Vlog: Pollinating Zukes

In this Vlog, I show you how to polinate your own zucchini plants! For the past two years, we havent seen many bees, and I am not sure why.  So I have had to take it upon myself to polinate our zukes to ensure we get produce.  

(Please excuse the fact that this was taken at 6:30 AM while I was still recooping from a crazy 4th of July weekend with family and friends.  Also, the computer with video editing software is no longer working, which is why you see me swat at a skeeter at the end! This video is completely unedited...and it shows!)

You can see the zuke growing...only 2 days after pollinating!



I have wanted to keep bees for a few years now, but Todd finally gave in to the chickens this year after swearing since the day we bought this house that I would never have chickens (due to an incident as a child.) It may take a couple more years to talk him into letting me keep bees. :-)  I wont push my luck, just yet.  I'm thankful for the chickens and the eggs they are laying! 

This blog is linked to One Sunny Acre's Harvest Weigh-In.

Vlog : HomeMade Cinnamon Rolls

There is a first time for everything, right?  This was our first attempt at a vlog.  Truth be told, I can’t stand cameras and I really do not enjoy being recorded.  I sucked it up because I wish I had this when I made these cinnamon rolls for the first (and second and third) time.  I thought it would make it easier to see how simple it is to make homemade cinnamon rolls versus post the recipe that I use from eHow.  This recipe is not exactly healthy, but they are really good and extremely simple to make.  They store well for several days in a Tupperware container (though they don’t last more than 3 days in our home).  We like ours warm, so we nuke them in the microwave for 30 seconds before eating.

If you make a healthier version of these cinnamon rolls, I want to know about it! What did you substitute and how did they taste?

Finished Product

Cost Analysis:

Tube of Cinnamon Rolls from Aldi’s : $1.89 (Yield: 8)

$1.89 / 8 = $0.24/cinnamon roll

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: $0.78 (Yield: 16)
$0.79 / 16 = $0.05/cinnamon roll

This is how I came up with this cost:

• Flour - $0.14
• 4 cups per lb
• $1.39/5 lbs = $0.278/lb
•  $0.278/4 cups = $.0695/cup
• 2 cups used = $0.139
• Sugar - $0.15
• 2 cups per lb
• $2.39/4 lbs = $0.5975/cup
• 1/4 cup used = $0.149
• Brown Sugar - $0.13
• 2 cups per 2 lb bag
• $0.99/ 2 lb bag = $0.495/cup
• 1/4 cup used = $0.1275
• Butter - $0.22
• 4 sticks - $0.69
• $0.1725/stick
• 1 1/4 sticks used = $0.2156
• Milk - $0.08
• 1 gallon is $1.99
• 16 cups per gallon - $.1243/cup
• 2/3 cup used = $0.0828
• Cinnamon - pennies (assuming $0.03)
• Baking Powder - pennies (assuming $0.03)

     But the question is, are they good?



I think the face says it all... (and puppy begging)