Adoption Update

It's been about 3 months since I last updated you on our adoption journey.  I'm disappointed to report that we haven't experienced much forward movement since then.

Photo Credit

We've been rather frustrated as of late.  It has taken FOREVER to get our homestudy completely processed.  The home visit, interview and paperwork are just one piece of it.  Just when we thought we were through with that step, something else came up - the agency sent in the wrong paperwork to the state, they forgot they needed additional documents, they needed more money.  It's extremely frustrating when you don't have any control over the process.


We do have a few positive notes to share:

Broody with a Purpose

We have 2 Silkie hens that were a gift to us from a friend for keeping her Silkie flock for several months.  We named them Nutmeg and Beanie.  Nutmeg, like the spice and Beanie, like a little black bean.

                                                                                                                                         
Silkies, by nature, are one of the broodiest breeds of chicken there are.  They are known to be excellent Mothers.

Tightwad Tuesdays - How to use up leftover ham

This week's Tightwad Tuesday is a tip we've all have heard before.  Don't toss out those leftovers!  Find a way to use them up.  Luckily for me, Hubz came from a family of leftover eaters.  We don't have much go to waste around here, but it isn't always thanks to my superb culinary skills.  It mostly boils down to him not having a problem snacking on leftovers or taking them for lunch or, if there's a big pot of chili, eating them for nights on end. 

Who else had ham, among other goodies, leftover from Easter?  Here are some ideas for using up that ham:

• Sandwiches, of course (especially good if you have some yummy rolls leftover, as well)
• Ground up into ham salad
• Potato soup
• Ham 'n cheese omelette
• Chef salad
• Soup beans
• Pork fried rice

Organic Gardening Magazine only $4.99 for 1 year!

In a recent Tightwad Tuesday post I talked about magazines and how I prefer to check them out from the library instead of subscribing to them.  Organic Gardening is one that I reguarly check out and here's a subscription deal that's too good to pass up - even for me.

Update:  This deal has ended.

Tightwad Tuesday - Kitchen Substitutions

This week I thought I'd share a list of substitutions you can use in the kitchen.  If you don't happen to have a specific ingredient, before you run to the store, look for a substitution.  There's no need to buy a whole bag of self-rising flour for one recipe.  You can make your own!

My old standby cookbook, Better Homes and Gardens, has a list of substitutions on the back cover.  Your favorite cookbook may have a list as well.

 
Here are substitutions I use in my kitchen (without complaint).  Most can be used without altering the taste or outcome of your recipe.