Time Saving Tip - Chicken Broth

Here's a tip that I use all year long, but it's a great time saver as the holidays approach. Chicken broth is a staple used in so many of our dishes and there are a variety on the shelves today including organic options, but why buy canned when you can make your own and skip the MSG?

I'm a fan of things pulling double duty and chicken is the perfect example...it's not just the meat ingredient in your next dish, but it can make tons of broth for meals in the future!  When I bring the bird home I immediately give it a rinse, pop it into a stock pot, fill it with water until covered, add celtic salt, pepper, spices of your choice, a tad of butter and veggies (carrots, onions, garlic, celery or fennel).  Bring water to a boil then reduce heat and cover.  The length of time varies based on the size of the chicken, but a good way to judge is when the meat is falling off the bone...then it's ready!  Remove the chicken, debone and place in containers to be stored in the freezer.
  

Once the broth is cooled, remove the fat off the top and place it in a container to be stored in the freezer for later use, then scoop out any veggies (some people strain the broth but I don't) and pour broth into ice trays.  Yes, I said ice trays.  This is a great way to have stock on hand at any time and in easy portions.  Two cubes equal 1/4 cup.  The photo below was my first attempt years ago.  I forgot to scoop off the fat, so that's why you see a lovely yellow film on some of the cubes (:

It's such a time saver and adds a punch of flavor to any dish!!  During the holidays it's great to pop some of these little guys in with the turkey drippings to make an awesome gravy.  I love to add it to rice instead of using water and usually toss a few cubes in with my stir-fry veggies.  The options are endless!!

So the next time you bring that chicken home, take a few more minutes to make some stock which will save you money and tons of time (:

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Frugal Wreath Made of Weeds

I love decorating for the holidays, but prefer decor that can pull double duty and this wreath is a perfect example. I found it on sale for a couple of dollars...probably due to its simple nature, but knew there was potential in this neglected little guy. On the surface it seems plain and uninteresting, but by adding just a few odds and ends gathered from outside it can be turned into something pretty special.

What most people consider bothersome weeds, I regard as beautiful design. The colors and shapes alone make my heart sing! For Fall I like to use delicate grasses and goldenrod and then during Christmas the substitution of evergreens and holly is made. One wreath, two great options.

The longer pieces of grass are used as a backdrop and seem to extend the size of the wreath. It doesn't look like much at first...but we're building (;

Goldenrod is tucked in to add color, dimension and interest and over the next few days the bright yellow becomes a deep golden tone that lets you know fall is on its way. Not bad for freebies gathered from the forest, eh?

I so enjoy making these wreaths each year. The collections of weeds, grasses, flowers, berries and evergreens are always different so no two wreaths are ever the same. There's just something about the process of being surrounded by God's beauty and letting nature inspire you.

Decorating for the holidays doesn't have to cost a lot of money. So the next time you find something simple on sale, embrace the plain and turn it into something spectacular! Let nature inspire and enjoy the beauty (;

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Linking to: Funky Junk Interiors, Tatertots and Jello, Perfectly Imperfect, Be Different Act Normal, A Lovely Little Blog, Coastal Charm

Ginger - The Miracle Root

Now that the weather is on its way to the cooler side of things, cold and flu season isn’t far behind. One of the tools in my herbal pharmacy chest is ginger root and I always have some on hand. Not only is it a spicy treat, but it offers lots of healing power as well.

Ginger contains anti-viral, anti-toxic and anti-fungal properties, is used for the prevention/treatment against the common cold and also acts as an antihistamine to aid in the treatment of allergies. Its anti-inflammatory properties can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and various other muscular disorders caused by inflammation.

Ginger has carminative properties (anti-spasmodic) and can be used to calm an upset stomach, relieves bloating and gas and contains special enzymes responsible for catalyzing the proteins in your food, thus aiding in digestion.

It’s been proven to help lower cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of blood clots, helps stimulate the secretion of mucus which can quiet a cough and soothe a sore throat. It’s been used to treat feelings of nausea, particularly in the form of seasickness, morning sickness, motion sickness and the nausea side effects of chemotherapy.

So...it's a great thing to have on hand, but what do I do with it? Let me guess...you have great intentions, buy a nice chunk of root only to have it sit around and shrivel up? Well, I've got a great tip. Once you get the ginger home, chop it into manageable sized pieces...

...peel off the skin, pop the pieces in a Ziploc baggie and toss them in the freezer!! They keep forever and you never have to worry about wasting another cluster of ginger again.

The next time your recipes call for this beloved root, simply pull out a piece and grate it with a microplane. When you get down to the very end of the piece and find it hard to grate, save those little bits of goodness to use in your morning smoothies.

Ginger tea is an everyday favorite around here and it's so simple. Use the microplane to grate about a tablespoon into the bottom of a cup, then pour in boiling water and voilà! Instant ginger tea! Add a touch of honey if you like something sweeter and some cinnamon is a neat add too (:

Adding ginger to your diet offers so many benefits. Have some each day and keep the cold and flu away (: Enjoy!!

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The Beautiful Simplicity of Paring Down

I'm very careful about the products used in my home and on my body and Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap has been a favorite for years. So versatile that it not only works for bath and body needs, but for home cleaning as well...simplicity at its best. As I starting thinking about all of the many uses of this soap and the inherent simplicity, it encouraged me to rethink many of the other items being used in my home.

I began to take a closer look at the things around me. Is this a true reflection of what I believe? Do I really need/use this? Does it add to my life or just take up space? Can it be used in multiple applications (versatility)? Is it just hanging around because it might be used one day or does it serve a purpose?

One by one as things left cabinets, drawers and closets, rooms weren’t as cluttered and organization was a new found appreciation. The funny thing? The process left my bathroom with VERY few items.

I have naturally curly hair that can lean on the frizzy side if the right product isn’t used and for years TONS of mousse, hair gels, shampoos, conditioners and hot oil treatments lined the shelves. After taking a good look only a few things were really needed...

• Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap - serves as shampoo, hand soap, body wash, jewelry cleaner, makeup remover and bathroom cleaner.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - makes the perfect conditioning hair rinse, a wonderful balancing/conditioning facial toner and bathroom cleaner.
• Olive Oil - great for a weekly hot oil hair treatment, a deep conditioning cuticle treatment, a wonderful lip conditioner and just the right thing for those extra dry patches.
• Rose & Hibiscus Facial Cream - the best face cream ever!! Made from organic aloe vera juice, hibiscus flower extract, coconut oil, rosehip seed oil, vitamin E, rosemary and neem oil. Technically a facial cream, it’s light enough for all over and I always keep some in my purse.
• Hairspray – made from lemon wedges, water and alcohol.
• Mousse – made from gelatin and water.

This paring down process has also made a difference in the daily routine. After hopping out of the shower cream is immediately applied to face and body, a few drops of olive oil massaged into cuticles keeps them soft with the excess applied to lips, only a dab of mousse is needed in my hair because the vinegar conditions so well and then I’m ready for makeup!

In the evening I simply soak a washcloth with warm water and add a few drops of Dr. Bronner’s to remove makeup/wash my face, rinse the cloth in cold water, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the wet cloth and apply it to my face. No cream needed at night because the vinegar conditions! Not only had this simplified my space and routine but it saves the pocketbook as well.

So how have you pared down your spaces? How has simplicity made a difference in your everyday routine?



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Frugal Friday - Hardware on a Budget

This is my inspiration from Pottery Barn. Isn't she lovely (: As I continue to complete projects in the bedroom makeover, frugal ideas are plentiful (: The dresser is getting a face lift, which includes white paint and replacing the wood handles with new hardware. Hopefully the end result will resemble the chest below...

Being frugal is just in my nature, so I'm wanting to use anything I might have on hand instead of buying new. Many of us have these brass knobs and mine are in pretty sad shape. Shiny brass hardware of any kind isn't my thing...it reminds me of the 80's. Is it just me?

When I found brushed steel knobs on sale for $0.75, I immediately changed out the brass knobs in my kitchen. With the switch, all of this extra hardware was just sitting around waiting to be used (: I couldn't pass up the chance to transform these little guys into something better.

The solution? Why paint and Mod Podge of course! I simply applied 3 coats of black acrylic paint in a dabbing motion to give an iron or hammered texture...nothing too severe, just something subtle.

Then three coats of Mod Podge to seal the deal (: If you're trying this, make sure to add a little water to your brush during the Mod Podge application so it won't leave any brush strokes behind.

If you want this to be permanent I suggest a base coat of Kilz primer first. Then after the Mod Podge phase, use a sealer of some sort. The reason I'm skipping these two steps is because the brass knobs belong to the apartment I'm renting. When I leave, the knobs stay.

After a few days of soaking in hot soapy water, the paint comes right off, yet it's strong enough for everyday wear and tear. Pretty neat, huh? I did this in my previous apartment with great results!

Here's my sweet dresser sporting her lovely new "iron" knobs. She's a little distressed from the many years of use, but her coat of white will be completed soon enough (: Don't forget to stop by on Makeover Monday for the final results!

If you're wanting to change your hardware but don't have the funds, get frugal and grab your paint brush! Great results are only a few cents away!!

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Linking up with Frugal and Fabulous Design...stop by and see more great ideas!

Frugal Friday - Carpet Cleaning

Well, last Friday I posted a ton of make-your-own cleaning supply recipes only to discover another one to add to the list...carpet cleaning solution! If you own your own steam cleaner or rent one from time to time you know the cleaners for these machines can be quite expensive, especially if you use it as much as I do!

With an aging dog, accidents do come into play sometimes and my oldest is 18. There aren't many, but it only takes a few to make the freshness disappear (: I tried everything! Carpet cleaners especially made for pet odors, industrial ones made specifically for the steam cleaner I owned, even ones that incorporated oxyclean in the mix. Nothing seemed to get the lingering odors out.

Then a few days ago I decided to research online and see if there might be any homemade concoctions to answer my carpet woes and low and behold a recipe was found! A solution made from liquid laundry detergent and water! I was a little concerned at first because every machine I encountered said to only use the cleaner made specifically for the steam cleaner...can we say money maker for the ones who make the machine (: But after reading many reviews from those who used it themselves I was willing to give it a shot.

I'm so glad I did because it worked!!! Not only did the odors come out, but it softened the carpet too!! I usually make my own laundry detergent, but used liquid Gain for this application. Great smell and gives at least 64 cleans per bottle, but I'm sure any laundry detergent will work. Try several until you find the one that works best for you.

After cleaning with the laundry detergent solution, I add an additional step. Fill the water chamber with cool water and 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar to remove any residue the soap may leave behind on the carpet. If all the soap isn't totally removed out of the carpet, it will attract dirt and we don't want that (: This process not only gets up the soap residue, but also adds another level of odor neutralization and cleans your machine at the same time!

Here's the recipe...

• Fill the laundry detergent cap to the first line and empty into steam machine water chamber. (Every laundry detergent has measuring lines within the cap and just go by the lines of whatever laundry detergent you decide to use.)
• Fill the water chamber with water and make sure you get it as hot as possible. The heat will help work with the detergent to release dirt from the carpet.

Now you're ready to steam clean away! Make sure to do the vinegar rinse for the best results. Good luck!

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Frugal Friday

First, I'd like to apologize for the posting glitch on Monday. I had several people email and post comments that the pictures and info weren't showing up. Thank you so much for letting me know! When I'm logged in I can see the post just fine, but apparently no one else can. I've had this happen one or two other times and I'm not quite sure why, but for some reason posting a comment on my own blog does the trick! Now, back to Frugal Friday tips...

Today's tip is about clothes shopping. I know, I know, it's No Spend Month and I'm talking about shopping. Go figure (: Goodwill has become one of my favorite places. Not only are there great finds at great prices, but the money spent there is going to a good cause and helping the community.

Oh! Don't you just love the way they organize the racks by colors!! Why would you pay full price for a perfectly good designer suit when the same suit could be purchased at Goodwill for under $15? Much of the clothing donated to Goodwill has never been worn and many times the tags are still on the garments.

My mother lost a lot of weight and purchased quite a few new pieces from her favorite clothing store only to loose more weight. The new pants and shirts she just purchased no longer fit. Mom didn't want to spend even more money after the first investment, so off to Goodwill she went!

She was able to purchase 1 fitted blazer, 3 pairs of dress pants, 1 pair of jeans, 2 cardigan sets, 4 sweaters and 4 blouses for under $70 and almost all of the items were designer names. She would have easily spent over $500 for the exact same items had she gotten them from the original stores.

Many places have one day set aside for replenishing merchandise. Ask the store manager when they get in new items and visit on those days to get first pick. Set a budget, look for basic key pieces and build a wardrobe that suits your lifestyle. Once you have a good foundation of basics, then add trendy, fashionable items that can be switched out as the styles change and don't forget to spend some of that money you've just saved on great shoes that will last.

I'm no slave to fashion and prefer to choose something comfy over something dressy, but love it when elegance and comfort collide (: Just be yourself. Clothing does no define who you are or determine your worth. They're just clothes for goodness sake! Find something that makes you smile and go with it! When you feel good on the inside, it shines on the outside (:

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Frugal Fridays

I've been wanting to add a backsplash in our kitchen for quite some time now. The paint didn't cut it for me. We have wall outlets on either side of the stove plus a garbage disposal switch and these three unsightly boxes just stand out like a sore thumb against the blue.

I used large white architectural tiles to hide the outlets, two on one side and one on the other, but the one on the left broke after trying to reach the hidden outlet. So the longing for a back splash still persisted (:

A few years back a friend of my mother's was running for county commissioner and had mini wooden rulers printed with his info. Very cute, but one problem...the printer made a spelling error and needed to create an entire new batch. I was happy to save the rulers from the garbage and knew they could be used for something...one day. (Do you see where I'm headed?)

Now, fast forward to the kitchen backsplash dilemma. I love white subway tiles, but as you know this is our No Spend Month so this makeover has to cost a whopping amount of $0. Time to get creative. This was my inspiration...

Since the project has a budget of zero, this is where our lovely free rulers come into play. They have a subway feel...I have tile adhesive left over from tiling the fireplace...extra paint from other projects...voila! Free backsplash! The wooden "tiles" measure 1 inch x 6 inches, they're easy to cut, are the perfect trendy size and resemble the subway tile look I so love.

They can be glued onto the wall with whatever medium makes sense in your situation. I'm using tile adhesive, but wood glue or liquid nails could work just as well. Just make sure you're wall is clean and the bonding agent being used is one that will give good adhesion. We're lucky because our apartment manager doesn't mind decor tweaks and has given permission to make improvements, with her prior consent of course (:

If you're renting and making a permanent change isn't an option, apply the "tiles" to a masonite board and use screws to attach it to the wall. When it's time to move, simply remove the backsplash and fill in the holes. You'll be able to find masonite in the lumber section of any Lowe's or Home Depot and they can cut it to size if you don't have access to power tools.

Here's the layout...

Because the wood "tiles" are only an inch tall it looks more like a basket weave than a subway tile, but anything is better than bare walls and the price is right (: It will give an added texture that's missing and I can't wait to see how it turns out! In another kitchen I think these would look great stained...maybe in different tones and then put together in a random pattern. Using a stain and embracing the wood grain would give a rustic quality to your kitchen. So many options!!

Once the "tiles" are installed, they'll get a few coats of glossy white which will make cleaning much easier. If you're thinking of creating a backsplash using alternative items, check out your local hardware superstore. Lathing strips are very inexpensive ($1.25 - $2.00 in 8 ft lengths compared to $1 white 4 inch square tiles) and many come primed to save you an extra step.

If beadboard is your style, they now have beadboard wall paper! It's about $22 per roll, covers 56 sq ft and no power tools are needed! Just cut to size with scissors and you're good to go! Here's the Home Depot link if you'd like to give it a whirl. I love this idea, but haven't tried it myself. Roeshell gives a great tutorial over at her blog The DIY Showoff. The results are amazing!

This is a pretty simple project, but one that can make a big impact. Be sure to stop by on Makeover Monday to see the results!



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Frugal Friday

First, note to self...make sure camera battery has enough charge to load photos onto computer (: Due to this lapse in memory I almost missed Frugal Friday!!!

See our beautiful French inspired bicycle planter by the front door? LOVE it...but she's not so cute with the lovely dead plants in her baskets. Normally I would head over to Lowe's or Home Depot for some happy impatiens in hues of red or pink, but our No Spend Month for July is preventing this little trip.

I can't bear to see these baskets empty until after July so here's my solution...pothos cuttings!! I have several around the apartment and they can get mighty leggy. I cut them back every now and then and place them in glasses of water to grow their roots.

Once the roots are around an inch or so I'll replant them in a pot filled with potting mix and move them outside so our little French planter won't be so lonely (: I love pothos plants because I can't kill them and one planter can make many, many more plants without costing a cent.

Here's another favorite...using sheets as curtains. I've seen many who use $10 canvas drop cloths as an inexpensive curtain alternative. Great idea, but sheets can be even less ($3 at WalMart) and have been a favorite of mine for years. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, are already hemmed and have a built-in pocket for the curtain rod. Simply cut open the hem, fold the unfinished edges inside and slide in the rod. Voila! Instant curtain. You can also use drapery rings with clips for an even easier solution.

This is our foyer. As you can see, it just spills out into the rest of the apartment and I wanted to separate the space. The solution? A white shower curtain rod ($6 and no hardware needed - we had one on hand so it was free) and 2 twin sheets (Walmart brand at $3 each - we had several new white sheets already in the linen closet so our cost was $0) and a couple of tie backs made from left over beads and ribbon from another project.  

Our ceilings are 9 ft high and you'll notice the panels weren't quite long enough. They're the perfect length for window curtains, but just missed the length needed to reach the ceiling by a foot. I'll be sewing on (who am I kidding! Iron-on tape will be used) a 1 foot band cut from another sheet and will be covering the seams with ribbon fashioned in a creative way to make it look like it's part of the curtain design. That way there won't be a seam on the back since the curtains are visible on both sides. I'm also thinking of changing the tie backs to something more substantial, but haven't decided on what that might be yet. 

I love using a neutral sheet (white, beige or taupe) and then ironing on a coordinating band of ribbon or patterned fabric on the edges. It brings a custom finish to a very economical idea. The curtain panel above is from Pottery Barn and is on sale right now for $59, with the larger size going up to $89 (on sale!).

Imagine a beige sheet, red ribbon ironed on the edges and clip-on drapery rings. The same look as above, but the cost to make them? $9 and that includes the black drapery clips! Sheets are so versatile and very practical when on a budget. I've even used paint and stencils on them when the desired design couldn't be found on the linen isle. The options really are endless!

I hope these tips were helpful. Check back each Friday for more to come!

In Gratitude,

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Frugal Fridays

This weekend there will be lots of 4th of July celebrating going on and we're blessed to have access to so many frugal, fun things for the holiday! Our complex has a pool so swimming might be involved (: Who wouldn't feel pampered sipping mint tea while lounging by cool waters? We'll also be grilling burgers and then taking in the splendor of the evening fire flowers (fireworks) at the lake down the road. All free, so it fits within our No Spend Month, but packed with enjoyment!!

Our No Spend Month has also inspired a new idea...Frugal Fridays! Each Friday's post will have frugal tips, design ideas, DIY tutorials, organization methods or anything creative that might help save money. This Friday I'll start with something simple to get things going (:

I'm always looking for ways to make things last longer in the kitchen. One thing I've found is that liquid soap does the exact same job when diluted. This includes liquid hand soap and liquid dishwashing soap. If you buy the generic liquid lemon soap for $1, then that dollar will last twice as long!

I prefer natural, organic products and make our dishwashing soap using half water, half organic liquid castile soap with a few drops of lemon essential oil. It's used for both dishes and hand washing since the castile soap is really easy on the hands. I'm able to get the gallon size for $26 (128 oz at $26 = $.20 per ounce ) and our soap pump holds 16 oz. which means that bottle costs $1.60. Not bad for an organic soap!

Do you use steel wool soap pads? Nothing seems to scrub a burned pot or pan better, huh? The only trouble is most of the time they rust before the life of the scrubs runs out, so you're throwing away a large portion of their usage. When you get them home from the store, cut them into halves or thirds (depending on the size of the pad). Not only will this increase the life of the box, but it will sharpen your scissors too!

For more frugal tips, check back each Friday! I'll be adding a Frugal Friday button on the blog which will keep all of the tips in one spot, making it easier to find the tips if you miss a post (:



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