The Price You Pay for Cheap Meat

I just saw this video today and wanted to share it with you. It's not for the squeemish, tho. And keep in mind that although this particular video is talking about KFC, it can also be said about other large slaughterhouses and stores/restraunts who buy from them. Ick. Makes me sick to my stomach....and glad that I'm now raising my own or buying locally!

AuntyB

Video of baby chick hatching in incubator...

Jenkins Community Garden

Jenkins has a community garden! I just 'happened' upon it one day awhile back and I was so impressed! I was even more impressed the other morning when I stopped by to check out its progress!
It's located on Pine Tree Street if you'd like to go check it out. Looks like it's really getting neighbors together in this little community. I wish Pequot Lakes would do a community garden! Maybe next year they will, once they see what a success the Jenkins garden is. Ü
The Woodland Bank in Jenkins came up with the idea and they're providing the land, the cost and labor to keep the garden tilled, and the water to keep it growing. They stake out different plots in the garden, and all folks have to do is request a plot for themselves, and then it's up to them to keep their own plot weeded. Sounds like even the seeds are being donated for this project!
They also have a section that's going to be donated to the local food shelf. What a neat idea!! Folks who sign up for their own plot in the garden also have to share in the responsibilities of taking care of the food shelf plot. I'd say that's a pretty fair trade! It's bringing neighbors closer together and helping them be a little more self-sufficient, and they're also giving back to the community by helping the local food shelf. That's a win-win, if you ask me!!
So far it sounds like over a dozen people have gotten involved this year, and they plan to expand on it quite a bit next year with two full acres of land. (this year it's only about 3/4 of an acre, if that)
If you're interested in participating in it or just want more information on it you can call Larry Hendershott at Woodland Bank at 568-5700 or email him at larryh@woodlandbank.com .
Here's a couple pictures I took of it when I stopped by to check it out again:

Until Next time!

~AuntyB~

My Happy Place.....

A friend of mine has never understood why I 'bother' taking a day or two off work to get caught up at home, or why I choose to spend my regular days off at home doing something rather than going anywhere else. I'm a homebody and I like it. I always have. Probably always will. She couldn't see the point in that.
We chat almost every day, and I'm always talking about something I need to get done at home like it's really important to me that I do it (and it is!) and she always had the opinion that I was just wasting my time, and what I planned to do was just 'frivolous'. Like, why bother?

Until the other evening....
She came over to visit so she could check out my gardens and see for herself what I've been up to at home. We enjoyed a cup of coffee together while we leisurely strolled all around the yard and through my different gardens, looking at the seating areas I have set up in different spots, the pond and its plants, floating ducks, a goose and other critters around it, the waterfall and fountain (that makes a sound you can't help but relax around!), the plants and the different 'cutesies' I have displayed here and there for decoration. As she looked around with eyes wide-open, she was amazed. While we kept walking and looking, she just kept screaming in excitement, "It's beatiful! It's beautiful!" "I had no idea this would be so nice!" Then she said "No wonder you'd rather stay home than go somewhere else! I would too if I had THIS to come home to!" I smiled while a feeling of relief came over me. My best friend finally understood. I felt vindicated.

You don't have to leave home to enjoy yourself or have a good time. Just surround yourself with the things you love! That's what I do! It can be something really simple, or something really big. Whatever it is you love. Ü Sometimes 'life' can get us down, wear us out, and make us feel like there's no light at the end of the tunnel. We deal with negative things, sometimes negative people, and lots of other stresses in our day-to-day lives and it's easy to feel depressed or wonder just what the point is. We need a retreat. A place where we can re-focus on the things that are important to us, a place we can replenish our spirits and either find or create that light ourselves. My retreat is my home. My yard. My jeep. And sometimes even my job. Ü

Happiness doesn't always just come to us. Sometimes we have to create it ourselves. No matter where I am, I try to surround myself with the things that bring some form of happiness to me. I avoid negative people. I just won't deal with them. Don't have the time or energy to waste on them. Some people seem to 'enjoy' being negative about things. Those people have a very tiny space in my life, if at all. I walk away from as much negativity as I can. IF I can. I still have different stresses in my life, and life isn't all peaches and cream for me, either. Through the years I've had a million reasons to get depressed. And sometimes I do get depressed, but it doesn't last long. I won't let it. I know I can retreat to my happy place. I just choose not to let those negative things in life control me or get me down....for long. Ü So I create my own happiness.

I really love chickens, so in my jeep I have a ceramic bobble-head chicken that sits on top of the backseat. I found her at a garage sale somewhere. I can see her in my rear-view mirror. She brings me happy thoughts. I don't know why. It's probably crazy, but that's okay. If it's crazy it's a happy crazy! Ü Everyone I know just shakes their head and says that chicken is the dumbest thing they ever saw...but I happen to enjoy having her 'ride' along with me, so there she sits. Velcroed to my back seat justa bob-bob-bobbin' along. *lol* I keep CD's of my favorite music to listen to in my jeep. When I go somewhere I listen to whatever I'm in the mood for at the time. Usually something soothing and relaxing, or at least easy-listening. My favorite scent is French Vanilla AND it relaxes me....so of course my jeep is scented with it! I try to keep my jeep clean (as much as possible!) on the inside and out, since that also gives me a good feeling. When I let my back-seats get filled with 'stuff' (usually stuff from garage sales or stuff I'm taking to donate or recycle), it bogs me down. So I clean it out.

It took me a few years to finally rid myself of the clutter I had built up in the house. I hated to get rid of anything. Once I started decluttering tho, I was addicted! You wouldn't believe how much clutter around the house can pull you down. Same with a messy house. It's easy to get depressed if things aren't where they should be, or if you have too much 'stuff' sitting around collecting dust, or if you have to step over something to avoid tripping on it. It's hard to sit and relax in a room you look around in and can't help but feel like you should be up and cleaning it or doing something to it. It's frustrating!! Once I finished getting rid of the things that weren't really that important to me, I only kept (and added a few!) things I enjoy. Things that give me a happy or content feeling. If I don't enjoy it or it doesn't bring me some form of happiness by looking at it or using it, it's GONE! And the more open your space is, the more content you'll be with it. And the more you de-clutter, the better you'll feel and the more you'll want to declutter again!

I started out one room at a time, taking absolutely everything out of that room, including what was on the walls. Then I started putting things back in the room, beginning with the things that HAD to be in there. After that, I started adding things back in one at a time, and after adding each item I stepped back and took a good look in the room to see if it 'felt' right. If it didn't give me a good feeling, I took it back out and went to the next item and did it all over again. Each time I decided something wasn't going to go back into the room, I put it in a bag to donate somewhere and never looked in the bag again. I didn't bother with a garage sale because I didn't want to be tempted to keep anything. Trust me, it works! Ü And to this day, I haven't missed any of it! If you can look into the room with the feeling you'd like to stay in it for awhile to enjoy it, that's when you'll know you did it right. Quit there. Ü I donated (and continue to donate) a lot of stuff to the local second-hand shops or freecycle or family and friends just to rid myself of the things I don't enjoy anymore, or things I haven't used in over a year. It's also a great feeling to give something to someone you know is going to enjoy it! Some things I'll store in the basement, but if I haven't dug it out to use it in a year, I get rid of it when I clean the basement the next year. (unless it's those holiday things that you only use once a year).

Since the smell of french vanilla relaxes me, I have several candles and oils of the same scent in each room of the house. When you walk in my front door, you can't help but smell french vanilla. I don't care if you enjoy that scent. I do. And it's MY retreat, remember? *lol* With the house (mostly) in order and things where you want them, it's easier to feel like 'up-grading' the room every once in awhile. Especially in the wintertime when I can't get out in the gardens, I find myself asking 'what can I do to improve this room?' Or, 'Is there anything in this room that doesn't make me happy anymore?' Just little touches here and there. Anything to make the room more inviting and relaxing. Maybe a different color on the walls. Maybe a picture. Maybe take something out of the room and replace it with something different. Or don't replace it at all! Maybe just move the furniture. And you don't have to buy new things. I like to visit the second-hand stores and garage sales. The really cheap stores! Ü (Not those antique places that charge a fortune!) Or buy something when it's on sale real cheap. If it's something I really really love and feel like I can't live without, I'll pay more for it. Sometimes too much! Ü I can't claim to always be frugal, altho I do try and I AM getting better at it! Ü

My love for chickens shows in my kitchen. I have chickens and chicken related things above my cupboards and here and there in the kitchen. I also love wild birds, birdhouses, and nature-related things, so my living room is decorated with those. The bathroom is decorated garden-style, where I hand-painted murals of birdhouses, picket fences, a tree, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, etc on the walls. It's light sagey-green, which is a relaxing color for me. I like to create my own special home spa by lighting my candles, putting in a relaxing CD, shutting off the lights, and soaking in a hot bath to relax. Then I sit around the house in my jammies, whether it's daytime or night. Ahhhhh.....

My bedroom is a place to totally relax. I have an old watering can and an old ceramic vase full of lavender on each side of the bed, french vanilla candles, lacey curtains, a patch-work quilt with different light colors of whites, blues, purples, tiny flowers, etc, and the walls are sky-blue. The only things in the bedroom are our bed, dresser, and our two night-stands. No t.v. in there. Just peace and quiet. I don't even bring a book in there. I don't want to 'think' in there. I want to relax. I love taking naps. It's another way I 'get away'.

I also enjoy feeding the birds, so I have bird-feeders right outside some of my windows to get a close-up view. Last nite I was actually feeding a few coon in one of them, too! *lol* I love the sound of water from my aquarium and watching the fish swimming around is relaxing! The aquarium sits in my kitchen, where I spend a lot of my time. I also feed the deer outside my office window. About a week ago a bear invited himself there, too.

In the wintertime when I don't want to be outside as much (I prefer hybernating to going out in the snow and cold), I mostly enjoy baking, cooking, re-organizing my pantry, misc. cleaning projects, and doing little crafty projects at home. Something to decorate the house or garden or improve it in some way. Those are the things I enjoy doing. (If you'd be happier outside sledding down your hill, then that's what you should do when you can). Ü

In the evenings (when I can!) I like to be snuggled up in a throw my daughter made for me in the recliner or on the couch while catching up on reading my magazines or books, or watching something good on t.v. while eating a bowl of popcorn or ice cream. YUM.

I know there are some people who'd rather spend their time out and about. I'm just giving you some ideas to make it more appealing to be at home, if that's what you'd like to try. You never know...You just might like it, too!

Until next time!
AuntyB

Chicken Saddles & My New Barn...

Like I said in an earlier post.....Things have been pretty busy here at AuntyB's Place this summer. So many projects I wanted to get done, and so little time to do them in!

Since I'm caught up on my herb garden now and it's a little too wet outside this morning to weed-whack around my fruit trees, I thought I'd share the pictures I took of my new chicken barn and the saddles my mom made for my poor little hens.
The chickens are only a year old, and during the winter I noticed that the roosters were tearing up the backs of my hens and making them bald. A couple hens actually died before I noticed how bad it was. We butchered the meanest rooster, which I thought would solve the problem, but it didn't. And with one rooster to four hens now, the problem continues. I checked his spurs, and they're small so that can't be the problem. Seems like he's constantly breeding them, tho. I guess he's just too heavy for them or something. So....my mom made some chicken saddles! Don't laugh, now....they actually work!! *lol*

Here's a couple pictures of my hens wearing their new saddles....

They're made of heavy denim material and double-layered, with elastic that goes around their wings to hold them into place. They're so cute!!! Ü They've had them on a couple weeks now, and I've noticed that the pattern needs a little adjusting because they're just a tad too big for them, but as long as they're still working and I don't have the time to do new ones just yet, we'll keep these until we can get some new ones made. (or should I say, until MOM can get some new ones made!) hehehe (I'm not much for sewing...just by hand is all I can manage). Hopefully the problem with their sore backs is solved now. Ü

My barn was in horrible shape. It's actually more of a big shed than a barn, but I use it for raising animals, so I call it my barn. I don't remember how old that barn was, but it was falling apart in places and it wasn't sealed as tight for small breezes because it had also shifted or something. The frame was still in great shape...hubby made that all out of oak, so it'll probably last forever. Just the walls were bad. Anyhoo....hubby put up new walls and made a chicken run for me! When he was done, my mom and I painted it and decorated it a little. It's not completely finished yet.....The gate we're using is an old gate we had, and when hubby gets time he'll be making a new one that fits better. Then we discovered that a three-foot high fence wasn't going to keep the chickens in their run, so we're going to add another three feet of chicken wire above the one that's there so they can't get out. Here's a picture for you.....

Isn't it CUTE??!! Ü

It's such a great feeling to get some of these projects done around here. I'm trying to talk hubby into re-doing his garage, too....but he's not real enthusiastic about that idea....YET. hehehe

Until next time!

AuntyB

Look! No More Weeds!!!

My Herb Garden is FINISHED!! Can you believe it?! ALL those icky, tall weeds are finally gone! And good riddance, I say! *lol* Thanks to my mom and hubby, the garden was completely finished by 5:00 p.m. Sunday evening. WOO-HOO!! Thanks, guys! Ü To reward ourselves, we went to Famous Dave's restraunt in Baxter and really pigged out on some great BBQ. (AFTER we all showered, of course!) hehehe

I went out this morning and took a bunch of pictures to share with you. Got lots of different angles cuz I was SOOO proud of what we accomplished! Now I feel sooooo relieved. I can relax a bit now before the garden club comes to tour it on the 29th. Whew!

Enjoy the pics!

Until next time,

AuntyB

First a couple views of my garden shed.....

For some reason, the bats in the bathouse (above the door) were squeeling like crazy Sunday!)

A couple views of my pond.....

Here's part of the garden.....

Another view.....

These kids sit under a crabapple tree in the garden.....


View of the garden from my living room deck.....

View from the backside.....

Another backside view.....

View from the back corner.....

Much more peaceful without all those weeds in the way.....

Fisherboy sits in a Butterfly bath.....

I made this garden globe out of a bowling ball and put frogs all over it.....

Another full view.....

This little girl sits in front of my French Tarragon.....

Feeding Wild Birds...

Have you noticed the price of Black Oil Sunflower seeds? I can't believe how much they've gone up over the past couple of years!! This summer alone the price has gone up at least 3-4 times...so far! Sheesh! And in most stores all you get is a small bag!
After buying feed for my chickens, dogs, cats, wild deer (and an occasional bear, I've recently noticed!), and wild birds the other day, I thought I'd share with you how I save a little money with feed so I can continue this 'hobby'.

Here's what I do:
The cheapest I've found Black Oil Sunflower seeds in my area is at Bjerga Feed Store, in Pine River on Co Rd 1 SW, about 1/4 mile across the highway from Jerry's Super Valu. More than likely the price at other farm-feed stores is about the same, but Bjerga happens to be the one closest to where I live. It's almost 20 bucks for a 50 pound bag there, which in my opinion is still too much, but at least it's cheaper than buying those smaller bags in the stores. If you know of a cheaper place in the Pequot/Pine River/Brainerd area, let me know! But this is the best place I've found so far.

Don't waste it if you don't have to!
I don't waste my money on thistle seed or the mixed seed anymore. ALL the seed-loving birds love the black oil sunflower seeds, and most of them will throw out the other misc. fillers you get in those mixed bags. I use to buy the thistle seed for the finches until they kept leaving a big pile of them on the ground below the feeder and I noticed they were also pigging out on the sunflower seeds. So...it's just sunflower seeds for them now, and I have a ton of them still coming to my feeders!

Storing the Seed:
I store all my seed in metal garbage cans to keep them dry and safe from other critters. I've learned from experience not to use those plastic garbage cans....little critters can easily chew right through those! The metal cans seem to last indefinatly, too....I've had mine for more years than I can remember!

How about planting some feed?
Birds prefer natural food they find around your yard, so what about buying some plants for them to eat from? I have different berry bushes and vines, and fruit and nut trees for them to eat from, plus lots of trees surrounding my home for them to nest in. One side of my house is planted with Rosa Rugosa rose bushes. They get huge hips on them that I like to use myself, and there's always plenty left in those shrubs for the birds to eat. I bought them in bulk thru one of those cheap mail-order places and got plain, brown, bare-root, dead-looking twigs....but boy did they ever take off! They grew into huge shrubs in no time! I think I got about 50 of them for less than 20 bucks at the time. Plants with seeds, berries, nuts, nectar, sap, etc. will help supplement the food you buy for them PLUS give them a place to nest. Get plants that are native to your area, which will also encourage more native bugs for your mama birds to feed their babies. It might be a little costly at first buying the plants, but at least it should be a one-time expense. One thing I also like to do is plant a bunch of the sunflower seeds I buy for feed. I noticed they grow really easily and they don't seem to get as tall as regular sunflowers, so they're ready for the birds to eat sooner. Just leave the plants thru the winter...the birds will find them! It's cheaper than buying those little packets of sunflower seeds to plant, too. Ü

Make sure you have water available for your birds!
I have a small pond in my garden, plus I have several small birdbaths here and there. I like to buy those big plastic flower-pot bases and fill them up with water. It's cheaper than buying an actual bird bath, plus you can sit it anywhere! I also found a good buy on a used heated bird bath (at a garage sale somewhere) that I'll use this winter. I haven't used it yet, so not sure how well those work. Make sure you replace the water every few days to cut down on those mosquitos!

Don't forget the Orioles and Hummingbirds!
I use to have a separate waterer for the orioles and hummingbirds until I noticed that the hummingbirds were also drinking out of the oriole feeders. Now I only have oriole feeders hanging outside....that way both birds can drink from the same one if they happen to be in the area. Once you invest in an oriole waterer, don't waste your money on those packets of drink mix for them. It's so much easier (and cheaper!) just to make your own. They both like to drink the same thing, so you don't need separate drinks for them, either.

Here's the recipe I use:
1 part regular white sugar to 4 parts water.
(Example: 1 cup sugar, 4 cups water)
1. Boil the water.
2. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Let cool.
4. Refrigerate in a designated hummingbird feeder pitcher.

Using a microwave works too. Put the water in a microwave safe container and bring to boiling. Remove container and add the sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. I fill my clean feeders and set them aside to cool and let the rest cool a bit before storing in the fridge.Don't add anything extra to the mixture like food coloring, honey, etc. It’s not necessary and it could be harmful to the birds. Honey will quickly ferment and become poisonous to the birds.

Storing the Nectar:
You can store this nectar up to two weeks in the fridge, if you don't use it before then. If the juice in the feeder becomes cloudy or mucky, dump it out and clean and refill with fresh nectar.

Cleaning your feeder:
You'll need to keep those feeders clean to prevent any ickies. When you need to add fresh nectar (every few days), just dump a little vinegar and hot water in the feeder and swish around. Rinse it well and add the new nectar.

Orioles LOVE fruit!
Just sit a small bowl of grape jelly (buy the cheapest brand, bigger jar) outside and watch the orioles go crazy over it! You can also lay some grapes out there when they're getting a little too old for YOU to eat, or take an orange and cut it in half.

Make your own suet:
In the past when I use to fry more things with grease, I'd put the leftover grease in a ziploc baggie with some sunflower seeds and freeze it, (or in a used, aluminum pie pan), then in the winter time just set it out for the birds. Sometimes I just put out the plain ole frozen grease, tho. They love it! I don't use much grease at all anymore, so I probably won't be using this idea in the future.

Okay...I know they're not a BIRD....but Butterflies need Nectar, too!

Here's a recipe to feed the butterflies. It's a little icky, but they'll love you for it! Ü

Butterfly Nectar

Over-ripe fruit of some kind
1/2 to 1 cup of Molasses
1 can of beer
1/2 cup of fruit juice (any kind)
Brightly colored cloths

Mix all ingredients together until it's gooey and liquified. (use your food processor if you want). Then dip the bright colored cloths into the mixture and let it soak for a few minutes til the cloth is good and soaked all the way through. Hang the cloths onto tree branches to attract the butterflies. That's it!

Well....this is about the extent of my knowledge on this subject. If you try these recipes or ideas, let me know how it turns out for you!
AuntyB

Weeds! Weeds! And MORE Weeds!!

HELP!!! I'm drowning in weeds and can't find my way out!

(and here's some pictures to prove it!)

Things have been sooo hectic here at AuntyB's Place since spring first began. Too many projects and just not enough time! Does anyone else have that problem?

Spring started out fairly relaxing and enjoyable....just a little clean-up here and there in the gardens at home and at work.....I really thought I had it all under control! Bought some flowers and other plants, making the gardens all nice and pretty and weed-free. New mulch where it was needed, new birdhouses and other cutsie decorations to put out....you get the idea. Everything got done and looking so nice and pretty. Everything except my herb garden, that is.

Now it's July already, and the garden club is coming on the 29th to tour my gardens. Only problem is, I haven't even TOUCHED my herb garden yet!!! EEeeek!!! You wouldn't believe how tall the weeds are in there! It's actually like SOD in some places! Will I ever get it done in time? Your guess is as good as mine! *lol* I'd like to have a weed-pulling party, but I don't think anyone would come! hehehe

Mom came over for awhile this morning to help me with it. Thanks, Mom!! I took these 'Before' pictures to show you just what kinda mess I'm in right now. As soon as I'm done with the clean-up I'll take some 'After' pics to show you. Since this coming weekend is my last two days off in a row before the garden club comes, the herb garden just HAS to get done before the weekend's over. If it doesn't, it never will.

The plan is to weed the whole thing and then put landscape fabric down thru the walkways, with sawdust on top of that. Believe it or not, just about all these weeds are in the walkways thru my herb garden, they're not in with the plantings. I have rocks around the herb plants.
Can you tell I have a pond in the middle of that mess??? I know it's there, but I can barely see it myself! *lol* Hopefully next year, with the fabric and sawdust down, I won't have this problem. (knock on wood!)

I've had other projects going on at the same time, and I'll post about those later. Barn needed new walls, new paint job, new chicken run needed, rooster was making my hens bald, but hopefully that problem's taken care of now (I'll post some pics of my solution when I post about that), garden shed was a HUGE mess, but that's re-organized just the way I like it now.

How do things pile up so much at once???!!

Anyhoo....that's why I haven't posted here in awhile. I've had so much to catch up on and so many projects that I'd really like to get done that I just can't find the time to do it all! I guess it's because there's just too many things I enjoy doing so I just HAVE to try to fit them all in somehow. I mean, how can you cut back on the things you enjoy? How do you decide where to cut corners? Or what to give up on? That's what I liked about being a stay at home mom. I was always able to keep things just the way I wanted them in the gardens and successfully complete any project my little ole heart desired. Plus I had an even larger veggie garden and I canned all my produce from it. Well, that ain't happenin' anymore! *lol* I REALLY enjoy my job too, so there's no way I'm giving that up, either. Ü

SO WHAT'S A GARDEN GAL TO DO???!!

Until I figure that out, I guess I better just get back out there and pull a few more weeds!

Until next time....

AuntyB

Homemade Cleaning Recipes

Homemade Cleaning Recipes

Have you ever tried making your own cleaning products? I've been getting into it for some time now and I really like it! It's a great way to save money, plus avoid some of those harsher chemicals. I've had these recipes for awhile now so I'm not sure where they
originated, but here's the recipes in my cleaning notebook:

First, you'll want to stock your cleaning closet with the most commonly used products for the recipes...

Ammonia: cuts grease and grime, disinfects

Bleach: disinfects

Baking soda: provides grit for scrubbing and speeds up cleaning.

Borax: disinfects, bleaches, and deodorizes.

Distilled white vinegar (not apple cider vinegar): disinfects and breaks up dirt.

Hydrogen Peroxide: disinfects and bleaches.

Lemon Juice: cuts grease.

Olive oil: picks up dirt and polishes wood.

Liquid Castile Soap (Vegetable based) non-petroleum all-purpose cleaners.

Washing soda: stain remover, general cleaner, should be handled with gloves due to its caustic nature. Washing soda is usually found in the laundry aisle of grocery and drug stores.

Rubbing Alcohol: cuts grease & dirt, disinfectant, shines chrome and glass.

Essential Oils: nice scent, but some oils have antibacterial properties.

Bottled Water: you can use tap water, but the gallon jugs don't have all the minerals from hard well-water like mine, so the mixed product lasts longer. These are less than a buck at Walmart for a gallon jug.

Fels Naptha or other bar soap: if you make your own laundry detergent.

Spray Bottles: you'll find these pretty cheap at Walmart. (less than a buck a piece)

Squeeze Bottle: recycle an old dish soap bottle when making your own dish soap

Once your closet is stocked, try mixing up some of these recipes and see how you like them! I haven't tried all of these recipes yet, but I've been really happy with the ones I've made so far. Let me know what you think!!


WINDSHEILD WIPER FROST FREE FLUID

Vinegar
Water

Mix 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water and coat the car windows with
this solution. This combination will keep windshields ice and frost-free.

CAR SOAP

1/4 cup vegetable oil based liquid soap and hot water.
Mix in pail and wash your car.

CAR WAX

1 cup linseed oil
4 tbsp. caranuba wax (available at automotive stores)
2 tbsp. beeswax
1/2 cup vinegar

Put ingredients in top half of a double boiler or saucepan. Heat slowly
until wax has melted. Stir and pour into a heat resistant container. After wax
has solidified, rub it on the car with a lint-free cloth. Saturate a corner of a
cotton rag with vinegar and polish the wax to a deep shine.

ANTIBACTERIAL BATHROOM CLEANER

1 cup baking soda
2 tablespoons (or more) liquid dish soap (Dawn or Castile soap works well)
2 teaspoons tea tree essential oil
1 teaspoon peppermint essential oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional)

Mix together and put in a container with a tight fitting lid.
Add 2 tablespoons of liquid soap (I prefer Dawn dish soap). Mix well to create a paste-like consistency. If you need more liquid soap to do this, add it a little at a time until the mixture is like a paste -- pliable but not soggy. Once you have a consistency you feel like you can work with, add the essential oils and mix well again. The addition of vinegar last helps to boost the cleaning power.
To use, scoop out a little of the cleanser and use a sponge or other cleaning tool to gently scrub your tub, shower and sink surfaces.

DISINFECTANT THYME CLEANER

2 1/2 cups water
1 handful thyme (fresh or dried)
Vinegar
Liquid castille soap (squirt)

Boil water, add thyme. Simmer for several hours over medium-low heat,
covered. Cool, then strain. Pour the water into a spray bottle, top with white
vinegar and squirt of soap. Use as needed.


OVEN CLEANER

2 tablespoons dishwashing liquid
2 teaspoons borax
1/4 cup ammonia
1-1/2 cups warm water

Mix the ingredients together, apply to oven spills, and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Scrub with an abrasive nylon-backed sponge and rinse well.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER #1

1 teaspoon borax
1/2 teaspoon washing soda
2 teaspoons vinegar or lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon dishwashing liquid
2 cups hot water

Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle or othercontainer.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER #2

2 cups rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl)
1 tablespoon dishwashing liquid
1 tablespoon ammonia
2 quarts water

Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle or other container.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER #3

1/4 cup baking soda
1 tablespoon household ammonia (optional)
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 gallon warm water

Combine all the ingredients in a spray bottle or other container.

GREASE CUTTER

1/2 tsp. washing soda
2 tbsp. vinegar
1/4 tsp. liquid castile soap
2 cups hot tap water

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle, adding the water last. Gently shake to dissolve the borax and washing soda until they have dissolved. Spray and clean with a rag or sponge.

HOMEMADE SOFT SCRUB

3/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup borax
dishwashing
liquid (I prefer Dawn dish soap)

Combine the baking soda and borax. Mix in enough
dishwashing liquid to make a smooth paste. If you prefer a pleasant smell, add
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice to the paste.

WOOD POLISH

1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil

OR...

1 cup vegetable oil (try other cooking oils as you prefer)
1/2 cup lemon juice

Mix the ingredients well, rub on the floor or other wood
surface, and buff with a clean, dry cloth.

WOOD CLEANER

1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 tsp liquid dish detergent
1/8 tsp olive oil
6 drops rosemary essential oil

Mix together and put in a spray bottle. Squirt some on your rag and wash the wood furniture.


METAL POLISH

1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Combine salt and flour in small bowl (or just baking soda and water) and stir until blended. Add the vinegar and mix into a thick paste. Smear on the paste with a damp sponge or cloth and rub gently. Let the polish dry for about an hour. Rinse well with warm water and buff dry with a soft cloth.

LINOLEUM CLEANER

1 cup white vinegar
2 gallons warm water

Mix into your mop bucket.

TOILET CLEANER

1 cup borax
1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juice

Combine the ingredients to make a paste. Apply it to
the inside of the toilet bowl, let sit for 1 to 2 hours, and scrub.

OR...

Baking soda
White vinegar

To clean and deodorize, sprinkle toilet bowl with baking soda, add white vinegar and scrub with a toilet brush.

GLASS CLEANER

1/4 cup vinegar or 1 Tbsp lemon juice
2+ cups water

Fill a clean spray bottle with water and either white vinegar or lemon juice; wipe with a rag or old newspaper.

OVEN CLEANER

Baking soda
Water

Sprinkle baking soda on surfaces, spray water, then let soak several hours or overnight. Rinse with water.

STOVETOP AND OVEN GREASE REMOVER

1/2 tsp washing soda
1/4 tsp liquid soap
2 cups hot water

Add washing soda and soap to hot water in spray bottle. Since washing soda is
caustic, wear gloves.

MILDEW REMOVER

1 tablespoon powdered laundry detergent
1 quart
chlorine bleach
2 quarts water

Combine all the ingredients in a pail. Wearing rubber gloves, wash off the mildew.

GLASS CLEANER

2 tablespoons ammonia
1/2 cup alcohol
1/4 teaspoon dishwashing liquid
a few drops blue food coloring water

Combine the ammonia, alcohol, dishwashing liquid, and food coloring, then add enough water to make 1 quart. If you prefer a nonammoniated cleaner, substitute 3 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice for the
ammonia.

CARPET FRESHENER

1 cup crushed dried herbs (such as rosemary, southernwood, or lavender)
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda

Combine all the ingredients in a large jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well to blend. Sprinkle some of the mixture on your carpet, let it sit for an hour or so, and then vacuum it up. It will give the room a pleasant smell and neutralize carpet odors.

CARPET CLEANER AND DEODORIZER

Sprinkle baking powder over the carpet (add borax if you desire and if you are not worried about pets or children getting into the powder while it is setting), let set, then vacuum. Use shaving cream as a foaming carpet cleaner to get out the spots.

DISH WASHING LIQUID

1/4 cup soap flakes
2 cups hot water
1/4 cup glycerin
1/2 teaspoon lemon essential oil

In bowl combine soap flakes and water and stir until the soap is dissolved. Cool to luke warm.
Stir in the glycerin and the essential oil, leave to cool. As it cools it will form a loose gel. Stir with a fork and break up the gel and then pour into a narrow-necked bottle. An old shampoo bottle makes an excellent container.
To use, squirt 3 teaspoonfuls into hot running water.

CASTILE DISHWASHING LIQUID

castile soap
10 drops lavender essential oil
8 drops rosemary essential oil
4 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Fill a clean 22-ounce plastic squirt bottle with castile soap (diluted according to directions if using concentrate) Add the essential oils.
To use, squirt 3 teaspoonfuls into hot running water.

OR...

1/2 cup liquid castile soap
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3 drops tea tree oil
1/2 cup white vinegar

Stir all ingredients together until blended and store in a squirt top bottle.
Use 2 tablespoons per load of dishes.

DISHWASHER DETERGENT

Borax
Washing Soda
Vinegar

Mix equal amounts of borax and washing soda and store in airtight container. Use this to fill your soap dispenser.
Put the vinegar in the anti-spotting compartment so it's used as a rinse aid.

OR...

3 tablespoons baking soda
1 tablespoon borax
2 drops of lemon essential oil

Mix and use in dishwasher.

LIQUID HAND SOAP

bar of soap
3 cups boiling water
essential oil (optional) (use whichever scent you prefer)

Shave or grate the bar of soap, then stir into the boiling water until dissolved. Add the essential oil if you're going to. When it's cool, just put it in your hand soap container.
If you prefer your hand soap a little thicker, just use less water or add more soap.

DRAIN CLEANER

Once a week, pour 1/4 cup baking soda, then 1/2 cup vinegar. This
will fizz, but the bubbling action will help lift and dissolve dirt. Wait
20 minutes; then pour 1 gallon boiling water.

LIQUID LAUNDRY DETERGENT #1

1 oz. liquid castile soap
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax
1/4 cup baking soda or 1/4 cup white vinegar

Using the liquid castile soap as a base, combine with washing soda, borax (for stains and bleaching), and either baking soda (reduces static and softens fabrics) or white vinegar (softens fabrics, reduces static and bleaches clothes). If you feel like your clothes aren't clean enough, play around with the amount of liquid castile soap, using from 1 oz. to 1 cup.

LIQUID LAUNDRY DETERGENT #2

3 Pints Water
1/3 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
2 Gallon Bucket
1 Quart Hot Water
Cold Water

Mix Fels Naptha soap in a saucepan with 3 pints of water, and heat on low until dissolved. Stir in Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened, and remove from heat. Add 1 Quart Hot Water to 2 Gallon Bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill bucket with cold water, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load.

LIQUID LAUNDRY DETERGENT #3

Water
1 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated
5 Gallon Bucket
1 Cup Washing Soda
4 1/2 Gallons Water

Place grated soap in a small saucepan and cover with water.
Heat on low until dissolved. Fill bucket with hot water, and add soap. Stir to
combine. Add 1 cup washing soda and mix well. As it cools it will thicken. May
be used immediately. Use 1-2 cups per load.

POWDERED LAUNDRY DETERGENT

1 bar of soap (I use Fels Naptha, but others use Ivory, Dial, etc.)
1/2 cup of borax
1/2 cup of baking soda
Grater

Grate bar of soap into container. Pour in borax and baking soda. Mix well.
Use 1/2 cup of detergent per load.

LAUNDRY STAIN REMOVER

Dawn dish soap
Ammonia

Mix 1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap and 2 tablespoons ammonia with 1 pint of
water. Pour into a spray bottle, apply to stains and let stand for 15 minutes.
Wash as usual.

OR...

1/2 cup ammonia
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
2 tbsp. liquid soap
2 quarts water
Spray bottle
Measuring cup

Mix all of the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake until all the ingredients have mixed together. Spray the liquid pre-treating stain remover onto the stain.
Allow the mixture to soak into the stain for a few minutes.
Launder as you would normally.

BLEACH ALTERNATIVE #1

Hydrogen peroxide
Water

Mix equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide and put in a container. Use as
you would regular bleach.

BLEACH ALTERNATIVE #2

2 big boxes Cascade (or generic brand)
1 big box Baking Soda
1/2 box Borax
Mix together and store in airtight container. Use 1 cup for large load of whites.

FABRIC SOFTENER

Add 1/2 cup vinegar to rinse cycle.

HOMEMADE FEBREEZE


2 cups fabric softener (or vinegar)
1 cup baking soda
4 cups warm water

Dissolve baking soda in water, then add softener or vinegar. Pour into spray bottle and use as you would Febreeze.

How to Make Compost Video

Recycling in Cass & Crow Wing Counties...

I've been trying to recycle 'some' things for quite awhile now....like donating my no longer needed clothes and misc. household items to local shops who sell them really cheap, or taking some of my household things to the Transfer Station in Pine River. For years now we've recycled our pop cans, taking them to Pine River and getting money for them. The rest of the stuff has gone in the trash....until recently when I set up my recycling bins in the hall closet. (see my previous post for a pic of that).
Little by little I'm trying to become a little greener with the products I buy, make, etc, and going organic with some things. The whole 'organic' thing can be a little confusing when shopping for items in the store tho, and knowing that I can't just trust what the label says has prevented me from going full-boar with it for fear of spending more for an item that's not actually any better (and sometimes worse!) than a lower-priced non-organic labeled item. But that's another subject for a future writing, after I do a whole lot more research on it.
What I want to write about today is where I take my recycling, so those of you who live in this area will have a better idea of the where's and how's of going about it yourself. My hope is that you'll join me in my quest to turn a little greener! Ü

For real good info on what, how, and where to recycle, go here: http://www.co.cass.mn.us/esd/solid_waste/pdfs/solidwasterecycling.pdf

Here's another place you can chek out on the internet to list what you don't want anymore, or chek out what someone else has listed to see if you want it:
http://www.co.cass.mn.us/esd/matex/cass_available.html
It's called the North Central Materials Exchange - MATEX, and here's what it says about it:
Cass, Crow Wing, and Hubbard counties have teamed up with the Minnesota Materials Exchange program to offer exciting new opportunities to reduce waste and to reuse materials in northern Minnesota.
See local MATEX listings for Cass, Crow Wing, and Hubbard counties.
The materials exchange (MATEX) program is based on the concept that one company's waste product could be another company's raw material. Through a Materials Exchange, companies and organizations can reduce their waste disposal costs by finding other companies, organizations, schools or individuals which could use these waste or surplus materials in their processes or programs. The main purpose of the exchange is to connect businesses and organizations that have reusable goods with those who need them.
Advantages of Materials Exchange:
*Less material enters landfills
*Participants can locate valuable materials and feedstock free or at reduced cost, locally and statewide
*Participants can profit from reduced waste disposal costs and from sale of items which would otherwise have been considered "waste"
*Service is free
*Materials Exchange programs conserve resources
*Participants become more environmentally responsible
Businesses and organizations may list usable materials they no longer need on the exchange. Participants may also check the listings for items that they could use in their processes, programs, or services. For example, maybe your business did some remodeling and you have leftover supplies. Those items could be offered on the exchange and a school could use your leftovers in their drama department.
The MATEX will help to match up items wanted with materials available. The participants make final exchange and transportation arrangements with each other. The materials are not physically collected by MATEX for storage or transfer. The service provided by MATEX is free, although a fee may be charged by the listing party for some of the materials.
Contact Info: The MATEX office is located in the Cass County Environmental Service Department at the Cass County Courthouse, Box 3000, Walker, MN 56484. You may call (218) 547-7428 or FAX (218) 547-2440 or contact the office by e-mail to request a form or to list over the phone.
Listing on MATEX: Your information will be listed on the regional exchange. The listing of materials wanted and materials available will be available at the Environmental Service or Solid Waste Departments of Cass, Crow Wing and Hubbard Counties or sent out by e-mail for those requesting that service.
In addition to the regional service, participants are encouraged to check the listings on the statewide Minnesota Materials Exchange Alliance. Call the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MN TAP) at 1-800-247-0015.
Any business, organization, school, non-profit group governmental unit or individual may list with this service at no cost. Some businesses prefer to distribute on a large scale only and may not be willing or able to work with individual residents. However, if the opportunity exists, individual residents may also make use of the service.
Participation is not limited to those in Cass, Crow Wing or Hubbard counties. Anyone may contact this or any other MN TAP affiliated Materials Exchange Program. It is the intent of the exchange programs to encourage the reuse of materials and to reduce the amount of waste or surplus materials entering landfills and other municipal solid waste facilities.
Another place I like to use is the Cass County Transfer Station, located just north of Pine River on Hwy 371. It's on the west side of the highway, across from Pine River Tire. If you'd like to call them for more info, their number is 218-587-3500.
If you have furniture or other household items (not clothing!) that you no longer want but is still in working condition and you think someone else might be able to use it, just take it there and drop it off! You can also stop by just to look to see if there's anything you might want there. Ü They keep the garage door open most of the time (just to the right of the number 1 on the building), but if you happen to go there and the door is closed, just call them and they'll open it for you. Everything is free for the taking in there!
Here's a picture of the place so you'll know what to look for:

Go here for information on the Household Hazardous Product Exchange:
http://www.co.cass.mn.us/esd/solid_waste/hazardous_product_exchange.html
They're always happy to give products away to people who will use them rather than waste tax dollars to dispose of good materials, so if you have leftover paint or stain, etc from a project you've been working on, you can donate it there. They do ask that you call them first to make an appointment tho, because they want to make sure it's still a good product. Worth the extra effort if you ask me! Ü

Here's what their website says...
If there is still product left over that you could not use up:
Do not throw it in the garbage. Please call us for an appointment and bring the remaining material back to us.
Do not simply bring the stuff back and leave it in the product room. We have to check out any product that comes into our building. Call 587-3455 or toll free at 1-888-910-2425 ext. #2 for an appointment.
If the containers are empty, leave the lids off!
Allow empty metal paint cans to dry. Leave the lids off and either place in recycling bin with other cans or throw in your garbage.
Empty aerosol cans may be placed in recycling bins or thrown away in garbage.
Allow plastic paint pails to dry, and then throw in garbage, not in recycling bins.
Metal cans for paint thinner, charcoal lighter fluid, etc, may be recycled when can is dry and empty. Be sure to leave the cover off.
Plastic containers for paint thinner and other products can be thrown in garbage. Leave lids off.
And last but not least....check out your local freecycle group! If you're not in this area, just go to http://www.freecycle.org/ and either click to browse the groups for different areas, or type the area you're interested in into the search box. It'll tell you about YOUR local freecycle group and how to join it. More and more folks are signing up for this group every day, and it's a great way to advertise something to give away or ask for something you're looking for. Everything is FREE!! No money is exchanged at all.
Here's where you can find the group for Cass & Crow Wing County Freecycle: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cass-CrowWingMNFreecycle/

Well, that's about it for today! Please take a few minutes to check out these websites and learn more about how YOU can recycle!
Until next time!
AuntyB

My Winter Quest...

Is it spring yet??!
The winter here at AuntyB's Place has been a long, hard one, to say the least. I haven't posted much on this blog (as you can see!), my time has been spent taking care of different health problems, putting in more hours at work, spending what time I can with my Yahoo! group family, trying to get my financial life in order, searching the net for information & how-to's, trying (and sometimes failing miserably!) to keep up with the daily chores, and in my spare time playing catch-up with all of the above!
Times have been getting a little tighter here in my neck of the woods, and since it looks like it just might have to get a little worse before it gets any better, I decided it was time I do my part to improve myself and the way I live. So...
I've been on a winter-long learning quest! They say you're never too old to change your ways, so I've decided to give it a shot. Ü
First thing was my health...As you know, I'm a type 2 diabetic. Have been for 18 years now. Had some low blood pressures (which is normally low to begin with) along with some low blood sugars (was always either too high or too low...go figure!!), and the combination sent me into a seizure a couple times, so a few months ago they put me on the insulin pump...which I dreaded for a long time but now find myself wishing I'd have given in to the idea a long time ago! I have to wear it 24/7, and can only take it off for 1 hour a day to shower, but it's done wonders for my blood sugar levels! It's not quite the pain I thought it would be to sleep with either, and it's a whole lot easier to keep track of my blood sugars and keep them from going too high (or too low). I've been doing a lot of research on living healthier and I've learned a lot over this past winter. Things aren't completely 'normal' yet health-wise, I'm not exactly the 'picture of health', and I'm not eating quite as healthy as I should be, BUT....I'm working on it! Still haven't given up my almost nightly ice-cream habit, but I've been working on just about everything else and starting to change a few bad habits at a time...so
GIVE ME A BREAK, ALREADY! hehehe
Had another battle with the kidney stones. Last time I had them was 11 months ago. Not sure what's causing them, but this round was a long one! The pain lasted 8 whole days, passing stones several times a day. In the beginning, I swear I was peeing sand! I know, I know...too much information! *lol* All seems to be well with that little pain in the kidney now. (knock on wood!) Education on this subject is still in process tho.
Another problem was my financial situation. Sheesh. What a mess that was! Between all the medical bills, prescriptions, lack of discipline when going shopping (credit card in hand, of course!), you name it....I ended up WAY too stressed over the bills I had created and felt like there was no way out. (which also shot my blood sugars down, creating more health problems, and continuing the vicious circle I was spinning uncontrollably inside of.) Did a lot of research on how to get a handle on my debt, made a few phone calls to see what I could do and who, if anyone could help me, then I finally went to my local credit union (turned out to be the best option for me), told them my situation, and asked them for a loan to consolidate everything and just have one small monthly payment. Aaaaahhhh...what a relief when they said "Of course! We'll draw up the papers." So, at an interest rate of 5.49% instead of 12% and 20% (which I was paying on my different bills) and a monthly payment of less than I was making on just the credit card alone, I'm finally well on my way to financial freedom. I'm telling you, there is no better feeling! No amount of shopping has ever felt THIS good! And I plan to keep it that way! Ü No more credit cards for AuntyB. If I can't pay cash or save up for it, I don't need it. Period. The lack of stress over money problems is one thing I plan to continue for sure!
Which brings me to the rest of my quest for a healthier, happier life...
I've also been doing a lot of research on Living Greener, Recycling, being more Self-sufficient and Stress-free, and avoiding chemicals as much as possible. I'd like to get back to the basics...back to nature, so to speak. Of course, I won't go so far as to give up my running water or electricity! hehehe And my cell phone and internet are definate keepers, too! Ü
I've learned quite a bit on a lot of different subjects (with still quite a bit more to learn!) and I've been doing a little experimenting here and there with a few things, and now that I've got a little more time I decided I'd pass on what I'm learning as I learn it, and let you know how it's turning out for me, if it's turning out at all! hehe
If you have any pointers to share, please do so! I can use all the help I can get!
I'm trying to recycle more now, so I can get rid of the trash man. He seems like a nice guy and all, and I know he needs to make a living too, but I'm getting a little tired of having to pay him 75 bucks every couple of months just so he'll stop by and take out the trash. Ü
I bought some recycling bins that are stackable for 7 bucks each at Mills Fleet Farm in Baxter. They were the cheapest I found and seem to be of good quality. I didn't stack them as I had planned, but they're working out well where I ended up putting them. Now it's just a matter of getting use to putting what where! *lol* We have recycling bins within 5 miles from me, so that'll be easy to deliver myself. The non-recyclables will go to our local dump or in the trash bins at our local Oasis center in Pequot for $3.50 per large bag. Not too bad for the amount of actual trash I should have to dump there! Ü I'm not sure what it costs to take bags directly to the landfill yet.
With gas prices the way they are and no relief from that in sight, I'm trying to cut down on my trips to town and doing more errands when I do have to go. The local coffee shop is saving their coffee and tea grounds for me for free, so I can add them to my compost pile for my gardens. I'll pick those up on my errand day. Right now I've just got a compost pile out back, but I'm thinking about vermicomposting. That's composting with worms. I've read that you can store them in your kitchen and they don't stink at all! We'll see tho. Hubby isn't too fond of the idea of having worms under the kitchen sink. hehehe
I'm raising chickens for their eggs and meat, plus stocking up on things from the store when they're on sale and buying bulk whenever I can. Ü I got some free 5 gallon and 2 gallon buckets with lids from the bakery at Jerry's Super Valu grocery store in Pine River, and the Pine River Dairy Queen told me I could stop by there and get all I want for free, too! So I'll use those for storing some bulk things. If I have to, I can pay 2 bucks for each 5 gallon bucket with a lid at Scaefer's grocery store in Nisswa, or 1 dollar each at the bakery in town on Main street in Pine River. But only if I HAVE to. Ü
I've always liked to buy my spices in bulk. I get those at the Country-side Co-op in Hackensack. I keep them in different sized jars in the basement, then just refill my spice containers in the kitchen.
I'm even thinking about getting a goat for milk! Not sure if I even LIKE goat milk tho, so I plan to try some from someone else first....just in case! *lol* I'm a skim milk drinker, but at just about 4 bucks a gallon it's getting a little sickening!
I'm also experimenting with making my own cleaning products. I've done this a little bit for awhile now with regular cleaners, but now I'm into making laundry products. I'll let you know about those in my next writing. It'll probably be a long one!
Until next time...
AuntyB

Here's a pic of the Recycling Bins I set up in the hall closet. Each one is labeled so we know what goes in which bin...