Busy Weekend

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This past weekend has been busy with company, housework, yard work and dehydrating. 

Potatoes was first on the agenda for the dehydrator as we were given soooo many and we really don't eat that many of them in the summer.  Our diet consists mostly of salads and fresh vegetables during the warmer months with a few bbq's tossed in but in the winter our diet changes quite drastically.  The body needs substance during the long, cold Minnesota winters.  Stews, soups, casseroles and meat and potato meals are the norm.   With dehydrated potatoes, it is easy to toss them into the stews and soups that are usually bubbling away in the crock-pot each day. 

So yesterday was spent peeling, cutting and popping them in the Excalibur......all 50 pounds worth!  The potato chips I mentioned here, did not turn out as planned but I have a few other ideas I will try and will definitely let you know if they turn out....they won't go to waste though as I will use them in the same way as the other dried potatoes.

I find this type of work is very satisfying...I'm not sure if it is the rhythmic peeling and slicing of the potatoes, the friends who kept me company and enjoyed a cup of coffee while I was busy or the comforting idea that slowly, the pantry will be re-stocked.  Whatever the reason, tasks such as these make me happy.

Today is errand day....groceries, banking and of course I have to check out the thrift stores so I better get at it.  The sun is beginning to rise and I still have to go for my morning hike.  Have a great day everyone and remember to give your loved ones a hug!

My Top Ten Frugal Tips

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1. Make as much food from scratch as you can. Bread, soup, stuffings, cookies, cakes...anything that you can make from scratch will save you a ton of money! Plus it is healthier. You don't know what is in those prepared, convenient foods! Make your own!

2. Make a budget! If you have a budget written down, it will save you a lot of un-necessary spending.

3. Turn off the lights! If you or a family member are not in the room...turn off the lights! Start keeping track of your energy consumption and learn where your money is going. If you watch your power meter, you will learn how much you can save by turning off a switch.

4. Drink water! Children and adults do not need pop, juice, or energy drinks. Get your children and yourself in the habit of drinking water. Not only is it good for your body but it is free! If you start getting into the habit of always having a re-usable water bottle with you, your body will start craving water when it is thirsty.

5. Start a change jar! Perfect for when you empty out your hubby's pants before throwing them in the wash. Oh, and any change in the washer in this house is mine! If they can't empty out their pockets before throwing them in the basket...it goes to the change jar! Change adds up quicker than you can imagine (especially in Canada with the Toonies and Loonies!) Use your jar money for vacation, a special treat for the family or paying off debt.

6. Make your own household cleaners! Educate yourself on how to use vinegar and baking soda to clean everything in your home. Cheap and non-toxic. I haven't used store bought shampoo and conditioner for months.... I use a mixture of 1 tsp of baking soda to 1 cup of hot water and it is better than any shampoo or conditioner I have ever bought, no expensive de-tangler necessary here.

7. Watch flyers and use coupons! I use coupons regularly and watch all flyers for sales when buying groceries or large priced items. I rarely buy anything that isn't on sale. If you stock up on sale items, it saves a lot of money which leads to number eight on the list.

8. Stockpile! Stockpiling canned goods, meat, and groceries will save you a ton of money in the long run. My stockpile is large and it is like I have my own grocery store in my pantry. If I want to try a new recipe, I rarely have to worry if I have the ingredients on hand. We also stockpile meat from hunting in our backyard.

9. Do not eat out! Keep a journal of how many days your family eats out in a year and cut it in half. Eating out is not only causing Americans to become obese but if you have ever watched any of those television shows that prove what workers do in fast food restaurants to the food before it is served to the customers....you will never eat out again!

10. Stay out of the stores! You can't spend any money if you aren't there to be tempted.

This is a small sampling of my ways to save money....I have many, many more. I would rather have the dollar in my pocket than giving it to a large corporation.

Make sure you give your loved ones a hug tonight. :)

Watermelon Jelly

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With winter fast approaching, it is time to fill my pantry with homemade jams, jellies, and preserves.


I enjoy these tasks as I know I am feeding my family wholesome foods that don't contain all the chemicals that we now find in store-bought goods. I know my preserves are cleaned, cooked and prepared in a safe, clean environment.


Today I concentrated on making Watermelon Jelly.


The recipe is extremely easy and quick and the taste is to die for! I can imagine waiting in anticipation for the bread to pop out of the toaster and spreading a thick layer of this watermelon jelly on my toast.


It is very economical. I always wait for watermelon to go on sale here at the local grocers and then stock up. I can't help but take a few bites of watermelon while I am making the jelly though! :)



Here is the recipe for those of you who wish to try and make your own and believe me.... one taste and you will be hooked!


Time: 1/2 hour to one hour
Difficulty: easy
Serving Size: 6 half pints (for 1/2 of one medium sized watermelon)
Shelf life: 12 months
Ingredients:
4 cups of watermelon - no seeds or rind
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 box of dry pectin
3 1/2 cups of white sugar
Preparation:
Cut up 4 cups of watermelon
Place one full box of pectin in a bowl and mix with 1/4 cup of white sugar - set aside
Sanitize jars and lids by boiling in water for 5 minutes

Instructions:
Place the 4 cups of watermelon in a blender and purify (there should be approximately 2 cups of watermelon juice when finished)
Pour watermelon juice in large pot and add 3 tbsp lemon juice
Bring to a full rolling boil

Stir in remaining sugar - when it reaches a full boil, boil hard for 1 minute
Test for thickness - use a metal tbsp that has sat in ice water or in the freezer - take 1/2 spoonful of juice - let it cool to room temperature - if it thickens to how you want it, then it is finished - if it isn't thick enough, add more pectin and boil for one more minute
Fill jars to 1/4 inch from top, put on lids and rings
Put jars in a stock pot of boiling water making sure that there is 2 inches of water over the jars. Boil for 10 minutes
Remove from stock pot and place on a clean cloth, free from draft. Let sit until the lids start to pop (which indicates they are sealed)

Jams and jellies are the best when eaten in the dead of winter with the snow swirling and blowing outside the house. It brings back a little bit of warm summer breezes and fresh cut grass. Enjoy!