Monday, April 30, 2012

Amish Baked Oatmeal Recipe



There is just something comforting about oatmeal. It warms the heart and soul. What's better than a steaming bowl of oatmeal? Amish Baked Oatmeal. It's quick, simple and versatile. You make the oatmeal the night before, stick it in the fridge to hang out and bake in the morning. This recipe freezes well. You can make two batches, bake one and freeze the other. Cook once and eat twice is the easiest way I know to do freezer cooking.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

What Is Success


credit 













success  (səkˈsɛs)



— n

1.
the favourable outcome of something attempted

2.
the attainment of wealth, fame, etc

3.
an action, performance, etc, that is characterized by success

4.
a person or thing that is successful







It is my opinion that to have success at something you must pay a price. Let me explain. In order to be great at something takes:

Inspiration


credit

Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like


– Will Roger

Saturday, April 28, 2012

The Dreaded Word.. How To Budget Part 1

Which One Is Right?
If you missed the Introduction to the Budget Series click here. We talked last time about how everyone has a budget in place already (even if it's the 'I'm going to ignore it' budget) There are several types of budgets available, so what's the right one for you? Well, that is as personal as what kind of toothbrush you prefer. If there was one cure-all, we'd all be using that system right now...

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Disinfectant Spray Cleaner


Spray bottle in the city
Mix and put in a spray bottle. Use when someone is sick or you need extra cleaning power.

5 Simple and Stress Free Steps To A Clean Bathroom





Here are my 5 simple and stress free ways to keep your bathroom clean everyday. It’s one thing I don’t have to put on my ‘To Do List’, because it’s ‘To Done’ in my morning routine. My work schedule is anything but regular. I needed to develop quick ways to clean my home. Here is just one of the ways I do that.  Ahhh it’s so nice coming home to a clean bathroom…

Uses and a Recipe for Scented Vinegar Spray

A spray bottle. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This spray can be used in many different areas of your home. It can be used as: 

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Uses and a Recipe for Scented Vinegar Spray

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="100" caption="A spray bottle. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)"]A spray bottle.[/caption]

This spray can be used in many different areas of your home. It can be used as: 

5 Simple and Stress Free Steps To A Clean Bathroom

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Bathroom Refacing (Photo credit: Wikipedia)"]Bathroom Refacing[/caption]

Here are my 5 simple and stress free ways to keep your bathroom clean everyday. It's one thing I don't have to put on my 'To Do List', because it's 'To Done' in my morning routine. My work schedule is anything but regular. I needed to develop quick ways to clean my home. Here is just one of the ways I do that.  Ahhh it's so nice coming home to a clean bathroom...

Disinfectant Spray Cleaner Recipe

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="180" caption="Spray bottle in the city (Photo credit: nebulaenova)"]Spray bottle in the city[/caption]

Mix and put in a spray bottle. Use when someone is sick or you need extra cleaning power.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Inspiration

Image

photo by Tom BKK



Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending


-Maria Robinson 


 

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Oh How I Love Smoothies....


   My smoothie adventures stem from very different sources

  1. My kids have always loved smoothies. We would grab some at the mall as a treat. I watched as they would make these very expensive yummy drinks and took notes. I'm always looking for ways to copy cat recipes to save money.
  2. I've always wanted a juicer. Several years ago, my Mom, Sister and myself found Hallelujah Acres  and started following their vegetarian diet plan. Much of what Hallelujah Acres has in the diet is raw foods and juices. I currently eat meat so I have a modified version I follow but Mom is still a vegetarian. I've always needed wanted to purchase a juicer so I am saving until I can purchase one with cash. Until then I make smoothies.
  3. Not long ago I had gotten really off track with my diet. I was eating whatever, whenever. Cakes, cookies and fast food were my weapons of choice. While laying in bed very sick with some virus I caught, I happened to see a documentary called Fat Sick and Nearly DeadDing Ding Ding! Hello its your wake up call..... Needless to say I've done a 180.
   Now for breakfast we have smoothies. These are a delicious way to get several raw fruits and veggies into our diet.

   The way I keep cost low is to go by the EWG guide to purchasing produce. You can find my article To Be or Not To Be Organic here.  I buy in bulk, let the fruit ripen and keep them in the freezer. Strawberries, blueberries and banana's you can leave whole. Mango, pineapple, kiwi etc. I cut into smaller pieces before I freeze them.


Find all of my recipes here....

Good Morning Sunshine Smoothie Recipe



So what is a smoothie? A healthful, delicious way to drink your veggies....

Most of my smoothies have the same base ingredients:

The Green Machine Smoothie Recipe

photo by jules:stonesoup 



This smoothie taste like a peanut butter milkshake yum!


So what is a smoothie? A healthful, delicious way to drink your veggies....

Most of my smoothies have the same base ingredients:

Oh How I Love Smoothies....



My smoothie adventures stem from very different sources

  1. My kids have always loved smoothies. We would grab some at the mall as a treat. I watched as they would make these very expensive yummy drinks and took notes. I'm always looking for ways to copy cat recipes to save money.

  2. I've always wanted a juicer. Several years ago, my Mom, Sister and myself found Hallelujah Acres  and started following their vegetarian diet plan. Much of what Hallelujah Acres has in the diet is raw foods and juices. I currently eat meat so I have a modified version I follow but Mom is still a vegetarian. I've always needed wanted to purchase a juicer so I am saving until I can purchase one with cash. Until then I make smoothies.

  3. Not long ago I had gotten really off track with my diet. I was eating whatever, whenever. Cakes, cookies and fast food were my weapons of choice. While laying in bed very sick with some virus I caught, I happened to see a documentary called Fat Sick and Nearly DeadDing Ding Ding! Hello its your wake up call..... Needless to say I've done a 180.


Now for breakfast we have smoothies. These are a delicious way to get several raw fruits and veggies into our diet.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Inspiration



Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
Henry David Thoreau

Bleach Alternative



   'But I love my bleach! Why should I give it up? I normally can get it cheap, it works great and well...I've always used it. So why switch?' Yes this was me. Kicking and crying not wanting to give it up.

    When you research liquid bleach, and products that contain it, you'll find they have a diluted solution of sodium hypochlorite. Sodium hypochlote is a skin irritant and can cause burns or blisters. The fumes can be irritating to the lungs (it should be avoided by those with respiratory or  heart conditions). It can irritate eyes, causing redness and burning. 

   'Oh! So that's why I have to spray my Bleach Bathroom Cleaner while holding my breath, run away as quickly as possible and wait for the air to clear (cough cough).' I don't know about you but this alone is enough reason for me to consider an alternatives. 

   Ever wonder why your towels and wash cloths don't last very long? With regular use of bleach in your laundry the fibers will start to break down. If not properly rinsed out the residue will continue to break down fibers in the presents of humidity. 

   'Ok so I'll consider giving it up. What can I use instead?'

  •    Sunlight is one of the cheapest (can't beat free) ways to whiten your laundry. Try adding lemon juice as a spot treatment. This will boost the whitening power of the sun.
  • 3% Hydrogen Peroxide is a great spot treatment. It is milder than chlorine bleach and can be used on most fabrics. (please test a small area first) Apply with a cotton swab, allow the area to dry and reapply if needed.
  • Vinegar is a mild bleach that is safe for most fabrics. I use vinegar as a fabric softener as well. Use as a presoak for heavily soiled clothes. Add one cup to the presoak cycle. Vinegar brightens and deodorizes. Vinegar can make cheap dyes and fabrics run and fade. Please test a small area first. 
  • I also use a bleach alternative I found here. I've used this great recipe on all fabrics. I liked it so much, I made my Mom a batch. Thanks Frugally Sustainable for this great recipe.




Inspiration





Most men lead lives of quiet desperation andgo to the grave with the song still in them.


Henry David Thoreau

Green Clean - Bleach Alternative Recipe






   'But I love my bleach! Why should I give it up? I normally can get it cheap, it works great and well...I've always used it. So why switch?' Yes this was me. Kicking and crying not wanting to give it up.


    When you research liquid bleach, and products that contain it, you'll find they have a diluted solution of sodium hypochlorite. Sodium hypochlote is a skin irritant and can cause burns or blisters. The fumes can be irritating to the lungs (it should be avoided by those with respiratory or  heart conditions). It can irritate eyes, causing redness and burning.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The Second Chance Quiche

 
   This quiche recipe earns it *name by using leftover veggies. I normally have an odd assortment of veggies by the end of the week. This is one way to use them up  A lonely zucchini, three or four mushrooms, a carrot, a forgotten baked potato from a previous dinner, a tomato about to give up...all get a second chance to be something great.

Quiche Base:
(Printable Recipe)
  • 3 eggs beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 Tbsp Ghee or melted butter plus 1 Tbsp. separated 
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup shredded cheese- I use a combo of (or what I have) of cheddar, mozzarella, a dash of Parmesan. Use what you have & like
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt and pepper
  • dash of Italian seasoning (don't have any? skip it)
   To the base add 1 cup finely diced vegetables in any combo you like. Such as:

  • Spinach 
  • Mushrooms
  • Zucchini
  • Squash
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Potatoes (you can also grate a cold baked potato)
  • Onion
  • Tomato
  • 1 clove minced garlic or a dash of garlic powder
   You get the idea. Have fun with it. Experiment. Spinach and mushroom is a classic quiche, but me... I like mine with D. All of the above! 
  
Ok on with the details. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees (or if using a handy dandy toaster oven I found 350 works best). Saute veggies (excluding tomatoes) in 1 Tbsp Ghee or butter until softened. Beat together milk 2 Tbsp ghee (or melted butter)  seasonings and eggs. Combine egg mixture with remaining ingredients and vegetables in a large bowl. Pour into a greased 8x8 pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be slightly brown. 


 This recipe is easily doubled. Any leftover quiche can be reheated for dinner, lunches etc.


Nutrition Facts
Serving Size
1 serving (113.3 g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories
186
Calories from Fat
135
% Daily Value*
Total Fat
15.0g
23%
Saturated Fat
8.4g
42%
Trans Fat
0.0g
Cholesterol
156mg
52%
Sodium
172mg
7%
Total Carbohydrates
4.1g
1%
Dietary Fiber
0.7g
3%
Sugars
2.9g
Protein
9.1g
Vitamin A 66%Vitamin C 8%
Calcium 17%Iron 5%
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet
The above nutritional facts are based on:
Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)
3
 eggs

cup  milk

2
tbsp  Ghee

cup  cheddar cheese

 salt

 pepper

cup  spinach

cup  mushrooms

cup  zucchini

1
 carrot

cup  broccoli

cup  onion

Please visit Calorie Counter to analyze your favorite recipes....






*Thank you John





Photo by Lori L. Stalter
This post was shared at Traditional Tuesdays @ Delicious Obsessions

The Second Chance Quiche Recipe




This quiche recipe earns it *name by using leftover veggies. I normally have an odd assortment of veggies by the end of the week. This is one way to use them up  A lonely zucchini, three or four mushrooms, a carrot, a forgotten baked potato from a previous dinner, a tomato about to give up...all get a second chance to be something great....

Monday, April 16, 2012

The Dreaded Word... Budget and Why Everyone Already Has One



    Lets face it... we all need a budget. Actually I believe we All have one in place already. Some examples are, but not limited to:

  1. A simple excel spreadsheet. (what I use)
  2. A budget software
  3. A checkbook register (if theres a positive balance I'm good kinda budget is how I used this one lol)
  4. A budget notebook, homemade or purchased
  5. A cash system (some use envelopes for different categories)
  6. Or an all time favorite  for some: I REALLY DON'T WANNA KNOW budget. The kind where you ignore your finances all together.

The Dreaded Words... How To Budget



Lets face it... we all need a budget. Actually I believe we All have one in place already. Some examples are, but not limited to:

  1. A simple excel spreadsheet. (what I use)

  2. A budget software

  3. A checkbook register (if theres a positive balance I'm good kinda budget is how I used this one lol)

  4. A budget notebook, homemade or purchased

  5. A cash system (some use envelopes for different categories)

  6. Or an all time favorite for some: I REALLY DON'T WANNA KNOW budget. The kind where you ignore your finances all together.

To Be or Not To Be Organic....

   


   Along with gas prices, the price of food gets higher and higher. Right now dairy and gas are competing to see who can get the highest per gallon. Unfortunately most budget friendly (cheap) foods are over processed prepackage with little or no nutritional value. They contain high amounts of sugar (refined, corn syrup, natural etc are All sugars) sodium and a long list of things I can't pronounce. You are what you eat, literally...

To Be or Not To Be Organic....





Along with gas prices, the price of food gets higher and higher. Right now dairy and gas are competing to see who can get the highest per gallon. Unfortunately most budget friendly (cheap) foods are over processed prepackage with little or no nutritional value. They contain high amounts of sugar (refined, corn syrup, natural etc are All sugars) sodium and a long list of things I can't pronounce. You are what you eat, literally...

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Softearth Scrub


   This cleaner can be used in place of the other 'soft scrub' cleaners in your home. It's super easy and cheap to make.  In my experience, this recipe is too thick for a squirt bottle (ie ketchup bottle). I recommend putting it in a plastic container with a large enough opening so you can dip out the cleaner. This makes it easier to use. I use my Softearth Scrub in the bathroom for my primary shower cleaner. I clean my shower daily while I take my shower. So it's important I use something safe and effective.

Nature's Energy Drink




   One of our favorite 'pick me ups' is Nature's Energy Drink. Made with Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar it is tart and sweet at the same time. This recipe is adapted from the Bragg Vinegar Health Drink listed on the bottle. The folks at Bragg suggest drinking it 3 times daily- upon arising, mid-morning and mid-afternoon. 

Oil Pulling and For the Love of Coconut Oil



   One of the latest things people are buzzing about is coconut oil. Check out what I found on this blog. Wait! What does number 10 say? What is Oil Pulling? I had never heard of this before. After much research I thought I would give it a try. With me having RA, I am always looking for ways to help my immune system.

Green Clean - Softearth Scrub



This cleaner can be used in place of the other 'soft scrub' cleaners in your home. It's super easy and cheap to make.  In my experience, this recipe is too thick for a squirt bottle (ie ketchup bottle). I recommend putting it in a plastic container with a large enough opening so you can dip out the cleaner. This makes it easier to use. I use my Softearth Scrub in the bathroom for my primary shower cleaner. I clean my shower daily while I take my shower. So it's important I use something safe and effective.

Nature's Energy Drink




   One of our favorite 'pick me ups' is Nature's Energy Drink. Made with Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar it is tart and sweet at the same time. This recipe is adapted from the Bragg Vinegar Health Drink listed on the bottle. The folks at Bragg suggest drinking it 3 times daily- upon arising, mid-morning and mid-afternoon. 

Milk Kefir



Milk Kefir



   Milk kefir has been around for has been around for a long time. Yet until a few weeks ago, was very new to me. I found the information from some of my favorite blogs here and here. So being adventurous and loving to try new foods, I purchased some from the local grocery store. What you purchase in store is much like a slightly fizzy drinkable yogurt. They have different flavors or plain, just like yogurts. But these are very expensive! So I set out to make my own... 

Oil Pulling and For the Love of Coconut Oil




   One of the latest things people are buzzing about is coconut oil. Check out what I found on this blog. Wait! What does number 10 say? What is Oil Pulling? I had never heard of this before. After much research I thought I would give it a try. With me having RA, I am always looking for ways to help my immune system.

Homemade Cleaners

  A great way to save money is by making your own cleaning and beauty products. Household commercial cleaners contain many toxins. I have strong allergies to almost all fragrances, natural or otherwise. I do everything from sneeze to get migraine headaches. By making my own products I control the fragrances (if any) and they are safer for the environment. Something as simple as vinegar and water in a spray bottle can be an effective cleaner for your kitchen counter. Cleaning products are super simple to make and super cheap! My favorites are:

What Is Kefir Anyway?




Milk Kefir




   Milk kefir has been around for a long time. Yet until a few weeks ago, was very new to me. I found the information from some of my favorite blogs here and here. So being adventurous and loving to try new foods, I purchased some from the local grocery store. What you purchase in store is much like a slightly fizzy drinkable yogurt. They have different flavors or plain, just like yogurts. But these are very expensive! So I set out to make my own... 

How To Make Homemade Cleaners


credit


A great way to save money is by making your own cleaning and beauty products. Household commercial cleaners contain many toxins. I have strong allergies to almost all fragrances, natural or otherwise. I do everything from sneeze to get migraine headaches. By making my own products I control the fragrances (if any) and they are safer for the environment. Something as simple as vinegar and water in a spray bottle can be an effective cleaner for your kitchen counter. Cleaning products are super simple to make and super cheap! My favorites are:

Friday, April 13, 2012

How I kicked the shampoo habit...

  Confession, I do not shampoo my hair! 'Excuse me?' you say. Yup you heard right. I don't use shampoo. I have opted instead for the 'No Poo' method of washing my hair.  This method uses a baking soda/water mixture to wash with and apple cider vinegar to condition. I know it sounds strange. But it really works! My hair feels and styles much better than before. Also as an added bonus, I wash it less frequently.

My journey with fermented foods...

   I'm an all or nothing kinda gal. I didn't start with one fermented food, oh no. I had to try everything at once. When I started researching all the foods I could ferment, I was super excited. And so began my 'Ferment Experiment'. Milk Kefir, Kombucha, Yogurt, Sauerkraut and Sourdough Bread to name a few. There are endless possibilities to what you can ferment.

How I kicked the shampoo habit...

Confession, I do not shampoo my hair! 'Excuse me?' you say. Yup you heard right. I don't use shampoo. I have opted instead for the 'No Poo' method of washing my hair.  This method uses a baking soda/water mixture to wash with and apple cider vinegar to condition. I know it sounds strange. But it really works! My hair feels and styles much better than before. Also as an added bonus, I wash it less frequently

My journey with fermented foods...

I'm an all or nothing kinda gal. I didn't start with one fermented food, oh no. I had to try everything at once. When I started researching all the foods I could ferment, I was super excited. And so began my 'Ferment Experiment'. Milk Kefir, Kombucha, Yogurt, Sauerkraut and Sourdough Bread to name a few. There are endless possibilities to what you can ferment.