March 2023 Homemaker News
March 2023 Edition
Family & Consumer SciencesDownload (PDF)
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Thoughts from Ronda…
Hello All,
Welcome March! I hope you are as happy about the first sight of Spring as I am. Spring is definitely my favorite time of year. To me, it symbolizes newness, beginning, growth, creativity and the earth’s resiliency.
A lot has been happening at the Extension Office and with our Extension programming. It has been a pleasure seeing many of you at our classes, Embroidery, Wood Burning, Candle Making, Charcuterie, etc. We have more great classes coming up.
Please continue to send photos of your club events our way so that we may include them in the newsletter. Cindy does such a great job with both the photos, Newsletter layout and captions. I am so appreciative of her work as always! As we are gearing up for other Homemaker and community events, make sure you get some good photos. Also, keep in mind to write down all of the wonderful things you are involved in and doing for Homemakers and the community. Making a list of them will help our County Homemaker President, Marie Allison and myself with reporting your wonderful work and efforts to the Area and to the State.
You will see in this Newsletter the Peony Festival FUN 5K Walk/Run flyer. Please spread the news that we are making plans for another one will take place on the morning of May 20th, 2023. Please let others who may want to be involved know that this is a Gallatin County Homemaker fundraiser. And that the proceeds go toward assisting a Gallatin County High School Senior begin their college journey. We appreciate all who are involved in the race and those helping to make it another successful one.
Until next month, be safe and be happy!
Ronda Rex
County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Science
Upcoming Dates to Remember for March
March 2 —9:00 am-4:00 pm—The Embroidery Club will meet at the Extension Office.
March 8—10:30 am—The Cross County Homemakers will meet at the Extension Office.
March 10—1:00 pm—Charcuterie Boards
March 12—Daylight Savings Time Begins—Spring Forward!
March 14—6:00 pm—The Back to Basics Homemakers will meet at the Extension Office.
March 14—6:30 pm—The Napoleon Homemakers meet at Zalla Lodge.
March 17—Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
March 17—7:00 pm—The Scrapbooking Club will meet at the Extension Office.
March 20—First Day of Spring!
Wisely Use Your Tax Refund
It’s that time of year when we get excited about our tax refunds. By responsibly using this one-time infusion of cash, you can improve your financial standing.
You could wisely use your tax refund to add to your emergency savings account. Most of us do not have enough money saved in the event of job loss, illness or another unexpected event that prevents us from working. Most financial experts recommend having at least six months of income saved to help you work through financial hardship. This fund can also help cover unexpected or emergency household repairs.
You could also choose to reduce your debt with your tax refund. Paying off high-interest debt as quickly as possible is a financial win-win because it reduces the principal on your loan and lowers future interest payments.
Make an extra mortgage payment toward the principal. Much of a mortgage loan goes toward interest and not the principal itself.
Investing in your family’s future is always a wise move as it will continue to guarantee future financial stability. You could use your return to start or add a college savings fund for your children or to start or add to your retirement account.
If you must spend your tax refund, make wise spending choices. Consider purchases that allow you to make improvements that add to the resale value of your vehicle or home or to make home improvements that lower energy costs.
You never get too old to learn a new skill. Use some of the refund to take classes or learn new skills or hobbies.
More information on family financial education is available by contacting the Gallatin Extension office.
Source: Kelly May, Senior Extension Associate for Family Finance and Resource Management
Recipe of the Month
Vegetarian Taco Soup
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 (46 oz.) can no-salt added tomato juice
2 (15 oz.) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz.) can no-salt added corn, drained
1 (15 oz.) can no-salt added diced tomatoes
3/4 cup dry brown rice
1 packet reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix
2 Tbsp. garlic powder
1/2 Tbsp. cumin
4 cups water
Optional toppings: cilantro, cheese, diced onion, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, jalapeno, hot sauce, or avocado
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and stir well.
- Cook and stir for 4 to 5 minutes or until the onion starts to turn clear.
- Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Just as you would a taco, top each bowl of soup with ingredients like, cilantro, cheese, diced onion, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, jalapeno, hot sauce or avocado.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Makes 14 cups
Serving Size: 1 cup
Cost per recipe: $9.11
Cost per serving: $.65
Nutrition facts per serving: 220 calories; 3.5g total fat; 0g saturated fat; 0g trans fat; 0mg cholesterol; 340mg sodium; 40g total carbohydrate; 5g dietary fiber; 6g total sugars; 0g added sugars; 10g protein; 0% Daily Value of vitamin D; 6% Daily Value of calcium; 10% Daily Value of iron; 15% Daily Value of potassium.
Source: Andrea Wilde, Staff Support, Northern KY; and Martha Yount, Nutrition Education Specialist, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension
