Starting with apple history and a description of different kinds of apples, “Beginning with the Basics” continues with mouthwatering recipes. The apple pie looks just about perfect. We won’t be making it because it’s not gluten-free, but I think we can convert the apple dumpling recipe.
This month’s organization charts focus on storing the harvest in the freezer. I really need such a freezer chart (as well as a pantry chart). Then I’ll need to train myself and my family to use it.
Many people love to collect things. “Feathering Your Nest Frugally” discusses managing your collections to keep your home inviting and clutter-free.
The week’s worth of menus (with shopping lists) is all about keeping meals light and easy in the busy month of August, when families are preparing for school as well as preserving. I like the Easy Black Bean Soup recipe, and the Crusty No-Knead Bread looks great for those families that use wheat. The Taco Salad will be sure to please my kids, and the Fried Lasagna Bites can probably be modified to suit our gluten free family. Once my girls see the Mississippi Mud Cake, they will want to adapt it immediately as well.
As we head into a new school year, we moms could use the time management suggestions in the “Kids’ Corner.” I especially like the suggestion to say ‘no’ to excessive outside activities. That is such a sanity saver. On the other hand, scheduling time in detail just doesn’t seem to work for our family. In fact, Mr 15 just gave his watch to Miss 10 because he sees no use for it! Some children and teens, however, thrive on schedules and love to set up their own.
The crafty corner, “Something Old, Something New” is amazing. I had no idea that one could etch glass and make something so cute. On the other hand, I wonder about using non food-grade glass for food storage. I don’t know if this a serious issue, or if such warnings only apply to plastic and metal storage containers.
Now for the big question. “Is preserving food at home really worth the cost and effort?” Although different families will come up with different answers, anyone interested in preserving will find much to enjoy in “Storing Summer’s Bounty.” The Hillbilly Housewife has contributed an article about freezing everything from berries and corn to peaches and zucchini. Other guest writers discuss dehydrating apples and other fruit as well as making beef jerky. We’ve been looking for a dehydrator, unsuccessfully, but I’m going to try again, because that beef jerky looks so good. Besides, Molly has inspired me to get back into preserving herbs as I used to do.
In “This Is My Story,” Candy shares her journey into the world of couponing. We don’t usually find coupons for things we buy, but I may investigate Candy’s methods some more. In fact, if you live near a Walgreens (we don’t), investing in this Money Saving Digest could be one of your best financial decisions.
My favorite quote this month is
“Nobody needs a smile so much as the one who has none to give. So get used to smiling heart-warming smiles, and you will spread sunshine in a sometimes dreary world.” Lawrence G. Lovasik
Check out a 6-page preview of Molly’s August Digest, or order here. If you enjoy the Digests, you could save a dollar a month and buy a Molly Membership that includes the Digest as well as many other features for only $3.95, cancellable any time.
Disclosure I received a complimentary download of Molly’s August Money-Saving Digest in order to give you my honest opinion of it.
This post is linked to Tuesday’s Tips, Tuesday’s Tip Jar, Works for Me Wednesday, Thrifty Thursday, and Frugal Friday.
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