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No matter where you live; learn to think like a homesteader & you'll save money!
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Admittedly, I'm no 'shrink', but we have been in this situation more times than we really would like to. Actually, who really LIKES to face being unemployed or in a financially strapped condition anyway? No one I know of really likes to be facing these challenges, but there is a WAY of facing them and some tactics that I have learned that are helpful states of mind and things to do to make yourself 'feel okay' during an otherwise stressful time.
These are certainly not selfish acts like going off and hiding while letting the rest of your family face the difficulties, although at times it feels like that might be a good way 'out' of some tough spots. These are ideas to help cope or even rise above the current circumstances and lift your family while you lift yourself.
To do list:
DO keep with as regular a routine as possible. Even if your day is spent selling off items or job hunting, rise at the same time, shower each day and dress for’ work’. Also get to sleep at the same time each evening. A routine will help your body combat stress. The temptation is to stay up late and try to figure out what to do or sleep in late because of no need to be somewhere early. Fight that mindset and keep a routine.
DO keep things (desk, house, office) clean and organized in the process. Anyone who has had a garage sale knows the mess created before and after one. If you are facing downsizing, organize how you are going to sell off items and move them from your home.
DO keep your car clean. As odd as that sounds, a clean car (inside and out)will help you feel more ‘together’ when situations seem tumultuous.
To think list:
THINK of this as a time to start fresh! A way of de-cluttering and prioritizing. A way to focus on what really matters.
THINK of this as a time for you and your family to pull together and go on a new adventure! Maybe it means moving (not always a bad thing) or the chance for the kids to grow and step up to more adult responsibilities (when presented right this too is a good thing).
THINK of how every cloud really DOES have a silver lining and that this change is exactly what you will need for the future!
THINK of how much freedom you are gaining by easing the load of clutter or debt! It’s like having room to breathe!
The DON’T DO list:
DON’T give in to feeling like this is the worst thing that can happen to you (or your whole family) right now! Trust me, if you give your brain the chance to think, there ARE worse things. This is just temporary.
DON’T spend time on the blame game or listing the ‘if-only-we-had’ litany of what went wrong. This is just a major zapper of energy that is better spent on creating more liquid finances and income ideas.
DON’T give up! Really. It may feel like you want to. Allow yourself some breaks of flopping on the couch once a week for a few moments, but don’t give up and give in and stay there, indefinitely.
Please take this advice from me. I know it works.
We are, at this juncture, once again indefinitely without our main source of income. The company that my husband worked for is liquidating. This is our fourth time of being ‘unemployed’ in seven years not due to individual job performance but due to company shutdowns.
Yet, in our late forties, when others have nest-eggs or retirement to lean on, we get to start FRESH! Our three grown children were/are in the years of just launching out on their own lives and here mom and dad are, practically doing the same thing! It’s almost like being newlyweds again!
Financial situations like this don’t have to tear any of us apart inside or apart from each other. There is a way to feel okay, strengthen your resolve and your faith and help your family grow closer through this adventure that some people call the stress of downsizing and unemployment.
It is all a journey and this is but a chapter.
Best Blessings to you and yours during this opportunity to grow!
Donna
Donna Miller is an author, teacher and entrepreneur. Her favorite roles are that of wife and mother to three home-school graduates. Living with a Homesteading Mindset in the country, the city and suburbs has been an adventure! The Millers own and operate Millers Grain House which offers Organic and Chemical-free Whole Grains, Bosch Mixers, the NutriMill, instructional tutorials, recipes and more. Listen to her Radio Show – Live or Archived at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/millersgrainhouse
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There are times that my brain just really thinks so far out of the 'box' that I am in my own world and think its normal. Yet inevitably some one sees me do something that I think everyone does and they say, "I have never thought of that!" It's those 'light-bulb' moments (for me and for them) that make me think it would be good to share some of my 'odd quirks' with others who may also find it interesting.
So, here are just some (of the non-food) things that I do in my kitchen to save money:
Dishwasher Detergent Deception: Did you know those little dispenser cups do not have to be filled completely to get a clean load of dishes? Play with a tablespoon at a time and try it that way to see if the dishes come just as clean. Try a tablespoon of detergent and a tablespoon of baking soda. This is what works for me.
Pew! The Garbage Disposal!: No need to spend money on those little yellow 'balls' to plunk in the disposal. When we eat citrus fruits (grapefruits, oranges, lemons) we save the peels and quarters of anything not eaten (like when you juice an orange) and cut them into about 2 inch squares. Then freeze them storing them in a baggie in the freezer. Use one to freshen the disposal and sharpen the blades every so often.
Foiled Again: Aluminum foil is easily washed and folded for storage if not used on raw meat.
Freezer Bag Free-cycle: Okay originally I just did this with the gallon size then had an epiphany of my own. If we buy the pint and quart size freezer bags, we can wash them too! This is making the best use of a sandwich size (pint) freezer bag and using it over and over and over again for lunches. Turn the bags wrong side out and wash in soapy water, rinse and hand or stand to dry.
Paper or Plastic? Neither - Cloth! We have switched to cloth napkins and towels exclusively. I found that the cost of two sets of daily cloth napkins is about the same as two packs of 500 napkins. But I don't have to re-buy them each month like we did the paper napkins. The same goes for a pack of good cloth dish towels vs. paper towels. These take up minimal space in the laundry that is already being washed.
This also goes for taking the cloth tote to the grocer and using it instead of store bags whenever possible!
Plastic Store Bag Detox: Inevitably, plastic store bags make their way into the home. We try not to toss them, but either take them back to be recycled or re-use them ourselves to save money. Here are some ways we re-use store bags - bathroom trash can liners, cat box liners, between two pairs of socks when the ground is still wet for chores (or playing in the snow), catching fruit flies, car trash 'can' and many more options to avoid throwing them away unused or spending money on items we could use these freebies for.
I hope you enjoy and use some of these tips. For me, they are but a few of the many habits that have become little quirks that I don't even think about, but just do them as part of a regular frugal kitchen operation. For more ideas, including food ideas – you can come SEE what I do at http://www.youtube.com/user/thewheatguy
Best Blessings!
Donna Miller
Donna Miller is an author, teacher and entrepreneur. Her favorite roles are that of wife and mother to three home-school graduates. Living with a Homesteading Mindset in the country, the city and suburbs has been an adventure! The Millers own and operate Millers Grain House which offers Organic and Chemical-free Whole Grains, Bosch Mixers, the NutriMill, instructional tutorials, recipes and more.
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The change of seasons is something I missed out on growing up in Florida. The bright colors of spring and fall, the winter grays and snowy white are all the changes I look forward to each year, now. Admittedly I love summer. It's the Floridian in me, I suppose, but fall and spring run a close second if only because they don't last as long as the summers here.
Winter has a life and lifestyle all its own for me. Keeping warm is a vital key to my winter enjoyment. I love the snow and even the gray days once in a while, just please let me be able to GET warm when - Baby, it's cold outside!
Over the years of being on a shoe-string budget, I have come up with a way of keeping warm while saving our cold hard cash. Here are a few tips that cost very little and even save money over more conventional methods.
Around the house:
Insulate even if it's cheap insulation. I don't mean going into the attic and doing that kind, but windows, vents, underneath doors can all be sealed with very little expense. A roll of shiny metallic insulation can be purchased at a home improvement store and will cut to cover every vent (even the one in the hood of the stovetop) to keep drafts out. An old stained towel can be stuffed with dryer sheets and sewn into a tube to block draft from under the doors.
Use the fireplace if you have it. Keeping a fire, small or large, going keeps the home toasty with little expense to the utility bill. If you are blessed to have a wood stove, use it as well.
Open those drapes on sunny days and close them at night. This might seem odd but it really will warm up your house if you open the drapes WIDE open when the sun is shining. This way they can be pulled open far away to expose the most window pane for maximum sunlight. It also makes it appear you have those nice expensive, large picture windows! Also if you have thick drapes or shades, pull them closed at night to keep draft and cooler glass behind them. One trick is to hang your drapes further out than your window.
In and around the kitchen:
Do canning in the winter. We harvest our grapes and some other fruits in the summer and immediately put them in the freezer for winter canning. There is no need to heat up our kitchen in the hot summer when we can use this heat in the winter. Plus it's a great project for when it's too cold to get into the garden. The smells bring spring and harvest to mind and help the gray days pass faster.
Use a dehydrator to heat. If you don't have the money to invest in a top of the line dehydrator , then look into getting a budget one and using it for double duty. I have one in my office with sliced apples (that were about to go bad) right at this very moment as I type. It is keeping my feet nice and toasty while the rest of the house is about 60 degrees.Soups, hot cocoa and fresh baked bread are staples. Soups are easy to make and filling, plus the crock pot radiates a bit of heat all day in the kitchen. Dessert is usually home-made hot cocoa because it's cheap, healthy and warm. Freshly baked bread is, well, my year-round mainstay, but it takes on a double duty in the winter by warming the home.
Personal space and body:
Keep moving to keep warm. Not being much of a 'sit-still' kind of gal, I like to keep at least my hands moving. I find that this keeps me warmer than reading or watching television. So even if I watch a show, I tend to stand and do a task that keeps me mobile. Some choices are: folding clothes, ironing (heat from that), sorting socks (I hate that), sorting through mail or paper clutter and others that I choose to leave the room during commercials to keep moving, warm and accomplished.
Sitting down means cover up. On the occasions that sitting still is a 'must', I like to toss an afghan over myself. It seems that the cold can settle on top of a person when we sit still for too long. We keep a big covered basket of afghans in the den, one afghan for each of us and spares for company.
Socks are your friend. I'm a barefoot hippy at heart, but socks in the winter are becoming my new best friends! Moisturizing feet just before putting them on also helps with the winter foot freeze and dryness. My girls got me some super fuzzy socks in bright colors to wear in the winter. They are fun, cheap and keep my feet warm on the tile floors.
There are more tips to this trick of keeping warm that shouldn't have us shelling out our cold hard cash on the heat bill. Please share your budget friendly tricks and let's help warm each other's hearts and homes!
Best Blessings!
Donna Miller
Donna Miller is an author, teacher and entrepreneur. Her favorite roles are that of wife and mother to three home-school graduates. Living with a Homesteading Mindset in the country, the city and suburbs has been an adventure! The Millers own and operate Millers Grain House which offers Organic and Chemical-free Whole Grains, Bosch Mixers, the NutriMill, instructional tutorials, recipes and more.
Go here to get her FREE RECIPES each month.
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I thought I'd take a look at the comedy behind some of the most puzzling things I have either heard (or said) in terms of how money is spent and resources are used around the house. They make sense when they come forth from the mouth, you just know they do - but upon further examination, uhm, not so much.
These quotes are simply conundrums that make you pause and say: "Hmmmmm, wait? what? Is that supposed to be smart?"
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"Let's eat all the junk food out of the house tonight and start the diet tomorrow." So...somehow...putting it all into my body NOW versus over a longer period of time is less wasteful and will magically not appear on my waist?
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"The gas station across town is cheaper so we'll take the long way home." Huh?
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"We can eat cheaper by eating out." Sorry, but by the time the tip, and gas are spent, or no left-over ingredients are available to use in another meal, I'd have to disagree.
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"If I buy the whole package, I get the free gift. It's a bonus!" But, what if all I needed was one item of what's in that whole package?
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"I don't have money to buy a scale, so I just get larger pants." Okay, this one doesn't really need explaining, it really does make me scratch my head though.
The fact that these statements exist is actually comical to me. At first, they may seem like wisdom or an 'ah-ha' moment, but really they are just funny when you think over them a few more times.
There are more, I know, because I've personally SAID more of them and then caught myself sounding philosophically stupid!
Care to share any of your own 'pearls of wisdom' with the readers?
Best Blessings!
Donna
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Yes, today we are STILL eating left-overs!
Seems like my idea of having more than enough food for an army is coming back to bite me!! But do not despair...after a few plates of ‘The same ole stuff' warmed over, it's time to put on the ole thinking cap and get busy.
So here are a few left-over tweaks I've done thus far:
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Turkey Salad - (much like Chicken Salad, just using turkey that was picked from the bone)
- 3 Cups Turkey Pieces
- 1/2 C Low-fat Sour Cream
- 1/4 C Olive Oil Mayo
- 1 C chopped celery and carrots
- 1 TBS Mustard
- 1 Hard Boiled Egg
- Salt/Pepper/Season to taste
Put all in a food processor and whirl a few times until combined.
This goes great on crackers or in a sandwich.
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Turkey Chowder
- 3 Cups Turkey Pieces
- 6-8 Cups Turkey Stock (made by boiling the meat off the bones)
- 1 Pint Leftover Creamed Corn
- 2 Cups Leftover Squash Casserole (cream soup base, onions, cheese & squash)
- 1/2 C Sour Cream
All in a pot and simmer all day!
Serving this tonight with home-made, fresh-milled bread and a salad!
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Turkey Pot Pie
- 2 Cups Turkey Pieces (yep, that should about do it with the Turkey now...phew)
- 1 Can Mixed Veggies
- 1 Can fat free cream soup (or home-made mix, which I prefer)
- 1 Double Pie Crust Recipe*
*I had some extras that didn't get made into pies this year - so they are left-overs too!
Line bake ware with one crust or a pieced together assembled crust for the bottom, mix first three ingredients together in a bowl and pour over pie crust, top mixture with remaining pie crust (even in strips if not enough).
Bake until bubbly inside and crusts are golden.
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In the next day or so, I'll be addressing the leftover mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, so tune in again as the creative (and cheap) juices get to flowing in the kitchen!
Best Blessings!
Donna Miller
Donna Miller is an author, teacher and entrepreneur. Her favorite roles are that of wife and mother to three home-school graduates. Living with a Homesteading Mindset in the country, the city and suburbs has been an adventure! The Millers own and operate Millers Grain House which offers Organic and Chemical-free Whole Grains, Bosch Mixers, the NutriMill, instructional tutorials, recipes and more.
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At one time, that label was considered an insult. For a gentleman to take out a young lady and stress over the expense and count pennies to barely go anywhere or do anything was often a mark of shame meaning he thought her less worthy of any money spent.
Oh how the economy can help us to re-align our priorities. As I've spoken many times before of the 'homesteading mindset' - it's not a matter of doing without as much as it is doing differently. Looking at things outside the 'norm'. Going on a 'date' is no different.
My fantastic husband and I have been married for almost 25 years now. We've been on the income scales of below the poverty line, middle class and quite well-to-do, and each of them more than once during our years together. When we got married, I knew I was in for an adventure!
Some of our most romantic 'dates' had the least money spent and cost us no extra money. They simply took some creativity.
Here are some pretty THRIFTY ideas we've done over the years:
- When there is a movie we prefer to see in theaters, we only go to a matinee (for the discounted price)
- Coupons are used for dinners out (Hey, why be embarrassed to save money!)
- Putt-putt, Cosmic bowling, Go karts, Bumper cars, Ice-skating, all have hours that are cheaper than prime-time, go on a date then instead.
- Split meals and desserts. Saves calories and money at the same time. Plus you get to sit really close! (o:
- Work on a project together. Who says that's not 'date' material? We built a chicken coup together that has more fond memories than dinner and a movie.
Here are some practically FREE ideas that come from our history of 25+ years together:
- A picnic lunch and walk in the park, or hike to a view.
- He's cooked a full dinner (with appetizer, main course, sides & dessert) to surprise me when I got home from work (complete with candles).
- Swap out 'spend the night' child-care with another couple and stay at home, quietly by the fire place.
- Flowers picked from the yard for no reason at all make any evening special.
- Driving slightly 'off the beaten path' during a trip home from a winter outing, just to hold hands and 'ooo and ahhh' at the lights.
- Finding a rose pinned to the door and a note wanting to take a little walk around the pasture (or block) holding hands after dinner...
- A surprise 'brown bag' lunch for two that can be eaten either in his office or outside on a blanket.
- Go to a local book & music store and browse books of places you want to travel together, listen to music together. Leave buying nothing together.
- Talking, dreaming, planning and praying together - all are more bonding than expensive entertainment and meals. Choose those options.
Oh, don't get me wrong, even though a 'homesteader' - I can be as romantic and 'high maintenance' as the next girl, but it's where my priorities are focused that helps me see the real jewel in what others might see as a 'cheap date'.
Donna Miller is an author, teacher and entrepreneur. Her favorite roles are that of wife and mother to three home-school graduates. Living with a Homesteading Mindset in the country, the city and suburbs has been an adventure! The Millers own and operate Millers Grain House which offers Organic and Chemical-free Whole Grains, Bosch Mixers, the NutriMill, instructional tutorials, recipes and more.
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Wow. We are almost to the end of the year.
You know what that means don't you?
The temptation to get 'malled' at the mall and shop for gifts we can't afford in crowds we may not enjoy and spend money we just don't have.
How does one avoid that mayhem and enjoy this end of the year season? The answer is, 'thoughtfully'.
Yes it Virginia, it does take some thought, but that's just creative juices and costs nothing and often producing much more deeply cherished memories than a 'gift card' from Wally World or some processed meat log.
Let's look at some things that cost little to nothing for our holiday ideas:
Christmas Tree Decor Ideas:
· Decorate from nature. Pine cones, birds’ nests (empty by now), twigs with glitter, raffia, grapevines and holly twigs.
· Second-hand ornaments from garage sales and thrift stores.
· Make keepsake items to hang on the tree along with your family. Time together is a better gift than new decorations.
Hanukkah Celebration Ideas:
· Use mix/matched candles this year from around the house for the Menorah; it's the Light that was the miracle, not the candles matching.
· Make a gift of serving rather than in wrapping. A gift of service each night or day for 8 days really shows our love without trying to 'buy love'
· Dreidles don't have to be store bought. Find a plan on line and make one for the fun of it!
General Winter Decor Ideas:
· Cut snowflakes out of tin foil and hang around the house or tape up on the windows. The sun catches them and they sparkle.
· Scents do a world of memory making, so bake something, it makes any home seem more cozy for the winter.
Gift Giving Ideas:
· Coupons that say: "Dishes done after dinner", "30 minute back-rub", "Day off fishing/golf/etc." show someone how much you care.
· Hand-made items are often the most cherished gifts because of the time spent to make it. Don't think they are 'cheap.'
· Limit gifts. This isn't free, but it makes good sense. Overwhelming gift mountains do not a greatful heart make.
This year, and maybe for years to come - some of the best holiday memories may not have a price tag. When you think about it, the best ones really are priceless anyway, just give it some thought and plan for priceless memories this holiday season.
Best Blessings!
Donna
Donna Miller is an author, teacher and entrepreneur. Her favorite roles are that of wife and mother to three home-school graduates. Living with a Homesteading Mindset in the country, the city and suburbs has been an adventure! The Millers own and operate Millers Grain House which offers Organic and Chemical-free Whole Grains, Bosch Mixers, the NutriMill, instructional tutorials, recipes and more.
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You can stretch your budget and your menu with the one basic bread recipe that we send out with every newsletter.
"How?" – you may ask. Simply look at the lump of dough differently. This is a mindset - just start thinking outside the bread box.
Freshly Milled Whole Wheat Hot Dog Buns
The Basic "Fool Proof" Bread Recipe we send out second in our newsletter series can be shaped into:
~ Burger Buns
~ Hot Dog Buns
~ Hoagie Buns
~ Bread Sticks (filled and twisted or just plain, warm and toasty)
~ Bread Bowls for Chilli and Soups
~ and SO many more potentials….
Even once made they can become other things if you don't used all of them up. Just a few left over could become:
~ Croutons (any of the above, even if it's one loan bun)
~ Garlic Bread (best for the hot dog/hoagie buns with lasagna and salad - YUM)
~ Toasted Crackers (slice thin on an angle [if not split for burger or hot dog] and butter/toast) - good with slices of cheese and a salad!
~ Open Faced Cheese Bread (top with mixed cheeses and broil) to go with soups
So even as simple as the ONE recipe may be. Don't get stuck with it ALWAYS just being a loaf of bread! Shape and use it in multiple ways!
Best Blessings!~
Donna Miller
Donna Miller is an author, teacher and entrepreneur. Her favorite roles are that of wife and mother to three home-school graduates. The Millers own and operate Millers Grain House which offers Organic and Chemical-free Whole Grains, Bosch Mixers, the NutriMill, instructional tutorials, recipes and more.
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Greetings!
We wanted to send out a little taste of the last two Radio Shows. Hopefully the player below works for you! If not, go here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/millersgrainhouse and just click the little black 'play' button to hear the last two shows...
Also, we wanted to update everyone that we have moved to a different night (Tuesday) and are now WEEKLY!
Tonight's Show (7 PM Eastern) is : Store- bought vs. home-made. Let's learn to label read! Yikes!
GMO, trans-fats, palm oil, bisphenol-A....what?
Store-bought may be easily accessible, but is it what is best and healthy for our bodies?
Can we believe the labels or are there loop-holes?
Isn't it cheaper to buy it than make it?
How easy ARE some of those things to make at home?
How convenient is it?
You may ask" "Can *I* do it?" Yes, if I can you can! I'm here to help!
Here's the number if you want to call in at 7:00 PM Eastern:(347) 934-0317
Or, just jump into the chat room on the home page and ask!
At least 10 minutes of the show is call-in/chat Q & A's....so just grab a cup o' joe or hot tea and hop on at 7pm Eastern on Tuesdays! Let the kids do the dishes...(o:
Since the topic of stretching your food and kitchen budget without sacrificing REAL food and home milling are both such wide topics, each show will have a basic theme to help me focus. Guest speakers will be scheduled soon!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for more UPCOMING EPISODES ! (o:
10/27/2009 7:00 PM - Left-over magic ideas
11/3/2009 7:00 PM - Some of the 'forgotten' grains add a lot to our diets
11/10/2009 7:00 PM - Bulk buying and food storage
11/17 & 24/2009 2-part Special: "Frugal & Healthy Thanksgiving Tips!"
I'd also LOVE to get some suggestions for more topics from you as well, ! So email me some ideas or topics you'd love to discuss! Best Blessings and EnJOY!
Donna Miller
donna@millersgrainhouse.com
http://www.millersgrainhouse.com/store
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Today, I was able to go into town (that's 20 minutes away for us) and spend some time looking for items at good prices. It dawned on me that there is a type of store that is often overlooked by most of the population for some reason. Thrift stores and the Goodwill stores are often not the first thought, if ever a thought at all for most people. Even I, who furnished our entire first home and early married years from garage sales, admittedly, I forget them from time to time. But not anymore...they are becoming my first stop shops!
Not only do we have a new Goodwill (they moved the old one to this nice new building) we also have a local Thrift Store for a local charity.
For reasons of budget, let me share what you can find at each:
At Goodwill:
· They do NOT keep things from only your area. They ship from all over adding variety.
· They will let you test electrical items prior to purchase
· Most have moved to larger and cleaner stores recently
· They rotate their items so there is often new stock in each week
· You can take your own items in for a tax deduction.
· Everything you could want from a department store can be found in a Goodwill and often refurbished and in excellent working order.
· All of this at usually only 1/8th - 1/4th of the cost you would pay for things new.
At local Thrift Stores:
· They are local, so items fit your climate even better.
· Saves you gas and brings the local garage sale to you in one spot
· You can take your own items in as a tax deduction.
· The local clerk can usually keep your name and number to call if an item comes in that you are hunting.
· They tend to rotate sales and items of interest with the season.
For reasons beyond budget and saving your own money, the payout is even greater when shopping first at a Goodwill or Local Thrift Store. Goodwill employs many people with disabilities to sort, repair and refurbish the items that make it to the stores. This gives them jobs that are a service to us the consumer and plays a vital role in their own lives. Local Thrift Stores often are for a local ministry or charitable organization such as an orphanage or food bank for the needy. Buying local at the Thrift Store helps the community all the way around.
Today, I surveyed the parking lot at Goodwill. There was a Lexus and a new Cadillac parked right in front. As I was walking in, a very nicely dressed woman my age and young son (also quite stylish) were entering to look for winter wear for him. Of course, he was going to grow and this is a smart Mama to buy used since it would only last as his size for a year at best.
Inside, although I was looking for specific items, I did find a wonderful find: A bread machine! Completely new and shiny for $8.00! The local Thrift Store and Goodwill have moved to the very tip top of my memory for bargain hunting. First because of the far-reaching impact they serve, secondly for the great savings they offer, but now also for the surprise bonus of something that was not in the budget - that suddenly fit!
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