Need some new old games to play? Try some of these from Kelli at There is No Place Like Home. I think they sound fun. Lots of get togethers are planned for the next few weeks. I think I’ll try some. I especially think the Noah’s Ark game would be fun with the kids.
Blessings!
Laura
I’ve been trying to Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without for several years now. Here are some of the things I’ve done.
Ways to USE IT UP:
1. Toothpaste- Take the end of your toothbrush and slide it along the toothpaste tube, pushing all the toothpaste up toward the opening to get out all the last bits. If you’re at the end and want the very last bit, open the end with scissors and just put your toothbrush inside. You’ll get a few more brushings out of the tube.
2. Lotions- If you have body lotion or baby lotion setting around unused, you can use it for shaving lotion. I just put some in my hand, add a bit of water from the faucet and spread it on my skin. The razor slides smoothly. The same is true for unused hair conditioner.
3. Lipstick- Use a lip brush or cotton swab to get the last bits out of the container.
4. Unmatched dishes-either your own or garage sale finds. Use these to give food gifts to neighbors or friends. We have had single neighbors who really appreciate a single serving of soup or whatever meal we’re having. Using the mismatched items takes the worry away about getting your dishes back. When they’re returned, it’s just an added blessing.
5. Oftentimes, I have leftovers that I like to try to remake into something else. Soup is especially good for this. Leftover meat and gravy makes a great soup base.
6. If you have leftover bottles of cleaning supplies, use them!
Ways to WEAR IT OUT:
11. I tear up old towels to use as rags.
12. Wear those old tennis shoes in the creek or to mow the lawn.
13. Wear old clothes around the house; save your nicer things for going out.
14. Wear used clothes from yard sales, thrift stores, or resale stores.
19. I have brushed my teeth with baking soda sprinkled on my wet brush. I have also poured a tiny bit of peroxide over my toothbrush. I’ve not tried combining them yet.
20. I’ve used my lipstick as blush. Dot it on; then blend, blend, blend.
21. Cut up old clothes or sheets into your preferred napkin size. Zigzag stitch or hem the edges. Fold them and leave them in a basket on the table or counter. It works for baby receiving blankets, too.
22. When I make jelly, I use an old pillowcase that is clean and lint free instead of a jelly bag to hang my fruit mixture in to strain.
24. The most romantic dinners that my husband and I have had since we were married were those at home. I’d feed the kids and put them to bed early. Then, I’d either prepare something for us; or, we’d eat take out. Sometimes, we’d eat at the kitchen table or dining table, or even at a little table in our bedroom. When we lived in a second floor apartment, I’d put a tiny round table and two chairs on the balcony. Each time I’d use a nice tablecloth, candles, china or nice dishes, nice glasses or stemware. Add soft music; and, you have a wonderful setting. Give it a try!
29. Don’t go shopping for entertainment. Stay away from the mall and on-line shopping. It’s a whole lot easier to do without the latest greatest if you don’t go shopping for fun.
30. Stay home. Gas is a luxury these days; so limit trips.
35. Rethink why you eat. Really, it’s just to fill your tummy and to give you nutrition. Rice and beans can do that just as well as meat and potatoes.
I read My Lowell’s blog today and saw the title Will Work for Food. That title caught my attention. He asked his readers what they would work for. Good question. What will we work for? A house, cars, electricity, phones, computers, clothes, gas, water, toys, food, hobbies, fun, freedom. There are lots of things. They’re just that, aren’t they? Things. I’ve read some great articles and posts over the years about simplifying and such. It’s really rather cliche’ in some circles. That question, “What will you work for?” really is a good place to start. Just as important is the question, “What won’t you work for?”
One of the very first things that started my husband down the road to the life we are currently living was a old, early 70’s model former police detective’s car. By the time I saw it, it was old and tired and rusty. Lowell rather jokingly offered to buy it for me when he saw the records of upkeep and the price, $250. Now, it was almost 20 years ago, but I saw something in that old car that he didn’t. Freedom! He bought it for me. I drove it proudly. I called it my “I won’t work to pay for a car” car. It ended up being a terrific blessing to me and our family. Not having that extra car payment allowed us to make the choice for me to stay home and raise our newborn son, Matthew, myself. That’s freedom. It was one of the best things I ever did.
So, now you know what I won’t work for.
Laura
Dear Reader,
I’m so happy to spend a few moments of this new month with you. Like you, I have many interests and many roles and responsibilities in my life. I am a wife, mother, my children’s teacher, homemaker, friend, and of course, a daughter of the King. Each month, as I write to you, I’d like to share with you a little about an ingredient that I believe helps us create an enjoyable, rich recipe for life. I’ll also share a favorite recipe to help make your life a little easier.
Reading is an integral part of my life’s recipe. I read to learn, to relax, to hope, to plan, to dream, and to glean from the experiences of others who have walked this way before. I am primarily a non-fiction reader. A few years ago, I added more fiction to my reading. I found that although I am all grown up, I really enjoy losing myself in a good story. As a full-time wife, mother, and my children’s teacher, I welcome those moments alone.
Time alone has taken on new meaning and different forms as each of my four children were added to our little family. What used to be uninterrupted hours of free time to read or pursue hobbies and other entertainment, has shrunk to snatched moments here and there. Still, I have managed to find moments for this beloved nourishment for my mind and companionship for my soul.
By reading, I am indeed allowing the author to nourish my thoughts and my imagination. I’m also enjoying the author’s companionship as I read. That’s why I often linger over favorite books, stretching the reading over weeks or even months. To finish the book means to end the companionship, unless I find another book she’s written. I say she because most of these books are written by women about my journey with Jesus, homemaking, frugal living, or homeschooling.
As a matter of discipline, I have a goal of reading 50 books a year. I keep a journal of the title, author, date completed, and a notation stating fiction, non-fiction, or with the children. This keeps me accountable for what I read, and it helps me to see that I’m reading a good variety. I believe what Zig Ziglar used to say, “You are who you are and what you are because of what has gone into your mind.” Reading is a big part of that for me.
I encourage you to make yourself a reading goal for the remainder year. It might not be 50 books. It might be 12; but, set a goal and start reading toward it. This year I set aside 50 books on my bookshelf that I’d like to read. Perhaps my interests will lead me to different books; but, I’ve got a plan. Make a plan for yourself. Think about books that will help you with your finances, your cooking skills, your homemaking skills, your people skills, your business skills, your Christian life, a hobby or a skill that you’d like to learn. Most importantly, though, make a BIBLE goal. Make it something attainable. After all, even one book, read over and over can change you. That’s what we really want after all, isn’t it? To be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ?
Now, to give you a little more time to sneak in a little of what I call snatch reading (snatch a moment here and there), here is one of my family’s favorite soup recipes. It’s frugal, too. Put it together and let it simmer on the back of the stove or in a crock pot while you snatch a few pages! May God bless you as you seek His face.
Laura
By the way, in case you’re wondering, I do count the books I read to my children that are chapter books and some of their history readers and that sort of thing. I don’t read 50 just for me. ~grin~
I have also discovered books loaded onto an MP3 player that can hang around my neck at my library. They are helping me to meet my goal and also stretch beyond my normal reading genres. I recently listened to The Audacity of Hope by President Obama. I don’t agree with him on many of his beliefs; but, it was good to know where he stands. I also listened to Anastasia, The Last Grand Duchess (of Russia). It was in the youth section; but was very informative. I like history.
I spent an enjoyable afternoon with two of my best friends Wednesday afternoon. We usually get together to make crafts, sew, or crochet. Yesterday we decided to exchange recipes, especially thrifty ones. Just for fun, I slipped this one in on them. Click here for a thrifty way to use your roadkill. It’s a real website and a real recipe. I’m not planning on ever trying it; but, well, who knows? My eldest son loves the whole Redneck thing and has tried possom grilled. He likes it. By the way, I do know it should be oppossum. I also know everyone in Southwest Missouri just says Possum. I do NOT recommend eating Roadkill! This is just for Fun! If you would like to try the recipe, please trap or shoot the critter fresh!
Laura
So happy I don’t have to eat off the road.
I’m just sitting here, enjoying a quiet snowy day.
I love the way the snow glistens when the sun hits it.
I’m thinking of putting the kettle on and making a
nice cup of tea in a little bit. You know they say that
nothing warms like tea. I just read a book called Time for Tea
with Mary Engelbreit. It was filled with her delightful
whimsical art and lots of tea tips and lore. It is a
nice light read. She says that the herbal teas are
actually infusions. I guess I love infusions as
well, then. Here are a few of my favorite teas and
infusions.
From Bigelow:
Constant Comment is my favorite Tea.
It’s laced with the flavor of oranges and spice.
If I could have only one tea for the rest of my
life, this would be it. It’s refreshing hot or cold.
I also like Bigelow’s green tea. I must admit that
I drink green tea because it’s good for me.
From Stash Tea Comany:
Pumkin Spice and Ruby Mist
From Celestial Seasonings:
Honey Chamomile, Sugar Cookie Sleighride,
Tension Tamer, and India Spiced Chai Tea,
and Sleepy Time, known as Teddy Bear Tea
at our house. We also drink Peter Rabbit tea,
which is of course, chamomile.
Do you have a favorite tea that I might like to try?
Well, I think I’ll go and put the kettle on.
Keep warm!
Cozy at home, Laura
My family just loves the rich flavor of old fashioned cocoa made from scratch. Scratch means you start with basic ingredients and go from there. I love it because I always have the ingredients on hand. My kids will have the memory of Momma over the stove stirring the cocoa. They come running when they hear the sound the whisk makes in the pan.
Here’s how I make mine. All you need is Hershey’s cocoa, sugar, milk and a bit of water.
Old Fashioned Cocoa from Scratch
Combine 1/2 cup Hershey’s cocoa and 1 cup of white sugar in a three quart saucepan using a wire whisk. I do this while the cocoa and sugar are still dry so that the cocoa will mix in nice and smooth without a bunch of lumps.
Add about 1/3 cup of cold water and mix until smooth. Bring to a boil and continue to boil it for about a minute, stirring constantly. Don’t worry if it sticks to the sides, it’ll melt back into the cocoa as it heats up.
Fill the pan with milk, It”ll be a little more than a half a gallon of milk. Stir and heat using medium heat. If you need to walk away from it, just turn it on the lowest heat. I check to see if it’s hot enough by dropping in a miniature marshmallow. It’s ready when the marshmallow just starts to melt. I offer extra milk to my little ones to cool it if they want it.
This is so easy, we can make it any time we want it. Read aloud time is one of our favorite times to enjoy Old Fashioned Cocoa.
Hello ladies,
I’m so glad you’ve found me. It seems that this is the blogsite that is listed on some of my blogging friends’ pages as one of their favorites. If that is you, will you please update my address?
My new blog is at http://harvestlanecottage.blogspot.com .
I’m still Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage; I just like the way blogger lets me add more things to my sidebars like my favorites with updates and some of my items that are for sale in my shop.
Thank you all for your support. It has been very rewarding blogging these last several months. Some posts are just for fun; some have been heart felt, some have really given me a chance to sort through my thoughts.
The most popular posts continue to be my thrifty posts. I have a category for thrift over at my other blog, Harvest Lane Cottage, as well as thriftiness here on this blog. I encourage you to do some searching on this blog. There’s some good stuff here as well as on the new one.
Today’s post at Harvest Lane Cottage is about God giving me peace beyond all understanding in a terrible situation. Please come by. I’ll be waiting for you. ~smile~ Please comment. I love to hear from y’all.
Blessings to you all!
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
I had great fun going garage “saling” last Friday and Saturday. It was our City Wide Garage Sale. I found a wonderful dark red sign, lettered in white, that I really liked on Friday night. It said, “Always Kiss Me Goodnight” .
Buying that sign, in the country primitive style I love, and buying a second one, black with white lettering, that said Welcome Friends really got me thinking about the things I have in my home.
I’m ready to really start clearing out the things I don’t love or need, so that I can start filling our home (little by little) with things I love. (I”m not planning on tossing hubby’s things. He likes my style, too.)
So, I’m going to keep working on preparations for my own garage sale. I think it will probably be two or three weeks yet; but, I’m getting really motivated!
God bless you all!
Laura of Harvest Lane
Happy at Home
Yes, it’s true. I started my Christmas shopping this morning. I found a wonderful yard sale with my dear girlfriend, Miss Sherry. I found some nice Christmas decorations, some of which I’ll use, and some of which will be gifts. I also found a few things that I’ll use before Christmas. Now I just need to squirrel everything away until the right time!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Laura of Harvest Lane
Thankful to Be at Home!
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage 