FISH MARKET FUN

Good morning kids! How are you doing today? I am good. I had a very interesting but fun day yesterday that I am just dying to tell you about. There are lots of pictures to share today, so grab your java and let the journey begin!

I had to take care of some personal business in Galveston. I offered the kids to go to the beach, but they politely declined. DD said it would be too crowded and she just wasn’t in the mood. OK so we find something else to do! I cashed in a winning scratch off on the way home and guess what? I won a little money! $30… not much but better than a poke in the eye! SO, I got 5 more $1 tickets (cause that is what I spent LOL) and $25 cash back. Free money is good! Sadly, from those 5 I only won $1... oh well LOL.



First a few things I have to share with you in my garden… I am so happy and proud! Look at my pretty strawberries! OMG they almost made me cry this morning when I went out there to water my babies and I saw these red beacons of hope shining back at me! The plants are thriving, sprouting runners, and blooms and berries YAY!



This is a soon to be eggplant! Throughout the thriving 9 plants I have, I have been able to spot 5-6 blooms already! YAY! My DH has never had the opportunity to see many fruits and veggies grown from plants (yes he lived in a cave a as kid LOL) so he is always amazed at my gardening LOL. He has never seen an eggplant and was tickled over this flower (just wait dear… just wait! We were in for a surprise later!)



Here is my cucumber vines! I have 5 flowers that will turn into cute little cucumbers! I have to get some trellis for them to grow big and strong! There is a lot of other great improvements that make me so happy each time I go out there! I will keep you updated!



Ok, so I saw a commercial for a shrimp dinner and I started having a craving… YUMMMM shrimp! I know, you would think I had enough seafood after last weekend… and honestly, so did I. UNTIL this commercial! I had been looking at some of the things to do and nothing was striking my fancy to take the family to do. Well the DH tells me my DB might be coming over tomorrow… and then of course his GF might be with, and who knows who else, so guess what… we decided we are gonna grill! AND so we decided we wanted to go to the fish market today as a family outing! The DD and DH suggested we just go walk around Kemah. I thought it was a good idea, but I had something better! I told them let’s go buy some shrimp! I mean after all, I DID get that free money off that ticket and I wanted shrimp! So we put a small ice chest in the trunk and were off! Here they are looking all cute in front of the first fish house we went to!



So we parked in one of the lots and decided to Then while we were walking down the road, I noticed these plants with pretty purple flowers… hey those flowers look familiar!! OMG I walked closer and noticed all the tons of eggplant plants everywhere in the vacant destroyed area! Someone planted tons of veggie plants in a rubble filled lot still wrecked from Hurricane IKE! They were covered in baby eggplants and blooms!



There was this plant too… not sure if it’s a squash, a pumpkin, or what but I see these golden blossoms that look like pumpkin… who knows. But they had a small fencing piece up holding u p vines and holding in the plants. I might have to continue visiting in order to monitor and admire the progress!



That’s Madison’s hands holding a String bean that had to be about 2 foot long! They are all along this gate and they are huge!



This is a patch that’s closer to the destroyed buildings and the Bay. I think these are peppers and some more eggplant in the center… not sure as nothing had fruits or flowers on it to be able to tell. But the leaves looked familiar. Either way, it’s a wonderful view amidst the destruction.



Here is another large group of eggplant plants in the rubble ridden lot. Whoever planted them here was rather smart, as they used old pipes and rods that were sticking up in the dirt for props for the plants I guess they knew would become rather large. The saddest thing is that for the life of me, I cannot remember what these crumbling buildings used to be... and for some reason that upsets me!



Here is a cucumber plant growing up the side of the fence. This cucumber looks a wee bit dehydrated LOL but at least it grew!



This is a close up of the tiny little eggplants on some of the plants. Aren’t they the cutest little things?! Remember I told you the DH had never seen eggplants actually grow before? You should have seen his little eyes when he saw these! LOL it was like a kid in a candy store!

We made sure not to disturb anything we looked at. The only thing we took was pictures! We don’t know if these plants belong to anyone or if someone just did a RAOK (Random Act Of Kindness) and planted them here to give the community hope after the storm. Either way, I made sure the gang did not touch or take anything. It was so cool to see this in a storm ravaged area. Very hopeful and very refreshing! Ok back to shopping for our dinner LOL!



Now I wanted fresh shrimp… but I am not sure I wanted them THIS fresh LOL! Isn’t that so creepy how their eyes glow gold when you take pictures of them in the tank?! Although DS14 thought this was the coolest thing! He got SUPER excited when he saw these little fellas!



We came home with 1 pound of jumbo shrimp and 3 pounds of colossal shrimp and a very decent sized milkfish. Here you see me playing around and joking to kiss the cute little thing goodbye LOL! Milkfish is a very tender fish whose meat turns white “like milk” when cooked. It is a very popular fish in Japan. It was a good buy so we decided to bring one home. LOL now I know my mom said, and I have told my kids, not to play with your food… but I was just about to have too much fun with this LOL!



The first “victim” to When Fish Attack was the DS! LOL I snuck up behind him and tapped his shoulder. He turned around and kinda jumped like WHOA WTH! LMAO OMG I almost dropped the fish and fell on the floor I was laughing so hard!



Here is the DD who was not as fun as the others. She wanted to make out with the fish LOL! So we got her kissing him goodbye too! Then we started singing the McDonalds filet o fish song LOL which then turned into Joy to the World song where we “swim with the fishes in the deep blue sea” LMAO!



Now this is one of my cats… Rebel. He wanted to smell it, but surprisingly wanted nothing to do with it! I have good cats. I have raised them not to beg or go for human food and not to mention, I think it kinda bothered him. Oh he smelled it, but then backed away. Same with Pitts and Princess… they wanted nothing to do with this fish or the shrimp! I have good kitties!



As for what’s for dinner? I used the 1 pound of jumbo shrimp for some Shrimp Alfredo and a nice fresh salad! Isn’t that so pretty? The tiny tomatoes and the fresh parsley are from my garden! Now, here’s a cost breakdown of last nights dinner:

Lettuce for salad: $0.35
Tomatoes: FREE
Red Onion: $0.05
Sunflower seeds: $0.05
Dressing: $0.05
Pasta: $0.25 after coupon
Sauce: $0.75 after coupon
Fresh Parsley: FREE
Shrimp: $3.69

TOTAL FOR DINNER: $5.19

Not bad for a family of 4 huh? I am going to try to stay away from the grocery store if at all possible the rest of the month. The one exception will be for milk and eggs but no more groceries… I know I keep saying that, but I HAVE to find the willpower to actually do it LOL! Maybe I need food shopper’s anonymous LMAO!

There was one incident with a drunken man in the middle of the HEB parking lot that wasn't so great yesterday. I'm not gonna dwell on it cause he will pay for what he's done, but my DD's reaction was so funny and it just proves that she is my child without a doubt. After the altercation, she yells out in front of everyone, "Geez, some people are just not happy without their daily fix, huh?" (Referring to the strong smell of alcohol on the man and the fact he pulled into the liquor store after the incident) LOL! Ain't she a hoot?

Once dinner was over, the rest of the night was designated relaxation time… especially since we might have a busy grill day tomorrow. We put away the leftover pasta and salad and then DH did the dishes while I tended to downloading pictures and prepping the kids for showers and bed. Now I am hoping to get some crafting done in the morning hours today, but we shall see. As of right now, I’m just not feeling it! But just because I’m not, doesn’t mean I am going to leave you hanging without a cool idea. I am really liking that Craft Gossip site. They have some of the coolest ideas on there! Like I found a link for 22 Ways to Recycle old CD’s and some of them are super cool! You have to check them out! Like this cool Idea for making a dumbbell weight!



Craft Idea of the Day: CD Dumbbell and other CD crafts

150 CDs, about 75 on each side, on a threaded rod from the hardware store and then (8) bolts to hold it all together. No tools needed. Just thread it all and bolt it tight.

Is that not incredibly awesome? They have things like phone docks, wall paper, lamps and shades, sculptures, disco balls, curtains, clocks, frames, weather vanes, and even a chair! Make sure you go check them out.

Ok everybody, its time for today’s Farmer Favorites, which have a bit of spice. I have selected some curried favorites to make your mouth water. Curry dishes are hugely popular in the Indian cuisine. Long been a popular range of dishes, curries are now fast becoming some of the most often made meals in the world. The contrast of spicyness and taste makes a curry welcome by almost everyone. Here are a couple to start you off, and there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, more recipes out there using curry if you find that you like the flavor! Eat and Enjoy!



Aloo Gobi

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can coconut milk
2 tablespoons ground coriander
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
3 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into bite size pieces
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained

Directions

Heat oil in a large pot on medium-high heat and add onion. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes, then stir in garlic and cumin. Continue to cook until onion begins to brown.

Stir in tomatoes and coconut and the coriander, salt, turmeric, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Stir until mixture begins to boil, then put in the potatoes, cauliflower, and garbanzo beans.

Blend well. Reduce heat to low and cover.

Simmer until the potatoes are tender, 45 minutes to an hour (this will depend on the size of the potato chunks).



Coconut Curry Tofu

Ingredients

2 bunches green onions
1 (14 ounce) can light coconut milk
1/4 cup soy sauce, divided
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons chile paste
1 pound firm tofu, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
4 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
4 ounces fresh mushrooms, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
4 cups chopped bok choy
salt to taste

Directions

Remove white parts of green onions, and finely chop. Chop greens into 1 inch pieces.

In a large heavy skillet over medium heat, mix coconut milk, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, brown sugar, curry powder, ginger, and chile paste. Bring to a boil.

Stir tofu, tomatoes, yellow pepper, mushrooms, and finely chopped green onions into the skillet. Cover, and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in basil and bok choy. Season with salt and remaining soy sauce.

Continue cooking 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender but crisp. Garnish with remaining green onion.

(NOTE**) When serving over rice, you might want to double the recipe for the sauce!

Ok kids, that concludes today’s spicy adventures in Frugalville LOL! Join me again tomorrow for lots more fun, crafts, and craziness as we wrap up another crazy week in the life of the Frugal Mom! Until tomorrow… HUGS!

GROWING OR GOING GREEN?

Good morning everyone. How is this bright and sunny June day treating you? Well, I hope. Today I am a little off… my stomach is not exactly happy today, but other than that I am good! I have big plans today for you and for me LOL. My plans you ask? CLEANING! LOL… yep I am gonna go through this house like a wild woman and clean things up, throwing stuff out, organizing, etc! Hopefully by the end of today I will find a floor in every room and everything will have a home. I figure if I do it now while I have the drive, it will free up my summer to actually have fun! So what are you going to do today?

Now you know me, and I am always browsing for articles about going green, recycling, saving money, etc. Well I found one today and I wanted to bring it to you… its about “Going Green” which seems to be becoming a new fad for some… some from necessity and some just because. So check this out and maybe it will hold some new ideas for you to try!

10 Ways to Save Money by Going Green

By Maura Judkis

The era of new American frugality ushered in by the recession has an added benefit. Many measures that families take to cut costs in tough times—turning down the heat or shopping secondhand, for example—are also good for the planet. "Our carbon footprint is directly tied to our consumption, whether that's consumption of energy or a consumer product," says Josh Dorfman, host of the Sundance Channel show The Lazy Environmentalist and author of the book and blog of the same name. Whether people realize it or not, cutting back has made them accidental environmentalists.

"Certainly, saving money is more important to most people than going green," says Dorfman. "For people to green their lifestyle, the solutions have to fit how they live. I think there are a lot of ways to make that possible." Below, you'll find 10—all of which will minimize not only your footprint but also your spending.

1. Get there, greener. You don't have to own a Prius to drive green. Any driver can increase fuel efficiency and thus save on gas by getting regular tuneups, keeping tires properly inflated, and avoiding idling. But considering that transportation accounted for nearly 30 percent of carbon emissions in America in 2006, the cheapest and best thing you can do for the environment is to drive less. According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transit ridership is increasing and in 2009 reached its highest level in 52 years. Or you can join the growing renaissance of fuel-free and fit bicycle commuting.



2. Enjoy home-cooked meals. Prepared foods may be convenient, but they cost more than the ingredients for a home-cooked meal—and come loaded with salt and preservatives. Chef Laura Stec, author of the environmental cookbook Cool Cuisine, says that preparing meals at home is cheaper, more healthful, and not as hard as we think. "We can't save money and benefit from the results of eating higher-quality whole foods if people don't know how to use them," says Stec. "It's not about recipes; it's about technique." Stec says fresh, nutritious food paired with simple seasonings can help novice cooks learn to prepare delicious meals. Packing a lunch of leftovers can save you more than $100 each month.



3. Eat your veggies. According to the Department of Agriculture, the average American eats nearly 200 pounds of meat each year—an amount that has not been good for our nation's waistlines. But the production of meat uses vastly more resources than produce, which is why climate scientists and green chefs like Stec recommend a diet that is mostly plant based. "Not only is the overconsumption of meat and processed foods and corn syrup contributing to problems with our own diets, but [it's harmful] to the health of the planet as well," says Stec. She recommends using meat as an accent for cheap and hearty grain-based dishes.

4. Flip the switch. The sight of a monthly utility bill can make you shiver—or sweat. But there are simple ways to keep cool in the summer, stay toasty in the winter, and still cut your bill drastically. Catherine Potter, manager for consumer content at smart grid software company. OPOWER, recommends this fundamental step: When you're not going to be at home, turn your thermostat up a few degrees in warm months and down a few degrees in cold months. "That will really give you the biggest bang for your buck because it's free to do, and heating and cooling comprise over half of the typical home's energy use," says Potter.

5. Work from home. "There was a time when people might have looked askance at home-based businesses," says Christine Esposito, president of Terracom PR. "But now it's one way to walk your green talk." Esposito moved her green business into her home to save money and stay true to its brand. Employees at traditional workplaces can talk to their managers about working from home just a day or two a week to save on transportation.

6. Buy none, get one free. The best way to save money, of course, is to pay nothing at all—and for free goods, one should look no further than the computer screen. "The trend is towards this community online where people can share or trade what they have and save money," says Dorfman. Freecycle, the pioneer of the bunch, is an online community where people can post items they want to give away or items they want, finding a new home for old stuff. Based on that model, there's Zwaggle, a community for new parents, and Goozex, where video gamers can swap their old games. Those on SwapStyle trade fashionable clothing, while NeighborGoods facilitates the sharing of tools and household items. There's even the self-explanatory PaperBackSwap. "In a time where we're so concerned about our budgets, these solutions that aren't necessarily designed to be green still enable us to live well," says Dorfman. "A byproduct of that is we consume less and reduce our impact."



7. Get paid to recycle. Sometimes, going green doesn't just save you money—it earns you money. Old phones, printers, monitors, iPods, and personal digital assistants—stashed in drawers and closets when they kick the bucket—are valuable to companies that refurbish, resell, and recycle them, and they'll reimburse you in cash. "From the lazy environmentalist's point of view, [recycling}is a pain in the neck," says Dorfman, who recommends E-cycler Gazelle. Second Rotation, EcoNew, and BuyMyTronics will also buy your broken gadgets. "You're getting paid to sit on your couch," says Dorfman.



8. Don't be trashy. Reducing your share of trash provides instant green gratification and can help you save on your grocery bill. Whether it's tissues, plastic sandwich bags, or cotton balls, most of our disposable goods have a durable alternative—like handkerchiefs or sponges—that will get the job done just as well and will pay for itself in savings. A surprisingly stylish influence has been the AMC television show Mad Men, which has brought 1960s-era accouterments like long-lasting straight razors and handkerchiefs back in vogue. But even if you find it hard to do without your paper napkins, the easiest change is to replace bottled water with a reusable water bottle.



9. Conserve Water- Your water bill is inextricably tied to your energy bill through your water heater, so reducing your use of hot water can mean extra savings. Dorfman endorses a low-flow showerhead, enabling him to take long showers guilt free.

10. Don't buy it—rent it. Savvy entrepreneurs have launched sites to rent out anything from cars to handbags for short-term use and big-time savings, both carbon and financial. Car-sharing company Zipcar is the best-known example, but sites like couture-lending Rent the Runway are growing fast. "Sites like these enable you to get what you want without actually owning it and allow other people to use it as well, collectively reducing the environmental impact," says Dorfman. "It allows you to save money and still enjoy your lifestyle."

Now for today’s craft… its inspired by my son, Alex. He is a pen thief LMAO! I always put tons of pens by my desk and they all seem to grow legs and walk off. I have seen these at places like our doctors offices, etc. and I think it is just the cutest thing! So now you can make one too! These also make cute office-mate gifts, Mother’s Day gifts, etc.



Craft Idea of the Day: Flower Pot Pens

Materials:

Felt
Terracotta Pot Or Flower Pot
Flower Head
Green florist tape
Pen/Biro
Glue
Clay or Plaster of Paris.

Directions:

For this free craft project you can use a plain terracotta pot or you can paint your pot using craft paints.

For this project we are using clay but you can also use plaster or Paris.

Start by filling your pot with the clay and pressing it down firmly. Press your pen lid into the pot firmly till it is all the way in. This will form the holder for the pen when it is not in use. Set aside and allow it to dry.

Using your green felt cover the clay or plaster of Paris by gluing down the felt, trim away any excess.

Take your pen and remove the top off the pen. Using the florist tape we are going to bind the pen. Florist tape sticks to itself when stretched so as you roll the pen you need to pull the tape tight as you wind, make sure you do not leave any gaps or the pen will show through. You can unwind this and try it again until you get it nice and flat. It's a little tricky but easy when you know how so have a few goes until you are happy with the result.

Place some glue onto the top of your pen and push your flower into the hole we left earlier by removing the top. Hold it firmly until it glues. If you have leafs you can thread these onto your pen and secure with a little glue. Now your pen is finished.

OK now its time for the FARMERS FAVORITES for today! And I want a little spice! I think a Mexican dinner is in order tonight! Yes my children, Spanish cuisine is a favorite of mine (of course so is Chinese, Italian, etc… just food in general LOL) and for today’s veggie faves I thought I would share with you a couple of great things sure to satisfy your taste for some South of the Border sensation! ¡Coma y Disfrute de! (Eat and Enjoy!)



Vegan Bean Taco Filling

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
2 (14.5 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed, drained, and mashed
2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup salsa

Directions

Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until tender. Stir in mashed beans. Add the cornmeal. Mix in cumin, paprika, cayenne, chili powder, and salsa. Cover, and cook 5 minutes.



Seven Layer Tortilla Pie

Ingredients

2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup salsa, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
7 (8 inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

In a large bowl, mash pinto beans. Stir in 3/4 cup salsa and garlic.

In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup salsa, cilantro, black beans and tomatoes.

Place 1 tortilla in a pie plate or tart dish. Spread 3/4 cup pinto bean mixture over tortilla to within 1/2 inch of edge. Top with 1/4 cup cheese, and cover with another tortilla. Spread with 2/3 cup black bean mixture, and top with 1/4 cup cheese. Repeat layering twice. Cover with remaining tortilla, and spread with remaining pinto bean mixture and cheese.

Cover with foil, and bake in preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Cut into wedges, and serve with salsa and sour cream.

OK my lads & lasses… its time for me to get off this computer and go get started on the clean-a-thon before I lose my spunk! I had fun today and hope you come back tomorrow to see what’s in store! Until then… HUGS!

FARMER FAVORITES WEEK

Well a big HI THERE and HELLO to all my faithful followers! How are you doing this absolutely horridly humid morning? LOL… I am well. Full of summertime spunk and craziness!

To address some comments… First I figured MOM would be excited when I said it was FARMER FAVORITES LOL! She is a veg-a-holic! LOL! Sorry it rained on your tree day mom… but be patient… your tree day will come! And MOJO sauce is something you can buy in a jar at the store or make it yourself. Here is something I found on tasteofcuba.com for you!

The authentic mojo is made with juice from sour oranges. It still has that little orangy taste, but its very acid and tart. You can come close by mixing equal amounts of freshly squeezed orange juice with lime juice (*). If you live in areas with large concentration of Latinos you will probably find bottled Mojo (Goya brand makes one) or their produce department might have the slightly bumpy, thick skinned sour oranges. This recipe makes one cup.

1/3 cup olive oil
6 to 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
2/3 cup sour orange juice or lime juice
(or equal portions orange juice and lime juice)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Heat the olive oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly toasted. Don't let it brown or it will be acrid tasting, just about 30 seconds should do it.

Add the sour orange juice, cumin and salt and pepper. STAND BACK; the sauce may sputter. Bring to a rolling boil. Taste and correct seasoning, if needed

Cool before serving. Mojo is best when served within a couple of hours of making, but it will keep for several days, well capped in a jar or bottle, in the refrigerator.

Use with Cuban sandwiches, boiled yucca, grilled seafood and meats, fried green plantain chips, etc.

*I have seen recipes for mojo using cilantro in it, but that is not traditional to Cuban Cuisine.

To Tabitha- ok dear, I am not trying to offend, but where on earth do you live to think MY life is interesting?? LOL… I do thank you for the compliments though… you are too kind! Yes I took my lotto bag to the casino, but ya know I got more compliments about the money scrub top than the bag LOL… go figure! I got a lot of compliments on it at the mall though! And I am so glad you have had good experiences with the Farmers Market. Just remember not to buy overboard LOL cause you don’t want things to go to waste!

To the Carter Family- I am sorry to hear you are having garden problems, but I CAN say this… DO NOT GIVE UP! Sure you may need to doctor and baby the plants, change the dirt, or other vegatative first aid actions, but it DOES help! I rescued what I could, disposed of what was dead, made a better dirt mixture, added some nitrogen rocks/food, and prayed! Be vigilant about the watering and care and maybe even research the specific problems you are having online for more advise. And your lucky, part of what I occupied my time with yesterday was my gardening and plants, so guess what you get to see today! LOL and here we go!



OK let’s start with my bell peppers. What once were mere sticks are now thick thriving stocks of green goodness! Look at the size of those bell peppers! And the best part is that these plants are COVERED in them! I have at least 10-12 fruits and/or blooms! WOOHOO! I got my mojo back I think LOL!



These are the cucumber plants that I need to get a trellis for and get put in the garden! They are a rich green and have huge leaves. They are very healthy… let’s pray I can keep them this way! I have some yellow squash plants which are green and crazy similar to these too!



My strawberries are sprouting back up YAY!!!! They are so healthy and green! Simply Beautiful! They are putting off fruit again too and now are even sprouting some runners! YAY! The berries you see are about the size of my thumb down to the first knuckle. Aren’t they lovely! Hopefully I can get them growing great guns again! That would be awesome!



OK, so you want to see the craziest thing? I had brought back a couple of pieces of cactus from the field behind Mom & Dad’s house… intending to get them planted (seeing as you can eat them and all!). Well I never got around to it. In fact, I FORGOT the pieces were on the top of a box sitting under the outside portion of the window unit! Well… apparently these dang things don’t need any dirt to grow LOL… just a little bit of water! Look at all the new green growth on that thing! Growing in a condensation puddle on top of a Rubbermaid box on the porch under the air conditioning unit… INSANE! Anyway, I will get them potted… eventually LOL… but at least I am not as worried about them as normal plants now LMAO!



Open my door and what do I see? Not one, but 2 pretty topsy turveys! LOL! Yes I got the dirt mixed, the anchors into the beams, the baby tomato plants in the containers, nitrogen rocks/food in, and hung up! They are cute and I hope that they bush out and give me pounds and pounds of beautiful red tomatoes! Those things are very heavy… LOL especially when you are standing on a chair on the porch! I thought I was gonna fall over the railing! LOL… I was a weeeeeee bit nervous for sure! But I got them up and they look super spiffy!



What you see here is an eggplant bud! Yes, after fixing the dirt, my eggplants shot up into gigantic leaves and tall shoots! They are much healthier now… all 9 plants are showing a great amount of progress! And they are beginning to bud! They will put off these cute purple flowers and then it’s on to fruits! YAY! I see some eggplant Parmesan in the future! LOL!



These are my Husky Cherry tomato plants that I saved. They are a rich green now. Still no fruit, but that’s ok… It started lightning and thundering while I was working on planting these, so I had to stop gardening for the day. 4 cherry tomato plants sadly have had to be put out of their misery… the last of the tiny tomatoes turned red and I disposed of them.



I also didn’t realize that I have a smaller/younger cherry tomato plant so that leaves me with 5 if I can get them all to flourish again! We shall see! I repotted each Cherry tomato in their own pot and gave it fresh dirt mix and nitro rocks, so here’s keeping our fingers crossed that they thrive and produce for a good long time! Ya know what I thought would be cool? Buying a bunch of these bigger pots and planting a big tomato bush in each one and lining each side of my driveway with them! OMG that would look super cool… but sadly we don’t exactly live in a neighborhood conducive for that kind of thing. Oh well, it was a thought!



This is the beginning of the Toy Story Duffle Bag I am making for Alex. I had to stop once I got the handles attached though because I didn’t have a color coordinating zipper to match that was long enough! All I had were pink zippers and I don’t think that would’ve looked very good with this LOL! Needless to say, I plan on getting a zipper today so I can finish the bag! All this cuteness from an old stained and ripped up sheet… crazy huh?



Then my lovely DD tells me that she wants to go with all the centerpieces for her party in the glasses. I cocked an eyebrow and went “WHAT?” SOOO we played around and came up with these 2 centerpieces to use… all in the glasses! I got 8 of them done (minus one photograph on the note) and now I need 4 more. UGH! Oh well… good thing they weren’t expensive or too hard to make!

Then I had the heart attack of a lifetime! While I was crafting, I had put my dinner in the oven to cook. About 13 minutes into it, I was sitting at the table crafting and all of the sudden I hear this buzzing… kind of like you hear a neon sign or a bug zapper doing. I walk into the kitchen and the inside of my oven is crackling and on fire! I was scrambling for the extinguisher and I was shaking so badly, I couldn’t get it unhinged off the wall, so I shut down the oven and immediately unplugged it from the wall. I watched as the flames went away and I saw this orange glowing heating element that had split in 2! OMG once I quit shaking like a leaf, I called my dad who is the all-knowing electrical man and asked if that “normally” happened. He assured me I acted correctly and when you cook as much as I do it does tend to happen… especially with an older stove. So that helped me calm down a little… THANKS DAD! But my blood pressure and heart rate didn’t get back to normal for an hour or so… basically when the oven was cool and I knew everything was ok, I was good to break down and cry then LOL! Needless to say, I don’t think my landlord is gonna be happy about this one… first it was a new breaker box and breakers, then that was followed by a water heater, a fridge, an air condition, and now the stove? LOL… what can I say… when I do it, I do it right! LMAO! Anyway, after that, the craft mojo was so incredibly gone… sad too cause I was starting to get into it!

Ok so let’s talk crafts. Now the late Spring through summer season offers a few patriotic holidays. Many people have celebrations and decorate in the Red/White/Blue theme. Well we covered a lot of Patriotic crafts during the May Memorial Day weekend, but here is another that is just so cute, I couldn’t “can”tain myself LOL! I don’t like regular fireworks, but this one really pops with pazzaz! LOL!



Craft Idea of the Day: Firecracker Cans

Materials:

1 round can with lid - Can made from cardboard, hot beverage cans for things like coffee or cocoa work well. You can also use cans from items like raisins or nuts.
4 pieces - Medium or Large Construction Paper (2 blue, 1 red, 1 white)
Star Confetti (any firework like decoration kids can paste onto the paper, like confetti, stickers, buttons, beads, or cutouts)
Star Tinsel (any kind of shiny, colored, wire tinsel)
Star button/bead (any medium sized, single star decoration)
Glue
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil (for tracing and rolling paper)

Directions:

1. Take your clean, round can and remove the lid. You need to cover the can with paper, but the size of paper will depend on the exact size of the can used.

Measure out your can and add about 2-inches extra to the length. This will give you enough paper to cover the can and create those neat "firecracker" rolls.

So, cut blue paper (2 inches longer than can) rectangle out. Have children cut into paper at the bottom, making 2 and 1/2 inch cuts in, spaced about 2 inches apart, all the way along the bottom of the paper. Then take a pencil and roll each paper strip around it, then release. Now the ends of the paper are curled.

Cut out a white piece of paper, the exact same size as the blue, only two inches shorter. Repeat the cutting and curling process.

Take the red piece of paper and make it two inches short than the white paper, or four inches shorter than the blue. Repeat cutting and curling.

2. Take the curled, blue piece of paper and wrap it around the can tightly, letting the curls fall to the table. Make sure the paper starts right below the opening rim on the can, and glue on.

Take the curled, white paper and glue it around the can. Start right below the opening rim on the can. Let the curls fall down onto the blue paper. Repeat with red paper, starting it right below the rim and letting the curls fall onto the white paper.

3. Take star confetti, or other decorative items, and glue them onto the can. Remind children to get both on top and under the curls of paper around the can.

4. Take some decorative star tinsel, garland, or other shiny and linked decorations to twist around can body. Glue ends to can once wrapped, making sure the lid will still fit.

5. Take a pen, pencil or pair of scissors and poke a large hole in the middle of the can lid. Have children cut 5-8 strands of tinsel, each about 5inches long. Twist each strand of tinsel into a loop, twisting the ends together.

6. Push ends of tinsel loop into hole in lid and glue into place. Create a firework flower pattern on top of the can with the loops. Glue a single star button/bead in the middle of the lid.

7. Let can dry, then use to store trinkets or treats! Makes a cute "exploding firework" can for any child to enjoy.

This craft lets kids use the firecracker/fireworks theme without being tangled into problems of safety or policy. At my summer school (and most schools in my area) we are not allowed to make rockets, or real looking fireworks, because of safety issues. Therefore, instead of a rocket, we made colorful firecrackers that were already "exploding."

I used some "Star Spangle Banner" saltwater taffy to fill the cans with, making a cute gift for kids to give their parents. Some of my students decided they liked storing crayons and markers in the can instead. One family made a bunch more "exploding firecracker cans" and a huge mountain of homemade fudge. They filled the tins with fudge and gave one to each teacher with an adorable card that read "For my teacher, a firecracker exploding with sugar!" I have to admit that I just loved that gift, and that fudge!

Okie dokie, now with summer here and heating things up, the last thing we want to heat up is the house, right? So natually, we gotta have a great garden grilling item or some BBQ or something during the FARMER FAVORITES WEEK! I have a couple of items here that I am pretty sure you will enjoy out on the grill or in your house!



Black Bean Veggie Burgers

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces
1/2 onion, cut into wedges
3 cloves garlic, peeled
2 egg
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce
3/4 cup bread crumbs or crushed whole wheat Ritz crackers

Directions

If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. If baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and lightly oil a baking sheet.

In a medium bowl, rinse the black beans thoroughly and then make sure to dry them off completely! Then mash the black beans with a fork until thick and pasty. (The trick to keeping a good patty together is to drain as much of the excess water as humanly possible!)

In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Strain to remove excess water. Then stir into mashed beans.

In a small bowl, stir together eggs, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce.

Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.

If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side.

(NOTE**) You can also add corn kernals to the mixture for an added oral adventure! You can also freeze formed patties and cook them at a later time or even grill them frozen! I personally recommend the whole wheat Ritz crackers instead of bread crumbs, but whatever is to your liking… This is a very versatile recipe!)



Crispy BBQ Tofu

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package extra firm tofu
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg white
1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup barbecue sauce

Directions

Drain tofu, and slice into strips. Place in a plastic bag or container, and freeze overnight. This will give the tofu a meatier texture. Thaw tofu strips, and blot with paper towels to dry.

Bake tofu on a non-stick sheet at 350 degrees for a few minutes on each side- until they are golden brown.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and 1 tablespoon of barbeque sauce. Combine the flour, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Dip the tofu slices into the egg mixture, then into the flour mixture, shaking off excess flour. Fry in the hot oil for about 1 minute on each side, until golden brown. Just fry enough at one time so they are not crowded. Remove from the oil to paper towels to drain and cool.

Preheat the oven's broiler. Brush tofu slices with additional barbeque sauce, and allow to marinate while the broiler heats up. Arrange them on a broiler pan, or wire rack set over a cookie sheet for best results.

Position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 5 minutes on each side, or until browned and crisp, watching closely so as not to burn them. Serve warm with the remaining barbeque sauce for dipping.

OK gang, I am gonna get off of here and skidaddle over to mom’s house. She has therapy today! After chillin with her for awhile, I am not sure what exactly I am going to do, but I am hoping it is severely interesting LOL! So I hope you enjoyed your visit today and will join me again tomorrow for more of “The life and times of the Frugal Mom” LMAO! Until then… HUGS!

PIZZA PERFECTION WEEK

Good morning out there in Internet land! How are you doing today? Me, well I have seen better days. But I am alive to breathe another day, so I’m always glad for that! Thanks to everyone for their comments yesterday. You are very sweet. I did some sewing and weird cooking last night that I will share with you in a few days LOL!

To my darling Hazel… for your potluck church function… do you want hot or cold, soup, salad, or entrée, etc.? Since starting this blog, I have spotlighted over 200 yummy recipes alone... plus count the millions you can find online LOL... I need a starting point darling! LOL! Now, if you want a soup… my mom would probably swear by the Chicken Tortilla soup I make her (she claims to like it better than restaurants LOL). My husband would say Refried Bean or Potato (for his non spicy faves), the DS18 picks Mulligatawny or butternut Squash, and the DD the Chicken Fried Steak Soup. LOL However, I would also say this vegetable with sausage one I just made the other day would be a fabulous pick too! If you want more of an entrée dish I recommend a casserole really. The Hurry Up Chicken Pot Pie, Mexican Shepherd’s Pie, or the Tuna Casserole are some main faves around here. Casseroles are easy one dish wonders that can wow a crowd. So think about what type of dish you want first and go from there.

Ok, its time for the frugal article of today. Actually its an older article I just stumbled upon this morning that I thought would be a good feature for the frugalness that earns my respected title LOL!

Top Tips for Feeding Your Family on a Budget

by Ruth Mantell
Thursday, January 21, 2010

Tough times call for tough meat.

Cuts such as brisket can be easy on a family's budget, and that's a boon during tight economic times.

"Forget filet mignon," said Bryan Voltaggio, chef of Volt in Frederick, Md., and a 'Top Chef' finalist. "Short ribs, shoulder cuts can be much more luscious and much more hearty for your family, and make a really great presentation."

Last week I bought a $25 brisket that, with a couple of potatoes, an onion and some spices, was enough for five generous portions. Preparation was easy and the meal required little attention during its three hours in the oven -- a couple of particularly attractive traits for a home cook with a 4-month-old baby and only two hands.

Tougher cuts that cook for a long time may also put fretful parents at ease about food-borne illness.

"Some parents will feel that the meat is safer to eat for their kids, as typically they are braises which will be cooked over long periods of time, versus a lean, tender cut which you would want to cook at a lesser temperature," Voltaggio said.

As families on a budget continue to feel financial stresses from the recession, here are some expert tips to help them eat healthy and delicious meals.

Buy in Bulk

Many parents are used to buying staples such as rice in bulk. But families with enough freezer space can also purchase proteins that way, Voltaggio said.

"Buying a side of cattle from a butcher, you buy it at a much cheaper per-pound rate," he said. "You can specify how you like it. It's a good way to stock up and buy at a comfortable price ahead of time. For a large family beef is a commodity."

City dwellers with slim refrigerators can split such a large purchase with another family. When my mother, Nancy Mantell, an economist, was feeding her growing young family, she and another mother bought a lamb to share every couple of months.

"We were young and didn't have that much money. It was cheaper to buy a whole lamb and have the butcher cut it for us rather than to buy it already cut at the grocery store," she said. "We didn't have a lot of freezer space, but we had enough for half a lamb."

Use Every Scrap

I roasted a chicken a few days ago, and plan to make a pot pie with the leftovers.

Using every bit of your proteins is a good way to keep down costs, said Alicia Horton, executive director of Thrive DC, a homeless services provider that feeds almost 200 people a day. Thrive DC's staff makes the most of the protein they have: "Not only stretching it, but also utilizing every scrap," Horton said. "We have two chefs on staff and they are magicians."

Acquiring enough protein for 200 people is always a challenge because it's the more expensive part of the meal, Horton said. Donors may give a ham, but they rarely donate 10 hams, she said. To make use of all the available protein, Thrive DC has a buffet each week.

"It's when we kind of clean house," Horton said. "Anything that was left over for the week, smaller portions that may not suffice for an entire meal, we just have a big buffet and everybody can have a bit of what's available."

Cook Like You're at Home

Pricey gadgets and exotic ingredients have a place, but it may not be your home.

Home cooks without loads of time and money may want to stick with straightforward family fare, said Art Smith, Oprah Winfrey's former personal chef and co-owner of Chicago's Table Fifty-Two, where the first couple celebrated Valentine's Day.

"Don't try to reproduce food from a restaurant," Smith said. "Restaurants have a lot of special equipment, and it's just not cost effective for a home cook."

Glamorous ingredients can be a waste for a home chef. For instance, Voltaggio recommended that home chefs avoid truffles "unless you have a really reputable supplier and you know when truffles are in season. It's a lot of money to invest in something like that and it's definitely a luxury."

Smith noted that many high-end ingredients are not necessarily healthy choices. "Foie gras tastes good, but it's deadly fattening," Smith said. "A little bit is good, but a little bit goes a long way."

Buy Local Produce, Shop Around

Chefs recommend local produce for home cooks. "You can go to a great local market where they have great apples as opposed to trying to seek out something that is not as local," Smith said.

Voltaggio said home cooks should take advantage of community-supported agriculture arrangements in which consumers buy seasonal produce directly from local farmers. Typically, a family buys a "share" of a CSA to receive weekly packages of seasonal goods.

"Some people look at CSAs as a luxury, but there's really great value," Voltaggio said. "Some farmers will overfill the baskets just because they have an abundance of crops."

CSA consumers are essentially buying vegetable futures, Voltaggio said.

"Versus buying in the store, CSAs are typically cheaper," Voltaggio said. "It's a win for the farmer because you are guaranteeing his income, which will keep local agriculture alive. This is a good way to keep your money in your community."

However, there are risks, such as inclement weather. Farmers can't guarantee that consumers get exactly what they want every season. Also, CSA shares are limited, and you might be put on a wait-list.

Also, Smith said home cooks should comparison shop rather than trying to buy all of their food at one location.

"Everyone when they shop wants convenience. You can get everything at one market but you are going to pay more for it," Smith said. "The only way you can ensure high quality at a better price is to shop around and be aware."

Copyrighted, MarketWatch. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of MarketWatch content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of MarketWatch. MarketWatch shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Ok time to craft… now I just got started on some spiffy sewing last night. And one of the things I am building is a lotto ticket purse… you know me and my recycling! Other people’s trash is usually my treasure LOL. About a decade ago I was making purses and bags from Capri Sun pouches and candy bar wrappers and people thought they were so unique. NOW I see them in Wal-Mart! Man I should have patented that years ago! I would've been rich! Oh well... LMAO! So I have decided to move up in the world LOL! See, mom likes to play the scratch off lotto tickets. I normally don’t play, but recently I bought some. Then I decided to keep the non-winning tickets and now I am trying to fashion them into a purse. I've been collecting other non-winners from people too! I gotta be careful though… this will be a one shot wonder ya know? But until then, I found a great excuse for you to endulge in a little fruity goodness LOL!



Craft Idea of the Day: Starburst Wrapper Necklace

Materials:

Scissors
Needle
Wire or quilting thread (optional)
Necklace Clasps
110-130 starburst wrappers (depends on neck size)

Directions:

First measure the size of your neck using the string/wire and cut it using wire cutters or scissors (you should add a couple inches just in case).

Next, fold each individual star burst wrapper into squares about the size of your pinky tip.

String each individual star burst wrapper until the thread/wire is generally full.

Tie the necklace clasps onto the wire. And that’s about it!

Ok now that you have a candy wrapper craft, eating all that candy must have made you hungry for some real food, huh? Well I decided to make this Pizza Week. Each Day from yesterday until Sunday, I will feature a delicious pizza recipe I think you would enjoy. Here is one veggie style. You could also melt some cheddar cheese on the top just before serving and send your taste buds to heaven! Or leave the cheese off for a truly chilled treat!



Cool Veggie Pizza

Ingredients
1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Finely diced zucchini, mushrooms, green peppers, green onions and tomatoes all work well as toppings

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a lightly greased 9x13 inch pan or 13 inch round pizza stone, arrange the crescent roll dough in a single layer. Pinch together the edges of the dough. Bake for 12 minutes, or until it becomes a golden brown crust.

Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool.

In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise and dill. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture on the crust. Sprinkle toppings on top of the cream cheese spread. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the spread to thicken.

Cut the chilled pizza into wedges or squares with a pizza cutter to serve.

Alright everybody, I’ve enjoyed our morning together. Now it is time for me to get dressed and head out. I hope to see you again tomorrow for more fun and java jolted excitement! HUGS!

THE DIRTY DOZEN & CLEAN 15

Morning gang! How are ya today? I’m just trucking along like always. I told ya I wouldn’t get to slow down yesterday LOL! I went up to the hospital, stayed with mom, left there and went to JoAnn’s. From there I went home, picked up Madison, DH and DS14. Dropped Madison off at the Quinceañera and went to Kroger. Then I went to Wal-Mart for some bulk purchases. Came home and roasted chickens and blanched vegetables. DS18 came home around 10:30pm while I went to pick up Madison. Got home and DH had deboned the chickens for me (ain’t he sweet). So I put everything away and finally laid down about midnight only to get up at 5:30am this morning when DS14 decided it was time to start the day. LOL so I plan on going back to the hospital today to be with mom. After that, it is off to Food Town to nab a few sales items, home to cook, etc. We also saw some blackberries that are ready on one of my “staked out” berry patches and the gang wants to go pick’em! So we will see what the day holds!

Ok all this food talk makes me hungry and I found this information that I wanted to share with you. I think its valuable information and it will help you learn when you can be frugal with your produce. Check this out!



The new Dirty Dozen: 12 foods to eat organic and avoid pesticide residue
By Dan Shapley

Fruits and veggies are an essential part of a healthy diet, but many conventional varieties contain pesticide residues. And not all the pesticides used to kill bugs, grubs, or fungus on the farm washes off under the tap at home. Government tests show which fruits and vegetables, prepared typically at home, still have a pesticide residue.You can reduce your exposure to pesticides by as much as 80% if you avoiding the most contaminated foods in the grocery store. To do so, you need the latest info from the why the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" list of foods most likely to have high pesticide residues. Since 1995, the organization has taken the government data and identified which type of produce has the most chemicals.

This year, celery takes the number one spot and both blueberries and spinach make an appearance (displacing lettuce and pears). The best way to avoid pesticide residue on foods is to buy organic produce -- USDA rules prohibit the use of pesticides on any crop with the certified organic label.

Here's a closer look at the 2010 Dirty Dozen:

1. Celery
Celery has no protective skin, which makes it almost impossible to wash off the chemicals (64 of them!) that are used on crops. Buy organic celery, or choose alternatives like broccoli, radishes, and onions.

2. Peaches
Multiple pesticides (as many as 62 of them) are regularly applied to these delicately skinned fruits in conventional orchards. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include watermelon, tangerines, oranges, and grapefruit.

3. Strawberries
If you buy strawberries, especially out of season, they're most likely imported from countries that have less-stringent regulations for pesticide use. 59 pesticides have been detected in residue on strawberries. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include kiwi and pineapples.

4. Apples
Like peaches, apples are typically grown with poisons to kill a variety of pests, from fungi to insects. Tests have found 42 different pesticides as residue on apples. Scrubbing and peeling doesn't eliminate chemical residue completely, so it's best to buy organic when it comes to apples. Peeling a fruit or vegetable also strips away many of their beneficial nutrients. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include watermelon, bananas, and tangerines.

5. Blueberries
New on the Dirty Dozen list in 2010, blueberries are treated with as many as 52 pesticides, making them one of the dirtiest berries on the market.

6. Nectarines
With 33 different types of pesticides found on nectarines, they rank up there with apples and peaches among the dirtiest tree fruit. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include, watermelon, papaya, and mango.

7. Bell peppers
Peppers have thin skins that don't offer much of a barrier to pesticides. They're often heavily sprayed with insecticides. (Tests have found 49 different pesticides on sweet bell peppers.) Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include green peas, broccoli, and cabbage.

8. Spinach
New on the list for 2010, spinach can be laced with as many as 48 different pesticides, making it one of the most contaminated green leafy vegetable.

9. Kale
Traditionally, kale is known as a hardier vegetable that rarely suffers from pests and disease, but it was found to have high amounts of pesticide residue when tested this year. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include cabbage, asparagus, and broccoli.

10. Cherries
Even locally grown cherries are not necessarily safe. In fact, in one survey in recent years, cherries grown in the U.S. were found to have three times more pesticide residue then imported cherries. Government testing has found 42 different pesticides on cherries. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include raspberries and cranberries.

11. Potatoes
America's popular spud reappears on the 2010 Dirty Dozen list, after a year hiatus. America's favorite vegetable can be laced with as many as 37 different pesticides. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include eggplant, cabbage, and earthy mushrooms.

12. Grapes
Imported grapes run a much greater risk of contamination than those grown domestically. Only imported grapes make the 2010 Dirty Dozen list. Vineyards can be sprayed with different pesticides during different growth periods of the grape, and no amount of washing or peeling will eliminate contamination because of the grape's thin skin. Remember, wine is made from grapes, which testing shows can harbor as many as 34 different pesticides. Can't find organic? Safer alternatives include kiwi and raspberries.

Now we need to take a look at the produce that are deemed “The Clean 15”. These are low-pesticide foods that you don’t have to worry about buying organic… you can go cheaper- and we LIKE cheaper around here, right? YEP!



Here is a list of the ''Clean 15'' fruits and vegetables that are least likely to contain pesticide residue:

1. Onion
Onions don't see as many pest threats, which means less pesticide spraying. Look for onions that are firm, have a distinctive "oniony" smell that's not overpowering, and show no visible signs of damage or soft spots. Store in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator.

2. Avocado
Avocados have thick skins that protect the fruit from pesticide build-up.Look for avocados that are still somewhat unripe and firm to the squeeze; they'll ripen nicely on your kitchen counter in a couple of days. Store at room temperature. Although you'll be using only the meat of the avocado, it's always a good idea to rinse them before you slice them open.

3. Sweet Corn
Sweet corn may take a lot of fertilizer to grow, but you're unlikely to end up with any pesticides on the kernels. There is nothing -- we mean nothing like fresh corn on the cob from a local farm stand in late summer. Buy it fresh and local, and boil it that day for the best results.

4. Pineapple
You won't be eating the tough pineapple skin, which protects the fruit from pesticide residue. As with all your produce, you should rinse the pineapple before cutting. Although tempting, this is one fruit that you won't want to choose if it has a strong, sweet smell. This usually means that the pineapple is overripe and has even begun to ferment. Like all other fruits, avoid any that have soft spots, and in the case of pineapples, damage to the rind. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

5. Mango
Sweet mango flesh is protected by its thick skin from pesticides. Still, you'll want to rinse under water before cutting open. Depending on the variety of mango, look for those that are bright in color such as red, yellow, or orange. It should have a distinctive "fruity" smell. If there's no ripe-fruit aroma, steer clear. Mangoes should be slightly firm but yield to your touch somewhat -- the softer the mango, usually the sweeter it is. If the mango is too soft, there's a good chance that it will be rotten inside. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

6. Asparagus
Asparagus face fewer threats from pests such as insects or disease, so fewer pesticides need to be used. Look for firm spears with bright green or purplish compact tips. Plan on a 1/2 pound per person, and for more uniform cooking, select spears of a similar thickness. Store in the refrigerator vegetable crisper and give them a good rinse before using (even if you're going to boil them).

7. Sweet Peas
Sweet peas are among the least likely vegetables to have pesticide residue, according to the Environmental Working Group's latest survey of government data. If you're not growing sweet peas in your garden, then look for full, green pea pods at your local farmers market, farm stand or grocery store.

8. Kiwi
Kiwi peel provides a barrier from pesticides. Give them a rinse before cutting. Here's where your nose plays an important part when choosing fresh fruit. Sniff out kiwis that smell good. They should be plump and yield to a squeeze like that of a ripe pear. Steer clear from those with moist areas on their surface or any skin bruising. If unripe kiwi are all that are available, simply take them home and place them in a paper bag at room temperature with other fruits that need more time, such as bananas or pears. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

9. Cabbage
Cabbage doesn't hold on to so many pesticides because a ton of spraying isn't required to grow it. What it does hold onto is beta carotene: It's a superfood! Look for cabbage heads whose leaves are tight and be sure the head is heavy for its type, and firm. For most cabbage varieties, you'll want to make sure the outer leaves are shiny and crisp. Savoy is the exception to this rule, as it forms a looser head and the leaves grow crinkly naturally. You'll want to avoid any with leaves that show signs of yellowing. Bok choy should have deep green leaves with their stems a crisp-looking white. Discard the outer leaves of a cabbage before using. You can wash and spin most cabbage leaves just like you do salad greens. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

10. Eggplant
Maybe it's the thick skin, but eggplants are among the least likely to be contaminated by pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group. Look for firm and glossy eggplants to know they're ripe and undamaged. Because they grow to various sizes, choose one proportionate to the dish you're preparing.

11. Papaya
Pesticide residue stays on papaya skin, but be sure to give them a wash before slicing open. Papaya colors usually range between yellow and green. Look for those that are slightly soft and show no signs of bruising or appear shriveled. If they're not fully ripened, you can toss them in the brown bag along with your unripened kiwi fruit, peaches, and pears. Once they're ripened, store in the refrigerator crisper.

12. Watermelon
With that rind, watermelon has a natural defense against the onslaught of any chemical. Look for a firm whole melon without any soft spots.

13. Broccoli
Conventional broccoli doesn't retain so many pesticides because the crop faces fewer pest threats, which means less spraying. Look for tightly bunched flower buds on the broccoli stalks that are immature. In other words, try not to buy them if their little yellow flowers have opened. Color-wise, the broccoli should be deep green and the stalks should be firm and not rubbery. Before use, wash in a cool water bath and change the water a couple of times in the process. Store in the refrigerator crisper.
Look for broccoli at the fall farmers' market, and if you're pinched for cash, don't fret about choosing a non-organic variety; broccoli generally doesn't end up with pesticide residue.

14. Tomato
Tomatoes were on the 2008 Dirty Dozen list of foods with the most pesticide residue, but the latest update finds them cleaner than most. Why? The Environmental Working Group isn't sure. If you aren't growing your own, look for fresh in-season tomatoes at local farmers markets and farm stands. Look for glossy, firm skin -- and don't hesitate to try a delicious heirloom variety that might not look like a typical tomato!

15. Sweet Potato
Not only are sweet potatoes unlikely to be contaminated with pesticides, they're also a superfood, packed with Vitamin A and beta carotene. It's hard to go wrong choosing a hardy sweet potato. Just make sure it isn't beaten up or rotting, and choose a size that matches the meal you're preparing.

Speaking of cheap veggies, You should have seen all the bags of fruits and vegetables that Kroger had on clearance from 29 cents to $1.29, most being around 79 cents! I got over 30 bags of broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, snow peas, trays of veggies, apple & cheese trays, apple cups, prepackaged apple slices, mango pico, fajita veggies, you name it! I nailed some clearance meats too for around $1.09 to $4.00! I came home last night and separated all the veggies. Then I blanched and boiled them while I roasted a couple of chickens. I made up freezer bags of blanched stir-fry veggies and single veggies and froze them. I see some great meals. And there is nothing like fresh veggies whenever you want them! I kept a couple in the fridge for snacking and salads too! And there are tons of fruit single servings too, so we are set.

OK so, you are feeling crafty? Well me too… I will probably be making scrubs if I get a chance today. But, here is another one of those projects that are awaiting my return to the crafting corner of my home LOL! I think these would be very useful for craft items or office items, and even kitchen utensils.



Craft Idea of the Day: Craft Carry-All

You Need:

Empty Six-Pack Holder
Spray Paint (Optional)
Contact Paper, Labels, Self-Adhesive Vinyl

Instructions:

Cover six pack holder with a coat of paint or vinyl. (This vinyl is from a local sign shop. They use brightly colored vinyl with adhesive backing to make signs. Your local shop probably has pieces too small for their use. These pieces make a great craft supply!) If covering in vinyl or contact paper, cut 2" irregular pieces and lay overlapping pieces until six pack holder is completely covered.

Decorate with stickers or cut out your own shapes to stick on.

Isn’t that just too cute? I thought so too! OK, lets move on to something very delish… FOOD! Ah the tastes… the textures… the spices… the oh-so-good feelings that properly prepared food gives you. It can be quite a spiritual experience LMAO! So today I am sharing this yummy recipe with you. I plan to utilize that mango pico salsa I got clearanced yesterday with this dish.



Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Sausage with Mango, Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) package al fresco® Spicy Jalapeno chicken sausage, fully cooked, slice on the diagonal 1/4 inch thick
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 cup fresh mango, 1 inch chunks
1 cup fresh pineapple, 1 inch chunks
1 1/2 cups fresh salsa
1/2 cup prepared fresh/frozen edamame (soybeans)
1/2 cup canned black, unsalted soybeans, rinsed
3 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Heat a 12 inch skillet with olive oil over high heat. Quickly saute the jalapeno sausage for 2 minutes, add the dry sherry and cook 2 more minutes. Toss in the mango and pineapple and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add the fresh salsa, edamame and black beans, continue to cook 2-3 minutes just to heat through.

Mix the chopped cilantro with the rice. Spoon the sausage and mango and pineapple salsa over the rice and serve immediately.

Well that’s it kids. I hope you have found today’s entry informative and fun at the same time! I’m going to get dressed and head out the door to help my mom. DH has daddy duty LOL! I’ll see you tomorrow for more idle chit chat! HUGS!