Simply Basics: by Donna Miller

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 Author: Donna Miller

  Recently, in a forum of which Millers Grain House is a sponsor, someone posted a question that the basis for asking is found in the current economy and trends. The question is valid as many of us wonder what is ahead.  It went something like this:

I hear a lot about having cash, silver and gold on hand for the future. Would the current investment not be better spent in another area? A can of beans that cost $.85 now may cost $8.00 after a collaspe. Just speaking for myself I would rather have food, water and toilet paper than valueless cash or glittery metals.

My hypothesis is that some cash (paper money and coins) along with precious metals such as silver or gold may be needed and appeal to some as legal tender if in the midst of an economic melt-down. However, this question deserves some serious thought as well as much warranted action.

An investment in something that will sustain your life is far wiser than saving up only gold, silver, the current currency or stock options. The list of real life assets that could easily prove more valuable to sustain life in even tougher economic times than these include (but are not limited to):

• Water
• Food
• Gardening skills
• Skill to preserve a harvest
• Wood working
• Survival skills (fire building, shelter building, etc)
• Animal husbandry and small livestock
• Sewing
•  Anything our ancestors did 200 years ago to establish the land as productive and self sustaining.

This short beginning list of skills and vital items (and the time investment spent learning, testing and trying them) are far more worthy and look to be the more tangible options than a shiny piece of metal that cannot be eaten or share hope with another desperate person.

The best way to find out what might really be important would be to ask someone who lived through the Great Depression. With no funds on hand, what was vital to them? We may be surprised.

 Tis the season for an abundance of winter produce! Winter Squash to be precise. Most people think of pumpkin pie and stop there when trying to figure out what to do with these prolific growers that usually just make great fall decorations.If you're a gardener, you'll also be delighted to know there are more uses for this winter crop than pie!

Most folks will just pass up this seaonal bargain food because they believe it is too difficult to work with or they really don't know the wide variety of things that can be done with winter squash. At bargain prices between $.39 to $.79 cents per pound, ounce per ounce this delectable winter veggie can stretch in to any menu for pennies.

There's also a reason for this food to be in season in the winter. The nutritional content of winter squash is vital to our winter health.  With loads of fiber ( 1 cup winter squash contains 5 grams of fiber) and the deep rich color (1 cup containing  150% of your RDA of vitamin A) it is also a good source of vitamin C, potassium and mangenese, folate, omega 3 fatty acids, copper, vitamins B5 and B6, niacin and thiamin. Each of these vitamins (and the tandum synergistic combination) help to combat the winter blahs, lack of sunshine, loss of energy that can be associated with cold weather and help bolster our immune system to combat cold weather ailments such as the flu. The benefit of getting them in the REAL FOOD of winter squash vs. a pill is that your body really does know how to use those nutrients when consumed as a food.

So here are a few ideas to stretch this frugal and healthy seasonal jewel:

• Add to muffins 
• Add to mac & cheese
• Make into creamy soups
  
• Try as a side dishe with brown sugar and cinnamon
• Try roasted, grilled and mashed

The variety is practically endless.

If you would like recipes for these suggestions and video tips on just how easy using this bargain stretching veggie can be, be sure to sign up for our newsletter before October 31st (when the recipes go out!) at http://www.eatgrains.com  (don't forget to click the confirmation email you'll receive or you won't get the newsletter in time). If you sign up in time you'll be loaded up with some out of the box winter squash ideas that stretch your food budget and redefine some 'comfort food' recipes!

For more freebie tips "LIKE" us on Facebook

For even more stretching ideas, listen to "Encouragement in the Kitchen" at 5:00PM Eastern Mondays - Thursdays (or even catch up later at the same link when you have the time). We will be talking about the great upcoming recipes and tips today - 10/25/11

Until next time - keep stretching your dollars and learning new skills!

Best Blessings and enJOY the journey!

Donna Miller

 

 

 

 

 

I can't help but share this news here!

It is after all a Dollar Stretcher item.

Saves $$ on making healthy food (which you can store WHOLE grain for up to, uhm 1000 years unlike flour) and now it's on SALE!!

You can check it out and a video how to use it by clicking this link: http://www.grainmiller.com/nutrimill.htm

If you've been wanting an electric grain mill - this one is fantastic and ON SALE the lowest I've ever seen it!!! 

I paid more for my own - years ago!

Sale lasts until September 31st or while suply lasts. The last sale - last year - (at $239.99) sold out in two weeks!!

To be self- sustaining is kind of an anomaly in this current global climate, however, the trend to be more frugal is a growing movement. I surmise that the most economical way of living, in the long run, is to be more self-sustainable rather than system-reliant.

In the times of our forefathers, the new settlers to the land, the pioneers and even those here before them, the Natives, there was no system other than community to sustain one’s way of life. The community was made up of families who sustained themselves by gardening, trade and skill. Our community has changed now to encompass imported items from other countries and conveniences we think we cannot do without.

The waste and frivolity of our current societal norm thought to be a higher standard of life can easily become our demise. The more self-sustainable a family unit is, the more they will actually have to share with those in need. The more self-sustainable a family is, the less waste and reliance upon others they will be. The more self-sustainable a family is, the more appreciative they are of the basic necessities that are required to live. These are not only attainable attributes but also are the most desired characteristics of a family who wishes to become more frugal. No one wants to become stingy. But to still rely on the status-quo and cut corners often makes us so. Choosing voluntary self-sustaining practices leave less room for feeling deprived and yield more empowered individuals in the process.

I'll admit to being a little on the hippy side, semi-tree-hugging and longing to live in a hut off grid at times (not at all times) but I also admit to being a bit intimidated by solar cooking. But after my interview with the Solar Oven President on my radio show Your Preparation Station - I had to have one. Am I EVER glad I got one!

So far for the last 5 days of sun, I've not run the oven at all to bake bread, make soup, cook beans and cornbread and broccoli and baked potatoes. I've only just begun!

I love how this has kept my house cooler (less A/C) cut down on one of the largest electric appliances being used (the oven) and been so user friendly for a variety of foods.

I am sharing my Sun Oven escapades on my youtube channel - http://www.youtube.com/thewheatguy

The truth is if I can do this...anyone can do this! 

It is my hope that more people will choos this as an alternative cooking option. Check it out for yourself!

 

Best Blessings!

Donna

Although the link may stay the same, I've renamed my blog. Since we lost our homestead (the the homesteading spirit is still quite alive within) and I do tend to cover more topics than the homesteading mindset, I felt that the name "Simiply Basics" was appropriate. Some of us have chosen to live simply.Some of us have been nudged in that direction due to what we see in the economy.Some of us have been moved to a life of simplicity not by our own choosing, but due to circomstances that deemed it the only option.

No matter the road that one takes toward a more simply basic lifestyle, there are hurdles along the way. Some of the hurdles may include: Dealing with no health insurance, loosing a home, paying for college, making the money stretch through the month, selling off belongings to make ends meet, dealing with depression or a sense of loss. There are far too many opportunities for growth when choosing to live more simply. 

It is my hope that with a broader view within this blog of the lifestyle our family has chosen I can offer more insight and guidance to others during trying times of what ever they may be facing. Don't lose heart. When all else falls away there is great freedom in simply the basics.

Best Blessings and remember to enJOY the journey.

Donna

PS: For a little giggle in the day - take a look at my blooper video here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RST8cvoXPag&feature=channel_video_title

 

 Coupons can either serve us or enslave us.

 I've witnessed firsthand how GREAT the savings can be when done correctly as well as witnessed vast 'useless' spending because of what appears to be a 'good deal'.  I've not had the ability to watch the 'Extreme Couponing' show on TV (we don't have cable/satellite TV) but I've heard the hording horror stories. I've also witnessed folks in line leaving with a cart full of goodies for less than $10.00 and been impressed beyond belief!

I've blogged here before about joining (aka: paying for) a grocery game thingy. The frustration with that was astronomical vs. the savings. I was not enjoying the journey (if you remember one of my favorite closing lines) so I quit.

Then one day at lunch with a friend of mine, Lynette, the light bulb went on in my head. She was speaking so clearly to me about what she does and how she works it that I began to see things far more clearly.  So I've recently been 'back in the saddle' of my coupon adventure, and must I say loving it! While still far from a professional - I am learning. Here are some things I've learned (occasionally the hard way).

Let me give some examples of the pros and cons of using coupons or as it's known to many folks as the action verb of 'couponing'.

 

Pros:

Savings. Yes they are real, but you have to know how to do it to get the most of your coupons. Use when an item is already on SALE.

You won't look at things at 'full price' again the same when you can pay 1/4 if your patient and I think developing patience is a "pro" not a "con" characteristic. 

If you are a building a long term storage (to shelter your wallet as prices increase) using coupons really does help!

This actually used to be an issue for me to NOT coupon since we didn't live on a paper route, but....for the price of one Sunday newspaper, over the course of a month, it pays for itself over 50 times. Also, there are so many on line coupon sites, that even if you don't want to buy a paper, you can save some money.

If like us, you eat more basic foods that are usually not coupon friendly (produce, meat, etc) there's no reason you can't buy paper products, toiletries, etc with coupons ( I know realize this thanks to my dear friend Lynette - see more on her inspiration below*)

Coupons for eating out are a super great treat!

 

Cons:

If you are not going to use it, don't buy it. No matter how great the deal may appear. Money spent on junk food you shouldn't eat or shampoo that fries your hair is still a stupid buy, even though the coupon gremlin whispers in your ear otherwise.

Don't feel the pressure of a 'sales date' at the store to use that coupon. Often just because you think the sale is running out, it may make you rush to go purchase an item, when in fact in just a short time another area store will have the same item on sale within a week or two and you can use your coupon then.

Don't buy if you have enough in stock already. This kind of goes with the first two 'cons' but resisting the deal for .79 cent ketchup with a .25 cent off (doubled) coupon is actually smart if you already have a two year supply of ketchup at home.

You will have to give up store loyalty to get the best deals. I think this was my biggest struggle, but once I saw the great deals as the less-favorite stores that I passed by every time I'd go grocery shopping, it was well worth planning trips there. However, I do save my favorite store sales for last to end on an enjoyable note! 

Admittedly I am no couponing guru, but some light bulbs went on when I spoke with my friend Lynette because of how well she explained things. That' is why she is back on my radio show this month (and hopefully will be a regular each month) so, I hope you'll plan to listen as we chat (it may be helpful to hear my learning process!) on July 16th! Hey and if you're reading this later, no worries - the link will take you to where to download and listen to it later too!

* http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper/2011/07/17/your-prepreation-station

As always, enJOY the journey and Best Blessings!

Donna

 

 

Saving money and stretching dollars often requires a little bit of 'playing with our food'!  That is actually one of my FAVORITE parts of being on a tight budget. I love to look at ways to stretch food and still eat healthy meals on a tight budget. By taking stock in what you have on hand you can make your food last longer, taste better, be better for you and save you money all at the same  time.

Let's say that you were in a rush and had to buy a rotisserie chicken (or you saved by baking your own in the crock-pot because you found it on sale) and now, after dinner, you have only a carcass left on the kitchen counter. There may have been a time you simply tossed it out. Now it's likely you glean all available meat off that carcass for future use. That's great...but don't stop there.  

Place the entire carcass of the chicken in a pot and cover it with filtered water. Place a lid on the top and toss in a dash of sea salt (maybe some garlic and onion powder too if you'd like). Let the pot come to a gentle boil for about 8 - 10 minutes. Let it cool in the pot until it is cooled to the point you can touch it.

Place a strainer over a large bowl and just dump that cooked carcass into the strainer...letting the tasty broth fill the bowl.

Place the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours and let any fat rise and solidify at the top. Skim to remove the fat, pour in individual jars with lids. These keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks and in the freezer for up to 1 year!  

Not only is this using something that would have been tossed (that's why I call it practically free) and turning it into something that would cost you about $2.00 (per 16 oz. can/box) to buy in the can at the store. Likely you will get 32 oz. out of this for practically free!

There are three added benefits of using the whole carcass of the chicken (or turkey). First, you can now glean more chicken tid-bits from the bones to add to the stock. The second benefit, and what I find most important, is that the act of boiling the cartilage and bone marrow release glucosamine and chondroitin into the liquid. This is a naturally recognized - real food supplement for your body to help with joint regeneration and cushioning. It can be used prior to having any joint issues to help prevent them, as well as, to naturally relieve joint issues once they began to occur. Last but not least, you can limit the amount of sodium and there are NO additives in your new, free soup stock.

I certainly hope you will give this a try rather than spending your hard earned cash on cans or boxes of chicken stock.

Best Blessings and remember to enJOY the journey!

Donna Miller

The Millers own and operate Millers Grain House.  For more tips on saving money, eating healthy whole grains and free recipes visit their site and open an in-store account to receive the Newsletter.

Below are some items that are usually thrown away that cause me to pause and wait before heading to the trash:

Paper Towel Tubes:

• They hold those annoying plastic grocery store bags in a small space by stuffing the tube tightly full of them.
• They help to keep the tangle of cords behind any table or entertainment unit neatly tucked together. Just split down one side from hole to hole and put the cords all in.
• They make great kindling when filled with wood shavings and paraffin wax or cotton dryer lint!

Citrus Peels:

• Freeze them in a zip lock bag in the freezer and once in a while take a frozen peel out to run through the garbage disposal. When they are frozen they help to sharpen the blades and the sent will freshen the disposal naturally.
• Citrus peels boiling in a pot on the stove or fireplace hearth are a natural air freshener and mood booster.
• Dried orange peels can be used as quick and aromatic fire starters.

Cardboard Egg Cartons:

• Again these work as fire starters if filled with cotton drier lint or wood shavings and some paraffin wax. They can then be cut into cubes or strips.
• They can be used to start seedlings. Once your little shoot has reached the height to replant, you can simply snip off the cup it’s being held in and plant the whole thing in the ground.

Oh, there are so many more items that I pause and tend to wait and ponder before throwing away. So there will be more to come!

Not only do I look at items to reuse, recycle and repurpose I even look at NEW items (while doing the budget friendly past time of window shopping) and think of ways to make something that looks interesting out of 'throw away' items rather than buy the newest gadget.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/thewheatguy and see when I load up a new video using some items I would have usually thrown away, had I not window shopped for a handy kitchen tool – and decided to make it myself!

Best Blessings!
Millers Grain House  & Grain Storehouse, Your Preparation Station
Joseph & Donna Miller, Owners

Deut 28:5 - "A blessing upon your grain-basket and kneading-bowl."

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