Organic Pumpkin Puree

Our wonderful local market has organic pumpkins for sale right now at a great price!  .29/lb to be exact.  I bought two basketball sized pumpkins and brought them home to make some puree. 

After I baked them until they were fork tender (removing the seeds and cleaning off the stringy stuff, cut in two), I used a spoon to remove the skin and used the food processor to puree it up.

From these two pumpkins, I got 14 cups of puree.  I put 2 cups in each baggy and here is my price breakdown:

16 oz baggy versus 15 oz of organic canned pumpkin.
$5 got me both pumpkins!
With 14 cups I figure that out to be 112 ounces of puree.  Divide $5/112 and I come up with .04 per ounce.  Each baggy is worth .64!  Compare that to store bought organic pumpkin puree (on sale right now) at $1.85 per can comes out to .12/ounce! 

I'm no mathematician but I do believe I just tripled my money!  WHOO HOO!

Half-Way Point

6 weeks ago, I started a new wellness plan.  My goal is to be and feel healthy while fitting into the clothes that I have AFTER my last baby was born that I can no longer wear. 

I am so excited that all the hard work at the Y - spinning/indoor cycling is insane but just the push I needed - and tracking all my food and being careful with my choices has paid off and...

I have lost 12 pounds!!!

Yesterday was Easter and I got so many comments about much weight I have lost and how good I am looking.  I had missed 2 weeks due to vacation and sickness so I guess when one doesn't seen a person it is easier to notice the change.

My reward for making my goal is... one month of tanning.  Yes, I know all about how harmful it is and I'm just going to stick my head in the sand and tan this fat.  I've always thought that fat looks just a little better tan than white.  So, that's what I wanted and I'm excited to get paid so I can cash in on my reward.  The catch is... I can only tan after a workout at the Y.  Good thinking, huh?

2012 Priorities

Let's see how I fared last year before writing down 2012:

1. I still want chickens. It's been on my list since 2009... so this will be the third year it's listed.  DONE!  This past June we got hens!  Here's a great post on my being the Country Aunt.

2. Garden - I'd like to have a large enough garden that I can can food from it. Especially tomatoes and green beans.  DONE! 

3. I'd like to get my composting worms back in business. They took a year off.  Oops...

4. QUILT! Having just begun this journey, I can't wait to see what gets completed this year. Thankfully, I have a new sewing table to make it less painful on body. For Christmas, Roy got me a quilting retreat in McCall in March! YAY! I can't wait. So, quilting is on the list for 2011.  YES!

5. Keep snowballing our debt.  WHOO HOO!  Not done but goals have been met.

6. I want to learn to bask in the love of Jesus. To grow in Him, show His love more, be His hands and feet regularly.  Still learning.

7. Show love to my family... they are the ones it's easiest to be short and snippy with.  I think I did better this past year in this area - I need to check with the ones who are on receiving end, though.  

2012 Priorities 

1. Move on to Baby Step #3; which is 3-6 months of living expenses saved.  We need to complete #2; which is be debt free - we are on our final debt (besides mortgage).

2. Spend time with my family. 

3. Continue Bible Studies and continue to work on a strong foundation so when the walls fall down I'm still standing firm. 

4. Refresh my Spanish speaking skills...

5. Adjust to life with my oldest daughter leaving for college in the fall.  Man, will I miss her! 

6. Utilize my gym membership!  Get in shape, loose weight and feel great!

7. Maintain these accomplished priorities:

          ~ Chickens

          ~ Garden

          ~ Healthy Wholesome Eating - Organic

          ~ Quilting/Sewing

          ~ Green Living

8. Relax and just have fun!  (Easier said than done for me)

CLOROX, the "Parent Company"

In case you've ever wondered what brands Clorox owns, here is a list.  If  you haven't ever wondered, well, you might find yourself surprised.    

Additional Clorox Company products include: Agua Jane®, American Heritage®, Arco Iris®, Arela®, Astra®, Bluebell®, Bon Bril®, Brimax®, Clorinda®, Emperatriz®, Gumption®, Handi-Wipes®, Handy Andy®, Kitchen Bouquet®, La Negrita®, Lemon Tok®, Lestoil®, Límpido®, Los Conejos®, Luminosa®, Lustrillo®, Mono®, Mortimer®, Nevex®, OSO®, Oxi Magic®, Pal®, Pinoluz®, Prestone®, Primor®, Rota®, Sani Pine®, Selton®, Trenet®, TruBlu®, Ultra Power Yuhanrox®, Wash’n Dri® and XLO®.

Simply Simplify

I have been working on ways to simply simplify our lives. Here are some other people's ideas I am way excited about:

Bulk Breakfast Burritos: Convenient, Cheap, Healthy, and Easier Than You Think. I am going to make these up for the kids to have before school so they get the stuff they need while not taking forever in the mad rush that tends to happen each school morning! What I love about this recipe is I can easily make it with all organic ingredients that I already have stocked! Perfect!!! Plus, i can see DH taking some on his way out the door to work. Win-Win!

I was given a subscription to MaryJane's Farm and have truly enjoyed it! In it, I find Simple Solutions to Everyday Organic. I've been challenged and stretched to do things differently and how to go about doing it!

I'm also learning that to simply simplify, for me, means slowing down, taking time to see what Jesus actually wants me to do and listening to His will. He does speak to me, I just have to stop and be still long enough to listen. When I do, I find I a result tends to be simply simplifing!

Celebrate March with some GREEN!

March is known for being our Green month, with St Patrick's Day on the17th...

I'm ready to help you SAVE some green! Watch for some old tricks, new tricks and no tricks at all - just plain old green tips.

Today is March 1st - let's get started...

Saving money - shop for fresh produce the last day of the special and ask the produce manager what great special they'll give you if you buy a large amount of produce! Then, once you're given the awesome deal (I'm rarely refused) already plan what you're going to do with it - freeze, can, eat!

I've saved lots of money and was able to get it organic just by asking. Let me know how it goes!

Good Friday

Happy Spring! Happy Easter!

Shyanne intent on the exact color

Paco a tad annoyed at me and my camera:

The big sister a tad worried at Paco's coloring ability

Happy Melynda

Javi coloring for the first time.
Reminder to self - don't let him suck the color off the eggs.
Bad Mommy! Thankfully, they're non-toxic!!!

"Yes, Moma?"

Kids a colorin'

Paco eating one of his eggsEveryone gets hungry after awhile
One can color eggs only so long before....

Day 10: Hang your laundry. Your clothes dryer is one of the most energy-consuming appliances in your house. Try hanging your clothes on lines or racks outside (they'll smell great) or inside!

DH, this really is a desire of mine. How 'bout that clothes line? Mother's Day is coming up...

Days 8 & 9 to a Greener You!

Day 8: Eat without Meat. The raising, processing, shipping and storage of meat can negatively impact the environment. Aim for a few meatless meals each week, choosing beans, nuts and legumes for protein.

There's nothing I love better than a medium rare prime rib! That being said, I do cook several meatless meals a week - cost, convenience and environmentally are motivators for me. I love cooking with beans - I get different organic kinds from Azure Standard. I can't afford organic meat so I use more organic beans than I used to.

Day 9: Drive less. If you can walk or bike to your destination, then do it! You'll get fit, save money, and pollute less. Choosing public transportation (buses, subways & trains) carpooling, or trip combining also helps.

My goal is for all of us to ride our bikes to church (and home) one Sunday this summer. I'm in the process of getting in shape for this. ;) We don't have convenient public transportation but I do carpool and combine trips most of the time. I like planning my route & stops when it comes to my outtings.

Do you have any meatless meals? How about driving less? Any goals in these areas this year?

Kill Deer and Day 7 tip

We have a nest. With 4 eggs in it. At the edge of our driveway. Aren't they pretty little eggs nestled amongest the rocks?

We have a moma. A Killdeer Moma. She's acting hurt right now wishing I would get away from her babies. She freaks out everytime we come and go down our drive. She's a very good protector. Limping, crying, acting like her wing is broken. We love watching her. They nest in the area each spring and I look forward to them!!


Our tip for today... I don't do. I'm sorry. How many of you actually do this every single day? I'm not saying it's not a good one- it is! I just haven't gotten the energy to do it.

Unplug! It's not enough to simply turn off electronics when you're not using them. When they're plugged in, they are still sucking in and wasting electricity. Get in the habit of unplugging chargers, TVs, computers and more when you're not using them.

Day 5 to a Greener You!

Visit the library. Instead of buying books, CDs, movies and magazines, borrow them. The library is free, local and eco-friendly. Imagine how many resources are saved when hundreds of people share one book from a central location!

They also have books on CD or tape, video rental for FREE!, Cookbooks, learning a second language and it's a great outting to take your kids on.

See if your library has a summer reading program for kids - my children love this! They read and get prizes from the library.

Also, my family is great about loaning and giving books to the others when we're done and passing them around. This is nice because you don't have to go to the library and the concept is the same. Many people reading the same book saves resources!

Day 4 Tip

Buy local. On average, food travels 1,500 miles from farm to table. Buying local supports small
farmers in your community. It also uses less fossil fuel in transport.

Are you planting your garden yet? Planning for it? I have all my seeds bought and the garden has been tilled and ready for planting! I just need a warmer day then we've had - I'm a wimp, I guess!

Day 3 to a Greener You

In December, I brought you this post and now here's a reminder on Day 3:

Bring your own bag. Bring reusable bags everywhere, from the grocery to the mall. If you can't afford to buy bags, then reuse the plastic ones you already have. If you don't need a bag for your items, politely decline.

I haven't made any bags yet but that something I have in mind for us. I'm such the expert seamstress it shouldn't be any big deal - ha ha. I won't tell you how long it took me to sew cloth napkins - and that was just hemming 'em! LOL.

I have my own bags everywhere and am really good about remembering them. It took me walking back to the car many times to get my bags, carrying things out in my arms because I forgot them to be at the place where I actually remember them 9/10 times now. My mother on the other hand.... well, let's just say, she's glad she has me along. ;) She tries. She has many bags in her car, it's just remembering to take them with her.

Also, keep in mind - some stores, Winco and Fred Myers are two I know of, offer penny discounts for each bag you bring in. Winco is 5 cents a bag and Freddies is 6 cents, I think!!! It does add up - I can save a .50 easy going to Winco with my bags. That's $$$$ in my pocket! No matter how small, it adds up.

You don't have to do everything to make a difference, start small if you haven't started and pick something that interests you. Build from there. If you already do Days 1 & 2 but not Day 3, perhaps you're ready to add BYOB to the mix! Stay tuned - 27 more tips are coming your way!

Days 1 & 2 to a Greener You!

With all the buzz surrounding eco-friendly living these days, you may wonder where to start. But reducing your impact on the planet can be simple, and every action does make a difference. Want even more incentive to change? Most green actions will save you money, limit waste, enhance your health and even increase your overall physical activity—all while benefiting the planet. Here are 30 daily tips to get you started.

For the month of April, I am going to bring you one green tip a day. I'm not doing well, since I'm already behind! I will let you know if I'm NOT doing something I list and why; otherwise, I am already doing it! These are on a calendar I have and I'm going to share them with you! Aren't you excited?!

Day 1:
Recycle. Most people can recycle more than they do. Paper, magazines, cardboard, cereal boxes, glass, aluminum foil, cans and even grocery bags should go in your bin, not the trash.

Day 2:
Use cloth napkins. All disposable items hurt the environment, and that includes paper products
like napkins. In the end, you'll save money by investing in cloth, which also looks more sophisticated.

On another note, it's rainy and cold here today. I wanted to plant some in my garden today but it's way to muddy for that. Another day, hopefully soon!!!

Javier on his 2nd Birthday!

Vermicomposting!

I ordered my start-up sytem from Azure Standard and couldn't wait to open my worms! Everything I've read about composting says the best way is composting with worms. Redworms, to be exact. Did you know they can consume up to half their weight in "food" a day? So my 1,000 red worms weigh about 1 lb and can consume 1/2 lb of scraps a day! WHOO HOO!!!!

1. Start with a nice size tote with holes drilled in the bottom and sides.
2. Add some dirt on the bottom - sprinkle with water so it's moist.
3. Add moist shredded newspaper on top of the dirt. (see below):


4. Get about a pound of redworms, 1000 count.

5. GENTLY dump them in the bin on top of the paper:

6. Watch them dive for cover!
7. Add some food for them to start eating!

8. Put lid on!

9. Set in isolated dark area that doesn't freeze nor an area that will bake the little crawlers. (We choose a corner in our pantry that works for us.)

10. Bury the food under the paper and then just work clockwise around and by the time you do that, you can just keep going!

Other things:

~They don't like vibrations - washer/dryer for example

~ The bedding needs to be kept moist but not wet.

~ Don't bother them too much!

~ Under the tote, place tin to catch any water - or something to keep it from making a mess.

What to feed them?

The easiest answer is what NOT to feed them. Same as a compost pile outside.

NO meats, fats or dairy!
All fruit and veggies plus grains.

They LOVE coffee grounds and filters AND tea bags!

NO metal or other noncompostable material.

Yes to dryer lint but that can be thrown in the garden and tilled in, too.

I'll write about how to separate the worms from the compost and also how to expand your worm popluation to increase production - later.

This compost is SO valuable! You will use it in your garden, beds and anywhere you are planting something!!! Plus, you are decreasing your footprint by sending less to the landfill and saving money by not buying mulch or any other planting soil!

Questions? Suggestions? Let's here 'em!

Making Butter! and Cutting Back

I showed you how to make yogurt at home and now I want to share with you a new website that I have just fallen in love with! I want to introduce you to One Green Generation by having you check out what looks to be the easiest way to make butter at home. I know I should have made this first and then told you how good it is - how easy.... but I was raised on homemade butter and I KNOW how wonderful it is! And I want you to know, too.

So, I am going to see if I can find me some organic heavy cream and get to making some butter!

This is where I made my cranberry sauce for Christmas - that was to die for!

And while I love the recipes, there are many cool discussions on ways to be green. I also have a neat button on my side bar challenging you to buy sustainably.

Did any of you sign up for the Freeze Yer Buns Challenge? It's going well for us. We decided to keep the core of our home at 70 degrees and I think it's working well. We ran into some snags when we had the heat on 64 and then tried heating with the wood stoves because it varied too much and with the babies and my elderly parents here, well, it just didn't work too well. We are going to move the thermostat so we can crank up the stove here in the kitchen so one area can be toasty; while keep the core around 70.

With many folks trying different things to save $$$, check out my TIPS and see if there's anything you can try. Let me know how it goes!

Also, don't forget my Green Moma series. I would love to talk to you about how you can SAVE $$$ on household items.

And if any of you really wonder if canning is worth it, you gotta read this!

Green Gift Bags - aka CHEAP TOTES!

Have you ever wondered about all the pretty glossy wrapping paper and where it goes after your loved one has unwrapped it? Well, it goes to the landfill. The percentage of people who actually re-use wrapping paper is VERY small! It's too much work at Christmas and the amount of wrap we're talking about it HUGE!

And the gift bags? Aren't they easy? YES! But again, unless you re-use them (like I do) they go to the landfill. Gift bags are easier to re-use than wrapping paper to be sure and it is more accepted to re-gift a gift bag than crinkeled up torn wrapping paper. The biggest bummer for me and wrapping paper is, it's glossy so it can't be burned or easily recycled!

What's the answer? Well, the Sunday Comics are an answer if you want to wrap. Also, I've seen advertisements used as wrapping.

But what about this? Re-usable bags/totes!

These grocery totes (above) sell for .99!

This canvas tote (above) is .99, too while the colored canvas ones are $1.49.

These Gusett Non-Woven Poly Propylene Totes are .99!
These smaller gift totes are a a mere .69 but they are sold out until January 1st.

This is a promo tote so buy while it's a cheap at .69!

For the guys in my life, I found these awesome Boise State Brocos bags on sale for a buck and will enjoy wrapping presents in these! Go BSU!

There are many places you can find re-usable bags or totes for a dollar or less. Here's what I'm going to do this year:

1) Not buy any new gift bags - not just talking Christmas but for everything.

2) Keep an eye out for re-usable bags and use them instead

3) Use the newspaper we have on hand as tissue paper

4) Wrap in comics, when needed

Now, I have some wrapping paper on hand from years past so it may take me a few times to actually run out of the wrap. What I'm changing is NOT buying any more!

I'm so excited!!! Are you?

Black Friday

Tradition was kept when our alarms went off at 4 AM on Black Friday. Despite neither my Mom or myself needing to buy anything, we set off for Macy's in the dark and cold. Melynda joined us as she has many a year now and was all dressed and ready to go before I even got out of bed!

And she didn't even have any money to spend.

At Macy's we found few people and figured they were at Kohl's down the road. We were right - think there were 250 from various on hand accounts in line for the 4 AM opening. Can I just say I am so glad I didn't have to do that this year?!

I would do it - if I hadn't had my family shopping done and the only way I could afford to get someone on my list a great gift was to wait in line for 2 hours and face the madness, I WOULD DO IT!

But I don't have to. Why? Because I have taken a new approach to Christmas gifts these past couple of years and actually shop the whole year through. So, each big sale someone has, I look and see if there is anything on sale for someone on my list. Sometimes there is - sometimes there isn't. Buy I look and I am prepared to buy it - even in April for next Christmas. Taking a vacation in March? I'm sure there is something special for a loved one that you can save and give them at Christmas instead of when you get home. It will be just as special in December as in March, or whenever you take your trip. In fact, I'm always SO surprised when I get something from someone that I know they bought and saved it just for me!!! (No, I don't have any issues.)

Another money saving tip I have for Christmas shopping is buying more than one of an item for 1) my brothers, 2) my nieces, 3) my sons, 4) my sisters-in-laws. This saves me time and money as I can usually get a better deal buying more than one!

Savings Tip #3 - Buy clearance. I get next years' Christmas clothes after Christmas when they are 75% off. This way, I get an $70 gorgeous Christmas dress for under $20. SCORE! I also do this when buying for my great-nieces. It allows me to get them a nice gift for under $10; which is important for our budget when you count how many people we actually end up buying for. Buying clearance may seem like a given but you wouldn't believe the number of people who pay FULL price for things. Never pay full price for a gift or a holiday item, decoration or item!

Savings Tip #4 - Shop on-line! Watch for free shipping and discount coupons. Usually you can only use one coupon at a time so watch for the "spend over $50 and get free shipping" then use your save 20% off coupon as the coupon. If you find it difficult to do this on-line, shop and get everything together then call and order by phone and the sales person can usually find a neat savings tip when you ask. For example, most retailers will have "free shipping" if you have it sent to their retail store. I do this for Cabelas, REI, Sierra Trading Post and Sears most often. This enables you to use a coupon at check-out. YEAH! I buy snow boots for pennies on the dollar in April, summer sandals in November, swim suits for the next year for $4.00 a Speedo... you get the idea. Don't' be afraid to shop ahead to maximize your savings!

Savings Tip #5 - Homemade Goods are Appreciated! Who ever came up with idea that store bought was better? It's not! I'd much rather get a plate of homemade treats than a store bought tin of whatever. Hand knit scarf over a store bought one ANY day! I love cards that were made by hand... you get the idea. Make something yourself and give it with love.

Savings Tip #6 - Get it FREE! How? By being a hostess for a company you like the products. Y'all know I am into Pampered Chef but there are so many others! I have had many a party for the perks of it. Partylite - candles make perfect gifts. Home Interiors? From reed diffusers to pretty figurines, pictures and seasonal oolalas! Lia Sophia Jewelry - I'm having a party next Thursday. Why? The perks! I'm actually going to make a wish list and let my DH and kids pick my items for me and I won't know when I'm getting til my birthday and Christmas! The point being - there are many company's out there that have great incentives to host a party and move their products. Use your free and discounted product for people on your list! It truly is free! I do this all the time!!! It's a great way to get people you love something for a great price. I know consultants for all the above products so contact me if you are interested. I think they could get you in before Christmas, too. wink wink.

I want to close with my exchange with a Macy's manager yesterday morning:

Me: I'd like to use the $10 off coupon for this item that costs
$25. (The minimum requirement)

Manager: Okay, let me see what I can do..... Hmmmm, for
some reason the computer doesn't want to take it. Let me see what's going
on.

Me: Oh Kay.

Manager: Well, it seems that this item is listed under the men's
fine item department so it's not allowing the coupon.

Me: That's interesting because I read all the fine print and that's
not listed... that's okay, I'll just put it back.

Manager: Just a second, let me try this.... oh, good, it
will take 15% off!

Me: Well, that's only about $3 off versus $10, so that's okay, I'll just
put it back.

Manager: I doubt this goes on sale before Christmas.

Me: That's okay - I'll just get something else.

Manager: So, if you don't get the $10 off you aren't going to buy
it??? (Imagine fear and dismay in her getting higher pitched
voice)

Me: That's correct. No biggie.

Manager: But what will you do???

Me: Buy something else, another time.

Manager: Uh, just a second... let me see if I can "make
the computer take it off."

Okay - I went ahead and just did it manually. Your total is
$15.90. May I have your Macy's card?

Me: I'll pay by check but thanks so much for getting me the
discount!

Manager: You're welcome.

I left the store with my prized discounted item, perplexed that she had such issue and dismay at someone being willing to NOT buy something. Perhaps if more of us took this approach it would change the way stores marketed us. Just something to think about.

After a breeze through Burlington Coat Factory (nothing bought) we headed to Moxie Java for a cup of joe before cruising home at 7 AM!

Whatcha Doin' Today?

... besides voting, that is. If you haven't voted, stop what you are doing and GO DO IT! Or have a plan on when you're going to vote. I am waiting for my girls to get home from school because they love to go to the polls with me. I've actually taken Melynda with me to vote more times than I can count. Since she was 8, so for 6 years she's gone with me each time there's been an election. Wait, is that only one? No, we've had local elections, silly!!!

So, besides, voting, what are you doing? Are you doing anything on a daily basis to reduce your earthly footprint? Are you making your Christmas gifts this year? Are you having a debt-free Christmas season? (More on that one later....) Are you composting? Buying locally? Canning?

Yes, that's what I am doing. I am canning organic carrots. I will use them in my chicken and noodles, soups and stews. I canned them in pint jars 'cause a quart of carrots is ALOT!

I have also made chicken noodle soup for lunch, actually made it. Home-canned chicken broth, organic carrots and organic spelt noodles. It was delish.

I have encouraged and reminded others to vote without telling them who to vote for. I try not to offend here in my little world. Really. One thing I have been thinking of is what my ideal candidate would look like. Have you done that? It's crazy fun. One thing that stands out to me is the definition of "Pro-Life." Why does this only relate to babies to most people? How can someone be pro-life and pro-war? In war, doesn't someone die? I would like to see "Pro-Life" mean just that! I am for a human life living. Whether they are in utero, or in Iran, Germany, Korea or the USA. I think each life should be allowed to live, regardless of why they were conceived or which side they are fighting for.

There. I said it. I don't think that should offend anyone. I value life and that shouldn't be offensive.

Now, tell me, whacha doin??? (And don't forget to enter my giveaway!!!)

Freeze Yer Buns Challenge!

I signed up for the Freeze Yer Buns Challenge 2008. I think that with our wood stoves and fireplaces and the two portable enery efficient heaters we have, I can count on lowering our thermostat by 2 degrees during the day and 5 at night. Right now it's set at 62 all the time. When I get chilly, I light a fire.


Are you up for the challenge? It will not only lower your heating costs, it greatly reduces the CO2 impact for environment!!! Even one degree makes a difference. What will you do?

Craigslist

I have a confession. I have a new obsession. Perhaps it will be a healthy one, for a while... I sold my first items on craigslist today. Something I don't use. Won't use. And it made me some nice pocket change.

Old mayo and miracle whip jars. Both wide and regular mouth. The neat part? Well, besides earning some cash? I have even nicer jars for me to use.

I was fortunate to have a pantry stocked with food preserved who knows how long ago. While we did NOT eat that food, we did dump it and save the jars for us. They are good jars. Hardly old REAL canning jars. And I love them. They have the nice thick rim and pretty raised writing...

anyway, I sold 6 dozen jars and made $24. They have yet to pick them up yet so until the cash is in my pocket, well, I won't count my chickens until they hatch. But I am pretty excited.

The sad part? The jars are antiques. They don't make glass mayo and miracle whip jars anymore. But I'll rest knowing I have the real mccoy in my pantry.

Now, what else can I get rid of around here? I think there is lots. Lots and lots of stuff I can sell. Supply and demand, baby! This is the green way, ya know. Reduce and reuse! Recycling should be the last option, not the first.