The Way Grandmama Does It

Made From Scratch Blog Hop Number 9...

2012-03-02T21:05:00.004-05:00

First Saturday of the month means

"Made From Scratch Blog Hop"!

I'm really excited to see what everyone has been making from scratch so please link up below!

My project this week may sound mundane and simple

but I got quite excited making my own butter from scratch.

Recently I have changed from margarine to real butter for health reasons. I want a spreadable butter and the brand I am currently buying is expensive. Have you noticed that the "unnatural" spreadable margarines can be purchased in these huge tubs at a fraction of the cost of a small tub of butter?

This tub cost me around $4.00 for 7 ounces.

So I decided to make my butter from scratch. This is so incredibly easy and I don't know why I waited so long to do this.

I found 16 ounce cartons of whipping cream on sale for $2.00 each.

First I poured the carton of whipping cream and 1/2 tsp of salt in a mixing bowl. I beat the cream on high for about 5 minutes.

Eventually the liquid thickens up like a whipped topping.

At this stage, I changed my beater to the paddle beater and scrapped down the sides of the bowl.

Now comes the fun part! Keep beating on high and watch the butter separate from the buttermilk liquid.

It is quite fascinating to watch.

Now drain off the milk and save it for use in recipes. I plan to make muffins tomorrow and will use it instead of regular milk.

Roll the butter into a ball and run under cold water rinsing until water runs clear. This helps remove all the buttermilk and will give the butter a longer shelf life.

Isn't this a pretty ball of butter!

I pressed the butter into an empty tub and placed in the refrigerator.

This tub cost me $2.00 and I have a half pint of butter milk left over.

Pretty sweet!

For a creamy spreadable butter just add some olive oil to formed butter and mix well in blender.

This summer when my herbs are in I want to make some flavored butters.

Basil, Thyme, and Parsley butters can be made with freshly chopped herbs mixed with the formed butter.

Garlic butter. I love this butter my steaks. Mix together 1/2 cup of butter, 1 clove of garlic minced, freshly chopped parsley, salt and freshly ground pepper together. Roll butter into a log, wrap in wax paper and twist ends. Refrigerate until hard. Then cut off what you need.

More butter ideas...

Lemon butter for shrimp

1/2 cup of butter mixed with 1 tsp fresh lemon juice,

1 tbsp grated lemon zest. Melt the butter and dip the shrimp. Yum!

Strawberry butter

1/2 cup of butter mixed with chopped strawberries and 2 tbsp. powdered sugar. Refrigerate and spread on hot biscuits!

Cinnamon Honey butter

1/2 cup butter, 2 tsp. cinnamon, 2 tbsp. powdered sugar, 1/2 cup honey. Mix well in a blender and spread on hot bread! Oh how good!

Try making your own butters...so easy and very economical.

It's your turn! Link up friends...

I'm linking up with:
http://lilsuburbanhomestead.wordpress.com/2012/03/02/the-ole-saturday-homesteading-trading-post-no-14-and-jerusalem-artichokes-another-way-to-prep-in-the-garden/

and

http://deborahjeansdandelionhouse.blogspot.com/2012/03/farmgirl-friday-47-and-our-winner.html

WE HAVE A WINNER!

2012-03-02T18:28:00.000-05:00

Today's the day!

Announcing the winner of Grammie's Give-A-Way...

(sorry it took so long! Had trouble uploading the video)

First let me say that the best part of this contest was learning about my bloggin' friends! It is amazing how much we have in common!

So many of you love sewing, making quilts, cooking, gardening, canning and just about everything I like!

Lots of chicken raising and hopeful chicken raising going on...I am a hopeful!

Thanks so much for your comments. I loved reading each and every one.

Just to let you know that I wrote all names on stickie notes, folded then neatly exactly the same way and then placed in a bowl.

My sweetie drew the name for me.
(He is feeling better today)

So without further ado...

I will email the winner to get the vital information.

Wishing I could have given all you a little something!

You have my thanks for being my bloggin' friend followers!

Lisa
aka "Grammie"

If you didn't hear the winner it is
LABBIE 1!

Reminder...Grandmama's Give-A-Way Drawing 3/2!

2012-03-01T16:12:00.001-05:00

Don't forget my give-a-way drawing will be Friday, March 2!

Here is the link to my contest post:
http://grandmamadoesit.blogspot.com/2012/02/celebrating-my-100-google-follower.html

Be sure to leave a comment about yourself on that post to enter.

I will announce the winner at 6 p.m. March 2!

Thanks!

Homemade Moisturizing Lotions....

2012-02-29T11:25:00.001-05:00

I am loving my homemade skin moisturizing lotions.

Several weeks ago I posted about making homemade deodorant using a coconut oil base. I have been using the deodorant for about a month and am thrilled with the results.

Here's the link for that post...

http://grandmamadoesit.blogspot.com/2012/01/made-from-scratch-blog-hop-number-5.html

I also made a couple of jars of skin moisturizer using the coconut oil, beeswax, aloe vera gel, distilled water, and lavendar essential oil.

Take a look sometime at the ingredients on a bottle of lotion or moisturizer. I found urea listed on my store brand of cocoa butter lotion.
Yuck!

The bees wax came from a dear friend who keeps bees and I purchased the coconut oil from the health food store.

These are the easy steps for making a chemical free lotion...

First grate 2 tbsp. of bees wax and melt in a double boiler.

Next add 3/4 cup of extra virgin coconut oil and melt with the bees wax.

Heat in a separate pot 1/4 cup of distilled water until hot.

Check the temperatures of the melted wax/oil and the distilled water using a candy thermometer. Both pots should register at the same temperature.

Pour both pots into a blender at the same time. Blend for 1 minute. Then add the 1/2 cup aloe vera gel, and 1 tsp. lavendar essential oil. Blend again for a full 2 minutes.

This is the fun part...while blending the mixture turns into a lovely cream.

Pour into a clean container and that's it!

This lotion not only smells divine but is so creamy and saturates the skin nicely.

I made a batch several weeks back and took a jar to work. My friends tried it and loved it too! So I made a jar for each one of them.

This is a rich night cream I made using 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup coconut oil, 2 tbsp. shredded bees wax, 1/4 cup distilled water and 1 tsp. tea tree essential oil.

This one is so rich and is great to use after a night shower for extra moisturizing.

Now I am on a roll and looking for more homemade products. Searching for a nice moisturizing shampoo and conditioner recipe. Also looking for some glass pump bottles to store my lotions.

For now the canning jars are working nicely.

Do you have any favorite homemade beauty product recipes?

The Unexpected...

2012-02-28T10:23:00.003-05:00

Unbelievable how quickly a person can turn deathly sick.

My sweet husband got sick last Saturday and went from bad to worse in just a few hours. He ended up in the hospital on Sunday and has not been released as of Tuesday.

Without discussing all the problems and treatments let me say he is one sick baby! Hopefully the new antibiotics will kick in today and he can start on liquids.

The last few days and nights for me have been at the

hospital observing, nursing, and praying.

I rallied my Facebook friends and family to pray Monday after a bad time and he did improve during the night and this morning.

Prayer does work my friends!

Hopefully the new antibiotics will kick in and he will get better every hour.

His precious Grandbaby Hailey sent him a picture last night. She is holding the Pooh Bear he gave her for Christmas.

Of course, he perked up after seeing her!

So many thoughts running through my head these last few hours...

I am just realizing that I have a problem solving personality. Give me a problem and I immediately think of ways to solve it and avoid it happening again.

So while sitting in the hospital I will be researching online and looking for healthy preventions to put in to place when we get home.

We do NOT want this to happen again!

Sickness also brings with it loss of work and pay. That's why I know how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected. Having a plan in place in case something happens to a loved one is vital to staying on track financially.

I am thankful for insurance and savings!

More blessings to be thankful for...

Thankful for the great Doctors and Nurses at this hospital.

(We still have the greatest healthcare system in the world!)

Thankful for antibiotics, fever, and pain medications!

Thankful for friends who call, text, and are lifting him up in prayer.

Thankful to God for blessing me with this man for the last 30 years!

We would appreciate your prayers too!

Pray for healing and strength to come to him hopefully soon.

Thank you!

UPDATE!!!

WE ARE HOME!

WEAK BUT HEALING!

STAYING ON ANTIBIOTICS FOR A MONTH.

SO THANKFUL HE IS GOING TO BE OKAY.

I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR PRAYERS.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Prepping To Share...

2012-02-25T14:31:00.002-05:00

Prepping to share is a topic you don't often hear much about. There are plenty of blogs and websites that tell you how to build a huge pantry that can feed your family for 3 years or more... How to stock up on gold and guns..How to live a self sufficient lifestyle, and How to grow your own food.

I browse and learn new things but rarely do I see anything about prepping to help those in need.

(Let me pause for a moment to say this:

I do not believe in hoarding, buying up gold, or stashing away large amounts of cash. The Bible has plenty to say about what happens when we store up treasures on earth and my faith rests in the Lord for all needs.)

But what about those who are truly in need...like the "widows, orphans, sick, destitute, and single mothers"?

With those in mind I decided to start "Prepping to Share".

Here is a complete meal bag I created using food in my own pantry.

I made up two types of meals bags that will feed a family of 4. Everything is placed inside a gallon zip lock bag. Today I was able to make 8 meal bags.

For the chicken and rice meal...

I placed 1 can of chicken breast meat, 2 cups of rice along with 2 chicken bouillon cubes in a smaller zip lock bag, 1 can of peas, and a biscuit mix pack.

I typed up the directions for cooking the chicken and rice on a card and placed in each bag.

Here are the directions I typed on the card...

Chicken and Rice Dinner - Feeds family of 4

Bring 4 ½ cups of water to a boil. Add salt to taste and the 2 chicken bouillon cubes. Pour in the 2 cups of rice and stir well. While still boiling add the canned undrained chicken meat and stir again. Reduce heat to low, put a lid on the pot and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Remove lid and fluff chicken and rice with fork to see if done.

(I put bible verses on the card too)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him will not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

The next bag meal prepared was canned ham, family size box of macaroni and cheese, can of peas, and a corn muffin mix.

All meals are zip locked and ready to share. I boxed the meals and store in my pantry.

When a need arises I am ready to help.

Other ideas are...

Can of corned beef and box of scalloped potatoes.

Family size can of chunky beef stew mixes with a bag of rice.

Can of salmon and bag of rice.

Each time you purchase foods to stock your own pantry remember to pick up enough to make an extra family meal bag for someone in need.

Times are rough for families, single moms, and the elderly right now. Loss of jobs and homes, sick child or parent, rising prices for food and meds...so many needs are out there.

Check to see if your church or school has a food or clothes closet. Volunteer to help run one or give regularly.

Remember the words of Christ...

" For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." Then the righteous will answer him saying, 'Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?

And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers you did it to me'.

Matthew 25:35-40

This post is linked up to the

Homestead Revival

Preparedness Challenge.

Please take time to visit and learn.

http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/02/preparedness-challenge-32.html

Celebrating my 100 Google Follower Friends with a Give-A-Way!

2012-02-24T18:12:00.000-05:00

This week my 100th friend signed up to follow my blog!

I am truly humbled that 100 people like following my blog. I wanted to show my appreciation with a give-a-way.

I gathered some things that represent what my blog is all about and have created a gift box.

First we have...

2 packs of Gift Cards

http://grandmamadoesit.blogspot.com/2011/07/christmas-in-july-part-3.html

Ear Warmer
http://grandmamadoesit.blogspot.com/2011/10/from-santas-workshop-making-ear-warmers.html

A stack of crocheted dish cloths
http://grandmamadoesit.blogspot.com/2011/12/made-from-scratch-blog-hop-2012.html

Two Buddy Burners and a Disaster Preparedness Book
http://grandmamadoesit.blogspot.com/2011/06/preparedness-challenge-making-buddy.html

"Made From Scratch" Book

Plus some Lavender Seeds and Flowering Bulbs!

I will have a random drawing next Friday, March 2 to pick a winner.

All you have to do is leave a comment and tell me about yourself! You already know all about me and what I like. So please introduce yourself and share your likes and hobbies..

Thanks so much!

Sore Throat and Garden Planning...

2012-02-22T19:54:00.000-05:00

This body is in full "getting sick" mode.

Throat, head, face, and body hurts!

I am drinking vitamin C packs like crazy...gargling with salt water every hour, drinking my Kefir milk, and coating my face with Vicks vapor rub before bed.

I will beat this!

But in the meantime while I am piled up on the couch... why not plan my garden and look through my gardening books!

First I pulled out all my seed packs left over from last year to do an inventory of what I will need to buy.

I found a whole bag of mixed seeds that I bought on clearance for 5 cents a pack but the expiration date is 2010. Does anyone know if they are still any good?

I also purchased this year a can of sealed survival seeds. It is full of heirloom vegetable seeds and are sealed to last for years.

Haven't decided whether or not to open and plant these or just save them for later.

Also collecting a nice variety of flower seeds...got to keep my bees well fed this summer!

I found my garden journal and started working in it for this growing season.

Planning out my container garden for this year. I am going to change things around...planting the tomatoes in my planter boxes instead of in the round containers.

Last year my tomatoes grew to be over 6 feet tall and when it got into the hot season they browned up fast. I think they just out grew their containers.

Cucumbers did great in the containers last year and I love keeping them up off the ground.

Nothing more thrilling than looking through the newest seed catalogs that come in the mail.
Sigh!

And of course I love my gardening books...
I like to tab important things in the books that I want to go back to later.

Despite feeling so bad...I am enjoying myself!

How are your garden plans going?

Back To Eden Film Review...

2012-02-19T18:59:00.002-05:00

I watched the "Back To Eden" Simple Sustainable Solutions Film today and absolutely loved it!

This is not only a great educational documentary on gardening but also explores the deep spiritual journey of

"Evangelist Gardener" Paul Gautschi.

Here is the link to see the entire movie

http://backtoedenfilm.com/

This method is so simple....mulch it! I have been using hay to mulch my planter beds and containers but will try the wood chip mulch on my large garden plot this spring.

"Back To Eden" is full of great information for new and old gardeners. Take the time to watch the whole movie and I promise you will learn something new.

I totally relate to this man's enthusiasm in the garden because I too feel God's presence when growing things.

As I have said many times I believe that God is the Creator of all living things.

From planting a dry small seed,

to watching the for the first signs of life,

and finally with the culmination of fruit bearing...

God's handiwork is so evident and to be marveled in nature.

God created a garden for humans to cultivate and enjoy. Scriptures are full of references to gardening and Christ himself taught many valuable truths using God's own creation.

2 Corinthians 9:10-11

Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.

This post is linked up to the:

http://mysimplecountryliving.blogspot.com/2012/02/country-garden-showcase-week-8.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MySimpleCountryLiving+%28My+Simple+Country+Living%29

Also check out
The Redeemed Gardener for great gardening tips:
http://theredeemedgardener.blogspot.com/

Made from Scratch Blog Hop Number 8...

2012-02-18T13:52:00.002-05:00

Busy, Busy, Busy!

So much to do and so little time!

I planted potatoes in one of my raised garden beds and also planted spinach and lettuce.

Hoping for a great early crop in about 30-40 days.

Today I am very busy in the kitchen making freezer meals for the next few weeks.

My schedule is really getting full with working fulltime, finishing the greenhouse, setting up my hives, planting my container garden and getting the flower beds ready and planted. So I am trying to get ahead of the game with lots of meals prepared in the freezer.

I am making 3 batches of Chicken Casserole, 3 batches of Penne Pasta Bake, Shredded Pork Barbeque, 3 Chicken Pot Pies.

Chicken casserole is so easy to make and delicious. You need shredded chicken meat (I cooked some breasts and thighs), 3 cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 can of golden mushroom soup, 2 cups of chicken stock, 1 stick of butter melted and 1 large package of stuffing mix.

Mix the melted butter with the stuffing mix. Place a 1" layer of stuffing mix in bottom of each casserole dish.

Place shredded chicken on top of stuffing.

Mix the soups with the chicken broth and stir well getting all the lumps out.

Pour the soup mixture on top of each casserole.

Top casserole with another layer of stuffing mix.

I covered two of the casseroles with foil and labeled them for the freezer.

The other casserole will be Sunday dinner.

Bake thawed out at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or frozen for 60 minutes or until bubbly.

Penne Pasta Bake is another great freezer meal.

Boil 5 cups of penne pasta until almost done.

Brown 2 lbs of hamburger meat and drain.

Pour 2 cans of your favorite spaghetti sauce into the hamburger and stir well.

Drain the pasta and mix with the meat sauce.

Heat 1 cup of half and half with 1 tsp. of corn starch until thick but not boiling.

Pour 1 container of cottage cheese into a bowl. Add 1 beaten egg, the milk mixture, 1 pkg of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 pkg of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir well.

Mix this with the meat and pasta stirring until all ingredients are well mixed.

Pour into casserole dishes.

Top with more of the shredded cheeses and sprinkle on extra parmesan cheese.

Cover with foil and label for freezer.

This will be baked at 350 degrees for about 50 - 60 minutes frozen or 30 minutes thawed. Vent foil before baking so cheese doesn't stick.

I am in the process of making the shredded BBQ pork and chicken pot pies. Will post those pics and recipes later this week.

Packing that freezer to save time and money!

Don't have to run out and buy fast food.

Also have meals ready to share for anyone in need.

If you have a great freezer meal, PLEASE SHARE!

Would love to find new recipes!

Whew!

With that all said I have decided to make the

"Made From Scratch" blog hop a once a month event.

So the first Saturday of each month, please get ready to post your homemade creations! Link up and post as many as you would like to share.

Looking forward to hearing from you friends!

Linked up with:
http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/02/barn-hop-50.html

Sewing Basket Box

2012-02-16T19:45:00.002-05:00

Sewing baskets may be a thing of the past but I adore mine.

This is one I made about 20 years ago out of a wooden cheese hoop box.

I covered the box first with light colored prepasted wallpaper. Using the box as a template I cut out all the pieces and then wet the wallpaper to stick to box.

To decorate the outside of my box I took family photographs and copied them on cream colored copier paper. Cut them all out and then used this wonderful stuff to glue them on.

I brushed Mod Podge on the back and front of the photo copies and placed them all over the box.

After all the pictures were glued on, I put 3 coats of Mod Podge all over the box.

The pictures are of me, my parents, and my own children. I love looking at the photos.

I covered the inside of the box with a piece of quilted tapestry. A piece of elastic was sewn in to make holders for the thread and scissors. All the fabric pieces were glued in using a hot glue gun.

My sewing box is filled with the things I use the most when sewing.

Thread, pin cushion, pins, needles, notions, scissors, cutters, and sewing machine attachments.

I also hot glued trim around the edge of my box for a nice finish.

You can use this same technique to make any kind of treasure boxes. I made my family members photo boxes for Christmas one year using the cheese boxes.

My mother-in-law keeps old photos in her box. I put her wedding picture on the front with pics of all her children and grandchildren around the sides.

Any type of box will work if you cannot find a cheese box.

I think I'll make Miss Hailey a treasure box of all her baby pictures!

Linked up with:
http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/02/barn-hop-50.html

http://whitewolfsummitfarmgirl.blogspot.com/2012/03/farmgirl-friday-blog-hop-47.html

Update to Gendercide post...

2012-02-15T17:30:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I posted a video trailer of "It's A Girl" and information regarding Gendercide in India and China.

Here is that post:
http://grandmamadoesit.blogspot.com/2012/02/remembering-unloved-on-valentines-day.html

Today I received a comment from Dr. Mitu Khurana from New Deli, India on my post yesterday and was completely overwhelmed.

I never dreamed that someone who is actually experiencing this harrassment and torture would find my blog, read what I wrote, and then comment.

Chills ran all over me today. This is real... people.

Here is her exact comment:

It is estimated that about 50 million girls have gone missing. They are aborted based on their sex. India has passed laws 18 years ago making it illegal for a medical practitioner to reveal the sex of an unborn baby. This law is rarely implemented because most of the government officials and judiciary are apathetic to this epidemic. This has caused the sex ratios to be extremely skewed in certain parts of India. Please read the following articles and the story of one lone woman, Dr Mitu Khurana, who has bought a case against the hospital, her husband and in- laws, who illegally found out the sex of her unborn twin baby girls and then tried to force her to have an abortion. She has been given the run around for four long years by the Indian judicial system.

http://crybelovedcountry.com/2012/01/the-face-of-gendercide/ http://www.tehelka.com/story_main51.asp?filename=Ne040212Lack.asp

Can anyone give a voice to the 50 million girls that have been silenced forever? All Dr. Khurana is asking for is a chance to go before an unbiased judge and be heard. Can we all give a voice to the 50 million murdered and raise the question with Indian officials as to why they are silently witnessing the elimination of a whole generation. The silence of the Indian officials tell the story and makes us wonder if Dr. Khurana and the 50 million dead baby girls will ever see justice done. Please give those 50 million girls silenced forever, a voice. Please forward this to as many friends as possible.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/a-mothers-fight-to-save-her-daughters/ http://gendercide.epetitions.net/

I looked up every website she listed, read and prayed.

This is Dr. Khurana's story and website.

http://mitukhurana.wordpress.com/

Here is her ABC news interview with Elizabeth Vargus.

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/mom-sues-laws-pressuring-abortion-15116865

Please take the time to read her story and sign the online petition at this link:

http://gendercide.epetitions.net/?

Remember to pray for her and her fight for all baby girls in India.

Remembering the unloved on Valentines Day...

2012-02-14T16:02:00.001-05:00

Just viewed a trailer of a new documentary scheduled to be released this year...

My eyes have been opened to a new horror...Gendercide.

As we celebrate Valentine's Day...please remember the girls and women who are abused, neglected, murdered and most definitely the unloved in this country and around the world.

Just watch the evening news and you will see the faces of women and girls who are missing or murdered every day.

The numbers in this country alone are staggering and we are supposedly a civilized nation.

What can we do?

Pray.

Support

Crisis Pregnancy Centers

and

Domestic Violence Shelters.

Those of us who are blessed and loved need to do something.

I plan to view this movie when it comes out and praying for a way

to help stop this horror.

Here is a link to the website

http://www.itsagirlmovie.com/

Honestly my goal was not to depress or shock anyone....but to bring to light a great tragedy and ask for prayer. I have been so blessed in my life and yet feel so burdened for those who are suffering. I never want to become callous, cold and indifferent. Thank you for joining me in prayer.

By the way...

Happy Valentines Day.

The Magnificient Butterfly...

2012-02-12T16:18:00.000-05:00

I believe in God the Creator.

His creation is perfect.

How can you look at a butterfly and believe in the theory of evolution?

Butterflies in their beauty, complex structure, and extraordinary birth alone shout out praises to God.

Only God could create such a wonder.

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty! You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! ... Psalm 8:3-9.

Each spring I fill my yard with flats of Impatiens to attract these magnificent creatures.

All summer and into fall I watch and marvel at these beauties.

Plant a butterfly garden this spring and enjoy God's creation all summer.

Here is a great place to start...

http://www.thebutterflysite.com/gardening.shtml

Made From Scratch Blog Hop Number 7...

2012-02-11T12:16:00.003-05:00

It's time for another episode of

"Made From Scratch"!

This week we worked hard on my building greenhouse. Can't wait to show you my progress.

But first for all the new friends... Here's a link explaining how we are turning our backyard into an urban homestead.

http://grandmamadoesit.blogspot.com/2011/10/planning-my-backyard-homestead.html

First on the agenda was to build a greenhouse off the back of the garage.

Frame for flooring was set in place and then the concrete was poured.

My very smart husband and son worked all week framing up the greenhouse.

Notice the gutter running along the roof line. It will drain in a rain barrel as soon as we finish the greenhouse.

Framing almost complete and now we are off to look for nice clear thick poly panels for the roof and sides.

We have purchased an exhaust fan to be put on the side.

The greenhouse will be wired for electricity and plumbed for a sink.

The wall against the house will be finished off and a large peg board installed for hanging all my tools and supplies.

I can hardly wait until it's finished and can get growing!

Very busy spring ahead for this homestead!

March - Bee Apiary to be built and ready for bees in April

So many flower beds to be made so the bees will have nice places to forage.

Stay tuned to this channel for the next "Made From Scratch Homestead Update"!

Now it's your turn...what did you "Make From Scratch" this week?

Please join in on the blog hop!

This post is linked up with the

http://whitewolfsummitfarmgirl.blogspot.com/2012/02/country-garden-showcase-week-7.html

http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/02/barn-hop-49.html

Quick Brunswick Stew and fried cornbread...

2012-02-08T20:38:00.001-05:00

Brunswick stew is one of my favorite soups.

A good pot of stew takes time to make...usually by cooking a whole chicken, deboning the meat, adding all the vegetables, and slowly simmering for a long time.

I came up with this quick and delicious way to fix my favorite soup on a week night after working all day.

First I take 2 chicken breasts and cut up into chunks. Boil the chicken pieces in about 8 cups of water in a large soup pot. Add 1 tsp salt and 4 chicken bouillon cubes and bring to a boil.

Boil for about 15 minutes and then remove the chicken.

I let the chicken cool and then pulsed it through my food processor shredding the meat.

Return the meat back to the soup pot and add 1 jar of canned tomatoes, 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, and 1 bag of frozen baby lima beans.

Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes.

Add 2 cans of drained corn and about 5 cups of diced potatoes.

Continue to simmer for another 15 minutes or until potatoes and butter beans are done.

Salt and pepper soup to taste.

Hot sauce is usually added in the soup but I wait and let individuals add it later to their taste.

Fried cornbread goes so well with this soup.

(I know fried cornbread is not good for you but I don't make it very often)

Mix together 1 cup of self rising cornmeal, 1/2 cup self rising flour, 1/2 tsp salt and slowly add water to make a cake like batter.

Drop spoonfuls of batter into a frying pan of hot oil. Fry cornbread and cook for about 4 minutes turning several times. Watch the cornbread because it will burn quickly.

This makes a big plate full of cornbread.

Place cornbread onto paper towels to drain off excess oil.

The taste of a long simmering pot of Brunswick Stew in half the time.

So good for these cold winter nights!

Made From Scratch Blog Hop Number 6...

2012-02-04T15:14:00.001-05:00

Hard to believe it's been 6 weeks since I started the

"Made From Scratch" Blog Hop!

I have learned so many new things and excited about learning more!

This week I worked on improving the soil in my two garden boxes that my husband made for me last year.

These pictures are of my boxes last summer and fall. I grew lots of lettuce, carrots, basil, collards, fall peas, bell pepper, onions, mustard and turnip greens.

Fall Peas

I wanted to enrich the soil over the winter months so I began the following experiment.

"Making compost fertilizer from scratch"

Normally I put my vegetable and fruit scraps in my compost box outside. But it is packed full and I need some warm weather to get it cooking again.

So I came up with this idea to create compost quicker and put to work in my soil right away. I place my scraps in a zip lock bag and at the end of the week I pulse them through my food processor.

Next I take the pulsed scraps to my garden box and mix it into the dirt. Starting from one side of the box and each week working my way down the length of the box. My dirt is full of earthworms who will take the pulsed scraps and work into the soil.

I learned from the following video about the importance of mulching with hay. This lady reminds me of my great grandmother who could literally grow anything from just sticking it in the dirt.

I covered my boxes about a month ago with hay and can tell a big difference in the dirt. Before the hay mulch was added my soil was hard and dry. It took a great deal of effort to turn the soil up with a shovel. Now the soil is moist and soft and the worms are really moving around.

Now I plan to use hay mulch in all my containers this year. These containers hold strawberry plants.

My good friend Karen over at
Lil Suburban Homestead...
http://lilsuburbanhomestead.wordpress.com/

gave me a bucket of chicken poop for my garden boxes.
"What a great friend!"

Chicken manure is the best fertilizer for your garden and I worked this bucket of "gold" right into the soil.

Covered it back with the hay and will let it sit until I plant my tomatoes in April.

I will be planting early potatoes in my other box next week.

This "Made from scratch" compost cost me zero dollars! The hay I had left over from my fall yard decorations, the scraps I get each week from my kitchen, and my friend supplied me with the chicken poop.

I really don't want to use chemical fertilizers this year. Don't plan to water with the Miracle Grow either.

I have collected a large number of great gardening tips on my Pinterest board. Click on the red Pinterest tab to the right to see my boards.

Now it's your turn! What have you "Made From Scratch" this week?
Can't wait to see what you've been up to!

Hooked up this week with the
Homestead Barn Hop!
http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/02/barn-hop-48.html

Dig For Victory!

2012-02-03T14:44:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era...

I am fascinated by the World War II generation. Loved learning about this era in high school and enjoy searching You Tube for those Hollywood short war films. The ones that teach patriotism, service to country, war happenings around the world, Buy a Bond advertisements and especially those Victory

Garden How To's.

I have to remind myself that these were not necessarily "good times". When you talk with someone who lived it they tell a tale of horrors, blood sacrifices, rationing of food and other supplies, long years of separation from loved ones, and trying to survive on very little income.

What is amazing to me is how the government actually served it's citizens by providing the necessary information for self sufficiency. These war posters would be unbelievable in our day and time.

Today we can be sued for having a vegetable garden, bee apiary or even raising chickens in our own yard.

Don't waste food! What a joke today! Just look around next time you visit a large buffet restaurant! Plates piled high with food and so much waste left over after the meals. Now a days it really bothers me to eat at these places.

Gluttony is a very ugly habit.

This whole

system of government has turned upside down. Now we are supposed to be dependent on those in Washington for our every need.

"Cradle to the Grave Care."

It's time to revisit our past and learn from those before us. This is a great Victory Garden How To Video. Some of the techniques have changed and we are now gardening more organically. They did use way too much poisons for me! There are so many better organic ways to control pests and fungus. But the overall lessons in these short films are invaluable to a generation who has never faced this type of situation before.

(Look how important each member of the family unit is. Would this happen today?)

(Did you notice the difference between the gardens in Europe as shown in the video above vs. the United States? I saw a lot of hay mulch and less insects on the crops. And on the US video a great deal of poisons, insects, and no mulch.)

Sadly, I do not believe that this country as a whole has the strength and stamina to withstand what our ancestors endured between 1939 and 1959.

We don't have the

unity

sacrifice

patriotic pride

devotion to God and His Word.

Some of us still do...but we are the minority.

I am "Digging for Victory"!

Planning my garden right now.

Not because some leader had the forethought to warn of perilious times ahead.

But because I watch what is happening in the world and in our own country.

I really like this poster...it fits this Grammie.

I'm hooked up with the

Homestead Barn Hop!

http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/02/barn-hop-48.html

Discovering the joy of juicing...

2012-01-31T20:06:00.000-05:00

This past Christmas my husband and I gave each other a juicer and do I like this gift!

We really did buy two juicers! He took his back to the store because I got the same juicer for $30 less due to good sale and coupon ;).

I can't put into words how delicious making fresh juice is....

I have a big glass of juice every morning for breakfast.

Just look at these beautiful colorful vegetables.

Homemade V8 juice!

The carrots are full of Vitamin D, tomatoes and lemons have Vitamin C, and the celery has Vitamin B.

So fresh and healthy for you!

I've been juicing for a month now and have lost 6 lbs.

The fruit juices are unbelievable...
I juice apples, oranges, pears, grapes, kiwi, mangos, pineapple, and strawberries.

There are so many different ways to combine fruits for example my favorite is pear, apple, orange, and green grapes.

I took my juicer to work and gave samples to co -workers and they loved it.

However they all had the same comment...

But fresh fruit and vegetables are so expensive!

Come on people!

I asked them
"how much do you spend on sodas and snacks?"

A extra large bag of doritos at Costco costs $6.99 and a big bag of apples costs $4.99.

It's all about making healthy choices for you and your family. Fresh juice doesn't have the added sugar and preservatives that you find in store brand juices.

There is no waste with this juicer because the pulp can be used in making fruit muffins or bases in soup.

This pulp is full of carrots, celery and tomatoes and I froze it for use in a pot of soup later.

I highly recommend juicing!

If you juice, I would love to hear from you!

Count your many blessings...

2012-01-29T11:45:00.000-05:00

God has so richly blessed me and I really don't understand why.

He has poured his blessings over me all my life.

I have felt His presence with me since I was a small child.

I have a loving husband, two wonderful Christian sons, the world's sweetest daughter-in-law and now...

This beautiful gift!

Miss Hailey

Oh how I love this baby girl!

How humble and thankful I am for the wondrous gifts God has given to me.

This is a sweet moment with my Hailey...

"Because your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name."

Psalm 63:3-4

Made From Scratch Blog Hop Number 5...

2012-01-28T09:05:00.003-05:00

This has been such an exciting week for me!

I am experiencing for the first time the wonderful benefits of coconut oil.

I can't believe I have never tried this tropical stuff before. There are so many homemade beauty product recipes on the web and I am excited to share all the ways I used my coconut oil.

My reading and research into "whole foods" led me to realize all the chemical that are in the beauty products that we use every day. For example the deodorant that I have literally used all my life contains aluminum. Says it right on the front of the stick...

So every day for the last 40 years I have been rubbing

"aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly"

into my skin.

Not any more!

Doesn't anyone understand the correlation between Alzheimer's and Aluminum?

I found this wonderful deodorant recipe from Amy at Homestead Revival...

http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2011/01/homemade-deodorant.html

It uses natural safe ingredients and the best part this stuff works!

Homemade deodorant

1/4 C. baking soda

1/4 C. cornstarch

5 - 6 T. extra virgin coconut oil

few drops Tea Tree Oil

I blended the soda and corn starch together and then added the coconut and tea tree oils.

Placed the creamy mixture into a plastic container and popped in the refrigerator for about an hour.

Perfect homemade deodorant that works and I certainly put it to the test this week!

I also found a wonderful homemade lotion recipe and made it using the coconut oil.

Click on link to find this recipe...

http://www.ehow.com/how_4719739_lotion-coconut-oil.html

My favorite store brand of coconut butter lotion contained aluminum, a long list of chemicals that I cannot pronounce and Urea. Really! Call me crazy but I much prefer urine free lotion.

Again all natural ingredients that are great for the skin. I love this creamy lotion for my dry skin and its so much better than my store brand. This summer I am going to make several batches using

citrus oils and peppermint oil for cooling the skin after hot days in the sun.

Other uses for my coconut oil...

I spread a small amount through my hair and left it on overnight for a great conditioner treatment.

Rubbed a small amount under my eyes each night. (Just after 3 nights I can see a big difference in my skin and those dry fine lines are smoothed away.

Remember my little trip in the woods to cut the grapevine and make a wreath...well ladies I am here to tell you that chiggers do not sleep in the winter!

My belly was covered in these demon insects.

I tried everything and nothing worked until I started rubbing a mixture of coconut and tea tree oil on the bites. ALL GONE NOW!

This is wonderful stuff and I haven't even started cooking with it yet!

You should certainly give this a try!

Please join up with the "Made from Scratch Blog Hop Number 5!". I love to get your ideas and learn new things each Saturday.

I have linked up with the Homestead Revival Barn Hop!

Please visit all the great talented homesteaders out there.

http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/01/barn-hop-47.html

MAKE A PLAN...

2012-01-26T17:16:00.002-05:00

Photo Credit

Do people look at you like you have lost your mind when you ask them about their family emergency preparedness plan?

When you share your concerns about extreme weather possibilities, earthquakes, terrorist threats, or an economic collapse

do they laugh and say they'll just come live with you?

Well...I laugh right back and say no you are not!

And then strongly tell them...

It's time for you to
"Make A Plan"!

Here's a simple exercise for you to determine just how prepared you really are...

Take a pad of paper and divide it into four columns.

At the top write
"My Preparedness Plan"

Head the first column
SHELTER

Second column
FOOD/WATER

Third column
FINANCES

Fourth column
SECURITY

Now answer the following questions in the appropriate column.

Shelter
Write down what your main source of shelter is.
(Ex. House, apartment, mobile home)

List reason why this is or is not the safest place for your family.
(Ex. mobile home not safe during certain storms)

Write down an evacuation site and plan if your shelter is not safe for you to remain in.
(Ex. relatives home, Red Cross shelter)

List alternative supplies you have for shelter.
(Ex. tents or camper)

Here is a great link:
Tips for preparing your home as a shelter.

Food/Water

List what type of emergency food supply that your have stocked in your home.
(Ex. only what is in the cabinet and frig, 3-day supply, 3 or 6 month supply, yr. supply)

List what you will eat and how you will cook it without electricity.
(Ex. canned or dehydrated meals, MRE's, gas grill, camping stoves, outdoor fire pit)

Write down how you will provide your family with clean drinking and washing water.
(Ex. water storage, hand pump well)

List all the supplies you have on hand for cooking and cleaning.
(Ex. dutch oven, wash basins, clorax, soap, trash bags, plastic water jugs, water purifier)

FINANCES

List how you will obtain cash if banks and ATM's are closed.

Write down the total amount of debt you currently owe.
(credit cards and loans)

Write down the total amount of savings that you currently have.

Ask yourself if the house payment can still be made if someone in the house loses their job.

Write down all the unnecessary expenditures and total for the month.
(Cable, rental movies, eating out, gym fees, etc)

SECURITY

List ways that you feel safe in your home.
(Ex. deadbolt locks on doors, guns, alarm system, outdoor lighting)

List ways that you feel unsafe in your home.
(Ex. bad neighborhood, no deadbolts, etc)

Write down the names and phone numbers of at least 4 of your closest neighbors.
(if you don't know them go get acquainted right away!)

List ways that you can improve your personal security at home, in the car, and at work.

Now go back and read over your list. Are you satisfied with your preparations?

Do you have weak areas that need work?

Share this with your family and find ways to improve your family plan.

Make a Preparedness notebook

Buy a pack of printer paper, ink for your printer and start printing off all the valuable survival preparedness information that is available on the Internet.

Print bread recipes, countless How To's on cooking outdoors, gardening, water purifying, food storage, etc.

Set up tabs in your notebook and start filling it up.

This will be a valuable tool if the electricity is out and you can't fire up the Internet.

Here is a great link to a wealth of information for you to bookmark.

Survive or Not Top 50 Websites

Purchase books on the following topics:
Crisis preparedness
Outdoor skills
Medical training
Sewing and Knitting
Cooking from Scratch
Gardening
Beekeeping
Raising chickens and rabbits

Make a plan to take care of your family and don't depend on someone else to take care of you.

Please share if this has opened your eyes and kick started your own preparedness plans!

I am getting a little weary of warning people and getting laughed at.

This post is linked up with the Homestead Revival Preparedness Challenge.
http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/01/preparedness-challenge-31.html

Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread...

2012-01-24T19:29:00.000-05:00

I have never liked the taste or texture of commercial pimento cheese spreads. Always cringed when I saw it in the grocery store.

BUT...

A coworker had me try her "homemade" pimento cheese

AND...

Wow! Do I love pimento cheese!

So here's the recipe for good ole

Homemade Pimento Cheese

1 bar of cream cheese

1 1/2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese

2 tbsp. of chopped pimento

(the kind that comes in the small glass jar. I also pulse mine thru the blender to chop it up more)

Dump all the ingredients into a bowl and start mixing with your hands. Mix it well until all the ingredients are incorporated into one nice orange spread.

Put spread in a bowl and refrigerate until use.

Best pimento cheese you will ever taste and it's made from scratch!

"Made From Scratch" Blog Hop Number 4

2012-01-21T15:41:00.002-05:00

Time for another "Made From Scratch" blog hop!

I learned so many things last Saturday from all those creative ladies who hooked up. Thanks so much ladies for taking the time to share your creations. This is turning into such a great resource for me and I hope for everyone else.

The "Made From Scratch" icon to the right of the blog links to all the past blog hops and there are so many wonderful things to learn.

I am so excited to share what I have "Made from Scratch" this week. I have been creating my own "milk kefir"!

What is Kefir?

Kefir is a cultured, enzyme-rich drink filled with friendly micro-organisms that help balance your “inner ecosystem.” More nutritious and therapeutic than yogurt, it supplies complete protein, essential minerals, and valuable B vitamins.

My reason for trying this is because of years of bowel problems...indigestion, acid reflux, constipation, diverticulitis, bloating, pain, polyps, and family history of colon cancer.

I learned about Kefir from Amy over at "Homestead Revival" Blog
http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2011/04/organizing-cultured-products-and.html

and visited the
Cultures For Health Website
http://www.culturesforhealth.com/

They have excellent video tutorials on how to make kefir, yogurt, cheese, etc. and they sell everything you need to get started making your own.

First I purchased a bottle of Kefir Milk for $4.00 at the grocery store to see if I would like it.

I really did and had a wonderful "bathroom" experience after just 3 days!

So...I ordered my kefir milk cultures and they arrived on Tuesday. I followed the easy directions by
pouring the dehydrated cultures into 1 cup of organic milk and set out at room temperature for 24 hours.

This process allows for the cultures to rehydrate and activate.

The next day I emptied the milk and transfer the cultures to a fresh cup of milk. Repeated this process until Friday. When I got home on Friday to my surprise the milk had thickened into a big glob and separated leaving clear water at the bottom of the jar.

I thought I had ruined my kefir so I went online and chatted live with a rep from "Cultures For Health" who told me I had made kefir cheese!

My cultures were activated and needed to be used every 12 hours instead of 24. It is a learning process!

This is what kefir looks like with the cultures still in the milk.

The grains have tripled in size and feed off the sugar in the milk.
I strained off the kefir grains using a fine plastic strainer. (metal should never touch the grains).

I added the grains to a fresh cup of organic milk. Wrapped a coffee filter around the lid and set aside for making tomorrows Kefir batch.

The grains may be used over and over.

The strained kefir milk is placed in the refrigerator to chill and drink later.

The milk tasted very similar to yogurt and can be flavored with honey or made into a fruit smoothie. There are also kefir cheese recipes too!

I really like the taste and the fact that I can make my own daily from scratch!

I am so please and confident with this product that
my next purchase will be greek yogurt and cheddar cheese cultures.

Give it a try and if you already make your own please share any tips!

Don't forget to link up your "Made From Scratch" creations!

Linked up this week with...
http://lilsuburbanhomestead.wordpress.com/2012/01/21/the-ole-saturday-homesteading-trading-post-ed-no-8-book-review-when-all-hell-breaks-loose-stuff-you-need-to-survive-when-disaster-strikes/

and

http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2012/01/homestead-barn-hop-46.html

So Granny was right all along...

2012-01-19T19:25:00.003-05:00

Granny has been vindicated!

Her homesteading ways of the past have come full circle.

My childhood television watching consisted of daily episodes from "The Beverly Hillbillies" where each week the elite of Beverly Hills mocked and made fun of a family from the mountains of Tennessee.

(back in the 60's and 70's we didn't have cable TV and this was pretty much it...I know hard to believe)

The star of the show was the fireball Granny Daisy Moses whose mountain ways were ridiculed and even scorned by society.

Let's check out some of her homesteading ways...

Laundry

Granny washed and hung out her clothes by the cement pond instead of using her fancy washer and dryer.

(Do you hang your clothes outside to save energy?)

Doctoring

Granny was the family doctor who used herb poultices and salves to heal whatever ailed the family.

Each spring she mixed up a special tonic to perk up the family.

(Do you have a herb garden and make your own medicines, lotions, salves, ointments, and kombucha teas?)

Soap making

Granny made her own lye soap for the family. She believed that cleanliness was next to godliness.

(Soapmaking is so popular these days because we want to rid ourselves of all those chemicals)

Suvivalist

Granny had a gun and knew how to use it. Protecting her family was a major priority.

(I want to take a concealed weapons class soon)

Cooked from scratch

All her meals were home cooked. She was best known for her baked possum with turnip greens.

Processed food was unheard of in her kitchen.

Chickens roamed free in the backyard for meat and eggs. She had a garden patch full of fresh greens and vegetables.

(what's the new craze...chickens in the backyard and cooking with whole foods)

If you have any extra 20 minutes watch this episode titled "Granny's Garden".

Silly yes, but very interesting...

This is exactly the time period when "agribusiness" started and family farmers were shunned out of business.

Concepts like hard work, growing your own food, and self sufficiency were frowned upon.

Thus began the future of agriculture as we know it today with its fields of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and GMO seeds.

It's 2012 and 50 years later we have come full circle and Granny was right.

The hillbillies were never really happy in Beverly Hills. They always longed to go back to their mountain home but guess what kept them from leaving...

OIL,

MONEY,

and

GREEDY BANKERS

Pretty ironic isn't it.

This post was linked up with...

http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2012/01/homestead-barn-hop-46.html

Frugal Front Porch Fixup...

2012-01-17T19:39:00.000-05:00

My front porch always looks sad after Christmas and during the winter months. All the festive decorations, green wreaths, and lights are gone...it's just blah.

In the spring and summer months I fill my porch with ferns, flowers, and plants from inside my home.

I couldn't stand the winter blahs anymore and I am sticking to my "Make it yourself" plan for the year. With that in mind I headed out to the woods and cut some wild grape vine to make a heart wreath.

I started wrapping the vine in a circle and then formed a heart by tying fishing line from the top to the bottom pulling tight.

I found some ivy growing wild in my backyard and replanted into some pots. I placed a tomato cage upside down in the pot and tied the top together to form a tree. After carefully wrapping the ivy thru the cage I added a string of white lights.

This ivy stays green all winter and will fill up the cage nicely.

Cheap...but I like it!

So pretty at night!

Just a little something to get me through the winter.

Made From Scratch Blog Hop Number 3

2012-01-14T21:57:00.003-05:00

January is flying by! I can't believe how fast the Saturdays come around.

This week I made some healthy granola bars from scratch. I am really working hard on my "whole foods made from scratch life style change".

I am juicing fresh fruits every morning, cooking meals from scratch, and even ordered a kit to make my own Kefir! So far so good and I am starting to feel better especially in my lower abdomen area!

I found myself everyday around 10:00 in the morning staring into the vending machine at work looking for something filling.

These homemade bars taste so much better than anything in the vending machine, save me money and are so healthy.

I found this Granola recipe online...

http://www.versagrain.com/chewy-granola-bar-recipe.html

(Great website for other granola recipes)
and really loved the taste!

I had all the ingredients on hand and was able to use up the nuts, coconut, and raisins left over from my holiday baking.

I used pecans, sunflowers, crushed flax seed, coconut, raisins, and oats.

Next batch I will use up the almonds and dried cranberries that I have in my pantry.

Here are the basic ingredients...

2 1/2 cups regular rolled quaker oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup craisins or raisins
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, beaten
1 cup applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 320 degrees F (175 degrees C) and liberally grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, add the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, allspice, flour, raisins and salt. Mix thoroughly. Make a well in the center and set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, egg, applesauce, and vanilla. Then pour the wet ingredients into the well in the center of the oat mixture. Use your hands to mix everything together until everything is well coated. Then pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using your hands. To ensure chewiness leave a 1 1/2 inch space at the end of the pan. Don't worry about it spreading. It will cook exactly as where it sits.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven. Do not overcook. Granola bars are done when the edges begin to brown (the center may still appear undone). IMPORTANT: Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm. If you wait to long the bars will be too difficult to cut into bars.

You be the judge of this side by side comparision with a popular store bought brand and mine!

These are delicious and so filling! I wrapped bars in wax paper and take one to work each day. These really knock out that hunger pang I get everyday at 10 a.m.

So healthy for you too!

What did you "Make from scratch" this week?

Please join in on Blog Hop #3 and share!

Linked up with the Homestead Barn Hop

http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2012/01/homestead-barn-hop-45.html

Wonderful World of Sweet Potatoes

2012-01-12T18:50:00.000-05:00

Sweet Potato

...a plant of the morning glory family, grown for its sweet, edible, tuberous roots.

What lovely words for such a delicious vegetable!

and healthy!!!!!

http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=64

I love them!

The sweet potatoes above were purchased from a Farmer's Market in Asheville back in October.

These were "cured or dried" and will last pretty much for over a year in a cool dry pantry. You cannot keep grocery store sweet potatoes that long because they will shrivel up.

Next time you are at a farmers market buy a box of these beauties. There are so many ways to cook them.

This is my favorite and easiest recipe...

Wash the outside well and cut the potato into wedges as shown. I leave the peel on.

Next pour about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the wedges and coat well.

Spread the wedges out on a baking dish lined with foil.

Sprinkle sea salt, pepper, and brown sugar on top of the potatoes.

Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes.

So good and healthy!

Much better for you than french fries!

I also like to pierce a sweet potato several times with a fork, wrap in a damp paper towel and cover with plastic wrap. Place in microwave and cook 2 potatoes for about 12 minutes.

Oh my goodness so moist!

Top with butter and brown sugar.

Another great alternative to processed foods!

If you have a great sweet potato recipe, please share!

Lisa

"What in the World Are You Going to Eat?"

2012-01-10T20:23:00.000-05:00

I am sharing a conversation I had today with a very dear and younger friend of mine...

Me - "I am working very hard to eliminate processed foods from my diet this year."

Friend - "What are processed foods?"

Me - "You know what processed foods are...prepackaged foods like frozen dinners, luncheon meats, canned soups, hamburger helper pasta meals, hot dogs, frozen pizza, chips, cereals, snacks, etc."

Friend -"What in the world are you going to eat every day? You have really limited what you can eat there!"

Me - "Are you kidding me?"

I felt old today trying to explain to this thirty something mom about whole foods and cooking from scratch. I gave her so many great menu ideas but she just stared like a deer in headlights.

She like so many others eat only takeout or already prepared processed meals. The chinese takeout and pizza pickup restaurants know her on a first name basis.

It's sad to think that people eat like this every day and their children have become so accustomed to it that a real whole food made from scratch meal would probably

be turned away.

I grew up in out in the country with a huge garden and chickens. We canned all summer and put up food in the freezer to eat later in the winter. Homemade soups and stews, casseroles, and squash cooked every way known to man were the norm.

I learned how to cook from scratch and I simply adore

fresh fruits and vegetables.

I tried to explain to her how to substitute processed foods... for example try baking a turkey breast and using it for sandwiches instead of a buying a pack lunch meat.

Cooking grits or oatmeal instead of serving a sugary processed good for nothing box of cereal.

But the answer I heard today...

"Well I don't have time for all that!"

It does take some thought and planning.

But I would rather think about planning my meals and purchasing good foods than sitting on the couch watching the idiot box while munching on a bag of fritos.

I used to think that the next generation is going to be so lost when it comes to healthy cooking and eating but it's happening now.

OKAY! OFF MY SOAPBOX!

My journey into cooking only whole foods has been quite exciting.

Last night I cooked a big head of collards a friend gave me and served them with baked ham slices.

YUM!

For lunch the hubby and I packed big salads loaded with vegetables.

For snack I baked a pan of homemade granola bars.

(Will post that recipe Saturday for the Blog Hop)

Here is what we had for dinner tonight...

Ham and cheese omlets

served with fresh cut up apples, oranges and grapes.

I know I am preaching to the choir...

My blogging friends feel the same way I do and understand exactly what I am talking about.

Please make feel better! Share your favorite healthy cooked from scratch meal with me.

TODAY...

2012-01-08T20:12:00.000-05:00

TODAY

My eyes are fully opened...

My ears are eager to listen...

My mouth is ready to smile...

My tongue will speak only good...

My arms are ready to hug...

My hands are open to help...

My heart is filled with gratitude...

I am going to live this day to the absolute fullest.

And give Thanks to my Creator for blessing me with another day.

Have a blessed day my friends and pass on the simple act of a grateful heart.

Lisa

Liebster Blog Award

2012-01-08T15:37:00.000-05:00

My first Blog award...how thrilling and very sweet!

I received the Liebster Blog Award from my blogging friend Kathy over at "Moving On To The Past."

http://movingontothepast.blogspot.com. Blogging provides the opportunity to get to know people from all over the world. I am not sure how we became blogging friends but I really enjoy reading her blog and sharing comments.

We have lots in common like quilting, cooking, canning, and family preparedness.

Thanks so much Kathy for this award!

Look forward to sharing more with you in the future.

The origins of the Liebster Blog award are somewhat unclear but the general consensus is that it originated in Germany, Liebster meaning favorite or dearest, to showcase bloggers with fewer than 200 followers. Upon accepting the award the recipient must then pass it on to five more blogs of note.

Here are the rules:

1- Choose FIVE up and coming blogs to award the Liebster to. Blogs must have less than 200 followers.

2- Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.

3- Post the award on your blog. List the bloggers you gave the award to with links to their sites.

Here are my choices for the Liebster Blog Award.

Karen at Lil Suburban Homestead http://lilsuburbanhomestead.wordpress.com
She is my friend and co-worker! A very talented lady with whom I share some so many things in common. We just "clicked" when we first met!

Tracy at "Our Simple Life"
http://oursimplelife-sc.com
I do believe we are long lost sisters. She is living the life I dream of out in the middle of the country with her rabbits, chickens, and garden.

Monica at "Homesteading By Faith" http://homesteadingbyfaith.blogspot.com
She is a sister in Christ and I am always inspired when I visit her blog. Monica has so many wonderful menu ideas each month. When I am lost about a dinner idea I just look her up.

Lisa at Herbs and Botanicals
http://herbandbotanicals.blogspot.com
always keeps me updated on the latest freebies and good deals. She has wonderful ideas for natural living.

Michelle at "Simple Pleasures"
http://simplepleasures317.blogspot.com/ brings the Amish to me with her blog pictures and posts. She too is a kindred spirit and I love visiting her blog.

So there are my 5 favorites for the Liebster Blog Award!

Hope they enjoy receiving this award as much as I did!

Made From Scratch Blog Hop 2012...Number 2

2012-01-07T10:37:00.005-05:00

Week #2 for my "Made From Scratch" Blog Hop!

Thanks to those creative ladies who joined up with me last Saturday. I learned some great new things to make from scratch. Which is exactly what I intended to do with this hop!

This week I am working on another blue jean quilt.

I made this one several years ago for my son who is so cold natured. This quilt was made from his childhood jeans that I saved and cut into squares.
Even used the pockets for a square.

I sewed all the squares together to make the quilt top. This one was made 4" smaller than a standard flat full sheet. I pressed open all the seams, used a flat full sheet to back the quilt and placed a layer of batting between the quilt top and batting.

Using very large safety pins I pinned all over the quilt to hold everything in place then carefully folded the flat sheet all around the top and pinned the finished edge in place.

I machined stitch all four sides all around the quilt.

Then I laid the quilt on top of my dining table and began "Tying off the quilt" using blue yarn and a large heavy duty needle.

This is probably the heaviest quilt I have ever made and my son loves it. It is so warm and great for very cold nights. It's great for beginners who are learning to sew. There's no fancy piecing just squares all cut the same size.

Making several of these for your family is a great way to prepare for winter nights without electricity! Remember last winter's power outages that lasted for weeks!

This is a new jean quilt that I am starting. I am in the process of cutting out the squares from saved jeans.

This one I plan to make using a rag pattern. I plan to back with fleece squares for a soft back. The rag quilt is easier to make and handle. I will post pics when I have finished it.
Hopefully when finished it will look something like this.

Here is a great link to making a rag jean quilt.

This time I am using jean and fleece squares. No batting or sheet for backing.

So now what have you
"Made from Scratch" this week?

Link up and share your projects. Remember it can be anything you have made from scratch. If you don't have a blog, please leave a comment on what you have been working on this week.

Don't forget to mention this blog hop on your post!
This post is linked up with the Homestead Revival Blog Hop too!
http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/01/barn-hop-44.html

Raising The Family Debt Limit...Are You Kidding Me?

2012-01-06T17:01:00.000-05:00

What would happen if family budgets operated the same as the Federal Government...

Pretty inconceivable right?

Then why does this work for the government?

IT WON'T MUCH LONGER...

EVENTUALLY THE PONZI SCHEME WILL IMPLODE.

Best way to prepare your family is to get out of personal debt as fast as you can!

1. Pay off and cancel credit cards.

2. Cut out luxury spending.

3. Save, Save, Save!

4. Live within your means.

5. Eat out less and cook from scratch.

6. Look for ways to reduce electric bill and save energy.

7. Drive smart and save gas expenses.

8. Thrift store shop or organize clothing swaps with friends.

9. Re-evaluate your insurance costs and look for ways to save money.

10. Cut home phone service if you have a cell phone.

11. Eat right, exercise, wash hands frequently, get sleep...all leads to good health and less Dr. bills.

12. Make it yourself! Quilts, clothes, presents, etc.

13. Find cheaper vacations! Use local, state, and national parks, beaches, or lakes.

14. Save all that spare change in jars.

15. Grocery shop wisely...using coupons, loss leaders, weekly sales. Avoid high cost name brands.

16. Reduce or cut off the cable TV.

17. Share the trash service with a neighbor. Recycle and compost most of your trash.

18. Grow your own vegetables this summer.

19. Make one extra house payment a year.

20. If you have the room take in a paying boarder. College student or elderly person would be ideal.

21. Yard sale all that useless stuff sitting in closets and attic.

22. Teach a class in some type of skill and charge a fee. For example: quilting, sewing, canning, woodworking.

23. Pick up an extra job...doing taxes, house cleaning, baby sitting, delivering pizza, pet or house sitting.

24. Stop trying to keep up with the "Joneses and their kids." Teach your children the value of money.

25. Take the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Class.

Please share your ways to save money and get out of debt.

Healthy Cabbage Roll Soup

2012-01-04T20:45:00.002-05:00

My favorite childhood book was "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." I think it was the first chapter book I read all by myself and loved every page. Later when the movie starring Gene Wilder came out I was excited to see my favorite book come to life. At the beginning of the book Charlie and his family are eating cabbage soup and I grew up with the notion that cabbage soup was for the very poor and starving.

Growing up I never had the desire to eat cabbage soup.

It wasn't until recently that I discovered how delicious cabbage soup really is. Here is a recipe that I made the other night with a taste similar to cabbage rolls. This soup is a very healthy version and "Made from Scratch"! ;)

Healthy Cabbage Roll Soup

1 lb. lean ground beef

(you could use ground turkey)

½ onion finely chopped

2 stalks of celery finely chopped

1 tbsp. olive oil

8 cups of water

1 jar canned tomatoes

2 heaping tbsp. tomato paste

1 cup of uncooked rice

1 can black beans

6 cups of shredded cabbage

Salt and pepper to taste

Brown the beef and onion and celery in the olive oil.

Drain. Add the water, tomatoes, tomato paste stirring well. Bring to a boil then add the cup of rice and cook for about 10 minutes.

Pour in the black beans and shredded cabbage and cook for about 15- 20 minutes at a medium boil. Stirring occasionally. Salt and pepper to taste.

Serving options…

Pour over crushed tortilla chips and top with shredded cheese.

Serve with baked cornbread or crackers.

Would love any feedback on this recipe or ways to make it better!