We started feeding our son solid food last week. So far, he’s had green beans and acorn squash. Last weekend I steamed a handful of green beans and then pureed them in my blender with a little water. I froze the pureed beans in an ice cube tray, and got seven ice cubes that I then put in a zip top bag in the freezer. Each day during the week, I would defrost one cube of beans, and then we’d feed it to our son. He’s still getting the hang of eating from a spoon, and tasting something other than milk. Yesterday I cooked an acorn squash in our solar oven, and today I pureed a bit of it and made squash ice cubes for the coming week. It costs hardly anything to make organic homemade baby food for him – and we’re not adding lots of little glass jars to our recycle bin. If you’re starting a baby on solid foods, I highly recommend making your own. It takes just minutes to make enough food for several days, and it’s a satisfying and frugal way to go.
Now for some good stuff from around the blogosphere this week… from the Frugal Blog Network:
At Almost Frugal, an article about frugal tips for having pets, complete with an absolutely adorable photo of her family’s new kitten.
At Tight Fisted Miser, Andy shares his experience with identity theft. Shiver me timbers…
At Frugal Duchess, a great article about how her daughter was not sold on the idea of buy a lot/get one free. Obviously a child raised by a frugal mama!
At Frugal Zeitgeist, an insightful article about knockoffs of pricey brand name stuff.
At Not Made Of Money, the lowdown on prepaid debit cards.
From other blogs I read…
Homemaker Barbie is giving away a 10-pack of current magazines – stop by her blog and enter to win. This sure beats buying magazines, and after you’ve read them, they’re great for kids to cup up and use for crafts.
Simple Mom has a beautiful post about giving back this holiday season, and doing it as a family. I love the ideas here, and I really want to do something this Christmas with my husband and son to brighten the lives of people around us.
Over at Green Baby Guide, they’re coming up with all sorts of new uses for baking soda.
I was contacted recently by some organizations with websites that might be of interest to my readers…
FreeShipping.org has codes you can use for free shipping at over 800 online retailers. If you’re an online shopper, you’ll want to check this site before you pull out the credit card.
Spendster.org is a website where you can upload videos of things you bought that you wish you hadn’t. Or, if you’re not feeling like sharing, just go check out videos from other folks. Should provide some inspiration for skipping your next impulse purchase.
Have a wonderful week!
Lady says
Hello! I found your site through a link of a link.
I have to commend the positivity and wisdom that this site has and advocates to people. Personally, you inspire me to live a better, and healthier lifestyle because of how you live and make the most of the basics and in turn produce even more. :) More power! ^^
Thanks for the links btw, I will be sure to check them out.
Cathy says
So true about the baby food–not only is it expensive–you also have to get rid of all that packaging.
Kelly says
I started making my daughters baby food as well. I had planned to do it long before my daughter was around. I have done sweet potatoes, bananas (no cooking) and various other veggies, but nothing green yet. Do you use fresh or frozen green beans? I couldn’t find any at the store last night, so I wonder if they are out of season? Or maybe the store was just out. I was in a hurry so I didn’t really look too hard. Anyway, this week pears and apples are on the menu. For right now, I am doing a small batch of each just to make sure there are no allergies. Once I know that she can eat everything, I will probably cook every other week and make a bunch to freeze. It also allows for a lot more variety once she eats more. You can do a couple different veggies or veggie and fruit at a meal and not have a million little half full jars in the fridge (and then in the recycling)
Alexandra @ Mommy's Got Green says
Thanks girl! I’m not letting that crazy lady bother me. We are both very happy with our decision to buy this ring and with how we handle our finances together. I think it was fate that we won the gift card. Otherwise we probably would have made the mistake (for us) of buying a real diamond. :)
Frugal Trenches says
Oh the baby food sounds soooo yummy! I used to love making it!
Pam says
Sweet potatoes make the most beautiful baby food. (Only a mother who has made their own baby food will appreciate that statement!)
Mark Heck says
Another cool site that’s on the Tribune Newspapers savings panel is:
http://www.StretchThatDollar.com
Please add it to your favorites list
PS: Great blog!