Home gardening offers ways to trim grocery costs [Survival Today, an on going thread]

Americans finding soaring food prices hard to stomach can battle back by growing their own food. [Click image for a larger version] Dean Fosdick Dean Fosdick

Home vegetable gardens appear to be booming as a result of the twin movements to eat local and pinch pennies.

At the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta this winter, D. Landreth Seed Co. of New Freedom, Pa., sold three to four times more seed packets than last year, says Barb Melera, president. "This is the first time I've ever heard people say, 'I can grow this more cheaply than I can buy it in the supermarket.' That's a 180-degree turn from the norm."

Roger Doiron, a gardener and fresh-food advocate from Scarborough, Maine, said he turned $85 worth of seeds into more than six months of vegetables for his family of five.

A year later, he says, the family still had "several quarts of tomato sauce, bags of mixed vegetables and ice-cube trays of pesto in the freezer; 20 heads of garlic, a five-gallon crock of sauerkraut, more homegrown hot-pepper sauce than one family could comfortably eat in a year and three sorts of squash, which we make into soups, stews and bread."

She compares the current period of market uncertainty with that of the early- to mid-20th century when the concept of victory gardens became popular.

"A lot of companies during the world wars and the Great Depression era encouraged vegetable gardening as a way of addressing layoffs, reduced wages and such," she says. "Some companies, like U.S. Steel, made gardens available at the workplace. Railroads provided easements they'd rent to employees and others for gardening."

Laundry Stain Treatments: Methods & Guidelines

Posted By TipNut On November 17, 2008 @ 6:36 am In Laundry | 3 Comments

Picture of Stain Remover & Laundry - Tipnut.comFundamentals of Stain Removal

* Treat stain as soon as possible, a fresh stain is easier to remove.
* Test treatment on a hidden or unseen area of the clothing, test for color fastness before treating stain in a visible spot.
* Avoid hot water on the following stains: blood, egg and milk.
* Follow directions of commercial cleaners, be aware of any precautions noted.
* Do not dry garments in a hot dryer until you have removed the stain, this can set the stain and makes it harder to remove.

Tip: Check clothes as you place them in the washer and check again while placing them in the dryer. Catching stains before garments are washed and dried can help prevent permanent stains.

Should Stains Be Treated With Hot Or Cold Water?

* Many stains come out quickly when flushed or soaked in hot water, but some will be set permanently. When in doubt, soak in cold water. Stains that are: Blood, Milk, Eggs should never be exposed to heat, always work with cool water for these.

Stain Removal Method: Greasy Stains

* Place the garment stained side down on a clean white towel.
* Sponge the back of the stain thoroughly with treatment, working from the center of the stain out.
* Air dry. If stain still appears, repeat.

Stain Removal Method: Quick & Dirty
(use only if heat will not damage garment and not on stains that are blood, eggs or milk)

* Place a large bowl in the kitchen sink, position garment across the bowl with the stained area in the middle. Pour boiling water through the cloth (and directly over the stain) from a height of 1 1/2 to 3 feet. This method works best on stains that are fresh.

Stain Removal Method: Basic

* Wet stain with cool water.
* Rub stain with bar of soap (laundry soap or bar of Ivory soap). Rinse.
* If stain persists, rub with bar of soap again then soak garment in a mixture of cool water & detergent. Soak for about an hour or overnight. Rinse.
* If stain persists, rub bar soap into stain then gently scrub stain with a scrub brush until stain is removed. Do not do this if the garment is delicate or will be damaged by the brush. Rinse & launder as usual.
* If stain persists, try a more aggressive stain removal method by soaking stain in a commercial cleaner or bleach solution. Some recipes are found below

General Stain Remover Recipe

1 tsp Liquid Dish Detergent (no bleach)
1 tsp Ammonia

* Soak stain under cool running water then apply stain treatment by dabbing area with a sponge. Let sit for a few minutes then launder

3 Responses to “Laundry Stain Treatments: Methods & Guidelines”

1.
A Cowboy’s Wife
17 Nov 2008 at 6:57 am

One of the best stain removers I’ve found it, coke. It does wonders!
2.
Sunny
17 Nov 2008 at 8:04 pm

I am surprised that this has not yet been posted. If it can’t be removed with this method, then it is there forever!(BTW, this recipe comes from the Tightwad Gazette and is used by all the thrift shops.)

Last Resort Stain Removal Recipe

Add one cup each of powdered Cascade [or any dishwasher detergent] and Clorox II [or any color-safe bleach] to five gallons of the hottest water to come out or your faucet. Soak several articles overnight, and launder as usual.

This procedure will remove about 90% of the stains that do not come out with normal laundering. I do not use this recipe for delicate fabrics, or fabrics that are not color-fast. It is particularly good for removing food stains.
3.
Christense Andersen
18 Nov 2008 at 6:44 pm

Never-fail stain remover: plain old hairspray! I’ve used it to get out grease, chocolate, sharpie pen, and engine grease. Just spray it on at any point before washing. Also if you’re going to be eating something sloppy and you’re a klutz (like me) you can lightly mist your clothes to protect against possible stains. Learned this from a hairdresser, who uses it to get our hair dye stains.

Laundry Stain Treatments: Tip Sheet

Posted By TipNut On November 24, 2008 @ 6:32 am In Laundry | No Comments

Picture of Spray Bottle - Tipnut.com*Each point is a separate treatment, choose one method. Test a small hidden area first to make sure garment color or fibers won’t be damaged.

Blood Stain Removal

* Apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain, cover with salt, then sit for several minutes. You should see the blood draw up from the garment. Remove salt once stain has lifted and launder as usual. Test a small, hidden area first to make sure the color won’t be bleached.
* Try rinsing the stain area in cool water then sprinkle on meat tenderizer. Sit for a few minutes then launder as usual.
* You could also use hydrogen peroxide plain, apply to area, sit for a few minutes then launder in cool water (first test a small hidden area to make sure the garment color won’t be bleached).
* Make a batch of cold, salty water and soak garment overnight. General guideline is 1 TBS salt per 2 1/2 cups of water. Launder as usual.

Chocolate Stain Removal

* Mix 4 TBS borax with 2 1/2 cups of warm water, soak garment in solution. After soaking, place stained area under cool running water, if stain doesn’t disappear, rub with a bar of laundry soap. Launder as usual.

Coffee Stain Removal

* Same as chocolate stains, see above.

Grass Stain Removal

* Before washing items with grass stains, try dabbing a generous amount of vinegar into the stain first. Launder as usual. This should help lift the stain right out.
* Wet stain with water and cover with sugar. Leave for at least 1 hour then launder as usual.

Ink Stains

* See [1] 10 Ink Stain Removers - Laundry Tips

Lipstick Stains

* Saturate a clean white cloth with household winger, rub lipstick stain lightly until it is removed.

Mildew Stains

* Squeeze fresh lemon juice on the spots then sprinkle with salt. Let dry in the sun. Launder as usual. Try this treatment for old stains, great for those vintage linens!

Mustard Stains

* Mix 1 TBS laundry detergent with 1/4 cup warm water. Soak stain overnight and launder as usual.
* Apply a few drops of liquid dish detergent to stain, gently rub into stain and soak overnight, launder as usual.

Perspiration Stains

* Mix a solution of water and vinegar (60/40) then sponge onto stain areas. Launder as usual.
* Mix a solution of 1 quart warm water with 4 TBS table salt, soak garment. Wash as usual.

Ring Around The Collar

* Try rubbing toothpaste along the stain before tossing in the washing machine. Careful on items that aren’t white, the toothpaste could cause discoloration.
* Use 3 parts baking soda to 2 parts vinegar to make a paste, rub into stain and allow to set for 60 minutes, launder as usual (found on [2] 10 Laundry Boosters Using Vinegar).

You could also dab toothpaste on white items that have hard to remove stains–it just might do the trick!

Rust Spots On Cloth Items

* Try treating the stains with a 50/50 mixture of lemon juice and water. Let sit for about 30 minutes before washing.
* Rub powdered Cream of Tartar into stain, then wash in hot soapy water. You can also boil garment in water mixed with Cream of Tartar (4 tsp Cream of Tartar per pint of water).

Rust stains on laundry can happen if your washing machine or dryer has a part that’s rusted. It can also be caused by hard water or if the clothing was accidentally washed with something metal that rusted in the wash.

Did you know: Chlorine bleach will make the rust stains harder to remove or even permanent?

Wine Stains

* Mix 1 1/4 cups of water and 2 tsp borax, apply over stain. Soak for 15 minutes, launder as usual.

More tips for stain removal:

* [3] Homemade Laundry Stain Pretreater Recipes
* [4] Laundry Stain Treatments: Methods & Guidelines

*Some of the information above was previously published as individual Quick Tips. They’ve been moved here into one list for convenience. All bookmarks will automatically forward to this page.

*Some comments below will be timestamped from an earlier date–these have been moved here from the individual quick tips that have been deleted so that the comments wouldn’t be lost.

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/laundry-stains/

URLs in this post:
[1] 10 Ink Stain Removers - Laundry Tips: http://tipnut.com/10-ink-stain-removers-laundry-tips/
[2] 10 Laundry Boosters Using Vinegar: http://tipnut.com/laundry-boosters-vinegar/
[3] Homemade Laundry Stain Pretreater Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-laundry-stain-remover-recipes/
[4] Laundry Stain Treatments: Methods & Guidelines: http://tipnut.com/stain-treatments/

Homemade Laundry Stain Pretreater Recipes

Posted By TipNut On November 14, 2008 @ 10:15 am In Homemade Cleaners, Laundry | 10 Comments

Frugal Laundry Soap - Pretreater

Picture of Bars of Soap - Tipnut.comSave pieces and leftover slivers of bar soaps and collect in a jar. Those little hotel soaps are ideal for this too (cut them down to small pieces).

When jar is filled half way with soap chunks, add boiling water. Mix soap bits and water until soap is melted.

Once cooled this will make a soap jelly. Use to pretreat laundry.

*Handy to gob onto stained items and toss back into the dirty laundry bag for pieces that you can’t wash right away.

Quick Tip: I’ve also used just straight liquid dish detergent successfully. Squirt a bit onto stain, rub in gently with your fingers, then toss the garment in the laundry pile to be washed later. This is an especially easy one since you can apply the soap as soon as you notice the stain and leave the garment sit until laundry day.

Picture of Laundry Spray Bottle - Tipnut.comHomemade Laundry Stain Removers

Recipe #1

1 cup hot water
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide

Directions:

* Mix ingredients then store in spray bottles. Spot treat stains then soak overnight.

Recipe #2

2 quarts water
1/2 cup ammonia
2 TBS laundry detergent

Directions:

* Mix ingredients then store in spray bottles. Spot treat stains then soak overnight.
* Do not use with bleach.

Updated: Many of these recipes were previously published here on Tipnut and combined into this single post for convenience, all bookmarks will automatically forward here. The comments below are timestamped earlier than the post date since they have been moved here so they won’t be lost.

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/homemade-laundry-stain-remover-recipes/

#
Jeane
09 Aug 2008 at 3:31 pm

To remove berry stains:

1. Boil about a quart of water over high heat.
2. Place stained garment in sink.
3. Pour boiling water over berry stain.
4. Watch the stain dissolve.
5. To remove blackberry or blueberry stains, apply powder stain remover that has been rendered into a paste. Apply the paste on the stain and rub. Rinse in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Also try bleach alternative detergent. Apply directly on stain. Let sit then rub. Rinse. Repeat until stain is gone.
Tips:
* This works best if you move quickly. Apply the boiling water as soon as possible after the garment becomes stained.
* It is possible that this method will not work with all berries, however, it generally works with most red staining fruits.
* You can also use dish liquid along with the boiling water!
#
dottiebunky
22 Aug 2008 at 2:29 pm

Another good use for those little bath soap pieces that are no longer big enough to use.

Make a little bag out of common nylon net. The nylon net can be purchased for very little at any fabric department or store.

Put a handful of little soap pieces in it and tie it off, sew it up, or secure with an elastic band.
Not only will it contain your soap chips,
but it acts as a nice little exfoliant scrubber. You can use it at the sink for
handwashing, or in the shower for an extension of the life of your soap.
#
Alexandra
14 Nov 2008 at 11:14 am

I use a version of recipe #1. Straight hydrogen peroxide works wonders as well. It’s especially good on set in tea and coffee stains on my rug.
#
Roberta
17 Nov 2008 at 1:02 pm

IHAVE BEEN USING THIS RECIPE FOR YEARS AND IT WORKS WELL.

1/2 CUP WHITE VINEGAR
1/2 CUP AMMONIA
1/2 CUP LIQUID DETERGENT
1/2 CUP WATER
PUT ALL INGREDIENTS IN A SPRAY BOTTLE AND USE AS NEEDED.

More Kitchen Tip Quickies

Posted By TipNut On November 18, 2008 @ 8:19 am In Kitchen Tips, Tipnut Mailbag | No Comments

Quick Kitchen Tips - Tipnut.comHow nice! Here’s the latest bunch of kitchen tips sent in by readers to share with everyone, there are several goodies that are new to me. I’ve included the name of the person who submitted them beside each tip (thank you so much!).

Kitchen Tip Quickies

1. Just thought I would share this one with folks. I bake a lot around the holidays, but not so much the rest of the year. As a result I always have old spices left over and have to buy new to bake. I use the old ones when I clean house to simmer on the stove while I’m working. There’s nothing like your house smelling like baking spices when you get done with the cleaning and don’t have the smell of cleaners everywhere! (Melissa). (For recipe ideas, see [1] Fragrant Home: 13 Simmering Pot Recipes).
2. You have probably already had this one submitted but just in case, an easy way to chop hardboiled eggs for egg salad, potato salad, etc. is to use a pastry blender. The wire one works just as well as a bladed one. (Mary Ann)
3. For an easy way to “cook” lasagna noodles, put them in a pan of very hot tap water while completing the rest of the recipe. They will be soft and pliable when you are ready to start layering them with the sauce, etc. I usually make my lasagna the day before and keep overnight in the fridge to reheat the next day. Flavor is wonderful. (Pat)
4. Don’t shuck corn. Just put on microwave safe plate, and microwave. When cooked, remove outside shuck and then grasp the corn silks with your fingertips and gently pull. The silks will come off easily. (Margaret). (More tips [2] How To Remove Corn From The Cob).
5. Keep a supply of kitchen trash can liners in the bottom of your trash can. When you lift out the full bag, the new ones are right there, saves the extra steps to get a liner from the cupboard. Do the same for small bathroom liners (we use plastic grocery store bags for bathroom liners). (Joe)
6. When breading chicken pieces, first coat with mayonnaise instead of egg then dredge in crumb coating. Delicious! (Melanie)
7. Sometimes kitchen odors can linger (especially when cooking cabbage and onions). I set out a small bowl of ammonia on the kitchen table and go to bed. When we get up in the morning, the smells are all gone. (Holly)
8. Plastic crates are excellent storage cubes for the deep freeze, they keep food sorted neatly and they’re easy to shuffle around. We have a very large freezer that came with only two baskets and I found the plastic crates to be a big help. They hold up very well in the cold. (Dianne)
9. I use a potato masher to mash ground beef while it’s browning. It’s a time saver because the beef separates and cooks up quickly. (Joanne)
10. Drop a teaspoonful of peanut butter in the bottom of each muffin pan then add muffin batter and bake. The peanut butter adds a nutty flavor to the muffin. (Cheryl)
11. Remove the smell of garlic from hands by rubbing your fingers over a stainless steel spoon. I don’t know how it works, but it does! (Jean)
12. Coat greased loaf pans with a layer of cinnamon sugar then pour in batter for banana bread and top with more cinnamon sugar. A very tasty addition that my kids love! (Barbara)
13. My friend taught me this tip: Add onion skins to the water when boiling eggs, this turns the shells a tint of brown. When stored in the refrigerator, you’ll know at a glance which eggs are hard boiled and which aren’t. The flavor of the eggs aren’t affected at all. (Sarah)
14. Save onion peels for the bbq, toss on the hot coals and they’ll give extra flavor to the food that’s grilling. (Kenneth)

Thanks so much for sharing these with Tipnut readers! If you’d like to share your favorite tips with everyone, please send it in by using the [3] contact form.

Plenty more tips to be found in the [4] Kitchen Tips Category.

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/more-kitchen-tips/

URLs in this post:
[1] Fragrant Home: 13 Simmering Pot Recipes: http://tipnut.com/fragrant-home-13-simmering-pot-recipes/
[2] How To Remove Corn From The Cob: http://tipnut.com/how-to-remove-corn-from-the-cob/
[3] contact form: http://tipnut.com/contact/
[4] Kitchen Tips Category: http://tipnut.com/category/household-tips/kitchen-tips/

[A page of tips, hints, links]

http://thanksgiving.tipnut.com/

Thanksgiving Turkeys Template

Here are three different designs from vintage embroidery transfer patterns. One is a platter with a roast turkey, the other is a turkey design and the third is lettering for the word Thanksgiving.

I’ve scanned them each into a single pdf that you can download below, jpg files are available as well (individually).

Thanksgiving Lettering - Thanksgiving.Tipnut.com
Roast Turkey - Thanksgiving.Tipnut.com
Turkey - Thanksgiving.Tipnut.com

PDF Download:

* Thanksgiving Turkeys

JPG Downloads:

* Turkey
* Roast Turkey
* Thanksgiving Lettering

Date Added: Nov 01, 2008
Thanksgiving Pilgrims Template

These pilgrim designs are from vintage embroidery transfer patterns. There are profiles of two adults as well as two youth pilgrims in full costume.

Thanksgiving Pilgrim Templates - Thanksgiving.Tipnut.com

PDF Download: Thanksgiving Pilgrims

JPG Download: Thanksgiving Pilgrims

Date Added: Nov 01, 2008
Chow Mein Turkey Casserole

2 cups turkey (cooked & diced)
2 cans cream of mushroom soup (condensed)
2 cups chopped celery
1 cup cold water
1/4 cup onion (chopped)
5 oz. cashew nuts (unsalted & halved)
2 bags chow mein noodles

* Mix all ingredients together reserving 1/4 bag of chow mein noodles for topping.
* Top the mixture with the remainder of the noodles.
* Bake at 350°F. for 1 hour.

Date Added: Nov 01, 2007
Turkey Pie Recipe

1 cup onions (thinly sliced)
1 TBS green pepper (chopped)
2 TBS butter
1/2 cup milk
2 cups cooked turkey (diced)
3/4 cup cooked vegetables
1 can cream of mushroom soup (condensed)
1/2 tsp salt
Dash of pepper

Pastry for 9 “ deep pie plate.

* Sauté onions and green pepper in butter until tender. Add to remaining ingredients.
* Pour into prepared pie shell. Cover with pastry, seal edges, make slits for steam vents.
* Bake at 425°F. for 20 - 25 minutes or until done.

Here’s an alternative for a Country Style pie:

* Pour the above filling mixture into an 8 “ square baking dish.
* Roll out Tea Biscuit dough to 1/2 “ thickness (recipe is below). Cut in small rounds and place close to together to cover pie.
* Bake at 450°F. for 15 to 20 minutes or until tea biscuits are done.

Tea Biscuit Recipe:

2 cups flour
1 cup milk
1/4 cup shortening
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

* Mix flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture is the consistency of coarse cornmeal.
* Make a well in the center of flour mixture and add liquid slowly. Once all liquid has been added, stir dough vigorously until it comes freely from the side of the bowl.
* Turn dough onto lightly floured board and kneed lightly for a few minutes.
* Roll or pat out to desired thickness (about 1/2 “).
* Cut with 2 “ floured biscuit cutter.
* Place on ungreased baking sheet.
* Bake at 450°F. for 12 to 15 minutes.

Source: Five Roses A Guide To Good Cooking

Date Added: Nov 01, 2007
Turkey Stuffing With Ham

10 cups bread cubes (dried)
2 cups cooked ham (diced)
2 cups celery (diced)
2 cups water (boiling)
1 1/2 cups melted butter
1 diced onion
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

* Combine all ingredients excluding melted butter and water.
* Stir in melted butter.
* Stir in boiling water using just the amount you need to get desired consistency.
* Stuff turkey.

Date Added: Nov 01, 2007
Leftover Turkey Casserole Recipe

1/4 cup margarine (melted)
2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups turkey (cooked & diced)
1 1/2 cups cooked spaghetti
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mushrooms
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp pepper

Topping:

3/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup melted margarine (for topping)

Directions:

* Add flour to the first 1/4 cup of melted margine and stir until well mixed. Slowly add the milk and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
* Place the rest of the ingredients (excluding topping) in a large bowl. Pour heated milk sauce over this and mix everything together very well. Pour mix into a casserole dish.
* Mix the breadcrumbs with the second 1/4 cup of melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
* Bake at 350°F. and bake for 25 minutes or until done.

Date Added: Nov 01, 2007

10 Homemade Laundry Soap Detergent Recipes

Posted By TipNut On January 4, 2007 @ 7:26 am In DIY Projects, Frugal Living, Homemade Cleaners, Laundry, Popular Tips | 265 Comments

Picture of Homemade Laundry Detergent Bottle - Tipnut.comHere is a nice stack of different homemade laundry detergent recipes I’ve collected over the years. Do they work? Yes, I’ve had good luck with them.

At the time I was using homemade detergent, we had a relative who was in trade school living with us. Every day he was mechanic grease from head to toe–the clothes cleaned up nice!

Making your own laundry detergent is a discipline and it’s not for everyone. But it definitely saves money.

Tips:

For the bar soaps required in the recipes, you could try Fels-Naptha, Ivory soap, Sunlight bar soap, Kirk’s Hardwater Castile, and Zote. Don’t use heavily perfumed soaps.

Washing Soda and Borax can normally be found in the laundry and cleaning aisles.

Some people with really hard water or well water may have to adjust the recipes if the clothes look dingy.

Although several of the recipes have the same ingredients, the measurements are different–some contain a higher soap to water ratio. Test and see which works best for your laundry needs.

You can make huge pails of this at once, or smaller quantities. Also if you can get your hands on a few empty liquid laundry detergent bottles they work great for storing the detergent. Just make a big batch and pour in bottles, cap then use as needed–shake before use.

Some of the recipes call for large amounts of water. Check with a local restaurant to see if they have any empty large pails from deep fryer oil–that’s how many restaurants buy the oil. See if you can have one or two of the pails after they’ve emptied it–just wash them out really well before using. They’re big, heavy plastic and very sturdy when stirring the soap and hot water.

10 Homemade Laundry Soap Detergent Recipes

Recipe #1

1 quart Water (boiling)
2 cups Bar soap (grated)
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda

* Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted.
* Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir well until all is dissolved.
* Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed.
* Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Stir the soap each time you use it (will gel).

Recipe #2

Hot water
1 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1 Soap bar

* Grate the bar soap and add to a large saucepan with hot water. Stir over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
* Fill a 10 gallon pail half full of hot water. Add the melted soap, Borax and Washing soda, stir well until all powder is dissolved. Top the pail up with more hot water.
* Use 1 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).

Recipe #3

Hot water
1/2 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1/3 bar Soap (grated)

* In a large pot, heat 3 pints of water. Add the grated bar soap and stir until melted. Then add the washing soda and borax. Stir until powder is dissolved, then remove from heat.
* In a 2 gallon clean pail, pour 1 quart of hot water and add the heated soap mixture. Top pail with cold water and stir well.
* Use 1/2 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).

Powdered Laundry Detergent - Recipe #4

Picture of Cup Of Powdered Laundry Detergent - Tipnut.com2 cups Fels Naptha Soap (finely grated - you could also try the other bar soaps listed at the top)
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax

* Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.
* Use 2 tablespoons per full load.

Recipe #5

Hot water
1 bar (4.5 oz) Ivory Soap - grated
1 cup Washing Soda

* In a large saucepan add grated soap and enough hot water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until soap is melted.
* Fill a large pail with 2.5 gallons of hot water, add hot soap mixture. Stir until well mixed.
* Then add the washing soda, again stirring until well mixed.
* Set aside to cool.
* Use 1/2 cup per full load, stirring well before each use (will gel)

Recipe #6

2.5 gallons Water (hot)
1 Bar soap (grated)
3/4 cup Washing Soda
3/4 cup Borax
2 TBS Glycerin

* Melt bar soap over medium-low heat topped with water, stir until soap is melted.
* In a large pail, pour 2.5 gallons of hot water, add melted soap mixture, washing soda, borax and glycerin. Mix well.
* Use 1/2 cup per full load.

Recipe #7

2 cups Bar soap (grated)
2 cups Washing Soda
2 - 2.5 gallons hot water

* Melt grated soap in saucepan with water to cover. Heat over medium-low heat and stir until soap is dissolved.
* Pour hot water in large pail, add hot soap and washing soda. Stir very well.
* Use 1 cup per full load.

Recipe #8

2 gallons Water (hot)
1 bar Soap (grated)
2 cups Baking soda (yes baking soda this time–not washing soda)

* Melt grated soap in a saucepan with enough hot water to cover. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring frequently until soap is melted.
* In a large pail, pour 2 gallons hot water. Add melted soap, stir well.
* Then add the baking soda, stir well again.
* Use 1/2 cup per full load, 1 cup per very soiled load.

Powdered Laundry Detergent - Recipe #9

Picture of Cup Of Powdered Laundry Detergent - Tipnut.com12 cups Borax
8 cups Baking Soda
8 cups Washing Soda
8 cups Bar soap (grated)

* Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed tub.
* Use 1/8 cup of powder per full load.

Recipe #10 - (Powdered)

Picture of Cup Of Powdered Laundry Detergent - Tipnut.com1 cup Vinegar (white)
1 cup Baking Soda
1 cup Washing Soda
1/4 cup liquid castile soap

* Mix well and store in sealed container.
* I find it easiest to pour the liquid soap into the bowl first, stirred in the washing soda, then baking soda, then added the vinegar in small batches at a time (the recipe foams up at first). The mixture is a thick paste at first that will break down into a heavy powdered detergent, just keep stirring. There may be some hard lumps, try to break them down when stirring (it really helps to make sure the baking soda isn’t clumpy when first adding). I used 1/2 cup per full load with great results.

Liquid Detergents Note:

Soap will be lumpy, goopy and gel-like. This is normal. Just give it a good stir before using. Make sure soap is covered with a lid when not in use. You could also pour the homemade soap in old (and cleaned) laundry detergent bottles and shake well before each use.

*If you can’t find Fels-Naptha locally, you can buy it online (check Amazon).

Optional:

You can add between 10 to 15 drops of essential oil (per 2 gallons) to your homemade laundry detergent. Add once the soap has cooled to room temperature. Stir well and cover.

Essential oil ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil

*Admin Update: clarified instructions for Recipe #10 and liquid detergent notes.

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

[The 256 comments are full of good ideas/tips...granny]

12 Easy Ways To Go Green (And Save Cash)

Posted By TipNut On May 16, 2008 @ 6:30 am In Frugal Living, Green Living, Popular Tips | 6 Comments

Picture of Earth Friendly Symbol - Tipnut.comHere are a few ideas to help cut household waste, consume less plus most of these tips will save you a few dollars every month.

The added bonus: they’re all ways to introduce a little earth friendliness into your home.
12 Easy Ways To Go Green

1. Use A Clothesline: see [1] How to Use a Clothesline, [2] Lazy Line Dry and [3] How To Install A Clothesline and [4] 11 Free Clothespin Bag Patterns.
2. Compost Kitchen Waste: see [5] How to Build a $15 Compost Bin, [6] How To Make Compost Guide, [7] Make Your Own Cheap & Easy Worm Bin, [8] How To Build A Compost Bin.
3. Cut Down On Plastic Bags & Packaging: see [9] 35 Reusable Grocery Bags You Can Make - Free Patterns.
4. Cut The Chemicals: see [10] Tipnut’s Cleaning Recipes, many are environmentally friendly and very frugal.
5. Plant A Garden: see [11] Plant A Sunflower & Help Bees Thrive, [12] Make Your Own Organic Potting Soil and [13] more Gardening tips.
6. Repurpose What You Can Use: see [14] 20 Things You Can Use Twice Before Tossing, [15] Reusing Plastic Milk Jug Ideas, [16] Recycle Project - Magazine Bowl.
7. Recycle What You Can’t Use: see [17] Organizing Tip Of The Day: Recycling Center.
8. Cut Oil & Gas Consumption: Even shaving just 30 minutes a week from our driving time, we can cut 26 hours of driving time a year–that’s a lot of fuel per person! Walk more, bike more, carpool when possible, take public transportation, plan your errands more effectively (to save time and driving).
9. Limit Paper Products: Use cloth napkins instead of paper, cloth rags instead of paper towels, use washable/reusable plastic cutlery & dishes instead of paper plates.
10. Respect Paper: [18] Opt Out Of Junk Mail, use up scraps to make scratch pads, shred used paper for packing material, recycle when possible, buy recycled paper.
11. Use Rain Water: Take advantage of free rain water for your garden & lawn needs, see [19] How to Install a Rainbarrel, [20] How to Harvest Rainwater, [21] Build a Rain Garden and [22] Rain Barrel Guide.
12. Use energy efficient light bulbs, rechargeable batteries (no waste), and make a move to energy efficient appliances as you can afford. These not only help reduce your energy needs, they also help save cash!

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/12-easy-ways-to-go-green-and-save-cash/

URLs in this post:
[1] How to Use a Clothesline: http://badmomgoodmom.blogspot.com/2007/04/how-to-use-clothesline.html
[2] Lazy Line Dry: http://www.instructables.com/id/Lazy-Line-Dry/
[3] How To Install A Clothesline: http://www.rona.ca/content/installing-clothesline-post_backyard_outdoor-design_renovation-constructi
on

[4] 11 Free Clothespin Bag Patterns: http://tipnut.com/11-free-clothespin-bag-patterns/
[5] How to Build a $15 Compost Bin: http://tipnut.com/how-to-build-a-15-compost-bin/
[6] How To Make Compost Guide: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-compost-guide/
[7] Make Your Own Cheap & Easy Worm Bin: http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-cheap-easy-worm-bin/
[8] How To Build A Compost Bin: http://tipnut.com/how-to-build-a-compost-bin/
[9] 35 Reusable Grocery Bags You Can Make - Free Patterns: http://tipnut.com/35-reusable-grocery-bags-totes-free-patterns/
[10] Tipnut’s Cleaning Recipes: http://tipnut.com/category/cleaning/cleaning-recipes/
[11] Plant A Sunflower & Help Bees Thrive: http://tipnut.com/plant-a-sunflower-help-bees-thrive/
[12] Make Your Own Organic Potting Soil: http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-organic-potting-soil/
[13] more Gardening tips: http://tipnut.com/category/garden-tips/
[14] 20 Things You Can Use Twice Before Tossing: http://tipnut.com/20-things-you-can-use-twice-before-tossing/
[15] Reusing Plastic Milk Jug Ideas: http://tipnut.com/reusing-plastic-milk-jug-ideas/
[16] Recycle Project - Magazine Bowl: http://tipnut.com/recycle-project-magazine-bowl/
[17] Organizing Tip Of The Day: Recycling Center: http://tipnut.com/organizing-tip-of-the-day-recycling-center/
[18] Opt Out Of Junk Mail: http://www.greendimes.com/
[19] How to Install a Rainbarrel: http://playinginthedirt.ca/?p=374
[20] How to Harvest Rainwater: http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/extras/52droughttolerant.php
[21] Build a Rain Garden: http://www.lowimpactliving.com/blog/2008/04/14/how-to-build-a-rain-garden/
[22] Rain Barrel Guide: http://www.rainbarrelguide.com/

Make Your Own Microwave Heating Pad

Posted By TipNut On December 13, 2006 @ 8:01 am In Beauty & Health, Crafty Ideas, Popular Tips, Sewing | 56 Comments

Instead of using electric heat pads & blankets or hot water bottles for your aches and pains, these microwaveable bags are just the ticket! They’re known by a few different terms such as: bed buddies, stress busters, magic bags, corn cozies, rice bags–but they’re basically all the same thing.

These bags serve a dual purpose as you can also keep them in the freezer to use has a cooling pad or freezer pack when needed.

Microwave Heating Pad Directions:

No pattern is necessary, simply cut two pieces of cloth in the size/shape you wish your bag to be. Make sure to leave a seam allowance for yourself (about 1/2 “).

Some prefer regular square shape bags, others prefer tubes or more rectangular shapes. Experiment, whip up a few different sizes and shapes to try. These are really easy to make as well as cheap!

Filler Options:

* Uncooked rice
* Wheat
* Feed corn
* Buckwheat hulls
* Barley
* Oatmeal
* Beans
* Flax seed
* Cherry pits

You can also add the following to the above for a soothing fragrant heating pad: Spices, herbs, essential oils.

* Ideas: lavender, rose petals, ground cloves, nutmeg, ginger, rosemary, cinnamon, peppermint oil, crushed mint
* If using: Mix herbs, spices and essential oil with choice heating pad filler (such as rice) and let sit in a sealed container for a few days (occasionally stirring). This will help set and distribute the fragrance a bit.

Fabric Options:

* Cotton: (plain, prints, flannels, denims)
* Alternate ideas: old socks (sew or knot end closed), washclothes, old towels

You can also choose to make cozy, removable & washable outer pouches. This is especially nice to do when giving as gifts.

* Fabric Ideas: use old towels, fleece, velour knits, pretty fabric prints and flannels (don’t microwave anything other than cotton fabrics). The softer & fluffier & better!

Instructions for Making the Heating Pad:

Cut and sew the fabric for the heating pads the size and shape you want (usually a large washcloth size works well). Leave an inch or two open on one side so that you can fill bag with your choice of filler. Fill the bag about 1/2 to 3/4 full, more or less as you prefer. Don’t fill too full though, you want the bag to mold itself around your body when you apply it. Once bag is filled, sew opening closed either by hand or machine (making sure filler is contained at the opposite side of bag).

If wanting a removable cover, just sew a “pillowcase” idea with your soft, plushy fabric by making it a little larger than your heating pad and leaving an open end (make sure to finish off ends by sewing a hem). Or you can add a strip of velcro to close it. Make sure to never microwave this cover unless it’s content is full cotton. Remove cover to wash as needed.

Filler Suggestion for headache soothers:

Rice (or other grain listed above) and a mix of:

* Dried lavender
* Marjoram
* Betony
* Rose petals
* Cloves
* Rosemary

Directions for use:

Place in microwave and heat for 1 to 3 minutes, depending on size of bag. Do not leave unattended “just in case” the filler smokes or starts on fire. As a precaution, you can set a cup of water inside the microwave while heating the bag to add moisture or spritzing bag lightly with water before heating. If you add spices and herbs, this is a good idea to do.

If You’re In a Pinch:

If you need a heating pad “now” and don’t have time to sew one, try filling a ziploc freezer bag (make sure it’s the microwaveable kind) 3/4 full with uncooked rice, seal shut. Heat for a minute or two then wrap in a hand towel and use as needed.

You can also fill a clean tube sock, tie closed the open end, heat and use as needed.

Caution:

These microwaveable heating pads are glorious to use for aches and pains, or just to pamper yourself after a long, hard day–but be careful when removing from microwave and applying to body. Shake bag first, feel around and make sure it’s not too hot and won’t burn, especially when using on a child.

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-microwave-heating-pad/

Recipe Hit List: 12 Homemade Bread Recipes

Posted By TipNut On November 20, 2008 @ 1:04 pm In Recipes | 3 Comments

Freshly baked homemade bread, still warm with real butter and topped with some homemade strawberry jam or slices of thick cheese, delicious! Homemade bread is not only heavenly, it’s a frugal treat made with wholesome ingredients and no added preservatives. This week’s Recipe Hit List is a collection of a variety of breads: White, Oat, Rye, Whole Wheat and more. Enjoy!

12 Homemade Bread Recipes
*Note: Descriptions below are quotes from the recipe sites

1. American Sandwich Bread [annieseats.wordpress.com] - Tipnut.com[1] American Sandwich Bread: must say, this bread really delivered. It really is a wonderful homemade sandwich bread. One of my major gripes about other loaves I have made in the past is that, while delicious, they do not have the height that I am looking for in a sandwich bread. However, this loaf has great height. The dough was just beautiful to work with and it rose easily. I also appreciate how quick the whole process was. I started in the morning and before lunch we had fresh bread for sandwiches. Fabulous! Recipe found at Annie’s Eats.

2. [2] Decadent Sweet Milk Bread: This makes a soft sweet loaf of bread. It can be totally made in a bread machine, however, I just used the machine to make the dough. Recipe found at Frugal Dr. Mom.

3. [3] Deli-Style Rye Bread: All I’m going to say about this recipe is that after making it, I decided that I am never going to the grocery store for bread ever again. Let’s not ruin this with any more words - just enjoy. Recipe found at Pete Bakes!

4. [4] Homemade Whole Wheat Bread: A fresh slice from the oven with a little butter on the top is like a taste of heaven! Especially when this bread comes from your very own oven and is made from quality ingredients, no additives, and soaked for the highest nutritional benefit! Who can ask for better? Recipe found at Passionate Homemaking.

5. [5] How To Make Great Homemade Bread: I’ve come to appreciate a great loaf of homemade bread for the taste, consistency and the price! With this recipe my kids prefer homemade to store bought bread. Recipe from What’s For Dinner.

6. [6] Oatmeal Toasting Bread Recipe: Makes three 8 ; x 4” loaves approximately 24 ounces each, plus 10 ounces dough to save as ‘old dough’ for your next batch. Recipe found at Farmgirl Fare.

7. [7] Easy, No Knead Crusty Bread: This easy bread recipe requires no kneading, and uses the heat and humidity of a Dutch oven to achieve the perfect crispy crust. Recipe found at Mother Earth News (recipe is on page 2 of article).

8. [8] Whole Wheat Beer Bread: Look at that gorgeous loaf! It has a firm and crunchy outer crust but is still soft on the inside. I am so proud of my loaf!! Recipe found at Happy Herbivore.

9. [9] Jamie Oliver’s Basic Bread Recipe: I’m still really mad about bread – I love it. It’s so exciting. It’s such a rewarding, therapeutic, tactile thing and you’ll be so proud of yourself once you’ve cracked it. Recipe found at JamieOliver.com.

10. [10] Honey Bran Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread Recipe: When it comes to baking bread, my motto is If you have friends or a freezer, never bake just one loaf at a time. It only takes a few more minutes of work to bake two or three loaves, and homemade bread freezes beautifully. Recipe found at A Year In Bread.

11. [11] Speedy No-Knead Bread: Recipe from The New York Times.

12. [12] Cuban Bread: This is another one of those breads that are fast and delicious. This recipe comes from the Tightwad Gazette, and is done in less than an hour and a half. Hooray! Recipe found at Fun Foods On A Budget.

And don’t miss today’s earlier tip [13] Baking Homemade Bread: How To Shape Loaves.

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/homemade-bread-recipes/

URLs in this post:
[1] American Sandwich Bread: http://annieseats.wordpress.com/2008/07/24/american-sandwich-bread/
[2] Decadent Sweet Milk Bread: http://frugaldrmom.blogspot.com/2008/11/my-most-favorite-bread-recipe.html
[3] Deli-Style Rye Bread: http://www.peterandrewryan.com/baking/2008/11/deli-style-rye-bread/
[4] Homemade Whole Wheat Bread: http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2008/01/kitchen-tip-tuesday-homemade-bread.html
[5] How To Make Great Homemade Bread: http://dinnertimeagain.blogspot.com/2008/11/how-to-make-great-homemade-bread-its.html
[6] Oatmeal Toasting Bread Recipe: http://foodiefarmgirl.blogspot.com/2006/11/oatmeal-toasting-bread-baking.html
[7] Easy, No Knead Crusty Bread: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/2007-12-01/Easy-No-Knead-Dutch-Oven-Crusty-Bread.aspx
[8] Whole Wheat Beer Bread: http://happyherbivore.com/2008/11/whole-wheat-beer-bread/
[9] Jamie Oliver’s Basic Bread Recipe: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/veggies-and-sides/basic-bread-recipe
[10] Honey Bran Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread Recipe: http://ayearinbread.earthandhearth.com/2008/11/susan-honey-bran-whole-wheat-sandwich.html
[11] Speedy No-Knead Bread: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/08/dining/081mrex.html
[12] Cuban Bread: http://baskersfunfoods.blogspot.com/2008/10/another-deliciously-fast-yeast-bread.html
[13] Baking Homemade Bread: How To Shape Loaves: http://tipnut.com/shape-loaves/

Future Costs Preparedness: What Are Your Plans?

Posted By TipNut On June 24, 2008 @ 1:03 pm In Frugal Living | 15 Comments

Picture of Canned Food Supply - Tipnut.com
Today’s feature is from Mother Earth News with [1] What steps would you take to prepare if you knew that five years from now everything would cost 10 times what it costs now:

What steps would you take to prepare if you knew that five years from now everything would cost 10 times what it costs now — gas, food, electricity, solar panels, hybrid cars — everything, but your income would not change? What would you do now to be in a better place to cope?

Some thoughts they toss out:

* Find land to develop skills to grow and preserve a good portion of your own food
* Have you considered how you would keep your home warm?
* Would you move closer to work, invest in a bicycle to save on fuel costs?

A pretty heavy topic, but some excellent points to consider. There’s a discussion going on in their forum here that you can participate in: [2] Despair? Determination? Delight? — Let’s Discuss.

I’m curious to know what your thoughts are, do you think we’re trending toward a permanent higher cost of living with lower or stagnant wages or do you think we’re just experiencing a temporary blip and fears over future high costs are alarmist?

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/future-costs-preparedness-what-are-your-plans/

URLs in this post:
[1] What steps would you take to prepare if you knew that five years from now everything would cost 10 times what it costs now: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Nature-Community/2008-06-01/Discuss-Emergency-Preparedness.aspx
[2] Despair? Determination? Delight? — Let’s Discuss: http://www.motherearthnews.com/forums/forum.aspx?boardid=1202&g=posts&t=132850

15 Responses to “Future Costs Preparedness: What Are Your Plans?”

1.
Amy - Green Plan(t)
24 Jun 2008 at 3:10 pm

My husband and I are hoping to make the transition to a more sustainable (i.e. homesteading) lifestyle within the next few years. Living in Las Vegas doesn’t make it easy to do that simply because of the harsh climate and its effect on food growth.

But we’re not giving up yet!
2.
Elaine
24 Jun 2008 at 3:54 pm

Ten times more without increase in income? *gulp* What an interesting question and a nightmarish thought.

Definitely grow more of my own food and forgo meat completely.

I could also see myself looking for like minded people to share my four bedroom house and share living expenses. I heat with a pellet stove now but would most likely try to find a solar battery to run it.

My car is paid for but I bet I would get rid of it. Goodbye telephone, goodbye television (aw, who needs them anyway?)
3.
Mavis
24 Jun 2008 at 6:51 pm

I do not pretend to know all the ins and outs of the economy and why it does what it does. However, I do believe it is a good idea to be prepared for the worst.

We currently make most of our foods from scratch to avoid “bad things” in our diets with all the processed foods but it is also to help keep the cost of food for our family down. Cooking from scratch and/or making your own “convenience foods” can cut hundreds of dollars off your food bill.

We do live in rural Arkansas and we are trying to develop our “homestead” into a more sustainable environment for our family. We plan to do the following things to move us in that direction. This is not just for preparedness sake but to save money, live more eco-friendly, and less dependent on how the economy is doing.

1. Have a flock of chickens for eggs and later for meat - Done

2. Build raised beds for square-foot gardening or intense gardening.

3. Install solar system to provide for lighting our home.

4. Alternative heat sources - we currently have electric with propane back up.

5. Scooters for transportation - Done

6. Learn valuable skills like cooking from scratch, canning, preserving, harvesting wild foods, etc. - lifelong project.

7. Have goats for milk and meat.

8. Bee keeping - for honey and profit.

We are far from being there now but we move in that direction each month.
4.
Mary
24 Jun 2008 at 8:13 pm

If we set out to live under harsh economic conditions and they become a reality, then we have foresight. If those conditions don’t happen, then we have a positive cash flow times ten. So, either way, it’s a win situation.

I think we will have more adult children and their families living with parents, sharing the cost and labor demanded of a stringent lifestyle.

This possibility will be a topic at our dinner table tomorrow. Thanks for your stimulating website. I visit every day.
5.
Cami
24 Jun 2008 at 8:56 pm

I do think we are moving toward a higher cost of living with stagnant wages. I don’t want to think it will be ten times more, but… A lot of things have surprised me in the past eight years.

I agree with Mary. Well said. “If those conditions don’t happen, then we have a positive cash flow times ten.”

I live in Mexico so I’m not feeling the squeeze right now. However, I still want to learn how to raise vegetables in pots so I have those skills when and if I go back to the US. If things got really bad, I’d probably go vegan or maybe barter for eggs. I couldn’t bring myself to personally kill an animal, and I don’t want to deal with raising chickens. I’d consider raising fish if I had a big yard.

I’m also really interested in harvesting rain water. I love that idea. However, I don’t think I can manage it now since I live in a high rise building! hehe!
6.
Karen
24 Jun 2008 at 9:35 pm

Cost of living has increased over the years. Usually wages also increase. I remember when we had gas wars and paid only 12 cents at the pump. Of course, as a specialty nurse, I also only earned $300 a month. That was good pay then.
7.
BARSON
24 Jun 2008 at 10:05 pm

Purchase firearms and stockpile ammunition.
8.
Mark
25 Jun 2008 at 7:17 am

This economic cycle is different from those in the past 50 years, as it is caused by globalization of industry and manufacturing. It will start to slow as the American standard of living (wages, lifestyle, etc) decreases and 3rd world living standards increase, meeting somewhere in the middle.
No choice but to deal with it by establishing alternate, diversified income streams, small business, etc.
There are a few in this country that will be self sufficient by growing their own food and making power, but this will not be available to most of the public.
9.
Sherry
25 Jun 2008 at 4:14 pm

My first thoughts were….”hey, how did people survive in the great depression?” Then it occurred to me that I might want to inquire with any person that might have been raised in a 3rd world country and find out what it takes to survive. America really has ignored how super BLESSED we have been and now we must learn like the others while the tide turns to their favor. Buck up little campers!!! Keep the faith! :)
10.
Julie
25 Jun 2008 at 6:35 pm

Hi everyone!

If anyone is interested in seeking a more self-reliant (homesteading) way of life which may include gardening, small-scale livestock, cooking, food preservation, resource conservation, recycling, frugality, money management, alternative energy, old-time skills, home business, and much more should subscribe to the magazine, “Countryside & Small Stock Journel.” The website is http://www.countrysidemag.com. The website doesn’t do justice compared to a copy in hand, but, will give you an idea of what it is all about. This magazine is a wealth of information. I have subscribed to this magazine for over 15 years and have saved every single copy. I hope this helps.
11.
When the Time Comes - What to Do When Cost of Living Gets Too High « Green Plan(t)
26 Jun 2008 at 2:06 pm

[...] recently, I started thinking on this topic after a post on TipNut about preparedness. The foremost question that came into my mind was “when is it time to stop planning and start [...]
12.
Donna
30 Jun 2008 at 1:48 pm

most of the above, and most of all, be prepared spiritually to meet God and share the good news of salvation with those around you.
13.
Laura Evers
02 Jul 2008 at 3:11 pm

Thank you for mentioning us on your Web site. We’re glad you enjoy Mother Earth News.

Great post on future cost preparedness. We’re glad it prompted a discussion.

Laura Evers
Mother Earth News
14.
Glenda
26 Jul 2008 at 3:55 pm

Unfortunately we are arriving at that time. Look around you people are selling off everything they have of value, cutting back on expenses. Off goes the cable, no more cell phones …you get the picture.
We grow most of our food, buy cows from neighborhood farms and pay a minimal slaughter fee. We use rain barrels for the use of the garden, we put back into the soil as much as we can. All the green stems and leaves are composted then tilled into the garden. We have enough clothing and warm blankets that the heat from winter would not bother us. We are careful about spending and I am frugal when it comes to buying anything. The means have to be justified.
15.
Julie J
21 Nov 2008 at 10:14 am

I work at a c-store and many of my customers are cutting off there home phones and only useing cells. I have started buying more of our groceries in bulk at the watehouse store. Does anyone know of a good book on survival during the Great Depression? I can’t seem to find one in the library.

54 Free Apron Patterns You Can Make

Posted By TipNut On November 24, 2007 @ 9:00 am In Crafts, Popular Tips, Sewing | 42 Comments

Picture of Vintage Classic Apron Design - Tipnut.com

This is a large list of patterns I’ve collected from around the net, all kinds of styles and types included. If you love aprons, you’re gonna love this list!

These are organized as neatly as I could manage, however some patterns fit well in more than one section. I decided to list them in a single category only to avoid duplicating things, please keep that in mind if you’re looking for a particular style of pattern.

There are a bunch of vintage styles toward the bottom, also children’s patterns, a couple for men, some knit & crocheted items as well as cute little miniature apron ornaments that I tagged on the end for fun.

Everything is free and several sites include files you can download directly to your computer.

Update: In addition to the freebies below, here is a [1] brand new list of 50 free apron patterns & tutorials that you’ll want to check out as well. Have fun!
54 Free Apron Patterns

Full Aprons

1. [2] Smock Apron
2. [3] Butcher Style Apron Pattern
3. [4] Crafty Gal - Dressing For Success
4. [5] jcaroline Creations Apron Instructions
5. [6] Martha Stewart - Bakers Apron, [7] template is here (pdf)
6. [8] Apron Tutorial - Jeans Apron
7. [9] Free Apron Pattern
8. [10] Taly’s Very Easy Apron
9. [11] Suzy Homemaker Apron - Tutorial
10. [12] Make a Plain Apron (updated dead link)
11. [13] Apron Pattern (not English, Japanese? but is fully illustrated) [14] download file is here

Lined & Reversible Aprons

1. [15] Lined Apron Tutorial
2. [16] Nana’s Reversible Half Apron (with tutorial)

Dishtowel Aprons

1. [17] Dishtowel Apron Tutorial
2. [18] Quick and Fun Apron Made from Two Dish Towels
3. [19] Martha Stewart’s Dish Towel Apron
4. [20] Homespun Apron
5. [21] Towel Turned Apron

Craft Aprons

1. [22] Craft Apron Tutorial
2. [23] Crafty Tool Belt
3. [24] Martha Stewart’s Crafter’s Apron

Housekeeping Aprons

1. [25] Sew A Clean Sweep Apron!
2. [26] Martha Stewart’s Carryall Apron - This is basically a full apron folded up & sewn for pockets, easy!

More Aprons

1. [27] Free Directions to Sew an Apron Using One Yard of Fabric
2. [28] Shimmy, Shake, & Bake Apron [29] pattern download is here (pdf)
3. [30] Pleated Embroidered Apron
4. [31] Jeans Apron and [32] another similar concept here
5. [33] Valentine Ruffle Apron
6. [34] Keeping it Real Sewing Series: Apron Tutorial pattern downloads: [35] Part 1 and [36] Part 2 (both pdf)
7. [37] Half Yard Apron
8. [38] Make a Pretty Paisley Apron (popup warning)
9. [39] Scalloped Apron the [40] pattern download is here (pdf)

Knit & Crochet Aprons

1. [41] Daisy Apron
2. [42] Party Apron
3. [43] Kitschy Apron in Cotton Chenille
4. [44] Crocheted Apron
5. [45] Cheeky Squares Apron

Clothespin Aprons

1. [46] My Byrd House Clothspin Apron
2. [47] Vintage Apron Bonnet Pattern

Children’s Aprons

1. [48] Tutorial: Little Girls’ D-Ring Ribbon Belt Apron
2. [49] Sewing: How to make a kid-sized chef apron
3. [50] Quilt Block Apron
4. [51] Smocket pattern [52] pattern download is here (pdf)
5. [53] Apron/Sunbonnet Combination
6. [54] Little Cook’s Apron (popup warning)
7. [55] Quick Apron Tutorial

Vintage Style Aprons & Vintage Patterns

1. [56] How To Make Your Own Vintage Apron
2. [57] Vintage Pillowcase Apron Tutorial
3. [58] 50’s half-aprons with tie-pocket pattern/tutorial
4. [59] Retro Orange-Flowered Apron w/ Tutorial
5. [60] Vintage Apron Pattern
6. [61] 1940’s Style Bib Apron (pdf)–this is a file I uploaded to Tipnut since it was permitted, it’s not my pattern though

Men’s Aprons

1. [62] Men’s Apron Tutorial
2. [63] Chef’s Apron

Cute & Cool Apron Related Finds

* [64] Apronista
* [65] Hillbilly Housewife: Apron Evangelism
* [66] Sweet Little Apron Ornament Tutorial
* [67] Little aprons - free crochet pattern
* [68] Free Dish Soap Apron Patterns

Aprons make great homemade gifts! One idea is to tuck them into [69] kitchen gift baskets (toss in a matching pair of oven mitts for a nice touch). Also remember you can whip these up with [70] old pillowcases as well as [71] vintage tablecloths (love this idea!).

I’ll have more vintage apron patterns to share too, but I’m expecting that to be sometime in the new year. I think there are plenty of patterns to keep you busy until then :).

*Admin Update: A couple links were removed from the original list due to no longer being available on the web–I’ll add them back if they return online.

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/56-free-apron-patterns-you-can-make/

URLs in this post:
[1] brand new list of 50 free apron patterns & tutorials: http://tipnut.com/free-apron-patterns-tutorials/
[2] Smock Apron: http://stilldottie.blogspot.com/2007/08/apron-for-divya.html
[3] Butcher Style Apron Pattern: http://etherwork.net/ejmtph/sew/apron.html
[4] Crafty Gal - Dressing For Success: http://www.craftygal.com/archives/402/table402.htm
[5] jcaroline Creations Apron Instructions: http://www.jcarolinecreative.com/Merchant2/aproninstructions.html
[6] Martha Stewart - Bakers Apron: http://www.marthastewart.com/bakers-apron
[7] template is here: http://www.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/pdf1/baker_apron.pdf
[8] Apron Tutorial - Jeans Apron: http://mybyrdhouse.blogspot.com/2007/09/september-apron-tutorial-jeans-apron-2.html
[9] Free Apron Pattern: http://bethany.preciousinfants.com/2007/09/25/free-apron-pattern.aspx
[10] Taly’s Very Easy Apron: http://taly.on.neobee.net/tutorial-aprons.htm
[11] Suzy Homemaker Apron - Tutorial: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=2309.msg15734
[12] Make a Plain Apron: http://web.archive.org/web/20070817074529/http://home.mindspring.com/~angeliakay/id2.html
[13] Apron Pattern: http://otsukaya.co.jp/TeduBigF064.htm
[14] download file is here: http://otsukaya.co.jp/Tedukuri/FTezukuri57.pdf
[15] Lined Apron Tutorial: http://lululollylegs.blogspot.com/2007/07/lined-apron-tutorial.html
[16] Nana’s Reversible Half Apron (with tutorial): http://thelongestyear.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/02/post.html
[17] Dishtowel Apron Tutorial: http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/randi/2007/02/dishtowel_apron.html
[18] Quick and Fun Apron Made from Two Dish Towels: http://www.instructables.com/id/Quick-and-Fun-Apron-Made-from-Two-Dish-Towels/
[19] Martha Stewart’s Dish Towel Apron: http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/dish-towel-apron
[20] Homespun Apron: http://www.bfranklincrafts.com/CraftIdeas/CraftIdea-Apron.html
[21] Towel Turned Apron: http://craftydaisies.com/2007/09/21/towel-turned-apron/
[22] Craft Apron Tutorial: http://creativelittledaisy.typepad.com/creative_little_daisy/2006/11/craft_apron_tut.html
[23] Crafty Tool Belt: http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/crafty_tool_belt/
[24] Martha Stewart’s Crafter’s Apron: http://www.marthastewart.com/crafters-apron
[25] Sew A Clean Sweep Apron!: http://organizedhome.com/how-to-sew-cleaning-apron
[26] Martha Stewart’s Carryall Apron: http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/carryall-apron
[27] Free Directions to Sew an Apron Using One Yard of Fabric: http://sewing.about.com/od/aprons/ss/oneyardapron.htm
[28] Shimmy, Shake, & Bake Apron: http://www.craftzine.com/blog/archive/2007/07/craft_pattern_podcast_shimmy_s.html?CMP=OTC-5JF3073759
54

[29] pattern download is here: http://downloads.oreilly.com/make/craft/CRAFT_Magazine_pattern48.pdf
[30] Pleated Embroidered Apron: http://craftandfabriclinks.com/apron_embroidered/embroidered_apron_pattern.html
[31] Jeans Apron: http://mybyrdhouse.blogspot.com/2007/07/july-apron-tutorial-jeans-apron.html
[32] another similar concept here: http://blog.betzwhite.com/2007/07/by-seat-of-my-pants.html
[33] Valentine Ruffle Apron: http://morganmoore.typepad.com/one_more_moore/2007/02/valentine_tree__1.html
[34] Keeping it Real Sewing Series: Apron Tutorial: http://barij.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/10/keeping-it-re-1.html
[35] Part 1: http://barij.typepad.com/my_weblog/files/apron20tutorial20part20i..pdf
[36] Part 2: http://barij.typepad.com/my_weblog/files/apron20tutorial20part20ii.pdf
[37] Half Yard Apron: http://www.patternbee.com/FREE5.html
[38] Make a Pretty Paisley Apron: http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jsp?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/1180732562056.xml
[39] Scalloped Apron: http://www.susanbranch.com/shopping/shop5-07/pattern.cfm
[40] pattern download is here: http://www.susanbranch.com/shopping/shop5-07/aprontest.pdf
[41] Daisy Apron: http://www.learntoknit.com/may05_apron.html
[42] Party Apron: http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring04/PATTpartyapron.html
[43] Kitschy Apron in Cotton Chenille: http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns2/cot_chen_apron.html
[44] Crocheted Apron: http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/aproncro.html
[45] Cheeky Squares Apron: http://www.lullabiesandlace.com/cheekysquaresapron.html
[46] My Byrd House Clothspin Apron: http://mybyrdhouse.blogspot.com/2007/06/june-clothspin-apron.html
[47] Vintage Apron Bonnet Pattern: http://tipnut.com/vintage-apron-bonnet-pattern/
[48] Tutorial: Little Girls’ D-Ring Ribbon Belt Apron: http://sommerdesigns.typepad.com/sommer_designs/2007/01/tutorial_little.html
[49] Sewing: How to make a kid-sized chef apron: http://supamb.com/supafine/2007/08/24/sewing-how-to-make-a-kid-sized-chef-apron/
[50] Quilt Block Apron: http://craftandfabriclinks.com/apron/apron.html
[51] Smocket pattern: http://www.themayfly.com/weblog/2007/02/you_asked_for_it.html
[52] pattern download is here: http://www.themayfly.com/weblog/smock_pattern.pdf
[53] Apron/Sunbonnet Combination: http://sunbonnetsue.com/april2001.html
[54] Little Cook’s Apron: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/cr_kid_crafts/article/0,1789,HGTV_3256_1369416,00.html
[55] Quick Apron Tutorial: http://wishesdreamslove.blogspot.com/2006/04/quick-apron-tutorial.html
[56] How To Make Your Own Vintage Apron: http://www.girlistic.com/diy/apron.htm
[57] Vintage Pillowcase Apron Tutorial: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=123434.0
[58] 50’s half-aprons with tie-pocket pattern/tutorial: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=38097.msg332607
[59] Retro Orange-Flowered Apron w/ Tutorial: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?action=printpage;topic=94779.0;images
[60] Vintage Apron Pattern: http://tipnut.com/vintage-apron-pattern/
[61] 1940’s Style Bib Apron: http://tipnut.com/projectfiles/freeapron.pdf
[62] Men’s Apron Tutorial: http://needlebook.blogspot.com/2007/10/happy-birthday-bradley-mens-apron.html
[63] Chef’s Apron: http://www.marthastewart.com/chefs-apron
[64] Apronista: http://apronista.blogspot.com/
[65] Hillbilly Housewife: Apron Evangelism: http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/apronevangelism.htm
[66] Sweet Little Apron Ornament Tutorial: http://www.pumkinlittle.com/Aprontutorial.htm
[67] Little aprons - free crochet pattern: http://crochetroo.blogspot.com/2006/10/little-aprons-free-crochet-pattern.html
[68] Free Dish Soap Apron Patterns: http://tipnut.com/free-dish-soap-apron-patterns/
[69] kitchen gift baskets: http://tipnut.com/homemade-gift-baskets/
[70] old pillowcases: http://tipnut.com/10-ideas-for-recycling-pillowcases/
[71] vintage tablecloths: http://tipnut.com/vintage-tablecloths-crafts-ideas-resources/

[Imagine all the good ideas, lurking on these sites....LOL
granny]

Wow! Golden Thimble’s 527 Free Crafty Links

Posted By TipNut On July 11, 2008 @ 1:05 pm In Crafty Ideas | 1 Comment

Picture of Pins & Pin Cushion - Tipnut.com
Today’s feature is a craft explosion from The Golden Thimble with a collection of [1] 527 Free Crafty Links, is this list a keeper? You bet!

These pages are designed to give you access to lots of links about crafts and projects. Before I was a full time quilter, I was a crafter of many things. I think that if you are creative, it can take you anywhere you want to go. Being a crafter led me to being a quilter. There’s no reason you can’t do both! I just prefer quilting over crafting but around Christmas time and birthdays, it’s always good to know how to do both. I hope these links will give you some ideas and free projects for that special gift.

The page is updated regularly with all sorts of free projects and crafts to do, please check it out. If you like the list, make sure to register at the bottom of the page so you’ll get an email update each time new things are added.

And if 527 freebie projects & patterns aren’t enough for you, here are hundreds more from Tipnut’s crafty lists:

* [2] Crafters Medley: 21 Neat-O Projects To Make (June)
* [3] Crafters Medley: 20 Neat-O Projects To Make
* [4] 42 Yarn Stash Busters: Kitchen Goodies & Cozies
* [5] Tipnut’s Picks: 50 Free Projects For Baby
* [6] 30 Free Patterns For Knitting Needle Cases, Rolls, Pouches & Organizers
* [7] 50 Free Apron Patterns & Tutorials and [8] the first batch of apron patterns
* [9] 10 Clever Dish Towel Crafts
* [10] 22 Free Pincushion Patterns
* [11] Scrap Happy Update: More Fabric Scraps & Remnant Ideas with the [12] first batch of ideas here.
* [13] 26 Free Tutorials For Needle Books & Cases
* [14] 11 Free Clothespin Bag Patterns
* [15] 15 Homemade Swiffer Cloth Patterns
* [16] 35 Reusable Grocery Bags You Can Make - Free Patterns

Tipnut is regularly included on Golden Thimble’s hand-picked selection of goodies and I’m so thrilled to be a part of this spectacular list, thank you!

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/golden-thimbles-527-free-crafty-links/

Suze Orman’s Freebie Download + 101 Ways To Save Money This Year

Posted By TipNut On June 27, 2008 @ 1:08 pm In Frugal Living | 2 Comments

Picture of Piggy Bank And Coins - Tipnut.comToday’s feature has two parts, first I scooped up a free copy of Suze Orman’s Women & Money book found on Oprah.com here: Update: Looks like the freebie was a time limited offer on Oprah and it’s no longer available–sorry for those that missed out! The hardcover has a [1] $16.47 US price tag on Amazon, so this freebie is pretty sweet!

There’s another copy available in Spanish (I think?). Thanks to [2] Red Flag Deals for the heads up (good Canadian bargain hunter’s site btw).

The next feature is from Save You Fool with [3] 101 Ways I Saved Money This Year. Here’s an idea of what you’ll find, I’ve included a few of my notes beside them:

* Switched from bottled to filtered tap water: Doh! I will do this! Consider the costs of an individual bottle of water per gallon, and fuel costs have me excited?
* Bought holiday gifts during sales: I don’t manage holiday crowds very well (is that because I’m getting older or the crowds are getting worse?), [4] keeping a good stash going throughout the year as well as buying online saves me gas, time (and cash!).
* Rented the DVD: I have a mountain of VHS tapes that I paid for eons ago, what do I do with them now? I started a DVD collection (mainly previously viewed–lower cost) then realized–they’ll be obsolete some day too, never mind the storage space to hold them all.
* Used credit card points for purchases: I had a big problem buying groceries with a credit card until I realized: use my credit card with airmiles then pay the credit card balance online with the cash I set aside for groceries as soon as I get home. Lots of points racking up, especially when shopping at stores that also have in-store points!
* Cancelled unread magazine subscriptions: I did this last year some time and the savings can be substantial if you have a few subscriptions. [5] Martha Stewart’s magazine is the one I feel the most, but that’s another good thing [6] garage sales offer, magazines on the cheap ;).

#42’s “Stopped tipping strippers” is a smart move I think, ummmm–but not applicable to my world. Most ideas on the list are really good and offer some thoughts to chew on.

Found via [7] Smart Spending.

More money savers:

* [8] Cheaper Transportation: We Downgraded–What’s Your Plan?
* [9] 12 Easy Ways To Go Green (And Save Cash)
* [10] How To Save Money On Groceries - Tips Guide
* [11] Making A Coupon Organizer System - How To Guide
* [12] Frugal Tip: Stockpile & Save Money
* [13] Homemade Cleaners
* [14] Frugal Tips Archive

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/101-ways-to-save-money-this-year/

URLs in this post:
[1] $16.47 US price tag on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Women-Money-Owning-Control-Destiny/dp/0385519311/
[2] Red Flag Deals: http://www.redflagdeals.com/deals/main.php/alldeals/comments/free_pdf_e_book_from_oprahcom_suze_orma
ns_women_money/

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