Make Your Own Reusable Produce Bags!

What a simple idea! I believe we all need to try to make little steps to try to save the world.  Because all those little steps make a big difference! Check out Smashed Peas and Carrots, she has a great tutorial on how to make you own reusable produce bags!

-Mary

I need to find my camera!

Am I the only person who loses there camera as much as I lose my mind? I mean seriously, I have 3 kids a big family, activities and a blog site. I REALLY need to keep track of the thing.  I have a whole bunch of tutorials on there and ones I need to create, and my lack of equipment is keeping me back! AArrrgghh!

Tutorials you will be seeing once I find my camera:
-Making Stock
-Kneading Bread
-My Story Stones
-Turning an old sweater into a scarf
-Making leg warmers for the home

So that's the plan!  It will be Chris and my mission tomorrow to find it.  Woke up with a killer sinus infection today, so not sure if much will get done.
Have an awesome day!
-Mary

Baking Bread

IN my attempt to eat cleaner and saving a buck, I have tried to take on the task of making my own multi grain bread....

Seriously...


Crazy right?!  Well, it IS super easy and yummy, but I never thought I would ever become this frugal! We will be using the bread for morning toast, sandwiches, and dinner.  I have made 2 batches so far (4 loaves) and a couple things I have discovered:

1) Kneading bread and hitting it is an AWESOME feeling!
2) I REALLY need to get more bread pans, so I don't have to start all over to make another batch.

Well, here the recipe I use, it is from my absolute favorite cook book,  Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook. And lucky me, its not found online, so for YOU, I will type it!

Mixed Grain Bread

3 1/2 to 4 Cups All purpose Flour
2 Packages Active Dry Yeast
1 1/2 Cups Milk
3/4 Cup water
1/2 cup cracked wheat (check you farmers market for this, you can get it pretty darn cheap)
1/2 Cup Cornmeal
1/2 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
3 Tablespoons cooking oil
1 1/2 Teaspoon salt
1 1/2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 Cup Rolled Oats (Side note here: you can use ANY oatmeal from the large tubular container...I didn't know that! I looked it up.)

In a large mixing bowl put in 2 of the cups of flour and the yeast.  In a pot add: Milk, water, cracked wheat, cornmeal, brown sugar, oil and salt.  Bring to warm, NOT even close to boiling, you just need it pretty warm to activate the yeast.  Pour contents in the mixing bowl, mix on low 30 seconds, use wood or plastic spoon to scrape side (did you know you should NOT use metal spoons on metal pans?!? It gives a metallic taste, just learned this). Then turn on high speed for three minutes.  After stir in whole wheat flour, oats and another cup of flour.  Transfer mixer on to a lightly floured surface.

What I do when kneading bread:
I lay on lightly floured surface, sprinkle flour on top, then massage the bread (ooo lala!).  You will keep adding flour until the dough stops sticking to your hands, that's when you know its done! Just be sure the dough is an even consistency. (EASY huh?)  Them slap the dough a couple of times (ok, maybe not nessasary, but so fun!).

Put the dough in a ball and put it into a lightly oiled bowl, flip dough around and cover with towel (the point here is to let the ball get oil on top and bottom).  Put in warm place for about an hour, should double-ish in size.

Punch the dough down with fists, and flip onto floured surface, divide in half, cover with towel and let rest for 10 minutes. Lightly grease 2 8x4x2 inch loaf pans.

Shape the dough in a cylinder shape and make fit in loaf pans. Cover. let rise in warm place for another 30 minutes.

Spray or sprinkle tops of loaves with water, sprinkle with oats, and put in 375 degree oven.  Bake for 30-35 minutes or until they sound hollow when tapped on. I also spray about 2 more time quickly during baking time, I find it makes the crust crunchy.

Enjoy!

On a side note, whole wheat bread with grains will be a bit more dense and will not rise as much due to the lack of gluten. Just FYI
-Mary

Julie/Julia Project

Tonight I watched Julie and Julia. And as I sat there watching the awesome movie, the story about a gal cooking and blogging through Julia Childs' Cookbook," Mastering the Art of French Cooking ", I have become thankful of my blog here.  Sometimes I wonder to myself, "Does anyone read this stuff?" or "Am I even helping anyone" or "Does anyone CARE?" Well, as much as I hope you do, I just love the info I am getting from this.  I pay more attention to fashion, cooking, crafts, and my kids and husband much more.  I try to learn things about them, look things up, and I blog about them.  Sometimes I am sure I may come across as a hoity-toity know it all, (or maybe I just FEEL like that!) but chances are, I probably JUST read it or saw it somewhere and then blogged about it.  And BOY does writing this stuff such a destresser!  I really think this blog is helping my stress level and keeping me calm and stationary.  And THAT in itself is amazing since, well, I'm a pretty darn busy gal!  So, if you have read this far, I would really like to encourage you to a) watch the movie, and b) START a blog!  Or a paint a picture, cook a meal, hit a ball. What ever floats your boat, and do it not for them, but for yourself!

 Also, I found the blog which the movie is based off of, check it out! The Julie/Juliet Project.

Thanks All!
-Mary

Spring 2010 Fashion Trends

Yes, I just Copy and pasted this from here, and it was really fun to see these! Thought they would bring a good laugh! Will I follow most of them? No, probably not.  Seriously...who is going to leave the house with bunny ears on? Not this gal! But more power to ya if you can pull it off! Also, please check out a previous post HERE about great, CLASSIC fashion for any body type!

Spring/Summer 2010 Clothes: Key Looks

Hot pants & boy shorts

If ever there was a time to hit the gym, it's this Spring. Hemlines have crept up to shorter than short; in fact reaching the negative. Hot pants, boy shorts, and tap pants are all variations on this shorter-than-short style, which in many cases reveal more than just one's legs. Click to read more about the hot pants trend.

Knee high & over the knee socks

Knee high socks - as well as over-the-knee and thigh high socks - are back as a trend, and the options on how to wear them are many. From the sporty to the sparkly, to layerings of socks over tights; a great pair of socks can add volumes to an outfit. Click to read more about the knee high socks trend and how to wear it.

Future warrior

The military and tribal trends collide to become this fierce fashion trend. Ancient civilisations come to life in leather tunics, metal plating, and war paint. Unequivocally fearless and with room for endless creativity, the main criteria for the modern warrior is confidence. Click to read more about the warrior trend.

High dress splits

How to pull off the ultimate in sexy without reaching for the micro-mini? Add a long dress with a high split to your Spring wardrobe. From Versace's knock-out gowns to Lanvin's elegantly draping numbers, we look at numerous ways to rock a high dress split. Click to read more about the high dress splits trend.

2010 Bikinis and swimwear

Find out what swimwear you'll be wearing when you hit the beach this Summer with our Bikinis 2009/2010 trends guide. Which monikinis should you be wearing? And what style of bikinis? And which designer is making the sexiest, must-have pieces? Click to read more about the hottest swimwear and bikini styles.

Sportswear: sporty clothing

Sportswear takes on a whole new level of cool when it hits trend status in 2010. Football inspirations turn tomboy chic to sexy yet effortless looks; while Bond girl scuba inspired clothing is the pinnacle of sporty bombshell. Dance and 20s inspired tennis looks also feature in our comprehensive look at sporty clothing in 2010. Click for more on sportswear fashion.

Jumpsuits & playsuits

Every so often, one-piece styles of clothing have a revival. What started with bodysuits and leotards is now becoming a fully-fledged trend towards jumpsuits, playsuits, and rompers. As a unique style for Spring 2010, they won't be for everyone, but they will offer more options than you'd think. Click to read more about the jumpsuits and playsuits trend.

Patterned & printed pants

No longer must we stick to boring block colours on our lower half, for all varieties of printed pants have made their way onto the Spring runways. Whether floral, striped, abstract, bold or subdued... patterns on pants are giving us new bold wardrobe options for the warmer months. Click to read more about the printed pants trend.

See-through and sheer fabrics trend

In Spring and Summer fashion tends to get a little more revealing; we blame it on the heat, and one's desire to show off. So in 2009 turn to the sheer / see-through trend to keep you cool yet sexy. 2009/2010's sheer pieces are a mixture of the soft and feminine, to the opposite extremes of the hardcore sex-kitten. Click for more on the see-through/sheer/nude fashion trend.

Boyfriend blazers

Continuing to be a wardrobe staple for Spring/Summer 2010, the "boyfriend" blazer is a simple way to look chic whether on a fresh Spring day or mild a Summer's night. A slightly oversized jacket or blazer, sleeves rolled up, is the pinnacle of relaxed cool. Click to read more about the boyfriend blazer trend and how to wear it.

Bunny ears

Headbands take a quirky turn with this unique micro-trend. Bunny ears, Mickey Mouse ears, and oversized bows are all styles which fit this vintage-sex-kitten meets sugar sweet girl-next-door look. This trend is a definite favourite for editorials and shoots; but that doesn't mean it can't work on the streets. Click to read more about the bunny ears trend.

Women's Denim Jean Fashion Trends for Spring/Summer 2010

Ripped jeans and torn denim trend

Just when you thought they would never return... ripped jeans are back. Starting in 2008 with a horde of sexed-up editorial shoots and celebrity sightings, those torn denim shorts and shredded jeans are hitting the streets. Ripped denim in 2009 is certainly sexy and revealing - possibly more than ever. Click here to read more on the 2009 take on ripped denim.

Patched jeans

We've seen jeans go from ripped to torn to downright shredded; so what can you possibly do next? Patch them of course! It's not for everyone, but its an option that's gaining traction. Patched jeans work well as skinnies, or try patched denim flares for a revival of 70s chic. Click to read more about the patched jeans trend.

Updated my blog!

So it only took me HOURS! But I figured out how to add buttons and links. Turns out I was making it much harder than it should be! BIG surprise! I tend to over think things.

I won!

Can you believe it?!? I am so happy! My Mama Made it had a giveaway and I entered and posted it on the blog as well, and I WON!! Thank You Alexis!

Snow Ice Cream

Snow is driving me crazy...but what a fun way to make SOMETHING good out of it! Haha, check out the link to Lark Song Knits, Snow Ice Cream!

BEANS!

"Beans, beans, the magical fruit...." remember that song, so inappropriate, yet so fun to sing! I want to talk a little bit about them, and how inexpensive they can be!  I read awhile back about how much cheaper it is to buy dried beans than it is to buy them canned, and it makes them much healthier too, no preservatives, salt, or other additives.  Really easy to do, I is soak the beans overnight, the next day I bring them up to boil then simmer and let them cook for about 40-90 minutes (depending on the bean) or until tender, like the consistency of the canned beans, not mushy.  Be sure to stir often, to keep them from sticking.  Don't cook them too long, or they will become too soft and you will be forced to make bean soup!  I then drain and rinse them with cold water.  I put them in freezer bags in 2 cup measurements, which is about the same amount as 2 cans of beans.  I make sure to get as much as the air out as possible (I use Reynolds Handi Vac bags), mark what they are and the date, then freeze them flat.  I then can pull them out to use whenever I want!  The price difference? A can of kidney beans costs about 98 cents.  A bag of dry kidney beans is about $1.47, it makes about 6 cans worth of beans! BIG price difference, and peace of mind of knowing whats in them!

Best Granola Bars EVER!

So in my attempt to make my life simpler and cleaner, I am making a triple batch of granola bars and wheat bread.  I have made the granola bars a couple of times, and oh my goodness, I can devour an entire pan!  You SO cannot tell they are a good for you! Which is why I am making so much, I want to keep them in the house!  I get the recipe from one of my favorite chefs, Alton Brown.  Here it is!!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces old-fashioned rolled oats, approximately 2 cups
• 1 1/2 ounces raw sunflower seeds, approximately 1/2 cup
• 3 ounces sliced almonds, approximately 1 cup
• 1 1/2 ounces wheat germ, approximately 1/2 cup
• 6 ounces honey, approximately 1/2 cup
• 1 3/4 ounces dark brown sugar, approximately 1/4 cup packed
• 1-ounce unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 1/2 ounces chopped dried fruit, any combination of apricots, cherries or blueberries

Directions

Butter a 9 by 9-inch glass baking dish and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread the oats, sunflower seeds, almonds, and wheat germ onto a half-sheet pan. Place in the oven and toast for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In the meantime, combine the honey, brown sugar, butter, extract and salt in a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.

Once the oat mixture is done, remove it from the oven and reduce the heat to 300 degrees F. Immediately add the oat mixture to the liquid mixture, add the dried fruit, and stir to combine. Turn mixture out into the prepared baking dish and press down, evenly distributing the mixture in the dish and place in the oven to bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Another Giveaway, FREE Modge Podge Starter Set!

So, one of my newest obsessions is Modge Podge, you can make ANYTHING with this stuff! I am working on Story Rocks from a previous post, and having so much fun! Want to win this starter set? Go Here!

Meal Planner

  (This is not my pantry, I WISH...)

So I am doing a pantry challenge and will be trying to clear my shelves and freezer.  Today I cleaned my pantry and this week I MIGHT clean out my freezer, but I doubt it. Just not feelin' it! But I do need to go to the store to get some vegtables and fruit.

Sunday: Bean Soup and homemade bread, leftovers will be used on Tuesday

Monday: Pasta Bake and salad

Tuesday: Bean Burritos

Wednesday: Chili with enough for Friday's dinner, and homemade cornbread

Thursday: Tuna Noodle Cassorole

Friday: Taco Skillet (recipe below)

Taco Skillet:

Ingredients:

2 cups(ish) Leftover chili

2 cups (ish) noodles (I use whole wheat elbow usually)

2 1/2 - 3 TBS taco seasoning (or you can use packaged)

2 1/2-3 Cups Water

1-2 cups chedder cheese

Instructions:

In large pan, put chili, noodles, seasoning and water.  Mix and bring to boil, cover, let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until noodles are tender, stir often to prevent sticking.  Finish with cheese on top, enjoy!

Giveaway!!

Wanna Win this Cape?  I DO! Go check out My Mama Made It site and put in for her giveaway! 

Easy Soup

Well, today is the first day of 2010, and we have like 2 feet of snow outside! So today is a cuddle bunny-a-thon with Chris and the girls.  I LOVE these days!  I think tonight I will make some nice hot soup made out of whatever I have in the refridgerator and freezer.  I love soup, I could live off just soup every meal.   Chris, not so much, he is definatly a meat and potatoes guy, so is my middle daughter.  But my eldest and the baby will eat up whatever soup, stew, or gumbo I mix up.  Besides it being super yummy and satisfying, soup is super cheap!  I had 6 kids in my family growing up, so my mom was a master of stretching a buck.  She would make it often for dinner.  I used to wonder how she worked her magic in the kitchen, but after a lot of practice and trial and error, I learned the ways of the stew pot!  So here are some easy tips for make cheap and easy soup!

1) First, you need a base for the broth.  You have a few different options here.  You can make your own stock (recommended),  you can use broth from a can or box, or you can use water and bouionne. Heat this up on medium while you prepare the other ingredients.

2) Next, you need a meat if you are makiing it with meat. If you are useing leftovers, just trim it and throw it in  the broth.  If you are useing fresh, chop it, then brown it in the pot with olive oil and salt and pepper.  Then put inbroth.

3) All great and cheap soup needs a filler, so this is the grain you will be putting in.  Macaroni, barley,potato and rice are all great.  Or, you can put dumplings in at the end.   You can either put the cooked grain in the broth, or you can cook it in the broth before you add the meat.  To do this, put in number 5 below, bring the broth to boil then add the grain and cover.  Cook about 20 minutes, depending on the grain.

4) Next is vegtable, a great basis for most soups is onion, carrots and celery. This trio is called a mirepoix (thats french!). I will saute the onion (and I add garlic) with the meat. I then put the chopped celery and carrot in broth to cook, depending on the size of the chop, it take about 45 minutes to get them soft. I also use frozenmixed vegtables often, becuase it is quite affordable and easy.  It does not take long to cook, usually just needs warmed up.

5) Add salt and pepper and herbs.  If it is chicken base, I add parsley and oregano. For beef base, I add bay leaf anf oregano.  I also put in garlic and onion powder to either.  I believe that herbs need at least 20 minutes to meld in a soup, and I bring it to boil first then bring to simmer.

Put lid on the pot and let the soup meld and warm.  The meat is fine in the broth for awhile, just keep in mind that the grain and the vegetables might get mushy if they are cooked too long. So, if you want the broth to pick up the herbs more, cook the broth, meat and herbs before you add this stuff.

And that's it! Super yummy soup!  There are so many different inventions you can make, and they (usually) always turn out still edible! have fun!