Ron and Stephanie

We are currently renting a home in the city. We have many animals,
including chickens and a horse. The horse has to be boarded. In our hopes of
simplifying, we have bought a home where all the animals will be able to
stay for 2 years rent! Under that if I consider what I pay for the horse.
I try to buy on sale, never paying over $.99 for meats, and purchasing
bread at the Day old store. I make most my family's meals by scratch,
instead of boxed, and am learning to cook for a day, eat for a month.
My children's curriculum is never new. I know too many homeschooling
families that spend tons of money, just to never use it. The kids use the
backs of my computer paper to color, and my mother sends all kinds of
additional materials for schooling.
This spring will be my 3rd garden, but it will be at the new house. I am
hoping that it will be a good one, I am going to read up on gardening in
tight spots, to make the most of my yard.
I sew, buy second hand, and am learning how to make my own furniture. I
found a bed frame I absolutely adore for $2200, and am making the same basic
thing for under $200.

That's all for now. I am trying to find a cheaper way to move, instead of
UHaul and Ryder, but haven't as of yet.
Blessings
Stephanie
Life's Learnings Academy

thefaulks

Stephanie,

I have just recently discovered the cook for a day eat for a month thing.
:o) Only I only cook enough for about 2 weeks. I am havng a little trouble
with lack of a good menu. Do you have any ideas or websites that I can check
out?

Crystal
-----Original Message-----
From: Ron and Stephanie <ronandstphanie@...>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2000 10:30 AM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Great Idea: Simplifing


>From: "Ron and Stephanie" <ronandstphanie@...>
>
> We are currently renting a home in the city. We have many animals,
>including chickens and a horse. The horse has to be boarded. In our hopes
of
>simplifying, we have bought a home where all the animals will be able to
>stay for 2 years rent! Under that if I consider what I pay for the horse.
> I try to buy on sale, never paying over $.99 for meats, and purchasing
>bread at the Day old store. I make most my family's meals by scratch,
>instead of boxed, and am learning to cook for a day, eat for a month.
> My children's curriculum is never new. I know too many homeschooling
>families that spend tons of money, just to never use it. The kids use the
>backs of my computer paper to color, and my mother sends all kinds of
>additional materials for schooling.
> This spring will be my 3rd garden, but it will be at the new house. I
am
>hoping that it will be a good one, I am going to read up on gardening in
>tight spots, to make the most of my yard.
> I sew, buy second hand, and am learning how to make my own furniture. I
>found a bed frame I absolutely adore for $2200, and am making the same
basic
>thing for under $200.
>
>That's all for now. I am trying to find a cheaper way to move, instead of
>UHaul and Ryder, but haven't as of yet.
>Blessings
>Stephanie
>Life's Learnings Academy
>
>
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>

Beth Burnham

I make most my family's meals by scratch,
> instead of boxed, and am learning to cook for a day, eat for a month

Stephanie how do you organise this I am very interested! I've read all the
tightwad gazette's and still feel like a failure as I don't make stuff from
scratch *due to lack of desire to clean up the mess* but I would love to
learn how to be more "efficient" and still be there for the kids. Do your
kids help you with most of the cooking?
Beth

Ron and Stephanie

Beth,
I buy everything on sale, and then try to get it into correct serving
sizes immediately. If you buy your groceries first thing in the morning, it
will be easier to actually do the work. I can get the kids to help with the
buying and cooking but I usually let them be the tasters, and they get
something they want when shopping (is this bribery, or just good planning)
They actually like trying to find what I want...

Buy in bulk (if you can). I never buy in less than 10 LB for meat. I bring
it home and then cook it when I am putting the other stuff away. there are
so many things that you can do with ground beef (precooked). But get
creative. I know that it took me a lot of time to actually start cooking
ahead.

Oh, and when it comes to cooking from scratch, buy things like egg noodles.
What I originally did was fake recipes. (Look at the hamburger box, and try
to make it without the nifty box) One of the faves in our home is ground
hamburger with egg noodles in cream of mushroom soup. Seriously! Last night
I changed to chicken and added French cut green beans to it, for the exotic
look! LOL I used 2 full bags of noodles, 4 cans of mushroom soup, 2 cups of
milk, and about 1 complete fryer chicken (deboned) I have enough now for 2
more dinners out of that one pot!

It took me a while to actually get it together enough to cook enough for
many dinners, but now I cannot cook normal if you paid me. I think it helps
that I have 4 children, so I am ALWAYS in the kitchen anyhow. I think that
the way to start is to just do it one day. I started for Y2K, believe it or
not. I wanted all the foods cooked so I could deal with power loss and all
that! LOL I just got up one day, took all kinds of meat out and started
then. I am the queen of whatchamacallit meals that are done in 30 minutes
flat.

If you want, I can go more into what I do. I do not know if the list would
appreciate my cluttering. Post me-
Stephanie (who is going to cook ALL day tomorrow, and be done until the
move!!! 60 days!)
Life's Learnings Academy

thefaulks

Stephanie,

I would be interested in more info on the cooking. Do you freeze everything
and if so how do you reheat? Do you thaw it first?

Crystal
-----Original Message-----
From: Ron and Stephanie <ronandstphanie@...>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2000 11:05 AM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Great Idea: Simplifing


>From: "Ron and Stephanie" <ronandstphanie@...>
>
>Beth,
> I buy everything on sale, and then try to get it into correct serving
>sizes immediately. If you buy your groceries first thing in the morning, it
>will be easier to actually do the work. I can get the kids to help with the
>buying and cooking but I usually let them be the tasters, and they get
>something they want when shopping (is this bribery, or just good planning)
>They actually like trying to find what I want...
>
>Buy in bulk (if you can). I never buy in less than 10 LB for meat. I bring
>it home and then cook it when I am putting the other stuff away. there are
>so many things that you can do with ground beef (precooked). But get
>creative. I know that it took me a lot of time to actually start cooking
>ahead.
>
>Oh, and when it comes to cooking from scratch, buy things like egg noodles.
>What I originally did was fake recipes. (Look at the hamburger box, and try
>to make it without the nifty box) One of the faves in our home is ground
>hamburger with egg noodles in cream of mushroom soup. Seriously! Last night
>I changed to chicken and added French cut green beans to it, for the exotic
>look! LOL I used 2 full bags of noodles, 4 cans of mushroom soup, 2 cups of
>milk, and about 1 complete fryer chicken (deboned) I have enough now for 2
>more dinners out of that one pot!
>
>It took me a while to actually get it together enough to cook enough for
>many dinners, but now I cannot cook normal if you paid me. I think it helps
>that I have 4 children, so I am ALWAYS in the kitchen anyhow. I think that
>the way to start is to just do it one day. I started for Y2K, believe it or
>not. I wanted all the foods cooked so I could deal with power loss and all
>that! LOL I just got up one day, took all kinds of meat out and started
>then. I am the queen of whatchamacallit meals that are done in 30 minutes
>flat.
>
>If you want, I can go more into what I do. I do not know if the list would
>appreciate my cluttering. Post me-
>Stephanie (who is going to cook ALL day tomorrow, and be done until the
>move!!! 60 days!)
>Life's Learnings Academy
>
>
>--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
>
>FREE ADVICE FROM REAL PEOPLE! Xpertsite has thousands of experts who
>are willing to answer your questions for FREE. Go to Xpertsite today
>and put your mind to rest.
><a href=" http://clickme.onelist.com/ad/XpersiteCPC ">Click Here</a>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
>Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
>

Ron and Stephanie

Crystal-
Let me dig them up, and I will get back to you. I have to go drop some kids
off,and I will be back later this afternoon. I will send you the links then.
I promise!
Blessings
Stephanie
Life's Learnings Academy

Ron and Stephanie

Crystal-
I am on a list that is for cooking and freezing.
[email protected] and then I am on a Once a month cooking
recipe list through the www.realfood4realpeople.com/oamcrecipes.html
Try these and I will dig up some recipes, too.
Blessings
Stephanie

Ron and Stephanie

Crystal,
Some of the recipes call for you to not cook the food, others call for
certain parts cooked (like ground meat), then you have my favorites, fully
cooked - heat in Microwave!

When I cook, I always cook extra, and then freeze the excess. I do not
freeze noodles, unless they are in a dish like lasagna. Then I make 3 or 4
pans and freeze what the family did not attack :) I make meatballs, freeze
in ziplocs, and then just pop them into sauce as needed.

I am going to spend some time digging up recipes and get them going for
those who want to learn more about freezer life :)

Off I go to feed the troops, we are eating leftover creamy chicken
casserole. Cream of Mush soup, egg noodles, cut up chicken, French cut
beans, and milk..... YUM!

Blessings
Stephanie

Lynda

IE. your comment on a cheaper way to move--barter. That is how my friend
did her move. She put an add up at the local coop and offer her services
in areas of her expertise and in exchange got a few folks with trucks to
help her move.

Lynda

----------
> From: "Ron and Stephanie" <ronandstphanie@...>
>
> We are currently renting a home in the city. We have many animals,
> including chickens and a horse. The horse has to be boarded. In our hopes
of
> simplifying, we have bought a home where all the animals will be able to
> stay for 2 years rent! Under that if I consider what I pay for the horse.
> I try to buy on sale, never paying over $.99 for meats, and
purchasing
> bread at the Day old store. I make most my family's meals by scratch,
> instead of boxed, and am learning to cook for a day, eat for a month.
> My children's curriculum is never new. I know too many homeschooling
> families that spend tons of money, just to never use it. The kids use the
> backs of my computer paper to color, and my mother sends all kinds of
> additional materials for schooling.
> This spring will be my 3rd garden, but it will be at the new house. I
am
> hoping that it will be a good one, I am going to read up on gardening in
> tight spots, to make the most of my yard.
> I sew, buy second hand, and am learning how to make my own furniture.
I
> found a bed frame I absolutely adore for $2200, and am making the same
basic
> thing for under $200.
>
> That's all for now. I am trying to find a cheaper way to move, instead of
> UHaul and Ryder, but haven't as of yet.
> Blessings
> Stephanie
> Life's Learnings Academy
>
>
> --------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
>
> FREE ADVICE FROM REAL PEOPLE! Xpertsite has thousands of experts who
> are willing to answer your questions for FREE. Go to Xpertsite today
> and put your mind to rest.
> <a href=" http://clickme.onelist.com/ad/XpersiteCPC ">Click Here</a>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
> Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>

thefaulks

Thanks Stephanie! I will take a look at the web page you sent.

Crystal
-----Original Message-----
From: Ron and Stephanie <ronandstphanie@...>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2000 7:16 PM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Great Idea: Simplifing


>From: "Ron and Stephanie" <ronandstphanie@...>
>
>Crystal,
>Some of the recipes call for you to not cook the food, others call for
>certain parts cooked (like ground meat), then you have my favorites, fully
>cooked - heat in Microwave!
>
>When I cook, I always cook extra, and then freeze the excess. I do not
>freeze noodles, unless they are in a dish like lasagna. Then I make 3 or 4
>pans and freeze what the family did not attack :) I make meatballs, freeze
>in ziplocs, and then just pop them into sauce as needed.
>
>I am going to spend some time digging up recipes and get them going for
>those who want to learn more about freezer life :)
>
>Off I go to feed the troops, we are eating leftover creamy chicken
>casserole. Cream of Mush soup, egg noodles, cut up chicken, French cut
>beans, and milk..... YUM!
>
>Blessings
>Stephanie
>
>
>--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
>
>FREE ADVICE FROM REAL PEOPLE! Xpertsite has thousands of experts who
>are willing to answer your questions for FREE. Go to Xpertsite today
>and put your mind to rest.
><a href=" http://clickme.onelist.com/ad/XpersiteCPC ">Click Here</a>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Message boards, timely articles, a free newsletter and more!
>Check it all out at: http://www.unschooling.com
>
>
>

silvertree

I was wondering if there were any sites or if anyone had experience with
once a month cooking or 2x a month cooking for vegetarians or vegans?
Thanks.
Linda

----- Original Message -----
From: Ron and Stephanie <ronandstphanie@...>
> From: "Ron and Stephanie" <ronandstphanie@...>
>
> Crystal,
> Some of the recipes call for you to not cook the food, others call for
> certain parts cooked (like ground meat), then you have my favorites, fully
> cooked - heat in Microwave!
> Stephanie
>

Mara Winders

"I was wondering if there were any sites or if anyone had experience
with
once a month cooking or 2x a month cooking for vegetarians or vegans?
Thanks.
Linda"

I was wondering the same thing....

Anyone?

MAra

Ron and Stephanie

Lynda-
I am using my horse trailer for a few trips. The ones to check the field
mouse population, water in cellar, curtain dimensions, etc.. I was
considering talking to a few horse adoption places about transporting horses
North from OK, and then I would make back the money it costs to go down, and
I wouldn't travel 1000 miles with an empty trailer. Thanks for the input-
Stephanie

Ron and Stephanie

for the vegetarian freezer...
www.vegetarianrecipe.com
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/9350/recipes.html
for starters. I did check (for a min) both sites. The second one does not
say a thing about freezing, but From the recipes on the page (lasagna, etc.)
I know that it is safe to do. I would suggest to make the dishes, then cook,
divvy into meal size containers, wrap, label, and freeze! Then when you
want, you can pull it out, heat up, and munch! When I only had Mart (1st
child) I would cook a 9x13 pan of lasagna, cut it up into what we could eat,
and freeze into 4 meals!
Let me know how it goes!
Stephanie

susan

hi,

thanks for the interesting dialog. though my life is not at the place were
this is possible, well the freezing food part. i like reading what others are
doing.

susan
austin, tx