Budgeting

Proverbs 22:27 

If thou hast nothing to pay, 

why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

The Biblical approach to finances is far different from that of the society around us.
Hubby had to attend a financial management course a few years ago.
We were pleased that debt was discouraged,
but we were amazed that mortgages and car loans were encouraged.
Doesn't make sense, does it?

Of course, it is easy to justify mortgages and car loans.
Everyone should have a house, right?
A car is a necessity in order to keep a job, right?
You would have to save forever to pay cash for a house!

I know that the arguments seem to make sense,
but the instruction of God's Word is clear:
Avoid debt.

It is tough today -
we want what we had growing up ...
we don't want to wait to reach our goals ...

The future is not guaranteed,
where might debt leave you if ...
you lost your job,
you got sick,
...

The wisdom of the world is so enticing,
but the wisdom of God is ... well, the wisdom of God!

Colossians 2:8 
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, 
after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, 
and not after Christ.

Streamline

Does it seem like the longer you live in one location,

the busier you get?

It seems that way for me.

Periodically, hubby and I evaluate our schedule to decide if something(s) need to go.

It is hard to quit or shed "ministry" opportunities.

I have decided to give menu planning/freezer cooking a try. 

By streamlining dinner, I hope to free time for ministry 

while staying away from Chick-fil-A for dinner 

or hot dogs and french fries once or twice a week.

I also hope to be more flexible without sacrificing my health or that of hubby 

and to be one of those women who is seemingly unflappable 

(not currently a description I would say applies).

Many of the meals thaw one day and go in the crockpot the day of the meal.

I spent some time Thursday setting up a calendar, menu, and shopping list.

Friday I shopped for the recipes.

Saturday I spent about 5 hours and put 22 dinners in the Freezer!

I began at about 10 and worked for 3 hours on chicken and pork and stew meat recipes.

At about 1, I baked hubby a pumpkin pie.

From 1:30-3, I worked on the ground beef recipes.

Clean-up from 3-3:30 (as well as along the way) and the work was done.

Meals for the rest of the month and about 8 or 9 for October.

I was pleased with the process and hope I am as pleased with the recipes I chose.

Sesame/Honey Chicken x 3

Cumin/Cinnamon Beef Stew x 2

Mongolian Beef x 1

Lasagna x 2

Chicken Taco meat x 2

4 Hamburger Patties x 2

Beef Fajitas x 2

Sweet and Tangy Meatballs x 2

Plain Meatballs x 1

3 Pork Loins for Italian Pork

1 lb of chicken to grill

1 lb of hamburger for Cheeseburger Pie

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Homemade Zesty Italian Seasoning

I will update with printed recipes and/or links as I try each meal.

If it is successful, it will also be a stress-free way to provide meals for others ...

all bagged and ready to go!

I plan to work on meals for the first week of October next week ...

... because ...

our church is involved in the fair ministry for 11 days (9/26-10/6).

Most weekdays I will be at the fair from 4-6:30 and do not want my diet to suffer!

DIY ... Deodorant and Creamer

Coconut and Tea Tree Deodorant

1/4 c baking soda

1/3 c cornstarch

1/4 tsp tea tree oil

1-4 T coconut oil

Mix in small container.

Apply with fingers, allow heat to melt.

The tea tree is an antiseptic - Eucalyptus also has this characteristic.

I added about 10 drops of other essential oil as well.

The grade of coconut oil will affect how strong the coconut smell is.

Citrus oils would also be a good addition.

*note* hubby says it is like applying icing to your arm pits

Pumpkin Spice Creamer

Blend in blender

2 c milk (I used soy, but plan to use coconut or almond milk next)

3 Tbsp pumpkin puree

1-2 Tbsp maple syrup (not as sweet as we like, so I used sugar the 2nd time)

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, dash of ginger)

Store in fridge - good as long as the milk is good.

You could also use cream or 1/2 and 1/2 - but I try to go dairy-free.

I am experimenting using this in coffee treats.

I have frozen some in ice cube trays.

I want to blend it in cold coffee to see if I can get near to a frappuccino.

I may also lighten up on the cloves - they are a little strong.

No Longer a Dinosaur

I am a bit excited today.

Today may be the day that I switch over to wireless Internet.

My wireless hot spot is supposed to arrive today!

If you have read this blog for long, you know that I have been

searching,

researching,

and saving pennies

in order to leave my dial-up service behind.

AT&T has been laughing at me for years because I am still using dial-up.

One representative actually called me a dinosaur!

My dilemma: try to bring in home phone and wireless under $50.

My dad recently made the switch from dial-up and it was a great deal,

but still under a contract.

We were not comfortable with a contract since

we want to be ready to move when God says "GO!"

and His plan may involve being without steady employment or income.

But my dad's switch made us pursue some different avenues in our search.

And ...

it is now possible.

Wally World has a wireless home telephone service for just $15 a month -

unlimited local and long distance.

That is half of what I am paying now for just local!

And then the exciting part ...

Wireless for $25 a month.

Of course there are limits on usage,

but we don't download music or video,

so we are hoping to keep it in the $40 a month price.

WOO HOO!

I Like the Word FREE

One of my friends just showed me this opportunity to get $25 added to an account at minted.com.  They sell photo cards, journals, party decorations and art work.  This is my personal referral link and for every order shipped, they will give me an additional $25 as well.  And hey, you can turn around and try it with your friends as well.  I hope to get some cute personalized journals for my Sunday School class for Christmas.
They currently have free shipping on holiday cards with the code BACKER12.  The site also offered me 10% off on my order of 3 or more items.  You can only use one coupon code per order though.

And you can sign up here for an additional $25 off of a $50 order with a coupon code.

This is the perfect time to share this deal with the Christmas season coming up.

**It appears that in order to use the coupon code with the $25 promotional you must purchase $75 worth of merchandise.** 

Shipping is $7.95.

Will it Work?

I mentioned in an earlier post that hubby wanted to make it until November 1 before turning on the furnace.  So, we have been using a little space heater to take the chill off the main living area this week.  In the process, we have realized that that little heater works REALLY well.  Our furnace is much less than energy efficient, so we are now looking to find some larger space heaters to try for the winter in hopes of bringing our utility bills down by not using the furnace unless we are entertaining.  I need to make some draft guards so that we can close off some of our unused spaces, but that will be quick and easy using my stash of leftover material and the abundance of plastic bags that Walmart gives me :)  Our goal is to save enough to invest in some faster Internet soon.  Seems feasible to me!

Huge Savings

I have been very excited and thankful to Our Heavenly Father for the discounts at our local discount grocery store.  It seems that the "Gluten-free Truck" has been making regular stops there and the savings are huge.  The picture below shows cereal, muffin mix, snack bars, almond milk, and salsa purchased yesterday for $24.  If I had bought them in the store ... over $100 dollars. 

There is nothing like a 75% off sale!

Frugal with a Purpose

One of my favorite aspects of homemaking is the economic side.  I like the challenge of staying in a budget.  I like to crunch numbers.  I like to save.  I like to have extra to help others.  I like to see God use a little and make it a lot.  I have not always been so aware of this aspect of homemaking.  The novice wife of ten years ago would by steak whenever the mood struck, would plan vacations any time for any reason, would shop wherever she felt like it.  I read recently that the primary reason for saving money should be to give more and I heartily agree.  Recently hubby asked me to put this saying somewhere in our home to remind us to keep right priorities.

As I mentioned, I am still learning, but I feel that I made progress this morning.  I was going to mow the lawn, but the lawnmower appears to need some attention (I happen to live with a lawn mower mechanic - so I just have to bide my time).  As I thought of how to spend my morning, I looked at my new perennial garden.  In this little patch, I had planted a trumpet vine which was in great need of some support.  I was dreaming of the perfect trellis and of course it was available online in the $100-$200 range.  Not quite economical!  Hubby had planned to make something, but we did not have any scrap wood long enough, so he told me that he would buy some long 1x2's soon and work around them.  Oh, surely I could come up with something!  My uncreative self did come up with something.  I am surrounded by trees which afford many branches.  Out I went with my loppers and invented this rustic trellis for my vine.  I am looking forward to watching it fill in and perhaps spreading onto the deck (which is behind it)!

Always There

Psalm 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the LORD,

and he shall sustain thee:

I saw a very practical example of this verse yesterday while I was out grocery shopping.  Recently, my shopping trips have greatly changed.  I am experimenting with a Gluten-free and a reduced dairy diet.  I am sure that some gluten is sneaking in due to my ignorance, but I am trying to learn and be diligent in this area.  According to some research that I have done, gluten can be a cause of unexplained infertility.  Some of the other maladies caused by gluten included severe headaches, depression, and digestive troubles.  We know that hubby has wheat sensitivies, and he finally agreed to try the diet to support me.  The problem is the cost.  Gluten-free is increasing in popularity, but is not mainstream yet.  One small bag of gluten-free flour is between $4-10 dollars.  Yikes!  One small bag of xanthan gum (the non-gluten, gluten) is $12 in our local grocery store.  I stood in the store and asked God to please provide that I could stick with this plan for at least 2 months so we could discover if it affected our health.  I left many of the expensive products at the store and vowed to research some more. 

On my way to piano lessons, I pass our discount grocery store.  Usually I shop there for marked down chips and crackers and other frivolous snacks.  I almost did not pull in because those crackers and snacks are "off-limits" for awhile.  I pulled in anyway and was glad that I had for God had stocked the shelves FOR ME!  Rice pasta - 59 cents a bag.  Rice mac and cheese (similar to kraft mac and cheese) - 99 cents a box.  And that xanthan gum - 49cents a bag - talk about a mark down.  Even a box of cupcake mix for a treat for hubby.

It is hard to remember to just give my burdens to the Lord the first time.  He heard that prayer in my local Ingles and directed my steps to His provision.  Praise the Lord!

More Experiments

It is not always easy to be budget conscious and to deal with food allergies.  Hubby is lactose-intolerant and has been since he was a little guy.  He puts up with the effects of some of his favorite foods (like ice cream), but I try to get him foods that won't irritate him like frozen yogurt and lactose free milk.  The stores have more and more options (including generics) which is nice.  Hubby loves the Great Value lactose free milk.  Despite the increased options, and lowering prices, they are still not as low-cost as regular milk.  I decided to try making rice milk this weekend.  While the experiment worked, the rice milk will not be enjoyed by the glass but rather will have to go in baking and cooking :)

The recipe is simple.  Simply boil 8 times more water then rice and simmer for 3 hours.  When time is complete, stick rice and extra water (if necessary) in blender then strain.  When it comes time to use the "milk" simply add water and shake to get the desired consistency.  (Salt and maple syrup can be added to increase taste). 

Thinking of trying almond milk next!

Plum District Additional Dollars

Several of you got a $5 credit to Plum District back in November.  Perhaps you forgot about it or are waiting for the perfect gift to buy.  Currently you can add to that credit here by taking a short Mother's Day survey for another $5 credit.  If you did not get the initial credit, you can do so here.  $10 may help fill that gift closet for Christmas or find a shower gift or a birthday gift or just give you a little "pick-me-up."

Cornmeal Quiche

I am sure that with the rising gas costs, many of you are finding new ways to cut back.  Typically, we first look at our use of gas and unnecessary trips and then we hit the food budget.  Hubby asked the other day that we have 2-3 meatless meals each week - for him that is a BIG deal!  And so I try to find meatless meals that don't leave him frustrated.  He loves a soup and sandwhich night.  A large tossed salad with hard boiled eggs is satisfying (especially with homemade croutons).  A big pot of baked beans and fresh biscuits is not snubbed.  I discovered early in our marriage that seemingly anything with a crust is a hit ... so I decided to try this quiche.  It is quick to put together, uses common ingredients, and fits the "meatless" criteria.  It was also quite the find after I had found and purchased 3 dozen organic eggs marked down to 99 cents a dozen and been given one dozen farm fresh eggs later that day.

Cornmeal Quiche

Crust

Combine in bowl:

1/2 c cornmeal

3/4 c sifted flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

Cut in:

1/3 c shortening, soft

Sprinkle over while tossing with a fork:

3 Tbls cold water

Stir lightly until mixture will form a ball.

Roll out on lightly floured board.

Fit loosely into 9" pie plate;

fold edge under and flute.

Preheat oven to 425*

Filling:

Lay on bottom of unbaked crust:

6 slices or 1 1/4 c shredded cheese.

Spread over cheese:

2 c whole kernel corn, well drained

Combine in a bowl:

5 eggs

3/4 c light cream or evaporated milk (I used skim milk with a little butter)

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cayenne

Beat until well blended.

Pour over corn.

Place on bottom rack of oven.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Reduce temp to 350* and continue baking 25-30 min.

Let stand 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Holed Up

It is what I fondly refer to as a "Seattle Day."  It is gray with rain.  Not cold out, but looking at the day makes you a little cool.  I have enjoyed some warm coffee this afternoon.  I just love the flavored creamers ... it almost makes Starbucks obsolete in my mind :)  Hubby is off to work and I think that I will dig out some Christmas decorations tonight and possibly start the card making process.

I spent some of this afternoon shopping on line.  I used my credit at One King's Lane to get a quality wood toy for my gift closet.  The toy was free, unfortunately, their credit did not cover shipping.  Oh well. 

Are you having a gray day or enjoying a beautiful fall day or perhaps getting a taste of winter?

Enjoy it ... whatever it is!

Black Friday Online

I have yet to get the thrill of Black Friday shopping.  Yes, I love a good deal - but, oh the insanity.  As hubby left Kmart last night at around 10 am, there were already people in the parking lot waiting for the 5 am opening!  I was actually going to try to go to Office Max this morning for some antivirus software and flash drives, but aborted the idea in favor of shopping Amazon.com.  I figured that it was a bad sign when the software was already sold out online.  So Amazon.com got my business and I only paid $5 extra and saved sleep and gas!

At least two of my readers signed up for Plum District and received $5.  If you order something today and use the coupon code GIVE10, you can add another $10 to your credit.  It is only good today, but you should at least check it out!  If you did not sign up, you can still earn the $5 credit in addition to the days sale.

Free Credit

Another daily deal site is offering you a free $5 credit just for signing up.  As I said, this is a good way to collect a stash of simple gifts for holidays, birthdays, or just to encourage a friend.  Check it out here.  It appears that these deals are good on fast food, groceries, or auto repair in your local area similar to the Entertainment Coupon Book,

Boost the Profits

I mentioned a free $5 credit at PlumDistrict last week.  Until Monday, they are offering a $10 credit.  So if you did not jump on it last week because it didn't seem worth it ... I know that you can get something for free now.  And like I said before, I held mine "too long" and they added $5 to it.  Sign up here.

More Freebies or Deep Discounts

Did you have any success with my last links?  Here is another site giving away $10 credits.  I signed up this morning and will be watching to restock my gift closet.  I briefly looked at some toys that would not be free, but would be highly discounted with the credit.  Check it out here.

Budget Shopping

I am certainly no pro at saving money, but I have read a number of books and subscribed to a number of deal seeking web sites in the effort to be a better home economist.  Our local site (put out by a Christian associated with the college here) is http://www.thedealscoop.com/ .  The more comprehensive nationwide site is http://www.moneysavingmom.com/ .  Many times in the past three years, hubby and I have remarked that if I had known during our 4 years in Washington what I know now, it is possible that he would not have had to work at all while going to school.  There are so many games to play and ways to save money. I used to be embarrased to use coupons!  Imagine that!

This year, I have tried to do much of my Christmas shopping throughout the year using coupons, clearance racks, and free credits from online sites.  I have a growing extended family and this experiment is allowing me to acknowledge each one without breaking the bank ... and hopefully allows me to still have some funds to send them a box at Valentine's Day (that's something fun that is unique to this aunt).  One King's Lane is one such site offering gifts for the home... they are currently giving a $15 free credit when you sign up.  While this is not the best deal I have found (because the credit cannot apply to shipping - you still have to pay $4.95 shipping), it is profitable when you do alot of shopping online any way because you live in "the sticks!"  Plum District is giving $5 to 5 of my friends at this link .  I recently had a $10 credit with Plum District and when I didn't use it as promptly as they thought that I should, they ADDED $5 to it!!