Frugal Fall Fun

Simplicity is best.  Boy, I wish I had learned this a few years ago before I had run myself ragged and worn out chasing that star that fleeted across the sky in my life!   Today I am much more laid back, perhaps in some ways, too much so, that I am enjoying a quieter simpler life.  The sparkles and glitz that once caught my eye no long hold attraction for me as I am quietly living my life in contentedness and thrift.  Oh, I have some needs, like everyone. . . I even have some hefty wants! But I am no longer driven by those desires to HAVE, but more in the way of becoming and being~
With these thoughts in mind, I want to offer some suggestions for some  family enjoyment for this time of year.  It's getting quite cold in some parts of our nation; my friend L. in MT has already seen winter's first snow, while my dearest friend, T. is still swealtering in northern FL.  No matter what area of the country, Autumn is here~colors are changing; it's time to have some fun!

1. Campfires and roasting marshmellows.

2. A cup of hot tea or hot chocolate with a friend.

3. A drive to savor the gorgeous landscape painted in the colors of Autumn.

4. Finding an apple archard or stand if an orchard isn't nearby, making some homemade apple treats:
apple cider, apple sauce, apple butter, apple fritters, pies, pancakes, cobblers, crisps...CARAMEL apples and candy apples~or just a good ole FRESH crisp apple~oooh how I love the smell!

5. Walking on wooded trails.

6. Riding bikes~what about a race with the kids?

7. Making a fort out of raked leaves or jumping in them!

8. Going to a "corn maze" for some fun with the kids!

9. Climbing a tree~yeah, I won't...but my kids like to do this!

10.  Star gazing on a cool clear night~You can gaze at the clouds and sunset or rise too!

11. Transplanting a tree now that the sap is down.

12.  Hot soup: potato, tomato, French onion, Taco, Veggie, cheese . . .YOUR favorite in a mug!

13. Camping in a tent~now I am not one for this, but I love the idea!! I do like to camp in fall, as we have  a hardshell camper.

14.  Carving a walking stick from a fallen tree limb.

15.  Plant flower bulbs for spring!

16.  Open up the house and enjoy the cool weather! (Of course if it's freezing outside this is out!)

17.  Press a pretty Autumn natual leaf in a book.

18.  "Pick" some Autumn leaf branches to decorate the mantle of your home...find pine cones, and nuts~natural beauty for the fall season. . .

19.  Grill hot dogs over an open fire in the yard~Campfire stew is awesome too.

20.  Begin an afghan or quilting project so that when it's cold, you will be well covered as you work!

WHAT ideas for FALL Fun do you like to do?  What's your favorite?
Falling for Autumn frugally in fun,

Homemade Laundry "Soap Box"

There was a little debate going on today over the most economical way to have laundry soap for doing clothes.  Apparently the Duggar Family have put on their website the "recipe" for homemade laundry soap that I've seen around for several years, and even seen some YouTube demos on how to make it...guess she's economizing too~which is GREAT!

Well, the questions were something like "did it really work" and "how many loads?"  I have never made this stuff. I have seen the demos like I said from YouTube, but it looks like "goop" to me, and well, up until recently I had my favorite 'brand' and was unwilling to part with it...but then the economic crunch came, and I got on the band wagon to economizing~hence my 200 loads for $15 at Sam's Club which I use 1/2 the amounts so I am getting 400 loads for the same price equalling 4 CENTS a load!!!!!!!!!! and IF I were to use the full amount, just double it to 8 cents a load! This is amazing...and I don't have to cook and gloop and glop...and slop....sorry folks, but SisterT while she is thrifty, and Oh soooo frugal...has a few limits...ever found some of those supplies the recipe calls for? Fels Naptha soap??? PLEEEEEEZE! OK...so IF you think it's GREAT~leave me a shout...otherwise, I am NOT going to try this one...sorry folks... not me.
You can read all my laundry tips  HERE !
Counting my time as money too,

TRACK those Expenses!

I seem to say a lot about how to be cheap and frugal to save all we can so we have all we can, but along with all the thrifty measures you can take, it's soooooo wise to keep track of all of your money by tracking where your money is going.  I have encouraged keeping a list of shopping prices in that handy dandy notebook, but what about tracking where the money is actually going each day, week, month and year? It's essential to know where a "leak" is occurring before it can be fixed.  When we know where our money goes, then we are more prepared to make the decisions needed to either slow or stop the money going out of our lives...

Several Choices to TRACK $
I can think of several ways to track your spending. There are several computer programs designed to track the trends for you in the form of spread sheets and IF you already own one,,,go right on a head and USE it! But if you don't have Quicken or another one...then you can use Excel to create your own spread sheet, OR purchase a ledger style tablet to put in a notebook...but I have an even more economical idea:

Notebook paper or spiral bound notebook. You will want to track over the next month and year even...so a notebook, or a way to keep up with each month is essential.  KEEP up with the papers! I like a notebook. For less than $1 you can economically have a way to keep up with the "bills" and expenses~everywhere money is spent.  A stapler is handy too.  Staple receipts to the back of the page.  A stapler is multi purpose, so it's a good investment. 

• Set your pages up for each month. 

• Begin NOW~start the month you are reading my post.

• Write the name of the month on the top line. To the right put the year.  

• Skip down a line.

• Take a ruler or straight edge and make a line so that you have five (5) columns.

Column 1; DUE DATE
Column 2: ITEM
Column 3: AMOUNT DUE
Column 4: DATE PAID
Column 5: CATEGORY

The column are useful to track the money going out of the home.  The most important column is CATEGORY.  These can be as you set them up in your budget: Mortgage, Rent, Utilities, Food, Clothing, Fun...you can list these any way you want.  Be sure that you cover even such things as Fuel, Insurance (health, life and auto), Care Maintence, and Gifts.  Don't make separate columns for each of these, but devise a code for them, and WRITE IT DOWN in the notebook, just in case you forget...It's essential to track all the spending so you can see just where the funds are going. 

Sometimes it's going to be tough in catagorizing the expenditures.  When going out to eat, is this necessary so it would be food, which it is, or is it fun, which it is?  IF you are trying to lower your expenses because there is not enough to cover each month, then categorize it under fun and keep that category on a strict "budget" meaning you a lot just a certain amount either weekly or monthly so you can pick and chose what you want to spend your FUN MONEY on~it might be eating out or you might want a movie rented or at the theater...THIS method gives you choices~AND the money is there...in the budget for such, not stolen from the essentials.

I will talk more about budgeting and categories next time.  For now, hunt up and repurpose a notebook not already used UP! This is a great way to save, even if it's just the $1 start up cost!

Using It UP!~Kitchen $ Saving Tool

You aren't going to believe this, but if you already use one, then YOU KNOW how great this little tool is for getting EVERYTHING out and wasting nothing in those jars, cans, bowls, pots and bottles~

THE Rubber Spatula

Yes, that's right~ Sorry to mention something so simple,  but just using a rubber spatula will help you empty to the greatest extreme EVERYTHING out so nothing gets left behind~

This is a simple, but huge Using IT UP tip!

Drag it out or if you don't have one...it's worth the investment!
Let's waste not~Using It UP!

Time=Money$$

Time equals money! We all KNOW this! Many money saving strategies equal time.  Have NO TIME? Pick ONE area and work it for a while to evaluate the results ~  A good one is meal planning and shopping strategy.  Menus4Moms has it going on with a frugal plan just for the busy Mom! Save time and MONEY the easy way with preplanned menus and shopping lists. 

Saving Time means SAVING $!

Sewing? Is It Really More Moola?

I have a wonderful friend who is a fantastic seamstress.  Elizabeth is also a homeschooling mom of two young ladies, and we recently discussed my recent post about clothing at length with some very important things to consider when comparing the price of sewing a garment verses either a sales item or a second hand purchased one....we even compared the freebie one in some instances!


1. Quality of the garment upon completion.  Good quality garments that fit well are almost priceless if you either have a fitting issue OR you want a very nice garment that could last for a long time.  Deep hems and longer lengths, tailored for a specific person are just a few perks!

2.  Fit. Sometimes our children or ourselves have fitting "issues" that make 'ready to wear' store  items not look as well or as complementary as they could.  Sewing can accommodate all shapes and sizes! Modesty issues can be addressed with sewing as well!

3. Materials used.  It's true that recently, fabrics are more costly than in the past, but if we consider that often these will last longer, it could be well worth the investment.

4. Number of children to use or years of wear.  If a family has multiples of either boys or girls, it makes great sense to make quality garments that can be passed down from child to child.  It's entirely possible that store bought could be done this way too,  but unless they are good quality fabrics, often they will fade, shrink, or get holes or seams will let loose or come open!

5.  The patterns can be reused or sold.  We particularly discussed this at length because while patterns do add significantly to the price of a handmade garment, these can either be reused or sold at a later time to recoup the investment or even used to make gifts for others by sewing garments for others.  The more times a pattern is used the less costly the initial lay out.  I actually borrowed a pattern of hers for my daughter three years ago...I was thankful she had it!

6. Specialness or heirloom quality. There is truly something special about a handmade garment for one who learns or has learned to appreciate the time, skill and thoughtfulness of the seamstress in creating the garment.  Often these clothes can be saved for future generations.  I really did not do this with my daughter much. I did make her some clothing along the way when she was younger, but did find some really gorgeous hand smocked dresses and embroidered ones at some wonderful prices at yard sales.  My son, he was always in the cutest little suits with the knee socks and buck shoes...coat and bow tie! I found all of this at yardsales...or consignment shops! But I did make one Easter dress for my daughter out of batik.  I was happy to share it with another child later, but really I should have saved it for her daughter in some years to come! Well, WHAT was I thinking other than giving? Anyway, the Lord knows...but this kind of thing can be put back...I guess I will make the grandbaby something special huh? But you get my point...heirloom~special!

Yes! Sewing still is a pricey solution to clothing the family in some instances unless you can either hand down the items, share patterns or reuse or sell, and plan to keep the items made into the future! But it can be a worthy investment.  You will have to decide what is best for your budget.

If you don't sew, consider learning some basics so you can mend and keep buttons on~this will extend whatever clothing you have for your family!


Still trying to keep my money for what I'd like to spend it on verses things that want to ROB ME of it!

I Just Pressed the HELP Button!

Yeah, I did...and WHAT I really need is a HELP BUTTON for my frugal efforts...I am wasted today.  Can you relate? Do you feel like your efforts are just a drop in the bucket for everything you need done or need to do? I have been there, and honestly sometimes I think I am still there~but I do have to recognize that my efforts are making a difference for my family: in some parts are making a huge difference! But right now, I am ticked, truly ticked at my family. I am ranting and venting so you can see that SisterT isn't just so full of herself that she isn't willing to share in the struggle! Oh yeah,,,this can be a struggle! Here's my tale:

Saturday I spent the whole day~literally doing the "Laundry Fairy" thing getting the clothing and add ins for a family of four~not 20, and so my darling hubby was so kind as to make some homemade wonderful speghetti sauce with the tomatoes from our garden, 1/2 a Japanese pumpkin (seed was supposed to have been acorn squash lol!), peppers and onions.  Yum! Honestly it was good~I know the pumpkin sounds like an odd addition, but it was fine in it! So husband cooked and made noodles and a whole gallon of his sauce...well...well...I didn't come down nor did I work on Sunday to clean up my kitchen.  NOPE~so it's all really MY OWN fault for this,,,but what gets me is not the sink of dirty dishes, but spaghetti that got left in the pot uneaten or un-stored. . . Aren't WE supposed to be saving and savoring every drop, working to maximize our yield so we don't have to purchase more that will save us money in the long run??? WHY was there spaghetti THAT I DIDN'T cook still in the pot dried~dead ~working on being wasted and rotten?????????????????????????????? Can't you tell I am not only kicking myself, but disgusted because I do believe in the "waste not want not" ideals. I have found over the years that often if I have gotten rid of something without thought, I ended up needing or wanting it later on...hence a well thought out plan is best!

Family cooperation MUST be a tremendous part of our budget/frugal plan...It has to begin with and end with each of the family on board... 
With waste and destruction comes cost!
Each family member has to do their part to pull the cart towards financial freedom from debt and worry.  I am worried about debt, and what would happen should my husband have an economic down shift in his earnings verses his abilities now to support us.  What would most of us do if suddenly our spouse or ourselves, for that matter, finds the employer sitting down with us/them and saying the dreaded words: layoff, downsizing, restructure or worse yet: fired.  The fallout from such is devastating financially and emotionally.  We've "been there and done that"~you think WE'D learn! Hence my efforts and mostly the efforts of my family, but not in this instance, have worked to save every cent and be frugal while making life as pleasurable as possible within our means.  I am not just heart sick over my lost spaghetti noodles, shoot! That's not much money, really...but any is too much! But in the discovery, I also found destruction occurring of my only few months old counter top that hubby installed, and we had gotten for a song~literally! Please pray for our family.  It's MEETING TIME to get on the same page and to shore up our previous goals had set so we can march forward towards them.

So where are you in the journey to debt free or making it on less? Do you need to re-eval your methods and goals? Do you need a MEETING with all family members to discuss ways EVERYONE can help? You won't accomplish this alone; it will take the whole family! Here's some ideas:

1. Re-eval goals.  What is and isn't working?
2. Revise as needed.
3. Get the family together to discuss their vision and goals. Enlist their help AGAIN!
4. Discuss ways everyone can economize.
5. Make a plan.
6. Make goals with rewards.  This is as is all of this individual.  Do you have a debt you want to conquer or a vacation or renovation or some utility item you want to save for? Discuss with the family and gain cooperation and let all have a say in how the rewards are spread.  For our kids we increased their allowances.  But I will tell you that if destruction continues, I will be docking instead of paying!
7.  Post up the goals in public (your home now) places so you can be reminded.  Keep your eye on the prize!

I wish there was a REAL help button to push in this instance! My counter top which we obtained for $20 as a damaged item at a budget store which hubby was able to trim to fit perfectly is now with an imperfection. I am NOT happy! BTW~this exact pattern if had I special ordered it would have cost me 5 times the price we paid for the piece.  With damage, it's value now has decreased.   This "issue" isn't that easy a fix...

GET the family's cooperation! Everyone on the same page makes the journey maximized towards success!

Hair Fashion on Less

I have sported hair styles from punky short to the long straight or layered. Yeah, that's my picture up there, and as you can see it's a medium length bob right now. I've colored, and I've not. When considering my budget, my family's fair fashion can be a consideration. This may be even more extreme an idea than just making sure product bottles or anything we use is totally used up, but if you don't have the money, these ideas are well worth the read, and even if you do have it to spend, there's always the day~ So how can one save when it comes to hair fashion~the cuts and or color?

I know some moms who cut their own children's hair. For the boys, some have purchased clippers, and others like I have done it using scissors to do the job. When our son was little, I used to cut his hair from the time he was a baby up until the last year or so actually. I will say that he did not have a real long hair line that required clippers so it was fairly easy to keep him neat and clean looking. Now when he got about first or second grade, I did take him to a hair dresser on occasion~this was to create the lines of the cut so I could follow it for an additional trim or two for follow up hair cuts and to save $.

I have even used a local beauty school to save on cut costs. This can be tricky if you are totally afraid of what you might end up with! I had to stop a student hair dresser once~which didn't go over too well, but I knew IF she continued, he'd need a buzz cut, and I didn't want to "go there" as it was in the dead of winter! Hair cuts and styles lend themselves to thinking about costs. How much will the hair-do take for maintenance? There are times I think and really want the short sassy cut of a few years ago AGAIN, but because it takes more trips to the salon or shop or school to maintain it, shorter cuts will get unwieldy much easier than longer styles, I will push the idea aside for what I'm doing right now. Let's consider my medium bob. I generally get about 2 sometimes 3 cuts per year. This is because I have long bangs without layering so it doesn't lose shape as it grows. There isn't hardly any undercutting either. I don't like it in my hair. I've had the cut where the back is shorter than the sides. . .cute, but still more maintenance! A simple cut that will grow and maintain shape is most economical. But what if you can't STAND this cut and want something different? Have you thought about a long hairstyle? Long hair that is about shoulder or longer in length can be put up to have a shorter "style" when desired, but will surely be less in cut costs. Of course, you will spend more on shampoo and conditioners, but without really doing a comparrison, I am going to guess that you will still come out a head in money. There could also be the added costs of hair "accessories" too. You can make these or some of them to cut costs...I like the fabric scrunchies...in fact, I like to put my hair up off of my neck and pretty much keep some kind of clip in it to pull it out of my face if I am wearing it curly. I have hair that if washed, conditioned and air dried, will be curly~just enough...but I really enjoy the look of flat ironing my hair best~but this practice is damaging to hair which will require more cuts, so I don't do it all that often. I've known some girls who flat iron all the time~I'm just a "special occasion" fixer ;-)) This way my hair isn't getting a huge work out all the time! But consider it all...what can you live with and without? I really like beauty schools for cost and even a good deal of their services. Often you can get more than just hair services, but facials, manicures, pedicures and even hair treatments in addition to cuts and color. It's a huge saver! I also like have a relationship with my beautician too~as right now I have a friend who is caring for our hair who is a pro. I am not suggesting taking advantage of friendships either, but having a friend who can help is wonderful! Consider all your options...my friend's shop is about 10 mi from our home, and we patronize her, but we have a hair shop just three doors and around the corner. I'm sticking with my friend . .loyalty helps everything! Not just our budget!

When considering color, I have and I have not colored. I've had red colored hair, and most recently I lighten...but right now I'm alala natural ;-)) which is a nice mix of gray, growing out dark blonde and brown. I like highlights but on the heavy side, but for me I don't want it to look unnatural...ha ha! But I generally don't color but about twice a year so subtle is my way of going...I've had my hair dresser to the color~and I've colored myself. When blending, which I need to do right now, I will use a color to blend the light of the already processed and the darker of my own natural shade using a box color...I don't, as you can guess, go for the bells and whistles of all the fancy and expensive hair color that you can get at the pharmacy or discount seller or grocery~but a good basic hair color: did I tell you my girlfriend whose brother is a wonderful high end hair dresser was using a hair color at his suggestion with the ONLY difference being the price and that what she purchased came with a hair moisturizer for after the coloring? My beautician whose been doing this more years said that any conditioner works~so guess what girls? I am purchasing the $3 a box color instead of the $7 or $9~I have conditioner! AND this works just fine! PROMISE! I never used that old heavy in a tube conditioner anyway after coloring as it made my hair too limp~what about you? Ever tried it? Try it my way next time~see if your own conditioner won't work for you better and cost a whole lots less!

Another idea and one I've tried is get a family member or someone you know to work on your hair. This same friend, years ago, we used to fix each other's hair when we were going places together as single girls. It was fun back in those days, and today, if I am real sweet *grin*, my daughter will flat iron my hair for me...I mean: I fixed her hair for years and now she's working on mine ;-)) and are you old enough that your mother put in a "home perm" when you were growing up? We did so much including the rolling and hot ironing each other's hair for styles right at home. I've even now this was for Halloween as a kid, rag rolled my hair. If you don't know what this is, it's using strips of cloth to make curlers...instead of those spongy generally pink things...;-)) It's old timey and was used for years as a cost cutter!

Remember that style, color and maintence are your biggest considerations in hair care costs. Check out all the options for a look that is best on your budget...and if you can cut your child's hair then save here as well. I will CONFESS: One bad haircut too many and my hubby won't allow me to cut it anymore! But if we got really strapped, I am guessing that even he'd risk the Sister's scissors AGAIN! ;-))

SAVE on hair cuts, color/maintenance as best you can~it all adds up in the long run!

Oh! I forgot ONE HUGE THING~just remember HAIR GROWS just in case something you try doesn't work the way you intend~life is an adventure and 'it ain't all about that, anyway!"

blessings,

Using It UP Ideas~Dryer Sheets

Beginning here, I will post what I am going to call: Using It Up Ideas on items that we either throw away or could have another use other than the advertised or intended ones so that we can get as much utility as possible for our items~and save the landfills a bit! So while I was in the laundry "palace" today, I realized that using all those dryer sheets and then throwing them away needs to come to some "greater good" for a second go around of use! I examined those white thin "airy" looking rectangles and gave it some thought. I came up with a few ideas, but I want to thank my mother, Betty for her ideas too! Mamas know best~this is undisputed!

Here's the ideas~

1. Dryer lint remover
2. Sachet craft idea or perfumed for a dresser drawer or suit cases
3. Static remover
4. Dust rag
5. Doll clothes pattern material
6. Stuffing for crafts
7. Material for scrapbooking/card cutouts


Dryer Lint Remover

The lint filter of an electric or gas dryer if not properly cleaned can make the machine operate so poorly! I use my dryer sheet from the load I am taking care of to wipe the lint out of the mesh screen. This really does a nice job, and reduces any static that might accumulate in the area. With one easy swipe, I have all the lint and into the trash it goes! Easy!!


Sachet or scented "cloth" for dresser drawers/suit cases

I knew a lady once who made the cutest sachets for her dressers~she utilized the used dryer sheets which have a thin and airy look to them~almost like homemade paper to put popourri into and tied them with a pretty ribbon. Now the trick was to cut the rectangle into a circle with some sharp scissors that can have a decorative edge or straight. The idea though is a nice neat edge. After tying in a pretty bow, then silk flowers were added. The scent was very nice. These made nice little favors or gifts for "Just Because!"

Put used dryer sheets into your luggage to keep it smelling fresh between uses. You can also save them and layer them into your clothing being packed. Smells good!


Static Remover

Carry one in your purse during the windy seasons in your area to use to rub on your clothing if you find yourself with static cling. For those who wear nylon hosery or unmentionables, this use can really help if you find you are clinging in unbecoming ways~always rub the undersides of the cothing next to your skin as that's the direction of the charge pulling the fabrics toward you...or rub it in between your layers if that's where the problem is occurring. You don't want to be clingy!



Dust Rag

I'd make sure my dryer sheet had gone twice in the dryer before rubbing it on my monitors and TV screens...you don't want to smear the softner there~what a mess that could be! But after using all the softening agent, then the tiny bit left will draw the dust and make cleaning easier! I know what to call this~Magnetic Cleaning with DRYER SHEETS!!


Doll Clothes Pattern

Granted dryer sheets won't make a pattern for large items, but for some doll clothes they will make nice permanent patterns. Just trace the original onto the dryer sheet and cut it out. Be sure to mark which piece that it is and what the pattern is so that if a single piece gets seperated, it can be easily found and placed with its coordinating items. This is a great idea to piece together!



Stuffing for Cloth Crafts

If you save enough you can use them to stuff things with instead of purchasing additional materials. This definitely saves on the overall cost of the project~whoohoo more savings!

Material for Scrapbooking and Cardmaking Cut Outs

I love making my own cards. In recent years I've not made very many, but I even like to handmake the embellishments for my cards and scrapbook pages. The almost lacy or handmade paper look makes dryer sheets a unique material to make objects~snowflakes, snowmen, hearts, candles...anything you could use white: wedding motiffs and more! Use good sharp scissors and go to town! With some good craft glue, these will adorn anything you are doing in the paper craft world!

This is the Using it UP Ideas~Dryer Sheets post. If you have an idea to share I'd love to hear from you! Look for more Using It Up Ideas!

Having It ALL Means...

What? I mean...WHAT does having it all mean? There's so many definitions out there, and it's truly different for everyone. I was asked IF I could have anything what would it be? You know, like the question of the three wishes granted, kind of thing...well, I wouldn't know...I have what I need and much of what I want...although I could *think* of a few items, they were really insignificant. No. Seriously. What does "Having It ALL" mean to you?

Think for a moment. What's on your list that will make you fulfilled and satisfied? Is it things untouchable by human hands and only touchable by human hearts, or is it those things that rust and moths doeth corrupt? While each of us has a different idea, it's essential to figure out for our time here in this world just what is important to us.

Living on a budget need not limit the "ALL" that many wish to obtain. Actually budget living can help provide the means to obtain some on each side~heart and hands of having. When we learn to live within our set standards of living, it can make it an easier reality to either get by with less when times are lean or to save in the times of plenty so that in a future time, the wants and desires might be gained. But it all starts with thinking about what the "ALL" is for each of us.

We have been sold "down the county line" in the name of making a buck by marketers who are seeking to sell us their wares. It's not entirely bad or immoral that marketing exists! I just hate to see marketing that isn't honest or is veiled...and it's wise to note that everything is truly marketed. Branding is done to gain recognition in products and services. An unofficial definition is a product that becomes the name of a certain item. You will recognize these few: Kleenex, Band Aid, Coke (in some areas of the country this means soda in others~all carbonated beverages are Cokes) and one more, Swab Sticks. Hearing the name of the brand equals the product and whether or not the maufacturer makes the brand called Band Aid, most of us call all "self adhesive bandages Band Aid! Even just seeing certain symbols brings a product to mind~this is intentional. Think about those (all I have to do is say the description and you will know the business or product!) golden arches or that cute little colonel with the white suit and his hat with fried chicken~yes! I am talking about McDonalds and KY Fried Chicken!! The Nike symbol is another example. Often tied to these brands is a perception of wealth created by marketing that one brand is better than another~this is one result of marketing the branding, but when the perception of wealth is created by the marketing of products when wealth is not based on this is unscrupulous. 'Perception of wealth' is the notion that prosperity has been achieved because of the use, ownership or possession of a certain product. We have been convinced that certain things are "good, better, best" where names and types are concerned based on opinions and often the marketing. I have no doubt that products can be of different quality, but my issue is that perception is so strong it can bring dissatisfaction if we cannot have THAT particular brand. Sports shoes, purses, clothing, foods, A-list this and B-list kinds of things!! And this does what; I ask you, but breed in us a malcontent for what God has given us and what in truth will only satisfy the heart of a person~respect, love and honor. These are what money cannot buy!

We must focus our minds as we are making these hard decisions to change our habits into thrifty and economical methods that will bring satisfaction as debts are paid honestly and the ability to share and help others is achieved. Wealth building will not give us respect, love and honor, but it will bring a satisfaction when we are able to help our fellow man because we can and will. How can we help others if we are drowning ourselves in debt? The purpose of budgeting is not to make us rich for some self satisfying endeavor, but in order to help others with our own personal security. I can't give what I do not have myself. This applies to every area of life.

I am not seeking to "have it all" personally, but to have an honest attempt at taking care of my financial obligations and then having enough to share~to make the world a better place which will bring great satisfaction.

Remember that we have to recognize marketing for what it is, and the perception of wealth for what it is not!

Having it all means I am satisfied. . .

TELL ME!!

I know I'm preaching to the choir~if you are following me, you are likely someone who is really thinking a lot about ways to save money and either build wealth or get by in this economy, but I want to KNOW what you are doing!

This thing of thrift is a mindset~a thinking which lends to actions becoming a way of life which is an asset.

The asset of thrift is a huge benefit for life, and the lifestyle is a process. It's been a series of years in learning how to do some of these things and even milestones that we've overcome...Everyone is on their own path~we all learn at our own rate! The idea is to start learning!

So what are you doing to save money on the everyday necessities of life and those wants we all have? Where are you on the journey?

Thanks for sharing!

Sticking to Your Budget

It's getting harder and harder I'm afraid to live on one income for so many...and for others job losses and cuts are WORSE! For those of us who are attempting to thrive in such situations, there is always hope of a better tomorrow, but not just some fleeting feeling, we must take serious actions to avoid the "poor house." Living on less will require changes in lifestyle. I know I must sound like the cheapmiser from the deep, but if you are already working on your budget and spending habits, thinking long and hard on ways to save and make what you have go a little farther, if the crunch comes to your door, you are prepared or at the very least aware of some good habits that formed long before to make it an easier transition. Over the years, I have found a couple of things that are key to staying on task.

First I do not watch television~WHAT? Oh yeah! And there are several reasons why, but a good one which is just a benefit of the actual reason is this: I am not receiving the mindless marketing that is pandered on the thing each day of my life! Do not get me wrong, TV can offer some very good things~note the word: some. As far as marketing though, I prefer not to have my 'want monster' riled up to make me dissatisfied or dreaming of something I may not have~contentment is very peaceful. It's an art many of us do not have. . .and it has to be cultivated. So find other useful and rewarding things to do with your time instead of allowing programmers and marketeers to put their desires into your heart and mind~leave it be! AND you will find a whole world of God's beauty around you!

Second I write down my goals. Actually they are goals that are not just mine, but my families' goals that are phases. They are me, me & hubby, me, hubby & kids~then they go: day, week, mo, year~five years. List out your financial thoughts...if you are 40-something and want to retire sometime before 100, make a plan with goals up front.

Third Write the plan~under each goal write what you will do and have your spouse write they will do, then gain the kid's cooperation on it. When we shared with our children our goals, suddenly keeping lights turned off and doors closed or other cost savers along with their training became easier. One suggestion is to share the benefits of the plan with the children. Some do not give allowances, but we always have done so. Not as much as some families we know, but we have allowed our children to experience the responsibility of managing their own money for their own desires. This is been wonderful to see them grow into responsible money managers. It's funny how my daughter is one of the most generous girls her age I know for her resources, but she always has money and is constantly looking to earn more. We not only give allowances for their benefit, but offer opportunities to earn more with special projects. This gives them a sense of great accomplishment when they take care of an area that we would have paid someone else, perhaps a teen to help. Working and earning brings satisfaction~it's a win-win!

Lastly~WORK and be prepared to REwork the plan as much and as many times as is necessary to accomplish the goals. Our goals, even my personal goals have changed over the years and adjustments are necessary from time to time. When I know my plan I can perform the tasks to meet the budget.

Working the budget looks like this for me:
1. knowing the goals
2. having a plan
3. working and reworking the plan

OK..so I've TV-BASHED, but think about it. What is TV robbing you of, or giving you? Be honest. . .anyone else out there turned or turning theirs off in light of not being marketed? WHAT out also for email and internet~'friend' selling. I'm all for sharing good information and networks, but it can be mind numbing to find, and I am truly turned off by blogs and websites loaded with places for me to "grab" that really WANT to grab me! I prefer simpler blogging and less pressure selling. What about you? Do you like all the buttons and banners flashing?

Let's stay on our budgets~keeping our money or at least slowing down the leak from our pockets!

Ways to AVOID Getting Sick~

I have a few tricks that really work for reducing germs from spreading around the home. Some are just plain common sense, and that's about a frugal as it gets! Others are less obvious, so follow along and think about these as school is starting back and loads of those nasty viruses are looming ready to jump on you or your family!

1. Avoid touching your face with your hands unless they are freshly washed.

2. NEVER drink from a water fountain. Bring your own water or bottled water from home. When my son was in school, I sent two water bottles to school for him to drink from, and he was rarely sick.

3. Wipe phones, door knobs, and other frequently touched surfaces in the home with a light solution of bleach water daily (if someone is sick, more often.)

4. Avoid eating a food bars. Have you EVER watched how people get their food off of those things? And there is constant hand contact with the serving utencils...ick!

5. When using a public restroom, IF YOU HAVE TO USE IT, in the first place, cleanse the seat or squat over it, then when hand washing, do this well, get paper towels to dry and ALSO to open the door when you leave. Imagine that someone did not wash their hands and touched the door knob~yuck!

6. Close the lid on the potty before flushing~there have been experiments proving that there is a spray of germs just from flushing~THIS IS TOO DISGUSTING, isn't it??

7. Wash your hands frequently~I keep a pump container of antibacterial soap on each sink (kitchen included) for frequent hand washing. Yes, the soap is costly or an added expense, but doctor bills are much higher!

8. Cover foods in the fridge for many reasons, but contamination is a good reason!

9. Change your pillow cases on your bed pillows frequently IF you are sick. Wash in warm soapy water and hot dry~do this as often as you can, to remove the germs as you are recovering and not to reinfect yourself or others (your spouse or anyone who might grab your pillow ;-))

10. If you are already sick, clean your toothbrush which is economical. I have boiled ours, but this can destroy them. You can use a bleach solution too, which will kill germs to sanitize it instead. Be sure to rinse it well and clean the container or holder well. If your budget allows, replace it instead of cleaning. There are recommendations for replacement anyway, but I use them until they are worn out first before replacing. . .

11. Be sure to change out hand towels frequently. OR use paper towels if someone is ill. To save, you could have the ill person in the family use paper and the rest of the family the less costly hand towel. Either way, be sure to keep it clean!

12. When shaking hands of greeting others, be sure to avoid touching your face and wash hands well afterward.

13. Use the hot dry on the dishwasher to sanitize dishes if someone is ill. Use the dryer to dry clothing too.

14. Wipe all surfaces well if contaminated.

15. For colds and congestion, run a cool mist vaporizer in the room to provide moisture. Be sure to clean well and handle in a clean manner.

16. Proper disposal of tissues~I like to use plastic grocery sacks to line small trash cans. They can in expensively and easily be disposed of without a worry!

17. I keep tissues readily available for the sick person for their use. It becomes THEIR box until the illness subsides.

18. Plenty of healthy fluids before flu season to keep the body strong.

19. Eating healthy with lots of fresh fruits and veggies keeps the body strong!

20. If temperatures allow, I like to air out our home and will spray with Lysol in corners IF we have a virus like cough and congestion that won't leave. I will also damp mop with vinegar water solution or hot water with a 1/4 cu of bleach. I prefer the vinegar, but if your floors will allow, the bleach will kill off many germs.

21. IF you are coughing and sneezing, the recommendation is to either sneeze or cough into a tissue or your elbow...the reasoning is that hands carry MORE germs than any other source!

These are just some economical ways to preventing or in some cases dealing with cough and colds season! Of course, if you are ill and need to see your family doctor, do so!!! AND if you are allergic to any of the cleaning agents or supplies I have mentioned, do not use them, but use another well trusted, tried and true product that will kill the germs that you are not allergic to.

I'm linking to the Clorox site for some info on prevention. I personally don't do the vaccines because the one time I did it was my sickest year EVER with flu! But you do as you feel comfortable and able to do ;-)) Also I wouldn't necessarily use the brand name product either. Often, store brands are the same with different labeling and marketing~so here's the site: http://www.clorox.com/healthier_lives/cold_flu/ Remember that you can use bleach on rags instead of their higher prices "wipes." WHATEVER did WE DO without such products?? Ha! Also paper towels work well too if it NEEDS to be disposable! Just some more cost saving thoughts!

Here's to staying WELL this season of colds and flu!
WHICH helps keep $$ in my pocket~plus I FEEL a whole lot better!! ;-))
SisterTipster

Eating Cheap Means...

Everybody's talking about economy~folks are writing books for me to buy on all sorts of subjects where thrift is concerned! Bloggers like me are posting and Twits (oooo this sounds bad~) Twitter about it...but the TOTAL truth is that if you don't spend it, you either SAVED or Didn't have it...but whichever way, when it comes to FOOD~one must eat! I can do without things~fancy or not, but I have to eat...well, I actually LOVE to eat~but that's a whole 'nuther' blog. . . but to sustain life, food must be consumed~but WHAT FOODS, and HOW MUCH foods? OK...since I am not the "know it all" about it all, I did find a cool blog article over at TIME for your consideration. There's a website and a book coming...hey, it's not necessary to GO THAT FAR and buy...just read the interview and hit the site to gain some knowledge of the subject. When I read the interview, I wanted to jump up and down...ok ok! I didn't~WANTED is the operative word here B E C A U S E they were saying some of the same things I have been saying...or rather, they proved what I do AND what I am saying:
Foods prepared at home are less costly~but I go further in saying that we have loads of resources to stretch our dollar savings that we WASTE everyday. Read the article http://cheapskate.blogs.time.com/2009/08/18/how-to-eat-on-a-dollar-a-day/ There are some really awesome points about HOW to do this! AND it's a thrifty-monger's (ME) fuel and FOOD for thought!

Don't pay for recipes, research for free online!
Don't buy other's ideas, loads of folks LIKE ME give them away!
Don't waste another thing~use it ALL up!

I've heard that in other countries they use all their resources and waste nothing. In apartment complexes there is almost no garbage and little in landfills~hmmm....Guess they are USING it ALL! This takes some creativity and planning~along with some work! But to eat on a dollar a day~read that article...also I was blessed to hear a Mp3 download today on organization and budgeting. Thank you Values Driven Family http://www.valuesdrivenfamily.com/HomeschoolFreebie.htm for this opportunity! Resources equal time or money. ALWAYS! Waste Not!

Just not impressed with the $3 per person or the $5 meal plans. . . IT CAN be done on less!


HANG ON to your money~don't ship it out to the landfill in the trashbag~LET it hang around and grow!
SisterTipster<3

Thriving and HOPE

Hope is one of those words that means so many different things to people. I just know for me, without HOPE no matter my circumstance, whether it is financial, relational or situational, I have to have HOPE~

When it's bad~hope gives me strength and a vision.

When it's great~hope says "it can get better!"

When it's ok~hope offers me something different from WHAT AND WHERE OR HOW at this time...

Hope can bring a song, a spring to my step and a joy in my heart. . .

No matter what the situation, circumstance or place~HOPE!

I find great comfort in the Scripture, "hope thou in God" or in a modern (my own version) " HOPE IN GOD"~He is our hope...our future security and peace! This is helpful for whatever I am facing, whether it is physical, mental, emotional, financial, relational, geographical, situational~ALL the "ionals...in life"...

HE IS HOPE~

Thriving is HOPE and HOPEFULLY filled! We are not just merely existing in our place in this world, but buzzing along with the peace of God~from Him in HOPE!

Blessings~
SisterTipster<3

Thrift Means GOOD Things!

Thrift means good things for us as we pursue debt free living. I can imagine that the very words of budget, thrift, frugal can conjure up all sorts of images of living WITHOUT~but the mind and spirit, if focused on the goals set, seeing progress made, LIFE IS PRETTY GOOD! Will it be easy? Not necessarily, but many mothers have taught the "no pain~no gain" type of ethic. So it should be a challenge; it should be some work; it should require SOMETHING from us, for without there would be little satisfaction and reward!

THINK about it~the harder the WIN~THE GREATER the Victory! And often its benefits and celebrations!

If we EVER get debt free, I think we might just have a huge relief and celebration!

I was a child when my parents announced the mortgage on their home was fully paid. I remember their relief and celebration~and it came on the heels of some tough economic times for them in a tough economic climate. It was the mid-70's when gas prices under the Carter presidency went through what at the time was an all time high! It was an age of uncertainty for many Americans. I watched the news back then to see "closed" signs on many gas pumps and cars lined up...but the happiness from my parents was a victory for more than just those reasons. My father had suffered two injuries that placed our family in economic peril. BUT I never EVER remember the "poor us" attitude coming from them or touching the children in any way! I only had two pair of jeans, one pair of shoes and often wore my father's flannel and tee-shirts. Was I 'poor?' By many standards, especially today, the answer would be yes, but I didn't know it, really. We never went without essentials and learned creatively how to do things that many of my peers did not. I can do most anything~OK OK! I don't 'know it all' but the ONE absolute thing in my life that I am most thankful aside from my faith is the knowledge of HOW to LEARN. I am learning something NEW all the time~and just learned a new program for photo editing/graphics~this is WAY UP my alley!! Praise God that my parents saw the value of what is truly valuable. The smug from my past who saw me as poor, what of them today? I have compassion towards those who can't recognize the value of living within means~resourcefulness: AND I'm not talking about being a begger either! Some folks are always whining and crying about what they don't have or bragging what they do have~Lord help me to be thankful for whatever condition I am in, to be content with godliness which is the highest gain in this world!

Thrift MEANS good~no! GREAT things for those of us who are pursuing it with passion and purpose~believe me it will take work and effort, but it will bring a SWEET victory!

I want to encourage you to continue to pursue this endeavor with me~Any new ideas? I am learning right along with you!

STILL taking care of my money so it won't leave me!
SisterTipster<3

The Fried Egg Told It All~

In http://sistertipstersthriving.blogspot.com/2009/08/ways-to-leave-your-debts-behind.html#links I suggested for easy cleaning which saves TIME and money, not to mention ELBOW grease, that either you rinse dishes as they are dirtied OR you soak them or wash them right up. Now I have to tell you that today was a perfect example of just this kind of thing I am talking about. I got up this morning and hubby had fried himself some eggs~now I have no problem with this. But I share this so you can see the REAL LIFE example of what can happen if someone does NOT take care of the plates, utensils and fry pan. I found these little goodies about four hours later, and you can imagine what it was like, right? So I thought that in order to save on my time, effort and money, I'd soak them all in the hottest water I have out of the tap for about an hour. THIS SHOULD DO THE TRICK I was thinking. NOT! I got over to my sink and had to really really REALLY hunker down on that fried egg all stuck to the skillet. It was obviously not a nonstick, but a stainless steel fry pan (Revere Ware) which are great pots and pans. This fried egg mess took not only an hour of soaking, but also took about 30 minutes of my scrubbing with a green Scotch Bright pad for non stick and no scratching. I was just about ready to get out my fine steel wool which I do hold out for messes that won't release, when it all came off. But whew! THAT fried egg almost had me~So remember to rinse, soak or wash right away to save your last nerve, your efforts, and your money. That pan took way too much effort and hot water/soap not to mention the use of my scrubby.

LESSON LEARNED~now can I convince. . .
Taking Care of my money so it won't leave me!
SisterTipster <3

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