Everyone has heard of Boy Scouts and earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Few have heard of Royal Rangers and the Gold Medal of Achievement (GMA).
Royal Rangers is a scouting/mentoring program for boys through the Assemblies of God churches. The boys earn badges and medals much like Boy Scouts. They camp and hike and learn to tie knots. They are taught first aid skills and survival skills. An emphasis is placed on serving others rather than being served.
The Gold Medal of Achievement is the highest honor a boy can achieve in Royal Rangers. It is the RR equivalent of the Eagle Scout. Why am I telling you about it? Because, my son, Josh, has earned his GMA at the age of 14! We are actively planning his ceremony that will take place on November 17.
I am so proud of Josh and all of his accomplishments. He has worked very hard to complete all of his requirements. Most boys that earn their GMA are 16 or older.
Josh will now become a Junior Leader in our local Royal Ranger chapter. He has also joined Boy Scouts and is working towards his Eagle Scout.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Hectic Life
The days between blogs seems to getting more and more. I feel as though my life is not my own anymore! Having teen and pre-teen boys keeps us on the road a lot more that I would like to be.
School is back in session now. We wanted to homeschool through the summer but it seems we never do. We are part of a homeschool co-op again this year and we are all loving it. Josh is a freshman in High School this year. That's so hard to believe! I am now thinking of everything he will need to graduate and get into college. I am so not ready!
The boys also have their first part time job. They are milking cows and feeding chickens and pigs 2 days a week. I guess it would be my job as well since I have to drive them there. I think it's a great educational experience for them as well as a way to put a little spending money in their pockets.
The garden is at that awkward stage between summer and fall. It is overrun with weeds and in serious need of attention. I have had a problem with deer for the first time this year. I have to say they are just as frustrating as everyone says they are! I go out one day and admire my purple hull peas that are just putting out pea pods. The next day I go out and there is nothing but bare stems and lots of deer tracks. They have even been guilty of eating the leaves off of my okra plants. You would think they would make their mouths itchy the same way they make my arms itchy! The only redeeming thought is that maybe I am fattening him up so he can take up more space in my freezer this winter. There is a bounty on his head!
That's about all that's going on right now. I hope to get back to posting regularly. Wish me luck!
School is back in session now. We wanted to homeschool through the summer but it seems we never do. We are part of a homeschool co-op again this year and we are all loving it. Josh is a freshman in High School this year. That's so hard to believe! I am now thinking of everything he will need to graduate and get into college. I am so not ready!
The boys also have their first part time job. They are milking cows and feeding chickens and pigs 2 days a week. I guess it would be my job as well since I have to drive them there. I think it's a great educational experience for them as well as a way to put a little spending money in their pockets.
The garden is at that awkward stage between summer and fall. It is overrun with weeds and in serious need of attention. I have had a problem with deer for the first time this year. I have to say they are just as frustrating as everyone says they are! I go out one day and admire my purple hull peas that are just putting out pea pods. The next day I go out and there is nothing but bare stems and lots of deer tracks. They have even been guilty of eating the leaves off of my okra plants. You would think they would make their mouths itchy the same way they make my arms itchy! The only redeeming thought is that maybe I am fattening him up so he can take up more space in my freezer this winter. There is a bounty on his head!
That's about all that's going on right now. I hope to get back to posting regularly. Wish me luck!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Ants, Ants Everywhere!
I'm not sure what was going on yesterday but my husband walked outside and there were ants swarming everywhere! They completely covered this planter and the wall behind it. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it before. Luckily for me...and not so much for the ants... I had just received a box of Combat Ant Bait and Combat Ant Gel to review. You can see the Combat Ant Bait in the picture.
We put out several of the Combat Ant Baits and the ants immediately swarmed it.
We waited about 30 minutes and went back outside to see what was going on and we were amazed!!
The ants were no longer swarming! I am going to give it a couple of days to see if the ants are completely gone but so far, I am really impressed!
I think this will be wonderful in spring when the ant hills start popping up everywhere.
Would you like to try it? One lucky reader will be selected to receive a free sample.
To be entered, comment on this post or shoot me an email at kfreekave@aol.com with the subject line Combat Ant Bait. Entries must be received by 8/31/12.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Processing Tomatoes ~ Option 2
Sorry it has taken me a few days to get this post up. I've been canning tomatoes! I've also been working in the garden. The garden was so happy to see the rain last week but the weeds were too!! I couldn't believe how they took over in just a few days time!
In the last blog I showed you the traditional way of peeling tomatoes. You know....the boil, dump in ice water, then peel and core. Well, here is the EASY way to do it!
Process!
I begin by filling my canning pot about 2/3 of the way full. Turn the stove on high and let the water begin heating. This will take a while because of the volume of water you are working with. While the water is heating I wash my jars and lids then place them in the pot of water. This way they heat up with the water.
In the meantime, make sure your tomato sauce is hot. REMEMBER...always add HOT liquid to HOT jars. If you don't you could have a mess!
Use your funnel to keep the top of the jar clean. Add 1 T. lemon juice to each pint jar and 2 T. to each quart of tomatoes. Fill the jar with tomato sauce leaving 1/2" headspace at the top. Wipe the rim of the jar with a damp cloth. Place lid on jar until just tight. Do not overdo it! Put you jar back in the water bath. Repeat until you have enough jars to fill the pot. Cover and boil for 35 minutes. Once they are finished, remove from the water and place on a towel. You will hear the pop of the tops as they begin to seal. Let the jars rest for 24 hours and then store. You may also want to write the contents and date on the lid.
In the last blog I showed you the traditional way of peeling tomatoes. You know....the boil, dump in ice water, then peel and core. Well, here is the EASY way to do it!
Core the tomatoes
Throw them in a food processor...skin and all
Process!
Then I cook it down just like in the previous post.
Once your tomatoes are at the consistency that you want them, it's time to can or freeze them.
To can them you will need a large pot, jars,
and these handy gadgets if possible.
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| Funnel, jar lifter, lid magnet |
In the meantime, make sure your tomato sauce is hot. REMEMBER...always add HOT liquid to HOT jars. If you don't you could have a mess!
Use your funnel to keep the top of the jar clean. Add 1 T. lemon juice to each pint jar and 2 T. to each quart of tomatoes. Fill the jar with tomato sauce leaving 1/2" headspace at the top. Wipe the rim of the jar with a damp cloth. Place lid on jar until just tight. Do not overdo it! Put you jar back in the water bath. Repeat until you have enough jars to fill the pot. Cover and boil for 35 minutes. Once they are finished, remove from the water and place on a towel. You will hear the pop of the tops as they begin to seal. Let the jars rest for 24 hours and then store. You may also want to write the contents and date on the lid.
Now, if you have read this far in my blog, I think you deserve a prize! Please go check this out. Let me know which video is your favorite and you will be entered to win a coupon for FREE Purex! I'll let you know my favorite in the next blog.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Journey to the End of the Tomatoes ~Preserving Tomatoes
So, now the works begins. I'm going to give you a little description of how I prepare the tomatoes for canning. Now, there are many ways to can tomatoes. I would recommend have a Ball Blue Book in your kitchen at all times. It's my favorite guide to all things canning! The Blue Book may have something similar to what I'm going to tell you about but I'm not sure. I am going to tell you about the way I like to process my tomatoes. I learned to do it this way through experimenting the last couple of years.
Of course, we begin by washing everything off and removing any stems that remain.
Step 3: Peel tomatoes and core them. The peels should just slide right off without much work on your part. If the skin did not split on it's own while in the boiling water, I just take a sharp knife and slice lightly across the bottom of the tomato. Slip the skins into your compost container and cut out the core and any bad spots that may be on your tomato.
Step 4: Place all of your tomatoes in a large stock pot. Do NOT add water! Just fill it up until it's almost full and set your temperature to Med/High and let it cook. This is NOT going to be a short process! I wander through and stir the tomatoes whenever I think about it and adjust the temp up or down depending on how hard it is cooking. You want it to just barely boil. I cook it down until it is about 1/3 of it's original volume (usually 4-5 hours). This cooks the water out so you are not canning 1/2 water and 1/2 tomatoes.
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| Ok, I had mine too full and had to add a 3rd pot |
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| Front pot blended the back pot was not |
I have an easier way of processing your fresh tomatoes. I hope to have it ready for you in the next day or two and then we will go to How To Can.
Friday, June 29, 2012
The Zucchini Candy Experiment
I am very happy to announce that our home is overrun with fresh fruit and vegetables. I am happy because this has been a GRAND year for the garden! The last couple of years we have drowned in the spring thanks to excessive rain only to be dried out overnight by oppressive heat. This year we have eased into summer with wonderful temperatures that have allowed the garden to flourish.
I have been looking for creative ways to use my mounds of zucchini that have been coming in. I usually just saute' up the small ones with a little onion but every now and then we find one that has hidden from us and is as long as my arm. After filling the freezer with zucchini pecan muffins I ran across a recipe for Zucchini Candy! The reviews were great so I thought I would try it too.
I only had one package of Kool-Aid since I don't normally buy the stuff. I made half of a recipe using the Sour Apple Kool-Aid and I made up my own spicy concoction for the other half. I made a simple syrup and added cinnamon and Sriracha. I didn't measure the ingredients. I just added stuff until it tasted balanced.
The result...
It really is good. I have to admit that my favorite is the cinnamon sriracha. It has enough heat to get your attention but a great flavor. The candy is very similar to gummy worms.
And being one that does not like for anything to go to waste, I strained the remaining Kool-Aid marinade, added water and served it to the boys as a nice, refreshing drink. I took the remaining cinnamon sriracha marinade, strained it, and made jelly. It will be wonderful served over cream cheese with some crackers! That's the jelly there in the middle ---->
One more fun thing I am doing now is making my own Kefir. Some of our friends came through town last week and she gave me some Kefir grains. If you don't know much about Kefir and it's health benefits I would encourage you to do a little research on it. The boys and I have been having smoothies for breakfast every morning. I blend together 1 frozen banana, fresh blackberry juice, a handful of blueberries and about 1 cup of Kefir. It is delicious!
I have been looking for creative ways to use my mounds of zucchini that have been coming in. I usually just saute' up the small ones with a little onion but every now and then we find one that has hidden from us and is as long as my arm. After filling the freezer with zucchini pecan muffins I ran across a recipe for Zucchini Candy! The reviews were great so I thought I would try it too.
I only had one package of Kool-Aid since I don't normally buy the stuff. I made half of a recipe using the Sour Apple Kool-Aid and I made up my own spicy concoction for the other half. I made a simple syrup and added cinnamon and Sriracha. I didn't measure the ingredients. I just added stuff until it tasted balanced.
The result...
It really is good. I have to admit that my favorite is the cinnamon sriracha. It has enough heat to get your attention but a great flavor. The candy is very similar to gummy worms.
One more fun thing I am doing now is making my own Kefir. Some of our friends came through town last week and she gave me some Kefir grains. If you don't know much about Kefir and it's health benefits I would encourage you to do a little research on it. The boys and I have been having smoothies for breakfast every morning. I blend together 1 frozen banana, fresh blackberry juice, a handful of blueberries and about 1 cup of Kefir. It is delicious!
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Dry Idea Report and GiveAway
The results are in! I received a free bottle of Dry Idea Deodorant/Antiperspirant to try out and let you know what I think about it.
I will admit...in the beginning I thought "Dry Idea" was a bit of an oxymoron! This deodorant goes on really wet. This was a little weird to me at first because I've never used anything like this.
I will also admit...I didn't really expect it to work well. :(
The good news....It worked great! I tested Dry Idea while going about my daily routine. I get up at 5:30 and head out to the garden. I put in a couple of hours working out there and then come in and spend a couple of hours in the kitchen preserving my goodies. After that, it's on to the daily household chores of cooking and cleaning. By the end of the day, I have sweated in the Memphis heat and humidity, cooled off, and sweated again. Dry Idea kept me dry and smelling good! :)
I have no complaints or concerns with this product and I can wholeheartedly give it my stamp of approval and offer it to my friends and readers.
If you would like to try Dry Idea for free send me an email at kfreekave@aol.com. Put DRY IDEA in the subject line and you will be entered into the drawing. The winner will receive a coupon so you can try it for yourself.
Winner will be notified on July 1, 2012.
I will admit...in the beginning I thought "Dry Idea" was a bit of an oxymoron! This deodorant goes on really wet. This was a little weird to me at first because I've never used anything like this.
I will also admit...I didn't really expect it to work well. :(
The good news....It worked great! I tested Dry Idea while going about my daily routine. I get up at 5:30 and head out to the garden. I put in a couple of hours working out there and then come in and spend a couple of hours in the kitchen preserving my goodies. After that, it's on to the daily household chores of cooking and cleaning. By the end of the day, I have sweated in the Memphis heat and humidity, cooled off, and sweated again. Dry Idea kept me dry and smelling good! :)
I have no complaints or concerns with this product and I can wholeheartedly give it my stamp of approval and offer it to my friends and readers.
If you would like to try Dry Idea for free send me an email at kfreekave@aol.com. Put DRY IDEA in the subject line and you will be entered into the drawing. The winner will receive a coupon so you can try it for yourself.
Winner will be notified on July 1, 2012.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Testing Day
In the last blog, I told you that I will be doing a give-away soon. Well, it's getting closer. I got my free sample in the mail today and I will be putting it to the test. Wondering what it is? Well, go here and sign up for the $1,000 in prizes they are giving away.
While you do that...I'm going out to work in the garden and put this product to the test! I can think of no greater way to test it than in the Memphis heat and humidity.
So, stay tuned. I will be writing a review soon and offering you a coupon for a free, full size product for you to try to!
While you do that...I'm going out to work in the garden and put this product to the test! I can think of no greater way to test it than in the Memphis heat and humidity.
So, stay tuned. I will be writing a review soon and offering you a coupon for a free, full size product for you to try to!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
New Give-Away & Recipe
I will soon have a new giveaway for those of you that read my blog.
In the meantime, sign up for this: http://insiders.purex.com/dryidea?id_1706.
In case you haven't read in my past blogs. I love Purex and I love being a Purex Insider. It allows me to try new products and pass on coupons for FREE items so you can try them too. The more people that read this blog and sign up for the sweepstakes the better our chances of continuing to receive free stuff.
To the Garden~ The veggies are starting to come in and the tomatoes are starting to turn. It makes my mouth water just thinking about that first tomato sandwich! YUM! Most of our meals now are centered around vegetables so I thought I would share this recipe with you. It's one of my favorites right now.
Spicy Rice
1 c. chicken broth
1 c. brown rice
1.5 T. cajun seasoning
Your choice of veggies
Bring chicken broth and cajun seasoning to a boil. Add rice. Cover and reduce heat. At this point, I add kale, squash and zucchini. Cook 25-30 minutes until rice is done. Option: You can choose to add your veggies later if you like them crisp.
In the meantime, sign up for this: http://insiders.purex.com/dryidea?id_1706.
In case you haven't read in my past blogs. I love Purex and I love being a Purex Insider. It allows me to try new products and pass on coupons for FREE items so you can try them too. The more people that read this blog and sign up for the sweepstakes the better our chances of continuing to receive free stuff.
To the Garden~ The veggies are starting to come in and the tomatoes are starting to turn. It makes my mouth water just thinking about that first tomato sandwich! YUM! Most of our meals now are centered around vegetables so I thought I would share this recipe with you. It's one of my favorites right now.
Spicy Rice
1 c. chicken broth
1 c. brown rice
1.5 T. cajun seasoning
Your choice of veggies
Bring chicken broth and cajun seasoning to a boil. Add rice. Cover and reduce heat. At this point, I add kale, squash and zucchini. Cook 25-30 minutes until rice is done. Option: You can choose to add your veggies later if you like them crisp.
Friday, June 8, 2012
My Favorite Time of Year
Some people love it when the days begin to cool off and winter is in the air. Others get spring fever when the flowers begin to bloom and the grass starts turning green. Me, I love it when the days heat up and the garden starts producing.
I love everything about gardening. I like working the soil and getting it ready for planting. I am thrilled when the first little bit of green breaks through the ground. And then the ultimate...the day I get to start picking the fruits of all of my labor! I am always awed by the miracle of life, even in plants.
I love everything about gardening. I like working the soil and getting it ready for planting. I am thrilled when the first little bit of green breaks through the ground. And then the ultimate...the day I get to start picking the fruits of all of my labor! I am always awed by the miracle of life, even in plants.
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| Can't Wait For These To Ripen |
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| Sea of Squash |
Friday, May 11, 2012
Favorite Cereal
Are you part of a cereal eating family? I am.
We all love cereal. My youngest son would eat it every meal of the day if I would let him. I will admit though, we are particular about our cereal. If you have been down the cereal isle at your local grocery store you know the countless options available to you. I am not interested in feeding my family sugar-laden cardboard with no nutritional value.
What is our cereal of choice? Honey Bunches of Oats! Let me tell you a little about it. It contains 10 grams of whole grain, only 6 grams of sugar, and it provides 9 essential vitamins and minerals.
All of that is great but what is the best part? My kids (and my husband and I) love it!
Post sent me a free sample of their Honey Bunches of Oats so I could review them. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own. Would you like to try it FREE? Here is what you need to do to be entered into the drawing:
1. Like Honey Bunches of Oats on Facebook.
2. Post on Honey Bunches of Oats page and mention my blog (kfreekave@blogspot.com).
3. Come back and comment on this blog that you completed #1 and #2 and you will be entered into the drawing. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact the winner.
We all love cereal. My youngest son would eat it every meal of the day if I would let him. I will admit though, we are particular about our cereal. If you have been down the cereal isle at your local grocery store you know the countless options available to you. I am not interested in feeding my family sugar-laden cardboard with no nutritional value.
What is our cereal of choice? Honey Bunches of Oats! Let me tell you a little about it. It contains 10 grams of whole grain, only 6 grams of sugar, and it provides 9 essential vitamins and minerals.
All of that is great but what is the best part? My kids (and my husband and I) love it!
Post sent me a free sample of their Honey Bunches of Oats so I could review them. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own. Would you like to try it FREE? Here is what you need to do to be entered into the drawing:
1. Like Honey Bunches of Oats on Facebook.
2. Post on Honey Bunches of Oats page and mention my blog (kfreekave@blogspot.com).
3. Come back and comment on this blog that you completed #1 and #2 and you will be entered into the drawing. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact the winner.
A Beautiful Day
The sky is blue and there is a slight breeze blowing. The birds are singing and I can sit down and drink a cup of coffee and enjoy the beauty that God has given us today.
All is right with the world....well, not really but for this moment...all is right with the world.
How is your day? Can you stop for just one minute and reflect on the beauty and/or blessings that you have in your life?
All is right with the world....well, not really but for this moment...all is right with the world.
How is your day? Can you stop for just one minute and reflect on the beauty and/or blessings that you have in your life?
Monday, April 30, 2012
A Time To Blog
Life has been so hectic lately! Between sicknesses, surgeries, school and everything in between, there seems to be no time for blogging. So this will be a get-you-up-to-date blog.
Since January, I've had 3 major sinus infections. This current one is going into it's third week. I guess I can blame it on our very mild winter!
Mom's surgery for cancer on her kidney was completed 2 weeks ago. This was after the first one had to be postponed because her platelets and blood counts have been crazy. She is slowly getting over the surgery but we are still dealing with the blood problems. We are headed to a dr. in Birmingham this week to see if he can offer some insight.
Blake turned 12 yesterday. We have been busy the past several months with JBQ (Junior Bible Quiz). This was his last year and his team made it to regionals! I'm very proud of him but I'm also happy that it's over! That's one less thing that we have to do.
Of course, now that we don't have to be at church early for JBQ practice, Josh has decided to join the youth band at church. What does that mean? Well, to me, it means having to be at church early again!
I have been sick but was still able to get the garden in. We have adopted 22 new baby chicks and Doug is actively building them a new coop. He is also building a deck for the back of the house.
Did I tell you that we have been busy?? All in all, life is good, God is good and continues to bless us daily.
For my couponing buddies, keep an eye out at Purex.com for a Let's Be Honest sweepstakes coming up.
Since January, I've had 3 major sinus infections. This current one is going into it's third week. I guess I can blame it on our very mild winter!
Mom's surgery for cancer on her kidney was completed 2 weeks ago. This was after the first one had to be postponed because her platelets and blood counts have been crazy. She is slowly getting over the surgery but we are still dealing with the blood problems. We are headed to a dr. in Birmingham this week to see if he can offer some insight.
Blake turned 12 yesterday. We have been busy the past several months with JBQ (Junior Bible Quiz). This was his last year and his team made it to regionals! I'm very proud of him but I'm also happy that it's over! That's one less thing that we have to do.
Of course, now that we don't have to be at church early for JBQ practice, Josh has decided to join the youth band at church. What does that mean? Well, to me, it means having to be at church early again!
I have been sick but was still able to get the garden in. We have adopted 22 new baby chicks and Doug is actively building them a new coop. He is also building a deck for the back of the house.
Did I tell you that we have been busy?? All in all, life is good, God is good and continues to bless us daily.
For my couponing buddies, keep an eye out at Purex.com for a Let's Be Honest sweepstakes coming up.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
2011 Savings
Tonight I am happily putting together my new coupon book and putting away my receipts for 2011. Yes, I do keep all of my receipts AND I keep a spreadsheet so I will know how much I am saving and how much I am spending every month. I didn't make the spreadsheet but it is a great tool!
My total savings for 2011 is....drum roll please....... 46%!
This is how it breaks down...
Store Price $5,099.12
Coupons - $2,749.82
Out of Pocket $2349.30
That is less than $200/month!
There are some purchases from co-ops that are not included in these figures. I am going to try to incorporate those this year.
My goal last year was to save at least 50% but I didn't quite make it. I would like to strive for that again this year but I think it will be much harder. The price of food is going up and unfortunately, the value of the coupons seem to be going down. There are many stores that have changed their coupon policies too thanks to some that abused the system. :(
My total savings for 2011 is....drum roll please....... 46%!
This is how it breaks down...
Store Price $5,099.12
Coupons - $2,749.82
Out of Pocket $2349.30
That is less than $200/month!
There are some purchases from co-ops that are not included in these figures. I am going to try to incorporate those this year.
My goal last year was to save at least 50% but I didn't quite make it. I would like to strive for that again this year but I think it will be much harder. The price of food is going up and unfortunately, the value of the coupons seem to be going down. There are many stores that have changed their coupon policies too thanks to some that abused the system. :(
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