From Aliisa:
Today, I decided it was time to clean the bath tub. I really needed to clean it last week but with everything going on, I just hadnt gotten to it. When I got into my cabinet to get my vinegar/water solution, I noticed that I had some tub cleaner that I had never finished. So I decided today I would use that. I sprayed it on and let it sit for a few minutes while I put a load of laundry on and then went to wipe it clean. Only, it didnt wipe clean. I had to scrub it, which is something I dont normally have to do. So, instead of cleaning the tub with that cleanser, I rinsed it down, sprinkled my baking soda and sprayed the whole thing down with my vinegar/water solution, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then......I WIPED it clean!!! I have now thrown out the other stuff and have decided that if I didnt love my homemade cleansers before (which I did), I totally LOVE them now!!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Christmas Bargains
From Aliisa:
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Ours was lovely as usual. We had family and friends over for Christmas breakfast, even broke out the fine china...it was beautiful.
And of course we are those people that get out the day after and go shopping. Normally we stock up on paper, bows and gift tags but we had done such a great job last year that we didnt need to do any of that. However, we did stock up our gift closet. Every year after Christmas, we pick up gifts that would normally cost $10 to $20 at 1/2 off and store them in a closet. I get gifts for birthday parties that my daughter might attend, I pick up gifts for my MIL or SIL's birthdays. Unfortunately, we almost never find great deals for the guys but we save so much on the other stuff that its ok. So as of right now, we have 3 gifts for birthday parties, my MIL's birthday gift, both SIL's birthday gifts and a mother's day gift all ready for this year. And the best part is that none of them were over $10. I truly LOVE shopping after Christmas!!!
We are also the type of people that decorate inside and outside. We have lights and things in the yard and music to go with all of it so we keep our eyes open for bargains after Christmas for the yard. We got a wonderful, life size Nativity that was regularly $200, 75% off plus I had a $10 off coupon if you spent $50. The Nativity came out to be $40....You cant beat that!!!
Such bargains at this time of year, Im always so thankful for them.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. Ours was lovely as usual. We had family and friends over for Christmas breakfast, even broke out the fine china...it was beautiful.
And of course we are those people that get out the day after and go shopping. Normally we stock up on paper, bows and gift tags but we had done such a great job last year that we didnt need to do any of that. However, we did stock up our gift closet. Every year after Christmas, we pick up gifts that would normally cost $10 to $20 at 1/2 off and store them in a closet. I get gifts for birthday parties that my daughter might attend, I pick up gifts for my MIL or SIL's birthdays. Unfortunately, we almost never find great deals for the guys but we save so much on the other stuff that its ok. So as of right now, we have 3 gifts for birthday parties, my MIL's birthday gift, both SIL's birthday gifts and a mother's day gift all ready for this year. And the best part is that none of them were over $10. I truly LOVE shopping after Christmas!!!
We are also the type of people that decorate inside and outside. We have lights and things in the yard and music to go with all of it so we keep our eyes open for bargains after Christmas for the yard. We got a wonderful, life size Nativity that was regularly $200, 75% off plus I had a $10 off coupon if you spent $50. The Nativity came out to be $40....You cant beat that!!!
Such bargains at this time of year, Im always so thankful for them.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Egg Substitution
From Aliisa:
Today I decided to make some banana muffins, so I got out all my ingredients and began stirring it all together only to find (after everything is in the bowl) oh no...I have no eggs. Now at this point there are lots of things running through my head...I could put it in the fridge until tomorrow when I can get eggs, I know there is a substitution using soy flour but I dont have any, am I going to have to waste this batch? And all sorts of others. So I got online to see if there is another substitution other than soy flour. Well guess what? There are several.
So I thought I would share a few:
This is the one I used:
2 tablespoons gluten flour or unbleached white flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons oil, 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 2 tablespoons water
You can also use:
As Binders
1/2 large mashed banana
1/4 cup apple sauce or pureed prunes
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water
1 1/2 tablespoons water, 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, and 1 teaspoon baking powder
Combine one packet of unflavored gelatin with one cup boiling water - 3 tablespoons of this mixture equal one egg
1 tablespoon apricot puree
1/4 cup of soft tofu
1/4 cup soy milk
As Leavening
2 tablespoons carbonated water and 2 teaspoons baking flour
1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon water, and 1 tablespoon vinegar (add vinegar separately at the end for rising)
Dissolve 1 teaspoon yeast in 1/4 cup warm water
1 heaping tablespoon of soy flour and one tablespoon water
1 tablespoon bean flour and 1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder mixed with 3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons gluten flour or unbleached white flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons corn, 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 2 tablespoons water
Hope this helps if you ever need to substitute. Mine worked out great!!!
Today I decided to make some banana muffins, so I got out all my ingredients and began stirring it all together only to find (after everything is in the bowl) oh no...I have no eggs. Now at this point there are lots of things running through my head...I could put it in the fridge until tomorrow when I can get eggs, I know there is a substitution using soy flour but I dont have any, am I going to have to waste this batch? And all sorts of others. So I got online to see if there is another substitution other than soy flour. Well guess what? There are several.
So I thought I would share a few:
This is the one I used:
2 tablespoons gluten flour or unbleached white flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons oil, 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 2 tablespoons water
You can also use:
As Binders
1/2 large mashed banana
1/4 cup apple sauce or pureed prunes
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water
1 1/2 tablespoons water, 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, and 1 teaspoon baking powder
Combine one packet of unflavored gelatin with one cup boiling water - 3 tablespoons of this mixture equal one egg
1 tablespoon apricot puree
1/4 cup of soft tofu
1/4 cup soy milk
As Leavening
2 tablespoons carbonated water and 2 teaspoons baking flour
1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon water, and 1 tablespoon vinegar (add vinegar separately at the end for rising)
Dissolve 1 teaspoon yeast in 1/4 cup warm water
1 heaping tablespoon of soy flour and one tablespoon water
1 tablespoon bean flour and 1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder mixed with 3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons gluten flour or unbleached white flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons corn, 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 2 tablespoons water
Hope this helps if you ever need to substitute. Mine worked out great!!!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Thankful
From Aliisa:
Last night we found out that a family from our church lost everything in a fire. My heart goes out to them, I cant even imagine what that must be like. So today, I am trying to figure out what they might need that I have to give. Its so hard to know what the right things are to send to them.
Some of the items I have gathered are: 2 Bibles, I bought some medications to help restock their medicine cabinet. A shower curtain, a rug, a PS2 for the kids and some spices to help restock their spice cabinet and a couple of cookbooks. I will also be gathering up some christmas ornaments and lights for them.
Im still looking through our stuff and Im sure I will come across some more stuff we can give.
My thoughts and prayers go out to this family. I am thankful that no one was hurt or lost and that all possessions can be replaced.
Last night we found out that a family from our church lost everything in a fire. My heart goes out to them, I cant even imagine what that must be like. So today, I am trying to figure out what they might need that I have to give. Its so hard to know what the right things are to send to them.
Some of the items I have gathered are: 2 Bibles, I bought some medications to help restock their medicine cabinet. A shower curtain, a rug, a PS2 for the kids and some spices to help restock their spice cabinet and a couple of cookbooks. I will also be gathering up some christmas ornaments and lights for them.
Im still looking through our stuff and Im sure I will come across some more stuff we can give.
My thoughts and prayers go out to this family. I am thankful that no one was hurt or lost and that all possessions can be replaced.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Homemade Ornaments
From Aliisa:
So I finally got one of my ornaments completely finished. I am posting a picture for everyone. These were really easy and very inexpensive.
Im pretty pleased with how they are turning out. I spent about $10 for all the materials to make 20 of them. And of course I wont use every bit of the materials but it ends up costing about $.50 each. Cant beat that!!
Creamed Brats
From Aliisa:
Im posting this for the Recipe Swap over a Gayle's Grocery Cart Challenge. Check it out for lots of wonderful recipes!!
Im not a big fan of brats (bratwurst) but this is definately one way I like it. It is really easy and cooks up quick.
Ingredients:
1 1/2lbs brats
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 tsp dry mustard
3 T all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup milk
Use either fully cooked brats or not. Brown/cook brats in a skillet with 2T oil. When done, remove from skillet and slice into 1/2 inch slices; set aside.
Add onion, green pepper and mustard to drippings in skillet. Cook till onion is tender.
Stir in flour and salt and then add broth and milk all at once.
Cook till thickened and bubbly.
Add brat slices back in, reduct heat and cover for 5 minutes.
Serve over hot cooked noodles or rice.
**I like to double the gravy part....so there is lots of gravy to cover the noodles or rice.
Im posting this for the Recipe Swap over a Gayle's Grocery Cart Challenge. Check it out for lots of wonderful recipes!!
Im not a big fan of brats (bratwurst) but this is definately one way I like it. It is really easy and cooks up quick.
Ingredients:
1 1/2lbs brats
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 tsp dry mustard
3 T all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup milk
Use either fully cooked brats or not. Brown/cook brats in a skillet with 2T oil. When done, remove from skillet and slice into 1/2 inch slices; set aside.
Add onion, green pepper and mustard to drippings in skillet. Cook till onion is tender.
Stir in flour and salt and then add broth and milk all at once.
Cook till thickened and bubbly.
Add brat slices back in, reduct heat and cover for 5 minutes.
Serve over hot cooked noodles or rice.
**I like to double the gravy part....so there is lots of gravy to cover the noodles or rice.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Charity Day
From Aliisa:
I have decided that today is charity day. There are several places that are asking for donated items so today I am going through our stuff to donate items we dont need, dont use or have plenty of. Our church is taking donations for the food pantry so I am giving some of the items I have stocked up on to them. Emily's school is taking donations of toiletry items, reading materials, games, blankets and winter items. Since I stocked up on toothpaste many months ago I have put some of that in there, along with some bar soap, puzzles that she no longer works, some books I have read and anything else I come across. And then her brownie troupe is taking donations of clothes and toys. I have already bagged up a trash bag worth of clothes and shoes and a bag of stuffed animals. Later I will have Emily bag up any toys she doesnt want anymore.
I love this time of year, not only do I get the privilege of helping others but I also get to clean out some stuff.
My favorite charity has always been toys for tots. I think its so important for the children to receive a toy at christmas time. (I know its not about the toys but about celebrating the birth of Christ, but I hate the thought of a child going without something special on that day) I always put aside a small amount to buy a couple of toys to put into the bin.
Im off to round up some more stuff....lots and lots to do!!
I have decided that today is charity day. There are several places that are asking for donated items so today I am going through our stuff to donate items we dont need, dont use or have plenty of. Our church is taking donations for the food pantry so I am giving some of the items I have stocked up on to them. Emily's school is taking donations of toiletry items, reading materials, games, blankets and winter items. Since I stocked up on toothpaste many months ago I have put some of that in there, along with some bar soap, puzzles that she no longer works, some books I have read and anything else I come across. And then her brownie troupe is taking donations of clothes and toys. I have already bagged up a trash bag worth of clothes and shoes and a bag of stuffed animals. Later I will have Emily bag up any toys she doesnt want anymore.
I love this time of year, not only do I get the privilege of helping others but I also get to clean out some stuff.
My favorite charity has always been toys for tots. I think its so important for the children to receive a toy at christmas time. (I know its not about the toys but about celebrating the birth of Christ, but I hate the thought of a child going without something special on that day) I always put aside a small amount to buy a couple of toys to put into the bin.
Im off to round up some more stuff....lots and lots to do!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Another frugal Christmas idea
From Sundy:
One year, I was down to about $20 in my Christmas budget, but I felt that I wanted to make a little something for the kids' aunts, uncles, etc. on their father's side of their family (about 12 people or so).
So I bought some scrapbooking cardstock ($1 per 8 sheets at the dollar store), and I made origami star boxes. Then I put several home-baked snickerdoodles in storage bags, which I then wrapped with leftover coordinating tissue that I happened to have and put them in the boxes.
Now, unfortunately, I did not realize that about half of the recipients had, in the last few years, been diagnosed diabetic. Otherwise, I would have adjusted that in the recipe.
Anyhooooo...this was was a very, very inexpensive (both time-wise and money-wise) way for me to still give a little something to those relatives...and I was happy to do it.
One year, I was down to about $20 in my Christmas budget, but I felt that I wanted to make a little something for the kids' aunts, uncles, etc. on their father's side of their family (about 12 people or so).
So I bought some scrapbooking cardstock ($1 per 8 sheets at the dollar store), and I made origami star boxes. Then I put several home-baked snickerdoodles in storage bags, which I then wrapped with leftover coordinating tissue that I happened to have and put them in the boxes.
Now, unfortunately, I did not realize that about half of the recipients had, in the last few years, been diagnosed diabetic. Otherwise, I would have adjusted that in the recipe.
Anyhooooo...this was was a very, very inexpensive (both time-wise and money-wise) way for me to still give a little something to those relatives...and I was happy to do it.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Today's To Do List
From Aliisa:
I got up early this morning to make apple muffins for breakfast. I had a boxed mix because my MIL cleaned out her cabinets and gave it to us. It said it made 24 muffins. I have already made 24 and still have enough for more!! I have to go finish those. I would like to make some banana muffins today but those are low on my to do list.
I do have to find a recipe for mint hot chocolate. My daughter, Emily loves the stuff and I have decided to make some mix and wrap it for under the tree. Im also making one for our dear friends to add to their christmas bag.
I still have to finish my ornaments and Im planning on working on those today.
Thankfully, I have finished all of my Christmas cards but I do have to go get stamps so I can mail them all.
I also need to make some pancakes to put into the freezer, hopefully I will get to that today as well.
And of course I have to work out here in a bit.
I also have to make dinner early because I have my ladies group tonight...which also means I have to get dressed and put on makeup etc....
OK....so now that I have typed that all out, I guess I better get to work.
Have a great day!!
I got up early this morning to make apple muffins for breakfast. I had a boxed mix because my MIL cleaned out her cabinets and gave it to us. It said it made 24 muffins. I have already made 24 and still have enough for more!! I have to go finish those. I would like to make some banana muffins today but those are low on my to do list.
I do have to find a recipe for mint hot chocolate. My daughter, Emily loves the stuff and I have decided to make some mix and wrap it for under the tree. Im also making one for our dear friends to add to their christmas bag.
I still have to finish my ornaments and Im planning on working on those today.
Thankfully, I have finished all of my Christmas cards but I do have to go get stamps so I can mail them all.
I also need to make some pancakes to put into the freezer, hopefully I will get to that today as well.
And of course I have to work out here in a bit.
I also have to make dinner early because I have my ladies group tonight...which also means I have to get dressed and put on makeup etc....
OK....so now that I have typed that all out, I guess I better get to work.
Have a great day!!
Monday, December 1, 2008
$5 dinner challenge and giveaway
From Aliisa:
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Ours was wonderful but Im glad the 5 day holiday is over.
I was catching up on some reading this morning and I ran across a challenge and giveaway over at $5dinners. She does some great things over there and really inspires me to make more inexpensive but well balanced meals. I would like to challenge you to head over there and check it out. The contest looks like fun and we will be able to find lots of frugal recipes which is always a winner in my book!!
So head on over there and take a peek.
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Ours was wonderful but Im glad the 5 day holiday is over.
I was catching up on some reading this morning and I ran across a challenge and giveaway over at $5dinners. She does some great things over there and really inspires me to make more inexpensive but well balanced meals. I would like to challenge you to head over there and check it out. The contest looks like fun and we will be able to find lots of frugal recipes which is always a winner in my book!!
So head on over there and take a peek.
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