Lavander Lemonade
This picture is SO beautiful, it is worth visiting the blog alone. :D
Inflation
OK, so this is a bit depressing, but inflation is coming and we do need to be prepared.
A Practical Guide to Owning Fewer Clothes HT: The One in Pink
The One in Pink
I came across this blog through her husband's blog after discovering his videos - which my kids LOVE - watch the earlier videos, the later videos have a dark side (guns and suicide and shootings and just are not kid friendly), but his earlier stuff is hilarious and had my kids laughing for hours ... sorry for the rabbit trail. ANYWAYS, this blog is so pretty and feel good! She is on the same food/health journey I am, we have some of the same taste in clothes, and the pictures on her blog are so pretty!! :D :D :D
"You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body."— C.S. Lewis
Showing posts with label Finances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Finances. Show all posts
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Searching the web for my kids
If you are a homeschool mom like me, you are constantly searching the web - trying to find free activities for the kids, trying to answer questions they have, wanting to find videos about some interest they have, etc. Instead of using Google or another search engine, just use Swagbucks instead! And watch the Swagbucks come rolling in!
This week Swagbucks will be doubling the amount of winning opportunities through searching!
If you’re thinking of joining Swagbucks, there’s a special bonus offer through Friday at 1 PM – sign up for Swagbucks with code SWAGNATION5 and you’ll get 50 points just for signing up!
It takes me about 2-3 weeks to earn 450 Swagbucks. That equals one $5 amazon.com gift card. Imagine all the BOOKS you could buy with that! It can be used on ANYTHING Amazon.com sells - even the USED books! :D Get that curriculum you have been wanting and you don't have to pay for it! :D
I have been a member of Swagbucks for a little over 3 months now and I have earned $45! :D This is SO much faster (and easier) than My Points (no emails to check, and you earn doing simply what you do every day - searching the web).
Thanks to Carrie for letting me know about the double points as well as the code for signing up!
There has never been a better time to sign up than right now. Just don't forget to search using Swagbucks instead of google (I find it easiest to install the toolbar and search through that - not to mention that installing the toolbar allows you to get 1-3 FREE swagbucks EACH DAY simply by using/refreshing you toolbar).
And yes, when you sign up through the links on this page, I do earn when you earn! And then you get people to sign up under you and YOU earn when they earn. This is a win win situation (and you are helping me to get a Wii for my kids for Christmas when you sign up). So THANK YOU! From me and my kids! :D
This week Swagbucks will be doubling the amount of winning opportunities through searching!
If you’re thinking of joining Swagbucks, there’s a special bonus offer through Friday at 1 PM – sign up for Swagbucks with code SWAGNATION5 and you’ll get 50 points just for signing up!
It takes me about 2-3 weeks to earn 450 Swagbucks. That equals one $5 amazon.com gift card. Imagine all the BOOKS you could buy with that! It can be used on ANYTHING Amazon.com sells - even the USED books! :D Get that curriculum you have been wanting and you don't have to pay for it! :D
I have been a member of Swagbucks for a little over 3 months now and I have earned $45! :D This is SO much faster (and easier) than My Points (no emails to check, and you earn doing simply what you do every day - searching the web).
Thanks to Carrie for letting me know about the double points as well as the code for signing up!
There has never been a better time to sign up than right now. Just don't forget to search using Swagbucks instead of google (I find it easiest to install the toolbar and search through that - not to mention that installing the toolbar allows you to get 1-3 FREE swagbucks EACH DAY simply by using/refreshing you toolbar).
And yes, when you sign up through the links on this page, I do earn when you earn! And then you get people to sign up under you and YOU earn when they earn. This is a win win situation (and you are helping me to get a Wii for my kids for Christmas when you sign up). So THANK YOU! From me and my kids! :D
Saturday, January 16, 2010
A way to get free stuff! WOOHOO!!!!
I am trying to earn some extra money/free stuff and found a great way that not only I can, but you can too!
Swagbucks.com is a search engine that rewards you in the form of Swagbucks for searching. 45 Swagbucks can be exchanged for a $5 Amazon.com gift card (OR DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF SWAGBUCKS CAN BE EXCHANGED FOR MANY MORE THINGS!!). I am trying to save up for a Wii!! :D The 45 swagbucks for teh $5 Amazon gift card takes about 2 weeks to earn. PLEASE use my link to join: Join Swagbucks as I do get a swagbuck every time you get one if you use my link. Then share YOUR link with others and have others sign up with your link so you can win every time they win too.
Imagine, just by using swagbucks.com to search instead of something like google, you can be earning $5 gift cards every two weeks!! There are special swagbuck codes that give you points and you don't even have to search! :D Be sure to install the toolbar to get notices of the newest codes! And you can check their blog and FB page for even MORE codes!
And when you search on Fridays, it is called MEGA Fridays because you can earn 3, 5, 10 or MORE (which is more rare but can happen) swagbucks!! :D
I will admit it does take a bit of getting used to using swagbucks to search instead of google, but I am finding really good results on things I am searching for. It really is a good search engine. You get three swag bucks just for signing up! Imagine if you start now, you could have enough money to buy some REALLY nice Christmas presents for Christmas!!
You may only win 1-5 Swagbucks a day by yourself, but with just 5 friends earning on average 2 Swagbucks a day you would earn 360 Swagbucks a month! So I just need five of you (LOL!!) to please sign up for a swagbucks account!
PLEASE use my link to join: Join Swagbucks
THANKS!!! :D :D :D
And if you don't want to join, feel free to share this information with others and use my referral code.
Swagbucks.com is a search engine that rewards you in the form of Swagbucks for searching. 45 Swagbucks can be exchanged for a $5 Amazon.com gift card (OR DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF SWAGBUCKS CAN BE EXCHANGED FOR MANY MORE THINGS!!). I am trying to save up for a Wii!! :D The 45 swagbucks for teh $5 Amazon gift card takes about 2 weeks to earn. PLEASE use my link to join: Join Swagbucks as I do get a swagbuck every time you get one if you use my link. Then share YOUR link with others and have others sign up with your link so you can win every time they win too.
Imagine, just by using swagbucks.com to search instead of something like google, you can be earning $5 gift cards every two weeks!! There are special swagbuck codes that give you points and you don't even have to search! :D Be sure to install the toolbar to get notices of the newest codes! And you can check their blog and FB page for even MORE codes!
And when you search on Fridays, it is called MEGA Fridays because you can earn 3, 5, 10 or MORE (which is more rare but can happen) swagbucks!! :D
I will admit it does take a bit of getting used to using swagbucks to search instead of google, but I am finding really good results on things I am searching for. It really is a good search engine. You get three swag bucks just for signing up! Imagine if you start now, you could have enough money to buy some REALLY nice Christmas presents for Christmas!!
You may only win 1-5 Swagbucks a day by yourself, but with just 5 friends earning on average 2 Swagbucks a day you would earn 360 Swagbucks a month! So I just need five of you (LOL!!) to please sign up for a swagbucks account!
PLEASE use my link to join: Join Swagbucks
THANKS!!! :D :D :D
And if you don't want to join, feel free to share this information with others and use my referral code.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Current Web Readings
This is a GREAT new blog I discovered through another blog. LOL!! :D Every week they have a different themed contest (this coming week is balloons). Every Friday they have a photo fix up challenge (if you do not have Photoshop you can use GIMP - it is a free program that does a LOT of the stuff Photoshop does). Every week they have an inspiration post which either gives you great tips on taking better pictures OR gives you photo editing tips. DEFINITELY worth checking out.
Jar Of Fun
I LOVE this idea!! This idea could be done per season too (change the ideas for the season like a winter one could be make pinecone turkeys, create paper snowflakes, bake cookies for the neighbors). This blog has other great ideas so be sure to check it out.
To The Outskirts
I discovered this blog through her beautiful pictures shared on the Fun For Nothin Flickr group.
Imagine Childhood
Beautiful beautiful blog. I discovered this blog through the blog above.
Homeamde Cloth Napkins
Not just your ordinary ones, but 20 made from a $4 Goodwill twin flat sheet!! YIPPEE!!!
Free Curriculum List
For every subject. This is very well thought out and organized list of links to free curriculum (like Ambleside Online). Well worth your time to check out. You can homeschool for free!
Ebook PDF listing
GREAT collection for free pdf ebooks to help with homeschooling! :D
Bus Songs
There is ajust about every fun kids song you can imagine here! Music and lyrics. AWESOME!!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Cutting The Budget
If any of you are like me (and you prolly are in some way or you wouldn't be reading this blog), you are frugal minded. Creating a budget is hard, but once you realize the FREEDOM that it brings, you create one and stick to it.
All of us have heard the "go over your budget and see what you can cut." But if you are like me, you have already done that. Time and time again, until you really can NOT cut ANY MORE out.
But here is an interesting twist from Frugal Hacks today.
Instead of looking over your budget looking for what you can cut, create a whole new budget using only HALF of the income! Not that you have to live on that, at least not right now. But in this economy, it is good to be prepared. How much better to have a budget prepared for that time, God forbid. And not only that, maybe you see you CAN do away with other things in the budget. Imagine that it all works out and you are able to put HALF of the income into emergency fund, or ROTH IRA (remember wives can have one too!), or better yet in a 401K that is matched!
I am taking the challenge. Who knows?!?! Maybe there is something there that can get us more money to set aside for retirement? :D
All of us have heard the "go over your budget and see what you can cut." But if you are like me, you have already done that. Time and time again, until you really can NOT cut ANY MORE out.
But here is an interesting twist from Frugal Hacks today.
Instead of looking over your budget looking for what you can cut, create a whole new budget using only HALF of the income! Not that you have to live on that, at least not right now. But in this economy, it is good to be prepared. How much better to have a budget prepared for that time, God forbid. And not only that, maybe you see you CAN do away with other things in the budget. Imagine that it all works out and you are able to put HALF of the income into emergency fund, or ROTH IRA (remember wives can have one too!), or better yet in a 401K that is matched!
I am taking the challenge. Who knows?!?! Maybe there is something there that can get us more money to set aside for retirement? :D
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Lessons Learned
I have spoken numerous times about how I do not like the idea of paying children for chores. When they get an allowance it will be because they are contributing to a part of this family. Well the time has come. This month, they are getting an allowance (and they will get an allowance for each month following). They will get $1 for each year old they are. And they will follow the Dave Ramsey style of having a save, spend, and give envelope. They will give 10%, save half, and can put the spend in the rest.
Now you might disagree with me on the saving half. But here is our thinking....
If we can get our children in the habit of SAVING now, while they are young, that is a GOOD THING. They will still have their spend money. AND by saving so much, they will see that they can actually get by on spending LESS than they think they need to. I think we get into a bad habit of consumerism as well as thinking everything costs so much money. By saving more and spending less, they will learn to seek other, less expensive ways (not cheap, we want quality here) to get things they want OR come to the realization that it was more of a want than a need and they can wait. Yeah.. waiting... it teaches them PATIENCE. It teaches them that it is ok to WAIT for something.
Giving can be to the church, to the missions (the Sunday School classes take up money for missions), or to whatever organization they wish (for now) - like Compassion, Gospel For Asia, etc.
As for the saving, that money will be taken and put into a savings account that is DO NOT TOUCH. It is like their emergency fund. Once they get older, we will be teaching them how to invest.
As for their spending, Brian and I have let our kids know how that money can be spent:
*Mommy and Daddy will no longer be buying toys and trinkets for them (Christmas and birthdays excluded). If they want to, they may buy it with their own money. If it is something that can benefit the entire family (like a great deal on a microscope or something like that), then Mommy and Daddy may consider buying it for the family.
*Mommy and Daddy will no longer buy underwear, socks or clothes for you if you lose them, stain them, or tear them. If you have outgrown the item, Mommy and Daddy will buy you replacements.
*Mommy and Daddy are not your maids. At 4:30 a bell will ring. At that time if you have not done your chores, I will put them up for auction. Chore will be assigned to the lowest bidder and YOU will pay them. (We listed out EVERYTHING it takes to run a home and keep it clean, then Mommy and Daddy said what we could do, the rest was up to the kids to help so that they are contributing to the caretaking of the home. Each child chose what they would do to help. It has been GREAT because I learned that there were some jobs that they did not like doing, while another sibling did, so they traded what had previously been assigned to them - now EVERY ONE is happy.). If at the end of the day, the job has not been done, you will pay Mommy or Daddy to do the job (and you do not get a say in what you pay us)
*After all THAT, spending money may be spent or saved up to buy something bigger (like the hermit crab AA wants).
AA and EE will keep ledgers (like a checkbook) of where their money is being spent. This is a GREAT way to teach graphing skills (not to mention other math skills and finance). :D
Now you might disagree with me on the saving half. But here is our thinking....
If we can get our children in the habit of SAVING now, while they are young, that is a GOOD THING. They will still have their spend money. AND by saving so much, they will see that they can actually get by on spending LESS than they think they need to. I think we get into a bad habit of consumerism as well as thinking everything costs so much money. By saving more and spending less, they will learn to seek other, less expensive ways (not cheap, we want quality here) to get things they want OR come to the realization that it was more of a want than a need and they can wait. Yeah.. waiting... it teaches them PATIENCE. It teaches them that it is ok to WAIT for something.
Giving can be to the church, to the missions (the Sunday School classes take up money for missions), or to whatever organization they wish (for now) - like Compassion, Gospel For Asia, etc.
As for the saving, that money will be taken and put into a savings account that is DO NOT TOUCH. It is like their emergency fund. Once they get older, we will be teaching them how to invest.
As for their spending, Brian and I have let our kids know how that money can be spent:
*Mommy and Daddy will no longer be buying toys and trinkets for them (Christmas and birthdays excluded). If they want to, they may buy it with their own money. If it is something that can benefit the entire family (like a great deal on a microscope or something like that), then Mommy and Daddy may consider buying it for the family.
*Mommy and Daddy will no longer buy underwear, socks or clothes for you if you lose them, stain them, or tear them. If you have outgrown the item, Mommy and Daddy will buy you replacements.
*Mommy and Daddy are not your maids. At 4:30 a bell will ring. At that time if you have not done your chores, I will put them up for auction. Chore will be assigned to the lowest bidder and YOU will pay them. (We listed out EVERYTHING it takes to run a home and keep it clean, then Mommy and Daddy said what we could do, the rest was up to the kids to help so that they are contributing to the caretaking of the home. Each child chose what they would do to help. It has been GREAT because I learned that there were some jobs that they did not like doing, while another sibling did, so they traded what had previously been assigned to them - now EVERY ONE is happy.). If at the end of the day, the job has not been done, you will pay Mommy or Daddy to do the job (and you do not get a say in what you pay us)
*After all THAT, spending money may be spent or saved up to buy something bigger (like the hermit crab AA wants).
AA and EE will keep ledgers (like a checkbook) of where their money is being spent. This is a GREAT way to teach graphing skills (not to mention other math skills and finance). :D
Monday, August 17, 2009
Using What You Have Meals: Tomato Vegetable Soup and Taco Casserole
Recently, we have taken to using what we have when cooking. Last night and tonight's meals are two examples.
Taco Casserole (pictured above)
1 lb Meat
1/2 an onion
Frozen Corn
Can of Black Bean Soup (about to expire)
Can of Tomato Paste
Water
Seasonings (chili seasoning, garlic powder)
Corn chips
Cheddar Cheese
Brown onion and meat. And frozen corn (to stretch meat). Add can of black bean soup. Add 1/2 can of tomato paste (and stir in as much water as needed to thin). Add seasonings.
Crush corn chips on top. Spread shredded cheese on top and cover till cheese melts. We only added a little cheese because of the girls and their intolerance. (Pictured is the meal in my cast iron - LOVE my cast iron. It is uncovered for the picture and because the cheese has melted). Serve with rice and refried beans.
Tomato Vegetable Soup
Bottle of Organic V-8 I had bought months ago
Frozen veggies
Butter
Use V-8 as base for the soup. Add frozen veggies. Cook till veggies cooked. Add pats of butter in individual servings if desired. This was REALLY good and had my daughters asking for thirds!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Current Web Readings
Yardsale Treasure Map
This is GREAT!! It will plan out a route for you to hit garage sales near you! Helps save on gas because you make a full circle! WOW!!! :D
The True Vine by Andrew Murray
First, if you have not read anything by Andrew Murray, you are missing out. Secondly, this 31 day devotional (which can be done in less than 5 minutes a day!) is a very in depth study of John 15:1-16. I actually have a copy of this book (gotten off PaperBack Swap for free). But this link goes to a free online copy that you can print out if yo wish, or just read on the computer.
God's Littler Princess Ballet
OH how I wished I lived closer!!! If you have a daughter and live near here, you should check it out!
Free Homemaking Lessons
SWEET! HT: The Old Schoolhouse Magazine on FaceBook
Free Biblical Word Fill-In Puzzles
I LOVE these and they are so hard to find!!! Here are some BIBLICAL ones you can print out and take on vacation this summer!
Speaking of summer...
Entry Fee Waived to National Parks for three weekends during the summer. HT: The Homeschool For Free FaceBook page (don't miss out on the freebies! Join the Homeschool For Free FaceBook page!!!)
This is GREAT!! It will plan out a route for you to hit garage sales near you! Helps save on gas because you make a full circle! WOW!!! :D
The True Vine by Andrew Murray
First, if you have not read anything by Andrew Murray, you are missing out. Secondly, this 31 day devotional (which can be done in less than 5 minutes a day!) is a very in depth study of John 15:1-16. I actually have a copy of this book (gotten off PaperBack Swap for free). But this link goes to a free online copy that you can print out if yo wish, or just read on the computer.
God's Littler Princess Ballet
OH how I wished I lived closer!!! If you have a daughter and live near here, you should check it out!
Free Homemaking Lessons
SWEET! HT: The Old Schoolhouse Magazine on FaceBook
Free Biblical Word Fill-In Puzzles
I LOVE these and they are so hard to find!!! Here are some BIBLICAL ones you can print out and take on vacation this summer!
Speaking of summer...
Entry Fee Waived to National Parks for three weekends during the summer. HT: The Homeschool For Free FaceBook page (don't miss out on the freebies! Join the Homeschool For Free FaceBook page!!!)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Current Web Readings
Ruffled Skirt Tutorial
WAY cute! (Although I am STILL waiting for your pillowcase skirt tutorial Rebecca - give her a little encouragement, will ya girls?!?! :D THIS is what we are missing out on?!?!?! :D
Homeschool For Free
This is a new facebook page where everyone can share HOW to homeschool for free (you won't find curriculum here, but instead find HOW to teach your girls spelling using the library or online programs). :D EVERYTHING is FREE!! :D
Homeschooling
I am a HUGE fan of the Bluedorn's!! While there are a LOT of homeschooling pages on facebook, THIS one is my favorite!
WAY cute! (Although I am STILL waiting for your pillowcase skirt tutorial Rebecca - give her a little encouragement, will ya girls?!?! :D THIS is what we are missing out on?!?!?! :D
Homeschool For Free
This is a new facebook page where everyone can share HOW to homeschool for free (you won't find curriculum here, but instead find HOW to teach your girls spelling using the library or online programs). :D EVERYTHING is FREE!! :D
Homeschooling
I am a HUGE fan of the Bluedorn's!! While there are a LOT of homeschooling pages on facebook, THIS one is my favorite!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Current Web Readings
How to Afford Eating Real Food
I could not agree more with this wonderful post! It amazes me how many people say they cannot afford to eat healthy/organic/real food but spend money on things like manicures. :) I usually save money buying organic compared to buying conventional.
I thought I had some good tips for saving at the farmer's market! Here are some GOOD ones that I had not thought of before.
Are Canned Foods Necessary For Emergencies?
I must admit that I hate canned foods. They are so unhealthy for you. And they leach unhealthy chemicals into the food. We are going to do our best to can our own (in glass canned jars, not the metal ones from the store). I liked what this article had to say, as well as the link in it for the freezer stock. :) GREAT stuff!
Learning Hymns
Unless your kids are singing hymns, you have no idea the joy that wells up within your heart when you hear your two year old singing "I'll Fly Away" or "Nothing But The Blood." What I just LOVE about hymns (and something that is missing with most all today's "Christian" music, is that there is a focus on God, not on self. Most songs today focus on self or feeling good. Hymns focus on the Lord and our walking in Him.
Staycation Ideas
LOVE LOVE LOVE this site! Whether you are staying home (or local) for a vacation OR just want some FUN ideas for family nights THIS is THE site!!
I could not agree more with this wonderful post! It amazes me how many people say they cannot afford to eat healthy/organic/real food but spend money on things like manicures. :) I usually save money buying organic compared to buying conventional.
I thought I had some good tips for saving at the farmer's market! Here are some GOOD ones that I had not thought of before.
Are Canned Foods Necessary For Emergencies?
I must admit that I hate canned foods. They are so unhealthy for you. And they leach unhealthy chemicals into the food. We are going to do our best to can our own (in glass canned jars, not the metal ones from the store). I liked what this article had to say, as well as the link in it for the freezer stock. :) GREAT stuff!
Learning Hymns
Unless your kids are singing hymns, you have no idea the joy that wells up within your heart when you hear your two year old singing "I'll Fly Away" or "Nothing But The Blood." What I just LOVE about hymns (and something that is missing with most all today's "Christian" music, is that there is a focus on God, not on self. Most songs today focus on self or feeling good. Hymns focus on the Lord and our walking in Him.
Staycation Ideas
LOVE LOVE LOVE this site! Whether you are staying home (or local) for a vacation OR just want some FUN ideas for family nights THIS is THE site!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Current Web Readings
Finger Puppets
The name of this blog is DOLLAR STORE CRAFTS - need I say ANYMORE?? :D
Front Porch
When it comes to tight finances and food, what do you sacrifice? This is a GREAT and very timely article that is a must read.
Homemade Snack Food
I am thinking of trying my own jerky this year for JJ (and the girls too). And good NON-soy recipes?? :D
Living Frugal Life With Children
GREAT ideas! Most I knew (and currently do). And don't forget about the Green Project - a great way to keep busy enjoying God's creation! :D
Creation Club
LOVING this blog!!!!!!! And especially this part about The Creation Club! GREAT for all the nature stuff we will be doing this year (thanks to some AWESOME gifts we got from Aunt Katie!)
House Guidelines
The Duggar's Household Guidelines
The name of this blog is DOLLAR STORE CRAFTS - need I say ANYMORE?? :D
Front Porch
When it comes to tight finances and food, what do you sacrifice? This is a GREAT and very timely article that is a must read.
Homemade Snack Food
I am thinking of trying my own jerky this year for JJ (and the girls too). And good NON-soy recipes?? :D
Living Frugal Life With Children
GREAT ideas! Most I knew (and currently do). And don't forget about the Green Project - a great way to keep busy enjoying God's creation! :D
Creation Club
LOVING this blog!!!!!!! And especially this part about The Creation Club! GREAT for all the nature stuff we will be doing this year (thanks to some AWESOME gifts we got from Aunt Katie!)
House Guidelines
The Duggar's Household Guidelines
Thursday, April 9, 2009
We Interrupt This Blog....
I will admit that with the state that this nation is in and is heading, I have to wonder if people really are that ignorant or if it is all part of God's plan to move this world closer to His return.
Here Dave Ramsey talking about how our government is moving toward socialization/communism.
Here Dave Ramsey talking about how our government is moving toward socialization/communism.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Allowance?
As I mentioned yesterday. we do not give our kids an allowance. Not yet anyways. My husband and I each get an allowance our of my husband's paycheck. It allows us the freedom to enjoy things we want to that are not in the budget (like going bowling or out to eat). As the children get older, I suspect we might start including them in this allowance. It will not be based on work (heaven knows mine is not - I need to go and clean after this!) :D But most likely based on age. It is nice to have a little spending money. And if the kids want more, well.....
What do we do for our kids to be able to have some spending money? Two things.
(1) We have a list of extra jobs around the house that need to get done. These are jobs that are really Mommy's and Daddy's responsibility (like cleaning the garage, mowing the lawn, weeding, etc.) that the kids could do in addition to their other acts of service (i.e. chores, but I prefer to call them acts of service).
Now of course they have to have what they are responsible for done FIRST. Their clothes, their bed, their act of service and their zone. The acts of service are things they need to learn to do for themselves (like laundry, cooking, cleaning, sweeping, mopping, etc.). These switch around depending on the age of the child. SOMETIMES the act of service is teaching the younger child how to do their new act of service (in it's being passed down). :D
...AND...
(2) We also encourage our girls to make things to sell.
AA is knitting scarves (very easy). MM is finger knitting headbands (more like ties) - they can also be used as belts (if that gives you and idea of how long they are. EE has made some crocheted mice (they look like balls with tails, but she calls them mice and they would make GREAT cat toys!).
Now I agree, my daughters have an unfair advantage. What mom can pass by a child's booth or stand and NOT buy something!?! Especially when they child is young (I guess mom's don't have the same sympathetic heart for older children as for younger ones). BUT, if you have a good product at a good price and of a good quality - it will sell. :)
What I do is have my daughters sit on a blanket in the living room and do handiwork while I read to them. It reminds me of a time when Pa Ingalls might be telling a story and Ma is rocking in the rocking chair working on her crochet, Laura would be knitting some mittens for a Christmas present for Carrie, and Mary would be working on some mending.
We want our daughters to learn where money comes from (that it doesn't just appear, but it takes hard work) and how to be responsible with money. It is amazing to see how much more my children respect something when they buy it themselves. We have learned this the hard way. We bought way too many things for our children as they were growing up. Most of it, sadly, has just be given away to Goodwill. I have sold SOME in garage sales, but most of it was junk to begin with, and that kind of stuff doesn't go at garage sales.
They are also learning the value of saving. I LOVE Dave Ramsey's children's books. I have all the ones that came in the Chick-Fil-A kids meals a while back. I bought most of them at garage sales. The kids LOVE them (which reminds me, I should get them out and read them again, it has been a few months - LOTS going on over here). AA is saving up for stuff she needs when she buys a house (she keeps saving like this and I have no doubt that her and her husband will be paying cash for a house)!
Life is just really good. :D You may not agree with anything I have said the past two days, but this is what works for us. And we are pretty happy with it! And the kids are too. :D
What do we do for our kids to be able to have some spending money? Two things.
(1) We have a list of extra jobs around the house that need to get done. These are jobs that are really Mommy's and Daddy's responsibility (like cleaning the garage, mowing the lawn, weeding, etc.) that the kids could do in addition to their other acts of service (i.e. chores, but I prefer to call them acts of service).
Now of course they have to have what they are responsible for done FIRST. Their clothes, their bed, their act of service and their zone. The acts of service are things they need to learn to do for themselves (like laundry, cooking, cleaning, sweeping, mopping, etc.). These switch around depending on the age of the child. SOMETIMES the act of service is teaching the younger child how to do their new act of service (in it's being passed down). :D
...AND...
(2) We also encourage our girls to make things to sell.
AA is knitting scarves (very easy). MM is finger knitting headbands (more like ties) - they can also be used as belts (if that gives you and idea of how long they are. EE has made some crocheted mice (they look like balls with tails, but she calls them mice and they would make GREAT cat toys!).
Now I agree, my daughters have an unfair advantage. What mom can pass by a child's booth or stand and NOT buy something!?! Especially when they child is young (I guess mom's don't have the same sympathetic heart for older children as for younger ones). BUT, if you have a good product at a good price and of a good quality - it will sell. :)
What I do is have my daughters sit on a blanket in the living room and do handiwork while I read to them. It reminds me of a time when Pa Ingalls might be telling a story and Ma is rocking in the rocking chair working on her crochet, Laura would be knitting some mittens for a Christmas present for Carrie, and Mary would be working on some mending.
We want our daughters to learn where money comes from (that it doesn't just appear, but it takes hard work) and how to be responsible with money. It is amazing to see how much more my children respect something when they buy it themselves. We have learned this the hard way. We bought way too many things for our children as they were growing up. Most of it, sadly, has just be given away to Goodwill. I have sold SOME in garage sales, but most of it was junk to begin with, and that kind of stuff doesn't go at garage sales.
They are also learning the value of saving. I LOVE Dave Ramsey's children's books. I have all the ones that came in the Chick-Fil-A kids meals a while back. I bought most of them at garage sales. The kids LOVE them (which reminds me, I should get them out and read them again, it has been a few months - LOTS going on over here). AA is saving up for stuff she needs when she buys a house (she keeps saving like this and I have no doubt that her and her husband will be paying cash for a house)!
Life is just really good. :D You may not agree with anything I have said the past two days, but this is what works for us. And we are pretty happy with it! And the kids are too. :D
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Banking on an Unknown Future
I used to ALWAYS tell my kids that I PROMISE we will do something. And then I have the humbling task of asking their forgiveness when I FORGET to do it and hope that their trust in me will not be too affected.
I have learned a LOT in being a parent and one of them is that I NOW try not to promise my kids anything (except that I will always love them and nothing they ever do will make me stop). Partly because I am so forgetful and partly because we don't know what could happen tomorrow. But sometimes I forget and make a promise. Then I end up working overtime to make it happen.
My kids are always banking on another day. The Bible is has encouragements not to focus on tomorrow:
do not withold good from those to whom it is due
do not boast about tomorrow, you do not know what it may bring
do not worry about tomorrow
you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow
In fact, whenever it is talking about tomorrow, it is usually warning you that you need to do something TODAY to prevent the bad that is coming tomorrow OR to prepare yourselves because the Lord will do wonders tomorrow.
One of the ways we got into debt was we got into a habit of purchasing things knowing that the money would COME. Not that it was in the bank, but that we could spend on the credit card for the month, pay it off in full, then start the whole cycle over again. We were living paycheck to paycheck. Spending the check before we even got it. We never expected a loan that was needed for needed repairs to the house NOR my son's illness and all the expenses that would come with it. We ended up in big time debt.
God is VERY gracious we were able to learn a lot from Dave Ramsey and his Financial Peace University. Now we are also learning a lot from Peter Schiff. Thankfully we have a budget now, so every cent is told where to go before we even get the check. :D We are paying off debt, building up our ER fund, able to contribute to my husband's ROTH (most months) AND tithe. I say tithe, not to bring attention to myself. But to let you know that GOD IS FAITHFUL! When we give to Him first, we always have enough to follow through with the budget.
But old habits die hard.
I am so tempted in this economy to look for and buy the house of our dreams (lots of land with beautiful trees, a river runs through it, a small modest house) while the market is bad and we can get a great price on it. If we were to wait until the house we currently live in was worth more than we paid for it, then we would end up paying more for the dream house too. But I need to wait on God. Do I trust Him or don't I?
God know the plans He has for me! I need to bank on HIM instead of an unknown future (what finances will be like, will we get the house of our dreams, is that house even God's will for us?, etc.). He will always be there, even when a check isn't. And when storms come (like a house in need of repair or a desperately ill son), He is the solid Rock on which to stand. A very present help in trouble. Now I just need the patience to wait on Him. His will is perfect!
(Thanks for listening to me ramble - this was more for me than anyone, but should God use it to bless you, to God be the glory!)
I have learned a LOT in being a parent and one of them is that I NOW try not to promise my kids anything (except that I will always love them and nothing they ever do will make me stop). Partly because I am so forgetful and partly because we don't know what could happen tomorrow. But sometimes I forget and make a promise. Then I end up working overtime to make it happen.
My kids are always banking on another day. The Bible is has encouragements not to focus on tomorrow:
do not withold good from those to whom it is due
do not boast about tomorrow, you do not know what it may bring
do not worry about tomorrow
you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow
In fact, whenever it is talking about tomorrow, it is usually warning you that you need to do something TODAY to prevent the bad that is coming tomorrow OR to prepare yourselves because the Lord will do wonders tomorrow.
One of the ways we got into debt was we got into a habit of purchasing things knowing that the money would COME. Not that it was in the bank, but that we could spend on the credit card for the month, pay it off in full, then start the whole cycle over again. We were living paycheck to paycheck. Spending the check before we even got it. We never expected a loan that was needed for needed repairs to the house NOR my son's illness and all the expenses that would come with it. We ended up in big time debt.
God is VERY gracious we were able to learn a lot from Dave Ramsey and his Financial Peace University. Now we are also learning a lot from Peter Schiff. Thankfully we have a budget now, so every cent is told where to go before we even get the check. :D We are paying off debt, building up our ER fund, able to contribute to my husband's ROTH (most months) AND tithe. I say tithe, not to bring attention to myself. But to let you know that GOD IS FAITHFUL! When we give to Him first, we always have enough to follow through with the budget.
But old habits die hard.
I am so tempted in this economy to look for and buy the house of our dreams (lots of land with beautiful trees, a river runs through it, a small modest house) while the market is bad and we can get a great price on it. If we were to wait until the house we currently live in was worth more than we paid for it, then we would end up paying more for the dream house too. But I need to wait on God. Do I trust Him or don't I?
God know the plans He has for me! I need to bank on HIM instead of an unknown future (what finances will be like, will we get the house of our dreams, is that house even God's will for us?, etc.). He will always be there, even when a check isn't. And when storms come (like a house in need of repair or a desperately ill son), He is the solid Rock on which to stand. A very present help in trouble. Now I just need the patience to wait on Him. His will is perfect!
(Thanks for listening to me ramble - this was more for me than anyone, but should God use it to bless you, to God be the glory!)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Current Web Readings
Making Shades of of Mini Blinds
Can I just say how much I HATE MINIBLINDS! Maybe I need to create a FLAIR button for Facebook. LOL!! Anyways, This... THIS I LOVE! Has anyone tried this? I am curious on how to clean them (not that I ever cleaned the mini-blinds, but, hey, it is good to know how to, should I have the desire, not to mention TIME to). HT: Like Merchant Ships
Chums
Rebecca is always a fun read and today's was exceptionally encouraging! I must admit that I knew most of what she was saying, but there is just something ABOUT the WAY she says it that makes it so easy to understand and desire for your own children. Thank you Rebecca!
Fast Fresh Jam
YUM!!
Names Of Jesus Garland for EASTER!
Oh I just LOVE Monica - her sweet spirit (yes, I had the pleasure of meeting her IRL) and her love of Jesus overflows on every post! I loved her names of Jesus garland for Christmas, and now she has one for Easter. She explains the reason behind it. VERY powerful to use with the kids!
Why Do I Have Empty Ziploc Bags In My Freezer?
I never thought of keeping them in the freezer! :)
Reheating Foods Without a Microwave
We have not been using a microwave for about a month now and it is GREAT to have that kitchen counterspace back AND know that I am much healthier for it! :D
Can I just say how much I HATE MINIBLINDS! Maybe I need to create a FLAIR button for Facebook. LOL!! Anyways, This... THIS I LOVE! Has anyone tried this? I am curious on how to clean them (not that I ever cleaned the mini-blinds, but, hey, it is good to know how to, should I have the desire, not to mention TIME to). HT: Like Merchant Ships
Chums
Rebecca is always a fun read and today's was exceptionally encouraging! I must admit that I knew most of what she was saying, but there is just something ABOUT the WAY she says it that makes it so easy to understand and desire for your own children. Thank you Rebecca!
Fast Fresh Jam
YUM!!
Names Of Jesus Garland for EASTER!
Oh I just LOVE Monica - her sweet spirit (yes, I had the pleasure of meeting her IRL) and her love of Jesus overflows on every post! I loved her names of Jesus garland for Christmas, and now she has one for Easter. She explains the reason behind it. VERY powerful to use with the kids!
Why Do I Have Empty Ziploc Bags In My Freezer?
I never thought of keeping them in the freezer! :)
Reheating Foods Without a Microwave
We have not been using a microwave for about a month now and it is GREAT to have that kitchen counterspace back AND know that I am much healthier for it! :D
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Working Willingly With My Hands
It is amazing how powerful, though short, Meredith's posts can be.
In playing catch up in reading her bog, I came across this post which really inspired me!!!
I too rather gather from afar (i.e. the thrift store) than work willingly with my hands. And how much do I gather!! LOL!! My house is FULL of stuff I bought JUST because it was a great bargain!
My beloved recently mentioned to me that it shows him great disrespect when I am so careless with our money. He had to work so many hours for whatever that object is. And when I buy it for no reason, OR when I buy it and it does not get used, it is showing him that I do not respect him OR his time because time equals money equals that cheap whatever I bought and wasted money on.
He also said the same is true even if I use it. If I am not caring for it, or making sure the KIDS care for it (be it furniture, clothes, DVD's, whatever), then again, it shows a disrespect for him and his time.
So I really want to working on USING WHAT I HAVE rather than always running out and buying something. Maybe even staying away from thrift stores all together unless something is NEEDED. Then looking for THAT thing, and not tempting myself to buy something because of the great price. I use the same principle to save money on furniture. Rather than going out and buying new furniture or things to decorate the place, I simply rearrange the furniture. A whole new look, and it cost me NOTHING! Plus it makes me feel GOOD using my creative side to rearrange the room. :)
And I am working on getting rid of those things which I wasted money on. Hopefully I can barter or sell them. Beloved feels even more disrespected when I bought something, and then it just gets donated right back.
And I think with less stuff, it will be easier to see and care for (and respect) those things which we DO have.
Now, after all this seriousness, but still on topic, read this for a laugh.
In playing catch up in reading her bog, I came across this post which really inspired me!!!
I too rather gather from afar (i.e. the thrift store) than work willingly with my hands. And how much do I gather!! LOL!! My house is FULL of stuff I bought JUST because it was a great bargain!
My beloved recently mentioned to me that it shows him great disrespect when I am so careless with our money. He had to work so many hours for whatever that object is. And when I buy it for no reason, OR when I buy it and it does not get used, it is showing him that I do not respect him OR his time because time equals money equals that cheap whatever I bought and wasted money on.
He also said the same is true even if I use it. If I am not caring for it, or making sure the KIDS care for it (be it furniture, clothes, DVD's, whatever), then again, it shows a disrespect for him and his time.
So I really want to working on USING WHAT I HAVE rather than always running out and buying something. Maybe even staying away from thrift stores all together unless something is NEEDED. Then looking for THAT thing, and not tempting myself to buy something because of the great price. I use the same principle to save money on furniture. Rather than going out and buying new furniture or things to decorate the place, I simply rearrange the furniture. A whole new look, and it cost me NOTHING! Plus it makes me feel GOOD using my creative side to rearrange the room. :)
And I am working on getting rid of those things which I wasted money on. Hopefully I can barter or sell them. Beloved feels even more disrespected when I bought something, and then it just gets donated right back.
And I think with less stuff, it will be easier to see and care for (and respect) those things which we DO have.
Now, after all this seriousness, but still on topic, read this for a laugh.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Current Web Readings
March 2009 Growing in Grace Magazine
This BEAUTIFUL magazine is free online and has wonderful articles for your daughters (although I really like them too!). This month's issue has some GREAT links on Purim - coming up soon. If you have never celebrated Purim, you really should look into it.
She Senses Worth of Her Work
YEA! Monica is continuing with her series of crafts based on the Proverbs 31 woman!!! :D WOOHOO!!!
While there, say congrats to Monica for 5 years of wedded bliss! (And try not to be envious that she was able to fit back into her wedding dress!) :D Congrats Monica on fitting into your wedding dress and still amazing your man after 5 years of marriage. Here is to 50 more! :D
Homemade Thursday, What Was That?
She answered - homemade deodorant. Did it work? Read her hilarious review of the recipe to find out!
Fast Foods - the TRUTH
Fast food resturants would LIKE for you to THINK they are offering healthy options, but are they really??
The Happy Minimum
GREAT read!!! HT: Money Saving Mom
Speaking of MSM, she is doing a GREAT series you WON'T want to miss on 100 Different Ways to Save $100 This Year. Here is Part 1.
I will admit that it has only been during this past year that I learned all but ONE of her first 10 ideas. I had not heard about the eye glasses savings, so I am passing that onto beloved today who needs a new pair, and I will be needing a pair myself soon (and no, I don't wear glasses, yet, but I am getting old and cannot see as well as I used to). :) I can truly attest to EVERYTHING she has written in the post (except for the glasses thing). Having a budget, paying cash only, and using the envelope system haas worked for us INCREDIBLY well! We have saved SO MUCH MONEY! It has been GREAT!!! Not only were we able to cut our grocery budget, but we were able to get HEALTHY NOURISHING foods! I hope she talks about stockpiling. It has been a GREAT saver for us! For more on our journey about what we have learned about finances, click the FINANCES tab under this post (or on the sidebar).
This BEAUTIFUL magazine is free online and has wonderful articles for your daughters (although I really like them too!). This month's issue has some GREAT links on Purim - coming up soon. If you have never celebrated Purim, you really should look into it.
She Senses Worth of Her Work
YEA! Monica is continuing with her series of crafts based on the Proverbs 31 woman!!! :D WOOHOO!!!
While there, say congrats to Monica for 5 years of wedded bliss! (And try not to be envious that she was able to fit back into her wedding dress!) :D Congrats Monica on fitting into your wedding dress and still amazing your man after 5 years of marriage. Here is to 50 more! :D
Homemade Thursday, What Was That?
She answered - homemade deodorant. Did it work? Read her hilarious review of the recipe to find out!
Fast Foods - the TRUTH
Fast food resturants would LIKE for you to THINK they are offering healthy options, but are they really??
The Happy Minimum
GREAT read!!! HT: Money Saving Mom
Speaking of MSM, she is doing a GREAT series you WON'T want to miss on 100 Different Ways to Save $100 This Year. Here is Part 1.
I will admit that it has only been during this past year that I learned all but ONE of her first 10 ideas. I had not heard about the eye glasses savings, so I am passing that onto beloved today who needs a new pair, and I will be needing a pair myself soon (and no, I don't wear glasses, yet, but I am getting old and cannot see as well as I used to). :) I can truly attest to EVERYTHING she has written in the post (except for the glasses thing). Having a budget, paying cash only, and using the envelope system haas worked for us INCREDIBLY well! We have saved SO MUCH MONEY! It has been GREAT!!! Not only were we able to cut our grocery budget, but we were able to get HEALTHY NOURISHING foods! I hope she talks about stockpiling. It has been a GREAT saver for us! For more on our journey about what we have learned about finances, click the FINANCES tab under this post (or on the sidebar).
Monday, February 16, 2009
Current Web Readings
Make a dress out of a dinosaur bed sheet
Chocolate Recipes
Recipes that are actually HEALTHY for you. Nourishing Tradition style
Cholesterol and Health
Cholesterol is bad for you ... right?!?!?
Great chart comparing sugars
I am trying to find a replacement for white sugar. I want to totally cut white sugar out of my diet (starting after Valentine's Day of course! ;)
Charity Grace
What a LOVELY little blog I came across!! Be sure to check it out!! She has a carnival of simple craft that looks so fun to join!
Chocolate Recipes
Recipes that are actually HEALTHY for you. Nourishing Tradition style
Cholesterol and Health
Cholesterol is bad for you ... right?!?!?
Great chart comparing sugars
I am trying to find a replacement for white sugar. I want to totally cut white sugar out of my diet (starting after Valentine's Day of course! ;)
Charity Grace
What a LOVELY little blog I came across!! Be sure to check it out!! She has a carnival of simple craft that looks so fun to join!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Current Web Readings
Homeschooling With A Large Family
I really liked reading this. VERY simple, yet encouraging!!
Creating Contentment
This is a REALLY good post (as is most EVERYTHING on this blog!) that will help your children when "that's not fair!". :D
Candy Cane Hearts
This is SO FUN AND EASY! My soon to be nine year old daughter squealed "so THAT'S how you do it!". Fun fun FUN idea!
Frugal Nourishment
Healthy eating, homeschooling AND MOTH follower! :) I have been having fun reading current and pasts posts on this blog which is now added to the sidebar on the left (Blogs with Heart) :) (Which means it is in my RSS feed reader) :)
Free Download 2009 Spring Garden
GREAT post with link for a free help for when to plant your spring garden. ALSO, take a look around on this blog!! IT IS WONDERFUL!!!
Make Dinner Every Day And Like It
Great post about menu planning. So simple and yet, I never thought of it! :)
HTL Like Merchant Ships - I am TOTALLY loving this new blog you shared with us!
100 tips for 2009
100 tips for ways to save money in the upcoming year.
I really liked reading this. VERY simple, yet encouraging!!
Creating Contentment
This is a REALLY good post (as is most EVERYTHING on this blog!) that will help your children when "that's not fair!". :D
Candy Cane Hearts
This is SO FUN AND EASY! My soon to be nine year old daughter squealed "so THAT'S how you do it!". Fun fun FUN idea!
Frugal Nourishment
Healthy eating, homeschooling AND MOTH follower! :) I have been having fun reading current and pasts posts on this blog which is now added to the sidebar on the left (Blogs with Heart) :) (Which means it is in my RSS feed reader) :)
Free Download 2009 Spring Garden
GREAT post with link for a free help for when to plant your spring garden. ALSO, take a look around on this blog!! IT IS WONDERFUL!!!
Make Dinner Every Day And Like It
Great post about menu planning. So simple and yet, I never thought of it! :)
HTL Like Merchant Ships - I am TOTALLY loving this new blog you shared with us!
100 tips for 2009
100 tips for ways to save money in the upcoming year.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Our Grocery Bill, Cut In Half
I was about to title this "How I cut my grocery bill in half" but then I thought about it. Did **I** really cut it in half? Or was it by the grace of God being faithful to His servant when she seeked Him? You bet it was!
So how did God guide me in cutting our grocery bill in half?
We buy only organic (unless we just cannot find it and am craving it). We do not do dairy (because of allergies) so I make my own fake milk or we go without. When I was buying milk, it was raw goat or cow milk and through an inexpensive source my friend had. I buy only hormone free, free range meat and eggs (though I would LOVE to do grass fed only, I just cannot find it around here).
I did before and I do now. These things have not changed.
What has changed? We buy a lot more unprocessed (yes, it sounds silly to buy organic processed foods), we make our own cleaning supplies, and we use a deep freezer now. We also eat cheaper. $5 Mom is a GREAT place to start (and she shows you how to modify the recipe to be GF, YEAH!!!). We do a lot of beans and rice meals (we change it up a bit like having cajun or Mexican, it is never just plain). :)
We also stopped eating fake foods (like the soy substitutes for meat). If my husband (who does not really like to eat meat) wants a veggie burger, I make it from scratch (no soy and not fake and not processed).
I was spending over $$$ a month to feed our family of 5 (at the time, we are now 6). NOW, we are a family of six and slowly whittled it down to half that a month! It depends on if I find good enough deals to stock up on or if I have to pay full price for something.
What did God show me?? I was led to three discount grocery stores (one is ALL organic and the other two carry some organic). Ask around. They are there, I promise you, but I never would have found them had I not asked around. I no longer shop at Whole Foods (that was the most expensive). I shop those discount stores and I shop Kroger (King Soopers in my area). Kroger has a LOT of organic products including produce AND I get coupons all the time from them specifically for organic products (even like $2 off $10 of produce). Costco is also great because they sell a lot of organic products too as well as produce. Just yesterday I got organic apples for 62 cents a pound! On sale I am lucky to get them at a dollar a pound!
I shop the farmer's markets in the summer and freeze my food (I have not had to buy onions since July! and I still have lots of organic corn on the cob in the freezer as well as peaches I plan to make a peach pie with soon). I am hoping to do salsa this year (we love salsa).
I also stockpile our food. When there is a great sale (on beans, organic meats, etc.), I buy a LOT and shove it in the freezer (meats) or the pantry. Places like Walmart and Target will give away their frosting buckets in the bakery area for free, just for the asking. These are GREAT for storing grains and dry beans in!!
I think the best thing about all of this is my children. The older ones have been there at Whole Foods and now, whenever we do go in there, they are SHOCKED at the prices! :D They get so excited going to the bargain stores and helping me find GOOD wholesome food. They know how to read labels, and they know which brands to get. Through it all, they are learning to be good stewards! AND they are learning how to provide for their family. Even if it is produce they grow themselves (which we are totally gonna try to do this year)! I love seeing how they are learning and they will have a better start in this area than I did.
So how did God guide me in cutting our grocery bill in half?
We buy only organic (unless we just cannot find it and am craving it). We do not do dairy (because of allergies) so I make my own fake milk or we go without. When I was buying milk, it was raw goat or cow milk and through an inexpensive source my friend had. I buy only hormone free, free range meat and eggs (though I would LOVE to do grass fed only, I just cannot find it around here).
I did before and I do now. These things have not changed.
What has changed? We buy a lot more unprocessed (yes, it sounds silly to buy organic processed foods), we make our own cleaning supplies, and we use a deep freezer now. We also eat cheaper. $5 Mom is a GREAT place to start (and she shows you how to modify the recipe to be GF, YEAH!!!). We do a lot of beans and rice meals (we change it up a bit like having cajun or Mexican, it is never just plain). :)
We also stopped eating fake foods (like the soy substitutes for meat). If my husband (who does not really like to eat meat) wants a veggie burger, I make it from scratch (no soy and not fake and not processed).
I was spending over $$$ a month to feed our family of 5 (at the time, we are now 6). NOW, we are a family of six and slowly whittled it down to half that a month! It depends on if I find good enough deals to stock up on or if I have to pay full price for something.
What did God show me?? I was led to three discount grocery stores (one is ALL organic and the other two carry some organic). Ask around. They are there, I promise you, but I never would have found them had I not asked around. I no longer shop at Whole Foods (that was the most expensive). I shop those discount stores and I shop Kroger (King Soopers in my area). Kroger has a LOT of organic products including produce AND I get coupons all the time from them specifically for organic products (even like $2 off $10 of produce). Costco is also great because they sell a lot of organic products too as well as produce. Just yesterday I got organic apples for 62 cents a pound! On sale I am lucky to get them at a dollar a pound!
I shop the farmer's markets in the summer and freeze my food (I have not had to buy onions since July! and I still have lots of organic corn on the cob in the freezer as well as peaches I plan to make a peach pie with soon). I am hoping to do salsa this year (we love salsa).
I also stockpile our food. When there is a great sale (on beans, organic meats, etc.), I buy a LOT and shove it in the freezer (meats) or the pantry. Places like Walmart and Target will give away their frosting buckets in the bakery area for free, just for the asking. These are GREAT for storing grains and dry beans in!!
I think the best thing about all of this is my children. The older ones have been there at Whole Foods and now, whenever we do go in there, they are SHOCKED at the prices! :D They get so excited going to the bargain stores and helping me find GOOD wholesome food. They know how to read labels, and they know which brands to get. Through it all, they are learning to be good stewards! AND they are learning how to provide for their family. Even if it is produce they grow themselves (which we are totally gonna try to do this year)! I love seeing how they are learning and they will have a better start in this area than I did.
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