Homemade Laundry Soap (The Most Simple Recipe)

 Advantages of making your own laundry soap:
Huge savings - It costs only pennies per load!
Safe even for washing baby clothes!
No harsh chemicals!
No fragrance!
Easy!
Satisfying and fun!

After making homemade laundry soap in various ways (liquid, gel, and sauce), I found that this recipe is the most simple and it works very well at getting clothes clean and smelling good without any perfumy fragrance.  Recently I made 15 gallons and it was a lot of fun.

4 cups or more of boiling water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar, shaved or shredded
1 cup Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
1/2 cup Mule Team Borax
5-gallon bucket
stick long enough for stirring contents of bucket

Boil the water while you grate the bar of soap and dissolve the soap completely while stirring often.  This will be the most time-consuming part of the procedure but it will be worth the time.

When the soap is dissolved add the washing soda and Borax.  Stir and dissolve.

Pour everything into a clean 5-gallon bucket.  Rinse out the pan with hot water and dump into the bucket.

Fill the 5-gallon bucket with hot water.  Stir well with a long stick.  Cover and don't disturb for 24 hours.  (This is hard when you first start making laundry soap but it is important!) 

After 24 hours it will have formed into a gel.  Stir well.  It can be stored in smaller containers such as Tupperware or smaller buckets to be used on laundry day.

If you want fragrance, simply add a few drops of essential oils on wool dryer balls.

Caution:  Always cover buckets of anything very tightly.  A toddler could fall into a bucket of liquid or gel and drown so please take care and avoid tragedy. 

The Perpetual Calendar

by Lois Breneman

This is the time of year when we try to have an ample supply of calendars for our home.

Years ago I bought more calendars than I really needed because they were super cute and very inexpensive.  Not a money-saving tip!  I thought I would use them as gifts, but then I changed my mind.  So I hung onto them, which IS a money-saving tip, because of the following information! Some of the nice calendars that we had used were not marked up, so those can be recycled.

I have four very nice specialty calendars with lovely pictures that I'll need to pass on to a younger person though.  Why? Well, because the next year they will match up, I will be one hundred years old!  I doubt I'll be needing them.  If I'm still alive, I probably won't know what day it is, even with a calendar!  Although I do enjoy saving money, sorry to say, this was *not* a money-saving measure!

Thanks to the perpetual calendar chart, we can find out other years that those calendars can used! http://www.vpcalendar.net/20th_21st.html

For the following five years in red, a calendar from those previous years listed will work, which means you don't need to buy more calendars if you have any from these corresponding years!

This link works even better when searching for a specific year so you can find out how it can be used again if not marked up:
http://www.whencanireusethiscalendar.com/

2017 - 1978 - 1989 - 1995 - 2006
2018 - 1973 - 1979 - 1990 - 2001 - 2007
2019 - 1974 - 1985 - 1991 - 2002 - 2013
2020 - 1964 - 1992  (Leap Year means less corresponding years)
2021 - 1965 - 1971 - 1982 - 1993 - 1999 - 2010

So don't toss out your old calendars.  Simply refer to a perpetual calendar.  I plan to label my old calendars to use in the future, since they're in perfect condition.

Warehouse Club Do's, Don'ts

By Jean Chatzky · Bankrate.com
Used by permission
Tuesday, July 14, 2015

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On a recent visit to my local warehouse club, I stumbled upon a rack of discount movie tickets --10 for $85, a $4-per-show discount off the $12.50 my local theater charges for an adult ticket. I’d never considered buying movie tickets on a grocery run before, but as a frequent theatergoer, the price was too good to pass up.

As it turns out, warehouse clubs are a source of some surprising finds, says Benjamin Glaser, the features editor at DealNews.

Below, 5 of the best deals, along with another 5 that really aren’t deals at all.

What to buy

Gift cards. The aforementioned movie tickets make a great gift, but if you’re in the market for a more standard gift card, you’re likely to find that, too, says Glaser. He’s frequently seen cards for smaller restaurant chains -- think Peet’s Coffee & Tea -- for up to 60% off and $100 iTunes cards for $80.

Medication. Glaser has seen 1,000 tablets of ibuprofen at Costco sell for $10, with similar products priced closer to $16 at other pharmacies. Raechel Conover, a staff writer at Cheapism.com, agrees. "At any membership level, medication prices were 2% to 40% lower -- when no insurance was used -- at Costco. In a 2013 survey by Consumer Reports, Costco was the cheapest pharmacy out of 200."

Organic food. In particular, pantry staples like pasta, sugar, olive oil, bread and honey can be found on the cheap, says Conover, who notes that Costco outperforms other bulk stores in this category.

Name-brand clothing. "We see good deals here, on brands like Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole and Levi’s," says Glaser.

Glasses. You can find prescription eyeglasses at a pretty significant discount, though these days it’s worth it to price-check online competitors like Coastal.com and Zenni Optical, as well.

What to skip

Seasonings. Salt can generally stand the test of time, but other dried herbs get stale and lose their punch before most cooks can use a bulk supply.

Electronics. "We see too many good electronics deals at other retailers, so it’s tough for anyone to top those," says Glaser. Electronics get refreshed so frequently that it’s fairly easy to find an older, but still fine, model on discount. The exception: TVs are sometimes well-priced at warehouse clubs, so it pays to compare deals.

Fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s not that the deals aren’t good; it’s that it can be difficult to use a bulk count of these items before they go bad, and most don’t freeze well. Unless you’re having a party or you know you’ll eat that 20-pack of bananas quickly, it’s best to skip it.

Books. The deals generally aren’t any better than those you’d find on Amazon, so if you can wait for the shipping, you’re better off doing so.

Anything you can’t store. You may get 100 rolls of toilet paper at a steal, but if you have to keep them in the middle of your living room, you should weigh the quality of life issue against the money saved.

Read more: http://www.bankrate.com/financing/saving-money/jean-chatzky-warehouse-club-dos-donts/#ixzz3y7L5OE2g 

Tips to Save Time and Money

Used with Permission by Jonni McCoy at Miserly Moms http://www.miserlymoms.com/miserlytips_updated.html
"These tips have been saving us both money and time:

We use a combined shampoo/conditioner. We save money because only one bottle needs to be purchased instead of two separate bottles. The conditioning step is eliminated, thus saving time. Wholesale clubs (i.e., Costcos, BJ's) often sell economy size bottles of a selection of combined shampoo/conditioner brands.

I use a combined powder/foundation makeup instead of separate liquid or creme foundation plus powder. I save money by buying only one cosmetic item instead of two. Time is saved because the liquid or creme foundation application step is eliminated. I have found that the combined powder/foundation goes on thick enough to cover what the liquid or creme would have.

My husband uses 100% aloe vera gel in place of men's aftershave. We purchase a large container of aloe vera gel towards the end of the summer when the sun care products are on clearance. A large enough container could last through the following year. Additional benefits of aloe gel are the mild scent, it doesn't burn, it's soothing to sensitive skin. Women can also use it after shaving legs.

Many different brands of makeup are manufactured by the same limited number of subcontractors. Keep this in mind when selecting cosmetics. A considerable amount of money can be saved without sacrificing quality when selecting cosmetics from brands offered in the supermarket or WalMart versus the brands sold at expensive department store counters. Time is saved picking up cosmetic items at the supermarket when grocery shopping (look for those coupons!).

Easy FIx for Draft Under Your Door!

by Mary Westmoreland - Used by permission

Instructions: Measure width of door. Cut a piece of fabric that length plus 1" for 1/2 "seam allowance on each end and about 5" wide (depending on how big of a gap you have under your door).   Fold with wrong sides together lengthwise and serge leaving one end open. Fill with dried pinto beans and sew end closed.

Easy Fix for Draft Under Your Door

Instructions:

Measure width of door.

Cut a piece of fabric that length plus 1" for 1/2 "seam allowance on each end and about 5" wide (depending on how big of a gap you have under your door).

 

Fold with wrong sides together lengthwise and serge leaving one end open.

Fill with dried pinto beans and sew end closed.

              - Provided by Mary Westmoreland

Don't Trash It! Fix It! Make It Last!

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - February, 2015

We are currently in the middle of completely remodeling our kitchen, which is so exciting!  The fun part is that it is scheduled to be finished on my birthday, if all goes as planned.  We are, however, keeping all of our white appliances, knowing they will most likely provide us with more years of service.

My husband and I are doing as much tear-out on our own as possible.  As we removed our dishwasher yesterday, I was reminded how several years ago the plastic silverware holder broke in three different areas.  There was a hole in the bottom of three dividers of the silverware holder, which meant some of the flatware slid right through and into the bottom of the dishwasher.

Looking straight down into one divider, this is how it looked:

My mechanical engineer husband was always one to fix everything, and has saved us so much money through the years, but his solution for this problem is something anyone could easily do.  He just happened to think of it, but I will gladly share with you if it will help your dishwasher live a little longer, and save your family some money.

Here's How the Problem Was Solved:

Using a stiff plastic notebook, he carefully cut a piece to fit into each divider.  This shows the bottom and about one to two inches up one side of the divider.  He cut and creased it with a box cutter.  Here are two views of his solution.

The end result for each of those three holes:

A problem like this might prompt many people to either order a new silverware holder or even toss out the dishwasher, when it only required a simple repair.   With an easy solution like this, you could have more cash to spend in other useful ways, and who doesn't need that?

So before you toss out a large or small appliance, get your whole family, including your children, thinking how it could be fixed.  That sounds like some interesting dinner table discussion.  Spur on the brain-storming discussion with the promise to put the money saved toward a family vacation or another family outing.

Draft Dodgers

by Nina Graff in Michigan

Here's another budget tip. (I DO try to find ways to DIY, with not so much expense). I've been talking about making 'draft dodgers' for the patio doors (or as I call them, window sausages!)… LOTS of temperature exchange going on there! Well…. another week of below temps spurred me into action.

I was brainstorming about what to stuff them with…that would insulate, but be cheap. Couldn't see wasting that quantity of rice or beans! SO--- wood pellets to the rescue! A 40# bag costs about $4, and one bag filled 6 sausages last night. (6"x35")

I made them out of canvas drop cloth…. a fabric I've come to LOVE! (Made curtains last year out of some. Very natural looking… and affordable!)  I tied the bags up with jute…. and they will help quite a bit with that NW wind. 

I just thought I would share, in case anyone is looking for easy extra insulation this winter. (Brrrrrr.-- this house has some finishing issues… I do believe there is something missing in the door channels or not quite installed correctly?)

How to Save BIG at Retail Stores

Coupons are available for Lowe's, Kohl's, Macy's, Belk, Target, Walmart, JCPenney, ACMoore, Michael's, etc.

http://www.retailmenot.com/

 

Plot Your Course When Shopping Yard Sales

Used by permission from www.stretcher.com

Second hand shopping can save you money when you only pay a fraction of the cost of an item. Some sales only have junk or overpriced items. How can you be sure you are getting the best deals for your money?

 

Plot your course, don't waste gas driving around - Get your newspaper listings or check the online listings in your area and grab a map so you can strategically plan your course. You can pin point where you think the good sales are and determine which to go to first then move from one to the next.

 

Learn where the good spots are - some areas just seem better than others for sales. Ask around and see if others you know have experience in where to find the good stuff and which places to skip.

 

Know your prices- Get familiar with the brands, prices and quality of things you like and need. If you know what the stores around you are charging for items, you are less likely to be taken in by a bad deal.

 

Don't buy what you don't really want or need - Just because it's a dollar and maybe someone could use it doesn't mean you should buy it. Know what things you really need and want just like when you grocery shop with a list. Impulse buys are easy to do when you see so many things at such low prices. Save yourself money and don't buy on impulse.

Bring supplies! - Bring bottles of water or other drinks, snacks and handy wipes or wet cloths so you don't have to stop for refreshments or to clean your hands.

 

Yard Sale Etiquette - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/990726i.cfm

 

How to Avoid Yard Sale Junk - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/010507c.cfm

 

How to Open Swiffer Wet Jet Bottles and Refill with Your Own Solution

Save money by removing the lid from your Swiffer Wet Jet bottle according to these instructions!  Then refill with your own homemade cleaning solutions!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-SWvjkUW-s

Ten Tips to Save Time, Money and Energy

Down to the Last Drop!  When you think you have squeezed out all the contents of plastic tubes, you can be sure that there is still more in there - more than you imagine!  Try cutting plastic tubes of hand cream, makeup, etc. across the middle with scissors and be surprised!   I often find more than a dozen days' worth of makeup inside a tube, or lots more hand cream or toothpaste that was unable to be squeezed out. Usually there's lots more product on one end of the tube. The empty end will slip right over the end with more contents (with just a tiny overlap) so the leftover contents won't dry out before getting used up. For chapstick, when you can no longer get anymore out, dig out the remaining half inch or so with a sharp, narrow knife and insert it into another tube!  There's no use in tossing out before the contents are all used up!

Ginger Paste ~ Save lots of money and make your meals tastier and healthier with your own homemade ginger paste!  It builds up your immune system.  Peel and chop ginger, then drop it into a powerful blender.  Add enough oil and/or water to make it easier to blend up, and process until smooth and creamy.  Store it in small amounts in the freezer, but keep some in your fridge for adding to meat dishes, salad dressings, and many other dishes.  I store mine in Tupperware midget cups.  You could even freeze and use it as tomato paste in the next tip!

Tomato Paste Savvy ~ Many recipes call for a small amount of tomato paste, and what remains invariably turns moldy in the fridge, right?  Try this instead!  Open both ends of the can with a can opener.  Remove and discard one end of the can, but leave the other end in place.  Wrap the entire can in plastic wrap and freeze overnight.  When frozen, use the remaining metal end of the can to push out the frozen tomato paste.  Discard the can, and tightly wrap the tomato paste in plastic wrap, and store in the freezer.  Slice off only as much as you need for recipes.

Clean Tough Areas of Refrigerator or Microwave Overnight ~ Saturate a terry cloth dishcloth with hot water.  Pour about a tablespoon of liquid castile soap such as Dr. Bronner's onto the cloth.  Rub together and lay over a tough, gooey spot in your fridge.  Let set for an hour or overnight.  The goo will wipe off with little effort.    

Boredom on the Treadmill or Stair Climber ~ At gyms everyone watches TV while they use the exercise machines, so if you have one at home, why not do the same? You can make a firm "table" across your treadmill to hold your Kindle or laptop computer.  During this time I enjoy reading or listening to the Bible, praying through my prayer list, memorizing scripture verses, or watching sewing and quilting videos.  It takes my mind off of this necessary activity.

Make Your Own Birdhouses  (Recommended Diameters for Birdhouse Entrance Holes):
Wrens - 1 1/8"
Nuthatches, Chickadees and Tufted Titmice - 1 1/4"Bluebirds - 1 1/2"

Make Your Own Peanut Butter Suet to Attract all the Birds Listed Above (and More)!  These are the birds I've seen eating our tasty homemade suet: Bluebirds, Carolina wrens, nuthatches, chickadees, tufted titmice, downy woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, yellow-bellied woodpeckers, mockingbirds, house finches, goldfinches, white-throated sparrows, and more!   Mix together inexpensive peanut butter and shortening with a mixer until creamy.  Add flour and/or cornmeal (a great use for even buggy flour or cornmeal).  Mix with electric mixer until it is the consistency of play dough.  Form it into suet cakes and wrap in plastic wrap and store in waxed cereal liners to keep the grease from seeping through. If you have night predators like raccoons or bears, I'd advise bring it inside at night, unless they are unable to get into it at night.  http://heartfilledhome.blogspot.com/search/label/Birds%20-%20Suet

Frame Your Own Nature Photography ~ My husband built a shelf on our sundeck, directly in front of our kitchen window.  By setting a custard cup full of peanut butter suet in front of our kitchen window (raised up), I've been able to get lots of closeup pictures of our beautiful birds!   An adorable Carolina wren is feasting there right now!  Off he goes, and now a bluebird!  There is so much beauty in God's creation to photograph and frame for your home.

Spring Flower Arrangement ~ For a beautiful spring floral arrangement, make a bird's nest vase by wrapping grapevines around a basket!  Insert a real vase  inside the nest if using fresh flowers.  If using silk flowers, use floral foam inside the basket and insert the stems in a symmetrical manner. This was seen on Martha Stewart's website.  For a picture and more ideas, go to http://shout.lt/rnTp.

Now That You've Saved All that Time, Money and Energy  ~ Take a break and enjoy some delicious tasting tea that I recently discovered at the grocery store!  Tazo Wild Sweet Orange Tea with no caffeine!

Practical Household Tips

Reusable Shopping Bags ~ Machine wash occasionally to keep them clean and free from Salmonella bacteria, E.coli, and more.  Use grocery bags for that purpose only.  Have raw meat bagged in disposable bags before putting into your reusable bags to prevent contamination. Store bags in house, not in a hot car trunk where germs will breed.  Spray bags inside of bags with diluted essential oils. (See tip below)  http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/05/keeping-your-reusable-shopping-bags-clean.html

Anti-Bacterial Essential Oils ~ Bergamot, Cinnamon, Clove, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree, Thyme

Separate Toothpaste Tube for Each Family Member ~ This tip could even save marriages, when I hear stories of how husbands and wives have differences in putting on the cap or leaving it off, how they squeeze the tube, etc.  This is an easy solution.  It also helps prevent spreading germs throughout the family.  Give each child his own tube as well!

Toothpaste Tube Troubles (Wrinkled tubes) can be alleviated by laying the toothpaste tube on a flat surface, pushing toothpaste upward to the top of the tube with your toothbrush handle, then tightly rolling up the end of the tube and securing with a medium to large spring clip.  A rubberband works as well.

When Two Children Share a Closet use two different colored hangers for clothing, so there's no problem finding outfits.

Avoid Matching Socks ~ To avoid having to match socks, when buying everyday socks for a child (or adult), get plenty of the same style and color (white to match everything).  When folding clothes, each person's socks (if short) only need to be stacked.  Stand socks on their sides when storing in bedroom drawers for neater drawers.

Preventing Mold in Berries ~ We all know how quickly store bought strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and other fruit can grow mold, even when refrigerated.  Vinegar can help tremendously.  I keep a spray bottle of straight white vinegar for spraying produce.  As soon as I bring home my berries and other produce, I saturate the dry produce with vinegar, let set a few minutes, then soak in water, and rinse.  This prolongs the freshness of berries and other produce.

The Use of Trays can save steps, spills, and time. When transporting food to a freezer downstairs, using trays, bags or a box, rather than stacking them in your arms could prevent a catastrophe.

Reusing Ziplock Bags ~ Most people won't go along with this tip, but bags that did not store meat or gooey substances could be washed in hot water and dishwashing liquid, then hung to dry for a second life.  You could keep used bags in a certain place to be washed all at once.Saves money.

Soap Chips ~ If you have soap chips and slivers that you weren't able to melt onto a new bar of soap, try this.  Use an old washcloth to fold in half, insert the soap chips and sew shut.  Use long stitches, so you can pull out the thread and refill later.  This can be used to suds up while showering or bathing. You might want to make one for each family member.  Kids love them and it might even make taking a bath more fun.

From a Tablecloth to Kitchen Towels ~ Certain tablecloths (cotton or linen), if found for a good price at a yard sale, can be cut and hemmed for very nice kitchen towels.  If you have an embroidery machine, you can make them even more special and fun to use.

Nice White Doilies and Towels ~ Every now and then put all of your doilies in an Oxiclean solution to whiten them.  Avoid bleach which will deteriorate the fibers. Do the same with kitchen towels, dishcloths, towels, and washcloths.  I have a batch soaking right now.  Oxiclean works wonders on stubborn clothing stains as well.

Custom Window Shades ~ When window shades become worn, save the roller and slat.  Buy oil cloth at the fabric store (with or without a design) and cut it to the size of the shade.  Sew the bottom to fit the wooden slat and glue or staple to the top of the roller.

 

 

 

Humidity in Colder Months for Comfort

Raise the Humidity in Your Home to Make it Feel Warmer during the Colder Months ~ If you find there is static in your home from cold temperatures and dry air, keep a pot of water simmering on the stove (low heat), but make sure it doesn't go dry.  Humidity in the air will make your home feel much more comfortable in the winter. 

 

This was a tip in last month's edition, but Brenda Nolen in South Carolina sent an additional useful tip:

 

Last winter I started using the mini crockpots or this purpose.  I use one on the kitchen counter during the day and one in each bedroom at night.  It takes some thought to unplug them in the morning and at night, but has made a huge difference for us!!  If I forget at night, our sinuses are much dryer the next morning.  Using distilled water in them will prevent mineral deposits from building up.

 

I use the crockpot uncovered.  During the day, you can see the steam rippling into the air.  Since the crockpot is not heating to a high temperature, it isn't putting enough heat or moisture into the air to cause damage to anything.  I don't even have moisture buildup on the surface it is setting on!  We have gas heat which tends to dry the air, so the crockpot adds just enough moisture!

 

Precautionary Measures:
1.  I wouldn't recommend using the same mini crock pot day and night.  Just to be safe, let it cool off to keep from overheating.

 

2. For families with little ones, be sure to place the crockpot where it cannot be touched or spilled.  Though the water is not extremely hot, it is still hot enough to harm tender skin.  The outside of my units get hot enough to burn little fingers.

3.  On extremely cold days, if you notice a buildup of moisture on the windows to the point of dripping onto the wood trim, that is an indication that there is too much moisture in the air, so adjust accordingly.

The Wealthy Stay-At-Home Mom

by Tyanne Perry - www.LampOnAStand.com - Used by permission

I cannot afford to WASTE my time making money! -- Jean Louis Rodolphe Agassiz

 “It’s nice to meet you, what do you do?” She asks.

“I am a stay-at-home-mom” I reply, wondering if I should throw in information about my college degree and prior work experience, just to portray myself with a little more value in the eyes of my acquaintance.  I don’t have the chance to go on, however, as she responds quickly.

 

“Oh, wow, you are so lucky to get to stay at home,” she replies, “We could just never afford it.”

 

“Money only stretches so far,” I politely relate, though slightly cringing at her assumptions, “We are certainly blessed with the ability to make this work for us.”

 

Does she assume we’re wealthy, I wonder.  Surely she understands we’re not, right?  Surely she understands it is a trade-off?  Does she really think it’s “luck” that made this decision for us?

 

She’s right, though, in a way.  I can afford to be a stay-at-home-mom and I am wealthy enough to afford a great deal of valuable things.  Things that are so precious, in fact, that the things we can’t afford pale in comparison.

 

For example:

I can’t afford a second car, but I can afford long walks with little ones on beautiful weekday afternoons. 

 

I can’t afford to own my dream home, but I can afford to fill our rental with the sounds of laughter, comforted tears, and the pitter patter of little feet all day long. 

 

I can’t afford cable television, but I can afford to read to my children for more than the recommended 20 minutes a day. 

 

I can’t afford new clothes each season, but I can afford to teach my children to value what they have and take care of all they have been given as I care for and mend the clothing we are blessed to already own. 

 

I can’t afford to take my family to a nice restaurant, but I can afford to prepare meals that fill our home with the scents that will one day make my adult children long for home.

 

I can’t afford regular lunch or coffee dates with friends, but I can afford to invite friends into my home and demonstrate Christian hospitality to my children as well as my guests.  

 

I can’t afford a professional hair style or color; but I can afford to embrace natural beauty as my children watch me twist my hair into a fast bun and hurry out of the bathroom to join their fun.

 

I can’t afford a manicure or pedicure, but I can afford to play “This Little Piggy” on repeat to the content of fascinated little minds, looking into their eyes as we play and smiling with them as they learn. 

 

I can’t afford a gym membership, but I can afford to live a healthy and active life in front of my children and teach them to do the same.

 

I can’t afford to enroll my child in private lessons of various kinds, but I can afford to invest time in knowing their dreams and abilities better than anyone else and coaching them to use those abilities to honor and glorify God.

 

I can’t afford to get a babysitter and go on long dates with my husband, but I can afford to serve him diligently at home as his helper and love him in ways that help him honor God at his best.

 

I can’t afford to travel the world on family vacations, but I can afford to be the person who is always there and ready to answer their questions when they are curious or confused about the world around them. 

 

I can’t afford a mountain of gifts on Christmas morning, but I can afford a mountain of love and truth all year long. 

 

I can’t afford to host giant birthday parties at popular venues, but I can afford to spend every single day reminding my children that they are valuable and worth celebrating.        

 

I can’t afford the latest and greatest toys and electronics, but 

 

I can afford to diligently train creative minds to explore, imagine, experiment, and create. 

 

I can’t afford to pad a savings account with the recommended 6 months of necessary income, but I can afford to pad a future of unknowns with faith and trust in God’s provision and teach my children not to worry in times of trial.  

 

I can’t afford to provide my children with the things they want, but I can afford to teach them that they have everything they need. 

 

I can’t afford to spend my time making money, but I can afford to make my time worth more money than I could ever spend. 

 

I can’t afford a lot of things, but none of them will ever exceed the value of those things that I can afford. 

I am not lucky, but I am blessed.

I am not rich with money, but I am wealthy.

About the Author, Tyanne Perry: I am a young Pastor's wife and mother in Cleveland, Ohio.  Prior to becoming a mother, I worked as a substance abuse counselor and crisis interventionist (and I enjoyed it very much!).  Now, I find great joy in being a mother and homemaking, and I consider my most important "job" to be serving my husband as his helper.  My husband and I have a passion for the Word of God and helping others learn and grow in their knowledge of the Lord through Scripture.  We also love to make music together, enjoy the outdoors, and being active.

Respect for a Stay-at-Home Mom

What should she do about friends that don't respect her decision to stay-at-home?
by Gary Foreman - www.stretcher.com - Used by permission - Gary Foreman is a former financial planner and purchasing manager who currently edits The Dollar Stretcher.com website and newsletters.

 

Dear Dollar Stretcher,
I've been a stay-at-home mom since our first child was born about 6 years ago. I love it! Really feel like I'm making a better life for our family. But a few of my friends (some from where I used to work) seem to think that I'm not living up to my potential. It's as if they don't respect the work that I do at home. I have a master's degree and know that what I'm doing is important. What can I do to convince these friends that I'm happy and fulfilled and really don't appreciate their condescension.
Allison

Dear Allison,
Unless you're unusually thick-skinned, feeling disrespected always hurts. Especially if the disrespect comes from people that you hold in high regard. Let's see what we can do to change some of that disrespect or at least take the sting out of it.

First, let's do a little research into stay-at-home parents. According to the U.S. Census Bureau we have over 5 million SAH moms. And "nearly one-fourth of all married-couple families in the U.S. had a stay-at-home mother."

We also found out that they were a fairly well-educated lot. "Thirty-two percent of the stay-at-home mothers had at least a bachelor's degree, compared with 38 percent of the other mothers." We can conclude that you're not alone and that many SAH moms are pretty smart!

Chances are that won't be enough to change your former co-workers' pre-conceived notions. Perhaps something that's a little closer to home will make the point.

You might find that they'd be impressed if they realized how much you're earning by staying at home. Not only income coming in, but by saving reducing expenses. It's a good idea for most stay-at-home parents to make the calculation. Add up the cost of childcare, convenience and restaurant foods, work clothes, work lunches and the extra income taxes. You'll find that you're "making" a reasonable salary by working at home.

Explain that you have more time with your children. There's no guarantee but that could lead to a closer relationship and fewer troubles as they grow up.

And tell your friends how the arrangement has brought you and your mate closer together. You each perform certain duties that the other needs to rely upon. That builds trust and deepens the relationship. But, unless they've been in your shoes they'll probably not fully understand.

Ultimately, it says more about them than it does about you. If they believe that you couldn't possibly be happy, there's probably not much you can do about it. You'll just waste your time and energy trying to convince them.

And, much as you'd like them to respect you and your decision, you can't force them. Fortunately, you're not responsible for what they think. Just how you react to it. You can decide whether their opinions and friendship add value to your life.

More important is that you respect yourself and your husband does, too. Part of that is recognizing the importance of what you're doing.

You've already taken the first step - calculating the dollar value of what you're doing. And you've recognized that your family relationships will be different because you chose to stay at home.

Next, take the time to list all the non-monetary advantages in being a stay-at-home parent. It might even be a good idea to ask your spouse and others who see you frequently what they think are advantages. Even if they disagree with your decision they could have interesting insights.

Then make a bit of a change in your lifestyle. Find some new friends who share your lifestyle. Even if it's only on Facebook or Twitter. They'll have a greater respect for the challenges you face and appreciate what it takes to overcome them because their experiences are similar to yours.

You've made a choice for your life and for your family. While we all like to have other people approve of our decisions and respect us, ultimately you have to live with yourself. And, sometimes that means believing in our decision even if no one else stands beside us. At least in this case you have a spouse who agrees with what you've decided.

Discount on First I-Herb Order with This Code

Notes from Lois:  Ladies, I have found i-Herb to be a trustworthy company for ordering supplements, specialty foods, and other items.  Here's the link to tumeric which is the NOW brand I use:  http://www.iherb.com/Now-Foods-Turmeric-Bromelain-90-Vcaps/8950?at=0

I also found Nu-Stevia, the brand of natural sweetener that I like the best, at i-herb!  So now rather than paying $25 a canister at a natural foods co-op, I can order it for half that amount and pay no taxes on it - through i-herb!  Plus shipping is free when ordering $20 or more.  You will save even more on orders of $200.  They carry only reputable brands, including Metagenics, all at a discount.  Orders arrive in about three days!

Discount: You will receive an instant $5 off your first order from http://www.iherb.com if you enter CODE ENE086 or my e-mail address, jhbreneman@juno.com. 

Garden Exchange

from Judi W. - A Reader's Tip from The Dollar Stretcher - www.stretcher.com - Used by permission

I like to garden, but I am short on funds. My solution? Simple! Host a twice annual "plant exchange" where all the people of your community come to a designated area (usually someone's backyard). Everyone then places their names into a hat, and places their "bumper crop plants" in a row. Some will bring seeds, handmade garden stakes, etc. Then when their names are drawn from the hat, they are allowed to go to the row and choose which plants they would like to take home with them that spring or fall. Within the time frame of five years, we have landscaped our own front yard and helped to make many other gardens beautiful as well!

A Tip on Microwaving Food

by Lois Breneman - 2012 - Heart to Heart

With all the concern about microwaving food in plastic containers, this tip is a workable solution.  You don't need to go out and purchase lots of glass containers.  I've been doing this for a long time and find that quite a few dishes already in my cupboards have been working great for heating food in the microwave.  Corelle dishes are especially convenient because of their light weight.  Oneida salad bowls that I bought from Red Lobster in the 90's are a favorite in cooking frozen vegetables and other food items for just the two of us, with a cereal bowl serving as the lid.

Try combining some glass dishes you already have in similar combinations:

A salad bowl + a cereal bowl as a lid
A cereal bowl + a saucer as a lid
A salad bowl + a salad plate as a lid
A serving bowl + a cereal bowl as a lid
A larger serving bowl + a salad plate as a lid

I'm sure you get the picture, but just in case you're confused, I have posted several photos at  http://heartfilledhomerecipes.blogspot.com . 

If you have Corningware casserole dishes, they work great as well, and they seem to last forever!  I'm still using the ones we got as wedding gifts more than forty-three years ago.  If you don't have any, yard sales and thrift shops are good resources to find them.  Clean them up with a Magic Eraser and they will look like new.  By the way, sometimes I also use a plastic microwave cover as a lid (which does not touch the food).  I found it at Walmart about twelve years ago.  So as you see, there are practical ways of getting around the plastic/microwave issue.

Dollar Stretcher Tips

www.stretcher.com - Readers' Tips - Used by permission from the Editor, Gary Foreman

Summer Teas ~ You pay a lot for those fruity delightful teas, but you can make your own that's even better by freezing crushed fruits in ice trays. I place fruit in blender with some water and then pour it into ice trays to freeze. When I want to serve fruity teas or even water, I just take out several squares of the frozen mixture and place them into a glass or pitcher. It's so yummy, all natural, and very refreshing on these sultry hot days. - S.   Additional Dollar Stretcher Resource: More alternatives to soda.

Saving Summer Herbs ~ My garden has a lovely overabundance of basil this summer. I use as much as I can in salads, omelets, and sauces. However, I also keep some for the winter. Using my food processor, I pulse several cups of basil leaves with a couple of tablespoonfuls of extra virgin olive oil. Next I spoon the puree into ice cube trays and freeze until firm. Once the basil is frozen, I pop the cubes into a freezer bag to be enjoyed in soups and stews or with pasta and garlic during the long winter months. It's simpler than pesto, but just as versatile. - Rasa

Using Leftovers ~ Leftovers are great only if you eat them. In the past, I often forgot what I put in my fridge, especially if I put it away in a container that was not see-through. Recently, I came up with the idea of writing the contents on the side of the reusable plastic container with a dry erase marker. That way, I know what is in there, and the writing comes off in the dishwasher. ~ Dawn G. in South Bend, IN

Kids' Birthdays ~ When my children were young, they were often invited to birthday parties. We would spend about $15 on a gift but also had the expense of gift wrap and a card. I found an inexpensive solution to the cards. I went to a Michael's store and purchased a set of rubber stamps with pictures that appealed to kids, such as an ice cream cone, a couple of hearts, etc. The set also came with an ink pad. The total cost, as I recall, was $5 to $7. Then I purchased a set of 3x5 unlined index cards. I folded each card in half and stamped a picture on the cover to make a small card. On the inside, my child could write "To Mary from Joan" or any other short message. It took almost no time to create these. We used these for many birthday parties during the years and still use them now that my kids are teens (although there are fewer parties). I have also used them for baby showers and adult gifts, as well. ~ Dorothy

Free Stone Walkways ~ I recently made a stepping-stone path in our yard, absolutely free. First, I measured the area and estimated how many "steps" I'd need. Then, I drove around to various construction sites in our area. Wherever I'd see broken-up chunks of concrete, I'd stop and ask if I could take a few of the smaller pieces. I looked for pieces that had a flat side, and were roughly about a foot square. Within three days, I had enough chunks to start my project! Next, I laid the chunks out in the desired path. For each one, I dug about two feet down, so that the flat top was flush with the ground. It took a little patience to get each step level, but the results are rewarding. I finished the edges of my new path off with pea gravel and sprinkled it with pretty marbles and colored stones. Now I get comments all the time on my lovely, homemade path. Similar stones cost around $2 to $3 each, so I saved about $60! ~ Shaunna      Additional Dollar Stretcher Resource: More on Inexpensive Landscaping.

Above Ground Repairs ~ My above ground pool had a large tear in the liner. The patch kits they sell for $9.99 have repair adhesive and a 3x12 piece of vinyl. We went to the Walmart® craft section and found a 54 x 1/4 yard piece of identical clear vinyl for 49 cents! And I purchased a tube of repair adhesive for $3 that will last a long time. I also like having the extra supplies close by in case it is needed quickly. If you curve the cut in the vinyl, it lays better than a square or rectangle. - S. in Rochester, NY

Jar Storage ~ I use jars from other foods to store leftover soups, veggies, fruits, gravies, etc. I just keep a few jars that fit my needs. I especially like the ones with wide mouths. I can see at a glance what I have, and they take up little space in the fridge. The same jars can be used to keep dry foods in the cupboard. I have large jars for rice, flour, sugar, powdered milk, beans, and pastas. They are a frugal alternative to Tupperware® and other plastics. They don't require plastic wrap to cover the food like when I use a bowl for storage. If I'm packing a lunch to take to work, I use a small jar or two to hold fruit, yogurt, etc. They can be washed and come with lids that fit. (If I'm taking liquids with me, I make sure the lid fits tight.) - K.

Plumber's Clogged Drain Secret ~ Many years ago, I met an old-timer who worked for the city sewage department. He told me a story about clogged drains in the city's buildings, as it was his job to unclog these drains. He had a sure-fire method and it only took a big bucket! When he went into the bathroom, the first thing he did was to run the hot water full blast and filled his bucket with the hottest water he could get. Then he poured the hot water down the toilet. He did this three times! Viola! This cleared the toilet slick as a whistle.  I tried this and it works. The only difference is I boil my water to a rolling boil and it clears our drains quickly and easily. I live in a apartment building. Even though the other tenants are always calling for the plumber, we have never had to. We just pour three buckets of boiling water down the spout. Clears it every time. Try it and see for yourself. The cost is a lot cheaper than a plumber's house call! - John D.

Natural Hair Care ~ The best homemade beauty tip that is equivalent to any expensive hair treatment is to use warmed olive oil on your hair to repair, smooth, and hydrate. Just warm the oil, massage it into your hair, and leave on half an hour before washing as normal. Makes your hair luxurious and smooth. - E. Additional Dollar Stretcher Resource: More frugal help for controlling frizzy hair.