Garden update
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Quick update on the March garden here in So Cal! Firstly peppers are up! Loving the peat pellets (though not exactly environmentally friendly!) and I'm running out of room for seedlings! I planted 3 varieties of pepper :) All all have sprouted!
Hummingbird visitor to the garden. Love these birds. Usually you hear them before you see them. I listen for the familiar ziiip, ziiiiiip of them quickly dashing from blossom to blossom on the citrus trees.
Harvested lots of things this month, most notably the cauliflowers! Got a couple of good heads, and ate the leaves too! You knew you can eat the leaves right? :) You can on broccoli too!
For more garden news check out my garden blog World of YardCraft!
Posted byDi Hickman at 9:21 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: gardening
Food Waste
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Food waste for w/c 16th March - 28th March
Missed last week so here is the food waste for the last TWO weeks
2 corndogs - cooked but not eaten as they were freezer burned
celery - forgotten in the produce drawer
spinach - forgotten in the produce drawer
tomato - forgotten in the produce drawer & squidgy
broccoli - forgotten in the produce drawer
Did you notice a theme to the food waste this time? I really just struggled to use up the produce in the house with the extra from the garden, leftovers and eating out. The produce was composted but still it's a waste rather than EATING it!
Missed last week so here is the food waste for the last TWO weeks
2 corndogs - cooked but not eaten as they were freezer burned
celery - forgotten in the produce drawer
spinach - forgotten in the produce drawer
tomato - forgotten in the produce drawer & squidgy
broccoli - forgotten in the produce drawer
Did you notice a theme to the food waste this time? I really just struggled to use up the produce in the house with the extra from the garden, leftovers and eating out. The produce was composted but still it's a waste rather than EATING it!
Posted byDi Hickman at 6:09 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: food, zero waste
March challenge wrap up!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Well the end of the month is fast approaching and the time for the March challenge is coming to an end. This month I've done of quick meals. Honestly I've noticed that my eating habits have changed a lot over the last year. I cook more from scratch, I eat less packaged foods, and we hardly eat frozen at all. In fact I'd say the biggest use of our freezer is for freezing fresh foods to prolong their life.
Over the last month I've used up oddments of packaged foods, whittled down our icecream stash to just 3 tubs (still working on it! lol) and I managed to get in there to clean and organize what was left, which was my purpose!
I've learned a lesson over the last month, which is that packaged foods don't last forever! I've cooked a few things this month only to find they were inedible due to freezer burn and being in the freezer too long. USE what you have!!! Be aware of how long things are stored for, and practice stock rotation! I'm still working through the pile of bread products, but being able to SEE what we have on hand helps a lot!!!
So onto April, new month, new challenge. I mentioned before that I would be taking on the utilities over the next few months, so time to get busy and get preparing!
Posted byDi Hickman at 9:02 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: monthly challenge
Cutting the grocery budget - March
Friday, March 27, 2009
Well this weeks budget was $434.59 with last weeks credit and this weeks budget. Insane! I need to make some new rules to this self imposed challenge! More thoughts on that next week!
This weeks grocery bill: $62.88
- Trader Joes = $51.29
- Produce Market = $10.97
- eggs from last week 31c x2 = 62c
- Total = $62.88
- CR = $371.71
I have lots of items this week that will last a week or two, so should be good for a few weeks for a few things. I need to get back in the habit of making curries too!!! Seem to have been ages since I cooked anything 100% from scratch.
The $371.71 credit this month will get divided in two as usual, that's $185.85 to gardening and $185.85 to the kitchen. I noticed yesterday that we could do with a few new towels, and we were at the store last weekend considering a BBQ. The garden budget for next month is looking at being big again so I need to rethink the grocery budget like I said, but at least that will help with the remodeling of the front garden!
The $371.71 credit this month will get divided in two as usual, that's $185.85 to gardening and $185.85 to the kitchen. I noticed yesterday that we could do with a few new towels, and we were at the store last weekend considering a BBQ. The garden budget for next month is looking at being big again so I need to rethink the grocery budget like I said, but at least that will help with the remodeling of the front garden!
Posted byDi Hickman at 9:44 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: food, grocery budget
No 'Poo - update
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
I haven't been using traditional shampoo for quite a while now, I use bar soap (usually lavender or eucalyptus from Dr Bronner). I made the decision to try it a while ago, and whilst I found the liquid soap and peppermint too harsh for my hair the bar kind in the other "flavors" are fine. The bar soap reduces my global footprint considerably as it has no plastic packaging, the packaging is from recycled paper & soy inks, and the soap itself is made with organic and fair trade products. Lots of reasons to try the switch.
However, I was still using conditioner albeit watered down considerably. I had to use something to get the soap out of my hair and reduce the tangles. I have long hair so tangles are par for the course, but conditioner makes it better. Anyway cutting to the chase, about 4 weeks ago I saw a post on a few blogs about using diluted Apple Cider Vinegar as a conditioning rinse, supposed to reduce tangles and clear out the remaining soap. So I tried it... grabbed an old conditioner bottle and diluted the vinegar to 4 parts water - 1 part vinegar, and I added a cinnamon stick to make it less 'fish-n-chip-shop' smelly (smells great!). A month later and I can honestly say I love it! It definitely works as a rinse, and conditions the hair too! Not only is it a green, all natural product, but it's frugal too!
Disclaimer: I don't use any product in my hair, in fact I hardly style it at all, letting it dry naturally 99.9% of the time, so results may vary I guess :)
However, I was still using conditioner albeit watered down considerably. I had to use something to get the soap out of my hair and reduce the tangles. I have long hair so tangles are par for the course, but conditioner makes it better. Anyway cutting to the chase, about 4 weeks ago I saw a post on a few blogs about using diluted Apple Cider Vinegar as a conditioning rinse, supposed to reduce tangles and clear out the remaining soap. So I tried it... grabbed an old conditioner bottle and diluted the vinegar to 4 parts water - 1 part vinegar, and I added a cinnamon stick to make it less 'fish-n-chip-shop' smelly (smells great!). A month later and I can honestly say I love it! It definitely works as a rinse, and conditions the hair too! Not only is it a green, all natural product, but it's frugal too!
Disclaimer: I don't use any product in my hair, in fact I hardly style it at all, letting it dry naturally 99.9% of the time, so results may vary I guess :)
Posted byDi Hickman at 12:58 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Menu Monday
Monday, March 23, 2009
WEEKLY MENU
w/c 16 March
Monday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Shahi Paneer, rice, samosa
- Dinner: Lasagne, baked potato, HG peas
Tuesday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Rice, channa masala
- Dinner: Pasta, meatballs,vegetables, marinara
Wednesday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Rice, channa masala
- Dinner: Felafel, hummus, pita, rice, tabouleh, collards, cheese
Thursday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Rice, channa masala
- Dinner: OUT
Friday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch:
- Dinner: Baked potato, cauliflower cheese, veg
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Beans on toast
- Dinner: OUT
Sunday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Baked potato, beans, cheese
- Dinner: OUT
Posted byDi Hickman at 6:10 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Cutting the grocery budget
Friday, March 20, 2009
Last weeks grocery credit was $266.10 plus the regular weekly budget of $100 means this weeks budget = $366.10!!! That's nearly a whole months budget! Maybe in future I won't carry over each month, I'll just set aside the carry over in an envelope? Also thinking of permanently cutting the weekly budget, Crunchy Chicken is holding a challenge in April to live on the USDA budget for a month. The budget for a couple should be $323 a month. That's $80.75 a week. I'm not joining in the challenge persay as she's including seeds/plants and well I'm redoing the garden so my garden budget is insane right now! Instead in April, I'm gonna cut down to $80 a week (which gives me an instant $80 garden budget each month!). At the end of this month the totals will be tallied, half to the garden budget half to the kitchen budget (for that solar cooker or BBQ), then April will begin the $80 a week challenge!
This weeks grocery bill: $31.51
- Trader Joes = $31.51
- Total = $31.51
- CR = $334.59
Remember that dog food isn't part of our budget, this experiment is only for us two adults. The dogs pretty much eat kibble, eggs and biscuits, with the occasional tidbit from us. I bought tea this week which bumped up the budget a bit, and I bought organic banana's, peanute butter, soymilk, tea, eggs and would have bought the rest organic if that was an option. The eggs went up this week as I bought the larger size. These are usually for the dogs as a supplement to their dinners but if we use any I will add 31c per egg to next weeks budget. I need to pick up some potatoes too when I am out next but didn't want to drive to the other end of the city just for potatoes (they are cheaper from the produce market!), so I'll pick up those if we end up that way this weekend.
I've been doing ok eating the occasional thing from the freezer, I ran out of burgers so I picked up a fresh pack today. Still 3 tubs of ice-cream in there and way too many bread products, but hopefully in the second half the month I can dig through and get stuff outta there!
Posted byDi Hickman at 10:24 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: food, grocery budget
March challenge update
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The challenge for March was to eat mainly from the fridge/freezer during the month. This has actually proven both easy and difficult. Easy as I've been used to eating the products going out of date first, leftovers etc. Difficult because I've had fresh produce in the garden needing eating plus Bobs leftovers from work. It's definitely a balancing act. I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel though! I finished off two containers of ice-cream! NO THEY WEREN'T FULL!!! Sheesh! Probably about 1/4 left in each tub, if that, but 1/2 cup each night with some fruit soon polished off that, now I only have an open mango/vanilla and 2 vanilla tubs! Speaking of fruit and ice-cream I was thinking that it's going to be lovely to have fresh strawberries this year from the garden, oh please please please let them fruit this year!!!In other news there is a LOT of bread products in that freezer! Who knew? I guess I'll be eating wraps and soup a lot soon :)
Posted byDi Hickman at 1:21 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: monthly challenge
Independence Challenge
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
1. Plant something. Trying to restrain myself a little from planting too much too soon. Practicing succession planting more this year, so in a week or so I'll plant more radish, carrot, tomatoes etc. It's tough trying to restrain myself a little but this way I'll have a continuous harvest instead of a glut! Oh I did plant some Rhubarb and Asparagus :)
2. Harvest something. Oranges, grapefruit, carrots, peas, collards, chard, onions... lots of things to harvest lately!!! Giving me lots of hope for the summer months for sure!
3. Preserve something. I keep meaning to check to see if collards are able to freeze, this would give me some room in the beds plus some food in the freezer for later months.
4. Prep something. Bought the supplies for making trellises for the raised beds :) probably enough 2x4" in the garage for one maybe two trellises. Also rigged together a grow lighting 'system' of a shop light wedged on 2 boxes. Not pretty but it works!
5. Cook something. Ate some more of the peas this week :) Been eating them raw in salads, and cooked with meals. Tried chard for the first time recently and that is definitely a green for summer salads with a few herbs! Should be good if I can't grow baby lettuce in pots in the shade.
6. Manage your reserves. I've set myself the challenge to eat out the fridge/freezer for March. It's slow going though. So much in there that we no longer really eat, and lots of ice-cream! All this was before the menu planning and grocery budget so lots of things that I wouldn't necessarily buy now.
7. Work on local food systems. I need to get to the local farm, a goal for April maybe? lol. I know they sell eggs there, I just need to check they are free-range
8. Reduce waste. The gardening is still creating a lot of waste, but it'll be worth it in the end. Plus the green waste does go to the city for composting so not like it's landfill fodder. We are doing ok waste wise lately. Maybe it's time to step things up a notch?
2. Harvest something. Oranges, grapefruit, carrots, peas, collards, chard, onions... lots of things to harvest lately!!! Giving me lots of hope for the summer months for sure!
3. Preserve something. I keep meaning to check to see if collards are able to freeze, this would give me some room in the beds plus some food in the freezer for later months.
4. Prep something. Bought the supplies for making trellises for the raised beds :) probably enough 2x4" in the garage for one maybe two trellises. Also rigged together a grow lighting 'system' of a shop light wedged on 2 boxes. Not pretty but it works!
5. Cook something. Ate some more of the peas this week :) Been eating them raw in salads, and cooked with meals. Tried chard for the first time recently and that is definitely a green for summer salads with a few herbs! Should be good if I can't grow baby lettuce in pots in the shade.
6. Manage your reserves. I've set myself the challenge to eat out the fridge/freezer for March. It's slow going though. So much in there that we no longer really eat, and lots of ice-cream! All this was before the menu planning and grocery budget so lots of things that I wouldn't necessarily buy now.
7. Work on local food systems. I need to get to the local farm, a goal for April maybe? lol. I know they sell eggs there, I just need to check they are free-range
8. Reduce waste. The gardening is still creating a lot of waste, but it'll be worth it in the end. Plus the green waste does go to the city for composting so not like it's landfill fodder. We are doing ok waste wise lately. Maybe it's time to step things up a notch?
Posted byDi Hickman at 6:11 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: independence
Book Review: the after dinner garening book
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The after dinner gardening book by Richard W. LangerWhen I first started gardening last year, I was on a budget and using all the frugal tips and tricks I could find in my research online. One of the things that popped up again and again during that research was this book. After trying to get hold of a copy for a while, I finally found it available at our library, put a hold on it and a few days later I picked it up.
The copy they had was well worn which showed it had been read plenty and after spending two days leisurely reading through it I can see why! After his accidental lemon tree sparked the interest in gardening, this book goes in detail of the adventures of Richard and his obsession with planting the 'throwaways' from everyday produce.
From lemon trees, avocado to papaya Richard tried it all! Sure he had some failures but he also had successes! I could totally relate to this book and the author! Heck I have some of my own experiments going on now, and last year I had the tomato experiment from store produce. Just because some people tell you it can't be done, doesn't mean you shouldn't try! Definitely recommend it to all gardeners!
Posted byDi Hickman at 9:21 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Menu Monday
Monday, March 16, 2009
WEEKLY MENU Week commencing 9 March
Monday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Di Paneer, rice & samosa
- Dinner: Potatoes, salad, feta
Tuesday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Felafel burger, chips
- Dinner: Spaghetti, HG collards, HG peas, marinara, 'meat'balls
Wednesday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch:Malai Kofta, biryani, naan
- Dinner: Soup, roll
Thursday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Vegetable masala, onion bhaji, vegetable samosa, naan
- Dinner: ???
Friday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: OUT - indian buffet
- Dinner: icecream & beer (was stuffed from lunch)
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Pizza
- Dinner: Souplantation
Sunday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Burger, bun
- Dinner: Channa masala, rice, pakora
Posted byDi Hickman at 6:10 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Food Waste
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Food waste for w/c 9th March
I had hoped this week to report a big fat zilch but I had a "freezing experiment" which went a little wrong, lol. On using some pizza dough last weekend I decided to freeze half with the toppings, like the frozen pizza's you get in boxes. Well let me tell ya, it doesn't work! Maybe if I part cooked it first? Who knows! Anyway so into the trash this week:
I had hoped this week to report a big fat zilch but I had a "freezing experiment" which went a little wrong, lol. On using some pizza dough last weekend I decided to freeze half with the toppings, like the frozen pizza's you get in boxes. Well let me tell ya, it doesn't work! Maybe if I part cooked it first? Who knows! Anyway so into the trash this week:
- 1/2 portion of pizza dough with toppings
Not that bad really!
Posted byDi Hickman at 6:08 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: food, zero waste
Garden update
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Well the big news is that the veggie seeds are up! We have cucumbers, tomatoes, chard, collards, peppers and more! I planted lots and lots and in another week or so will be planting more for succession plantings. I intend to harvest throughout the season this year, not in gluts like last year! No more weeks of 24 radishes maturing together, or all the tomatoes ripening together (though I hear that happens anyway, lol). Here's a pic of the tomatoes, these are Amish Paste.
I discovered that I need more of these larger 6 pack cells so maybe later in the year I'll snag some plants from the store and save them (which is how I got the ones I already have). Still looking for some thai chili pepper seeds, but not to worry if I don't find them, they are cheap enough to buy and I only need a few at a time. Speaking of which I need to get busy sowing herbs like coriander for curries :)
Posted byDi Hickman at 1:08 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: gardening
Cutting the grocery budget
Friday, March 13, 2009
Last weeks grocery credit was $209.80 plus the regular weekly budget of $100 means this weeks budget = $309.80 which is kinda ridiculous so I need to rethink the whole carry over month to month thing! Maybe set that money aside as a budget later on? I dunno
This weeks grocery bill: $43.70
- Trader Joes = $41.12
- Paneer from last week = $2.50
- Total = $43.70
- CR = $266.10
As you can see not much on the receipt this week, and only one as I have enough produce this week and supplies in the fridge/freezer/cupboards to last for AGES. Some things this week will last for multiple weeks, and I know I need to get moving on harvesting salad stuff in the garden so I bought a lasagna this week. I splurged on some organic cheese and eggs this week, I'd like to see if they taste any different plus this is part of the reason for saving money each week so I can splurge on healthier/better foods! Not a very exciting receipt but eating from the fridge/freezer for the month will do that :)
Posted byDi Hickman at 9:19 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: food, grocery budget, zero waste
March challenge update
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Time for an update on this months challenge: eating food from the freezer! After seeing a surprising amount of freezer burned foods I decided to empty the freezer, clean it out and start over with homepreserved foods. On closer inspection of the freezer after my post last week I noticed there are FIVE tubs of ice-cream in there! FIVE! Why on earth would we need FIVE for the two of us? One is mango vanilla (Bobs favorite), one is chocolate (which neither of us really likes) and there are THREE vanilla. I think this goes back to the pre-grocery-budget days where I'd just buy things for the sake of buying it. Walking past the freezer in the supermarket and suddenly thinking "I haven't bought ice-cream in a while, we must need some!". Crazy!
Anyway other than ice-cream the other main component in the freezer is bread products. From loaves, to pita, to rolls, naans and wraps. Not sure how they'll all fare defrosted as they've been in there a while but if nothing else they'll be dog food fodder :) The dogs never care about bread type as long as they get some!
Slowly but surely the last week I've been using things from the freezer, just one or two things a day is all it takes. I've eaten rolls, burgers, vegetables, soup, nuggets bread and ice-cream! All the name of emptying the freezer naturally. What I've found so far is I prefer the fresh foods. I prefer the homegrown veggies, simple recipes and stuff that has a couple of lines of ingredients not a whole paragraph. All I can say is it's a good job I have all month to work through the freezer!
Anyway other than ice-cream the other main component in the freezer is bread products. From loaves, to pita, to rolls, naans and wraps. Not sure how they'll all fare defrosted as they've been in there a while but if nothing else they'll be dog food fodder :) The dogs never care about bread type as long as they get some!
Slowly but surely the last week I've been using things from the freezer, just one or two things a day is all it takes. I've eaten rolls, burgers, vegetables, soup, nuggets bread and ice-cream! All the name of emptying the freezer naturally. What I've found so far is I prefer the fresh foods. I prefer the homegrown veggies, simple recipes and stuff that has a couple of lines of ingredients not a whole paragraph. All I can say is it's a good job I have all month to work through the freezer!
Posted byDi Hickman at 10:50 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: monthly challenge
Book Review: The Omnivore's Dilemma
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
I want to say straight up that I'm a vegetarian but I read Michael Pollens book "The Omnivore's Dilemma" and felt change stirring. Whist he focused on 3 different meals which weren't vegetarian I got inspired by his tracking down of the ingredients, and finding out exactly where his food was coming from. Especially enlightening was the first chapter on corn! It's everywhere! From the food we eat to the drywall in our houses!!! Who would have thought?
The second chapter that intrigued me most and that I was looking forward to most after hearing about it one of his lectures (available online) was his stay at the Stalatin Farm. Joel Stalatin uses sustainable farming methods, rotating crops around a field to promote growth, soil and grass , well fed and free roaming cattle, and health and free ranging chickens, amongst other animals. His farm really shows what CAN be done, and how effective it is. That chapter also opened my eyes to the pathetic situation that farmers are in for abbatoire services governed by the USDA. Seriously something really needs to be done about the USDA and the farming methods they are advocating! They go against everything farming is about, and had stood for for the past millenia.
The third and final chapter about hunting and foraging food, was both rewarding and repulsive. I did read the details of the hunt if only to reinforce in my mind that hunting was not an option for us. Foraging for food however I certainly loved all the information he provided. I'd love to go on a course or something in learning the different wild edibles in our area!
What changes will I make from reading "The Omnivore's Dilemma"? Well the one thing I took away from this book is the chickens plight. I buy cage-free eggs, but after learning that there are NO USDA guidelines on the terms cage-free or free-range that basically any egg manufacturer could claim the rights to add these terms to their egg boxes I am most likely going to make a change and seek out farm eggs locally. We have a local pick your own farm with a farmstand and I know they have hens that range free, like chickens should so I am considering buying from them in future. In fact I may do that for the majority of my produce. Perhaps trialing it on a months basis.
No matter if you are a carnivor, hunter, gatherer, gardener or vegan this book gives you LOTS to think about! Definitely recommend it!!!
The second chapter that intrigued me most and that I was looking forward to most after hearing about it one of his lectures (available online) was his stay at the Stalatin Farm. Joel Stalatin uses sustainable farming methods, rotating crops around a field to promote growth, soil and grass , well fed and free roaming cattle, and health and free ranging chickens, amongst other animals. His farm really shows what CAN be done, and how effective it is. That chapter also opened my eyes to the pathetic situation that farmers are in for abbatoire services governed by the USDA. Seriously something really needs to be done about the USDA and the farming methods they are advocating! They go against everything farming is about, and had stood for for the past millenia.
The third and final chapter about hunting and foraging food, was both rewarding and repulsive. I did read the details of the hunt if only to reinforce in my mind that hunting was not an option for us. Foraging for food however I certainly loved all the information he provided. I'd love to go on a course or something in learning the different wild edibles in our area!
What changes will I make from reading "The Omnivore's Dilemma"? Well the one thing I took away from this book is the chickens plight. I buy cage-free eggs, but after learning that there are NO USDA guidelines on the terms cage-free or free-range that basically any egg manufacturer could claim the rights to add these terms to their egg boxes I am most likely going to make a change and seek out farm eggs locally. We have a local pick your own farm with a farmstand and I know they have hens that range free, like chickens should so I am considering buying from them in future. In fact I may do that for the majority of my produce. Perhaps trialing it on a months basis.
No matter if you are a carnivor, hunter, gatherer, gardener or vegan this book gives you LOTS to think about! Definitely recommend it!!!
Posted byDi Hickman at 12:46 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: books
Utilities
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
For a while now I've been interested in our utility bills. Summer is a bad time for Electricity due to the air conditioning, and winter is a bad time for gas due to heating and drying costs (usually I line dry). Water conservation is something I'm trying to do too this summer as we head to another drought year and the possibility of mandatory reductions. Basically all the utilities I can change I want to review the past years usage and see if we can work steps to cutting it back. Now obviously this doesn't include internet which is a static fee, or phone (we use VOIP which is already low cost). I'm talking gas, electric, waste, & water.
First thing I want to do is gather some bills for the last 12 months and see how much we've used and how much it cost. Then work out what the average is for a family of 2, and go from there. I have a feeling we've above average on electric, but we'll see...
Rather than tackling all of these at once I am going to tackle things one utility at a time. I'm thinking Monthly challenges here for the next 4 months!!! Tackling each one, step by step, small changes make a huge difference! So for
First thing I want to do is gather some bills for the last 12 months and see how much we've used and how much it cost. Then work out what the average is for a family of 2, and go from there. I have a feeling we've above average on electric, but we'll see...
Rather than tackling all of these at once I am going to tackle things one utility at a time. I'm thinking Monthly challenges here for the next 4 months!!! Tackling each one, step by step, small changes make a huge difference! So for
- April: Gas,
- May: Electric,
- June: Water,
- July: Waste;
Posted byDi Hickman at 11:00 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: budget, green, utilities
Menu Monday
Monday, March 9, 2009
WEEKLY MENU W/C 2nd March
Monday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Tater tots, tofurkey, beans
- Dinner: Omlette, chips, peas
Tuesday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: eggplant parmesan, rice, veg
- Dinner: potatoes, tofurkey, collards, veg, gravy
Wednesday - Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Felafel sandwich
- Dinner: Burger, Bun, vegetables.
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Shahi paneer, rice, samosa, bhaji
- Dinner: nuggets, potatoes, beans
Friday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Malai Kofta, rice, samosa
- Dinner: OUT
Saturday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch:Tofurkey sausage, potato salad, homegrown salad, sprinkling of feta.
- Dinner:
Sunday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Pizza
- Dinner: Di Paneer & pakora's
Posted byDi Hickman at 12:55 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Food Waste
Sunday, March 8, 2009
This weeks food waste:
- Block of cheese (About 1lb)
- 3/4 tin beetroot
- 1/2 tin peas
- 3/4 Jar salsa
- 1/4 bag Chips
Well after a couple of good weeks, it all went bad, literally, lol! First up this week was a block of cheddar cheese that quite frankly I'm not sure the last time we used it. I'm not a big cheese eater and with Bob working late (and eating at work) it just isn't getting used. Needless to say there was a furry block in the container, not good!
The beetroot was a tin from the 99c store and was terrible. Not even sure what was wrong with it, but just ewwww. Anyway after sitting in the fridge for about a month I figured it was time to compost it away.
The peas were a mistake :( Hidden behind condiment jars on the second shelf. Hard to see round those big jars and I just missed it. When I did see it they were slimy so I composted 'em.
Salsa and chips were OLD, way old! I think these were from thanksgiving!!! Yep that's FOUR months ago! Seriously how long do I think these things last? I mean I know it's Salsa but really! Needless to say the went in the compost too (salsa I wasn't sure about so I trashed it).
The beetroot was a tin from the 99c store and was terrible. Not even sure what was wrong with it, but just ewwww. Anyway after sitting in the fridge for about a month I figured it was time to compost it away.
The peas were a mistake :( Hidden behind condiment jars on the second shelf. Hard to see round those big jars and I just missed it. When I did see it they were slimy so I composted 'em.
Salsa and chips were OLD, way old! I think these were from thanksgiving!!! Yep that's FOUR months ago! Seriously how long do I think these things last? I mean I know it's Salsa but really! Needless to say the went in the compost too (salsa I wasn't sure about so I trashed it).
Posted byDi Hickman at 12:53 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: food, zero waste
Cutting the grocery budget
Friday, March 6, 2009
Start of a new month! Last months grocery excess came to $284.10 in credit! That means half of that goes to the garden budget and half $142.05 moves on to this months grocery budget! Now that's almost a week and a half budget extra this month BUT I have things up my sleeve to offset the extra! Like HP sauce purchases, kitchenware purchases, and other kitchen related expenses ;) I would really like a solar cooker this year, maybe a BBQ? So that's what the grocery side will be saving towards (beside HP sauce, mushy peas and baked beans).This weeks budget = $242.05
This weeks grocery bill: $
- Trader Joes = $19.06
- Produce Market = $12.98
- Egg from last week = 21c
- Total = $32.25
- CR = $209.80
Bob has decided he's sick of curry for lunch but doesn't know what he DOES want for lunch! *sigh* such a picky eater! I really need to get on and harvest/use some garden veggies! Also need to make a batch of soup soon hence the celery! I also decided to try out a few different types of bananas that I saw in the produce market, so I picked up some different types :) Some brown tomatoes, and a papaya. Not tried those before either so should be interesting! Spinach was on offer, so palak paneer this week!
Posted byDi Hickman at 3:50 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: grocery budget
Book Review: Affluenza
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Affluenza is the term coined by the authors for the excessive consumerism suffered by the average American. I wouldn't categorize myself as suffering from Affluenza, but I have the occasional 24hour cold version, though thankfully few and far between. I guess for me I've never been into things, much more into experiences and opportunities. Keeping up with the Jones' was never something that even crossed my mind, except when I see other peoples lovely flat gardens and I have the slope from hell! lol!
However despite us not suffering from Affluenza, the book was a great read, documenting the reasons for our affluenza, symptoms, diagnosis and a short and simple cure! Like I said though not something I suffer from. We are pretty thrifty for the most part, allowing ourselves the occasional splurge on big items. Sure we have a bigscreen TV but we don't have cable ;) We don't watch the ads that sucker you into buying crap you don't need. We canceled our newspaper ages ago, and the cable went in Dec 2007 (and no we don't miss it!).
I guess because of our upbringing we're more the 'use what you have' type of people. Now occasionally we'll go crazy and HAVE to buy clothes or items (like snowboards, or biking gear) but like I said our consumerism is geared towards experiences and activities, and even then I bought 2nd hand snowboard, boots and bindings. I'm not giving up my dirtbike for the sake of affluenza, I love my dirtbike! I love riding. Just like I love the other hobbies I have, again all about creating and experiences.
Affluenza to me is $1600 handbags, 30 pairs of shoes and redecorating your house every 2 years, that thankfully is not us, and hopefully never will be!
However despite us not suffering from Affluenza, the book was a great read, documenting the reasons for our affluenza, symptoms, diagnosis and a short and simple cure! Like I said though not something I suffer from. We are pretty thrifty for the most part, allowing ourselves the occasional splurge on big items. Sure we have a bigscreen TV but we don't have cable ;) We don't watch the ads that sucker you into buying crap you don't need. We canceled our newspaper ages ago, and the cable went in Dec 2007 (and no we don't miss it!).
I guess because of our upbringing we're more the 'use what you have' type of people. Now occasionally we'll go crazy and HAVE to buy clothes or items (like snowboards, or biking gear) but like I said our consumerism is geared towards experiences and activities, and even then I bought 2nd hand snowboard, boots and bindings. I'm not giving up my dirtbike for the sake of affluenza, I love my dirtbike! I love riding. Just like I love the other hobbies I have, again all about creating and experiences.
Affluenza to me is $1600 handbags, 30 pairs of shoes and redecorating your house every 2 years, that thankfully is not us, and hopefully never will be!
Posted byDi Hickman at 9:25 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: books
Independence Challenge
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
1. Plant something. After sowing a bunch of seeds for winter sowing I sowed some inside too! Rather have too many transplants than not enough! Hate the waiting part though between planting and the darn things popping up! Too impatient I am!
2. Harvest something. Yep! Still harvesting lots of veggies from the garden. Including: oranges, collards, peas, mustard greens, beet greens, tomatoes (occasionally) and few other bits and bobs. Lots more to harvest though!
3. Preserve something. Nothing preserved yet, BUT I am clearing out the freezer in order to clean it and make room for summer preserving.
4. Prep something. As mentioned above March is about eating from the freezer, clearing and cleaning it out to make way for frozen preserved crops.
5. Cook something. Wow I've been experimenting lately! Tried collards, beets and now mustard greens!
6. Manage your reserves. This is one of the reasons for the freezer clear out. Should make this a regular feature on the calendar to use up supplies.
7. Work on local food systems. Considering going to the farm in future for eggs and produce. Maybe look into it more later this month.
8. Reduce waste. Working well so far on this. Used up a ton of cardboard in the garden so I have a weed suppressant under my bark chips (when I get the bark chips). Still doing well on the landfill waste.
2. Harvest something. Yep! Still harvesting lots of veggies from the garden. Including: oranges, collards, peas, mustard greens, beet greens, tomatoes (occasionally) and few other bits and bobs. Lots more to harvest though!
3. Preserve something. Nothing preserved yet, BUT I am clearing out the freezer in order to clean it and make room for summer preserving.
4. Prep something. As mentioned above March is about eating from the freezer, clearing and cleaning it out to make way for frozen preserved crops.
5. Cook something. Wow I've been experimenting lately! Tried collards, beets and now mustard greens!
6. Manage your reserves. This is one of the reasons for the freezer clear out. Should make this a regular feature on the calendar to use up supplies.
7. Work on local food systems. Considering going to the farm in future for eggs and produce. Maybe look into it more later this month.
8. Reduce waste. Working well so far on this. Used up a ton of cardboard in the garden so I have a weed suppressant under my bark chips (when I get the bark chips). Still doing well on the landfill waste.
Posted byDi Hickman at 9:42 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: independence
Harvest 2009 - February
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
New month begins, and before I get into discussing my goals for March I thought I'd update with my Harvest for February. Each time I harvest from the garden I grab the scales and weigh it. Last year I kind of fell off the wagon doing this, but now with the freedom harvest challenge I am inspired to keep up with the totals this year!
- 5oz Beet Greens
- 2oz Broccoli
- 2oz Chard
- 16oz Collard Greens
- 14oz Mustard Greens
- 27oz Orange (Navel)
- 129oz Orange (Valencia)
- 6oz Peas
- 2oz Radish
- 1oz Tomato
With reference to grocery fliers, the Dervaes site and the local PYO place, I came upon my own "harvest price list" to see how much money I've saved. The cost SHOULD be higher than grocery store prices as it's homegrown organic produce! Takes a while for that to sink in. The monetary thing is purely so I can convince myself to spend some money on the garden in that I've 'earned' it. It's almost like giving back to the garden and makes the whole thing sustainable. Plus with all the improvements I want to make this year I certainly need the budget boost each month!
February Harvest Budget = $18.92
- Orange (N) = 27oz @ 59c lb = 99c
- Orange (V) = 129oz @ 59c lb = $4.76
- Radish = 2oz @ 59c lb = 7c
- Tomato = 1 oz @ $1.99 lb =12c
- Collard greens = 16oz @ $2.99lb = $2.99
- Beet Greens = 5oz @ $6 lb = $1.87
- Broccoli = 6oz @ $3 lb = $1.12
- Chard = 2oz @ $6 lb = 75c
- Mustard Greens = 14oz @ $6 lb = $5.25
- Peas = 6oz @ $4 lb = $1.00
Posted byDi Hickman at 9:44 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: frugal, fruit, gardening, grocery budget, harvest, vegetables
Menu Monday
Monday, March 2, 2009
WEEKLY MENU
I'd been doing really well updating the post with my food till the end of the week and now I cannot remember what I ate for Thursday dinner! Ah well, probably some leftover delights no doubt!
Monday
I'd been doing really well updating the post with my food till the end of the week and now I cannot remember what I ate for Thursday dinner! Ah well, probably some leftover delights no doubt!
Monday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Saag Tofu, Rice
- Dinner: Tofurkey, mashed potato,Homegrown Collard Greens, Homegrown peas, gravy
Tuesday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Pizza, Homegrown Chard, HomegrownTomato
- Dinner: Saag Tofu, Rice
Wednesday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Mushroom masala, rice, samosa
- Dinner: Spaghetti, marinara, tofurkey sausage, veggies
Thursday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Felafel, rice, tabbouleh, hummus, pita
- Dinner: ??
Friday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Malai Kofta & Rice
- Dinner: Take out
Saturday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: Leftovers from Take out
- Dinner: OUT
Sunday
- Breakfast: Cereal; Homegrown Orange;
- Lunch: meatball, marinara & cheese Pita
- Dinner: OUT
Posted byDi Hickman at 12:17 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: menu
March Challenge
Sunday, March 1, 2009
After a long hard think about what to do as my green/frugal challenge this month I've decided on a double whammy! This month I am clearing out the freezer, eating everything in there, so I can do a clean sweep and fill it with healthy frozen produce and healthy homemade meals.
The reason for this is mainly because of the freezer burned foods I found in there a couple of weeks ago. Freezer burned food does NOT cook well. Plus we hardly eat processed foods anyway and so some of that food has been in there a while! So it's "Empty the freezer month" for Path to Greendom.
The reason for this is mainly because of the freezer burned foods I found in there a couple of weeks ago. Freezer burned food does NOT cook well. Plus we hardly eat processed foods anyway and so some of that food has been in there a while! So it's "Empty the freezer month" for Path to Greendom.
My goal at the end of the month is to clean out the freezer, and hopefully the refridgerator as ours is a side by side. Another effect of this is that the grocery bill will probably go down again this month as I make meals from the frozen foods. My first job before I do anything else is to make a list of what is in there and plan some meals from there! I know we have some processed veggie burgers, 'meat'balls, corndogs, sausages, riblets, bacon and a couple of tubs of icecream which I'll gladly eat for the sake of a monthly challenge, lol!
Back with an update soon as to the freezer contents!
Back with an update soon as to the freezer contents!
Posted byDi Hickman at 9:46 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: monthly challenge
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