Ever Considered Farming as a Hobby?

Enjoy some country livin’ even if you don’t have a farm!

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Did you ever visit relatives or friends who lived on a farm when you were a child? Chances are you have some fond memories of those visits. Maybe you even lived on one yourself or do so today. One of the new trends in farming is to own or manage a Hobby Farm. That’s a small farm that is not a source of primary income, but rather a way to provide a country lifestyle without the expense and dawn ‘til dusk labor. Usually the owner or manager (often a family) of a Hobby Farm enjoys several acres of land where they raise a small number of animals and grow food for the animals and themselves. They may raise chickens and sell the eggs.

The August Molly Magazine will help you recall your favorite farm experiences and lend to trying out some new ones—even if you live in the city. Maybe you will be inspired to own or manage a Hobby Farm yourself!

• Get out your old cast iron skillet and learn how to use it again. Molly teaches you how to clean, season, store, and cook in it properly. Don’t have one? Ask an older member of your family or go to a flea market, peddler’s mall, or estate auction.
• Mark your calendar with upcoming special days and events for August. National Kids Day and Best Friend’s Day occur this month. And in spite of the hot August weather, it’s time to blanket your water heater!
• Learn how to save money by saving seeds for next year’s garden. Laura Williams shares great ideas on how to choose the right seeds, and how to dry and store them.
• Use your crock pot to make an imitation rotisserie chicken dinner for your family and at a fraction of the cost. While it’s cookin’, learn farmhouse decorating on a dime.
• Turn a pair of old jeans into a handy tote that will help keep you organized and supplied with everything you need for those odd jobs. Sharon White shares step-by-step instructions complete with photos.

• Walk through a Hobby Farm with Betsy Chastain as she takes you on a personal tour of how her family enjoys a country lifestyle. Complete with guidelines and pictures.
• Be amazed at the entrepreneurship of Terren Jace Thomas as he shares the business sense that helped him develop a new product to make teen drivers safer as well as others on the road.
• Grow your own salad from now through fall with Emilee Gettle as your guide.
• Care for your skin with Molly’s tips on making homemade soaps and lotions.
• Replace your lawnmower with a grass-eating animal—or at least read about how Linda Hadley did it!
• Cook like a pioneer woman when you purchase the cookbook Molly recommends this month.
• Put on your flip flops as you read about Midge’s first country life experience and how she set a personal record running in flip flops. And Molly encourages Midge to continue to implement country lifestyle choices.
• Do your August shopping with Sarah Dugger’s shopping guide in hand.

See why homemakers love Molly Green Magazine—see what’s inside!

Click here to view a sample.

Project Manager: Dena Wood, Becky Gustafson.

Contributing Writers: Alayna Cann, Dena Wood, Patricia Hunter, Emilee Gettle, Linda Hadley, Shannon Reilly, Inger Koppenhaver, Becky Gustafson, Sarah Dugger, Sharon White, Betsy Chastain

Publication: 2012

Pages: 41

File Size: 2.9 MB

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Dear Midge,
I’ve found that as the years go by and the kids are getting older, we are in full swing living life to its fullest! Living (and loving) a “full life” often times leaves me feeling overwhelmed or rushed and in the middle of chaos. No doubt, living daily life in a home that is unfinished and in the process of “fixing up” could leave you feeling the same way!

No matter why you may feel stressed, there are a few things you can do to find peace among the chaos. Music helps me center myself. With lots of kiddos around there’s usually a lot of noise so I find that playing calming music helps to quiet everyone. One of my favorite times to do this is before dinner as I prepare the food. It helps to set a calming mood before we sit at the table and enjoy our evening meal.

Sometimes we just need a “mental vacation.” This is something I do when I feel overwhelmed and overloaded and this tied to technology for me. Once a week I try to take a technology break, it usually falls on Sundays. On that day I try to limit phone calls, television and computer. I find that taking a break from the fast pace of all things digital helps me to center myself for the upcoming week.

Years ago I heard about keeping a gratitude journal. I tried it and found that focusing on the things I was grateful for (large or small) helped get me through a tough day. Looking back at all the things I was grateful for has been a real inspiration for when I feel overwhelmed.

Comic relief is a sure way to lighten your load! Sometimes I’ve found humor in a television show I used to watch years ago, a YouTube video or even a phone call with my sister. Finding these little breaks in the seriousness of daily life can be a benefit to anyone. Who doesn’t enjoy a good belly laugh?

This summer has been full of unpacking boxes from our recent move. Talk about chaos! The little projects filling my day range from hanging shelves and curtains to maintaining our little garden and canning our bounty. I find myself practicing all of the above stress relievers every week.

Here’s to a little solitude in the midst of our full lives!
Love ya, Molly

Flashback Monday is where I bring you “back in time” with me to previous topics discussed in my magazines. Molly members simply need to go to your Member Page, find the back issue we’re talking about and click on it. If you’re not a Molly member and would like to be, sign up here. Not only will you receive a new magazine each month, but you will have access to all back issues as well as other fun (and helpful!) resources. Molly

This summer we’ve been offering my E-Book as a special gift after being a Molly Member for 60 days. The E-Book, Molly Goes Camping, is sure to give your family many frugal tips for family camping trips. Do you long to enjoy and explore the great outdoors with your family? Want to make that special connection with your kids? Don’t let a few varmints, mosquitoes, or mishaps spoil your fun—Go camping! For the price of spending a night or two in a motel, you can outfit your family for adventure and make memories for a lifetime!

There’s still time to get in on the fun and plan a camping trip or two before summer comes to a close. Check out all of the fabulous frugal ideas and plan your next camping trip! Remember, if you’re a member (for atleast 60 days) just check your member pages and it should be there! You can also find a copy of Molly Goes Camping here.

Fabulous Friday is a way to recap the week and give you some frugal tips for the weekend. Please share what you’re up to this weekend! Molly

This week was fast and furious for us, and dealing with the heat has left us all wiped out.  Today we finally have a break in the heat so there’s much to accomplish on the to-do list. We have been blessed with an abundance of cucumbers for making pickles. I’ve picked the dill and have all the ingredients ready to begin canning pickles.

If you are from a family that has done canning, there may be a favorite family recipe for pickles (dill, a bread and butter variety, etc). You may ask a family member for a recipe and tips on how they’ve mastered the art of making pickles. One year my pickles turned out too soft and they lacked the crunch I enjoy, I’m determined not to do that again! If you’re starting out “on your own” have no fear! There are many tips and recipes online for making pickles, here is some info to give you a head start.

What is on your agenda for the weekend?

Guest Blog by: Midge

Fave Magazine Articles… Series 2 of 3

Last week I wrote about several of my favorite recipes from Molly Green Magazine.  Some of my favorite articles to read in the magazine are the step by step tutorials.  My husband and I love giving one-of-a-kind Christmas and birthday gifts but sometimes lack the time to research and find that perfect gift idea.  When my cousin Molly first started her magazine, one of the first things I would look for is the latest crafty, frugal idea.  Re-purposed, upcycled or made from scratch items that bring new inspiration into a room which are made with love and at the same time don’t break the bank.

Here are a few of my favorite crafty items from the past years:

In the Something Old and Something New Article from this magazine http://econobusters.com/living_the_good_life-frugally/, there are loads of ideas for upcyling a flannel shirt.  You can make a therapeutic heating pad out of the arms or a cute pillow out of the main section of the shirt!  I love a nice comfy flannel shirt and struggle when we have to toss one out due to holes… now I found another option!

In last month’s Creative Crafting article by Emilee Gettle, there was a video tutorial which shows how to make a party pennant.  I am looking forward to viewing the video and think it would make a great gift for my niece’s next birthday party!  I have less than a year to plan and make it!   http://econobusters.com/molly_green_magazine_lets_head_outdoors/

The July issue of Molly Green Magazine was chock full of gift ideas… I loved the salt dough ornaments and would like to try my hand at recycling our old CDs as shown in the article by Sharon White.

http://econobusters.com/molly_green_magazine_christmas_in_july/

I also liked the nifty thrifty article by Candy Foote in this magazine http://econobusters.com/homebound_happiness_frugal_indoor_fun/.  I am definitely interested in trying her unique gift basket idea.  There is another article which talks about giving cookie mixes in jars as well as a great tutorial on how to make a beautiful holiday wreath using your family’s photos.

Have you tried any of the tutorials?  What is your favorite craft article in Molly Green Magazine? 

Shoppers are always looking for ways to make the best decisions, find the best deals, and save as much money as possible. To help you cut down on costs when buying your groceries, take a look at some of these tips from our guest poster, Kate Sorensen.  Molly

3 Frugal Grocery Shopping Strategies–Pay Less, Enjoy More

1. Make Good Decisions When Buying Meat
Meat is one of the more expensive products commonly purchased at grocery stores, and also one of the least healthy. Oprah.com offers tips on how to reduce the money spent on meat. Its first suggestion is to simply eat less meat, as it often can contain a lot of unhealthy saturated animal fat. Chef Sara Moulton recommends to “treat [meat] more like a flavoring and less like the center-of-the-plate item.” On the same token, Moulton proposes going vegetarian once a week, suggesting using tasty legumes as the base of the meal. When you do buy meats, she claims that the less-processed the meats, the better. “So, buy chicken thighs on the bone instead of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Skin, which is really fat, and bones contribute flavor and can be removed after you cook the chicken.”

2. Make Soup More Often
Soup is a delicious meal that is always affordable. Moulton advises to “base your soup on legumes and vegetables, and if you want a creamer soup, use an immersion blender to thicken it.” Often, the bits of other meals we throw away are not garbage at all; Shelby Gilje of the Seattle Times writes on her realization that she had been throwing away food she could have been using in soups. “I learned that serious cooks recommend saving meat bones and less-than-prime vegetables for soup stock. It’s nutritious and good for the budget, too.” Other commonly thrown away items she cites are turkey carcasses, salmon bones, and various limp vegetables. Gilje explains that you can throw your ingredients in a stock pot and let them simmer while you do other tasks, then store the soup in the freezer when it’s done. When you’re ready to eat it, all it takes is a reheating and an addition of herbs and other toppings.

3. Don’t Buy Certain Products Organic
Sure, eating organic foods in most cases is worth the extra cost as it protects you from dangerous pesticides, but there are certain products where conventional buying is just as safe. Brierley Wright from Eating Well, in her article Trying to save money? 15 foods you don’t need to buy organic, lists 15 fruits and vegetables least likely to contain pesticides. The list includes onions, avocado, watermelon, kiwi, and more. Purchasing these items conventionally runs a low risk of danger at a much cheaper price than organic purchases.

Shopping and cooking smart will go a long way in cutting down the cost of eating. Follow these tips and expect to save a lot of money grocery shopping; expand on them to fit your habits and save even more.

Kate Sorensen is a working mother of two small children who lives outside of Des Moines, Iowa. She has a background in marketing and public relations and enjoys sharing great deals and how to save money. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter under Coupon Cravings or at www.couponcravings.com.

If you get my weekly newsletter, you most likely read Midge’s question regarding her request for frugal suggestions on putting together a child’s birthday party. (if you don’t get my newsletter be sure and subscribe via the sticky note in the upper right corner of the blog). Here are a few thoughts I had on fun birthday ideas. Molly

Dear Midge,

How about these simple ideas for your daughter’s next birthday party?

1. Cake (or some form of cake like cupcakes, ice cream cake, etc)

2. A few (frugal) decorations. How about some streamers, balloons, Happy Birthday sign (purchased or homemade by siblings) and a few goodies in a goodie bag for guests. All of these things can be purchased at your local dollar discount-type store.

3. A fun activity or two. If it’s summer time it could involve bubbles, water balloons, water guns or sprinklers. If it’s winter time, fun activities might include pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey or a coloring contest (with prizes for all at the end).

4. A nature scavenger hunt. The list of things to find could include pine cones, 3 different types of tree leaves, a certain colored stone, etc.

5. The biggest and best HAPPY BIRTHDAY song you can muster (how about adding in actions too?). A birthday ‘crown’ for the guest of honor would be extra special too. Don’t forget lots of pictures!

Birthday parties don’t have to break your budget. Being together, having a good time and making memories are what’s important. Use your imagination and enjoy your child’s special day. Why not include the story of their birth? If you have an adopted child, you could tell the story of how they came to your family and the first time you set eyes on them and how it made your heart happy.

Happy birthday party planning!
Love ya, Molly

Frugal party ideas works for me! To see more Works For Me Wednesday Tips, visit We Are That Family.

Flashback Monday is where I bring you “back in time” with me to previous topics discussed in my magazines. Molly members simply need to go to your Member Page, find the back issue we’re talking about and click on it. If you’re not a Molly member and would like to be, sign up here. Not only will you receive a new magazine each month, but you will have access to all back issues as well as other fun (and helpful!) resources.

Are you crazy for couponing? Maybe you’re intimidated and not sure where to start? If couponing sparks your interest, check out my January 2011 issue Molly Saves In The Office. Not only will you get a heads-up on how to organize your coupons but you’ll find this issue to be jam-packed with advice for home and family: repurposed projects, teaching kids responsibility, creative cooking, spending wisely, taking care of yourself, and encouraging one another.

What’s your favorite thing about this issue? What topics would you like to see covered in future issues of Molly Green Magazine?

Fabulous Friday is a way to recap the week and give you some frugal tips for the weekend. Please share what you’re up to this weekend! Molly

We had a fast and furious week here and accomplished much, but before I dive into meal planning talk I NEED YOUR HELP!

How would you like to receive a free issue of my magazine? There are 3 spots for Molly Magazine “reviewers” available. All you need to do is review our magazine (before it is released to the public) and offer a few quotes about what you thought. You need to have a blog that you can post your thoughts to for each issue you review. If you are chosen, I will happily mention your review (and your blog!) here on Facebook and on Twitter. Interested? Email me and we’ll talk (please mention “Reviewer” in the subject line and send a link to your blog)! Email me here: molly@econobusters.com. Many thanks to my sweet readers!

Ok, on to the food talk! One thing that helps me tremendously during a busy week is having “extra” meals on hand. Do you meal plan? Does it seem overwhelming to you or do you rely on this type of planing for budgeting purposes? In the past I’ve been able to sit down and plan out a month’s worth of meals, shop for all the ingredients, prepare the meals and freeze them. It’s safe to say I am not in that season today, that’s for sure! Now days it feels like a struggle to get a week’s worth of meals planned, shopped for and prepared. To try and get ahead of myself a little bit I’m trying to make double batches of each dinner and put one away in the freezer. This is slower method than what I’ve done in the past but I’m grateful for some meals in my freezer instead of none.

If you like to be organized while you plan out your meals here’s a little help to get you started. Do you plan out your meals? What’s your favorite method?

 Guest Blog by: Midge

Fave Magazine Articles… Series 1 of 3

I have spent time recently perusing through past issues of Molly magazine.  And I have concluded that I absolutely love the “Begin with the Basics” articles.  In the past, I have shared my insecurities when it comes to anything cooking or baking related.  The back to the basics articles clearly spell out everything.  I don’t have to question the details or bug my mother-in-law once again with kitchen questions!

Here are a few of my favorite Begin with the Basics recipes which I want to try as soon as possible…

Tea Sandwiches – I want to invite my nieces over for a tea party with my daughter and I.  They love to help their mom in the kitchen and I thought they might enjoy helping us put these sandwiches together for a lovely afternoon tea.  http://econobusters.com/molly_green_magazine_a_light_heart_in_dark_times/

Pesto – A few months back, I had a bunch of fresh basil going to waste because I simply did not know what to do with it!  My sister creates a really delicious dish with pesto and I thought I would surprise her some day with some made from scratch pesto!  According the description it is a gluten free creamy sauce, which would be perfect since one of her children needs a gluten free diet.

http://econobusters.com/molly_saves_in_the_outdoors/

Meatballs – The last time I tried to make meatballs, I used a no sugar, no salt, no taste kind of recipe that left an “ugh” kind of aftertaste.  This Molly magazine has loads of great ideas for using ground beef including three different meatball recipes!  Looking forward to trying a new meatball recipe and these sound yummy… http://econobusters.com/emergency_preparedness/

Oh and just one more…. My blog last week was about recipe improvisation!  Check out this great article about Emergency Recipe Substitutions in this Molly Green Magazine.  I am going to print and hang it on the bulletin board in my kitchen. http://econobusters.com/molly_saves_in_the_kitchen/

If you are already a member, you can access all of these magazines through the member page!  Check them out!  Just one of these recipes is worth the price of subscribing if you are not yet a member of Molly Green Magazine.

Have you tried any of the back to the basics recipes?  If you were to pick your favorite part of a Molly Green Magazine what would it be?