How To Preserve Fresh Herbs

I was flipping through my Taste of Home Healthy Cooking Magazine and I saw that they had a video on how to preserve fresh herbs. I just watched it HERE and it was actually very informative! They give you lots of different ways --from days to months storage--and also info on making pesto to freeze. It actually kind of inspired me to grow some. I had no idea you could do this.

I just thought I'd pass it along in case some of you are growing herbs in your garden and don't know what to do with them. I was growing cilantro. But my little guy Nathan thought it was weeds and pulled it all out. :) Kids--sometimes they can be too helpful! (I thought it was so funny. I guess I'll have to buy another one or get it fresh when it comes time to make salsa!)

Make Your Own Homemade Scrubs

It's Frugal Being Green has a great posting HERE on how you can make your own all-natural face, body and foot scrubs!

DIY: How-To Make Your Own Baby Food

When I found out I was pregnant a second time, I decided that this time around, I was going to make my own baby food. My friend Bridgette had told me how easy it was and...she was right! I got the So Easy Baby Food Kitfor Christmas so that is the method I am using. You can use the stovetop or microwave. (Others use a steamer) This is just one way. I thought I'd share it with you in case you were debating making some, as well. It doesn't take long but at the same time, it may not be for everyone. The first batch I made was sweet potatoes. (I must say that as I was making these, Nathan kept sneaking out pieces of them, eating them raw.) :)


1) Wash the Sweet Potatoes.


2) Peel the Sweet Potatoes. (I used a really great veggie peeler I have.)


3) Cut them into cube-sized pieces and put them in a microwave safe dish. I used an 8x8 Pyrex glass dish.

4) Cover the dish with microwave safe wrap and microwave for 8-10 minutes, until a fork can easily pierce them. Let them "stand" for 5 minutes.


5) Place in a blender or food processor starting with 1/2 cup of water. (I found it easier to put the water in first with my blender.) If you need a smoother consistency, you add more water. (I had to add more since it's her "first foods.")

6) Pour into the trays and freeze. (These are really just glorified ice cube trays w/ good sealing lids.) Note: I did keep some out since I needed some for that day.


7) Wait 8-10 hours to freeze and then pop them out of the trays and store. I had to run a little warm water on the trays to loosen them a bit but then they came out super-easy. I put them in labeled Ziploc Freezer bags.

You just take what you need for the day out the night before to defrost in the fridge and off you go! (If you wanted them a little warm, you can microwave them but always test them first for hot spots before feeding them to your baby!!!)

Funny thing is, when I bought the sweet potatoes, they rang them up as sweet onions, overcharging me. When I went back, they gave them to me for FREE! So, my total baby food expense is zero, for the homemade kinds! I did pick up some Organic baby food on sale in case something happens and I can't get some made. I'm frugal but I don't want my baby to starve, either! :) I did focus on the more expensive fruits/veggies so I'd get "my money's worth."

And that's making baby food in a nutshell. I now have several servings for her and next week, I'll make a new veggie and keep building up stock, buying what's on sale each time. If you are going to make your own food, I'd definitely look into a checking out a recipe book from your library. They have great ideas on mixing veggies, cooking times, etc.

Don't let fear stop you from trying it out. If you can operate a food processor/blender and a microwave, you can do it! You biggest struggle might be finding room in your freezer! :)

But for me, the final test was...what did Kaydi think of them? You be the judge...


Thank you to my friend, Bridgette, for encouraging me that I could do this! :)