Cold Buster

Lemon Ginger and Honey in a Jar (Cold Buster!)

By Tammy on September 12, 2012 8:00 am in DIY, Fruit & Veggie, Recipes / 8 comments

The seasons are changing around here. Although the days are still warm, it is chilly in the morning and at night.
The leaves are starting to change color. Fall is definitely around the corner (but don’t tell my tomatoes that!).
It seems like during these season changes, the kids tend to catch more colds. Nothing major, just a slight sore throat or cough. When I see any signs of an oncoming cold, I give them this lemon-ginger-honey tea. It soothes their throat and the ginger helps them fight any nasty stuff going around.
I like to make this concoction and keep it in my refrigerator. Spoon a bit in some hot water for some soothing tea. It keeps for months.

Lemon Ginger and Honey in a Jar
makes about 2 cups

• 2 lemons thoroughly cleaned and sliced
• 2 piece of ginger about the size of your pointer and middle finger together sliced into coin size pieces
• Honey (about 1 cup-maybe more)

1. In a clean 12 oz mason jar (2 cup size) distribute lemon slices and ginger.


2. Pour honey over it slowly. This may take a few tries to let the honey sink down and around the lemon and ginger slices. Make sure when the honey has filled in all the voids, there is enough to cover the top of the lemon slices by a smidge.
3. Close jar and keep refrigerated. The mixture will form sort of a loose jelly. Add a spoonful with some hot water and drink as a tea.

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Apple Cider Vinegar

Frugal Deep Cleansing Hair Treatment

Hair Deep-Cleansing


Recently I asked my hairdresser to recommend a shampoo that removes build-up from hair. Although he sells an expensive line of hair care products, he told me not to spend $10 on a shampoo designed to do that. Instead, he suggested that I go to the grocery store and buy a box of baking soda.



He then suggested that the next time I shampoo my hair, simply put some shampoo in my hand and add some baking soda. Mix the two together in my palm and then shampoo my hair as usual. After rinsing, use conditioner. Well, I tried it, and it works great! It left my hair looking shiny and soft. I gave myself a salon-style look for less.

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!!

Saving An Additional 114 Dollars Each Month

Last week on my days off I spent about an hour and 1/2 on two phone calls.  The first call was to cancel my home phone.  I had been a customer for 21 years (amazing). Really for about the last 2 years due to my screwy work schedule, I wasn't using the phone much.  I would un-plug it because I desperately needed to sleep in the morning and in the afternoon and I was just inundated with phone solicitors.  I would un-plug the phone and leave it un-plugged for weeks on end.  I just decided that it had become a huge waste of money.  $43 per month. 
The next call was to my cell phone company.  My daughter and her boyfriend got their own cell plan so there was just no need to keep her line.  So my hubby and I combined our lines on a family plan, and my line alone was about $82 per month.  Then, there are some additional savings going to happen too, because we ended up with a credit from the cell phone company for switching things up.  But the monthly savings will add up to $114 dollars.  That is a fantastic savings for a little time spent on the phone.  Obviously I was spending too much money and am happy that I wised up!! 
What are you wasting your money on???
Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!!

Homemade Baking Mixes

I am so excited....  I found this post for homemade baking mixes over at the Dollar Stretcher.  http://www.stretcher.com/stories/03/03nov17g.cfm?STT

I am totally going to make up this recipe and start using it.  Also on another note, lots of baking supplies are on sale this time of the year, and also lots of coupons for sugar, flour and baking items.
Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!


How to make your own mixes for less


Homemade Baking Mixes

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Everyone knows that commercial baking mixes are useful, but are they practical? The rising costs of advertising, packaging and labor have increased the prices of many of these baking mixes to almost double that of homemade products. So, why do people still buy them? Convenience, as well as time saved in the kitchen, are the reasons that people still buy them. To a busy family, these reasons often overshadow the cost of such mixes. You can have all the benefits of commercial baking mixes, at half the price, by simply making your own in bulk at home.

Homemade mixes give you savings, convenience, versatility and nutrition, which is an unbeatable combination. They can also be personalized to meet your dietary needs. Use less salt, replace sugar with a sugar substitute, use less fat or add whole grains depending on the needs of your particular family.

By preparing ahead in bulk, these mixes will save you time as well. With a mix, food can be prepared in one-third the time it would usually take to assemble and measure ingredients. Add the fact that your own mixes have no preservatives or unhealthy additives, making them healthier for your family. These baking mixes are also versatile, each recipe complete with several variations, enabling you to produce more than one product from each mix.

For a basic mix, which can be used to make biscuits, pancakes, muffins, corn bread, breadsticks, doughnuts and even cookies, assemble the recipe below. You may want to reduce the recipe by half for a smaller batch if your family is smaller. This basic mix can also be substituted whenever a recipe calls for commercial biscuit mixes.

Basic Mix

17 cups all-purpose flour

8 tablespoon baking powder

2 tablespoon salt

4 teaspoon cream of tartar

2 teaspoon baking soda

3 cups instant non-fat dry milk powder

4 1/2 cups shortening

In a very large bowl, stir together all dry ingredients. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Makes 26 cups. Mix will keep for two to three months. As with any mix, always remember to label and date all containers carefully.

Variations:

For biscuits, mix together 3 cups of baking mix and 2/3 cup water or milk. Blend well, knead slightly, then roll out and cut into desired shape. Bake at 450° for 10 to 15 minutes. Makes 10 to 12 biscuits. For drop biscuits, add 2 tablespoons extra liquid.

For pancakes, mix together 4 1/2 cups basic mix and 2 tablespoons sugar until blended. Add 2 beaten eggs and 2 3/4 cups milk, buttermilk or water. Mix thoroughly. Bake on a well-greased hot griddle. Makes 13 to 16 6-inch pancakes.

For muffins, blend 2 2/3 cups basic mix and 4 tablespoons sugar. Add 1 beaten egg and 1 cup milk or water. Stir just until blended together. Pour into greased muffin cups. Bake at 425° degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Makes one dozen muffins.

For corn bread, mix 3 cups basic mix, 9 tablespoons cornmeal, and 1 cup sugar. Blend well. Add 3 eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk or water and 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine. Fill greased 9 x 13-inch pan with batter. Bake at 350° for 30 to 40 minutes.

For breadsticks, mix 2 cups basic mix, 1/2 cup cornmeal or flour, and 1/2 teaspoon salt together. Add a scant 1/2 cup milk or water. Blend to form a dough, then knead until smooth. Form into 12 small logs, about 1/2 inch thick. Bake at 400° for 15 to 20 minutes until crisp and well browned.

For doughnuts, blend 3 cups basic mix, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Mix together 2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 eggs, 2/3 cup milk or water in a separate bowl, then add to dry ingredients. Stir until dough forms. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Roll out 1/2 inch thick and cut with a floured cutter or drinking glass. Fry in hot oil, about 375°, turning once to brown each side. Drain on paper towels. Dredge in powdered sugar while doughnuts are still warm.

For molasses cookies, mix 2 cups basic mix, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Blend. Stir in 1 egg yolk and 1/2 cup molasses. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Shape dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Flatten with a sugar-dipped glass. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet 375° for 10 minutes, or until edges are brown. Cool. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Cocoa Cake and Brownie Mix

9 cups all-purpose flour

6 teaspoon baking powder

6 teaspoon salt

12 1/2 cups sugar

12 ounces unsweetened cocoa powder

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Mix will keep for 2 to 3 months. Be sure to label and date.

For cocoa cake, bring 1 cup water and 1/4 cup butter or margarine to a boil in a saucepan. In a large bowl, combine hot water and butter with 2 cups Cocoa Cake and Brownie mix, 1/4 cup dairy sour cream, 1 beaten egg, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Blend. Pour into a greased cake pan. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes or until done. Makes one layer. Double recipe for a two layer cake.

For brownies, mix 2 1/4 cups Cocoa Cake and Brownie mix, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine. Blend well. Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts if desired. Pour into a greased and floured 8-inch pan. Bake 350° for 30 to 35 minutes.

For cocoa cookies, beat together 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine, 2 eggs, and 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon water. Add 2 1/4 cups Cocoa Cake and Brownie mix, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 3/4 cup flour and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend well. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets, approximately 2 inches apart. Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 375°, or until edges are brown. Cool. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Basic Cake Mix

15 cups all-purpose flour

9 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cup cornstarch

7 1/2 Tablespoon baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

3 3/4 cups shortening

In a large bowl, blend all dry ingredients until well mixed. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Mixture will keep two to three months. Makes about 25 1/2 cups mix.

For yellow cake, combine 5 cups Cake mix, 1 1/4 cups milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat well. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each additional egg. Pour into two greased and floured 8- or 9-inch pans. Bake 350° for 35 to 40 minutes. To make white cake, simply use only the white of the eggs.

Don't overlook the other uses of baking mixes in your home, either. Mixes can be packaged and labeled attractively to be given as gifts. They can be taken along on the family camping trip to add convenience at the campsite, replacing costly prepackaged foods. Mixes are also easily prepared by children, making it simple for them to help in the kitchen. Mix away!

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Janean Nusz is a freelance writer, instructor and copywriter. Visit her website, Author's Art, at www.authorsart.com for budget tips, freebies and other information.

Credit Card Debt

I thought you would be interested in this: http://money.msn.com/credit-rating/confessions-of-a-credit-card-aholic-credit.aspx


This is a Fabulous article that I found today over at MSN ....  and is totally worth the read. 

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!! 

Garden Harvest

Thought I would share what I picked out of my garden about 5 minutes ago.  Will be making my first batch of salsa this weekend.
Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!

The Best Time To Buy...........

This is an excellent article chock full of information on the best time to buy stuff....  I found this article over at the Dollar Stretcher.com

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!!!!!!

The Question


My grandma used to have a sheet of paper on the refrigerator with the best time to buy certain items. It was listed by months. All I can remember from it is that January was linens and towels. Can you help? Thanks!

Alisa



Grocery Products

With 5 years experience in doing layouts for supermarket circulars for the largest chain in NYC, here are some basics:



•Frozen Food - March is nations frozen food month. Always great sales.





•Dairy - June is national dairy month. Not quite as big a deal as Frozen Food month.





•BBQ Products (ketchup, mustard, relish, salad dressings, napkins, etc.): Early in the summer. These companies want to fill your pantry so you don't buy any competitors products all summer. Good time to stock up a years worth.





•Beverages (soda, beer, juice drinks, apple juice): All summer especially around holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day and July 4th. Also usually good prices on large size items (like 2 liter soda) during holiday sales in other months.





•Baking needs (flour, sugar, corn/vegetable oil, aluminum foil, etc): Thanksgiving and December Holidays. This is also a good time to stock up on holiday related items that you like to eat all year such as cranberries and canned yams.





•Italian products (ricotta, mozzarella, crushed tomatoes, olive oil): Christmas, Easter and Columbus Day. Holiday stockup goes for all ethnic products, such as Chinese products at Chinese New Years, Jewish products during Rosh Hashana and Passover, etc.





•It is also good to follow what is going on in the world too for indications of what will happen in the store. There is currently a butter shortage, so stock up on butter ASAP. It freezes really well. Also stock up on any items made with butter. Items that can't be stocked up on, just buy now and enjoy them as you won't be buying it again for awhile.





Ray

Listed by Type of Item

Garden tools - February/April (Look for up to 50% off on things like rakes, hoes, and shovels then.)



Linens and towels - January/February and July/August (discontinued fall and spring merchandise)



Landscape plants:



- January (indoor plants)

- March through October (perennials and annuals)

- March through May (shrubs, trees, and rosebushes)

- September (fall bulbs)

- February/March (spring bulbs)



Kitchenware and small appliances - Mother's Day shopping in May or after holidays



Furniture - December (Supposedly, furniture sales slow down for the holidays.)



Carpeting - January and February



China and Flatware - March and September (on last season's styles)



Hardware - December and during June's Father's Day specials



Fabric:



- March for spring patterns

- September for fall patterns



Flowerpots, Statuary, and Barbeques - During the winter



Major Appliances - No special time of year was given, just to consider buying floor-demonstration models and to ask the larger chains for bigger discounts when making major purchases. The worst thing that could happen is that they'd say no.



Paint - May through August (during hot weather!)



Building Supplies - There's no way to predict times for sales prices. Your best bet for saving money is to look for free cutting, delivery, and other service perks.



Cleaning Supplies and Pantry Staples - January or August/September



Patio Furniture - February and late August

Brookes E.



Listed by Month

I found this in The Book of Secrets. I think it's exactly what Alisa was looking for. Here's a month-by-month schedule for dedicated bargain hunters:



January

* After-Christmas sales.

* Appliances

* Baby carriages

* Books

* Carpets and rugs

* China and glassware

* Christmas cards

* Costume jewelry

* Furniture

* Furs

* Lingerie

* Men's overcoats

* Pocketbooks

* Preinventory sales

* Shoes

* Toys

* White goods (sheets, towels, etc,)



February

* Air Conditioners

* Art supplies

* Bedding

* Cars (used)

* Curtains

* Furniture

* Glassware and china

* Housewares

* Lamps

* Men's apparel

* Radios, TV sets, and stereos

* Silverware

* Sportswear and equipment

* Storm windows

* Toys



March

* Boys' and girls' shoes

* Garden supplies

* Housewares

* Ice skates

* Infants' clothing

* Laundry equipment

* Luggage

* Ski equipment



April

* Fabrics

* Hosiery

* Lingerie

* Painting supplies

* Women's shoes



May

* Handbags

* Housecoats

* Household linens

* Jewelry

* Luggage

* Mothers' Day specials

* Outdoor furniture

* Rugs

* Shoes

* Sportswear

* Tires and auto accessories

* TV sets



June

* Bedding

* Boy's clothing

* Fabrics

* Fathers' Day specials

* Floor coverings

* Lingerie, sleepwear and hosiery

* Men's clothing

* Women's shoes



July * Air conditioners and other appliances

* Bathing suits

* Children's clothes

* Electronic equipment

* Fuel

* Furniture

* Handbags

* Lingerie and sleepwear

* Luggage

* Men's shirts

* Men's shoes

* Rugs

* Sportswear

* Summer clothes

* Summer sports equipment



August

* Back-to-school specials

* Bathing suits

* Carpeting

* Cosmetics

* Curtains and drapes

* Electric fans and air conditioners

* Furniture

* Furs

* Men's coats

* Silver

* Tires

* White goods

* Women's coats



September

* Bicycles

* Cars (outgoing models)

* China and glassware

* Fabrics

* Fall fashions

* Garden equipment

* Hardware

* Lamps

* Paints



October

* Cars (outgoing models)

* China and glassware

* Fall/winter clothing

* Fishing equipment

* Furniture

* Lingerie and hosiery

* Major appliances

* School supplies

* Silver

* Storewide clearances

* Women's coats



November

* Blankets and quilts

* Boys' suits and coats

* Cars (used)

* Lingerie

* Major appliances

* Men's suits and coats

* Shoes

* White goods

* Winter clothing



December

* After-Christmas cards, gifts, toys

* Blankets and quilts

* Cars (used)

* Children's clothes

* Christmas promotions

* Coats and hats

* Men's furnishings

* Resort and cruise wear

* Shoes

Ashley



From "Miserly Moms"

Here is the list from the book Miserly Moms: Living on Onr Income in a Two Income Economy by Jonni McCoy.



January - February: men's shirts, towels, linens, sheets, clothes dryer, used cars, water heaters, art supplies, bicycles, books, curtains, clearance furniture, Christmas wrap and ornaments, toys, meats (turkey, ham), baking items.



March: coats, clothing for all, shoes, TV, washing machines, ski equipment, housewares, artichokes



April - May: dresses, suits, coats, summer clothes, towels, TV, tires, outdoor furniture, paint, tools, garden supplies, summer sports equipment, gift items, artichokes, dairy products, ham, eggs, chicken.



June - July: summer clothes, shoes, air contitioner, school supplies, outdoor furniture, building materials, most furniture, gift items, dairy products, fresh fish, barbecue foods, limes and lemons.



August - September: summer clothes, fall clothes, school clothes, swimwear, school supplies, garden supplies, outdoor furniture, rugs and carpets, bicycles, car batteries and mufflers, seasonal items, season passes, fresh fish, lamb, canned goods



October.: cars from dealerships (buy close to last day of month for best deal), summer sports equipment



November.: men's shirts, water heaters, home improvement supplies, houses are cheaper.



December.: Not a good time to buy anything, until December 26.

S.





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Fabulous & Frugal

I apologize for my absence the last few days....  I was cramming to get my taxes in order, and have had a brutal week at work and not to mention a nasty nasty head cold.  So, my week has been a whirl wind.  Good News...  My blog will be 1 year old in April.  Woo-hoo!!!  I am so excited.  I have been reading some really good books and plan to do reviews on them soon, and I will have more tips for saving money and frugal living as well as stellar recipes.

Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!