A Little Cash on Hand

There are so many types of emergencies that we need to be prepared for big ones, small ones, short ones and long ones. Chances are, most of us will never experience a big major emergency, but it’s wise to be prepared. Your preparation efforts for these large scale emergencies can be built over a period of time (stocking the pantry, water filters, generator, emergency heater, etc). The small emergencies are the ones we really need to be ready for right now, they can happen to any of us at any time. What kinds of things do we need to be prepared for a small emergency, especially those you might encounter while away from home? Here are a few things you should carry in your vehicles or in your purse so you’re prepared for those small emergencies that may arise while you’re out and about.

In our cashless society it’s easy to never have to carry any cash, but there are times when it’s necessary. You may think you can run to the ATM for some cash if you need it, but if a storm comes through and the electric is out that might not be the case. Several years ago we had the remnants of a hurricane roll through and we were without power for 4 days. Not only were we without power, but so was the surrounding area. The bank didn’t have power at first and the ATM was not working, the local gas station didn’t have power to run their credit card machines and they were only accepting cash. Fortunately we had some cash to cover what we needed at the time. Maybe you won’t experience a loss of power and the ATM being closed, but it could be something much more simple. Like being somewhere and needing $10 in cash and realizing you don’t have any in your wallet, perhaps your husband grabbed it or one of your kids needed it for school. Or maybe you stop for gas and realize they don’t take credit (there are still stations around here like that). It’s always wise to have a little cash stashed in the car just in case. You can determine what amount makes you comfortable, or what you think with comfortably cover any “emergency” you many have, perhaps enough to cover a tank of gas is a good rule of thumb. Keeping some cash around the house is also a good idea, keep whatever amount you think will comfortably cover a few emergency needs.

Make sure you have supplies in your vehicles for minor medical emergencies. Keep a first aid kit in your vehicle at all times and make sure it’s stocked. We have a kit in each of our cars and each year I get it out and make sure it’s stocked with fresh supplies, swap out aspirin/meds and check to make sure the bandaids are still sticky. You don’t want to be stuck needing them and not having them or having them be out of date. You don’t have to buy a special one, but they are handy if you don’t have the time to make one yourself (here’s one that’s only $9). Although making a few with your children would be a good way to teach them the value of being prepared.

Keep a few flashlights in your car and even in your purse and a small pocket knife or multi-tool. You never know when a flashlight might come in handy, drop your keys in the ditch, the lights go out in the store, your trunk light goes out. They sell all different sizes of flashlights to fit every need you have, from tiny keychain lights that only cost $5-$10 to big maglites that can take a beating rolling around in your trunk. We have a few of the large ones and I have 5-6 of these Mini Maglites placed all over the house. Of course you need to make sure you have some extra batteries and maybe a spare bulb or two as well. We keep candles in the house, but those aren’t really convenient to keep in the car.

Having some water and snacks on hand is also a great idea when you’re away from home. It’s a great habit to get into, not only will you save money but you’ll have some in case you need it. I have a bag that sits by the back door with some homecanned applesauce and bottles of water. Before we head out the door I’ll throw in some nuts and dried fruit and a few other snacks. Not only does this allow me to have some healthy snacks in case I’m out longer than expected (which happens often when you’re running errands, especially when the closest store is 30 min away), but I also save money because I don’t end up buying water or food while I’m out. There area few other other things you might want to consider carrying in your car as well: some string, scissors, jumper cables, blankets in winter, an extra coat, etc.

How do you prepare for those little emergencies? Do you have any great tips for things to carry in the car “Just in Case”?

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Re-purposing and re-painting old furniture

Credenza \kri-ˈden-zə\ noun

1. A buffet, sideboard, or bookcase, especially one without legs.
2. A piece of office furniture having a flat top and usually file drawers.

I was saying to myself the other day

Kim you need a new credenza, every farmer must have a credenza.

But when you live in the sticks where does one go about buying such a piece of furniture?  How does one explain to small town store clerks what a credenza even is?

So I figured it would just be easier…and cheaper to make one myself.

I have finally done with this project something that has eluded me until now…

I finally painted something white! You see I adore white furniture but every single time I go to use white paint on furniture something more flashy catches my eye…yes I’m a sucker for turquoise and fuchsia and all such bright colors!

Take this chair for example…it was going to be white. Then this great melon color seduced me and I could not resist.  I was determined that I would not be dissuaded this time…no I would be strong and stay the course…white it would be!

Life for this particular credenza (what a fun word) started out as an old dresser with three drawers.  Baby Boy decided to use the drawers for a step ladder a few months ago and broke the middle support.  It was either repair or move on…move on it was!

Just for a little history, when hubby and I were pregnant with our first child (25 years ago!) We did not have a lot of money so we bought a crib, highchair, and dresser/changing table from a neighbor.  This is said dresser.  It has held diapers, itty bitty baby boy clothing, teeny little booties…I have changed 1000′s of diapers upon its top.  I could not get rid of it, too many memories!

But re-purpose it I could handle!

I removed the supports and runners for the top two drawers, lightly sanded the whole dresser.  Then I then cut a piece of 5/8″ plywood on the table saw for a new shelf that would replace them.

Next I got out my handy little jig saw to notch out the corners…I love my jig saw!

I put the shelf in and screwed it into place…

Next I glued and nailed a small piece of molding to cover the seam between the shelf and support piece…and primed the whole dresser and the bottom drawer

Next was my folly…

Instead or reaching for a can of white paint another little can caught my eye…how can one resist a color called ‘Italian Olive’?  It was left over from another project and was sitting there just beckoning to be used…really it was!

I painted the whole thing with one coat of this great green color…how fun…how different!

It would look so fun and classy with this great shelf paper that I had left over from the farmhouse remodel.

But…

What about my determination to paint something white?  Did I have no self-control?  Could I never say no to the bright and the funky?  Could I not in some small way be traditional…even classy?

So I went to the shelf and bravely picked up a can of creamy white paint and with a slightly heavy heart did this…

As you can see I could not bring myself to paint it all white…I just could not! But I was satisfied that this was as close to all white as my color-lovin’ heart would ever come.  So two paint coats later I had my white credenza.  But something was just not right.  It was all shiny and new…too shiny and new.

I took out a piece of 150 grit sandpaper and proceeded to sand all the corners and some of the flat surface until the green paint or bare wood shone through.  Yes a little distressing is good for the soul!

Then I put back on the cabinet pulls, the ones that I had touched so many times over the years in caring for my children…when they were just babies…now they are in college…sob.

They were old and dark and I thought just right.

When I brought the piece in the house I knew it would be perfect for my hubby’s binders, he is urber organized and has much of our important paper work in matching binders.  These binders are all white and all UGLY!

I could not put such ugly binders on such a pretty little piece of furniture so I decorated them…yes I indeed spend part of an afternoon when I could/should have been doing laundry cutting out little pieces of shelf paper, adding stickers, left over from my calendar project, and slipping (actually wrestling) them into the edges of the ugly binders.

Aren’t these fun? They almost make going over the budget something I would look forward to…almost.

And as if I didn’t already have better things to do, I decided the ‘Cars’ binder which holds all of our maintenance records for all of our cars dating back to 1992 (yes he is that organized) I decided to jazz it up even more with hubby’s favorite car…’58 Corvette anyone?

And wait…

Matching paper in the drawer!  I may not be as organized as hubby but I lay a mean shelf paper!

So there you have it, my first white piece of furniture, my first credenza, but certainly not my last piece of re-purposed furniture.

You see I have 3 more pieces of old furniture waiting for me in hubby’s garage…sorry sweetie, I’ll get them out soon!

If you want I’ll just skip the laundry and get right to them…really I would do that for you…I love you that much!

Although next time I think I’m going to go for plum, or moss…or melon!  A girl can only do so much white!

So what about you?  White or Colored…Cream or Fuchsia…Chalk or Italian Olive?

Kim can also be found at the inadvertent farmer where she raises organic fruits, veggies, critters, kids, and…a camel!

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Sunday Photos….Spring Flowers

There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world, that is not intended to make us rejoice.

John Calvin

*****

Spring is a beautiful time of the year, especially if you live in an area with cold snowy winters. The green grass and the colorful flowers really are a breath of fresh air after a LONG cold winter. I’m really enjoying all the things blooming in the garden right now. Here’s what’s blooming at Chiot’s Run.

Lamb’s Ears and Chives make a beautiful combination in the front foundation garden. I just acquired Lamb’s Ears last year and I love it. I’m dividing it to make sure I have some sprinkled throughout the gardens. Chives are also a staple in my gardens, I have them planted throughout for eating and for the bees, who really love them. They also help keep the deer and other pests away.

I’m starting to pull up all the forget me nots so they don’t set seed and get too out of control, I’ll miss them until next spring, they’re such delicate little flowers. I love that they’re some of the first non bulb flowers that bloom in the gardens.

My early single peony is blooming while all the other peonies are mere buds. It’s such a beautiful peony, well worth the several year wait it was for it to bloom.

*****

Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!” ~Robin Williams

I (Kim) am not a flower gardener per say…I grow a few to decorate my veggie garden. But I will admit those that I do grow make me smile!

My favorite spring blooms are those that lead to summer fruit…like these blueberry blossoms!

Or those on plants as useful as chives…beauty and bounty all in the same plant!

*****

Jennifer here! I started my gardening exploits with the guidance of my mother, long before I ever really considered growing anything other than a tomato plant. I’m so thankful to Mom for keeping my supply of annuals and perennials current now that I spend more time in my edible garden than in my floral gardens! Unfortunately she comes from a cooler climate and is in full shade. I on the other hand have pretty much full sun, so many of those plants have to be intentionally tucked behind something or babied.

My gardens really explode in the springtime. I’ve got lots of tiny blossoms:

And then we have some of my favorites – those that hold special meaning or remind me of childhood.

*****

So what’s blooming in your spring garden?

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Popcorn and Nutritional yeast the Perfect Snack!

When I went away to boarding school for my highschool years I was introduced to what I thought at the time was a strange dorm room snack.

All the girls were sprinkling this funny yellow substance on their popcorn each night.  They called it Brewer’s Yeast…which I found out later was actually nutritional yeast.  At first I wasn’t sure but then the taste started to grow on me (no pun intended!).  Now I cannot imagine eating my popcorn without it!

Nutrional yeast is a good source of protein and is high in the B-complex vitamins that are hard to find outside of animal sources.  This makes it an ideal food for vegetarians and vegans.  We eat it on toast, baked potatoes, and of course popcorn.  It is also used in many vegetarian recipes as a substitute for cheese in sauces.

It comes in large flake, small flake and powdered form.  We use the large flake.  I get ours through our co-op and it is also available in the bulk food section of most of our markets around here.

When we began our Real Food Challenge popcorn was substituted for other processed snacks.  I get organic multi-colored kernels through my food co-op.  The kids love the different colors…white, yellow, and dark purple!

We air-pop the corn and then drizzle on a 1/2 and 1/2 mixture of melted butter or margarine and olive oil.  Next is sea salt and then finally nutritional yeast.

Popcorn is an easy, inexpensive, and whole grain snack that everyone loves….

Next time you get out the popper considering trying it with a little nutritional yeast…you just may find your new favorite snack!

Kim can also be found at the inadvertent farmer where she raises organic fruits, veggies, critters, kids, and…a camel!

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The Sweet Smell of Spring

I have been completely drunk on the perfume of honeysuckle for the past week. The fortune of living in the southeast is the wafting odors of that sweet vine, honeysuckle. The downside of living in these humid parts is kudzu. Poor Japan often gets blamed for both of these invasives in spring and summer. I rather enjoy both vines regardless of their origin. I think in some ways they make the Southeast the Southeast!

In the spirit of my tenth wedding anniversary, the lovely odor of the honeysuckle (which is not to be mistaken with the lemony magnolia also in bloom), and the hordes of strawberries I’ve been collecting, the Kid and I have concocted a tasty beverage good for all.

Strawberry Honey(suckle) Lemonade (makes 2-3 drinks)

***Please note that only the nectar of the honeysuckle blossom is edible. The berries themselves are poisonous. The best way to get the nectar from a bloom is to pinch of the end of the trumpet and suck out the “honey” from the backside.

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup honey (from bees and preferably local)
• 1-1/2 cups fresh, ripe strawberries, unsweetened
• 1 cup ice
• 1-1/2 cups cold water

1. Mix lemon juice, honey, and cleaned strawberries in a bar blender or with an immersion blender.
2. Add half of all ingredients to a bar shaker and shake until foamy.
3. Pour into glass and garnish with honeysuckle blossoms.
4. Repeat from step two.
5. Enjoy!
6. If you prefer a libation that is a little more “adult”, feel free to add 1-1/2 oz of clear rum or vodka per beverage. You can also blend the ice with the fruit to create more of a daiquiri experience.

Adding the blossoms of the honeysuckle isn’t necessary, but to have the scent of these sweet blossoms so close to your nose as you drink makes this a superior experience.

Honeysuckle history:

• Shakespeare refers to Woodbine (English honeysuckle) as the flower of ::cough:: sensuality.
• Some honeysuckles are invasive, most of the berries are poisonous (except a few), and a very few are evergreen.
• Hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths looooove honeysuckle – and so do I!
• Check with your local agriculture extension before purchasing any type of honeysuckle to make sure it’s not invasive!

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Seed Starting 101

I’ve been starting seeds for a few months now here at Chiot’s Run. They’re all lined up on the front porch getting hardened off and soon they’ll be planted in the garden. After receiving numerous request on my blog for a seed starting series I finally took the plunge (even though I don’t consider myself an expert seed starter in any manner).

If you’re interesting in learning more about starting seeds, head on over there to my Seed Starting 101 series. If you’re a veteran seed starter, head on over and comment, the new gardeners will really appreciate your wisdom and advice on this topic. We’ll be discussing the art of starting plants from seeds all week long. We started Monday and Tuesday with:
Seed Starting 101: Why Start from Seed
Seed Starting 101: Getting Started
Today we’re discussing containers in Seed Starting 101: Containers and later this week we’ll be discussing, soil mixes, needs of seeds, diseases, and a few more.

Do you start a lot of plants from seed? Would you consider yourself a beginner or an expert, or do you sit somewhere in between?

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Sewing 101 – Reading a Pattern

Today we’re going to go a little more in-depth into how to read a sewing pattern.  As outlined in my last post, there are three basic types of sewing patterns:

1. envelope patterns
2. magazine patterns
3. pdf/download patterns

For simplicity’s sake, I’m just going to discuss how to read an envelope sewing pattern.  These are the most common pattern type (at least in the US) and can be purchased very easily either through your local brick and mortar sewing store or online.  Overall they are probably the most user friendly patterns to use too.

As shown in my last post, the contents of an envelope pattern will include the pattern instruction sheet and pattern tissue with the pattern pieces printed on it.

Another refresher of what the front of a pattern sheet looks like.

So what exactly is included on the pattern sheet you might wonder.  For a novice seamstress, all the information presented on the instruction sheets will probably look a bit overwhelming.  Those huge sheets include all the information you’ll need to successfully construct the patterns included in the envelope.  Elements of the pattern instruction sheet are:

• Pattern brand and pattern number – the is helpful so you can find all the parts and pieces when you’re finished sewing the item and make sure they stay together.  There are many a times I’ve had pattern pieces from different patterns all over my sewing room so this definitely helps ensure things get back to the right envelope when you’re done.
• Line drawing or sketch of the front and back of all the items included in the pattern – this just gives you a concrete idea of the shape of the item you’ll be sewing.  It’s particularly helpful when an item is presented on the pattern envelope in a print or dark colored fabric.
• Line drawing or sketch of each individual pattern piece including the name of the piece, what views the piece is used in, and it’s corresponding number.  The pattern pieces are only referred to by number in the cutting layout and instructions so, you really need to know this information.
• General directions about the pattern.  This area explains what all the symbols mean – i.e. what a grain line is, what notches look like, where the center front is, etc.  It also explains the cutting and marking process and the general sewing instructions you’ll need ( i.e. the seam allowance used, how to trim seam allowances to reduce bulk, etc.).
• A cutting layout so you maximize your fabric yardage.  This shows you exactly where to place the pattern pieces on your fabric.
• Step-by-step instructions to make all the items in the pattern envelope.  The instructions start with the first garment and progress through.  Several items might be similar and use the same instructions.  This is why it’s so important to read the instructions and look at the pictures before you start.

While it might sound like too much information, I can’t express too strongly how important it is to read all the instructions before you even cut out your pattern pieces.  This truly will help ensure your success.  Also, highlighting the pieces, cutting layout, and parts of the instructions that pertain to what your sewing will help you a lot.  And when in doubt, pull out your trusty sewing reference book to look up a term you’re not familiar with or to guide you even more if you’re unsure about a particular step.

Once I get through all this sewing basics series, I think it would be terrific to have a sew-along of a simple item such as an apron.  That way we can look at everything step-by-step and make something everyone will be successful at and that will fit (garment fitting is a whole different species and is a very common killer of sewing excitement).   Please chime in if you think having a little sew-along would be something you’d like to participate it.

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Creativity abounds in our Children’s Gardens!

Since some of NDiN readers (and fellow writer!) are involved in my Children’s Gardening series I thought I would pop in once in a while to update you on the progress all the kids and grownups are making.

Well I must admit that I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started kinderGARDENS…

But the enthusiasm and creativity that our participants have shown has quite frankly blown me away!  There are now 35 families involved, which has far exceeded what I could have hoped for.

I just wanted to share some of the wild and wonderful ideas that have been shared so far…

Just this morning I went and took a peek at a fairy garden that a 10 year old is making…there are tiny little houses and she just got done building a little wooden walkway to connect the houses so the fairies don’t have to get the hems of the little fairy gown dirty!

There is a couple of little boys that instead of replacing the roof of their play structure with another plastic tarp have decided to grow a living green roof made of pumpkins, gourds, and moonflowers…how cool is that?

There has been a lady bug launch and party to rid a garden of aphids!

We’ve got little tiny ones learning to water and who already have tomatoes to check on!

A family that has actually planted a salsa garden…I LOVE salsa…gonna be stealing this idea!

There are rows and rows of berries being planted in what I must admit is a stunning potager!

And finally there are some boys that have made worm boxes and are now working on a tent that is being built out of peas from a recycled play tent!

What has struck me is how enthused the parents say the children are. They talk about their gardens and spend hours and hours out in them.  When we involve little ones in the planning of our gardens they seem to take a great personal interest in what is growing there!

Susan Morrison was our guest this week and in her post she sighted this recent study of how Americans are spending less and less time in the outdoors…I’m hoping that kinderGARDENS will in some tiny way will help buck that trend!

And me? How is our edible maze coming along?

Well here is a picture to illustrate our progress…

With all of our rain we may switch from building maze to building an ark…seems more practical!

It is not to late to join kinderGARDENS…we would love to have you join the fun!

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Sunday Photos….Mother’s Day

Hey, Kim here!  My kids always ask me what I want for Mother’s Day.

Each year we have the same conversation.

“I just want to hang out with you guys.”

“But that is what you do every day.”

“I know…that is what I like to do.”

“Do you want  a present?”

“No”

“Do you want to go out to a restaurant?”

“No”

“So what do you want?”

“To hang out with you guys…”

“You are sooo boring.”

“I know. Its  Mother’s Day and I can be boring all day if I want!”

Hmmm…guess that makes everyday Mother’s Day around here!

And frankly I would have it no other way…

Happy Mother’s Day all!

*****

I wish I was a poet: that I had the words to express the emotions of looking into the heart of your own child. Instead I’ll share a few photos with you. Perhaps that can help to express the feelings I have for not only my own child, but my mother as well.

Two of my best friends:

Happy Mother’s Day, Ladies!

Jennifer

*****

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Apple upside down Corn Muffins

My family loves these…they are different, they are fun…but mostly they are YUMMY!

Melt in Frying Pan…

1/4 Cup Butter

Stir in…

2/3 Cup Brown Sugar

Cook till bubbly then stir in…

1# Apple Slices (skin optional)

Cook until barely tender (5 min) and then put apple mixture into 12 muffin cups that have been greased and floured.  Set aside.

Mix…

1 C. Cornmeal

1 C. Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

3 TBSP Sugar

1 tsp soda

1/2 tsp salt

Mix in another bowl…

1 Cup Buttermilk

1 Egg

3 Tbsp Oil

Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until all is moistened.

Spoon into muffin tins over apples

Bake at 350 until lightly brown 15 -20 minutes

Remove immedietly by running a knife around the edge.

Apples will now be up…as opposed to down where they used to be…thus the upside down portion of the recipe!

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