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A little bit of anything and everything that's part of
​creating, enjoying, and living a simpler life!
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RECYCLING PART IV - REPURPOSING

9/30/2015

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Before you throw it out or recycle, can it be used for something else?
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Repurpose - to give a new purpose or use to (as per Merriam-Webster).  Why not use your garbage for something else rather than needlessly adding it to a landfill? There are so many ways to repurpose items I couldn't possibly include them all.  However, I think I put together a pretty nice assortment of  possibilities!  

Slide Show of Repurposing Possibilities  
Links to all items in the slide show can be found below.  I apologize if you have any problems with the links due to circumstances beyond my control.  Links can also be found on my Pinterest Board Repurposing.
Repurposing from the Kitchen
  • Silverware - Check out 5 Ideas To Repurpose Old Silverware as Wall Hooks
  • Cookie Sheet - Turn it into a Checkerboard or a Magnetic Memo Board
  • Rolling Pins - Make them into Bookends
  • Plastic Spoons - Create a beautiful Wall Clock or Mirror
  • Soda Bottles - Make adorable Apple Gift Boxes
  • Assorted Plastic Food Containers - Create awesome Carrying Containers with crochet handles
  • Honey Bear - Turn it into a Night Lamp
  • Tin Cans - Combine them to make a cute Tin Man or a Silverware Holder
  • Folgers Coffee Container - Make into Canisters or Print Free Labels and store small toys & other items
Repurposing Out of the Closet
  • Sweater - Make it into a Christmas Treat Bag
  • Sweatshirt - Create an adorable Pet Bed
  • T-shirts - Weave them into a Rug
  • Mens Dress Shirt - Make it into a Baby Girl Dress
  • Denim Jeans - Sew a Waist Apron & a Bucket Caddy for gardening
Repurposing Old or Damaged Furniture
  • Baby Crib - Make it into a Chalkboard or a Quilt Hangar
  • Table - Turn it into a Tufted Ottoman or a Dog Bed
  • Wardrobe - Turn it into a Dollhouse
  • Nightstand - Becomes  a Play Tool Bench
  • TV Entertainment Center - Becomes an Adorable Play Kitchen
Repurposing Old Toys
  • Troll Doll - Make it into a Planter
  • Dolls - Turn them into Scary Halloween Decorations
  • Plastic Dinosaurs - Become cool Book Ends
Repurposing Other Household Items
  • Books - Turn then into a Secret Safe or a Lamp
  • Broken Plastic Lattice Bin - Make it into an Easter Basket
  • Damaged CD's or DVD's - Make a Birdbath or a Disco Ball
  • Plastic Cleaning Bottles - Make Napkin Holders (or small gift bags)
  • Paint Chip Cards - Create Bookmakers
  • #6 Plastic - Use to make  Shrinky Dinks
Repurposing Outdoor Items
  • Tires - Make them into Swings, Planters, or Ottomans
  • Garden Hose - Make into a Garage or Garden Rug
  • Trampoline - Create a Swinging Bed/Lounger
  • Bike Rims - Create an outdoor Gardening Dome
Check out our Pinterest Repurposing Board for many more great  ideas!

Remember, think about what else you might be able to use it for before throwing it away!

THIS IS POST NUMBER FOUR (IV) IN A SIX (VI) PART RECYCLING SERIES.  COMING SOON: RECYCLING PART V: TRY REUSABLES INSTEAD!

CHECK OUT THE PAST RECYCLING POSTS HERE:
  • Recycling Part I: At Home Basics
  • Recycling Part II: Oddball Items
  • Recycling Part III: Selling & Donating

Check our our Minimizing Household Waste page on our Website!

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REUSABLE CROCHET DISHCLOTHS

9/26/2015

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100% cotton yarn and so simple to make! Never have to buy or deal with smelly sponges again!  Just wash the cloth when it gets dirty and have a few extra ready to go as backups! These make great gifts as well.  Two FREE printable labels for a nice finishing touch are included!
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The finished dishcloth measures approximately 6" x 6".  It is a little bigger than  a sponge, but small enough to not be mistaken as a dish towel! Since this is a dishcloth the gauge is not crucial, however for those of you who need to know, 4 stitches = 1 inch.

I will only use 100% cotton yarn to make these.  It is more absorbent, natural, and great to crochet with. 

I purchase the Lily Sugar'n Cream brand from Michaels because it comes in 2.5 oz skeins in multiple color options.  It regularly costs $1.99 for a 2.5 ounce skein, however I only buy if it is on sale or I have a coupon for 40% or 50% off.  I recently purchased about 40 skeins when they were on sale for $1.19 each. That was a great buy! One 2.5 ounce skein makes three dishcloths with a little yarn left over (I use the scraps to make "scrap" bags.  That post is coming soon!).
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Don't know how to crochet?  Then check out the Crochet Guru on YouTube to learn! She has excellent step-by-step videos with no "fluff."  She also has videos for both right handed and left handed crocheting so no excuses!

I used the single crochet front loop ridge stitch to make these dishcloths but you can easily just use a regular single crochet stitch.
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Making the Dishcloths
Supplies:
  • Size 4.5 mm / US 7 crochet hook
  • Cotton Yarn, 4 ply
  • Scissors
  • Large Eye Yarn Needle for finishing

Instructions:
  1. Chain 26 stitches
  2. Row 1 - single crochet in second chain (front loop only) from hook and single crochet in each chain (front loop only) accross. Chain one and turn.
  3. Row 2 - single crochet in each single crochet (front loops only) accross.
  4. Rows 3 - 20 - repeat row 2
  5. End off and weave in ends using the large eye yarn needle.
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Presentation is everything! 
If you plan on giving these as gifts it will look better with a nice label.  I have included two different labels that can be printed on 8 1/2" x 11" paper.  There are 5 labels to a sheet.  Just click on the picture of the labels you want to print to download the pdf file.  The two styles are separate downloads.

I printed them out on Brown Bag Paper (affiliate link) and then cut between the dotted lines.  
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Click on the pictures to download FREE 8.5" x 11" pdf of 5 labels per page! Each page is a separate download.

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I appreciate your support!
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TWO RECIPES WITH SHRIMP

9/24/2015

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I love shrimp.  I can eat it just about any way except raw.  These two  recipes are so simple and so yummy we make them all summer long.  I hope you like them as much as I do!

You can click on the recipe cards below or use the button under them to download the pdf file. It will print one sheet of  8 1/2 x 11 paper, preferably cardstock paper.  Cut out each of the 4 x 6 inch recipe card and put them in  your book!  They always come two recipes per sheet in an effort to not waste paper! 

Visit my Recipes Page to print out previous recipes (pdf files) or to download a FREE 4 x 6 Recipe Card Template (.dox file) for your own recipes! 

Don't want to print them?  No worries, just copy them down and enjoy!
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click here to download the pdf file!
Please 'like' us on Facebook or join our mailing list 
so you never miss newly shared recipe cards!
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DIY TRICK-OR-TREAT GLOW STICKS

9/22/2015

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These DIY trick-or-treats would also be great as party favors!  
FREE printable pumpkin cut-out included!
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Every year for Halloween I give out candy.  Every year for Halloween I eat the candy before Halloween  and end up having to buy more.  Then I eat that candy and have to buy more again, and so on.  I never have leftover candy and it's not because we get a ton of kids knocking on our door.  I just have absolutely no willpower.  I have even purposely bought candy I don't like so I wouldn't eat it. Guess what?  I ate it.  Come on, admit it, because I KNOW I'm not alone!  Well, this year I was determined to change that pattern and do something different.  I wanted it to be fun, so when I saw glow sticks on sale I thought, "Why not? Who doesn't like glow sticks?"  Then I realized this year Halloween is on a Saturday and that means kids out after dark.  Why not help them be safer by giving them something bright to wear at night?  By this time, giving glow sticks as my trick-or-treat give-away was a no brainer.  Here's what I did.

Supplies Needed:
  • Glow Sticks (3 per favor) with connectors
  • Orange Cardstock or Construction Paper
  • Printer
  • Scissors
  • FREE Printable Pumpkin Cut-outs - This is a pdf file with four (4) pumpkin cut-outs to a page.  You can click on the link or the picture below to download.
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These are the glow sticks I purchased. They come with connectors. Note also that they are non-toxic, non-flammable, and generate no heat.
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Print on orange paper and cut out individual pumpkins.
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Gently bend cut-out in two and cut the two slits on the inside of the dotted lines.
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All slits have been cut.
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Slide a connector on the end of each glow stick.
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Use three glow sticks per treat/favor. This allows either three bracelets or one necklace to be made.
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Be VERY careful sliding the glow sticks through the slits on the pumpkin. DO NOT BEND THEM IN ANY WAY OR YOU WILL ACTIVATE THE GLOW. It is very easy to accidentally bend the sticks so be sure to bend the pumpkin instead!
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Three sticks make a 24 inch glowing necklace!
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All ready for my trick-or-treaters!
Where I Purchased Glow Sticks:

I purchased  WHOLESALE PACK of 300 8" LumiSticks (affiliate link with Amazon) for $21.99 and free shipping on orders over $35.  They are Non-toxic and they came with connectors so they could be made into necklaces. I purchased so many because I knew I would be using them for other things (Halloween decorations blog post coming soon!).

The 8" LumiSticks can also be purchased in tubes of 100 (affiliate link with Amazon) for $8.99 and free shipping on orders over $35.  
Please 'like' and follow!
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DIY SWIFTER SWEEPER COVER

9/16/2015

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Stop buying and throwing out unnecessary waste!  Why buy something that you use once or twice and then throw it away?  What a waste of resources, money, and landfill space!  These swifter sweeper covers take about 5 minutes to make, cost $1 and can be washed and reused over and over again!  I made two for myself so if one is being washed, I have another one that I can use!
INSTRUCTIONS
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I bought two 12" x 12" cleaning cloths in the Dollar section at Rite Aide (Yes, $1 each!). I am sure you can buy similar cloths either in a bundle or alone in a few other stores (try dollar stores!).
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Fold it into thirds like a letter so that it is 4.5" x 12" and pin at each end to hold in place.
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Sew, by hand or with a machine, the two ends ten inches apart. I sewed close to one side and then measured 10" and sewed the other side. I then cut off the excess material leaving about 1/4" of cloth.
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Turn it right-side-out and put it onto the swifter sweeper. It should be a tight fit as you can see in the picture. It goes on like a decorative pillow cover.
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It works great a sweeping up the dust on the floor! When it gets dirty, simply wash it! I made two so I when one is being washed, the other one is on the swifter :-)
So Simple! 
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RECYCLING PART III - SELLING & DONATING

9/14/2015

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Don't just throw it out...sell it or donate it if you can!
Have you thrown any of the following items in the garbage?  
  • Clothing, toys, shoes, cell phones, furniture, housewares, small appliances, decorative items, hardware, eyeglasses, keys, jeans, corks, tools, buckets, candles, crayons, etc.?
If so, then you may have disposed of items that had monetary value or could be donated to a worthy cause.  Why needlessly add items that may be of value to your or someone else to a landfill?  I know it takes a little more time, but it is worth it!

We discussed the basics in Recycling Part I - At Home Basics and in Recycling Part II - Oddball Items we talked about where to recycle household hazardous waste, plastics #4 and #5, e-waste, and other oddball items that did not fit into the basics category.  We mentioned that if the item was in good working order to wait for todays post: Selling and Donating Items, because if it's good, why not sell it or donate it to someone  who needs or wants it?
Selling and Donating Items
"One mans junk is another mans treasure."  I don't know who originally said that, but it couldn't be more true!  If your garbage can be useful to someone else, then please don't just throw it out!  Either sell it for some extra money or donate it!  It would be a shame to let good stuff take up space in a landfill...
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Selling Your Stuff
What can you sell and where can you sell it?
Why not make some extra money if you could use it?  If you don't want the extra money, maybe your kids, grandkids, or someone else you know will appreciate and take the time to sell it.  If not, then please donate the items to a good cause.  Whatever you do, please don't just throw it out!  Below is some information about what you can sell and where.  If you are more interested in donating, scroll down to that section!

  • Cell Phones and Tablets - Find an ecoATM near you!  Click on the link and look up the potential value of your device.  If it's worth something, then find a location near you.  You literally put the device in the machine, go through a quick and simple process, and instantly get cash for it!

  • Books - Believe it or not you can really sell your books online.  Go to BookScouter and type in the ISBN number.  In a few seconds they will provide you with a list of all the online stores willing to purchase the book from you with the greatest amount offered at the top. Some books have no value, and some are worth more than you think, especially textbooks.  It costs nothing to ship the books either!  Simply put them in a box, print the label they provide you and ship it out!  You can usually choose to get paid by check or Paypal. 

  • CD's, DVD's, and Games - Sell them for cash at DeCluttr (yes, they spell it like that).  Just go to the site, enter the bar code number, and see what it is worth!  Ship it for free and get paid by check!

  • Refrigerators, Freezers, Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers - Check with your local electric company.  My local company paid me $50 cash for my old working refrigerator and a $35 credit voucher for my old air conditioner.  Most electric companies offer the same incentives if the product is very old and wastes energy.  

  • Ink and Toner Cartridges - This isn't really selling because you don't get cash, but Staples Ink Recycling program gives a $2 rewards coupon for every ink and toner cartridge recycled through them. The program requires you to be a rewards member and drop off the cartridges at your local Staples store.  There are many other stores that do this as well so if you are not a Staples shopper, check the stores you go to for a similar incentive program.

  • E-bay and Craig's List - depending upon what you have to sell, these are options. Just be careful about how you do the transfer and who you trust. 

  • Yard Sale - Who doesn't love having a yard sale?  Well, actually, a lot of people don't.  It can be a pain in the neck if you are really trying to make money doing it.  However, if you're like us and just want to have a fun day meeting and talking to a lot of very different people while getting rid of all the stuff you don't want anymore, then its AWESOME!  We don't put prices on anything.  We just lay it all out and take what people basically offer.  For us it's better than just throwing it out.  Don't forget to get a permit if it's required though! 

  • Facebook Thrift Stores - You can find many different Facebook thrift stores in your area. You request membership to the page and once you're a member, you can post a picture of the item with the specific price you want (always make yourself aware of the rules or you risk being kicked off).  You then wait for people to respond.  The first responder gets dibs.  If there is no response within a certain amount of time you can 'bump' your post back to the top.  This is great for inexpensive yard-sale type items. I have even seen people give things away for free, such as trampolines and swing sets, as long as the person is willing to 'come and get it.'
Donating Your Stuff
Theres a fine line between donating and recycling...sometimes they call it recycling when it is actually a donation.  Bottom line: as long as it stays out of a landfill, who cares what it's called?
Donating Basic Items:
It' pretty common knowledge that you can donate toys, clothes, and many usable household items to several different charities such as:
  • Goodwill
  • The Salvation Army
  • Clothing Donations (a Service of the Vietnam Veterans of America)
Most or all of them will even come and pick up directly from your home on a scheduled date.  How convenient!  Just click on one of the links for more information. Be sure to check the list of items they are willing and NOT willing to take.

But what about some of the other stuff?  Like old sneakers that aren't even worth donating!  How about stuffed animals or old video game systems?  Do you want to help children in bad situations?  Well, take a look at the list below to see what sort of 'other stuff' can be donated.  I think you might find some of them very surprising!
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Donating/Recycling the Unusual:
Just click on any of the links  for more information.
  • Keys - Keys For Hope - keys are recycled as metal and money is donated to charity
  • Wedding Gowns - Brides Across America - these dresses go to Military Brides!
  • Eye Glasses, Sunglasses, Reading Glasses - The Lion's Club Eyeglass Recycling (Or you can usually drop off at your local eye doctors office.).
  • Sneakers/Running Shoes (that are so worn they cannot be donated) - Nike Reuse-a-Shoe
  • Cork - Re Cork
  • Bras (Yes, believe it or not, bras!) - The Bra Recyclers
  • Pantyhose & Tights - No Nonsense Recycling
  • Denim - Blue Jeans Go Green
  • Holiday Lights - Holiday Light Recycling
  • Hearing Aides - The Hearing Aid Foundation
  • Greeting Cards - St. Jude's Greeting Card Recycling Program
  • Construction Materials, Cabinets, Doors, Hardware, etc. - ReStore of Habitat for Humanity
  • Crayons - National Crayon Recycle Program
  • Gently Used Stuffed Animals - Project Night Night - accepts gently used stuffed animals, children books, and security blankets for homeless children.
  • Video Game Systems and Games - The Get Well Gamers Foundation - they provide video game systems for sick children to play with in hospitals around the world.
  •  Musical Instruments - The Mr. Hollands Opus Foundation
  • Animal Leashes, Leaders, and more - The Animal Humane Society - They have a list of items they are always in need of.
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What's left?
For other items, especially large ones, that you think might be worth something to someone else (swing sets, trampolines, sheds, etc.) and even other things you just don't want to be bothered selling or mailing out, make an account and post them on FreeCycle.  On this site you can find a group of people in your local area that recycle items by posting them and sharing them for FREE! The first person to respond get first dibs on scheduling a pick-up time and date.  You just leave the item out on the agreed upon date and they come and get it!  It's better than needlessly adding to a landfill.  You can also find items you might want on there rather than buying brand new!
Follow my  Selling & Donating board on Pinterest!
Also check out my Recycling board!

Coming Soon - Recycling Part IV - Repurposing Your Garbage!

Please remember to like and follow  us on Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest!
Sources:
http://www2.epa.gov/recycle
http://www.earth911.com

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2 VEGGIE RECIPES: QUICHE & FRITTATA

9/12/2015

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Two very simple recipes that can use a variety of different vegetables depending upon what you have!  Of course I always try to use whatever is fresh out of the garden!  As you can see in the picture above I used my abundance of string beans in both of them!  There was nothing left so I am pretty sure my family liked them!

You can click on the recipes or use the button below to download the pdf file  and print one sheet of  8 1/2 x 11 cardstock paper.  Then cut out each of the 4 x 6 inch recipe cards.  They always come two recipes per sheet in an effort to not waste paper! 

Visit my Recipes Page to print out previous recipes (pdf files) or to download a FREE 4 x 6 Recipe Card Template (.dox file) for your own recipes! 

Enjoy!
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download pdf file recipes for veggie quiche and frittata
Please 'like' us on Facebook or join our mailing list 
so you never miss newly shared recipe cards!
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HOMEMADE GRAPE JELLY

9/8/2015

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Making jelly is much easier than I thought and I find myself wondering why I waited so long.  However, after having to strain all my raspberries through cheesecloth to make my raspberry jelly I decided I did not like that part of the process at all.  I knew I needed  some help and after a little research ended up splurging and ordering the Roma Food Strainer & Sauce Maker (And I also ordered the additional strainer attachments for berries and grapes.).  Making the grape jelly is pretty much the same as making my Homemade Raspberry Jelly, the only difference being the quantities that go into the recipe and the fact that getting the juice out of the grapes was so much easier!  The really big bonus for me was that the grapes were FREE!  I picked them ripe off the vine in my yard :-) 

The Ball Classic Pectin recipe on the label does not give the amounts required for making grape jelly so I had to use their Pectin Calculator.  It's a very simple and helpful way to get the exact ratio of juice/pectin/sugar that is necessary for any fruit you want to do.  They also have a lot of other recipes available if you are combining fruits or are making herb jellies (mint for example).  

FYI the jelly does NOT come out purple!  My husband was a little upset at first, but after he tasted it he realized it tasted just like the regular grape jelly from the store.  It's funny how we get used to things being a certain way. 

Check out the Free Grape Jelly Labels at the bottom of this post!

How to Video (written instructions and pictures are below)
Grape Jelly Recipe:
  • 3 cups Grape Juice (You need about 4 pounds of grapes to get this much juice)
  • 4 tablespoons Ball Classic Pectin
  • 3 cups Sugar 
Watch my short video above to see how simple and easy using the Roma Food Strainer is to strain all my grapes!  Worth every penny...
Directions:
  1. Get the juice out of the grapes.  I used my new Roma Food Strainer.  It is a hand crank and was reasonably priced (in my opinion).  I ran the grapes through twice using the special grape cork screw (purchased separately).  
  2. Let the juice settle overnight in the refrigerator and just pour or ladle off the good juice at the top, discarding the sediment at the bottom.  You could strain it through cheesecloth, but I prefer to not waste cheesecloth and instead to let density do it's work!
  3. You should have 3 cups of juice.  I actually had more so I just saved the extra in the refrigerator to do another batch later.
  4. Fill the large pot for processing with about 7 inches of water and set it to boil (it takes a long time).
  5. Set the 12 clean 4 ounce jars on the raised rack in the large pot (mouth up) to heat/keep warm.  
  6. Put the 12 lids in a small sauce pot and bring to a boil.
  7. Measure out the 3 cups of sugar and the 4 tablespoons of pectin and set aside.
  8. In medium saucepan, bring juice to a boil.  As it is heating slowly stir in the pectin a little at a time.
  9. When it comes to a full rolling boil add all the sugar at once stirring constantly.
  10. After sugar is dissolved and it comes to a full rolling boil, time exactly one minute of boiling and remove from heat.
  11. Immediately begin to fill jars one at a time.  Using a funnel and a ladle, fill a jar leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
  12. Swipe a rubber spatula along the inside wall of the jar.
  13. Wipe the rim of the jar clean.
  14. Put a lid on it and screw a rim on to finger tightness.
  15. When all jars are done put them on the rack in the canning pot and lower into the water. (If you have extra jelly but no more jars, just pour it into any container and put it in the refrigerator to set.  You can keep it for up to a month).
  16. Bring the pot to a rolling boil, cover and then time exactly 10 minutes.
  17. Turn off heat, remove cover, and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
  18. Raise rack and carefully remove each jar and set aside to cool.
  19. You should start to hear the lids 'popping.'  This is great!  
  20. Allow jars to sit for 24 hours.  After 24 hours push in the center of the lid.  If it pops back it did not seal properly and needs to be refrigerated and eaten within a month.
  21. If the seal does not pop back the seal is good and you can store it in a cool, dry location for up to a year!
Problems, Questions, or Want to Learn More?
Check out Simply Canning for help with Water Bath Canning.
Check out The National Center For Home Food Preservation.
Free 4 ounce Jar Printable labels! 
This is a pdf file that is designed to be used with Avery White Address Labels 5160/8160 size 1" x 2 5/8".
Print a full sheet of labels, write in your name and the date, and choose to cut it out on the line or not!
Click on the pictures or button below to download the pdf file.
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8.5" x 11" Full Sheet of Labels
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Example of what one label looks like.
click here to download full sheet of grape jelly labels in pdf format!
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I am really glad I purchased the products above and can vouch for them 100%!  They made the process so much easier and in turn more pleasant.  Check them out by clicking on one of the two pictures above or one of these two links:  Roma Food Strainer  or  Roma Strainer Accessory Kit at Amazon (affiliate links).
Please like us on Facebook, follow us on Pinterest and Instagram, and sign up to be on our Mailing List so you never miss a post!  Thank  you for your support :-)
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DIY: OLAF HOT TUB CAKE

9/6/2015

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I saw this on Facebook and don't know who the originator of this adorable cake is, but I had to try it after my sister-in-law requested it for her birthday!  I made it up as I went along and I think it turned out OK!  

Here's what I did using a box of cake mix and a container of white whipped icing...
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I baked one 9" and one 8" cake.
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I put the 9" cake on top of the 8" cake.
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I bought an OLAF key chain light. Any miniature doll would work though!
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I cut out a little spot for OLAF near the edge of the cake and stuck him in it.
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I used blue food coloring to color the icing. I used a lot!
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I iced the top of the cake so it looked kind of frothy like a hot tub on high bubbles! I also made sure that I had a little bit around the sides for the Kit Kat bars to 'stick' to.
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The top view of the frothy hot tub.
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I used 10 out of the 12 individual packages! I also froze them ahead of time. Oh, and one broke so I was forced to eat it :-)
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Make sure you open and separate all of the bars ahead of time. Also, wear gloves to avoid contamination, fingerprints, etc.
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I cut a piece of ribbon long enough to tie around the cake and Kit Kat bars to hold them in place.
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I put the Kit Kat bars around the cake one at a time with the tops facing outward. They pretty much stayed in place because they stuck to the little bit of icing on the sides. I then tied the ribbon around the entire thing. It would have really been helpful to have a second person to help hold it in place and tie the knot.
I am very happy with the way the cake turned out!


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Recipe: REAL Vanilla Coffee Creamer!

9/5/2015

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What's in the vanilla coffee creamer you buy? Does it contain any real cream or vanilla? Check out our video at the bottom of this post!
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Two FREE printable recipe cards below!

We have used vanilla creamer in our coffee for years now.  In fact, we have became so used to using it that we got to the point that we would no longer drink coffee without it!  One day I happened to just be sitting and drinking my coffee and I started reading the bottle of International Delight.  What I read on that bottle led to a total change in the creamer I now use every day.

The front of the bottle stated "a rich creamy dream of sweet and mellow French Vanilla flavor."  It also says  "gourmet coffee creamer."  I read the words "creamy" and "creamer" and I think of milk, or cows.  So do you, right?  That is where we get cream from after all, so one would also assume there's milk in there somewhere, but then you read the International Delight French Vanilla Ingredients and what a surprise!  
  • Water
  • Cane Sugar
  • Palm Oil
  • contains 2% or less of each of the following: Sodium Caseinate* (a Milk Derivative), Dipotassium Phosphate, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Mono and Diglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Polysorbate 60, Carrageenan, Salt. *Sodium Caseinate is not a source of Lactose.

I see a milk derivative, but I do not see any cream or milk in this so called "Gourmet Coffee Creamer!"  The asterisk next to the milk derivative tells us it is NOT a source of lactose, so again, NO MILK.  How can it be called a creamer if there is no milk or cream in it?  Thats when I realized that they boast the fact that they are lactose free!  Of course they can't have any milk in it if it is lactose free!  How in the world are they even allowed to call it a creamer?  Shouldn't it be called a Milk Free creamer, or a creamer substitute or something instead?

But wait, it actually gets better....do you see the word VANILLA anywhere in the ingredients?  NO! I saw that the bottle says vanilla 'flavor' on the front and that's when reality hit me, there is no actual vanilla in the 'creamer' either!  Then it really hit me...this was all my fault. I am so stupid! I had fallen lock,stock, and barrel for the oldest trick in the book: marketing ploys!  We had not become 'addicted' to using vanilla coffee creamer at all. I'm not sure what we became 'addicted' to using in our coffee, but it certainly had nothing to do with actual cream or real vanilla! Sure it tasted good, but what the hell is it made of? So of course I did some research. and here is what I discovered.

Ingredients in International Delight Vanilla Creamer:

The first two ingredients (water and cane sugar) are pretty much self explanatory.

The third ingredient, which apparently makes up a large part of this 'creamer' is palm oil.  There is a lot of controversy over palm oil which is apparently found in about 50% of all products produced today.  I am not going to go into the controversies, but suffice it to say that it is imported and there's arguments about the way it is grown and harvested (usually not sustainably) and it's huge negative environmental impact. I included a few source links at the bottom of the page if you want to read more.  Bottom line for me though: why the heck would I want to put oil instead of cream in my coffee??????

The other "less than 2%" ingredients:
  • Sodium Caseinate - This is a form of protein derived from milk.  It is often found in protein drinks, shakes, and powders (check out the FDA's explanation of Sodium Caseinate).
  • Dipotassium Phosphate - This is a type of salt containing phosphorous that is commonly used as a thickener.
  • Natural and Artificial Flavors - This could mean so many things. Just try googling it. Should we assume some of the flavor 'might' be vanilla?  If the creamer actually had vanilla in it, wouldn't they want to include it in the ingredients?
  • Mono and Diglycerides - These appear to be trans fats usually made from oils and used as emulsifiers. Basically it's an additive to help the water and palm oil, which usually don't want to mix, be able to mix and stablize.
  • Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate - Another additive used to improve the ability to mix oil and water. It is supposedly found in a majority of packaged foods.
  • Polysorbate 60 - This is another emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer additive.  NOTE: this is also a common ingredient in cosmetics.
  • Carrageenan - A stabilizer, gelling and thickening additive derived from red seaweed. Known to create a 'creamy' texture.  
  • Salt - I found this interesting, but maybe it is just for use as a preservative.  Not sure, but I know it is not necessary in my homemade version!

Can you see why I now choose to make my own Homemade Vanilla Creamer?  The ingredients are way too complicated and contain no actual cream or vanilla!  If you're lactose intolerant I can sort of understand why you would still want to use the International Delight, but if you can drink milk, why not at least try to make your own creamer to see if you like it?  It will actually have REAL MILk and REAL VANILLA in it!  And of course, the ingredients are much simpler and much healthier, especially if you choose to use all organic ingredients!
Ingredients in Homemade (Organic) Vanilla Creamer: 
  • In sweetened condensed milk: milk and sugar
  • In  milk: grade A milk (and depending upon the milk you choose there could also be added vitamins A and D).
  • In pure vanilla extract: vanilla bean extractives in water and alcohol (you can buy alcohol free pure vanilla extract if you choose)

Oh, and guess what?  IT'S STILL GLUTEN FREE!  That's right, it is still GLUTEN FREE even with real cream and vanilla!  
Recipe:
One 14 once can of (Organic) Sweetened Condensed Milk or *make your own!
2 1/4  cups (Organic) Milk (any percent you choose)
2 teaspoons (Organic) Pure Vanilla Extract
32 ounce container with a tight lid

*You can also easily make your own homemade sweetened condensed milk.  See the FREE recipe card and printable below!

Procedure:
Open the condensed milk with a can opener and use a rubber spatula to scrape out every drop into a container (or make your own ahead of time).  Add the milk and vanilla and shake thoroughly.  It takes a long time to really mix up the condensed milk and the regular milk.  I saved and reuse an old 32 ounce International Delight container to make mine in!
Is it cost effective?  
The organic version costs a about 5 cents more an ounce, but remember, it has REAL MILK AND VANILLA and NO PALM OIL!  

The non-organic version costs about 3 cents less an ounce and still has REAL MILK AND VANILLA!  So worth it in my book :-)
International Delight Cost to Buy
  • Cost for 32 ounces International Delight Vanilla Creamer (at .13 per ounce)  = $4.19

NO MILK OR VANILLA!

Organic Cost to Make
  • 14 oz. Can Organic California Farms Sweetened Condensed Milk = $4.11
  • 2 1/4 c Organic Whole Milk = $1.26  (at .07 per ounce)
  • 2 tsp. Organic Pure Vanilla Extract = .57 (at $1.72 per ounce)

Total Cost to Make 32 ounces of Organic Vanilla Creamer  = $5.94  (.18 per ounce)

No savings but it has REAL MILK AND VANILLA!

Non-Organic Cost to Make
  • 14 oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk = $1.99
  • 2 1/4  cup Whole Milk = .54  (at .03 per ounce)
  • 2 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract = .57  (at $1.72 per ounce)

Total Cost to Make 32 ounces Non-Organic Vanilla Creamer = $3.10 (about .10 per ounce)

SAVES MONEY AND HAS REAL MILK AND VANILLA!
What about the calories?
The homemade creamer is actually a little LESS CALORIES!  
  • International Delight French Vanilla Regular = 35 calories per tablespoon.
  • Homemade with Whole Milk = 34 calories per tablespoon (condensed milk has 130 calories per two tablespoons so at 2 tbsp. p/oz thats 1,820 calories and whole milk has 150 per cup so at 2.25 cups thats 337.5 for a total of 2,157.5 for 32 ounces. That works out to 67.4 per ounce, or 33.7 calories  per tbsp!
Do yourself a favor and try making it at least once.  It's so easy and even though it doesn't taste exactly the same, it is so close (and I believe it's actually better tasting) that I KNOW you will be pleasantly surprised....my husband was and he can be really picky!
NOTE: All comparisons were using REGULAR French Vanilla Creamer and WHOLE MILK.  I did not look at nor did I do any comparisons with respect to International Delight Fat Free, Sugar Free, or Fat and Sugar Free but be aware that they all contain corn syrup!
FREE PRINTABLE RECIPE CARDS:
As with all the recipes I share, you can use the picture or the button below to download the pdf file below and print one sheet of  8 1/2 x 11 cardstock paper.  You can then cut out each of the 4 x 6 inch recipe cards.  They always come two per sheet.  

Visit my Recipes Page to print out previous recipes (pdf files) or to download a FREE 4 x 6 Recipe Card Template (.dox file) for your own recipes! 

Enjoy!
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click here to download pdf file of two printable recipes above!
Please 'like' us on Facebook or join our mailing list 
so you never miss newly shared recipe cards!
Video about the coffee creamer:
Sources:
Say No To Palm Oil - What's the Issue?
Palm Oil Sustainability - What is it?
What is Palm Oil?
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