One Hundred Dollars a Month - Page 1624 of 2143 - I am your typical housewife living in high maintenance suburbia. I have a handsome husband, 2 kids and a flock of pet chickens. I try and feed my family with $100 a month. With the help of coupons, gardening and bartering I am able to squeeze the most out of our grocery budget and still manage to have a little fun along the way.

Easy Recipes for Kids – Popcorn in a Bag

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By Mavis Butterfield on April 17, 2013 · 22 Comments

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this, but making your own popcorn at home is not only way cheaper but so much better for you than buying that crapity crap in a bag that’s filled with all sorts of fake butter and chemicals.

The Girl Who Thinks She’s a Bird is our chief popcorn maker and she has been using this recipe for as long as I can remember. Perfect for Friday Night at The Movies or any other day of the week.

Ingredients
1/4 cup good popcorn kernals
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Paper lunch bag
Stapler

Directions
Measure popcorn and toss it into the bottom of a plain brown paper bag. Add salt and olive oil and give it a good shake. Fold the top of the bag over and staple the corners closed.

Place the paper bag in the microwave and microwave on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, or until there are a few seconds between pops.

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Garden Tips – How to Thin Seedlings

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By Mavis Butterfield on April 17, 2013 · 18 Comments

Every time I see little green sprouts start to pop up in my seed trays, I get excited. Which is why I am always sad when the day comes that I have to thin my seedlings. I know I have to do it, but each time, it is hard–like I am being forced to choose a favorite child. Do you feel this way?

If I don’t thin them though, they will compete for water, nutrients, etc. So, I have to suck it up and face the cold hard facts of gardening. Ha. If it is time to thin some of your seedlings {check yourseed packet for when to thin}, there are two basic ways to do it:

You can pull out the excess seedlings, much like you are pulling a weed, {if you choose this method, be very careful not to disturb the root system of the plant you are trying to keep}. Occasionally, with plants like peppers and tomatoes, you can replant the pulled seedlings in a new location, but in all honestly, with varying results.

The easiest way to thin seedlings is to use scissors. Just trim the excess seedlings off at the base of the plant, as close to the soil as you can get. The roots will die back and leave your remaining seedling undisturbed. If you are growing your seedlings in trays, make sure to remove the trimmings and toss them {if your seedlings are already in the garden bed, you can just leave the trimmings in the bed}.

So how do YOU thin your seedlings? Do you pull, or cut?

~Mavis

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How to Grow Your Own Food – 4/17/2013 Garden Tally

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By Mavis Butterfield on April 17, 2013 · 4 Comments

{Summer 2012}

This year I’m on a mission to grow 4,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables in my suburban backyard. In 2012 I was able to grow 2,028 pounds, and in 2013 I’m going double or nothing. I have absolutely no idea if I’ll be able to achieve my goal. But, as with any adventure, half the fun is getting there. ~Mavis

*******

Well, it was another snooze fest {harvest wise} in the garden this week. Chives and eggs. That’s it baby. The weather is starting to warm up though so we will be direct sowing seeds soon as well as setting out more broccoli, cabbage and lettuce starts. I love working in the garden this time of year, even when it’s sprinkling outside.

Will you be planting seeds this week? If so, what?

Mavis wants to know.

Here is what I have harvested so far this year:

Beets – 14 ounces

Carrots – 3 ounces

Chives – 4 ounces

Egg Count – 722

Last week we collected 82 eggs. We are giving them away to the neighbors like crazy these days. It’s kind of fun too.

Lettuce – 6 ounces
M icrogreens 5 ounces

Potatoes – 2 pounds 9 ounces

Sprouts –11 ounces

Swiss Chard 11 ounces

Wheatgrass – 7 ounces

Total Food Harvested in 2013: 6 pounds 6 ounces

Total Eggs Collected in 2013: 722

Get out there and grow!

~Mavis

Urban Homesteading: Heirloom Skills for Sustainable Living

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1 Year Subscription to Bon Appetit Magazine Only $4.99!

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By Mavis Butterfield on April 16, 2013 · 2 Comments

DiscountMags is offering a 1 year subscription to Bon Appetit Magazine for only $4.99 when you use code 7119 at checkout. This magazine is AWESOME!

*This special rate will be live through midnight 4/17/13 {EST}. You can purchase this deal as a new subscription or to renew your existing subscription. You can also purchase additional subscriptions as gifts! This is such a wonderful magazine at an amazing price.

Did you know with the Amazon Prime Membership you can watch all of the The French Chef with Julia Child episodes in their original broadcast format? Bon Appetit Baby!

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