It’s that time again. You ask, and I pretend to know things and answer your burning questions. It really is so much fun to open my inbox and see the wide variety of questions you guys have. Reminds me that my readers are so diverse and pretty dang awesome. So keep those questions coming and I’ll keep racking my brain for answers. As always, please pipe up if you have any input or are knowledgeable when it comes to any of the following questions:
Hi Mavis, We’re a family of six — including our four kiddos, ages 9, 9, 4, and 2 — striving to live a financially frugal life. We’re much more interested in saving our earnings then spending them, but there’s one area that I’ve had a challenging time slimming down — the monthly grocery bill! We cook the majority of our meals with the occasional take-out dinner.
Outside of growing our own food (we’ve had edible gardens and chickens in the past, but that’s just not on our radar right now), what are you thoughts about buying organic vs conventional? I enjoy your grocery posts, but I’ve noticed the majority of your grocery purchases are non-organic items. Should I go the way of saving money or eating organically?
Thanks for such a resourceful, fun blog! ~Kristin
This is a tricky one, and it’s pretty personal for many people. For me and our family, I try to cook from scratch whenever possible, provide a lot of garden veggies and fresh fruits and avoid packaged, processed junkity junk as an overall rule. I can sleep soundly at night knowing that my family is eating healthy, but not organic, and I’m keeping within a strict budget. I’ve read article after article on how great organic food is compared to conventional; I’ve also read extensive studies where they found there was virtually no difference when it comes to the food making/keeping you healthy. In the HuffPost awhile ago I read that very thing.
“Researchers Dr. Dena Bravata, of the Center for Health Policy, and Dr. Crystal Smith-Spangler, an instructor for Stanford’s Division of General Medical Disciplines, conducted an analysis of the 17 most relevant studies that compared the health of subjects who ate either organically or conventionally grown food over periods as short as two days and as long as two years. They also looked at 223 studies that compared organic and conventional foods in terms of levels of various nutrients, as well as bacterial, fungal and pesticide contamination. They found very little difference between the composite nutrient profiles of organic and non-organic foods.”
Of course, there are more studies that say the exact opposite. Isn’t that how the world works?! The point is, if you are trying to save money, your family CAN still be healthy without organics, although I DO recommend them if budget is not an issue.
Do you have a recipe for cod cakes? Would love to have it if you do.
Thanks,
Sue
I’ve never actually posted a cod cakes recipe on my site, but I have made and enjoyed this cod cakes recipe. If you make it, let us know if you like it!
Hi Mavis, I have been following your blog for a few years and really enjoy it. I live in Sandusky Ohio home to Cedar Point Amusement Park. Very touristy area.
So today I was sitting in traffic at a stop light and a bright blue semi truck comes off the freeway exit in the opposing lane with the word “bingo” in giant letters along with several other words I could not make out, due to being three lanes over. But I definitely saw your picture/image giant size on the side of the truck….Complete with ponytail, glasses and long sleeved gap tee. It is a picture I believe used to be on your banner of your website. Do you know anything about this? Care to share any details?
~Jennifer
Clearly I have a doppelgänger! To my knowledge, I’m not on the side of any semis. BUT, now I’m curious. If anyone sees this truck and can safely take a picture without causing an accident, I’d love to see it! I have run into a few people through the years who look shockingly similar. Maybe that’s one of them!
Hi Mavis,
I ran across this article and immediately thought of you. I hope you find it interesting….especially #20.
Blessings on you and yours,
Jim
That just made my day. I had no idea flamingos {actual flamingos} were so cool. #20 blew my mind. There are more plastic flamingos in America than there are real ones? NO WAY!!
I remember you talking about Lucy’s weight one time and what you were doing to help her lose a few pounds. Hopefully it’s not a sore subject. We have a puggle as well. We love our Razzy girl, but we also love to give her treats. She’s borderline from what I’ve read. What did you do? I can’t find the article you wrote. Any info would help!
Thanks a bunch!
Sally
I think this article, Is My Dog Overweight, is the one you are talking about. Basically we walked her more, cut back on treats and I had a little chat with the HH and Monkey Boy about feeding her cheese and extras. It’s so hard not to when you love them so much and they love their treats. But I know it’s best for them. Hope that helps. Good luck to you and Razzy. Tell her Lucy is cheering her on!
Have a question for me? Submit them HERE and I’ll try to answer them.
~Mavis
The MrsP says
Mavis,
I’m not sure if this is the same image that Jennifer saw, but I think the model for Harvest Right freeze dryers looks like you. One time my husband walked by and asked, ” Is that Mavis?”. I often see the add in Mother Earth News and similar magazines.
Melissa says
Mrs. P is right about the freeze dryer model! Just googled it and definitely your doppelgänger – now you know you could be making some side money to pay down your mortgage with your all American girl simple wardrobe look 😉
Not sure how to post it here – I can’t get it to copy and paste
Leah says
Here is a link to a pic on the HarvestRight Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/homefreezedryer/photos/a.1422230104693663.1073741828.1421642961419044/1715789218671082/?type=3&theater
Rebecca says
For the reader looking for a cod fish cake recipe, here’s mine:
1lb fresh cod, cooked, cooled and flaked
3 medium potatoes, cubed, cooked, mashed (no milk or butter when you mash)
I small onion finely diced
1 tsp granulated garlic
2 tsp Kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 TBSP fresh parsley chopped
Canola oil for frying
Directions:
Cook potatoes and mash. Cook fish and flake.
When potatoes and fish are room temperature, mix all ingredients together using hands and shape into small patties. Put patties in the refrigerator for about an hour to make sure they are firm. Fry in a few tablespoons of canola oil until golden brown on each side. Serve with mustard and crackers. Enjoy!
Rebecca says
Add one egg beaten to the recipe.
Rebecca says
Oh, so sorry, to the cod fish recipe add one egg beaten – – – I forgot that in my original comment.
Sue says
Thank you Rebecca . This sounds more like the recipe my Mother used to make. I will give it a try soon.
Sue
Tracy says
To me, the discussion around organic versus non-organic has little to do with nutrition, and everything to do with eliminating unwanted herbicides, pesticides and fungicides –substances designed to kill cells. I don’t think an organic raspberry is more nutritious than a non-organic raspberry. But I have seen the reports about the levels of pesticides and fungicides on raspberries, and I wouldn’t want anyone to consume that, especially young people, kids or toddlers. An easy way to compromise financially is to buy those fruits and vegetables determined to be grown with unusually high levels of chemicals, a list called “the dirty dozen”. This year, that list includes strawberries, apples, nectarines, peaches, celery, grapes, cherries, spinach, tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. Buy those organic only. I would add dairy and meat, too.
Debbie N says
I would love to buy all organic but I just can’t afford to.I just do the best I can. I compare prices when shopping. If the organic is a just a little more I will buy it. You would be surprised at how many things are close in price. I also always buy organic strawberries.(We eat too many of these and they are a soft fruit.)For these I buy when they are on sale and I also freeze some for the winter. If organic frozen fruit or veggies are on sale I will stock up. The other fruits and veggies I buy I will try to buy local or what is in season. My budget is pretty much set, I have to do the best I can with what I have. I feel I have struck a pretty good balance.