Frugal Doings

Added $4.57 to the change jar.

Borrowed three books from the library.

I'm using Sun-In on my hair for summery highlights rather than going to the beauty salon.

I'm laying out in the back yard to work on my tan instead of paying for use of a tanning bed.

Got 40 cents off per gallon of gas using my fuel perks rewards.

I'm looking for part-time work to get us caught up and to pay off several medical bills along with our two credit cards. I put in two applications yesterday.

What frugal things have you done lately?

Being Happy

You've heard the saying, "You're about as happy as you make up your mind to be", or something like that? I have come to the conclusion that it is true.

Finances have been tight. It seems we've had one setback after another and work has been slow for my husband. But we just keep putting one foot in front of the other and do the best we can with what we have, knowing eventually it will all work itself out.

I have come to know a new level of gratitude in my daily round. I do my work with a newly found sense of joy, knowing that I am blessing my family with a cozy home and creating a place of peace in trying times.

I am now making time for things I enjoy each day as well. I've taken up reading cozy mysteries, spend time outdoors daily, and sometimes even take a nap. These things make for a happier mama!

What things make you happy?

Looking Back On My Mother's Day

I had a peaceful, quiet day. Alfred brought me my favorite Starbucks hot chocolate in bed and washed up the dishes from the night before. I didn't do a single chore.

Instead I laid out in the backyard to get some sun, wrote in my journal, and took a nap. Early evening we rode down to the beach to walk along the seashore. Oh, how calming and peaceful it is to be by the sea! It is my favorite place.

But the peacefulness soon gave way to sadness. Our sweet girl, Kitty, passed away yesterday. She had went to our neighbor's porch across the street and laid down under her glider and went to sleep, never to wake up again. We all cried with broken hearts, even my strong husband. It is never easy to say goodbye...

Pictures From My Week

From my garden...

Me and my youngest daughter, Kenzie, on the way to the beach with the family...

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Homemade Potato Salad

Frugal Doings

Added $5.15 to the change jar.

With the exception of milk and bread purchased, we ate from the pantry this week.

Enjoyed several hours at the beach Saturday soaking up the sun. The water is still too cold to enjoy. Soon though...

Had friends over Saturday night. Hubby grilled chicken and I made homemade Rice-a-roni.

Received four free magazines in the mail: Fitness, Woman's Day, Good Housekeeping, and Seventeen for my girls.

Received a free canvas red toile bag in the mail.

My son was ill with a head-cold and used Emergen-C and Airborne samples I had received in the mail.

Baked pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.

Made potato salad using up the red potatoes before they went bad. One of my favorite side dishes!

Hubby made homemade chocolate shakes.

My sister brought me a gallon of milk and a jar of crunchy peanut butter that she wouldn't be able to use before it went bad.

What frugal things have you done this week?

The Dangers of Modern Living and What You Can Do Now

As a society we have become dependent on oil, electricity, grocery stores, and clothing manufacturers (modern living). We no longer know how to provide for ourselves. This is dangerous, folks!

Terror can strike anywhere and at any time. The best thing we can do is be as prepared as we can and learn the skills needed to survive what comes our way. 

We can't depend on the government for help. We must be prepared to fend for ourselves and defend what is ours. Reskill yourself. Build your confidence and begin to create a new way of life. Start today!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

~ Start a small vegetable garden. Learn to preserve the harvest. Expand the garden little by little each year. 

~ Shop sales and match coupons so you can stockpile food, non-perishables, and personal hygiene items.

~ Keep a supply of cash on hand at home. Money in the bank will be of no use if you can't get to it in a widespread power outage.

~ Reduce expenses wherever possible and save as much as you can.

~ Create a plan to pay off debt, particularly unsecured debt (credit cards).

~ Have a source for light if the power goes out. Flashlights, lanterns, candles, etc.

~ Have a source for cooking: camp stove, grill, over a camp fire. Do you know how to start a fire? That would be a good skill to learn.

~ Water: save 2 liter soda bottles and fill with water. Know how to purify water if needed.

~ Have first aid supplies and OTC medicines well stocked. Take a CPR and/or first aid class.

~ Know how to mend clothing and linens to make them last longer.

~ Buy everything you can secondhand at yard sales and thrift stores.

~ Buy used books, board games, puzzles and a deck of cards to provide entertainment for children and adults alike.

~ Have an idea of what you are preparing for. What most concerns you? What natural disasters do you face? Prepare for those. Job loss? There's no such thing as job security anymore, sadly.

There is no way you can be fully prepared for any given situation, but what preps you make now will certainly help you in the long run. Start small if you must, but start now.

Creating Happy Homes In the Midst of Terror

Whether foreign or domestic, the bombing in Boston yesterday was a terrorist attack. The world as we once knew it is gone forever. While we can not control what happens outside our doors, within we have the power to create happy homes.

~ Routines create a feeling of security for our children. Keep up with the house and yard work. Have meals at regular times. When children know what to expect they feel secure.

~ Keep calm, be kind and smile. Your children need you to be strong. Mama's demeanor sets the mood for the home. Be positive. Be gentle and patient.

~ Make the dinner hour a time of family bonding and gratitude. Gather your family together and reconnect. Pray a blessing over your food. Prepare favorite family meals on a pretty table. 

~ Keep the cookie jar filled. Cookies, brownies, cakes, granola bars, or muffins made from scratch symbolizes all is well in my home.

~ Have fun together as a family. Play board games, work a jigsaw puzzle, read aloud from an adventurous book, spend a day at the beach, an afternoon at the park, etc. Children do not need more things. They need time with you.

~ Be your child's confidant. Listen when they talk to you. Encourage them. Help and guide them, but don't expect them to be just like you. They are not you!

~ Make your home a place of comfort and beauty. Repurpose old things into new creations. Be creative. Play uplifting music. Tend the flower garden. Take pride in your homemaking. Cook comfort foods. Make time for things you enjoy. 

In these uncertain times we need to create stability and provide a peaceful home filled with security and beauty for our families.