An Introduction and a Tattler Reusable Canning Lids Giveaway!

Hi my name is Sarah and if you are reading this your at my blog The Thrifty Housewife.  I am a long time thrifty housewife (going on almost 15 years) with four precious children ages 15, 10, 8, and 4.  Being on a single income for all those years has taught me thousands of ways to save money and live on a small budget but still enjoy this amazing world we live in.

My blog is about ways to be thrifty and make a dollar stretch with family friendly reviews and giveaways thrown in for fun.  You will find recipes, thrifty ideas, thrifty chicken keeping advice, sewing tips, and gardening.

One of my favorite things to do is review products for my blog.  Every penny I spend is important so when I buy something I always research it on the net.  My favorite way is to read reviews from people who have already bought it and are using it themselves.  This has saved me countless dollars and I love to review products and share my experiences with others.

So pour yourself a cup of tea, browse around, and enjoy!  I love comments so feel free to leave (nice) comments anytime.

To start my blog off with a bang I am personally giving away two boxes of Tattler Reusable Canning  Lids.  One regular mouth and one large mouth.  These are amazing for canning and I use them myself! They will last you years and what is more thrifty than that?  Use the rafflecopter below to enter and good luck!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb91/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Thrifty Housewife was not compensated for this post.  My views are 100% my own. This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook, pinterest, twitter, or any other social media website.  The winner will be chosen through the rafflecopter form which uses Random.org.  Winner will be notified by email within 48 hours of contest end.  Winner has 24 hours to respond to the  email.  Failure to respond will result in a new winner being chosen.  Open to US only.

Stonewall Kitchen Review and a Giveaway!

I love unique and gourmet foods.  That's one of the reasons I can, because you just cant get certain foods unless you make them yourself.  So when Stonewall Kitchen offered to send me some of their products to review I was thrilled!  They very appropriately sent me some dessert topping, just in time for ice cream season!

As I browsed through their online store you can find HERE I was amazed at the huge selection of tasty treats, seasoning, housewares, and foods they carry.  There is something for everyone at Stonewall Kitchen and so many great gift ideas that I know I will be going back for Christmas gifts.

Here is a blurb about the company

The extraordinary journey of two friends, Jim Stott and Jonathan King, who were waiters, cooks and avid gardeners, has captured the interest of many and the loyalty of every employee. From the beginning, the company was based on ideals born out of Maine: unspoiled beauty, wholesomeness, a sense of community. It is a testament to the art of preserve making and the growing public interest in wholesome, quality and tasty ingredients. "If you really produce a high quality item, you'll be successful." That's the secret according to Jim and Jonathan.

The demand soon outpaced the production capacity of the small cottage kitchen, so they purchased an old 1700s barn in Kittery, Maine which they renovated to become the company's "headquarters" for a short couple years before they moved to an even larger space in York and renovated an old community grocery store. A buzzer announced customers in the retail area of the facility. All day long it would clamor: "buzz, buzz, buzz," while Jim and Jonathan were busy mixing and pouring ingredients out back, packing boxes, and answering phones. Then someone mentioned they should attend the Fancy Food Show in NYC. Having never been to New York City, they literally were two fish out of the [Maine] water when they made their first appearance at the 1995 Fancy Food Show — a tradeshow that attracts 1,100 exhibitors and 36,000 buyers, the Oscars of the specialty food industry. But low and behold, Stonewall Kitchen brought home an unprecedented award for first time attendees: Outstanding Jam for Roasted Garlic Onion Jam and a second highest honor award, for Outstanding Product Line. They left NYC with 500 orders from retailers across the country.

They once again, quickly outgrew their first York location within five, short years. After gaining much support from the local community, Jim and Jonathan purchased an eight-acre parcel of town-owned land and built their 46,000 square-foot headquarters, manufacturing and company store on Route 1 in York, Maine in 1999.

The multi-faceted space is an extension of the brand and a dream come true for Jim and Jonathan. Since moving to the new site in 2000, Stonewall Kitchen Café — a casual breakfast and lunch bistro adjacent to the company store, was added in 2003. And in 2008, the Stonewall Kitchen Cooking School opened offering classes for cooks of all skill levels. The school's goal is to encourage everyone to enjoy cooking, whether they are a novice-just learning, or a more experienced cook, while in a relaxed, "stress-free" atmosphere. The 32-seat, theater-style, state-of-the-art kitchen provides classes, demonstrations and book signings from cookbook authors, chefs and stylists from around the country.

Today, Stonewall Kitchen boasts more than 6,000 wholesale accounts nationwide, thriving catalog and web divisions, 11 retail Company Stores along the East Coast and a staff growing into the hundreds. The entire Stonewall Kitchen product line continues to be one of the most awarded in the industry year after year. Since 1995, Stonewall Kitchen has received 28 prestigious awards from the National Association of the Specialty Food Trade and has been awarded the coveted Outstanding Product Line Honors three times. The company continues to evolve ensuring its role as one of the country's most acclaimed specialty food producers.



Stonewall kitchen generously sent me two ice cream topping for review.  The first one I tried was he White Chocolate Fig Sauce which retails for only $6.95!  I honestly didn't think I would like it because I'm not fond of figs and it sounded a little weird, but it was amazing on vanilla ice cream!  I loved the rich Carmel-ie flavor and the contrast of the tiny crunch fig seeds.  It was my favorite of the two they sent me which is saying allot because the other flavor was chocolate.









Next I tried their Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Sauce.  If you like salted chocolate, which I admit I'm a fan of, you will love this topping.  Unlike some desserts that say they are "salted" but never seem to really taste like it this topping has the savory saltiness coming through very strong.  It is not overwhelming and was really good on ice cream where it paired wonderfully with the smooth sweetness of the vanilla.  Any chocolate lover with fall in love with this!  And at $6.95 a jar it is a bargain.  A little goes a long way!








I would love to try out other Stonewall Kitchen foods after experiencing the quality of the two they sent me.  They are not only gourmet, but very inexpensive too!

Connect with Stonewall Kitchen

 

Website

Facebook

Twitter

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Blog

 

Bonus!

Right now you can enter to win a trip to Maine for a foodie adventure from Stonewall Kitchen!  Go HERE to enter!

 

Giveaway!

 

Stonewall Kitchen has generously offered one of my readers the chance to win the two gourmet toppings I review for their very own!  Use the rafflecopter below to enter.  Open to the US only.

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb90/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Thrifty Housewife was not compensated for this post, I did receive a sample product for the purposes of review. This did not influence my review or my opinions. My views are 100% my own. This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook, pinterest, twitter, or any other social media website.  The winner will be chosen through the rafflecopter form which uses Random.org.  Winner will be notified by email within 48 hours of contest end.  Winner has 24 hours to respond to the  email.  Failure to respond will result in a new winner being chosen.  Open to US only.

Summer Reading list Free Printable Wall Chart!

This summer I want my three oldest children to read as much as possible, especially my 8 and 10 year olds.  But I know that the power of visual aids is amazing when motivating children!  So I was searching for a printable chart that will help my kids stay motivated and interested in reading.  I found a very nice simple one over at The Crafty Classroom which you can go to by clicking HERE  When they finish their charts we are going to have an end of the summer  party with cake and balloons and they will also get a prize!  The books I am choosing myself, otherwise they would be graphic novels for my son and that is not the point of reading!  This site has tons of free printables for homeschooling and craft ideas for kids!

Free Emergency Contact and Info Sheet for your Fridge Download

This is a great little printable from Petit Lemon that lists all the important numbers and info that a babysitter or you will need in an emergency.  Click HERE to go to the page and then follow the simple one click directions.

Here it is! Hide It Cake Recipe

 

After receiving several requests I'm posting my Hide It Cake recipe, so called because you have to "hide it" to keep it from being eaten up in less than a day!  This was given to me by a local farm wife and she serves it at harvest time to the workers. When my husband worked for her husband at harvest he got to try it and begged me to get the recipe and make it.  It is like a pecan pie in cake form and highly addictive! I am writing it out as it was given to me.

Hide It Cake

Cut 1 stick of butter (I used coconut oil and it turned out fine) in small pieces in large bowl.  Add 1 cup quick oats (I used 3/4 cup regular oats and it turned out fine) and pour 1 1/2 cup boiling water.  Let stand for 20 minutes.  Add 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup white sugar and 2 unbeaten eggs.  Mix well.  Stir together 1 1/2 cup flour, 1 tsp soda, 1 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt.  Add and mix well.  Add 1 tsp vanilla, mix well and pour in 9x13 greased pan and bake @350 for 30 minutes.

Topping

1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cup coconut
2 beaten eggs
1/4 cup melted butter
1 cup chopped pecans or other nuts
4 tbs milk or cream

mix all-together and smooth over the top of cake as soon as 30 to 40 min is up (I found you have to bake the cake long enough for the top to support the topping so 30 to 40 is what it takes).  Put back in oven for 20 min or until golden brown on top.

And here is how I store all my baked goods

An aquaponic system can provide a healthy food source, forever!

Here is a very interesting article over at Survival Mom about aquaponic systems and how they can produce food for your family.  I find this idea facinating and would love to try it!

Many people are familiar with hydroponics, the method of growing plants in mediums other than soil, often under artificial light. A well-balanced hydroponic system can produce large amounts of produce, and not surprisingly, many amateur pot farmers are dedicated hydroponic enthusiasts!

Aquaponics adds another element to these systems, live fish, so not only are you growing produce with their important nutrients and micro-nutrients, but you’re growing fish as well for a continual source of protein.

Read the rest HERE

Breezecatcher Clothesline Review - Save Tons Of Money!

As you all know my family is on so tight a budget it squeaks.  I do every thing I can to save money from baking our own bread to buying almost everything second hand.  But there are some things that I always buy brand new (underwear, shoes, socks) and some things I cant find used.  

One way I save lots of money is hanging my laundry out on a line to dry.  I do on average three loads of laundry a day.  That is 21 loads a week an that doesn't include the weekly wash day of the bed linens.  Hanging your laundry out not only saves tons of electricity (see- money) but also your clothes last longer.  A dryer is quite wearing on clothing. Also there is nothing quite like the smell of lined dried clothing, especially bed linens.  Did you also know that sunlight is a natural germ killer?  Its true! So as soon as it is warm enough to dry anything outside I am doing it.    

Unfortunately in our new yard we have very little non shade space, and much of that I wanted for my garden! I couldn't go with the standard line strung between two poles.  What I needed was a rotary clothes line.  The ones that kind of look like an inside out umbrella   They save space but still allow for tons of clothes to be hung up!

After researching several companies I contacted the Breezcatcher Clothesline company.  They were incredibly awesome in sending me one of their rotary driers for review!  When they gave me a choice of products I was happy to see how affordable they are.  My model only costs $170.50 and when you consider it will last for years that's a good deal!

What I thought

When I first received my Breezecatcher Clothesline  I was amazed at how manageable it was at only 14 pounds.  I could easily pick it up.  At first this concerned me because I needed it to be very tough and durable.   I was thinking that it couldn't handle a full day of linen washing that is 6 beds of sheets, heavy blanket and other miscellanea.  But I underestimated this great product!  Check out this pic!

Installing it was straightforward and cheap.  You do need a bag of instant mix concrete but that's about it.  We had it up within 1/2 hour.  Then after two days to let the concrete really set it was ready to use!  Yay!  Is it sad that I get excited about hanging my laundry out?  Who cares!

The first thing I noticed when using it was how great the rotating feature is.  Instead of me having to move all around, taking my laundry basket with me, I can just stand in one place and turn the arms.  It turns as smooth as butter and the lines they sent are super tough and don't stretch at all.  This is a feature I was very aware of since I have used laundry lines that sag horribly with even a small amount of weight.

After hanging out several loads my Breezecatcher Clothesline still rotated with the breeze and my clothes dried nice and fast.  Taking clothes off the line was even better because I didn't have to move around with my basket. My model comes with the below features

Bonus!

Right now Breezecatcher is running a great deal for free shipping on orders of $100.00 or more in the US!

Connect with Breezecatcher

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Our New Puppy Bremmer

We recently got a new dog for our family.  He is 3/4 boarder collie and 1/8 mcclean 1/8 springer spaniel.  Both his parents were on site and very nice dogs with great personality.  He is really strong willed and smart. He already know sit command and we are working on down and roll over.  After our recent problems with bad things happening at our house due to strangers we decided our 5 year old golden retriever is just not a good alert dog.  He slept through the fire and the crazy druggy who came on our property.

We named the puppy after my great grandmothers black lab Bremmer.  I used to visit her almost every week and she lived out in the country.  While the grown ups chatted I would go outside and explore the fields with the condition that I would keep Bremmer with me.  Like most labs he was very good with children but still big enough to scare away any unwanted attention from strangers.

Our new Bremmer's herding instinct is strong and I'm hoping we can teach him to herd our chickens!  I have a friend who's dog does that!

Mothers Day - Remembering to Love my Littles while they are mine

So often I have been encouraged by older women to really appreciate these years when my children are small.  I often mentally scoffed, thinking about how nice it would be when they grew up.  Most of the time the days seemed to grind by with one crises or the endless tasks that come hand in hand with motherhood. Some days are good and some are bad but all are busy! The last year, however, my perspective has changed.  Part of it is because I have an almost 16 year old daughter and when I look at her I think "She grew up so fast, how fast will my other three grow up?".  

It made me suddenly cherish these moments when they are still little.  When they still come to me with their hearts open and I can show them the beauty of this world we live in. I love children and the world would be much less fun and exciting without them in it.  Every day is a new and wonderful adventure with a child.  The first snowfall of winter, a butterfly floating on the breeze, kittens, rainbows, bubbles.  All these mundane things to an adult are miracles to a child, and they share their wonder with us.  It is a great gift.

I went to have my youngest son registered for kindergarten today.  As school age has approached I have realized that a huge chapter of my life is now going to be over.  I have had babies and toddlers in my home for 15 years.  Now I will be a stay at home mom with no Little's around!  Part of me is excited because I have lots of plans, but another part is terribly sad.  

Mothers take this moment to remember how very short of a time you will be the world to your children.  That soon the babies grow up and the chubby hands and wet kisses will be gone.  One of my favorite book series are the Anne of Green Gables.  Once Anne is grown the books are a beautiful look at motherhood and reading them uplifts me.  Two of the most poignant quotes are below.

Anne stooped repentantly, gloatingly over them. They were still hers . . . wholly hers, to mother and love and protect. They still came to her with every love and grief of their little hearts. For a few years longer they would be hers . . . and then? Anne shivered. Motherhood was very sweet . . . but very terrible.

~ Anne of Ingleside, [ch. 31; pp. 194]

Dear God, . . . help all mothers everywhere. We need so much help, with the little sensitive, loving hearts and minds that look to us for guidance and love and understanding.

~ Anne of Ingleside, [ch. 6; pp. 33]

My Baby Went To School Today

Somehow the sunlit world is gray
A small boy went to school today.

So often in these last few years

Of healing hurts

And drying tears…

Of picking playthings off the floor…

Of running often to the door,

To see if he were safe at play,

The awful fear that he might stray

On eager, fearless baby feet

Into the crowded city street.

One thought has been a placid pool.. .

He’ll soon be old enough for school.

He was old enough today,

Yet all the sunlit world is gray.

So soon my rooms grow orderly,

With no small boy to bother me.

But quiet rooms are lonely things

When in their walls no small boy sings.

A quiet yard’s a lonely place,

When it has known a small boy’s face.

Today he joined the world of men.. .

He’ll not be wholly mine again.

Today he braved life’s rise and fall..

Dear Lord, he seems so very small!

Somehow the sunlit world is gray…

My baby went to school today.

-author unknown

My Hands were Busy

My hands were busy through the day

I didn't have much time to play

The little games you asked me to,

I didn't have much time for you.

I'd wash your clothes,

I'd sew and cook,

But when you'd bring your picture book

And asked me please to share your fun,

I'd say, "A little later son."

I'd tuck you in all safe at night

And hear your prayers, turn out the light,

Then tiptoe softly to the door...

I wish I'd stayed a minute more.

For life is short, the years rush past.

A little boy grows up so fast.

No longer is he at your side,

His precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away,

There are no longer games to play.

No good-night kisses, no prayers to hear;

That all belongs to yesteryear.

My hands, once busy, now are still

The days are long and hard to fill.

I wish I could go back to do

The little things you asked me to.

Organizing Clothing for Large Families and Prepping for Future Use and Ways to Save Money

Lots of people tell me we have a "large" family because we have 4 children.  I don't really see it that way because to me "large" is six children and over.  In any case the more children you have the more fun life can be, but challenging too!  Especially if you live on a very tight budget like we do.  Handing clothes down to the next child is absolutely essential.  And finding good deals on clothes and shoes is one of my major quests in motherdom.

So I'll give everyone a tip.  Every February Walmart does a huge clearance sale on all its fall and winter clothes.  Things are 50% off or more so you can get amazing deals on coats, jeans, boots, long sleeved shirts and night outfits.  This also happens to fall in tax return season so if you have a little extra money its a good time to stock up for next fall for your family.

Because clothing prices are going up and I'm never certain of our money supply at school shopping time I always stock up in preparation for next winter. I do this in three main ways.  First is yard sales where you can find the best deals, second is thrift stores that are generally a bit more expensive than yard sales but still way cheaper than new at the store, and third at clearance sales. This is also a good prepping tip because what happens if TSHTF and you don't have any clothes for those kids.

So while we were at walmart the other day I got some amazing deals on shirts, pants, shoes, and coats.  I also bought the next size up in socks and underwear for all the kids for next fall.

Next I organized them into totes.  I have separate totes for seasons spring and fall for each child, and into them go the appropriate clothing and accessories.  Then on the side of the tote is a sheet with what it contains and how many of each item so I know if I need to be on the lookout for more of a particular item.  Every time I put a handmedown shirt in I just make another mark under shirts etc.

This system takes all the guess work out of stocking clothes for my family and eliminates duplicates and waste.  It also keeps the clothes neat and clean until they are needed.

Making vinegar clabbered cheese (very easy and yummy)

Here is how I make my own home made simple cheese.  You can use milk from your cow or goat, store bought whole milk, or dry milk!


I resorted to my ever trusty Encyclopaedia of Country Living by Carla Emery for my cheese recipe.  I actually got a book on cheese making but found this one (of course) to be the best.  It is so funny that for all the specialized books out there on canning, cheese making, etc. I still use my Encyclopaedia for the best information?

 

 

After draining the cheese and pressing it.  I got about 2 lbs cheese from 2 gallons milk and the whey went to the chickens.

This turned out absolutely delicious.  If you have ever had fresh mozzarella cheese from a gourmet cheese maker that's the flavor with a little more salt.  The texture is very similar to Feta cheese.  I made homemade pizzas with this cheese and we liked it better than the regular cheese. 

Vinegar-Clabbered Salty Cheese From Fresh Milk

Here's how to do it right.  You can do this with sour milk also.  Heat milk to about 185 F.  Add about 1 1/4 Tbs. Vinegar per 1 quart milk.  Stir vinegar in thoroughly.  Let rest until it clabbers.  Drain off whey through cheesecloth.  Add 1/2 teaspoon salt per 1 quart of milk you started with.  Mix well.  Let drain several hours more in a cool place (I used the fridge).  Then use!

Ideas for Maximizing Food Production on In-Town Lots

One way to maximize your food production on a small in town lot is growing vegetables and fruit that can be trained up a trellis.  Many different foods can be grown this way.  Small winter squash, vining  summer squash, beans, tomatoes, peas, small melons, and cucumbers all are excellent for this.  On the heavier melons and winter squash you will have to support them or they will pull off the vine before maturity.  There are many varieties though that are small enough, even in the water melons, to grow this way.   Here are some pics.  I am planning to do much of my gardening this way so I'll keep you posted!

A Great Site on Making Natural Home and Body Care Products

I came across this site and had to share it with you guys.  The name is Herbs and Oils  and it has hundreds of recipes on making everything from home made dishwasher soap to making your own foundation.  They also have lots of home remedies for illnesses and ailments.  Some I am going to try out right now are

How to make a natural allergy relief drink

How to make Arnica Pain Relief Salves

Plus they have tons of posts on tips for using common household ingredients for cleaning

An Old Fashioned Ailment- Chilblains - And how to cure it

I love reading books about the past.  My favorites are fiction that was actually written at that time like books from Jane Austin, LJ Montgomery, or diaries from the past.  One thing I had read about several times is the condition called Chilblains.  The definition from the Mayo Clinic is below.

Chilblains (CHILL-blayns) are the painful inflammation of small blood vessels in your skin that occur in response to sudden warming from cold temperatures. Also known as pernio, chilblains can cause itching, red patches, swelling and blistering on extremities, such as on your toes, fingers, ears and nose.

Chilblains may get better on its own, especially as the weather gets warmer. Chilblains usually clear up within one to three weeks, though they may recur seasonally for years. Treatments typically consist of lotions and medication. While Chilblains don't usually result in permanent injury, they can lead to infection, which may cause severe damage if left untreated.

The best approach to chilblains is to avoid developing them by limiting your exposure to cold, dressing warmly and covering exposed skin.

I never thought I would actually use my knowledge of chilblains in my life!  However our youngest son was having problems with his little toes swelling up and becoming painful and red or purple.  I was concerned and took him to the doctor about it.  I mentioned I thought it could be chilblains because the condition only happened in winter and went away when he would take a warm bath, but she insisted having other tests done.  Well the tests came back normal, but the swelling and pain continued.

So I did research on the net about how to care for chilblains and what causes it.  The cause is not the cold itself, but the change from warm to cold too rapidly.  Like getting out of a warm bed into a cold house.  Which is why people suffered from it much more in the past when houses were heated exclusively with wood.  The best way to cure it is to keep the body part affected in a warm temperature that doesn't fluctuate as much as possible.  We tried keeping socks on our little man, but he still had the chilblains.  And he wouldn't wear slippers at all.  So I decided to try wool socks.  They are much thicker and warmer than standard sock, but still thin enough that it doesn't bother him.  I bought a brand online called smart wool that are made to be washable.  They are also extremely well made and durable.  He has been wearing them all winter and they still are in good condition.  Within two days of wearing them his chilblains were gone!

I actually want to buy myself some of these socks because they look so cozy.  He loves them and calls them his special socks.

Here are his toes, at times they even turn purple.  You can see the pinkie is very red and the toe next to the big toe is swollen.

The wools socks as I got them

Comfy warm footsies!

Herbs to Plant in the Shade

Living on a smaller lot means getting creative with the garden space I have.  We have lots of lovely shade (something I  enjoy after living in the desert my whole life) that is great for being outside, but not so great when it comes to gardening.  I need herbs but have so little full sun space that I am going to have to squeeze them in where I can.  That's why I started searching for herbs that thrive in shade.  Thankfully there are several that will do well and I cant wait for spring!  Here are some shade loving herbs for your garden.

A note on mints - even though they are not technically shade loving plants they will grow well in any light, so well in fact that they will take over.  Be careful where you plant these because they are invasive.  I like to plant them in a corner where nothing else will grow.

Parsley

Lemon Balm

Anise Hyssop

Spice Bush

Mints