Homemade Chocolate Milk Mix Recipe

Don’t ya just get tired of buying processed chocolate milk mixes that contain HFCS, lots of sugar, soy and other unhealthy substances? Me too! I feel guilty every time I give it to my kids, yet I can’t deny them a nice cold glass of creamy, chocolaty, goodness. So today I thought I might try something new, something that has been floating around in the back of my mind for a while now. Cocoa Powder.

The problem with cocoa powder is that it doesn’t blend with milk like the name-brand powder stuff does…which is why we end up buying it, right? So that was a problem I needed to solve. I have made hot chocolate before using cocoa powder, sugar, milk and vanilla, heated on the stovetop (which is wonderful and I highly recommend it) but I really didn’t want to get into all that heating and cooling for cold chocolate milk. So the first thing I tried was putting two or three tablespoons of milk in a glass and heating it in the microwave until hot. Then two tsp of cocoa and two servings of stevia (I currently use Kal brand). It did turn out good and was approved by the kids but they were unhappy with the cocoa powder gunk that settled at the bottom of the glass.

Let me just interject here with a plug for stevia. I quit using sugar in drinks about 3 or 4 years ago. For the longest time I used a brand of stevia in little packets with maltodextrin in it. I have since found that maltodextrin is not very healthy. I have tried a few different brands (Sweet Leaf and Kal) in the really potent form as well as liquids and just about every packet out there. I don’t recommend the packets, most have an awful aftertaste and have other things mixed in with them. As far as the potent powders (1/40th tsp= 1 tsp sugar) Sweet Leaf was hard to measure but otherwise good. Kal comes with a super tiny spoon to measure it. They both blend well in my coffee and tea, and the flavor is good. Now that I have the spoon from the Kal brand I will probably buy either. The liquid brand is good, some brands though take a lot to sweeten anything. I have found that when you start using stevia it has a bit of an aftertaste, especially with certain brands, but once you get used to it you don’t even notice it. Stevia is a healthy and natural alternative to sugar and if you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend it. You can read up on the health benefits of stevia here.

Ok, I’m done with my stevia “commercial”. Thanks for listening. :0)

So here’s the recipe and directions that I settled on.

HOMEMADE COLD CHOCOLATE MILK

1 cup milk
2-3 tsp cocoa
1 1/2 servings stevia or 2 tsp sugar (more or less to taste)

Put the milk in a blender. I prefer to use the magic bullet since it’s compact and easy to clean up—and you can even drink right out of the cup. :0) add the cocoa and sweetener of choice. Blend well. This will incorporate the powder with the milk enough that it doesn’t end up as a brown slurry at the bottom of the glass. I make a few servings at a time and put it in a container in the fridge. Just make sure you give it quick shake before serving.

For dark chocolate lovers, try the dark chocolate cocoa. I tried it too…yum!

This isn’t just healthy but saves a ton of money.
A container of powdered Nesquick is 38 servings and costs around $4.00. A container of cocoa powder (8 oz.) is anywhere from 45-67 servings (depending on whether you use 2 or 3 tsp per 8 oz. of milk) and if you use the concentrated stevia, even though it costs around $15.00 on average, it lasts forever, so it will be no more than $1.00 to sweeten those 65 servings.

Here’s the breakdown:
NESQUIK @ $5.00 – $6.00 for 38 servings = $.131 – $.157
HOMEMADE WITH HERSHEY’S @ $5.00 maximum for 67 servings = $.074
HOMEMADE W/ BAKER’S CORNER FROM ALDI @ approximately $2.50 for 67 servings = $.052 (I’m guessing on the price and I will try to remember to check next time I’m there.)

Note: Some blog reviews I saw did not recommend Aldi’s brand, I tasted little difference and I tried both back to back since I had both in the pantry, but if you have a discerning palate, you might want to stick with Hershey’s brand.

So, the health benefits plus the price = win-win!

Now if I could only find local raw-milk for (much) less than $10.00 a gallon I would be one happy mama!

1Gallon Coconut Oil Giveaway

I found a great contest to win 1 gallon of coconut oil. Go here and sign up to win! http://www.contest-corner.com/1-gallon-coconut-oil-giveaway-ends-0402-canada/

How To Make Homemade Reusable Pop-up Baby Wipes

We all know how the little things add up, especially when we have a new little one in the house. Well, here is a great way to save about $40-$70 a year. And it’s really easy, especially if you are already using cloth diapers. Here’s what you will need;

3 cups distilled water (hot)

3 tsp. baby soap

3 tsp. olive oil

5 drops of tea tree oil (antibacterial to keep wipes from souring or molding)

1 empty wipes “pop up” container

3-4 old cotton t-shirts

Cut your old t-shirts (I used three shirts in size XL) into squares (approx. 6 1/2” X 8 1/2”) An easy way to do this is to lay the t-shirt out flat, cut off the bottom band, then cut up each side to the armpit. Measure about 6 1/2” up and cut a strip across that width (through both layers). Cut that strip into three equal parts. Then measure 6 1/2” up and cut another strip, and cut that into three equal parts. Then take the remaining top part of the t-shirt and using one of your cut pieces measure out and cut two more squares. You will get 16 squares out of one t-shirt cutting this way. You may end up with more or less and may have to adjust your cuts according to the t-shirt size. 

To stack the wipes, lay one down with the longer end going north and south, and the short ends east and west. Then lay another one down below it, overlapping the first wipe half way. Then fold the first wipe over the second wipe so it is folded in half. then place another wipe on top where the first wipe was and fold the second wipe in half over this, continue until you have a large stack of wipes, each one folded into the next. Place the wipes into the empty wipes container.

In a large bowl mix the water, olive oil, baby wash, and tea tree oil. Stir with a spoon until blended. Slowly pour the mixture over the wipes to saturate. Close the lid and your wipes are ready to use.

To clean, throw the wipes right into the wash with your cloth diapers. Sometimes you might encounter such a mess that you don’t want to clean out the wipe, or put it in with the washables. On those occasions, I just toss it right in the trash. I would have just tossed the old t-shirts anyway. This way they are getting used multiple more times and since they are 100% cotton, they are biodegradable when we do choose to throw them out. We are told that disposable diapers take over 500 years to decompose and I can’t come up with any good information on how long it takes wipes to biodegrade but would venture a guess at a couple hundred years. Most wet wipes are made using cotton with synthetics, and other chemicals, and then they add alcohol, perfumes and who knows what else. We know that they don’t decompose quickly or else they would be falling apart after sitting on the shelf for 6 months. A 100% cotton shirt takes 6 months to decompose and cloth diapers are reusable for many years to come. And since we are making them ourselves and know exactly what is going into them we don’t need to worry about things like THIS happening to our children.

And lastly, if you are not using cloth diapers, I would encourage you to find a method that suits your needs and try it for a while. You will not only save a ton of money, but you will help save our precious God-given environment for our precious God-given kids.

If you have any additional wipes ideas that are thrifty or environmentally friendly (or both), or if you have a recipe that you use, please feel welcome to comment below and tell us what is working for you.

 

 

FYI: I don’t usually use bottled water—as shown in the photo above—since those bottles are way worse then wipes in a landfill. I just happened to have it on hand and decided to use it since it better shows what you need for the recipe. I do recommend that if you prefer bottled (or filtered) water, like we do, to purchase a water crock, and use refillable 5 gallon water jugs. That’s what we do and since 5 gallons of water costs us $1.75, we save over $300 a year on drinking water.

10 Ways to Celebrate CHRISTmas With Your Kids– Day 1

1. ADVENT CALENDAR

ad·vent/ˈadˌvent/

Noun:

1. The arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.
2. The first season of the church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays.

There are several types of advent calendar. There are wreaths and wall hangings, chains, ornaments, pictures, boxes, cards, and so much more. You can purchase advent calendars that are in the shape of a Christmas tree or have a nativity picture on it where you open each day and find a piece of chocolate. Depending on the extravagance of it, they can be priced at $40 and over! But that’s not really my style. We are celebrating the birth of Christ. So in that wonderful and exciting tradition, reading through the Christmas story is an important part of our Holiday celebration. A great way to do that is to make your own Advent calendar. Spell Out Loud has a great printable Advent paper chain (this is what we are using this year) that counts down the days as it teaches the story of Jesus’ birth. It’s also a great little craft that will keep the kids busy for a little while putting it together.

FamilyFun Magazine also has A-door-able Advent Calendar that would be fun to make and use this holiday. And since it’s a door theme, why not hang it on your door?

If you’re the ultra crafty type, skiptomylou.org has a host of ideas to glue, sew, cut, stick, and hang your way into the advent season with their 10 terrific Advent Calendar Tutorials!

If your heart’s set on an advent with candy or gifts, this one at KristenHove doesn’t have instructions but is pretty self explanatory.

But if you’re not too crafty, or just short on time, try an online Advent Calendar. You’ll find a good one at beliefnet and another at Teaching Mom.

With all of these choices, you’re sure to find something you love. Just have fun with it and enjoy these special moments with your family as you teach them some important things about why we celebrate CHRISTmas. If you’ve never done an advent calendar before, why not start a new tradition this year? It’s a great way to daily keep your focus on the real reason for the season!

Easy Healthy Homemade Popcorn

My cousin and I were recently discussing an article we read called Seven Foods You Should Never Eat. One of the no-no’s was microwave popcorn. The article told about the toxic (possibly cancer causing) chemicals that are present in the lining of the bag. The article said that studies show that microwaving causes the chemicals to vaporize–and migrate into your popcorn. That’s enough right there to make me think twice about eating a bag of microwave popcorn. And I don’t know if you have ever looked at the ingredients in a bag of microwave popcorn, but I have, and you can believe me when I tell you how unhealthy they are. Hydrogenated oil is one of the ingredients that should always be a red flag. Hydrogenated oil has been chemically altered to make the oil more shelf stable. When hydrogenated oil is made they take the healthy, cholesterol lowering, unsaturated fats, and convert them to a fatty acid known as trans fat. These unhealthy fats are known to increase bad cholesterol and decrease good cholesterol. Talk about a serious artery clogger. If you see hydrogenated oil or partially hydrogenated oil on an ingredient list, and you will see it often, run (don’t walk) the other way (the exercise is good for you!).

So back on topic. Today I am going to show you how to make popcorn two different ways. Both easy, healthy, and in ScrimplyThrifty fashion…cheap!

DO IT YOURSELF MICROWAVE POPCORN

The first is easy microwave popcorn. You will need popcorn (the plain store brand popcorn that you can buy in a bag for a dollar or two will work just fine). You will also need plain brown lunch bags. 1 Tablespoon of butter (or oil) is optional. First Place about 1/3-1/4 cup of popcorn in the paper bag, then add the butter on top of the popcorn, if desired. You can opt to put it on after the popcorn is cooked, your choice. If you like the soppy buttery type popcorn, putting it on after is the way to go. Putting it in the bag just gives it a light buttery flavor, and a not-so-messy-to-eat popcorn. Ok, now just roll the bag a few times. I fold mine in a little on the corners to make sure it doesn’t open whilst popping. Place the bag on a plate (if butter is added) and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. Just do like you do with store bought popcorn and listen closely. When the popping slows, it’s time to turn it off. Don’t strive to make sure every kernel is popped. Because we all know how unappealing burnt popcorn to everyone in the house…and maybe even your neighbors. he he! Be careful when you open it, steam burns! Dump it into a bowl, add your favorite toppings, shake it around a bit and there you have it! Yum!

EASY HOMEMADE STOVE TOP POPCORN

The second way to make popcorn is on the stove. This is also really easy, but not as easy as plopping it in a bag and nuking it! This recipe is for all of you die hard naturalists! I understand your plight, I really do, but sometimes it’s difficult to give up the convenience of just zapping stuff!

You will start with a basic three or four quart saucepan with a snug fitting lid. Heavy bottom pans are best. You will add 3 Tablespoons of oil (I prefer coconut oil- but any high smoke point oil will work just fine) and three kernels of popcorn. Heat pan on medium high heat. When two or three kernels in the pan pop, add 1/3 cup of popcorn into the oil in an even layer. Replace the lid, remove from heat, and count 30 seconds. This method brings the oil up to the right temperature as well as bringing all the kernels to a temperature where they will all be ready to pop at nearly the same time (leaving few kernels un-popped). Return the pan to the heat, and the popcorn will soon begin to pop, all at once! When this happens, tilt the lid only slightly to allow steam to escape, and gently shake the pan back and forth over the burner. when the popping slows down to 5-6 seconds between pops, remove the pan from the heat, pour it into a big bowl, and add butter and salt if desired. And there you have it! Easy homemade healthy popcorn that will cost you pennies,

Oils to try: Coconut, Corn Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or Bacon fat.

Flavorings/Toppings: Tabasco, Curry, Cumin, Chili pepper, Cayenne, or black pepper & grated parmesan cheese. Garlic butter & finely grated cheddar cheese.

I once perfected a recipe to make homemade kettle corn, but I don’t think I ever wrote down the recipe. It was so good that I couldn’t quit making it but finally I just had to stop! I’ll try it again one of these days and when I do, I’ll add it to this post. Beware though, If you do try it yourself, it is VERY addictive.

Happy popping everyone!

DIY Wool Diaper Soakers

I have been busy scouring the net for diapering ideas for the new baby (just four weeks to go). I have come across some stumbling blocks as far as size goes for a newborn and hate to make a bunch of diapers that aren’t going to fit him right away. Or for that matter, make too many that do and he will out grow them too quickly. I’m really interested in the One Size diapers but after making one, I’m still unsure if it’s going to fit a little skinny 7 or 8 pounder. So, I have decided to wait until the little one arrives so I will have a diaper model to try them out on.

In the meantime I have discovered wool diaper soakers. I can use regular newborn prefold diapers and then use the soakers as a cover. Later on I can use the newborn prefolds as soakers in the diapers I am going to make. I had a few old (shrunken) wool sweaters lying around so I cut them up and tried a pattern I found on Katrina’s Sew Quick Soaker Pattern blog. I had looked at several others, but not one of them compared to this one. The other’s looked old-fashioned, even amateur, but this one is trendy and you can mix it up a little to make it your own style. The most important thing to me was that you can sew them up pretty quickly. I cut out the patterns one evening and whipped them up the next day. It took me a little while because I didn’t see any instructions other than a video tutorial, and to be honest, the video had me a little confused. Once I got the first two done, I had figured out an easy way to sew it up and it started going pretty quick. I also added in a ‘longie’ out of leftover sleeves, and I added fishie appliques, so that did take a bit of time too. Keep in mind that this is my first attempt at making any type of diaper soakers…other than the things you stuff in a pocket diaper…so flaws are to be expected.

HINT: You can find used (often already felted-washed, dried, shrunken) wool sweaters at your local thrift stores. Just look on the tags for sheep’s wool, cashmere, angora, alpaca, or a mix of these types of wool. 100% is best, but I have used 80% wool and seems to work just fine. Some are softer than others, which is great for baby.

So, with no further ado, here is my little tute:

Start out with an old wool sweater. I prefered to felt mine (okay, okay, they were already ‘felted’) But I did want them felted, just because #1. To me it seems they wouldn’t be as leaky and #2. I would have ended up ‘felting’ them by accident later, I’m sure, and then would be too small. So, I just decided that, for me, felted wool is best.

Trace the pattern onto the sweater and cut it out…while you ignore my fondness of sharpie markers that don’t wash out—hmm, here’s a thought, maybe I’ll try the kids washable markers next time. If it works, it will be the last time I ruin perfectly good fabric because I read the instructions wrong. Oh, my wandering mind…back on topic now…..

Ready to sew.

Here’s what I got out of two sweaters. 2 Newborn soakers, 2 size 1 soakers, and hopefully enough for a longie….we’ll see. With a bunch of scraps left over… nursing pads maybe?

Sewing the leg cuffs. Line up the edge of the cuff material (the ribbed edges–cuffs, waist, collar— of the sweater works best for this. when I ran out I used strips of fabric and folded them in half for the cuffs which is a little harder when you are using a thick felted wool.) The actual cuff may be shorter than the fabric that you are sewing it onto. The best way to make it fit is to pin the end of the cuff to the starting point where you will sew it to, then pin the other end of the cuff to the other side, where you will stop sewing. Fold it in half with the shorter fabric in the middle and pin right in the middle, then place a few more pins just to make sewing easier. Sew on your cuffs pulling the stretchy (if you use the ribbed part of the sweater) fabric to be even with the not so stretchy part. Just keep it pulled tight between the pins so that it sews even, until you get to the end…don’t forget your reinforcement stitches at the ends.

Leg cuffs are on. I sewed using a straight stitch and then reinforced with a zig zag. Not sure if this is necessary with wool since it doesn’t fray, but I didn’t want to take my chances of anything coming apart and it worked out pretty well.

Pin on your waist band, and sew it onto the diaper cover. I later realized an even easier way to do this if you have a long piece of waist band. First you would sew up the one side of cuff and side of diaper cover, then you can sew one long piece of waistband to the diaper cover all around the waist band in one piece. and then just finish the second cuff/side. Either way it works, it’s easy, and it looks good.

Make sure you stretch as you sew, when necessary.

Pin each side of the soaker, and sew from bottom of cuff to top of waistband.

Inside out view of finished soaker.

Turn the soaker right side out and you are finished!

My finished products….It probably took me as long to do this tute as it did to sew the four regular soakers. (The longie took quite a bit longer because I had to keep piecing it together to make it work. And then of course those fishie appliques. And I bet it won’t even fit him till he’s about 9 months to a year.–Oh well, just in time for next winter.)

There was only one thing I didn’t really like about how I sewed these together, and that was that the leg cuff seams were located on the outer thigh rather than the inner thigh. You could do this differently so that the seam would be on the inner thigh and probably look a little better, but it just seemed like it would be too time consuming (making the pattern more difficult to sew) and really wasn’t that bad-looking. I then reasoned that if the seams were on the inside they would be more likely to irritate the baby’s legs than if they were on the outside, and that settled it for me. Easy, practical and they do look pretty good. Can’t wait to try them out!!!

Ooops, how did my baby belly get in the bottom of that picture?

I hope you enjoyed my tutorial and I hope you find it useful in making your own diaper soakers. Thank you so much Katrina for your wonderful pattern. You can find Katrina’s pattern on her blog page at Katrina’s Sew Quick Soaker Pattern HERE. FYI, I did not use her longie patterns for my longie, If I had I’m sure I wouldn’t have had to peice it together. But if you want to do longies the right way, you’ll find Katrina’s longie patterns HERE.

In addition; you will also need to lanolize your soakers if you make them out of wool. This will enhance their ability to keep the wetness in and it keeps the wool in tip-top shape. I found a great tutorial by Understanding Laura over on Blogspot. I love the way she takes something that could be time consuming and difficult and makes it quick and easy, not to mention she’ll just make you smile.

And last but not least, Zany Zebra has some other information on washing wool that might not be mentioned in the tute above. This includes information on how to wash wool in the sink or in the washing machine, and tips especially for those using unfelted wool and how to keep it that way.

Feel free to leave your questions, comments or suggestions below. I’d love to hear your ideas and even improvements. I’m sure I will be sewing several more of these in the near future. Happy Sewing!

DIY Cement Planters

I stumbled across this wonderful post by Centsational Girl on DIY Planters. This inexpensive and creative project is a great way to beautify your home or garden this summer. A few simple ingredients, a little bit of time, your imagination, and wa-la….gorgeous planters! Oh, and it’s a great way to reuse some old plastic containers too!

Take a look, HERE!