How The Benefits of Epsom Salts Can Help Heal...

Natures Wonder...

This wonderful natural salt can be used for many things;

It is a beauty secret and can be used for health benefits.

You can use it as a facial mask;

Mix with a small amount of honey and smooth a bit in your face and neck.

Let set for 2-3 minutes and gently wash off!

It makes your face look radiant and smooth  looking skin...

I have always enjoyed the benefits of using Epsom salt in my bath or a foot soak!
(This is a wonderful thing to do for your Hubby when he gets home from work once in awhile)

If you have a splinter in a finger it will help to draw it out. And helps take the pain away!

It will help you feel relaxed and refreshed when used in your bath water!

This is the time of the year where we are working outside so much more.
And getting more use of all our muscles!

But I have really come to realize the benefits of the this salt filled with magnesium!

Our bodies are so depleted in this wonderful mineral!
There is now an oil you can get from your health food store that
you can just rub on your skin.

Here are just a few good reasons to use Epsom salts;

Using this in your bath water will help Relieve Stress and Anxiety: The moment you slide into a warm bath, you may instantly feel less stressed...

Epsom salt also helps reduce your stress because it helps your body to produce serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical in the brain that brings an overall calm feeling to your body and mind.

Epsom salt also lowers blood pressure and helps you sleep like a baby.

Epsom salt will help Relieves Pain and Muscle Cramps:
 The majority of our pain comes from inflammation of the joints and muscles

 this is especially true in the case of back pain.

 Epsom salt helps relieve the pain and the inflammation in all your joints!

 It also will help heal skin wounds and can help with migraine headaches.

 It is really good for your brain and your level of electrolytes.
I have heard it helps with concentration!
People that have seizures can benefit from magnesium also.

The Epsom salt bath will also help remove toxins, but be warned;

These mineral salt baths do make you feel tired, so take them in the evenings

Just before bedtime!

Also, you need to drink plenty of water to keep flushing out the toxins!

Epsom salt is actually a pure mineral compound of both magnesium and sulfate.

It has shown in studies to contain over 325 enzymes.

I know it helps with inflammation of any joint or back pain!

I always have a bag or carton of this magic cure around my house!

This stuff is so cheap, you can find it even at most Dollar Stores.

I think this is a very frugal health item that should be in every

Medicinal cabinet, as it works for so many things that ail us,

And is so cost efficient and affordable!

You can then pour it into a pretty jar and set near your tub or counter top.

I really think this salt is a gift from the Lord, as it has so many healing qualities!

Here are some of the same facts from the Epsom Salt Council;

Click on their link below for more good information

Epsom salt council

Do share with me anything that you have benefited

From using Epsom Salts...

How To Make An Organic Lemon Cough Syrup...

 

A Homemade Organic Lemon Cough Syrup

This is the easiest and best no side effects cough syrup ever!

1- Organic lemon

1/2 cup Organic honey

Wash lemon and dice into small chunks.

Add to your honey

Stir well

Place in a small glass jar with lid;

Set in your frig and use as needed for coughs or sore throats!

This must be kept refrigerated and will last for about 2 months!

Taste good and really quells a cough and soothes the throat!

No side effects

 And taste and smells wonderful!

Having some frugal medicinal items for your home is wise!

I think you will find this cough syrup works well;

But as we all know, sometimes we need to see a Doctor!

Keeping Healthy

Staying healthy is a part of being wise and frugal!

It cost money to stay healthy;

But we know it cost more when we get sick!

But as we all know an ounce of prevention is worth our time!

 To eat right!

(More salads and veggies and yogurts and fruits)

Try to eat a handful of nuts daily.

Soups are so nutritious and very frugal!

Taking a multivitamin can really be pro-active

Getting more sleep and drinking water!

Washing our hands often!

Staying away from large public places during the cold and flu season.

I have been wearing those little knit gloves when going into some stores;

It helps to keep my hands clean and also to,

Keep the germs off my hands, when I get home, I just pop them in the washer!

(Years ago ladies wore gloves, while out in public!

I wonder if it helped them not be exposed to so many germs?

I hope you ladies are all doing well!

I find my Mondays are spent getting my home in order from a long weekend,

Doing Laundry and cleaning out the refrigerator,

Keeping up with my study in Gods Word...

Encouraging myself in the Lord!

Hope you will make up a batch of this cough syrup as I think

You will enjoy it!

Roxy approved...

A Frugal Gift Idea Made From Lace Doilies...

A Pretty Frugal Gift...

Here is a very frugal craft idea;

That makes a very sweet gift for you homemaker's!

These I have made for myself to place in my home.

I like to use them because they are so small and do not interfere with

My tabletops decor, or the use of the table.

I have placed a small lamp on them;

Draped them over a basket;

Placed a vintage bottle upon it!

Firstly, check out your fabric stores such as Joannes or any other;

Purchase a few of these small doilies, they come in small, medium or large.

The small ones run about $1.99

The price goes up with the larger sizes.

You can buy them in a few different colors;

For this project, may I suggest the white or cream color!

I did iron them to make them nice and flat;

(I love to iron)

My sister asked me why I iron everything?

I told her without missing a beat

~ was this~

Well, it's because some days it's the only thing I can control!

The wrinkles in my clothes;

Of course until I sit down (smile)

You can either glue on your little flowers or bows;

Or you can tack them on with needle and thread!

Some of the little flowers have a self stick glue,

But it does not hold for very long,

 So you will need to still use one of these two methods!

Evenly space out your little Rose buds or the bows; or even buttons!

I remember years ago when making ones with little pearls on them,

I actually used material and beaded a flower pattern onto the material.

It was a lot of work;

That is why this project is easy and frugal

I gave these as gifts to my girlfriends last year for Valentines Day

I think these would also make a lovely hostess gift to give!

Also for a Bridal shower;

They are a frugal gift with just a pinch of homemade added to them...

Use your own imagination and make a few up to have a quick gift on hand!

Sometimes even the smallest little touch can make a home seem special!

It really is the little things we do in our homes, that make them comfy!

Remember, each day to do something that says

~I Love You~

How To Serve Meals That Are Lovely, Yet Frugal...

A Frugal Idea!

I must admit, one of my most favorite easy peasy meal is this--

A warm bowl of tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich,

Made either on sliced bread or a flour tortilla.

I think sometimes we just need something easy to prepare and to enjoy!

Even if it is just an easy frugal meal does not mean it can't

Be served in something pretty!

Being visual in serving a meal goes a very long way.

Sometimes just serving something light on a pretty platter or plate,

Is a secret key to not feeling cheated in what might be considered a frugal meal!

We all know how often we come across a pretty plate or bowl,

While on our treasure hunts, keep this in mind to find a few items,

To use for appeal and presentation of our frugal meal ideas.

If you could plan at least a few meals a week that were considered

(Very inexpensive to make) and then were able to save a bit of money.

You would learn to be very creative to keep the cost down, 

But the appeal and the presentation of it is desired!

A quiche made of eggs and a bit of veggies can be very satisfying

When served with a bit of bread!

A hearty bowl of soup made from things that were just a bit of this and that.

Served in a pretty mug can fill an empty tummy!

Can you buy a whole chicken and make three meals or more from it?

Well, If not you should learn quickly!

Can you take a few items and make a meal?

You could and should!

Do you eat out often?

May I remind you of the expense of this little convenience;

"Do not even mention the sodium and fat.

Think simple and real food items!

Serve with love and on some pretty dishes,

Say grace and enjoy...

Then serve a little bit of something sweet;

Maybe a small cookie,

 Or a little glass custard bowl filled with some pudding.

Try a  little square of some dark chocolate.

Being frugal is down right fashionable dear ladies;

It shows a great creativity on your part!

And speaks volumes to out Hubbies that we honor them

And their Hard work and the income they bring in!

We really need to ask ourselves a bit more often before a purchase,

Is this;" Is this a need or a want??"

Ask Yourself this question;

How many hours has my Husband had to work for me to purchase this item?

What are some of your frugal meal ideas?

How Using Your Provisions Wisely Saves You Money...

 

If I had to live off the land I would learn very quickly to appreciate the harvest!

We tend to forget all the hard work that

Goes into putting food on our tables.

We live in a country where we take so much for granted!

Very few people truly really go hungry, 

Because of State provisions,

Food Stamps and such!

Soup kitchens can be found and utilized in most cities.

Even in the Public Schools they provide breakfast programs.

We have all seen the dramatic rise in food cost in the last few years!

So my thoughts have been leaning toward, how well are we using

Our food resources?

How many morsels of food are being wasted at every meal?

Our we cooking the right portion size,

 so we do not have so much wasted food.

Are we freezing the portions we can use for a later time?

My daughter once told me that she uses this thought when

purchasing her food or household items.

"She asks herself how many hours did my Husband have

to work to pay for these things?"

This may help us put it into a real perspective of the actual cost!

If I were to have to rely solely on my own food production,

We would be very shocked by our lack of choices!

We know longer are very well equipped to even do this!

I have always enjoyed the magazines that teach the

 How Too of living off the land.

I think God has given us a deep desire to work and provide food,

For ourselves and those we love!

So I think it is time to ask ourselves these questions;

Have you learned the art of canning?

Can you make jelly?

Can you make bread from scratch?

Do you have a resource of books put away for knowledge

that might be needed on How to...

We are to be wise stewards of our time, talent and resources...

He alone is the Lord of the Harvest!

Fresh Green Beans...

I believe we will be a wise woman if we learn to be proficient

in keeping our shelves stocked and knowing how to cook!

We can learn to cut our food cost by learning to plan meals.

Watch for sales on food items in your grocery stores!

Learn to freeze some of these foods that you buy on sale!

Ask another woman who knows how to can, to teach you!

Take a class from your county extension office

 For how to preserve your foods.

(I just learned last year you can make a large batch of rice and freeze it!

You just make a double batch,

Then allow it to cool only slightly; then put the amount

You will need for a dinner serving and freeze in a plastic bag.)

This works great for a quick side dish;

Or just open up some beans and you have a perfect protein.

I also always cook a large amount of dried beans and freeze them!

How To Make Easy Lemonade...

Lemons and Limes

These always make me feel refreshed...

 How I make my refreshing lemonade.



My lemonade recipe is very easy and it is tasty!
Also This Is a Very Frugal way to prepare a refreshing beverage!

I use my 1/2 gallon pitcher

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup Real Lemon juice

Add water

Stir well

Chill it well then serve it over ice!
You can always add a slice of fresh lemon in the glass!

I have been making this lemonade this way for almost 30 years.

It is quite cheap and it tastes very fresh.

I only use the Real Lemon juice brand as it is stronger in flavor.

I buy it in the large 2 packs from Sam's club.

My kids are grown and now my grandchildren drink this lemonade.

I know people may squeal over the sugar in it, but it

is more of a real and natural alternative to pop and sweet drinks.

No dyes and no preservatives.

We drink this all year round not just in the summertime.

I also make up two 1/2 gallon pitchers at a time.

 And put one in the back fridge.

Lemon Lemonade is a sweet memory that we all enjoy!

Try it, I think you will find it very delicious.



How To Make Scalloped Potatoes and Ham...

 

So Easy To Make...

I just wanted to say good morning, as I live out West

 and most of you ladies have been up for hours.

And for those on the other side of the

World you are just going to bed... So good night!

I made a delicious casserole for dinner last night, and this

is one of my favorite comfort foods.

It is made with your left over Ham from Easter or another holiday meal

Remember not to waste it!

Either cut it up and freeze for later or make this dish tonight!
Being Frugal with our resources and meal planning is just plain wise!

Our Men love any meals prepared with meat,

(Unless of course you are a vegetarian, skip this post)

Scallop Potatoes with Ham

This is so good and easy peasy too!

This is what I do;

Wash and peel six potatoes, slice thinly and place in cold water with some salt.

Let them sit for about 10 minutes (gets the starch out)

Slice a good amount of your Ham (as much as you like)

Use 1 can of Cream  mushroom soup

3/4 can milk

1/2 cup grated cheese

Salt and pepper

Shake of garlic salt

Now drain your sliced potatoes and place in a large bowl

Add your can of soup and milk

Add your diced or sliced Ham chunks

Mix in cheese and salt and pepper and garlic.

Spray a 9x13 pan

Pour into the pan and cover with foil

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven

Bake covered for 45minutes,

 Uncover and bake another 10 minutes to brown it!

You can add onions if you like and more cheese;

Sometimes I have added crushed chips on top.

This is not a precise recipe, there is a lot of room to experiment.

Remember the four day rule!

After Four days throw it out!

Some mornings it seems like the Birds singing just sounds sweeter!

How To Make Delicious Potato Latkes...

Potato Latkes

These are the very best tasting way to eat leftover Mashed potato's!

These are so good that when I plan on making and serving mashed potato's

I always make a few extra so I will have some leftovers!

So many of us are trying to be frugal these days, It is showing wisdom,

When we do not waste our food!

I try to ask myself, how many hours my sweet Hubby has to work?

To be able to purchase these items; 

Whether it is food or other things.

Everything costs somebody something!

So in lieu of inflation and being wise and frugal,

We can make a very simple and delicious meal from our potato leftovers.

There are so many variations to make these scrumptious cakes (Latkes)

Potato Latke's

Place your leftover mashed potato's in a bowl

Add 1 egg

1/2 onion, minced fine

Add any cooked meat you might have;

(Roast Beef, Chicken, Ham, or Bacon)

Chop it into bite size pieces and add it to the Potato's

Now add about 1/4 cup of flour into bowl

(As you need this to help hold them together)

Now get your large skillet and add some olive oil

And some butter,

Now, make as many little cakes as you can that will fit in your skillet.

Allow them to cook on medium heat so they brown well and cook up nicely!

I like to add a dollop of sour cream on top and serve!

A lovely combination is so have a crisped tossed salad along side it.

Stocks and Butter And A Filled Pantry...

Nothing should be wasted!

We live in a world where everything is disposable.

See these corn stalks, good for nothing right?

Well, not exactly;

The farmer's go back in and shred these old

corn stalks to feed their cattle.

They make a product called silage.

It is stinky, but it is used to feed and sustain,

The cattle in the long, cold winter months.

We are entering our winter months of needing

Warm foods, keeping our homes warm.

Feeding our families!

So as you see all your store adds for sale items,

this month, try to think ahead and stock u
on some of your cooking and baking items.

I do  promote being a wise woman in the

Pantry area of your home.

Watch for all the cream soups on sale.

Green beans and canned corn also.

Butter is around 2.00 lbs.

Chicken broth is very inexpensive now.

Watch for the different pastas on sale too!

Sometimes, we get on the eat only natural kick,

We forget we have had some real tough times.

Believe me, if you were starving;

You would not care if it was organic :)

REALLY...

Why, do we need a well stocked pantry?

Because it is what a wise woman does for her FAMILY!

Also, we must think of those who will need

some assistance this long winter.

Buy some of these sale items to give to your

own town or cities needy!

We must always remember the poor!

I want to tell you a true story;

I know of a wise woman

Whose Husband lost his Job!

 And do you know it was almost a whole year before he found another one.

But, this Wise Woman had a pantry that fed her family

Almost that entire year, with only having to add

The fresh produce and milk and eggs!

Blessings,

Roxy



May I Not Complain...

May, I not complain this day while preparing our meals!

I am so grateful for the women who have
Weathered many a storm!

They have stood and endured hard times in this country,

When we were not so prosperous.
Yet:
Many women still today,
are having tough times!

I feel, so blessed to have a very large kitchen,

with running water, and cupboards filled

with food and provisions!

We sometimes can forget that not too long ago,

This country of ours was in dire straights.

Depression...

May we give thanks now while we have plenty!
I always think of the story of Joseph...
He prepared and put back for seven years,
while there was plenty...

I want to encourage you women, to be wise homemakers!
  We have to learn to take advantage
of the sales of food items!

Also to buy vegetables and fruits in season,
so you can either freeze them or learn to can them.

This growing season is now over for most of us.
But, may we start where we can;
Purpose in your heart, and plan to put together
A pantry that will sustain your family,
for at least a month!

You must be wise, and buy on sale!
Date and rotate all items!
Buy only what you will eat!
Take a class and learn to can food items!
Always have plenty of drinking water put back!

I have learned this one thing;
No matter the crisis, my family still gets hungry :)

  

God, has put it in a Mommas heart to feed and

To take care of her family.

I do not want to complain or murmur,

But rather give thanks!

We are very rich indeed!

Blessings,

Roxy

Why We Need To Be Pantry Prepared...

Fresh Eggs

 Fresh Spices

This could be the time we had better stop relying on fast food and

pre-packaged food items to feed our families.

I have been very concerned about the state of affairs on every front.

But as a woman of God, I do not fear.

But, after saying this I also must say many families

could have much more hardship.

Just because Momma doesn't know how to really cook

and prepare meals from scratch.

Many people have had it so easy to just eat what they buy each night.

 In most homes we are no longer

preparing nutritious soups, or serve home cooked meals.

Most baked goods are bought from the store.

No freshly baked cookies made from scratch, even

the dough comes in a roll now.

This is my concern!

If we were to have a real crisis in this country,

would you be able to feed your family with

only uncooked and raw items?

Like dried beans not cooked for you?

What if you had no soups all made up in a can?

No jelly in a jar!

No bread all baked up and sliced.

Could you feed your family?

I will say this; we must get in a better prepared state,

for our families.

I believe if you will put forth the effort God will help you

accomplish this task.

For it is the woman's mandate to be the keeper of her home.

But I am all for the help of all who live in our homes.

Take stock of what you know about cooking;

Make time to learn what you do not know!

Start putting staples back now, before the prices get much higher.

A List Of Staples:

Flour, Sugar, Powder and canned milk,

Shortening and lard,

(Don't freak out, I do not normally use these

ingredients, but these foods will be a must if things collapse)!

Vegetable oil

Beef and Chicken bouillon

Salt, vinegar,

Baking soda, and baking powder, yeast.

All kinds of pasta

Dried beans!!

Tuna, canned vegetables and fruit.

Be wise and really pray about this,

As I believe that our families are counting on us!

Blessings,

Keeping Homemade Cookies Fresh In Your Freezer...

Yummy homemade cookies!!

I remember years ago when I made cookies for my family,

We would eat them up so fast. I never worried about them

getting hard or old.

Because our kids are grown and gone.

We do not eat them up as fast as we did years ago.

These cookies here are made with organic butter,

 (It was on sale!)

I used this wonderful flour you can see in the picture above.



Here they are, all baked golden brown.

Fresh from the oven!

Here is how I keep them fresh for a long time.

I first put a layer of wax paper on the bottom of these round tins.

Then I place the cooled off cookies in each one.

Cover them again on top with wax paper.

Place these tins in the freezer.

They will stay fresh for weeks!

I just take a few out and put them on a plate 

and in just a few minutes we have a very soft

and fresh tasting cookie.

I have used this secret with every kind of cookie,

and I have had great results.

Sometimes when I am in a baking mood,

I will bake up an extra tin or two, of cookies.

So I always have a fresh cookie to serve! 

It is nice to be able to serve a homemade cookie

with  pot of tea or coffee.

So come on over and let's eat cookies!

Blessings,

Living From Glory To Glory



Pressure Canning Chicken...

Fruits Of Our Labor

Here is a picture of some of the chicken we

Pressured canned.

It was so easy to do, it just takes a long time

to process.

The class we took at our extension office

was really profitable.

Also, to learn to not be intimidated by pressure canning:)

We are hoping to become well stocked with meats.

It is so convenient to just open a

Jar of chicken or beef and add to your,

Soups or stews.

I am so blessed to have learned the love

Of home keeping,

From my own Mother.

In all labor there is profit

Proverbs 14:23

Blessings, Roxy

We Are The Apple Of His Eye... His Provisions

Thank you for apple peelers

This fall, we really made the applesauce, it was a lot of work but the rewards

Are worth it all...

My daughter in law and I made 20 pints of applesauce, and 20 pints of apple butter.
 We were blessed with 4 bushels of apples.
 We had so many that we were able to give some away to our dear friends Pam and Steve.

 We really love the apple butter, it tastes so good on toast!

I believe making your own jams and jellies are so rewarding.

I want to really make canning and putting back a big part of our food pantry

~ Also it looks so nice to see it on your shelves~

I know it is tempting to want to put it where everyone can see it,

But it is much wiser to put in a pantry where it is cool and dark.

For the quality and longevity will last much longer,

 if you will be careful as to how you store it.

We also put some up with spices and flour for apple pies,

and put them in the freezer.

We have plum juice made up and in the freezer, and very soon we will

be making our whole families favorite Plum Jelly!

Be encouraged

Be wise

Be frugal

Be prepared!!

Our barns shall be filled with every kind of provision.

Psalms144:13a

Blessings, Roxy

Jelly Time And Learning To Can Produce...

A Labor Of Love

My friends and I went to a class last night offered by our Extension Office.

It was on Pressure canning. The do's and dont's.

Wow, did we get checked!!!

Just because it's the way we have always done it does not make it SAFE.

It cost us 5 dollars!

And we all know in today's economy that is a deal.

We all also won a prize, which cost about 5 bucks.

So now the class is FREE.

It is time to learn and to update your knowledge on water bath canning,

And to learn how to pressure can, non acid foods, meat starch vegetables etc.

These old ways of putting up and back is the now new, of how to be prepared in these tough days of inflation in our food cost!

Can I hear an Amen?

What can we expect in the near future in our food cost?

I can make a real good guess...

It's going UP!

I want to know that I am doing something to protect my family when a loaf of bread cost

5 dollars.

Believe me it can happen overnight.

Educate yourself, learn to cook from basic ingredients.

Purchase a cookbook and a canning book!

It is all about having the staples.

Figure out what are the staples your family will need.

Stock up and not out of fear, but pure and simple wisdom!!

Fill your heart and home with the goodness of a

Labor of Love

"By perseverance the snail reached the ark."

By the way this was Plum Jelly and a Harvest Butter in the picture:)

Blessings, Roxy