Planting a Garden? Start a Journal...

My parents were big gardeners.

My husbands parents were even bigger.

This is our first year doing it ourselves.

I attended a 2 month gardening course last summer that was taught by a newly retired professional gardener.

I took notes like crazy.

One of his biggest recommendations wasn't about fertilizer, the plant varieties or a watering schedule.

It was simply to keep a garden journal.

He said to write down as much as possible:

When you planted,

the type of fertilizer you used,

what you planted (varieties, size, store bought or from seeds),

how far apart did you space them?,

furrows or flat ground?,

how often you watered,

what type of watering system,

how much sun they received.

At the end of the season he would calculate:

When the plants started producing,

when they stopped,

how much each plant produced in whole,

overall appearance of produce (size, color, smell, taste),

did a taste rating on a scale of 1-10,

if he had issues with pests/bugs,

if plants needed a second application of fertilizer and when it was applied,

mistakes he made,

problems he had,

what he did wrong vs. what he did right.

He said his garden journal made him a better gardener each and every year,

especially because he didn't make the same mistakes twice.

Taking pictures wouldn't be a bad idea either.

Just a suggestion...

Happy Gardening!

Morning Moo's Chocolate Drink Mix

We don't drink a ton of chocolate milk at our house, but if we do, it isn't the pre-made kind you can buy in the gallon jugs.

We usually stick to chocolate powder or syrup.

However, I saw this in the store and thought I'd give it a try.

It was amazing!

Here are the basics (text taken directly from can):

Mixing Instructions:

1. Using the chart below dissolve indicated amount of dry product in corresponding volume of warm tap water by shaking vigorously or by mixing in a blender or mixer.

2.  Add cold water up to desired quantity and chill in a closed container before serving.

3. Proportions may be altered to suit individual taste.

 1 quart: Take 3/4 c. dry product mix with 1 c. hot water.  Dilute with cold water to make 1 quart.

2 quarts: 1 1/2 c. dry product mixed with 1 pint hot water.  Dilute with cold water to make 2 quarts.

1 gallon: 3 c. dry product mixed with 1 quart hot water.  Dilute with cold water to make 1 gallon.

General Directions for Use

Hot Chocolate Drink: Simpoy mix as above substituting hot water in place of cold water.  Tope with marshmallows or whipped cream if desired.

Microwave: To make a single serving of hot chocolate, heat 3/4 c. water (do not allow to boil).  Remove from heat and stir in 1 or 2 heaping Tbsp. of chocolate mix (more or less to suit desired taste).

Dry Toppings: Sprinkle on your favorite desserts.

As a Smoothie: Add 1 - 2 Tbsp. to your favorite vanilla flavored mix.

Ingredients:

Made from can sugar, whey, non-gar dry milk, partially hydrogenated soy bean oil, cocoa, corn syrup solids, sodium caseinate, guargum, mono and diglycerides, salt, dipotassium phosphate, lecithin, Vitamin A palmitate, Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol.

Conatins dairy.  No preservatives.

It also includes recipes for the following drinks: chocolate-cinnamon quick mix, chocolate-fruit jubilee, chocolate-almond supreme, and chocolate malt drink.

So, when you are ready to make some,

you just have to mix the powder with warm/hot water first.  However hot my tap water gets, that is what I use.

Then you mix or shake that up really well, letting it dissolve somewhat, and then fill it up with cold water.

Chill in your fridge for a few hours and you are good.

(Or of course just use hot water for hot chocolate).

Quality Check:

The powder looks just like your regular Nesquick chocolate powder, and it smells sweet and delicious!

Once made, it looks exactly like the store bought chocolate milk.

It does not separate easily, like nesquick and chocolate syrup do (which is another reason why I love it).

And of course the taste is SO GOOD!

Chocolate milk that you buy at the store has a thicker, richer consistency than what you get when you make it at home with regular chocolate powder / chocolate syrup.

Morning Moo's is just like the store bought kind!

It is creamy, thick and oh so delicious!

Seriously, I have tricked a lot of people into trying it and they were shocked when they found out it was from powder!

It is also very good as hot chocolate; I think it tastes very creamy.

How much do you get?

One #10 can makes 20 quarts (hot or cold).

20 quarts = 5 gallons

At first I was worried that I was going to have to add WAY more powder than it called for to make it taste good, and that was NOT true.

I actually altered the amounts, making the powder amount lower than what they recommend, because it was much too chocolately for me.

Which means that for me it actually makes more than 20 quarts.

(I use 1 1/4 c. instead of 1 1/2 c. when making 2 quarts).

How long does it last? / Shelf Life

Instructions say:

Store in a cool dry place.

Can be stored (unopened) up to 10-15 years at temperatures ranging form 55-70 degrees F.

Opened I am guessing around 6 months depending on storage conditions.

Once made, I keep it to the same rule as powdered milk, never drink over a week old (but I am kind of a freak when it comes to milk possibly going bad) so use your best judgement.

How much does it cost?

I bought my can on sale for around $9.

They are regularly $12-15, depending on where you shop.

(You can find this at Macey's, Walmart and possibly Winco).

Macey's will list it for $15 and will occasionally have it on sale for under $10.

Walmart always has it for $12-15.

Is it worth it?

Taste wise, absolutely!

It also doesn't require milk, and it has a great shelf life, which is nice.

Price wise...

It makes 5 gallons, which would cost you $7.50 in milk alone if you got it for $1.50 per gallon.

Just for the chocolate that ends up being $1.50 (if you buy on sale) to $4.50 (if you buy for $12) or $7.50 (if you buy at top price).  Keep in mind it makes enough for 5 gallons, and that is assuming you get your milk at bottom dollar.

The 21.8oz carton of Nestle Nesquik makes 38 1 cup servings, which is 9.5 quarts, or just under 2 1/2 gallons.  I can't remember exactly, but I want to say it was about $5.

So yes... not only does it taste WAY better, it is also cheaper (especially if you buy it on sale)!

** As a side note - my sister recently purchased this product (after tasting mine a while ago), and regrettably told me that it was AWFUL!  I am becoming more and more concerned with Morning Moo's product line.  I haven't done a 'proper review' yet, but I would recommend buying 'Country Cream' Chocolate Milk Powder.  I have had continued success with them.

Freezing Meals Technique

Freezing meals is a great way to stock up on your food storage, save yourself time, and still enjoy delicious meals.

I love having a meal or two (or more if there is room) in my freezer for busy days, but I hate when they take up all of my freezer space, and when all of my dishes are in the freezer and I can't use them. This is the best idea to solve that problem; (though I am sure this idea has been done before, I've never heard of anyone else doing it so I will take the credit).

I used this idea all the time when it was just me and my hubby... we could never finish a whole 9x13" casserole, but half that size would be great. That is when I started making two smaller dinners out of one large recipe:

You will need one or more small casserole dish; 8x6", 8x8" and 9x9" all work well. You can go smaller for individual servings, but the listed sizes will feed my small family of 4 (without leftovers). Most importantly, you need a small enough dish that the contents will be able to fit into a gallon freezer ziplock bag.

The basic idea is to make one large recipe and divide it up between two smaller casserole dishes (or more for individual servings). I usually make one to eat immediately, and freeze the other.

First, line the casserole dishes that will be frozen with tin-foil. Fill the dishes with whatever it is you are making (this picture is two different recipes, but you get the idea).

Put the casserole dish in freezer overnight or for several hours. When frozen, take out and remove the food from the dish (this is where the tinfoil comes in handy).

Once removed, place in a freezer bag - I label with the item, the date, and the cooking instructions.

Soups, stews, and sauces can be poured into quart or gallon sized bags and frozen.

And there it is! No mess, less space, and no freezer burn!

When ready to eat, take out of bag and put back in casserole dish.

For larger families, you can use your old (or purchase) aluminum dishes that are perfect for freezing.

Bread loaf pan are perfect for 1-2 servings, pie plates work great for chicken pot pie, and old roasting pans can be used for normal sized casseroles.

You can purchase lids, or use tinfoil.

Frozen meals are best if used within 3 months, but I have had them when they are much older than that.

To access all of my 'freezer meals' recipes, click here.

Happy Freezing!

Why I HATE "Basic Food Storage Plans"

Okay, I do not have many posts like this, but I just have to step onto my soap box really quick...

I am not a fan of these 'basic storage plans'.
If you don't know what I am talking about here is a good example:
go to this website.
Fill in how many family members you have and push "calculate".

TA-DA!
Food Storage for a whole year!
Everything planned out for you - so easy... so fast...
SO RIDICULOUS!

Will you look at that list?
I've been staring at it for the past 10 minutes thinking of how many discusting meals I could put together...
- cracked wheat with mayonnaise casserole
- lima beans with salad dressing

Do people eat that stuff?
I sure don't.

And did I somewhere miss the fact that everyone is a vegetarian?
Where is the meat?

And don't vegetarians eat vegetables?
Because there surely aren't any of those.

And I'm pretty sure that fruit is supposed to be incorporated into your diet somewhere...
yet I can't seem to find that on the list.
Oh wait, there it is... Jam!

Are you catching my drift?

Just like everything in life there is a "fine print" that comes along with these basic food storage plans.
Did you read it?  It says:
"Use the following calculator to figure the minimum food storage amounts for your family for one year.
The amounts are based on the recommendations listed in the LDS Church's Essentials of Home Production and Storage Booklet.
These are only recommendations.
You will need to determine what you should store for your family.

(Let me emphasize at this point in time that I am LDS, and I do have a firm testimony, and I say Kudos to the church for even trying to inform the world of the need for food storage).
Now, I'm not about to go against what the church says, but I am saying that I hope you are smart enough to realize that this is food recommended for emergencies only.

Can you imagine eating off of that list for a year?
I for one choose death
(not really, but you know what I mean).

And just in case you are wondering if there are people out there who look at these lists and actually go and buy everything on it I would say:
Yes, there are.
I have met them.
And I can assure you that they've got at least 800 lbs. of it stored in the basement.

Never really taking into consideration that they've never eaten it, nor do they know how to prepare it.

Studies show that in disaster situations, having at least one meal per day that has been eaten regularly greatly reduces stress, especially in children.

Please be smart with your food storage shopping!

Remember to follow basic rules of food storage when planning on what to buy.

And don't get me wrong, having a long term storage plan is smart, but not before you have a short-term one.

And for all of you out there that have purchased the "basic storage plan", think realistically about how you can incorporate those items into your meal plan so that you can actually use it.
And of course continually add to your storage items that you eat regularly.

And if you choose to take the stance of "I'll store it to use as a bargaining tool"; be serious.

What are you going to trade it for?

Everyone who has stored food is going to have at least what you have to offer.
Meaning the only people you are going to be trading with are those with no food; which is great if you can trade them for something like money (if it will be useful), or manual labor, but that still doesn't get you anything else to eat.

Store food with the intent to eat it.
Store food to trade as an additional means to becoming self-reliant.
They should not be put together in the same category.

Alright, that's it... I'm stepping down from my box now.
Sorry for the negativity!

For a real life food storage option, check out my last food storage post:
Step-by-Step Food Storage Plan.

Home Made Laundry Detergent

A while ago I was browsing through some of Tipnut's Home-made Laundry Detergent Recipes.

I was intrigued, but have merely been toying with the idea for some time.

When a good friend of mine told me that she had started making her own, I decided to finally try it.  It always helps hearing that it has worked for someone you know personally.

The recipe she tried and gave to me was Recipe #3 on the link above.

Over time she made some changes of her own, and after making it for myself, I totally agree with her.

This is her new and improved recipe (which I am currently washing all of my clothes with).

Home-made Liquid Laundry Detergent

Ingredients:

1/2 c. borax

1/2 c. washing soda

1/2 bar Fels Naptha Soap

Essentail oils (optional)

2 gallons water

All 3 of these ingredients will cost you around $10.00, and can be found at Macey's and Harmons in the laundry isle.
Walmart carries borax and washing soda.

Here is a little info about each ingredient:

Borax

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral: Sodium Borate.
It is a white powder.
It’s purpose is as a laundry whitener and deodorizer.
The brand to look for is 20 Mule Team.  It comes in a 76 oz. box.

Washing Soda

This is not to be confused with baking soda.  They are not the same thing.
Washing soda is sodium carbonate or soda ash (baking soda is sodium bicarbonate).
It is a white powder.
Its purpose is to help remove dirt and odors.
The brand to look for is Arm & Hammer Washing Soda.

Fels Naptha

Fels Naptha is an old fashioned type of soap used mainly to remove stains.
I've seen it in yellow and light blue - color does not matter.

Here is the recipe again, with all of the directions and pictures.

Homemade Laundry Soap

1/2 bar Fels Naptha
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax powder
You will also need a small bucket, about 2 gallon size

Grate the soap.


Put grated soap in a saucepan and add 6 cups water.  Heat it until the soap melts.
Add the washing soda and the borax and stir until it is dissolved.
Remove from heat.


Pour 4 cups hot water into the bucket.
Now add your soap mixture and stir.


Now add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir.
Finally, add your favorite essential oil (optional).
I would probably add 30-60 drops of oil (you may choose more or less).
The EO will make the soap a more effective cleanser, make the soap more effective at getting rid of bacteria and microbes, and will of coarse make your laundry smell incredible.

Let the soap sit for about 24 hours and it will gel.

After stirring, the finished soap will not be a solid gel.
It will be more of a watery gel that has been accurately described as and "egg noodle soup" look.


Now pour it into some old laundry detergent bottles (or apple juice containers :)

 Makes 2 gallons.

The amount you use depends on your preference, load size, and how dirty the clothes are.

The original recipe called for 1/3 of a bar of soap (instead of 1/2), and said to use 1/2 cup per load.

If you aren't going to use essential oils, I would use 1 c. per load - 1/2 c. works great with essential oils.

I just took an Ikea cup and marked measurements.

 As a side note, I should mention that I have never been "in love" with any particular brand of detergent.

I always seem to filter through them all, usually buying what is on sale.

This detergent has proven to be just as worthy as all that I have tried.
Here are my personal pro's and con's:

What I don't like about it:

This is a zero sudsing soap.

You pour it into the water and it looks like nothing but water...

I don't know why but seeing bubbles just makes me feel better.

What I do like about it:

It works: I have noticed no difference in this detergent form others that I've used. 

The smell: It isn't as powerful as other detergents, but my clothes do come out smelling fresh and clean (even without essential oils).

It is inexpensive. Around 5 cents per load (if you use 1 c. per load without oils).
Around 2-3 cents if you use 1/2 c. per load without oils).
That is based on buying all products (except essential oils) when it is NOT on sale.
Try figuring out what your regular detergent costs you to see if it is worth it.

Less Storage Space.  Even if you choose to buy your detergent, this is a good backup for emergencies.  Spend $30 and you now have a years supply of laundry detergent that can easily fit in a small box (just add water).

It dissolves easily in cold water.  Again, going back to using this in an emergency, whether or not your detergent dissolves in cold water is going to make a huge difference on whether or not it will be any good for you (this is especially true for powdered detergents).

Also, I've never had a problem with things like this, but this recipe includes far less chemicals than other laundry soaps; ie, cleaners, dyes, fragrance, etc.
This makes it helpful for those with allergies or special skin conditions.

And that's it!
Realistically, I can't say that I will never buy pre-made detergent again, but I will definitely always have these ingredients on hand just in case I need to make my own.
Plus, it's kind of fun!