Kansas Country Farm

More on Growing Grains

This is a very informative article on small-scale grain production from the Organic Consumers Association newsletter. 

I've posted  about this before, but this is good info. for those who want to "grow a little grain"! 

Blessings,

Catherine

Use whatcha have! :)

A lot of times we think... oh these are bad, or they are way past their prime, I can't use these... BUT if we think and are a bit creative, what wonderful surprises are just waiting to be discovered.
Speaking of, I had this large pack of cherry tomatoes. Wonderful when they are firm and fresh.  Not so great when they are soft and wrinkled.
BUT, by throwing them in my blender (with a few fresh cloves of garlic) or food processor for just a few quick pulses, I have a wonderful start to some homemade salsa, spaghetti sauce or soup, or pour into a freezer bag and keep it for another time.
Lots of wonderful possibilities. :)
Mine went into Tuesday nights spaghetti. :)
Enjoy and remember, find new uses for what you already have!

Blessings,
Chasity L. Burrell
Senior Editor Homesteadblogger
Heritage Acres Homestead

Plant Companions

Click Here for a list of "foes and friends" in the garden, from The Old Farmer's Almanac site.  You will  also find a link to a good article on plant companions there.

I like to interplant herbs and flowers as companions and aids in the garden.  Those that attract beneficial insects are good choices- like the Dill and Parsley mentioned in the Almanac article, for example. 

Marigolds are an obvious choice, and they are quite pretty. 

Another good companion in the garden is Borage. Bees are said to love it.  In all honesty, I plant it mostly for those pretty (and tasty) blue flowers; but it is said to have many uses, and even improve the flavor of tomatoes if grown near them.  I planted some in the tomato section of the garden,  and I'll have to do a taste test to see if those near the Borage have better flavor.  It will be a fun experiment for the girls, too!   Click here and here for more information on Borage. 

Basil makes a good garden companion, as you can see in the photo above, the bees love it, too! It is also helpful in repelling flies and mosquitoes.  Just break off a sprig and rub it on your skin or clothing to help keep those pesky critters at bay.  I like to plant it with the tomatoes, as it too, is said to improve their flavor if grown nearby.  Whether or not that is accurate, there is nothing like the flavor of a salad of fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, drizzled with a little olive oil, and sprinkled with some sea salt & freshly ground black pepper...add a piece of homebaked bread and my girls and I are happy, happy, happy (my husband, and probably most men would appreciate a nice piece of grilled chicken or fish to complete the meal)! 

Do you have your own foes & friends or plant companions you'd like to share with us?  It is fun to read about other's methods and techniques.  Often, there's little method to my madness, I just plant on a whim and see what happens...sometimes it is a good thing, sometimes not; but there's always next season to try, try again!

Blessings,

Catherine

Save 40-50% on Art Supplies

I have been organizing some of my watercolor materials to take on the road with me. I have never prepared a travelling kit, but would like to have a small stash of supplies on hand that will allow me to be creative when I am inspired on the road, without having to lug around a large box of supplies. If you have ever travelled to a hotel, on an airplane, bus, road tripped, camped, or Rv-ed then you know space and weight are crucial. However, I have had the blessing of doodling when we have been camping and reviewing those doodles are more than just memories; they tell about me as a person. This is something that a camera cannot capture. Now back to my original idea. I was still left wondering how to accomplish this. I even wondered if I could accomplish this in a way that would fit in with our business.

On errand day this week, I made a stop at Michael’s to check on the price of a travel palette and I needed a bottle of masking fluid. Masking fluid is a bit pricey, but it lasts a long time. I also had on my list a Chinese water color brush for a new technique I have wanted to try. The selection at Michael’s was in terrible condition. There was a nice lady in the asile who could see me struggling and asked what I was looking for. She asked if I had a coupon. I replied no because I don’t get the newspaper. She said, “Aren’t you on the Joann’s mailing list?” This I interpreted to mean, “Aren’t you in the club?” I replied yes, but that Joann’s doesn’t carry that supplies that I need for painting. She said to me (Are you sitting down? Oh, of course you are, because you are reading this on your computer; silly me!), “You can use your Joann’s coupons here.” WHAT? That’s what a girl gets when she doesn’t read the secret club membership book!

The look on my face said it all…I was completely clueless. Sure enough, I asked and Michael’s accepts Joann’s coupons. SO, even if I don’t need a craft item, I can get my artist’s supplies and use the 40-50% off coupons! So for all of you who were in the dark like me, I am here to inform. Now, go and save, but do so within your budget, says I! What a GREAT way to end the week!

Have FUN saving even more on your art and craft supplies!

These are my thoughts.

Leslie Valeska

~Contributing Writer~

Leslie Valeska is the lucky wife of Thomas.  With children ranging in ages from 4-16, she has had a lot of time to learn and experience much of the fine art of homemaking. She is a writer, speaker, and vintage seamstress. For FREE daily tips and a FREE E-zine on simple and frugal living visit her blog Journey to Simplicity. Need a source of encouragement, inspiration, and support on your journey to Godly womanhood? Visit Simple Journey Ministries (she has a FREE E-zine too!)

Beans, Beans, Beans

When it comes to frugal living, beans just seem to come to mind, don't they?  They are so inexpensive, easy to prepare in many ways, and are also very nutritious.  It is no wonder so many use beans as a staple food in their diet. 

Our family loves beans, well my husband and I do, and all of my children did until recently, when the youngest 2 began to get picky.  Since we are living very frugally these days(the economy has done us no favors). beans are on the menu even more than normal.

My picky eaters will turn up their noses at our "regular" beans, but will eat refried beans without a negative word; and they love what they call "sweet beans", which are really those nasty canned baked beans.  Since they like "sweet beans", I thought I'd try out my grandmother's recipe for them.  My husband thinks that sweet beans are almost inedible, so I'll continue to make our regular beans for him, but from time to time I'll make the recipe below for the "sweet bean" fans in our household.

Grandma's Pinto Beans

2 cups dry pinto beans- cook in water until just tender

Add: 

1 onion, chopped

1 Tbl sugar

2 Tbl chili powder

2 Tbl molasses

1 tsp powdered dry mustard

salt to taste

Continue to cook until beans are soft.   

Grandma always served her beans with cornbread, which traditionally in our family is not sweet. 

Here's another of grandma's bean recipes.  Another one I don't make often because my husband insists that beans are one dish, chili is another, and the two don't mix !  Silly man.  Anyway, it makes a big pot of meaty, chili beans, that are quite tasty. 

Mexican Beans

Cook 2 lbs. beans until tender. 

Brown 2 lbs. ground meat

Add this to beans along with:

8 oz. taco sauce

1 can green chilis

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbl chili powder

1 can diced tomatoes (recipe says 1 large can, I would use the 14 oz. can, I think)

2 onions, chopped

1/2 tsp cumin

salt to taste

Simmer until ready to serve. 

For our family's staple "regular beans", I soak pintos using the quick soak method on the package.   After soaking for an hour, I add more water and bring to a boil, then add the following:

salt- to taste

black pepper- quite a bit, but to taste

garlic powder- again, to taste, probably 1/2 tsp or so

liquid smoke, 1 tsp or so (optional)

1 small onion, chopped finely (to disguise it from picky little people)

Cook, over med. to low heat, adding water as needed, until very soft and the broth has thickened. 

I serve them plain, with cornbread, potatoes and a leafy green veggie for one meal, then make refried beans with the leftovers.  To do this, simply add 2 tbl. or so of one of the following into a large skillet: vegetable oil, bacon grease, or lard.  I use veg. oil these days since it is the healthiest option, the bacon grease gives the best flavor in my opinion.  Heat over med.-hi. heat until hot, add beans.  Stir and mash until most of the liquid cooks off and beans are as smooth as you like.  Now you have refried beans for side dishes, or another staple in our family- breakfast tacos.  Heat flour tortillas, add some refried beans, cheese, and eggs, bacon, or whatever you like.  Don't forget the salsa!

Hope these recipes help you plan some frugal meals for your family!

Blessings,

Catherine

Natural Garden Helps

Take 2....I somehow "lost" the entry I was just-about-finished-with !  Aaaaggghhh!!!   How do I manage to do these things?   I wish I knew so I could quit it!  OK, since I've just wasted time I don't have...this will have to be short and sweet.

Here are 2 things I'm experimenting with  in my own garden, thought some of you might be interested, too.  I read both of them "somewhere"; but can't remember where now...my memory is not what it used to be! 

Yarrow Tea for mealy bugs and other soft bodied insects

1 cup of Yarrow leaves, blossoms and stems

2 cups water

Infuse- either simmer on the stovetop (smells nasty), or set outside and make "sun tea"

Add this to a gallon container and fill rest of the way with water, or part strong coffee.  Add 1/4 tsp Castille soap.

Spray plants every 1 to 2 weeks.  This is also said to be a plant tonic. 

Willow Water for rooting cuttings

Cut soft tips of Willow branches and soak in water.  Strain and use this Willow water to dip stems of cuttings before planting and to water newly planted cuttings with.  Said to help them root, like rooting hormone.  If you have leftovers, label and store in the refrigerator. 

These are both new to me, but I am trying them both.  I'll let you know how they work out; you do the same if you try, or have tried, them!

Hope your holiday weekend is pleasant.  Mine is going to be busy- 2 birthday parties, a family reunion, park day today...way more "outings" than normal for me.  I'll be relieved when Tuesday gets here and I can once again settle into my "homebody" routine!

Blessings,

Catherine

Fresh Money Saving Idea

You have heard the expression, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” right? Well, I believe in that philosophy, but sometimes it can be hard to get your inner core to go along for the ride, know what I mean? With so many families facing financial tightness, they are realizing that every little bit helps. Last week and earlier this week I offered some tips on how you can clean out your pantry & refrigerator without wasting a penny AND saving on cleaning supplies. I recently answered the question about how to begin to build your store house when your budget is already tight. In keeping with this thought process, here is a fresh way to lower your food budget with one simple purchase to help save money.

Instead of buying 3 lemons for $1, consider buying a whole bag. You may not think you will use all these lemons, unless you actually do make lemonade frequently, but over time you will. The simplest way to keep fresh raw lemons on hand, instead of the cooked stuff that comes in a bottle, is to purchase that bag of lemons. All you need to do to store them is cut them in half and place in a small zip style freezer bag or food saver and place in your freezer. I double the protection, by placing these smaller bags in a larger zip style freezer bag. These will keep for about 6 months. They may keep longer, but I have never had them around longer than that to know the actual freezer life of frozen lemons.

The best part, when you defrost these halves, they will be MUCH easier to juice! This works for any citrus fruits, so stock up on limes and oranges when they are on sale as well. Simply frugal living at its best.

These are my thoughts.

Leslie Valeska

~Contributing Writer~

Leslie Valeska is the lucky wife of Thomas.  With children ranging in ages from 4-16, she has had a lot of time to learn and experience much of the fine art of homemaking. She is a writer, speaker, and vintage seamstress. For FREE daily tips and a FREE E-zine on simple and frugal living visit her blog Journey to Simplicity. Need a source of encouragement, inspiration, and support on your journey to Godly womanhood? Visit Simple Journey Ministries (she has a FREE E-zine too!)

Home-Crafted Tooth Care

How about some homemade tooth care today?

Kim posted a tutorial for making toothpaste  a few months ago that I really like.  I made this recipe and it gets your teeth nice and clean without any nasty chemicals.  It is made with ingredients you probably have around the house, too; which makes it  frugal, too.  Click here to see Kim's homemade toothpaste how-to.  I didn't have peppermint flavored oil, so I just added a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil.  I would also suggest using aluminum-free baking powder. 

Now that those teeth are fresh and clean, how about a natural tooth whitener?  It tastes fabulous, and this is just the time of year for it...

Strawberry!  Yes, take a fresh strawberry and rub it on your teeth to whiten them .  You could also mash it up and use a toothbrush, but children especially will enjoy just scrubbing away with the whole fruit. 

You can also take a fresh sage leaf and use it to clean your teeth.  I don't particularly like the taste, but it does make your teeth squeaky clean.

Don't forget to rinse well after using these tooth cleaners and  whiteners!

You can make a simple herbal mouth rinse by boiling 2 cups of water and adding 4 tsp. of lavender blossoms.  Allow to steep for half an hour or so, then strain and bottle.  You can add some rosewater to the lavender rinse if you like.  A drop of peppermint essential oil could be added to make it even more refreshing.  Just remember, if you add essential oil, do not swallow it- it is a mouth rinse after all ! 

And finally, how about a few herbs that you can use to garnish your dinner plates, and then nibble as a little breath freshener when dinner is over?

Basil- Purple Ruffles Basil is beautiful, Lemon Basil is lemony fresh

Lavender- blossoms and leaves

Lemon Balm- very nice lemony herb

Mint- Spearmint, Peppermint, Applemint, Orange...Chocolate...whatever you like

Parsley- the most obvious choice, but it has good breath freshening properties

Roses- just the colored part of the petals, the white part is bitter

Sage- Pineapple Sage is my favorite

Thyme- Lemon preferably 

Hope you enjoy these homemade clean ideas for your teeth!  Have a favorite home-made dental care recipe you'd like to share?  We'd love to see it!

Blessings,

Catherine

A Simple Way to Preserve Tomatoes

When the tomatoes start ripening faster than I can eat them, dry them, or can them (and that usually doesn't take long); I use this simple, quick way to freeze them:

Wash tomatoes, remove stem, place on cookie sheet and pop in the freezer.  When frozen, place in freezer bags to store.  Easy as that! 

When you need tomatoes for a dish, take out however many you need, run under warm water and the skins will slip right off. 

Obviously, since they've been frozen, they are best used in cooked dishes, though I have read of someone sprinkling one of these tomatoes with salt, pepper, and a little vinegar and eating it just like that.  Who knows, it might be really good...especially during the winter when you can't get a decent fresh tomato.

I think this is my favorite way to preserve tomatoes; probably because it is the simplest ! 

Please share your favorite way to preserve tomatoes with us!

Blessings,

Catherine

Build a "Green" Greenhouse

How To Build Your Own Recycled Plastic Bottle Greenhouse

Looks like a very neat project.  Simple enough for kids to do, so I should be able to handle it !

Blessings,

Catherine