tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57914116100475122902024-03-13T14:51:56.982-04:00Pecan StreetPractical tips, tricks, and advice. Making sense, saving cents, and trying to keep the family healthy too. One mom's journey to becoming more self-sufficient and less otherwise dependent.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00267064175752978731noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-51659327516032117902012-03-27T09:26:00.001-04:002012-03-27T09:29:39.175-04:00DIY Homemade Deodorant RecipeI want to avoid putting as many chemicals as I can onto myself and my family. This is the recipe that works best for us. <br />
<br />
What You'll Need:<br />
4 Tablespoons unrefined coconut oil<br />
1/2 cup arrowroot powder<br />
4 drops tea tree oil (or other essential oil of your choosing)<br />
glass jar with a lid, or empty deodorant stick<br />
<br />
In a small bowl mix coconut oil and arrowroot powder by pressing the two together with the back of a fork or spoon until well combined. Add essential oils. Store in an airtight container and apply a small amount to each armpit with your fingers, or, refrigerate the mixture and scoop/press into an empty stick deodorant container. I use tea tree oil because of the natural antibacterial abilities it has, but play around with your favorites to find one you like best. <br />
<br />
Please note that this will stop odor but is not an antiperspirant. You will still sweat, but you won't stink. ;-)<br />
<br />
Coconut oil melts at around 72 degrees so if your bathroom is on the warmer side you may want to keep your deodorant in the refrigerator. Our medicine cabinet seems to stay pretty cool so we have not had any issues with melting deodorant as of yet. <br />
<br />
Coconut oil is easily and readily absorbed by the skin. You should not have any worries about oily stains or such on your clothing.<br />
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a>
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00267064175752978731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-22368513743956324952012-03-25T08:54:00.000-04:002012-03-25T08:54:00.568-04:00Life In PicturesIt has been a very busy week around here. Working, cooking, cleaning, taking walks, and gardening. This is our life this week, in pictures.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--NqUKZnp2c4/T2sfri48yII/AAAAAAAAAF8/m_60aFKnXgs/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--NqUKZnp2c4/T2sfri48yII/AAAAAAAAAF8/m_60aFKnXgs/s320/061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old archway found on our walk. I thought it was beautiful and photo worthy. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxWFcmvu_Ok/T2sfvJ4dmrI/AAAAAAAAAGE/tE0gVphWSbk/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxWFcmvu_Ok/T2sfvJ4dmrI/AAAAAAAAAGE/tE0gVphWSbk/s320/062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old house spotted on our walk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6Ls8Z6XueE/T2sfyRJtT3I/AAAAAAAAAGM/Wn3rqMn2BL0/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6Ls8Z6XueE/T2sfyRJtT3I/AAAAAAAAAGM/Wn3rqMn2BL0/s320/063.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for a walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-doYWe6hTUYA/T2sf1oooa6I/AAAAAAAAAGU/FyZ1DMs37fg/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-doYWe6hTUYA/T2sf1oooa6I/AAAAAAAAAGU/FyZ1DMs37fg/s320/064.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's go for a walk. You pull, mom. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yu_JijetcBY/T2sf4mI9mfI/AAAAAAAAAGc/FDg937bgRBY/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yu_JijetcBY/T2sf4mI9mfI/AAAAAAAAAGc/FDg937bgRBY/s320/066.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small creek near our house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFKwowxuAZs/T2sf71gnfRI/AAAAAAAAAGk/7RfmUOsL-cE/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFKwowxuAZs/T2sf71gnfRI/AAAAAAAAAGk/7RfmUOsL-cE/s320/068.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neat little bit of nature I found on a walk. These plants were growing inside of an old glass bottle. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwKfTF2y0oc/T2sf_Qlg2gI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Rk2CCryny7g/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwKfTF2y0oc/T2sf_Qlg2gI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Rk2CCryny7g/s320/073.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will never get those shoes clean! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iI1JIBDEqgw/T2sgCnFsmqI/AAAAAAAAAG0/vf3iIubpMoQ/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iI1JIBDEqgw/T2sgCnFsmqI/AAAAAAAAAG0/vf3iIubpMoQ/s320/074.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who needs bubbles when you have MUD?!?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYxBlESK9zA/T2sgGDneyMI/AAAAAAAAAG8/ArNJVwGVYwc/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYxBlESK9zA/T2sgGDneyMI/AAAAAAAAAG8/ArNJVwGVYwc/s320/078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ewww! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ANTxyX1BPtM/T2sgJRgqWkI/AAAAAAAAAHE/3WBRm7AHls4/s1600/080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ANTxyX1BPtM/T2sgJRgqWkI/AAAAAAAAAHE/3WBRm7AHls4/s320/080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sB6w1XyZQ9c/T2sgM-nkfVI/AAAAAAAAAHM/5LjOY3eeEes/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sB6w1XyZQ9c/T2sgM-nkfVI/AAAAAAAAAHM/5LjOY3eeEes/s320/081.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giving our porch a much needed face lift</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1znieieEGg/T2sgO-bZXnI/AAAAAAAAAHU/poeCBP7af3Q/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1znieieEGg/T2sgO-bZXnI/AAAAAAAAAHU/poeCBP7af3Q/s320/084.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muddy hands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-fyN4lSCoM/T2sgRFENFyI/AAAAAAAAAHc/DPskX_86TM4/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-fyN4lSCoM/T2sgRFENFyI/AAAAAAAAAHc/DPskX_86TM4/s320/089.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy 3 enjoying some mud. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4iDD-JCbQ0/T2sgR08l9HI/AAAAAAAAAHk/y8cHFB5nJAw/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4iDD-JCbQ0/T2sgR08l9HI/AAAAAAAAAHk/y8cHFB5nJAw/s320/090.JPG" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud! On a stick! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4jfxl2ISoE/T2sgU3_yVnI/AAAAAAAAAHs/4ozfVwWXGC8/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4jfxl2ISoE/T2sgU3_yVnI/AAAAAAAAAHs/4ozfVwWXGC8/s320/097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on the porch rail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WZjLOEh8Bl0/T2sgXwFrY6I/AAAAAAAAAH0/dHEHV-_ziF4/s1600/099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WZjLOEh8Bl0/T2sgXwFrY6I/AAAAAAAAAH0/dHEHV-_ziF4/s320/099.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To sunburst the rails or not? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZoHpcJDNlY/T2sgbOjWswI/AAAAAAAAAH8/yeXeXv7NOgA/s1600/101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qZoHpcJDNlY/T2sgbOjWswI/AAAAAAAAAH8/yeXeXv7NOgA/s320/101.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping Daddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2At2eKIYHM/T2sge6ICu2I/AAAAAAAAAIE/Nt7vaBsj39M/s1600/106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F2At2eKIYHM/T2sge6ICu2I/AAAAAAAAAIE/Nt7vaBsj39M/s320/106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud stompin' </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jy4U4RvkHMY/T2sghHvfg1I/AAAAAAAAAIM/AduilVLzXC4/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jy4U4RvkHMY/T2sghHvfg1I/AAAAAAAAAIM/AduilVLzXC4/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy 3 in the garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpkKsqBB-eE/T2sgieFchQI/AAAAAAAAAIU/tXJf0PJlbeI/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpkKsqBB-eE/T2sgieFchQI/AAAAAAAAAIU/tXJf0PJlbeI/s320/002.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy 2 in the garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLJpvgLwiC8/T2sgjzzB4tI/AAAAAAAAAIY/_uE3wno56is/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLJpvgLwiC8/T2sgjzzB4tI/AAAAAAAAAIY/_uE3wno56is/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy 3 running in the rain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9sJkPwPrKxE/T2sglhbi7RI/AAAAAAAAAIk/HHKGqn6LDtU/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9sJkPwPrKxE/T2sglhbi7RI/AAAAAAAAAIk/HHKGqn6LDtU/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing in the rain? YES! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GKgtpnBJ5K4/T2sgmiTJeeI/AAAAAAAAAIs/7s67bjUuehk/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GKgtpnBJ5K4/T2sgmiTJeeI/AAAAAAAAAIs/7s67bjUuehk/s320/005.JPG" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl looking very sassy. Love her new glasses! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLuuQjqYjYM/T2sgpwLAj1I/AAAAAAAAAI0/DilsJF2TFFg/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLuuQjqYjYM/T2sgpwLAj1I/AAAAAAAAAI0/DilsJF2TFFg/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy 2 weeding the garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDZcSyLp3IA/T2sgrsoEo2I/AAAAAAAAAI8/nJnb7m6Otro/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDZcSyLp3IA/T2sgrsoEo2I/AAAAAAAAAI8/nJnb7m6Otro/s320/009.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducky umbrella</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vXXmjE8EvRM/T2sgs0gqkvI/AAAAAAAAAJE/LsITZKC5kBY/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vXXmjE8EvRM/T2sgs0gqkvI/AAAAAAAAAJE/LsITZKC5kBY/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This large bird set himself atop the dead tree as soon as it started raining. He stayed this way for about 5 minutes. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a>
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<br />
<div class="fb-like" data-href="http://pecanstreetusa.blogspot.com" data-send="true" data-show-faces="true" data-width="450">
</div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00267064175752978731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-23990631795459096912012-03-23T00:00:00.000-04:002012-03-23T00:00:06.564-04:00Garden ProgressThis is our first year having a real garden. We've grown vegetables in the past but this year's garden makes those attempts seem laughable. In the past we have simply dug up a small plot, and I do mean small, like, flower bed small. This year our main garden is 50 ft x 20 ft! We've been tilling, and fertilizing, and starting seeds in anticipation. We still need a fence to keep the deer away. Here is some of our progress in photos. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nJotN7GQ-g/T2dhO3Cp66I/AAAAAAAAAFc/zzkYiFdNRpI/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2nJotN7GQ-g/T2dhO3Cp66I/AAAAAAAAAFc/zzkYiFdNRpI/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tG1pGH2-0kQ/T2dhQqkoTJI/AAAAAAAAAFk/6DRGZaf1FjM/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tG1pGH2-0kQ/T2dhQqkoTJI/AAAAAAAAAFk/6DRGZaf1FjM/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvdxzKly0YY/T2dhTGng4VI/AAAAAAAAAFs/zA3nV9r-HZY/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvdxzKly0YY/T2dhTGng4VI/AAAAAAAAAFs/zA3nV9r-HZY/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPcdzfFMEq4/T2dhWaaHcOI/AAAAAAAAAF0/tSTzickmWGo/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPcdzfFMEq4/T2dhWaaHcOI/AAAAAAAAAF0/tSTzickmWGo/s320/033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a>
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00267064175752978731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-58344056087383941512012-03-21T00:00:00.000-04:002012-03-27T09:29:18.431-04:00DIY Soy Milk RecipeSome time ago I bought a bag of soy flour to add protein to some of my baked goods. Today, I was inspecting the bag and found a recipe for making your own soy milk. It is actually quite easy!<br />
<br />
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Slowly stir in 1 cup of soy flour. Simmer on low for 20 minutes. Line a colander with a tea towel or several layers of cheese cloth over top of a bowl large enough to collect the liquid. Strain the mixture to remove any lumps. You may add flavors or sweeteners to your soy milk. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DaFGYyVpB9E/T2dSxqPn4OI/AAAAAAAAAEs/V-1cOUgvO9o/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DaFGYyVpB9E/T2dSxqPn4OI/AAAAAAAAAEs/V-1cOUgvO9o/s320/055.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUs14S8bjMg/T2dS00w3_hI/AAAAAAAAAE0/2f5T-akQSeA/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUs14S8bjMg/T2dS00w3_hI/AAAAAAAAAE0/2f5T-akQSeA/s320/056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KMPuBbgouQ/T2dS3vZlPCI/AAAAAAAAAE8/2ROzpMEUHo8/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5KMPuBbgouQ/T2dS3vZlPCI/AAAAAAAAAE8/2ROzpMEUHo8/s320/057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9sx_JVGsVo/T2dS69z5HqI/AAAAAAAAAFE/yK1wS7nyV7E/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9sx_JVGsVo/T2dS69z5HqI/AAAAAAAAAFE/yK1wS7nyV7E/s320/058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMRvDpJTF0A/T2dS-K4hx5I/AAAAAAAAAFM/MZ2QRjlhWj4/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMRvDpJTF0A/T2dS-K4hx5I/AAAAAAAAAFM/MZ2QRjlhWj4/s320/059.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a>
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00267064175752978731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-21359383545365806742012-03-19T11:36:00.001-04:002012-03-19T11:36:41.430-04:00Regrow CeleryNo more throwing away or<a href="http://pecanstreetusa.blogspot.com/2012/03/worm-compost.html"> composting</a> the ends of celery for me! You can regrow your celery stalks using the end that is cut off and usually tossed. To do this, simply place the cut off end into a small dish of water. Within a few days you will see leaves growing from the center. Simply replant into soil outside if it is warm enough or in a planter indoors in a sunny spot until it can be transplanted outside. No need to fuss with seeds! You will have small celery stalks within a few short weeks. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KoLNEV2pNtw/T2dSYCK5zBI/AAAAAAAAAEc/8wnihYXg-9c/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KoLNEV2pNtw/T2dSYCK5zBI/AAAAAAAAAEc/8wnihYXg-9c/s400/054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What an awesome way to reduce, reuse, and recycle! <br />
<br />
Also see<a href="http://pecanstreetusa.blogspot.com/2012/03/regrow-green-onions.html"> Regrowing Green Onions</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a>
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00267064175752978731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-90262703170531990832012-03-17T09:26:00.002-04:002012-03-17T09:27:20.852-04:00Naturally Repel MosquitosIt is only March and I have already seen (and felt) those pesky little blood sucking insects. Mosquitoes. I personally don't usually have too many issues with them. I guess they don't like the way I taste, being bitter and all, hehe. My husband and kids, on the other hand, seem to be a mosquito's favorite treat. <br />
<br />
In the past we have always purchased various bug repellents in chemical form. That is not an option for us this year. We are avoiding as many harmful chemicals as we possibly can. So, since sprays and lotions are out. I have been researching some natural mosquito repellents. <br />
<br />
<b>Marigold:</b> I already knew about this one and had already planned to plants lots and lots of marigold around the yard. So far I have 16 flowers in the small flower bed in the front yard and have planted lots of seeds in the same flower bed and on the side yard where we will not be cutting grass. This is the same area where our picnic table will be so I am really hoping it helps. Apparently marigold also wards off deer, so we may be planting them around our vegetable garden too.<br />
<br />
<b>Catnip:</b> I had no idea. Some people swear by it, saying that just picking some catnip and rubbing the plant on their skin and clothing keeps the pests away. I bought catnip seeds yesterday. I read that it is an invasive plant, meaning it will take over and area so I am thinking that growing it in a container that can be moved around from area to area will be a god idea. I'll do the same with mint.<br />
<br />
<b>Mint:</b> I already purchased mint seeds, but not for their repellent benefits. I planned to grow mint for teas and cooking. I just learned that mint is great at warding off mosquitoes. Wonderful! Double duty plants, hooray! Mint will be grown in a large container because it spreads and is hard to contain otherwise, this also gives us the option to move the mint plants to whatever section of the yard we are in.<br />
<br />
<b>Citronella:</b> I have been unable to find citronella plants locally, but then again, it is only March. I will continue to look. I do know that my local farmer's market sells citronella essential oil. I am sure I can come up with a recipe for a spray or salve of some sort using that. I'll keep you posted. <br />
<br />
<b>Rosemary:</b> Lucky for me there was already a very lovely rosemary plant in my backyard when I moved in. That plant is the center and focal point of my herb garden to-be. I already make a tea from the shrub and use it for cleaning since it has a wonderful scent and antibacterial properties. <br />
<br />
<b>Lemongrass:</b> Another beautiful plant in flower beds and gardens. I am still searching for this one and hope to make it a part of my herb garden and flower beds. <br />
<br />
This is what I have found so far and I think that with all of these herbs and flowers combined I will have a good advantage on winning my war on mosquitoes this summer. What are your plans for keeping the flying vampires at bay? I'd love to hear from you!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a>
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00267064175752978731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-35335014412630435712012-03-14T07:43:00.002-04:002012-03-14T07:43:58.415-04:00What People ThinkI went back to work this week after being off last week. I wasn't on vacation, my babysitter was. That is when this blog was born. I know that I can reach people with my ideas. I know that I can share my experiences and knowledge with someone, anyone, who cares to know. <br />
<br />
People think I am crazy with all my little projects. The garden, homemade laundry detergent, making deodorant and toothpaste, etc, but I know that I am saving money and doing what is best for my family. Luckily, I laugh at myself easily and have the capability to shrug off ignorant. I will be the one laughing all the way to the bank, or the farm, or the homestead - haha. And when someone sarcastically says, "Do you make your own bread, too?", I know I can smile and nod my head, yes, yes I do. Jealous? You see, one day I will be able to quit that mediocre job and be able to do all the things I really enjoy, and all the sarcastic busy-bodies will still be there, reminiscing about that one girl, "you know, that girl that made her own bread and all the other stuff all the time, yeah, she doesn't work here any more." I'll be long gone, enjoying my simple happy life. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a>
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00267064175752978731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-19341004824207495702012-03-12T00:30:00.000-04:002012-03-12T00:30:02.267-04:00Recipe: Make Your Own Healthy Granola<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4RRQ3nhlC3Q/T1u-4pdB1zI/AAAAAAAAADI/rMkrDRUuM8s/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4RRQ3nhlC3Q/T1u-4pdB1zI/AAAAAAAAADI/rMkrDRUuM8s/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a>Store bought granola is expensive and loaded with all kinds of preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, and God only knows what else. Whenever possible I like to make my own version of store bought family favorites. This is my recipe for homemade granola. This is a very basic recipe. You can add pretty much anything you want once the base granola has cooled. By making your own you can control what is being consumed by your family and save yourself a bit of cash too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Homemade Granola Recipe:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>3 cups old fashioned rolled oats</li>
<li>1 cup honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar</li>
<li>1 cup shredded coconut</li>
<li>1/2 - 2 cups, depending on your preference, nuts or seeds (peanuts, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, pecans, etc) </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBgB4ph5CiE/T1u_FXHr9DI/AAAAAAAAADo/AjfARqPqVKc/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBgB4ph5CiE/T1u_FXHr9DI/AAAAAAAAADo/AjfARqPqVKc/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="text-align: left;">Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Coat a large cookie sheet with cooking spray and spread mixture evenly onto it. Put in a 350 F degree oven for 5 - 7 minutes. Remove from oven and stir using a spatula. Return to oven for 5 minutes. Remove and stir again. You are wanting to lightly brown your oats and coconut. Continue baking and stirring every 5 minutes until you reach a golden color. Be careful not to leave it in for too long as it will begin to burn quickly.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2l_9WT0cr8/T1u_N3hi83I/AAAAAAAAAEA/sf_0bfuiNIw/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2l_9WT0cr8/T1u_N3hi83I/AAAAAAAAAEA/sf_0bfuiNIw/s400/025.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the golden color of the shredded coconut?<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Once you are satisfied with the color of your granola remove from oven and cool completely. Don't be alarmed if it still seems sticky or wet, it will dry and harden as it cools. This is your base. You can now add just about anything you would like. Some of the things my family enjoys:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-th64ARTNJqQ/T1u_Qx8RTqI/AAAAAAAAAEI/Mq0luXgjUik/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-th64ARTNJqQ/T1u_Qx8RTqI/AAAAAAAAAEI/Mq0luXgjUik/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
<li>chocolate chips</li>
<li>dried cranberries or blueberries</li>
<li>wheat germ</li>
<li>dried cherries</li>
<li>M&Ms</li>
<li>crispy rice cereal</li>
</ul>
<div>
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. I eat my granola every day over my homemade yogurt. It is also delicious as a cereal with milk. It is pretty common to see Girl running around with a sandwich baggie of granola in her hand. </div>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEAcI3Mf1hk/T1u_ToFo3gI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/nh1nWwOBRsM/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEAcI3Mf1hk/T1u_ToFo3gI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/nh1nWwOBRsM/s320/036.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl helping to store her favorite snack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/">Pin It</a>
<script src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00267064175752978731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-28101227127669971602012-03-10T09:09:00.000-05:002012-03-10T09:09:43.715-05:00This Week in Pictures<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOpb5NavuLw/T1oV8wmusAI/AAAAAAAACHc/OanPxomGlGk/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOpb5NavuLw/T1oV8wmusAI/AAAAAAAACHc/OanPxomGlGk/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy 3 playing in the dirt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2fpPLMGvEM/T1oV-V9yEoI/AAAAAAAACHk/eYOUZtDVx-g/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2fpPLMGvEM/T1oV-V9yEoI/AAAAAAAACHk/eYOUZtDVx-g/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Telling me he is busy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BAqpOiEJMQc/T1oV_cRZ5QI/AAAAAAAACHs/jMAm6X_DRTU/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BAqpOiEJMQc/T1oV_cRZ5QI/AAAAAAAACHs/jMAm6X_DRTU/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home from school. This Boy 3's "girlfriend" "Abanna" as he calls her.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1-nExxEHec/T1oWAmnxOSI/AAAAAAAACH0/IMJ0UhW3SlU/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1-nExxEHec/T1oWAmnxOSI/AAAAAAAACH0/IMJ0UhW3SlU/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6HzAlt0CEQ/T1oWB5VU5WI/AAAAAAAACH8/3gKoXyNUOm8/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6HzAlt0CEQ/T1oWB5VU5WI/AAAAAAAACH8/3gKoXyNUOm8/s400/011.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy 2 happy to be home from school.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Da9LH9vaVB4/T1oWC01RwrI/AAAAAAAACIE/r8QKssILW9w/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Da9LH9vaVB4/T1oWC01RwrI/AAAAAAAACIE/r8QKssILW9w/s400/028.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new feline friend, Jinx.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8d8PXYFeyCo/T1oWEMHvtVI/AAAAAAAACIM/splQEG6OkEI/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8d8PXYFeyCo/T1oWEMHvtVI/AAAAAAAACIM/splQEG6OkEI/s400/029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jinx making herself comfy on Girl's bed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNCmuz7Zg4A/T1oWHyeY-lI/AAAAAAAACIU/kjUbsJ488d8/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNCmuz7Zg4A/T1oWHyeY-lI/AAAAAAAACIU/kjUbsJ488d8/s400/034.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wonder what he is thinking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AKgkltOWNu8/T1oWJMnPCLI/AAAAAAAACIc/ASJ0JywrxIo/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AKgkltOWNu8/T1oWJMnPCLI/AAAAAAAACIc/ASJ0JywrxIo/s400/037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy 3's dirty fingers. Proof of a fun filled day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YNhG_2RMVHs/T1oWJ79FeQI/AAAAAAAACIk/GGySV3C5it8/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YNhG_2RMVHs/T1oWJ79FeQI/AAAAAAAACIk/GGySV3C5it8/s400/044.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl and Boy 3. She wanted her hair curly in the morning and he had to be just like her. It didn't last, the were out in a few minutes. He will love this photo in about 10 years! haha!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Don't forget to set those clocks ahead tonight!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10265305119801623759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-56675810157743712672012-03-09T00:00:00.000-05:002012-03-12T09:17:24.297-04:00Things I Don't Buy AnymoreI recently realized how our new way of living really is saving us money, and in turn is also keeping us healthier. I sat down and made a list of all the things that I no longer buy whether because I have found a less expensive way to do it myself, or because I want to avoid the harmful chemicals contained in the products. This is what I came up with.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: red;">deodorant</span> - contains harmful chemicals and the cost adds up. Let's say I was buying three sticks of deodorant each month for myself, Russell, and Boy 1. Let's also put the price on a more modest scale of $2.50/ea. That is a savings of $7.50 each month. I now make our deodorant using coconut oil, arrowroot powder, and essential oils. I'll post a recipe and how to in the future. </li>
<li><span style="color: red;">laundry detergent </span>- I wash anywhere between 4 and 8 loads of laundry a week. The cost of laundry detergent definitely adds up. By making my own <a href="http://pecanstreetusa.blogspot.com/2012/03/easy-diy-laundry-detergent.html">(laundry detergent recipe here)</a> I am definitely saving a good chunk of change. I figure the cost of my homemade detergent is around 0.05 cents per load. I am also avoiding strong perfumes and other chemicals AND I am reducing waste by reusing containers and not buying more! Sounds like a home run, saving around $20 each month.</li>
<li><span style="color: red;">fabric softener</span> - I won't lie. I miss fabric softener. I love the smell. I love the way it makes clothing smell. There is just something so comforting about it. But, alas, it is not necessary, and it does contain chemicals. I use <a href="http://pecanstreetusa.blogspot.com/2012/03/10-uses-for-white-vinegar.html">vinegar</a> now instead. Thankfully vinegar does the job without leaving a stinky smell on the clothes. Savings estimated at around $6 each month. </li>
<li><span style="color: red;">household cleaners</span> - I buy zero household cleaners now and instead make my own. I mostly use vinegar but I also use homemade concoctions from rosemary tea, lemon juice, alcohol, borax, fels-naptha, etc. I'll estimate $3 each month since this was not a monthly expense.</li>
<li><span style="color: red;">toothpaste</span> - I read bad bad things about fluoride and glycerin in our toothpastes and that was the end of that. I now make ours. It doesn't taste fabulous, but it gets the job done. Savings: $3 each month.</li>
<li><span style="color: red;">dryer sheets</span> - another luxury I gave up. Totally unnecessary, serves little purpose. Saving me $5 each month.</li>
<li><span style="color: red;">chap-stick</span> - This was an easy one to get rid of because I really enjoyed making our own lip balm. I found some local beeswax and a simple recipe. A very little goes such a long way. Look for a recipe in the future. I won't include this in the monthly savings because it was purchased on an as needed basis. </li>
<li><span style="color: red;">cold medicines</span> - We went the entire cold season without purchasing cough syrups or sinus medication. Instead, we used things like our vaporizer, neti pot, honey, vinegar, lemon juice, and vitamin C. Again, I won't include this one since it was an as needed type of purchase.</li>
<li><span style="color: red;">face wash</span> - Boy 3 has teenage acne, and I, who had beautiful clear skin as a teenager, am developing the horrible stuff now in my 30s! I was buying a mid-priced acne face wash for the both of us to use but not any more! We now clean our face with homemade soaps that we purchase locally and then use Bragg's Apple Cider vinegar as a topical treatment. It REALLY works. Saving me $4 each month. </li>
<li><span style="color: red;">lotions</span> - so many yucky things in lotion. We just skip it altogether and use either olive oil or coconut oil for moisturizing now. I believe you should not put anything on your skin that you would not put into your mouth. Let's say around $2 a month saved. </li>
<li><span style="color: red;">prepared granola</span> - This one is HUGE for me. I love my <a href="http://pecanstreetusa.blogspot.com/2012/03/recipe-make-your-own-healthy-granola.html">granola recipe</a> and it saves me so much money. By making my own I know exactly what is going into it. Look for a recipe soon. Total saving for my large family are at the very least $10 each month. <b>UPDATE: <a href="http://pecanstreetusa.blogspot.com/2012/03/recipe-make-your-own-healthy-granola.html">GRANOLA RECIPE</a> POSTED! </b></li>
</ul>
<div>
Total from the off-the-top-of-my-head list: $57.50. That's a full tank of gas! (for now)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This list doesn't even include the things I have been able to cut back on buying. Trash bags come to mind. By recycling, reusing, and <a href="http://pecanstreetusa.blogspot.com/2012/03/worm-compost.html">composting</a> I have noticed we have far less trash and thus use fewer trash bags. That's a very good thing. I always hated spending so much money on something that was immediately being thrown away. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How does your family save money on every day expenses? I would love to hear from you! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNpNyQVJHSU/T1i6-xdYQjI/AAAAAAAACHU/OM0VZYepZhU/s1600/piggybank.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNpNyQVJHSU/T1i6-xdYQjI/AAAAAAAACHU/OM0VZYepZhU/s320/piggybank.png" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Money in the bank!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10265305119801623759noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-10478348103723019352012-03-08T00:00:00.000-05:002012-03-08T00:00:04.068-05:0010 Uses for White VinegarVinegar is an incredibly useful and inexpensive must have in any home. Don't let the stinky smell steer you away. <br />
<ol>
<li><b>Window cleaner </b>- mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. </li>
<li><b>Fabric softener</b> - pour 1/2 cup white vinegar into your washing machine's fabric softener dispenser or add to the rinse cycle</li>
<li><b>Sunburn</b> - Soothe sunburn with a spray made of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water.</li>
<li><b>Clean coffee pot </b>- remove stubborn stains from the carafe by swishing 1/4 cup white vinegar around in it then washing. Also to clean the inside of your coffee pot mix 1/2 cup vinegar with enough water to fill your pot and run through coffee maker. Run clean water through once more. </li>
<li><b>Dishwasher rinse</b> - For spot free glasses fill your dishwasher's rinse aid compartment with white vinegar.</li>
<li><b>Hair conditioner</b> - In the shower, rinse your hair with white vinegar for shine and softness.</li>
<li><b>Stop stings and bites </b>- Using a cotton ball dab white vinegar on insect stings and bites for instant relief.</li>
<li><b>Kill unwanted weeds and grass</b> - Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and spray onto unwanted weeds and grass in your garden.</li>
<li><b>Polish chrome fixtures</b> - Shine up those faucets by dabbing white vinegar on a cleaning cloth and wipe down chrome fixtures.</li>
<li><b>Facial toner</b> - Depending on your skin type use either diluted, or undiluted vinegar on a cotton ball in place of a commercial toner. (keep away from eyes) I have found that this keeps my 30 yr old acne at bay too by creating an acidic environment where bacteria can not thrive. </li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lG584Oq6BxY/T1eW9axA_pI/AAAAAAAACHM/zG4qPPVSpd8/s1600/vinegar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lG584Oq6BxY/T1eW9axA_pI/AAAAAAAACHM/zG4qPPVSpd8/s400/vinegar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These are the top ten ways that my family uses vinegar. What are some of the ways you use vinegar? </div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10265305119801623759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-26077437649156391352012-03-07T12:00:00.000-05:002012-03-07T12:00:08.189-05:00Regrow Green OnionsI hate wasting fresh produce. Well, I never really waste it as it always goes to the <a href="http://pecanstreetusa.blogspot.com/2012/03/worm-compost.html">worms</a> anyway, but I still hate throwing it out. Did you know you can regrow your green onions and have them available for quite a long time? Mine have been going strong for three weeks now. They also add a bit of greenery to my kitchen, which is always nice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3DrB0LJxwHA/T1bAHua_zSI/AAAAAAAACHE/vdGqarHBCfk/s1600/onions.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3DrB0LJxwHA/T1bAHua_zSI/AAAAAAAACHE/vdGqarHBCfk/s1600/onions.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The next time you buy and use green onions put the bulbs in a glass or vase with a bit of water. Snip off what you need as you need it and watch more grow! Just change out the water periodically. Apparently you can regrow celery too. I've yet to try that but will post results as soon as I do. <br />
<br />
<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10265305119801623759noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-24280114218588023152012-03-07T00:00:00.000-05:002012-03-09T09:23:36.336-05:00Easy DIY Laundry Detergent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was spending so much money on laundry detergent before I found this recipe. My husband and Boy 3 have very sensitive skin and various allergies so I had to be really careful with what I used. We've been using this for about two months now and I am completely satisfied with it. Safe. Cheap. Effective.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All three ingredients were found on the same shelf at Wal-Mart on the laundry detergent aisle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>1 bar Fels-Naptha .99</li>
<li>1 cup Borax $3.49</li>
<li>1 cup Washing Soda $3.49</li>
</ul>
<div>
Use a cheese grater to grate the bar of Fels-Naptha. Mix together with Borax and Washing Soda in a medium sized bowl. Store in an airtight container. We use an old coffee container. I use 1 TBSP per load, 2 TBSP if it's a heavier or more soiled load. Yes, just 1 TBSP. I also use cold water for all of my washes and the soap dissolves just fine and leaves no residue behind. Keep in mind that this does not produce a lather. Suds do not equal clean. I love the fresh smell. One batch of this lasts me about a month and we go through A LOT of laundry as a family of six. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyaFhdwm950/T1a7tmDb34I/AAAAAAAACG0/WTQcXixWikQ/s1600/laundry.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyaFhdwm950/T1a7tmDb34I/AAAAAAAACG0/WTQcXixWikQ/s1600/laundry.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1DIY8_ZDPk/T1a7u7nCKpI/AAAAAAAACG8/90l-jKPwmyc/s1600/laundry2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L1DIY8_ZDPk/T1a7u7nCKpI/AAAAAAAACG8/90l-jKPwmyc/s1600/laundry2.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10265305119801623759noreply@blogger.com0Virginia, USA37.4315734 -78.656894234.2055064 -83.7106052 40.6576404 -73.603183199999989tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-50580728104282143702012-03-06T20:29:00.007-05:002012-03-06T20:30:14.876-05:00Signs of SpringIt was a bit cold and windy today but Boy 3 and I did get outside for just a bit to take some photos of the flowers that are blooming. I love the first colors of Spring. The weather has been very strange here in central Virginia. Yesterday there was snow on the ground, tomorrow it is supposed to be near 70 degrees!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zc8SG5DWkeY/T1a5szlHxZI/AAAAAAAACF8/SkZwxvw9KDk/s1600/blueflower.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zc8SG5DWkeY/T1a5szlHxZI/AAAAAAAACF8/SkZwxvw9KDk/s1600/blueflower.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QBCvq8QVh2g/T1a5txXHpiI/AAAAAAAACGE/TVLszJLufQQ/s1600/boy3flower.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QBCvq8QVh2g/T1a5txXHpiI/AAAAAAAACGE/TVLszJLufQQ/s1600/boy3flower.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fA8y9Q-7aic/T1a5vcNAC9I/AAAAAAAACGM/6KNkP2Qvsuw/s1600/boy3redflowers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fA8y9Q-7aic/T1a5vcNAC9I/AAAAAAAACGM/6KNkP2Qvsuw/s1600/boy3redflowers.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92v8jQCTTw8/T1a5w08DvMI/AAAAAAAACGU/AWW0nujBr68/s1600/bud.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-92v8jQCTTw8/T1a5w08DvMI/AAAAAAAACGU/AWW0nujBr68/s1600/bud.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_7oXLbNQZU/T1a5ymfkW_I/AAAAAAAACGc/Jobo9IUTVjc/s1600/daffodil.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_7oXLbNQZU/T1a5ymfkW_I/AAAAAAAACGc/Jobo9IUTVjc/s1600/daffodil.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnmrY2icES8/T1a5z-_5IKI/AAAAAAAACGk/r_m2tIVcqBI/s1600/redflower.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnmrY2icES8/T1a5z-_5IKI/AAAAAAAACGk/r_m2tIVcqBI/s1600/redflower.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mt_4bhrlVC0/T1a51PN3HmI/AAAAAAAACGs/PMyuschJwoU/s1600/redflower2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mt_4bhrlVC0/T1a51PN3HmI/AAAAAAAACGs/PMyuschJwoU/s1600/redflower2.png" /></a></div>
<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10265305119801623759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-1339207701481271682012-03-06T16:10:00.000-05:002012-03-06T16:55:38.564-05:00FREE Amazon Gift Cards<span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">For me, getting gift cards that I can use, at face value, to buy just about anything I want from Amazon makes perfect sense. I get $5 gift cards for</span><a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/angand5" style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">FREE</a><span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">. Yes, free. No strings attached. I can then use those gift cards to purchase anything on the Amazon website. I do this simply by searching the internet like we all do. Instead of using more popular search engines I use</span><a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/angand5" style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a><span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">.</span><br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">What is <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/angand5" style="color: #999999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a>?</b><br />
<b style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /></b><br />
<a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/angand5" style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a><span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> is a search engine, much like Google or Bing, but with the ability to earn points or "swag bucks" that can be redeemed for merchandise. </span><a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/angand5" style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a><span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> offers all kinds of merchandise in their store but I always go for the $5 Amazon.com gift cards. Every time I earn 450 swag bucks I redeem them for a $5 gift card. I am given a gift card number, I log into Amazon, apply the code, and voila! I have added $5 to my stash for shopping on Amazon.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I know, it sounds way too easy, but I'm telling you, it really is that simple. There are many ways you can earn swag bucks like referring friends, taking polls, shopping your favorite sites, searching the web and more. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Do yourself a serious favor and sign up for </span><a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/angand5" style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Swagbucks</a><span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> today. Do me a serious favor and use my referral link to do so. We'll both reap the rewards and everyone leaves happy. You'll thank me later. :-)</span><br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">What you get:</b><span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> When you </span><a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/angand5" style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">sign up</a><span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> today you will receive 30 swag bucks immediately.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">What I get:</b><span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> When you </span><a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/angand5" style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">sign up</a><span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> using my referral code I also receive swag bucks as you do, up to 1,000.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/angand5" style="color: #999999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_top"><img alt="Search & Win" border="0" src="http://prodegebanners.sitegrip.com/images/swagbucks-173x63Alt2.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" title="Search & Win" /></a></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00267064175752978731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-15869795627829972192012-03-06T16:09:00.000-05:002012-03-06T20:31:13.373-05:00Backyard Gardening<span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">My husband and I try our hardest to feed our children and ourselves the healthiest foods available. This often comes with a high price. Choosing organic and natural foods definitely comes with a higher price, but we believe paying the higher prices now will save us money in the long run. By choosing to eat better we are healthier and require less medicines and doctor visits.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcSadLcyzFQ/T1a43pT2PWI/AAAAAAAACF0/dbFy6lw6zFs/s1600/gardenbefore.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcSadLcyzFQ/T1a43pT2PWI/AAAAAAAACF0/dbFy6lw6zFs/s1600/gardenbefore.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The space between the wooden stakes will be our garden.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">We spend the bulk of our grocery budget on fresh, or freshly frozen, fruits and vegetables. This year we are hoping to cut some of those costs by planting and growing our own produce. We just moved into this house last November and have a good space in the backyard for a nice sized garden. We'll actually have three spaces for growing. One large space for the bulk of our vegetables like zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, carrots, spinach and peppers, another smaller space for various herbs, and a separate space for corn and sunflowers, and whatever else we can think of. Our neighbor asked us to plant corn on the far side of our yard because she is afraid it will attract raccoons to her Koi pond.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I am hoping to get our plants started inside this week some time. This should give us enough time to get the ground tilled and fertilized. The weather has not been very cooperative as of late, but that should be changing in the next couple of weeks. I am very excited to be able to get outside and get started on my garden!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #faf7ed; clear: both; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w846hxwHOH4/T1TrqHf0D5I/AAAAAAAAAFg/0PCSPBzZsj4/s1600/goodhealthquote.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc6600; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w846hxwHOH4/T1TrqHf0D5I/AAAAAAAAAFg/0PCSPBzZsj4/s320/goodhealthquote.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div>Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00267064175752978731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5791411610047512290.post-9882658299841289382012-03-06T15:47:00.000-05:002012-03-06T16:56:43.121-05:00Worm Compost<span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Since we plan to have a garden this year and we are not about to purchase and use any crazy fertilizers with words we cannot pronounce and chemicals that can and will compromise our produce and our health we have been composting, or rather "feeding the worms", as we tell our three year old, since December.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">What is vermicompost?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Vermicompost is a rich organic material produced when worms eat and then expel organic matter. Or, worm poop. It is much more scientific than that but I will not bore you with it here. However, for those of you who must know, you may click </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermipost#Vermicompost" style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> to read more.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">What You'll Need:</span><br />
<br />
<ul style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">a bin, preferably with a lid and air holes drilled into the sides. (we used an old storage tote)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">dirt</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">worms (we used worms found in the back yard, seriously)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">leaves or pine straw</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">organic kitchen scraps (fruits, veggies, tea grounds, coffee grounds, etc)</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Seriously, that is it. You start out by making a bedding for your little friends with the dirt and leaves. Make sure it is moist, but not sopping wet. Put your little guys in their new home and make sure to keep them out of the cold. Collect your organic material on a daily basis just by saving your veggie peels, fruit cores, coffee grounds, etc. It helps to chop up the larger pieces. Feed this stuff to your worms and watch it transform. Your worms will multiply. (This is excellent news for us because we love to fish in the summer!) </div>
<div style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /></div>
<div style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
I'm not there yet with mine, but from what I understand, when the matter you have given to your worms is pretty unrecognizable it is ready to be used in your garden. To harvest your compost you can push all of matter to one side of your bin and add new bedding and food, apparently the worms will travel over to the new stuff and you can just scoop out and use the old stuff. Sounds easy enough to me. </div>
<div style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /></div>
<div style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
I'll definitely keep you updated on the status of our vermicompost. Here are some photos of ours:</div>
<div style="background-color: #faf7ed; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #faf7ed; clear: both; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NZQQ-48iIY/T1T2bzBvV5I/AAAAAAAAAFo/fFATKs3IPvA/s1600/worm1.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NZQQ-48iIY/T1T2bzBvV5I/AAAAAAAAAFo/fFATKs3IPvA/s400/worm1.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #faf7ed; clear: both; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Can you see my little worm friend?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #faf7ed; clear: both; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PaABC9-HB4U/T1T2guvyd8I/AAAAAAAAAFw/rhzCrVeoWjY/s1600/worm2.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PaABC9-HB4U/T1T2guvyd8I/AAAAAAAAAFw/rhzCrVeoWjY/s400/worm2.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #faf7ed; clear: both; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
There he is!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #faf7ed; clear: both; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itGeNpFv5l4/T1T2iL1nvnI/AAAAAAAAAF4/d_LRInrDv88/s1600/worm3.png" imageanchor="1" style="color: #999999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itGeNpFv5l4/T1T2iL1nvnI/AAAAAAAAAF4/d_LRInrDv88/s400/worm3.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: #faf7ed; clear: both; color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
I personally think there may be too many leaves in this, but something is working because you definitely cannot see banana peels or apple cores in there. </div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00267064175752978731noreply@blogger.com0