Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today - an On going Thread #3]

Frugal Dad .com ^ | July 23, 2009 | Frugal Dad

[nw_arizona_granny]

Re: GMO updates - May, 2010
I hope you find this summation with urls helpful.
frances

GMO alert: U.S. attempting global censorship of GMO food labeling

The USA is attempting to enforce the global censorship of “non-GMO” food labels in a CODEX meeting taking place right now.
You heard me right: The U.S. is actually pushing an agenda that would outlaw all non-GMO labels and claims across the entire world, thereby enforcing worldwide consumer ignorance about GMOs.
Read the startling facts about this disturbing development (and sign the online petition) in today’s feature story:
http://www.naturalnews.com/028716_GMOs_food_labels.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/028716_GMOs_food_labels.html

**************************************************************
Bayer admits GMO contamination out of control
By David Gutierrez, staff writer
Natural News

Drug and chemical giant Bayer AG has admitted that there is no way to stop the uncontrolled spread of its genetically modified crops.

“Even the best practices can’t guarantee perfection,” said Mark Ferguson, the company’s defence lawyer in a recent trial.

Two Missouri farmers sued Bayer for contaminating their crop with modified genes from an experimental strain of rice engineered to be resistant to the company’s Liberty-brand herbicide.

The contamination occurred in 2006, during an open field test of the new rice, which was not approved for human consumption. According to the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Don Downing, genetic material from the unapproved rice contaminated more than 30 percent of all rice cropland in the United States.
Read more..... http://farmwars.info/?p=2769

http://farmwars.info/?p=2769
*****************************************************************
YouTube censors video interview with Jeffrey Smith about GMOs

Within hours after our video interview with Jeffrey Smith about GMOs went live, YouTube censored it, claiming it “violated” their terms of use.
Today’s feature article exposes the YouTube agenda to censor the truth about GMOs and protect powerful corporations like Monsanto:
http://www.naturalnews.com/028718_YouTube_censorship.html

wlmailhtml:%7b70F28492-3563-4143-A873-ED6791E4C05C%7dmid://00000012/!x-usc:http://www.naturalnews.com/028718_YouTube_censorship.html

The video interview with Jeffrey Smith will be re-launched on NaturalNews’ own video network where the whole world will soon be able to hear what Jeffrey Smith had to say about GMOs that YouTube desperately wants to silence. The network is under development and will be launched this June. To learn more about the upcoming NaturalNews video network, read this story: http://www.naturalnews.com/028717_videos.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/028717_videos.html

************************************************

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AYearOfCrockPotting/~3/XKI4Q9XP_oQ/slow-cooker-cheese-enchilada-stack.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email

Slow Cooker Cheese Enchilada Stack Recipe

Posted: 03 May 2010 11:50 AM PDT

How is it May already? Someone has been screwing with the calendar and been pressing the fast forward button.

I made a well-received dinner the other night, and figured out how to make enchilada sauce using pantry staples that tastes like enchilada sauce instead of watered down tomatoey water.

All by myself.

except for the part where I got a little help from the Internet.

I love the Internet.

The Ingredients
serves 6

1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (the whole can)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon dried minced onion (or 1 small onion, finely diced)
8 corn tortillas (check labels for hidden gluten)
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (4-ounce) can sliced olives, draine
6 tablespoons sour cream

The Directions

First off, this is vegetarian (well, except that I used chicken broth because I always have chicken broth in the house, and I think vegetable broth kind of smells like compost).

If you want to add meat, you should use already cooked pork, beef or chicken (great use for shredded chicken!).
This is NOT because the meat won’t cook-—it definitely will, but while it cooks, it will give off so much liquid that your enchilada stack will be soggy and gross.

And nobody wants that.

Anyhow. Use a 4-quart slow cooker. In a large mixing bowl, make enchilada sauce by combining:
broth
tomatoes
spices
onion
Stir well and set aside. Put a layer of tortillas into the bottom of your slow cooker (you may need to tear a few). Add a handful of cheese, and some sliced olives. Scoop a large spoonful of sauce on top. Repeat layers until you’ve run out of ingredients.

Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until cheese has melted, is brown and bubbly, and the top layer has begun to pull away from the sides. Let it sit unplugged for about 15 minutes before serving with a dollop of sour cream.

The Verdict

We all cleaned our plates. It’s a bit messy, but this tastes fantastic and was super easy to throw together.
You could make this on Wednesday, which happens to be Cinco de Mayo!
Already.
how is it May? what is going on?
I must be getting old. or something.

other stuff you should make for Cinco de Mayo and then invite me over because we’ve got nothing planned:

fajitas
easy chicken tacos
tamales (impress your friends!)
tamale pie
enchilada casserole
enchilada chili
carnitas
taco dip
chimichangas (so much fun!)
albondigas soup
rotel and sausage dip
Mexican Breakfast casserole
tortilla soup

and then for your leftover drink mix:
margarita chicken

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.livingonadime.com/frugal-living-tips/

Frugal Living Tips

May 4, 2010 by Tawra
Filed under Frugal Living

1 Comment

If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Deodorant Marks

You’re in a rush and notice white deodorant marks on your clothes. There is no time to change. Grab an old nylon stocking and rub it on the areas. The marks will be gone in a flash.
Suzan

Not So Disposable Razor

I have been using the same razor for months. When finished shaving, I rinse the razor with water and then drizzle with baby oil. This keeps rust, which leads to knicks in the blade, from forming.
Judy

Easy Menu Planning

I put my family’s favorite meals on index cards with the menu on the front and contents on the back. Then when I make up the week’s menus, I just pick out seven cards and make my grocery list of items I don’t have on hand. I set them aside for the week. As I fix a meal, I put the card back in my box. It makes it so easy to see what’s to eat on any day of the week by seeing what cards are still stuck on the front of the fridge.
Vini

Use for Expired Coupons

I would like to remind people not to throw out expired coupons. Most don’t realize that our military can use coupons on base overseas for up to six months past the expiration date! There are many places to send expired or extra coupons that will ship them over for military use. I send a large package of coupons once a month for less than $2 in postage.
Chrissey in Seattle, WA

Protecting Garden Tools

I have an insulated lunch bag that has finally given out. Since it is no longer usable for lunches, I filled it full of sand and use it to store my gardening hand tools after using them. Since the bag was meant to sit upright on a table, it sits perfectly in my garden cart. Cleaning my hand tools off and storing them in the sand helps to keep them from rusting, prolonging their life.
Renee S.

Nighttime Teeth Guard

My tip is about teeth grinding. My dentist said that I grind my teeth in my sleep and I needed to purchase a mouth guard. These can be very pricey to buy. To save money, my dentist suggested that I use at night the mouth guards that can be bought inexpensively at Walmart for athletes. I buy mine there for under $2.
Claudia in Kentucky

Manual Solution

Readers who have not carefully saved the manuals that come with appliances can usually download a new one. We have also done this when purchasing an item on eBay that did not come with a manual. Sometimes it is helpful to go online and read the manual before purchasing. It is a good tool for comparing products.
Linda B.

Hosting a Party?

A few years ago, we had a rather large party for my son-in-law’s college graduation. Since we wanted an outside party on a warm California evening, we offered a great salad bar. We used a round aluminum umbrella table (no umbrella that day) and put a very small size inflatable splash pool on top. We filled the small kiddie pool with crushed ice to keep all the salad ingredients cool. Large paper cups (about quart size) worked great. Everyone loved the salad bar, and the kiddie pool kept everything ice cold. It was an inexpensive way to entertain many people. I don’t know if this was an original thought, but it worked for us.
Tommie in Abilene, TX

Pricing Errors

Be aware of whether or not the store has a consumer-friendly policy for handling items that ring up incorrectly at checkout. I shop at our local Kroger, and if an item rings up incorrectly, I stop at customer service on the way out of the store and show them the item and my receipt. If the price that was posted on the shelf or in their sales circular is lower than the price that it rang up at, they refund the price paid back to me and I get the item free. The catch is not to bring it to the attention of the cashier (I always go through self-checkout). If the cashier corrects the mistake, there’s no freebie. I average one free item in every trip to the grocery store.

And on the topic of self-checkout, a lot of people are intimidated by the prospect of scanning and bagging their own groceries. However, doing this for myself allows me to take my time and keep a close eye on every price charged. Going through a line that has a cashier almost guarantees that some items will be scanned/charged incorrectly and I won’t have time to catch it because they are moving so quickly.
Judy H. in Jasper, GA

Cheaper Spreadable Butter

Turn one cup of butter into two cups of spreadable butter! Let two sticks of butter soften to room temperature. Using an electric mixer, mix 1/2 cup of room temperature water into the butter. Then, slowly mix in 1/2 cup of canola oil (or you can use 1/4 cup canola and 1/4 cup olive oil). Put your butter mix into a plastic container with a lid and refrigerate.

This butter tastes great and is spreadable right from the refrigerator. Use for a spread or on veggies/pasta. Because of the added water, I do not recommend heating or cooking with the spreadable butter. Stores charge more for their spreadable butter than regular butter, and you actually get less butter for the increased cost. Make your own and save.
Laura in East Liverpool, Ohio

Want to live better on the money you already make? Visit Dollar Stretcher.com to find hundreds of articles to help you stretch your day and your dollar! Copyright 2010 Dollar Stretcher, Inc.

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.livecheap.com/shopping/online/337-20-killer-websites-to-help-you-live-cheap

20 Killer Websites to Help You Live Cheap

Written by livecheap staff
Monday, 26 April 2010 04:11
Article Index
20 Killer Websites to Help You Live Cheap
Coupon and Deal Sites
Finance and Real Estate
Personal Finance Blogs
All Pages
Page 1 of 4

Whether you’re looking for a deal, refinancing your home or just trying to trim your household expenses and shave a few bucks off the grocery bill; Whatever you’re spending your money on, chances are one of these 20 websites will help you spend less of it. We’ve compiled this list based on a decade of experience hunting down online bargains and living cheaply. If you like this list, do your friends a favor; send it to them and give them the gift that will help them practice the fine art of living cheaply. If you have personal experience at sites that you want to recommend, add it in the comments. The more the merrier.
Free and Cheaper Stuff

FreeCycle.Org

This is not a site where you get cheap stuff - the only stuff you can get here is free stuff and you’ll walk away feeling like an environmental hero. You have to register and it’s a little quirky in that you have to join a local group in your city or community. They’re really particular about which group you can join and they have very strict terms of service in terms of what you can post. Just like you’ll get stuff for free, when it’s your turn to recycle - you have to give it away for free. Everything from baby stuff to DVDs and furniture gets exchanged on FreeCycle.

Craigslist.org

Most people know about Craigslist by now, but you may not be aware of how much free stuff trades hands. All you need to do is look in the ‘Free stuff’ category under ‘For Sale’ and see whatever comes up. I’ve noticed a lot of people use this to get rid of stuff fast - probably because they’re moving. So, don’t procrastinate - if it’s what you’re looking for - make early contact. While some of the stuff isn’t the greatest, there can be some great stuff just because people are moving and don’t want to deal with selling or donating an item. Construction materials are another great bet as people routinely give away bricks, filler soil and even lumber.

Overstock Auctions:

Most people have heard of eBay, but few people know that Overstock also has auctions. While eBay remains ultra competitive due to the high number of bidders, Overstock tends to have a less competitive environment. Look for great deals from Best Buy and other major retailers when they liquidate certain product lines on Overstock.com. For more tips on how you can snag a deal on Overstock Auctions read Kids, Buy Them Great Stuff Barely Used

eBay:

The mother of all auction sites. On the plus side, more stuff changes hands on eBay than all the other auction sites combined. But the intense bidding competition is a huge negative that rarely allows you to get an incredible deal on new and near new stuff. That said, deals on used stuff can still be had. Find an item that you want and watch the bidding pattern that evolves. Prices on eBay can skyrocket in the last few seconds. So be prepared to be disappointed if you see your high bid vanish off the screen at the last moment.

CowBoom:

If you don’t want to bid on items but still want a deal, head to CowBoom which is owned by Best Buy. Cowboom sells used, refurbished, and late model products. The site allows you to buy based on the product condition. Invariably, the prices are higher than what you would pay by bidding on an item but there is no wait and no uncertainty. If you are looking for consumer electronics, appliances, or computers, take the time to check out Cowboom. A word of caution is in order: to make sure you really are getting a deal, know exactly how much you would pay for the item if it was brand new.

Prev - Next >>

Page 2 of 4
Coupon Sites:

These sites are great resources for getting coupons for specific retailers. Before you buy anything online check these guys out.

RetailMeNot.com: All retailers, coupon codes.

CouponCabin.com: All Retailers, coupon codes.

CouponMom.com: Grocery Focused, coupons and coupon codes.

SlickDeals.net: Technology focused. Great resource if you are looking for a deal that is available today on computers or consumer electronics.

TechBargains.com: Technology Focused. Current deals as well as coupon codes.

<< Prev - Next >>

continues

[nw_arizona_granny]

=== Google Blogs Alert for: Urban Chicken farmers ===

Group wants an end to Ottawa’s ban on urban chickens
I’ve worked for farmers and their organization all my life, so I’m fully
supportive of the agricultural community, but I’m not much into the concept
of urban chicken ranching.” The cost of backyard chickens is another
negative factor, ...
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Group+wants+Ottawa+urban+chickens/2986244/story.html
Ottawa Citizen - News
http://ottawacitizen.com/?q=http://www.checkwhois.org/

Backyard Chickens in Wake Forest | Build A Backyard Chicken Coop
YAY for urban rebels. We too have girls in our yard, and “against the
rules”. Our neighbors love the occasional gift of eggs, and no one has
complained. Our friend is the chief of police and he knows about the girls
and hasn’t done ... I do believe that things like this is not only a
growing interest and the wave of the future, they could be a tool that
could help shut down disgusting factory farms. One chicken egg grown in the
backyard is not only that chicken living a ...
http://buildbackyardchickencoop.net/backyard-chickens-in-wake-forest/
Build A Backyard Chicken Coop
http://buildbackyardchickencoop.net/

Jim’s New Hobby Farm: An Urban Chicken Farmer
By My New Hobby Farm
Or enjoying a deviled-egg that was produced by their own chicken. Come join
me in understandng the joy of Hobby Farming. A farm small enough to sit on
your Urban patio yet big enough to fill the depth of your soul. ...
http://mynewhobbyfarm.blogspot.com/2010/05/urban-chicken-farmer.html
Jim’s New Hobby Farm
http://mynewhobbyfarm.blogspot.com/

=== Google Web Alert for: Urban Chicken farmers ===

Urban Chickens Network blog: Animal Sanctuary Coalition Hoodwinks ...
Lucky for wannabe urban chicken keepers, the Mankato City Council has
decided to ... It’s book #1 of 9 recommended books for aspiring urban
chicken farmers. ...
http://www.urbanchickens.net/2010/04/animal-sanctuary-coalition-hoodwinks.html

City Chicken Urban House
House i dream of, but for a city farmer with limited space, these eglu
chicken urban chicken house. sleepover fun and the roof. rain. sun-dried
tomato ...
http://spirit.raldon.com/fbasv7/cbxxy.php?city-chicken-urban-house

Raising Chickens Near The Woods
Oh, and since raising chickens has become so routine for us, this blog has
started to spotlight the plight of other urban chicken farmers who aren’t
so ...
http://organicmushroomsco.com/hoxbp3/hcfvb.php?raising-chickens-near-the-woods

Which breed and where to buy? - Los Angeles Urban Chicken ...
I would like to get some chickens to have as pets for my family (and an
eventual ... eggs from Bev Davis’ line via Greenfire Farms in the ‘bator
right now. ...
http://www.meetup.com/Los-Angeles-Urban-Chicken-Enthusiasts/messages/boards/thread/9039556/post/35501275/i/gh_new_reply_multi_tl/?hash=35501275

[nw_arizona_granny]

This message contains the following:

1. Klean Kanteen Recalls Water Bottle Spouts Due to Choking Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10218.html

2. Specialized Bicycle Components Recalls Bicycles Due to Fall Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10219.html

3. Roberta Roller Rabbit Recalls Children’s Kimono Robes, Lounge and Slumber Short Sets Due To Violation of Federal Flammability Standard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10220.html

4. Bicycles Recalled by Nirve Sports Due to Fall Hazard http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10221.html

[DelaWhere]

EASIEST CANNING OF BEANS...

I recently stumbled across an article regarding an easy way to can dried beans. Like many of you, I keep quite a few dried beans in storage, but don’t use them nearly as often as I should because quite simply, I forget to soak them the night before or don’t want to heat up the kitchen for several hours when it is really hot. Well, try this for a simple way to have precooked beans canned in jars...

Wash Jars
Rinse beans and pick out any pebbles, dirt or trash
Put 2/3 cup of beans in pint jars (or 1 1/3 cup in quarts) in jar
Add salt, seasoning (I added bacon, but ham, sausage or other meat could have been used)
Fill jar with boiling water to 1 inch of top
Wipe rim
Put water heated lids on and screw down bands
Process in pressure canner for 90 minutes @ 11 pounds at sea level (adjust for higher altitudes)
When pressure is down, remove and let cool overnight
Done.

As usual, I go overboard, I now have Black Beans, Red Beans, Pinto Beans, Lima Beans and Navy Beans - all ready to go... Gee, guess I could have mixed them and made a 5 bean soup base. (Guess that will have to be another project)

Can’t get much simpler and the beans are nice and tender. Actually, wife said that “Don’t you think that is enough for right now.” (4 1/2 cases) Actually, it is so simple that it would make an easy way to finish filling the canner when you only have a partial load while doing meat or other 90 min process time items.

A ballpark measure is 1/2 pound of dried beans per quart or 1/4 per pint.

Sampled two of them and they were great! (no canning seal failures, so had to ‘sacrifice’ two and try them.)

DelaWhere

[nw_arizona_granny]

Teleflex Medical AQUA+FLEX Hygroscopic Condenser Humidifier (Catalog Number 1570): Recall

Audience: Hospital Risk Managers

FDA and Teleflex Medical notified healthcare professionals of a worldwide voluntary recall affecting certain lot numbers of the Teleflex Medical AQUA+FLEX Hygroscopic Condenser Humidifier (HCH) (catalog number 1570), a passive humidifier indicated for use to effectively warm and humidify inspired gas during mechanical ventilation. The 22cm connector on the flex tube may not fit securely within the endotracheal tube (ET) connector. This may result in the product becoming disconnected from the patient ET tube. Device failure is recognizable by the user as an alarm from the ventilator, oxygen sensor or other compatible device to which the AQUA+FLEX tubing is connected. No injuries have been reported to date. However, a disconnected tube in ventilator dependent patients without prompt response to the alarm could lead to serious injury or death. Refer to the firm press release for a complete list of affected lot numbers.

Read the complete MedWatch 2010 Safety alert including a link to the firm press release at:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm211153.htm

You are encouraged to report all serious adverse events and product quality problems to FDA MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm

[nw_arizona_granny]

Verdict Reached In Hepatitis Trial

A verdict has been reached in the case of a Las Vegas man suing two drug
companies after he contracted hepatitis C at a southern Nevada endoscopy
clinic.

MORE DETAILS:
http://www.fox5vegas.com/tu/5PvBZqxPS.html

[nw_arizona_granny]

Pinging to the 7000th post of The Survival Today Thread #3!<<<

Perfect, thank you for helping.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Thanks for helping us reach 7000, with the first two threads that is 27,000 posts............WoW!!!

[nw_arizona_granny]

I just stumbled upon your spoonbread recipe. Thank you! I haven’t had any since my grandmother died, and I moved away from the Blue Ridge in the early 80s. I can’t wait to try it.<<<

Welcome to the thread.

Eagle50ae has been off the internet for a period of time, health reasons, I fear.

We miss him.

I didn’t want you to think he was ignoring your nice post.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Just checking in with a cyber hug to my pals here.<<<

That was easy, I will send you a hug in return.

I am praying that you are done with all the illness and death in your family, for you have had more than your share.

Hurry back, you have been missed.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Hello, glad you are still with us and praying that you are well.

[nw_arizona_granny]

EASIEST CANNING OF BEANS...<<<

Thanks for testing and perfecting the method.

LOL, even I could handle that one.

Nothing wrong with being able to whip up a good bean salad instantly.

[Recovering Ex-hippie]

I am well, thank you....My doggie ,Lola who is 15 and has arthritis has told me to get back on this thread...she is now supposed to be using Aveeno Bath Rinse with Oatmeal for her lovely fur and soooooo,

I am supposed to save money everywhere else EXCPET HER~~~!

HA.

[Maverick68]

great stuff!

[Recovering Ex-hippie]

WHOA! awesome!

have I previously described the most fast, easy, cheap and time saving lunch concept for working folks??

Recovering Ex Hippie’s “ Chili Pucks”: ( Cheap Lunch and Weapon for would be attackers!)

1. Make a HUGE, REALLY HUGE pot of chili (I don’t use ground beef, cause its less fattening now and even cheaper without...ha).

2. When chili is room temp get many plastic or china bowls lined up. Put a large Plastic food baggie in each bowl opening up the baggie to receive the chili. ( the bowls keep the chili in “bowl shape”)

3. Pour lunch serving size amount of chili into each baggie ( sitting in the bowl or plastic container). Twist close the baggie at top.

4. Place these bowls, containers, into the freezer ( I usually end up with about 14!). Freeze.( obvious, or why would we be putting them in freezer?ha)

5. Next day....Take the now frozen baggies of chili out of the bowls..and store them in freezer( the clean bowls or containers are put away).

6. Each morning grab one of the “Chili Pucks” and throw it into your briefcase and head off to work! At lunch empty the “Chili Puck” into a ceramic bowl at the office..and heat in microwave!

I call them “chili Pucks’ cause they look like a large Hockey Pucks!

BTW, if you have to go through any questionable or dark areas on your way to the office...keep the “chili Puck “ handy to hit a would be attacker with!
He will be humiliated on the eve news when it is told “tough guy knocked out by Chili Puck”!

[nw_arizona_granny]

Thank you, welcome to the thread.

Join in, when you want, the more the merrier.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Recovering Ex Hippie’s “ Chili Pucks”: <<<

That would work with thick soups and lots of every dishes.

A weapon that will disappear without a trace, start for your book.