DIY Cookie Butter

Simple to make, and soooo very good. It's sinful, and delicious!!

DIY Cookie Butter

1 c crushed cookies
1/2 c powdered sugar
1/4 c water
1/4 c olive oil

To make, crumble cookies into food processor and pulse until fine powder. Then add oil and water and process for a minute. Slowly add powdered sugar  and let process until thick and creamy.  Scoop into jar or bowl with a good lid. Use on toast, crackers, waffles, pancakes, or as frosting /glaze on cake, or whatever! Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds and drizzle as topping over ice cream.

Refrigerate. Lasts a week.

My advice is to use hard cookies, like chocolate chip or snicker doodles. Cream filled cookies tend to separate. The absolute best is to use homemade cookies, that way you are certain of no extra ingredients you don't want. The oil you use can also vary- I suggest coconut oil or olive oil.

However you put this together, it is definitely cheaper to make at home, (Total price for what I made was about $0.80) and quick to make too! 

Your kids will love the alternate, and you will love both the price and ease.

DIY Homemade Ensure

        Recently, I asked what might be needed to be researched. “Homemade DIY ______??????”

The answer I got back was: Homemade DIY Ensure. 

      Without question, I understood. (Instantly I had a childhood flashback of my Grandfather, who had cancer, and the bottles of Ensure stacked up in his kitchen.) 
     For many, it is necessary.  Ensure is the most recommended meal substitute on the market; but, sadly, also remains one of the most expensive. 
     The reasons for needing it are wide and varied. As I began to research the best recipes, I understood quickly the variations involved in needs for people. Some need complete meal replacement, others need added calories for weight gain, and some are trying to lose weight. I have decided to share several recipes; and ask that you -as the reader- to decide which might be best for your circumstance. 
      My focus remained on how to make it at home, with the minimal cost and most nutritional value.  Here are the top 5 recipes I found. The  #4. Protein Shake is my personal favorite. I will be making more of this one for us in the future! 

___

1. Homemade DIY Ensure

In empty gallon container pour in:

3 cans sweetened condensed milk*,

2 cups Ovaltine,

1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil.

Shake/mix vigorously until completely incorporated.

To this, add whole milk until gallon container is filled.

Shake/mix vigorously again.

Serve 8 oz. Glass, three times a day and be sure to take 1 quality multivitamin a day. lasts 3 days in refrigerator.

*You can also DIY Homemade Sweetened condensed milk. See Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

____

2. Homemade DIY Ensure

Combine:
3 cups whole milk
1 package Vanilla instant pudding powder (4 serving size)
½ c instant dried powdered non-fat milk
2 packages or 2/3 c Nestle Carnation Instant Breakfast (any flavor)

Blend on low speed in blender for a minute. Serve 8oz glass. 

Cover remainder and refrigerate for up to 3 days. 

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3. DIY Homemade Ensure

½ c Yogurt
½ c Milk
1 c frozen or fresh fruit
1 tbsp Bee Pollen
1 tsp flax seed
1 tbsp whey protein
Blend. May add carob chips

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4. DIY Homemade Protein Shake.

8oz. Whole milk (or 4 oz yogurt+4 oz milk) 8-10g protein

½ c cottage cheese (or 2 raw eggs; or 2 tbsp peanut butter) 8-14g protein

1 c chopped/diced fruit (apple, banana, berries, etc.- you can also use 1 c pumpkin puree) 2g protein

3 tbsp oatmeal (or 1 tbsp bran powder) 15 g protein

1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil

In blender pulse oatmeal first until powdery, then add remaining ingredients. Blend on low for 1 minute. Drink this one right away when nutritional content is best. This can provide 30-50g of protein.

I suggest 1 quality multivitamin a day in addition to this.

 (It is recommended that the average active adult gets between 50- 175g of protein /day. Ratios are dependent upon body weight and activity levels)

*Additional note: When I made this for my sons- they asked for additional honey- 1 tbsp. Final taste test: A+ Kid approved.

__

5. DIY Homemade Ensure w/ Protein powder 

(I avoided this one until last because I was trying to find options that do not include expensive protein and vitamin powders- I suggest if you do buy them save money and buy in bulk.)
¼ can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla
½ c strawberries
½ c milk
3 Tbsp protein powder
3 tbsp wheat germ
½ tsp. Omega 3 oil
Vitamin powder (optional)
Mix well in blender & drink.

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These are the basic recipes I have found. You can substitute a variety of things to improve or change flavors- do not be afraid to try different fruits. Use ice cream or yogurt to thicken. If you are allergic to milk- I suggest coconut milk, or rice milk. (I would have said soy a few years ago- but the fear of GMO's bugs me here.) If regular sugar bothers you, I have included a link to making homemade sweetened condensed milk with several different sugar options.

All in all, I hope this helps; and gives those of you who might need this supplemental drink a few more options that are easier on the budget!

Disclaimer: This in no way is intended to endorse, slander, or harm the name Ensure. I intend only to provide alternate suggestions for people who may need it. ***This does not replace the advice of your doctor. Do your research, ask a dietitian or nutritionist, and make your choices carefully.

the following Affilate links in no way raise your final cost, but they do help to support the efforts and endeavors of this blog and my family. :)Thank you

Apple-Pumpkin Spice Cake

Apple Pumpkin Spice Cake

 

You need:

1/2 c real butter melted (or shortening like olive oil)
2 eggs
1 1/2c brown sugar**
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 c applesauce or applebutter ( I used my homemade applebutter)
1 c pumpkin puree
1 tbsp cinnamon (or 1 tsp cinnamon & 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice)
2 1/2 c flour (all purpose, or whole wheat works great)
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp real salt

In mixing bowl cream butter and sugar together, add eggs and beat until smooth. Add vanilla, pumpkin and applesauce. Mix well.
Add flour, salt and baking powder.




Mix until all smooth and no lumps- will be very thick.

Pour into greased 13x9 pan and bake 30 minutes at 350F degrees, or until butter knife inserted in middle comes out clean.

 Top with cream cheese frosting, basic butter cream frosting, just sprinkle with powdered sugar, or do nothing! It's delicious on it's own! .
Enjoy! :)

** If you are avoiding brown sugar then substitute   1 c honey or half honey/ half molasses?

This recipe is easy to make, and fairly inexpensive. A family favorite, and frugal on my budget. Which I love!
This is quick becoming one of our favorite cakes! Turns out moist and flavorful, a great for taking with you to family gatherings or parties!  Thumbs up from every family member! Kid tested, Kid approved! Yay!

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Real Food Wednesday 1-1-2014

Monday's Homestead Barn Hop #141






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Easiest Holiday Fudge

Easiest Holiday Fudge 

You need:

1 1/2 c semi sweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 c milk chocolate chips
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
1 1/2 c chopped walnuts
2 tsp vanilla

 Line a 8 inch square pan with wax paper, or foil.  In a double boiler, melt chocolate chips, add milk and stir constantly until incorporated. Remove from heat.  Stir in vanilla and walnuts. While still hot, pour immediately into lined pan.  Place into refrigerator for at least 2 hours to completely cool and set recipe. You might have to go longer.  When firm, remove from wax paper or foil, and cut into 8 rows by 8 rows for 1" pieces.

Variations to this recipe can be any 1 1/2 c chopped nuts you prefer (ex: almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, or cashews). Or you can make this very festive by using crushing up candy canes instead of nuts.

I have found this recipe, if I watch sales and use coupons during holiday season, is very cheap and easy to make! Chocolate chips are frequently on sale! This makes  this fudge, for me, a perfect addition to holiday gift plates! It actually is Frugal, in that the recipe is so inexpensive, and the candy so rich, it goes a long way- it makes for a fantastic gift without high cost! Allowing me to share the season without a huge cut in my budget. :)

Chili Dogs- No Bean Chili

Homemade Chili Dogs- No Bean Chili 

Start with:
1 lb ground beef - lean
1/2 lb ground pork - lean (not sausage)
fry completely, drain of grease, and mince as small as possible-
I have even put mine through the food processor.

 in a separate bowl whisk until smooth and dissolved:
6 cups warm water
1/4 c cornstarch
1/2 c flour

add to water mixture and whisk until smooth:
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp white vinegar
3 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp real salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp dried onion flakes

Add this mixture to the meat and  mix together.  Over med heat - bring to a boil stirring constantly so it does not burn. Once it comes to a boil reduce to smallest simmer setting and cover with lid. Simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Serve with hotdogs, or over french fries, or even over nachos and extra grated  cheddar cheese. Delicious!!!!!!

Yummmmmm!!!!!!!!!








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Mondays Homestead Barn Hop #140



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Good Smells for the Home - Quick and Easy

Good Smells for the Home - Quick and Easy

Today I checked the orange tree in our backyard; pulled the most ripe citrus I could find. Better now than tomorrow, I figured. Because our local weather is predicting a Hard Frost warning tonight, 31 degrees F.
Snow is coming Friday and Saturday.
On my orange tree, I fear some of the top fruit I didn't get today could be bit; but there wasn't much time.
I might have to brave the ladder tomorrow and see what I can salvage.

Today, however, I was after the ripest sweet treats! Oranges are fantastic fruit for the cold weather- to ward off sniffles -and one of the best grab and go treats I can offer the family! 

Bringing in the oranges today sparked an old favorite whim- the smell of fresh orange and cinnamon! But I personally do not do well with commercial potpourri that is soaked in chemicals and heavy on perfumes. I prefer to go natural, and it is so easy to do! Also a huge money saver! Frugal Home Recipe ! Makes the whole house smell great!

Stovetop Potpourri
On the back of the stove, I cut up 2 oranges, and added water to fill the pan and 2+ cinnamon sticks- and set it to simmer. You can use ground cinnamon as well! The wonderful smell soon came from the kitchen! Inspiring! Inviting!  Wonderful! Yay! A Fall favorite anyone can do!
 It Took less than 2 minutes and I had simmering potpourri for the rest of the day! So easy!  Made the house smell fantastic! Loved it!
(Note: simmer the potpourri mixture, and check the water off and on all day, It will run out! Don't forget to check. Simply add more water if you need. Be sure to turn off if you leave, or head to bed!)

It can be done with any citrus! Oranges, Lemons, Limes!  And different spices! Anise, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, cinnamon! or Mint! Whatever combo strikes the inspiration in you! Even just the smell of simmering cinnamon can be a welcoming change! Try apples! Ahhhhh! Fantastic! Aromatic and romantic! and best yet- all natural.

Hope you might try it! But be careful! You might end up absolutely LOVING it!.


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Frugal Days Sustainable Ways #100





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DIY (Fake Shout) Laundry Stain Remover

DIY (Fake Shout) Laundry Stain Remover 

1 cup water
1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
1/2 cup washing soda

Combine all ingredients well and pour into empty hydrogen peroxide bottle.(Hydrogen Peroxide requires dark bottles as sunlight decreases it's effectiveness.) Cap with spray bottle lid.

Pre-treat laundry by spraying directly onto stain, 5 minutes before tossing clothing into load.
Very similar to Shout- without harsh chemicals or toxins.

Another Green Clean! Yay!

For delicate material, or brightest colors- test a small spot first  to ensure doesn't bleach out color.
Great for whites, kid's clothes, ring around the collar and grass stains.

Label clearly, store with your homemade laundry soap, and keep out of reach of children.
(Note: Washing soda is more caustic than baking soda, and thus not recommended to eat  Be sure to label clearly.  To make your own Washing Soda: DIY Laundry Soap and Washing Soda.)





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Mondays Homestead Barn Hop #118

Make your Own Monday 7/8




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DIY Greasy Hand Cleanser

 DIY Greasy Hand Cleanser

Have a man in the house always working on something? Mine is...
He was a Diesel Mechanic for Railway for many years. I learned over that time there is nothing to use against Cosmoline (a railroad mama's nightmare!) However, the regular grime and grease out that can happen with cars and small engine's is another story. And yes,  I have an answer for those greasy grimey hands that can often need extra strong cleaning.

DIY Greasy Hand Cleanser

1/4 c salt
1/4 c baking soda
1/4 c sugar
3/4 c Dawn dish soap-The blue stuff - (+-)
10 drops Tea tree essential oil (for anti bacterial properties) Lemon works well too! Or both. 
1 tbsp bentonite clay (optional -if you really need extra power)

In a tub that's reusable, but not breakable- (I used a rubbermaid tub that holds at least 2 c liquid) 
sift together the dry ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Add dawn dish soap and mix until thoroughly incorporated. If too paste- like, you can add more dawn until it comes out creamier, but not too liquid. You want the scrub capabilities!
Have that guy scrub, and rinse with warm water.

Works well as gardener's mix too. Especially after a long day in the dirt! :)Yay!

Better smelling than the orange gunk they usually use in the shop- but very effective. Better for them too, but you don't have to tell them that.   ;)

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Frugal Days Sustainable Ways #79









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100% Natural Detangler

Natural Detangler -

Surprises can come from the simplist of things. And I love the fact I learned this one! YAY!!!!

The longer my hair gets the more I have to mind the tangles. I have naturally curly hair that can frizz and tangle in a heartbeat (or a foggy day- whichever comes first! Haha!)  I am sooo tired of the myriad of products all designed to detangle, with nothing more than fake, toxic chemicals that strip and dry out; or do the opposite- coat and grease, and weigh down the hair. Either way- when I discovered this simple secret- I have never been happier.

Aloe. 100% pure, all natural aloe.
I use Aloe Vera gel! All natural 100% Aloe Vera Gel  (about a quarter sized portion in my hand)  run through the ends of my hair softens, detangles, and moisturizes my hair- without residue, without chemicals. Applied to my wet hair (or to dry), it works wonders and has no scent, it soaks in, is weightless and non greasy, and combs through and dries clear- disappearing.

I now use it after every shower. I combine the quarter sized dollop with 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil and my hair smells amazing, and I have no fear of the comb! Plus! It reduces the amount of frizz my curls have- for my hair it's amazing!

This is exceptionally natural way to detangle a child's hair with less tears and no extra toxins or build up. Less tears-that is a huge WIN WIN! & makes mom happy!  It's fantatsic for the scalp and skin, and cannot harm children in any way!

 

Oh how I love Aloe Vera and it's many uses! Always work from the bottom up. If the tangle mass is huge- douse the mass with aloe and slowly separate- within minutes it starts to come apart and combs right through!

After a long conversation with my friends Virginia, and Vicki;  I was happy to have it confirmed that Aloe Vera works in more hair types than just thick curly brown! Which is fantastic news! Virginia and Vicki both have confirmed that Aloe Vera is excellent in ethnic hair! Vicki said she uses aloe all the time on her and her daughter's hair, when she gets her out of bath she puts it on,  and said she likes it because it does not add extra weight and is non greasy!!!! Followed by coconut oil for extra moisturizing, especially when using the hot irons-  they are 100% natural and happy with their hair!  Yay!!


Healthy Hair! Happy Hair!






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Make Your Own Monday Link Up 6/24

Homesteaders Hop 23




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Baked Spiral Potatoes

So easy and an awesome variation to regular baked potatoes! A Family favorite! Kid approved!

Baked Spiral Potatoes 

4-6 small potatoes (1 per person)
skewers
olive oil
seasonings (Your preference)

Peel and wash potatoes. Prep a cooking sheet with butter or olive oil to prevent sticking. Skewer potato lengthwise from small end to small end. With a sharp knife, carefully cut in to potato just until you feel the skewer, using it as your guide- rotating potato over as needed to achieve spiral. This actually is the hardest part if you do not have a spiral slicer, which I don't. But it is not impossible- basically tilt the knife at a slight angle as you cut and do not take it out of the potato- let it guide itself. It goes faster the more you cut.
                                                    
When done to end,  slowly pull potato apart along skewer until stretched and resembling spiral. Place on baking sheet. Brush with olive oil,  and sprinkle with seasonings. I use paprika, garlic powder, and pepper.

Bake at 350F  for 45 minutes or until potatoes are done.

For added goodie: You can add a slice of bacon skewering end at top and winding around to end-spiraled around potato.

The taste is slightly different than a baked potato - more like wedges. Some people pull it in the last 5 minutes and add grated cheese and bacon bits across the top returning to the oven to melt this in. I have also heard people drench it in sour cream, and add chives in the end.

Many people deep fry these, I chose to bake mainly to avoid huge amounts of greasy food. But you can easily look up or google, the directions if you prefer frying. They are also called tornado fries.

Serves great with Homemade Chicken Nuggets or BBQ Chicken! A great alternate for something different on the menu!  Love the fact it's easy to do and cheap making it one of my more favorite frugal recipes to stretch the budget. It's Easy to figure out how many to cook- 1 per person!

I think I am going to try this style with a sweet potato next time and see how that turns out. This might also be promising for a zucchini squash as well! :) I'll let you know! :)







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Easy Fried Rice - Kid's Favorite

Easy Fried Rice - Kid's Favorite

This is one of my fall back recipes, it is not incredibly authentic, but it has been incredibly successful in my house- particularly when my children were younger- it was one of my favorite recipes accepted by the kids that I felt good about because it got them to eat their vegies! It was easy to make and always a success. I even loved it for the ability to use up leftovers- like the meat or vegies- making my meals spread further and happily stretching my budget! A frugal favorite!

Easy Fried Rice (Takes about 30 minutes to prepare if using old fashioned rice )

To cook, I start with the rice-

2 cups rice
1 tbsp olive oil

a dash salt
4 cups water
To cook, I prepared old fashioned rice, (you can also use instant rice if you prefer, or as time saver. Prepare 2 cups as instructed on the box.). For old fashioned rice:
In large sauce pan, with excellent fitting lid:
I added olive oil and 2 cups old fashioned long grain rice. Over med high heat, I fried the rice grains until they turn puffier white and start to brown. Takes about 5 minutes, stir frequently- but, doing this trick helps to insure the grains won't stick together in finished product. Once rice begins to brown, add 4 cups hot water and bring to boil. When boil starts, reduce heat to low simmer and cover tight. Set timer for 20 minutes.

While rice is cooking, I steam the vegies or prepare the frozen vegetables, as directed, in a sauce pan. ( Or heat up your left over vegies at this time.) You'll need about 2 cups vegies - For the pictured fried rice, I used a frozen vegetable mix; however, I have a lot of success with just frozen peas, or just broccoli.

Last step is the meat:

1 lb. cooked shredded meat- (perfect for left overs! Use anything you have - pork chops, chicken breast, steak, ground beef, etc.)
olive oil
1 clove minced garlic, 1/2 c green onion diced tiny,  salt and pepper. 
1 tbsp. soy sauce
 2 eggs (scrambled in a bowl and set aside for last step)

Shred  or dice the meat into small chunks. In fry pan, add olive oil and garlic and cook until the garlic is tender - just a minute or two (this infuses the flavor of the garlic into the oil.) Add the diced meat. Lightly fry until the meat is heated through. Add the green onions and seasonings. Stir thoroughly and cook only until the green onions are to your liking- they get soft very fast.  Turn off heat.

Your sauce pan of vegies should be done at this point- Drain your vegies. set aside.
By now the rice should be done. Yay! Stir to fluff, and check to make sure it's completely cooked.

In the meat fry pan, bring back to heat until all is sizzling, add in rice, and soy sauce. Stir together until all is combined well. Add vegies and stir again. Once combined well, move all ingredients to the side -so as to give yourself a pocket space to work in of fresh fry pan- pour in the scrambled egg and fry until completely done. Takes only a quick minute- do not worry about the remaining rice- at this point- it's just gaining the extra  fried flavor as you focus on the egg. I scramble it with the edge of my spatula. Once the egg is done stir into the rice mixture.  (Note: I do not add personally add extra salt to this as the soy sauce is already mainly salt. Taste test to decide for yourself.)
Yay! You are done! Use as a main dish or a side dish, depending on how adventurous you are. I served a salad first, and at times I will serve with a spring roll.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage

Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage

Cut  and wash half a cabbage pulling leaves apart as whole and large as is possible.

In a bowl, mix:
2 lbs ground meat ( you can use hamburger, ground beef, ground sausage, ground turkey or chicken)
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup oats (if using ground turkey-or chicken eliminate the oats as this will be too dry a mixture to hold)
2 eggs
seasonings - pinch of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
(Other seasonings that are really good in it are  basil, oregano, green onion, minced garlic, chopped onions, etc.)

Combine all ingredients in bowl, and form med sized  meat balls - wrapping each ball with cabbage and place in the slow cooker/crock pot. Add all unused cabbage to the cooker surrounding the stuffed leaves.

Fill the remaining spaces in the casserole with cleaned and cut potato and carrot wedges.

Pour over all of it 1 quart jar of homemade canned tomatoes -which is  my favorite-juice and all- and  cover. Cook on high for 3-4 hours until meatballs are completely done in center.

That's it- additions to the casserole can include celery, carrots,  onions, squash, whatever you feel would match the cabbage taste. You can use canned tomato sauce, or tomato soup instead of whole tomatoes if you prefer. So easy- so versatile. And very filling!  Serves at least 4-6.  I usually have left overs, making this one of my favorite frugal recipes!. Enjoy!


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DIY Homemade Seasoned Bread crumbs

DIY Homemade Seasoned Bread crumbs

I love bread crumbs. Since I bake more than fry- a good coating for us starts with bread crumbs. Chicken, pork chops, scotch eggs, what ever - a good quality bread crumbs recipe can make or break the flavor. Making my own eliminates the boxed/convenience food problems of added preservatives and or chemical flavorings. Because I'm using up day old pieces of bread, it's frugal and really promoting no extra waste.

One of the best features of making your own bread crumbs is you are not limited in what you use- Homemade bread, white, whole wheat, sourdough, Italian, rye... it simply does not matter. Flavors can pop from trying different breads! The only limit is your imagination!

I have made my own croutons and bread crumbs many times in the past- I would toast bread, and grate it. However I have discovered a new and actually easier way to make my own bread crumbs- I got my own dehydrator! Yay!!!!! Love this thing!

Seasoned Bread Crumbs using the dehydrator

I place in the dehydrator left over bread. Day old is fine- heals are fine! I put the dehydrator on 125F and leave it for a couple of hours- I have a batch going right now- they have been drying for about 4 hours now- I'll check them soon. I want them to be so dry when I pull them out that they crumble easily between my fingers. Drying times can vary depending on the weather- more humid days require more time; also varies due to thickness of the pieces you use.

Once dry, I place the bread into the food processor
 and grind them up into tiny crumbs. If you don't have a food processor- no worries! Place the bread into a zip lock or any bag without holes, and use your rolling pin to crush the bread into crumbs. It's easy and doesn't take that long to do.

I personally like to pour crumbs  into an a recycled Parmesan shaker, adding spices that I want and label it clearly. I find nothing wrong with having a couple shakers- each seasoned differently sitting ready to use!

One of my favorite bread crumb mixes is Italian seasoning (2 tbsp.to each cup of bread crumbs)  added to a shaker of bread crumbs. I mix thoroughly to ensure they shake evenly.

Another excellent addition is garlic and onion flakes (1 tbsp. each to each cup of bread crumbs).  I personally like a an added tbsp of dried parsley with this. Gives it a nice color.

To spice things up you can add 1 tbsp. chili powder; or a combination of cayenne, paprika, and cumin. Adding in dried red pepper flakes would be a colorful addition to the heat. Use your imagination and tastes to create!

A friend of mine mixes in Parmesan cheese with bread crumbs- 1:1 ration. When I tried this- it served as an awesome touch sprinkled over Au Gratin potatoes, baked Zitti, or Lasagna! Yay!

On an added note!
For my readers who prefer to store using only glass, I love the fact the lid to a Parmesan Shaker fit perfectly to a regular mouth canning jar!!!!! Yay!  :)

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Using the Whole Tomato

Using the Whole Tomato

I'm tired of wasting. I am learning to make the most out of everything! Homemade anything is so awesome for the simple fact that I know exactly what is in the product I make. All natural, no preservatives or fake food chemicals.  I am loving using every part of the fruit or vegie that I can.

This weekend we canned Roma tomatoes. Love the way the cans fill my shelves, and I know I have a quality canned tomato without extra chemicals ready to use- makes awesome sauces, and soups!

A wonderful guide to canning exists on this page: Pick Your Own.org Canning Tomatoes
I could attempt to tell you the entire process, but their tutorial is so thorough that it is better to just let you know where I learned it from that try to copy cat their process. 

One thing I would like to note is: 
Be sure to always wash your produce: I use a cup of vinegar to a pan of water and let them soak in it for 10 minutes. It is so important to get the residues off the skins, you just never know- and the process is so easy.
A simple note and measure to ensure no one gets sick and your food is healthier for your family.



One of the steps taken in canning our tomatoes is to blanch them and remove the skins. In past I did this without thought- and tossed the skins!  But no more! What a waste!

Three wonderful things can come from the tomato skins! 

1. You can use them in a crock pot along with other vegie left over and cuttings and start a pot of vegetable broth.  A great blog about this is found at: My Humble Kitchen
2. You can put all the skins into a food processor and grind them into a pulp for tomato bark! Dehydrate the pulp, and yay! You have instant tomato paste later for anytime you need it! tomato bark
-or-
3. You can dehydrate them, as I did this time. The end result was wonderful flaky dried tomato,  that I whirred into the food processor for a minute until I had small flakes and poured into a recycled spice jar to add to my new homemade spices! Instant tomato flavor to add to anything! -All natural, all homemade.
I laid the tomato skins  on my dehydrator racks, set the dehydrator for 135F and let it go for about 10 hours to be sure we were completely dry. Times may vary due to weather and humidity. We had a cloudy weekend, so I wanted to be certain I got all the moisture out.

<-- this is how we started
        this is what came out ----->







<--I tossed these into the food processor

and this is my end result-
 pure tomato flakes! -->


Love it!



No waste, and a new spice jar for my cabinet! Awesome!!






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Frugal Days - Sustainable Ways #74

3 DIY All Natural Deodorants - and why you might want to try them

3 DIY All Natural Deodorants

DIY All Natural Deodorant -Stick  

1 Tbsp. beeswax
2 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 Tbsp. shea butter or coconut butter
1 Tbsp. cornstarch or arrowroot powder
1 1/2 Tbsp. baking soda (aluminum free)
1 Tbsp. bentonite clay (I used Redmond)
1 /4 tsp. Vitamin E oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops lemon essential oil

In a double boiler, melt beeswax and coconut oil first, then add shea butter (shea cannot tolerate high heat as well, and  needs to be melted last- do not boil just reach melt point and stop). Once melted, remove from heat and add cornstarch and baking soda and bentonite clay- Stir well to incorporate until smooth. Add essential oils and Vit. E oil last. I used lavender/lemon oil as it is my favorite scent, but you can change the essential oil to whatever you prefer. (A citrus fresh blend could include lemon and grapefruit oil, or lemon and orange.) Pour mixture into new or cleaned re-purposed deodorant stick. Let cool over night without the lid, 24 hours. Use as you normally would- thin layer, this actually requires less than commercial brands to be effective and thus lasts longer.
All natural  and chemical free!


- or -

DIY All Natural Deodorant - jar version.

5 tbsp. coconut oil
1/4 cup baking soda (aluminum free)
1/4 cup cornstarch or arrow root powder
1/4 tsp Vitamin E oil
lavender essential oil

In small bowl mix with spoon all ingredients except essential oil.  A small jelly jar works fantastic for this, or you can reuse any old cold cream jar  that's been cleaned and has a good lid.  Add essential oil last- 10 to 20 drops of your favorite scent will do. Lemon gives great fresh citrus scent. My favorite is lavender, but the choice is yours. Because this is mostly coconut oil, it can get liquid in heat, best to store in cool place. Take a small amount on finger and rub into arm pit area, soaks in quickly and works well!  
simple, easy, all natural  and chemical free!



- or -

DIY All Natural Deodorant - Spray bottle version.

1 small mister spray bottle
rubbing alcohol
tea tree essential oil
in bottle, fill with rubbing alcohol and add 10-20 drops of tea tree oil. shake well. Spray onto armpit area.
easiest version possible, and seems to be preferred by men, you can add any essential oils you'd like to create a scent preferred. the tea tree oil is an excellent start having antibiotic, anti fungal, anti viral and antibacterial properties.

:) 
I have tried all 3 versions personally. I am most pleased with the stick; but the jar version was wonderful. Simple and easy to make. I encourage anyone and everyone I know to try it. It's easy to get used to, easy to make, and  it works. You won't stink! Really!  You won't! :)

Why DIY deodorant? 

 

 Why would I, or anyone else, go to the trouble?

For me it is simple-Cancer causing Chemicals.  The statistics for women with breast cancer is constantly rising. I believe it stands right now at 1 in 5 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. My mother, my mother-in-law, and a very close friend have survived it. My step mother did not and we lost her this last year. That is 4 women I know - I can count myself as 5. That means, in that group, 4/5 have dealt with breast cancer. Not great odds. That's not a possible hypothetical statistic that mildly sounds concerning- that's actual numbers.
Commercial deodorants often contain parabens, propylene glycol, cyclopentasiloxane, chemical fragrances, talc made with asbestiform fibers (asbestos), and aluminum. Many of these are attributed to causing cancer, or other neurotoxic effects. 
New research suggests that many of the breast cancer cases today began with the lymph nodes in the armpit area. It does not take a brilliant mind to figure out that putting cancer causing agents in the armpit area in order to deodorize and smell pretty- might actually be contributing to the rise in breast cancer over the last number of  years. I am not saying they are the sole cause- but certainly they cannot be helping at all.
I personally do not see the reason to take the chance; not when I know I can naturally create an alternate that is safe to use and actually works!

If you are uncertain - don't take my word for it-  research this for yourself- PLEASE!!!   A fantastic resource for checking the ingredients in the beauty products you use is: Environmental Working Group Skin deep database

This is why I make my own deodorant- happily. I hope more and more women out there start to as well. All natural, effective and actually really easy to make.




You can find the ingredients at this site:

 
      you might also like the recipes and links at:    Nourishing Treasures Make your own! Monday link up 

DIY (Fake Comet) Cleaner

"Honey! Where's the comet?!"

My Hubby had to do some clean up last night... I handed him my DIY cleaner - fake comet version- he glanced and didn't say a word. The look was enough- a kind of  'well, if I have to'...a glare that says it all. I left with a grin. :D...no worries!

He later told me it worked fine! By his standards, that's a huge compliment. I knew it would- I'd already used it for a while! But for him- it was new. LOL
It's simple to make-

DIY (Fake Comet) Cleaner

I reused/re-purposed a shaker  bottle and added to it
1 part baking soda
1 part borax
1 part salt
1 part washing soda

and I shook it to mix.
Sprinkle it on what you have to scrub just like you do comet. Take a damp sponge or scrubber, and watch the stains go away. Rinse well.
 Works wonders on the tub and toilet! Love it! Whitens, brightens, grime is gone, cuts grease and residue, without bleach alternatives and extra chemicals.
 No noxious smell. The baking soda naturally deodorizes, borax and washing soda cut grease and residues and whitens, and the salt acts as abrasive- it's a win win.
 That's it. Done. Can't get much simpler. DIY. Effective. Frugal. Green cleaning. No noxious smells. Just clean.
Yay! 

This post is also shared in: (And You might also like what you find on:)

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