Friday's Frugal Roundup

I’ve been keeping track of my frugal accomplishments, or the things I’ve done this week (actually the past two weeks) to spend less, not spend at all, or otherwise save money. In no particular order here goes.

Gave TopDad a haircut

Fixed a pair of reading glasses (the arm had fallen off and the hinge was tricky!)

Turned down the heat

Found three future birthday presents at the thrift store (can’t show or tell because the recipients read the blog)

Ground wheat, baked five loaves of bread and made a quadruple batch of cookies.

Froze six bananas that were overripe to use in smoothies

Ate out only once! (TopDad likes to eat out more than I do)

Used up all the leftovers, didn’t waste any food

On sunny days opened all the blinds and curtains to let the sun warm the house

Turned the laundry detergent bottle upside down to drain the last of it, then rinsed it out to get the very last of it for another load; did the same with the dishwashing soap (or detergent)

Some frugal things are so habitual for me that I don’t even think about them, such as measuring dish detergent instead of simply squirting it in the sink; or squeezing the toothpaste tube for a week past when I think it is all gone, then cutting it open and using the very last dregs; drinking tap water instead of bottled; using a silicone spatula to get all the food out of a pan, bowl or container; turning off lights when I leave a room.

I like to read what other people do because there is always some new trick to learn. 

What did you do to save money this week?

What's in a name?

Do you call yourself a housewife or a homemaker?

As I was thinking about the title “housewife”, into my head came the question, is there an officewife? Or a barnwife? Maybe there’s a yardwife. I personally don’t like “housewife” and always refer to myself as a homemaker. That’s because I think of myself as the maker of a home.

 I’m the one who opens all the curtains and blinds in the morning, letting the wonderful sunshine spill in and warm our home; and the one who closes all the same at sunset to hold in the warmth and shut out the darkness. I’m the one who tidies up and puts a tablecloth on before setting the table for a meal. I’m the one who moves the furniture into the most pleasing and inviting arrangement; puts up artwork and family photos, makes sure that there are several afghans or throws on the couch and chair for wrapping up in when it feels chilly. I’m the one who sees to it that there are toiletries in the bathroom, supplies in the laundry room and clean sheets and towels available at all times. In other words, I make our home livable, welcoming, and lovely.

Rozy the Homemaker (ca. 2012)

I was a homemaker before I ever got married. The small one bedroom apartment I lived in was my refuge and haven. I made it as lovely and welcoming as I could. I have very happy memories of my three years there.

Not everyone is born with the same inclinations I have. Some women despise staying at home and thrive in a career in an office of some kind. Not me! I believe I’m in the right career and consider it as such. I enjoy taking care of a husband, home and family. We’ve bought several homes over the course of our marriage (you do that with a military husband, in fact I joke about having married under a wandering star!) and during the loan application process when asked if I work, I simply answer, “Yes, but I don’t earn any income.” Some people understand, others give me odd looks and require an explanation. I really dislike that question, “Do you work?” No, I lounge on the couch watching movies eating chocolates. Of course I work, all day, every day, all year long! (Well, not really, but you know what I mean.)

Living in Iowa we get LOTS of political survey calls; when they get to the question of employer or employment, I just say “I’m a homemaker.” They have to figure out how to categorize that because it’s not one of the choices.

I also like the biblical term, from Titus 2:5 “keepers at home” as it seems to be another way to say homemaker.

So, how do you describe yourself?

P.S. Of course I realize that there are many women who would choose to be a full-time homemaker, but circumstances prevent that choice. I honor women who both earn the living, and make the living worthwhile for themselves and their families. They do so much more than I do and my hat's off to them.

Winter on Wednesday

The forecast blizzard began early Monday morning and lasted until late Tuesday night. It seems unusual only because we've had unusually mild winters for a few years. This, though, is more normal.

Tuesday night view from our front door.

Dandylion did all the shoveling of the walks and driveways.

Wednesday morning views from our front porch.

Tuesday Treasures - Thrift Store Finds

In anticipation of today's blizzard I drove to the next larger town yesterday for a little shopping. We had run out of milk on Sunday and I wanted to be sure to have some. I also grabbed some borax for the laundry, and some dish washing (by hand) detergent. Near the grocery store is a wonderful thrift store that we almost always stop at when we're in that town. Here are the treasures I picked up yesterday!

First is a piece of 3 inch gingham in my favorite yellow, 45" wide, almost 4 yards, for just $3.00.

Next are two 100% cotton muslin flat sheets, one full size and one queen, $5 each. I love the feel of the old muslin and always look for these kind of sheets. Fitted sheets are much harder to find as they wear out faster. But I also use sheets for all kinds of sewing projects, so I can't have too many.

I found a large glass jar, which  I'll use for cookies or nuts or dried fruit on the counter ($2); a Revere ware sauce pan and lid, to replace ones from our RV trailer that we gave away to a needy family, ($3); a metal serving tray in a blue and white Ming style ($2), a favorite children's book ($.75). 

What treasures have you found at the thrift store lately?

Happy New Year! cough cough

I lasted until New Year's Eve before succumbing to a horrible cold? virus? respiratory infection? What ever it is it put me down in bed for a couple of days. I'm still sick, but recovering. And as long as I keep warm I do okay, but getting cold brings on the coughs. Oh well. Opposition in all things.

TopDad and I talked about resolutions today. I'm not making any. I'm setting one goal. The goal is to get rid of the piles in our home. Piles of excess everything. I feel like my house is too small, but the truth is I have too much stuff! Hence the goal to get rid of it. I can use it up, trash it, sell it, or donate it, but it must be gotten rid of. No more piles, boxes, bags, overstuffed cupboards and closets, no more useful articles languishing unused and hidden away.

I'm praying for emotional strength, because I'm a keeper, not a tosser, and it will take divine help to overcome my weaknesses.

As soon as I get well, that is. I'm too physically weak to begin just yet. But watch out stuff, I'm getting my game plan together and you won't be safe around me.

Hope you all had lovely holidays. See you real soon.