TUESDAY TIPS

One thing I have been asked is "How can you afford to eat organic?" Usually my reply is "How can you afford not too!" But seriously it does cost a little more at first... but in the long run not really! I try very hard to be "frugal" and one thing I do notice myself doing is I don't let anything go to waste. If I pay a little more for organic produce I make sure I use every inch of it...so in reality it does cost less.

Tonight is "Clean out the fridge" night...and it is amazing what you can come up with!

#1...Along with the organic,free-range chicken we will be having stuffing...made totally out of leftovers! I had some homemade organic bread and cornbread, organic celery,half a onion, some carrots and a lot of this weeks fresh herbs (from the farmers market)...nothing going to waste!


#2...The ends of the celery and onions along with the stems of the herbs are cooking on the stove and I will freeze them to use as veggie stock. I do put a pinch of sea salt to take the edge off the bitterness. I will strain this before freezing.

#3...A zucchini,leek and half a jar of my canned tomatoes will become a side dish.

#4...Keep those expensive fresh herbs longer by smashing the ends of the stems and putting them in a container of water...and keep in the fridge. Why smash the ends you ask? (This is the florist coming out in me)...woody stems can not absorb water without being feathered....God put bark on stems so they won't become water logged but if you crack the bark your herbs will be able to drink a little water. Just a little tap with the side of the knife is all it will take.

So see you can be frugal and eat organic at the same time. When shopping for organic fruits and veggies go with a plan. Do some research and scan some recipes...write down possibilities. If shopping at Farmer's Markets this is always a good idea because you don't exactly what your going to find.

Have a wonderful day!!

FROM SCRATCH- NOT A BOX!

This chocolate cake is a family favorite...and even more important it's egg-less! Our little granddaughter has a egg allergy and so everything MUST be made without the little chicken delights.

But you don't have to give up wonderful old fashion chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.

Even though I stress a low sugar/refined flour diet every now and then you just get the craving for something that takes us back to the way things were at Grandma's house.
There is nothing wrong with that as long as your stomach can handle it! However there are ways to make it closer to your natural/organic foods diet...I am actually going to try making this in with whole wheat pastry flour and stevia the next time...but the one baking right now in the over is just a simple cake to bring back the memories and my son asked for it last night! :)



Here is the basic recipe...I suggest you try "tweeking" it to your liking...

Sift together:
3 cups unbleached flour
2 cups sugar
6 tbls dry cocoa
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Add and beat for 2 minutes with dry ingredents:
2/3 cup veg. oil
2 tbls vinegar
2 cups cold water

Pour into a greased 9x12 inch pan
Bake on 350 for 35-40 minutes

ENJOY!

TUESDAY TIPS

IT'S ALMOST HERE! Jan.1 that is...and time for you know what...the dreaded NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION! Yikes! Usually topping our list is weight loss or quit smoking. I don't smoke so I can't help you out with that one but I can give you a few tips on eating better and modifying your life style. Just a few simple things can get you on track so when Jan 1 comes around you will be a little ahead of the game!

#1--STOP! Drinking that soda or pop or whatever you call it....THAT STUFF IS SO BAD FOR YOU! Not only is is laden with stuff you can't pronounce it's loaded with calories. The "diet" drinks are full of artificial sweeteners that for some reason are approved by the FDA. In other words if you can't pronounce it don't drink it!

#2--The next time you get the urge for that doughnut or bagel with your coffee in the morning think again. Instead keep on hand whole grain and I mean GRAIN, just not whole wheat. Eat a piece of fruit first...before anything. If you must have your coffee sweetened please don't use the man made stuff.

#3--Try your best to rid your house of processed food. A good place to start is with chips,store bought cookies and crackers. Snack on carrots and cukes. Cucumbers actually have a "filling" quality to them and almost 0 calories. Try eating them plain but if you can't use sea salt not iodized salt!

#4--There is something to be said about the old saying "An apple a day"...I find eating one in the early evening does wonders :)

#5--SLIM DOWN your plate. I'm not sure when it happened but America seems to think we need a buffet on our dinner plate. If you actually use your salad plate or even a larger saucer and only fill that plate 1 time you will be amazed how much it will help!

These are just a few tips to get you going,if you plan to start a diet regiment you should go see your health care provider. The tips are my own opinion and not in any way suppose to be used as medical advice! Common sense is really our best healer!

Have a great evening!

FINALLY!

After what I am calling a "Roller Coaster" of a summer I hopefully will be posting more often. I have decided to post the things that make life "tick" so to speak...at least in my world.

I will be posting about my Christian Faith,cooking,gardening,clothing,...all natural and organic of course....thoughts on weight loss,pets,frugal and easy living (we all need to slow down)and MAYBE once in a while the dreaded "P" word...yes I'm a political junkie and I do have my own thoughts about it and I love the fact we live in a country where we all can!

When I come across a product,event or blog, I will give a "Shout Out"...in fact I have done this in the past on my other blog and it is always a huge favorite!

So after one crazy summer of major ups and down I'm going to try to get things back to somewhat normal and do some posting!

Have a great day and stay tuned...