Words to the Wise
No man is rich who spends more than he earns and no man is poor who earns more then he spends.
Jill
posted by Jill Cooper at 9:45 AM
1 comments
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Don't Worry Be Happy :) :)
Not to long ago I wrote an article about fear and the spirit of fear. Shortly after I wrote it I had a very interesting conversation with an older woman. I have known this woman for a long time and even though she has always considered herself a strong Christian, fear and worry have been her middle name.
What made me stop and think was a story she told me. Some how we got to talking about parking garages and she told me how her granddaughter had worked at a place where she had to park in a parking garage everyday. The woman went on to say that she each day she worried herself sick that something was going to happen to her granddaughter in that parking garage.
Many months even years later this granddaughter is fine and nothing ever happened to her. This woman has worried about many things like this all of her life and not one of them have ever come to pass. Do you know how much time and energy she has wasted and spent on something that never even existed in her life and the chances are that they never will?
I wonder how many of us use up our time on worrying about things that will never happen? Think in your own life, what have you worried about in the past week, month or year that never came to pass or that if it did happen it worked out fine, you lived through it or it didn't turn out as bad as you thought?How many things do we buy or see advertised that are suppose to help take care of something we are worried about?
Maybe when in Philippians 4:8 it talks about thinking on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and anything that is excellent or praiseworthy, one of the things it is really meaning is to think on these things because it will help you get rid of worrying thoughts and fearful thoughts. If you read the verses above it ( vs 6) it says be anxious about nothing and then follows with what you are to think on. Worrying thoughts are not on the list.
God gives us many commandments. All of which are for our own good. So often we become self righteous and proud of ourselves because we wouldn't dream of committing adultery, murder or steal but how often do we fall into Satan's trap and break what we Christians sometimes think of as the "little or not so important" commandments like do not be anxious, fear not, don't gossip etc?
Like the "main" commandments He gives us these others for our own good and protection in the same way we give should give rules to our children for their own good and protection. Worries and fears can not only destroy our lives but our family's lives just as murder, adultery and stealing can. If you think about it worrying and fear is a form of stealing, adultery and murder; it steals from our mind good, loving and practical thoughts, it commits adultery by causing us to always think on our worries instead of God and our family, it murders because if you worry enough it will kill your physical body, your emotional life and your spiritual life.
You have all heard the story of the man looking down the road and there were 10 "worries" headed toward him. He didn't know what to do he was so afraid but in the end only one arrived.
Don't allow Satan to win this battle by keeping you wrapped up in your worries. You and I both know worrying has never ever fixed one thing whether it is your finances, your marriage or your kids. Get rid of your worries and fears so you can use the common sense that God has given you to deal with the one problem (like in the story), when and if it comes because chances are it won't even happen.
I hope you all have a "worry" free day.
Jill
What made me stop and think was a story she told me. Some how we got to talking about parking garages and she told me how her granddaughter had worked at a place where she had to park in a parking garage everyday. The woman went on to say that she each day she worried herself sick that something was going to happen to her granddaughter in that parking garage.
Many months even years later this granddaughter is fine and nothing ever happened to her. This woman has worried about many things like this all of her life and not one of them have ever come to pass. Do you know how much time and energy she has wasted and spent on something that never even existed in her life and the chances are that they never will?
I wonder how many of us use up our time on worrying about things that will never happen? Think in your own life, what have you worried about in the past week, month or year that never came to pass or that if it did happen it worked out fine, you lived through it or it didn't turn out as bad as you thought?How many things do we buy or see advertised that are suppose to help take care of something we are worried about?
Maybe when in Philippians 4:8 it talks about thinking on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and anything that is excellent or praiseworthy, one of the things it is really meaning is to think on these things because it will help you get rid of worrying thoughts and fearful thoughts. If you read the verses above it ( vs 6) it says be anxious about nothing and then follows with what you are to think on. Worrying thoughts are not on the list.
God gives us many commandments. All of which are for our own good. So often we become self righteous and proud of ourselves because we wouldn't dream of committing adultery, murder or steal but how often do we fall into Satan's trap and break what we Christians sometimes think of as the "little or not so important" commandments like do not be anxious, fear not, don't gossip etc?
Like the "main" commandments He gives us these others for our own good and protection in the same way we give should give rules to our children for their own good and protection. Worries and fears can not only destroy our lives but our family's lives just as murder, adultery and stealing can. If you think about it worrying and fear is a form of stealing, adultery and murder; it steals from our mind good, loving and practical thoughts, it commits adultery by causing us to always think on our worries instead of God and our family, it murders because if you worry enough it will kill your physical body, your emotional life and your spiritual life.
You have all heard the story of the man looking down the road and there were 10 "worries" headed toward him. He didn't know what to do he was so afraid but in the end only one arrived.
Don't allow Satan to win this battle by keeping you wrapped up in your worries. You and I both know worrying has never ever fixed one thing whether it is your finances, your marriage or your kids. Get rid of your worries and fears so you can use the common sense that God has given you to deal with the one problem (like in the story), when and if it comes because chances are it won't even happen.
I hope you all have a "worry" free day.
Jill
posted by Jill Cooper at 9:56 AM
16 comments
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Deal of the Day
Since today is my Birthday and I LOVE cheescake I just had to make sure you guys knew about this great deal! I just wish we had a Cheesecake Factory here! :-(
Tawra
From: Rebecca P.
On July 30th the Cheesecake Factory is
celebrating its 30th anniversary. You can buy a
slice of Cheesecake for $1.50! This would make a
great date night.
Tawra
From: Rebecca P.
On July 30th the Cheesecake Factory is
celebrating its 30th anniversary. You can buy a
slice of Cheesecake for $1.50! This would make a
great date night.
posted by Tawra Jean at 12:00 AM
10 comments
Monday, July 28, 2008
Deal of the Day
From: suzanne balvanz
Hi Tawra:
I am a constant reader. LOVE your blog. And I
love saving money. I wanted to share this tip
with you. In my "real" job, I am a photographer.
Since I work myself, I call the shots. One of the
things that I do probably every six months is do
a Freebie Call. This means I offer a bunch of
free sessions to a large cross-section of people.
This gives me fresh faces for my portfolion and
it gives my clients FREE PHOTOS. It's a win-win.
I just offered a Freebie Call to some seniors in
the area and had 12 families participate. You can
let you tell your readers that they, too, can
contact photographers in their area to see if any
such Freebies exist where they live.
I would even be willing to offer a Freebie to
readers of your blog, if they live within a 30
mile radius of my address...(with gas prices gone
crazy, I don't drive far unless I HAVE TO...)
Thanks for all you do. You're awesome!!
Suzanne Balvanz
Mom, ARMY wife, Homeschooler and Photographer
www.PictureThisbySuzanne.com
and my blog is at
www.suzannebalvanz.blogspot.com
EMail: balvanzfamily@gmail.com
Hi Tawra:
I am a constant reader. LOVE your blog. And I
love saving money. I wanted to share this tip
with you. In my "real" job, I am a photographer.
Since I work myself, I call the shots. One of the
things that I do probably every six months is do
a Freebie Call. This means I offer a bunch of
free sessions to a large cross-section of people.
This gives me fresh faces for my portfolion and
it gives my clients FREE PHOTOS. It's a win-win.
I just offered a Freebie Call to some seniors in
the area and had 12 families participate. You can
let you tell your readers that they, too, can
contact photographers in their area to see if any
such Freebies exist where they live.
I would even be willing to offer a Freebie to
readers of your blog, if they live within a 30
mile radius of my address...(with gas prices gone
crazy, I don't drive far unless I HAVE TO...)
Thanks for all you do. You're awesome!!
Suzanne Balvanz
Mom, ARMY wife, Homeschooler and Photographer
www.PictureThisbySuzanne.com
and my blog is at
www.suzannebalvanz.blogspot.com
EMail: balvanzfamily@gmail.com
posted by Tawra Jean at 6:55 PM
1 comments
Free E-book
Don't forget to get your free Money Management e-book from us today only!
Feel free to pass this on to your friends! Tawra
http://homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/
Feel free to pass this on to your friends! Tawra
http://homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/
posted by Tawra Jean at 9:26 AM
2 comments
Setting Up Your Kids For Success
We have all heard it said that we are to encourage our kids and that they respond better to encouragement than to criticism. Usually when we think of encouraging, we think of something like saying, "Good job" or "You're doing really well". This is one way of setting up your kids for success.
Another way to encourage them and help them succeed is to arrange things so that their daily tasks or chores are easier.
For example:
Companies that are successful usually have employees that enjoy their work. One way that you can make the work more fun for your kids by providing mini-aprons for the girls while they help mom clean the kitchen. If you don't have a small apron, then just fold a large cotton dish towel into a triangle and tie it around her waist.
My daughter bought a butcher's apron for my grandson and decorated it for him to use when he makes pancakes. He loved it and making breakfast for the family is now a treat and not a chore for him.
Another thing you can do to make it easier for both you and your kids is to make lists of chores and hang them in certain areas. I'm not talking about the usual chore lists. These are lists explaining how to do the chores.
For example, when you tell your child to go clean his room, "clean" could mean any number of things. Usually, what you consider cleaning the room is not your child's idea of cleaning it. In his room, post a list of what specific tasks your child should do when you tell him to clean his room. Kids are very literal thinkers and being specific will make the process smoother (At the same time, avoid including too many details).
Here are some examples of this type of list:
Clean Room
Make Bed
Put dirty clothes in hamper
Pick up all toys off of the floor and put in bins
Vacuum
Set Table
Place mats
Plates
Forks, Knives, Spoons
Napkins
Salt and Pepper
Butter
Laundry
Sort into colors; lights, white, colors
Check for stains
Fill washer 3/4 full
Put detergent in washer
(and list the rest of the details in doing the laundry...)
Kids tend to tune mom out after she has told them the same thing over and over. A child will follow a list better than too many verbal instructions, and it saves mom from having to repeat herself. You can make these lists for all kinds of things including steps to clean the kitchen, the bathroom or the family room.
This doesn't mean that you won't have to pop in once in a while to help and teach them, but this will save some time. Kids are smarter than the credit we sometimes give them. (Just ask their grandma how smart they are-- She'll tell you!) Even though they're smart, they still don't have experience doing these things and you have to train them. This means lots of repetition, so be patient.
One last thing you need to do is always check their work. This way, they know they will be held accountable. John Maxwell says "...what doesn't get inspected won't be respected. If there is no accountability in an area, then there's no incentive to perform with excellence in it. ...the root causes of poor performance in a workplace are inadequate training, a lack of capacity and a bad attitude. It is the leader's responsibility to ensure that they pick the right people for the job, properly equip them for the functions they are required to perform and above all else, model confidence and optimism in their work."
These same ideas apply at home. And always remember you can get twice as much out of a child with encouragement, a gentle word and a smile than by screaming, criticizing and belittling. I hope this has been of some help to you. If you'd like more tips to help with your kids, check out our new "Saving With Kids" E-book series.
Jill
Another way to encourage them and help them succeed is to arrange things so that their daily tasks or chores are easier.
For example:
- If you expect them to hang up their coats each day, you are setting them up for failure if the coat rack is too high or if the coat hooks aren't large enough.
- If you expect them to pick up their dirty clothes, then provide them with hampers in their rooms.
- If you require your children to make their beds, give them comforters instead of bedspreads, since comforters are easier for them to use.
Companies that are successful usually have employees that enjoy their work. One way that you can make the work more fun for your kids by providing mini-aprons for the girls while they help mom clean the kitchen. If you don't have a small apron, then just fold a large cotton dish towel into a triangle and tie it around her waist.
My daughter bought a butcher's apron for my grandson and decorated it for him to use when he makes pancakes. He loved it and making breakfast for the family is now a treat and not a chore for him.
Another thing you can do to make it easier for both you and your kids is to make lists of chores and hang them in certain areas. I'm not talking about the usual chore lists. These are lists explaining how to do the chores.
For example, when you tell your child to go clean his room, "clean" could mean any number of things. Usually, what you consider cleaning the room is not your child's idea of cleaning it. In his room, post a list of what specific tasks your child should do when you tell him to clean his room. Kids are very literal thinkers and being specific will make the process smoother (At the same time, avoid including too many details).
Here are some examples of this type of list:
Clean Room
Make Bed
Put dirty clothes in hamper
Pick up all toys off of the floor and put in bins
Vacuum
Set Table
Place mats
Plates
Forks, Knives, Spoons
Napkins
Salt and Pepper
Butter
Laundry
Sort into colors; lights, white, colors
Check for stains
Fill washer 3/4 full
Put detergent in washer
(and list the rest of the details in doing the laundry...)
Kids tend to tune mom out after she has told them the same thing over and over. A child will follow a list better than too many verbal instructions, and it saves mom from having to repeat herself. You can make these lists for all kinds of things including steps to clean the kitchen, the bathroom or the family room.
This doesn't mean that you won't have to pop in once in a while to help and teach them, but this will save some time. Kids are smarter than the credit we sometimes give them. (Just ask their grandma how smart they are-- She'll tell you!) Even though they're smart, they still don't have experience doing these things and you have to train them. This means lots of repetition, so be patient.
One last thing you need to do is always check their work. This way, they know they will be held accountable. John Maxwell says "...what doesn't get inspected won't be respected. If there is no accountability in an area, then there's no incentive to perform with excellence in it. ...the root causes of poor performance in a workplace are inadequate training, a lack of capacity and a bad attitude. It is the leader's responsibility to ensure that they pick the right people for the job, properly equip them for the functions they are required to perform and above all else, model confidence and optimism in their work."
These same ideas apply at home. And always remember you can get twice as much out of a child with encouragement, a gentle word and a smile than by screaming, criticizing and belittling. I hope this has been of some help to you. If you'd like more tips to help with your kids, check out our new "Saving With Kids" E-book series.
Jill
posted by Jill Cooper at 6:00 AM
1 comments
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Deal of the Day
From: Christina
I have been stocking up on all the .01 sales that
the stores have been having around Cleburne.
Staples, Office Depot, WalMart have been haveing
penny, .05, and quarter sales.
I have been stocking up on all the .01 sales that
the stores have been having around Cleburne.
Staples, Office Depot, WalMart have been haveing
penny, .05, and quarter sales.
posted by Tawra Jean at 12:00 AM
1 comments
Friday, July 25, 2008
Recession or Depression?
I have to say that I am sick of hearing about these hard economic times on the news, particularly when in the next segment they are reporting that one million new i-phones (I don't remember which one) were sold in one day! Then I look on craigslist and everyone is getting rid of their entertainment centers because their new Plasma TV's don't fit in them anymore! Augh!!!
What made me even angrier was watching a morning talk show and John Edwards was on there saying "we all know there is a rescession" but Phil Gramm, McCain's advisor said that American's are a bunch of whiners and there is no rescession. The host said "yes, we all KNOW there is a rescession," when we haven't seen any true economic crisis yet. Yes, prices have gone up but for the most part Americans aren't suffering by any reasonable standard. Yes, we have to give up some stuff but it's not like we are starving.
My friend Gary wrote a great article and I just had to share it.
Tawra
Recession or Depression?
The Dollar Stretcher Blog
by Gary Foreman
What's the difference between a recession and a depression?
Which one are we in now?
Is it possible that the other will happen?
Thanks, Carrie
Perhaps an article on the definition of a recession would be helpful. Love the Stretcher, but you seem to accept that we are in a recession. Not by
the numbers - not yet, at least. We are experiencing inflation. But maybe not a recession. Time will tell. Just makes a great website and newsletter look less than stellar when you buy in to the conventional wisdom instead of stating facts...
Jennifer
Carrie & Jennifer,
Let's start with the facts. A recession is when the economy shrinks for 2 consecutive quarters. A depression is when the economy shrinks by more than 10%.
So far we have not even had 1 quarter where the economy has shrunk. So we're not in either a recession or a depression.
It's possible (likely?) that we'll go into a recession. We haven't had even one quarter of economic decline since Q3 2001 (think the aftermath of 9/11) and no recession since before 2000. That's a very long period of uninterrupted economic growth. So it's remarkable that we haven't had one before now. Based on past economic cycles we are long, long overdue.
As to forecasting the future? That's something that I really don't think I can do. Nor is it really necessary.
Do I buy the 'conventional wisdom' that we're already in a recession? No, I really don't. I think that the media will always promote a potential crisis. It helps them to keep readers/viewers and to make money. You'll never see a big headline saying "Everything Is OK". That doesn't sell newspapers or keep TV watchers from reaching for the remote. In fact, I get bugged when they hype a recession that doesn't exist. Frankly, they've got a lot of people scared who don't need to be.
But, just because we're not officially in a recession, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't discuss being prepared for hard times. Even when times are good. Just like the Boy Scouts we believe in being prepared. For a job loss, unexpected illness or other unexpected expense. That's just being smart in my book. We've been encouraging people to save for a rainy day since we started in '96. I've been telling individuals the same thing back when I was a financial planner for the last 25 years. It's always been good advice.
Does that make us look like we're going along with the 'conventional wisdom'? Perhaps. But, that's really not the motivation.
It's important for us to remember that not everyone is in the same place in life. Some of our readers are doing just fine. Sure, they're not happy about higher gasoline or bread prices. But, paying for them won't break their budget.
That's not true for everyone. Some folks are really struggling with the higher gas prices. They can hardly afford to drive to work. Others may have lost a job or faced a sudden illness. For them it doesn't matter whether the economy is in a recession. Their family is in a recession. And, that's all that matters to them.
It's our job to try to provide tools for those who need them and are willing to use them. That means that we'll probably always pay a little more attention to the black cloud instead of looking at the silver lining. Personally I tend to be an optimist. But I think that being prepared for the worst actually gives you more freedom to be optimistic about the future.
Instead of worrying about it, you know that you've taken appropriate steps.
That really would make a good motto. "Expect the best, prepare for the worst." (I googled it and find that it's attributable to Zig Ziglar - it does sound like something that he'd say). But, it's good advice. Especially for those of us who want to be in control of our financial futures.
Keep on Stretching those Dollars!
Gary
Gary Foreman is the editor of The Dollar Stretcher.com website <> and newsletters <>. Not only does the site host thousands of articles on various ways to save money, but you'll also find a vibrant forum where people share their dollar stretching ideas. Comment on this entry here <>.
What made me even angrier was watching a morning talk show and John Edwards was on there saying "we all know there is a rescession" but Phil Gramm, McCain's advisor said that American's are a bunch of whiners and there is no rescession. The host said "yes, we all KNOW there is a rescession," when we haven't seen any true economic crisis yet. Yes, prices have gone up but for the most part Americans aren't suffering by any reasonable standard. Yes, we have to give up some stuff but it's not like we are starving.
My friend Gary wrote a great article and I just had to share it.
Tawra
Recession or Depression?
The Dollar Stretcher Blog
by Gary Foreman
What's the difference between a recession and a depression?
Which one are we in now?
Is it possible that the other will happen?
Thanks, Carrie
Perhaps an article on the definition of a recession would be helpful. Love the Stretcher, but you seem to accept that we are in a recession. Not by
the numbers - not yet, at least. We are experiencing inflation. But maybe not a recession. Time will tell. Just makes a great website and newsletter look less than stellar when you buy in to the conventional wisdom instead of stating facts...
Jennifer
Carrie & Jennifer,
Let's start with the facts. A recession is when the economy shrinks for 2 consecutive quarters. A depression is when the economy shrinks by more than 10%.
So far we have not even had 1 quarter where the economy has shrunk. So we're not in either a recession or a depression.
It's possible (likely?) that we'll go into a recession. We haven't had even one quarter of economic decline since Q3 2001 (think the aftermath of 9/11) and no recession since before 2000. That's a very long period of uninterrupted economic growth. So it's remarkable that we haven't had one before now. Based on past economic cycles we are long, long overdue.
As to forecasting the future? That's something that I really don't think I can do. Nor is it really necessary.
Do I buy the 'conventional wisdom' that we're already in a recession? No, I really don't. I think that the media will always promote a potential crisis. It helps them to keep readers/viewers and to make money. You'll never see a big headline saying "Everything Is OK". That doesn't sell newspapers or keep TV watchers from reaching for the remote. In fact, I get bugged when they hype a recession that doesn't exist. Frankly, they've got a lot of people scared who don't need to be.
But, just because we're not officially in a recession, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't discuss being prepared for hard times. Even when times are good. Just like the Boy Scouts we believe in being prepared. For a job loss, unexpected illness or other unexpected expense. That's just being smart in my book. We've been encouraging people to save for a rainy day since we started in '96. I've been telling individuals the same thing back when I was a financial planner for the last 25 years. It's always been good advice.
Does that make us look like we're going along with the 'conventional wisdom'? Perhaps. But, that's really not the motivation.
It's important for us to remember that not everyone is in the same place in life. Some of our readers are doing just fine. Sure, they're not happy about higher gasoline or bread prices. But, paying for them won't break their budget.
That's not true for everyone. Some folks are really struggling with the higher gas prices. They can hardly afford to drive to work. Others may have lost a job or faced a sudden illness. For them it doesn't matter whether the economy is in a recession. Their family is in a recession. And, that's all that matters to them.
It's our job to try to provide tools for those who need them and are willing to use them. That means that we'll probably always pay a little more attention to the black cloud instead of looking at the silver lining. Personally I tend to be an optimist. But I think that being prepared for the worst actually gives you more freedom to be optimistic about the future.
Instead of worrying about it, you know that you've taken appropriate steps.
That really would make a good motto. "Expect the best, prepare for the worst." (I googled it and find that it's attributable to Zig Ziglar - it does sound like something that he'd say). But, it's good advice. Especially for those of us who want to be in control of our financial futures.
Keep on Stretching those Dollars!
Gary
Gary Foreman is the editor of The Dollar Stretcher.com website <> and newsletters <>. Not only does the site host thousands of articles on various ways to save money, but you'll also find a vibrant forum where people share their dollar stretching ideas. Comment on this entry here <>.
posted by Tawra Jean at 12:00 AM
5 comments
Deal of the Day
when the new school year is just right around the
corner in July, I also have my car tags due on
top of that and being a single mom with 2 boys
and NO childsupport it does make it difficult
thats for sure, we also have to pay school fees
and lunches OUCH!!! so usually I start the year
before, I have notice in the past years that as
soon as school starts all those supplies are 50%
off that includes backpacks but I also notices
that the summer clothes go way down Ill usually
find clothes for a dollar they want to make room
for winter clothes. SO the year before I picked
up extra school supplies at 50% off for the next
year, I also save the school supplies list so I
have it year round. Buying my sons clothes at
1.00 or 2.00 dollars and size larger hes ready
for the next year and Im never paying full price
for anything again. I will also pick up like new
backpacks at garage sales too. I truelly love
being frugal and see it as a challenge, I have
been frugal all my life. kelley
corner in July, I also have my car tags due on
top of that and being a single mom with 2 boys
and NO childsupport it does make it difficult
thats for sure, we also have to pay school fees
and lunches OUCH!!! so usually I start the year
before, I have notice in the past years that as
soon as school starts all those supplies are 50%
off that includes backpacks but I also notices
that the summer clothes go way down Ill usually
find clothes for a dollar they want to make room
for winter clothes. SO the year before I picked
up extra school supplies at 50% off for the next
year, I also save the school supplies list so I
have it year round. Buying my sons clothes at
1.00 or 2.00 dollars and size larger hes ready
for the next year and Im never paying full price
for anything again. I will also pick up like new
backpacks at garage sales too. I truelly love
being frugal and see it as a challenge, I have
been frugal all my life. kelley
posted by Tawra Jean at 12:00 AM
0 comments
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Deal of the Day
Deborah sent us this one from our friend Jim Erskine. It's not just for homeschoolers. There are lots of great freebies for everyone. Be sure to check Monday because he is going to be featuring one of our e-books and you can get it for free!!
Also, don't forget to check out our Christmas in July Sale!! You can get Dig out of Debt and Penny Pinchin Mama for 57% off!!
Tawra
This is a link for a free ebook or audio file that can be downloaded
each day. They will be particularly helpful to homeschoolers, but
many parents will enjoy the products.
Also, don't forget to check out our Christmas in July Sale!! You can get Dig out of Debt and Penny Pinchin Mama for 57% off!!
Tawra
This is a link for a free ebook or audio file that can be downloaded
each day. They will be particularly helpful to homeschoolers, but
many parents will enjoy the products.
posted by Tawra Jean at 8:25 AM
2 comments
Where have you been?
Hi guys, just wanted to jump in with a quick note to let you know that I'm still around.
I haven't been feeling well, had company and the kids are out of school so I'm not getting much time in to blog. Please hang in there with me as we are working on several new things and in a few weeks should be back up to speed with some new blogs and more money saving ideas to share.
Tawra
I haven't been feeling well, had company and the kids are out of school so I'm not getting much time in to blog. Please hang in there with me as we are working on several new things and in a few weeks should be back up to speed with some new blogs and more money saving ideas to share.
Tawra
posted by Tawra Jean at 8:23 AM
1 comments
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Deal of the Day
From: Shelley Mitchell
My daughter Taylore will be a senior next year.
Knowing this will be a very expensive year for
me, I am very conscience of my financial
situation. I am a single mother of three, so I
am constantly looking for deals. Recently, while
shopping at Sears for summer clothes to go on
vacation, we noticed the clearence section
(already 60% off) was now offering an additional
40% off the lowest price. It was Prom Dresses.
I ended up getting my daughter a dress originally
priced $120.00; for $27.99. She is set for Prom
this year. I thought other mothers would be
interested in this.
Thank you for letting me pass this on;
Shelley Mitchell
Michigan
My daughter Taylore will be a senior next year.
Knowing this will be a very expensive year for
me, I am very conscience of my financial
situation. I am a single mother of three, so I
am constantly looking for deals. Recently, while
shopping at Sears for summer clothes to go on
vacation, we noticed the clearence section
(already 60% off) was now offering an additional
40% off the lowest price. It was Prom Dresses.
I ended up getting my daughter a dress originally
priced $120.00; for $27.99. She is set for Prom
this year. I thought other mothers would be
interested in this.
Thank you for letting me pass this on;
Shelley Mitchell
Michigan
posted by Tawra Jean at 12:00 AM
2 comments
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Deal of the Day
From: Nancy
Here is another way to save money - Walgreens has
their Colgate toothpaste and toothbrushes on
sale periodically - I keep a notebook handy to
know when they will come back on sale. I scour
the newspaper/Internet for coupons - I bought a
years worth of toothbrushes for my husband and I
along with 8 tubes of toothpaste using the
Walgreens coupon and the MFG coupon combined - I
only paid 8.00 for 12 toothbrushes and 8 tubes of
toothpaste! Now I'm stocked for the year. I do
this with shampoo, deodorant (Walgreens has a
killer coupon price for their secret deodorant
and my husbands will use it!) so I can get
deodorant for an entire year for less than 5.00!!
Make coupons and additional discounts work for
you not against you! Nonna's a popular
restaurant has coupons buy one entire get one 50% -
we only go when they send me our anniversary
10.00 off coupon and when they have a good sale -
this Saturday we will be eating an 8 oz ribeye
with all the fixin's for 7.95 for one and 4.00
for the second meal and then I'll use my 10.00
off coupon!
Here is another way to save money - Walgreens has
their Colgate toothpaste and toothbrushes on
sale periodically - I keep a notebook handy to
know when they will come back on sale. I scour
the newspaper/Internet for coupons - I bought a
years worth of toothbrushes for my husband and I
along with 8 tubes of toothpaste using the
Walgreens coupon and the MFG coupon combined - I
only paid 8.00 for 12 toothbrushes and 8 tubes of
toothpaste! Now I'm stocked for the year. I do
this with shampoo, deodorant (Walgreens has a
killer coupon price for their secret deodorant
and my husbands will use it!) so I can get
deodorant for an entire year for less than 5.00!!
Make coupons and additional discounts work for
you not against you! Nonna's a popular
restaurant has coupons buy one entire get one 50% -
we only go when they send me our anniversary
10.00 off coupon and when they have a good sale -
this Saturday we will be eating an 8 oz ribeye
with all the fixin's for 7.95 for one and 4.00
for the second meal and then I'll use my 10.00
off coupon!
posted by Tawra Jean at 12:00 AM
3 comments
Monday, July 21, 2008
Deal of the Day
From: Nancy
If you have animals it is hard to find treats
that are not outrageous. I make most of mine but
I came across a deal to good to pass up. There
is a manufacture of dog food called WholeMeals -
the food is actually in bones. I buy at PetsMart
the mini's 24 ct - when they are on special for
7.99 - plus I use my 3.00 off coupon and I get 24
bones for .20 each. The best part is they are
healthier than regular treats and I can reduce
the amount I feed my dogs when I give them a
bone. I carry these with me when we travel as it
is easier than carrying the dog food.
If you have animals it is hard to find treats
that are not outrageous. I make most of mine but
I came across a deal to good to pass up. There
is a manufacture of dog food called WholeMeals -
the food is actually in bones. I buy at PetsMart
the mini's 24 ct - when they are on special for
7.99 - plus I use my 3.00 off coupon and I get 24
bones for .20 each. The best part is they are
healthier than regular treats and I can reduce
the amount I feed my dogs when I give them a
bone. I carry these with me when we travel as it
is easier than carrying the dog food.
posted by Tawra Jean at 8:54 AM
0 comments
Friday, July 18, 2008
Medical Insurance
We have been checking on medical insurance to buy for our family.
We were pleasantly surprised to find the prices weren't as bad as we thought they would be.
We called Blue Cross and for all us, including me with FM, it's
$2,000 deductible
with 50/50 co-pay up to $2,000 for only $300 a month.
It's up to $1,000 if it's just one person.
If we want doc's visits ($25 co-pay) and prescription then it's only $445 a month.
That's not near as bad as we thought it would be. We just might be able to swing that.
You just might check before assuming you can't afford medical. Yes, it's expensive but then again, it might not be as bad as you think.
Tawra
We were pleasantly surprised to find the prices weren't as bad as we thought they would be.
We called Blue Cross and for all us, including me with FM, it's
$2,000 deductible
with 50/50 co-pay up to $2,000 for only $300 a month.
It's up to $1,000 if it's just one person.
If we want doc's visits ($25 co-pay) and prescription then it's only $445 a month.
That's not near as bad as we thought it would be. We just might be able to swing that.
You just might check before assuming you can't afford medical. Yes, it's expensive but then again, it might not be as bad as you think.
Tawra
posted by Tawra Jean at 10:01 AM
9 comments
Deal of the Day
From: Cathy
I got an incredible deal on some very nice
remnant fabric at my local Jo-Anns store. They
had big markdowns then 1/2 price.
Note from Tawra: Check all the time, they always have these great deals!
I got an incredible deal on some very nice
remnant fabric at my local Jo-Anns store. They
had big markdowns then 1/2 price.
Note from Tawra: Check all the time, they always have these great deals!
posted by Tawra Jean at 12:00 AM
3 comments
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Newsletter 7-15
In today's newsletter, we look at different ways to think about money and Jill answers a reader question with suggestions for inexpensive snacks on the go.
Don't forget to check the blog for our Deal of the Day! It's starting out well and has been popular with readers so far! If you have a deal of the day you'd like to submit, you can send it to us here. http://www.livingonadime.com/contact.htm
I'm sorry that I'm not blogging as much as usual. The kids are home from school and it's hard to get anything done! --There's only 1 month left :-) (but who's counting)?
Have a good week!
-Tawra
www.LivingOnADime.com
If Time is Money, Then Money is Time, Too!
When people ask me about getting out of debt, they often ask "Doesn't it take quite a bit more time to be frugal?" Of course, doing work yourself does mean you spend more time doing certain things, but it also means that you will spend a lot less time and money working to pay someone else to do it. Many people work more hours to pay someone else to do a job than it would take them to do it themselves. Of course, if you make a million dollars a year and have no manual dexterity, this article is not for you.
Here are some examples based on my own experience with a family of 5. Because your household income is probably not the same as mine, some things that make sense for me will not make sense for you. I suggest that you read my examples and consider your actual costs.
Example #1: Buying clothes- One great way to save on clothes is to go to garage sales. This seems very time consuming to many people, but it really isn’t. In the summer, I usually spend 3-4 hours every 2 weeks (May - September) going to garage sales. That may seem like a lot, but if you compare that to how much time the average person spends shopping at the mall, it really isn’t any longer.
Example #2: Meals- I usually average an hour and a half each day preparing and cleaning up from meals. Compare that to going out to eat: It takes the typical person 20 minutes to drive to the restaurant and 20 minutes to return home. That is 40 minutes. Then you spend 15-20 minutes ordering and waiting for your order. You are now up to one hour. If you plan an hour for eating, you are up to two hours total. Don't forget the 2-3 hours you had to work to pay for it! This assumes an income of $30,000 per year and a $40 family meal.
If you go to fast food restaurants instead, you could cut your time down to 40-50 minutes and 1-2 hours working to pay for it.
If you stay home and cook, it will cost you 15-30 minutes preparing the meal and less than $5 paying for it. I’m not saying that you should never eat out but, that if you do it regularly, it will cost you a lot more (in time and money). Is it really worth it?
Example #3: Buying a car- If you buy a new car with $500 a month payments for 5 years, you pay $30,000. Let’s say you earn $30,000 per year at your job. If you assume 25% income tax, you must earn $40,000 to pay for your $30,000 car. This means that you have to work 1 year and 4 months for no other reason but to pay for that car. Is it really worth working over one year just to pay for a new car? If you decided to buy a $7500 car instead, you could afford to take a vacation from work for a year. Haven’t you been saying you need more free time? (If you didn’t get that, get out your calculator and do the math. This is important.)
Always consider the hidden costs, too. Would you feel more inclined to buy a security system for that $30,000 car? How much will that cost? Are the parts more expensive for the $30,000 car when it breaks down? Trust me, your new car will still break down almost as much as a used car. Ask my brother...
Be very careful when you start saying things like "Doesn't it take too much time to be frugal?" or "I can't seem to find time to be with my husband or children" or "I don't know where to start saving." Often, those are excuses that you have created to ease your guilt. If you think about it and do the math, living simply will give you more free time. If you'd rather not, you can always keep spending money and wishing you had more family time. It's your choice! But take heart- if you have read this far then you get and A+ for taking the first step and trying!
Snacks On The Go
Donna writes: I am faced with getting two boys to soccer and baseball practices in the evenings. I am hoping to pack drinks and a hearty snack to get them through practice. I leave work at five and practice is often at 5:30. What can I feed the kids that fits the following criteria?
Can be eaten in the car on the way to practice
Can be made in the morning and either kept in the car or at my desk
Will be hearty enough to get them through practice and home again for dinner
Jill: You can adapt most snack foods to take in the car. You can even bring things that need to be refrigerated. Just use a small cooler or lunch box. Even a brown paper sack keeps things nicely insulated. You can buy small ice packs to pack with the food. (You should be able to find them by the coolers and thermoses at your store.) Another good idea is to freeze water, lemonade or some other drink in a plastic bottle. When you pack it in with food, it works as an ice pack and as something cold to drink for the kids. If it is going to be an extra long day, I sometimes use both the ice pack and the frozen drink.
If you can, pack the boys their own individual snack boxes using either small shoe boxes or lunch boxes. They can then hold these on their laps to catch the crumbs and when they're done, the boxes are a great way to "pack out the trash" so you will not have quite as big a mess in the car!
Keep things as easy as possible. For example: if you are taking oranges, have them peeled and broken into segments for them. This will make it easier for them and reduce the mess in the car.
Keep a running list of the snacks you take each day for a couple of weeks. At the end of that time you will have a list of about 20 to 30 snack items to refer to when you can't think of what to take.
Without knowing your food preferences, it is hard to tell you specifically what to take but here are some general ideas. Some may be a little messy in the car depending on the age of the children and some may need to be kept cooled (use my ideas above for keeping these cool). To expand the variety, give them different variations of my suggestions. For example, with fruit, give them an apple one day, an orange the next and so on.
Try starting with these:
Sandwiches (to prevent them from becoming soggy take packets of ketchup,mustard etc. to be put on right before they eat them) - peanut butter, cheese, turkey, roast beef, ham or chicken
Crackers with cheese
Popcorn or Popcorn balls
Sandwich bags filled with cereal
Granola
Banana bread
Dried fruit
Nuts
Muffins
Fruit
Veggies
Pudding
Yogurt with fruit
Hard boiled eggs
Burritos
Cheese
Chips
If your kids don't mind leftovers, bring that leftover piece of chicken or small container of leftover fruit salad for them too.
Don't forget to check the blog for our Deal of the Day! It's starting out well and has been popular with readers so far! If you have a deal of the day you'd like to submit, you can send it to us here. http://www.livingonadime.com/contact.htm
I'm sorry that I'm not blogging as much as usual. The kids are home from school and it's hard to get anything done! --There's only 1 month left :-) (but who's counting)?
Have a good week!
-Tawra
www.LivingOnADime.com
If Time is Money, Then Money is Time, Too!
When people ask me about getting out of debt, they often ask "Doesn't it take quite a bit more time to be frugal?" Of course, doing work yourself does mean you spend more time doing certain things, but it also means that you will spend a lot less time and money working to pay someone else to do it. Many people work more hours to pay someone else to do a job than it would take them to do it themselves. Of course, if you make a million dollars a year and have no manual dexterity, this article is not for you.
Here are some examples based on my own experience with a family of 5. Because your household income is probably not the same as mine, some things that make sense for me will not make sense for you. I suggest that you read my examples and consider your actual costs.
Example #1: Buying clothes- One great way to save on clothes is to go to garage sales. This seems very time consuming to many people, but it really isn’t. In the summer, I usually spend 3-4 hours every 2 weeks (May - September) going to garage sales. That may seem like a lot, but if you compare that to how much time the average person spends shopping at the mall, it really isn’t any longer.
Example #2: Meals- I usually average an hour and a half each day preparing and cleaning up from meals. Compare that to going out to eat: It takes the typical person 20 minutes to drive to the restaurant and 20 minutes to return home. That is 40 minutes. Then you spend 15-20 minutes ordering and waiting for your order. You are now up to one hour. If you plan an hour for eating, you are up to two hours total. Don't forget the 2-3 hours you had to work to pay for it! This assumes an income of $30,000 per year and a $40 family meal.
If you go to fast food restaurants instead, you could cut your time down to 40-50 minutes and 1-2 hours working to pay for it.
If you stay home and cook, it will cost you 15-30 minutes preparing the meal and less than $5 paying for it. I’m not saying that you should never eat out but, that if you do it regularly, it will cost you a lot more (in time and money). Is it really worth it?
Example #3: Buying a car- If you buy a new car with $500 a month payments for 5 years, you pay $30,000. Let’s say you earn $30,000 per year at your job. If you assume 25% income tax, you must earn $40,000 to pay for your $30,000 car. This means that you have to work 1 year and 4 months for no other reason but to pay for that car. Is it really worth working over one year just to pay for a new car? If you decided to buy a $7500 car instead, you could afford to take a vacation from work for a year. Haven’t you been saying you need more free time? (If you didn’t get that, get out your calculator and do the math. This is important.)
Always consider the hidden costs, too. Would you feel more inclined to buy a security system for that $30,000 car? How much will that cost? Are the parts more expensive for the $30,000 car when it breaks down? Trust me, your new car will still break down almost as much as a used car. Ask my brother...
Be very careful when you start saying things like "Doesn't it take too much time to be frugal?" or "I can't seem to find time to be with my husband or children" or "I don't know where to start saving." Often, those are excuses that you have created to ease your guilt. If you think about it and do the math, living simply will give you more free time. If you'd rather not, you can always keep spending money and wishing you had more family time. It's your choice! But take heart- if you have read this far then you get and A+ for taking the first step and trying!
Snacks On The Go
Donna writes: I am faced with getting two boys to soccer and baseball practices in the evenings. I am hoping to pack drinks and a hearty snack to get them through practice. I leave work at five and practice is often at 5:30. What can I feed the kids that fits the following criteria?
Can be eaten in the car on the way to practice
Can be made in the morning and either kept in the car or at my desk
Will be hearty enough to get them through practice and home again for dinner
Jill: You can adapt most snack foods to take in the car. You can even bring things that need to be refrigerated. Just use a small cooler or lunch box. Even a brown paper sack keeps things nicely insulated. You can buy small ice packs to pack with the food. (You should be able to find them by the coolers and thermoses at your store.) Another good idea is to freeze water, lemonade or some other drink in a plastic bottle. When you pack it in with food, it works as an ice pack and as something cold to drink for the kids. If it is going to be an extra long day, I sometimes use both the ice pack and the frozen drink.
If you can, pack the boys their own individual snack boxes using either small shoe boxes or lunch boxes. They can then hold these on their laps to catch the crumbs and when they're done, the boxes are a great way to "pack out the trash" so you will not have quite as big a mess in the car!
Keep things as easy as possible. For example: if you are taking oranges, have them peeled and broken into segments for them. This will make it easier for them and reduce the mess in the car.
Keep a running list of the snacks you take each day for a couple of weeks. At the end of that time you will have a list of about 20 to 30 snack items to refer to when you can't think of what to take.
Without knowing your food preferences, it is hard to tell you specifically what to take but here are some general ideas. Some may be a little messy in the car depending on the age of the children and some may need to be kept cooled (use my ideas above for keeping these cool). To expand the variety, give them different variations of my suggestions. For example, with fruit, give them an apple one day, an orange the next and so on.
Try starting with these:
Sandwiches (to prevent them from becoming soggy take packets of ketchup,mustard etc. to be put on right before they eat them) - peanut butter, cheese, turkey, roast beef, ham or chicken
Crackers with cheese
Popcorn or Popcorn balls
Sandwich bags filled with cereal
Granola
Banana bread
Dried fruit
Nuts
Muffins
Fruit
Veggies
Pudding
Yogurt with fruit
Hard boiled eggs
Burritos
Cheese
Chips
If your kids don't mind leftovers, bring that leftover piece of chicken or small container of leftover fruit salad for them too.
posted by Tawra Jean at 10:01 AM
0 comments
Why won't they take Internet Coupons?
Question: Your site has been such a joy to read, and it has
so many encouraging remarks. Using Bible
fundamentals that teach wise stewardship shows
how grounded y'all are.
My question is: I took
computer printed coupons to Marc's in our area,
and the coupons were refused. Aren't the coupons
legitimate cents off savings from the
manufacturers/producers, etc.? How can a store
refuse them? Thanks you for the work you do to
help me live more frugally with joy.
Maddie
I hate to tell you but no they don't have to take them. That is one reason I don't use Internet coupons. None of the stores in our area will honor them. Yes, they are legit but no stores don't have to take them. The stores around here think they are fake. I think they are a great thing but be sure to ask before purchasing too many products for the first time or two with Internet coupons. Tawra
so many encouraging remarks. Using Bible
fundamentals that teach wise stewardship shows
how grounded y'all are.
My question is: I took
computer printed coupons to Marc's in our area,
and the coupons were refused. Aren't the coupons
legitimate cents off savings from the
manufacturers/producers, etc.? How can a store
refuse them? Thanks you for the work you do to
help me live more frugally with joy.
Maddie
I hate to tell you but no they don't have to take them. That is one reason I don't use Internet coupons. None of the stores in our area will honor them. Yes, they are legit but no stores don't have to take them. The stores around here think they are fake. I think they are a great thing but be sure to ask before purchasing too many products for the first time or two with Internet coupons. Tawra
posted by Tawra Jean at 8:18 AM
2 comments
Deal of the Day.
From: nance
Albertson's has three boxes of General Mills
Cereal for six dollars. When you purchase three,
you get a gallon of milk free. I had two coupons
for General Mills Cereal, so got all items for a
total of $4.50, which is just a little more than
the normal cost of the milk.
Albertson's has three boxes of General Mills
Cereal for six dollars. When you purchase three,
you get a gallon of milk free. I had two coupons
for General Mills Cereal, so got all items for a
total of $4.50, which is just a little more than
the normal cost of the milk.
posted by Tawra Jean at 12:00 AM
0 comments
Deal of the Day
From: Lori Davidson
Rite Aid has buy one get one free on Malt a Meal
cereals, that comes to $1.25 a box! Quite a deal.
From: Angie
Kroger in Ohio
Suave 12 oz body wash, all scents, $1.69
For those coupon clippers, there should be a
coupon from a couple of weeks ago expiring
9/14/08 for B1G1F. I had 2 of those coupons so
I got 48 oz of the Men's Body Wash for my hubby
for $3.85.
Then in the Sunday, July 13th coupon insert
there were coupons to save $0.50 on any Suave
body wash. Kroger doubles these so I got an
additional 24 oz of body wash for $1.62.
The 12 oz bottles of Suave body wash are regular
$1.93 at my Walmart so it's a great deal.
Rite Aid in Ohio
In the Rite Aid papers there is a coupon to get
a free $30 gift card with a transferred
prescription. Also, you get entered in a
drawing to win free gas for a year (a $2600 gas
card). I take a maintenance medication that I
get for $4 on Walmart's $4 Generic Program. I
talked to Rite Aid and they said they would
honor any of Walmart's prescription prices. I
transferred my script and paid $4 and walked out
with a $30 gift card. The wait time for my
script was so much shorter than Walmart too.
Now I'm going to be scouring the Rite Aid ads
for good sales to use my free $30 gift card.
Rite Aid has buy one get one free on Malt a Meal
cereals, that comes to $1.25 a box! Quite a deal.
From: Angie
Kroger in Ohio
Suave 12 oz body wash, all scents, $1.69
For those coupon clippers, there should be a
coupon from a couple of weeks ago expiring
9/14/08 for B1G1F. I had 2 of those coupons so
I got 48 oz of the Men's Body Wash for my hubby
for $3.85.
Then in the Sunday, July 13th coupon insert
there were coupons to save $0.50 on any Suave
body wash. Kroger doubles these so I got an
additional 24 oz of body wash for $1.62.
The 12 oz bottles of Suave body wash are regular
$1.93 at my Walmart so it's a great deal.
Rite Aid in Ohio
In the Rite Aid papers there is a coupon to get
a free $30 gift card with a transferred
prescription. Also, you get entered in a
drawing to win free gas for a year (a $2600 gas
card). I take a maintenance medication that I
get for $4 on Walmart's $4 Generic Program. I
talked to Rite Aid and they said they would
honor any of Walmart's prescription prices. I
transferred my script and paid $4 and walked out
with a $30 gift card. The wait time for my
script was so much shorter than Walmart too.
Now I'm going to be scouring the Rite Aid ads
for good sales to use my free $30 gift card.
posted by Tawra Jean at 12:00 AM
0 comments
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Just an Ordinary Day
Did you wake up to an ordinary day this morning? You know the kind I mean, the house looked like a bomb had blown up in it over night, the alarm didn't go off so everyone is running late, the kids sent a glass of juice flying all over the kitchen and you can't find the car keys. After you get everyone off it doesn't stop the phone rings off the hook, a child calls from school because they forgot their lunch, you can't figure out how to pay these bills, you dump a can of paint on the carpet and when supper rolls around you don't have half of the ingredients you need to fix it.
Years ago I was having a very bad ordinary day with nothing going right all day long. That same day I happen to run across a poem that was called Just an Ordinary Day. God has away of "gently??" hitting me over the head with something like that. I wish I could remember the author to give her credit but I can't. I have though thought of that poem over and over ago through out the years.
She started it by describing an ordinary day like I described above but at the end she said in times of war and famine and walking away from a loved ones grave, it is at times like these people cry out for and long for an ordinary day.
How right she was. I know in my own life to be true. There have been times when I have wished that this would pass and things would go back to "normal". So now when I have a day with all of its ups and downs I am so grateful that it was just an ordinary day.
There's a verse that we hear so often it tends to lose it's meaning but I want you to read the words and realize that this is the perfect verse for an ordinary day and at the end of the day we really should think of this verse; Psalms 118:24 "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." We need to put things in perspective and really dwell on our blessings more and our every day "miseries" less.
Now today I can say that verse but there have been times when it was very hard for me to embrace it, so God gave me other verses to comfort me on my unordinary days. Maybe you are in a situation where you are longing for an ordinary day so just cling to this verse Psalms 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." And for some of you I know it hurts so bad that at times you can't even do that much but don't panic or worry if you can't because God understood us enough to help us even at those times and told us to lift each other in prayer.
I love the story of the paralytic man in Mark 2 where his four friends went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus for help. At times we are emotionally and spiritually so paralyzed that we can't do anything for ourselves and that is why we have friends , for those times and why we are to pray for each other.
We have so many of you out there praying for us and I want to thank you because you never know when that the person you are praying for maybe having an unordinary day and needs you to "lower" (lift) him up to Jesus for "healing" at that moment.
May God bless you with an ordinary day tomorrow. Jill
Years ago I was having a very bad ordinary day with nothing going right all day long. That same day I happen to run across a poem that was called Just an Ordinary Day. God has away of "gently??" hitting me over the head with something like that. I wish I could remember the author to give her credit but I can't. I have though thought of that poem over and over ago through out the years.
She started it by describing an ordinary day like I described above but at the end she said in times of war and famine and walking away from a loved ones grave, it is at times like these people cry out for and long for an ordinary day.
How right she was. I know in my own life to be true. There have been times when I have wished that this would pass and things would go back to "normal". So now when I have a day with all of its ups and downs I am so grateful that it was just an ordinary day.
There's a verse that we hear so often it tends to lose it's meaning but I want you to read the words and realize that this is the perfect verse for an ordinary day and at the end of the day we really should think of this verse; Psalms 118:24 "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." We need to put things in perspective and really dwell on our blessings more and our every day "miseries" less.
Now today I can say that verse but there have been times when it was very hard for me to embrace it, so God gave me other verses to comfort me on my unordinary days. Maybe you are in a situation where you are longing for an ordinary day so just cling to this verse Psalms 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." And for some of you I know it hurts so bad that at times you can't even do that much but don't panic or worry if you can't because God understood us enough to help us even at those times and told us to lift each other in prayer.
I love the story of the paralytic man in Mark 2 where his four friends went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus for help. At times we are emotionally and spiritually so paralyzed that we can't do anything for ourselves and that is why we have friends , for those times and why we are to pray for each other.
We have so many of you out there praying for us and I want to thank you because you never know when that the person you are praying for maybe having an unordinary day and needs you to "lower" (lift) him up to Jesus for "healing" at that moment.
May God bless you with an ordinary day tomorrow. Jill
posted by Tawra Jean at 6:27 PM
5 comments
Deal of the Day
From: Heather M.
Free 14 day supply of vitamins at
http://www.naturemade.com/. I received mine in
about 2 weeks. Your choice of Calcium, Multi
Complete, Multi for Her, Super B Complex, Vitamin
C, & Vitamin D.
Thanks for sending! Tawra
Free 14 day supply of vitamins at
http://www.naturemade.com/. I received mine in
about 2 weeks. Your choice of Calcium, Multi
Complete, Multi for Her, Super B Complex, Vitamin
C, & Vitamin D.
Thanks for sending! Tawra
posted by Tawra Jean at 7:24 AM
0 comments
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Newsletter 7-10
Sorry for the delay in getting this posted! Tawra
Hello everyone!
I hope your week is going well. It always seems hard to get back into the swing of things after a holiday. We put in a new kitchen sink this weekend. (yes, with 9 people! :-) The caulk has now dried and it's working great. Now I get to decorate! I'm searching for curtain material and marked down paint. I will put up pictures after I'm done.
I thought you might get a kick out of this interview I did yesterday. Check it out here.
A couple of blog notes:
First, thanks for the great deals you sent in! Keep them coming. We are starting the Deal of the Day on the blog today so go check it out! Please send us any great deals you find with coupons, freebies or anything else that will save money here. We would love to bless our readers with some more money saving deals.
Also, we got the RSS feed fixed on the blog. Check it out if you use a feed reader. Even if you don't, you will be able to search the blog entries from now on.
In Tuesday's newsletter, mom wrote, "So many people complain about the price of gas when it costs $4.00 a gallon but don't bat an eye when going to Starbucks to pay $4.00 for one cup (8 oz. or 1/8 of a gallon) of coffee that they could have made at home for pennies."
Several readers wrote to point out that 1 gallon actually equals 16 cups and not 8. This means that the coffee is even more expensive than she originally stated. Thanks to everyone who wrote to let us know!
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Tawra
www.LivingOnADime.com
Tip from a Reader:
Tawra,
When you use cornbread in one of your menus, why don't you suggest cornbread flapjacks in the summer time? That's what I do. I use the very same recipe as I do for cornbread but instead of putting my iron skillet in the oven to bake the cornbread, I just fry it on top of the stove like flapjacks. Saves energy and heating up the kitchen. The kids will eat the leftovers (if there are any) with syrup or honey. Keep up the great work.
Blessings,
Kathy
Today's Tips:
Trying to squeeze in one last camping trip before summer ends? Or maybe you are like me... I am without a toaster for a week or so. Here is an old girl scout trick for making toast that really works great, even if it sounds crazy. Sprinkle some salt into a frying pan, heat it up over medium to medium high heat and lay a slice of bread on top of the salt. When it is brown flip it to the other side. Voila! You end up with toast just like it came out of the toaster.
If you are getting tired of having to carefully form another hamburger patty for the barbecue then here's an easy trick my mom always used to make hers.
Tear some wax paper into squares. I usually tear strips of about 6 inches wide stack them together and cut the strips in half. This doesn't have to be perfect. You're just making squares that are just a little bigger than your patties.
Now lay a wax paper square down, set a ball of hamburger on it and top with another piece of wax paper. Take a plate and gently press the ball to the thickness that you would like.
Today's Menu:
Chicken Salad Sandwiches*
Tater Tots with melted cheese
Veggies (use those fresh seasonal veggies)
Frozen Peach Dessert*
Today's Recipes:
Everyone has their own favorite chicken salad and here's mine:
Chicken Salad Sandwiches*
Chicken, cooked and cubed
Celery, chopped
Walnuts, peanuts or cashews, chopped
Salad Dressing (I prefer Miracle Whip.)
Mix. For a different twist serve these on a hamburger or hot dog bun. If you are counting the calories, serve on a lettuce leaf.
Here are some other things to add to your chicken salad if you have them on hand:
Crumbled bacon
Cucumbers
Pineapple
Chopped green olives
Chopped hard boiled eggs
Water chestnuts
Green onions
Almonds
Grapes
Frozen Peach Dessert*
1 can peach halves
Strawberries, frozen or fresh
Whipped topping
Place a strawberry in the center of each peach half. Top with whipped topping and freeze. Thaw 15-20 minutes before serving. This makes a great after school snack for those first few hot days back to school.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will give you some recipes to use for canning and preserving some of your garden produce. Here's one to get you started:
Watermelon Pickles
3 pounds white portion watermelon rind, cubed
5 cups sugar
2 cups cider vinegar
1 cup water
1 Tbsp. whole cloves
1 Tbsp. whole allspice
3 cinnamon sticks, 3 inches each
1 lemon, sliced
Put watermelon cubes in a large pot with enough salted water to cover. Soak overnight. Drain. Cover with fresh, cold water and bring to a boil. Cook over low heat until tender. Drain. In another large pot, combine sugar, vinegar and water. Tie cloves, allspice, cinnamon and lemon in a cheesecloth bag. Add to sugar mixture and stir over medium heat until mixture boils. Boil 5 minutes. Add watermelon cubes and simmer until translucent, about 15 minutes. Remove spice bag and pack pickles in hot, sterilized jars. Refrigerate 2 weeks before using.
Hello everyone!
I hope your week is going well. It always seems hard to get back into the swing of things after a holiday. We put in a new kitchen sink this weekend. (yes, with 9 people! :-) The caulk has now dried and it's working great. Now I get to decorate! I'm searching for curtain material and marked down paint. I will put up pictures after I'm done.
I thought you might get a kick out of this interview I did yesterday. Check it out here.
A couple of blog notes:
First, thanks for the great deals you sent in! Keep them coming. We are starting the Deal of the Day on the blog today so go check it out! Please send us any great deals you find with coupons, freebies or anything else that will save money here. We would love to bless our readers with some more money saving deals.
Also, we got the RSS feed fixed on the blog. Check it out if you use a feed reader. Even if you don't, you will be able to search the blog entries from now on.
In Tuesday's newsletter, mom wrote, "So many people complain about the price of gas when it costs $4.00 a gallon but don't bat an eye when going to Starbucks to pay $4.00 for one cup (8 oz. or 1/8 of a gallon) of coffee that they could have made at home for pennies."
Several readers wrote to point out that 1 gallon actually equals 16 cups and not 8. This means that the coffee is even more expensive than she originally stated. Thanks to everyone who wrote to let us know!
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Tawra
www.LivingOnADime.com
Tip from a Reader:
Tawra,
When you use cornbread in one of your menus, why don't you suggest cornbread flapjacks in the summer time? That's what I do. I use the very same recipe as I do for cornbread but instead of putting my iron skillet in the oven to bake the cornbread, I just fry it on top of the stove like flapjacks. Saves energy and heating up the kitchen. The kids will eat the leftovers (if there are any) with syrup or honey. Keep up the great work.
Blessings,
Kathy
Today's Tips:
Trying to squeeze in one last camping trip before summer ends? Or maybe you are like me... I am without a toaster for a week or so. Here is an old girl scout trick for making toast that really works great, even if it sounds crazy. Sprinkle some salt into a frying pan, heat it up over medium to medium high heat and lay a slice of bread on top of the salt. When it is brown flip it to the other side. Voila! You end up with toast just like it came out of the toaster.
If you are getting tired of having to carefully form another hamburger patty for the barbecue then here's an easy trick my mom always used to make hers.
Tear some wax paper into squares. I usually tear strips of about 6 inches wide stack them together and cut the strips in half. This doesn't have to be perfect. You're just making squares that are just a little bigger than your patties.
Now lay a wax paper square down, set a ball of hamburger on it and top with another piece of wax paper. Take a plate and gently press the ball to the thickness that you would like.
Today's Menu:
Chicken Salad Sandwiches*
Tater Tots with melted cheese
Veggies (use those fresh seasonal veggies)
Frozen Peach Dessert*
Today's Recipes:
Everyone has their own favorite chicken salad and here's mine:
Chicken Salad Sandwiches*
Chicken, cooked and cubed
Celery, chopped
Walnuts, peanuts or cashews, chopped
Salad Dressing (I prefer Miracle Whip.)
Mix. For a different twist serve these on a hamburger or hot dog bun. If you are counting the calories, serve on a lettuce leaf.
Here are some other things to add to your chicken salad if you have them on hand:
Crumbled bacon
Cucumbers
Pineapple
Chopped green olives
Chopped hard boiled eggs
Water chestnuts
Green onions
Almonds
Grapes
Frozen Peach Dessert*
1 can peach halves
Strawberries, frozen or fresh
Whipped topping
Place a strawberry in the center of each peach half. Top with whipped topping and freeze. Thaw 15-20 minutes before serving. This makes a great after school snack for those first few hot days back to school.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will give you some recipes to use for canning and preserving some of your garden produce. Here's one to get you started:
Watermelon Pickles
3 pounds white portion watermelon rind, cubed
5 cups sugar
2 cups cider vinegar
1 cup water
1 Tbsp. whole cloves
1 Tbsp. whole allspice
3 cinnamon sticks, 3 inches each
1 lemon, sliced
Put watermelon cubes in a large pot with enough salted water to cover. Soak overnight. Drain. Cover with fresh, cold water and bring to a boil. Cook over low heat until tender. Drain. In another large pot, combine sugar, vinegar and water. Tie cloves, allspice, cinnamon and lemon in a cheesecloth bag. Add to sugar mixture and stir over medium heat until mixture boils. Boil 5 minutes. Add watermelon cubes and simmer until translucent, about 15 minutes. Remove spice bag and pack pickles in hot, sterilized jars. Refrigerate 2 weeks before using.
posted by Tawra Jean at 3:21 PM
0 comments
Deal of the Day
From: Tawanda C.
My family and I enjoy watching movies, but it
can be pretty expensive to rent. Although we've
considered joining an online movie rental club,
we're still undecided due to the time
commitment. However, to enjoy the occasional
movie, I give feedback at
www.blockbusterfeedback.com every 30 days on our
experience at one of the stores, and they send
me via my email address a $1.99 movie rental
coupon. This is a wonderful and inexpensive way
to have movie night, and to give the company
some much valued insight on customer
satisfaction.
From: Pam C.
free directory assistance on your cell phone.
ChaCha. Just text ANY question from any cell
phone to 242242 (spells ChaCha) and they will
text back your answer. Works great for bets,
trivia, even directions and restaurant
recommendation. Of course the standard text fee
applies (so GREAT if you have unlimited
texting). When you use it for asking for
directory information, you get NO separate charge
for the text! Check it out at www.chacha.com
My family and I enjoy watching movies, but it
can be pretty expensive to rent. Although we've
considered joining an online movie rental club,
we're still undecided due to the time
commitment. However, to enjoy the occasional
movie, I give feedback at
www.blockbusterfeedback.com every 30 days on our
experience at one of the stores, and they send
me via my email address a $1.99 movie rental
coupon. This is a wonderful and inexpensive way
to have movie night, and to give the company
some much valued insight on customer
satisfaction.
From: Pam C.
free directory assistance on your cell phone.
ChaCha. Just text ANY question from any cell
phone to 242242 (spells ChaCha) and they will
text back your answer. Works great for bets,
trivia, even directions and restaurant
recommendation. Of course the standard text fee
applies (so GREAT if you have unlimited
texting). When you use it for asking for
directory information, you get NO separate charge
for the text! Check it out at www.chacha.com
posted by Tawra Jean at 1:32 PM
3 comments
Saturday, July 12, 2008
The Good, the Bad and the Great Deals
I went to Jo Ann fabrics this morning and got myself another good deal. For quite awhile I have been wanting a jewelry box with an anti tarnish fabric in it because I hate cleaning my silver jewelry (all 4 pieces of it HA!HA!). I have seen some large boxes for $40-$50 but my frugal mind couldn't even dream spending that much for a jewelry box but then I saw a small travel box that was only about $25 which I had considered asking for for my birthday. Then today while at the fabric store I spied a roll of fabric that was for silver jewelry. It was the exact same stuff that they use to line the expensive boxes with. Since I had a coupon for 40% off I was able to get a nice chunk of material to either make a pouch or line a box I already have with it for only 90 cents. A savings of $24.
Another good deal I got while I was there was some fabric for my mirror. I have a gigantic mirror that is above my fire place that is making the whole room look dated. I could pull the mirror down but there is no sheet rock behind it and would end up being a major redo job. Just recently on TV they had the same type of situation and they added a large frame to the mirror which changed the whole look.
I didn't want to pay for an expensive frame so decided to make my own. I didn't want to buy wood to make one because that was still more then I wanted to spend so decided to make my own by wrapping cardboard with faux leather or fabric. I first needed some very long cardboard and nothing I had was long enough. The next day the neighbors "just happen" to throw out this 5' square box with super large pieces of Styrofoam. I will cut a frame out of it, wrap it with some batting scrapes, then material and finally velcro it to the mirror.
I wasn't sure what to use for fabric and was going to use faux leather but they didn't have the color I needed. If I could find some fabric that was more than 55 inches wide I would only need 1/2 yard other wise I would need 2 yards which would mean a big price difference.
I looked the store over as some of you know it is hard to find fabric more than 54' but I finally found the exact thing I needed. To my surprise it was also 50% off and was 58' wide. One small catch it had glitter gold dots all over the front of it and I wanted solid brown so I just flipped it over and will use the back side. All said and done I will have a 55' by 52' frame for $1.25.
I went from there to the grocery store. I was standing by the cottage cheese and this man was staring at the milk. Out of the blue he said to me "Boy can you believe these prices? I mean it's over $4.00 for a half gallon of milk!" I chuckled to myself and thought this guy doesn't have a clue to who he is talking to because of course you guys all know me if someone says something about the cost of groceries I can't leave it alone.
I was a good girl though, laughed and told him that he might consider buying two half gallons instead of 1 whole one because the half gallons were on sale for $1.77 this week so that might save him some. My point is to watch things carefully. He was standing there looking at both containers of milk side by side and it hadn't dawned on him that the 1/2 gallons would be cheaper. It may take a bit more time to do some quick figuring but it will save you in the long run.
One last thing as I was wandering around at the stores I noticed a lot of buy 2 get one free or buy 1 and get second for 50% off. Do your numbers on these sales because they may not be as good a deal as you think. For example let's say an item is $.75. You buy 2 = $1.50 and you get one free. That means you paid $.50 for each one which isn't bad but it is only 33% savings. ( In my mind 50% or more is a super deal).
Also say you buy something that is $20 and you get the second one for 50% off. Which means you paid $30 for 2 or $15 for each. That is only a 25% savings. What they hope will happen is that people will see the 50% and automatically think "What a great deal! 50% off"! and that happens so don't fall into that trap and do your numbers because the reality is that you are only getting 33% or 25% and not the 50% you are maybe thinking you are getting.
Hope these hints help. :) :) :) Jill
Another good deal I got while I was there was some fabric for my mirror. I have a gigantic mirror that is above my fire place that is making the whole room look dated. I could pull the mirror down but there is no sheet rock behind it and would end up being a major redo job. Just recently on TV they had the same type of situation and they added a large frame to the mirror which changed the whole look.
I didn't want to pay for an expensive frame so decided to make my own. I didn't want to buy wood to make one because that was still more then I wanted to spend so decided to make my own by wrapping cardboard with faux leather or fabric. I first needed some very long cardboard and nothing I had was long enough. The next day the neighbors "just happen" to throw out this 5' square box with super large pieces of Styrofoam. I will cut a frame out of it, wrap it with some batting scrapes, then material and finally velcro it to the mirror.
I wasn't sure what to use for fabric and was going to use faux leather but they didn't have the color I needed. If I could find some fabric that was more than 55 inches wide I would only need 1/2 yard other wise I would need 2 yards which would mean a big price difference.
I looked the store over as some of you know it is hard to find fabric more than 54' but I finally found the exact thing I needed. To my surprise it was also 50% off and was 58' wide. One small catch it had glitter gold dots all over the front of it and I wanted solid brown so I just flipped it over and will use the back side. All said and done I will have a 55' by 52' frame for $1.25.
I went from there to the grocery store. I was standing by the cottage cheese and this man was staring at the milk. Out of the blue he said to me "Boy can you believe these prices? I mean it's over $4.00 for a half gallon of milk!" I chuckled to myself and thought this guy doesn't have a clue to who he is talking to because of course you guys all know me if someone says something about the cost of groceries I can't leave it alone.
I was a good girl though, laughed and told him that he might consider buying two half gallons instead of 1 whole one because the half gallons were on sale for $1.77 this week so that might save him some. My point is to watch things carefully. He was standing there looking at both containers of milk side by side and it hadn't dawned on him that the 1/2 gallons would be cheaper. It may take a bit more time to do some quick figuring but it will save you in the long run.
One last thing as I was wandering around at the stores I noticed a lot of buy 2 get one free or buy 1 and get second for 50% off. Do your numbers on these sales because they may not be as good a deal as you think. For example let's say an item is $.75. You buy 2 = $1.50 and you get one free. That means you paid $.50 for each one which isn't bad but it is only 33% savings. ( In my mind 50% or more is a super deal).
Also say you buy something that is $20 and you get the second one for 50% off. Which means you paid $30 for 2 or $15 for each. That is only a 25% savings. What they hope will happen is that people will see the 50% and automatically think "What a great deal! 50% off"! and that happens so don't fall into that trap and do your numbers because the reality is that you are only getting 33% or 25% and not the 50% you are maybe thinking you are getting.
Hope these hints help. :) :) :) Jill
posted by Tawra Jean at 10:50 AM
1 comments
Friday, July 11, 2008
Deal of the Day
I'm not sure what was wrong with the link. Try the one below and just copy and paste. Sorry! Tawra
We took advantage of this deal just this week and saw Evan Almighty. It was a really cute movie. If you live in Wichita, the Northrock theaters are the ones giving the free movies. For everyone check out this link.
Thanks Mary!
Regal Cinemas offers free movies during the
summer. http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx
From: Crystal Y.
Rite-Aid has packs of Bic pens for $0.50 this
week and if you go to coupons.com they have a
coupon for $1.00 off 2 Bic products. I took
seven coupons to Rite Aid yesterday and bought
14 packs of pens ($34.86 value) for only $0.42!!
It was great timing too since school is about to
start.
I hope others can take advantage of this as well.
We took advantage of this deal just this week and saw Evan Almighty. It was a really cute movie. If you live in Wichita, the Northrock theaters are the ones giving the free movies. For everyone check out this link.
Thanks Mary!
Regal Cinemas offers free movies during the
summer. http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx
From: Crystal Y.
Rite-Aid has packs of Bic pens for $0.50 this
week and if you go to coupons.com they have a
coupon for $1.00 off 2 Bic products. I took
seven coupons to Rite Aid yesterday and bought
14 packs of pens ($34.86 value) for only $0.42!!
It was great timing too since school is about to
start.
I hope others can take advantage of this as well.
posted by Tawra Jean at 8:36 AM
8 comments
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Deal of the Day
We have a couple of great deals today check them out!
From: Rebecca P.
Free Chick-fil-A on July 11th, Nationwide Cow
Appreciation Day. Wear a full cow costume and
get a free combo, wear any partial cow print and
get a free entree'.
From: Marci
Want to make a quick $30, $60, $90, or even $120 bucks?
That's the deal our local Fred Meyer/Kroger's is offering.
If you buy a $300 gift card they'll add $30 to it.
$600 is $60 added, $900 is $90, and $1200 is $120 added.
I know they are trying to get the stimulus checks in, but it also
works if you just have cash.
Freddies is not the cheapest place to buy groceries, I know.
But we only have Freddies and Safeway in our town - it's over 50 miles to
anything else. And Freddies has the cheapest gas in town even without
a rewards card.
So, I plopped down my $300 and got a gift card for $330 - I made $30 instantly.
(less the $1.50 I could have made in interest on the $300 for one month, or $3 for 2 months interest.)
I will be using it for a gas card as that's where I buy my gas.
I was told that this 'deal' lasts thru the end of July, and that the card is good
for two years at least .... but check that out for yourself if you decide to get one.
I was also told that I could buy a $330 card for $300 up to 4 times, or until I
reach the $1200 limit. I'll be going back next paycheck for another one to use as
my gas card.
This of course is a good deal only if you buy gas there, or if you just buy the
great sales items or stuff that is cheaper there in your price book.
From: Diana Metz
If you live in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan or
Ohio and shop at Meijer...go to
Meijer.com...click on Meal Box and then click on
Specials...for this week you can get Meijer
pasta 2/$1.00 with the 50 cent off coupons it
becomes Free, which is just one example of a
Great Deal that I found by combining the ads
this week with the coupons offered in The Meal
Box on the Meijer site. Enjoy the fun!!
From: Rebecca P.
Free Chick-fil-A on July 11th, Nationwide Cow
Appreciation Day. Wear a full cow costume and
get a free combo, wear any partial cow print and
get a free entree'.
From: Marci
Want to make a quick $30, $60, $90, or even $120 bucks?
That's the deal our local Fred Meyer/Kroger's is offering.
If you buy a $300 gift card they'll add $30 to it.
$600 is $60 added, $900 is $90, and $1200 is $120 added.
I know they are trying to get the stimulus checks in, but it also
works if you just have cash.
Freddies is not the cheapest place to buy groceries, I know.
But we only have Freddies and Safeway in our town - it's over 50 miles to
anything else. And Freddies has the cheapest gas in town even without
a rewards card.
So, I plopped down my $300 and got a gift card for $330 - I made $30 instantly.
(less the $1.50 I could have made in interest on the $300 for one month, or $3 for 2 months interest.)
I will be using it for a gas card as that's where I buy my gas.
I was told that this 'deal' lasts thru the end of July, and that the card is good
for two years at least .... but check that out for yourself if you decide to get one.
I was also told that I could buy a $330 card for $300 up to 4 times, or until I
reach the $1200 limit. I'll be going back next paycheck for another one to use as
my gas card.
This of course is a good deal only if you buy gas there, or if you just buy the
great sales items or stuff that is cheaper there in your price book.
From: Diana Metz
If you live in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan or
Ohio and shop at Meijer...go to
Meijer.com...click on Meal Box and then click on
Specials...for this week you can get Meijer
pasta 2/$1.00 with the 50 cent off coupons it
becomes Free, which is just one example of a
Great Deal that I found by combining the ads
this week with the coupons offered in The Meal
Box on the Meijer site. Enjoy the fun!!
Labels: coupons, free Chick-fil-A
posted by Tawra Jean at 9:55 PM
4 comments
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Are Rising Prices Scaring You? Newsletter 7-8
Dear Readers,
I hope your week is starting out well. We had a great 4th of July! We spent the day with my brother and his family. (They are staying in a camper in our back yard while they're waiting for their new house to close.) We had a very enjoyable fireworks show! We have a neighbor who has a big commercial fireworks display every year, so it's a lot like going down to the river to see the city's fireworks without having to leave home.
We're thinking about including a regular "Deal of the Day" feature on the blog. If you know of any great deals or if you happen to find a great deal you'd like to share with others, submit it here.
Have a great week!
-Tawra
www.LivingOnADime.com
Are Rising Prices Scaring You?
by Jill Cooper
We are getting e-mails and it has been all over the news - "What do we do? They are rationing rice!!"
I haven't decided if I should just laugh or start tearing my hair out. First everyone panicked over the price of gas... then it was the price of apples, then milk and now rice. What I find so amusing about the whole thing is a lot of those same people who are in a panic are still using their gas to go to the movies, to go on vacations, to travel for sports activities, to go shopping and to go most any place they want to go.
So many people complain about the price of gas when it costs $4.00 a gallon but don't bat an eye when going to Starbucks to pay $4.00 for one cup (8 oz. or 1/8 of a gallon) of coffee that they could have made at home for pennies. Despite all the fuss, most Americans have not substantially changed their lives because of gas prices.
Then there is another whole group who complain about how they "aren't like other people". They don't spend a penny on anything and they still have nothing and, because their lot in life is so miserable, they have a right to be afraid of what is happening in the world and in their lives. They have a "What about me?" attitude all of the time.
The Bible says that God does not give us the spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind. Even if you aren't a Christian, I want you to really think about those words because they apply to human nature in general.
We are living in a world that is crazed with fear and because of that we have lost power over ourselves, our lives and our circumstances. Because of that fear we have very little love for anyone. When you love someone or something your main thoughts are focused on that person or thing that you love. What do you think about all the time? --Your spouse, your children, joyful things and happy things or do you focus on yourself and on how these terrible prices are going to affect you?
Do you know how powerless you become when you give way to fear? When you're constantly afraid, you can't function properly at work which leads to not getting a pay raise or worse yet, getting fired. You can't get your mind off of that which you fear and it filters into every area of your life.
You become short and angry with your family when they try to talk to you, ask you something or want to spend time with you because they are interrupting your focus on your fear. "How am I going to get some rice (or gas, or milk or apples)", "If there's a shortage of rice now, I'm sure that is going to lead to a shortage on ALL food", "If there is a shortage of food, that will mean I can't go on vacation this summer or buy that new car."
You say but that's silly and doesn't even make sense. No it doesn't and that is where the sound mind comes in. Where there is fear there is total loss of rational reasoning or what I call "common sense".
When someone isn't of sound mind (not using common sense), they think there is going to be a shortage on rice and they panic. They tell everyone they know. The word spreads and then everyone panics and runs out to hoard rice. All that fear has a snowball effect which then creates a shortage of rice where there wasn't one.
If people had not given over to fear and had been of sound mind (using common sense) they would have thought, "No big deal, we'll have pasta instead or just do without rice for now." They would go about their daily business without giving it another thought and focus on more important things like how to be a kinder more loving spouse or parent.
When people aren't consumed with fear they can think more rationally, which helps them make wiser and more practical decisions. When fear is gone they have peace and joy and patience and most of all they are more loving.
Think about it. How much of your life is ruled by fear? If you filter back through most negative emotions, most of them begin with fear of something. Do you buy things you can't afford because you are afraid of what people will think of you? Do you spend more on gifts for your friends and your children's friends because you fear that people won't love you?
Take a serious look at the things you obsess about. Do you obsess about them because of some kind of fear? I don't know how to tactfully and gently say this but lately I have seen quiet (and sometimes loud) fear in a new thing called "becoming green and saving the environment". This is really just another form of fear. When people become obsessed and overcome, it is usually out of fear and not out of rational thinking.
I'm not saying you shouldn't try to save the environment if you think that it needs saving. I'm simply saying don't let things that stem from fear of something control your life in such a way that you lose all of your life's joy and your capacity for reasonable and rational thinking.
I hope your week is starting out well. We had a great 4th of July! We spent the day with my brother and his family. (They are staying in a camper in our back yard while they're waiting for their new house to close.) We had a very enjoyable fireworks show! We have a neighbor who has a big commercial fireworks display every year, so it's a lot like going down to the river to see the city's fireworks without having to leave home.
We're thinking about including a regular "Deal of the Day" feature on the blog. If you know of any great deals or if you happen to find a great deal you'd like to share with others, submit it here.
Have a great week!
-Tawra
www.LivingOnADime.com
Are Rising Prices Scaring You?
by Jill Cooper
We are getting e-mails and it has been all over the news - "What do we do? They are rationing rice!!"
I haven't decided if I should just laugh or start tearing my hair out. First everyone panicked over the price of gas... then it was the price of apples, then milk and now rice. What I find so amusing about the whole thing is a lot of those same people who are in a panic are still using their gas to go to the movies, to go on vacations, to travel for sports activities, to go shopping and to go most any place they want to go.
So many people complain about the price of gas when it costs $4.00 a gallon but don't bat an eye when going to Starbucks to pay $4.00 for one cup (8 oz. or 1/8 of a gallon) of coffee that they could have made at home for pennies. Despite all the fuss, most Americans have not substantially changed their lives because of gas prices.
Then there is another whole group who complain about how they "aren't like other people". They don't spend a penny on anything and they still have nothing and, because their lot in life is so miserable, they have a right to be afraid of what is happening in the world and in their lives. They have a "What about me?" attitude all of the time.
The Bible says that God does not give us the spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind. Even if you aren't a Christian, I want you to really think about those words because they apply to human nature in general.
We are living in a world that is crazed with fear and because of that we have lost power over ourselves, our lives and our circumstances. Because of that fear we have very little love for anyone. When you love someone or something your main thoughts are focused on that person or thing that you love. What do you think about all the time? --Your spouse, your children, joyful things and happy things or do you focus on yourself and on how these terrible prices are going to affect you?
Do you know how powerless you become when you give way to fear? When you're constantly afraid, you can't function properly at work which leads to not getting a pay raise or worse yet, getting fired. You can't get your mind off of that which you fear and it filters into every area of your life.
You become short and angry with your family when they try to talk to you, ask you something or want to spend time with you because they are interrupting your focus on your fear. "How am I going to get some rice (or gas, or milk or apples)", "If there's a shortage of rice now, I'm sure that is going to lead to a shortage on ALL food", "If there is a shortage of food, that will mean I can't go on vacation this summer or buy that new car."
You say but that's silly and doesn't even make sense. No it doesn't and that is where the sound mind comes in. Where there is fear there is total loss of rational reasoning or what I call "common sense".
When someone isn't of sound mind (not using common sense), they think there is going to be a shortage on rice and they panic. They tell everyone they know. The word spreads and then everyone panics and runs out to hoard rice. All that fear has a snowball effect which then creates a shortage of rice where there wasn't one.
If people had not given over to fear and had been of sound mind (using common sense) they would have thought, "No big deal, we'll have pasta instead or just do without rice for now." They would go about their daily business without giving it another thought and focus on more important things like how to be a kinder more loving spouse or parent.
When people aren't consumed with fear they can think more rationally, which helps them make wiser and more practical decisions. When fear is gone they have peace and joy and patience and most of all they are more loving.
Think about it. How much of your life is ruled by fear? If you filter back through most negative emotions, most of them begin with fear of something. Do you buy things you can't afford because you are afraid of what people will think of you? Do you spend more on gifts for your friends and your children's friends because you fear that people won't love you?
Take a serious look at the things you obsess about. Do you obsess about them because of some kind of fear? I don't know how to tactfully and gently say this but lately I have seen quiet (and sometimes loud) fear in a new thing called "becoming green and saving the environment". This is really just another form of fear. When people become obsessed and overcome, it is usually out of fear and not out of rational thinking.
I'm not saying you shouldn't try to save the environment if you think that it needs saving. I'm simply saying don't let things that stem from fear of something control your life in such a way that you lose all of your life's joy and your capacity for reasonable and rational thinking.
posted by Tawra Jean at 10:27 PM
5 comments
Monday, July 07, 2008
Frugal Housewife
Sorry, The link is fixed now. Tawra
jill... look what i found! ... on the 1,000 post
blog we were discussing what our previous
generations were thinking about by living
frugally and well, saving money...
look at this... this book was published in
1830!... the frugal housewife...
here is the link...
i thought you would get a kick out of this... i
am still looking for that copy of what ben
franklin wrote about living frugally in his
newspaper articles...
when i find it i will share it with you...
thanks again, jill... this is really kinda fun
to look up these things and see what our
ancestors were thinking and going thru in their
own times!...
i guess u are right when you posted that the
advice they were giving back in 1917 (from the
magazine you found) is still the same advice as
the magazine you were reading in the 1970's!...
i think it would be neat if maybe any of the
members can remember what our
parents/grandparents or other family members did
to survive the great depression years and maybe
share those stories too...
if i find anything else i will send you the
links...
thanks again...
rose :D
jill... look what i found! ... on the 1,000 post
blog we were discussing what our previous
generations were thinking about by living
frugally and well, saving money...
look at this... this book was published in
1830!... the frugal housewife...
here is the link...
i thought you would get a kick out of this... i
am still looking for that copy of what ben
franklin wrote about living frugally in his
newspaper articles...
when i find it i will share it with you...
thanks again, jill... this is really kinda fun
to look up these things and see what our
ancestors were thinking and going thru in their
own times!...
i guess u are right when you posted that the
advice they were giving back in 1917 (from the
magazine you found) is still the same advice as
the magazine you were reading in the 1970's!...
i think it would be neat if maybe any of the
members can remember what our
parents/grandparents or other family members did
to survive the great depression years and maybe
share those stories too...
if i find anything else i will send you the
links...
thanks again...
rose :D
posted by Tawra Jean at 10:04 PM
3 comments
Sales, Sales and more Sales
Now is the time to keep on the look out for lots of summer clearance things. It's almost like the day after Christmas but a summer version. Since the 4th is over the stores will be putting summer things on clearance getting ready to put out school things. You can find everything from clothes to furniture on sale. I am looking for a small round glass table for my kitchen and now would be the perfect time for me to check for one in the outdoor furniture section.
I was at Jo Ann fabrics this week end and they had all kinds of things on sell for 50-70% off. They had nice dishes in all sorts of colors that red, blue, white or bright summer colors that were anywhere from 30-50 cents each. I can't even get them that cheap at my local thrift store. I didn't get any because I don't need any (remember one of the best ways to save is if you don't need it don't buy it!) but for those of you who do need some this is the time to get them or think about the red for Christmas entertaining.
They had all kinds of toys for the kids, plastic storage containers, gardening items and much more. I had to laugh because you can get all sorts of odd things. There was one man there that I could tell the last place he wanted to be was in a fabric store but then when the clerk asked him what he was going to do with the cotton batting he was buying and he got a sheepish grin on his face and said "nursing pads" you could tell all the ladies present were trying to control their hysterical laughter as not to embarrass the poor man further. Like I say you can buy the most unsual things in the most unexpected places.
Keep an eye out for school clothes and shoes for the kids at this time too. If you live in a climate where it is hot the first 2-3 months of school you can get some good buys on sandals and shoes or T shirts and summer tops that can be worn to start school.
Last year at this time I went to Dollar General and they had tables of things like bubbles and swimming items for 10 cents so keep on the look out for these things also or a swimming pool for this year or next.
Hope you all had a fun and save 4th. :) :) Jill
I was at Jo Ann fabrics this week end and they had all kinds of things on sell for 50-70% off. They had nice dishes in all sorts of colors that red, blue, white or bright summer colors that were anywhere from 30-50 cents each. I can't even get them that cheap at my local thrift store. I didn't get any because I don't need any (remember one of the best ways to save is if you don't need it don't buy it!) but for those of you who do need some this is the time to get them or think about the red for Christmas entertaining.
They had all kinds of toys for the kids, plastic storage containers, gardening items and much more. I had to laugh because you can get all sorts of odd things. There was one man there that I could tell the last place he wanted to be was in a fabric store but then when the clerk asked him what he was going to do with the cotton batting he was buying and he got a sheepish grin on his face and said "nursing pads" you could tell all the ladies present were trying to control their hysterical laughter as not to embarrass the poor man further. Like I say you can buy the most unsual things in the most unexpected places.
Keep an eye out for school clothes and shoes for the kids at this time too. If you live in a climate where it is hot the first 2-3 months of school you can get some good buys on sandals and shoes or T shirts and summer tops that can be worn to start school.
Last year at this time I went to Dollar General and they had tables of things like bubbles and swimming items for 10 cents so keep on the look out for these things also or a swimming pool for this year or next.
Hope you all had a fun and save 4th. :) :) Jill
posted by Jill Cooper at 9:06 AM
4 comments
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
THIS IS MY 1,000TH POST!!
YEAH!!! Wow, I can't believe it. I remember a few years ago when Mike first said "you should get a blog", I thought "Augh, not another Internet thing to learn". Ha, who would have known 4 years later I'd be blogging on a regular basis.
Here are a few more reader tips to pass along. Enjoy!
Tawra
P.S. Still no news from Good Morning America. We will let you know when/if we get on there.
Hi!
Last year we had a large amount of watermelon and
had to go away for several days and knew the
fruit would not preserve in the fridge. So I
pureed it and made a watermelon sorbet from an
online recipe and froze it in an ice cream
bucket. I shaved some off through out the year from
time to time to add to a drink here and there.
Then in April we had a large gathering and I had
about 3/4ths of the ice cream bucket full yet. So
I took it along and left in the fridge till the
next day event. I added it to the lemonade and
everyone loved the taste. Great way to salvage
watermelon or you can pour some into the ice cube
trays and take out individually and put the rest
into a smaller plastic freezer container.
Anita
Cool summer snack that I keep for the children who visit with me:
spread graham cracker with cool whip. Then top with another graham cracker. Freeze and keep frozen until ready to eat.
When eaten frozen, this snack will taste very much like cookies and ice cream.
I also add fruit to the cool whip for different flavors.
Diane
Hello!
I can relate to the lady who had a recycling
"collection" in her kitchen. Once my back porch
was literally 2 feet deep with recyclables. My
garbage situation was a mess too. I simply could
not bring myself to continually take the little
kitchen bag to the outside garbage pail.
I also had a habit of throwing little bits of
garbage into a dirty dish, to deal with later
(usually much later). I finally got serious
about things just 6 months ago and it has been
great. I bought three matching garbage pails.
They are a bit small and go with my kitchen
decor. I labelled each: garbage, paper, plastic &
cans.
I bought two matching inexpensive stainless steel
stock pots that go right on my counter. One is
for compost, one for "small garbage" (the scraps
that I used to put in dirty dishes). I bought a
bulk box of garbage bags and a bulk box of clear
garden bags and a box of composting bags
(expensive but worth it).
Now when my counter top garbage is full, I tie it
and scoot it over to the main trash. I change
the compost twice weekly (the city collects it).
With my new system my kitchen is much tidier! I
recycle more and the pails are big enough to fit
tons! No more overflowing blue boxes. Bonus,
the plastic bags keep my recycling from blowing
all over on windy days.
I know not everyone has room for three garbage
pails but even just putting that little bin on
the counter top would make a huge difference for
someone who struggles like I did.
Sorry 'bout this overly long email! Thanks for
the great site and God bless!
Ida
Note from Tawra: Great ideas! I love the compost one. I have been trying to think of a way to do our compost and I love the stainless steel with a lid. I hate to put a bucket under the sink because if I have to bend down (hurt back) I won't use it.
I am going to be looking out for a big pot on the counter now! Thanks!
Here are a few more reader tips to pass along. Enjoy!
Tawra
P.S. Still no news from Good Morning America. We will let you know when/if we get on there.
Hi!
Last year we had a large amount of watermelon and
had to go away for several days and knew the
fruit would not preserve in the fridge. So I
pureed it and made a watermelon sorbet from an
online recipe and froze it in an ice cream
bucket. I shaved some off through out the year from
time to time to add to a drink here and there.
Then in April we had a large gathering and I had
about 3/4ths of the ice cream bucket full yet. So
I took it along and left in the fridge till the
next day event. I added it to the lemonade and
everyone loved the taste. Great way to salvage
watermelon or you can pour some into the ice cube
trays and take out individually and put the rest
into a smaller plastic freezer container.
Anita
Cool summer snack that I keep for the children who visit with me:
spread graham cracker with cool whip. Then top with another graham cracker. Freeze and keep frozen until ready to eat.
When eaten frozen, this snack will taste very much like cookies and ice cream.
I also add fruit to the cool whip for different flavors.
Diane
Hello!
I can relate to the lady who had a recycling
"collection" in her kitchen. Once my back porch
was literally 2 feet deep with recyclables. My
garbage situation was a mess too. I simply could
not bring myself to continually take the little
kitchen bag to the outside garbage pail.
I also had a habit of throwing little bits of
garbage into a dirty dish, to deal with later
(usually much later). I finally got serious
about things just 6 months ago and it has been
great. I bought three matching garbage pails.
They are a bit small and go with my kitchen
decor. I labelled each: garbage, paper, plastic &
cans.
I bought two matching inexpensive stainless steel
stock pots that go right on my counter. One is
for compost, one for "small garbage" (the scraps
that I used to put in dirty dishes). I bought a
bulk box of garbage bags and a bulk box of clear
garden bags and a box of composting bags
(expensive but worth it).
Now when my counter top garbage is full, I tie it
and scoot it over to the main trash. I change
the compost twice weekly (the city collects it).
With my new system my kitchen is much tidier! I
recycle more and the pails are big enough to fit
tons! No more overflowing blue boxes. Bonus,
the plastic bags keep my recycling from blowing
all over on windy days.
I know not everyone has room for three garbage
pails but even just putting that little bin on
the counter top would make a huge difference for
someone who struggles like I did.
Sorry 'bout this overly long email! Thanks for
the great site and God bless!
Ida
Note from Tawra: Great ideas! I love the compost one. I have been trying to think of a way to do our compost and I love the stainless steel with a lid. I hate to put a bucket under the sink because if I have to bend down (hurt back) I won't use it.
I am going to be looking out for a big pot on the counter now! Thanks!
posted by Tawra Jean at 1:27 PM
11 comments
Great Reader Tips
Here is something I remember from my childhood
(we usually couldn't afford to go on vacations
and the like). My father would line the bed of
his truck with a large piece of heavy duty
plastic or a large waterproof tarp and fill it
with water. Some of my fondest memories growing
up were of "swimming" in the back of Dad's truck
with my little brother! Jacqui
Note from Tawra: My ever so frugal self loved this one! This is the kind of thing my dad would do for us. LOL We always did wierdo stuff like this. hehehe
In packing for car trips, my grandma always made
sure to bring a wet washcloth. She would stuff it
in a sandwich bag and use it whenever I would get
sticky. I still do this today- 30 years later.
Always a special treat for me was powdered donuts
and chocolate milk. My mom still buys them for me
whenever I go home and it makes me think of the
days trekking across the desert to NM and Arizona
from the Midwest.
When I moved to DC from Chicago, my friend and I
packed our food. It was fun to have road meals
together and not have to spend all the money on
junky restaurant food. We had yummy fruits,
sandwiches that were made with love, and even a
whole thermos of special coffee we had brewed at
home. I think we saved about $100 just by packing
our own meals. Although, when going through WV, I
had to make a special stop at a Biscuit World (I
love those places). Cortni
Jill's moving tips in the news letter are good,
but when we last moved we did one other thing.
When we were putting together out "kits" we also
made one to leave in our old house. We put
toilet tissue, paper towels, hand soap, paper
plates and cups, plastic utensils, and some band-
aids. We also put in some simple, "kid friendly"
snacks like peanut butter crackers and fruit roll-
ups. In a separate box we included all of the
owners manuals and warranties for various
appliances, faucets, etc in the house. We also
included a list that identified the various
plants and fruit trees around the property, the
location of faucets, the location of the shut-
offs for gas, electric, and water, and similar
information about the property.
We also left a local phone book on the counter
and on the front put a list with the names and
numbers of the local electric, gas, phone, and
cable companies, as well as the numbers for a few
good restaurants that delivered and the names of
nearby neighbors.
The entire project took less than 30 minutes and
cost very little. We did it just because it
seemed like a good idea and because we thought it
would have been nice for someone to have done
that for us. Several weeks later we received a
gracious card from the new owners thanking us
profusely. They appreciated it so much tht we
have decided that when we move again we will do
the same thing again.
Just a suggestion!
Jodee
(we usually couldn't afford to go on vacations
and the like). My father would line the bed of
his truck with a large piece of heavy duty
plastic or a large waterproof tarp and fill it
with water. Some of my fondest memories growing
up were of "swimming" in the back of Dad's truck
with my little brother! Jacqui
Note from Tawra: My ever so frugal self loved this one! This is the kind of thing my dad would do for us. LOL We always did wierdo stuff like this. hehehe
In packing for car trips, my grandma always made
sure to bring a wet washcloth. She would stuff it
in a sandwich bag and use it whenever I would get
sticky. I still do this today- 30 years later.
Always a special treat for me was powdered donuts
and chocolate milk. My mom still buys them for me
whenever I go home and it makes me think of the
days trekking across the desert to NM and Arizona
from the Midwest.
When I moved to DC from Chicago, my friend and I
packed our food. It was fun to have road meals
together and not have to spend all the money on
junky restaurant food. We had yummy fruits,
sandwiches that were made with love, and even a
whole thermos of special coffee we had brewed at
home. I think we saved about $100 just by packing
our own meals. Although, when going through WV, I
had to make a special stop at a Biscuit World (I
love those places). Cortni
Jill's moving tips in the news letter are good,
but when we last moved we did one other thing.
When we were putting together out "kits" we also
made one to leave in our old house. We put
toilet tissue, paper towels, hand soap, paper
plates and cups, plastic utensils, and some band-
aids. We also put in some simple, "kid friendly"
snacks like peanut butter crackers and fruit roll-
ups. In a separate box we included all of the
owners manuals and warranties for various
appliances, faucets, etc in the house. We also
included a list that identified the various
plants and fruit trees around the property, the
location of faucets, the location of the shut-
offs for gas, electric, and water, and similar
information about the property.
We also left a local phone book on the counter
and on the front put a list with the names and
numbers of the local electric, gas, phone, and
cable companies, as well as the numbers for a few
good restaurants that delivered and the names of
nearby neighbors.
The entire project took less than 30 minutes and
cost very little. We did it just because it
seemed like a good idea and because we thought it
would have been nice for someone to have done
that for us. Several weeks later we received a
gracious card from the new owners thanking us
profusely. They appreciated it so much tht we
have decided that when we move again we will do
the same thing again.
Just a suggestion!
Jodee
posted by Tawra Jean at 1:19 PM
4 comments
