Thursday, June 30, 2011

Backyard Garden- End of June


Blackberry Bush


Cherry Bush

Cucumbers

Bed 1 and 2 - June 30 2011


Bed 1 and 2 on June 6 2011
 I can't believe how much everything has grown!


Hot Peppers

Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes


Big Oak Tree behind the House

A feathered Friend who came to visit when I filled the bird feeder


~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_




and

Farmchicks Farm Photo Friday

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Dollar General $5.00 off Coupon

Remember the Razor Deal I told you about at Dollar General this week?

I found this coupon for $5.00 off at Dollar General good for July 2, 2011 only.

If you combine the sale, coupons and the $5.00 off, that would be 12 Razors for $7.00

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Raspberry Jam


Kroger had Red Raspberries on sale 10 for $10.00
I took advantage of the sale and made some Raspberry Jam today.

I got 10 jelly jars and 2 pints of Jam from this batch of jam


Look at the pretty labels I made!



Sunday, June 26, 2011

Deal at Dollar General

Deal Alert:

Dollar General has 3 pack Schick Xtreme 3 Disposable Razors on sale for $4.50.
$1.00 off Coupons have been in past inserts. I also had a BOGO Coupon.

I got a total of 12 Razors for $12.00

Walgreen's Shopping Trip

$70 worth.of stuff for $40 at Walgreens

Then my bank gave me $2.00 back in their PreReward program!!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

I wish.........


I got a flyer for Farm Apparel in the mail the other day.
I assume I got it because I subscribe to Hobby Farm Homes.

I love the logo.
I want to find some one to make a sign like it for our little backyard "farm"

Monday, June 20, 2011

What Real Extreme Couponing Looks Like


While the show Extreme Couponing is great... It is unrealistic.

Cart after cart  loaded with items is great but Most "extreme couponers" do not shop like that all the time.
That may happen when stores are having mega sales or inentives but for the most part, real extreme  couponing looks like this.



I check the Sunday Ads and see what is on sale at my favorite stores.
I match up items on sale with coupons that I have.
Then I make detailed lists of what to get.
I do this with envelopes.
I make the lists on the outside and put the coupons inside.



Tip #1
Use Blogs to find coupon match ups.
This save a tremendous amount of time!

Tip #2
You will notice that my lists are not a "super haul" or
a complete grocery list by any means
Once you have a stockpile of items amassed
You can just shop for deal or sale items.

***********

Now let's look at my Walgreens Receipt for this week


You will note that almost all items I got were on sale.
Usually, I do not buy an item unless it is on sale.
The only exception is the Pledge Fabric Sweepers. I had $1.00 off coupons that were about to expire.



So in this trip:
I saved $11.86 by buying sale items.
I had $5.75 in coupon savings.
I got a free toothpaste tube and toothbrush in a buy one get one promo

Sunday, June 19, 2011

The New and Improved Coupon Binder


This was my old coupon binder.
Just an accordion file divided into 12 categories.

I also had envelopes of subcategories in each section.

It got a little confusing remembering what was where......

So I ordered a  Coupon Binder Kit from www.momsaves.com 

I had started to price out making or buying all the parts and found
that it was cheaper just to buy the kit from www.momsaves.com


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Here is the completed project. It took me about 5 hours
to put the binder all together, label, divide, sort and load everything.


I also had to make a run to the Office Supply Store
to get more section dividers and some card stock

I ended up with 42 category sections
covering everything from food to health and beauty items

I organized it to follow the layout of my favorite grocery store.
The one that gives double coupons!!

The sections are easy to read and get to,
 so if I decided to go somewhere else
it won't be a problem to find the right coupons.

I put in heavy card stock in the plastic holders
 so I could use each section front and back.
Increasing the amount of coupons I can store!

I ran out of the pretty paper so on the last few
I just used some index cards.


And here it is all loaded with coupons!

This was a bit of a task, I admit.
But as I was putting coupons in I noticed that I was
able to do it faster than with the old system.
And I can flip to a section and see what coupons I have in a matter of seconds.
This will help while I am looking at the weekly ads
and on shopping day.


So now I am ready for this weeks shopping trip!





Linking to Homestead Revival Barn Hop

Friday, June 17, 2011

Home Remedies for Bronchitis

I have had Bronchitis going on 2 weeks now. I have been to the Doctor and have been on a round of antibiotics and steroids but it doesn't seem to be getting better. I am researching home remedies for bronchitis on the Internet and thought I would share some with you.

1: Humidify Your Environment

 Believe it or not, coughing is actually good for you. It's the body's way of eliminating the infection that causes bronchitis. So, instead of stifling a cough with an over-the-counter suppressant, help it along by using a warm- or cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air. (Take care to use and clean the humidifier according to the manufacturer's instructions.) The added humidity will help bring the sputum (matter that's coughed out of the body) up and out of the body. Standing in a steamy shower with the bathroom door closed, keeping a pan of water at a slow boil on the stove (never leave it unattended!), and using a tea kettle to shoot out warm, moist air can also help loosen and bring up phlegm. And if you have a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to add to the water, these can be quite soothing.

Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier with Auto Shut-Off

2: Drink Plenty of Liquids

Drinking fluids can help get rid of mucus.
Taking in extra liquids helps keep the sputum more fluid and therefore easier to expel. It doesn't really matter what type of liquid you drink, although tea, soup and other warm liquids may feel better than cold ones. As a bonus, warm fluids may also soothe the irritated throat that may result from all that coughing.
You can also use water for a steam treatment. Fill the sink with hot water, bend down to it, cover your head with a towel and breathe in the steam. Add a few drops of eucalyptus, peppermint or rosemary oil, if you have one of them. These help clear and soothe the respiratory passages.

3: Gargle with Warm Saltwater

 Gargling with saltwater may provide a double dose of relief by soothing the inflammation in the throat and by cutting through some of the mucus that may be coating and irritating the sensitive throat membranes. It only takes one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water; too much salt causes burning in the throat, and too little is ineffective. Gargle as often as needed, but be sure to spit the salty water out after gargling.


4: Rest, Rest, Rest

Since your bout with bronchitis probably followed on the heels of a cold or the flu, you may find it hard to sit still any longer. But walking around with bronchitis will only make you feel worse and slow your body's ability to fight the infection, so you'll need to take it easy a little longer. Those who won't be exposed to your germs will probably be thankful, too.


5: Take Aspirin or Ibuprofen to Relieve Chest Pain

Aspirin can help with chest pain.
If a bout with bronchitis produces muscle pain in the chest, these anti-inflammatory medications may provide some relief. Acetaminophen doesn't have an anti-inflammatory effect and so may be less helpful.

6: Use a Cough Remedy as a Last Resort

 Remember, coughing is your body's way of driving out the infection and keeping your breathing passages clear. The best cough remedies for bronchitis contain guaifenesin, which helps bring up sputum. But if you're at the end of your rope and can't bear another minute of hacking, especially if it's been keeping you from getting the sleep you need to recover, you can try a medicine that contains the cough suppressant dextromethorphan. Take it only as often as absolutely needed. Check with your doctor if you're unsure. Combination products should generally be avoided; decongestants, antihistamines, and alcohol (common ingredients in combination products) have no role in the treatment of coughs and may even increase discomfort by causing side effects. Most of the candy-type cough drops act as demulcents on the throat; in other words, their soothing properties are due largely to their sugar content.

7: Keep an Eye Out for Complications

 While letting nature take its course is generally the best treatment for acute bronchitis, complications can sometimes occur, so you'll need to stay alert for signs that it's time to see your doctor. The most worrisome complications include pneumonia, sinus infection and ear infection, all of which need to be treated with prescription antibiotics. Signs that one or more of these complications may be present include a persistent high fever (not a typical characteristic of bronchitis), severe shortness of breath, prolonged coughing spells or a cough that lasts more than four to six weeks, severe chest pain, pain behind the eyes or ear pain. Be on the lookout for blood in your sputum or sputum that changes dramatically in color or consistency, and report it to your doctor. In addition, tell your doctor if you suffer frequent bouts of bronchitis, since you may be suffering from a more serious respiratory problem that requires medical treatment.

8: Almonds

Almonds are full of health benefits.
These little cure-all nuts have loads of vitamins and nutrients, and they're said to help everything from mental acuity to sexual vitality. Rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium, almonds are especially known for their healing powers in respiratory illness. So when you're down with bronchitis, eat them in any form (except candy-coated or chocolate-covered). Sliver some almonds and garnish your veggies. They're good in a citrus fruit salad for a little added crunch or rubbed in a little honey, coated with cinnamon, and roasted in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 25 minutes.

Raw Organic Almonds (1 Pound Bulk)

9: Honey and Onions

 To relieve the cough that comes from bronchitis, slice an onion into a bowl, then cover with honey. Allow to stand overnight, then remove the onion. Take 1 teaspoon of the honey, four times a day.
Onions are expectorants and help the flow of mucus. You can also eat onions raw, cooked, baked, in soups and stews or as seasoning.


10: LemonsIt's a tart little fruit, but a lemon is incredibly useful.These help rid the respiratory system of bacteria and mucus. Make a cup of lemon tea by grating 1 teaspoon lemon rind and adding it to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes. Or, you can boil a lemon wedge. Strain into a cup and drink. For a sore throat that comes from coughing, add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to 1 cup warm water and gargle. This helps bring up phlegm.

Darice Big Value Decorative Fruit (Package of 18) - 60 Millimeters - Lemons


11: Bay Leaf

 Ancient Romans and Greeks loved bay leaves. They believed that this simple herb was the source of happiness, clairvoyance and artistic inspiration. Whatever the case, it does act as an expectorant and is best taken in tea. To make the tea, tear a leaf (fresh or dried) and steep in 1 cup boiling water.

12: Other Herbs

Savory. This potent, peppery herb is said to rid the lungs of mucus. Use it as a tea by adding 1/2 teaspoon savory to 1 cup boiling water. Drink only once a day.

Thyme. This herb helps rid the body of mucus, strengthens the lungs to fight off infection, and acts as a shield against bacteria. Use it dried as a seasoning or make a tea by adding 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon thyme (it's a very strong herb, so you don't need much) to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes and sweeten with honey. If you have thyme oil on hand, dilute it (2 parts olive or corn oil to 1 part thyme oil) and rub on the chest to cure congestion.


13: Spices

 The warmth of an old-fashioned mustard plaster relieves symptoms of many respiratory ailments, including bronchitis. Take 1 tablespoon dry mustard and mix with 4 tablespoons flour. Stir in enough warm water to make a runny paste. Oil the chest with vegetable shortening or olive oil, then spread the mustard mix on a piece of cloth -- muslin, gauze, a kitchen washcloth -- and cover with an identical piece. Apply to the chest. Keep in place until cool, but check every few minutes to make sure it doesn't burn the skin. Remove the plaster if it causes discomfort or burning.

Ginger is also a potent expectorant that works well in tea. Steep 1/2 teaspoon ginger, a pinch of ground cloves, and a pinch of cinnamon in 1 cup boiling water.

Olde Thompson 16-Jar Orbit Spice Rack



I think I might try a few of these.

Anyone out there have any tried and true home remedies for Bronchitis?



*info from Discovery Fit & Health

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Make your own Oatmeal Packets

Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets


Super easy homemade instant oatmeal packets put boxed packets to shame!

Ingredients

• 3 cups Quick-Cooking Oats

• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar

Directions

1. In a food processor pulse 1 cup of oats until coarse powder.

2. Mix powder oats with whole oats and brown sugar in large bowl.

3. Mix in your flavor options…listed below.

4. Place 1/3 Cup Oatmeal Mix in each ziploc bag or single serve container.

5. To serve: Empty packet into a bowl. Add 3/4 cup boiling water or hot milk. Stir and let stand for 2 minutes.

6. For thicker oatmeal, use less liquid – for thinner oatmeal, use more liquid.


Notes
Gluten Free- Make sure you buy Certified Gluten Free Oats.
Dairy Free- Do not use powdered milk option. Use Milk alternative as liquid for creamy oatmeal.

Possible Mix Ins (Customize it to your taste)
-Craisins/Raisins
-Any Type of Dried or Fresh Fruit
-Cinnamon
-Powdered Milk (for a creamy taste)
-Sprinkles
-Pop Rocks
-Chocolate Chips

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

First Canning Session of the Year

I made Strawberry Jam today.

10 Pints and 11 Jelly Jars.

Strawberry Shortcake for Dessert too!






*Linking to Homestead Revival Preparedness Challenge

Empty Store Shelves Coming to America

Empty Store Shelves Coming to America

The video below shows an event not so long ago that should be considered as a “preview” of the coming economic collapse due to hyperinflation. Sit down with your family and watch the video with them together. Discuss with them what essentials you should be spending on when a collapse like that happens in the whole country.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Family Garden- Day 45


This is the Family Garden up at Matt's Mom's House in Tipp City
To see more Pictures go here.....McGatha Garden Co Op


 




*linking to The Homestead Revival Barn Hop

Sunday, June 12, 2011

There's an App for that?? Card Star



Tired of carrying around all those pesky reward and membership cards on your key chain or in your wallet?



Go Cardless with CardStar™ and leave those bulky plastic “reward cards” and “club cards” at home!


CardStar® lets you easily store, manage and quickly retrieve your reward, club, and loyalty cards on your smart phone, where they can be scanned directly from your screen at most merchants.


Best of all, receive coupons and deals to all your local and national merchants, at no cost to you!


www.mycardstar.com or www.itunes.com

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Impossibly Easy Cheesecake

Impossibly Easy Cheesecake


3/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup Original Bisquick® mix
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, cut into about 1/2-inch cubes and softened


1.Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch pie plate.

2.Place milk, vanilla, eggs, sugar and the Bisquick mix in blender. Cover and blend on high speed 15 seconds. Add cream cheese. Blend 2 minutes longer. Pour into pie plate.

3.Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean; cool. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Cover and refrigerate any remaining cheesecake.



Topping: If desired, make topping and spread over top of completely cooled cheesecake. Stir together 1 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Serve with fruit.

Makes 6 servings


Special Touch
Garnish each slice of cheesecake with fresh fruit or edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums.

Variation
For a deliciously decadent cheesecake, drizzle it with fudge and caramel toppings and sprinkle with chopped pecans.



Find more impossibly easy recipes at www.bettycrocker.com

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Look what My Husband got me!

It's a Food Storage and Rotation System from Shelf Reliance!

Food storage management has never been easier thanks to the Harvest 72". Featuring patented front-loading technology that automatically rotates cans on a first in first out basis, the Harvest 72" is the largest, most popular food rotation system offered by Shelf Reliance. This FRS is easy to adjust for different can sizes and boasts the capacity to hold 460 cans. With its easy-fit design and unique features, the Harvest 72" makes food storage management a breeze.

Before and After photos in process!

He is downstairs cussing..... I mean putting it together now.


*linking to Homestead Revival Preparedness Challenge

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Garden is Planted.....Finally

The completed Grape Arbor


Bed One and Bed Two

Bed One

Bed Two

Blackberry Bush
( I planted some wildflower seeds around it. Not sure I am liking the look.)


Bed for the Cherry Bushes

Bed for the Cucumbers. I also threw in some beets on the ends.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Flowering Cherry Hedge


We are adding a Cherry Hedge to our backyard garden.
Now we will have blackberries and cherries.
We plan to add blueberries and strawberries next year.



A Living Fence Of  Flowers!
Sweet, Juicy, Delicious Fruit! Lush Green Foliage! - Winter Hardy Fruit up to 2" around. PROLIFIC, JUST 3 PLANTS MAKE AN ORCHARD. Who says that for cherries by the bushel you have to nurse, baby and coax a tree for half a lifetime? It used to be that way - BUT NO MORE! Not since the development of the amazing fruiting hedge you see pictured on this page.


Flowering Cherry Hedge
Erupts in a 5-feet high flower wall of bloom... a dazzling living fence of lush green foliage and snowdrifts of white blossoms... loaded down with clusters of luscious cherries to eat by the bowlful, smack off the bush... or for delicious pies, jellies and jams.

Easy To Grow… Even In Poor Soil!
And It's Winter Hardy Down To 40 Below Zero! And look how simple it is! Just drop in the ground _ water when needed _ and starting next spring get set for a Non-Stop Cherry Festival year after year.

The Flowering Cherry Hedge                      The Flowering Cherry Hedge                           




Get yours here: