Frugal Granola

Life Right Now

Michele — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:41:02 +0000

Our days are full right now.

We are in the midst of a parenting season with lots of “little people needs,” as is the norm for a family with three children, ages 5 and under (and 12 chickens). Hours and minutes fly by, filled with dishes and laundry, potty training, homeschooling, church/community ministry commitments, gardening, doctor appointments, groceries, library visits, and bedtime routines.

Our sweet baby boy is a happy, easy-going little guy, and has brought extra smiles to our days. He’s almost 8 weeks old now, and nearing 12 lbs! I’m rediscovering a new schedule with a baby again (notably, the challenge of a little one who often wants a 6 pm bedtime, and planning supper accordingly). All the children have been growing quickly lately, and I’ve had the endless task of sorting clothing for storage, hand-me-downs, and thrift stores.

We are also in the process of growing our business (and preparing for the seasonal influx of the summer months). The hospitality business is a joy, and yet, adds more responsibilities as we answer phone calls (often late at night), and provide rest, meals, housekeeping, and travel instructions for our guests. Our family loves meeting people from all over the world, hearing their stories, and sharing ours.

In preparation for this intensive season as a family, we took a short family vacation for Mother’s Day weekend. (I’ll share more about this soon!) Sandy, sunkissed, and a bit sticky, bearing dirty laundry and thrift store finds, we arrived home in time for a quick visit from my dad, for a couple nights’ stay.

The lilacs are in full bloom, filling the air with their gorgeous scent. I took a short walk by the barn last night, during the dusky moments at the end of sunset and beginning of moonlight (my first chance all day!). I picked a handful of rhubarb and a big bouquet of lilacs for the coffeehouse (greeting us with their fragrance at the foot of the stairs early this morning, when we awakened).

Meals this past week or so have been mostly fingerfoods (namely, children’s favorites) of nitrite-free hot dogs, gluten-free macaroni & cheese, oranges, carrot sticks, bagged organic salad mixes, canned salmon, peanut butter sandwiches, trail mix, fresh hard boiled eggs, gluten-free pretzels, and frozen coconut milk treats. I was so thankful for these semi-healthy finds (albeit packaged) at a local discount store, so I was able to stay in my grocery budget, and manage meals during a crazy week of scheduling (with business obligations, a few doctor visits, and a vacation).

It’s a season.

(What season are you in right now?)

Life Right Now is a post from: Frugal Granola

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Lavender Ice Cream (Dairy Free)

Katie — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:17:07 +0000

Post by Contributing Writer, Katie

Summer is almost here! Guess what time it is? Ice cream time! Honestly, who am I kidding? I don’t wait until summer to whip out the ice maker. I make ice cream all throughout the year.

Still, there is something special about eating a bowl of homemade ice cream on a hot summer day. It is the perfect treat to cool off.

I am always up for trying new kinds of ice cream, so when one of my friends asked me to make lavender ice cream I couldn’t wait for my lavender plant to bloom so I could make some.

I added a twist of my own and decided to make the lavender ice cream with coconut milk instead of dairy. The coconut milk adds a smooth and subtle flavor. This recipe is for a custard-based ice cream. Custard takes more effort but the end results are worth it; it makes for much richer and creamier dessert.

Lavender Ice Cream

2 cans full-fat coconut milk
1/2 cup raw honey
1/4 cup fresh lavender blossoms
4 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch of salt

In a small sauce pot, bring the coconut milk and lavender blossoms to a simmer. Continue to simmer for five minutes. Turn off heat, add honey and stir till dissolved. Cover and let infuse for one hour.

At this point you can pour the the coconut mixture through a sieve to strain off the lavender blooms if you chose. I keep them in for their texture and added beauty.

In a small bowl whip up the egg yolks. Reheat the lavender infused coconut milk on low. Pour a couple tablespoons of the the infused coconut milk into the egg yolks and stir well. Gently pour the yolk mixture into the sauce pan, whisking continuously while pouring.

Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously, scraping the bottom of the pot with the spatula. Stir until the custard thickens and coats the back of the spatula. Stir in the salt and vanilla extract.

Cover the custard and chill completely in the refrigerator for a few hours or over night.

Once the custard is chilled, pour into your ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer instructions.

I’m thinking that this ice cream would go perfect with Michele’s Lavender-Vanilla Cookies.

I love lavender, as do most of the ladies that write for Frugal Granola. Here are some ideas on how to use lavender for cooking, cleaning, and medicinally!

Culinary Uses for Lavender
Lavender, A Soothing and Medicinal Herb
Natural Homemade Deodorant

Do you use lavender? If so tell us how in the comments.

Katie is a dorm “mama” to 12 amazing girls ages 8 to 18 at a home and school for the Deaf in Baja California, Mexico. She and her “hijas” can be frequently found in the kitchen, the garden or making friends with their new chickens. She loves to read, hike the hills near her home and spend time with her girls. In her spare time Katie blogs at Mexican Wildflower about nourishing foods, herbal remedies, simple living, raising her girls and encouraging other women in their walk with Christ.

Lavender Ice Cream (Dairy Free) is a post from: Frugal Granola

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Feeling Summery

Rachael — Thu, 10 May 2012 08:19:39 +0000

Our Staycation 2011

Post by Contributing Writer, Rachael

Summer is my FAVORITE season! You can tell because in the last year I have written several articles about some ideas for summer fun and budgeting including:

This year our summer will be different. In the last year we have added another child, lived in our new town for 1 year, hit some financial speed bumps and braved homeschooling for the first time. Everything just feels different.

Often our emotions largely play into how well we handle our finances. I am sure you can relate! Think about your emotions while making your summer plans. Knowing how you feel about what is upcoming can greatly help keep you and your budget on track!

Priorities Matter

Spending Time Together

Summer brings out the desire to have fun and the schedule to spend time together. Before you spend one cent make a list of your priorities. Here are two simple questions to ask:

What is one thing that is important for you to accomplish or learn this summer?
What is one thing you would like to see your family accomplish or learn this summer?

After you answer these questions, make a financial map. What will it take logically and financially for you to accomplish your priorities this summer? Put this map somewhere as a reminder!

Our family puts our summer financial priority map with our checkbook. Every time I go to withdraw cash or write a check I am reminded of our summer goals and it helps me control my summer impulse spending.

Impulsiveness vs. Self Control

Slowing Down

This summer I can tell I am already facing feelings of impulsiveness. I am no longer pregnant so I have more energy and have a desire to do more things. My kids are also at a more interactive age which also makes me want to have more activities for them.

STOP! Before you jump the gun and make a quick decision about DOING something, just stop. Ask yourself:

Why do I want to do this, does it match our family priorities?
Is it in my budget?
Can I get a coupon or discount for this activity?
Am I purchasing an item or am I making a memory?

You know what is important to you and your family; make every cent count!

I would love to know how you are feeling about the upcoming summer? Are you planning anything fun? What are you doing to be creative with your time? Let us know in the comments!

Rachael shares financial tips from her kitchen table surrounded by a newborn, two active toddlers and her husband. God has called her from corporate life into His grace as an at-home wife! She shares about her passion for motherhood and life at To Be a Mom…

If you have a financial question or topic you would like us to discuss, leave a comment or send us an email!

Feeling Summery is a post from: Frugal Granola

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Marinated Portobello Mushroom “Steak”

Holly — Tue, 08 May 2012 08:22:40 +0000

I had my first taste of a marinated portobello mushroom nearly 13 years ago at an Italian restaurant in Indianapolis. I was pleasantly surprised I enjoyed it as much as I did. I was equally surprised at the texture: it was like eating a tender, juicy steak… but not “chewy.” (If I recall correctly, it was even served with a steak knife.)

I’m not a big fan of mushrooms. I don’t add raw mushrooms to my salads, or order extra mushrooms on my pizza (although I’ve finally stopped picking most of them off my pizza). However, I’ve come to truly appreciate and savor the taste of a well-prepared mushroom: those involving some form of sauce or oil.

Marinated Portobello Mushroom “Steak”

Ingredients:

1 Portobello Mushroom Cap (a 3-4 oz. mushroom cap)
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 tsp. Fresh Garlic (minced)
1/3 tsp. Basil
1/3 tsp. Oregano
1/3 tsp. Thyme
1/4 tsp. Rosemary

1 Firm Tomato (diced) (Use towards the end, and you won’t need the entire tomato.)
Serve with hollandaise sauce. This is optional, but highly recommended.

Directions:

Measure Oil and Seasonings, Mix, and Marinate
Measure your olive oil and seasonings, and pour into a microwave-safe cup.
Heat the oil and seasonings for about 20-25 seconds in the microwave. This is to warm up the oil and draw out the seasoning flavors.
Cover and set the oil aside, in room temperature, for approximately 6 hours.
Once every couple hours, microwave the oil/seasonings for 20-25 seconds.

Prepare and Marinate Mushroom
Remove mushroom stalk.
Place the mushroom cap in a bowl, smooth side up.
Brush a very small amount of the oil onto the smooth side of the mushroom cap.
Turn mushroom upside down (smooth side down/gill side up).
Pour all the [remaining] oil and seasonings into the cup-shaped mushroom cap.
Allow to marinate for approximately 20-30 minutes.

Broil or Grill
Place the mushroom, smooth side down, into your broiler.
Broil for approximately 4-5 minutes. **Keep a close watch on it to avoid burning.**
Remove from broiler.

Serve with hollandaise sauce and diced tomatoes. Enjoy!!

Other Things to Consider

Be sure to set the mushroom out a couple hours ahead of time so it can get to room temperature.
Once the mushroom comes out of the broiler, it won’t stay hot for long, so be ready to dig in immediately.
Here’s some nutritional information on portobello mushrooms.

Have you ever tried a mushroom prepared like this?

How do you prepare your marinated mushrooms?

Holly is a wife to her loving husband, John, and a “mother” of 3 canine “children.” She loves sharing her faith, gardening, and fascination and appreciation of animals (birds, bats, butterflies, and the cute furry ones too) over at Your Gardening Friend.

Marinated Portobello Mushroom “Steak” is a post from: Frugal Granola

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Menu Plan {5.6-12}

Michele — Sun, 06 May 2012 20:19:41 +0000

Spring is here (although a rainy one), and we’ve started enjoying some rhubarb lately. What seasonal favorites are on your menu?

Day	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Sun 5/6	Cheese Omelets, Toast	Popcorn, Ants on a Log, Oranges	Chicken Salad, Raw Veggies, Biscuits
Mon 5/7	GF Pancakes, Eggs	Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Oranges	Fish Spring Rolls, Brown Rice
Tue 5/8	Rhubarb Baked Oatmeal, Eggs	Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Oranges	Easy Orange Chicken & Veggies, Millet
Wed 5/9	Porridge, Eggs	Baked Potatoes with Cheese & Beans, Oranges	Church Supper TBA
Thu 5/10	GF Waffles, Eggs	Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Oranges	Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries, Green Salad
Fri 5/11	Smoothies, Eggs, Muffins	Salmon Salad Sandwiches, Raw Veggies	Chicken Soup, Bread, Fruit Salad
Sat 5/12	Apple Oven Pancake, Homemade Yogurt	Face Lunches	Homemade Pizza, Green Salad

{Photo Credit}

Menu Plan {5.6-12} is a post from: Frugal Granola

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Simple Scrubs to Make & Give: eBook Giveaway!

Michele — Sat, 05 May 2012 17:33:10 +0000

I love giving and receiving homemade gifts, and one of my favorites is a simple, pampering scrub. It took me only a few minutes during a busy holiday season to mix up a batch of Soothing Lavender Foot Scrub. My sisters-in-law and mother-in-law loved it!

Plus, I can usually anticipate my own jar of a lovely sugar or salt scrub in my own Christmas stocking or Mother’s Day gift basket. It’s a frugal gift that my husband can easily prepare with our little ones helping, too! (They love to help choose the essential oil scents, and stir everything together.) My husband knows that it’s a gift I’ll use and enjoy often. I’ve enjoyed a lemon or mint scrub for an invigorating morning wake-up scrub, or a soothing lavender or rose geranium in the evenings.

During the recent seasons of pregnancy and postpartum, I have enjoyed using some nice scrubs from Stacy’s ebook, Simple Scrubs to Make & Give. This step-by-step guide takes you through the simple steps of creating your favorite, customized scrubs, with over 30 variations! This ebook downloads as a PDF file, which you can print out as a booklet, if desired.

Giveaway!

Stacy has offered to give away three copies of Simple Scrubs to Make & Give, just in time for Mother’s Day! To be entered in the giveaway, check out the Table of Contents, and leave a comment on this blog post, letting us know which scrub you’d hope to try out soon!

Giveaway ends 5/11/12. No purchase necessary. Winners will be randomly selected by random.org. This post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. Thank you for your support!

Simple Scrubs to Make & Give: eBook Giveaway! is a post from: Frugal Granola

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Thank you to our Sponsors:

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Get ready for Spring Break activities & springtime Holiday Gifts! Rescue a Rainy Day!

Easy Accessory – Scarves

Emily C — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:34:13 +0000

Post by Contributing Writer, Emily

Scarves are a versatile way to add a feminine touch to your closet. Whether you work outside your home every day or barely make it out of the house to get groceries, any woman enjoys adding a pretty (easy and inexpensive) accessory.

It seems as though scarves are popular right now and therefore they are expensive. At my local thrift store I saw scarves priced up around $10 each.

I quickly began experimenting with strips of fabric and realized that with just 1/4 yard of silky or gauzy fabric I could recreate all the same “looks” that I would want to create with a full scarf!

A few methods for creating your “faux scarf”:

1. Use pinking shears to trim along all 4 sides of your fabric. This allows you to keep the largest possible width for your scarf.

2. Double fold all edges and sew. This is a very secure, polished looking finish, but you will lose the most surface area.

3. If you have a serger, simply serge the edges all the way around.

Wear your scarf as a headband, wrapping from the base of your neck to the top of your head. Twist at the top and then pull back to the base of the neck and tie. (top photo)

Tie both ends together and wrap around your neck as an infinity scarf.

Tie around your waist as a belt.

Wear loosely around your shoulders, as a shawl. Use as a traditional neck scarf.

Or wrap over your head in Audrey Hepburn style.

Do you wear scarves to add a special touch to your outfit without spending a lot of money? Share your ideas and suggestions in the comments!

{Top Image Photo Credit}

Emily lives in Salt Lake City with her husband Jeremy and their 3 wild and crazy kiddos! She loves reading, running, baking yummy treats for her family, her early morning yoga, walking to the library and all things creative and crafty. She especially enjoys exploring nature with her children and learning side by side with them. You’ll find her chatting about all aspects of life at her blog, Industrious Emily* and also sharing her crafty side through the blog, Life at the Table.

Easy Accessory – Scarves is a post from: Frugal Granola

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The Oldest Natural Remedy: The Placenta

Beth — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:35:12 +0000

Post by Contributing Writer, Beth

Historical Background

Throughout history, the placenta has been respected and revered for its powerful healing abilities and function. Medieval people believed that the placenta nurtured an unborn child in both body and soul. Indonesians call it the brother or sister of the newborn, and the Balinese believe that it will meet them in the afterlife (source: Placenta: The Gift of Life, by C. Enning).

Today, though much understanding of midwifery and the traditional healing arts has been lost in the last few centuries, our culture is slowly seeing a long-awaited increase in popularity of these things. It is growing more and more common to hear of natural-minded parents using the placenta in various ways. I personally have friends that have buried their child’s placenta under a tree and those that have consumed their dehydrated placenta in the postpartum period to assist in hormone regulation, among other things.

Photo Credit

Plans for My Own Child’s Placenta

I am currently 34 weeks pregnant, and I plan to dehydrate the placenta from my upcoming birth, and encapsulate it. I will be putting small amounts of the powdered placenta into a capsule in order to take as a daily supplement. I will probably be doing it myself since we already own a dehydrator, and I plan to check into encapsulation at our local health food store. If not I can surely do it myself, since they sell the empty capsules.

Now if you’ve never even heard of consuming your own placenta, you may be thinking I’ve gone off the crazy-hippie deep end! Before you write me off as totally nuts though, let me tell you a bit about the benefits.

Medical Uses of the Placenta

Scientists have discovered that the placenta contains hormones that inhibit stress and trigger the release of endorphins (pg.17). It is also believed that placenta remedies after birth cause women to heal faster, feel stronger and happier (less mood swings due to the hormone regulation), and easier breastfeeding. Other conditions it can help include edema (swelling), elevated blood pressure, kidney issues, and toxemia in the mother, as well as colic in the newborn.

Enning writes that “a mature placenta contains a high level of oxytocin (often called the love hormone). Women whose milk lacks ocytocin because of toxemia, gallbladder disease or a stressful birth, can make up for it by using a placenta remedy.” (pg.22).

Other medical uses of the placenta are wide and far-reaching, and not limited to the mother. It can also be given to others suffering from a variety of conditions, such as whooping cough and other childhood ailments, skin conditions, diseases of the heart and circulatory system, such as heart attack and stroke, and menopause and midlife conditions such as dementia and osteoporosis.

There are regulations surrounding the medical use of placenta in counties around the world such as China, the EU, Japan, Cuba, Russia, and Mexico. There are numerous uses that scientists and medical professionals employ – from the more common hormone regulation to the treatment of cancer, AIDS, and MS, and many things in between. The United States (and Canada), however, have no recognition whatsoever of placenta medicine, either in pop culture or in law.

Photo Credit

Numerous Methods to Prepare the Placenta

There are many different ways that traditional cultures have utilized their placenta for medical purposes – from an ointment, bath, or compress, to a drink or smoothie, powdered capsule, or soup. There are even recipes for using it as a hair conditioner or facial mask. For those of us in North American culture who may be “icked out” by the very thought of consuming or using the placenta for any reason, the dehydrated and encapsulated form is probably easiest. That is what I plan to do.

Religious Controversy

There is some controversy among Christian circles claiming that consuming your own placenta amounts to cannibalism and is therefore forbidden by scripture, however when I did my own research into both sides of this issue I found that to be a completely uncompelling argument.

For one thing, cannibalism is defined as consuming human flesh from a dead person. The placenta is not medically considered to be flesh (which is usually defined as muscle and fat, of which the placenta is neither), and more importantly does not involve murder. For an excellent discussion of the theological and philosophical considerations of this practice, see this post from another blogger that I found during my research.

***

Have you ever heard of the medical benefits of the placenta? Would you ever consider trying it?

Beth is a natural redhead, wife to a pilot husband and mama to (almost) 3 little ones. She is passionate about missions, motherhood, and finding the beauty in everyday life. She blogs from the Canadian prairies about the art and soul of audacious homemaking at Red & Honey.

The Oldest Natural Remedy: The Placenta is a post from: Frugal Granola

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Thank you to our Sponsors:

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Get ready for Spring Break activities & springtime Holiday Gifts! Rescue a Rainy Day!

Menu Plan {4.29-5.5}

Michele — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:23:25 +0000

We have a busy week ahead, so I am accommodating road trips, a busy work week, and some simple meals for babysitters (and this mama with a newborn!). Yay for slow-cookers and finger foods!

Day	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Sun 4/29	Omelets, Toast	Peanut Butter Popcorn, Oranges, Cottage Cheese	Enchiladas, Carrot Sticks
Mon 4/30	GF Pancakes, Eggs	Brie, Bacon, & Spinach Sandwich, Oranges	Paleo Seafood Balls with Homemade Tartar Sauce, Potato Wedges, Green Beans
Tue 5/1	Apple Oven Pancake (from Simply in Season), Homemade Yogurt	Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Oranges	Ham & Veggie Omelets, Biscuits
Wed 5/2	Soaked Porridge, Eggs	Salmon Salad Sandwiches, Oranges	Bean & Cheese Nachos, Carrot Sticks
Thu 5/3	GF Waffles, Eggs	Face Lunches	Baked Teriyaki Chicken, Green Beans, Millet
Fri 5/4	Porridge, Eggs	Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Apples	Crockpot Orange Honey Fish, Carrot Sticks, Baked Potatoes
Sat 5/5	Omelets, Toast	Cheese Sandwiches, Oranges	Slow Cooker Ratatouille, Pasta

{Photo Credit}

Menu Plan {4.29-5.5} is a post from: Frugal Granola

Visit Frugal Granola's Page on Facebook or follow on Twitter for extra updates!

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Fertility Flower: The Thinking Ovulation Calendar- a natural science-based approach for every season of life

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Get ready for Spring Break activities & springtime Holiday Gifts! Rescue a Rainy Day!

Weekend Inspiration {4.27}

Michele — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:26:03 +0000

With a sweet baby sleeping on my arm, I’ve been able to do a bit more reading lately… and typing this post one-handed. Here are some of my favorite finds.

{Food}

Healthier Peanut Butter Balls @ Tropical Traditions/Free Coconut Recipes… These were delicious!

{Faith}

Why Everybody Needs to Make Art Everyday {7 Keys to Creativity} @ A Holy Experience… Beautiful truth.

{Family}

The Co-Sleeping Parent’s Guide to Getting It On @ SortaCrunchy… Yep.

{Life}

15 Things You Should Give Up To Be Happy @ Purpose Fairy… I love this!

{Home}

Evolution of a Small-Living-Space-Lover @ Red & Honey… Our tiniest living spaces have always been my favorite!

{Crafts}

How To Make a Mini Book @ Oh, Hello Friend … So cute!

{Bookshelf}

Encyclopedia of Country Living… A staple reference, especially now that spring is here.
Full Circle… Some light fiction reading.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet… An amazing story, blending true (local!) history and beautiful fiction.

{Window Shopping}

Mama and Nonni… Sweet cloth items for little ones.

I hope you have a lovely weekend!

{Photo Credit}

Weekend Inspiration {4.27} is a post from: Frugal Granola

Visit Frugal Granola's Page on Facebook or follow on Twitter for extra updates!

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Fertility Flower: The Thinking Ovulation Calendar- a natural science-based approach for every season of life

Hampton Creek Inn {Bed & Breakfast & Coffeehouse}: Sustainable Hospitality & Distinctive Comfort

Are you interested in seeing your ad here? Sponsor Frugal Granola!

Get ready for Spring Break activities & springtime Holiday Gifts! Rescue a Rainy Day!

Frugal Granola

Life Right Now

Our days are full right now.

It’s a season.

Lavender Ice Cream (Dairy Free)

Lavender Ice Cream

Feeling Summery

Priorities Matter

Impulsiveness vs. Self Control

Marinated Portobello Mushroom “Steak”

Marinated Portobello Mushroom “Steak”

Ingredients:

Directions:

Have you ever tried a mushroom prepared like this? How do you prepare your marinated mushrooms?

Menu Plan {5.6-12}

Simple Scrubs to Make & Give: eBook Giveaway!

Giveaway!

Giveaway ends 5/11/12. No purchase necessary. Winners will be randomly selected by random.org. This post contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. Thank you for your support!

Easy Accessory – Scarves

A few methods for creating your “faux scarf”:

The Oldest Natural Remedy: The Placenta

Historical Background

Photo Credit

Plans for My Own Child’s Placenta

Medical Uses of the Placenta

Photo Credit

Numerous Methods to Prepare the Placenta

Religious Controversy

Menu Plan {4.29-5.5}

Weekend Inspiration {4.27}

Have you ever tried a mushroom prepared like this?

How do you prepare your marinated mushrooms?