Frugalicious Mommies

     We all love the little Hummers, but did you know that the sooner you get your feeders out the more likely you will have "regulars"? They will build their nests closer to the most reliable food source they can find. The first ones they find typically fit the bill. The males come first to find food for their mates, they are the flashy ones, typically green or reddish with a red neck that shines in the sun. 


Recipe to make your own Hummingbird feed:


4 cups water ( get the water to a rolling boil)
2 cups sugar (stir in until mixed completely)


     You do not have to add red dye, its a fable, most Hummingbird feeders are attractive enough to catch the attention of the Hummers no need to add more chemicals to the mix. Wait until the mixture cools, pour into the feeder, ( I have noticed it's easier to use a measuring cup then to just pour, or if you have one a funnel would work great ) before you know it you will have lots of Hummingbirds, but if you want multiple families to come to your back yard, make sure to add multiple feeders to your yard, since they are very territorial and the males ( who come first ) will fight off other males. So have different feeders spread about the yard. Try placing one in the front yard as well. 


FM Brandy Hayward 

Did you know that crock pots aren't just for stew? Recently I have been discovering all kinds of recipes to make in the crock pot, in part because of free ebooks from Amazon. I did not get the recipe I used today from a cook book, I was just inspired by a recipe I saw in one.


Bacon  and Mushroom Meatloaf

1 1/2 lbs. groundbeef
8 slices of bacon (chopped and cooked)
1/4 cup of diced onion (cook with bacon)
1/2 cup crushed corn flakes
1/2 cup ketchup
1 egg
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 
salt, garlic, and pepper to taste

"glaze":
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Mix all ingredients for loaf together and press into a crock pot that has been sprayed with non stick cooking spray.

Make the glaze and brush it on generously

Turn crock pot on low and cook for 8-9 hours.

I haven't had this recipe, so I can't tell you how it will taste, but it smells fantastic!

*BP*