are not soft and comfortable at all like they used to be. Why pay for a soft, comfortable toilet paper if you’re going to get something that feels only marginally nicer than recycled T.P.?
If, in blissful ignorance, you’ve already bought a big giant package of the new toilet paper, like I did, and it’s too late to return it to the store, there is one trick to making it more comfortable: be sure to use the underside (the side that’s not quilted) for the actual, er, job. The underside is still scratchier than Northern ever was before, but it’s tolerable.
Once I run out, I guess I’ll try Charmin.
http://bohemianrevolution.com/corporate-shrinkage-northern-bathroom-tissue/
http://bohemianrevolution.com/build-your-own-ultimate-homemade-pizza-oven-cheap/
[links and photo at link]
Build your own ultimate homemade pizza oven cheap
by Jen
042820091064-thumb-450x337-20042You’ve probably never wondered how to go about building your own ultimate pizza oven for those delicious artisan-style crusts, and if you have, you probably assumed it was pretty expensive. Not so. BoingBoing tells you how to do it:
Cooking at 700F+ vs. the puny 500F pumped out by my standard oven/range is part of the secret. Turns out baking with a lone stone is too. The solution: $13.50 worth of ceramic firebricks plucked from a landscape supply yard. Details after the jump — plus, the taste test that convinced me you don’t have to shell out big bucks or construct a huge outdoor oven to boost the quality of a homemade pie.
The result you can expect is more even “doneness” of the crust and ingredients. BoingBoing warns this is not an easy tutorial – it took three men three days to get this done. But if you love pizza, you can’t beat it!
How are those furbabies?<<<
Wonderful!!!
[They are both asleep!!!]
They are fine, for 2 orphans, it did not take them long to learn how to give orders that will be followed [by me], for I have the battle scars to prove it.
TT will be a giant cat, for she wants both canned and dry food dishes full at all times and goes wild if one is empty.
Purr Baby is the same about her cheese, either there is cheese in her dish, or she bites and gets in a scratch now and then, and I bleed all over the place.
[Links at links]
http://bohemianrevolution.com/cheap-homemade-snacks-roundup/
Cheap homemade snacks roundup
by Jen
1120756_caffe_espressoOver the years, we’ve collected quite a few recipes for making coffee-shop and vending machine inspired treats at home, much cheaper than buying them out. Here they all are, collected into one handy post.
1. Make a cheap mocha at home. I think these are just as good as what you can easily spend $4 on at a coffee chain. Even if you disagree, they’re pretty darn good and way, way cheaper.
2. Make your own instant cappuccino mix. From TipNut – I love this because you can take it to work or on the road.
3. Want some homemade marshmallows with your mocha or cappuccino?
4. Energy drinks. Why pay for some company’s TV advertising campaign when you can make these yourself?
5. Bake your own energy bars. Takes a bit of work, but the cost savings compared even to buying them in bulk is amazing. And you can easily tweak recipes to come up with your own unique creations.
6. Make your own frozen dinners. Even TV dinners are insanely expensive these days. It’s pretty easy to make your own frozen, microwaveable dinners with these simple steps.
7. Make your own lollipops at home. If you’re making them for kids, they can make up their own flavor combinations.
8. Make your own liqueurs. Make your own versions of Bailey’s, Kahlua, etc. Extreme cost savings here
Other posts you might like:
* Eating cheap: recipe roundup
* Homemade Marshmallows
* Build your own ultimate homemade pizza oven cheap
* Easy homemade wart cure
* Homemade Cappuccino
http://bohemianrevolution.com/yet-more-fabulous-handmade-christmas-gifts/
Yet more fabulous handmade Christmas gifts!
by Jen
6a00e54fc19bef88330105363421df970c-800wi
Continuing with our theme of saving money this Christmas by making stuff:
Resurrection Fern has posted a massive list of her tutorials for handmade gifts, with assurances:
All of these projects can be completed in less than a day and most actually in less than an hour.
HomemadeSchool has posted an even longer list of ideas for homemade presents, many of which link to tutorials (the rest you probably don’t need a tutorial for). Seriously, if you can’t find something good on this site, you’re not looking hard enough!
And TipNut lists a bunch of recipes for gifts of food, homemade spa treatments, liqueurs, beverages and more, all of which can be packaged and given as gifts.
Other posts you might like:
* Have yourself a frugal little Christmas
* DIY Mother’s Day gifts
* Making Christmas ornaments from old clothes
* Make paper CD cases easily
* Frugal but Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gifts
http://bohemianrevolution.com/homemade-lollipops/
Homemade lollipops
by Jen
524269_rainbow_lollipopsHere’s a recipe for homemade lollipops that looks surprisingly simple.
* 2 cups sugar
* 2/3 cup water
* 1/8 teaspoon Cream of Tartar
* Any desired flavoring
* Appropriate vegetable coloring
Combine sugar and Cream of Tartar with the 2/3 cup water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Boil until a temp of 290 F. is reached or until a drop of mixture will become hard when dropped into cold water. Remove from heat. Add flavoring and coloring. Pour into greased pans or molds. When partly cooled insert wooden sticks. Chill.
Check the link for more lollipop recipes.
http://bohemianrevolution.com/make-your-front-door-impenetrable/
Make your doors virtually impenetrable
by Jen
41c2dbC0SuL._SS400_When it comes to the possibility of having my home broken into, I’m actually a little more worried about what would happen if I was there than if I wasn’t. As traumatic as getting burgled is, people have been killed by burglars who broke in, not realizing someone was home.
For over a decade, I’ve relied on the Door Jammer to keep people out while I’m home. I’ve used it in apartments and houses, even when an electronic security system was present. You just stick it under your front door knob, gently kick it into place, and it “jams” in there so there’s no way to open the front door from the outside. When you want to open the door, it pulls back out very quickly and easily (important in case of a fire or needing to leave suddenly for any reason), and it’s adjustable so it fits every door knobs I’ve ever tried it on.
It collapses down to about two feet in length, so you can even take it along when you travel and use it on hotel room doors for added security (or privacy).
A wonderfully inexpensive way to make windows and sliding glass doors more of a challenge for intruders is to secure them with dowel sticks. It won’t stop somebody from breaking the glass to get in, but according to law enforcement, most criminals are looking for easy targets – if your home presents any kind of a challenge, they will often just move onto another one.
Other posts you might like:
* Use a dowel stick to secure windows against intruders
* Have an inbox by the door
* How to have bookshelves on a wall with a door
* Fun Noodling Noisy Neighbors
* Defreezing door steps in winter
[Links at links]
http://bohemianrevolution.com/make-your-own-plant-food-and-keep-your-garden-blooming/
Make your own plant food and keep your garden blooming
by Jen
You don’t have to buy expensive plant food mixtures full of additives from gardening shops. Making your own homemade plant food is very easy, using common, inexpensive ingredients. Of course, composting makes great rich soil for plants, and since it uses your trash it’s totally free. But sometimes your plants may need a little something more specific.
* Recipezaar has a general recipe for plant food.
* Recipe Goldmine has several allegedly plant-specific recipes, but when you read them they’re all identical to the Recipezaar recipe. But do check out their Gelatine Plant Food, Yeast Plant Food and Houseplant Soil Mix.
* HGTV tells you how to make a tea for pkants from fallen oak leaves and how to feed plants leftover coffee.
* Frugal Living @ About.com lists an even simpler Epsom salt recipe and talks about sprinkling ground eggshells in place of lime. There’s also a vinegar fertilizer recipe and a very smart recommendation to use the water you siphon out of a fish tank to water the plants.
* Some people say they give their plants one can of room temperature regular beer a month, and it keeps the plants alive and healthy for years.
Other posts you might like:
* September’s favorite tips from Bohemian Revolution
* Container gardening tips and resources
* Keep cut flowers fresh longer
* Keeping cats out of your garden
* Attracting Hummingbirds
http://bohemianrevolution.com/recycle-cds-and-build-your-biceps/
Recycle CDs and build your biceps
by Jen
If only I’d seen this before I bought barbells so I could exercise my upper body without paying a gym membership. Danny Seo made dumbells out of old CDs, a threaded rod and some bolts:
150 CDs, about 75 on each side, on a threaded rod from the hardware store and then (8) bolts to hold it all together. No tools needed. Just thread it all and bolt it tight.
He also promises that the edges aren’t sharp like you might expect.
That is the absolute best recycling I’ve ever seen for CDs. Brilliant! And cheap. I wonder if it would be unwieldy if you made a 15 or 20 pound version of it?
Other posts you might like:
* How to recycle old cell phones
* Recycle small electronics for free
* Build your own ultimate homemade pizza oven cheap
* Build your own solar heater
* Throwing out trash in plastic bags
http://bohemianrevolution.com/fake-your-own-stained-glass-window/
Fake your own stained glass window
by Jen
Believe it or not, you can make what passes for stained glass out of plexiglass, hot glue and paint. Check out the tutorial from goosezilla at Instructables.
You need a design that works with thick lines – the kind a fat magic marker makes – because you’re going to tape your a drawing of your design on the back of the plexiglass and trace the lines with a glue gun, using black glue to fake the look of stained glass. Then you start painting in the lines, and that’s it!
For added effect, use clear glue to add stones or beads and give is some three-dimensional texture.
Other posts you might like:
* Need privacy windows?
* Painting glass
* Using a cotton ball to pick up glass
* Alka Seltzer for removing stains on glass
* Cleaning a glass candle holder
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