6 Pictures to Keep in Your Phone

I forget lots of things. I blame it on "Sometimers". That and I have to keep lots of information about a lot of people in my poor little brain. I recently heard of the most wonderful hint that has changed my life (well maybe not that drastic, but maybe so).

Use my phone to take picture of things I need to know but don't have memorized.

My top 6 (plus) suggestions:

1. Take your kids photos when you are going out so that if (hopefully never) get lost you can just show the picture to the police so that you won't have to remember what he/she was wearing that day. They love to have their pictures taken so this is perfect. And if you have ever had to come up with what they are wearing in an emergency situation you will be so grateful for this tip.

2.  Picture of the razor and refills my husband likes - I can't tell you how many times I have stood in front of the bajillion choices.

3. A picture of my printer cartridge so I buy the right ones!

4. Travel confirmation numbers - just take a picture of your computer screen and voila'.

5. A reminder of where I have parked - this is wonderful when you are in a big parking lot or in a big city.

6. Picture of poison ivy so I can be sure I am not touching it or attempting to forage it!

Poison Ivy

bonus - picture of Christmas/birthday gift possibilities. I think this would be a great way to let your sweetie know what you want (forward the picture to him/her).

If I was traveling abroad I would use it for things like the street my hotel is on, a picture of my passport, insurance card, and a current picture of myself and anyone traveling with me. Oh, and a copy of my itinerary.

Be careful not to put too much information in your phone in case it is lost or stolen and there would be the possibility of some less than honest person using it for evil gains. 

Tell me how do you use your smart phone to make your life easier??

Homemade Ketchup

I have to admit this is not a frugal recipe, at all. 

Especially if I use all organic ingredients. 

But sometimes frugality has to (if possible) take the back seat to nutrition and health and taste. 

It.just.does. 

Ketchup is more than a condiment to many people, I remember reading somewhere that the ketchup on the fries at McNasty was really the only thing worth eating. 

Well, that was obviously before we realized how horrible HFCS is for us. 

There is however some truth to that.

I have attempted ketchup in the past and it was always not quite right. 

Maybe it is because we have been using different organic ketchups for several years.

Maybe our palates are more refined and used to good foods.

Maybe, just maybe this is a delicious recipe - I am sure this is true!

Homemade Ketchup

• 1 small onion, chopped 
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves (you don't want whole)
• 1/2 tsp powdered mustard 
• pinch of cayenne pepper (if you want a little kick)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1  28 - ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (6-7ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 TBS unsulphured blackstrap molasses 
• 2 TBS honey - raw if you have it
• 2 TBS apple cider vinegar (I uses unfiltered, raw) 
• 1/2 cup liquid - water, chicken broth, or I used 1/4 cup of my tomato juice I drained from the diced tomatoes plus 1/4 cup water

Don't forget to be your own sous chef - mise en place really makes this go quickly. 

Chop your onions, drain your tomatoes, measure your spices. 

Heat a skillet over medium heat until hot. 

Add onion, the cumin, clove, powdered mustard, sea salt, and your 1/2 cup liquid and then saute until translucent and the water is mostly evaporated. 4-5 minutes or so. 

Remove from heat and add to a blender along with remaining ingredients. 

Blend until smooth. 

Pour ketchup into glass jars - this makes about 3 cups. 

I haven't tried this but I am sure it could be frozen. 

So, what about you? Do you make your own condiments? Do your kids know you do crazy stuff like make your own ketchup? Do they care? 


I am linking this to Mrs. Dull's Scratch Cookin' Tuesday

Ted Talk: Dan Phillips - Creative homes from Recylced Materials.

This is another great Ted video - this guy makes the most amazing homes from things headed to the land fill.  This is the type of creativity that takes upcycling to the ninja level!