Make It From Scratch

Weekends are great for so many reasons.  One of my favorite aspects of the weekend is getting to have a large, family breakfast.  Last weekend, my husband opened the cupboard looking for Bisquick and a happy opportunity presented itself as we were out of that particular food item.  The waffles he ended up making from scratch tasted far better than any waffles we had made using the convenience of a packaged food. 

Packaged foods can be a time saver; Bisquick is a mix that makes it easy to prepare biscuits, pancakes, waffles and many other dishes.  It has been around since 1931, but it also contains preservatives to increase its shelf life.  Making biscuits, pancakes or waffles from scratch eliminates the need from preservatives and keeps you in control of the ingredients.  There are organic and natural versions of Bisquick like Arrowhead Mills and Bob’s Red Mill.  Those varieties do not contain Dextrose, Soybean Oil or Cottonseed Oil.  Or you could create your own Bisquick by searching the internet for recipes.  You could also try combining the dry ingredients of your favorite recipe and store in an airtight container.

One way to shop healthier at a grocery store/ super market is to shop the outer aisles.  Stick with the fresh foods in the produce section, buy fresh meat and avoid the freezer and packaged food aisles.  Making foods from scratch avoids the fillers and preservatives.  You can control the amount of sugar and fat in your diet.  You can eat healthier by making your favorite foods from scratch.  With a little proper planning, you can make large batches and freeze smaller portions for later. 

I have a friend who is eating Lean Cuisines daily in preparation for her upcoming wedding.  With all the stress that comes with a large wedding, I have decided to not share with her my concerns but it is not only a very expensive way to try to control portions, there are so many extra ingredients in those products.  One suggestion I came across while researching Lean Cuisine, “if you can’t pronounce it or don’t recognize it, don’t eat it!” (Goff, www.fitday.com/fitness-articles)

This is a great time of year to get amazing fresh produce.  Buy in bulk and put up the food.  Share your favorite methods of putting up food at sustainablysadie.blogspot.com.  Canning, freezing, drying…what is your favorite?  What local foods have you stored away for later?  Thanks for reading and sharing!

Twin Bits

Garage-A-Rama is Saturday June 8^th at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges, 9 am to 1 pm.  

 Twin Bridges Farmers’ Market begins Saturday May 18, 9 am!  First 2 Saturdays FREE for Vendors to set up booth.  Twin Bridges Main Street Park. 

Sheridan Farmers’ Market begins Thursday June 6^th, 4 pm to 6 pm at Sheridan’s Main Street Park. 

From TBS Calendar:

Wed May 22:  Kindergarten Celebration! 1:30 pm @ MP Gym

May 24-25:  State Track Meet @ Laurel

Friday May 24:  Last Day of School!  School out at 2 pm

Candles

Candles

I think that candles are wonderful.  They make wonderful gifts.  They are fun to receive.  They make my house smell nice.  There is a comforting glow and warmth that comes from a lit candle.  Besides a sustainable light source for the home, candles are also a great way to support your local economy.

There are local candle makers whose wares can be found are local shops and at your local farmers market.  If you are in need of gift giving ideas, choosing candles can help support your local shops and buying candles from vendors at farmers markets will encourage those vendors to return.  Incense is another product that is being produced locally and makes a unique gift item. 

There are many recipes for making your own candles on-line.  On Pinterest, I pinned a page for making soy candles economically and in large batches.  Stockpiling candles can come in handy for those times when the power goes out unexpectedly.  If planning on camping, candles can be a cheaper way to light a campsite or cabin (and better for the environment) than flashlights with batteries.  Please be safe.  Always extinguish candles before leaving the home.  With our dry, dry, dry conditions please be extra careful with open flames. 

There are LED, battery-operated candles that would be a safe alternative to traditional candles.  They are safe for kids and reduce the risk of fire.  They often flicker to simulate the romantic glow of real candles.  They make excellent stocking stuffers. 

Try making your own.  Search on-line for local, Made in Montana candles and incense.  Use unscented candles on the dinner table (fragranced candles will affect how food tastes).  An all-natural way to fragrance the home, stress relief, and fun to gift.  Support your local economy and your local crafters this farmers’ market season.  Buy candles! 

Share events and news at www.facebook.com/SustainablySadie or email sustainablysadie@hotmail.com. 

Twin Bits

Notre Dame Catholic Church of Twin Bridges is hosting a Rummage Sale Saturday May 18, starting at 9 am.  Carol Wilcox is the contact, 684-5142.  Volunteers and additional rummage sale items will be welcome and appreciated. 

  Twin Bridges Farmers’ Market begins Saturday May 18, 9 am!  First 2 Saturdays FREE for Vendors to set up booth.  Twin Bridges Main Street Park. 

Sheridan Farmers’ Market begins Thursday June 6^th, 4 pm to 6 pm at Sheridan’s Main Street Park. 

From TBS Calendar:

Thurs May 16:  Cheerleading Tryouts @ Main Gym, 3:30 pm; Reg School Board Mtg, 7 pm @ MT Room

Friday May 17:  Divisional Track Meet @ Missoula; K-4 Field Day @ Carroll Field; Seniors Last Day

Sat. May 18:  Divisional Track Meet @ Missoula

Sunday May 19:  HS Graduation 6pm

Mon May 20:  Trailblazers 4-H mtg, 7 pm @ Lunchroom

Tues May 21:  8^th Grade Promotion, 6 pm; Regular School Board Mtg, 7 pm @ MT Room

Wed May 22:  Kindergarten Celebration! 1:30 pm @ MP Gym

May 24-25:  State Track Meet @ Laurel

Friday May 24:  Last Day of School!  School out at 2 pm

Garage-A-Rama

Sustainably Sadie

Garage-A-Rama

Whenever I see posts entitled “Ways to Make Money from Home”, I read those posts hoping to find new ways to supplement our family income.  One suggestion mentioned in such posts consistently is “Sell Your Stuff.”  If you have stuff to sell, you should consider taking advantage of one our community’s greatest annual events:  Garage-A-Rama. 

Friends of the Twin Bridges Public Library host this fundraiser at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges.  This year, Garage-A-Rama will be Saturday June 8^th, 9 am to 1 pm.  Last year, there were 67 booths split between the Round Building and the Jeffers (square) Building at the Fairgrounds.  Seven to eight hundred people cruise through the massive garage sale; at $15 per table, it fares to be the most cost-effective way to “sell your stuff.” 

There are spaces available.  Call Cynthia Osborne at 684-5993 to arrange a table or with any questions.  If you feel that you don’t have enough stuff to justify a table but want to participate, phone your friends and go in on a table together.  If by the time you call all the spaces have been filled, host a yard sale that same Saturday while shoppers are out on the prowl for amazing deals. 

Take a few minutes to wipe the dust off the stuff you plan to sell.  Think of vendor booths that have caught your eye and try to mimic that effective marketing.  Go through your closets and if you have clothes you haven’t worn in over a year, pass them on.  Go through the kids’ toys and books.  Mark the prices of your items clearly.

It is a great day to get out and socialize with your friends and neighbors.  Catch up with folks you haven’t seen since last fall.  At only $15 per table, you are sure to walk away from the event with cash in your pocket.  Shop the great deals.  Tell your friends.  Advertise with The Madisonian. 

Share events and news with me, sustainablysadie@hotmail.com. 

Twin Bits:

There is a Mother’s Day Brunch

    May 12th 10:00am to 1:00pm at the historic Ruby Hotel on Main Street -Sheridan a fundraiser to benefit Jackson’s Garden.

Buffet to include breakfast casseroles and strata's, quiche, potatoes, fresh fruit, muffins, croissants with a custom dessert bar including assorted cheese cakes, carrot cake, pie, etc. Coffee, tea and juice included. Mimosas available!!

   $20 per person, ages 12 and under $10, age 3 and under free. 

   Reservations recommended call Carla at 842-7956

Twin Bridges Farmers’ Market begins Saturday May 18, 9 am!  First 2 Saturdays FREE for Vendors to set up booth.  Twin Bridges Main Street Park. 

Sheridan Farmers’ Market begins Thursday June 6^th, 4 pm to 6 pm at Sheridan’s Main Street Park. 

From TBS Calendar:

Thurs May 9:  HS Spring Concert, 7 pm @ MP Gym; 7:30 pm Veterans Mtg @ MT Room

Friday May 10:  Retirement Celebration w/ Staff, 3 pm (potluck); 6,7,8^th Grades Spring Dance @ Lunchroom

Sat May 11:  District Track Meet @ Bozeman

Mon May 13:  Spring Awards Banquet, 5:30 pm @ Lunchroom

Tues May 14:  Elem Spring Concert, 6:30 pm @ MP Gym

Thurs May 16:  Cheerleading Tryouts @ Main Gym, 3:30 pm; Reg School Board Mtg, 7 pm @ MT Room

Friday May 17:  Divisional Track Meet @ Missoula; K-4 Field Day @ Carroll Field; Seniors Last Day

Sat. May 18:  Divisional Track Meet @ Missoula

Sunday May 19:  HS Graduation 6pm

Mon May 20:  Trailblazers 4-H mtg, 7 pm @ Lunchroom

Tues May 21:  8^th Grade Promotion, 6 pm; Regular School Board Mtg, 7 pm @ MT Room

May 24-25:  State Track Meet @ Laurel

Friday May 24:  Last Day of School!  School out at 2 pm