Tiny Taylor Ranch

Giveaway!

2010-01-20T10:33:00.004-07:00

Fun Giveaway on http://fromcathywithlove.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-200th-post-apron-giveaway-and.html

Craft of the Week - Ideas for a Homemade Christmas

2009-10-21T09:30:00.005-06:00

Bread Cloths
Homemade Christmas Cards
Chocolate Spoons
Personalized Stationary
Candle in an antique tea cup
Homemade spice mixes
Homemade vinegars
Homemade Mustards
Theme Basket
Recyled Holiday Can filled with candy
Paint Terra Cotta Pots with holiday theme and include a candle
Clay Ornaments (See recipe below)
Bath Salts (See recipe below)
Plants grown from clippings
Paper-mache Bowls
Creative Picture Frames
Cookie Mix in a jar
Brownie Mix in a jar
Soup in a jar
Cake in a jar (See recipe below)
Spiced Mug Mats
Movie Night Basket
Home Choclate Covered Cherries
Chocolate Dipped Pringles
Chocolate Dipped Chocolate Chip Cookies
Candied Tea Stirrers (See Recipe below)
Teacup Pincushion
Garden Stepping Stone
Felt Paper Dolls
Placemats with matching napkins
Homemade Jammies
Homemade reusable shopping bags
potpourri sachets
soap
candles
photo album with old family photos
skin cream
personalized holiday napkins
recipe book
flavored brandy
homemade beer
tealights made out of walnut shell halves, wicking and beeswax

RECIPES

Cinnamon Spice Craft Dough

* 1 cup apple sauce
* 1 cup cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon nutmeg
* 1 teaspoon cloves

Mix until the dough has the consistency of play dough, adding more apple sauce or cinnamon as needed. (Incidentally, I buy cinnamon at the dollar store for 50 cents a bottle.) Roll flat, dusting counter and rolling pin with cinnamon if dough sticks. Cut out shapes with knife or cookie cutter. Use a toothpick to make a hole for hanging. Dry at room temperature for 5-7 days, turning over at the end of the third day to ensure even drying. They dry even quicker in a food dryer, and give your house a wonderful smell! (Recipe courtesy of Mrs. Survival)

Candy Cane Bath Salts:

* 2 cups Epsom salts
* ½ c. sea salt
* 4-6 drops peppermint oil
* 2-3 drops red food coloring.

Place one cup of Epsom and 1/4 cup sea salt in a bowl or re-sealable plastic bag. Add 2-3 drops peppermint oil.

Place the remaining ingredients in a second bowl. Mix all ingredients well. Layer the red and white salts in a clear bottle or jar. Half liter Naya ™ water bottles work well because they have the stripes. Tie with a ribbon and some small candy canes. This makes a great holiday gift for friends. (Recipe courtesy of Mrs. Survival)

CANDIED TEA STIRRERS
vegetable cooking spray
34 pieces fruit flavored hard candy--crushed--lemon, cinnamon etc
2 TBS light corn syrup
heavy weight plastic spoons

Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Spray with cooking spray. In a small heavy saucepan combine crushed candies and corn syrup and melt over low eat stirring frequently.

Spoon candy into bowl of each spoon. Place spoons on prepared cookie sheet with handles on rims and spoons level. Allow to harden. Store in air tight container. (Recipe courtesy of Mrs. Survival)

CAKE IN A JAR with the Chocolate-Almond Variation

For this, you use wide-mouth pint jars. You grease the bottoms and sides of the jars well with butter. Don't use oil or sprays.

When baking, you use one cup of batter in each jar. Don't use more! And be sure to wipe the jar rims carefully or the batter bakes on and they won't seal.
You place the jars on a baking sheet to put in the oven. Jars should not touch. They are baked at 325 for 55 to 60 minutes. Test doneness with a wooden toothpick or skewer.

You put the seals on the jars as soon they are removed from the oven. Screw them on firmly then let cool. They should seal. If not, refrigerate the cake or have it for dessert that evening! And they last two months according to the book.

RECIPE
2 -2/3 cups sugar
1 cup butter
4 eggs
1/2 cup water
2 tsp vanilla
3-1/2 cups flour
1- 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Cream sugar and butter. Add eggs and mix well. Add water and canilla. Add dry ingredients. Pur 1 cup batter in each pint jar. Bake at 325 F for 55 to 60 minutes.

For Chocolate Almond version omit water and vanilla. Add
1/2 cup almond flavored liquuer (amaretto)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup almonds (slivered or chopped)

Mix and bake according to above directions

For Rum Raisin variation
omit water, add 1/2 cup dark rum and 1 cup raisins, bake as directed

For Banana Nut Cake Variation (don't omit water for this one)

add 2 cups mashed bananas
1 tsp cinnamon
2/3 cup chopped pecans.
Bake according to directions.

Or, you can just add 1 cup mini M&Ms and call it polka dot cake!

For Orange or Lemon Poppy Seed Variation:
Omit water and add

1 cup white chocolate chips or pieces
1/4 cup poppy seeds
1Tablespoon of either grated lemon or orange rind
1/2 cup of either lemon or orange juice

Mix and bake according to directions.

These recipes are from the Book "Jazzy Jars" by Marie Browning....a entire book about decorating canning jars and filling them for home made gifts.

Craft of the Week - Vintage Teapot Holder Pattern

2009-10-12T11:05:00.002-06:00

Go to the following link for a fun pattern for a Vintage Teapot Holder Pattern: Cup & Saucer

http://tipnut.com/teapot-holder/

Craft of the Week - Craft Apron Tutorial

2009-09-30T11:14:00.003-06:00

Check out this great blog and the tutorial for this cute apron. It looks easy to make and inexpensive too!

To see this super tutorial go to:

http://www.creativelittledaisy.typepad.com/creative_little_daisy/2006/11/craft_apron_tut.html

Craft of the Week - Needle Case Tutorial

2009-09-21T12:57:00.002-06:00

Featured this week is a darling Needle Case Tutorial....

The artist has provided good instructions for making this cute case. It comes complete with a cute cupcake on the cover. A simple project with a lot of class.

Check it out at http://messyjessecrafts.blogspot.com/2009/08/welcome-to-messy-jesses-first-make-it.html

Craft of the Week - Lip Balm Cozy

2009-09-18T10:49:00.004-06:00

The craft this week is so simple that you could make it for yourself. Why make it when it is only $3.50 on the artists website? You decide.....

CraftLadyLeah is a stay at home Mom of 2 kids. According to her website, she has been crafting for years. She has tried lots of different crafts. Her relationship with the Etsy community has affected her positively. "All of these wonderful, creative people have given such a surge of ideas I can hardly sleep at night for all the new possibilities bouncing around my head." she writes.

Please visit her website at:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11115959

New to Tiny Taylor Ranch Country Store

2009-07-07T12:56:00.002-06:00

High Uinta Trails

A Hiking Guide to the trails and lakes in the High Uintas Primitive Area and High Uinta Wilderness in the Uinta Mountains of Utah. Written by Mel Davis.

$7.00 plus $3.00 shipping

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6912413

Apron Giveaway

2009-07-06T16:19:00.002-06:00

Please see the following link for a great apron giveaway:

http://secretstitchclub.blogspot.com/

Penne Napoletano

2009-07-06T15:47:00.002-06:00

Penne Napoletano

Boil penne pasta. (whole wheat) Meanwhile heat 1 T. olive oil in a skillet and saute 1 clove chopped garlic until fragrant. (about 30 seconds) Add 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes: cook to heat through. Mix in pasta. Remove from heat and toss with torn fresh basil and small room-tempurature mozzarella balls.

The Mediterranean Diet

2009-07-06T15:43:00.002-06:00

My doctor recently put me on the Mediterranean Diet. I have lost nine pounds in two weeks and am discovering a whole new way to cook and eat. I now eat alot of grains, fruits, and vegetables. I limit red emat, but can have two servings of white meat such as pork, poultry, and fish.

I have discovered new herbs and am enjoying the amazing affect they have on certain foods

I will periodically share recipes that I have found to be quite tasty.

Making Hay

2009-05-15T13:21:00.001-06:00

Making Hay is an art that has been developed through millions of years. Interesting comparison can be made from the techniques of "old" to the high tech techniques of today.

We have used some of the "old" techniques during haying season on our ranch. One of my most fond memories are of driving the old rusty Ford tractor with a push rake on front. I would drive around the field, gathering the fresh bales and push them to the hay wagon, where our men folk would load the wagon. They used the "bucking" method to push the bales up on the high wooden wagon. This includes grasping the tie wires on the top of the bales, picking it up and using the knee to push the 40- 50 lbs bale onto the wagon. There was always another family member waiting to accept the bale. That man would lift the bale up to the stacker who was located on the top of the stack.

We used to ride on top of the stack on the way to the stack yard. The process of unloading the wagon would begin, by a brave soul venturing to the edge of the stack and throwing down the first bale to the tractor driver. He would begin the stack and continue until we had created an adequate "staircase" of hay for all of us to get off the wagon. Sometimes, the young men would just jump off the stack. A lady, however, would wait for the staircase to appear.

Our ranch is located in southwest Wyoming. Due to climate, we can get only two crops of hay. The second crop hay is always dusty and needed to be raked more than the first crop. Many hours have been spent driving the same old tractor pulling a traditional rake behind. The grasshoppers would jump out of the way when they heard the rattle of the tractor. Mosquitoes often swarmed on our unprotected arms and necks. The hot summer sun beat down on our backs for hours at a time. Haying is hard work.

One of the bright moments of the day was seeing the family matriarch, Lila, walking through the field with a big jug of ice water. She would come twice a day to refill our jugs. Every summer, she would pull her camp trailer over to the hay fields. We looked forward to the amazing lunches and dinners that were served daily out of that trailer. Farm women certainly know how to feed a hungry hay crew.

As we have gotten older and some of the younger family members have taken over the running of the ranch, we have gotten more modern in our techniques. We now have a swather that cuts the hay and arranges it into a nice wind row. We let the wind rows dry for a few days. The next step is baling, which is accomplished by pulling a baler behind a new John Deere tractor. The final step is to pick up those bales with a modern stacker, which loads the bales onto a wagon of sorts. Hydralics are used to move the bales off the wagon into the stack yard. Often times, we need to use 2x4's to prop up the stacks or use a fence to support it.

Our little ranch has evolved with the times as the world around us evolved. The hay stack staircases are gone as is the old push rake and rake. Family members have gone to greener pastures above and machines do our work for us now. When I get lost in my memories of the good old days, I must simply bring myself to the present and be happy for the future. We are still a family owned ranch and even though the old ways are gone, the traditions are still alive and well in our children.

Craft of the Week - Twirly Skirt

2009-04-27T23:16:00.002-06:00

Here's a tutorial for a fun twirly skirt for a little girl. I think this could be adapted to an apron, as well.

Go to the following address for the tutorial:

http://houseonhillroad.typepad.com/photos/twirly_skirt/

Thanks House on the Hill Road. You are a craft genius!

2009-04-08T14:18:00.001-06:00

Featured in our Blujay store, a lovely set of Vintage Napkins with cute yellow flowers appliqued in the corner. Good condition with slight yellowing from age.

$8.00 plus $3.00 shipping

2009-04-07T13:12:00.002-06:00

The Tabernacle

by Karla Worley and Brent Lamb

“Down by the Tabernacle oh,
where the June bugs danced
and the lemonade flowed,
and we prayed and we sang
’til the sun sank low,
laughing with our sisters and brothers,

Down by the tabernacle hey,
where you knew you were loved
and you wanted to stay,
though the summer heat was like judgment day

We always enjoyed each other
“We went to the river and some were baptized
Clapped our hands and testified
Then we passed around the chicken and the Buttermilk Pie
And nothing ever tasted better”

How to Make a Reusable Sandwich Wrap

2009-04-07T08:27:00.001-06:00

How to Make a Reusable Sandwich Wrap

This cute tutorial shows us how to make a reusable sandwich wrap. Making these up will help with the environment. Let's get sewing!

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/43227/how-to-make-a-reusable-sandwich-wrap

Craft of the Week - Pretty Pincushion Tutorial

2009-03-31T16:05:00.005-06:00

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/42860/how-to-make-a-pretty-pincushion-with-a-button-center

This Pretty Pincushion tutorial is easy to follow and is a quick project for the weekend. This project would be good to use up those small scraps of fabric. Even children could do this easy pincushion.

Thanks to www.craftstylish.com for bringing such cute projects with tutorials!!!

If you like pincushions, check out the Aunt Edna Pincushion on our Blujay store

Craft of the Week - Chicken Little Pincushion

2009-03-24T10:03:00.006-06:00

This cute little chicken pin cushion was created using some leftover felted wool sweater pieces. She sits on a vintage look lace nest and is secured atop a solid wood pedestal. It's a great way to use up all those scraps of wool, although fabric scraps would work well also.

This design is the creation of Janet Metzger of Warrenton, Va. She has the privledge of working in her home studio every day. Her dear husband created the studio for her. She has two sons that she adores. She gets to watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains every evening.

Janet maintains a loveley blog in which she takes us through many of her projects and shares the creative process. Her blog can be reached by going to the following link:

http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/

She also has an etsy shop. You can purchase the Chicken Pincushion for $19.95. She also offers some great aprons, re-conditioned wool fingerless gloves (great for icefishing), cell phone cozies, wool pouches, scarves, bags, purses, clothing, notecards, prints and original works.

Please visit her Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5507556

Please remember that this design belongs to Janet and should not be re-produced for commercial means without her permission.

Teenage Food Recipe - Pizza Buns

2009-03-23T08:55:00.003-06:00

Although my son is not a big pizza fan, I think I will try this recipe. I will modify it by reducing the cheese (He's not a cheese fan) and will definitely do a whole wheat bun.

PIZZA BUNS
Almost any kind of bun can be used for this - hamburger, whole wheat, onion, kaiser or fergasa.

Because we have a large Muslim population in the school I always make one batch with chicken and beef. For this I adjust the seasoning, omitting the oregano and basil and adding some poultry seasoning and a little taco seasoning. Everything else remains the same. The vegetable content can also be varied to include broccoli, cauliflower etc. I also prepare a vegetarian version omitting all meat products and adding as many fresh vegetables as are available.

1 lb bacon, chopped finely
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup chopped ham
1 cup diced garlic sausage
1 cup diced pepperoni
1/2 cup pasta sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
11/2 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1/2 tsp garlic granules
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 large tomatoes, diced
1/2 lb grated cheddar cheese
1/2 lb grated mozzarella cheese

Fry the bacon and onion in a frying pan over medium heat until fat runs from bacon and the onion becomes soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes more. Set pan aside to cool slightly. Mix all remaining ingredients, except the cheese. Mix in the cooked bacon and mushrooms, all the cheddar cheese and half the mozzarella cheese. Mix well. This is now ready for spreading on buns or can be portioned and frozen. Place one ice-cream scoop of mix on bun, spread with a knife, making sure the filling is spread to the very edge of the bun. Sprinkle a little of the remaining mozzarella on top. Place buns under grill for about 10 minutes, until the cheese begins to bubble and colour. Almost any combination of meats can be used depending on what is available.

http://www.readersdigest.ca/mag/2004/09/diet_recipes.html#CHOWDER

Migraines

2009-03-20T12:23:00.003-06:00

I suffer from Migraine Headaches. In fact, today I am suffering from one. I've been to all the doctors and tried all the drugs. Triptans seem to take the edge off for awhile. This enables me to work.

Below is an excerpt from Medicinenet.com:

What should migraine sufferers do?

Individuals with mild and infrequent migraine headaches that do not cause disability may require only OTC analgesics. Individuals who experience several moderate or severe migraine headaches per month or whose headaches do not respond readily to medications should avoid triggers and consider modifications of their life-style. Life-style modifications for migraine sufferers include:

Go to sleep and waking up at the same time each day.
Exercise regularly (daily if possible). Make a commitment to exercise even when traveling or during busy periods at work. Exercise can improve the quality of sleep and reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Build up your exercise level gradually. Over-exertion, especially for someone who is out of shape, can lead to migraine headaches.
Do not skip meals, and avoiding prolonged fasting.
Limit stress through regular exercise and relaxation techniques.
Limit caffeine consumption to less than two caffeine-containing beverages a day.
Avoid bright or flashing lights and wearing sunglasses if sunlight is a trigger.
Identify and avoid foods that trigger headaches by keeping a headache and food diary. Review the diary with your doctor. It is impractical to adopt a diet that avoids all known migraine triggers, however, it is reasonable to avoid foods that consistently trigger migraine headaches.

Teenage Food Review

2009-03-19T09:34:00.002-06:00

The recipe turned out quite well. I would add a little bit of flour, as the batter was a little runny. I couldn't taste the whole wheat flour. The cornmeal takes over the taste, cleverly disguising the healthy wheat.

I was, however, unable to wrangle the teenager test subject for the taste test. His schedule seems to get in the way of dinner quite often. I may have to host a corn dog party for the neighborhood teenager to get test subjects. :o}

Book Review of the Week

2009-03-18T08:31:00.002-06:00

I recently read "On the Wings of Eagles" by Ken Follett. The book held a special focus for me in that one of the characters is the CEO of the company I work for.

This book is an action packed story of the efforts of Ross Perot and some of his top executives to gain the release of two EDS executives being held hostage in an Iranian prision in the 1970's.

Although the plot was often bogged down in political discussion, it was necessary to read through it to understand the Iranian government and the scope of the political problems of the times. There are photos of the adventure in sections of the book.

I really enjoyed the book, though I usually don't read this sort of book.

This book can be purchased from Amazon at the following link:

http://www.amazon.com/Wings-Eagles-Ken-Follett/dp/0451163532

There are some great reviews at this link.

Craft of the Week - Shamrock Pin

2009-03-17T12:27:00.003-06:00

The Tiny Taylor Ranch Craft of the Week comes from a cute blog called Stitcher Scribbler.

The Stitcher Scribbler has created the cutest Shamrock Pin. She includes a tutorial to make her creation. She also has an etsy site where you could purchase these little darlings. That says alot about the generous kind of person she is.

Stitcher Scribbler Blog:

http://missniff.blogspot.com/2009/03/shamrock-freebie.html

Stitcher Scribbler Etsy Store:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5893646

Teenager Food on a Budget

2009-03-16T12:36:00.004-06:00

The idea behind this column comes from the seventeen year old male living in my home. All he wants to eat is junkfood. He only wants hamburgers right now. Last month it was hot dogs.

His strange eating habits have inspired me to imbark on a search for wholesome recipes, made at home, that he will enjoy. My plan is to provide the recipes here and then have my son review them. I will post the reviews here.

Since I will be searching the world wide internet for the recipes, I will always provide a link to the site the recipes are chosen from.

This Week's Recipe:

Corndogs http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/corndogs.htm

1 cup milk
2 medium eggs
1/4 cup oil
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/3 cups corn meal
1/3 cup white flour
1/3 cup whole wheat flour (I modied this from the original recipe. It was originally 2/3 cup flour. I thought I might be able to sneak in some fiber he doesn't know about. :o} )
1 to 1-1/2 pounds turkey hot dogs (I added the turkey. He never know, teehee)
flour for dusting (about 1/2 cup)
Hot Canola Fat for Deep Frying
Popscicle sticks

In a large bowl combine the milk, eggs, oil, sugar and salt. Mix it very well. Sprinkle in the baking powder, corn meal and flour. Stir it all up to make a slightly thick batter.

Take your hot dogs and dry them off on paper towels. Dust the hot dogs with flour, coating them completely. The cornmeal batter won't stick to the hot dogs unless they are coated in flour. The batter just slides right off of the wieners naturally slick outsides. Shove popscicle sticks into the flour coated hot dogs. Set the hot dogs aside.

While all of this is going on, it's a good idea to get your hot fat to heating up. You want the temperature to be about 375. Allow the fat to preheat so it is almost smoking by the time you are ready to add the corn dogs.

Now, to coat the floured hot dogs with batter you have two choices. You can swirl the hot dogs in the bowl of batter until they are coated, and then drop them into the hot fat. If this is a little difficult I know of an easier way. Scoop some of your corn meal batter into a narrow jar or cup which is as tall as your hot dogs are long. Fill the jar or cup about 3/4 of the way full. Dip your hot dog into the batter while you hold onto the stick. Swirl the hot dog to coat it evenly. Be careful or the batter will overflow. Raise the wiener above the cup and let any excess batter drip off. Quickly place the battered dog into the hot fat. The fat will bubble up and cook the outside of the batter, making the corndogs the exact same shape as the ones you buy at the store.

Only fry a few corn dogs at a time. If the corn dogs crowd each other they don't fry very well. I only fry 2 or 3 at a time. Turn the corn dogs when the bottom side is well browned. Use tongs to remove the cooked corn dogs from the fat. Allow them to drain on paper towels. Repeat the process, coating and frying a few at a time, until all of the corn dogs are cooked. Refill the narrow jar or cup with batter from your bowl as necessary. Continue until all the hot dogs are coated or until you no longer have enough batter to coat the hot dogs efficiently.

If you don't want to waste any unused batter, it can be dropped by small spoonfuls into the hot fat, and fried until brown. Serve these along side the corn dogs.

If desired, you can make small corn dogs by cutting hot dogs into thirds, or quarters. Poke a toothpick up into the end of the hot dogs. Coat and fry them as described above. These are nice for fancy days, and for kids parties. Provide plenty of ketchup and mustard for dipping.

This recipe makes about 12 to 14 corn dogs.

Rant about Pants!

2009-03-12T09:20:00.004-06:00

Does anyone else get annoyed at the youth of today with their britches down so far you can see their BVD's. Now, I may be just getting old. I have been tolerate over the years of the occasional plumber's or oldman crack. I didn't like it, but simply chose to accept that sometimes crack happens!

To knowingly go out of the house with your pants down is just wrong. Wearing your jeans so low that others can see your tramp stamp announcing the arrival of your crack show is just wrong.

You are all probaly wondering what brought on this rant about crack. I recently attended a basketball game. One of the young men playing would display his BVD's everytime he would go for a shot or a rebound. There was a plump middle aged lady sitting on the bleachers in front of me that was wearing a pair of low rise jeans. Not only did she have a poorly executed tramp stamp, but also the string of her severely over-stretched thong was pronouncing to the world the arrival of her butt crack to the scene.

I resisted all urges to aim and execute a skittle at the rather ample target. I also did not yell at boy to pull up his D@%# pants. Why must I have to tolerate this social injustice? Please tell me WHY?

*photo courtesy of the "Pull Your Pants Up" cause on Facebook.

This Little Piggy Went to Market............

2009-03-09T12:51:00.001-06:00

This little pig hangs on the wall of my craft room and reminds me to be cute and creative!!

My Craft Room

2009-03-09T12:45:00.003-06:00

Here's a couple of shots of my craft room. As you can see it has many projects going on at once. I made the curtains and painted the paneling white. I used a few of my vintage aprons on a clothesline to dress up one wall.

"Pics Of My Little Anna Pearl"

2009-03-09T09:34:00.006-06:00

She needs some work. I am willing and able to make her beautiful again. She is named after my maternal Grandma.

Simplicity in Hoosier Form

2009-03-06T11:49:00.005-07:00

This beauty was in my paternal grandmother's house. It was built into the wall and was painted that lovely green color of the 30's. We are still working on restoring her. She is in my livingroom and holds all my treasures. After my grandma passed away, we went to her house to say goodbye to it. (They were tearing it down) This little cabinet was hidden under a bunch of stuff, but it just seems to call my name when I walked by it.

It takes me back to the simplier times when my Grandma must have prepared meeals using the porcelain top to mix bread perhaps. She used it in later years to store treasures as I do. I visit it every once in a while, to take me back to where I come from and where I need to be going.

2009-03-04T12:34:00.001-07:00

Frugal Freezer Meal Ideas

2009-03-03T09:03:00.002-07:00

Here's some ideas from http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/frugalfreezermeals.htm

She also sells a book called "Freezer Cooking Made Simple."

Frugal Freezer Meal Ideas

When it comes to freezer cooking, it is easy to prepare frugal meals. Many frugal recipes can be placed in your freezer for cooking at a later date. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Chicken: Buy a large amount of chicken, divide it into freezer bags with the marinade of your choice, and freeze. The chicken will marinade as it thaws and you will have a tasty dish ready. Just add a side salad and some rice.

Beans and Rice: Healthy, full of fiber, and filling, beans and rice is yummy frugal meal. No need to make any other side dishes because beans and rice is truly a meal in itself.

Chili: Prepare a simple chili with cans of beans, onions, garlic, tomato paste and chili seasoning. You can add meat if you like but when it is made right, chili with no meat is very good. You can also add fresh tomatoes and other vegetables like bell peppers. Cook the chili, let it cool, and then just freeze.

Casseroles: Some casseroles like tuna or broccoli and cheese don’t cost much make and can be frozen with ease. When you make a casserole for dinner one night, make two. Instead of cooking the second one, once it is prepared, put it in the freezer.

Meatballs: Meatballs are another item is not expensive to make, can be doubled and frozen. You can find ground beef on sale often and can buy it in bulk in wholesale stores. With meatballs you can make different types to freeze like simple ones for spaghetti, honey barbecued, or teriyaki.

Taco or sloppy joe meat: Who doesn’t love tacos or sloppy joes? Again you can get hamburger meat in bulk. The good thing about these frugal meals is that you can cook them or just prepare them and freeze. It really makes creating fun, great, quick meals simple and very feasible.

Soups: Some soups like chicken noodle or split pea can be frozen successfully. You want to be careful freezing soups with potatoes or cream in them. These types of soups do not always freeze well and will make for a gummy, mushy meal for the family.
Freezer cooking can not only be frugal but time saving, convenient, and really easy to do.

2009-02-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

My valentine is my super DH of 27 years! I love you, Ron!

2009-02-03T12:44:00.003-07:00

I love this little craft. Someone else's great idea.

http://www.sugardoodle.net/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1983&Itemid=42

What do I want to do when I grow up?

2009-01-19T08:36:00.003-07:00

Can you really go back to school?

I sometimes have dreams about high school. They usually have something to do with being late, being unable to remember my schedule or locker combination or being naked. (Okay, high school really wasn't that great.)

Now, I've decided to go back to school. It has been a long time coming. With one child in college and another in high school, I feel that I should at least get my AS before my youngest gets his. I've been putting this off for many years.

My fears are that I will be soooooo incredibly old in the classes. I have my dear friend Glena to help me through this. She is almost as old as I am, so we will be ancient together.

I'm also afraid that I will not be able to learn like I used to. It has been many years since I have taken learning seriously and I might have to jumpstart the old brain. It's important that I get good grades so that my company will reimburse me for the costs of classes.

I do look forward to the exchange of new ideas and to listening to others perspectives on things. I am interested in learning more about human nature and the effects that one person can have on another. Maybe I should go into psychology.

For now, it's general studies and I will work on figuring out what I want to be when I grow UP.

Going to School Uphill Both Ways

2008-10-27T15:06:00.002-06:00

I seem to like to do things the hard way. It is normal for me to walk to school up hill both ways. To go about things in the easiest way would be to normal for me.

I have decided to go back to school. I will be starting in January and will be taking about 6 credit hours. I intend to take a computer course and Interpersonal Communications. This would have been easier had I done it like 27 years ago.

I am also embarking on my Avon business. I have been selling it for awhile, but mostly just buying stuff for me. I really have fallen in love with the company and the products. I'm going to run with it. This would have been easier had I done it when I first started as a rep.

So I am continuing going down the road less traveled and will see what the view brings.

My Dream Farm

2008-10-22T10:35:00.011-06:00

Here it is....my dream farm. I have been driving past this farm my whole life. As a young child, I used to tell my Mom that I was going to live there someday. I have been waiting for it to come up for sale since. Now it is and I can't afford it. ARRRGGGHHH!

Thought I would share it with you guys. Maybe one of you can afford it. :o} It is located just outside of Fort Bridger, WY.

**NEW LISTING** 38093 Business Loop I 80, Ft. Bridger: Authentic 2 story farmhouse, newly remodeled. Located on 7.5 acres this 1,424 sq. ft. home has 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath on main floor. Large open room upstairs, great potential for bonus room or additional bedrooms, plus additional office area upstairs. Kitchen has been updated with beautiful cabinets and solid surface countertops and breakfast bar. Living room includes a free standing gas stove. New flooring throughout. Great wrap around porch. Property includes barn, detached garage, 2 storage sheds and a bunkhouse. Beautifully landscaped with mature trees.$315,000

Front and Side of House

Kitchen

The Side of the House

Aerial View

Here is the link to the realtor:

http://bridgervalleyrealty.com/residential1_html.htm

Here is the aerial view on Google:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=38093%20Business%20Loop%20I%2080%2C%20Ft.%20Bridger

This has additional pictures:

http://www.realtor.com/search/listingdetail.aspx?loc=82933&sid=3416b87290f34bb78a8333f1fe4279c8&lid=1100558289&lsn=1&srcnt=11

Hope you love it as much as I do!

Frazzle

2008-10-02T14:32:00.003-06:00

Today was frazzled, like Frazzle Rock! The hair issue of yonder day was solved by adding mocha brown to give me a slightly less RED hue upon my head. Funny how we are so affected by our hair. I'm soooo vain, I'll bet you think this blog is about me, don't you, don't you.

I'm going on vacation for a week because all of my help is threatening to go to better paying jobs. I can't say as I blame them, but I need to get some time off before they bail.

So, my goal is to work on the list while I'm home. I will report when I get back.

Two Steps Forward.....Three Steps Back

2008-10-01T09:04:00.003-06:00

I made absolutely no progress last night. I went to get me hair colored. I wanted a dark auburn with blond highlights. I got Bozo orange with light orange highlights. The menfolk could take me along to deer camp as their hunter orange! I didn't get home until 8:30 pm. I made no progress on the list, spent $100 on freakin' orange hair and now I have to use some vacation to get it fixed.

The little black cloud is following me again.

Simply....Trying to Live

2008-09-30T14:44:00.002-06:00

Lots of thought has gone into simplifing my life lately. This is mostly due to lack of energy on my part. Distraction has taken over my soul and mind. I can't seem to keep my thoughts running down the same track for longer than a few minutes. I know what I need to do to get ready for winter and to take care of my family, but I seem to get lost in it all.

My plan for today is to make a list of all the pressing matters that I need to take care. It is my hope that this small action will give my brain some direction to follow. I will try to prioritize the tasks so i know where to start.

Task List

1. Get Breanna's room ready for her visit.
2. Distribute Avon Books
3. Place Glena's Avon order.
4. Clean out blue pantry
5. Clean out chicken coops
6. Clean out rabbit cages.
7. Move bunny poo to garden
8. Trim weeds in garden.
9. Trim Roses and mulch for winter.
10. Clean sewing room so I can actually sew.

I will also try to blog daily as I know that it is good to keep a journal. I am hoping that this allows me to channel some of my thoughts in a positive manner.

Letting Go of Home.......

2008-06-18T14:02:00.003-06:00

For many years, there was a Home. A home and a family to go to.

Home is falling apart at the seams. Home is not healthy.

Sister isn't talking to mother, sister or brothers. Brothers are ignoring the problems. Mother is unable to buffer, because of denial. Brothers neglecting Brothers. Sisters are neglecting Sisters. Sister "adopting" a sister. Mother "adopting" a son and brother for all. Neither "adopted" persons are accepted by the other family members, but no one is admitting it. Mother won't allow anyone to help. A Sister is lost and Father is gone.

Home is run down, dirty, overgrown, unpainted, leaning ackwardly, infected with disregard and neglect.

Yearning for freedom from neglect, fences and buildings are reaching for Mother Earth, begging to be consumed and nurtured by her. Little brooks have ceased to babble. They are now appear as cess pools, putrid odors wafting from their depths. Precious buildings, built by those past, are gone. Others are in danger of the same fate. No more stories will be told about them. No more history will be made around them.

Rabbits, sheep, cows, horses, chickens, geese, turkeys, and ducks once created an atmosphere not unlike a marketplace. There were ladies bustling around, gathering their children under their wings. There were gentlemen who wore their finery to impress the womenfolk. There were mothers, softly cooing to their newborns. There were children, bawling for their Ma when they were separated. There were gentle people who walked among them, not over them or their memory.

A home of dust and weeds presents itself today. Where once life teamed, piles of trash defile. There is no life, new or otherwise. There is only dirt. It is the same dirt forefathers walked upon. It is the same dirt walked upon during happy times. The dirt hasn't changed. The humans have.

No more grandchildren will be mesmerized by the story of their grandpa feeding the cats directly from the cow. No more stories will be told about stealing fruit from the cellar and putting the empty bottles back for Mother to find. No more shooting the cow in the udders with your bb gun when you are nine. No more falling off the hay wagon and living to tell about it. No more clocks to be made.

Home has fallen. Fault does not lie with one person. It lies with all those who loved it, then left it to fall alone.

What the heck is a Dakota and a Frontier?

2008-04-21T07:44:00.002-06:00

As many of you know, I work in the oil and gas industry. Mind you, I am in an administrative role, but I am still very involved in the industry. I have been working in oil and gas for about 7 years and I have repeatedly heard the terms Dakota and Frontier in relationship to geological formations and the locations of oil and gas deposits.

This weekend, we took a drive around our area and were noticing some of the geological features of this beautiful landscape. I made the observation that the four gas plants that are located in our area were all located on the top of high "hills".(some would call them "mountains") I know that this is done because H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide) is heavier than air and will settle in the low ground, thus allowing personnel to seek "higher ground" for safety.

I wondered if there was another reason the plant and fields were built in mountainous areas and if this might be connected to the Frontier and Dakota question previously asked.

After asking many questions and driving my co-workers crazy I have come to the following conclusion. Oil and gas were formed millions of years ago by the earth's moving and changing ways. These deposits were formed in alot of different terrians, such a flat land, hilly, and mountains regions. In our particular region, they were formed when the earth shifted and placed one slab of earth on top of another, forming what we call the Overthrust.

Within the Overthrust, there are various different geological formations. All of these formations are unique in their qualities, thus they are called by different names. Some of the names in this area are the Madison, the Frontier and the Dakota.

So, in conclusion of this ultra boring post, I have to say that, while probably not interesting to many of my readers, this Frontier and Dakota issue did invoke some interesting questions for me. It also helped me to realize that if we sit in our living room in front of the TV, we are not going to notice the interesting rock formation or the way that a small bird follows and pesters a hawk.

We are less likely to have questions about the world around us if we don't get out and see the world around us.

Mary Jane's Chocolate Chip Cookies

2008-04-15T16:13:00.002-06:00

We tried some of Mary Jane Butters chocolate chip cookie mix last night. Yum...Yum. They are very light and are just right with a glass of milk. You gotta try 'em!

Go to www.maryjanesfarm.org

Prom Pictures

2008-04-10T13:02:00.002-06:00

Here's a pic of my son and his girl before their prom. I think they are such a beautiful couple.

A good woman is hard to find

2008-04-02T15:50:00.001-06:00

(from The Message, parts of Proverbs 31)
"She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's up before dawn, organizing her day.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
A good woman is hard to find,and worth far more than diamonds."

from.......http://www.homesteadblogger.com/athomewithkris/

Mom's Loving Care

2008-04-02T09:56:00.003-06:00

Found this lovely poem on http://www.mennonitemaidens.com/

"That needle poking to and fro,
Means so much more than you may know.
Each snap, each button, each shirt, each dress,
Contains something you'll never guess.
Each garment Mom makes, from the start,
Contains a small piece of her heart.

With every snip she adds her love,
And whispers a prayer to God above.
Dear Father, bless the one who wears this,
Protect and guide them with Your kindness.
Give them strength from day to day.
That from all sin they'll turn away.

Then into each and every seam.
She presses in her fondest dream.
That each one in her family.
Will join her in eternity.
So next time Mom makes you any clothes,
Know that, in it, her love shows.
It's more than just a thing to wear,
It's a symbol of Mom's loving care.

"from "Sew Fast and Sew Easy" author wishes to be unnamed

A Confused Rooster

2008-04-01T08:28:00.002-06:00

From a deep state of slumber, I was awoken by the love of my life to inform me that my young silkie roo was singing to his little heart's content out there in the back forty. Now, mind you, I was thrilled to know that the lad was developing as he should be. I am thrilled that he is taking care of his duty of waking up the girls in the coop for their busy day ahead. I am proud that my little baby that I bought on ebay (as an egg) has grown into a fine young man with aspirations of greatness.

I am, however, not proud that he chose to express himself at 4:00 am. I'm thinking he needs additional training on how to live on "MY" farm. We'll work on that. :o)

The Work Continues......

2008-04-01T08:17:00.003-06:00

Well, we got everything moved out of the room, filled the holes in the walls, and are about half way through the priming process. Tonight I should finish the priming and would like to sew the curtains. I will post pics soon.

Re-decoration - Out with the Old, In with the New

2008-03-25T07:52:00.002-06:00

With the onset of springtime in Wyoming, my thoughts have turned to outside projects and gardening. With this change in thought process, many of the creative projects that I have been working on all winter get set aside for less busy days.

This year, I would like to change things by starting a re-organization of my craft room. The room in question was my son's childhood bedroom. He has grown into a man now (he's 16) and felt he needed a bigger room. We moved him into the hot tub room. (which has no hot tub) He calls it his "Man Cave."

Here is my plan to turn a boy's room into my craft room:

1. Ask Janice if I can borrow her camera to take before pictures and share them with the world.

2. Take everything out of the room and put it into Breanna's room. She isn't using it right now because she is off at college. She will, however, be back in May. I will need to have finished the project by then. I plan to

3. Cover the carpet with plastic sheeting.

4. Paint the walls. The walls in the room are 80's trailer house paneling. As I don't have the money right now to sheetrock, I plan to paint them with a nice eggshell color.

5. Make and Hang Curtains. I have some yellow material with sewing implements on it that I plan to use for curtains.

6. Construct a shelving unit. I plan to ask my dear Ron and Jake to construct a shelving unit to store miscelleanous supplies on.

7. Purchase baskets to put the supplies in and label them for easy access.

8. Move desk from the "Man Cave" into the room and install computer.

9. Set up sewing table.

10. Move fabric dresser and craft tower into room.

11. Sort all craft supplies and unfinished projects into four piles: Throw Away, Give Away, Sell at Yardsale or Keep. If I keep something, it needs to be for a specific project.

12. Put the Keep pile in the baskets on the shelves.

13. Take after photos and share them with the world.

This is my plan. If I put it out there for the whole world to see, I think I am more apt to actually do it. Here it is......world.

A Few Irish Recipes

2008-03-17T13:30:00.001-06:00

Irish Champ
8 medium potatoes
1/2 cup milk
5 tablespoon butter
a bunch scallions or green onions, chopped

Peel and cube potatoes and boil in salted water until tender. Drain and mash slightly. In a small pan, heat milk and butter until butter is melted. Add chopped scallions. Fold mixture into the potatoes until well blended. For 6 people.

Irish Bangers

2 tsp. ground white pepper
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp sage
1 tsp mace
3 oz salt
6 oz bread crumbs -plain
10 lbs. fat pork butt(if lean add 1 lb fat back)
2 cups ice water

Grind meat-1/2 medium, 1/2 fine Add spices and mix very wellStuff into small casing links or make into compact patties.Leave overnight in Fridge before freezing.Fry till golden brown.

Corned Beef

First, I use Bill Baily's brand of corned beef. They are one of two brands that can actually corn the beef to my standards (I can no longer find the other brand).

1 corned beef brisket
6+ cups chicken broth (low salt or no salt works best)
1 tsp butter (margarine doesn't quite work the same) per cup of chicken broth

Time, plan in advance. Get a large stock pot or crock pot. Place the brisket into the pot and add the chicken broth, save the spices and drippings in the bag. You will need enough chicken broth to cover the whole brisket. I've found, depending on the size of the pot, approximately 3-4 cups of broth per pound of brisket works best. You may need more or less depending on how much corned beef you are making, and the size of the pot you are making it in. Bring to a boil and add the spices and drippings from the bag. Boil for about 5 minutes (until all the spices and drippings are fully mixed in) then reduce heat to medium. Cook on medium for about 3 hours per pound, prepare any vegitables to be cooked in with corned beef during this time. (2 1/2lb brisket takes about 7 1/2 hrs from this point) Check the beef with a fork every hour or so, add water to pot as liquid level drops. When it feels about done, cook it for another half hour and add the vegitables. Cook until the vegitables are done, then serve hot.

With Thanks to Michael May

2008-03-13T10:23:00.004-06:00

I just paid it forward to someone and it felt so good! This inspired me into looking for the source of this phenom. Please read below from Wikipedia the "lowdown" on Pay It Forward.

The expression "pay it forward" is used to describe the concept of third party beneficiary in which a creditor who offers the debtor the option of paying the debt forward to a third person instead of paying it back. Debt and payments can be monetary or by good deeds. In sociology, this concept is called "generalized reciprocity" or "generalized exchange". A related transaction, which starts with a gift instead of a loan, is alternative giving.

The concept was described by Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to Benjamin Webb dated April 22, 1784: I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you. When you [...] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. I hope it may thus go thro' many hands, before it meets with a Knave that will stop its Progress. This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money.

The term "pay it forward" was coined, or at least popularized, by Robert A. Heinlein in his book Between Planets, published in 1951:

The banker reached into the folds of his gown, pulled out a single credit note. "But eat first — a full belly steadies the judgment. Do me the honor of accepting this as our welcome to the newcomer."His pride said no; his stomach said YES! Don took it and said, "Uh, thanks! That's awfully kind of you. I'll pay it back, first chance.""Instead, pay it forward to some other brother who needs it."

Heinlein both preached and practiced this philosophy; now the Heinlein Society, a humanitarian organization founded in his name, does so. Author Spider Robinson made repeated reference to the doctrine, attributing it to his spiritual mentor Heinlein.

The mathematician Paul Erdos, in one of his visits to Harvard University, met a promising math student on the verge of expulsion for inability to pay his tuition. Erdos paid the young man's tuition in full. Years later, the man offered to return the entire amount to Erdos, but Erdos insisted that the man rather find another student in his situation, and give the tuition to him.

In 2000, Catherine Ryan Hyde's novel Pay It Forward was published and adapted into a Warner Brothers film, Pay It Forward. In Ryan Hyde's book and movie it is described as an obligation to do three good deeds for others in repayment of a good deed that one receives. Such good deeds should be things that the other person cannot accomplish on their own. In this way, the need to help one another can spread exponentially through society, creating a social movement with the goal of making the world a better place.

The idea of the book has been championed in real life by the Pay It Forward Foundation. The Foundation focuses on bringing the idea of paying it forward to school age children, parents, and educators. The simple idea of doing good works for others to repay the good that has happened to you is one that can easily be conveyed to children and encourages them to be socially aware and take a role in making the world a better place. The main character of the book was a 12-year-old child, thus giving other children someone they can relate to.

In October 2005, Syracuse University's Residence Hall Association began a Pay It Forward campaign on campus. It spread on campus rapidly, and was noted for entering mainstream Syracuse society as a result. Many other schools have now begun campaigns such as this as well.

On October 26, 2006 Oprah gave her audience a challenge to Pay it Forward, giving 300 audience guests $1,000 USD on a debit card and a camcorder to record the acts of kindness they did. The rules of the challenge were very specific, the money had to be spent within one week and could only be used to help charitable organizations or an individual person but not a relative.

I'm Tired

2008-03-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

Closing Etsy Store

2008-03-05T07:19:00.002-07:00

In an attempt to simplify even more, I have decided to close my Etsy Shop. I haven't had any sales for months and it doesn't seem to be worth my time and effort.

I have been thinking alot lately about my talents.

I have always been a planner. I plan a vacation, I plan a business idea, I plan for my kids future. Problem is all I can do is plan. I'm not good at actually implementing the plan. Most times, I get paralyzed when it comes to actually making things happen.

I've decided that my thinking is all wrong.

With the recent passing of my dear Ruthie, I have been thinking about what made her so loved among her peers and family. Why did so many people attend her funeral and truly feel sadness that they had lost a friend?

I have come to the conclusion that she used her talents in a way that was pleasing unto the Lord and to her fellow man.

Occasionally, Ruth would sell a doily or a quilt at a craft show. I beleive her motivation was not to make money. I think it was to get to spend time with whoever she was doing the show with. She also enjoyed seeing the customers and sharing her talent with them.

Most of the time, her talents were used to make others happy. She made and gave away more things in her lifetime than can be measured. Her hands were always busy with one project or another. Never did she try to make her creativity a business. Never did she hide her talents under a business bushel. She was not a slave to a dream of success. She was a success because she dreamed of others.

My wish is to spread my talents with those whom I love and will love. Only then, will I be happy and content.

2008-03-04T18:19:00.002-07:00

Simplicity is what you make it.

A cat makes everything simple.

What can we learn from them?

David Letterman's Top Ten Things Not to Do at a Funeral

2008-03-03T08:25:00.002-07:00

10. Stand on the deceased's father-in-law's headstone during the graveside services.

9. Take pictures of the mourners while they are crying.

8. Take pictures of the deceased in their coffin.

7. Yell at your spouse during the processal.

6. Sit on the front row, taking up the space that should have gone to the deceased parents.

5. Re-arrange and add your own items to the displays set up by family of the deceased.

4. Tell others that you are sure that the deceased spouse will lose their house because of the medical bills.

3. Donate a burial plot and then brag about it.

2. Put items into the casket without the prior approval of the deceased family

1. At the closing of the casket, wail loudly, wave your arms, and block access to the deceased's family members, so the they are unable to say their last goodbyes.

Yep.............................Nuf' Said.

We Talked

2008-02-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

I need to write a blog today to help me not feel sad about the loss of my dear sister, Ruth. So, I thought I'd write about some of the happy times we had together.

We used to spend alot of time camping. The boys would go off fishing and we would stay in camp. Both of us always had a project going. So, we would sit and craft and talk......alot.

Other times, the boys would go off snow machining and we would go on a movie marathon. When they were night riding, we would watch movies all night and talk.....alot.

When we worked together, we would take our breaks together and craft and talk....alot.

We went on a trip to Salt Lake City to see George Strait in concert. During the concert, we both got sick from looking at George through the binoculars for too long. After the concert, Ron flagged down a horse drawn carriage and we rode it back to Little America. Ruth and I were doing the "queen" wave to all the passing cars. Back at the hotel, all four of us sat on the huge bed in my room and talked....alot.

After she got sick, I would visit and watch her crochet. I was always amazed when she was sighted that she could crochet without even looking. When she lost her sight, I was even more amazed. She could still crochet and talk....alot.

She and I grew up together as young women. She taught me how to solve problems through talking them out with a safe friend who would never tell your secrets. She taught me how to be a friend, by never telling my secrets. She taught me how to be a good wife and mother, by pure example and devotion to her husband and family. She taught me to be a good daughter, by the mere fact that she worshipped her Dad and was amazed by her Mom. She taught me to care about others by her example of giving to others. There is no one in our family that hasn't received a home-made goodie from Aunt Ruthie. Treasures, they are.

The thing I will miss the most is that we talked.......alot. I will most assuredly miss that.

Good Bye, Dear Friend. We'll talk again someday.

Embroidery is Simple

2008-01-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

Hese's my latest embroidery project......

Simply, Easy Oatmeal

2008-01-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

Today's simple musings have guided me to think about oatmeal.

Oatmeal brings simple things to mind,
Like a morning breakfast table,
Set with mismatched china,
The everyday silverware,
Carnival glasses glistening.

A lovely, vintage tablecloth
Waves gently in the breeze
From the open kitchen window.

A hot bowl of steaming oatmeal,
To which you add a dollup of
Fresh, churned butter;
A scoop of Brown Sugar,
Dizzled with Maple Syrup
Topped off with
Fresh, hand-milked cream.

Easily prepared,
Easily served,
Easily consumed.

Simply, easy oatmeal.

Btw, I found a great organic oatmeal at Sam's Club. It's called Nature's Path Organic Instant Hot Oatmeal. It is certified organic by the QAI and is made in Blaine, WA. Go to www.naturepath.com

Also, you must try MaryJanes Farm Organic Outrageous Outback Oatmeal. It's also certified organic, has soy milk, currants, sunflower seeds, and is vegan. Go to http://products.maryjanesfarm.org/pfoshop/product.asp?dept_id=231&ProductID=43004

Look at the new Arrival in Taylor's Country Store!

2008-01-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

Look at the new Arrival in Taylor's Country Store!

1950's Vintage Post-A-Notes by Current, Inc., Colorado Springs, Colo. with original Box & 33 Post-A-Notesi n 4 Retro designs:

3 - Victorian lady with poodle: "Always in the market for News"

10 - Victorian lady with cookstove: "Just to let you know what's cookin'"

10 - Victorian lady with ironing board: "Between my Pressing Duties"

10 - Victorian lady with clothesline: "Just a Line"

5-3/8" x 3-3/8" postcard-type greeting cards, vintage 1950's. Cards are in good, unused condition with varying amounts of foxing/age discoloration/spotting. Original box is a little rough and has ink marks.

Visit www.taylorscountrystore.etsy.com for pricing info.

Necessity Generates Simplicity

2008-01-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

A childhood memory was triggered last night while lying in my warm, comfy bed. Following my nightly ritual of wiggling around and saying that I love my bed, I thought of a time when we couldn't sleep in our beds.

We lived in a lovely old house in Eden, Wy in the early 70's. My father worked at a coal mine some 50 miles away in Reliance, Wy. My mother was a stay at home mom and some of my fondest memories come from the time we spent in this old house.

The house, barns, and bunkhouse were built around the turn of the 20th century as a Wyoming State Experimental Farm. My brother slept in the bunkhouse with a woodstove to keep him warm. My two sisters and I shared a small bedroom at the back of the house. My parents occupied the only other bedroom in the house. There was no bathroom, so we used a nice outhouse located out behind the house. The house was heated with an old Stoker-matic in the living room. There was also a cookstove in the large country kitchen.

The winter of 1970 - 1971 was a long, hard winter in Wyoming. A particularly large storm hit in February of 1971. I remember my brother shoveling a path to the outhouse. The snow was over his head and he seems very tall to me. There was a snow drift on the side of the house that went from the roof to the ground. My mother put boards in the window to keep them from breaking.
The roads were drifted in to the extent that plows could not break the drifts. They had to clear the roads with big patrols, which took a considerable amount of time.

My father was at work during the storm and was unable to get home. We were getting low on coal, so he was planning on bringing some from work. After about 3 days, we were running seriously low on coal.

My mother asked us to drag out mattresses into the kitchen. We thought she had lost her mind, but did as we were told. My brother brought cushions from the couch for his mattress. Making a game out of it, she helped us make up our beds. She hung blankets on the archway going into the living room and also covered the windows. She used the remaining coal in the cookstove to keep us warm. We lived on the simplest of terms for a few days until the roads were cleared.

Taking care of the animals was especially difficult due to the excessive amount of snow. I am sure that my mother thought this chore to be overwhelming, but for us children, it was a great adventure.

I am not saying that I want to live under these conditions on a daily basis. I think that we might need to put ourselves in the mindset that my mother was in during this trying time. If we simplify our lives in general, then perhaps we will be better prepared to handle difficult situations when they arrive.

Going without might not seem like a trial, it may be more like an adventure. *S*

Today's Tip for Simple Living

2008-01-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

Control Incoming Paper!

One of the things that constantly takes over my life is the overwhelming amount of mail I get daily. This usually includes catalogs, flyers, bills, credit card offers (aaarrgghh). I often wish for a good, old fashioned, hand-written letter from someone who loves me.

It is difficult to take the time to sort out the bills from the junk, let alone to get them organized and paid in a timely manner.

I have made the following changes to our "system" and hope that by publishing it, I will actually follow through with it.

1. One designated person (probably me) will be given the chore of getting the mail and bringing it to the house.

2. That same person will be reponsible for placing it in a designated spot for sorting.

3. Daily, one designated person (me again) will sort the mail into the following four piles: Bills, Correspondence, Catalogs, and Junk Mail.

4. The following actions will be taken with the bill pile: Open and remove bill and return envelope and paper clip together; Add outside envelope to Junk Mail Pile; Place bill and return envelope in Bills to Be Paid file in filing cabinet.

5. The following actions will be taken with the Correspondence Pile: Open and read correspondence, Record return address in address book as needed, Add outside envelope to Junk Mail Pile; Post correspondence on refrigerator for family to see, if applicable; Remove correspondence from refrigerator weekly and file in correspondence file or add to Junk Mail Pile.

6. The follow ing actions will be taken with the Catalog Pile: Add to Junk Mail Pile, unless it is something you really want to look at. Put it in the Junk Mail Pile when you are done looking at it.

7. The following actions will be taken with the Junk Mail Pile: Place all items in a designated location for recycling. Take to recycling center monthly.

Well, that's my big plan. I'll try to report on my progress. If I don't report, I'll probably be buried in a sea of paper, somewhere near my kitchen bar. *S*