http://newlifeonahomestead.com Our Family's Journey To Self Sufficiency Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:19:58 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en There's no question, to avoid freezer burn and preserve your frozen foods longer vacuum sealed freezer bags are the way to go! Especially if you have a lot of meat to store. Sure, you could go out and spend $13 on Ziploc Vacuum seal bags, or other expensive gadgets. Or... you ... http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2010/03/poor-mans-vacuum-seal-freezer-bags/ I am on a mission. The goal? To get our power bill under $100. Our average bill now is over $200! That is a ridiculous amount of money, and I'm tired of paying it! But how can we possibly get the bill down so far? Well, there are many ways to ... http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2010/03/turn-out-the-lights/ Free ranging is wonderful. It feels good to let the animals out into the fresh air. It makes them happy, and your feed bill is dramatically reduced. I am all for free ranging all of our animals. But there comes a point when free ranging is just pure craziness!! This... this ... http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2010/03/free-ranging-advice/ First, I have to say that I have been overwhelmed by the love and support you guys have showed me after hearing the bad news that my husband just lost his job. I am so blessed to have so many people praying for us. Though we have no idea what ... http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2010/03/for-those-led-to-bless/ (Please ignore the unsightly pallets in the background, just another project in the works!) More and more often I am finding myself confronted with the question, "Are you really gonna be able to do it?" "Yes," I say with determination. Yes. We will eat the pig. But in the back of my mind ... http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2010/03/oh-what-to-do-what-to-do/ Yes!! I was so excited the other night when I made my first batch of homemade mayonnaise, and it came out perfectly!! (Well, after a couple of tries, anyways.) One more thing I don't have to buy pre-made anymore!! Woohoo! It really is easy. There's no reason you can't do this  ... http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2010/03/homemade-mayonnaise/ When my husband came home today and pulled me into a private room, away from the playing kids, I had no idea what he was about to tell me. Once behind closed doors, I looked at Jerry questioningly. He hesitated for a moment, and then tears filled his eyes as he ... http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2010/03/bad-news/ Today's confession... here goes, Some days I just don't get out of my pajamas. As in, at all. Don't get me wrong, I have every intention of getting out of them. I just get so busy! There are just those days when I wake up and start the day full speed ahead. By ... http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2010/03/fess-up-friday-pajama-mama/ Okay, so maybe these aren't the healthiest breakfast option, but surely the whole wheat and wheat germ add some nutritional value! These are truly delicious, and a nice occasional treat! Chocolate Chip Pancakes 1/2 cup all purpose flour 3/4 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup wheat germ (optional) 1 Tbsp sugar 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1 Tbsp baking ... http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2010/03/chocolate-chip-pancakes/ Yes, I store my homemade dressing in re-purposed glass jars. Maybe one day I'll have a pretty little dressing pitcher to store it in! This is the only Italian dressing recipe I've tried so far, so there may be a better one out there, but we have really enjoyed making this ... http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2010/03/homemade-italian-dressing/