Gently-used & new clothing at bargain prices. You can also sell your name brand clothing to them.
Showing posts with label practical. Show all posts
Showing posts with label practical. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Saturday, February 21, 2015
When To Buy Stuff
Saw this article of when the best time to buy certain items is, and thought it was worth passing along.
Good to know!
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Saturday, August 23, 2014
FIRST AID KIT
Recently I came across an old list of what to put in a first aid kit. Good to have on-hand, but it takes a bit to compile it all. Here is the list:
FLASHLIGHT/BATTERIES
2 COMPRESS DRESSINGS
BANDAIDS
ADHESIVE CLOTH TAPE
5 ANTI-BIOTIC OINTMENT PACKETS
5 ANTISEPTIC WIPE PACKETS
2 PACKS ASPIRIN
BLANKET
1 BREATHING BAMER
SOAP/SANITIZER
1 INSTANT COLD COMPRESS
2 PAIR GLOVES
2 HYDROCORTIZONE OINTMENT PACKETS
1 ROLLER BANDAGE
SCISSORS
5 STERILE GAUZE PADS, 3X3, 4X4
ORAL THERMOMETER
2 TRIANGULAR BANDAGES
TWEEZERS
FIRST AID BOOK
1 IBUPROFIN
SAFETY PINS
CALAMINE LOTION
ALCOHOL WIPES
WIPES
ICE PACK
CHILD COLD MEDICINE
5 BURN RELIEF PACKS
EYE WASH SOLUTION
TUMS
PERSONAL MEDICATION
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Tiny: A Story of Living Small
TINY: A STORY OF LIVING SMALL
TRAILER: http://vimeo.com/ondemand/tiny
Now showing in full on NETFLIX
embedding that isn't working ???
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TRAILER: http://vimeo.com/ondemand/tiny
Now showing in full on NETFLIX
embedding that isn't working ???
<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/fd_ZuQaChq4?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/fd_ZuQaChq4?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
<object width="560" height="315"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/e7zXG-pUCTA?hl=en_US&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/e7zXG-pUCTA?hl=en_US&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Visions
Here I am still trying to weed through the clutter in my home and I tell you, it is HARD to get rid of things. I have already taken 2 car loads to Goodwill and haven't even made a dent in the rest of it.
Like children at Christmas have visions of sugar plums, I have visions of this ~
Like children at Christmas have visions of sugar plums, I have visions of this ~
Copyright - Good Bones, Great Pieces
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Plastic Bottle Green House
http://ana-white.com/2011/04/plastic-bottle-green-house-build-guide
 |
| From Ana-White.com |
Looks like a fun project to try, for very little money.
I am also adding her blog to my retrench links at the bottom of this page.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Sunday, March 9, 2014
They Don't Tell You
In living simple class, they don't tell you that the first thing you will need to do is get rid of clutter. They also don't tell you that you will get rid of the first round and that is only the start. There will be many more goes at it and it still won't be right.
You'll wonder how you can live without something and debate whether to keep it or not. Over and over. I am still on the first page of decluttering and it's getting old! Shredding papers has been an ongoing process. Taking bag after bag of clothing to Goodwill frees up needed closet space, but sometimes you feel you are in the mire of clutter quicksand and there is no way out.
I'll get here, eventually!
You'll wonder how you can live without something and debate whether to keep it or not. Over and over. I am still on the first page of decluttering and it's getting old! Shredding papers has been an ongoing process. Taking bag after bag of clothing to Goodwill frees up needed closet space, but sometimes you feel you are in the mire of clutter quicksand and there is no way out.
I'll get here, eventually!
 |
| Good Bones Great Pieces |
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Package Deal
Something that the last post made me think of today was how I need to stock more basics in the pantry. Things such as flour, sugar, oil, oatmeal, etc, to have on hand for baking and cooking. This week I will be adding in more of these items in my shopping cart and baking something to go in the freezer for a quick thaw out snack later on this week.
Trying to get away from pre-packaged food is hard, especially for those of us who have eaten this way for years. I am not proud of it, but these are the facts and I know I'm not alone.
Questions I am asking myself this week:
1) Do I have enough ingredients on-hand to bake a simple batch of homemade cookies?
2) Do I have enough basic items in the pantry that I could cook 2-3 meals from them in the week?
3) Do I need to change shopping habits to stock more basics and do I even use the ones I already have on hand? If not, how can I start using them?
Homemade takes longer, but is less expensive and more importantly tastes better. And you know what's in it because you made it yourself.
Trying to get away from pre-packaged food is hard, especially for those of us who have eaten this way for years. I am not proud of it, but these are the facts and I know I'm not alone.
Questions I am asking myself this week:
1) Do I have enough ingredients on-hand to bake a simple batch of homemade cookies?
2) Do I have enough basic items in the pantry that I could cook 2-3 meals from them in the week?
3) Do I need to change shopping habits to stock more basics and do I even use the ones I already have on hand? If not, how can I start using them?
 |
| commons.wikimedia.org |
Friday, February 21, 2014
Food For Thought - Slow Food Movement
<script height="360px" width="640px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=YTJhZmJmNWZlNTc5MGM4ZTViZTY0NGJh&ec=1naGhwMjoedo3qHBn0sp0EqQHUFOwwaI"></script>
Saw this on the "Coffee Tea Books and Me" blog and found it to be an excellent resource. It's a starting point discussion for a lot of ideas that make good sense.
Basically, it's about cooking and buying foods like Grandma used to do, with local and fresh ingredients, no pre-packaged foods. Hopefully it's some food for thought for us all.
The embedded video appears to not be working, so here is a link:
http://www.byutv.org/watch/ed9289eb-6775-49e6-b17f-8fd269443c0c/fresh-take-slow-food-feast#ooid=1naGhwMjoedo3qHBn0sp0EqQHUFOwwaI
The embedded video appears to not be working, so here is a link:
http://www.byutv.org/watch/ed9289eb-6775-49e6-b17f-8fd269443c0c/fresh-take-slow-food-feast#ooid=1naGhwMjoedo3qHBn0sp0EqQHUFOwwaI
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Lifestyle
Right now I am reading Suzanne McMinn's book about her life on a farm and becoming a farmer. On page 93, it reads, "Living frugally and simply is about more than saving money. It's a lifestyle that permeates your entire home."
I love that quote and it's right where I am at, at the moment. Available for purchase at Chickensintheroad.com/
Saturday, January 25, 2014
The Tiny House Family
http://www.tinyhousefamily.com
Another gorgeously small house.
The family are building a larger home on their property and will use the tiny house as a bed and breakfast when the big home is completed. They have a large lot that they bought first and then built on. Check out their blog to see what they are learning from this experience.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Egg Substitutes For Cooking and Baking
Using Flax Seed:
For each egg needed, place in blender:
1 heaping tablespoon of whole organic flax seed, blend until it becomes a fine meal. Add 1/4 cup cold water blend 2-3 minutes until thickened and has the consistency of eggs. Each 1/4 cup of Flax seed mixture will replace one egg in baking
Using Gelatin:
Before starting recipe for cookies, cake etc... Combine 1 tsp unflavored gelatin with 3 tblsp cold water and 2 tblsp plus 1 tsp boiling water. This mixture will substitute for 1 egg in a recipe.
Using Tofu:
Tofu is great for egg substitutions in recipes that call for a lot of egg (like quiches). To substitute for only one egg in a recipe, whip 1/4 cup tofu and add to your cooking.
1 whole egg = 2 tbsp water and 1 tbsp oil and 2 tsp baking powder.
To make one egg use 2 tbsp water and 2 tsp baking powder.
To make one egg white, dissolve 1 tblsp plain agar powder in 1 tblsp water. Whip, chill and whip again.
1 heaping tblsp soy powder and 2 tblsp water = 1 egg.
1 tblsp soy milk powder and 1 tblsp cornstarch and 2 tblsp water = 1 egg.
One average size banana = one egg, adds flavor to product. Product may be gummy.
1/4 cup soymilk in place of each egg.
3 tablespoons pureed fruit = 1 egg.
Substitute 3 tablespoons mayonnaise for each egg called for in a recipe.
1 egg white is 1 tablespoon of meringue powder plus 2 tablespoons warm water; 8-10 egg whites = 1 cup
1/4 teaspoon agar powder and 1/4 cup lukewarm water and 1 teaspoon low sodium baking powder . Whisk all ingredients together well before adding to recipe .
1/2 tablespoon agar flakes and 1/4 cup water and 1 teaspoon low sodium baking powder- In a large microwave safe container, combine water and agar with top on cook on high in microwave for 45 seconds. Carefully remove container from microwave and whisk baking powder into mixture. Use caution, the baking powder causes a rapid expansion of the liquid and has a tendency to foam over.
2 tablespoons liquid (room temperature water or milk or substitute) and 1 tablespoon potato starch or tapioca starch and 1 /2 tablespoon shortening and 3 /4 teaspoon low sodium baking powder.
1 tablespoon any mild flavored oil + 1 tablespoon apple cider or wine vinegar or lemon juice and 1 teaspoon low sodium baking powder and 1 teaspoon potato starch or cornstarch or arrowroot + enough carbonated water[plain soda water) to equal a total of 1 /4 cup . Combine all ingredients in a medium size bowl to allow room for the ingredients to increase in volume as baking soda and vinegar react. Whisk, then add per mix or recipe instructions.
1 tsp of arrowroot powder + 1 tsp of water, sometimes you may want to add a little extra milk or water or oil to make up for the bulk that you would get with a real egg. Good for pancakes and waffles.
As bad as this may sound 15 ml (0.51 oz) Vinegar = 1 egg. Mainly used in baking, products will stale quickly, use within four days. Freeze until used. Adds flavor to product. Product may be gummy.
1 tsp yeast dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water = 1 egg.
Xanthan Gum.
Mix about 1/4 tsp. with about 1/4 cup of water. Let stand. It thickens, and can be whipped like an egg white. It's okay to replace one egg.
Egg Yolk Substitute:
Mix 2 cups water and 1 cup flour in a blender until thick. Cook in a double boiler 45-60 minutes. With a mixer, whip in 2 Tbsp. cooking oil and 1/4 tsp salt. use 2 or 3 Tbsp. for binder in hamburgers or meat loaf.
Egg White Extender:
Add 1 tsp cold water to 2 egg whites. Makes 3 egg whites.
And Now For Something Completely Different, But Works:
Snow can be used as an excellent substitute for eggs in puddings, pancakes, etc. Two heaping tablespoons snow will take the place of 1 egg, and the recipe will turn out equally well. Use fresh-fallen snow or the under-layers of older snow. The ammonia in snow imparts to its rising properties, and the exposed surface of the snow loses ammonia by evaporations very soon after it has fallen.
Low Cholesterol Egg Substitute Recipe:
1 tablespoon of nonfat dry milk powder
2 egg whites from large eggs
4 drops of yellow food color
Sprinkle powdered milk over egg whites, then beat them with fork until smooth. Add food color, and beat until blended. This makes one-fourth cup, which is equal to 1 large egg. If you use this homemade substitute for scrambled eggs, cook it in vegetable oil or margarine so the eggs won't be too dry.
Best For Baking:
Try substituting 1 banana or 1/4 cup apple sauce for each egg called for in a sweet, baked recipe. These will flavour the recipe, however, so make sure banana or apple will taste good in it.
This is the one most often used in baking; it's really only good for recipes that call for 1 or 2 eggs. To make one egg use 1 tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer powder + 2 tbsp water. It's made from potato flour and other vegan leaveners, this powder can be found in most health food stores.
Source: Yahoo from a user named "Been There Done That"
For each egg needed, place in blender:
1 heaping tablespoon of whole organic flax seed, blend until it becomes a fine meal. Add 1/4 cup cold water blend 2-3 minutes until thickened and has the consistency of eggs. Each 1/4 cup of Flax seed mixture will replace one egg in baking
Using Gelatin:
Before starting recipe for cookies, cake etc... Combine 1 tsp unflavored gelatin with 3 tblsp cold water and 2 tblsp plus 1 tsp boiling water. This mixture will substitute for 1 egg in a recipe.
Using Tofu:
Tofu is great for egg substitutions in recipes that call for a lot of egg (like quiches). To substitute for only one egg in a recipe, whip 1/4 cup tofu and add to your cooking.
1 whole egg = 2 tbsp water and 1 tbsp oil and 2 tsp baking powder.
To make one egg use 2 tbsp water and 2 tsp baking powder.
To make one egg white, dissolve 1 tblsp plain agar powder in 1 tblsp water. Whip, chill and whip again.
1 heaping tblsp soy powder and 2 tblsp water = 1 egg.
1 tblsp soy milk powder and 1 tblsp cornstarch and 2 tblsp water = 1 egg.
One average size banana = one egg, adds flavor to product. Product may be gummy.
1/4 cup soymilk in place of each egg.
3 tablespoons pureed fruit = 1 egg.
Substitute 3 tablespoons mayonnaise for each egg called for in a recipe.
1 egg white is 1 tablespoon of meringue powder plus 2 tablespoons warm water; 8-10 egg whites = 1 cup
1/4 teaspoon agar powder and 1/4 cup lukewarm water and 1 teaspoon low sodium baking powder . Whisk all ingredients together well before adding to recipe .
1/2 tablespoon agar flakes and 1/4 cup water and 1 teaspoon low sodium baking powder- In a large microwave safe container, combine water and agar with top on cook on high in microwave for 45 seconds. Carefully remove container from microwave and whisk baking powder into mixture. Use caution, the baking powder causes a rapid expansion of the liquid and has a tendency to foam over.
2 tablespoons liquid (room temperature water or milk or substitute) and 1 tablespoon potato starch or tapioca starch and 1 /2 tablespoon shortening and 3 /4 teaspoon low sodium baking powder.
1 tablespoon any mild flavored oil + 1 tablespoon apple cider or wine vinegar or lemon juice and 1 teaspoon low sodium baking powder and 1 teaspoon potato starch or cornstarch or arrowroot + enough carbonated water[plain soda water) to equal a total of 1 /4 cup . Combine all ingredients in a medium size bowl to allow room for the ingredients to increase in volume as baking soda and vinegar react. Whisk, then add per mix or recipe instructions.
1 tsp of arrowroot powder + 1 tsp of water, sometimes you may want to add a little extra milk or water or oil to make up for the bulk that you would get with a real egg. Good for pancakes and waffles.
As bad as this may sound 15 ml (0.51 oz) Vinegar = 1 egg. Mainly used in baking, products will stale quickly, use within four days. Freeze until used. Adds flavor to product. Product may be gummy.
1 tsp yeast dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water = 1 egg.
Xanthan Gum.
Mix about 1/4 tsp. with about 1/4 cup of water. Let stand. It thickens, and can be whipped like an egg white. It's okay to replace one egg.
Egg Yolk Substitute:
Mix 2 cups water and 1 cup flour in a blender until thick. Cook in a double boiler 45-60 minutes. With a mixer, whip in 2 Tbsp. cooking oil and 1/4 tsp salt. use 2 or 3 Tbsp. for binder in hamburgers or meat loaf.
Egg White Extender:
Add 1 tsp cold water to 2 egg whites. Makes 3 egg whites.
And Now For Something Completely Different, But Works:
Snow can be used as an excellent substitute for eggs in puddings, pancakes, etc. Two heaping tablespoons snow will take the place of 1 egg, and the recipe will turn out equally well. Use fresh-fallen snow or the under-layers of older snow. The ammonia in snow imparts to its rising properties, and the exposed surface of the snow loses ammonia by evaporations very soon after it has fallen.
Low Cholesterol Egg Substitute Recipe:
1 tablespoon of nonfat dry milk powder
2 egg whites from large eggs
4 drops of yellow food color
Sprinkle powdered milk over egg whites, then beat them with fork until smooth. Add food color, and beat until blended. This makes one-fourth cup, which is equal to 1 large egg. If you use this homemade substitute for scrambled eggs, cook it in vegetable oil or margarine so the eggs won't be too dry.
Best For Baking:
Try substituting 1 banana or 1/4 cup apple sauce for each egg called for in a sweet, baked recipe. These will flavour the recipe, however, so make sure banana or apple will taste good in it.
This is the one most often used in baking; it's really only good for recipes that call for 1 or 2 eggs. To make one egg use 1 tsp Ener-G Egg Replacer powder + 2 tbsp water. It's made from potato flour and other vegan leaveners, this powder can be found in most health food stores.
Source: Yahoo from a user named "Been There Done That"
Friday, January 3, 2014
Tiny House
When I first saw this picture, I immediately thought of Thoreau's cabin at Walden. I think he'd approve of this little house. I love it myself!
Click the link to read about it.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Gas Up the Car
We've had an early arctic weather pattern hit us and it took me off guard
*My car was almost on empty and I had to
trek out on the roads to fill up
*No cash on hand when I needed it for sundry items
*Needing groceries, but avoiding the roads, so eating from the low supply pantry
These are just a few of the ways the storm took me off guard. And it was only 2 days.
What would you do if you couldn't leave your home for a week or more. We never have to think about these things because most of us live in proximity to stores and convenience stores. What if they ran out of supplies. How long could you go just being at home?
This storm made an impact on me and how I need to plan for another storm event. Got to get with it!
Friday, November 29, 2013
Rethinking "Black Friday"
What would Thoreau make of "Black Friday" do you think? I for one, have rethought the annual trekking out on the Friday after Thanksgiving and have given it up as not worth the time or energy.
I know there are steals and deals to be found. Why not find them online instead. Make life easy for yourself; there are many independently run online shops out there who would love to have business too, and many of them offer "black friday" coupons.
Shop throughout the year at yard sales (new items or gently used vintage items), or the many clearance sales that pop up from time to time. Plan ahead so you can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with those you love. It is simply the best. Here are 5 things that might make you rethink "Black Friday:"
1) Shop online for deals
2) Check for coupon codes before checking out; places like Bed, Bath, Beyond" or Old Navy often offer coupons online, and it only requires that you find them. Type in "Old Navy Coupon Codes" in search and see what you find. Add the code as you check out and save.
3) Shop at yard sales for new or gently-used items, you'll be amazed at what you find that people are getting rid of.
4) Shop at Goodwill for the same reason as number 3.
5) Plan ahead, no need to scramble.
Happy Shopping!
Don't forget that books make great gifts - Bookishkind.com
use code "BNRPARTY" at checkout for 20% off!
I know there are steals and deals to be found. Why not find them online instead. Make life easy for yourself; there are many independently run online shops out there who would love to have business too, and many of them offer "black friday" coupons.
Shop throughout the year at yard sales (new items or gently used vintage items), or the many clearance sales that pop up from time to time. Plan ahead so you can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with those you love. It is simply the best. Here are 5 things that might make you rethink "Black Friday:"
1) Shop online for deals
2) Check for coupon codes before checking out; places like Bed, Bath, Beyond" or Old Navy often offer coupons online, and it only requires that you find them. Type in "Old Navy Coupon Codes" in search and see what you find. Add the code as you check out and save.
3) Shop at yard sales for new or gently-used items, you'll be amazed at what you find that people are getting rid of.
4) Shop at Goodwill for the same reason as number 3.
5) Plan ahead, no need to scramble.
Happy Shopping!Don't forget that books make great gifts - Bookishkind.com
use code "BNRPARTY" at checkout for 20% off!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Food Storage Formula
I am not sure where I got this, but this is a short-term food storage formula / food rotation idea. I think these are supposed to be freezer meals.
You need:
7 meal ideas (favorite meals your family likes to eat)---->
x 12
equals 84 meals, or 3 months of meals
Here is the outline for buying and preparing the meals you rotate. You repeat for each of the 7 meals.
Meal #1 -
Ingredients needed-
Ingredients needed for 12 meals -
The key is to make things your family already likes and eats, then you freeze them / rotate for future use. When the meals are running low, you repeat the process. You'd be amazed at how much you save on food when you do this!
You need:
7 meal ideas (favorite meals your family likes to eat)---->
x 12
equals 84 meals, or 3 months of meals
Here is the outline for buying and preparing the meals you rotate. You repeat for each of the 7 meals.
Meal #1 -
Ingredients needed-
Ingredients needed for 12 meals -
The key is to make things your family already likes and eats, then you freeze them / rotate for future use. When the meals are running low, you repeat the process. You'd be amazed at how much you save on food when you do this!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Hear the Music!
With tightening budgets, music purchases take a back seat sometimes as the budget doesn't allow for many splurges. There is a solution, however.
Noisetrade offers you the chance of some free new, (and old), music, and the artists themselves are the ones offering it to you. Tipping is always appreciated and a nice thing to do. In fact, it's the right thing to do, if you can, however much you can.
Let's face it, everyone needs new music every now and then. it's a win-win for everyone because the artist (hopefully) gets tipped and the listener gets some great music. Check out Noisetrade!
Noisetrade offers you the chance of some free new, (and old), music, and the artists themselves are the ones offering it to you. Tipping is always appreciated and a nice thing to do. In fact, it's the right thing to do, if you can, however much you can.
Let's face it, everyone needs new music every now and then. it's a win-win for everyone because the artist (hopefully) gets tipped and the listener gets some great music. Check out Noisetrade!
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