It's Crazy Out There!

I have been visiting other blogs, you know, just for ideas.  It's crazy out there!   People blog about "nothing".  I thought my blog was probably uninteresting to read, but not any more.  Number one, I don't want my every thought and deed posted for the world to see.  That is what friends, doctors and prayers to God are for.  I intend to have many interesting topics to help you in the coming year.  Maybe you don't see eye to eye with me on everything, but if you pick up one detail or tidbit that you can use, I have done my job.  I find that people don't always want to listen to you, but a blog is a way you may help just one.  That will be worth it all.  Stay plugged in and I hope to have items of interest in the coming new year of 2012.

Rest, Rest, Rest!

Don't you think it is about time to slow down the pace and rest?  I am trying to do just that, however, it is not easy.  Many of us are back to work from our short vacation and dealing with all the aftermath of the season.  It is very important to take care of yourself since we are coming into the cold and flu season.  Remember to rest a little more in the evening (make yourself).  Eat a healthy diet including plenty of fruits and veggies.  Drink that orange juice.  Put all that candy, pies and cakes you indulged in over the holidays right out of your mind.  Wash your hands often to prevent those germs from getting to you.  It's like they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  It can be very expensive to get ill nowadays.  Now, save that money!

It Has Passed!

Do you feel a little like I do?  Glad it is behind us?   All the busy schedules, baking, cooking, shopping and the list goes on.  We have a tendency to overdo it during the Christmas season.

I received a Bath & Body Works gift card on Christmas day.  After thinking about it, I decided to go ahead and place an order online, before the prices could go up.  I, frugally, purchased items on sale, using a promotional code I got from a website.  I did a Google search for "promotional code".  Several different sights are available for codes.  It saved me 20% off my entire order, even though the items were already on sale.  I feel so good about my purchase.  Now I will have on hand shower gels, lotions to use for myself or for gifts.

Do you have gift cards that you received?  Maybe now is the time to use them while you can take advantage of the sales.  Be sure to search for a promotional code if you shop online.  Learn to use codes, coupons and discounts whenever possible.  They are out there for the taking.  It takes a little time to find them, but they are well worth it.

Christmas Memories #12

Merry Christmas everyone!   Met with more family today at my home.  We ate and ate and ate.  Soooo full of food, it is really sinful.  We enjoyed our afternoon together with laughter, cheer and happiness.  Everyone loved their gifts and we sent them off until next Christmas when we can do it all over again.  We are sooo blessed to have warm homes, good food and peace in our land.  I never want to forget the real meaning of CHRISTmas!  We wouldn't have a holiday without Christ.  Remember to keep it simple for Him, for sure, He came to earth in simple form, born and laid in a manger.  Merry Christmas!

Christmas Memories #11

Oh Well!!!!!   It has happened again!    My extended family meets tonight for Christmas party and  I have not made all the goodies I had hoped to.   But refer to Christmas Memories #10.  Do not stress!  Let it go!  It will be alright.  No one but you will know the difference.  Others are preparing and bringing food and goodies.  We will have a great time!   The best thing about it is we are all going to be together to celebrate this beautiful Christmas season.  Will miss you again this year, daddy!   My wonderful dad passed away in 2007 and he is so, so missed.  Words cannot express the emptiness you can feel when you lose someone so dear.  We do, however, have the assurance he is in a better place.  That, we are thankful.  Merry Christmas!

Christmas Memories #10

One very important thing to remember during this busy season.   Do not stress because you cannot do all you had hoped or planned to do.  It will be alright!  Sometimes you will be the only one who knew you didn't make that last batch of candy or buy a gift for the drive thru window attendant.

Trust me your family and friends will appreciate you much more if you are not a basket case for Christmas Day.  Not only that, but your health is even at risk.  Stress can cause illness including hypertension that will be another problem, going for an expensive doctor's visit.  Our immune system is weakened due to stress and not eating properly, so enjoy the time you have with family and friends and just LET IT GO!

Christmas Memories #9

Only 5 days before Christmas!  Are you ready?   For the lonely one, discouraged one, unemployed one and the list goes on, this hopeless feeling will not last forever!  No matter how hard we try to make our Christmas memories good ones, sometimes life just happens and our whole world turns upside down.  Oh, I have had a few Christmas mornings when all was not well.

 One particular Christmas Eve morning my husband was going to hunt deer with some other men.  He had to travel into the next county to meet the group and have breakfast.  A little over half way to his destination, he slowed the truck to make a turn and the truck motor just cut off.   He got out, darkness all around, raised the hood and started working around the battery connections hoping to get it cranked again.  He took a screw driver and tapped on an area around the battery and suddenly it exploded in his face.  You see the battery was hot and when there was a spark, it just exploded.  Now remember he was out before daylight, alone with acid from that battery in his face and eyes.  There was a house not too far away and he finally made it to the door and knocked.  The people who lived there was about to turn their back on him, but he convinced them to help.  The acid had been on his face long enough to burn not only the skin, but his eyes.

I got a call from his brother some time later telling me he was in the hospital in that town.  I hurriedly made my way to the hospital, not believing my eyes.  He was in a bad way.  Later that day he was released, yet in pain and bandaged, including his eyes.   Well, my Christmas eve plans were ruined from our yearly family get together.  But we made it through that difficult Christmas eve even if we couldn't do as normal.

The next morning we had to be at the eye doctor's office for him to check the eyes.  We were so blessed that Christmas!  He could see, not very well at all, but he still had healing time.  Back home we went and had many visitors come by that day.  My children were happy even at home.
 
Last year my niece went into labor about 4:00 in the morning on Christmas!  They got up and woke their little boy and had their Christmas gifts early and headed off to the hospital.  The baby was born later that day, but it sure made a different Christmas for all of us!  One we will never forget!  He was the most precious gift even if he did mess up our plans.

I guess what I am trying to say, no matter what comes your way, do the best you can in any situation.  God will be with you and the world will not stop turning.  It will make you stronger and appreciate the good times and "normal" times.

Christmas Memories #8

Christmas Eve was always spent at my grandmama's house.  My aunts and uncles and their families would all gather for a wonderful dinner and opening gifts.  In the early years, when grandmama was younger, she would do all the cooking for us.  Later, the adults would all bring a dish to complete the meal.  My grandmama passed away several years ago, but we still keep the tradition going in my mom's family.  We gather on Christmas Eve and all fix a dish to bring.  Sometimes we have a full meal and sometimes just fingerfoods.  It is always so much fun to see what new dishes or old favorites show up.  Always ending with fudge, lady fingers, cheese straws, pies and cakes and the list goes on.

This is a great way to have a meal with family or friends without the cost of the whole meal on one.  Let each family bring a dish or two.  You can let it be potluck or plan a menu.  Another way to cut costs for a fun and memorable Christmas!

Christmas Memories #7

I hope you are about finished with your Christmas shopping!  If not, be prepared to have plenty of patience for the long lines and maybe hours you spend for those last minute items.  

When I was a young girl, we didn't have the malls to shop.  We had Main Street with the cold walk from store to store.  I remember the first time I went to a mall.  We had to drive about an hour to get to that town.  Of course this was part of the tradition of our memorable Christmas.  One year I remember being fitted for two new sweaters with patches on the elbows!  How exciting to have something to wear that was in style.  One was gray with a little darker gray for the elbow patch, the other was a cream color with tan patches.  I wonder do kids remember what they had to wear a certain year?  Oh well, different world we live in now.

 In our little hometown, we had a Sears catalog order store.  They had a special if you ordered like on the 23rd, you could receive it there in the store on the 24th.  One item my mom ordered was a Barbie doll for my sister.  I would panic if I had waited that late hour to get my shopping done.  But I can tell you, my mother did the best she could with what she had to spend.


One positive note for the late shoppers, great savings!   Go get 'em!

Christmas Memory # 6

Many people out of work or hours cut will think it will be better for them and everyone else just to stay out of sight. This is simply not true.   One way to lift your spirit is by going to church. If you are not a member of a church, try to visit one this special time of year.  No time would be greater than now!

Of all the other posts, this one is most special to me.  Church has always been a large part of my life, with my mom and dad being the first to take me.  You have class parties, Christmas plays, caroling and the list could go on.  What more could a family do in a positive way than attend Church.  Jesus is the true reason for Christmas.  There is no Christmas if you take Christ out.

Christmas memories #5

Visit, visit, visit!  This is a wonderful time of year to visit that aunt or uncle you haven't seen since last year.  You think of it every time you drive by and think I will have time later.  No time is better than now!  It is so rewarding to visit with a homebound relative, friend or neighbor.  You will be the highlight of their day and maybe even the whole Christmas season.  BTW, take them some of your baked cookies or roasted pecans.  What better gift this season than to give of yourself.  Nursing homes are often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of the holidays.  I always said if you feel down and out, visit a nursing home.   I will assure you your spirits will be lifted.  The smiles and excitement you will see on those dear faces are worth more than words can express.  I can warn you....Your steps will be lighter when you leave.

Christmas Memories # 4

By the way, did you bake any cookies yet?   Something else my mom did one year (when funds were low) was bake cookies and candies for everyone.  She put them in colorful tins with a bow on top.  A nice gift all done and with very little invested.  You can take a shoebox or small box,  wrap with aluminum foil  first, especially on the inside, then wrap with your favorite Christmas paper.  You can purchase at Michael's or other craft stores small plastic bags with ties.  These make attractive presentations.  Refer to Christmas Memories # 3 for cookie recipe.                                                                             
 
Do you have a pecan tree or access to one?  If so, you can roast the pecans and give them for gifts.  They are delicious!  Any type of baked item is usually very much appreciated.  Some people never get home cooked items unless they receive them in gifts.   Raw pecans in the shell or shelled make great gifts.  This is only if you have pecan trees.  Sometimes people will give away pecans if they have an abundance.  They are just too expensive to buy for gifts.   And of course, serve them at your next party or get together.

I am listing a couple of recipes for roasted pecans.  Hope you enjoy!

Roasted Pecans

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pecan halves
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut in small pieces
• salt, to taste

Preparation:

Spread the pecans on a baking pan and place pan on center rack of oven. Roast at 250°, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown and become aromatic, about 60 minutes. Stir in butter until pecans are coated and all butter is melted. Return to the oven and rtoast for about 10 minutes longer.
Salt to taste while pecans are still hot. Serve warm or cooled. Store roasted pecans in a tightly sealed container. 

Sugar Coated Pecans

Ingredients

• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 1/4 cups pecan halves
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees F (105 degrees C). Lightly grease a rimmed baking pan.
2. Combine the egg white and water in a mixing bowl; beat until fluffy. Fold in the pecans to coat evenly. Combine the sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon in a shaker or cup with a lid. Dust the pecans evenly with the sugar mixture. Spread the nuts over the prepared pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven until toasted and fragrant, stirring every 15 minutes, about 1 hour. Cool on pan, and store in an airtight container.

Christmas Fun and Memories #3

Now is the time to create memories with the kids with baking for Christmas!  This can be done on a shoestring budget and is always a great hit.  This is another outstanding memory I have of Christmas past.  Thanks to my loving and creative mother, we always were in a positive atmosphere for any occasion.    I will share a favorite recipe that is inexpensive and fun to do.    Go ahead!  Create some memories!

OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS COOKIES

     3 c. self-rising flour                              1 slightly beaten egg

     1 c. sugar                                            3 Tbsp. cream or evaporated milk

      1 c. butter                                                         1 tsp. vanilla

         (softened)                                                      powdered sugar

Sift together flour and sugar.  Cut in butter until particles are fine.  Add egg, milk and vanilla.  Mix well.  

Dough may be chilled slightly.  Working with small amount of dough, roll out on board dusted with powdered sugar.  Also sift sugar on top of dough before rolling.  Roll to about 1/4" thickness and cut in desired shapes.  Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 degree F. for 8-10 minutes  Cookies should be light, not brown.  Remove cookies from cookie sheet before cool to avoid breakage.  May sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.  Cookies may be decorated with icing after cooling.

Substitute:  (Plain flour can be used as follows:  3 c. plain flour, 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. salt)
If needed, can use 3 Tbsp. milk instead of cream or evaporated milk.  It is better if cream or evaporated milk is used.         

Christmas Fun and Memories (cont'd)

Are you late finding that perfect tree or have they all been picked over?  Well, I just bought my grandkids a 6' tree from a yard sale a couple of weeks ago.  Some of the lights were not working, but for $10 it was a steal.  We can easily put new lights on it.  Better than $80 on up.   If you live on a farm or know someone who owns property in the country, a Saturday morning stroll through the woods to find a cedar or some other kind of evergreen tree would be another enjoyable experience for the family.  That is exactly what my mom and dad did when we were growing up.  My grandmother one year even had a small pine sapling.  Okay, so you don't like my out of date, cheap, or flaky ideas, well nothing wrong with that.  You are welcome to go out and spend all your hard earned money on a tree that will be thrown away in a few days or on one that will cost you a week's salary.  There are more important things you could do with your money than spending on a Christmas tree.  Don't forget if you hit the sales after Christmas, you can probably find an artificial tree with a 50% or more discount.

Ornaments for the tree are rather inexpensive nowadays, but you may want to check with the local Goodwill store or Salvation Army.   The Dollar Tree, Dollar General and Family Dollar are all great places to find those ornaments.  Now if you want true keepsakes for years to come, I would suggest either handmade or specialty stores buying maybe one or two a year until you have what you want.  Be sure to save what you have to reuse next year.  No need to buy new ornaments every year.  Wrap them carefully and put them in boxes.  Enjoy for years to come.  Remember, shop those after Christmas sales for bargains!

We always play Christmas music when we decorate the tree.  This will create a new memory that will always be cherished.  Memories do not have to be expensive or a large event.  Simple times like this is what makes my Christmas memories special.

Christmas Fun and Memories

What a great family night together!  We went Christmas caroling with some of our church friends, ending with hot cocoa and pizza back at our family life center.  The church purchased the pizzas and we all carried a finger food.  This is a very rewarding and enjoyable experience for any age during this special season.  If you are looking for inexpensive entertainment or activities for the holidays, this is a great one.  Not only caroling, but other activities centered around your church or civic group can be enjoyable, less expensive choices.  Not to mention the valuable connection you have with friends and family.  Building strong relationships is a wonderful way to have support in the good times and the bad times.

Some of my most memorable Christmas experiences were centered around the church.  More holiday tips to come!  Come back and enjoy!

$1300 Extra In A Year!

One of the first areas I would suggest in your new journey, is simply finding areas you can "cut back".   For instance, if you eat fast food for lunch, try the $1 menu.  Surprisingly, there is some good tasting choices for that price.  Better still bring a sandwich or left overs from home.  This is not an easy transition. I call it reprogramming your mind.  However, if you will work on this area for about 2 weeks, it will be a breeze.  Maybe you will need to reward yourself one day a week and eat out.  Or at least try every other day.  The extra effort will pay off.  If you save $5 a day for 5 days, you will have saved a whopping $25.  In a year that would amount to $1300!   Am I doing the math correctly?  Isn't it amazing?

The Art of Being Frugal

The art of being frugal actually comes to me naturally.  My mother was always very "practical" (the word we always used to describe her). In fact she was so very practical, I wanted nothing more than to do the opposite when I started out on my own.  However, it did not take me long to learn my lesson.  If I was going to have anything in this life, including savings, I would have to change my ways.

Being frugal is using commodities sparingly, being thrifty, prudent or economical in the use of  resources such as food, time or money, and avoiding waste.

Frugality is actually an art of  acquiring  goods and services in a restrained manner, and resourceful use of already owned goods and services.

Obviously, if you are reading this post, you must have an interest or need that is requiring a bit of frugality.
I do not claim to be a professional or expert in this area, but I would like to share some of the knowledge I have acquired through the years.  You may only be interested in one area.  That is fine!  I would suggest starting slow and doing it well.  As you go along, you perhaps would like to further your frugal experience.

Some may be forced by this weak economy to cut back in certain areas of their lifestyle.  Maybe you have lost your job.  Others may find they enjoy doing this as a life calling or hobby. I don't know of anyone who doesn't want to save money, do you?

By the way, if you haven't figured it out by now,  I am a country girl.  Been to the school of hard knocks and love helping others any way that I can.  A few years ago I was in banking, but one day found myself out of a job.  This has given me ample time to devote to being thrifty.  Lovin' every minute of it!

You do not have to be highly educated to make this work.  I certainly lack higher education, but work hard at the task before me.  

This is my first posting on this blog.  I will be adding posts daily with points of interest.  Please come back for more!