Received this in the mail years ago ... a Company was attempting to get me to join their Recipe Club.  Those who are interested in making and filling a non traditional Easter Basket this year may find these Scanned Recipes Ideas a good starting point .... and a fun Family Project over the Spring Break. Wonder how other Cookie Cutters would work? Might come up with some interesting designs.  If anyone makes these, send me your photos and I will show them.



Enjoy!

Enough Recipes for now... Will be starting another Topic in next Blog.

"Do you hear the Echo of that Train?  When the clouds become low like a ceiling in the sky and you can hear your Echo or the Echo of the Train, snow is not far behind", is what my Grandmother use to say. Am looking forward to saying the same to my Grandchildren ... and playing 'Echo' with them and others, before and after the Snow falls.

I love snow, it brings back fond memories... and can be made into an fun adventure if one has the mindset for it; "Camping out Indoors." for one. If it gets too cold in the House due to power outages, seek to solve the problem and bring out the child in everyone by suggesting everyone helps you push back the Furniture so you all can put up a Tent. If they are not interested in this... ask them for a better idea. If you don't have access to a Tent, make one out of things around the house.... be ingenious.

As I look outside and appreciate the Beauty of our little corner of Paradise covered with snow my mind begins to think about all of the great fun to be had. Seeing Animal Tracks in the

Snow reminds me of how my children did not have the advantages of growing up in the Country. Such really makes me look forward to the times when they can, through our experiences together with their Children whenever they visit here with us. When they are old enough and I can introduce them to Nature from my perspective I want to show my Grandchildren details like Animal Tracks. One of the games I look forward to playing with them is... 'Lets see who can find and identify the most animal Tracks.' and when we have exhausted our search, I hope to hold their interest by making Tracks with them... preferably in the Snow, but carving a track in a Potato to make a stamp out of them may be an creative alternative over a cup of warm Hot Chocolate.

Preparing for the coming  Snow Storms reminds me of how my children did not have the advantages of growing up in the Country. Such really makes me look forward to the times when they can, through our experiences together with their Children whenever they visit here with us. When they are old enough and I can introduce them to Nature from my perspective I want to show my Grandchildren details like Animal Tracks. One of the games I look forward to playing with them is... 'Lets see who can find and identify the most animal Tracks.' and when we have exhausted our search, I hope to hold their interest by making Tracks with them... preferably in the Snow. Here's a resource and a Quick Game: Animal Tracks Quiz for Beginners for those interested in doing the same someday.

I am surprised when I hear of people being bored on Snow Days. There are lots of ways to play in the Snow if one is dressed for the Weather ... using things like Plastic Bats for Baseball, Old Golf Clubs or Croquet Mallets used to see who can roll the largest Snow Ball, Plastic Bowling Pins to be knocked over with a Snow Ball, playing with an old pair of Snow Shoes, old Skis and Ski Poles, playing games like Tug of War, Toss the Hat on the Snowman, a Scavenger Hunt of Finding things sticking up out of the snow and the like.

Here are 2 links: 20 Games to Play in the Snow from Parents.com and Fun in the Snow from a Winter Resource Center. Another link which might be worth considering is: I loved Playing in the Snow when I was Young.

One of the many things I enjoy about Snow is Snow Recipes. Here are two... if anyone has anymore, I'd be interested in reading them, feel free to post them as a Comment for our Readers too:

Snow Ice Cream:

• 1 gallon of snow
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups milk

When it starts to snow, place a large, clean container (you can use an insert from a Ice Cream Maker too), outside to collect the flakes. When full, stir in sugar and vanilla to taste, then stir in just enough milk of choice (to include evaporated milk) for the desired consistency. Serve at once.

Snow Cones: add Snow Cone Flavoring to freshly collected Snow, which you have put into paper Snow Cones... or make your own Snow Cones

Enjoy!

In my last Blog I Recommended the Book: Snowmen 'Snow Creatures, Crafts and Other Winter Projects'.

Below are two Pictures from the Book to give you some ideas of what it has to offer. Alongside the Pictures are Instructions. Not only do the Authors have Photos and Instructions for building other Snow Projects, such as a Snow Queen and Bugs on a Log... but they also have crafts for those with the heart of an Artist... be they an Adult or Child The Authors end the Book with cute and what appears to be Tasty Recipes such as White Chocolate Marshmallow Men, which when dipped in Hot Chocolate melt into a creamy froth.

Just the other day, I was examining two Vintage Quilts my Daughter discovered, to see if they were worth repairing (with Vintage Material I have collected), or if they were worth using for a Craft of some kind. One had a huge hole in it, so it was obvious to me that it needed to be recycled, (vintage scraps could be used to repair the other quilt), it definitely was worthy of being used to make other Crafts.

After I considered these Quilts, an email arrived on the topic: Repurposing Old Quilts

As I read it I thought, 'Wonderful and timely ideas! I need to share these!' One Idea in particular stood out to me; downsizing a damaged quilt into a Baby Quilt. Since my Daughter will be giving birth this Summer this Inexpensive Handmade Gift Idea caught my attention. This informative Article came in due to my being a Subscriber to a Blog: www.Oldtips.blogspot.com I have wanted to tell you all about her Blog for a while now. Today seems to be the perfect day to do so.

With that said, please consider the links above and below and the down to earth advise offered at: Repurposing Old Quilts

Discovered the Article written by Brenda Hyde posted below because some friends gave us Lemon Verbena as a gift ... although we grow our own Herbs and dehydrate them... (they make great gifts too), we have never grown this one, so I was eager to give it a try and to attempt to make some Lemon Verbena Essential Oil out of it, (see results at end of this Post).

Lemon Balm was the lemony Herb I discovered initially and have grown and given away for years. It self sows... so if you choose to grow Lemon Balm, do put it in a place where you don't mind babies... (which can be potted and not only given away but used to Barter with or sell for additional cash ... fresh or dryed). Lemon Balm can be used in the Recipes below as well, which also includes non food related ideas such as Potpourri and Hair Rinses.

I am posting this particular Article on Herbs presently because it has Recipes which you may want to try to use the Premixed Snack Cake Master Mix published in previous post as a Substitute for some of the Ingredients listed, (Recipes highlighted below).

Enjoy!

Using and Growing Lemon Verbena

If you've never rubbed a leaf of lemon verbena it's impossible to explain its lovely scent. Yes, it's lemon, but yet it's also a captivating fragrance that almost instantly relaxes you. To me, it's the ultimate in aromatherapy. If you grow just one lemon scented herb it should be lemon verbena. Although to grow just one lemon herb would be a shame, since they are all so wonderful.
Lemon verbena, aloysia triphylla (formally Lippia citriodora), is a native of Chile and Peru, where it grows ten to fifteen foot tall. I've read it can grow 5 foot or more in one season, but mine is only about a foot and a half tall at this point. We have had some cool nights this summer, plus I can't resist harvesting it often, which I'm sure keeps it from growing to it's full potential. Lemon verbena needs at least 6 hours of sun, and I found it did better in a traditional herb soil that was on the dry side as well. Mine started out in a bed of good soil with compost and organic fertilizer, but did not branch out or start growing until I moved it to my kitchen herb bed where it was slightly drier and had no added compost.

Lemon Verbena will not survive frost, but in cold climates it may be brought inside. Be prepared, because it will lose it's leaves, but keep it in a sunny window and water once a week to keep it from drying out. By spring it will have leaves again, and after the danger of frost has passed you can place the pot outside, burying it to the rim in your garden. It's only hardy in Zones 9 and 10, and won't withstand temperatures below 40 degrees.

Unlike some herbs, lemon verbena will retain its scent for years when dried, which is why it's not only a popular culinary herb, but also a potpourri ingredient. I dried mine in the oven on the lowest setting by placing it on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. I was very pleased with the results and it only took 2-3 hours to dry. I combined it with pineapple and apple mint, which made a nice tea.

I have also used it in herb vinegars this year combined with other lemon herbs as well as in mixtures with rosemary and thyme.

You can use lemon verbena in place of lemon zest in recipes. Virtually any fruit salad can be enhanced with its finely chopped leaves. Bury 6 lemon verbena leaves in a cup of sugar that has been placed in a covered jar or container. Use this sugar to top muffins, fruit, or sprinkle on the top of muffin batter before baking. Because the leaf is rather tough you'll need to mince it very fine if you plan on leaving it in a dish, or add it whole and remove before serving. Dried, it should be crumbed before adding to recipes.
Process 10-15 lemon verbena leaves in a food processor with the sugar from your favorite sugar cookie recipe. Continue with the recipe as directed after processing the two together.

The following recipes can also be used with fresh and dried lemon verbena or if it's not available try substituting lemon grass or lemon balm.

Lemon Verbena Potpourri

You will need:

• dried peel of one lemon
• 2 cups dried lemon verbena leaves
• 1 cup dried chamomile flowers
• 6 inch cinnamon stick, crushed
• 1 cup dried calendula petals
• 1 tsp. orris root powder
• 2-3 drops lemon verbena *essential oil (optional)

Dry the lemon peel by scraping it off the lemon with a vegetable peeler, spread on paper and dry in a warm place for about 2 weeks, until crisp. Mix all the ingredients together. Seal in a tin and put in a warm place for about 2-3 weeks, shaking occasionally. Use to scent a room, or for sachets. Add more essential oil as the smell fades. Adapted from Kitchen and Herb Gardener by Richard Bird and Jessica Houdret

Lemon Verbena Syrup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lemon verbena leaves
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water

Blanch the lemon verbena leaves in boiling water briefly to brighten the color, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan, bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat and cool. Place the lemon verbena and cooled syrup in a blender and pulse on high for 2 minutes. Chill overnight, then strain through a fine mesh strainer. Keep leftovers refrigerated. Use with ice cream, pound cake or other light desserts, as well as fruit.

Lemon Rose Tea

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup torn lemon verbena leaves
• 1/4 cup rose hips
• Honey

Place 4 cups of water in a teakettle or medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the lemon verbena and rose hips. Remove from the heat and steep for about 15 minutes. Return to the heat and simmer for 1 minute. Pour into individual tea cups or mugs, sweeten with honey and serve.

Lemon Verbena Cake ~ Try using 2 Cups of Snack Cake Mix in place of Flour, Salt, Sugar and Shortening in Recipe Below

Ingredients:

• 1-2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1 cup butter flavored shortening
• 2 drops lemon extract
• 2 cups cake flour or regular flour sifted several times
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped Lemon Verbena leaves
• 5 eggs
  

Cream together the sugar and shortening until well mixed. Add the eggs 1 at a time, mixing for one minute after each addition. Add dry ingredients gradually, scraping down the sides. Add the extract and the verbena leaves. Pour into a Bundt or tube pan, which is well coated with the shortening and floured. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until golden brown (testing with a toothpick). Remove to a cooling rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan onto a serving plate. Drizzle with glaze or dust with confectioners' sugar.

Lemon Verbena Scones ~ Try using 2 Cups of Snack Cake Mix in place of Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Sugar, and Shortening in Recipe Below

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups rolled oats
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cold butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh lemon verbena leaves
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk
  

Preheat oven to 425º F. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar. Cut in the butter with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the lemon verbena leaves; mix until combined just combined. Make a well in the center of flour mixture. Add the egg, yogurt, and milk, stirring well. Mix in with the flour mixture to form a soft dough. Coat a12-inch cast iron skillet with a non-stick cooking spray. With floured hands, pat the dough into skillet. Cut with a sharp, serrated knife into eight wedges. (You can also pat the dough into a circle this same size on a baking sheet, and then cut into wedges.) Bake at 425º F for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Serve warm.
Makes 8 servings.

Raspberry-Lemon Verbena Butter
From The Herb Companion

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar, or to taste
• 4 ounces fresh or frozen raspberries (not in syrup)
• 1 small handful young, tender lemon verbena leaves

Thaw the raspberries if frozen, and pour off any excess liquid. With all ingredients at room temperature, blend butter, sugar, and raspberries until smooth (about 3 minutes). Strip out any large veins in the lemon verbena leaves, then add the leaves (chopped if you're mixing by hand) and blend until the texture is pleasing.

Lemon Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Grated peel of 1 lemon
• 4 to 6 fresh very finely minced lemon verbena leaves

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Refrigerate covered about 2 hours until firm.

Lemon Verbena Hair Rinse

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons lemon verbena leaves
• 1 cup boiling water
  

Pour the boiling water over the lemon verbena leaves. Steep for about an hour. Strain the mixture, discarding herb. Use as a rinse after shampoo and conditioning your hair.

Salt-Free Herb Seasoning

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried dill weed
• 1 tbsp. dried lemon verbena
• 1/2 cup dried minced onion
• 1 tbsp. dried lovage, or celery seeds
• 2 tsp. garlic powder 2 tbsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. paprika 1 tbsp. dried marjoram
  

In batches, grind all ingredients together. Store in an airtight container out of the sunlight and away from heat.

About The Author
Brenda Hyde is a freelance writer living on ten acres in rural Michigan with her husband and three kids. Stop by and visit her garden blog, Click: Garden of Grace & Whimsy.

After growing Lemon Verbena I would like to add: I like this Herb for it's scent. It is strong... and smells wonderful when you brush up against it or pick it and rub it on your hands. I decided to experiment with it and make some *Lemon Verbena Essential Oil and filled a small jar with the leaves, after allowing them to dry overnight to get some of the moisture out. I covered them with some Extra Virgin Olive Oil in an attempt to make Lemon Scented Oil to be used in other Projects, such as Homemade Hand Lotion or Body Spray and Room Refreshener. The Article I read also recommended the leaves simply sit in the oil (other types of Oil can be used) for up to 3-6 months in a cool dark place. I did the same thing with some Rosemary leaves... which were completely dry. It's been 3 months and I tested them today. I was disappointed to discover the Lemon Verbena Oil had more of a greenery smell than a lemony one... it definitely needs to soak longer. On the other hand... the Rosemary Oil smells a bit stronger, but it too needs to marinade longer. Will let you know how it turned out in the Spring!

For those interested in making their own Essential Oils here is a Link: www.aromatherapy-at-home.com/homemade-essential-oils.html I have not tried this Recipe yet. Plan to do so at a later date.

Here are a few more links for Lemon Verbena and it's various uses


The Pic in this next Link is of Lemon Balm and not Lemon Verbena www.ehow.com/how_5115178_make-moisturizing-oil-lemon-verbena.html


Enjoy!  Happy Gardening...

Have been put in mind of a comment I made to a Blogger who requested Thrifty Tips at www.mychurch.org/blog/383932/Thrifty-Tips-Wanted I am cutting and pasting it and posting it below and am adding some additional Practical Ideas to it. You may want to visit the Link above ... a very special lady and friend writes a Blog on numerous Topics and other Bloggers and Friends responded to her request for Thrifty Tips ... Mine being only one of many. Enjoy!

Craigs List is a good place to find deals in your area, and some barter and offer free stuff too ... as does www.freecycle.org. Think used before you think new... as many people do not use what they buy as an impulse by... or they only use it once then try to find a home for it. Regift such items... or buy at thrift shops/yard sales when you can, for Christmas, Birthday, Anniversary, Wedding, Thinking of you gifts... and keep a box of such items to pick from.

www.AngelFoodMinistry.com and greatfoodforall.com are two places to buy food at a low price. See if there is one in your area by posting your zip code at their website, if not, think about beginning one with the help of local volunteers. Their menu changes every month and you can see the current menu at their site, before you decide if you want to find one or not... so do check it out.

In our small community, four years ago we began a 'Free Community Exchange' along side a 'Free Pot Luck' on the last Saturday of each month. This past Summer we expanded to the next small town with a Free Community Meal on the 3rd Saturday. We are finding this to be a way for the Community to come together and get to know each other more intimately again ... people donate items to us and we give then away for free, one does not need to give/exchange to receive. Other Volunteers have joined us... it is something we believe the Spirit of God led us to start and we can see a need for it to grow from community to community as the idea catches on and people are finding themselves struggling financially. Several local churches offer their facilities for free and ask for donations/volunteers during their Sunday Services.... and we post Flyer's all month to draw the community in. We call it 'Feed My Sheep'... if anyone wants advice as to how to do this in their local Community, contact me at Networkers@msn.com and I will willingly give details.

Check out your local papers for other such things which may be going on... there you will find other groups that you can network with, refer or utilize yourself, such as the local Pregnancy Crisis Center, where one can get help with baby items/food for example.

The local Health Departments and Fire Departments have Free Community Programs in our are to help with free flu shots and free car seats ect. If you check them out fairly regularly you will see what's available for time to time. Sometimes such things are posted at the local Library Bulletin Boards too.

Speaking of the Library... they have free movies and story hours they offer (a way to get your children out and entertain them for free, especially in the colder weather when the local Parks are too cold to hang out at)... and they are a great place to check out free DVD's and VCR's, CD's, books on tape, as well as books... saves on having to buy/rent. In our Local Community we also have a group called "Friends of the Library" where we can buy used books for very low prices. Used Books Stores often take books and give you credit for future purchases.

If you have children, see if there are local programs offered for free for them via you local community center. If your budget it tight, there are Free Scholarships/Grants available... and sometimes some places/organizations like the local Dance Studio or Art Center, Community Sports Clubs or Boys and Girls Clubs will let your child in for free or on a barter basis, (you help clean up after wards, for example). They usually know of resources you can utilize like Summer Camps and other Programs. They will also know if there are any Free Meals available during the summer for those under 18, to supplement the Free Breakfast and Lunch Programs offered during the school year.

With regard to school... those who are struggling to purchase school supplies may want to check with the Boys and Girls Clubs and local Organizations. Many of them have items they give away to help fray the costs and the Principal usually has Funds set aside too. When it comes to finding School Clothes... many Churches help in that area... don't be afraid to call around. Again... keep your eye out in the local paper under the Events Section... in our area... every year we have a church who offers free oil changes for Single Moms once a year... and every fall there is a Health Fair which offers free Cholesterol Tests, Flu Shots, Blood Pressure Checks, Eye Exams and the like. They usually also have info available which will tell you of other services.

Barter when you can. Our Local Dance Studio loves to help out struggling families by having the parents help out where needed. Some Tradesman are willing to Barter skill for skill.

If your income is below $29,000 in most areas you can get shots and some dental care from the Local Health Department for free or at a reduced rate. Teaching Hospitals affiliated with Universities will work with you on payments plans and will often reduce their Charges.

More and more Pharmacies sell some generic medicine for $4.00 per prescription. Buy Generic first... if you check the ingredients you will discover they are exactly the same as Brand Names.

During the Holiday Local Churches and Benevolent Organizations offer Food Baskets and sometimes will have families who want to adopt a struggling family so they can purchase Christmas Gifts for them. Social Services and the Salvation Army (ask about their Angel Tree Program) usually begin taking names around September... and stop around November 1.

See if you can qualify for the local Food Bank... you don't have to be a part of a Social Services Program to quality in some areas. Farmer's Markets often donate excess to them in the summer, as does 'Hunters for the Hungry'... (they donate deer meat), and some Grocery Stores offer day old Bread and Baked Goods. Sometimes these places will take your name and call you when they have too much deer meat... if you don't quality, as they hate to toss frozen deer meat etc when they need to make room for fresh food. If you volunteer often some will give you of their excess too... and it's a excellent place to serve.... you will be given many prayer burdens as you do.

Buy from Local Farmer's Markets/Produce Stands, they are usually cheaper than the Grocer. Most people who sell at Farmer's Markets are willing to sell (for less) or give away bruised/blemished veggies and fruit, which can be used to can or freeze. (A miss shaped tomato for example will not sell) If they are too bruised, and you grow your own food/plants and need free compost... they are usually willing to give you the stuff which is rotting, and you can compost it or give it to your farm animals as table scraps.

If you decide to check out www.Craigslist.com for free items you might want to consider looking for free or cheap compost and spoiled straw. (Hay has Seeds) It's amazing what is sold or given away there... I've known people who have upgraded their homes through them.

Grow your own food if you have the space... start some plants indoors early... such as tomatoes and peppers, the seeds will usually last for more than one year and save on the overall cost and you get your harvest earlier than if you had purchased them. Grow your own herbs too!. Herbs can be expensive, fresh or dried. Preserve your own fruits and veggies ect. If you don't have land, pick up a large plastic barrel saw it in half, fill it with enriched soil and use it as a planter for some veggies.

Plastic Barrels can be used to catch rain and used to water plants.

Local Farmers are usually willing to donate or sell for $5.00 a truck load of muck from their barns, which can be used to make free Compost. Such when it is composted produces free rich soil. (don't be afraid to ask, and to be resourceful, people are usually willing to give away to someone who has such a willing spirit to do for themselves or is need of saving) Don't forget to compost weeds and table scraps, which are not meat items.

Before putting Mulch down... lay a thick layer of cardboard or Newspaper, or Magazines down first; you can get excess from the Recycling Center. This will keep the weeds from growing through as quick. It will eventually breakdown and create compost, which enriches the soil, breeds worms which are beneficial to your plants and helps keep the plants moist during a dry season ... saves on the water bill too.

The Local Tree Pruning Service the Highway Dept uses, are usually willing to deliver you free chipped up trees at the end of their day you can use for free mulch... (they trim in winter too and you can collect it then and use it later). Sometimes local woodworkers are willing to give away free shavings for mulch/pet cages and sawdust to be mixed with cattle or horse manure, to improve soil which is heavy with clay, (some consider shredded leaves mixed in with the soil to be better). A bedding 3-5 feet around Blueberry Bushes is a great source of Acid and it helps them to produce more fruit.

Speaking of Fruit... if you have the space... plant Fruit Trees ... think Edible Landscaping. Some Trees may take a few years to come to maturity, but you will have plenty of fruit later if you do. Whenever Mother's Day came... my children would give me a Fruit Tree as a gift. I have a Persimmon, Apricot, Figs, Sweet Cherries, Peach, Plum/Prune, Apple, (some self pollinate, some need a mate and we bought the Dwarf size and those which grow best in our local). Last year I planted a English Walnut and this year I have an Almond ordered. If space is a problem try smaller plants and bushes. We also have Blueberries, Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, and Grape Vines. When Spring comes... I hope to visit http://www.ediblelandscaping.com/ it's fairly close... to check out some plants which are not as common ... we still have some available land.

Grow your own mushrooms... if you like to use a lot of them. They can be grown indoors all year and outdoors too.

Also... I take the mushroom stems and boil them and then cool them, then I puree them and freeze the broth either in a large batch for soup flavoring... or in ice cube trays or small dishes, to add flavor. Boil down left over carcasses from Ham's, Turkeys, Chickens, Beef and the like and freeze the broth for seasoning later, with or without the meat you picked off. (Ice cubes or larger batches) Take the bones and give some to your Dog to gnaw on to keep their teeth clean, it's cheaper than buying raw hide bone at the pet shop... or toss bones at the far corner of your property for wildlife, if your into feeding nature as we are. The bones are gone the next day in most cases. (You can also take left over bacon grease and mix it with stale bread crumbs, cereal, crackers, cookies, oatmeal cooked or dry, peanut butter, nuts and bird seed, ect and freeze it and then put it out on a cold winters day to feed the birds).

Speaking of leftovers... you can take any leftovers and put them in a large canning jar, or container of some sort and freeze it until you have a large batch to make Hodge Podge Soup out of. (yes you can mix and match meats, gravies, veggies, a little here a little there, adds up to a flavorful pot of soup later).

You can use left over bread for bread pudding, bread crumbs, homemade croutons, and the like. One can do the same with crackers... I have a great recipe for Toffee Cookies made out of Crackers. Bread can be freshened see: www.ehow.com/how_2182009_freshen-stale-bread.html is a great site to find out how to do lots of things!

Make your own homemade hot chocolate mix, Bisquick, pudding, bread crumbs, cakes, French fried ect... this is more economical in the long run if you have the time and inclination. If you don't already do so and you need to save money and are conscience of portion control... why not consider bagging up small bags of potato chips rather than buying them prebagged.... have the kids do them the day before, for themselves to save you time, or better yet have them do it with you if your looking for ways to spend time with family while doing chores with them. Reuse the plastic bags that meat and produce comes in for Cherries or Grapes in School Lunches... and if you do not already do so... start packing lunches again and make their snacks and cakes from Scratch or from a Master Mix (Recipes offered on a Post elsewhere on this Blog)... especially on Special Occasions ... that can save a lot of money, and if you do it with the children you are teaching them how to cook. If you have a seal a meal, you can reseal the cracker, chip and cereal bags to keep food fresh longer.

Buy items when on sale, especially food and make your meals based upon what you bought on sale, rather than on an impulse buy. Stock up on Pantry items when they go on sale or you have a coupon for them. Meat is usually marked down in the morning... but ask the gentleman behind the window.

Invite a struggling Family over for Dinner... or trade off with other Families on a regular basis and share larger meals such as a Turkey, Ham, Pot of Stew and the like ... this is a good way to form a social group or Cooperative. Speaking of Cooperative... buy bulk together and save on costs. Don't forget to boil down that Carcass... Ham, Chicken, Turkey etc... and use the meat/broth for other meals like Pot Pies, Soups, Chicken and Dumplings and the like. Freeze extras portions for later meals *Homemade Master Mix Bisquick can be used for the Dumplings and Pot Pies.

Plan recipes based on what you have on hand which needs to be used up. Shop with a list so you are not tempted to buy what you don't need, and never shop hungry and when you do buy an item on sale, think about what you have in stock already to make a meal out of, and buy items accordingly for the recipe.Always check the price per pound and buy what is most economical if you use the product up quickly. Sale items are not always cost effective... so even if something is on sale, look at the price per pound on that item, the store brand, which in some cases taste just as good.

Before walking up the the register or before putting it in the cart, think again.... is this necessary? When you can, stock up.... for a rainy day. Make it homemade when you can... and make a large portion and freeze part of it for a day when your too busy to cook. Defrosting in the Microwave on such days is a real time saver.

Hang Clothes out to dry... and freshen them up in the dryer to get the wrinkles out just before you put them on... if you haven't already done so... you may discover you like the fresh scent of air drying them and save on the cost of fabric softeners. Take a small Cloth and soak it in some Fabric Softener and use it as a dryer sheet... and when the scent begins to go away... add a little more, no need to resoak it.

If you need to use a dryer, use it at night, the rates are lower. Use all of your appliances at night for that reason (like Dishwasher). Did you know it's less expensive to use a dishwasher than to hand wash? Saves on water, time and energy. Put you Computer on a Sleep Mode... saves on energy and unplug small appliances or put them on a outlet that you can turn off when not in use lie a surge protector.... even though you are not using them, they do use up some energy when plugged in. Turn out the lights when you leave the room and consider the benefits of not leaving the TV on for background noise ... it not only saves on money, but it gives you an opportunity to think on your own. Plus... the benefit of peace and quiet or the sound of Nature or putting on soft music instead is more conducive to being relaxed. That means less stress and less stress helps you fall asleep easier, and it is better for your health (blood pressure) and attitude. Also getting 8 hours of rest is good for your health and attitude as well. AND if your healthy... that saves on Medical Bills.

Consider checking out some of Dr Oz's Links - www.doctoroz.com. They give you helpful tips on Health which if you make them part of your lifestyle can keep you away from the Doctors.

Use light bulbs which are energy efficient. They may cost more up front, but they last longer and cost less to use. Buy them one at a time if need by. We bought the kind which shine with a white light 'daylight' as we like it bright in our home. They come 3 way too if you want to have a softer light at light. LED lights are great too.

If you can... insulate your home well. Turn down the heat in rooms that you don't use or close some of the vents and doors to these rooms when not in use, (guest rooms) and put a drafts stop at the bottom on the door which leads into the Hall so the cold air does not come into the rest of the house.

Make your own 'green' cleaning products.... there are lots of recipes on line. Also... when picking cleaning chemical... if your not going green, keep in mind, Ammonia and Water is an inexpensive cleaner... it's not necessary to purchase Brand Name Cleaners if your looking on ways to save. Vinegar and water does wonders for windows and you can use discarded Newspaper instead of paper towels. (Pick up Free Papers for this use). Before I was married I owned a Housecleaning Company "Keepers of the Home" and I know of lots of cleaning tips I will share in another post someday.

Instead of Paper Products... use cloth Napkins and Hand Towels and use Rags for cleaning.

If your not picky about pet food... if you have table scraps... collect a day or so worth of scrapings off plates and Feed your Pet's this. Use to be... back before it became Popular to purchase dry dog food... this is what most people did... and they cut back on the dry food by mixing such in.

Find creative ways to recycle... for example, cut attractive buttons off worn out garments and refresh a favorite garment by sewing them on. Sheets and Bedspreads can be used as fabric for making Curtains, even Shower Curtains and they are great for Quilting liners.

Save Scraps of Soap and put them in an empty liquid soap container with a little water and fragrant oil to make your own Hand Soap ... once it dissolves it works like new.

Combine left over lotions and add your own scent to it them when the container is full ... put the containers in hot water or the microwave for a few seconds to melt them enough to pour them out easily when you get to the end of the container. Save until you have a batch then add the scent. Make you own Essential Oil. *I have a Post telling you how here, under the Topic Aromatherapy.

After using Scented Candles... save the left over scraps and put them in a Potpourri container or in a warming jar under a tea light Candle to get the most of them. When the scent needs refreshing... add some Essential Oil

Well that's all for this post.... enjoy!

Would very much appreciate it if you added tips and ideas of your own below, they don't all have to be thrifty ... practical works, all categories are welcome. In 0ther Posts I will be posting ~ Thrifty Recipes and Practical Substitutions ~ hope you will come back and join in with me when I do ... in the meantime, please leave your link in the section on the left, created with people like you in mind!