Let all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV
Don't be afraid to tell your friends what you are looking for or in need of. They might just have that special something in their donate pile at home, or know of someone else who has that item.
One day I was at a friend’s house and while we were talking she told me about a cookbook she wanted. I told her that I had that cookbook and didn't want it anymore. She got what she wanted and I got rid of the cookbook and made space for a new one.
I want to take the time and sing the praises of the Victory Garden. To this day I call my garden that. The Victory Garden, that is what my Grandmama called it and after I learned what a Victory Garden was in the 1940's, I appreciate the concept and what to see it come back.
So as you sit at home and read this and wonder how you can save your family money, I would suggest planting a vegetable garden, a fruit orchard, and an herb garden. Thus being victorious in growing food for your family and saving the family money.
Do you want to stretch your families funds? Then, use what you have. For example, if you are cooking and the recipe calls for italian seasoning and you don't have any but you do have some oregano, don't go and buy italian seasoning, use the oregano.
Another example would be if your child needs a halloween costume, don't go out and buy one, make one together.
The next time you need or want something for either your house, or someone you love, buy it used. I have a list I keep in my purse of the items I am looking for, either a book my son is missing in one of his collections, or a new rug for the foyer. A wonderful dining room set or some other mid-century modern treasure I would love to have for the house.
So you decided today is the day for running errands, and you need to take the kids with you, here are some tips to help you save money, save time, and save your sanity.
1.) Make a plan. Nothing is worse than running your errands only to realize that you have to cross town to finish your tasks.
2.) Pack snacks for the kiddos.
INGREDIENTS
* 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 2 medium onions, chopped
* 1 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
* 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
* 2 cups vegetable broth
* 4 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, divided
* 4 tablespoons sliced fresh sage, divided
* 3 15-ounce containers whole-milk ricotta cheese
* 4 cups grated mozzarella cheese, divided
* 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
* 4 large eggs
* Olive oil
Taco Rollups
1 pound frozen bread dough, thawed
1 pound ground beef
1 package taco seasoning
2/3 cup water (or whatever the package calls for)
2 cups grated cheese ( I use cheddar or sometimes a Mexican blend)
Ingredients:
2 cans (15-1/4 ounces each) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 jar (16 ounces) chunky salsa, divided
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
1 C Shortening
1 1/2 C Sugar
2 Eggs
2 3/4 C Flour
2 tsp. Cream of Tarter
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1/4 tsp. Salt
Cinnamon-Sugar mixture
6 C Corn Flakes
1/2 C Peanut Butter, creamy or crunchy depending on preference
1 bag Butterscotch Chips
Place corn flakes in a big bowl. Slightly crush them. Melt peanut butter and butterscotch chips together and stir until combined (microwave or stovetop is fine) Pour over corn flakes and mix until corn flakes are completely coated. Drop them onto sheets of wax paper by the teaspoon or in my family ice cream scoop! Freeze to harden and put in rigid containers or ziploc bags This is my kids favorite afternoon snack