Easy Frugal Living

The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

2012-01-28T08:01:00.002-06:00

The USDA released the updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map earlier this week. The map reflects a progressive warming trend.

Looks like we moved from zone 5b to 6a. Be sure to check the map and see what zone you are in now.

Are you prepared for SHTF?

2012-01-26T09:54:00.000-06:00

Are you prepared for SHTF?

What is SHTF do you ask?

It means "sh!t hits the fan" or an economic collapse. Many say 2012 will only get worse. So my friend, are you prepared?

I'm not prepared. I'm not a total fanatic about it, but I do think about it and have a few things stockpiled, but don't consider myself "prepared".

Anyway, I was searching for a video and ran across this one I wanted to share.

Do you consider yourself "prepared"? Do you have ANYTHING stockpiled in case of some sort of disaster whether it be personal or on a larger scale?

I wanna hear your thoughts.

Today is National Peanut Butter Day

2012-01-24T09:17:00.000-06:00

Today is National Peanut Butter Day!

Did you know it takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter?

My family loves peanut butter as much as chocolate. When the two are paired together I know it will be a treat they will love. Americans were first introduced to the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in 1928 and is the favorite candy bar in this house.

Their favorite home-made treat is Chocolate Peanut Butter Fingers.

They are quick, easy to make and don't last long around here.

What is your favorite peanut butter recipe?

Today is National Pie Day

2012-01-23T11:10:00.001-06:00

Today is National Pie Day. The "holiday" is promoted by The American Pie Council who is the only organization committed to maintaining America's pie heritage and encourages Americans to hold pie parties at home/work or to benefit a favorite charity.

I've been wanting to make some jar pies.

Or maybe you would prefer to make some pie pops?

Sounds like a good excuse to endulge in pie today, even if you buy a pie.

For some more fun pie ideas check out Handheld Pies: Dozens of Pint-Size Sweets and Savories.

Baked "Fried" Chicken

2011-10-11T08:07:00.004-05:00

Learning to cook healthier for myself but in ways my family will also like is not easy.

This chicken recipe is one we all agreed we liked.

2/3 c instant potatoe flakes
1/3 c parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic pepper or garlic powder
1 stick margarine, melted
3 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast

Heat oven to 375.
Spray cookie sheet with baking spray.
Melt margarine in bowl.
In another bowl, combine potato flakes, parmesan cheese and garlic.
Dip chicken in margarine and roll in potate flakes.
Bake 30-45 minutes until chicken is done.

I like to turn the oven to high broil the last couple minutes to brown the chicken real good.

The fat content has to be pretty low with no skin and no frying in grease, don't you think? Is there any dieticians out there?

I like to serve this with grilled asparagus and/or honey glazed carrots.

Do any of you have heart healthy recipes you would like to share? I'm all ears!

Frugal Photo Display-Repurposing Plastic CD Cases

2011-08-19T08:11:00.002-05:00

Do you have a stash of cd cases laying around? Check this out.I love this idea! I've seen a couple other ideas to repurpose cd cases. What's your favorite?

Frugal wall art! For the instructions you can go here

Art of the Chicken Coop Review

2011-08-15T08:44:00.008-05:00

Art of the Chicken Coop by Chris Gleason

Keeping a small flock of backyard chickens is becoming more and more popular.

In Art of the Chicken Coop there are easy to follow construction plans for seven different coops, four of them for flocks of six chickens or less. The perfect size for a backyard flock. One coop is a space saver, only using 2 ½ x 3 feet of space! Each coop includes a complete supply list and lots of pictures!

If you will be keeping over six, up to fifteen, three of the coop designs will accommodate such a flock. The author also includes instructions on how to increase the size of any of the coops in the book.

What I really liked was the use of salvaged materials. Both my coops used salvaged materials. I’m sure my new coop will be no different.

There are also 3 profiles of chicken keepers who offer some great advice and tips, a whole chapter on building coop runs, advice on everything you’ll need in your coop, a characteristic chart of popular backyard breeds (with each breed pictured), and egg recipes.

From beginner to veteran this book has great information for anyone!