tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28420058081977637232024-02-27T02:09:39.007-05:00Little Patch of Heaven HomesteadA chronicle of our family's homestead as we work toward more self-sufficient living.Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-91630985048605369892014-09-16T22:26:00.001-04:002014-09-16T22:26:40.231-04:00Great Deal on Hobby Farms Magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlJEZfc6JI-brp2OO_EEDe6hysNfV6vdGxx7kg1eC3kiqfyj2G6uPAFendRdLA8Ol7Fg71KmHw7HdvkV0RDLSBqTL0hfjmRCuigndzCCYckxLDhL6wt2pN5jEHhD_HTOANPxbx-qNvWFH/s1600/Hobby+Farms+mag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlJEZfc6JI-brp2OO_EEDe6hysNfV6vdGxx7kg1eC3kiqfyj2G6uPAFendRdLA8Ol7Fg71KmHw7HdvkV0RDLSBqTL0hfjmRCuigndzCCYckxLDhL6wt2pN5jEHhD_HTOANPxbx-qNvWFH/s1600/Hobby+Farms+mag.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is one of my two favorite homesteading magazines - the two that I will actually subscribe to if the price is right and, this time, it is. Anyone interested in starting, operating, reading or dreaming about a hobby farm - this magazine is for you! </div>
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Head over to Discount Mags and pay just <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-5713400-11939647" target="_blank">$9.99 for a one-year subscription to Hobby Farms Magazine</a>! That's 67% off the cover price and only $1.67 per issue.</div>
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To take advantage of this great sale:</div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Head over to <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-5713400-11939647" target="_blank">Discount Mags</a> and put 1 year of <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-5713400-11939647" target="_blank">Hobby Farms Magazine</a> in your shopping cart</div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Apply promo code 8722 when you check out</div>
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It's
that easy! If this is a magazine you've been wanting to suscribe to or
give to someone, this price is a great time
to buy. </div>
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Act fast though, this deal is only good on <b>Wednesday, September 17.</b> </div>
Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-91121175659536960962014-09-01T21:45:00.002-04:002014-09-04T09:13:17.785-04:00Lemon Blueberry Muffins {Weight Watchers Recipe}These muffins are to die for. They are seriously that good. My Mom kept telling me about this recipe she had and how great these muffins were. Hubz isn't big on lemon so I didn't give them a second thought until I had a lemon that was on the other side of ripe, if you know what I'm saying.<br />
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Anyhow, I put that lemon to good use and whipped these babies up. It pains me to say it, but Mom was right. They are delicious. Hubz was even a fan.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9LWNVZ4Eq65Y291fvZdc4eJj9HqxR0LLLpEoZIDhrkJfBX5TMhQboNZdre44BlxBAfQ15X8eDFq7cSA3oDlf3Mcpferl7aucumF4ivkmUfGokd6K_CT4jzwPmLAo1KwPzd2xuypXep_6/s1600/Lemon+Blueberry+Muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9LWNVZ4Eq65Y291fvZdc4eJj9HqxR0LLLpEoZIDhrkJfBX5TMhQboNZdre44BlxBAfQ15X8eDFq7cSA3oDlf3Mcpferl7aucumF4ivkmUfGokd6K_CT4jzwPmLAo1KwPzd2xuypXep_6/s1600/Lemon+Blueberry+Muffins.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br />
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<b>Lemon Blueberry Muffins</b><br />
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2 c. flour (I used unbleached AP)<br />
2/3 c. white sugar<br />
1 1/2 t. baking powder<br />
1/2 t. baking soda<br />
1/4 t. salt<br />
1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries<br />
1 T. grated lemon rind<br />
3/4 c. low-fat buttermilk<br />
3 T. melted butter<br />
1 T. fresh lemon juice<br />
1 egg<br />
1/2 c. powdered sugar<br />
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Preheat oven to 400°. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Add blueberries and 2 teaspoons of the lemon rind and toss gently. Make a well in the center. Combine buttermilk, butter, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and egg in a separate bowl and whisk together. Add to flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Spoon into 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown. Stir together powdered sugar, remaining 1 teaspoon lemon rind and 2 teaspoons lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over muffins.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjS-ysp7tYvijEMApfc9LURNwcvIGo-HwdCR6O06S6ffawoZK-tXFbaim6yTGeBWY-R8UXyO2g1MSCuQAq8PGZOgHGprPbB-CGNZ9-fk1OlJfUEJKLy5azcbA9A4I0LMVF0ZhtlNtnF78/s1600/DSC07893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjS-ysp7tYvijEMApfc9LURNwcvIGo-HwdCR6O06S6ffawoZK-tXFbaim6yTGeBWY-R8UXyO2g1MSCuQAq8PGZOgHGprPbB-CGNZ9-fk1OlJfUEJKLy5azcbA9A4I0LMVF0ZhtlNtnF78/s1600/DSC07893.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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On the old weight watchers points program these muffins were 4 points each. And, they are worth every single one of those points. :)<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008KE7JLG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008KE7JLG&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=RAKRQRCYNOFDYDP2" target="_blank">here</a> to see the cool muffin pan I used. My sister-in-law gave it to me for Christmas last year. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Linking up with <a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/2014/09/tuesdays-at-our-home-76-features.html" target="_blank">Tuesdays at Our Home</a>, <a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/09/the-backyard-farming-connection-hop-96.html" target="_blank">Backyard Farming Connection</a>, <a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2014/09/homestead-barn-hop-174/" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=554996&u=664749&m=45785&urllink=&afftrack="><img src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/45785/01_46860_02.jpg" alt="Food Blogger Pro: Video training and blogger community helping you to start your food blog." border="0"></a></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-73586805111863598262014-08-29T07:14:00.001-04:002014-09-02T10:14:09.177-04:00Home Canning TipHere's a little tip I've learned from experience.<br />
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If you're like me and don't have all the new fangled canning accessories available these days and you simply drop your lids in a saucepan and use tongs to fish them out, then this tip is for you!<br />
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Drop the lids in with the tops and bottoms alternating, as seen below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5tA7N8x2gr-XmEEuUqeDSSQ_bGFUJ3GC_gnmx6vsmuvkgAkPSZwkIilylNRSdHDkUd3qPPlIeqK9vM4572CNR6xi6vO1QEI4_5ziREIm2N1wF4Rkwhz2C03kgot7XZeuyB7sScANhTUf/s1600/Canning+Lid+Tip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5tA7N8x2gr-XmEEuUqeDSSQ_bGFUJ3GC_gnmx6vsmuvkgAkPSZwkIilylNRSdHDkUd3qPPlIeqK9vM4572CNR6xi6vO1QEI4_5ziREIm2N1wF4Rkwhz2C03kgot7XZeuyB7sScANhTUf/s1600/Canning+Lid+Tip.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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This will make fishing them out SO much easier because they will be less likely to stick together and easier to grab with the tongs.<br />
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If you're interested in the new fangled canning accessories that prevent you from having this problem, these little jobbies can help:<br />
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<b>Canning Lid Rack</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CF39X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000CF39X&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=JM26ZCITFKHJPXAI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0000CF39X&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=littpatcofhea-20" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=littpatcofhea-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000CF39X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<b>Canning Lid Magnetic Wand</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CFMPQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000CFMPQ&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=TDA3LPTZU5W6DGUI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0000CFMPQ&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=littpatcofhea-20" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=littpatcofhea-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000CFMPQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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What tips do you have that could help other home canners out there?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.myturnforus.com/2014/08/freedom-fridays-with-all-my-bloggy_28.html" target="_blank">Freedom Fridays</a> , <a href="http://ourheritageofhealth.com/old-fashioned-friday-83/" target="_blank">Old-Fashioned Fridays</a>, <a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2014/09/homestead-barn-hop-174/" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-77316368063373842052014-08-25T10:55:00.003-04:002014-09-04T09:17:14.704-04:00Homemade Vanilla Extract<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWROsUc6tortNOI5PuU8cnDjSvAlRv70wnUX0aeSOxbZp1iTBEkC1SVICMi5AdrJZdRDP9KoffOTQIBFimpY7Fgr7u9cepmik-zyG8KzNd1V495Zr6cptsIOIqzQ14v5eUD6p7E61z42m/s1600/LPHH-DIYK.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWROsUc6tortNOI5PuU8cnDjSvAlRv70wnUX0aeSOxbZp1iTBEkC1SVICMi5AdrJZdRDP9KoffOTQIBFimpY7Fgr7u9cepmik-zyG8KzNd1V495Zr6cptsIOIqzQ14v5eUD6p7E61z42m/s1600/LPHH-DIYK.gif" height="76" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm a baker and, like other foods, the better quality ingredients you put into baked goods, the better tasting product you get. That's why I only use pure vanilla extract - no imitation vanilla in my kitchen! Several years ago, I made a batch of vanilla extract with my Mom and sister and we gave little bottles away as favors at our annual Christmas Cookie Exchange.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrya8tX6TOf4q5d_NQENQPgSJG8-S14w6gWJPcBtoHb-RcVIW0HBkEHXN6SRHPRPLAS3B2foKPv6mSnGZ0XtovgGQiUmqB4eMeIVfuldwj0NhVn45aHNI5moJYNSQjDHRnHbRDXRUuOkCV/s1600/DSC09137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrya8tX6TOf4q5d_NQENQPgSJG8-S14w6gWJPcBtoHb-RcVIW0HBkEHXN6SRHPRPLAS3B2foKPv6mSnGZ0XtovgGQiUmqB4eMeIVfuldwj0NhVn45aHNI5moJYNSQjDHRnHbRDXRUuOkCV/s1600/DSC09137.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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As you can see, my bottles are almost empty and it seems the vanilla beans in the bottles are spent as they aren't coloring or flavoring the little bit of vodka I recently added. What I'm really saying is, it's time to make more!<br />
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If you've never made your own vanilla extract, it's easy to do. You only need four things - <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=113501&u=664749&m=16238&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">vanilla beans</a>, vodka, a glass jar or bottle and time.<br />
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<b>How to Make Vanilla Extract </b><br />
<ul>
<li>Split <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=113501&u=664749&m=16238&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">vanilla beans</a> lengthwise down the center and scrape out the bean seed.</li>
<li>Add the split beans and the bean seed to vodka in a glass jar or bottle making sure the beans are completely covered.</li>
<li>Let steep for at least 8-10 weeks. Depending on the size and strength of the beans it may need to steep longer. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor so longer is definitely better.</li>
<li>Once a week give your bottle a good shake. </li>
<li>A good rule of thumb is 1 <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=113501&u=664749&m=16238&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">vanilla bean</a> for every 2 ounces of vodka </li>
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As you can see in the bottles above we split and cut 2-3 beans per 4 oz. bottle and left the whole bean in the bottle. You can make a big batch by adding 10-15 beans to your 750mL bottle of vodka and divide it up when it's ready or you can do like we did for gifts and divide it up and add a few beans to each container and then let it steep.<br />
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You can keep the beans and bean seed in or you can strain them out with a coffee filter. It's personal preference. <br />
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We added a cute little label to our bottles and tied a red ribbon on top for gifts. I can't believe that was 4 years ago already.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdHQUWPh5HQBM27P7scV6dZ3SlDUMXaxUHZnzhho1Nc7OhHMJRW8JJOJs-tKzK2JMBmHlffqZ3mLkwBGhrDrz3WFQKrjXC1dEsyCeTNJgv9C9AoEcdf4y9SNyLj_FZpEQAL2p0LzD5Pkl/s1600/DSC09140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdHQUWPh5HQBM27P7scV6dZ3SlDUMXaxUHZnzhho1Nc7OhHMJRW8JJOJs-tKzK2JMBmHlffqZ3mLkwBGhrDrz3WFQKrjXC1dEsyCeTNJgv9C9AoEcdf4y9SNyLj_FZpEQAL2p0LzD5Pkl/s1600/DSC09140.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm making more extract for Christmas gifts this year (and for myself!) and I need to get it started right away. I was just shopping for <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=113501&u=664749&m=16238&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">vanilla beans</a> over the weekend at <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=113501&u=664749&m=16238&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">Olive Nation</a>. I didn't buy any yet and I'm so glad because I just got word they're offering a 15% discount on beans now through Wednesday, 8/27. The discount code is <span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408976997228_11377"><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408976997228_11381" style="font-size: 14pt;">VANB15.</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=113501&u=664749&m=16238&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=113501&u=664749&m=16238&urllink=&afftrack=" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcKpfj4TJ7066EYYbcIrJ2u8u__hd_tO3o9oiYV1_xQ7yVeKnYQ6C95TsZFg8eBcHTZsX81KCt5p6ZqPtrOi2FX-A4gJeRjIHv5u5EXq32JLkIeUlmUK4hKqzGsi9ttXtvFQ1GLX3ROnT/s1600/Olive+Nation+Logo.png" height="116" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408976997228_11377"><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408976997228_11381" style="font-size: 14pt;"><br />
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408976997228_11377"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">They always offer<span style="font-size: small;"> free shipping on vanilla bean<span style="font-size: small;">s and, d<span style="font-size: small;">epending on h<span style="font-size: small;">ow many <span style="font-size: small;">beans you need, it may be more frugal<span style="font-size: small;"> to order by the </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 or 1/2 pound. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408976997228_11377"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408976997228_11381" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </b><br />
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408976997228_11377"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">Who wants to make vanilla extract with me this year? I'll keep you updated as I get my going.</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408976997228_11377"><span style="font-size: small;">L<span style="font-size: small;">in<span style="font-size: small;">king up with <a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2014/08/mondays-homestead-barn-hop-173/" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span><a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2014/08/mondays-homestead-barn-hop-173/" target="_blank"> </a></span><a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2014/08/mondays-homestead-barn-hop-173/" target="_blank"><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408976997228_11381" style="font-size: 14pt;"> </b></a></span></div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-36022654425116287232014-08-20T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-25T11:01:38.351-04:00Frugal Foaming Hand Soap {Make Your Own}Back in the day, I had a little rule that I would not spend more than $1 on a bottle of hand soap for the bathroom. Hubz prefers <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007BF7F32/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007BF7F32&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=EMK5EHH2VNPA2IH3" target="_blank">foaming hand soap</a> which I could almost NEVER get for $1 or less. That stuff is usually $2.50 or more so, basically, he almost NEVER got foaming hand soap. :)<br />
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Nowadays, I spend less than 10¢ on a bottle of foaming hand soap. How, you ask? I DIY it. Although, it's almost embarrassing to say this is a DIY venture as there isn't much D involved at all. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpb2hidSOeCkqLP6FJgoEIdwHvLKJJHQbLT4ascAjBJzdkiYSRMy1dqioUdObHUZIM_35wEsoBiF9aibzXerA1YKlbfJ-Z1KJxl1SB7u5gGFrAkEPDxzzYql1RdKT-mWp31X7DlnYWcVKf/s1600/Foaming+Hand+Soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpb2hidSOeCkqLP6FJgoEIdwHvLKJJHQbLT4ascAjBJzdkiYSRMy1dqioUdObHUZIM_35wEsoBiF9aibzXerA1YKlbfJ-Z1KJxl1SB7u5gGFrAkEPDxzzYql1RdKT-mWp31X7DlnYWcVKf/s1600/Foaming+Hand+Soap.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>How to Make Your Own Foaming Hand Soap</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Save the empty bottle from a previous foaming hand soap purchase (or snag one from a friend or family member before they recycle it)</li>
<li>Add 1-2 tablespoons of liquid soap to the empty bottle</li>
<li>Fill the bottle up to the shoulder with a slow stream to prevent foaming</li>
<li>Screw the pump back on and swirl around to fully mix</li>
</ol>
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It is really that easy and it's just as foamy as the original soap that was in the bottle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3FmcgVJtxD5uM5j_cK6jCHRt_GpFC1b7aaiW9tzwthVip4KhNM4UatyGZDMLnGXu-G3lzQMpmrRMcjpy6HvPWPDzpHcylH-7dsXszP77ss0kAjlSoFduiiqxp05sNO701WUxtMv2Cufm/s1600/DSC09065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3FmcgVJtxD5uM5j_cK6jCHRt_GpFC1b7aaiW9tzwthVip4KhNM4UatyGZDMLnGXu-G3lzQMpmrRMcjpy6HvPWPDzpHcylH-7dsXszP77ss0kAjlSoFduiiqxp05sNO701WUxtMv2Cufm/s1600/DSC09065.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, you can use any liquid soap you choose - you can even use regular hand soap or liquid castile soap (both of which I have done). In my experience though, liquid dish soap is the more frugal way to go. CVS usually has the 9 oz. bottle of Dawn Hand Renewal on sale for 99¢ at least once a month (currently on sale this week). There is usually a 25¢ coupon floating around somewhere that I snatch up and use. This month <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-5713400-10417382" target="_blank">coupons.com</a> has a 30¢ printable coupon for any size Dawn so that makes the bottle 69¢ this week - every penny counts right?<br />
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Feel free to add essential oils to make your home version more fragrant or more gentle on your hands.<br />
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I use this hand soap in both our master bath and our little guy's bath. He likes the bubbles. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmqk7ZXQY-hVT78196V7-2ynL6WVsROWIwlubaBMuPsQ3-MWKD19isWWQ9zx320M7ew1scLezl1mdzlSxj8C6ZKaPaIxWQSfZ5Z5lOFb4GWA17toREEJSVZzMQ_ZnlAJJW4i2emDtWtKB/s1600/DSC09066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmqk7ZXQY-hVT78196V7-2ynL6WVsROWIwlubaBMuPsQ3-MWKD19isWWQ9zx320M7ew1scLezl1mdzlSxj8C6ZKaPaIxWQSfZ5Z5lOFb4GWA17toREEJSVZzMQ_ZnlAJJW4i2emDtWtKB/s1600/DSC09066.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-73159964785807456272014-08-18T11:47:00.002-04:002014-08-21T08:20:00.024-04:00Tub and Shower Cleaner {Pinterest Test}I keep seeing this amazing combination of vinegar and blue Dawn for cleaning your tub/shower on Pinterest. People are posting before and after photos and raving about how wonderful and easy it is. Supposedly you just spray it on, wait 2 hours and then wipe off months' worth of soap scum in a single swipe.<br />
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I was a little skeptical. I know blue Dawn is mighty good stuff, but the soap scum on these tubs seemed pretty heavy and I just didn't think it would come off that easy. So...I put it to the test.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sf15zYUu264zSzwXGrPhzzpzgsnXRDI_Rr5cIliFE-NHZ0P1wZU_zjFNfCDfZ3h5T4655IqUaGmxI6Zf22wVYLdrM8j_4B8QNQw1Szgjk8lZd72chucEsdGwKIXFSvrZm5QdY3vwvsen/s1600/Tub+Shower+Cleaner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sf15zYUu264zSzwXGrPhzzpzgsnXRDI_Rr5cIliFE-NHZ0P1wZU_zjFNfCDfZ3h5T4655IqUaGmxI6Zf22wVYLdrM8j_4B8QNQw1Szgjk8lZd72chucEsdGwKIXFSvrZm5QdY3vwvsen/s1600/Tub+Shower+Cleaner.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Our master bath has a corner shower that was in dire need of a good cleaning - this would certainly put it to the test. In the past, I've used some very fume-y cleaners that foam up and they work good, but they are so full of chemicals it worries me both what I'm breathing in and what I'm putting down the drain. Those cleaners are also a lot more expensive than dish soap and vinegar making this test double-y worth it, should it work.<br />
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So, I heated up 1 cup of white vinegar in the microwave for about 60 seconds and then added it to a spray bottle that contained 1 cup of blue Dawn. I swirled it around to mix it up and then went to work spraying the shower and let it sit for 2 hours.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RHvcsOAJZdeuRT4fXYrIcNoIQEq9FftyiYuzsBMZ8kc336bx9brZBRkSgLF5UO5SeqsYdmbmp__U733nhym15NSugUferl7O1rAczU-JBIeGPMuetlPx0jajeUj-ji3T1QRBxmOWn5DB/s1600/DSC08827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Corner shower soap scum sprayed with blue Dawn solution" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RHvcsOAJZdeuRT4fXYrIcNoIQEq9FftyiYuzsBMZ8kc336bx9brZBRkSgLF5UO5SeqsYdmbmp__U733nhym15NSugUferl7O1rAczU-JBIeGPMuetlPx0jajeUj-ji3T1QRBxmOWn5DB/s1600/DSC08827.JPG" height="360" title="Corner shower soap scum sprayed with blue Dawn solution" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the 2 hours were up, I took my scrubby sponge and made a swipe through a pretty heavy spot. Here is the result.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiF98WVbQLKXorLHRX7ssYnFNJbJHV6ixbjKYE9QaIoB9hUA7CNy5bJF-YuylT85yIhwjCGSzoOa8vvj_NY6FhQWNrxxUf8Ei3kg55wq-2sfEhXtMAxOd58wIo3ui-NHlS9Q1xDuxp3RbS/s1600/DSC08828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Soap scum cleaning test" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiF98WVbQLKXorLHRX7ssYnFNJbJHV6ixbjKYE9QaIoB9hUA7CNy5bJF-YuylT85yIhwjCGSzoOa8vvj_NY6FhQWNrxxUf8Ei3kg55wq-2sfEhXtMAxOd58wIo3ui-NHlS9Q1xDuxp3RbS/s1600/DSC08828.JPG" height="360" title="Soap scum cleaning test" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wasn't that impressed. It wasn't as amazing as I had read it to be, but it did seem to be working. I scrubbed the whole shower and the glass door and it cleaned up really nicely. I won't boast that it was super-fantabulous, BUT it was the least amount of elbow grease I've had to put out to get that shower clean. So, in the end it is a good cleaning solution and if the shower had less soap scum I'm sure it would have been even easier. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbayzWQi8n2rGiK7ZwMyKl8u9cLy9vpCdot4hqQFLmv9JQiAY4qP79XyXgSKJeu45w1MXouFxzasEVUxJfbFeLQ7qq96G6teUm6qDg8DAFpkRdLsaTyZc9DrKQGwyFn5zySomo3rIOuqik/s1600/DSC08832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sparkly clean corner shower" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbayzWQi8n2rGiK7ZwMyKl8u9cLy9vpCdot4hqQFLmv9JQiAY4qP79XyXgSKJeu45w1MXouFxzasEVUxJfbFeLQ7qq96G6teUm6qDg8DAFpkRdLsaTyZc9DrKQGwyFn5zySomo3rIOuqik/s1600/DSC08832.JPG" height="360" title="Sparkly clean corner shower" width="640" /></a></div>
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After cleaning the shower I went ahead and used it on the sinks and the toilet. It worked well on both of those also.<br />
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What do you think? Have you tried this combination for cleaning your tub/shower?<br />
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-86114444505978314782014-08-12T18:13:00.003-04:002014-09-21T13:52:47.023-04:00Living on One Income {How We Save Money}<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><br />
A letter to my supervisor a month ago: <br />
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"Bringing home our little boy has rocked my world and totally shifted my priorities. I could not have predicted the affect he would have on every aspect of my life and how much love I would feel for him in just a short amount of time. It breaks my heart that he spent the first three years of his life without a Mommy and Daddy and he deserves to have us present as much as possible going forward. Therefore, I have decided to submit my resignation today." </div>
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<i>[cue happy dance!]</i></div>
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Now, I join the ranks of the hardest working, most richly paid and under-appreciated people on the planet – stay at home parents! And I couldn’t be happier. </div>
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Moving down to one income is something we considered long and hard. We can make it work, but to keep a good cushion in our accounts each month which, in turn, will help maintain our sanity, we’re looking at any and all ways to save a little dough. Here is a list of saving strategies we’re practicing as our income downsizes. Several of these are just a way of life for us, but others we’ve really started buckling down on since I decided to leave my job.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FCHOkzI4SCJATsvZALZSa26dZRHzk3DNHPZ8Maarc-npWr_KF8mGF6DRLgAt41VCJ4e_yy3jIP9mCbJWU_V1Y95KeDgeVhCfVcGOJ1zRZMQE48EUc4EQl88MpBGXHiy096ojKITtyiqu/s1600/Living+on+One+Income.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FCHOkzI4SCJATsvZALZSa26dZRHzk3DNHPZ8Maarc-npWr_KF8mGF6DRLgAt41VCJ4e_yy3jIP9mCbJWU_V1Y95KeDgeVhCfVcGOJ1zRZMQE48EUc4EQl88MpBGXHiy096ojKITtyiqu/s1600/Living+on+One+Income.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Examine Outside Services </b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Pare down the services you use – we haven’t had cable or satellite TV for several years and we don’t regret it. It’s amazing how many channels you can pick up with a good antenna. We also don’t have cell phones. In the past we were both at work all day sitting by a desk phone and we didn’t see the need for another way to be contacted. Now that I’m home every day we need one even less. I must say it’s nice not being able to be contacted 24/7. No one calls me while I’m in line at the grocery store or when I’m picking tomatoes in the garden or pushing our little guy in his swing. I like that. </li>
<li>Evaluate insurance policies and get quotes from different companies. I’ve just recently contacted an ELP (Endorsed Local Provider) through<a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/home/" target="_blank"> Dave Ramsey</a> and faxed them our declaration pages to get new homeowner’s and automobile quotes. I don't have the specifics yet, but they have called me back to indicate they can offer us better coverage at a better rate. Win-win there!<span style="font-family: Symbol;"></span><span style="font-family: Symbol;"></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>Call providers to lower rates – Our trash pick-up bill keeps going up every quarter. I called them to ask if there was anything they could do and in just a few minutes they lowered it by $10 a quarter which is $40 for the whole year. That was an easy call. Our home phone and internet are currently through different companies, but our phone company has a bundle with satellite internet which sounds like a better deal. I’ve requested information about it so we may be switching internet providers soon and saving another $25 a month.<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span> </li>
<li>Negotiate medical bills – I’ve been given discounts of both 10% and 15% off my medical bills if I paid them in full. I had to ask if they would give me a discount if I paid in full, they didn’t just give me the option, but by asking I’ve saved $200+. I plan to do that from here on out on larger bills.</li>
</ul>
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<b> Watch What You Spend on Food</b><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Menu planning – I take inventory of the food we have on hand and menu plan around it so as not to be wasteful or purchase a duplicate of something we already have in stock.<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Eat at home – Hubz is the leftover king. I love that he'll take leftovers to work instead of going out with the guys. I grab a drink and some crackers or a piece of fruit for our little guy if I know we’ll be out for a while and there’s a chance he’ll ask for something ("I'm hung-y" he says). We’ll also take our own coffee if we’re leaving the house early or take a couple travel mugs of sweet tea to avoid buying a drink somewhere.<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span> </li>
<li>I try to <a href="http://littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/search/label/canning%20and%20preserving" target="_blank">can, freeze and dehydrate</a> as much produce as possible during summer and fall and keep an eye out for folks who have extra they want to give away. There are so many things we DON’T have to buy because we put them up like green beans, corn and tomatoes. I told my Mom that last year the only tomato products we purchased were ketchup and tomato paste. Everything else was in a jar in the pantry. I love that.</li>
<li>Avoid paying for convenience – I cut up my own lettuce and shred my own carrots and cabbage. Those pre-cut food items can really take a toll on your grocery budget. A 10-lb bag of potatoes will make a heck of a lot more french fries than that bag of Ore-Ida at a similar or even better price. And, how cheap is it to make your own pie crust instead of buying one? I hate the mess it makes, but I’d rather keep those pennies in my pocket. Boxes of pudding don’t cost much, but making pudding from scratch is both easy and SO much better for you.</li>
</ul>
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<b> Combine Trips to Save Gas</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>If I’m going to be out for some reason I try to think of what else I can do while I’m out – the post office, bank, library, any other little errands that I can accomplish in the same trip. Our little guy likes to stay home so I try to limit our time away from the house and the more efficient I can be when we’re out, the better. My goal is to only use 2 tanks of gas a month. Giving myself a goal like that helps make it more measurable.</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>DIY Whenever Possible</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Everything from changing brakes on the car to doing haircuts at home to grooming the dog ourselves, the more we can do, the thicker our pocketbook will be.</li>
<li>I also make my own <a href="http://littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-scented-dishwashing-powder.html" target="_blank">dishwasher powder</a> and <a href="http://littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2014/08/frugal-foaming-hand-soap-make-your-own.html" target="_blank">hand soap</a> and use vinegar and baking soda to clean with whenever possible. </li>
<li>We try to make use of what we have around the house to help solve various problems - like making a <a href="http://littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2014/05/diy-chick-feeder.html" target="_blank">chick feeder out of recyclables</a> and using <a href="http://littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2014/05/how-to-protect-seedlings-from-rabbits.html" target="_blank">cottage cheese tubs to protect our seedlings</a>. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Pay with Cash</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>That debit card swipes way too easily for me. It’s harder for me to give up cash. Moving to a cash budget makes me even more aware of my spending.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Coupons, Coupons, Coupons</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Cut coupons. I don’t have 5 subscriptions to the Sunday paper, but I do try and pick one up most weeks. They usually pay for themselves and then some. If there’s a good coupon in the paper that would allow me to stock up on something at a really good price I’ll look for a bundle of that coupon on ebay. That recently allowed me to stock up on Hellman’s Canola Mayonnaise for $1.49 a jar (super good deal!).<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span> </li>
<li>Print coupons – I always scour <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-5713400-10395834%22%20target=%22_top" target="_blank">coupons.com</a> for coupons on items we use. They reset/update every month so I try and check them out at the beginning of the month before the good ones run out. I also look at specific companies’ Facebook pages and websites to see if coupons are available. If I’m heading into a specific store I’ll look for printable coupons for that store like Target or Goody’s.<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span> </li>
<li>On-line coupons – Google “coupon code” for just about any on-line store and you’re likely to get a hit. Case in point – my car needed new brakes and rotors. Hubz is my mechanic (thank goodness – big money saver there!). He told me what I needed to pick up at the auto parts store (Advance Auto is the one closest to home). I searched on-line and found a coupon code that gave me $50 off if I ordered on-line. I placed my order, saved $50 and by the time I got to the store they had my order ready. I walked in, signed for it and walked out. Saved both time AND money.<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Take advantage of technology by using rebate sites and apps when possible – <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pIXt5YI7Aa57akkMr3L4UQ%3D%3D&eeid=26471" target="_blank">Ebates</a>, <a href="http://ibotta.com/r/yiryar" target="_blank">Ibotta</a>, <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=544885&u=664749&m=49403&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">Checkout51</a>. I was recently able to get printer ink through <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pIXt5YI7Aa57akkMr3L4UQ%3D%3D&eeid=26471" target="_blank">Ebates</a> with a 20% off coupon code and a 16% rebate. <a href="http://ibotta.com/r/yiryar" target="_blank">Ibotta</a> almost always has a rebate on Huggies Pull-Ups which our little guy uses at night. I had a $2.00 off paper coupon and was able to get another $2.50 back through <a href="http://ibotta.com/r/yiryar" target="_blank">Ibotta</a> to make the Pull-Ups 50% off. <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=544885&u=664749&m=49403&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">Checkout51</a> has new rebate offers each week and isn't specific to a single store; for example 25¢ or 50¢ back on bananas or tomatoes or yogurt.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b> Buy Used</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Shop yard sales – I keep a running list of household or clothing items we need so I can be more purposeful when I shop yard sales.<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span> </li>
<li>Our county has a recycling center that includes a reuse center. We no longer donate to Goodwill, but to the reuse center. We’ll take in some donations and see what others have dropped off that we might be able to use. We like to call it the ‘free store’.</li>
<li>Look for a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore in your area. We have one not too far away and we can often find paint, miscellaneous hardware items and some decorative things there at really good prices. It all goes to help the cause so it's a good thing all around. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b> Use Less Electricity</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I use the clothesline (we have this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BO96W8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BO96W8&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20" target="_blank">one</a>) in the summer for every load of laundry except our slacks and nice shirts (aka Hubz' work clothes). I picked up 2 drying racks (like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002E35WO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0002E35WO&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=KSIKK7RXZZ2KJCC5" target="_blank">this</a>) at yard sale so I can still ‘line dry’ clothes during winter. </li>
<li>Our main lamps and tv/dvd player/Wii are plugged into outlets that are switched so when we flip the switch they are truly off. </li>
<li>I don’t plug my iPod into an outlet to charge it, but instead charge it in the docking station on the alarm clock that is always plugged in anyway. I don’t charge the tablet overnight as it only needs a few hours to reach a full charge – no reason to charge it for 8 or 9 hours if 3 will do the job.</li>
<li>I only plug small appliances in when they are in use, i.e., coffee maker, stand mixer, toaster, candle/tart warmers, little guy’s lullaby music player and nightlight, etc. </li>
<li>If the weather cools down a bit, I turn off the A/C and open the windows – my rule of thumb is 48 hours. If I can keep the A/C off for 48 hours straight, I’ll do it. When the time comes to turn it back on I do it early morning when the house is still cool so it doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the house down. </li>
<li>In the winter we use our wood fireplace as much as possible. Luckily, if we use the ceiling fans to help move the air around, it can heat the whole house. Since I’ll be home this winter we should be able to take advantage of this more than we have in years past. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Cheap or Free Entertainment</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>We love movies, but seldom go to the theater, instead opting to rent from the Redbox for $1.35 (just went up from $1.20!) or check out movies from the library for free. A couple Redbox movies and a homemade pizza make for a great movie night at home. We signed up for emails from Redbox and we get a free rental email almost every week. We used one last weekend to rent Gravity. </li>
<li>We also try to hit up local events like the county fair and attend Hubz’ work-sponsored events which usually include a meal and some fun kid activities.</li>
<li>Instead of going out to dinner with family or friends we try and have a potluck at home or the local park. We still get to catch up and eat good food and the kids always have a good time. </li>
</ul>
<br />
I know not all of these ways will work for everyone, but hopefully you found a few ideas in here that you can put to use in your own little world.<br />
<br />
If you have other ideas or can expand on any of these, I'd love to hear about it in the comments!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;">Linking up with <a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2014/08/mondays-homestead-barn-hop-172/" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a>,<a href="http://www.myturnforus.com/2014/08/freedom-fridays-with-all-my-bloggy_14.html" target="_blank"> Freedom Fridays</a>, <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/08/down-home-blog-hopnumber-94-apple-mason.html" target="_blank">Down Home Blog Hop</a> , <a href="http://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2014/08/homeacre-hop-84.html" target="_blank">HomeAcre Hop</a></span></div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-78838040936293624832014-06-25T20:00:00.000-04:002014-06-25T20:00:00.571-04:00Country Living Magazine for only $5.99!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Head over to Discount Mags and pay just <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5713400-11839172" target="_blank">$5.99 for a one-year subscription to Country Living Magazine</a>! That's 84% off the cover price and 59¢ per issue (what a deal!).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To take advantage of this great sale:</div>
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Head over to <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5713400-11839172" target="_blank">Discount Mags</a> and put 1 year of <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5713400-11839172" target="_blank">Country Living Magazine</a> in your shopping cart</div>
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Apply promo code 8898 when you check out</div>
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that easy! If this is a magazine you've been wanting to suscribe to or
give to someone, this price is a great time
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Act fast though because this sale is only good on <b>Thursday, June 26.</b> </div>
Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-20032362569107029142014-05-22T09:28:00.000-04:002014-09-04T09:14:03.764-04:00How to Break Spaghetti Noodles {Kitchen Tip}I've gone over and over in my head how to explain this little tip in words, but it's always too complicated so I just did a quick little video instead.<br />
<br />
This is the best way to break up spaghetti noodles for a casserole or soup without having them fly all over the place and make a mess. It's very quick and easy too.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/U_SA5qe4CPo" width="640"></iframe><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2014/05/homeacre-hop-71.html" target="_blank">HomeAcre Hop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=554996&u=664749&m=45785&urllink=&afftrack="><img src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/45785/01_46860_02.jpg" alt="Food Blogger Pro: Video training and blogger community helping you to start your food blog." border="0"></a></div><br />
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-78665138056507644152014-05-16T07:40:00.000-04:002014-05-20T09:33:04.184-04:00Online Deals and Steals {Watering the Garden}We've had a few rainy days of late, but I know those 2 inches will dry up and soon enough it will be time to water those veggies. We won't waste water on the lawn, but we sure as heckfire water that garden! Doesn't hurt to prepare now so we'll be ready come July.<br />
<br />
Not sure if I should confess this or not, but...<br />
<br />
Hubz recently dumpster dove this very hose reel cart. It was beat up and has a little rust, but he was able to bring it back to working order and now I need another idea for a Father's Day gift. :) I posted a pic of his dumpster dive on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Patch-of-Heaven-Homestead/178180462237903?ref=hl" target="_blank">our Facebook page</a> if you're interested in seeing it. Amazon has a lot of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=hose%20reel%20cart&linkCode=ur2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&url=search-alias%3Dlawngarden&linkId=QCWL664ZQSJ4PGVZ" target="_blank">hose reel carts</a> available. I thought this one was the best deal, overall.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Q7BHYA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000Q7BHYA&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=ZM2C6AFLQEPBHJQJ" target="_blank">Liberty Garden 4-Wheel Hose Reel Cart</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$93.03 + FREE shipping</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
36% savings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Q7BHYA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000Q7BHYA&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=3S4ZZWHBNL66WRFL"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000Q7BHYA&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=littpatcofhea-20" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
We've used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=spray%20nozzle&linkCode=ur2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&url=search-alias%3Daps&linkId=FQCVERE3E5DNZCWN" target="_blank">spray nozzles</a> with different patterns and we've used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=spray%20nozzle&linkCode=ur2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&url=search-alias%3Daps&linkId=SNZN667HZAQO2UKZ" target="_blank">watering wands</a> before, but this product is kind of a neat combination of the two. It comes with 8 different spray patterns and in three cool colors.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UJW65I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000UJW65I&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=U3RHR53WCRFUXCPI" target="_blank">Nelson Multi-Pattern Nozzle</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$11.25 + free shipping (on $35+ order)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
35% savings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UJW65I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000UJW65I&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=U3RHR53WCRFUXCPI" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UJW65I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000UJW65I&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=U3RHR53WCRFUXCPI" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwr7iAbwRQCb3S2tp7wNQ-8xDFQFwOwKQuzDUfFh-ojP8I7zll1yu6CtWhTaGguXWVLvP-cSYm8S768nZMsGkctg10PFe1eAtHXlm8FNLVYFvrQ_xlDc2ibdfL8Va5CkyvlD25ezSfdyA/s1600/Watering+Wand+Nozzle.gif" height="197" width="200" /></a></div>
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Last summer we <a href="http://www.littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-make-soaker-hose-for-0.html?m=1" target="_blank">made our own soaker hose</a> that didn't cost us a dime. I encourage you to try that, if possible. If you're not able to, here is a good deal on a 50-foot soaker hose.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E1HXYQA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00E1HXYQA&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=QVQVOKOHY6QXYVME" target="_blank">Miracle Gro Premium Soaker Hose</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$16.61 + free shipping (on $35+ order)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
55% savings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E1HXYQA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00E1HXYQA&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=EDGUQDSAH4T6WNI7"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00E1HXYQA&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=littpatcofhea-20" /></a><br />
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We use an old watering can similar to this one that we got at a flea market many moons ago. I love this style watering can. They are easy to use, age well and can carry quite a bit of water. </div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00173GN4Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00173GN4Q&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=PTHSAA7NJFBO24SE" target="_blank">Behrens 3-Gallon Steel Watering Can</a><br />
$24.93<br />
38% savings <br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00173GN4Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00173GN4Q&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=QSXTAZOVKCTU4SN4"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00173GN4Q&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=littpatcofhea-20" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.myturnforus.com/2014/05/freedom-fridays-with-all-my-bloggy_15.html" target="_blank">Freedom Fridays</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">and <a href="http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com/2014/05/tuesdays-with-twist-59-is-live-no-rules.html" target="_blank">Tuesdays with a Twist </a></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post contains affiliate links. Any proceeds from these links will be used to pay down our remaining adoption debt. </i></span></div>
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-65267610861120091942014-05-15T12:32:00.000-04:002014-05-19T10:35:05.302-04:00Best Way to Plant Tomatoes - TrenchingA few years ago at a gardening show we were talking with a Master Gardener through the Purdue University Extension Office. We had just had a <a href="http://www.littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2011/09/our-garden-today-good-bad-and-ugly.html" target="_blank">bad bout of blossom end rot</a> and I wanted to talk to him about planting and tending tomatoes in the garden.<br />
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He said that we should trench our tomatoes for the best harvest, and, while doing so, add crushed eggshell for added calcium and Epsom salt for additional magnesium - a few tablespoons of each.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dDFzPua1_i0" width="640"></iframe><br />
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Boy, was he right! We've planted our tomatoes that way ever since and haven't looked back.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>By planting so much of the stem, the plant will grow additional roots from all those little nodules. Like these little guys.<br />
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Additional roots mean a stronger plant. With more roots the plant has the opportunity to pull more nutrients from the soil thus helping the plant grow better and produce more fruit.<br />
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I save a lot of eggshells each year and crush them in an old food container so I always have them on hand. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006J1L8H8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006J1L8H8&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=GVTY44Z7JK7P4XV3" target="_blank">Epsom salt</a> is relatively inexpensive so this is a very frugal way to boost your tomato harvest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2smCve-214evxdXHsKhJNvEcIDbt_Rw0-lP3jB2Gm_MY-cXL_BukjjnnMI61_on7VyIRu0eLbwEvL6D296W6vnLV1K11vYIO3gTkVfEEXTSr5KfB9NQL2rm8VRstQdD2J2m0BsrE93gR/s1600/DSC08342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2smCve-214evxdXHsKhJNvEcIDbt_Rw0-lP3jB2Gm_MY-cXL_BukjjnnMI61_on7VyIRu0eLbwEvL6D296W6vnLV1K11vYIO3gTkVfEEXTSr5KfB9NQL2rm8VRstQdD2J2m0BsrE93gR/s1600/DSC08342.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006J1L8H8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006J1L8H8&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=5RAUOPCVCEIHY6IO"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B006J1L8H8&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=littpatcofhea-20" /></a></div>
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Besides the great harvest, I like this method because it means the leggier your seedling, the better off you are which is great for a gal who starts her own seeds. My plants don't always have the stockiest and thickest stems so this method totally works for me!<br />
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Anyone else use the trench method for planting their tomatoes?<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2014/05/homeacre-hop-70.html" target="_blank">HomeAcre Hop</a>, <a href="http://www.myturnforus.com/2014/05/freedom-fridays-with-all-my-bloggy_15.html" target="_blank">Freedom Fridays</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">and <a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2014/05/mondays-homestead-barn-hop-160/" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a> </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763;"><i>Don't forget <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pIXt5YI7Aa57akkMr3L4UQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">Ebates</a> is having a <a href="http://littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2014/05/get-15-cash-back-when-you-shop-on-line.html" target="_blank">great special</a> this week with up to 15% cash back.</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #073763;"><i>New members also get a $10 gift certificate.</i></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pIXt5YI7Aa57akkMr3L4UQ%3D%3D" target="_blank"><img alt="Ebates Coupons and Cash Back" border="0" src="http://www.ebates.com/referral/2012/global_files/images/ebates_logo.png" height="31" width="171" /></a></div>
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-15426982788530856622014-05-13T09:01:00.001-04:002014-05-15T21:50:00.350-04:00Get 15% Cash Back When You Shop On-LineThis week<a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pIXt5YI7Aa57akkMr3L4UQ%3D%3D" target="_blank"> Ebates </a>is celebrating their 15-year anniversary by offering 15% cash back at over 100 stores. If you're not familiar with <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pIXt5YI7Aa57akkMr3L4UQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">Ebates</a>, check them out!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pIXt5YI7Aa57akkMr3L4UQ%3D%3D" target="_blank"><img alt="Ebates Coupons and Cash Back" border="0" src="http://www.ebates.com/referral/2012/global_files/images/ebates_logo.png" height="36" width="200" /></a></div>
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By signing up you'll get your choice of a $10 gift card and then when you use <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pIXt5YI7Aa57akkMr3L4UQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">Ebates </a>to shop on-line you'll receive cash back on your purchases.<br />
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It doesn't cost you a thing to join or use <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pIXt5YI7Aa57akkMr3L4UQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">Ebates </a>and it really works. You can choose to get your cash back check via Paypal or get an actual check mailed to you like I do. Here's a picture of my most recent check - not a really big one this quarter, but every bit counts!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pIXt5YI7Aa57akkMr3L4UQ%3D%3D" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pIXt5YI7Aa57akkMr3L4UQ%3D%3D" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkpfucYZDXQAcSr_SVd4iX03tXyIZmkaEKZpPx2jn_NfQ1T-IOfM-HdELIgIHoCczjQKWCktyS4pVcw-_R_F8Lz00SjvNjvpKGuXxhTdeqf2onBYPxbRLuv9cWfOsWDv6vgcJKbdGXGOf/s1600/Ebates+Check.gif" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you're already an <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pIXt5YI7Aa57akkMr3L4UQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">Ebates</a> member, be sure and check out the super cash back specials they're running this week.<br />
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We need a few things from Lowe's for the backyard. I'm thinking I'll use <a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pIXt5YI7Aa57akkMr3L4UQ%3D%3D" target="_blank">Ebates </a>to place my order on-line and then make my way down to the store and pick everything up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=pIXt5YI7Aa57akkMr3L4UQ%3D%3D" target="_blank"><img alt="Ebates Coupons and Cash Back" border="0" src="http://www.ebates.com/referral/2012/global_files/images/ebates_logo.png" height="31" width="171" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Linking up with <a href="http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com/2014/05/tuesdays-with-twist-58-is-live.html" target="_blank">Tuesdays with a Twist</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www.myturnforus.com/2014/05/freedom-fridays-with-all-my-bloggy_15.html" target="_blank">Freedom Fridays </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This post contains affiliate links. If you sign up for Ebates using one of these links I'll get a credit which<span style="font-size: x-small;">, along with any other monetary benefit from this blog,</span> will be used to help pay off our remaining adoption debt. Thanks!</i></span><br />
<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-80653020942519240332014-05-09T08:01:00.002-04:002014-05-13T09:07:37.884-04:00How to Protect Seedlings from RabbitsIf you live anywhere near the country or wildlife AND have a vegetable garden, rabbits are possibly a problem for you. For me, rabbits most often attack my cabbage seedlings. It is amazing how quickly they can strip a cabbage plant of all leaves, leaving just the stem.<br />
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Luckily, for me, the plants usually recover, but they have so much growth to make up for it seems to take forever for the cabbage head to mature. I get so mad when I have babied my seedlings all winter just to have them turned into rabbit fodder, seemingly, overnight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIT84I66nQR_uc1AtRPbyhvffFwwQzYAoAuACPq4xK3CZnyN3PKOG3vhe_xydHNTKS1D3rPTvhCutBte8VQ4R5lFNQgYRhBlODgz5CUDlBQF5t2cwLDJ3a5SpLlplckPwZ6HmaXzGOyT6l/s1600/DSC06719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIT84I66nQR_uc1AtRPbyhvffFwwQzYAoAuACPq4xK3CZnyN3PKOG3vhe_xydHNTKS1D3rPTvhCutBte8VQ4R5lFNQgYRhBlODgz5CUDlBQF5t2cwLDJ3a5SpLlplckPwZ6HmaXzGOyT6l/s1600/DSC06719.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>In my quest to protect those little seedlings, I've come across a few solutions manufactured just for that purpose. I've actually considered row cover. I even have<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HHQNBG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000HHQNBG&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=TFHH3DDPSLJETI7H" target="_blank"> this very one</a>, but I like to look at my plants, and cabbage seedlings only seem to be vulnerable for a short time so the row cover feels unnecessary.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HHQNBG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000HHQNBG&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=DK6I5SSZICIOCBE5"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000HHQNBG&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=littpatcofhea-20" /></a><br />
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At my local nursery I came across these <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ANG23G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ANG23G&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=A2XZGNAGEJHQQ6ER" target="_blank">plant protectors</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ANG23G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ANG23G&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=B7X6XFNHY752IGAD"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005ANG23G&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=littpatcofhea-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=littpatcofhea-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005ANG23G" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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It looks like they would work and they're reusable, but I really don't have room for the expense right now. Instead, I decided to consult my recyclables <a href="http://littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2014/05/diy-chick-feeder.html" target="_blank">again</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JVok0x6X1HkNAi8Df9abXoR7gOEzpJCgXp9KPZCO0MAvhotyrXc4rBXxSXUsWsp3-CVne-XAlTXjXMBzw4PCwjXk1ibjz2GB4LUwZACixTJXNv2geWzfoCoYjSIpeZxrPol9uATGHyu6/s1600/DSC08235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JVok0x6X1HkNAi8Df9abXoR7gOEzpJCgXp9KPZCO0MAvhotyrXc4rBXxSXUsWsp3-CVne-XAlTXjXMBzw4PCwjXk1ibjz2GB4LUwZACixTJXNv2geWzfoCoYjSIpeZxrPol9uATGHyu6/s1600/DSC08235.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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I dug out several cottage cheese, sour cream and yogurt containers, cut the bottoms off and nestled them down over my cabbage plants. It's been a week and so far they are working just fine to protect my precious little seedlings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0eQxKxkbFsHOrh8k-uPCsOny7zlAQker-9eA18lDfl1V07CraYkHJRTcVWHQUmns1QIMM7dbLOrye6jESU87HhA5J_bO68fTl6rqS4jbNN50CP6GXeTjpDJV2jotLnPnnsq8vymzlo_-/s1600/DSC08234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0eQxKxkbFsHOrh8k-uPCsOny7zlAQker-9eA18lDfl1V07CraYkHJRTcVWHQUmns1QIMM7dbLOrye6jESU87HhA5J_bO68fTl6rqS4jbNN50CP6GXeTjpDJV2jotLnPnnsq8vymzlo_-/s1600/DSC08234.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ymJKAC37KOAD2OkjFgalwJa0biCX270BK585VZ1OTPcXVluwxMPSTkcMuiv72ZLd5J7-YJmLWU7L6LfoV2mfeP7v4rwRpZAW9LnRo48rn0IFLF4AEOucwlDGrQV0JWf39LTjz1tIWZYm/s1600/DSC08253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ymJKAC37KOAD2OkjFgalwJa0biCX270BK585VZ1OTPcXVluwxMPSTkcMuiv72ZLd5J7-YJmLWU7L6LfoV2mfeP7v4rwRpZAW9LnRo48rn0IFLF4AEOucwlDGrQV0JWf39LTjz1tIWZYm/s1600/DSC08253.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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The beauty of this little endeavor is I can either save the modified containers to use again next year or save space (and the chance of losing them!), recycle them and dig out more next year when it's time.<br />
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Anyone else thinking of getting a Beagle JUST to keep the rabbit population down at your place? :) <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;">Linking up with <span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www.myturnforus.com/2014/05/freedom-fridays-with-all-my-bloggy_8.html" target="_blank">Freedom Fridays</a>, <a href="http://ourheritageofhealth.com/old-fashioned-friday-67/" target="_blank">Old-Fashioned Friday</a>, <a href="http://naturallivingmamma.com/2014/05/11/natural-living-monday-68/" target="_blank">Natural Living Monday</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/05/homestead-barn-hop-159.html#sthash.YYDi2gni.dpbs" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com/2014/05/tuesdays-with-twist-58-is-live.html" target="_blank">Tuesdays with a Twist </a> </span></span></div>
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-40031000133847963302014-05-04T20:27:00.001-04:002014-05-13T09:07:00.630-04:00DIY Chick FeederLast Summer we let our Silkies hatch some eggs. Did we need more chickens? NO. But baby chicks are so cute and Silkies are so eager to sit on a clutch, I just couldn't help myself. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVFR1xMJXOniGlsLN0PMswalyAnboSUz1jdaSOipFrdTNKiSdMp_xk4vL14NYK2Tvtw_73emqT0cJ7JJPDav6tWDsOLvHubEzwLjYw2RCFk35hx2EVYVqkev0mzctr779VanDV5npQHXi/s1600/DSC07001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVFR1xMJXOniGlsLN0PMswalyAnboSUz1jdaSOipFrdTNKiSdMp_xk4vL14NYK2Tvtw_73emqT0cJ7JJPDav6tWDsOLvHubEzwLjYw2RCFk35hx2EVYVqkev0mzctr779VanDV5npQHXi/s1600/DSC07001.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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The hatch date snuck up on us and we weren't prepared to feed them. We have a little feeder like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AYE0W0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000AYE0W0&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=N5HWOMGN3PZ2RJDQ" target="_blank">this one</a>, but it requires more room than we had. We like to just <a href="http://littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2012/06/we-have-baby-chicks.html" target="_blank">block off a couple nesting boxes</a> for the first several days when new chicks arrive so we needed something more vertical with a smaller footprint. A jar feeder like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MVGZI8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000MVGZI8&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=VUQTEICN3NZ4AYYW" target="_blank">this</a> would have been perfect, but we didn't have one. We have a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BOHKH6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000BOHKH6&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=QI46P4D4PKVKHQN2" target="_blank">jar waterer</a>, but not the<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MVGZI8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000MVGZI8&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=VUQTEICN3NZ4AYYW" target="_blank"> feeder</a>.<br />
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I thought for sure we could DIY a feeder so I rummaged through our recyclables and came up with a cleaner jug and a yogurt tub and this is what we ended up with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMwuEoEeZvkveHWSeaWZP965yy0r7XRZHYV-ZMV60VPmgNqS08cMnC2H58kOr2ud-TT3XB76oj-f83w8vQF-TfCmTB8cCM7einV3HdgguHG2hgVpQh9n60TCJODYgy9-Eq2yiwgePsbbz/s1600/DIY+Chick+Feeder_Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMwuEoEeZvkveHWSeaWZP965yy0r7XRZHYV-ZMV60VPmgNqS08cMnC2H58kOr2ud-TT3XB76oj-f83w8vQF-TfCmTB8cCM7einV3HdgguHG2hgVpQh9n60TCJODYgy9-Eq2yiwgePsbbz/s1600/DIY+Chick+Feeder_Edit.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I cut three triangles spaced out on the side, near the bottom of the yogurt tub and kept the lid on. I cut the bottom off the cleaner jug and washed it out really well to be sure it was safe. Once I filled up the yogurt tub I placed it in the jug bottom, shook out some feed and it was ready to go.<br />
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This DIY chick feeder was super easy, didn't cost us a dime and the materials were still recyclable once we were done with it. Can't go wrong with that.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;">Linking up with <a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2014/05/mondays-homestead-barn-hop-158/" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a>, <a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/05/the-backyard-farming-connection-hop-79.html" target="_blank">Backyard Farming Connection</a>, <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/05/down-home-blog-hopnumber-86-how-to.html" target="_blank">Down Home</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">and <a href="http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com/2014/05/tuesdays-with-twist-58-is-live.html" target="_blank">Tuesdays with a Twist </a></span></div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-58747740806529887882014-05-02T08:47:00.001-04:002014-05-05T13:43:25.007-04:00Online Deals and Steals {Wedding Gifts}<br />
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We have a couple weddings coming up this summer and I'm on the hunt for great gifts - on or off their registries. I've been trying to think of things we use at home that we can't imagine living without - especially in the kitchen. Here are a few good deals I found on some of those invaluable products.<br />
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I love to bake and use the heck out of my aluminum half sheet pans. I can fit up to 20 chocolate chip cookies on one pan which makes baking a whole batch a snap!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G0KJG4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000G0KJG4&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=ZW4RDQIVW664JCF6" target="_blank">Nordic Ware Naturals </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G0KJG4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000G0KJG4&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=ZW4RDQIVW664JCF6" target="_blank">Half Sheet Baking Pan </a></div>
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$10.97 + free shipping (42% savings)</div>
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Clip the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Coupons/b/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&node=2231352011&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=BVFQQ35NPAF4ASIB" target="_blank">Amazon coupon</a> for an additional $1 off!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G0KJG4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000G0KJG4&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=2FNRMJGBGHK2VXUL"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000G0KJG4&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=littpatcofhea-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=littpatcofhea-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000G0KJG4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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Who doesn't love Pyrex? They are relatively inexpensive and last forever. I have some of my Mother-in-Law's Pyrex that she got as a wedding gift some 40+ years ago. Hopefully a set given as a wedding gift this year will last just as long.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004SZ7H/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00004SZ7H&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=TJFBZNJNFVZQDP36" target="_blank">Pyrex Smart Essentials Glass Mixing Bowl Set</a><br />
$9.59 + free shipping (26% savings)<br />
Get lids for the set for just $4 more!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004SZ7H/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00004SZ7H&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=RQ32JGYCY63PCKZI"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00004SZ7H&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=littpatcofhea-20" /></a></div>
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A kitchen isn't complete without a slow cooker. I wonder what the percentage is of kitchen in the US that have a slow cooker. Google wasn't much help, but I'm sure the number is high. Here's a good deal on one perfect for a newlywed couple. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UCG8II/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003UCG8II&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=ZO64WZZFUVV6E6HT" target="_blank"><br />
</a> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UCG8II/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003UCG8II&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=ZO64WZZFUVV6E6HT" target="_blank">3-Quart Round Crock-Pot</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$16.79 + free shipping</div>
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33% savings</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UCG8II/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003UCG8II&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=3B756WEY3KPITTPM"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003UCG8II&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=littpatcofhea-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=littpatcofhea-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003UCG8II" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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Home safety is so important. Our new house has combination smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, but we had this detector in our first home and it's so affordable.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N8OYXI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000N8OYXI&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=LCQQ4GOYAAYZJRCV" target="_blank">First Alert Carbon Monoxide Detector</a></div>
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$14.39 + free shipping (59% savings)</div>
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Also available in a 3-pack at 51% savings</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N8OYXI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000N8OYXI&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=R2D55ODRCGD7275C"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000N8OYXI&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=littpatcofhea-20" /></a><br />
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Anyone else find these products to be extremely useful around the house?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.myturnforus.com/2014/05/freedom-fridays-with-all-my-bloggy.html" target="_blank">Freedom Friday</a> </span></div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-12208241273543452252014-04-30T14:20:00.000-04:002014-05-02T20:47:52.482-04:00Becoming More Self-SufficientAt its core, the term <b>self-sufficient</b> relates to producing one's food.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9eYdJdJIolIwiXYj-SvF6TE1UVBCKD4FsnKHfV7IcCGtQUEaNxtGMV7kWSEwXwt3zpNvFt20AfWD7zRW4vOiv_J3byQqhR68ryGz2YVX6MaSUdaFkK1dk9OhaQDrrf7eQpdI1uReVvB8/s1600/Self+Sufficient.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9eYdJdJIolIwiXYj-SvF6TE1UVBCKD4FsnKHfV7IcCGtQUEaNxtGMV7kWSEwXwt3zpNvFt20AfWD7zRW4vOiv_J3byQqhR68ryGz2YVX6MaSUdaFkK1dk9OhaQDrrf7eQpdI1uReVvB8/s1600/Self+Sufficient.gif" height="93" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: Google.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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One of the easiest ways to achieve some level of self-sufficiency is to grow a vegetable garden and preserve the harvest via canning, dehydrating, etc. There are those who take that further and have chickens for eggs and meat, dairy animals, other livestock for meat, fruit orchards, grow wheat for flour, bees for honey, and so on.<br />
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For the purposes of this post I'm going to focus on the vegetable garden. Although we have our trials each year, we've been fairly successful at growing a good amount of vegetables and putting by what we can to feed us during the winter. In that regard, we are achieving some level of self-sufficiency.<br />
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We use our compost bins and chickens to produce fertilizer for the garden. I grow the majority of our <a href="http://www.littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2013/04/plans-for-this-years-garden.html" target="_blank">plants from seed</a> so we're not spending $30+ each year just for plants. I have a good stash of canning jars so I haven't needed to buy any for several years. There are, however, two aspects of growing and preserving vegetables that we are working at to become more self-sufficient. <br />
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<ul>
<li>Saving seeds </li>
<li>Reusable canning lids</li>
</ul>
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In the past I've successfully saved melon, <a href="http://www.littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2012/07/accidental-seed-saver-saving-pea-seeds.html" target="_blank">pea</a>, arugula and spinach seed. We've planted our own <a href="http://www.littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2012/03/planting-garlic-in-spring.html" target="_blank">garlic cloves</a> before and this year we planted our <a href="http://www.littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2014/04/and-so-it-begins-2014-garden.html" target="_blank">own seed potatoes</a>. I've tried to save green bean and tomato seed, but they went bad on me. This is definitely something I am going to focus on this year. I hate having to buy seed every year. If I can save seeds from the majority of what we plant and use those to grow our own seedlings, just think of the savings! I hope to report on my seed saving success later this summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxbSGq2tSozZrSa0CfBMzFcg4BPCFFRYtIp3zzN9PLKW8pm5-tIpNUiqvk08l_M5BrSDIYECqNhjE6RIVrMe7wJqqT7YE2K3lVaaOxbTjUWh5QZXlH8WZkTaKVoLKPk29f6R5JN2AMLNF/s1600/DSC05591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxbSGq2tSozZrSa0CfBMzFcg4BPCFFRYtIp3zzN9PLKW8pm5-tIpNUiqvk08l_M5BrSDIYECqNhjE6RIVrMe7wJqqT7YE2K3lVaaOxbTjUWh5QZXlH8WZkTaKVoLKPk29f6R5JN2AMLNF/s1600/DSC05591.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been lucky to have been gifted several dozen canning jars from my Mother-in-Law and other relatives and friends. I pick up jars at yard sales and estate sales every year to help increase my stock at a minimal price. They are rarely on markdown or even a good sale at the store so my stash is almost all used and that is just fine with me. <br />
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One thing I do have to buy every year is those dang canning lids. I have tons of rings that I reuse again and again, but the actual flat lid is something I end up having to buy each year. I ran out of lids last year after <a href="http://www.littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2013/09/chicken-coop-tour.html" target="_blank">tomato-palooza</a> and had a hard time finding them in stock anywhere since it was late in the season. Once I did find them I picked up several packages and decided to look into reusable canning lids.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051PDXCQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0051PDXCQ&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=5O4HGHZVHYZTJZB6" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051PDXCQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0051PDXCQ&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&linkId=5O4HGHZVHYZTJZB6" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9i0Z4iOnbklA2XI47TenyBzMxOZZa2DrWUCl1Jev8cQp6fYfGafw2Reyn70RoX72UdOw4BrvYgSXSvPBYtqenXidPhPBsLyzc7IK9xoXBU8JBp6887Yac2fghpk4r4LGktDzHpuzae91V/s1600/DSC08171.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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I ended up purchasing a couple dozen <a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=tattler%20reusable%20canning%20lids&linkCode=ur2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&url=search-alias%3Dgarden&linkId=DT7TC3BKOLJOZ7YE" target="_blank">Tattler reusable lids</a>. They come in both regular and wide mouth. The instructions were easy to follow and they were easy to use. You have to be careful opening the jars to keep the rubber gasket in tact and free from punctures, but we've been able to do that so far. The rubber gaskets can be <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=tattler%20reusable%20canning%20lid%20gasket&linkCode=ur2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&url=search-alias%3Dgarden&linkId=J4YEQSLVXQGUQRMV" target="_blank">purchased separately</a>, if they do get damaged. I have water bath and pressure canned with them and they worked fine both ways.<br />
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The only issue I have found is labeling them. Thankfully, not everything needs to be labeled - green beans and potatoes, for instance, are pretty recognizable on the pantry shelf. Tomato products and other red things look similar though, so I had to do something. This isn't the best solution, but it works so far.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cKv0g4irYpyDRWuJbS8S77FA40NZgRnb0XnoWtcr9og73m981f8d683aJQZQgVgzfmtRkcobuTEPmp38Xa94KXECsvC96PKnKyBBrJrWlHVG58tf3Fy4EyPnEhKDvTnyQTHKdNQQXOK3/s1600/DSC07069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cKv0g4irYpyDRWuJbS8S77FA40NZgRnb0XnoWtcr9og73m981f8d683aJQZQgVgzfmtRkcobuTEPmp38Xa94KXECsvC96PKnKyBBrJrWlHVG58tf3Fy4EyPnEhKDvTnyQTHKdNQQXOK3/s1600/DSC07069.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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I order through Amazon several times a year so I've decided to add a dozen or two<a href="http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=tattler%20reusable%20canning%20lids&linkCode=ur2&tag=littpatcofhea-20&url=search-alias%3Dgarden&linkId=DT7TC3BKOLJOZ7YE" target="_blank"> reusable canning lids</a> to my order when I can. They ship free so if I can afford the extra $10 on top of another order, it's worth it to me.<br />
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If I can continue to add to my stock of reusable canning lids and successfully save at least green bean and tomato seed (our most used vegetables) this year, I'll be pleased. I'm glad we do what we can to be self-sufficient, but I know we can always do more. Hopefully these two steps will get us a little further along on that path.<br />
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Anyone else use reusable canning lids? How do you label them?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #999999;">Linking up with <span style="color: #999999;"><a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/04/down-home-blog-hopnumber-85-backyard.html">Down Home</a> , <a href="http://www.theviewfromrighthere.com/blog/?p=11441" target="_blank">Rurality</a> , <a href="http://www.oakhillhomestead.com/2014/05/homeacre-hop-68.html" target="_blank">HomeAcre Hop</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #999999;">and <a href="http://www.myturnforus.com/2014/05/freedom-fridays-with-all-my-bloggy.html" target="_blank">Freedom Friday</a> </span></span></div>
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-79108205346915151242014-04-27T22:05:00.002-04:002014-05-02T20:47:10.140-04:00And So It Begins... {2014 Garden}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Isn't it great how you get a new start with the vegetable garden every year? If something doesn't go as planned, just wait a few months and you get to try again. I love that! Lord knows we have plenty things each year that don't go as well as we'd like. Eventually, we'll get it figured out, I hope. Either way, we got started on this year's try this weekend.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5R2FYBZz-o7gObKCCW6uVyVgYlKEZRZCAHQex51w_rRcc_0X4KG3k65JwaEk78vrm24JxeW-uNAT2lKnPqf-hWV9A-PWwJZiLnaOF-8PaLTHg01qiOyz7176G_5v9v73ndhMRe_WC2h5/s1600/DSC08142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5R2FYBZz-o7gObKCCW6uVyVgYlKEZRZCAHQex51w_rRcc_0X4KG3k65JwaEk78vrm24JxeW-uNAT2lKnPqf-hWV9A-PWwJZiLnaOF-8PaLTHg01qiOyz7176G_5v9v73ndhMRe_WC2h5/s1600/DSC08142.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Instead of buying seed potatoes, we used some of last year's that didn't get canned or turned into <a href="http://www.littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2014/01/diy-freezer-hashbrowns.html" target="_blank">freezer hashbrowns</a>. These Red Pontiacs have some serious ambition. They started growing new potatoes in the bushel basket they were stored in. I didn't know that was possible. Hopefully they'll do well for us.<br />
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After planting two rows of potatoes we had enough leftover to share with family. We didn't have but just a handful of last year's Yukon Golds left so we'll need to pick up some seed potatoes for that variety.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0FBC-PCMbbx94HyuQbAlttU8DDc3-_8qX1H2hDBwAvAMOcFmUwD3eouKMl0wBOe0Urp_cUyS5a510aEEDh5oJrP6CNwm-yc9XM7mePFOPxEvp7Ka05SDekfa9Qh2lbNcpEXfIJ6MMKfY/s1600/DSC08127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0FBC-PCMbbx94HyuQbAlttU8DDc3-_8qX1H2hDBwAvAMOcFmUwD3eouKMl0wBOe0Urp_cUyS5a510aEEDh5oJrP6CNwm-yc9XM7mePFOPxEvp7Ka05SDekfa9Qh2lbNcpEXfIJ6MMKfY/s1600/DSC08127.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since our onions did <a href="http://www.littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-to-grow-big-onions.html" target="_blank">so well last year</a> I decided to up the ante and we planted 3 bundles. Last year we planted 1 bundle which we thought was a lot of onion, but seeing as we use it 3-4 times a week they didn't even last until fall. We planted the onions in a triple row to help save space. We're using the same variety as last year - Big Daddy.<br />
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Speaking of Daddy - he had some help getting the holes plunged this year. :)<br />
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We still have too much risk of frost to get tomatoes and peppers out yet, but they're hardening up and should be ready when the time is right. <br />
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Later this week we hope to get <a href="http://www.littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2011/07/pickled-beets.html" target="_blank">beets</a>, salad greens and maybe some cabbage in the ground - if the weather cooperates.<br />
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So tell me, how does your garden grow?<br />
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<br />Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-78607463450889149592014-04-25T09:57:00.002-04:002014-09-04T09:14:23.870-04:00The Best Buttermilk PancakesAround these parts, we love breakfast - at breakfast, brunch or dinner. Once, we had some family members over to help pour our sidewalks and I made a hearty breakfast early that morning and a couple hours later served 2nd breakfast. That's how much we love breakfast.<br />
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What goes better with breakfast than pancakes? I've tried a lot of pancake recipes and it took me FOREVER to find one that turned out well the first time and every time after that. This is that recipe. These are fluffy, tasty and cook up on the griddle just like those beautiful pancakes you get at a diner that knows how to do breakfast. These are so good that syrup is optional. Seriously, they are that yummy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32yr8W097euOSuHtewnLXmrmHB3Z7qzyDakBOuIkMW8gYdEFFW3h9MLQX0o07rAghr8NDqg49VvPlWxH4GkSXrU9uGLeRvFoTuiJcf9srQeKjxqkry8nXzEBV2JJybEjFSmeigdbD2qpX/s1600/Pancakes+Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32yr8W097euOSuHtewnLXmrmHB3Z7qzyDakBOuIkMW8gYdEFFW3h9MLQX0o07rAghr8NDqg49VvPlWxH4GkSXrU9uGLeRvFoTuiJcf9srQeKjxqkry8nXzEBV2JJybEjFSmeigdbD2qpX/s1600/Pancakes+Edit.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<strong>The Best Buttermilk Pancakes</strong><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(adapted from Cooking Light)</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
1 c flour<br />
2 T sugar<br />
1 t baking powder<br />
1/2 t baking soda<br />
dash of salt<br />
1 c buttermilk<br />
2 t oil<br />
1 egg<br />
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Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine buttermilk, oil and egg and beat slightly to break up egg. Add wet ingredients to dry and whisk until smooth. Pour onto hot griddle or cast iron skillet using a 1/4 cup measure. Flip once the top is bubbly and the edges appear to be drying out. Cook until golden brown. Makes 9 of the tastiest homemade pancakes you'll ever have. I promise. <br />
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And, don't forget. You don't have to buy buttermilk. You can make your own <a href="http://littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2012/04/tightwad-tuesday-kitchen-substitutions.html" target="_blank">version</a>.<br />
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We had these just the other night for dinner and our newly adopted son gave his sticky face approval. :) More to come on him later.<br />
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Be sure to serve these with a quality Grade B Maple Syrup like the organic version we get from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083QJU72/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0083QJU72&linkCode=as2&tag=littpatcofhea-20" target="_blank">Coombs Family Farms</a> through Amazon.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ3exZOoTtYl5EpZSyhrCTROoTA5Q9tVIrjgKm28-i8Z3l_ScL9JJRpq5CVwbjSqtojBBCGRBmjLRhEcgRBzE0sov1gYQsatQ9hgeTGt2pm2MIUVwzOhos39epe2ay9LX1SDwGxWxX205/s1600/DSC08111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ3exZOoTtYl5EpZSyhrCTROoTA5Q9tVIrjgKm28-i8Z3l_ScL9JJRpq5CVwbjSqtojBBCGRBmjLRhEcgRBzE0sov1gYQsatQ9hgeTGt2pm2MIUVwzOhos39epe2ay9LX1SDwGxWxX205/s1600/DSC08111.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Linking up with</span><a href="http://www.sunnysimplelife.com/2014/04/from-farm-blog-hop-april-25.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;"> From the Farm</span></a><span style="color: #999999;"> blog hop and<span style="color: #999999;"> </span><a href="http://naturallivingmamma.com/2014/04/27/natural-living-monday-72/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Natural Living Monday</span></a></span></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=554996&u=664749&m=45785&urllink=&afftrack="><img src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/45785/01_46860_02.jpg" alt="Food Blogger Pro: Video training and blogger community helping you to start your food blog." border="0"></a></div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-12749103616053821722014-04-23T17:09:00.000-04:002014-04-23T17:11:07.673-04:00Our Chicken Run {A Video Tour}A while back we posted a <a href="http://littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2013/09/chicken-coop-tour.html" target="_blank">tour of our chicken coop</a>. We thought folks might also be interested in seeing more details of our outdoor chicken run or yard or chicken pen, depending on what you call it.<br />
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Our pen is made of dog kennel panels - all obtained for free from family members no longer needing them. It's reinforced along the bottom 24" or so with hardware cloth that is stretched outward from the pen and buried to help prevent digging. Chicken wire covers the top to protect from airborne predators. <br />
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Here is the video tour:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mrHPos0xkVU" width="560"></iframe><br />
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A few things we would do differently:<br />
<ul><li>Reinforce the chicken wire covering. It is starting to sag a good bit and sags a LOT with snow and ice which we saw quite a bit of this past winter.</li>
<li>Re-work both entry doors so they open inward. One door will only open outward and we have to fight would-be escapees almost every time we open that door.</li>
<li>Set up a dry area for dust baths. We like to throw in wood ashes every so often for them to dust bathe in and it would be nice if they could stay dry longer.</li>
</ul><br />
Hindsight is 20/20, right? Oh, well. Hope you enjoy the video (however amateur it may be!).<br />
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<br />
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</div>Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-38969641706114953882014-01-22T20:29:00.004-05:002014-09-04T09:14:41.704-04:00DIY Freezer Hashbrowns<div class="WordSection1"><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr__sOWmkkNHI8b6otk_kx0pyER_in2x25C6ItiBlmgvS5epL3OJMlRNMk6LmFqsyw7EU50YS2XhIKQN9JUZEZkRqONgoLaCphkHvDFZKNcx29apnSEh4AQK5OYG8weX6OKTNmbrEC5Qhx/s1600/LPHH-DIYK.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr__sOWmkkNHI8b6otk_kx0pyER_in2x25C6ItiBlmgvS5epL3OJMlRNMk6LmFqsyw7EU50YS2XhIKQN9JUZEZkRqONgoLaCphkHvDFZKNcx29apnSEh4AQK5OYG8weX6OKTNmbrEC5Qhx/s1600/LPHH-DIYK.gif" height="76" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Our potato harvest last year yielded about 1 ½ bushels – a mix of Yukon Gold and Red Pontiac. Overall, they were good size. Our <span class="SpellE">Yukons</span> were hit with<a href="http://cropwatch.unl.edu/web/potato/blackheart" target="_blank"> black heart</a>, but it seemed to only affect the larger potatoes and, once removed from the center, the potatoes were fine to use.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">We haven’t eaten as many as we should have by now and not having a proper cellar to store them in, they are getting a little wrinkly and sprouting eyes like mad. The <span class="SpellE">Yukons</span> are faring better than the Reds, but it’s obvious we need to something with them. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">I have never put up potatoes before. I know they can be canned, but how many ways can you use canned potatoes? That wouldn’t work for all of them. I've heard tales of people having homemade hashbrowns in the freezer and decided to give them a try.<br />
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My first step was baking the potatoes. Since I needed to check my Yukons for black heart I cut each potato in half (which I was thankful for later!). I stuffed as many as I could into 2 3-quart casserole dishes, made sure the lids were on firmly and baked at 400° until they were done - about an hour and 20 minutes. I let them cool on the counter and then put them in the fridge overnight.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Xvehv28qfhgvmWIme67aE2obeitI6NC8dLdHsEGL-Od6qLRGW_VX1yl-CsmmF6TNfFf5FsLVdcbgIdJanW8u595juCANbyAabDKC8D2XW8tmPZ7T4x_49ix-gc-yJnrGYzznFIeM4OYK/s1600/DSC07782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Xvehv28qfhgvmWIme67aE2obeitI6NC8dLdHsEGL-Od6qLRGW_VX1yl-CsmmF6TNfFf5FsLVdcbgIdJanW8u595juCANbyAabDKC8D2XW8tmPZ7T4x_49ix-gc-yJnrGYzznFIeM4OYK/s1600/DSC07782.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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The next morning it took a total of 10 minutes to shred all the potatoes. Here's where cutting them in half came in really handy. I tried to peel the skin off, but it didn't come off as easily as I'd hoped so I just started grating. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0gqoA_FwwyPRbcoZv9QLkqy1q1TK3PCYzN1hXt4DsfEumbLxzoojBaGLXu1QeMNnYUOWbkaFAeEexhToNZ51PgLcNcfGXQYhidR5WCIUNP1xV78BebW2GsYSQB52g5Vwep1gLynM4kEJ/s1600/DSC07786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0gqoA_FwwyPRbcoZv9QLkqy1q1TK3PCYzN1hXt4DsfEumbLxzoojBaGLXu1QeMNnYUOWbkaFAeEexhToNZ51PgLcNcfGXQYhidR5WCIUNP1xV78BebW2GsYSQB52g5Vwep1gLynM4kEJ/s1600/DSC07786.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Once I slapped a tater down on the grater and went to town, the peel just kind of rolled up on the sides and they basically peeled themselves. Here's what the peel looked like afterwards. I was fine with a little peel in the hashbrowns (more nutrients and fiber, right?); I just didn't want a lot. This worked out perfectly and there was very little potato meat waste which I was happy about.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuLvZwDnEV56zuZf8xvFt9uWgdQEHvIMhHa2AREVoKFk4OC-Pok5aTxlZ88qK5fj39AM7j4tlC0oo_IJpfV2GuZrTln17FfnP_pWAZoRhuZ-jW7hxcprgnaRQv4viYbekHLrfS24DMdXx/s1600/DSC07783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuLvZwDnEV56zuZf8xvFt9uWgdQEHvIMhHa2AREVoKFk4OC-Pok5aTxlZ88qK5fj39AM7j4tlC0oo_IJpfV2GuZrTln17FfnP_pWAZoRhuZ-jW7hxcprgnaRQv4viYbekHLrfS24DMdXx/s1600/DSC07783.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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After shredding I spread them out on 1/2-sheet pans and gave them a flash freeze for 20-30 minutes. Then they were bagged up, labeled and in the deep freeze they went.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBO7nitJ4kkJGyG5DUnraWsyEOoyBGdNK-ZLx9lCv0FSJOzffPIjsAiBRH3K1cdzRPaqQO1tHa2SCJng1Ym3zq9vyAiIcSqyLZ5Dd7_Y81u3zgSniUZU8uJfAmZOZ6GGWRADtJ8akwf6A/s1600/DSC07788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBO7nitJ4kkJGyG5DUnraWsyEOoyBGdNK-ZLx9lCv0FSJOzffPIjsAiBRH3K1cdzRPaqQO1tHa2SCJng1Ym3zq9vyAiIcSqyLZ5Dd7_Y81u3zgSniUZU8uJfAmZOZ6GGWRADtJ8akwf6A/s1600/DSC07788.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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We've already broken into them. I didn't feel right posting about them if they didn't turn out well. Turns out, they did. They cook up just as quick as store bought hashbrowns; are extremely frugal; and aren't gummy like usual homemade hashbrowns tend to be. All in all, this was a success. I'm glad I tried this and super glad these potatoes didn't go to waste.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4wXgnBWxyUxm6Fa0ux6sBHalWbx6pK-cV2r-jJMOS-7cIIsDpuxmfoXbZ6SSxXYdLIZzjJyCqaydcZZIi1z0Lch1PyEzemxe9oUvRrNI-kzFlc5XardpS1BFWrSrxck1KVGI658DmEPY/s1600/DSC07791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4wXgnBWxyUxm6Fa0ux6sBHalWbx6pK-cV2r-jJMOS-7cIIsDpuxmfoXbZ6SSxXYdLIZzjJyCqaydcZZIi1z0Lch1PyEzemxe9oUvRrNI-kzFlc5XardpS1BFWrSrxck1KVGI658DmEPY/s1600/DSC07791.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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On a side note: It's amazing how wrinkly a potato can be on the outside and still be fresh and good inside. We had some ugly ones.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=554996&u=664749&m=45785&urllink=&afftrack="><img src="http://www.shareasale.com/image/45785/01_46860_02.jpg" alt="Food Blogger Pro: Video training and blogger community helping you to start your food blog." border="0"></a></div><br />
Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-1378114713863182542014-01-17T21:32:00.000-05:002014-01-25T09:29:53.484-05:00Adoption Update {Big News to Share!}<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a miscellaneous Wednesday. I had taken the day
off to spend time with my sister and her little ones since she was in
town. I was putting dinner in the crockpot before heading out for the day
when the phone rang. It was Louise from our adoption agency.
“Carrie, I have some good news.” What? What? A little
boy? He’s two? Awww.. Oh my goodness, yes, please send his medical
and psychological report, omgosh omgosh. I have to call Hubz at work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was the phone call that every prospective adoptive parent
dreams of and at the same time can’t imagine really happening, and we got
it. We had been matched with this little sweetie and we were elated, but
we were also concerned – there are so many what ifs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We reviewed everything and received a picture. Such a
little cutie! A couple weeks later we were able to get some video of him
and more pictures. A regional children’s hospital has an
International Adoption clinic and they have a service where they’ll review all
information you receive on a child and give you their opinion of him/her.
We had that completed and said Yes! A thousand times, yes! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">About three weeks later we flew over to meet him (our first
time to fly ‘across the pond’) and on my birthday that week we signed documents
stating our intent to move forward with adopting this little guy.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXASAr3dZV-uHHLPUi2EXj4MgYHFeklfJIkuUdNnPbfI3Gb_3TfhoMb9wfNNExC59ERVrxDtXOgHWIsY0ECjbiRF8gAGUj8XjIBU9GoYP7A8f-JFt58kR7CZkhnl-9P7ugixiEImNshsP8/s1600/DSC07648.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXASAr3dZV-uHHLPUi2EXj4MgYHFeklfJIkuUdNnPbfI3Gb_3TfhoMb9wfNNExC59ERVrxDtXOgHWIsY0ECjbiRF8gAGUj8XjIBU9GoYP7A8f-JFt58kR7CZkhnl-9P7ugixiEImNshsP8/s1600/DSC07648.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, we are anxiously awaiting his Visa approval, our court
date (hopefully passing court) and then our travel dates. We may travel
sometime in April and on that trip he will come home with us. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s still almost unbelievable. We're still in shock and a little overwhelmed about the responsibilities of parenting
this little treasure we’re being trusted with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s interesting - when you talk to some people about adoption
they act like you’re doing such a great thing, like it’s almost charitable that
you’re giving an orphan a home and a future and a life that he otherwise may
not have had. But we don’t see it that way. We almost feel selfish
when people talk to us like that because we believe he’s giving US a life WE
may not have otherwise had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-38355159693861479452013-10-28T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-28T07:47:39.368-04:00Chickens Under Attack<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As you know we are backyard chicken keepers. We love our little flock, and we try to let them free range as much as we can. I’ve posted before about how we use </span><a href="http://littlepatchofheavenhomestead.blogspot.com/2013/04/room-to-roam-and-free-garden-fertilizer.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">temporary fencing</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to expand their run out into the yard and garden. Until last week we’d only had one predator incident where we lost a bird.</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EXZqI-02CFNdRhr5fIZK5r8EWm-DpxBGRLqpamZ0gxu9dP3HEiVl7cf0KAkddnJnsgx-vQW29rYuuTsEDJb9-R1vcprBF1riE4IRPjElTudZkbRGOfu59L8EalLzwBYx8t7H0EyRAoA3/s1600/DSC07146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EXZqI-02CFNdRhr5fIZK5r8EWm-DpxBGRLqpamZ0gxu9dP3HEiVl7cf0KAkddnJnsgx-vQW29rYuuTsEDJb9-R1vcprBF1riE4IRPjElTudZkbRGOfu59L8EalLzwBYx8t7H0EyRAoA3/s400/DSC07146.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week, however, we lost 3 – one of our Silkie hens and 2 little Silkie chicks that were about 8 weeks old. They just disappeared on Tuesday. No sign of them anywhere – no mess of feathers, no carcasses, nothing. We searched for them and called them (we’ve trained them to come when called – I highly recommend training your birds!). We looked high and low, down into the woods, under the deck, everywhere we could think they might be hiding, but there was no sign of them. Even though we feared they had been carried off by a hawk, we were hoping they had just gotten loose and were lost.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="goog_363000938"></span><span id="goog_363000939"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihujjzNus_mJK5Y1uCkaQaNWZTDXjPUm0sr1N-Pp3QB_YmGhOaZpgMaBrPILG2QKW769DtsfEl0-TajHfQZmH5XqgdbG9pfd3wibiwP4mBNXWlvumUNkCYaFsoOBFuRaLy17OlM4mp0L6q/s1600/DSC07031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihujjzNus_mJK5Y1uCkaQaNWZTDXjPUm0sr1N-Pp3QB_YmGhOaZpgMaBrPILG2QKW769DtsfEl0-TajHfQZmH5XqgdbG9pfd3wibiwP4mBNXWlvumUNkCYaFsoOBFuRaLy17OlM4mp0L6q/s400/DSC07031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, 3 days later our Silkie hen came back. We have no idea where she came from or where she’d been, but she was thirsty and a mess with weed seeds and cockleburs. We can't believe she survived three days out in the open, much less 3 nights!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The chicks have not been seen and we’re assuming they’re gone for good. We’re pretty sure they were carried off by hawks because Beanie (the Silkie hen) won’t go out into the uncovered run and seems to prefer being underneath the coop even when she's in the covered run. Poor thing. We’re sad to have lost the chicks, but so glad Beanie is back. She was part of our flock from the very beginning and we hated to lose her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are a little more cautious about letting everyone out since this happened and we try to keep an eye in the sky for airborne predators. They may have gotten one meal at our place, but I’ll be damned if they get another.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #999999;">Linking up with </span><a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2013/10/homestead-barn-hop-133.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #999999;">Homestead Barn Hop</span></a></div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-16247849228349378612013-09-27T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-27T07:00:00.947-04:00Adoption Update {Fall 2013}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyUNrYHw0tg_LkXOu6oZSK3qCsNaxrL8lPTN7CA2nQ5wulr2fp-pXsMMYBWHhxpfTPEAS2bFfwOupTCdb0FQ9br9ldwtWFwY-z-TpAnTquVNhALHediqeTMRjIghKqRhDTgydATvq6oyl/s1600/DSC07410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyUNrYHw0tg_LkXOu6oZSK3qCsNaxrL8lPTN7CA2nQ5wulr2fp-pXsMMYBWHhxpfTPEAS2bFfwOupTCdb0FQ9br9ldwtWFwY-z-TpAnTquVNhALHediqeTMRjIghKqRhDTgydATvq6oyl/s640/DSC07410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
Several people have inquired recently about how our adoption
is coming along. Here’s the answer, in a word: slowly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Unless you’ve gone through this process, it’s hard to
understand just how long it can take, how many steps there are and how many
documents there are to complete. Before we got started, we had no
idea. It’s been a big learning experience for sure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Right now, we are waiting for the country to match us with a
sibling group. We submitted our dossier late last year. That is a
huge packet of information about us, how many children we’re hoping to adopt,
what special needs we can handle, etc. We had to update our home
study (they expire every year), update fingerprints (they expire too!) and we
just recently submitted a request for an extension on our i-800A which is
approval through USCIS. Once our extension is granted (fingers crossed
that it will be!), we’ll need to travel to the closest Federal building for
more fingerprints and that should be our last document/fingerprint update for a
while.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
While we wait we are trying to prepare our home for the
addition of little ones. The 2 bedrooms that the children will have
both need shelving and organization pieces in the closets. Those
rooms also need shades on the windows. I’m trying to purge and organize
various other rooms and closets. We have a few toys and several books
already, but we’re trying to hold off on buying too much until we’re matched so
we can buy more age-appropriate items. I am chomping at the bit to
get those rooms fully furnished and decorated. Hubz keeps telling me to
be patient, but that is not one of my best qualities. He excels at
it. But me, not so much.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I wish I had more to report, but we are truly just
waiting. Hubz was worried they had forgotten about us, but that’s not the
case. We’re on their list. Our agency has at least 2 other families
who are in the same stage and timeframe as us. It’s comforting to know
we’re not alone, but also disheartening to know there are children who need
families and families who are still waiting to bring them home. I know it will
all come together in His time, but it’s hard not knowing when that is. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Any ideas on how to help us pass the time?<o:p></o:p></div>
Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-62179270604325217032013-09-25T20:08:00.002-04:002013-09-30T22:16:03.375-04:00Can You Freeze Tomatoes? Ever find yourself with too many tomatoes and not enough time? <o:p></o:p><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
It can happen so quickly. It seems to take forever to get that 1<sup>st</sup> ripe tomato out of the garden, but once you do, they all start coming on like crazy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Like any good homesteader, I hate seeing those beauties go to waste. Instead of tossing them to the chickens (they get their fair share!), I freeze them for future canning projects.</div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ03FKXZD8LGjOGbm6BWTvidR3AnAEkS5vdOGPeaqQm3lLkICMl42ARqksBF8pmwucBbqfLuDv4ZowlKlELU1EOlQSrz-fP7B4NCntQ7Bu93H8LY61EvQvIE7RsRxhTmil0dxwHmYitEER/s1600/DSC07405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="whole tomatoes in the freezer" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ03FKXZD8LGjOGbm6BWTvidR3AnAEkS5vdOGPeaqQm3lLkICMl42ARqksBF8pmwucBbqfLuDv4ZowlKlELU1EOlQSrz-fP7B4NCntQ7Bu93H8LY61EvQvIE7RsRxhTmil0dxwHmYitEER/s400/DSC07405.JPG" title="whole tomatoes in the freezer" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<br />
Here's how to freeze tomatoes:<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Give them a quick rinse, trim off any bad spots, bag them up whole and stick them in the deep freeze. <br />
<br />
It's that easy.<br />
<br />
When you're ready to process, pull the bags out the night before, let them thaw and get to work.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pf9KxfafTAnekXDp6AS-GO9cqCrG9peHTFHxiFU6-WqhkE1ZfNFJp3We06bbcDoiHE1BjirSbmm2nExjrIniUZOOLELfP4WyN9RkbfFMH27etRlFao-en7rk8qKAy26ww4eKvcuRT1g1/s1600/DSC07232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="frozen tomatoes thawing out in the veggie sink" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pf9KxfafTAnekXDp6AS-GO9cqCrG9peHTFHxiFU6-WqhkE1ZfNFJp3We06bbcDoiHE1BjirSbmm2nExjrIniUZOOLELfP4WyN9RkbfFMH27etRlFao-en7rk8qKAy26ww4eKvcuRT1g1/s400/DSC07232.JPG" title="frozen tomatoes thawing out in the veggie sink" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When they've have thawed out, the skins slip right off. Tomatoes that have been frozen break down really quickly and are great for sauces. I wouldn't use them in anything you expect to have chunks or pieces because they break down so well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xASWdQo_DORJuv3o8T3cwnpBwH3FDry1zVLeoNZCibNvCe87sQ_eAmgT6zkqShU4wKW7w_U5IBz2hyphenhyphenVQlePJnk4daE_dZsvAsaW6E8CS2X-qd-EXrVLDsxjDY7W1U7os5o2aE65godJB/s1600/DSC07234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="thawed roma tomatoes" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xASWdQo_DORJuv3o8T3cwnpBwH3FDry1zVLeoNZCibNvCe87sQ_eAmgT6zkqShU4wKW7w_U5IBz2hyphenhyphenVQlePJnk4daE_dZsvAsaW6E8CS2X-qd-EXrVLDsxjDY7W1U7os5o2aE65godJB/s400/DSC07234.JPG" title="thawed roma tomatoes" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTZ8pyf2H42kBYmfnnVCglWaEbbyPmB3O3mpo_eFgLiforQO9101zA4dlTKIaxEHLbAsKyK1NBI71nHuNLIvP9go6tujoWD5UUMnd6qbQWQv1S5ycVCKQNRCjS-Ahf35Eh1pOfjJskQbE/s1600/DSC07235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="roma tomato skins" border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTZ8pyf2H42kBYmfnnVCglWaEbbyPmB3O3mpo_eFgLiforQO9101zA4dlTKIaxEHLbAsKyK1NBI71nHuNLIvP9go6tujoWD5UUMnd6qbQWQv1S5ycVCKQNRCjS-Ahf35Eh1pOfjJskQbE/s400/DSC07235.JPG" title="roma tomato skins" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
Last year we froze 4 gallon-size bags of paste tomatoes. I used them later in the season to make chili sauce, which turned out great. <o:p></o:p><br />
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This year we planted 24 total tomato plants and they got ahead of us. Instead of letting them go to waste, we've frozen 5 bags (so far!) and I’ll pull them out later this fall and use them to can pasta sauce.</div>
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</div>
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Here’s what we’ve canned so far with our tomatoes: </div>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Pizza sauce</div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Chili sauce</div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Crushed tomatoes</div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Salsa (regular)</div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Black bean and corn salsa</div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Beef-vegetable soup <o:p></o:p></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
We’ll still have another picking yet. Tell me....How do you put up tomatoes? What other ideas do you have for stocking our pantry with tomato products?</div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Linking up with </span><a href="http://blackfoxhomestead.com/the-homeacre-hop/the-homeacre-hop-38-and-a-fun-giveaway/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">HomeAcre </span><span style="color: #666666;">Hop</span></a><span style="color: #666666;"> and </span><a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2013/09/mondays-homestead-barn-hop-129/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Homestead Barn Hop</span></a></div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2842005808197763723.post-89231371390010280792013-09-09T21:28:00.000-04:002014-04-23T17:09:59.271-04:00Our Chicken Coop {A Video Tour}If you follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Patch-of-Heaven-Homestead/178180462237903" target="_blank">Facebook</a> you may already know that Hubz went into the garden last week and picked me a front row ticket to tomato-palooza...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVkpIXf__cdMXv5Qdqzbb8UzZVfnMjuujQGyWakOm68Q5ycdsuFWsEErj6CpWqjSpL6GJbF_yZ5NKlF6g-p45_F7f-IrOhYgstU7aK3GcmZlHlEBo1_6lU1jhIA5JRHnkRTlL6JXLkQP0/s1600/Tomato-Palooza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVkpIXf__cdMXv5Qdqzbb8UzZVfnMjuujQGyWakOm68Q5ycdsuFWsEErj6CpWqjSpL6GJbF_yZ5NKlF6g-p45_F7f-IrOhYgstU7aK3GcmZlHlEBo1_6lU1jhIA5JRHnkRTlL6JXLkQP0/s400/Tomato-Palooza.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In all honesty, he was the one with the front row seat. I was practically running the show. :) <br />
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To get down to the point of this post. I'm tired of tomatoes. I've seen enough canning jars and water bath canners for a while. I want to look at something else, indulge in something else, enjoy something else. <br />
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Enter, chickens. <br />
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I've been wanting to do this for a while and we finally took the time to get it done. Here's a little video tour of our chicken coop. We're not pros; we're not video production specialists, but here's what it would be like if you were taking a tour on our little homestead.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5VlhyL_TAe4?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br />
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I have a few more videos up my sleeve which have been fun to tape. A little more fun than peeling tomatoes and cutting corn and breaking beans and shredding cabbage.... Don't get me wrong. We are truly blessed to be knee deep in tomatoes and other veggies around here, but it gets old. <br />
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Anywho...I hope you enjoy the video. Maybe it will be a nice break away from your own tomato-palooza.<br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">Linking up with </span><a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2013/09/mondays-homestead-barn-hop-126/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666;">Homestead Barn Hop</span></a></div>
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Carriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04884068697943667004noreply@blogger.com1