Frugal Happenings 1/17

Howdy ho everyone!  Hope you all had a good week.
We have had warm weather (50's), rain, snow, and cold weather all in the past week.  Season lows come in tonight with a prediction of out first minus temperature and highs in the teens tomorrow.  Brrrrr! 

Outdoor kitties are snug in the greenhouse with lots of blankies, and heated mat under the blankies, and a heater and heated water bowl.
It is safe to say my kitties are probably better taken care of than some homeless.  That's a sad state of affairs.  We have a lot of shelters and new places opening (due to extreme cold), but many just don't want to go.  I pray for them daily.

I only left home twice this past week.  I spent one day just visiting, doing errands and chores for the in-laws.
The second day I just wanted to get out!  I ran to Kroger to check out the clearance section.  Hadn't done that in a bit.

• I did find 3 - 1/2 Cumberland Gap smoked boneless rounds of ham on sale for 1.19/lb.  It was regularly 3.49/lb.  One I probably will cut into ham steaks and the other two will get shaved for sandwiches (once I dig out my electric meat slicer).  I will vacuum seal and freeze.  I couldn't begin to buy deli ham for that price.  As a matter of fact I couldn't buy a pound of deli ham for the price of ONE half.  I spent 13.84 (for all 3) and saved 26.75!!!!!  YAY
• I also found 8 Renuzit solid air fresheners on clearance for .25 each.  They were holiday scents - but who the heck cares!  I love those scents all winter long.  That was a $6 savings!

• I renewed my library book on-line, so as not to be over due and to save a trip
• Lots of free exercise  shoveling snow!
• Entered a Kroger survey for 50 free points for gas.  Not bad for only spending around $16.
• Shopped from the basement for additional groceries this week.
• All meals from scratch and from home.  We haven't had a take out meal since first of November.  Now we did have some store bought fried chicken livers for dinner one night this week - but we were gifted those by G's aunt and uncle!  They were so yummy!!!
• Cut both G's and my hair at home - we were both getting shaggy looking!

I found this little carrier when I was doing some de-cluttering in the basement.  Not sure where I got it our how long I have had it.  I decided that it would be great for my in-house 'shopping'.  Makes carrying things up the stairs easier for sure!!

The electric meat slicer I mentioned above doesn't get used very often - but sure has been handy to have on hand.  I bought it years ago at a yard sale for $5.  It has more than paid for itself!  I can cut boneless meat just about any thickness I want (hard cheese as well).

I need a suggestion!  Anyone have an idea on how to re-use those little Renuzit containers when they are done?  I hate to just throw them away - and I am trying to come up with some ideas!  I know there is some creative mind out there that can come up with a use!

Guess that about sums up my week!  Not too exciting here.
How was your week?  Did anyone get any good deals?  Did anyone do anything creative this week?
Inquiring minds want to know!

Stay safe and warm this week.  Be frugal my friends!
May God bless each of you every day.

PLAIN - Part 3

Today we are going to talk about recycling.  The Amish are soooooo into recycling.  MAXIMUM reuse is their goal.
They don't tend to recycle like most of America does.  They don't go down to the recycle bins and drop off, nor do they have fancy little containers to put out for the trash guy to pick up.  Recycling to them is giving an item a use for the second, third or fourth time.........
They are habitual recyclers, it is normal for them, not something that they have to stop and think about like we do.  They are constantly seeing the function of an item way beyond what it was originally used for.

They are not 'plugged in' as we are, so they are constantly coming up with ideas for ways to 'harness' non-electrical power.  They like for their lives to be easier as well, they just have different constraints, do to religious rules, than we live by.  If we didn't have power for an extended or unlimited amount of time - we would have to find new ways as well.  I don't think we would survive nearly as well!

The Amish tend to be natural if not organic gardeners, and they tend to raise their livestock without all the hormones we use.  They were GREEN before it was cool to be green!  In Amish life 'being green' is not as much about the earth as it is about 'saving green' - as in $$$$$$$.

Many skilled workers take great pride in reclaiming flooring, lumber, hardware, windows, etc. to use in new building projects or their homes, thus saving thousands of dollars.  They reclaim bricks and mortar as well, to use in road ways and parking areas for their businesses and homes.
The woman make the most out of every piece of clothing.  It is often remade into a new clothing item, or used in a quilt, or made into rag rugs when it is suitable for nothing else.  Those rag rugs bring top dollar in barter and in sales!
Jars, bottles, cans etc. are all used for other purposes.  Any garden scraps are put in compost or fed to animals.  Everything is reused.

Farmers often go the English junk yards, and cabbage onto parts that they can use to fix or make new farm equipment out of.  They are so resourceful and innovative.

The Amish do not yet have ZERO waste - but they are so much closer to it than we will probably ever be.  That is a goal we should all strive - and it is nearly doable.  That will be another post at another time - as there is much to talk about on zero waste.

Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without.  Reuse, reclaim, repurpose.  However you want to say it - we should be trying hard to do it!  We have nothing to lose except our hard earned dollars!
Shoot, if they can find a way to recycle mortar, I think we can find a way to do better every day!!!!!!!

In my opinion the Amish are so far behind - they are truly ahead.
I wish we were all more respectful of our money and our resources.  I try hard to recycle, but I can be lax at it.  One of my goals this year is to be more resourceful.  I will keep you posted as I accomplish new ideas.

I hope over time, we can each encourage others in recycling and share many of our ideas.  By sharing ideas we all learn and grow and save!

PLAIN Knowledge Part 2

Today we will be talking about thrift - both stores and ways.

The Amish are a very thrifty lot of people.  They work hard, save a lot, and only spend on what is necessary.  Why save a lot - if you don't need much?  Well, there comes emergencies and rainy days in all cultures.  We just never know when those will be.
I like to think about thrifty ways and saving as just being a good steward of your money.

The Amish buy a lot in bulk.  Granted they cook from scratch always - but they do a tremendous amount of baking, have big families and get together's, and still need important things like TP and some cleaning items.  Gardening and farm animals can't fulfill all their needs.

They buy sugar, flour, rice, etc. in bulk and divide it into smaller containers at home.
Bulk is great if it is truly something that you will use a lot.  A gallon of olives is wonderful - but if you won't eat them in a reasonable time, they aren't worth buying.  ALWAYS check unit prices as well.  Some items are cheaper with sales and maybe coupons at regular stores than at the bulk stores.
If you buy in bulk - perhaps you have someone that can go in with you and split the item, thus each spending a little less, and less chance of something spoiling.
Bulk is not ALWAYS cheaper.

Thrift stores are a huge friend to the Amish as well.  They buy a lot of games, puzzles, shoes, bedding, dishes, towels, coats, etc. there.  Many times they can buy shirts for their menfolk or coats and re-make them to fit their standards.  It is often much cheaper than buying the material.
I currently have several items I have kept that I will be remaking into new items this winter.
You can get GOOD QUALITY for a cheaper price in many instances.
The Amish love a good yard sale as well, and definitely believe in dickering on price.  ME TOO!

A good thing to remember is that new DOESN'T necessarily mean good.  Many quality items can be purchased at thrift or second hand stores.
Happiness is NOT material.  Just look at all the wealthy entertainers and famous folks who divorce, do drugs and alcohol or commit suicide.  If money made one happy - they should be on top of the world.

It doesn't matter if your watch is $8 or $800.  It doesn't matter if you live in a tiny home or a McMansion.  It doesn't matter if your clothes are brand name from a fancy store or thrift store.  It doesn't matter if your wine is box or $1,000/bottle.  One thing is for certain - NO ONE GETS OUT OF THIS ALIVE and NO ONE GETS TO TAKE IT ALL WITH THEM!!!!  Basically we all get the same size hole in the ground.

A lot of people think that second hand clothes have the EEEWWWW factor!  Well, a good laundering and some hot water should take that away.  When you buy something brand new at the store, you have no idea how many times something has been tried on, nor by who.  What's the difference?  I would much rather let someone else spend a lot of money on an item and realize it didn't fit or they didn't like it - then I can spend a tiny bit and be tickled!
Last fall I bought a brand king size quilt at thrift for $20 - it would have cost well over a $100 new.  I also got a Croft and Barrow cardigan (brand new) for $3 at the 'GW Boutique'.  The sales tag was still on it, and it was $44.99.  I got a couple pair a brand name jeans for $6 each - new they would have been at least $40 each. 
**The last time I was in GW - a driver dropped off 2 Amish women and their kids.  The closest Amish live between 50-60 miles from here.  We spoke, as one had a new baby that was precious.  I so wanted to ask why they were so far from home - but thought it would rude.**

I am not TO PROUD to save my money and spend less on items I like or need.  Is it my Amish heritage or is it just good common sense?  I like to think a little of both.

In so many respects the Amish or no different than us English.   They want to get the most for their money.  They want to spend as little as possible.  They want to save for the future.  They want to be good stewards of their money and this land.  They want to provide for their families and love them.

No we aren't so different.
I think we have much in common.  I also think we have much we could teach and learn from each other.

Do you shop in bulk?  Do you like the second hand "boutiques"?  Let us know some of your good finds.

Frugal Happenings 1/10

Good morning everyone!
Hope this finds you all well and happy.  I guess none of us won the PB lotto last night!  I know we didn't!!  Oh well, I am in no worse shape today than I was yesterday.

We finally got a couple days of sunshine this past week and some warmer temps.  We had rain and more rain yesterday and the day before, then temps dropped almost 30* overnight and we have cold weather, blowing and snow this morning!  We only got about an inch of snow, but it has ice and slush under it.  Oh well, it could have been worse and I plan on staying home - so no big deal!

I bought myself a new washing machine this week!!!!  WOOHOO!  It had been almost 4 weeks since I had done laundry.  I was so excited about the machine's delivery and the prospect of doing laundry.  I am not sure if it is a good or bad commentary of my life - how little it takes to make me happy!  LOL!  I am a happy girl with lots of clean clothes.
Nothing fancy - just a basic washer - hopefully it will last me many years.

On another positive note, G's brother is now in rehab!  That is such a good thing.  It sure has been a roller coaster of a holiday season for his health - but things are finally looking up. 

It's been a fairly quiet week here.  Here are a few of my fugal finds;

• The orchard will be closing in a few weeks, so they are having their B1G1 sale on apples.  Doesn't matter what size bag - 5#, 10#, or half bushel.  I got 2 - 10# bags for the price of one.  We both love apples.  I still have a lot of applesauce and canned apples from canning last January (2015) - so it is doubtful if I will can any more.
• I ran to the WM family market (just a grocery) and used my $30 gift card to buy more canned cat food to have on hand.  Got 60 cans for $0!!   I walked by the deli and saw 3 rotisserie cooked chickens marked down to 2.49 each.  I got all 3!  I couldn't buy a fresh chicken and bake it for that price.  I came home and cut them in half and in the freezer they went for quick meals.
• I shopped around on the washer and found the one I got at Lowes.  I saved $50 on the price from another store (exact same washer).  Also got free delivery and installation, which would have cost me over $100 at the other store (Sears).
• We have been eating a ton of leftovers remade into new things all week.  Once we got tired of them - in the freezer they went for another day.
• I got 2 FREE magazines this week
• I got an Aldi circular (not a regular ad), that contains 8 coupons - 4 for January and 4 for February - for $10 off $50 purchase.  I will never use them all - maybe one a month.  I will share them with family who didn't receive any.
• I have been doing a lot of cleaning, organizing and de-cluttering this week.

That has been my so un-exciting week in a nutshell!  How did you spend your week?  Did you get any good deals?

I hope everyone stays warm and safe and healthy this week.
May the Lord continue to bless each and everyone of you.

PLAIN Knowledge Part 1

Today I will be writing about saving and paying our debts.  The Amish do get loans as the rest of us do from banks, but not nearly as many!
They do not have charge cards.  They pay cash and (checks) for everything.

Most of these thoughts are not just Amish, but good old common sense for all of us.
The Amish believe that you NEVER under any circumstance pay a bill late.  They say that the right thing to do is "honor your debts".  Wise advice.

Late fees will eat you up, if you do not pay on time.  Late fees can be any where from $15 a month to $50 a month.  That can add up to between $170 to $600 a year!!!!  Oh my goodness - what you could do with money, other than just throw it away!
NEVER pay a yearly fee for a charge card.  That is just crazy.  Why should you pay them for the pleasure of going into debt??
Do not bounce a check.  That is another thing that can add up so quickly it is not funny.  I am sure it has happened to everyone at least once - by honest mistake or by bank error. (We had a bank cash a check from our account for $1,200 once instead of $120).  Let's just say I was more than infuriated, and I told them I wasn't leaving the bank till they got it fixed!!!  Funny how it only took about an hour versus the 3 days they originally said.
You get NSF fees, for every check bounced (one could mean several), plus incurring late fees.  This could add up to a significant amount of dollars.
Pay OFF your charge cards each month to keep from incurring finance charges.  The banks truly appreciate you NOT paying them off - but you don't need to make them richer.

SAVING
ALWAYS pay yourself first.  Sounds easy - huh?  Well it really is.  It doesn't have to start out as a big amount, maybe $5 or $10 a week, then gradually increase it.  Now before you say I don't ever have any extra money - just stop and think!
Do you smoke?  Do you drink pop?  Do you stop and buy coffee each day?  Do you shop daily?  Do you buy snacks and goodies from the store?  I could go on and on and on..........................
If you said YES to any of those questions - YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO SAVE! 
Whether you have small or lofty goals, it is positively necessary to give up immediate self gratification till you meet you goal!  I know that sounds harsh - but if you goal is important - you will do whatever it takes to get there.

Whether saving to pay off debt, buy a house, buy a car, pay off student loans, or just to have a nest egg for a rainy day - do what is necessary.  Sometimes we have all had "down pours" versus just a rainy day.  Emergencies happen and we all need to be prepared.  You never know when the car will break down, the cat needs to go to the vet, you break a tooth.........................
IF you can do automatic transfer from your paycheck to the bank - DO IT.  It is so true that if you don't see it, you won't miss it.

Living on the edge all of your life (even for a short while) can be so stressful and scary.  Stress can make you sick as well.  It's all a big huge cycle.  Work at what you have to, work as much as you have to, work at more than one job if you have to - and get your partner on board too.

Amish families work together to reach their goals.  The husband works, many of the wives work at making money as well, while raising MANY children.  They may sell eggs, veggies, home canned goods, bakery goods, quilts, etc. - and they only spend what is absolutely necessary to survive.

I recently read the story of a man named Amos who is a 45 year old farmer, married with 14 children.  For 20 years he and his wife 'rented' a farm, till he saved enough to buy the farm!  While renting and raising that huge family, he and his wife managed to save $400,000 in 20 years!  I think that is just totally remarkable!   He saw nothing impressive or unusual about that - according to him "It's just what you do".

Thrift, common sense, wise money practices, and delayed gratification are all important to the Amish (they are taught these values from childhood), and they are important for the English as well.

Do you have peace of mind?  Are you prepared for an economic downturn?  Are you paying off debt and trying to save for a rainy day?  I SURE HOPE SO.
Start small and build your way upward. 

REMEMBER: A dollar saved is BETTER than a dollar earned!  Think about that!

My daddy always told me that if "something is worth having - it's worth working for."  Truer words were never spoken.
Let's all work and support one another in this venture in this coming year.
GOOD LUCK

PLAIN Knowledge

Can anyone guess what this might be about?
I plan on doing a series of posts this month on how to simplify our lives and become financially solvent according to Amish (Plain) life!

Many don't know that on my father's side of the family, we are descendants of the Amish.  I only found out when in my 40's and I don't believe my dad ever knew.  Grandma didn't talk about her heritage back then.  We figure that my great, great grandpa was the first in our line to break away from the Amish church.
My ancestors came to this land in 1736 via Ellis Island.

I often wonder if my dad and myself and siblings  'learned' the things we do/did from past generations unknowingly, or can that kind of stuff be in our genes???!!  LOL  I have talked with many Amish over the years, and they have all told me that I don't seem totally English (non-Amish).  I find that to be a totally wonderful compliment!

Ok, enough about me.
Today is just going to some background on the Amish, and then I will be trying to post a couple times a week this month, on simple living and financial security.

The Amish have much to teach us.  Granted they live as they did 50 years ago, and maybe even 100 years ago - but in many aspects that makes them extra smart in my book.  They party like it's 1894!!!!
They are quite wise and practical, a hard working and money smart people.  They are extremely resourceful not only out of necessity, but for the love of the land that they will be leaving their children.
They use a huge amount of common sense.  They are taught money principles from early childhood.  They know that delayed gratification, is the best way to save and get ahead.  They have a tremendous sense of community and family, and they share and help all.

There are an awful lot of Amish that have become quite wealthy.  Surprised?  You shouldn't be.  The Amish have many exceptionally successful businesses.  They work hard and use family and neighbors to help work them.  Many business owners, do not take any funds (or very limited), for quite some time - they just get by.
You would never know about their wealth, as being prideful and boastful is sinful.

We (Englishers), always seem to want newer, bigger, brighter, shinier stuff.  We are so addicted to electronics, that it would be difficult to get by without them now.  We strive to have bigger homes and newer cars.  We seem to like it when people think we are well off financially.
Instead we should be so thankful for what we do have, and know that somehow, some way we will get by in the future.
We need to start living life and appreciating family more, and worrying less about what we have.

We need to practice our faith harder and count our blessings more.

I hope you will enjoy this series of posts.  I will try to touch on various ideas and ways to save, to be resourceful, and to enjoy life a little more.

Frugal Happenings 1/3

Happy first Sunday!!!!
I hope you all had a quiet and safe new years day!  I was in bed before the midnight hour, but was awakened by all the noise from fireworks.

We made corned beef and cabbage and black eyed peas for our new years dinner.  I think it is a Midwest and southern thing - but every year of my life has started with those items on January 1.  They are supposed to bring you luck in the coming year.  I know different regions have different menu items.

Yesterday we had the last of our family gatherings for Christmas.  It was fantastic to have the kids here.  We really enjoyed their visit and everyone had a good time.  I wish we all got together more often.  It seems distance and 'lives' just get in the way.
We received sweet family pictures, garden decorations, a homemade birdhouse, GC's, and lots of goodies! (I think they love us!!!!)  Oh, I also got a 6 pack of purple canning jars!  How fun!!!!

I stayed home most of the week.  I went to the store only once to buy my corned beef and a head of cabbage.  This is the first year I didn't have corned beef in the freezer.
I am looking forward to tonight's dinner, as we will be having homemade Reuben sandwiches made with our own kraut!  YUM!

All my decorations are down and put away, and today I will go downstairs and clean the craft room and get all the re-cycled boxes, bags, and paper put away neatly.  It is now time to get back to normal.  Maybe in a week or so, I can have a couch and book kind of day!  I am so looking forward to that - it has been a while.

My frugal week;

• On my grocery outing I did get corned beef on sale for 2.99/lb.  That was the cheapest price around this year.  Cabbage was .25/lb.
• I stopped at Kroger while out to get cat litter, and found bags of baking M&M's on clearance for .49/bag.  I am stocked up for the year (probably longer)!  They also had Pistachio instant pudding on clearance for .15/box.  G's favorite pudding!  I am good for a long time with that and what I already had.
• Everything I cooked for our family gathering was things I had here.  We had BBQ smokies in the crockpot, chili, beef stick and cheese slices, various crackers and chips, and pickles and olives.  We also had homemade cookies, cinnamon rolls, and fudge.
• We have tons of leftovers for this coming week.  Chili, smokies, and corned beef.  They will be reinvented into new meals!  That's a nice way to start the year.
• We are also set for snacks and granola cereals for quite some time with all the goodies we got as gifts!

The house is clean and neat - a nice feeling.  The pantry is loaded.  I am hoping this will be another good year.  I will be going out this week to shop for a new washing machine (oh dread), but hopefully that will get back to normal too, and it will probably last me the rest of my life.

How was your week?  I know everyone will be getting back to a regular work schedule and life this week.  Hope you are all well.
Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all.

I am really excited about learning from each of you this year.  This will be our 'little on-line school'!
God bless.