Skip to main content

The Dump

Frugal Friday
We've been involved in a couple of unit studies this year where we have had many fun, free and interesting field trips. This one pictured below was to our County Dump. I'll admit my favorite part was riding around on the air conditioned bus, but truthfully I learned so much.

Did you know that many counties/cities recycle paint? While we were at the dump I was able to pick up two 2/3 gallons (of very expensive & fresh) blue paint. (My younger chickadees have been wanting their room redone in blue) So this was perfect timing. All the other moms were either cheering me on , or just thinking I'd lost my mind!


I did have to add white (which I had on hand ) to bring down the color a bit ( now, I know why someone got rid of it). It was one of those colors that gets much darker as it dries. But it still turned out great. We also received bunkbeds that we modified a bit and painted white. Country Blue and White, I'll post more on the makeover when I'm truly finished with it.

You can also find free landscaping mulch there. Lay as much as you need, then put a layer of the pretty stuff from the store on top.
They also have all the free firewood you can haul.


I never thought I would say check your local dump for Frugal Finds! Check out http://www.lifeasmom.com/ for more Frugal Friday tips!


By Request:
Strawberry Syrup Recipe:
- 1 flat of fresh, ripe strawberries
- lemon juice

- 8 to 10 cups sucanat w/honey, sugar in the raw or granulated white sugar (this is really to taste- so you may add more or less)


1. Double wash fruit, hull tops and slice off any blemishes.

2. Quarter berries

3. Add all ingredients to a large pot (use about 1/4 cup real lemon juice w/no additives)

4.Cook down on a medium heat, stirring regularly for about 1/2 an hour.

5.I usually put it the fridge over night because it's to late after picking all day to start canning. Now that it's cold out of the fridge, blend all the sauce and pour through a strainer, jelly bag, or any thing mesh. This takes out all the little seeds.
6. Heat back up to boiling hot, check for sweetness, add sugar if needed.

7. Follow canning instructions as usual.

This makes 1 1/2 gallons of syrup! Enjoy on pancakes, waffles, ice cream or shakes (Superman's favorite).

Attention! Has anyone used and like Pomona Pectin??? I really need some feed back! Please comment.

julie




Labels

Labels:

Comments

Bird Stalker Photography said…
That is an awesome find and the color is beautiful! Love the stawberries and will have to make the syrup. I am going to make some strawberry freezer jam this year! I can eat that stuff all by myself!
April 17, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Tam said…
Great find in the paint!

Thanks so much for the recipe, can't wait to make some. One question, how much lemon juice do you use and when. Thanks again for answering my request so quick.
April 17, 2009 at 2:12 PM
Valerie @ Inner Child Fun said…
I had no idea you could find things like that at the dump.... cool!

Valerie
www.frugalfamilyfunblog.com
April 18, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

P.O.O.P.I.E

People Opposing Objectionable Pretend plants in the Environment ! Okay folks it's been a week....which is way too long. Schooling 3 1/2 is a bit daunting at times. My other excuse.....I've been freaking out about lice for over a week. No, I didn't have it (this time around), but I've scratched myself raw over it! On to P.O.O.P.I.E.! Over at Nestor's she's done a short series on what's a good fake and what's not ( errr flowers that is). So after you take a peak at mine head over there and read hers and everyone else' poop (can I say that?), I mean blogs! Nesting Place is in my side bar if you need directions ( I wanted to put the button up, but have no clue). These are my year round fakies .... Superman gave me the floral arrangement about 12 years ago when we couldn't afford flowers, who am I kidding....we still can't! I did change out the pedestal urn they came in. My wonderful ivy on top of the cabinets. My chicks have always ha...
8 comments
Read more

Facial Cleanser

We've been using a surprisingly wonderful face wash for about 6 months. Guess What it is? Olive & Castor Oil! I was really surprised at how well it works and you can customize the formula to you own needs. For people with T-zone, dry or oily conditions. At www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/ they give all the details. I used an old facial cleanser bottle and tweaked the instructions to fit our needs. -15% Castor oil -85% olive oil -Shake and place in shower with wash cloth. - Gently rub 1 to 2 pumpfuls into face, neck, ears etc. (before you get in) -Use the warmth of shower to open pores. -Heat wash cloth with water, place on face for a minute or so. Then gently rub off excess oil, make up and dirt. Like I said, we've been using this for 6 months or so. In that time I've had only 1 blemish ( I'm a t-zone). My face is so much smoother and softer and this is all I do. No more 3 parts, no extra lotions! The above recipe has worked well for dry and t-zone. So we only h...
5 comments
Read more

Frugal Friday

Time again to remember creativity and frugality! I really enjoy www.biblicalwomanhood.com where today it is Frugal Friday. Two needs we had were new nighties and bicycle baskets. We've been riding like crazy and I was tired of old t-shirts for jammies. It's hard and expensive to find nice, cute nighties for 5 different age groups! So we headed to a local thrift shop and bought sheets. Now if this thought grosses you out, just think "Vintage"! Everything was washed and dried in the dryer. Each sheet cost about $3.00. I was able to get 3 nighties in children sizes out of one and 2 in adult sizes out of another. I wish I could show more pics, but thought it was best not to of my older chicks. Needles to say they have become every one's favorites and today I need to make more! The cost of each nightie was about $1.50! I figured in my pattern and lace I also found. Isn't she a cutie! I'm not sure how to turn this but I also made house coats for each girl. This ...
4 comments
Read more