tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195746312024-03-18T23:06:59.920-04:00The Frugal Family's KitchenWriting from my kitchen in Maine, I welcome you to share recipes, ideas for frugal living, and thoughts on what makes for a life well lived! So, if you have time for a cup of coffee or tea, please stop by. You're welcome anytime...Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-29328337016143355312010-03-01T07:01:00.003-05:002010-03-01T07:18:08.057-05:00Making Marmalade with the Canadian Hockey TeamHeather and I are about out of orange marmalade so I'd better make some! If you've never made marmalade the old-fashioned way, it's fairly time-consuming. Peeling the oranges, trimming some of the white from inside the peels, then slicing those peels into the tiniest slivers possible. Adding the lemon slices, cutting up the orange pulp, adding water and setting aside for 12-18 hours.<br /><br />Then cooking for an hour or so to tenderize the peels, adding the sugar and cooking to the jellying point. Bottling, capping, setting aside to cool. Only sometimes, like yesterday, the marmalade, in spite of testing well for its jell, didn't set as firmly as I wanted.<br /><br />Soooooo, I decided to re-cook the batch, nothing I haven't done before, although certainly a pain in the patootie! Empty the bottles, wash and sterilize them again while the marmalade comes back up to a boil. All was going very nicely to this point, when...<br /><br />I glanced at the tv and saw the USA-Canada hockey game head into overtime. Mesmerized, and I have to admit, rooting for Canada, I watched the final seven minutes and forty seconds. I didn't want the USA to lose, but I really wanted Canada to win... you know?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>YES!</strong></span> Canada won!<br /><br />Yup, scorched the marmalade. I'll start over tomorrow.<br /><br />MaryMary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-79209449436955202322010-01-18T15:24:00.008-05:002010-01-18T19:06:10.746-05:00What I Did on My Winter Vacation...Next Door to HaitiWe flew out of Boston on Saturday January 9th headed for a week's vacation at an eco resort in the Dominican Republic where the temps were in the 80's, the breezes soft and tropical and the ocean - in serious contrast to here, home in Maine - can actually tempt a person to swim.<br /><br />Our first few days were absolutely perfect and we revelled in the sun. We chortled at the cold and snow back home. We relished the delicious food, admired the lush vegetation, appreciated the warm and friendly people. And then the earthquake at the other end of the island, in Haiti.<br /><br />We didn't feel physical tremors where we were, but the shock waves that went through the community were stunning. Many in the Domican Republic are from - or have substantial family ties to - Haiti, often working in the DR to send money back home.<br /><br />If you've been to that area you know how unimaginably poor its people are. There are a few good main roads, but they quickly become dirt tracks. While there are definitely wealthy people and very lovely homes, the average family is far more likely to be crowded into a small shack, one made of found materials, or even more often, very shoddily produced concrete. In some places these homes are crowded, jumbled, together very tightly. Safe drinkingwater and decent sanitation facilities can be iffy, and the resulting health problems are challenging on a daily basis.<br /><br />We've all seen images of the vast destruction the two countries on the island of Hispaniola and their people face during each year's hurricane season, with winds that can scour the land completely clear. But with hurricanes, there is often warning and a predictable path and direction. BUT, to have the destruction come without warning from <strong><em>beneath</em></strong> the sandy, unstable land is truly horrifying. And then there are the aftershocks.<br /><br />Hearing the news grow steadily worse, I really, really regretted giving up my Red Cross emergency team certification and wondered if my sister-in-law who's been very active in the Washington state RC might be on her way. I felt blessed, humbled, and yes, somewhat guilty, at the wonderful meals, comfy bed and <strong><em>insulated</em></strong> vacation we were having. <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">What to do, what to do?<br /></span></strong><br />The resort where we were and the others in the area too, I'm sure, quickly sent literally tons of bottled water and food. We donated money which would most readily benefit the disaster area, only a few hours away by some still-passable roads. And, we left (almost) all our clothes and shoes for the immediate aid effort. We figured they were summer weight clothes, new or in really good condition, and the resort offered to launder anything needing to be. We hoped many others would do the same thing.<br /><br />Back home in Maine Sunday morning, it was a normal day... a cup of coffee, eggs and toast, the Boston Sunday Globe, oh, and mustn't don't forget to take my mulit-vitamin.<br /><br />In Port au Prince on Sunday morning, 50,000 people were huddled in one of the city's open-space parks. With only the clothes on their backs. No hot coffee. No eggs and toast. No safe water period. No food period. VERY rudimentary sanitation facilities...<strong>50,000 people</strong>. The elderly, the babies, the grieving families, the hoping families, the separated families. No medium for news or communication. Each with nothing, absolutely nothing, more than a small patch of bare ground. And they had so, so little before...<br /><br /><strong>It will be one week tomorrow since the 'quake hit</strong>, and although relief aid, temporary hospitals, tents, and mobile kitchens have started to get through, be set up and operating, there is so far to go. If you have a roof over your head and food on your table, please give something, anything, whatever you can, to help these people. Giving money, of any amount, is probably the wisest way to help.<br /><br />It's my aim to donate what we spent on our winter vacation. <strong>In some ways, these people do live in a paradise, but life right now is certainly hell.</strong><br /><br />MaryMary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-39151376703908453542009-10-26T08:26:00.023-04:002009-11-02T10:02:54.134-05:00Christmas, Kindles, Citrus Honey Butter and Such!Very exciting! After I wrote about the possibility of libraries someday lending Kindles, I discovered that one here in Maine - in Camden - already does this! Hopefully, this will be yet another instance of "As Maine goes, so goes the nation!"<br /><br />I got a MOST unusual book order the other day, a person in Sofia, Bulgaria ordering <em><strong>The Frugal Family's Kitchen Book.</strong></em> I sent him an email asking how on earth he'd become aware of the book, and if I hear back I'll certainly share what he says with you. Speaking of <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Frugal Family's Kitchen Book</span>, it's time to order for Christmas gift-gifing. You can use Pay Pal here, order through Amazon.com or send your order to Cranberry Knoll Publishers LLC, P. O. Box 1317, Yarmouth Maine 04096.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzEelEnKdLi2juPqbtIWGTpQqMXX62jfnRCDBdofqSJzaeucGQ4PESU7g-ytl5FOKhfCFu1VhQ8QnwbmFZXZxyW9nqoPJKyDh5aQj5kpnJUcbOCb0x9phaMSQXwHemWrJblDASg/s1600-h/Your-Honeys_cover-sm.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzEelEnKdLi2juPqbtIWGTpQqMXX62jfnRCDBdofqSJzaeucGQ4PESU7g-ytl5FOKhfCFu1VhQ8QnwbmFZXZxyW9nqoPJKyDh5aQj5kpnJUcbOCb0x9phaMSQXwHemWrJblDASg/s320/Your-Honeys_cover-sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397716621972632658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!</strong></span> <strong><em>Order now and you can get a free honey cookbook!</em></strong> The honey recipe book I mentioned a few weeks ago is now available <strong>HERE</strong> - <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Recipes for Your Honeys, </span>an e-book. There are over two dozen recipes using honey for all kinds of dishes from meats and veggies to desserts. Lots of tidbits and interesting info too.<br /><br />Cost is $2.99 and of course you can use PayPal to buy just <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Recipes for Your Honeys</span>.<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><br /><input name="cmd" value="_s-xclick" type="hidden"><br /><input name="hosted_button_id" value="9207202" type="hidden"><br /><input src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" type="image" border="0"><br /><img alt="" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /></form><br /><br />OR order <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Frugal Family's Kitchen Book</span> and you will be able to download <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Recipes for Your Honeys</span> e-book FREE. Be sure to include your email address with your order. Click on the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Buy Now</span> button in the right column.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC76KegTZGZLJ9mJjF1snDaDTz5049BUmhrerZT0rSlMYWhNamc-PHd8IccEn3F-sxFtBE_ghpor8PMg10jnltRVL2aTMFzCjwi9hvlvbmFdzR9BaGaqoRdTLVAuuvHS4M27uLlQ/s1600-h/frugal_familys_kitchen_book_240.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 101px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC76KegTZGZLJ9mJjF1snDaDTz5049BUmhrerZT0rSlMYWhNamc-PHd8IccEn3F-sxFtBE_ghpor8PMg10jnltRVL2aTMFzCjwi9hvlvbmFdzR9BaGaqoRdTLVAuuvHS4M27uLlQ/s400/frugal_familys_kitchen_book_240.jpg" alt="The Frugal Family's Kitchen Book" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398747730325184690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Frugal Family Kitchen Book</span> is $14.95 with <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">FREE</span> shipping and handling (in the continental U.S.). Please add 5% ME sales tax for books shipped to addresses in Maine. PayPal adds the $.75 sales tax to all orders.<br /><br />I may have given you this honey recipe from the new book before but it's especially good on the pumpkin bread you'll be undoubtedly be making after Halloween! Or try it on the <a href="http://thefrugalfamilykitchen.blogspot.com/search/label/Date%20Muffins"><strong>fat-free, sugar-free date muffins</strong></a> from an earlier posting.<br /><br /><strong><em>Citrus Honey Butter</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />Combine 1/2 c honey, 1/4 c softened butter and any single or combination of 1/2 tsp each grated orange, lemon and lime peel. Use fresh or refrigerate. Flavors blend and intensify as it sets. Wonderful on waffles and pancakes too.<br /><br />And now I've got to finish planting the garlic for next year as well as putting in the new lavender and catnip plants I was given yesterday. WHEN will this garden work end, I ask you!!<br /><br />MaryMary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-18614540573237471802009-10-08T16:08:00.020-04:002009-10-09T08:11:10.735-04:00Harvesting Our First Soybean Crop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDJeYuZ3a59H0Tcrdk8q9dnjJFt4rCfiwFaf-X5o4VEkIZmUd5oXdsy5I6CuSCO39IektaTQ5VhxAb2ETnn7h58mkLbv2c886LzsKkPBTmS5mO00QeM8mKIQoW0NcQaiQtEir/s1600-h/edamame3.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390365628927393074" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 277px; height: 181px; text-align: center;" alt="soybean, edamame" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDJeYuZ3a59H0Tcrdk8q9dnjJFt4rCfiwFaf-X5o4VEkIZmUd5oXdsy5I6CuSCO39IektaTQ5VhxAb2ETnn7h58mkLbv2c886LzsKkPBTmS5mO00QeM8mKIQoW0NcQaiQtEir/s320/edamame3.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFZakO9-2Dzxafc0xP-V6ODFwWtzNU2HAE7OdVSGH5y02fPOiUCNXRt4AzDAQUTPJ4Y2eclpH4azJDJT7T5ZK5v145XWZVtaWcVgHS1jPuqueXrGRXJYdaH2K5yOW0FBKLWIx/s1600-h/food231.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390345132650275618" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 200px; height: 128px;" alt="shrimp" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFZakO9-2Dzxafc0xP-V6ODFwWtzNU2HAE7OdVSGH5y02fPOiUCNXRt4AzDAQUTPJ4Y2eclpH4azJDJT7T5ZK5v145XWZVtaWcVgHS1jPuqueXrGRXJYdaH2K5yOW0FBKLWIx/s200/food231.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390342016791580082" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 122px; height: 94px; text-align: center;" alt="mushroom cap" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt_-86mZ2hI0wti83svkp5PtQoiTLVw4-WAh6J48KJ6GCtB0QLv-GyuzRSf7tEPM3xaU4lxGxPbqQ1QscVVmyBuxNbYbwRvHuNw2DmA0QGwkjS5PSFQoVpGlG1qpr53jxdDr8y/s320/portobella.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Plus, a recipe for shrimp-stuffed portobella caps</em></strong></span></div><br /><div>This fall I harvested our first soybean crop; I can't imagine WHY it's taken me so long to grow them! Although I could have cooked them in the pods in salted water to just eat out-of-hand, I shelled them instead.</div><br /><div>Then I simmered the beans - aka edamame - for about 20 minutes, dried them very lightly coated with some olive oil and roasted them at 350 for about 30 minutes. Sprinkled with sea salt and then tried to keep from eating them all at once! I will definitely grow much more next year as, like most bean, they grew easily and produced well.</div><br /><div>Now, on to the the shrimp recipe. WARNING: If recipes that don't give exact ingredient amounts drive you nuts, turn back now!</div><br /><div><strong><em>Shrimp-stuffed Portobella Mushroom Caps</em></strong></div><br /><div>4 large portobella caps</div><div>1 can cream of shrimp soup</div><div>a whole lot of shrimp - I probably used 1/2 to 3/4 of a bag of frozen ones</div><div>bread</div><div>celery</div><div>onion</div><div>Old Bay seasoning</div><br /><div>Most cookbooks tell you <strong><em>not</em></strong> to wash mushrooms before using, just to tap to rid of any dirt. I usually wash them anyway, then remove the stems carefully, leaving all the gills. Grease a small baking pan and set caps upside down.<br /></div><br /><div>Thaw shrimp, remove shells if need be. Now, take some onion, maybe a half a big one, and some celery, maybe two ribs, add to the shrimp and chop. Set aside.</div><br /><div></div><div>Cut up some leftover bread into small cubes, add to the shrimp, onion and celery and add all but a couple of TBSP of the soup, 1/2 c water, and a liberal sprinkle of Old Bay. Mush this all together to mix well. Top the mushroom caps generously, then mix the remaining soup with a smidge of water, maybe a splash of sherry and pour over the stuffed mushrooms. </div><br /><div>I baked at 350 for almost 30 minutes so the mushrooms were nice and meaty and the stuffing had a nice crisp crust. Even filling the caps fully, I had a little stuffing leftover, and it was beyond delicious the next day made into a patty and pan-seared. YUM!</div><br /><div>We've been pressing cider... we'll talk about that next time, plus our sweet potato harvest.</div><br /><br /><div>Mary</div>Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-51308078331610954112009-10-01T09:46:00.005-04:002009-10-08T14:23:02.671-04:00Books fall open, you fall in...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VilXdGujkOMVKJvlpaIW-gsr_PF6O8X50GrRBbrD7rZ097TBaQJI_-M3c4Y4CMsicAWYSvJtfIvOzTs7QRSSwY8JCtxan_Ndu1szW3WDcEzq-ym3kBmBHqWT3QMgq2mtuFuC/s1600-h/208105166235_793580.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387627863707726226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VilXdGujkOMVKJvlpaIW-gsr_PF6O8X50GrRBbrD7rZ097TBaQJI_-M3c4Y4CMsicAWYSvJtfIvOzTs7QRSSwY8JCtxan_Ndu1szW3WDcEzq-ym3kBmBHqWT3QMgq2mtuFuC/s400/208105166235_793580.gif" style="display: block; height: 35px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NHGXX8XVpssNHVhKfiF8_XNGlBOW0oKx_2s55xVrHfchQ6D_O4lCwcEEML2zL_5K9eyadfS04rXshXTeRFHElA42zkTYacTALDBTgs8ZDi4CFI7ennxP_Yn1iizOJu9IlpEq/s1600-h/208105166235_793580.gif"></a><i><b><span style="font-size: 130%;">Books fall open, you fall in...<br />
</span></b>David McCord</i> <br />
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Like so many of you, I am a voracious reader, and also like so many of you, I passionately support my local library. The past few years have seen some interesting changes, shifts in what - and how - America reads. Right now, with money still tight (no matter who proclaims this recession over), libraries are enjoying a resurgence of patonage. But, what will happen when the economy truly picks up? Will sales of "real" books rebound? Will the price of Kindles fall, and that kind of "book" capture more and more readers? No matter how libraries, books and Kindles continue to find and strengthen their niches, our reading life certainlyIS changing. <br />
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I've recently finished a delightful book called <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553384244?ie=UTF8&tag=designonline-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0553384244%22%3ELittle%20Heathens:%20Hard%20Times%20and%20High%20Spirits%20on%20an%20Iowa%20Farm%20During%20the%20Great%20Depression%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=designonline-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0553384244%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20%21important;%20margin:0px%20%21important;%22%20/%3E"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Little Heathens</span></a>, recommended to me by my fellow "little heathen" from our teen years in Marblehead MA. It's a memoir set in Iowa during the Great Depression. Interestingly, I found it in the history, not biography, section of our library, but then it IS a remarkably detailed picture of a time and a place worth visiting.<br />
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Now, my son-in-law Shaun swears that I've never met a book I didn't like. Not true! Of course I can't imagine life without reading, but books themselves... ahhh, the smell, the bindings, the deckled-edge pages, the varying fonts, the sense of the person who lifeblood is inked on those pages.... <br />
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And, so, I do love libraries too. I'm endlessly grateful to Mr. Carnegie, his vision and his initial support of that great egalitarian project, the everytown public library. I live in a small town, I don't think we've topped 10,000 in population yet, but we have what I consider a first-class library. <br />
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As in so many small towns across the country, our Merrill Memorial Library is housed in an old building, ours one of considerable grandeur and space. In addition to the truly eclectic book collection, there are many varied magazines, videos, and audio books plus, an incredible, multi-faceted children's program. I could not live without the garden, craft, travel and cookbooks available FREE right downtown. <br />
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There are art exhibits, evening author programs, poetry workshops, knitting and quilting groups that meet at MML, all of these well beyond the scope of Mr. Carnegie's original vision. But, this place, this heart of the community, like so much of our western civilization, all began around books. <br />
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And then there are Kindles. A number of my adult children have Kindles, the amazing reading device from Amazon.com. It IS stunning! In its size, features, capabilities, and yes, just plain practicality. For someone like me who loves to read in bed at night... well, those Harry Potter tomes can be hard to hold up, you know! And, yes, I do have a reading pyramid that I love.<br />
The size of a slim 5x8" picture frame, a Kindle feels lighter than that picture frame with its glass. And, while I'm certainly not here to sell Kindles, I can see what it could mean to many readers. While our library has a small selection of large-print books, with the Kindle you can adjust the size of the font you're reading. As America ages, what a gift that may be. <br />
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If you travel a lot or it isn't easy to get to the library often, the accessibility of thousands upon thousands of titles, magazines, even blogs, downloadable in something like 60 seconds, is mind-boggling. And the Kindle can store something like 1,500 books for your perusal. Part of me really, really wants one, while another part of me feels disloyal at the mere thought. <br />
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Do you think there will come a time when our libraries have Kindles to borrow just as we do those audio books? Maybe we could rent Kindles from the library to take on vacations. I know our libary has been reporting increased circulation numbers in recent months, and while that may reflect this economic downturn, it is a hopeful sign that America's small towns are still reading! <br />
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Books, no matter how you access those written words, are an incredibly rich part of our daily life, and this country's library's are one of our richest small-town AND big-city resources. While a Kindle can offer the access, it will never replace the sense of community that our libraries often provide. Have you thanked a librarian today?? <br />
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I'm currently hooked on Scandanvian and Icelandic mysteries... please let me know what you're reading these days! <br />
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Mary <br />
</div>Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-89876591379471542702009-09-23T06:46:00.005-04:002009-10-08T14:23:34.062-04:00Vegans, Vegetarians, Flexitarians, and Freeatarians. Oh, my!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZfZInnashTFuP2bCR20K5IdPbTiix6XaAy6NmowrAOA_CUW1tl0I4IHVQ1lXT2UItyaXRdIdnwhvgE50MiqeENtXefEqwvhSYYB43wEC1MZV9U_7v3OW78JjIVqSgMRs_CNE/s1600-h/thumbnailCAM0LKYY.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384626033152452018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZfZInnashTFuP2bCR20K5IdPbTiix6XaAy6NmowrAOA_CUW1tl0I4IHVQ1lXT2UItyaXRdIdnwhvgE50MiqeENtXefEqwvhSYYB43wEC1MZV9U_7v3OW78JjIVqSgMRs_CNE/s320/thumbnailCAM0LKYY.jpg" style="float: right; height: 108px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 160px;" /></a><br />
<div></div>Although I like to think of myself as a <b>vegetarian</b>, I do still eat some seafood which I guess makes me a <b>flexitarian</b>. Flexitarians <i>generally</i> eat no flesh, but <i>once in a while</i> do eat seafood, poultry or red meat. There are a stunning number of labels these days for describing our eating habits and styles. Where for centuries of our country's history, we strove for "three squares," now we graze, nosh, aim for six minis a day, and eat many, many meals "on the go."<br />
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When I first became interested in vegetarianism a very long time ago, the World Vegetarian Congress defined thirteen levels of vegetarianism ranging from <b>vegans</b> who use no milk, eggs, honey or any product, including clothing, dervied from the animal kingdon to <b>Jain (Indian) vegetarians</b> who avoid foods that grow below the ground.<br />
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Most people today who follow a flesh-free way of eating are <b>ovo-lacto vegetarians</b>, keeping eggs and dairy products as part of their diets. Of course meat is generally considered as a protein source, but it's an expensive one, especially in terms of our earth's limitied arable land.<br />
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While all the labels certainly can get confusing, the basic idea of limiting our intake of what's called pass-through protein makes great earth-savvy sense. Consider the idea JUST from an economic viewpoint... The acreage it takes to fatten a beef critter would feed so many more people in this world if planted in various protein-rich grains and legumes. (I'm sure you can see where the label "pass-through protein" comes from.) Actually, Americans HAVE been reducing their meat-eating in the recent past especially since this economic downturn began.<br />
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And remember, I'm just asking you to consider this from a personal and global economic perspective, not even factoring in health, ethical, or other individual considerations.<br />
<br />
Okay, so what's a <b>freeatarian</b>, you ask? I was at a wedding recently where a table of us were discussing the whole range of vegetarian approaches, when one 20-something said that he's a freeatarian. HUH? "Yup, if it's free, I eat it!"<br />
<br />
Mary<br />
</div>Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-24347566322609175942009-09-10T08:26:00.006-04:002009-09-11T08:20:42.020-04:00Freezing a Summer Fruit Salad<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMpFXg01yVVMxu-S2MHeXkZK3UaR1DYZ92EN6W2MAL-wijYjQXgBK9nqtEB46eaMkhVPT7tb4qmPMzl8B968-jLSQF1XqdoVShxHT-dhkC6xEPeCJxeCX2yo3jNCa_QJPRK1F/s1600-h/ffruit+salad.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380183671907054546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMpFXg01yVVMxu-S2MHeXkZK3UaR1DYZ92EN6W2MAL-wijYjQXgBK9nqtEB46eaMkhVPT7tb4qmPMzl8B968-jLSQF1XqdoVShxHT-dhkC6xEPeCJxeCX2yo3jNCa_QJPRK1F/s400/ffruit+salad.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><iframe style="WIDTH: 120px; HEIGHT: 240px" align="left" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=116634&t=designonline-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=0762426020" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><br />One of my favorite cookbooks, one I've often mentioned here, is <strong><em>Make-A-Mix Cookery</em></strong>, an invaluable guide to making your own money- and time-saving mixes. Basic Bisquick-type mix, cookie, cake, bread mixes. Meat seasoning mixes, and so, so much more. One recipe in that book has always interested me, but I'd never tried it until last weekend.<br /><br />It's called <em><strong>Marie's Fruit Cocktail Mix</strong>, </em>a combination of green grapes, peaches, melons and blueberries in a lemon- and orange-flavored simple syrup. I hadn't tried it because I couldn't imagine how this mix would freeze and not be all mushy when thawed.<br /><br />Of course I didn't <em><strong>quite</strong></em> follow the recipe as given... I cut the sugar in the syrup and used less melon than called for. I have a container of the finished product thawing on the counter right now, but this I can tell you: It looked terrific and tasted w-a-y wicked good as a fresh fruit salad. We had company for supper the night I made it, and they raved over the samples I served with molasses crinkle cookies.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Frozen Fruit Cocktail Mix</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />1/2 watermelon, cut in bite-size pieces<br />1 crenshaw melon, cut in bite-size pieces<br />1 cantaloup, cut in bite-size pieces<br />lots of green grapes<br />lots of blueberries<br />peaches to taste, cut in bite-size pieces<br /><br />You'll need a B-I-G bowl for mixing all this fruit.<br /><br />Mix together and bring to a boil, stirring well:<br /><br />3 cups sugar<br />2 qts. water<br /><br />Add<br /><br />1 6 oz can EACH, frozen orange juice and frozen lemonade.<br /><br />Pour, hot, over fruit, gently mix, pack into freezer containers, leaving 1/2" head room. The orginal recipe said to pack the fruit then cover with the hot syrup, but I wanted to be sure the fruit was well-coated with the syrup to prevent any browning.<br /><br />Okay, I've just gotten into the almost-thawed fruit...everything's kept its color perfectly, the watermelon, cantaloup and crenshaw have all kept both their texture and individual flavors, and<br />the blueberries, peaches and grapes are yummy too.<br /><br />Most definitely, this recipe is a money-saving winner for winter!<br /><br />Mary</div>Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-85837989943396600452009-08-28T10:33:00.003-04:002009-08-28T10:51:51.178-04:00A Wax Bean WinterIt was 44.2 degrees out when I got up this morning at 5:30. August 28...44.2 degrees! As I took puppy Gracie out for her walkabout, I could see the peppers in the garden shivering, while the summer squash and cucumbers were huddled together under curled leaves. This has not been a kind summer for garden - or gardeners - here on the coast of Maine and in many other parts of the country.<br /><br /><strong>It will be a wax beans winter for us</strong> since that's the one thing that has produced bountifully this year. But what does this almost-over growing season mean for most of us for the coming winter? The usual routine... higher prices for foods from fruits and veggies to grain products to meat (because of the high cost of feed). Can you do anything about it? YUP, you can.<br /><br />While there are still farmer's markets open and even some pick-your-own operations will be open well into the fall, stock up on whatever you can. We'll buy corn to freeze since we lost all three plantings. We'll have some tomatoes to can and there are a couple of dozen quarts left from last year. Potatoes, carrots and beets have done reasonably well, while the onions will be small.<br /><br />If you don't have a garden or access to fresh produce to preserve, it's discouraging. But if you start thinking about it now, one of the best things you can do - if you have the storage space - is to start buying extra cans/frozen pacgages of those veggies you know you'll need... peas, green beans, corn, beets, etc....to stock the larder. And consider new recipes, reducing portion sizes and eliminating some of those items from your grocery list such as drinks, snacks and pre-packaged lunch products. BUT, start <strong><em>now</em></strong>.<br /><br />It may be a soup, stew and wax bean winter, but you can still be well-fed AND frugal!<br /><br />MaryMary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-69081577149875271282009-08-17T11:21:00.007-04:002009-09-03T13:16:55.791-04:00The Buzzzzzz on Beekeeping for Beginners<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSTnPO1tgPXmsyYgOIy0k5ZGKeOND34ZCQ5oFGvAwuWmjasJ9KCXNo0pqOnuImsrhH0s9_oY57b9yGnMKmXQk99EnxIvy5IwjImv1Ph8Pg-XDblgjieN1AYndocDIxAjMwyg3/s1600-h/szo0386++beehive+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370967972789142482" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 170px; height: 170px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSTnPO1tgPXmsyYgOIy0k5ZGKeOND34ZCQ5oFGvAwuWmjasJ9KCXNo0pqOnuImsrhH0s9_oY57b9yGnMKmXQk99EnxIvy5IwjImv1Ph8Pg-XDblgjieN1AYndocDIxAjMwyg3/s400/szo0386++beehive+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Suzanne from The Herb Farm in Annisquam MA</strong></span> asked about becoming a beekeeper. It's a great idea, harnessing all those industrious little nectar-gathering bees to provide you with pollination, honey, and beeswax. But for the total neophyte, it's not the easiest or cheapest hobby to start. Now, do I have bee hives? Nope! I've always wanted some and we have a good location for one or two, but Bert's allergic, so that's that.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">FIRST</span></strong>, before you even go further in thinking about becoming a beekeeper, you <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>MUST</strong></span> spend a day or two with an experienced apiarist. In addition to learning what equipment you'll need for yourself and the bees, you need to actually experience being around an active hive, and you need to see firsthand - not just read about - what it takes to manage a healthy colony. It would be ideal if you could visit a apiary now, later in the fall, in mid-winter and then early spring before you order your own equipment and bees. <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">I can't stress enough how important this visit to a working apiary is BEFORE you invest in your own beekeeping.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br />Before we even glance at the equipment needed, consider, too, that keeping a healthy bee colony is not always something you can control. Bees are subject to a number of challenges, as the recent past has shown. Two or three years ago, mites wiped out many a hive in New England. Happily, we've noticed a full rebound in bees in our fruit trees and bushes and flower beds this year. But, just be aware...<br /><br />I've heard estimates of $250 to $1,000 to set up your first hive or two. And a beginner certainly shouldn't consider undertaking any more hives than that. You might be able to get some equipment secondhand, but take some care there as you certainly don't want to take any chance on compromised equipment. I've found the website for New England Beekeeping Supplies, Etc. absolutely invaluable. The following link will take you right to their page that helps you estimate your first year costs for setting up a couple of hives. <a href="http://www.nebees.com/tipsandtricks.php"><span class="normwhite">New England Beekeeping Supplies, Inc.</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.nebees.com/tipsandtricks.php"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span></a><br />Your state university's Cooperative Extension Service also has much helpful information, and of course, your local library probably has books on this subject too.<br /><br />You'll need gear to protect yourself even if you do believe that bee stings are good for treating arthritis, etc. There are helmets, hats, veils, those long leather gloves and full protective suits, all of which adds up. You can buy a beekeeping starter set for well under two hundred dollars, and plans to guide you in building your own hives are easy to come by. So you <strong>can</strong> get started inexpensively <strong>if</strong> you work at it.<br /><br />Now what about getting the bees themselves? Well, you don't just go down to your local seed-/feed store and pick up a hive's worth!! Most northeastern suppliers get their bees from the south or mid-west, although I do believe there's one apiary with their own stock in MA. Bee packages are usually under $100, while a sturdy queen may be $25 or so. </div><br /><div>I hope this gives you a cursory idea of what's involved, even though I haven't talked about setting up and populating the hives, dealing with swarms, etc. The sweeetest end product, the honey, varies hugely from hive to hive and indeed, all over the world, depending on whether those bees are feasting on Maine blueberry blossoms, Scottish heather, or Australian eucalyptus! </div><br /><div>My daughter Heather's father-in-law, Don of VT and sister-in-law Lee, of NH both keep bees, and their honeys are great! In fact, several years ago, I put together a little honey information and recipe booklet for Don called <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Recipes for My Honeys.</strong> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">If there's enough interest in it, I'll print off some more... what do you think? There are about 30 pages and recipes including breads, cookies, cheesecake, veggie and main dish recipes? What would be a fair price?? Help me decide whether to make this available??</span></div><div></div><div>And, thanks for your help!! Mary</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-63430744315190976412009-07-30T07:55:00.012-04:002009-07-30T08:56:11.294-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iBQ7jTuxr-ogMBd_DDt2PVcpDhpgGow7cOb1yZ22s647vf8v3TE4NJFuSnocCadknt4bL7yKSeaIzA6j0XbZCuoFfvu5sjG_P9tg1Cez-78wP_1-YBMKqLHjR6NgYCJPtzGh/s1600-h/!cid_33E9B54E-CB7B-42F6-8B3C-AF4262F25624%40Belkin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364233487930924178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iBQ7jTuxr-ogMBd_DDt2PVcpDhpgGow7cOb1yZ22s647vf8v3TE4NJFuSnocCadknt4bL7yKSeaIzA6j0XbZCuoFfvu5sjG_P9tg1Cez-78wP_1-YBMKqLHjR6NgYCJPtzGh/s400/!cid_33E9B54E-CB7B-42F6-8B3C-AF4262F25624%40Belkin.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Gracie, all tired out after her garden chores</strong><br /></span><div align="center">Thanks, Heather, for the picture!<br /><br /></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">Gardening with Grace</span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Plus, a recipe for </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Blueberry-Lemon </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Bread/Cake</span></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, we did name our new puppy Grace Belle, and she IS a huge help in the garden... sort of! But this summer's garden has required a different kind of grace. Here on the coast of Maine, unrelenting rain, fog, mist, drizzle and just plain humidity, plus cool temperatures and little sun, have tested even the most patient and persistent gardeners.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Some thing of course are thriving in this micro-climate, but many things are not, especially those plants that like it hot such as peppers. We've planted - and lost- three batches of corn seed, and can only hope now that farmers farther inland from us will have abundant crops. But it isn't as though they haven't had a cool, damp summer too. So far, many of Maine's early hay cuttings, a crop essential for winter feed, have been devastated.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>I've always stressed that one of the best ways to save on your grocery spending is to grow and preserve your own produce. Or, at least buy at your local farmer's market or even pick-your-own to can or freeze. That's a little tougher this year. But it is still going to mean better eating and more savings this coming winter.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div>One bumper crop for us this year is blueberries. The raspberries are doing well too, but they mold very quickly in the damp and must be picked quickly when it's relatively dry. No such problem with the blueberries. Plus, I'm sure you've read aoubt the fabulous anti-oxidant benefits (among other things) of blueberries.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>We have a dozen or so high-bush blues of at least five different varieties. They are also planted near wild berries so the cross-pollination yields really favorful, large fruit. With no preparation needed to freeze them (just put in containers or plastic bags) , frozen blueberries don't lose shape or get mushy, and they can be used to make so, so many wonderful things including juice, plain or blended with lemonade, apple, or cranberry. I make a four-berry juice from straw-, rasp-, black- and blueberries with only minimal honey sweetening needed. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div>Yesterday I came across a recipe for a blueberry-lemon bread/cake. As this is one of my absolutely favorite flavor combinations, I went right down and picked fresh blueberries to try it. You make the batter, which incorporates finely grated lemon peel, then top with a mixture of 'berries, a little sugar and more lemon peel. The batter rises up over the topping, and the result is delectable! </div><div><span style="font-size:0;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Blueberry-Lemon Bread/Cake</strong></div><div> </div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div></div><div>Beat all together</div><div></div><div>1 1/2 c flour</div><div>3/4 c sugar</div><div>1 Tbsp baking powder</div><div>1/2 tsp salt</div><div>1/4 c shortening</div><div>2/3 c milk</div><div>1 egg</div><div>1 tsp vanilla</div><div>1/2 tsp grated lemon peel</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Pour into a greased 8x8" pan and top with this mixture</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>1 cup fresh blueberries</div><div>3 Tbsp sugar</div><div>1 tsp grated lemon peel</div><div></div><div>Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until browned and springy. YUM!</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>I suppose we need to look at back-to-school spending, but it's hard to face classes starting again after so little summer! Ya' know??</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Mary</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:0;"></span></div>Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-21888780636963809952009-07-15T14:09:00.007-04:002009-10-31T09:04:02.034-04:00Save Money by Making your Own Milk from Nuts<span style="font-size:180%;"><em></em></span><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">by Guest Author Kathryn Vercillo</span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span>The price of milk seems to be climbing rapidly. Non-dairy alternatives like soy milk have always been expensive and now cow milk costs are high as well. Most of us use milk daily in everything from coffee and cereal to baked goods and casseroles. You can reduce your grocery expenses by cutting back on your milk intake. Alternatively, you can start making your own milk to save money. The least expensive type of milk to make is nut milk.<br /><br /><strong><em>Almond Milk</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />Almost milk is a terrific substitute for cow’s milk. The nutty taste goes especially well in coffee but it can be used to replace milk in cereal or in any recipe that doesn’t require your milk to be too creamy. The really great thing about it is that it’s easy to make. Here’s the recipe that I use:<br /><br />Soak one cup of raw unsalted almonds overnight.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br />Combine almonds with four cups of water in a blender. I usually do this in two parts (half a cup almonds with two cups water, blend and repeat).<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br />Place cheesecloth over pitcher and pour through the cheesecloth. This catches the pulpy part of the almonds. (You can use coffee filters instead of cheesecloth to strain the milk). Add a sweetener to taste. I add a little bit of vanilla extract and a few spoons of honey to my almond milk because I think the natural taste is a bit bitter. Other people add maple syrup or blended fruit.<br /><br />This makes about a half pitcher of milk. From two cups of almonds, I can get a full pitcher at a price that’s a lot lower than buying a gallon of milk from the store!<br /><br /><strong><em>Making your Milk Thicker</em></strong><br /><strong><em><br /></em></strong>One of the biggest complaints that people have about nut milk is that it’s not as thick and creamy as regular milk is. You can make yours thicker by adding a banana to the blender when you mix your milk. Alternatively, you can add half of a small potato or sweet potato to the blender to create thicker milk.<br /><br /><strong><em>Using Other Nuts</em></strong><br /><strong><em><br /></em></strong>You can use this same basic recipe to make milk from other nuts as well. Brazil nuts make really good milk although these are pricey in most areas. Walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews, pistachios and macadamia nuts can all be used as well. Some people prefer to use a mixture of nuts. When doing so, you can even add seeds (sunflower, flax and pumpkin are good choices). This is a great way to use up some of the leftover snacks in the house!<br /><br />Guest post by Kathryn Vercillo. Kathryn is a writer for <a href="http://www.promotionalcodes.org.uk/">Promotional Codes</a> which gives away saving codes online, and also publishes a money-saving blog.Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-61748515376037007952009-07-08T14:17:00.003-04:002009-07-30T11:14:35.935-04:00Hello Again...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIm4D-Znm3ehj3KnaRN9f7kAV2EO1ZXTIEYNKjw9d9UiMjMwRpUHUelBK-8iOSp7u_3B0ekIxdN4FvTiv0Ao405ki6OkKeUqO00WLiAIQHOftnnYtWmCm5vczz7wW36Ho3GzS/s1600-h/tea_02.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356157256412824834" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 151px; height: 197px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIm4D-Znm3ehj3KnaRN9f7kAV2EO1ZXTIEYNKjw9d9UiMjMwRpUHUelBK-8iOSp7u_3B0ekIxdN4FvTiv0Ao405ki6OkKeUqO00WLiAIQHOftnnYtWmCm5vczz7wW36Ho3GzS/s400/tea_02.gif" border="0" /></a>Well, THAT retirement didn't last long, did it? Now don't laugh, but I had a message from God, and it's always best NOT to ignore those!<br /><div></div><br /><div>Several readers got in touch to say they'd miss the blog, which of course was nice. I have no idea how many folks - <strong>if anyone</strong> -reads my writings here Then, Jenna Russell from the Boston Globe got in touch and we did a lengthy phone interview earlier this afternoon. She seemed so disappointed that her first reading of my blog was intended to be my last post! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So, now, I'm like, all totally fired up again! Stay tuned!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Mary</div>Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-30486457166085766432009-07-07T06:47:00.012-04:002009-10-31T09:04:57.193-04:00Hello...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo6moDufQMHD1uApb6SOS4aptuQ8sIjFKQ-q6Lh12AriOKNaObZMIO3E2RU0s-odjwT8cysH4OjHjMsAqFbMz3KSc3_We0gaqCmYb18SU6u121Rwdrh_nE7n2ZFPaP82anpWy/s1600-h/Gracie+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355670098045549682" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right; width: 224px; height: 400px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo6moDufQMHD1uApb6SOS4aptuQ8sIjFKQ-q6Lh12AriOKNaObZMIO3E2RU0s-odjwT8cysH4OjHjMsAqFbMz3KSc3_We0gaqCmYb18SU6u121Rwdrh_nE7n2ZFPaP82anpWy/s400/Gracie+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><div><strong><em></em></strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>and Goodbye!</em></strong></span></div><div><br />First, let me introduce the newest member of our family, Grace Belle. She's a 10-week-old rescue puppy from Arkansas who came into our lives on Sunday. She is an absolute doll, although our three cats have yet to discover that. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />That's the "Hello."</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />The "Goodbye" is that I have decided to put my blog writing aside for a while, quite possibly for good. Life is just too, too busy, and you know, I just don't feel as though I have anything more to say. There are so, so many folks now on the frugal bandwagon that I know you'll be able to find all the advice you need for thrifty and healthy living, sure savings, and smart spending.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />*************<br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We on the coast of Maine are having a non-summer so far and that is difficult, both for the gardens and for us humans. It's hard to believe it's July when we've had so little sun and even less warmth.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Our first planting of corn rotted and I'm not sure the second planting is doing any better; it certainly hasn't broken ground yet. And while this cool, damp weather does favors some things, it's not a friend to the peppers, tomatoes and other warm-weather crops. So far, the strawberries have produced, although somewhat scantily, while the coming blueberry crop looks to be huge.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />This coming weekend is the start of our annual Gram and Gramp Camp which ends the following weekend with the famous Yarmouth Clam Festival. I haven't gotten out hiking at all, and starting the Maine section of the Appalachian Trail was a major goal for this summer and fall. Then there's all the flower work, the reading, the knitting, and most of all, the invaluable time spent with friends. There just aren't enough hours in the day!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />And so, I thank you for visiting this blog, for being part of my life and letting me be a part of yours. I'll miss you especially, Alice!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br />Best, Mary</div><div></div><div></div>Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-15630192470751821672009-03-27T07:24:00.002-04:002009-03-27T07:40:20.986-04:00Freezer frenzy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Tips-buying-a-freezer-how/story.aspx?guid=%7B6D82CF6B-DC7E-4274-B1E8-23F67C5D333A%7D"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 65px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kjDIjbsaB77LMAKRgncUR2FXf4QQI1ZtWjJnBPX7U7kDlt5kvBUQ4FaaRUgRLo620c8RLC-EME1s42oqC8QsolEeqNfezpC1xRIgaxyncjf1FvC8tXHmUYHRQN211z4YlwERtA/s320/market_watch_mary_webber.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317830737080328914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tips on buying a freezer, and how to best use it at home</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">By Amy Hoak, MarketWatch, March 26, 2009</span><br /><br /><br />"Don't assume that investing in a freezer will automatically save you bundles, however. Once you bring it home, remember why you got it -- to ultimately save money -- and follow these tips from Webber for sticking to your plan:"<br /><br /><a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Tips-buying-a-freezer-how/story.aspx?guid=%7B6D82CF6B-DC7E-4274-B1E8-23F67C5D333A%7D">Click here for complete coverage</a>Family Thrift Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15482874706535961367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-58868421571627669082009-03-10T14:59:00.008-04:002009-10-31T09:05:34.604-04:00The Frugal Family Kitchen Book<span style="font-size:180%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>On SALE now</em></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Just in time for Mother's Day, those bridal showers, summer weddings and so many other spring gift-giving occasions, <strong><em>The Frugal Family Kitchen Book</em></strong> is now on sale for only <strong>$10</strong> a copy, post paid!<br /><br />My <strong><em>Kitchen Book</em></strong> offers valuable nutrition information, time management help, and meal planning guidance as well as plenty of tasty and inexpensive recipes. With tips on setting up the first-time kitchen, reading labels and shopping the various supermarket sections, the<strong><em> </em></strong>spiral bound <strong><em>Kitchen</em></strong> <em><strong>Book</strong></em> is ideal for the experienced shopper as well as the beginner cook. It's perfect for those who are college-bound or for anyone going out on their own.<br /><br /><strong><em>The FFKB</em></strong> sells for $14.95 at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">http://www.amazon.com/</a> , where you can check out the contents, read excerpts, reviews and such. Our publisher's price of $10 (post paid!), is a bargain and I'd be glad to inscribe any books you order.<br /><br />In addition, further discounts are available on volume orders (over 100 copies). <strong><em>The Kitchen Book</em></strong> makes a great promotional give-away and can also be used for successful fundraising.<br /><br />Send your order with a check or money order to <strong>Cranberry Knoll Publishers, P. O. Box 1317, Yarmouth, Maine 04096. </strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Questions?? Feel free to email me at<strong> </strong><a href="mailto:marywebb@maine.rr.com"><strong>marywebb@maine.rr.com</strong></a>Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-49463469935162642192009-02-11T09:28:00.010-05:002009-02-11T10:31:58.947-05:00<span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>Growing in our </em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>Kitchen Garden:</em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>Sprouts!</em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong><br /><br />Fun and easy to grow, sprouts provide good nutritional value at a more-than-reasonable cost. Perfect for greening mid-winter salads and sandwiches.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Why grow sprouts?</strong> </span>They are incredibly rich in nutrients, cheap, quick, and easy to grow (no sun, no soil needed) right in your kitchen (great project for the kids), sprouts are low in calories, and they are very versatile. In salads and sandwiches of course but also in breads, stir fry and many other Asian recipes. Broccoli sprouts offer dynamite nutrition while radish sprouts add real zing, and onion, cabbage and pea sprouts are terrific in stir fry. <strong>Caveat:</strong> Just as with any food, don't go overboard on sprouts. It is possible to eat too much of these good things leading to possible nutritional deficiencies, but honestly, I think you'd have to be totally nuts to consume the amounts that could case this effect.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>What kind of sprouts to grow??</strong></span> I think you'll be surprised at what's available for spouting seeds, far beyond the alfalfa, mung, radish and broccoli that may come right to mind. You can certainly find a good selection of sprouting seeds at your local health food store, but I buy most of my seeds including those for sprouting from Pinetree Garden Seeds in New Gloucester Maine. I would caution you not to use just any old garden seed to sprout to be sure you avoid treated seed. Pinetree offers 16 individual seeds and mixes for sprouting. Their salad, sandwich, stir fry and munching mixes are excellent. I would caution you not to use just any old garden seed for sprouting to avoid the possiblility of using treated seed.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>How to grow sprouts.</strong></span> Couldn't be easier! When I first started I used quart canning jars with cheesecloth over the top held on by an elastic band. You can buy three different mesh-size plastic lids to use with canning jars for various size sprouting seeds, and you can also use stackable tray sprouters which I use for growing large amounts of mung beans.<br /><br />To grow sprouts, start small! A TBSP of alfalfa seed may yield a cup to a cup and a half of sprouts! Rinse seeds in a strainer or colander - some seed such as that alfalfa is tiny - picking out any that look off-color, etc. Put the rinsed seeds is a nice clean jar (I use 1-quart wide-mouth jars), cover the seeds with a few inches of warmish water and let set on countertop overnight. Little bits of chaff and such will float to the top, easy to remove.<br /><br />Next, drain the seeds thoroughly then rinse them with cool water, swishing well. Drain again, set jar on its side and jiggle somewhat to spread out the seeds, put in a dark cupboard, and there they grow! Rinse and drain daily and start enjoying your greens in just a few days for some varieties, 4-5 days for some of the larger ones.<br /><br />I like to keep several kinds growing on a rotating basis... YUM!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JmCjIM7AVkTXQ81uEXYo4wHkKsszD1iK8x1rNUnaOp0IQZ_n1hBe3EiCgHuTo_6001bNRI2ZwM6qEtgs7vx5HskX0Ju8YzmJMENp98QL8kjY4j3W0ErSOJM_oV1OOvEvw8i8/s1600-h/deer+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301546650127334210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 387px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 308px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JmCjIM7AVkTXQ81uEXYo4wHkKsszD1iK8x1rNUnaOp0IQZ_n1hBe3EiCgHuTo_6001bNRI2ZwM6qEtgs7vx5HskX0Ju8YzmJMENp98QL8kjY4j3W0ErSOJM_oV1OOvEvw8i8/s400/deer+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We've been blessed this winter to have a number of deer who visit us daily to partake of the apples we're delighted to share with them. <br /><br />I just love seeing them!Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-91767389988614213202009-02-04T14:22:00.008-05:002009-02-04T15:30:21.291-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXIeft3K0Qrt3P-9SdkHoLLmnYd5NB1a78myHMXFDKQDeDQChbwo_Wcs6-zqwNXtHlFpbrnAU9vO7iRKDuIR-DgcWpj9N7Sdkmzac-JYRxO_WkuRiCkIwuS8PT7Kg_kW6CvnN/s1600-h/Fitness-Model.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299041167052115282" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 136px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXIeft3K0Qrt3P-9SdkHoLLmnYd5NB1a78myHMXFDKQDeDQChbwo_Wcs6-zqwNXtHlFpbrnAU9vO7iRKDuIR-DgcWpj9N7Sdkmzac-JYRxO_WkuRiCkIwuS8PT7Kg_kW6CvnN/s400/Fitness-Model.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong></div><br /><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">Wii?</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">Wh<span style="font-size:130%;">e</span><span style="font-size:100%;">e</span><span style="font-size:85%;">e</span><span style="font-size:100%;">e</span><span style="font-size:130%;">e</span>e<span style="font-size:100%;">e</span><span style="font-size:130%;">ee</span></span><span style="font-size:180%;">e!</span></em></strong><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Wii<span style="font-size:78%;">tm </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and Wii<span style="font-size:78%;">tm</span> Fitness are registered trademarks of Nintendo of America. I've tried to be careful about putting the tm symbol in but it doesn't work in some places such as the title and labels.</span></span></strong></div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Did you get a new Wii<span style="font-size:78%;">tm </span><span style="font-size:100%;">for Christmas, it's all installed, and you're comfortable using it?</span> Great fun, isn't it! The bowling and boxing are big in our household, but this past week, I've taken the fun to a whole new level with Wii<span style="font-size:78%;">tm </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Fitness. The folks who came up with this program are absolutely geniuses!</span><br /><br />I can try to describe this fitness program, but you really, really have to try it just once to totally understand how awesome it is. First off, let me confess that I've tried going to gyms and it's just not me. I don't like driving, especially in our Maine winters, then I really just don't like being there, although I certainly fell in love with their elipitical machines. We do have a treadmill at home and of course plenty of hand weights.<br /><br />So obviously the first appeal of Wii<span style="font-size:78%;">tm </span><span style="font-size:100%;">is using it right in front of the tv, never leaving home and wearing whatever I feel like. The system consists of your Wii<span style="font-size:78%;">tm</span> basic box, hand control, a balance board, a CD, and from there on, with the explicit directions and pictures, it could <em><strong>not</strong></em> possibly be simpler WITHOUT ever seeming simplisitic.</span><br /><br />There's a body test you can do or skip. I wanted it as a baseline, or maybe I was just feeling masochistic. It told me my weight (a little over), BMI (only a couple of points too high) , Wii<span style="font-size:78%;">tm </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Fitness age (this one hurt), and then assessed my balance, something I knew would need work. Yup, I do. </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">This feels like a very individualized program, and I especially like it keeping track of the time I spend in the Fitness Plaza and the stamp I put on the calendar after each day's visit. I've LOVED seeing my weight and BMI nudge downward, no matter how slightly each few days.</span><br /><br />Now when I started, I had visions of the same old-same old exercise routines, but what a stunner when I found out how much just plain fun this program is! There are four areas to work in - yoga, strength, aerobic, and balance training. I headed straight to the balance area.<br /><br />First, I got to try being a soccer goalie trying to head off balls kicked at me. HA! Then a ski slalom making the gates (or NOT!) just by leaning my body on the balance board. Then on to the ski jump (a favorite), next a devilish "game" where you use body motions to try to get balls through holes on a tilt table.<br /><br />The tightrope walk was a real challenge as you have to "jump" over a machine coming toward you in the middle of the crossing. Each of these "games" is separate so you can do the ones you want, each is only a few tries and then you can move on or retry the one you're doing a few more times. You get scores and see yourself improve on the spot.<br /><br />In the aerobics area, I love the hula hoop, something I've never been good at in real life but which I can do pretty well here, even with people tossing more hoops at me as I twirl on that balance board. There's a 3-minute, well-paced run, which turns out to be one of my strengths.<br /><br />Because I already work with weights every other day, I haven't been to the strength training area yet, but I visited the yoga center and I was impressed. I've gone to yoga classes on and off for years and this "instructor" (I chose a female trainer) with her very clear modeling of the poses...well, this is as well done as any class I've ever had.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>No!</strong></span> NO, honestly, I am not a paid Wii<span style="font-size:78%;">tm </span>promoter! The myriad uses for this program with a wide variety of users should be obvious. While it's being used in some rehab settings already, most anyone could benefit from it, certainly the elderly who could often benefit from the balance and other targeted activities, without leaving home, and in whatever little pieces can be managed.<br /><br />Although I'm only at the beginner level for just about every activity, I see - and feel - progress. I reallly feel as though I've given you the most cursory overview of this fitness program, but I hope it'll inspire you to consider whether it might fit your fitness needs in a way you'd actually <strong>consistently</strong> use. I'll let you know how it goes, but so far, it's been all fun and games!</span></div>Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-18980370038951578292009-01-20T06:39:00.007-05:002009-01-25T17:49:06.366-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHgbNlw6vgp9uUVjS6ck2naxhSGWO-eOXFgEh_CYgBFQPes_vYTXKsPkiy-MQJ4qendW740CyydlfvUiJWKhevp_aNxU6hruFSUUhJAUWcc-_DKZdDP0zero1RnLfDBNvFtO4/s1600-h/camping-tent.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293355721883154018" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHgbNlw6vgp9uUVjS6ck2naxhSGWO-eOXFgEh_CYgBFQPes_vYTXKsPkiy-MQJ4qendW740CyydlfvUiJWKhevp_aNxU6hruFSUUhJAUWcc-_DKZdDP0zero1RnLfDBNvFtO4/s400/camping-tent.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>2009 - An</em></strong></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></em></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>Adventure,</em></strong></span><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>a Challenge</em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong><br />We're well into this new year and although I'm not much for making resolutions, I have decided to do something this year that will certainly be an adventure, and it will certainly challenge me.<br />I'm going to hike the 281 miles of the Maine section of the Appalachian Trail, a trek that will include the Hundred Mile Wilderness, seven peaks over 4,000' (as well as thirteen others over 3,000') and will end at Mt. Katahdin. <strong>Am I totally nuts?</strong><br /><br />I've always been a walker and loved the outdoors but have never done much real hiking. Then this fall my daughter Heather loaned me a book she'd been given, <strong><em>It's Always Up - Memories of the Appalachian Trail by the Mountain Marching Mamas</em></strong>. The MMM are a group of older women who have long gotten together to hike for a week or two every year. In bits and pieces they ended up hiking the entire AT.<br /><br />As dumb as it sounds, it had never occurred to me that I could hike the Trail a little at a time and not necessarily in sequence. WOW!<br /><br />Years ago my daughter Hannah had given me a a guide to the Maine section of the AT complete with seven detailed topographic and profile maps and every other bit of helpful information I'd need to start this adventure. This all seems... <strong><em>fated</em></strong>.<br /><br />Ahhh, but the challenge... I'm in my mid 60's, somewhat overweight, and somewhat limited in endurance. Time to start training! A minimum of 30 minutes a day on the treadmill with increasing incline, hand-weight work three days a week and yoga two days a week. Then more snowshoeing, XC skiing and just plain winter hiking. I think I can, I think I can.<br /><br />I'm seven weeks into this program and feel good about the progress. Using the treadmill's not a big deal, and I'm up to using a set of 6, 7, and 8 pound weights for that work. I'm planning to get up to using 8, 10, and 12 pounders and then increasing the repetitions more. Yesterday Bert and I snowshoed for a little over an hour and a half. PHEW!<br /><br />And so, in the spring I'll start with more serious day hikes, then overnights before I start on the AT itself. I've got to get used to carrying a fairly weighty backpack something I've never done before.<br /><br />The last piece of this whole undertaking is by far the most important part. Because I don't plan to hike alone, family and friends will join me for various pieces of this "walk in the woods." Bert will be my most constant trail companion of course, but I'm way wicked excited to share this adventure and challenge with so many other favorite folks.<br /><br />And so, no New Year's resolutions, but <strong>maybe just maybe</strong>, I'll end up losing weight, getting in shape, absorbing great beauty and finding real peace anyway!</div></div>Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-51992777876876263252008-12-16T10:22:00.013-05:002008-12-28T22:09:39.595-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqk7rlr0Zhzuljr5RJPTK4TWIE-Y7zE60ZUFIvUi9gxqpktAKzyKDVouQaNQ785cqTPt4r2AmBW9jYSPtxD1ZGODccz5O3dxsWDSfLbW3WrF4jlUHC7an29nTv3DRhxrVq77C/s1600-h/26634.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280426859257050162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqk7rlr0Zhzuljr5RJPTK4TWIE-Y7zE60ZUFIvUi9gxqpktAKzyKDVouQaNQ785cqTPt4r2AmBW9jYSPtxD1ZGODccz5O3dxsWDSfLbW3WrF4jlUHC7an29nTv3DRhxrVq77C/s400/26634.jpg" style="float: right; height: 150px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 149px;" /></a><br />
<div><div><b><i><span style="font-size: 180%;">Non-Food Gifts </span></i></b></div><div><b><i></i></b><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span></span></div><div><b><i><span style="font-size: 180%;">From Your</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span style="font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span></i></b> </div><div><b><i><span style="font-size: 180%;">Christmas Kitchen</span></i></b></div><br />
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<div>I really thought I'd get back to you before now... but then, it IS the holiday season! Aside from all the goodies that may come from your kitchen at this time of the year, there are many non-food gifts that you can make too. Let's start with a few kitchen cosmetics that you can make.</div><br />
<div>The base ingredients used in so, so many of today's high-end HABAs have been around for years, are readily available, and generally are very inexpensive. Take bath salts for example. Usually based on Epsom salts that you can buy very inexpensively at any drugstore or Wal-Mart, fancy bath additives can be made elegant, therapeutic or even just fun at very little cost.</div><br />
<div>A wonderful basic "recipe" calls for ingredients you're bound to have on hand. You can use the cologne called for or a drop or two of any essential oil you'd like. Essential oils which are, well, really<b><i> essential</i></b>, for making soaps and so many other beauty preparations, are available at natural food stores (for your best selection) and often also at drugstores, or even some grocery stores.</div><br />
<div><b>Refreshing Salt-Starch-Salt Bath Soother</b></div><div><b></b></div><div>1/2 c Epsom salts</div><div>1/2 c cornstarch (remember this has always been used as a soothing baby powder)</div><div>1/4 c table salt</div><div>few drops scent</div><br />
<div>This is enough for one bath. To use, sprinkle under running bath water, swirling to dissolve and spread, or mix well and put in jar or bottle, label with directions for use.</div><div><b>NOW</b>, to make really special gifts, make a large batch of the base salts and starch, then add different scents to each of a half dozen jars. For example, a whiff of pepperment can be quite invigorating while a few drops of rosemary, lavendar, or rose oils will yield a totally different product.</div><div>While this is a good start, for a really excellent aromatherapy bath salts recipe, visit the Annisquam Herb Farm at</div><div><a href="http://annisquamherbfarm.blogspot/2008/09/aromatherapy-bath-salts.html">http://annisquamherbfarm.blogspot/2008/09/aromatherapy-bath-salts.html</span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: 100%;">This is a site worth bookmarking as Suzanne always has interesting info...check out her recent ginger cookie recipe too!</span></div><br />
<div>For an old-fashioned skin softener and mositurizer, you can't beat rosewater and glycerine.</div><div>This has been around for generations and still works very, very well. I'm going to give you two recipes either of which is lovely.</div><br />
<div><b>Rosewater and Glycerine Skin Care</b><br />
</div><div>1 c rosewater<br />
6 TBSP glycerine</div><div>3 Tbsp witch hazel</div><br />
<div><b>OR</b></div><br />
<div>1/2 c rosewater<br />
1/2 c glycerine</div><div>1/4 tsp borax</div><br />
<div>Mix and bottle in fancy containers. The rosewater is usually available at drug and healthfood stores, but if you can't find it, just add a few drops of rose oil to distilled water. </div><br />
<div>Another of my easy favorites is a bubbling bath oil made with the least expensive baby oil and baby shampoo you can find. Little kids love to make this for their friends, especially using some of the neon food coloring and maybe some bubblegum scent!</div><br />
<div><b>Bubbling Bath Oil</b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqE9rrrISXJDbzL_vk8qjWkKrJv7IJmG3EyZzkAYK3e9vzUZlnqIX8a2Fi52jjyBUVn1UivCBfzIBSbPSr4KfFm0oQ8gUea6bxau7hcz-vUWwRsu_VgsR73SKItOB0XKLyHHN/s1600-h/u19123666.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280427201174883362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqE9rrrISXJDbzL_vk8qjWkKrJv7IJmG3EyZzkAYK3e9vzUZlnqIX8a2Fi52jjyBUVn1UivCBfzIBSbPSr4KfFm0oQ8gUea6bxau7hcz-vUWwRsu_VgsR73SKItOB0XKLyHHN/s400/u19123666.jpg" style="float: right; height: 129px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 170px;" /></a><br />
<div>1/2 c liquid baby shampoo</div><div>2 TBSP baby oil</div><br />
<div>Mix, scent or color as you'd like. Add 2 Tbsp to running bath water. To give, put in an old shampoo or squeeze bottle and label including use directions.</div><br />
<div>Wow, I was going to include so many more recipes here, but time is getting so short. I'll come back to this general idea again, and since I absoluely love fancy soapmaking, I'll plan to do a series on that next year too.</div><div>I'll see you next year when we'll start 2009 with some birdseed cake recipes.</div><br />
<div>I wish you, each and all, a very peaceful holiday season and a New Year full of promise.</div><br />
<div>Mary</div></div>Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-21487122522317344832008-12-02T15:40:00.011-05:002008-12-03T12:34:11.158-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7b4Kc-7DNJyRxjFF7XdpOmHJ1DdELo0g27bj33ffZ9pFBZL4PHXyvYp3J9MKWF3eP0m4_DdmNRLjEIM_dI9g1TK6mLXw5fx-7Y2Mdy5Goqqs6RpToGFx7Nf3RR23lxk3zChfE/s1600-h/www_angel-guide_com-angel-clipart-angel-picture-angel-image-cooking-angel_small.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275315602521440162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 115px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7b4Kc-7DNJyRxjFF7XdpOmHJ1DdELo0g27bj33ffZ9pFBZL4PHXyvYp3J9MKWF3eP0m4_DdmNRLjEIM_dI9g1TK6mLXw5fx-7Y2Mdy5Goqqs6RpToGFx7Nf3RR23lxk3zChfE/s400/www_angel-guide_com-angel-clipart-angel-picture-angel-image-cooking-angel_small.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7b4Kc-7DNJyRxjFF7XdpOmHJ1DdELo0g27bj33ffZ9pFBZL4PHXyvYp3J9MKWF3eP0m4_DdmNRLjEIM_dI9g1TK6mLXw5fx-7Y2Mdy5Goqqs6RpToGFx7Nf3RR23lxk3zChfE/s1600-h/www_angel-guide_com-angel-clipart-angel-picture-angel-image-cooking-angel_small.jpg"></a></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong><em>Gifts from Your </em></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong><em>Christmas Kitchen</em></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br />Christmas cooking often tends toward candy, cookies and other sugary treats. Like many of you, that is so <strong>NOT</strong> what I need, but also like many of you, if someone gives me, say, some peanut butter cookies, the kind with the chocolate kiss in the middle, I <strong>WILL</strong> eat every single one of them!<br /><br />So I've been thinking about what a tough economy we're in and how much more practical gifts from our kitchens may be appreciated. Every year we are gifted with a batch of homemade granola, and I really look forward to it.<br /><br /><br />A few years ago the layered mixes-in-a-jar were popular. Why not put together all the dry ingredients for a multi-bean soup, layering a varieties of beans, some dried tomatoes, dried onion, garlic, parsley and other seasonings. Check the international aisle in your grocery for the best selection of dried beans, lentils, peas, etc. And don't forget to attach cooking directions.<br /><br /><br /><br />You can easily make fancy rice mixes too, varying the seasonings and other add-ons. Maybe a lemon-dill-pepper rice, or a curry rice with dried apple bits. Use your imagination, check your own cookbooks or those at your local library and look for recipes on the internet.<br /><br />Homemade mixes for hot chocolate or Russian tea are always welcome, and the following three recipes (from <strong><em>The Frugal Family Kitchen Book</em></strong>) for the pricey international-type coffees are inexpensive to make and definitely delicious.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275314822063236802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 135px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE4KmzxXV6SuNivLNuoKiVLJYuJpbBGvRD87ue_Mb5Hi9QYbkEQVAj16xscjUErE6NTkCnU_sQqhgEN_7hRWunkXPYn3sOlfszspdiP5ePrpvOLE6IBLQkWFA8eNhhlPKVXAY/s320/LZM073.jpg" border="0" /><br />On any of these, if you just mix the ingredients and don't process in a blender or food processor, the ingredients will separate.<br /><br /><strong>Cinnamon "Vienna" Coffee Mix</strong><br /><br />1/2 c instant coffee<br />2/3 cup sugar<br />1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />2/3 c powdered creamer (you can use powdered milk, but it's not as good)<br /><br />Mix all together in a blender or food processor until powdery. Use 2 heaping tsp per cup.<br /><br /><strong>Orange Coffee Mix</strong><br /><br />1/2 c instant coffee<br />3/4 c sugar<br />1/2 - 1 tsp dried orange peel<br />1 c powdered creamer (or powdered milk)<br /><br />Mix all together in a blender or food processor until powdery. Use 2 heaping tsp per cup.<br /><br /><strong>Mocha Coffee Mix</strong><br /><br />1/2 c instant coffee<br />1/2 c sugar<br />2 TBSP cocoa (powder, not mix)<br />1 c powdered creamer (or powdered milk)<br /><br />Mix all together in a blender or food processor until powdery. Use 2 heaping tsp per cup.<br /><br /><br />The <strong>chocolate mug cake recipe</strong> I gave here a few posts ago also gifts well. Put all dry ingredients together in a small plastic baggie, put in a coffee mug, tie directions to handle and voila!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275312642453070658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 149px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdiYkleOuwHBmR-8hDAZ2hTsI1dizC-Ce33GbhssvQPy6jJzRLf3CwvNUAhfcirbbIBqCqnouRWcoVEm9P_tKnLcZ2AfjWp7jdS0ADKL0822ayD6sPKyexa1IrVGybFoigqOi/s320/26634.jpg" border="0" /><br />To get you thinking in yet another direction, consider this recipe from <strong>w-a-y</strong> back. Copper Coins, sometimes called Copper Pennies in really old cookbooks, look nice, are cheap, quick, and easy to put together, and made a great snack, or side dish with just about any meal.<br /><br /><strong>Copper Pennies</strong><br /><br />2 lbs carrots, peeled, sliced thin, and cooked until just tender-crisp<br />1 medium green pepper, diced<br />3 medium onions, sliced and separated into rings<br />1 can tomato soup<br />3/4 c sugar<br />3/4 c vinegar<br />1/2 c salad oil<br />1 tsp prepared mustard<br />1 tsp Worcestershire sauce<br /><br />Combine soup, sugar, vinegar, oil, mustard and Wrcestershire in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Layer carrots, pepper pieces and onion slices in a bottle or canning jar, cover with boiling marinade, cool and refrigerate for 12 hours before sampling. Keeps well in the refrigerator for a long time. I've experimented with hot pepper in this as well as horseradish and even put in some artichoke hearts one time...all good.<br /><br /><br />In a few days I'll post some more recipes for gifts you can make in your kitchen...yes, a few goodies <strong>AND</strong> some kitchen cosmetics!Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-32897432807276752362008-11-27T15:17:00.005-05:002008-11-28T12:08:19.514-05:00Easy does itYou don't have to kill yourself or spend a ton of cash decorating for the holidays. There's plenty of 'wow' where festive and frugal meet – now here's how.<br /><br /><a href="http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=223174&ac=Home">For complete article from the Portand Press Herald by<span class="author"> Ray Routhier, Staff Writer</span></a>Family Thrift Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15482874706535961367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-77407991800175742372008-11-27T07:56:00.002-05:002008-11-27T15:27:51.572-05:00Featured in Today's Charlotte Woman<span style="font-style: italic;">Grocery Change</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> by Monigue Brown McKenzie</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Keeping your food bill under control during the holidays</span><br /><ul><li>Your shopping list, store brands, budget-friendly entertaining and more</li><li><a href="http://issuu.com/todayscharlottewoman/docs/dec08?mode=embed&documentId=081119192137-8672c5add9694f3f9e56b554bbe1d7b8&layout=grey">Pages 52-53</a></li></ul>Family Thrift Counselorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15482874706535961367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-80565919207797423522008-11-13T10:24:00.011-05:002008-11-13T15:23:49.863-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFVE39Byli4iihBY291UhzRcD_fOZYiLWeRtAxZndNCcISnNBxkG2P51IueVetp31_OD4RHh_G5hw5hOTWab1z8KDq-rwpG-k0f8PsCn3iZ-UKsM3EMtoGwvFgmdpVCblOXjX/s1600-h/stockings.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268173751928418322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 303px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFVE39Byli4iihBY291UhzRcD_fOZYiLWeRtAxZndNCcISnNBxkG2P51IueVetp31_OD4RHh_G5hw5hOTWab1z8KDq-rwpG-k0f8PsCn3iZ-UKsM3EMtoGwvFgmdpVCblOXjX/s400/stockings.gif" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>Stocking Stuffers -</em></strong></span><br /><br /><div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>Thoughtful and Thrifty!<br /></em></strong></span><strong><em><br /></em></strong><br /><br />Do you do stockings at your house for Christmas? For many of us, this is the best part of Christmas, but as any stocking stuffer Santa knows, the cost of all those little gifts can really add up.<br /><br />First, make lists and buy a few things each week. The following list should give you some good ideas to start with, AND we hope you'll share your suggestions too!<br /><br /><strong>The size of stocking stuffers.</strong> For this list, I considered a stocking present to be no more than the size of my fist, or anything that can reasonably be packed down to that size, such a t-shirt. I've included items such as rolled-up activity books too. Well over half the items on this list can be bought for under $2.00<br /><br /><strong>Where I shopped.</strong> Because I go nuts when I see a list and then can't find the suggested items anywhere, fully 95% of the items on this list are available at Wal-Mart, a good Dollar Store, plus many are available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/"><strong>http://www.amazon.com</strong>/</a> where free holiday shipping may be offered. Dollar Stores vary greatly (some are now $1.50 Stores!), but I've found Dollar Tree to be consistently well-stocked, clean, and every item truly is $1.00. And many now accept credit cards.<br /><br />I did no on-line or mail-order shopping (except to check item availability at Amazon) , although one catalog source I would unhesitatingly recommend to you is Dover Publishing <strong><a href="http://www.doverpublications.com/">http://www.doverpublications.com/</a> </strong>They offer hundreds of very inexpensive gift possibilities... kids' activity (sticker, stencil, coloring) books, blank and design books, and a huge array of kids' and adult classics, all <strong>well under $5</strong>. Your local bookstore may carry some of their products too.<br /><br />There are no sports- or hobby-specific ideas because I know that if you have a golfer or a woodworker, a quilter or gourmet cook to buy for, you've already got plenty of ideas!<br /><br /><strong>All-time favorites</strong> include fruit and nuts, playing cards, lip balm, and slinkies. Please don't forget that stockings are not just for kids...I know a very dignified older man who allowed his three granddaughters to paint his toenails bright coral this summer. He will be getting a bottle of purple glitter polish in his stocking!<br /><br />These are in no order so you won't skip a section!<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268172498341414594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmeTDotwNqPP6iZe1SuHJ2-qX6O4kykE1La68vKMnjuxsz3ueDncaGEYevFelMtcKPF4Ui29238pKxeWMAxyU4Rt-QdxnkjISmiy0zerg99fmtcQJ7CJ3mTMFX95o2b42rGbY/s320/stocking3.gif" border="0" />book marks - a reader can never have too many<br />sports whistle<br />bandannas (dog and cat paw prints available)<br />window scraper/small snow brush<br />batteries<br />shoe polish/cloth/brush<br />dice (plain and fancy)<br />magnetic letters<br />rain poncho<br />loofah sponge<br />handcuffs<br />safety pins/button assortment<br />eyeglass repair kit<br />shoelaces (practical or wild)<br />pens, pencils, mechanical pencils<br />markers, crayons<br />note pads<br />corn-on-the-cob picks<br /><br />Money is great as a stocking present. For example, carefully split a whole walnut, remove inside, insert quarter and glue back together. Or, put some real dollar coins in one of those little bags of foil-wrapped chocolate coins. I also buy the sheets of uncut dollar bills to use as wrapping paper.<br /><br />refrigerator magnets (a favorite: I used to run with the wolves, now I nap with the cats)<br />fingernail clippers, emery boards, polish<br />hair fasteners and decorations, hairbands, glitter spray<br />Christmas ornament<br />sewing kit (a must for office wardrobe repairs)<br />silly putty, silly string<br />travel/sample sizes of cosmetics, health and beauty aids<br />seed packets (spring will come again!)<br />sunprint paper<br />puzzle, dot-to-dot, crossword, sudoku, coloring books<br />bubble bath<br />pencil sharpener<br />lottery tickets<br /><br />Gift certificates for only $5 may seem silly, but I treasure my Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds's ones in "emergencies." Cards from local drugstores or grocery stores may be appreciated by a college student. Bus and subway cards can come in handy too. </div><div></div><div>art supplies, paints, stencils, foam shapes, glitter glue<br />keychains (with lights, safety whistles or compass)<br />wind-up toys<br />small hand tools<br />breath mints, gum<br />hair brushes, combs<br />energy bars<br />worry dolls<br />spinner tops, especially the popping kind<br />tissues<br />tweezers<br />card game such as Uno, Skip-bo<br />cribbage board<br />bouncy balls<br /><br />Homemade gift certificates for everything from homemade bread, to sidewalk shoveling, from dogwalks to back rubs, from the mundane to the salacious are quick and easy to make. Great for last-minute.<br /><br />yarn and knitting needles<br />Hot Wheels cars<br />kitchen tools, gadgets, special foods<br />candles, of all kinds, sizes, shapes<br />hats, gloves, ear muffs<br />metallic pipe cleaners<br />nylons, tights, leggings<br />scissors, sewing, fancy-edged or special purpose ones<br />ruler, compass, protractor<br />jewelry cleaner </div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268173333590245234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKLNXldozdy0LU33hjvLMbACZmQzW5YoWsPuH4q0ev5WzyR_L0z1EvREfz-4V8ohH08vSOCOc96YHJopIM4vUARFSDGZEiDTzTBsQfZAcicZD5w1Rsj05APxPGg4vP7Jx5NWw/s320/stocking3.gif" border="0" />marbles (I get gorgeous ones at a local art museum)<br />bike horn, bike bell, streamers<br />self-laminating pockets<br />magnetic picture frames (great for the refrigerator)<br />florescent stars<br /><br />Pass-It-On presents can be sentimental or silly, but they're often very special. I've passed on my antique thimbles to my quilting daughters and some jewelry pieces to both my daughters and son. My husband gave up his very favorite, never-fail fishing lure for my stocking one year, and I've also passed on baby silver to expectant parents... so many thoughful possibilities!<br /><br />extension cord<br />colored flame sticks or crystals (for the fireplace,firepit, or bonfire)<br />flashlight<br />padlock<br />handwarmers<br />mini-dustpan and brush<br />birdseed, 'seed blocks, bells<br />bulbs, for winter-forcing or spring planting<br />nite-light (not just for kids, think safety)<br />first-aid kit<br />fire starters<br />picture hangers and wire<br />duct tape in classic black, clear, or colors!<br />timer<br /><br />Fruits, nuts, candy are the staples of stocking stuffing. An orange in the toe, a candy cane hanging off the top. But there's so much more. The year my kids first read the entire Narnia series of books, I made Turkish Delight and put a small tin in each of their stockings. Recipe at<br /><a href="http://frugalfamilykitchen.com/recipes/turkish_delight.html"><strong>http://frugalfamilykitchen.com/recipes/turkish_delight.html</strong></a><strong><br /></strong><br />magnifying glass<br />hand sanitizer<br />bath poufs<br />soaps, creams, health and beauty products<br />mini- photo album<br />snippet (how did we ever open potato chip bags without one?)<br />battery operated toothbrush, floss, toothpicks<br />bath pillow<br />confetti<br />sparklers (legal ones! Morning Glories are awesome!) </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268238691684436722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWlMRD-s_1WniilFt-iN9648s8XuIIDk3w3fRoEPmXZZIKo1YmME9s0q4DKlFwzAcQgtNWu9E22bP15VrZkx__9l9oVB_09x7zsj0JOW05EOBPrA8BOpnI-9szkExbWJeoTmZ/s320/stocking3.gif" border="0" />Beyond stockings... You could make up themed boxes or baskets using any combination of these possibilities and still keep that gift very reasonably priced. This is going to be a lean holiday season in many households, but frugal can be fun! Start now!</div></div></div></div>Mary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-55930002157577540602008-10-29T08:27:00.004-04:002009-10-31T09:06:10.551-04:00Dollar Store shoppping<strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">Good Buys at the Dollar Store</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong><br />Never been in a Dollar Store? You may be in for a surprise! If you think that these stores carry just cheap, throw-away junk, think again! Good buys on quality products make these stores a must-shop, especially during the coming holiday season.<br /><br />Not all Dollar Stores are the same to put it gently. First off, some of these places have now become <strong>$1.50</strong> <strong>Stores</strong> while others have always had offerings well over a dollar. Some specialize in just one type of merchandise such as cards, paper products and party decorations.<br /><br />My favorite among the dollar stores in our area is <strong>Dollar Tree. </strong>Their stores are clean, well lighted, neatly arranged, and everything truly is just a dollar. Whether it's name-brand laundry detergent, glassware, sweatpants, toys and games, or health-and-beauty-aids, your one dollar buys a lot, AND kids love coming here!<br /><br />These are great places to shop for stocking stuffers, but think beyond that to the number of small presents you end up buying each year... remembrance gifts, reciprocal presents, stuff for the kids to take to classroom parties. For $5 you can put together a box of pens, pencils, markers, stencils and all sorts of papers. Or you can bundle some lip balm, hand cream, hand sanitizer and cold-killing spray in a winter comfort kit.<br /><br />There are wonderfully heavy glass, traditional tulip-shaped sundae dishes to wrap with a big jar of sundae topping and a can of nuts. And cards are 2/$1.00 so you could pick an assortment of cards and still have enough money to put stamps on each envelope, a boon to those who don't get out much in the winter. The possibilities are unlimited... and seriously thrifty!<br /><br />It used to be that dollar stores were cash only, but even that is changing. Many now accept a credit card; after all, study after study has shown that we spend more when using a credit card!<br />And it's so true... I went to Dollar Tree last week, $6 in hand, to get Super Glue, laundry detergent, cards and something else, I forget what. Then I saw the sign that they now accept VISA. I picked up some yarn, Pear's and Yardley soaps and a couple of other things. Yup! $17 plus tax!<br /><br />Check out a couple of these stores in your area and see if they aren't both fun and frugal. Quite a deal!<br /><br />MaryMary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19574631.post-72964781696297022582008-09-07T14:12:00.003-04:002008-09-07T14:44:24.838-04:00<span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>The Ultimate 5-Minute Quick-Fix </em></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>for Serious Chocolaholics</em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>Plus, Freezing Salsa</em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Every once in a while I come across a recipe that sounds strange, delicious but decidedly strange. Such a recipe, called <strong>The 5-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake</strong>, crossed my desk last week, sent by a long-time-but-never-met-friend. It's a recipe that just begged to be tried, and I'm telling you... this mug cake is a great idea! Definitely kid-doing easy, and perfect for drop-in company, or for dieters who absolutely MUST have some chocolate cake, but don't want a whole cake in the house tempting them.</span><br /><br />You mix the ingredients, put in a coffee mug and microwave for 3 minutes. It's a cake, but the bottom is sorta soft and fudgy, almost like a molten cake. It firms up as the cake cools. Eat out of the mug or tip out on a plate. This would serve two if you felt generous, and most definitely wants some whipped cream or ice cream on top.<br /><br /><strong>The 5-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake</strong><br /><br />4 TBSP flour<br />4 TBSP sugar<br />2 TBSP cocoa<br />1 egg<br />3 TBSP milk<br />3 TBSP oil<br />3 TBSP chocolate chips (don't skimp)<br />1/2 tsp vanilla<br />a coffee mug - your standard mug is 12 oz.<br /><br />Put all dry ingredients in the mug and mix well, add egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil, once again mixing well, stir in chip and vanilla. Microwave in its mug for 3 minutes (a 1,000 watt microwave). Cake may rise over the top of the mug, but don't worry.<br /><br />I'm going to make this tomorrow night for four of us, but I'll put all the ingredients (x4 of course)in a bowl, mix and pour into the mugs to cook. Thanks for sending this on to me, Gemma.<br /><br /><strong>Freezing salsa...</strong><br /><br />This is the time of our harvest when I often have many ripe tomatoes, but not really enough to break out the canner and quart jars. So, I make a lot of salsa, and I<strong> freeze it.</strong> The first year we tried this as an experiment, we were happily surprised at the excellent results, and since then this is the only way I do salsa.<br /><br />For my salsa, I just cut up tomatoes, green peppers, and onion in whatever proportion I have or that looks good. I add garlic and snipped parsley, a little vinegar and some oil, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well, and then I freeze in pint plastic containers. Since my husband doesn't like cilantro and I do, I clearly label those containers that I've added it to, AND also those batches I've made with hot peppers.<br /><br />My favorite way to use this salsa, completely thawed or not, is to just put in a small fry pan, bring to somewhere near bubbling, layer good white fish on top and just simmer until the fish flakes.<br /><br />And now, back to the Patriot's game!<br /><br />MaryMary Webberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03165890239823178893noreply@blogger.com8