Trampoline Netting Repair (aka I may have been a fisherman)

Perhaps I was a fisherman in a past life....

for today I did the most AMAZING job of netting repair in the whole entire world.

Okay....maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration (pardon me while I toot my own horn).

Here's what happened.

Just weeks after purchasing our trampoline last year, someone found a loose thread on the netting and pulled...and pulled....and pulled until there was a sizeable snag reaching 2/3 the way around the diameter of the netting. 

SO NOT COOL! 

 I was not happy (to say the least) but, after threatening them with expulsion from the trampoline for eternity if they ever did it again, I let the matter go.  Enough said.  Or so I thought.

A few days ago someone got the brilliant idea of sticking their little fingers in the snag and pulling until the hole grew bigger, and bigger, and bigger (hello pretty garden).   

Blood!  Fire!

WHOSE ARE THESE CHILDREN ANYWAY? 

After cooling down (ha ha) I figured I had two choices.  I could either let the problem go and watch it get worse until the whole net was destroyed and had to be replaced ($200+) or I could come up with a plan to fix it.

After brainstorming, I came up with this....

 (Fishing line...20lbs.  Cost me less than $3.00 at Walmart)

and I went to work.

Result: EXCELLENT (toot, toot)
Cost:  < $3.00
Effort:  Minimal

If I can do it...anyone can.

Here are my suggestions on HOW:

#1  Pull out a sizable amount of fishing line (about 1 1/2 times the length of the hole) and than double that length again.  Fold line in half (as if you were using a double thread for swing/stitching) and slip on a quilting or other large eyed needle (I didn't use one myself....wish I had). 

#2  Weave the line through a few squares (about a 1/4 inch from the start of the hole) and tie a good knot.

#3  Starting right next to the knot weave a few vertical stitches and continue on until you reach the actual hole(to secure it).  Once you reach the hole, start widening the height of the stitch (I skipped the first set of squares right on the edge of the rip and started on the second row (for added stability).  Pull the line through and take it vertically to the edge (or one row in) on the other side of the hole and pull tight.  Skip a few squares horizontally (I did every other) and do it again.  Do this for a couple of stitches until you get the hang of it.  (you may have to pull the net closed as you work to tighten it at first).

#4 Once you get the hang of it, try doing several loops up and down before pulling tight.  It saves a LOT of time.

  #5 The completed line WILL unravel unless you keep it tight at all times.  Unless you are an octopus with 8 arms, this will require some finagling.  Pull the line tight (seen below).  (Now here comes the weird part)  Clamp the line in your front teeth to hold it tight.  Yep, that's what I said.  In your teeth.  (Just don't tell my mother...or my orthodontist...he he).

This way both hands will be free to work on the next set of stitching without undoing what you have just done.

#6  Work your way to the other end of the hole.  Back stitch the line a few times and tie it off with another good knot.  You are done.

The finished repair should look something like this.

 

BEAUTIFUL, yes?

I'm gonna make a pre-emptive strike on these two babies before they meet the same fate as the last one. 

Happy Stitching Y'all!

Summer Lovin'--The Jungle

I am going to attempt to catch up on life and the adventures therein.  I was a little (a lot) burned out with blogging and decided to phase my addiction into something more instantaneously gratifying ...facebook. 

But I've missed actual writing and so I think I'm back for a while now. 

Maybe.

As for catching up, here's the first installment. Introducing " Summer Lovin'-- The Jungle. 

What started out as this: 

Has now become this:

This is what we lovingly refer to as "The Jungle".

Goes to show what a little bit of compost and steer manure can do to otherwise extremely sterile soil.  (sterile, as in, not ONE weed popped up the entire spring)

We've never experienced anything like it.  It boggles my mind.  The plants are bigger than anything I have ever seen.  The green bean plants reach well above my knees.  It's insane.   Not even the hail storm we had the other day could stop their growth.

 Holy Monkey Lovin'.

As you can see, we didn't plan enough room for their ginormousness.


Who knew there was gold in dung? Not me...that's who.

Check it out....

The pumpkin plants have started taking over the kids digging area.

 I'm not gonna lie....I'm not too sad about that.  I'm thinkin' we may just need all of that space next year.  No more dirt caked faces (clothes, hair, eyes, tongues, etc) and no more mud pie slinging.  DARN, DARN, DARN! (wink)

Back to the goods.

The biggest yield-er, so far?  The ZUCCHINI!

These babies are just from today (sans 2 that Rob took to work).  That's 9...in ONE day!  Plus the 15-20 we have previously harvested makes for A LOT OF ZUCCHINI!  It's a good thing we love it.

In addition to plumping back up my freezer stores (sliced for regular dinner table consumption and shredded for tasty winter baked goods awesomeness) we have been enjoying a lot of this:

Squash, green beans (also from the garden), 1/2 to 1 TBSP olive oil, 1 tsp minced garlic and a dash of seasoned salt.  SO TASTY (unless Rob cooks it and puts in 4 TBSP oil).

 and some of this:

Grilled pizza---SO GOOD!  You can find grilling instructions on Our Best Bites here.  I also make my own pizza sauce using 1to2 15 oz cans tomato sauce and Our Best Bites garlic bread seasoning recipe (to die for).  Better than ANYTHING you will find at the store.

Next on the list for zucchini love:
This,  this, this (SO GOOD--already had it once--thank you Lisa), this , ohhhh and maybe this.

(Pinterest....I LOVE YOU!)

In the meantime we will are anxiously awaiting more green beans, tomatoes, crookneck squash, cantaloupe, cucumbers, walla walla onions, pumpkins and carrots. 

Fresh food makes my mouth water. 

How about you?

Sigh.....

Now I'm off to eat a Twix.

Goodnight!

Super Tasty Refried Beans (without lard)--Adventures in Frugalness

After cooking up your pinto beans, see How To:  Soak, Cook, Measure, and Store Dry Beans, (or if you are a big cheater and choose to open up a few cans of pinto beans instead), drain, saving some of the cooking (or canned) liquid.


Smash beans, using a fork or masher, until they reach desired texture.  Add cooking liquid (or canned liquid for all you cheaters), a little at a time, and stir until beans reach desired consistency.  (I like mine pretty thick and textured.  Some like them very smooth and somewhat liquified...you decide.)

Now for the good stuff.

Although I think this recipe is really a "to taste" kinda recipe, I have put together a general guideline.
(recipe adapted from Cooking with Food Storage Made Easy by Debbie G. Harman)

Super Tasty Refried Beans
1 1b (2 cups) dry pinto beans, cooked and mashed (3 cups if using canned)
1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp chili powder
3/4 tsp to 1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp salt  (only add to taste if using canned beans)

(My suggestion would be to start with the lower measurement and add to according to taste)

Mix all ingredients...taste for perfection...and enjoy!


My whole family thought they were SOOOOO good!

As evidence (from G-Mcbabe),  "Wow, these LOOK grosser than the store bought beans but they taste WAY BETTER."

Thanks "G"....and they're cheaper too.

I cooked up 3lbs of beans (6 cups) and got nine 1-1/2 cup portions out of them (or the equivalent of about 9 cans) for around $3.00 (and you can absolutely get them for even cheaper...especially if you shop in bulk).  That is about $.33 cents a can.  NOT BAD!  Tell me the last time you got canned refried beans for $.33 cents a can...even with coupons.  I can't.  Which is why I went this route.  

 

Here I have them portioned out and ready for the freezer. 

See How to:  Soak, Cook, Measure and Store Dry Beans for storing information.

I hope you like this $$ saving, low fat recipe.  I DO!

ENJOY MY BLOG....CLICK BELOW AND PROVE IT!  :)



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How To: Get melted crayon out of clothes

First of all...let me say that if you are searching out this topic because you have a similar problem...I am sorry.  Very sorry.

Now...where to begin. 

Well...if you recall, last week I was having a peaceful, stress-less morning until I opened up the dryer and found black crayon melted all over an entire extra large load of laundry (see Help!  I need you....Crayon vs Dryer).  JUST GREAT!

A part of me...a very LARGE part of me...wanted to just condemn the clothing and chuck 'em.  But...unfortunately, the more logical and frugal side of me won out.  I decided to try and clean them.  (Boo!)

It's not like I have all the time and money in the world.  I needed something quick and cheap but also wanted to give you, my readers, a true test of options.  So with that in mind, I tried a few different methods (adapted from Crayola.com,  this blog, and my own intellect), modifying them as I saw fit, and am here to give you my recommendations/solutions.

 For cleaning the dryer drum-
I put a few rags in the dryer and turned it on for a few minutes to warm the wax back up.  I then sprayed it with Pro-Tek (a non-toxic all purpose cleaner--safe for fabric) and wiped every inch of the drum clean (Crayola.com recommends using WD-40...my opinion...see below).  I then placed a few clean white rags in the drum and ran it again for a few minutes to test for cleanliness.  It worked.  Everything came out clean.  Also recommended...drying a load of dark clothing (if your crayon was dark) before anything else...."just in case".  After the rags I dried a load of old sheets and towels.  Worked for me.  Whatever you do...just make sure the drum in clean.  You don't want MORE crayon in fabric on your hands.  I'm confident that almost any cleaner would work for this step.  At least any cleaner with any sort of degreasing abilities.

For the clothes-
I tried a lot of different cleaners and methods.  Here's what I recommend.

#1 Fill washer tub with HOT water.  Add 1 to 1-1/2 cup(s) "Homemade Laundry Soap" concentrate (or whatever detergent you have on hand) and a capful of Clorox 2.  Add clothes.  Wash on REGULAR (not casual or delicate) for 3-5 minutes to distribute the soap/color safe bleach throughout.  Then stop the washer and let the clothes sit for 20-60 minutes before continuing the wash cycle.  Be sure to use the longest wash cycle your machine has (mine is called Super Plus and runs about 12 minutes long).  Rinse on WARM.

I found that by doing this I was able to eliminate at least 60 % of the stains right away.  Sweet!....the less scrubbing the better, right?

NOTE:  DO NOT PLACE CLOTHING THAT IS STILL STAINED IN THE DRYER TO DRY!!!!!!  Hang them to dry if you are not going to work on them right away.

#2 Let the scrubbing begin.

Honestly...like I said,  I tried a LOT of products. 

First, I tried this... 

Pro-Tek (a non-toxic all purpose cleaner--safe for laundry) and Clorox 2

This...

Stain Devils-for pen and crayon and Clorox 2

This...

My "homemade laundry soap" concentrate and Clorox 2

and...eventually....I did try this...for the sake of research

Crayola.com's suggested  concoction

Wanna know what worked best and was the cheapest?  The "Homemade Laundry Soap" coupled with the Clorox 2.  TRUE STORY! 

The Pro-Tek and the Stain Devils (specifically made for pen and crayon) worked okay.  I had to spend just as much time scrubbing the clothing as with the laundry soap (maybe even a tad bit longer).  The WD-40....ugh!...did not work any better than anything else I tried.  I was very hesitant to use it (even though it came recommended by several different sources) but did so anyway...for the sake of research.  It added another step to the whole spray and scrub process because after using it you then have to scrub the WD-40 OUT of the fabric with dish soap.  And what did I end up with?  More stains...from the oily lubricant.  So...I can easily say that I personally would not recommend using WD-40.  It was, by far, the most expensive, as well as the most labor intensive process I tried.  That's my take.  Do with it what you will.

So here's what I suggest for remaining stains (after laundering as instructed above):
Take a small amount of  "Homemade Laundry Soap" concentrate and work it into the fabric using your knuckles, fingernails, a soft scrub brush (not a stiff one...I tried it...not so good on the fabric), or by rubbing the fabric together.  Continue scrubbing until stain is completely gone or significantly lighter.

Re-launder according to directions above. 

If stains still remain (I only had two shirts that didn't come completely clean and the stains were very very light)....REMEMBER NOT TO DRY CLOTHES IN THE DRYER...and repeat scrubbing and laundering instructions above until clean.

Remember this light blue shirt that was BY FAR the worst of the bunch and I was ready to just throw away?

PRE-WASH

POST LAUNDERING--PRE-SCRUBBING

WELL...look at it now.

POST LAUNDERING-POST SCRUBBING-POST SECOND LAUNDERING

TA-DA!

There are still a few very faint stains.  I will probably have to put it through the scrub/laundering process one more time before it is fit to wear but a VAST improvement I must say.  

It was Roberto's favorite work shirt.  He almost cried when he first saw it (he he he) but now he is just as hopeful as I am that he will be able to wear it again very soon.  

I hope this helps...and please take the advise given me by my mother.  Work on it slowly...one thing at a time...maybe only one article a day.  Don't let it overwhelm you.  All is not lost.

Happy Laundering y'all!
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How to: Soak, Cook, Measure and Store Dry Beans - Adventures in Frugalness

Beans, beans, the magical fruit......  Ha...just kidding.

We've all heard of the "rice and beans" diet.  You know...what you eat when money is "tight".  Why?  Because it's cheap  frugal.  And...when combined, rice and beans make a complete protein...which is very important, nutritionally, if you are cutting back and/or out on animal proteins.  Plus...beans have lots of fiber.  Good for the body too.

Up 'til now I have been buying canned beans (which you can get for pretty cheap if you watch for good sales)...but, have discovered that cooking them myself is a whole lot cheaper (something about labor costs...he he).

It's really not as hard or time consuming as I imagined it to be...in fact, it's SUPER easy and not an inconvenience on my time at all.

So, I thought I would share what knowledge I have on the subject.  All in the name of $$ SAVING.

ALL ABOUT BEANS

Quick tips:
-Most beans will rehydrate to triple their dry size so be sure to start with a pot large enough to accommodate.

-Rinse and sort, removing any rocks, dirt, or discolored beans.

-Before cooking, soak dry-packaged beans to help soften and return moisture to the beans and reduce cooking time.

SOAKING METHODS:

Preferred HOT SOAK and QUICK SOAK methods - For each pound dry beans (2 cups), add 10 cups hot water; heat to boiling and let boil for 2-3 minutes.  Remove from heat, cover and set aside for at least one hour (quick soak) or up to 4 hours (hot soak).  One useful hint about hot soaking, is that it helps dissolve some of the gas-causing substances, making the beans easier to digest.

CROCKPOT METHOD-   Soaking not necessary; see instruction on how to cook below.

TRADITIONAL OVERNIGHT SOAK- For each pound dry beans (2 cups), add 10 cups cold water and let soak overnight, or at least 8 hours.

COOKING DRY BEANS

STOVE TOP- Drain soaking water and rinse beans; cook in fresh water (8-10 cups).  In general, beans take 30 minutes to 2 hours to cook depending on the variety.  Check bean packaging for specific cooking times and instructions.  To test if beans are done, bite-taste a few.  They should be tender, but not overcooked.

CROCK POT - Place rinsed (soaking not necessary) beans in the crock pot.  For every cup of dry beans place 4 cups water in the crock pot (1 lb, or two cups, will require 8-10 cups water), making sure the beans are completely covered.  Cook on high until tender (3-4 hours), or cook on HIGH for one hour, then turn to LOW and continue cooking overnight (6-8 hours).  To test if beans are done, bite-taste a few.  They should be tender, but not overcooked.

ADDING FLAVOR while cooking-  Spice up beans while they cook.  Seasonings such as garlic, onion, oregano, parsley or thyme can be added to the pot while beans are cooking.  Add acidic  ingredients, such as tomatoes, vinegar, citrus juices, only at the end of cooking, when the beans are already tender.

Add salt only after beans are cooked to tender.  If added before, salt may cause bean skins to  become impermeable, halting the tenderizing process.

COOLING - While cooling, keep beans in cooking liquid to prevent them from drying out.

CANNED BEANS
Canned beans are a great convenience since they are already presoaked and precooked.  Always drain and thoroughly rinse canned beans before adding them to a recipe (a MUST in our house...does wonders for cutting down on flatulence).

STORING BEANS:
Uncooked beans can be stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry area.  If kept for more than 12 months, beans will lose moisture and may require longer cooking times.  However, their nutrient value is NOT lost with age.

Canned beans may be stored up to 12 months in their original sealed cans.
Cooked bean may be refrigerated in a covered container for up to five days and may be frozen for up to six months.

MEASURING BEANS
One 15 oz can of beans = one and one-half cups cooked beans, drained
One pound dry beans = two cups dry beans
One pound dry beans = six cups cooked beans, drained
One cup dry beans = three cups cooked beans, drained

Most of this information was provided to me by my mother...who got it from the American Dry Bean Board (www.americanbean.org).  I got help with the crockpot instructions from ehow.com.

Coming soon...recipe for Super Tasty (homemade and low-fat) Refried Beans
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Anti-Static Dryer Ball - Adventures In Frugalness

While searching around for laundry soap recipes, I came across an anti-static idea for the dryer that saves your pocket book and the environment.  Plus...it's really good for children (and adults) with sensitive skin who are counseled not to use fabric softeners and/or dryer sheets in their laundry (that would be my children).

It couldn't have been better timing.  I was down to one dryer sheet and didn't want to go to the store to buy more.  So I thought I'd give it a try.

What is it you ask?  Aluminum Foil.  That's it.  Super simple....and Super cheap.

The idea:

Make a tightly wadded ball of aluminum foil.  (Mine started out about the size of a softball and after tumbling around in the dryer a million times (I do a LOT of laundry) it is now about the size of a tennis ball).

Not only will this substantially reduce the amount of static cling in your clothing but will eliminate the issues associated with dryer sheets (residue build up on your lint filter and other dryer parts, on fabrics, causing them to be less breathable, towels to be less absorbent, and skin to be more itchy).

For large loads you can use 2-3 balls (haven't tried this yet).

Monetary benefits...you can use the same ball(s) forever.  They don't need to be thrown out or changed. 

I have been using this method for a few weeks now. 

I'm not going to lie...it is a BIT louder than before and my husband was worried that it might be denting the inside of the dryer.  But...after finding melted crayon on my clothing and being forced to scrub out the drum of the dryer, I assured him, after close inspection, that there was not a dent to be found.  So I just close the door to the laundry room (cutting down some of the noise).

I have been completely satisfied with the static cling free (mostly) results.  Not that we haven't experienced any static...just not any more than with the dryer sheets (except the one load where the ball got stuck in the foot of my little ones "footie" pajamas and was not free to tumble around...there was a little more static then).

I believe we will be using this method for a long time to come...if not forever.

Thanks for the tips Judy @ What I Live For and Lifehacker.

Ah....you hear that?  It's the sound of Savings...my favorite.

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How To: Homemade Laundry Soap - Adventures in Frugalness

I was first introduced to the idea of Homemade Laundry Soap quite a while back by my friend Sheena.  I was thoroughly intrigued but didn't do anything about it at the time.

Then, last week, I noticed that I was just about out of liquid laundry detergent...and try as I might, could not find any on sale for a price I was willing to pay (oh, I miss the days before the economy tanked that I used to get this for free with coupons....all of the time).  So...I thought...what the heck...let's try homemade.

So....I did.

It was SUPER CHEAP (about $1.59 for a 5 gallon bucket's worth--look for price breakdown below) and SUPER EASY to make (only took 25 minutes....start to finish). 

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap

4 cups water

1 bar Fels-Naptha soap 
(found in the laundry isle)

--or you can use any soap and/or soap scraps

1 cup A&H Super Washing Soda

1/2 cup Borax

Yield: 5 gallons (concentrate)
7-10 gallons (diluted)

Grate bar of soap.  Place in a saucepan with water. 

Melt on medium-low heat (don't boil it), stirring continually, until all soap is liquified.

Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full with HOT tap water.  Add melted soap, soda, and Borax.  Stir well until all powder is dissolved.

  Finish filling the bucket with hot water.  Stir, cover, and leave overnight (giving it a chance to thicken). 

Here's what it should look like after it's sat for a while.

(like a lemon ice slushy)

Now...this 5 gallon bucket is the concentrated version (pre-treat stains with it).

The original "recipe" calls for 50/50 dilution with water, but my friend recommends using it in it's concentrated form (after trying it diluted for several months)...so you can decide what works best for you.  

Here's what I did.

I filled a container (can use an old but clean, empty laundry soap container...mine wasn't quite empty yet so I used an alternate) and filled it 3/4 full with the concentrate (see that compromise?) and the rest of the way with water.   

Shake container before each use.

You can also add your favorite scent of essential oil for a "custom" smell.  Just a few drops in your smaller container (it will be wasted in the 5 gallon bucket because the smell will dissipate over time).  

But...the essential oils are not "essential" (ha ha ha).  The Fels-Naptha has a nice lemon-y smell on it's own.  But...go ahead and play with it...it's your soap.   


This is a low sudsing detergent.

For front loading machines (yes, it is good for front loaders) use about 1/2 cup detergent.


For top loading, 3/4 to 1 cup

Try supplementing with 1 cup vinegar which has the power to naturally disinfect and soften the fabric.  (I'm definitely going to remember to do this when I do my MANY loads of "soiled" sheets.....**sigh**...boys).  (Thanks for the tip livingrichwithcoupons).


Either way...whether you dilute it or not, it is going to save you a LOT of money. 

Price breakdown

(as of Saturday at my local Walmart)

Water 

(free...he he he)

Fels-Naptha $.97 

(1 bar per recipe)

Arm & Hammer Soda $3.24

(abt 7 recipes @ 1 cup...$.46 per recipe)

Borax $2.98

(abt 18 recipes @ 1/2 cup...$.16 per recipe)

  

Total:  $7.19

or $1.59 per 5 gallon bucket

I'll let you know how it works.  

I've got more laundry tips coming.  So keep you eyes out.
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"Cream of" Soup- Recipes Tried and True

I happened upon a really good deal for stocking up on Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom soup today (thanks, Happy Money Saver).

I, of course, headed on over to Fred Meyer to pick up a stockpile.  :)

But...also of interest, was a comment by one of the readers.  She left a recipe for homemade (gluten free) "cream of" soups...which is said to be super cheap to make. 

I'm always interested in cheap....I thought you might be too.  So...here you go.

Homemade "Cream of" Soup (gluten free)
1 cup cold milk
2 TBSP corn starch  
1 1/2 TBSP butter
1/2 tsp salt
dash of pepper

Place cold milk to a small sauce pan.  Add cornstarch and whisk until well blended.  Stir in butter, salt and pepper.  Heat to boil (on low I would imagine), stirring frequently.  Simmer on low for an additional minute (or until it reaches desired consistency).

To make "cream of mushroom" add 4 oz can of mushroom pieces, drained, "Cream of chicken" add 1/2 cup diced chicken,  "Cream of celery" add 1/2 cup chopped and sauteed celery, etc....

Recipe is equivalent to one regular sized can "Cream of" soup.

(Thank Lora---whoever you may be)