In the Garden: it's time to start seeds for our early spring crops ... cabbage and broccoli for sure and it's also time to start thinking potatoes, as in buying the seed potatoes, chitting them and having them ready to plant the first part of February. There really is not a time when something can't be done towards gardening prep in our area and January is no exception.
Waste Not: I received this book, Scraps Peels and Stems by Jill Lightner, for Christmas, and I've set a goal to try something from it at least once a week. My 'try' for this week is to take banana peels, puree them with water and feed my house plants. (By the way, my copy of the book is used, but still in very good shape. I always buy used if that's an option and encourage others to do so as well.)
Health and Fitness: One of the things us older folks have to be careful of is falling. Having survived one nasty fall a couple of years ago, it has become my mission to get as physically strong as I can in order to hopefully help prevent me from falling or if I should fall, be able to get back up on my own or with help from family members, given that I'm not hurt, of course. I saw this video on Instagram showing you how to train yourself to get up off the floor without help. I decided that this would be a good thing to be able to do so, I've started training. I'm in the 'chair' stage and can't image that I'll ever be able to get up off the floor like the woman in the video, but I'm sure going to give it my best try! I have to say that this is harder than it looks!!!
Also, I've set an exercise goal of walking 100 miles each month. I'm excited about this goal as it will be a stretching one for me, but I think I can do it!
Reading: This book, The Seasonal Hearth by Adelaide Hechtlinger, is another Christmas gift and I have to say that I am soaking it up! My goal is to learn as much as I can from women in early America. (Another used book!)
By the way, I did get the complete Little House on the Prairie book series for Christmas as well after dropping some very strong hints to anyone who would listen!!!!! Santa was very good to me this year!
I'm trying to carve out some reading time each day to get through Scraps Peels and Stems; The Seasonal Hearth and the Little House on the Prairie books before gardening kicks into high gear for us.
Skills: I've set a goal for myself to learn 1 - 2 new skills each month or to improve upon ones that I have. One of the skills I chosen for January is to learn how to use my serger. I know, hanging my head in shame, I've had it awhile but for some reason that thing intimidates me! Go ahead and laugh, for someone who sews as much as I do you would think that a serger would be a piece of cake ... ha ... not for me! This is the month .... I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!
Sewing: The goal for this year is one 'completed' project per month! This month I want to make a quilt coat for myself. If you're wondering what a quilt coat is, it's exactly what it sounds like ... a coat made out of a quilt.
Upcycling/Recycling: I'm really getting into upcycling/recycling; I think I've been bitten by the upcycling/recycling bug. The goal for this year is, like with my sewing goal, to complete one upcycling project per month. My chosen project for this month is to upcycle the pair of men's jeans I purchased at the thrift store in August into a pair of feminine looking jeans for women.
Herbalism: Although I already grow several herbs, I want to grow more and learn more about their uses. The goal for this winter/spring is to focus on herbs that will make teas. Yes, I want a 'tea' herbal garden and this month I need to decide what tea herbs I want to grow and research their growing conditions.
Pantry: We really are trying to stay out of the grocery store as much as possible this spring, so this will be a time of heavy use from our pantry (remember, we're hunkering down for a purpose). Never fear though, this is also the time when I will restock our shelves by canning dried beans from our food storage. I have a turkey from the freezer that can also be canned, and I have chicken feet to make some nutritious broth with. Even though the plan is not to purchase much from the grocery store this month, I will still be adding to and working on restocking my pantry.
The first part of February, we'll look back and see how we did on my goals!
I'd love to hear about some of your goals for the month of January.
mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry
She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27
Sharing 44 years' experience of frugal, prudent living and pantry building
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Patsi, you got some great books! Our friends call me and Colton "The Librarians" for our ever-growing collection (most of them purchased used, as well.)
ReplyDeleteWe are hunkering down here too, and one of the ways I'm implementing that is to do sort of a "spending freeze" for the first half of each month (besides what is absolutely necessary). This is so that the bulk of our budget isn't spent before we're halfway through the month. This will force us to make do, find substitutions, and do without, while helping us to avoid impulse purchases and unnecessary wants. It will also help us identify where we need to improve our preparedness efforts, as that will expose gaps.
I've also made a list of what groceries we buy every week, and subtracted that total from our grocery budget to see how much room I have to work with for stocking up, treats, etc. during the rest of the month.
I am thrilled to report that our investment in the wood burning stove insert for our fireplace is paying off. Our electric bill in the winter typically runs around $400 (ouch), despite me being careful with consumption. My bill for January was...$91!!! I'm playing a little game each month to see if I can beat the month before.
My garden goal for the year is to learn to grow and use herbs for cooking, tea, and most importantly, medicine. That will be what I plant in my raised beds. I am also looking around our yard to see where I can plant the fruit trees we bought last year on clearance. Anywhere I can tuck in food or medicine will be planted.
For health, I am starting slow and cutting out gluten as that seems to have the biggest effect on me. That will naturally translate to less sugar as baked goods will be for special occasions only. Once I master that, I will move on to another goal, but baby steps keep it from being overwhelming and make it more sustainable for me. I'm also adding in more water, which is less of a struggle and just a matter of remembering to drink it in the cooler months!
Kelsey, I like the idea of your partial month spending freeze and the reasoning behind it.
DeleteWe have some of our lowest power bills in the winter because of our wood stove and you just can't beat its heat for staying warm.
Some of my biggest health wins started with one change and then when I felt like I had mastered it, I added another change and so on. I knew too much change all at once was not sustainable for me. I hope you have great success.
I have the "Scraps,peels and stems" book too and also got it used. I first heard about it on Mary's Nest. I also have both of Tamara Adler's books bought used as well. Waste not want not is our mantra. Our goal this year is to continue replenishing our home emergency funds as we had several unexpected large expenses not the least of which was a new furnace, stove and washer and dryer. Most of my goals are very similar to yours and I'm excited starting them. Even though we're in a colder climate than you are, to me it's never too early to start planning the garden. I had a huge surpise the other day when I went out for a walk and that is that some lettuce plants that I let go to seed and thought I had collected all of the seed, well some of those seeds had germinated in other containers. Even in our cold weather I have lettuce growing. The seed packets did say that they were heat tolerant and could germinate in temps that were not freezing Happy New Year, Patsy. Cookie
ReplyDeleteCookie, that's amazing about the lettuce. I'm going to see if I have something similar in my seed pantry as we're trying hard not to spend any money that we don't have too right now.
DeleteWell. I need to improve health and fitness. I started going to the Y last year and was very consistent. Today I joined Weight Watchers. Yeah I know. I added an expense but I’m truly hoping the meetings will provide me the umph I need like the Y has.
ReplyDeleteLee Ann, I'm proud of you, you just can't put a price on health.
DeleteYour blog looks so nice!
ReplyDeleteRhonda, thank you!
DeleteI have not had much success with herbs because in pots the squirrels destroy them and in the ground the voles eat the roots. But, I will try again this year but only from seeds I have on hand. This is so frustrating!
ReplyDeleteIt is my goal to only purchase perishables and items we are nearly out of if I see them on sale at the grocery store. We must eat down the pantry!
I want to invite some friends over for breakfast at least twice this month. We have met friends at restaurants for breakfast for many years but the cost is now around $30 for the least expensive foods at the grocery store. January is a wonderful time to have our favorite people to fellowship with in our own home.
Breakfast/brunch with friends at home sounds wonderful, Lana. :-) --Elise
DeleteLana, I wish I lived close enough to have breakfast with you in your home! I agree about the cost of food at restaurants, and I applaud you for coming up with plan B instead of stopping the fellowship.
DeleteWe would enjoy having you both here for food and fellowship. One day.....
DeleteSounds like you have some ambitious--yet do-able--goals, Patsy! I used banana and potato peels in planting holes many years ago, drying them in the oven 1st (just so I'd have them on hand). They're great for shrubs of all kinds, vines and trees. Our Bay Laurel grew to the single story rooftop and 5 ft. wide when we lived on the coast. You can also bury the peels shallowly in the drip line around existing trees and shrubs.
ReplyDeleteKelsey, I like your idea of a spending freeze the 1st half of the month! Mind if I borrow that? Our 39th Anniversary is Friday, so a dinner out will be considered an "essential", but it sounds a very good plan for the coming year in our household!
Cookie, I'd love to know what seeds those were for lettuce. Prices in store have been insane here and I figure I can grow lettuce in pots once spring arrives.
Lee Ann, I went to Weight Watchers a few times over my adult years. It's good to be accountable. Do they do it online now?
For my own goals, I'm taking it day by day and week by week.
Yesterday and TODAY: Started a new daily devotional book and journal. The small amount of holiday decorations and gifts have been put away. Thank you notes were written and mailed. Ditto January birthday cards. Cleaned the stovetop and kitchen counters. Took a precursory "inventory" of what's in the chest freezer. We could--conceivably--go several months w/o buying meat. Realized I have to decide what to do with 6 lbs. of frozen blueberries. There's enough cookie dough in there to last a year. Paid a few bills.
THIS WEEK: Finish polishing up the kitchen and start on bathrooms. If energetic enough, finish those. Get some notes off to friends who have been on my mind and a letter to a cousin in AK. Get 2 pkgs. 85% ground round ready for freezer. Vacuum seal and freeze any leftover pork ribs. Get 16 lbs. of oranges juiced; freeze juice for marmalade later... or just drink & enjoy it! LOL! Start reading the Jan Karon Mitford series from book one. OR... start reading the Coffee With Nona books again. Have an Early Bird dinner out with Hubs on our Anniversary. Be grateful for blessings each day and express that thanks in prayer daily. --Elise
Happy anniversary, Elise. The lettuce seeds are from Territorial Seeds, they are a mixed heat tolerant. I've had excellent luck with them growing in containers as well as raised bed.
DeleteThank you, Cookie. :-) --Elise
DeleteElise, happy anniversary. I have heard so much about the Jan Karon Mitford series but I'm pretty sure I've never read them nor the Coffee with Nona books. I'm not familiar with those either.
DeleteYou've already gotten quite a bit done! I bet fresh squeezed orange juice is delicious and your pantry sounds like it's in good shape. Good for you!
These books look so good! And I love gifting & receiving used books. I do it all the time.
ReplyDeleteI've followed agingdisgracefully on Instagram for quite awhile now. I want to be able to get up off the floor like she does. I can sometimes go to my knees then stand without using my hands but her method looks so hard! My husband can do it though (he's 61). Have you seen this lady getting into a car?! Check out this video of her. https://www.instagram.com/ageingdisgracefully_/reel/CqzlvS6JUnK/
It's been a few yrs since I set a walking goal. It won't be happening this year either.
And I would love to do more with herbs. I have such a nice herb garden right now but we're moving this year. So that's on the back burner too.
Anonymous, I watched the video you suggested of aging disgracefully getting in a car. No way would I ever be able to do that!!! I hope this new year brings you opportunities to do the things you want and enjoy; it sounds like there's some pretty big changes coming your way.
DeleteActually I decided to cancel my WW membership. I can do this on my own. No matter if it’s WW or my own it comes down to determination and I know I can do this.
ReplyDeleteWe are here to encourage you, Lee Ann! We can do this!
DeleteLee Ann, what Kelsey said!!! We can do this ... I stepped on the scales this morning and I'm already down 2 pounds, 18 more to go to be back at my goal weight. Pick your plan and work it and give yourself plenty of grace. When you fall off the wagon, as I did with all the stuff happening in our lives in November and December, pick yourself back up and get right back to your plan. Your plan is your friend!
DeleteI focus on 10,000 steps a day That's about 5 miles. I have a long stride for how short I am. In garden season and when I am using the yard clothes line instead of the porch (northwest OH) I get 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day. I focus more on movement like they do in the Blue zones.
ReplyDeleteChef Owings, I am working back up to that level of activity. I was really sick for about 8 days over the holidays so I'm rebuilding my exercise level a little at a time.
DeleteWhat are the 'blue zones?'
Thank you for your posts.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteYay - I'm glad you got your Little House books! I have a set my ex bought me in the early 80's and I still pick up one and read it at least once a year. I love them and they really helped shape my life as far as knowing I can do and make do and survive. She really did describe well how things were done. Those books were also some of the first "chapter" books I started reading in 2nd grade way back in the 60's and my love for reading was ignited with them.
ReplyDeleteKathy, I feel the same way about the Little House books, they just speak to my heart!
DeleteQuestion for anyone... we got a 1/2 gallon of fresh orange juice from the naval oranges last night, and I saved aside 4 cups of pulp, not sure what (if anything) could be made from that. What would you do with 4 cups of seedless orange pulp? Right not it's just in an airtight container in the fridge. --Elise
ReplyDeleteElise, maybe you could find a recipe for some type of jam/marmalade to make from it?
DeleteElise, I don't have a clue but the first thing that comes to my mind is to dry it and grind it into a powder to use in baked goods or in smoothies. I'll be watching to see what suggestions others have!
DeleteElise, might you consider dehydrating it for use as an additive to your glass of water or in other beverages? Or freezing it into cubes to keep on hand to add to your drinks? Or maybe cook it down to a thicker consistency to use as an extract? Add to your baking to get a citrus flavor? Have not researched any of this, but just thinking out loud.
DeleteI love that you want to learn to use your serger. I am not well versed in my serger either and you are inspiring me to learn to use mine. I love your blog and looked forward to learning more from you in 2024.
ReplyDeleteSew Wilde, thank you! I have cleared my calendar for tomorrow to give myself the first serger lesson. I'm going to have to be intentional about this or I'll keep doing what I've been doing ... putting it off until another day!!!
DeleteAs I was reading your post, I opened my library loan window and ordered several of the books you mentioned. They look great. I often get a book from the library to look over so I can decide if I actually want to buy it or not.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of the same goals you have for this new year with minor differences. I'm a wimp with the cold of northern Michigan, so in the winter I'm now using my elliptical instead of walking. I've found a fun challenge at https://www.theconqueror.events/ where you can virtually hike certain routes, ie. along Hadrian's Wall, or through the Cotswolds, or through a couple of Lord of the Ring places. I'm not sure I want to spend the money for joining, though you do get some goodies for doing so, but it might help with motivation and could be fun.
I'm hoping to create an indoor garden in our basement (kept warm by the woodstove), so am learning about grow-lights and stuff. I'd like to try spinach, potatoes, kale, green beans, and some herbs. We'll see how that goes.
Kim, good for you for utilizing your library before buying, I do the same with Libby.
DeleteDuring the winter months, I walk inside too! There's no shame in that at all, we're still moving and that's the important thing.
If I had a basement, I would be doing the same! Good luck!