Today I am asking for everyone's help. We will be staring a new year in three weeks. A new year brings lots of new things - some good and some not so good (as we saw this year). All we know for sure is that with life comes CHANGE. We sure don't have to like it - but that is one constant - life changes.
I am searching for fresh ideas for the blog. I have been doing this a fair amount of years, and enjoy it so much. I just don't want to become dull and boring.
I have never really wanted to be the person who just uses the blog as a daily diary. I guess that is what blogging is in a way - but you aren't going to get excited about "I did A. B and C today" over and over. I want things to be fun and fresh.
My question is - What do you want to see in 2021?
Do you want more financial and budgeting? Recipes? Health and home? Gardening? Personal? Natural living? Hints and tips?
WHAT SAY YOU???????
I will go through the next three weeks as normal. I would love to have some sort of plan for the new year. Tell me what you are interested in and what you may like to see.
I have always been a planner. I just sometimes need a path - or maybe a new path.
Give me your best ideas. I look forward to reading them and hearing from you.
This is, after all a group endeavor. We all support, help and care about one another.
Thank you!!!!!
Cheryl, I absolutely love your blog! You can keep on doing as you are and I will be thrilled! All the things suggested are things I'm interested in....so those are great ideas. I like it when you share stories from growing up but I'm part of your older readers. I love when you weekly list your menu as it in turn gives me ideas. I like when you share deals you snagged. I like when you give homemade ideas, be it food, cleaners, etc. You have a natural gift for this and are loved and appreciated very much! God bless you and keep you!!!
ReplyDeleteWOW - thank you Linda. I enjoy sharing all those things too - I just figure some may get tired of the same old stuff.
DeleteThank you for you kind words!!!
Blessings
I like the way you have been blogging. If a topic doesn't interest me, I just move on. Doesn't happen very often. Like others have said, we are like a small group of similarly-minded friends here. Yours is by far my favorite blog.
ReplyDeleteI especially like your recipes and have used several. Your inspirational posts often come on a day when I am in need of a morale boost. I would like to see more posts on frugality outside of food and the kitchen: gardening, pets, houses, cars, etc. Having said that though, your best posts are when you write about what is important to YOU. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Thank you. I am humbled.
DeleteGlad you have tried many recipes. Some days the inspirational posts are just spur of the moment - so I must be being led.
Got it!!!!!
Thanks you again!!!
Love your posts and that there is a new one almost every day. Like the menus and frugal tips. Would love more pics of your home. Keep on keeping on👌
ReplyDeleteThank you. I will try to work on the home front stuff.
DeleteGlad to have you here.
I agree with the previous comments - I always find something interesting in your posts and I look forward to them.
ReplyDeleteAs a suggestion - perhaps a look back at how you grew up - how you came to be frugal and someone who has learned to plan ahead in many ways...
Perhaps we could offer feedback - what are you interested in knowing about? Is there something that you've always wanted to do or a place you would like to visit? As a reader, I am always interested in what others enjoy reading - perhaps a book club day once a month - something like that....
I love talking about my childhood and my past. No problem there.
DeleteOh, I like that idea. That gives me something to ponder for sure. Hmmmm - now my brain is in gear!!!!
Thank you so much!!
I feel like there are usually 2 kind of frugal blogs. One that help us save by spending and one that helps us by not spending. Yours seems to be one of the ones that blend those together.
ReplyDeleteHowever I am interested in how you started. IF your life looked the same while you were still working. A little more about gardening and natural living would be great. I love it when you take something you already have and refresh instead of buying. Case in point this summer you renewed your outside decor items. I also like your community living pieces. How you help your neighbors and they help you (mowing, sharing Thanksgiving)
But I am like everyone else I would continue reading if you didn't change anything.
Amy
Thank you. I try not to be just single minded and give different ideas.
DeleteI like that idea on how it all started. Gardening I can do - and I am pretty much a naturalist at heart. (I take no meds).
Love the community idea and recycling.
You guys are giving me some good ideas. I am making a list to start all afresh in 2021.
Thanks!
I thought of a new one. What is your routine with feeding the animals. What animal do you feed and how often. What kind of winter accommodations do you provide? I thought at some point you posted a design for an outside shelter for feral cats. Does that sound familiar? Do you do anything to help out bees and butterflies?
DeleteI thought of a new one. What is your routine with feeding the animals. What animal do you feed and how often. What kind of winter accommodations do you provide? I thought at some point you posted a design for an outside shelter for feral cats. Does that sound familiar? Do you do anything to help out bees and butterflies?
DeleteI like ideas on budgeting, great shopping deals, and organizing. Really the stuff you already do. I'm quite a cat fancier, so an occasional picture of the fur kiddos would be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteSounds good. I can sure share kitty pictures. My babies!
DeleteI guess I add a few things and then just keep moving forward as usual.
Thanks.
I am always finding useful information on your blog. And you've got a good group of followers who contribute valuable information. If you feel like you need to switch things up, there are a couple of other blogs that I follow that categorize their blogs either by day (Menu Monday, Tasty Tips Tuesday, Weekly Shopping Weds., etc.) or by topic (I think for easier searching, by putting all Menu posts with a Menu heading, Financial tips under a separate heading, etc.; but that's just a guess). But, I find your blog easy to use and full of great information. You've got a follower for as long as you're posting!
ReplyDeleteI have thought about the daily (per week) thing. I really need how to figure out how to list things by category! I am not the most computer literate person!!!!
DeleteI am glad you see mine as easy to use - I often wonder.
Thank you for your ideas.
I love the blog just the way it is. I'm here everyday even on the days you don't post hoping that maybe you put something up, lol. If you left it the way it is I would still be here or if you add new things I still find something new each time I'm here. Hugs, Laurie
ReplyDeleteAaahhh thanks Laurie. I added an extra day when the crud all started in the spring thinking that would end soon. Guess that is what I get for thinking!!!!! LOL
DeleteI will continue on as is and maybe find some new an fun things to throw in.
Glad you are here my friend!!!! Blessings
I just love all your tips and tricks. I just love hearing form you know matter what.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Onward and forward!!!!
DeleteI quite enjoy hearing about the things you've been up to. And your list of things you've eaten that week always provide ideas for me. Oh and the recipes too - I bought the pecans, those pecan pie muffins will be made in the next week or two. Dessert for Christmas Eve perhaps? :)
ReplyDeleteThanks - I am glad people don't find it boring. Glad to oblige with dinner ideas!!
DeleteYou will enjoy those muffins - Christmas eve sounds good to me and maybe Christmas morning as well!
SMILES
Honestly, I like things the way they are. I think you do a good job of covering a variety of topics. Helpful hints mixed in with daily activities makes a fun read for me; as a matter of fact, I consider this my "home base" and always check it first, and many of my other favorites are on your sidebar so that makes it easy.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Bless your heart - what a sweet thing to say. Glad you come here first. I need to add a couple more to my list as well. That does make it handy to see what is new.
DeleteThank you for being here.
You are doing a great job so don't stress out about the blog- just be you! But I am a budget/financial geek so that would be interesting for me. Most blogs assume one must have a million dollars and a big pension, I think it's interesting to see how an average person can live on a small income and still have a nice normal life. Extreme saving can be interesting but finding small ways to save money to live a better life is what most people need!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I love that - "finding small ways to save money to live a better life". Yes indeed, as most of us DON'T have a ton of money or a big pension. We make do and I think we do it well!
DeleteThank you again. Have a good day.
I would like to see over your shoulder one week...how you plan and prep your posts. Thanks for what you do.
ReplyDeleteLOL - you wouldn't see a lot of action! Some days I think I have a plan and I sit down to type and something totally different shows up on the keyboard! Honestly.
DeleteI have a notebook that is beside me on the couch table all the time. Any time something hits me I write it down. When in downtime mode - I research ideas or read.
Thank you!
I haven't been reading your blog for very long, and I can't remember how I got to it, I think it was a sidebar from another blogger. I don't read many blogs from the USA (other than fashion blogs) so I have been very interested in how you - an ordinary person - go about life in the USA. The references to certain stores are novel to me.
ReplyDeleteSo I am totally interested in anything you decided to write about.
I never thought about it from someone not living in U.S. I guess that would be different - we have many big "chain" stores that show up all over the country - so most people here have heard of them.
DeleteI read a couple of blogs from other countries as well and find it so interesting how similar YET different life is.
So happy you found your way here. I hope you continue to enjoy!
Thank you
I am fairly new to your blog, but have enjoyed it all. I love the fact you just tell us about what you are doing. How you are saving, prepping, watching the animals and what they are doing. Also I too am a widow of three years and love the fact you are a single person trying to make it on your own without your love. So I would think, like others, that whatever you decide to write about it fine with me. I enjoy your life and all your hints, recipes, and any craft items you may do. Just keep on keeping on. I am sure we are not done with the virus yet and what our 'new' lives are going to be like. So please continue to help us through with things you have found that work. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you found your way here. So sorry for your love loss as well. It is tough moving forward and this blog and all the people here have helped me so much! I can't even begin to tell you how much.
DeleteGlad you enjoy what you read. I will keep on moving along and add a new thing here or there.
Thank you and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
Love your blog Cheryl! As a reader of frugal and home living blogs for almost 15 years, I can honestly say your blog is in the top three of my all time favorites! Keep up the good work, your readers appreciate you!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness - what a compliment!!!! I am honored to be in that group.
DeleteI just love all my reader's. Thank you so much for your kind words.
I love the financial aspect but also the pantry info and recipes of old? Not old, but lost recipes that are fairly easy. I guess just everything, lol. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara. I will keep trying to do old stuff and add some new.
DeleteSMILES
Cheryl--
ReplyDeleteI am ditto-ing the others...love your blog just as it is. I enjoy pix of your home as well, and pantry...I think I am
obsessed with pantries!
I have gotten such great tips from you and your readers. Yes, we are like-minded for sure!
It must be hard to come up with ideas to talk about every day---wish I had a better answer for you! Thanks again for all you do...
Thank you. I am kind of pantry obsessed too! It is a special group for sure.
DeleteIt does get tough some days. Some days I just open up the computer and GO - whatever pops in this brain of mine! May not be interesting to others - but my best that given day.
Thanks for being here
It seems that you have this blogging thing pretty well sorted. Your posts are never boring and I always seem to learn something. You are a very good writer and I wonder if you have always been interested in putting pen to paper. Some people can express themselves very well and you fall in that category. Paint a picture with words. I can just see that squirrel taking a nut from your hand and the smile on the IPL employee's face. It appears from the comments that the consensus is keep on keeping on!
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna. Yes, I have always been a writer or journal person. I just like to teach and learn. (My college goal was to be a teacher).
DeleteThank you for your sweet words. I just want everyone to have my experience I guess!
Onward and forward!
Enjoy the sun today!
Been lurking for years now but had to chime in and say how much I have appreciated reading your blog over the years, especially this one! During the height of the shutdown, you had both practical advice and encouragement, and you'll never know what a bright spot and blessing they were! So glad you are including scripture in your posts, Jesus is our living and only hope for sure! Nothing to add to the great suggestions above, agree with all of them. Thank you for shining your light!
ReplyDeleteI am honored. You gals have really left me feeling humbled. I just wanted to be a light somewhere in the mess of a world. I have deliberately not spoke much about the pandemic. We all have our own ideas and thoughts and mine is mine - no need to put that on someone else.
DeleteI was reminded a while back, that I had stopped sharing scripture and that it was appreciated.
You are correct mam - HE is our only hope!!!!!
So happy you are here and thank you. It means so much.
I am going to chime in with the others, Cheryl. I like your blog just the was it is and you have fresh content regularly and I like that. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I try - just never sure if I hit the mark. I guess I am second guesser!
DeleteLike others have said, I like everything about your blog. It is like listening to an old friend.
ReplyDeleteAaahhhh thank you. How kind
DeleteReally Cheryl, your blog is perfect as is.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thank you so much.
DeleteBlessings
I don't think you are boring at all. I do love budgeting and finances so I am all for that. I love hearing about your childhood and ways your parents saved and you didn't realize it. Animal posts and pictures are wonderful. I know I haven't been replying as much but I do read all of them. I just have been super busy.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I may extend a few things - but it sounds like I just keep doing what I am doing.
DeleteAppreciate you being here.
I love your Blog just the way you are. You speak to what is real in life. You speak to being frugal (not cheap). You speak to helping ourselves as much as we can within our limitations. You speak to living a simple life and enjoying every moment of each day we receive. I don't think changes are necessary unless YOU are bored :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. I guess I cover more than I thought. Some days I guess I get in my own way.
DeleteThanks!
Love your blog as is! Please continue to be down to earth and based in reality.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I appreciate everyone so much!
DeleteI enjoy the good American values that your Blog highlights. While I did not live during the 1930's depression, I constantly had to hear about it from my father. Your posts remind me of his thrifty, independent ways. I fear that Americans have become consumers and not savers, and eventually all will need to become frugal too.
ReplyDeleteI heard all those stories as well, being born in the 50's. But even those times were different than today. Yes consumers is what the world has become - not savers. Someday I think many will be SURPRISED for sure.
DeleteThank you for responding and being here!
I love hearing about your animals (both indoor and out); I, too, enjoy your family values and reminders of the past...reminiscing, I guess that's called. I love organizing around the house and hearing about your Pantries. Also, love the stories like when you gave Glen's aunt their family china set.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the Scripture for encouragement and strength~
I always learn something here: a clever recipe, easy meal idea...
You've got it goin' on, Cheryl ;D. Just keep up what you already do :)
All the best,
Mary in SD
Thank you so much. I am just amazed at all the responses to not change anything. That really makes me feel good for sure. I just share my simple life and try to teach and learn a little along the way.
DeleteThank you so much for coming on the journey!
p.s. I don't know if links will post here, but here's a cute recipe-in-a-jar idea for gift giving: Cranberry Hootycreek cookies...RECIPE - Cranberry Hootycreeks in a Jar: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/152...
ReplyDeleteI will copy and paste and be able to find that. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteI personally like reading blogs that are a diary and just everyday stuff, I like seeing what people what really do, not just articles like a magazine.
ReplyDeleteCool. I just love getting so many ideas.
DeleteThank you.
You don’t need to change anything! I like the mix of recipes, tips and reports of what’s going on around the house.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I guess I need to keep on keeping on!
DeleteI like your blog very much. I have been very impressed as you have worked through (and continue to do so) the loss of your husband. Life goes on, you have been a wonderful example, and I expect you will continue. My only suggestion--and I think you would do this, anyway--would be to take us along as you develop new interests and embark on new adventures.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It has been a difficult journey losing Glen. He would want me to keep active. I hope maybe it helps someone else that goes through the same thing.
DeleteYou will absolutely be along for new adventures and journeys, should they happen. Life changes daily and I will as well (I am sure) - so you will hear about it!
Cheryl, I enjoy your blog so much. It’s like sitting at a virtual kitchen table with a favorite neighbor enjoying a cup of coffee and chatting about all sorts of things. Can’t tell you how much I look forward to your posts,
ReplyDeleteHow sweet. I guess when we can't sit and have a tea with our friends and neighbors, we need somewhere that feels that way. That is a lovely compliment.
DeleteThank you much!!!!
Hello Cheryl. I'm from the UK. I really like the mix of 'all sorts' on your Blog. Reading about old times with your family, your money saving tips and just life in general. We try thrifty ways here, my Father in law is in his mid 80s and has always had a make do and mend mentality. Best wishes to you as Christmas approaches.
ReplyDeleteHello to you Heather. So happy to have you here. Thank you so much. It looks like I will continue much they way I have in the past. Everyone has spoken!
DeleteThrifty ways just make since. We keep resources and funds.
Thank you again. Have a wonderful Christmas holiday!