I yearn for simplicity, or a preconception of what I think simplicity feels like. I can look at a picture of an Amish bedroom and feel the calmness of it. A simple room that has a bed with beautiful quilt, a chair, a dresser, a kerosene lamp and a bible. Ahhh, yes.
Unfortunately, I am finding it harder to do and slip in and out of this Western culture of consumerism, possession and, well, dumbness more often that I care to admit.
This past Black Friday my family went to town. Can you believe that?? I poke fun of those people buying two televisions because it was a great deal. We had a purpose, so it was okay that we went. *eyes rolling* We were on the hunt for a new bed. Hubby's back and sleep was suffering as was mine. So we ended up purchasing a larger bed than we had-a queen-sized! Our double was just fine, shoot, when hubby and I were newlyweds, we started out in a twin. We obviously were both a lot skinnier back then. Anyway, we bought the bed (on a 2-year payment plan-really a payment plan for a bed!) and it was going to be delivered the next day. So we went home, cleared out the bedroom: the current double bed, 3 dressers, 3 nightstands, tons of pictures and other useless items here and there. We actually filled our son's old room. As soon as the room was empty, it felt like I could breathe slower. It was wonderful! The bed came. Because it was bigger we had to change its location. We had to move the dresser and didn't fit in the room right either. Ugh! Does this mean I have to get a whole new bedroom suite?? Maybe someday. For now, we are making due. THEN there is the fact that I had to get new sheets to fit the bed. I can't just throw away all these double sheets-they are perfectly fine. We do have a double bed in the spare/son's room. I will just store them in our closet...somewhere... For weeks I had only the one set of sheets. Wednesday is sheet day. I strip the bed as soon as Hubby heads to work, I get them washed, dried, put back on and the bed made before supper time. Every time I made the bed on Wednesday afternoon I dreamed of another set of sheets so the bed could be made immediately while I was still fresh and productive early in the morning. For my birthday, my dream came true. A new set of gorgeous queen sheets! Yes! The first Wednesday after my birthday I jumped out of bed, pushing Hubby out the door so I could make the bed and blow raspberries at my old sheets in the wash pile and get to them when I wanted. I washed them at the same time I always had before, I mean I can't just leave them in the floor at my leisure...but now, they didn't go back on the bed...they didn't have a home...they had never needed one. Seriously, why was I so unhappy with having one set of sheets. They were still relatively new and beautiful. It worked. Now I have to make room. I have to find a place to store them!! Noooo!! This is what I was trying NOT to do. *sigh*
This pursuit of wanting, not needing, has caused just a bit more stress. Nothing that is going to send me to the ER with chest pains, but it is a little more to contend with in life. I am trying to purge extras, not purchase extras.
That Wednesday afternoon following my 45th birthday taught me a lesson that I don't think I will forget, at least I hope I don't. Simple life is not simple. It is hard work both physically and mentally. It is keeping the concept in your forethought constantly. If you forget or get distracted and get just a little greedy for a quicker option, an easier option, you have lost something of yourself, a piece of your peace. If that sounds a bit overdramatic for you then know that you just lost a little space in the closet that used to be just that, space, sweet, calming space. Whatever it was, it is gone.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Tuesday To Do
We'll get back to this also.
Last week's inside chores: NA.
Last week's outside chores: NA.
This week's inside chores:
Obviously I am behind on my planner. As I mentioned, I am having a hard time getting into a routine right now, and my planner reflects that. It will improve.
Caulk bathroom. It hasn't been done (right) since the last time I did it. It is time.
Bake some bread and cookies for home and for a benefit for a church family member.
Can. I haven't even used my new canner yet!! Black beans and re-can jalapenos.
Make laundry soap. I am down to my last jug and my bucket is empty.
Make soap. Mom, daughter and I are going to start a batch of soap for personal use and to sell at the farmer's market. We are doing an olive oil soap that takes a year to cure-the best soap, and also a different cold-pressed soap that will be ready in a month.
I need to start cleaning out the sunroom so it can be finished. Right now it has lots of shoes, tools and...what is all that??
This week's outside chores:
We need to finish putting in the gate for the new goat paddock and they can then be moved.
I need to gather all equipment (lights, feeders, waterers, puppy pads, totes) for the chicks, ducks and turkeys coming next week.
I need to clean the goat barn and goat yard for the baby goats due.
I need to finish planting the rest of my gladiolus bulbs.
We need to continue to clean up debris from all around the property, including the old corn crib with tons of jars, the greenhouse with old pots and other trash from around the place. Hubby got a little trailer from work so we can continue to fill it up and take it to the dump.
Fingers crossed I can keep my energy up and this drainage and cough suppressed enough to get this and hopefully more done!
What is in your planner this week? I would love to see a picture!
Last week's inside chores: NA.
Last week's outside chores: NA.
This week's inside chores:
Obviously I am behind on my planner. As I mentioned, I am having a hard time getting into a routine right now, and my planner reflects that. It will improve.
Caulk bathroom. It hasn't been done (right) since the last time I did it. It is time.
Bake some bread and cookies for home and for a benefit for a church family member.
Can. I haven't even used my new canner yet!! Black beans and re-can jalapenos.
Make laundry soap. I am down to my last jug and my bucket is empty.
Make soap. Mom, daughter and I are going to start a batch of soap for personal use and to sell at the farmer's market. We are doing an olive oil soap that takes a year to cure-the best soap, and also a different cold-pressed soap that will be ready in a month.
I need to start cleaning out the sunroom so it can be finished. Right now it has lots of shoes, tools and...what is all that??
This week's outside chores:
We need to finish putting in the gate for the new goat paddock and they can then be moved.
I need to gather all equipment (lights, feeders, waterers, puppy pads, totes) for the chicks, ducks and turkeys coming next week.
I need to clean the goat barn and goat yard for the baby goats due.
I need to finish planting the rest of my gladiolus bulbs.
We need to continue to clean up debris from all around the property, including the old corn crib with tons of jars, the greenhouse with old pots and other trash from around the place. Hubby got a little trailer from work so we can continue to fill it up and take it to the dump.
Fingers crossed I can keep my energy up and this drainage and cough suppressed enough to get this and hopefully more done!
What is in your planner this week? I would love to see a picture!
Monday, March 19, 2018
Menu Monday
Let's jump back on the wagon with this...
Of course, I only plan the suppers. Breakfast is hit or miss and is usually oats or cream of wheat. Sometimes I get a little crazy and do a green juice or smoothie. Lunches are usually leftovers or those infamous frozen sandwiches (peanut butter and jelly or meat and cheese) and little extras like trail mix, fruit etc. except on Friday, Saturday and Sunday when Hubby is home.
Monday-sliced ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad
Tuesday-taco salad
Wednesday-minute steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, buttermilk biscuits, green beans
Thursday-ham and beans, spinach, cornbread
Friday-brunch (veggie egg scramble, sausage, fruit)
French onion soup
Saturday-ham salad sandwiches
buffalo chicken pizza
Sunday- Sunday dinner as decided by mom and myself
leftovers
Extras: Banana bread x 3 (eat one, give one, freeze one)
Buttermilk biscuits (freeze 30-40)
Mini breakfast bagels (entire bag)
Canned cranberry juice
Canned black beans finished up
Dehydrate onions that mom gave to us. I may sauté these to freeze as well in 1/2 cup portions.
Artesian or French bread to go on the soup.
I honestly don't remember how I used to grocery shop the last time I was home or if I even had a system-was it a two-week menu?? Regardless of the past, I am finding it cost effective to get whatever I can find that we will eat on "clearance" or reduced specials because of expiration dates. I do occasionally pick up something a little off the beaten path such as the pork necks I got for super cheap and little smokies that I got for less than 50 cents a pound. Specifically, I peruse the produce, meat and dairy for now (I have 3 goats pregnant and should not need a lot of milk products for much longer). I bring those items home and preserve them, whether it's in the freezer, dehydrator, canner, fermenting or just use them. Of course, most of the items are either frozen or dehydrated. Does that sound familiar? I also check out the sales ads for anything I still need or is a good value.
This week's menu is based off just that: Deals found last week and other inventory that needs used soon.
1. 24-pound ham 99 cents a pound
2. Taco meat in freezer from a month ago
3. Leftover potatoes from last Sunday's dinner of potato salad I made. ( I may be bartering my Yukon gold for some russets that we got for mom. What a privilege to have my mom several yards away)
4. #10 can of green beans from Sam's. I had considered trying to re-can into smaller jars. I just haven't done that yet. The family does not prefer the frozen green beans from Sam's for some reason- too long, stems still attached, squeaky to chew...may be a preparation issue huh...
5. Bananas 25 cents a pounds (I can always grab bananas on the cheap)
6. Mini bagels and bagels were on instant savings at Sam's. A dollar saved is a dollar...saved.
7. Minute steak was on sale 2.99 a pound. That still hurts me; I remember when I would wait for the $1.99 per pound sales. Oh well, times change and I just don't see that price here anymore.
8. Onion soup from the onions I won't be preserving that mom gave me. Apparently 15 pounds was a bit much for her to handle for now. I will definitely give her some of the spoils when I have them.
9. Spring mix and baby spinach was on sale.
I think that is most of the deals and inventory I already have. Hopefully as the weeks go by it will be easier to see what I have, what I use and how it works for the greater good.
I am not pretending that what you find on clearance is the healthiest of choices. I do hope that I am putting enough other good stuff into the meals to balance it out a bit. I am also trying to keep the portions a bit smaller to stretch the budget and shrink the waistline.
What does my Tuesday shopping list look like? (We go Tuesday for triple fuel points.)
Clearance finds - to be determined
tomatoes for salads
iceberg or romaine lettuce
full fat buttermilk
butter
relish
I think that is about it as far as needs. I may not even need the butter if I dive into the bottom of my freezer. I have an inkling there is some hiding down there.
Do you plan and then buy or buy and then plan or do you fly-by-the seat-of-your pants? What are your best menu tips to help me get back on track?
Happy cooking!
Of course, I only plan the suppers. Breakfast is hit or miss and is usually oats or cream of wheat. Sometimes I get a little crazy and do a green juice or smoothie. Lunches are usually leftovers or those infamous frozen sandwiches (peanut butter and jelly or meat and cheese) and little extras like trail mix, fruit etc. except on Friday, Saturday and Sunday when Hubby is home.
Monday-sliced ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad
Tuesday-taco salad
Wednesday-minute steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, buttermilk biscuits, green beans
Thursday-ham and beans, spinach, cornbread
Friday-brunch (veggie egg scramble, sausage, fruit)
French onion soup
Saturday-ham salad sandwiches
buffalo chicken pizza
Sunday- Sunday dinner as decided by mom and myself
leftovers
Extras: Banana bread x 3 (eat one, give one, freeze one)
Buttermilk biscuits (freeze 30-40)
Mini breakfast bagels (entire bag)
Canned cranberry juice
Canned black beans finished up
Dehydrate onions that mom gave to us. I may sauté these to freeze as well in 1/2 cup portions.
Artesian or French bread to go on the soup.
I honestly don't remember how I used to grocery shop the last time I was home or if I even had a system-was it a two-week menu?? Regardless of the past, I am finding it cost effective to get whatever I can find that we will eat on "clearance" or reduced specials because of expiration dates. I do occasionally pick up something a little off the beaten path such as the pork necks I got for super cheap and little smokies that I got for less than 50 cents a pound. Specifically, I peruse the produce, meat and dairy for now (I have 3 goats pregnant and should not need a lot of milk products for much longer). I bring those items home and preserve them, whether it's in the freezer, dehydrator, canner, fermenting or just use them. Of course, most of the items are either frozen or dehydrated. Does that sound familiar? I also check out the sales ads for anything I still need or is a good value.
This week's menu is based off just that: Deals found last week and other inventory that needs used soon.
1. 24-pound ham 99 cents a pound
2. Taco meat in freezer from a month ago
3. Leftover potatoes from last Sunday's dinner of potato salad I made. ( I may be bartering my Yukon gold for some russets that we got for mom. What a privilege to have my mom several yards away)
4. #10 can of green beans from Sam's. I had considered trying to re-can into smaller jars. I just haven't done that yet. The family does not prefer the frozen green beans from Sam's for some reason- too long, stems still attached, squeaky to chew...may be a preparation issue huh...
5. Bananas 25 cents a pounds (I can always grab bananas on the cheap)
6. Mini bagels and bagels were on instant savings at Sam's. A dollar saved is a dollar...saved.
7. Minute steak was on sale 2.99 a pound. That still hurts me; I remember when I would wait for the $1.99 per pound sales. Oh well, times change and I just don't see that price here anymore.
8. Onion soup from the onions I won't be preserving that mom gave me. Apparently 15 pounds was a bit much for her to handle for now. I will definitely give her some of the spoils when I have them.
9. Spring mix and baby spinach was on sale.
I think that is most of the deals and inventory I already have. Hopefully as the weeks go by it will be easier to see what I have, what I use and how it works for the greater good.
I am not pretending that what you find on clearance is the healthiest of choices. I do hope that I am putting enough other good stuff into the meals to balance it out a bit. I am also trying to keep the portions a bit smaller to stretch the budget and shrink the waistline.
What does my Tuesday shopping list look like? (We go Tuesday for triple fuel points.)
Clearance finds - to be determined
tomatoes for salads
iceberg or romaine lettuce
full fat buttermilk
butter
relish
I think that is about it as far as needs. I may not even need the butter if I dive into the bottom of my freezer. I have an inkling there is some hiding down there.
Do you plan and then buy or buy and then plan or do you fly-by-the seat-of-your pants? What are your best menu tips to help me get back on track?
Happy cooking!
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Back to the Farm
I have been back to full-time at-home wifery and husbandry (animal) over a month now. I hate that I am still not in a routine, cannot find my rhythm yet! There is just so much to do in every category, every zone, every acre, every inch. That's okay. I am here because of choices that I made and that is okay. Admittedly, some things are coming back...some things are not. I had to read my own blog to remember the dish soap that I made, but I can still make a buttermilk biscuit okay.
As I take those small steps back to where I left off many moons ago, I will get back to blogging, bulk up my vlogging and keep a record of goals, accomplishments, failures and even those mundane moments that make up most of life for the cyber world to read, see and judge if they must.
Honestly, I am not sure if I am better or worse off than before. I am older and hopefully wiser. I found it very hard to stay out of the rat race having a 9-5 job, even if it was a job that I dearly loved, working with people that I dearly loved most days, and having quite a good income for my education and experience, but I do not regret taking a leap of faith and following God's voice for my path.
Things have changed over the course of the last two years, some significantly. My son has moved out of the house. My mother and step-father have moved back onto the land into their own home just a garden away.
Now that I have a new-used computer, I will be starting back with my Tuesday To-Do List, Menu Monday, Financial Friday and other bits and pieces of our lives. I hope that you can re-join me on our family's journey back to the farm.
As I take those small steps back to where I left off many moons ago, I will get back to blogging, bulk up my vlogging and keep a record of goals, accomplishments, failures and even those mundane moments that make up most of life for the cyber world to read, see and judge if they must.
Honestly, I am not sure if I am better or worse off than before. I am older and hopefully wiser. I found it very hard to stay out of the rat race having a 9-5 job, even if it was a job that I dearly loved, working with people that I dearly loved most days, and having quite a good income for my education and experience, but I do not regret taking a leap of faith and following God's voice for my path.
Things have changed over the course of the last two years, some significantly. My son has moved out of the house. My mother and step-father have moved back onto the land into their own home just a garden away.
Now that I have a new-used computer, I will be starting back with my Tuesday To-Do List, Menu Monday, Financial Friday and other bits and pieces of our lives. I hope that you can re-join me on our family's journey back to the farm.
Saturday, July 29, 2017
CVS Trip 7.27.17
I think I have a problem. An addiction. If it were only alcohol or drugs...it's coupons and extracare bucks and reduced item sales...sigh
On the way home, I stopped at CVS to get some shampoo. We were completely out, really.
This is what I got at that CVS:
No extracare bucks with that purchase, but that's still a nice bargain for that size shampoos and a body wash.
I went ahead to the grocery store and a different CVS in a different, but close, town. I got this:
To summarize, for less than $10, I got 4 shampoos, 2 conditioners, 1 body wash and 2 feminine hygiene products. I think I had better make a "household/non-food grocery" budget soon!
On the way home, I stopped at CVS to get some shampoo. We were completely out, really.
This is what I got at that CVS:
I went ahead to the grocery store and a different CVS in a different, but close, town. I got this:
I did get $4 of extracare bucks on that last purchase.
Monday, July 24, 2017
Hypocritical Savings
Let me start by saying that these are not the best products for health and I know it. The chemical-laden hygiene products are detrimental to our health and environment and I am not a big proponent of what these companies stand for. At the same time, I am grappling with my purse strings, trying to keep them as tight as possible. It's easier to say pay now than to actually do it.
So, judge me as you may, this is what I did today.
I got my toothpaste and body wash for a total of $.35. (I also got $3.50 worth of extracare bucks to spend on something else next time. Some folks would say I got paid $3.15 to take Colgate and Irish Spring off their shelf. I personally look more at the out of pocket that I have to spend because that $3.50 will be used at another time and I don't want to double count it.)
Regardless of how I feel about the products, I can't deny it was a terrific deal.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Sunday Sales and Short Menu Plan
On my journey to remain frugal while I work, I am trying to take advantage of stretching my dollars the best I can. I also want to become a more responsible adult by planning for things and being prepared in advance. For example, I make my own turmeric capsules, so when Mt. Rose Herbs has their turmeric powder on sale, I want to make sure I have the funds to bulk up on it.
Today, Hubby, Daughter and I went to town and three different stores. Our first stop was Tractor Supply. I got Hubby 10 pairs of new socks. (Next week we are going to get him new boots to try and keep his socks from getting holes very quickly.) He also got a Wolverine wicking T-shirt that was on clearance. We went to see if any rope was on sale. Sadly, it was not. I know the $12.99 rope will be $5.00 sometime. I hope to hold off until then. We spent $19.24 on Hubby's wardrobe.
Our second store was Belk. This is an example of the tasks I am trying to become that responsible adult. I have been wanting to get some new towels for some time now. Our towels are becoming very thin and holey. They have been with us for over 10 years. I waited until I could afford some decent, non-walmart towels that I think will last. I bought three new ones at 45% off. I spent $24.58 there.
The next stop, Ingles grocery store. I spent $41.15 there. My groceries include:
tortilla chips 1.98 (Hubby's request)
salsa 3.18 (Hubby's request)
chocolate banana milk 2.00 (Hubby's request) ugh!
dry great northern beans 1lb 1.00 (added to the jar)
whole wheat baking mix, out of the clearance buggy 1.44 (not my usual buy, but thought I would try)
NZ water, out of the clearance buggy .50 ( I was thirsty)
2 half-gallon buttermilk 2.70 (Time to freeze some biscuits!!)
1 gallon organic whole milk 3.00
32 oz cottage cheese 2.18
8 oz cheddar cheese cubes from deli dept. 2.00
16 oz Sour cream 1.67
roll of paper towels 1.00 (I still haven't made my unpaper towels!)
5lbs of chicken thighs 3.99
organic chicken legs (10) 3.13
country style pork ribs 2 packages 6.89
broccoli, cauliflower, carrot and cabbage slaw 16 oz 1.49
2 organic lemons for my tea and water 1.76
I also got a couple of catalina coupons on this trip: 75 cents off string cheese and a free pint of halo top ice cream (?). Maybe, maybe not.
My menu plans for this week:
Today is chili and PB&J. (Yes, it's 100 degrees out, but that's what sour cream if for). I had ground turkey, red peppers, onion, garlic that I cooked in a little EVOO. I added the leftover tomato sauce (rinsing my jar with water to get every ounce of sauce out and the frozen kidney beans I had in the freezer. Finally, I added my chili and cumin powders. When it was up to temp, I ladled it over a couple of cheese cubes and topped with jalapenos, sour cream and love. (This pot will last all day and probably lunch tomorrow!)
Monday-Crockpot BBQ ribs, broccoli/cauli/carrot/cabbage slaw tossed with mayo, vinegar and sprinkle of sugar and some suntea.
Tuesday-Hot legs (buffalo chicken legs), carrot sticks, cottage cheese. I hope to use these organic bones for chicken stock (I haven't used bones from buffalo cooked chicken, so I will probably just freeze this stock in case it is "off"
Wednesday-Crockpot Thai chicken thighs with rice. (I found Thai Red Curry sauce at Aldi for .99 last week. I will add this to the thighs and maybe throw in some green onion and mushrooms from Aldi .69)
Thursday-Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans and buttermilk biscuits. (I have 65# of ground beef coming from Zaycon Wednesday that I have to put away!)
Friday-French toast, bacon and fruit salad (I have some cinnamon syrup that I accidentally bought many months ago and have not opened-that's not how I want to be).
Saturday...TBD. I am going to see what leftovers we have and what I can make with them.
This will leave me just a few little things to shop for this week, i.e., green onions, fresh seasonal fruit for Friday's meal AND I can check out if anything worthy is marked down then!
Today, Hubby, Daughter and I went to town and three different stores. Our first stop was Tractor Supply. I got Hubby 10 pairs of new socks. (Next week we are going to get him new boots to try and keep his socks from getting holes very quickly.) He also got a Wolverine wicking T-shirt that was on clearance. We went to see if any rope was on sale. Sadly, it was not. I know the $12.99 rope will be $5.00 sometime. I hope to hold off until then. We spent $19.24 on Hubby's wardrobe.
Our second store was Belk. This is an example of the tasks I am trying to become that responsible adult. I have been wanting to get some new towels for some time now. Our towels are becoming very thin and holey. They have been with us for over 10 years. I waited until I could afford some decent, non-walmart towels that I think will last. I bought three new ones at 45% off. I spent $24.58 there.
The next stop, Ingles grocery store. I spent $41.15 there. My groceries include:
tortilla chips 1.98 (Hubby's request)
salsa 3.18 (Hubby's request)
chocolate banana milk 2.00 (Hubby's request) ugh!
dry great northern beans 1lb 1.00 (added to the jar)
whole wheat baking mix, out of the clearance buggy 1.44 (not my usual buy, but thought I would try)
NZ water, out of the clearance buggy .50 ( I was thirsty)
2 half-gallon buttermilk 2.70 (Time to freeze some biscuits!!)
1 gallon organic whole milk 3.00
32 oz cottage cheese 2.18
8 oz cheddar cheese cubes from deli dept. 2.00
16 oz Sour cream 1.67
roll of paper towels 1.00 (I still haven't made my unpaper towels!)
5lbs of chicken thighs 3.99
organic chicken legs (10) 3.13
country style pork ribs 2 packages 6.89
broccoli, cauliflower, carrot and cabbage slaw 16 oz 1.49
2 organic lemons for my tea and water 1.76
I also got a couple of catalina coupons on this trip: 75 cents off string cheese and a free pint of halo top ice cream (?). Maybe, maybe not.
My menu plans for this week:
Today is chili and PB&J. (Yes, it's 100 degrees out, but that's what sour cream if for). I had ground turkey, red peppers, onion, garlic that I cooked in a little EVOO. I added the leftover tomato sauce (rinsing my jar with water to get every ounce of sauce out and the frozen kidney beans I had in the freezer. Finally, I added my chili and cumin powders. When it was up to temp, I ladled it over a couple of cheese cubes and topped with jalapenos, sour cream and love. (This pot will last all day and probably lunch tomorrow!)
Monday-Crockpot BBQ ribs, broccoli/cauli/carrot/cabbage slaw tossed with mayo, vinegar and sprinkle of sugar and some suntea.
Tuesday-Hot legs (buffalo chicken legs), carrot sticks, cottage cheese. I hope to use these organic bones for chicken stock (I haven't used bones from buffalo cooked chicken, so I will probably just freeze this stock in case it is "off"
Wednesday-Crockpot Thai chicken thighs with rice. (I found Thai Red Curry sauce at Aldi for .99 last week. I will add this to the thighs and maybe throw in some green onion and mushrooms from Aldi .69)
Thursday-Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans and buttermilk biscuits. (I have 65# of ground beef coming from Zaycon Wednesday that I have to put away!)
Friday-French toast, bacon and fruit salad (I have some cinnamon syrup that I accidentally bought many months ago and have not opened-that's not how I want to be).
Saturday...TBD. I am going to see what leftovers we have and what I can make with them.
This will leave me just a few little things to shop for this week, i.e., green onions, fresh seasonal fruit for Friday's meal AND I can check out if anything worthy is marked down then!
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