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Is Recession Preparing a New Breed of Survivalist? [Survival Today - an On going Thread #2]
May 05th,2008

Posted on 02/09/2009 12:36:11 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny

Yahoo ran an interesting article this morning indicating a rise in the number of survivalist communities cropping up around the country. I have been wondering myself how much of the recent energy crisis is causing people to do things like stockpile food and water, grow their own vegetables, etc. Could it be that there are many people out there stockpiling and their increased buying has caused food prices to increase? It’s an interesting theory, but I believe increased food prices have more to do with rising fuel prices as cost-to-market costs have increased and grocers are simply passing those increases along to the consumer. A recent stroll through the camping section of Wal-Mart did give me pause - what kinds of things are prudent to have on hand in the event of a worldwide shortage of food and/or fuel? Survivalist in Training

I’ve been interested in survival stories since I was a kid, which is funny considering I grew up in a city. Maybe that’s why the idea of living off the land appealed to me. My grandfather and I frequently took camping trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around the Smoky Mountains. Looking back, some of the best times we had were when we stayed at campgrounds without electricity hookups, because it forced us to use what we had to get by. My grandfather was well-prepared with a camp stove and lanterns (which ran off propane), and when the sun went to bed we usually did along with it. We played cards for entertainment, and in the absence of televisions, games, etc. we shared many great conversations. Survivalist in the Neighborhood


TOPICS: Agriculture; Food; Gardening; Pets/Animals
KEYWORDS: barter; canning; cwii; dehydration; disaster; disasterpreparedness; disasters; diy; emergency; emergencyprep; emergencypreparation; food; foodie; freeperkitchen; garden; gardening; granny; loquat; makeamix; medlars; nespola; nwarizonagranny; obamanomics; preparedness; prepper; recession; repository; shinypenny; shtf; solaroven; stinkbait; survival; survivalist; survivallist; survivaltoday; teotwawki; wcgnascarthread
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To: All

Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf337605.tip.html
Vegetable Growing Guides

Guides to 58 garden vegetables...
Each profile contains a detailed description and growing instructions, site and soil requirements, varieties, and solutions for managing pests and diseases.

http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/

Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf337605.tip.html
© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com


801 posted on 02/12/2009 2:52:45 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All

Quick Vegetable Chopper - A Tin Can

For a quick, cheap vegetable (or fruit) chopper use a clean tin can. The open(sharp) end will be your chopper - punch 2 to 3 air holes in the solid end. This tool will make quick work of onions, tomatoes, etc. Just make sure to keep it away from kids as the open end is sharp.

By Elizabeth
Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf681276.tip.html
© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com

[We used tin cans to cut biscuits out, or donuts and a bottle cap for the doughnut hole...granny]


802 posted on 02/12/2009 3:01:01 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All

Quick and easy candy

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84316782.tip.html

RE: Recipe For Quick and Easy Candy
Post by KLJohn
HEATH CANDY BARS
Preheat oven to 400. Spray a cookie sheet with baking spray, cover cookie sheet with soda cracker squares. Boil together 1 cup butter and 1 cup packed brown sugar, 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Immediately pour the syrup over the crackers, adjust the crackers if needed. Bake 3-5 minutes, till the crackers ‘float’. Remove from heat, cool slightly, 1-2 min. Cover with one 12 oz. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips, return to the oven to let the chips melt. Remove, spread the chips over crackers gently. Let cool completely, can put in the freezer for a bit. Can cut into sqares or be original and hit the bottom of the cookie sheet against your counter to break the crackers up.
I DARE YOU TO EAT JUST ONE PIECE!!! Kim

RE: Recipe For Quick and Easy Candy
Post by badwater
On the potato candy recipe, you don’t have to boil the potato, you can just nuke it in the microwave. Watch it, as you want the potato to be soft to the touch. My Mom used to make this for Christmas and for other gift giving times. Peanut butter crunchy or creamy style was the only filling she’d ever use. Inexpensive!! Best served chilled.

RE: Recipe For Quick and Easy Candy
Post by kimhis

1 car
1 store
1 dollar
mix well, add one chocolate bar, enjoy. Might as well go right to the good stuff.

RE: Recipe For Quick and Easy Candy
Post By suzanne
How much shortening do you add to the chocolate chips to make the cow patties?

RE: Recipe For Quick and Easy Candy
Post by tupperangel

old fashioned toffee

you’ll need a cast iron pan- get it good and hot
pour equal amounts butter and sugar on it
the sugar will melt into the butter- stir quickly- pour onto well greased cookie sheet/jelly roll pan and let set
turn over when cool and give it a good whack- there you have it

RE: Recipe For Quick and Easy Candy
Post by kayrayriggs

I make “cow patties.” Melt a bag of milk chocolate chips with a tablespoon of shortening over low heat in a heavy saucepan. Add 1/2 cup slivered almonds, and 1/2 cup raisins. Drop big spoonfuls onto foil or parchment paper lined cookie sheet and chill. They are excellent!!! And look like cow patties :)

Peanut Butter Fudge
Post By Shelly

3 C. Sugar
1 C. Milk
1 1/2 C. Peanut Butter

Boil sugar and milk over a med. heat for about 13-15 min. stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and beat quickly. Pour onto a greased surface or pan. This sets up really fast so be prepared! It doesn’t get any easier than this!

RE: Recipe For Quick and Easy Candy
Post By (Guest Post)

Almost just like one of the others, take a pkg of almond bark, I use chocolate, a small can of crispy chow mein noodles, and a can of cashews. Melt almond bark in a double boiler or very low heat, when melted mix in the noodles and cashews. Drop by spoonfuls on waxed paper, let set up, and enjoy. My family calls these Chocolate Haystacks.. yum. I make them every holiday.

RE: Recipe For Quick and Easy Candy
Post By marie

Paula Deen’s peppermint bark is SO EASY! Melt 1 pound of white chocolate and add 1 cup of coarsely crushed peppermint candies (starlight mints or candy canes). Add 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract (if desired).Spray a large cookie sheet or jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray & spread out evenly. Put the pan in the fridge until it is set, then break up into chunks & enjoy!

Oreo Cookie Balls
Post by GingerKidsX3

http://www.recipezaar.com/238428

My mom sent me the above link for Oreo Cookie Balls. She says they are quick and easy. And my dad (a big candy guru LOL) loves them!

Good luck!

RE: Recipe For Quick and Easy Candy
Post by gertrude

If you like candy with nuts, melt white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate candy bark. Stir in peanuts or cashews or a mix of nuts that you prefer. Spoon onto waxed paper. Allow to set up. This can be frozen for later use also.

RE: Recipe For Quick and Easy Candy
Post by perfumed fan

1 bag(about 12 ounces)white chocolate chips
1 cup marshmallow fluff
1 cup quartered gum drops in various colors
1 cup salted peanuts

Line an 8x8 inch pan with a piece of heavy duty aluminum foil large enough to hang over the sides. Grease heavily with butter or margarine. Set aside.

Put chips and fluff in a large saucepan and cook over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and immediately stir in gum drops and nuts. Immediately pour into prepared pan. Let set overnight.

Next day, grab by foil to remove from pan. Cut into whatever size you like.

Note: the easiest way to slice gum drops is to grease the knife with PAM, margarine, etc....

RE: Recipe For Quick and Easy Candy
Post by Lorelei

Easy Fudge

1 tub of cake frosting (chocolate)or(vanilla)
1 tub of peanut butter (smooth)or(crunchy)

In bowl, empty cake frosting and fill tub with equal amount of peanut butter. Empty into the bowl and mix
both ingredients together by hand until blended. Pour into pan and let sit in frig. Cut into fudge squares and serve.

NOTE: I really cannot tell that much difference in flavor of peanut butter mixed with chocolate frosting or peanut butter mixed in vanilla frosting.

RE: Recipe For Quick and Easy Candy
Post by strugglingjugglingmom

Last Christmas I made some “Believe it or Not” Potatoe Candy. Take a med Potatoe, boil the tater w/ skin. after its done, peel, place on a plate and mix with powdered sugar.Keep mixing and adding powder sugar until it makes a soft dough. Roll out, into a round “pie crust” fill with your favorite filling.( like making cinnamon rolls, My boys love it with Peanut Butter.) Then Jelly Roll it, slice into slices, place into refrigerator for about 1 hour. Enjoy!!! Makes one pound. Great for the Hoildays.

RE: Recipe For Quick and Easy Candy
Post by jenntaker

I haven’t tried to make it myself, but I did eat it and it was delicious. Take a can of condensed milk and cook in a pan. It should become a tan/toffee color and stick together. She then cut it into pieces the size of tootsie rolls. She said that was all there was to it. Good luck.


803 posted on 02/12/2009 3:08:34 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All

Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf305984.tip.html
Quick and Easy Supper Ideas!

3 Quick Easy Meals For Hot Days...

Pizza

* Buy pizza dough frozen and defrost.
* Spread with spaghetti sauce jar or canned
* Add meat and cheese of your choice and cook according to pizza dough instructions (Any pizza instructions)

Quick Pizza

* English muffins
* Spaghetti Sauce
* Grated Cheese

OPTIONAL: peppers, cooked ground meat of any kind, whole onion rings broil on a cookie sheet until bubbly and eat quickly to totally enjoy. So fast you won’t notice an increase in heat in your kitchen I am guessing. :)

Teriyaki Beef Kabobs

Take bite sized pieces of beef and soak them in teriyaki sauce overnight. Put pieces beef on skewers with peppers, mushrooms, pineapple, and anything else you just love. BBQ, cook over range grill, turning every 2 minutes, OR broil turning after first 3 minutes.

Serve any of the above recipes with fresh greens, cooked green beans, or mung sprouts. If you are making kabobs, serve them with tiny little biscuits you can bake fresh using Bisquick. Make them tiny so they cook really, really fast in the oven.

By Kittyhassparkle
Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf305984.tip.html
© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com


RE: Quick and Easy Supper Ideas!
Post By Kelly

Two meals we have on nights before payday that are quick and easy. One is fried potatos, eggs and bacon. I fry the bacon, then fry the potatos in that grease, then when they are close to being done, add in whipped up eggs. Then add the crumbled bacon! It’s good, cheap and quick! And you only use one dish.
The other we make is pork-n-beans with hamburger. I just fry and drain the hamburger, and add a couple cans of pork-n-beans, brown sugar, ketchup, honey, and a dash of mustard. This is very yummy! I also sometimes add onion and green pepper if I have them. And I like to use cans of pinto beans, northern beans, and chili beans with the pork-n-beans. Then just bake in the oven for an hour. Such a filling meal, goes a long way, and is also quick and easy!

God Bless, Kelly

Super Quick and Easy Supper Ideas!
Post by ThriftyFun

What to do on those nights when the cupboards are almost bare and payday is 2 days away?

Here are some quick and easy supper ideas that use ingredients you probably always have on hand.

1. An old stand-by at our house is simply to have breakfast for supper! Sometimes we have pancakes and sausage. I make the pancakes from baking mix which is something I always keep handy. You just add milk. Other times, it’s scrambled eggs, toast and bacon.

2. My family enjoys “Little Pizzas” made from English muffins. Just split English muffins and arrange on a cookie sheet. Top with tomato sauce and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Then just add whatever toppings you have on hand. Sometimes we add pepperoni slices, sometimes browned ground beef or sausage. Sprinkle on chopped onions or whatever is your family’s favorite. Top with shredded cheese and put in 375 degree oven till warmed through and cheese is melted.

English muffins are inexpensive and keep well in the freezer.

3. Every now and then we have “Baked Potato Night” at our house. I bake one large potato for each person and then round up a variety of toppings. Some things we like are chili, sour cream, broccoli, bacon bits, chopped onions, shredded cheese. Everyone can fix his own just the way he likes it and it’s a meal in itself.

4. A very quick supper is grilled cheese sandwiches and vegetableor tomato soup. It’s nutritious, inexpensive, and tasty. Need I say more?

5. Here’s a recipe the children can help with. My children loved these when they were small and they enjoyed being able to help make them.

Oven Baked Hot Dogs

Lay 8 slices of bread on cookie sheet. Place a slice of cheese on top of each slice. Put 1 wiener diagonally on each slice. Pull corners of bread up over sides of wiener. Secure with toothpicks. Brush each “hot dog” with melted butter. Place in 400 degree oven till browned and cheese is melted.

6. Nachos are another super-fast supper idea. Place a pile of tortilla chips in a microwaveable shallow dish. Pour chili over top, add shredded cheese and microwave till warm. Top with sour cream, if desired.

7. Sloppy joes are another family pleaser. I try to keep buns on hand in the freezer. If you have no buns handy, sloppy joe sandwiches work,too! To go with the sloppy joes, cut potatoes into 4 wedges each. Place in baking dish with skins down. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with seasoned salt. Bake at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes or until tender.

8. If you are ready for something different for supper or lunch, try this recipe for “Pepperoni Pie”.

In bottom of 9-inch pie plate, combine an 8-oz. package of shredded mozarella cheese, and about 1/2 cup of diced pepperoni. In a medium bowl, beat 5 eggs and 3/4 cup milk until well-blended. Pour over mixture in pie plate. Bake for 25 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Add a salad and some bread and you have a delicious, light meal.

9. I always try to keep ground beef in the freezer in one-pound packages. Here is one of my staple recipes using ground beef.

Western Casserole

Brown a pound of ground beef. Drain off fat. Add 1 can of chili beans and 1 can of Spanish rice. Stir over medium heat until warm. Pour into microwaveable serving dish and top with shredded cheese. Heat in microwave until cheese is melted.

Easy, easy, and inexpensive, too.

10. Lastly, something we do at our house every couple of weeks is have “Leftover Night”. Seems like almost every night, there is just a little bit of supper left over. Just enough for maybe one person. I put these servings in freezer containers and store till I have several different bits of main dishes. Then I get them all out and everyone has their choice of what they have for supper! I usually add salad and make hot rolls and everyone is happy!

Serve any of the above meals on your good dishes, set the table with real napkins, and a pretty centerpiece. Your meal will be *so* special and only you will know you “did it on a budget”.

He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. —Proverb

About The Author: Cyndi Roberts’ website, “1 Frugal Friend 2 Another” will show you ways to save money everyday. Receive a free e-course on saving money at the supermarket! To learn more, visit http://www.cynroberts.com

RE: Super Quick and Easy Supper Ideas!
Post By bobbie

i had 1lb. of hamburger, and a box of hamburger helper-cheesy hashbrown, i made like it said then whipped up 6 eggs and poured over the mix, and it was great, for breakfast,lunch or supper-can add green peppers, tomato, onions

RE: Super Quick and Easy Supper Ideas!
Post by steponme33
I tryed #8 the pepperoni pie. Very Good! only thing is it doesn’t tell you what to put the oven on. I would like to know what the temperture is for this recipe.Thanks.Very good Idea.


804 posted on 02/12/2009 3:15:25 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: All

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf664469.tip.html

RE: Easy Crabcakes Recipe
Post By Bonnie

You can mix your crabmeat (real or imitation) or other flaky white cooked fish with instant mashed potatoes and add seasonings you like to your own taste (seasoned salt, pepper, whatever you like). Shape into patties, coat with bread crumbs & fry in olive oil until golden brown. I like serving with coleslaw.

RE: Easy Crabcakes Recipe
Post by Pam819

Look in your grocery store for OLD BAY seasoning. The recipe should be on the back of the can. You can serve cole slaw and you can also make your crabcakes and serve them on a roll with tartar sauce.
You don’t really have to use crab to make your cakes. I’ve boiled fresh Rock and made fishcakes instead. Yum Yum.
Ester’s recipe sounds pretty good too. I think I’ll give it a try.

RE: Easy Crabcakes Recipe
Post By Susan

This is a wonderful recipe and I use it all the time as we have access to fresh crabmeat. 1/2 cup mayo, 1 Tablespoon brown mustard, 1/2 beaten egg (1 1/2 Tablespoon), and 1 lb. lump crabmeat. Oil a baking sheet. Preheat oven to 400. Whisk together mayo, mustard & egg. Fold in crabmeat until just combined. Gently form mix into 4 - 1” thick cakes and transfer to baking sheet. Bake in middle of oven 15 to 20 minutes or until golden. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
These are good on hamburger buns served with peas or coleslaw. Pineapple as a fruit accompainment and cake for dessert.

RE: Easy Crabcakes Recipe

Post By Esther
I read this somewhere recently and tried it; it’s good! Mix together 2 eggs, 2 cans (about 6 oz. each) of flaked crab and a box of stuffing mix prepared. Form into patties and fry in butter or oil


805 posted on 02/12/2009 3:20:47 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf466979.tip.html
Salmon Patties - Recipes and Tips

Tips and recipes for making salmon patties from the ThriftyFun community. Post your own below.
Salmon Patties I
My Mom made these when I was a kid. I love them.

Ingredients:

* 1 can of salmon (keep the liquid and bones, the bones are very soft and a good source of calcium)
* 1 egg
* enough self rising flour to make a good batter
* Pepper to taste

Directions:

Mix all together and fry in a small amount of olive oil or canola oil until golden brown, turn over and brown the other side. Drain on paper towels.

I like these with mashed potatoes, early peas and homemade biscuits.

By Susie

Salmon Patties II
This is my mom’s recipe that my husband has learned to like after 31 years. LOL

Ingredients:

* 1 can salmon
* Medium onion, chopped
* 1 egg
* 1/2 cup cornmeal

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together until you can form salmon patties. You may need to add some extra cornmeal to make them hold together. Fry in hot canola oil to brown on each side. Drain on a paper towel until ready to serve.

By Tbird1051

Salmon Patties III
You can use either left over cooked salmon or canned salmon for this recipe. Mix salmon with leftover or instant mashed potatoes, you want the potatoes firm. You can add an egg if you like. Roll the patties into a ball then roll the ball in a flour/Old Bay seasoning mix. Have your oil hot, put the ball in the oil then carefully flatten with your hand. Flip once and serve.

I can at least 12 cases of salmon a year, so my kids are used to every recipe on the planet for salmon, and THIS one is their favorite!

By Susan from Alaska

Salmon Patties IV
I make mine just like my mom did

Ingredients:

* 1 can of salmon (do not drain or pick out bones)
* 1 egg
* a little chopped onion and green pepper
* enough saltine crackers to keep together

Directions:

Mix everything together and put in greased muffin tins (or use cupcake papers). Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. I usually serve this with peas and coleslaw.

By Janet

Salmon Patties V
I use the same recipe for salmon patties that my mom used when I was small.

One can of salmon, one egg and enough crushed crackers to hold a form. Then fry until golden brown. Yummy!

By Alica

Salmon Patties VI
This recipe makes about 8 good sized salmon patties.

Ingredients:

* 2 cans Salmon
* 1 medium onion
* 2 eggs
* 1 pack of saltine crackers
* Vegetable Oil

Directions:

Put your salmon in a large bowl. Don’t drain it. This makes the patties more moist. Be sure you get out all the bones. Cut up your onion in small pieces and add to salmon. Add eggs and smashed up crackers. Mix it up well. Shape into patties. Fry in a skillet until lightly browned on both sides (a few minutes). You can finish them in the skillet (fry them longer) but I bake them in the oven on a cookie sheet for about 30 minutes until they’re nice and brown. That way I don’t have to stand over them until they’re cooked. I can pop them in the oven and make whatever else we’re having for supper that night.

By luv2craft

Salmon Patties VII

Ingredients:

* 1 can salmon (sockeye)
* 1 egg
* bread crumbs (Japanese Panko breadcrumbs are especially good.)
* lemon juice
* fresh parsley
* scallions (green onions)

Directions:

I drain the salmon and break it up so that it is as mashed up as possible. I generally use about 4-5 green onions for a large can. I use the entire onion, chopping it finely. I add egg, finely chopped fresh parsley (I prefer the Italian type), and bread crumbs. There are no hard and fast rules about quantities. You can judge by the way the mixture feels. You want them dry enough so that they don’t fall apart, but moist enough so that they have a nice texture, consistency and flavor. I mix it together thoroughly, and add lemon juice as needed to flavor and moisten it. I add enough bread crumbs to make the mixture stick together. Form into patties (a large can makes about 4 patties.) I like to refrigerate them for a couple of hours before cooking. Use Canola or Olive Oil and coat the bottom of a pan with the oil, and heat the oil. Add the salmon patties, and cook until lightly browned and fully cooked on each side. If you want the patties to be crispier on the outside, you can coat them with corn meal. These are wonderful left over or cold, as well. I learned this recipe from my mother, who actually made it up. It’s a real favorite, too.

By skbeal

Use Old Bay Seasoning
I use something called Old Bay. It is a seasoning for seafood. Been around for years. Still comes in a yellow can and has recipes on the sides and back. I also add fresh herbs and bread crumbs. They have to be fried in an old black cast iron frying pan!

By April

Add Cornbread
As a young bride, I asked my mother how she made these patties and mine never were as good as hers. One day, I watched her fixing dinner and realize what she put in them. I have been doing it her way ever since.

I usually have cornbread with my salmon so I make up a larger batch of cornbread batter and add some of this to the salmon, stirring until you get the correct consistency, add a tablespoon of dehydrated onion and then fry as usual. Bake or fry the cornbread batter that is left. Sounds funny but is really good.

By Drucilla
Salmon Patties VIII
Rinse and drain a 14 3/4 oz. can of salmon. Add 1/2 cup bread crumbs ( I always use leftover bread made into crumbs in mini food processor ), 1/4 cup minced red, yellow, or green bell pepper, 1/4 cup minced onion, 1 egg, 1 Tbsp. lemon or lime juice, 1 tsp. minced garlic, a pinch of sea salt and several turns of ground fresh pepper. Mix all together and form into three or four patties depending the size you like. Add a little light olive oil to a non stick frying pan and brown patties turning several times for about 7 to 8 minutes, until nicely browned.

I serve these on lightly toasted whole wheat buns with homemade tarter sauce. I make my own tarter sauce with lite miracle whip, a little minced onion to taste, drained sweet relish to taste. Then top with romaine lettuce or greens you have on hand and a slice of tomato.

If you have any leftover, you can serve the patty cold the next day crumbled in a tossed salad with your choice of salad ingredients and dressing of your choice. This is a great recipe to get a serving of fish into your weekly menu.

Source: This is a recipe my mother in law gave me when we were first married for a small salmon loaf. Instead I make it into salmon patties.

By Bobbie from Rockwall, TX
Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf466979.tip.html
© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com


806 posted on 02/12/2009 3:22:43 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf466979.tip.html

RE: Salmon Patties - Recipes and Tips
Post By Granny Annie

I make them like my mother did; a can of salmon, drained (reserve the liquid), mash up the salmon with bones, add minced onion, and Drake’s Seafood Coating in place of flour, add just enough for filler, and 1 egg. If the mix is too dry, then I add a little of the drained oil from the salmon. Make patties and fry in oil, drain on paper towel. Serve with tarter sauce, or ketchup. Serve with potato pancakes made up from leftover mashed potatoes. And creamed peas or broccoli/cheese casserole.

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RE: Salmon Patties - Recipes and Tips
Post By Rose

I make my Salmon Patties the same way my mom did, too; just the salmon, an egg (Eggbeaters work, too!) and crushed saltines. I add some of the crackers to the mixture in addition to the outside of the patties and fry them in oil until a nice golden brown. Pork n’ Beans (or baked beans) and Mac & Cheese or Augratin Potatoes make good side dishes.

Rose

RE: Salmon Patties - Recipes and Tips
Post By Chris

The easiest, quickest and the recipe the kids LOVE
1 can of Chicken of the Sea boneless salmon with juice
about a 1/4 cup of mayo
1 egg
Stove Top stuffing mix with herbs- eyeball how much according to how much mayo or size egg you use.
No other seasoning is needed, make sure you mash everything until a paste is formed and put them on the griddle, fry with butter.

RE: Salmon Patties - Recipes and Tips
Post By MurphTheJo

I use mayonnaise instead of egg for binding. Still has the egg in it AND it adds more flavor.

RE: Salmon Patties - Recipes and Tips
Post by WandaJo

I USE A CAN OF SALMON WHICH HAS BEEN DRAINED AND RINSED; I CRUMBLE IT AND ADD 1 SMALL CHOPPED ONION, 1 LARGE CLOVE OF CHOPPED GARLIC, 1 BEATEN EGG, 1/2 SLEEVE OF CRUSHED UNSALTED CRACKERS, 1 SMALL RED APPLE DICED FINELY, 1/4 TEASPOON CURRY POWDER AND A DASH OF EVAPORATED MILK. I FORM THE PATTIES AND PLACE THEM IN SEASONED CORN MEAL (USE ANY SEASONING YOU WANT - OLD BAY IS A NICE SEASONING TO USE).....PAN FRY IN OLIVE OIL; DRAIN ON PAPER TOWELS. SERVE WARM.

RE: Salmon Patties - Recipes and Tips
Post By J Wolff

Salmon patties are the yummiest made with 1 can of salmon, don’t drain, 1 egg, and crushed soda crackers to thicken ( about 8-10) mix together and then form into patties and brown on each side in small amt of oil. Serve with a baked potato /butter and creamed peas ( draining 1 can of peas and adding evaportated milk with about 2 teas. of cornstarch) Cook milk until thickened and add the peas along with a tabl. of butter. I then open up the baked potato and add some butter on top and add the creamed peas to the top of the baked potato...yum yum

RE: Salmon Patties - Recipes and Tips
Post By Estella

I use oatmeal instead of cracker crumbs or cornmeal. It’s a little better for you I think, and I can’t taste the difference. Otherwise the same, except sometimes I put in a splash of milk. Just because my Mom always did. I think they’re best if you chop half an onion and saute it while putting the rest together, then add it last. Also, I read that you should throw out the skin, so I do that but I mash the bones, they are good for you. I do drain off most of the liquid. Salmon goes on sale for $1 a can so this is a great frugal meal, I do it often and like it with canned peas and noodles, again like Mom did!


807 posted on 02/12/2009 3:27:17 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2181392/posts?page=1 [Survival,food,garden,crafts,and more)
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To: JDoutrider

You know it brother. WOOF!


808 posted on 02/12/2009 5:10:48 AM PST by hiredhand (Understand the CRA and why we're facing economic collapse - see my about page.)
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To: nw_arizona_granny
I have the Swiss Chard seeds, and need to get them out soon, but I'm trying to find a place in the front yard for them. They're too pretty to hide in the back. I do have more pots and stuff (all over the place) but only about 120 in the Jiffy Seed Starter I bought last week.

I also have herbs - catnip for the boys (Oliver and Shiloh), and basil, dill, mint, thyme, and a few others. I think I'm going to do some of these in larger pots inside to get them started, then add to my huge pots with banana plants outside when weather permits.

I'll keep the mint on the patio this time. It took nearly all of last summer to kill off the mint from the year previous. (My mom told me not to plant it in the garden, but I didn't listen).

WARNING:For anyone planting mint or horseradish, beware. It will spread like wildfire, and try to take over everything.

809 posted on 02/12/2009 6:29:40 AM PST by TnGOP (Petey the dog is my foriegn policy advisor. He's really quite good!)
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To: upcountry miss
I can look at some of those hugh rocks

You can always spot a FReeper!

My husband went to Kentucky last year to attend his daughter's wedding, and he went on and on about those low walls along the highways. LOL you'd think he grew up there listening to him rhapsodize about how historic and interesting they were.

810 posted on 02/12/2009 7:53:19 AM PST by TenthAmendmentChampion (Be prepared for tough times. FReepmail me to learn about our survival thread!)
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To: nw_arizona_granny
My one brother Ray and I have indian souls, they others are,,,,,

We have that. My maternal maternal great grandmother was Cherokee also. Her mother got to Oklahoma on the TOT. My family has always just been white. But, you described something I see in us. Some of "us" are just different in the old way. It's easy to tell which ones are different, it seems there's not gradual mixing. Just some of us don't fit right.

811 posted on 02/12/2009 7:54:10 AM PST by Wneighbor
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To: Daffynition; DelaWhere

DelaWhere posted the duck originally, so I can’t take credit. DW, did you see Daffy’s duct taped beer bottle a few posts down?


812 posted on 02/12/2009 7:57:25 AM PST by TenthAmendmentChampion (Be prepared for tough times. FReepmail me to learn about our survival thread!)
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To: nw_arizona_granny

When ingredients, cash, time or supplies are running short, DON’T PANIC.... Substitute!

The following are some substitutions you can use in cooking:

Allspice - 1 teaspoon = 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Apple pie spice - 1 teaspoon =1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/8 teaspoon cardamon
Baking powder - 1 teaspoon = 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 5/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
Baking powder - 1 teaspoon = 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 cup buttermilk or sour milk (decrease liquid by 1/2 cup)
Baking powder - 1 teaspoon = 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice used with sweet milk to make 1/2 cup liquid (decrease liquid by 1/2 cup)
Bread crumbs 1/3 cup, dry = 1 slice bread
Bread crumbs 1/3 cup, dry = 1/4 cup, soft 1 slice bread
Bread crumbs 1/3 cup, dry = 1/4 cup cracker crumbs or 1/4 cup cornmeal
Bay leaf - 1 whole = 1/4 teaspoon crushed
Broth - 1 cup = 1 bouillon cube
Broth - 1 cup = 1 teaspoon powdered bouillon in 1 cup boiling water
Bouillon - 1 cube = 1 teaspoon powdered bouillon
Bell Pepper - 1 tablespoon dried = 3 tablespoon fresh chopped
Butter - 1 cup = 7/8 cup shortening or 7/8 cup oil or 1 cup margarine
Oil is not a direct substitute for solid fats in baked products.
Use recipes formulated for oil if a product made with oil is desired.
Buttermilk - the same amount of yogurt can replace buttermilk
Light Brown Sugar - 1 cup = 1 cup white sugar and 1 teaspoon molasses
Dark Brown Sugar - 1 cup = 1 cup white sugar and 1 tablespoon molasses
Catsup - 1 cup = 1 cup tomato sauce plus 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoon vinegar (for cooking use)
Chocolate - 1 ounce= 3 tablespoon cocoa + 1 tablespoon shortening
Chocolate chips - 1 ounce = 1 ounce sweet cooking semi-sweet chocolate
Chocolate - 1 ounce = 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa plus 1 tablespoons fat
Cocoa - 1/4 cup = 1 ounce chocolate and omit 1/2 tablespoon fat
Corn syrup - 1 cup = 1 cup sugar plus 1/4 cup liquid
Cracker crumbs - 3/4 cup = 1 cup bread crumbs
Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon = 2 tablespoons flour
Egg - 1 whole = 3 tablespoons beaten egg
Egg - 1 whole = 2 egg whites or 2 egg yolks
Egg - 1 whole = 1/4 cup egg substitute
Flour, for thickening - 1 tablespoon = 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
Flour, for baking - 1 cup sifted = 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons unsifted flour
Flour, for cooking - 1 cup sifted = 3/4 cup whole wheat flour and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Flour for cake - 1 cup = 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Flour, self-rising - 1 cup = 1 cup minus 2 teaspoons flour plus 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt

Garlic - 1 clove = 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic - 1 clove = 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
Ginger - 1/8 teaspoon = 1/2 teaspoon raw ginger
Honey - 1 cup = 1 1/4 cups sugar and 1/4 cup liquid
Horseradish - 1 tablespoon fresh = 2 tablespoons prepared
Lemon Juice - 1 teaspoon = 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
Lemon - 1 whole = 3 tablespoons juice plus 2 teaspoons rind
Lemon rind - 1 teaspoon = 1/2 teaspoon extract
Milk - Believe it or not, 1 1/2 lbs of zucchinni, peeled and pureed, will replace 2 cups of milk when baking.

Onion - 1 small = 1 tablespoon instant minced
Onion powder - 1 tablespoon = 1 medium onion chopped
Pumpkin pie spice - 1 teaspoon = 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon,
1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/8 teaspoon allspice & 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Sour Cream- 3/4 cup sour milk and 1/3 cup butter or use plain yogurt
Sugar, white - 1 cup = 1 cup packed brown sugar
Sugar, white - 1 cup = 1 cup honey minus 1/4 cup liquid in recipe
Shortening, 1 cup = 1 cup and 2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Tomatoes, fresh - 2 cups, chopped = 16 ounce can, drained
Tomato sauce - 2 cups = 1 cup tomato paste plus 1 cup water
Vinegar -1 teaspoon = 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Yeast - 1 package = 1 cake yeast
Yeast - 1 package = 1 tablespoon dry yeast


813 posted on 02/12/2009 8:10:09 AM PST by DelaWhere (I'm a Klingon - Clinging to guns and Bible - Putting Country First - Preparing for the Worst!!!)
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To: nw_arizona_granny

I find these blogs to have very practical advice:

http://almostfrugal.com/

Here’s an example:

When The Recession Hits Your Family
by Kelly on February 4, 2009

As unemployment increases, credit decreases and times get tougher for everyone, the chances of you or one of your family members being personally affected goes up. That’s what is happening in my family- my mother’s work is cutting back on her hours, and my father’s business, heavily dependent on customers, is becoming worrisome. Personally, my own hours at work have been cut back, leaving me dependent on my government subsidies for school.

I don’t really know how to react to my parents’ financial concerns. I feel worried and afraid for them, and it’s not made easier by the fact that I live so far away. It’s not like they are looking for advice either, just commiseration and a sympathetic ear. That, at least, I can give them lots of- I have unlimited international phone calls!

How has the recession affected you and your family? Has somebody you know lost a job? What do you say to friends and family members with financial concerns? What would you like others to say to you?

{17 comments}

Concepts in Frugality: Rethink Your Thinking
by Kelly on January 28, 2009

Today’s post is part of an occasional series called ‘Concepts in Frugality’.

You don’t ‘have to’ do anything.

Too often we fall into the trap of thinking that we have to buy a certain brand, go to a certain store, send our kids to a certain activity. “I have to buy this brand of facial cleanser,” you might say to yourself. “Otherwise my skin breaks out.” Or maybe “I have to use this kind of laundry detergent– I don’t like the way the other one smells.”

I do it all the time- I rely on old habits, on old patterns, firmly entrenched ways of thinking in making my buying decisions.

But what decisions would you make, if you rethought your thinking? If you were forced to act another way, would it change your mind and your patterns?

I have a friend who was convinced that she could not lower her monthly grocery budget below a certain point. When she started only using cash to pay for groceries however, she managed to spend a third less than the months before.

I thought I had to keep the heat at a certain temperature, or my kids wouldn’t sleep. Turns out I was wrong. I thought I had to buy a brand name coffee, or we wouldn’t like the taste. Turns out I was wrong. I thought I had to have a two hour contract on my cell phone, or I wouldn’t have enough minutes. Turns out I was wrong.

Rethinking my habits and my convictions, even those I was convinced I couldn’t change, was a useful exercise for me. I’m discovering why I do things. Some of the reasons are frugal worthy… others, not so much. But I don’t have to do anything- I make the frugal (or almost frugal) choices I make because I choose to make them.

What things do you do because you have to? And what do you do because you want to?

{13 comments}

http://www.mytwodollars.com/

Do It Yourself Debt Reduction.
Debt consolidation loans, debt settlements, debt management programs – as an increasing number of people find themselves trying to climb over a mountain of debt, the number of companies offering various types of assistance increase. Before you join one of these programs however, you should try to reduce your debt on your own and avoid company fees or the potential for a dishonest company to make your financial situation even worse. Here’s how you can set up a do-it-yourself debt reduction plan.

Don’t Bury Your Financial Head In The Sand.
Of all the times you could choose to ignore your finances, now would not be the time. Between the banks being more choosy about who they lend to, the unemployment rate nearing 8%, and the future of the economy in question, now is the time you should be paying the most attention to your finances! When everything was good, I was nowhere near as careful with where my money went as I am now. And even though I am self-employed and have only really felt a little of the downturn, I am sure I will anytime now and I need to stay vigilant about our financial situation. So while it may seem easier to just ignore what is going on because it is so depressing, you should be doing just the opposite - taking stock of where you stand, what you can do, and where the future might bring you. Because I have been giving some thought to how we will survive if the economy continues to plunge, I figured I would share some of the things we are focusing on right now.

Scrimp & Save Your Pennies
This is something that while not entirely new to me, is something we are certainly implementing right now yet again. Because of our move to a smaller, less expensive town and that fact that our income stayed the same when we did so, we were living high on the hog. Going out to dinner way too often and not worrying about our expenditures were starting to take their toll on our bank account balances, and because I don’t want to go back to a 9-5 job to earn more money we needed to make a change. So we started really tracking every penny and watching unnecessary expenses. It is amazing how much you spend when you are not paying attention!

Pay Off Debt That Is Not Related To Your Home, Your Education Or Your Car
While we do not have credit card debt anymore, if we did it would be a priority to pay it off asap. Credit card companies are closing accounts, changing terms and interest rates left and right, and I would not want to be surprised with a balance that is all of a sudden being held at some ridiculous interest rate. And with the reduction of 0% balance transfer cards available, you might be stuck paying whatever they want to charge you. So please, if you can at all, pay off your credit card debt. Mortgages, student loans, and auto loans are usually going to be left alone, so concentrate any extra money you can at your credit card debt. Being free of this debt is quite a load off and you will thank yourself later for getting out from under it.

Start Following A Budget
Back in September, I wrote about how we were following a budget again…and then we quickly fell off the wagon. Mainly it was because we were starting to look at real estate to buy, but since we have now put that on the back burner, the budget went the way of the do-do. But we definitely need to get back into it, because as I mentioned above, we need to start seeing where our money is going. Moving here has allowed me to support our lifestyle while being self-employed, and I would like to keep it that way. So if we are wasting money somewhere that we shouldn’t be, we need to get that back! I still use a free budget template document from Google Docs, and it works just fine. If you are not budgeting, you need to start right away!

Look For Ways To Earn Alternative Income Outside Of Your Day Job
Blogging for me started as a hobby - something to do at my day job when I was bored. I started The Good Human 3 years ago on a lark, and then it slowly started making me some money on the side. Then in November of 2006 I started My Two Dollars, and after about 6 months it too started to bring in some extra cash. I was also doing some web design and blog consulting on the side and started doing some website maintenance for a few companies. Soon enough, all the alternative income I was making turned into a full time job and a full time income - and I have been doing all these different things since then to support us. If you work a day job, there is no reason you cannot turn your hobby/art/blog/skills into extra income starting right now. Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot do it; if you are determined to make some extra cash, you can most definitely do it. You just have to put in the effort.

The most important thing you can do is to pay attention. Don’t ignore your bank statements, look at them when they come in. Track your investments. If you are not sure about them, talk to a professional and make sure you are on the right track for when the economy comes back. Times are tough; ignoring what is going on could (and probably will) make things worse for you and yours. So don’t bury your head in the sand; hold it high and look around. It will do you way more good up there.

{continues}

http://frugaldad.com/

Recession Sacrifices Only Go So Far
February 9, 2009 in Frugal Living | Comments(46)

The February 2009 edition of Money Magazine shares the results of an interesting reader poll recently conducted. The poll asked readers, “what won’t you sacrifice” in a tough economy?

I touched on this subject briefly when I recently wrote about not giving up my gym membership, even though it could save me about $30 a month, or $360 in 2009. To me, the benefits of exercising (stress reduction, weight loss, improved health, etc.) far outweigh the annual costs. Apparently, I am not alone, as the poll revealed gym memberships were the top response for things people were not willing to part with. Here are the full details of the reader poll:

Not Willing To Give Up
48% Gym Membership
41% Eating Out
35% Extra Car
30% Premium Cable
20% Fine Wine and Spirits

Willing to Give Up
89% New Gadget
87% Sporting Event
83% Big Vacation
80% Expensive Clothes
78% Cultural Events

Source: Money Magazine, February 2009

For me, the amusing thing about this list was that the items people were “willing to give up” are things we gave up a long time ago. We don’t buy expensive clothes; we only have basic cable; we haven’t been on vacation in two years, much less an “expensive” vacation; we don’t attend professional sporting events because the ticket prices are outrageous; we have bought no new gadgets, except for my beloved BlackBerry, which I use at least half the time to manage emails and perform admin tasks for blogging on the road.

Maybe that’s why times feel less tough for frugal people - we already made these sacrifices when times were good. That is not to say even frugal types are not feeling a strain in this economy, but I would venture to say the strain is a little less on us compared to the person with a house full of goodies and two new cars in the driveway.

What are you not willing to give up in a recession?

Preparing For A Layoff - Pay Debt or Save Money?
Read More About: Saving | View Comments(25)

Matt asks the following question via email:

My girlfriend is working the Dave Ramsey baby steps. She has the $1,000 emergency fund and is now working on knocking down the credit cards. Her job has laid off about 25% of the workforce and things are not looking much better for them and she might be next if they do another round of lay offs due to the time she has been there. She is going to get $1,200 or so back on taxes. Would it be better to pay down debt with that money or to save it?

Since your girlfriend is a Dave Ramsey fan I’ll pass along his advice for this scenario, which I happen to agree with wholeheartedly. What she is facing is what Ramsey refers to as an impending financial storm–”there are storm clouds on the horizon.” When we are fortunate enough to see these storms coming it is time to pile up money.

Many employers are reducing jobs in this economic downturn, and I personally think it is a good time to beef up emergency your fund to help survive a layoff. This is particularly true if your employer is announcing job cuts.

I went through something similar about six years ago at my last employer. For the first time in their corporate history they announced a significant workforce reduction. I watched several friends and coworkers come in planning to work on a Thursday morning only to be led out by security carrying all their personal possessions from the office in a cardboard box. It was a sobering experience, and I knew I could very well be next.

When the layoffs were announced I immediately slowed my debt snowball plan, only paying minimums and storing everything else in an emergency fund. When the clouds cleared (I found a new job in a new town) I used some of the money in savings to restart my debt snowball plan. If I had lost my job in the interim we could have lived off of my emergency fund for a few months while continuing to keep debts current.

I hope things improve at your girlfriend’s employer, and she is able to keep her job. But this is one of those situations where she should prepare for the worst, and hope for the best.

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One Step Isn’t a Journey 10
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February 12, 2009 @ 8:00 am - Written by Trent
Categories: Getting Started
Bookmarks: del.icio.us, reddit
Lately, I’ve been listening to a wide variety of podcasts and talk radio stations while writing, mostly in order to expose myself to thoughts and opinions across the spectrum. A few days ago, a host on one of these shows (I believe it was Colin Cowherd) complained quite specifically about personal finance advice in a way that made me think.

His comment was simple: he claimed that personal finance writers and personalities target things like getting a latte at Starbucks because they’re low hanging fruit. He stated that if you just replace a Starbucks coffee with a lower quality coffee, you’ll save yourself maybe a buck a day, adding up to $30 after a month. That $30 is inconsequential, according to him - it’s an amount of money that really doesn’t equate to any significant change in life. Instead, he argued that you should only focus on the big stuff - sell that jet ski you use only twice a year, for one.

On one level, the host has a point: big steps will have much more impact than small steps. Selling that jet ski will help you quite a bit more than skipping a coffee at Starbucks, without a doubt. If you want to make a giant step, sell your car or downgrade your home - those moves will make a sea change in your personal finance situation.

On the other hand, we have a lot of opportunities in our lives to make small steps. Changing your coffee habits is a small step. Changing your light bulbs is a small step. Eating a meal at home is a small step.

In the end, though, big steps and small steps are just steps in a larger journey.

I like to think of the journey to financial independence as being like a marathon. Doing something big, like downgrading your home, is the equivalent of running a mile’s worth of that marathon. Doing something small, like giving up today’s coffee, is only a step in that journey.

The journey, though, is long. It’s a lot of steps to reach that finish line of complete financial independence. One or two big moves won’t do it, nor will a bunch of smaller moves. You need to throw as much as you can at the goal, just like a marathon runner throwing everything they have at the goal.

Many people like to overlook the small steps because they don’t seem to cover much ground along the way to financial independence. After all, giving up one’s daily coffee isn’t going to save you much money by itself, so why do it?

Here’s another way of looking at it. Skipping today’s coffee and putting that money away might be one step in the journey. Do it all month and you’ve got thirty steps. Do it all year and you’ve got three hundred and sixty steps. Add in a few other tiny things like eating at home and replacing your light bulbs and soon you’ll find that you’re taking a few thousand little steps - covering at least as much ground (if not more) than those big steps.

If you truly want financial independence and security, your journey is going to require some big steps and a lot of small steps. Don’t get caught up in the belief that a little step doesn’t matter - every step matters on your way to this marathon’s finish line.

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Twelve Ways to Use the “Thirty Day Challenge” for Great Personal Finance Benefit 9
comments

February 11, 2009 @ 2:00 pm - Written by Trent
Categories: Getting Started

A few weeks ago, I reviewed Leo Babauta’s excellent book The Power of Less, which details a lifestyle philosophy of reducing and simplifying life.

One of the most thought-provoking portions of the book was the idea of the “thirty day challenge.” If you’re attempting to adopt a new habit in your life, simply try it - and focus on it - for thirty days. The book offers a lot of examples for trying this - going vegetarian for thirty days, going to the gym for thirty days, and so on.

Since reading the book, I’ve been really inspired to look for ways to apply thirty day challenges in my own life. I made a giant list of potential thirty day challenges that I could try, whittled it down to a few, and may have selected one to go with (push-up training). Along the way, though, I kept adding more and more great ideas to the original list - ones that meshed well with my life, along with ones that I simply thought were good ideas for almost everyone.

Unsurprisingly, quite a few of these ideas had to do with personal finance. There are a lot of “thirty day challenges” you can take on in your own life to improve your money situation. Here are twelve great ways to use the next thirty days to bring about personal finance change in your life.

Thirty days to avoid all unnecessary spending For the next thirty days, only spend money when it’s absolutely needed. If you’re about to make a purchase or engage in an activity that isn’t strictly necessary, either avoid it (if you’re just buying something frivolous) or find a cheaper solution (like eating at home instead of going out).

Thirty days to track every dime you spend It’s easy - just keep a notebook in your pocket and every time you spend a penny, jot it down in that notebook. Include everything, from paying the bills to buying a cup of coffee. If a cent leaves your pocket or your checking account, jot it down. Once you have this record, at the end of the trial, categorize the spending and add it up - you might be shocked to see how much you’re spending on coffee (for one example).

Thirty days to understand your retirement investment options Many people postpone making major decisions about their retirement plans because of the sheer volume and complexity of options. Sorting through these can make for a great thirty day challenge. Start by making a list of the things you’re unsure about, then devote some time (half an hour might do it) each day to dealing with these questions until you’re confident about your retirement planning.

Thirty days to cook at home Make a pledge to prepare all of your food at home by yourself for thirty days. At the end of the period, not only will you have eaten much cheaper than you would have otherwise, you’ll also acquire many of the basic cooking skills you’ll need to make such home cooking a normal part of your routine, saving you money over the long haul.

Thirty days to develop your presentation skills Spend the next thirty days looking for opportunities to speak in public - and then follow through with them with appropriate prep work, practice, and execution. Doing this will do nothing but improve your ability to share your ideas in the workplace and gain more acclaim for your skills no matter what you’re doing.

Thirty days to seek a new job Do you feel stuck in your current job? You like what you’re doing, but you feel stuck in place by a glass ceiling or by office politics. What you might need is simply a change in perspective that can come with a new job in your area. Spend a month doing some careful searching for positions that might be available to you. Apply to the most promising ones and see what happens.

Thirty days to develop and optimize a debt repayment plan A debt repayment plan is just what it says it is - a plan you develop and execute to manage your debts and eventually get rid of them. Getting such a plan in order and optimized can require a lot of leg work, though, so devote fifteen minutes each day to getting your plan in place.

Thirty days to develop strong personal goals What do you want out of life? Where do you want to be in a year? In five years? In twenty years? If you don’t know, spend some time thinking carefully about those questions. Put some time aside each day to think about what you really want out of life. Once you have those goals in place, it becomes a lot easier to make choices in your life that work towards something truly big instead of just wandering day to day.

Thirty days to improve your work relationships Professional relationships are the lifeblood of many careers, but it’s quite easy to get caught up in the day-to-day bustle of work and let many valuable relationships die on the vine. Spend a half an hour each day sprucing up these relationships. Touch base by email or Facebook. Make a phone call or two. Stop by an office or a cubicle. Ask what they’re up to and offer what you have to share. Every relationship you build with something of value is something that can help you out later when you really need it.

Thirty days to try out budgeting For many people, a budget feels like a major step, one fraught with a lot of stress and a lot of challenges along the way. However, a well-executed budget can really help you to get your spending under control. Pick up a great budgeting guide, develop one for yourself, and pledge to stick to it for thirty days. If nothing else, you’ll learn a lot about yourself and your spending along the way.

Thirty days to investigate a new career Are you feeling burnt out with your current career path? Have you fallen out of love with your work? It might be time to think about a new career. Spend the next month investigating potential alternate careers for your skill set.


814 posted on 02/12/2009 8:11:43 AM PST by TenthAmendmentChampion (Be prepared for tough times. FReepmail me to learn about our survival thread!)
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To: nw_arizona_granny

They are busy saving the “Delta” smelt, a non-native fish. They found a compliant judge and he said, no more pumping water to the farms.

The world has gone mad.


815 posted on 02/12/2009 8:15:06 AM PST by TenthAmendmentChampion (Be prepared for tough times. FReepmail me to learn about our survival thread!)
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To: nw_arizona_granny

The old survival thread is great reading when I’m on the dialysis machine. It’s an incredible thread, just amazing!

Will post the link to download the files tomorrow. Granny, I will send you a CD whenever you like, I just need your address. I can sent it to Scott if you like.


816 posted on 02/12/2009 8:17:00 AM PST by TenthAmendmentChampion (Be prepared for tough times. FReepmail me to learn about our survival thread!)
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To: nw_arizona_granny; All

More tips for when you are having to ‘make-do’.

Homemade Bisquick Mix

8 cups flour
1 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk
1/4 cup baking powder
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups shortening

Combine flour, milk, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening. Store in tightly closed container in cool place. Use anywhere Bisquick or other biscuit baking mix is called for.
Shake and Bake

2 c. Bisquick
4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 - 1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. paprika

Good for chicken or pork chops. Dredge meat and bake uncovered at 325.
Recipe from a 2001 Cedar County Catholic Schools Cookbook
Make Your Own Cake Flour

To turn all purpose flour into cake flour:
Use —
2 c. minus 2 Tbsp. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. cornstarch

Sift together. This is a great cake flour.
Sweetened Condensed Milk #1

1/2 cup boiling water
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of powdered milk

Pour 1/2 cup boiling water over 3/4 cup sugar. Mix well. Add 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of powdered milk. Stir until dissolved. Let stand in fridge for a couple of hours.
Sweetened Condensed Milk #2

1 cup nonfat dry milk
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup boiling water
3 tablsp melted margarine

Combine all ingredients in a blender, process till smooth.
Recipe from a Classic Creations cookbook
Whipped Cream Substitute

1/2 cup flour
2 cups milk
1 pound butter or margarine softened
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cook flour and milk until thick; cool. Cream butter, sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Beat in flour mixture
Recipe from 1974 Family Circle Cookbook
Blender Sour Cream Substitute

1/4 cup water or milk
8 oz creamed cottage cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt

Put all ingredients in the blender. Cover. Press button 8 for 30 seconds, flash blend until creamy. Use this just as you would regular sour cream. Add a sprig of parsley while blending if you plan on using it for baked potatoes. (Low Calorie)
Recipe from 1970 Cookbook
Blender Made Butter

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup ice water

Put cream into blender, cover. Press button 2 and blend until thickened around the blades. Keep motor running and pour ice water through opening in top. Press button 6, and blend 1 to 2 minutes longer until butter forms. Turn into a strainer to drain. Pack butter into mold or squares and chill. The secret to success is using cream that is a couple of days old and watching the blender at work.
Recipe from 1970 Cookbook
Seasoned Salt

1 cup salt
2 tblsp. celery salt
2 tblsp. garlic salt
2 tblsp. paprika,
2 tsp. dry mustard
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. pepper

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed for 20 seconds. Also see Homemade Taco Seasoning
How to Make Worcestershire Sauce

3 cups cider vinegar
1/2 cup plum jam
1 small crushed clove garlic
1/4 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/3 cup molasses
1 small chopped onion
1 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. dry mustard

Combine all ingredients in large saucepan. Stir over heat until mixture boils. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour stirring occasionally. Strain mixture into hot sterilized jars. Seal when cold. Makes 2 cups.
Summer Sausage

17 lbs ground beef
3 lbs ground pork
6 T. mustard seed
4 T. garlic powder
4 tsp. mace

Mix well and let stand for 2 days, then grind again. Stuff in bags and cook 25 minutes, then smoke for about 3 hours.
Make Your Own Jerky

5 lbs. beef, venison, or turkey
1/2 c. soy sauce
1/2 c. Worcestershire sauce
2 T. Liquid Smoke
1 T. onion salt
1 T. garlic salt
1/2 T. black pepper

Slice meat 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick and trim off fat. Mix all ingredients and pour over meat, making sure it is evenly coated. Cover and marinate in refrigerator at least 4 hrs or overnight is best. Drain meat. Put in single layer in food dehydrator and dry 3 to 4 hrs, more or less depending on your dehydrator. Can’t really overdry it, but it tastes best if meat is still flexible when cooled. Store meat in tightly sealed container in refrigerator.

Recipe Note: Don’t know how long it will keep for sure since container always seems to be empty in a hurry. You can also freeze some to keep it longer. Other variations - add brown sugar, molasses, cracked pepper, seasoning salt, Mrs. Dash, barbeque sauce or jerky seasoning spices from the store.
Recipe from a 2001 Cedar County Catholic School in Hartington, North Nebraska
Bologna

100 lbs ground beef
3oz pepper (scant)
1 lb sugar
8 lbs hot water
4 lbs Tender-Quick
1oz salt peter
2 oz accent

Grind beef once, then add salt mixture and water and grind again. Let set 4 days, then grind again. Stuff in bags and smoke. Boil 30 minutes, then put in cans and cold pack for 3 hours.
How to Clean Leftover Grease

Do you save your leftover grease in a can? You don’t have to throw leftover grease from bacon, sausage, hamburgers etc. away. Reuse it by making your own lard, or add birdseed to make your own bird fat.

Back when we couldn’t afford to buy shortening, we retified (cleaned) our leftover grease. Here’s how:

1.Melt the grease that is in the can till it is loose enough to pour into a pot.
2. Add twice as much water as you have grease.
3. For each cup of smelly fat, add two table spoons of vinegar or lemon juice in half a cup of water and boil.
4. Boil the grease and water for about a half hour.
5. Let cool then refrigerate.

Once it cools the grease will float to the top and harden. Run a knife around the edge of the hardened grease and flip it out of the pot onto your hand. Some scum will be on the bottom, scrape it off with a knife. Now the grease is clean and reuseable.

__________________________________________
Homemade Recipes

When I was little I remember my mother used to use a mix of vinegar and water to clean the windows, and we dried them with newspaper. Below are some other household cleaners you can make.
Make Your Own Window Wash

1/2 c. sudsy ammonia
1 pint 70% alcohol
1 T. liquid detergent
Water to make 1 gallon

Mix and store in a gallon plastic milk jug.


817 posted on 02/12/2009 8:18:15 AM PST by DelaWhere (I'm a Klingon - Clinging to guns and Bible - Putting Country First - Preparing for the Worst!!!)
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To: JDoutrider
Geez, guess I be a newbie! My family didn't get here till 1703...

Tourist!

818 posted on 02/12/2009 8:19:43 AM PST by TenthAmendmentChampion (Be prepared for tough times. FReepmail me to learn about our survival thread!)
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To: keepitreal

There’a an earlier thread with similar information:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1990507/posts

Happy Reading!


819 posted on 02/12/2009 8:23:44 AM PST by TenthAmendmentChampion (Be prepared for tough times. FReepmail me to learn about our survival thread!)
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To: nw_arizona_granny

I am going to start saving the beer dregs my husband leaves and use it to cook the next roast, now that I know what I’ve been doing wrong.

Funny how a simple comment makes a world of difference.


820 posted on 02/12/2009 8:25:31 AM PST by TenthAmendmentChampion (Be prepared for tough times. FReepmail me to learn about our survival thread!)
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