Fashionista -A term used to define a woman with a penchant for
shopping and a natural flair for combining both current and vintage fashionable trends. Lest we forget our fabulous taste in shoes and men!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
I realize I've been on the MIA list for a few weeks with some family happenings but I'm back that's thanks to the encouragement of cousin Sharyn. For those of you who are old enough to have watched the Patty Duke show in reruns (or maybe even in originals) "we're two of a kind".. Although the only looks we share are ugly feet. We're both fashionistas and are forever late no matter how fast we go!
Fashionista -A term used to define a woman with a penchant for
shopping and a natural flair for combining both current and vintage fashionable trends. Lest we forget our fabulous taste in shoes and men!
Fashionista -A term used to define a woman with a penchant for
shopping and a natural flair for combining both current and vintage fashionable trends. Lest we forget our fabulous taste in shoes and men!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Starting A Home Stockpile
Starting A Home Stockpile
When I first started couponing and stockpiling, most of my family and friends thought I was a bit nuts. After months of watching me clip coupons, scour ads and listen to me get so excited about how many boxes of cereal I bought for 55 cents, it wasn't long before a few of them began to think I was a blooming genius and started to ask me about starting their own little stockpile!
When creating your family's stockpile the goal is to buy in advance the quanties your family will need and use when prices are at their lowest. Here's an example: Last summer I went to Shaw's and purchased 30 bottles of Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce. The BBQ sauce was on sale 10 for $10. / $1 each and I had a coupon for $1 off of 2 making them 50 cents each! Woo Hoo! Yes, the check out girl had an eye rolling good time, and the guy behind me looked at me a bit funny, but I could care less. I haven't bought BBQ sauce since last May and I won't again until next May! We have enough to last us through to the next sale and we've been able to include them in our donations to the food pantries.
Breakdown of Savings
- 30 bottles of BBQ sauce @ $1.99 (Regular Price)
- 30 bottles at regular price = $59.70
- Total I paid = $15.00 for 30 bottles (What I Paid)
- Total saved = $44.70 (What I Saved!)
Now apply that method to other nonperishable items. If you began saving $44.70 a year on just (5) items, you’d create a $223.50 annual surplus in your grocery budget. You can see how quickly your savings will add up. You could utilize that savings for credit card debit or maybe to help get through the heating season!
Where to start
Think about how many people are in your family and how many months you would like to store up for. This will depend on your purpose for building a stockpile. We maintain a stockpile because:
- It saves us money
- We are prepared in case we were to ever lose our income for any period of time
- We want to be able to give to any family, friends, neighbors if the need arise
- We want to be able to donate to our church and local food pantries
We're always striving for a 12 month supply plus a little extra for donations. Make a list of items that you would like in your stockpile. Figure out how much you can afford to contribute to your new endeavor. This can be as little as $5 a month. Between couponing and sale shopping you can begin adding to your pantry without a big crunch on your budget. Watch your sales flyers and learn when items are coming up to the "sales cycle". This is the time of year when items are at their lowest price. Sort of like the "white sales" of the grocery world. February, by the way, is national canned veggie month, so stock up!
Payoff Time!
It takes a while to see your stockpile grow. At first you'll have a lot of a few things and you may be discouraged. Be patient! As you continue to work towards your goal you will notice that you'll no longer need to purchase staples each time you go shopping but can wait for the next "big sale" or "great coupon". Anything you buy on sale, at rock bottom prices, will only be money saved this time next year.
The Bible and Stockpiling
Someone recently asked me if I felt that "stockpiling" was hoarding or Biblically sound. I don't profess to be a Biblical scholar. This is only my understanding and my belief.
I believe that if you chose to stockpile because you are afraid of the future, whether it be war, famine or economic hardship and your stockpiling I think you may have a problem.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
2 Timothy 1:7
I chose to stockpile to be a good steward of our family's finances and to be a good helpmate to my husband. I do not stockpile out of fear. I know that the Lord will provide for me. I fear not and neither should you.
These are some of the reasons I believe it to be Biblically sound to stockpile:
Being a wife:
"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness"
Proverbs 31:7
It takes time to do all that couponing, scanning, planning and shopping!
"She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar."
Proverbs 31:14
Yes, I travel to Auburn and sometimes even Augusta....that's pretty darn far!
"She considereth a field and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard."
Proverbs 31:16
A wise and prudent woman knows where and when to reap the benefits of a good sale for her family!
Most importantly, please don't forget to share!
So many of us have been blessed in many ways. Many of our neighbors struggle daily. Please don't forget them when you do your shopping. Your church or local food pantry would love to have any donation, no matter how small! Share your blessings!
"He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise."
Luke 3:11
"He that give unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hide his eyes shall have many a curse."
Proverbs 28:27
Stockpiling vs Hoarding
What is the difference between stockpiling and hoarding?
People that stockpile, usually buy things that they will use, at the lowest price possible, in quantities that will last them until the next sale or until the item will expire.
Hoarding is buying things that you know you will never use, just because you can get them for free and then just letting them sit around until they go bad. You take pride in just "having" them. Even though you know you will never use them.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Why Use Coupons?
In today's economy everyone can benefit by paying a little less for groceries. I've been a coupon clipper for many years. Unfortunately, until recently I have been so disorganized with my coupons I haven't been able to locate the ones I've needed when I wanted them. So I was wasting (there's that word again) my time and energy. A few months ago the TV show "Extreme Couponing" aired on TLC and I was hooked on couponing again. This time I had someone showing me the ropes! I quickly headed to my local Wal-Mart and purchased a huge 3 ring binder that zips closed, several packages of sportscard keepers and dividers. I set up my binder and began my coupon journey.
I realize that some people say that it takes too much time and isn't worth the effort. I spend about 10 hours each week clipping, organizing and searching for coupons. My savings varies from 30-100% on any given item. This week I have 3 coupons for $2.00 off of BIC razors. I'll be traveling to Wal-Mart where they are on sale for $1.97. I'll get 3 packs for free and 9 cents will be my overage that is applied to the rest of my order! Check out the different specials for the week below. There are several great sites to browse that will help with your coupon organization: couponmom.com and coupondivas.com both have coupon matching and state and national searches. Yes, this all takes some time and effort. Because I am a stay at home wife and mom, I consider this part of my "job". It is my contribution to our family finances. It helps to stretch our budget and does not take away from my other duties as a wife and mother. Besides that, it's also fun! I love a good challenge and hunting down a bargain is a challenge! Someone recently asked me if I got things just because they were free. Well, sometimes, yes. If I know someone I know can use it or I know my local food pantry can use it I pick it up and donate it. You can do the same and know that it will be much appreciated!
"Today is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" ~ Psalm 118:24
From Couponmom.com
I realize that some people say that it takes too much time and isn't worth the effort. I spend about 10 hours each week clipping, organizing and searching for coupons. My savings varies from 30-100% on any given item. This week I have 3 coupons for $2.00 off of BIC razors. I'll be traveling to Wal-Mart where they are on sale for $1.97. I'll get 3 packs for free and 9 cents will be my overage that is applied to the rest of my order! Check out the different specials for the week below. There are several great sites to browse that will help with your coupon organization: couponmom.com and coupondivas.com both have coupon matching and state and national searches. Yes, this all takes some time and effort. Because I am a stay at home wife and mom, I consider this part of my "job". It is my contribution to our family finances. It helps to stretch our budget and does not take away from my other duties as a wife and mother. Besides that, it's also fun! I love a good challenge and hunting down a bargain is a challenge! Someone recently asked me if I got things just because they were free. Well, sometimes, yes. If I know someone I know can use it or I know my local food pantry can use it I pick it up and donate it. You can do the same and know that it will be much appreciated!
"Today is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" ~ Psalm 118:24
From Couponmom.com
| Sort by Cpn Date | Sort Alphabetically by Item | Qty. | Sale Price | Mfr Cpn. | Register Price Per Item | Final Price All Savings Per Item | % Saved | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVS Drugstore | ||||||||||||
| Estroven Max Strength 28ct | 1 | $9.99 | - | = | $9.99 | = | FREE | 100% | ||||
Free after $9.99 Extra Bucks Rewards. Limit 1 reward.
| ||||||||||||
| 01-22 RP | Osteo Bi Flex, buy 1 get 1 free
Other Newspaper Coupons: 01-17 AY, 01-01 R1
| 2 | $10.00 | - | $6.00 | = | $4.00 | = | $4.00 | 80% | ||
estimated price from CVS.com. Price assumes two coupons.
| ||||||||||||
| Kmart | ||||||||||||
| 01-01 R1 | Osteo Bi Flex supplements buy one, get one free
Other Newspaper Coupons: 01-22 RP
| 2 | $9.00 | - | $7.00 | = | $2.00 | = | $2.00 | 89% | ||
50 ct. size used as example
estimated price from Kmart.com Use 2 coupons for this final price. 1/1 coupon is $7 off, 1/22 coupon is $6 off | ||||||||||||
| Rite Aid | ||||||||||||
| 01-01 S2 | Mentos UP2U Gum 14ct | 3 | $1.00 | - | $1.00 | = | $0.00 | = | $0.33 profit | 124% | ||
Price is after $1 on 3 UP Rewards and 3 newspaper coupons. Limit 4 Mentos Offers.
| ||||||||||||
| 01-01 R1 | Centrum Vitamins Tablets 100ct, Kids or Silver 80ct or Chewable 60ct
Other Newspaper Coupons: 12-11 S
| 1 | $6.99 | - | $3.00 | = | $1.99 | = | $1.99 | 80% | ||
Buy & Save Promo item. Price is after newspaper coupon and January Video Values coupon. (video values coupon is for 100ct)
| ||||||||||||
| 01-01 S2 | Mentos Tube Gum 15ct | 3 | $1.00 | - | $0.55 | = | $0.45 | = | $0.12 | 92% | ||
Price is after $1 on 3 UP Rewards and 3 newspaper coupons--coupon is for 15pc or larger bum bottle. Limit 4 Mentos Offers.
| ||||||||||||
| 01-15 S | Brita Classic Pitcher or Replacement Filter 3 pack | 1 | $14.99 | - | $4.00 | = | $0.00 | = | FREE | 100% | ||
Price is after $5 single check rebate and newspaper coupon,
| ||||||||||||
| Target | ||||||||||||
| Market Pantry Boxed Macaroni & Cheese 5.4 oz | 1 | $0.42 | - | = | $0.00 | = | FREE | 100% | ||||
In store price, may vary. Price is after printable Target coupon. Charity!
| ||||||||||||
| 01-01 S1 | Flintstones Kids Vitamin 60ct | 3 | $5.99 | - | $2.00 | = | $2.66 | = | $0.99 | 83% | ||
In store deal & price, may vary. Price is after FREE $5 Target Gift Card when you buy 3, 3 newspaper coupons and 2 printable Target coupons. Offer valid until 2/4.
| ||||||||||||
| 01-01 PG | Oral B Floss 55yds | 1 | $0.97 | - | $1.00 | = | $0.00 | = | FREE | 100% | ||
In store price, may vary. Charity!
| ||||||||||||
| 01-01 S2 | Nature Made Vitamin D 1000IU Vitamins 100ct
Other Newspaper Coupons: 01-01 S2
| 2 | $3.00 | - | $3.00 | = | $0.50 | = | $0.50 | 88% | ||
Price is after newspaper coupon and two printable Target coupons. Same insert has $1 off 1 coupon.
| ||||||||||||
| 01-08 S1 | Bic Grip Pens 7+2ct | 1 | $1.00 | - | $1.00 | = | $0.00 | = | FREE | 100% | ||
In store price, may vary. This is a good item to donate to charity.
| ||||||||||||
| Walgreens | ||||||||||||
| Walgreens TrueResult Monitor | 1 | $12.99 | - | = | $0.00 | = | FREE | 100% | ||||
Sale price $12.99, Free after $12.99 Mail in Rebate found on package This is a good item to donate to charity.
| ||||||||||||
| Ultimate Flurry Protein Bar 1.6 oz | 1 | $1.99 | - | = | $1.99 | = | FREE | 100% | ||||
Buy 1 Get $1.99 Register Rewards
This is a good item to donate to charity. | ||||||||||||
| Renew Life Flush & Be Fit Kit | 1 | $20.00 | - | = | $0.00 | = | FREE | 100% | ||||
Sale price $20.00, Free after $20 Mail in Rebate form printed at checkout
This is a good item to donate to charity. | ||||||||||||
| 10-23 S | Ex Lax 24 ct | 4 | $5.00 | - | $2.00 | = | $3.00 | = | $0.50 | 92% | ||
Buy $20 worth of participating products Get $10 Register Rewards
Buy 4 with 4 coupons for final price after Rewards | ||||||||||||
| 12-04 S | Triaminic 14 ct or 4 oz or Infant Fever Reducer Drops 2 oz
Other Newspaper Coupons: 01-22 S
| 2 | $5.00 | - | $3.00 | = | $2.00 | = | $0.50 profit | 108% | ||
Buy 2 Get $5 Register Rewards, coupon is for Fever Reducer, use 2 coupons
| ||||||||||||
| 01-01 R1 | Centrum Vitamins, Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off
Printable Coupon - $5.00 Off Probiotic, Printable Coupon - $5.00 Off Specialist Vision, Printable Coupon - $3.00 Off 1
Other Newspaper Coupons: 12-07 AY, 12-11 S
| 2 | $6.75 | - | $3.00 | = | $1.75 | = | $1.75 | 81% | ||
Select varieties, Estimated price of Original 100 ct $8.99 from Walgreens.com, store coupon is from 1/8 RP in most regions, use 2 newspaper coupons and store coupon
| ||||||||||||
| 01-08 S2 | Gas X 18-20 ct
Other Newspaper Coupons: 12-04 S
| 4 | $5.00 | - | $3.00 | = | $3.50 | = | $1.00 | 83% | ||
Buy $20 worth of participating products Get $10 Register Rewards
Buy 4 with 2 coupons for final price after Rewards | ||||||||||||
| 01-08 S2 | Maalox 90 ct or 12 oz | 4 | $5.00 | - | $3.00 | = | $3.50 | = | $1.00 | 83% | ||
Buy $20 worth of participating products Get $10 Register Rewards
Buy 4 with 2 coupons for final price after Rewards | ||||||||||||
| 01-08 S1 | Rogaine 3 ct | 1 | $49.99 | - | $10.00 | = | $9.99 | = | $9.99 | 80% | ||
Price $49.99, use both coupons and $20 Mail in Rebate for final price shown, Rebate found at link below
Store coupon is from January Savings Book, use both coupons | ||||||||||||
| 01-15 S | Tylenol 24 ct. or liquid 8 oz. | 2 | $5.00 | - | $2.00 | = | $3.00 | = | $0.50 | 93% | ||
Buy 2 Get $5 Register Rewards, Rewards Offer includes Sudafed Childrens, coupon is for Cold Liquid, use 2 coupons
| ||||||||||||
| 01-22 RP | Osteo Bi Flex Supplements, Buy 1 Get 1 Free
Other Newspaper Coupons: 01-01 R1, 01-17 AY
| 2 | $10.00 | - | $6.00 | = | $4.00 | = | $4.00 | 80% | ||
Lowest estimated price from Walgreens.com, Buy $30 worth of participating products Get Voucher at checkout for a Free Resistance Band and Walk with Walgreens Starter Kit, use 2 coupons
| ||||||||||||
| Walmart | ||||||||||||
| Scotch Brite bathroom sponge | 1 | $0.97 | - | = | $-0.03 | = | $0.03 profit | 103% | ||||
Use printable coupon for bathroom product to get this item free
| ||||||||||||
| 10-23 S | Ex lax Chocolate Covered Laxative 12 ct | 1 | $2.48 | - | $2.00 | = | $0.48 | = | $0.48 | 81% | ||
| 01-01 PG | Oral B Floss Essentials 55 yd | 1 | $0.97 | - | $1.00 | = | $-0.03 | = | $0.03 profit | 103% | ||
| 01-08 S1 | Rogaine Hair ReGrowth Treatment for Men 2 oz | 1 | $23.97 | - | $10.00 | = | $3.97 | = | $3.97 | 83% | ||
$10 printable coupon. Final price shown after newspaper coupon and mail in rebate.
| ||||||||||||
| 01-08 S1 | Bic Stationary Crystal Pens 10 ct | 1 | $0.97 | - | $1.00 | = | $-0.03 | = | $0.03 profit | 103% | ||
charity
| ||||||||||||
| 01-08 S1 | Schick Disposable Razor womens 12 ct | 1 | $1.97 | - | $2.00 | = | $-0.03 | = | $0.03 profit | 102% | ||
charity
| ||||||||||||
| 01-08 S1 | Cortaid .5 oz | 1 | $3.27 | - | $3.00 | = | $0.27 | = | $0.27 | 92% | ||
| 01-15 S | Brita Pitcher Basic | 1 | $8.97 | - | $4.00 | = | $-5.03 | = | $5.03 profit | 156% | ||
Final price is after coupon
Final price is after $10 mail in rebate | ||||||||||||
| 01-15 S | Kotex U Liners 18 ct | 1 | $1.24 | - | $1.00 | = | $0.24 | = | $0.24 | 81% | ||
| 01-15 S | Brita Faucet Mount System | 1 | $16.44 | - | $4.00 | = | $2.44 | = | $2.44 | 85% | ||
Final price is after coupon
Final price is after $10 mail in rebate | ||||||||||||
| 01-22 S | Franks Redhot Sauce 6 oz | 1 | $0.75 | - | $0.75 | = | $0.00 | = | FREE | 100% | ||
Total Price:
| $51.07 | Total Savings: 88% | ||||||||||
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Homemade Vs Store Bought Pop Tarts
On my quest to be cheerfully frugal I discovered a recipe for homemade Pop Tarts. Pop Tarts, those magical, sugary, breakfast treats from childhood. Oh, how I loved them! Not one to spoil all that well preserved, chemically enhanced goodness, unlike he who shall not be named*, I never heated mine in the toaster.
By the time DD#2* came along so did toaster pastries. So different, yet so close to a pop tart. It had all of the basic components - flaky crust, gooey filling, sweet frosting with a good amount of chemical enhancement for added flavor!
Ok, so we all know that homemade is usually better for you, less preservatives, chemicals, food coloring and other ingredients that you simply can't pronounce. But could that sweet morning delight really be recreated from scratch sans all those luscious chemicals? I decided to give it a try this morning and poll the FF* for their reaction. Here's my results:
While they did not taste like a Pop Tart (thank goodness) they were more along the line of a Toaster Pastry (yippee), especially after I whipped up a little confectionary sugar and milk for a quick icing! The votes from the family:
DH - thumbs up - his mouth was full
DD #3 - sorry, can't try them 'cause I already ate but they look good
HWSNBN - Yea, good
DD #4 - Umm...I like these, better than the toaster pastries!
#3S - ate and ran, but came back for seconds , so how bad could they be?
DF - Good stuff, Cin...(that's a compliment in my world!)
*see cast of characters for explanation
What would I do different? I think I'd roll the dough a bit thinner. This way I'd get more pastries and they wouldn't be quite as filling. I'll be making these again for sure!
Recipe
Homemade Toaster Pastries
Cinnamon Filling (enough for 9 tarts)
1/2 cup (3 3/4 ounces) brown sugar
1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, to taste
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 large egg, to brush on pastry before filling
If the dough has been chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to soften and become workable, about 15 to 30 minutes. Place one piece on a lightly floured work surface, and roll it into a rectangle about 1/8″ thick, large enough that you can trim it to an even 9″ x 12″. [You can use a 9" x 13" pan, laid on top, as guidance.] Repeat with the second piece of dough. Set trimmings aside. Cut each piece of dough into thirds – you’ll form nine 3″ x 4″ rectangles. I cheated and used an index card and pizza cutter. It worked great!
By the time DD#2* came along so did toaster pastries. So different, yet so close to a pop tart. It had all of the basic components - flaky crust, gooey filling, sweet frosting with a good amount of chemical enhancement for added flavor!
Ok, so we all know that homemade is usually better for you, less preservatives, chemicals, food coloring and other ingredients that you simply can't pronounce. But could that sweet morning delight really be recreated from scratch sans all those luscious chemicals? I decided to give it a try this morning and poll the FF* for their reaction. Here's my results:
DH - thumbs up - his mouth was full
DD #3 - sorry, can't try them 'cause I already ate but they look good
HWSNBN - Yea, good
DD #4 - Umm...I like these, better than the toaster pastries!
#3S - ate and ran, but came back for seconds , so how bad could they be?
DF - Good stuff, Cin...(that's a compliment in my world!)
*see cast of characters for explanation
What would I do different? I think I'd roll the dough a bit thinner. This way I'd get more pastries and they wouldn't be quite as filling. I'll be making these again for sure!
Recipe
Homemade Toaster Pastries
Adapted from King Arthur Flour
Pastry
2 cups (8 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into pats
1 large egg
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) milk
2 cups (8 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into pats
1 large egg
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) milk
1 additional large egg (to brush on pastry)
Jam Filling
3/4 cup (8 ounces) jam
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
3/4 cup (8 ounces) jam
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
Cinnamon Filling (enough for 9 tarts)
1/2 cup (3 3/4 ounces) brown sugar
1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, to taste
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 large egg, to brush on pastry before filling
Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Work in the butter with your fingers, pastry blender or food processor until pea-sized lumps of butter are still visible, and the mixture holds together when you squeeze it. If you’ve used a food processor, transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Whisk the first egg and milk together and stir them into the dough, mixing just until everything is cohesive, kneading briefly on a well-floured counter if necessary.
Divide the dough in half (approximately 8 1/4 ounces each), shape each half into a smooth rectangle, about 3×5 inches. You can roll this out immediately or wrap each half in plastic and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
If the dough has been chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to soften and become workable, about 15 to 30 minutes. Place one piece on a lightly floured work surface, and roll it into a rectangle about 1/8″ thick, large enough that you can trim it to an even 9″ x 12″. [You can use a 9" x 13" pan, laid on top, as guidance.] Repeat with the second piece of dough. Set trimmings aside. Cut each piece of dough into thirds – you’ll form nine 3″ x 4″ rectangles. I cheated and used an index card and pizza cutter. It worked great!
Beat the additional egg and brush it over the entire surface of the first dough. This will be the “inside” of the tart; the egg is to help glue the lid on. Place a heaping tablespoon of filling into the center of each rectangle, keeping a bare 1/2-inch perimeter around it. Place a second rectangle of dough atop the first, using your fingertips to press firmly around the pocket of filling, sealing the dough well on all sides. Press the tines of a fork all around the edge of the rectangle. Repeat with remaining tarts. Try not to have any filling squishing out the sides as it will burn on your cookie sheet quickly. (trust me, I know)
Gently place the tarts on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick the top of each tart multiple times with a fork; you want to make sure steam can escape, or the tarts will become billowy pillows rather than flat toaster pastries. Refrigerate the tarts (they don’t need to be covered) for 30 minutes, while you preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re a light golden brown. Cool in pan on rack.
My entire family has a sweet tooth so I added a little frosting to the top made with a small amount of powdered sugar and milk.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Homemade Laundry Soap
I wish I could say I thought of this myself, but I didn't. One of my favorite families to spy on is the Duggar's. You might know them as the TV family in TLC's "19 Kids and Counting". Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are full of great money saving tips for families big or small.
Laundry detergent prices are sky rocketing along with everything else. If you're using Tide liquid you're more than likely paying around $12.00 for 100 oz. According to P & G, a 100 oz jug will do 64 loads. Making the cost per wash load just under 19 cents. When I first used Tide's scale to figure out my cost per load I was pretty happy. Then I read on. The amount of load is based on a SMALL load, using just 1/2 a cap full. I don't know about you, but I don't think I've ever used half a cap of any laundry soap! This doubles your cost to 37 cents a load. If you're already a frugal wife you're probably using an inexpensive brand of laundry detergent such as ValuTime or Purex you're doing a bit better and are paying between 10 and 15 cents per load. Michelle Duggar's recipe that follows costs just pennies a load and is very easy to make. You'll know you have it right when you have a fairly thick gel that needs to be well shaken before each use. It basically has no real scent but I add a few drops of essential oil to make our clothes smell pretty!
What you need:
Laundry detergent prices are sky rocketing along with everything else. If you're using Tide liquid you're more than likely paying around $12.00 for 100 oz. According to P & G, a 100 oz jug will do 64 loads. Making the cost per wash load just under 19 cents. When I first used Tide's scale to figure out my cost per load I was pretty happy. Then I read on. The amount of load is based on a SMALL load, using just 1/2 a cap full. I don't know about you, but I don't think I've ever used half a cap of any laundry soap! This doubles your cost to 37 cents a load. If you're already a frugal wife you're probably using an inexpensive brand of laundry detergent such as ValuTime or Purex you're doing a bit better and are paying between 10 and 15 cents per load. Michelle Duggar's recipe that follows costs just pennies a load and is very easy to make. You'll know you have it right when you have a fairly thick gel that needs to be well shaken before each use. It basically has no real scent but I add a few drops of essential oil to make our clothes smell pretty!
What you need:
4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*****
½ Cup Borax
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*****
½ Cup Borax
- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)
-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.
-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)
*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" can be purchased through Ace Hardware, I get mine at Guild's Country Hardware in Livermore. Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!
I bought a few five gallon buckets with snap on lids from Wal-Mart and do two buckets at a time to save time. This is what it looks like.
All Dressed Up With A Dirty Neck
Some people are just born organized. I'm sure you know these people, maybe you're even one of them. A place for everything and everything in it's place. They are the people who arrive 15 minutes before they need to be somewhere. They know where the car keys, insurance cards, birthday gifts they purchased 6 months ago and the black sharpie are. Me, I was born late and disorganized. I am the woman who is scrounging through her purse at the checkout for her rewards card, the one at the doctors office who showed up 10 minutes late, the mother who had to chase the bus down the highway flashing her headlights to get her children on board. (sorry about that Michael, Kristen & Caitlin) Oh I can mange to pull myself and my home together for any event but heaven forbid you open a closet or cupboard door! This is what I refer to as "all dressed up with a dirty neck." It's sort of like putting on an evening gown after working in the garden and skipping the shower. Now I have gotten a bit better in my old age. The kids may leave the house with breakfast in their hands but I no longer am chasing school buses. (did I apologize to Mary Hayford?)
I hear tell that organization is the key to my success. After many woman's Bible studies I have learned that loving yourself and doing all things "for the glory of God" will help in this area. So today brings a new challenge. I'm working towards not wanting to crawl under a rock anytime a guest needs to open a closet, cupboard or drawer. So, today His Frugal Wife will tackle the kitchen, beginning with the pantry. Disorganization leads to waste. Wasting is not being frugal. Things fall on the floor, get squashed or go stale and end up tossed in the trash. What a waste! So here is my pantry before I jump in. Yes, I know what it looks like, I'm sharing with you here so please don't heckle or mock me.
Three hours later including a coffee break with Mom and Caitie.....
Three hours later including a coffee break with Mom and Caitie.....
I'm sure you're wondering what the heck was all the extra "stuff" that was in there. I uncovered half a dozen empty boxes. I must have missed the memo on not throwing away empty boxes. Several boxes of the same crackers or bags of the same chips opened, which I combined. I had a half a bag of potatoes with some really BIG eyes. Kind of grossed me out to touch them, yuck!
Now that the pantry is nice and tidy I can make my meal plan for next week knowing what I already have on hand. Not to mention I got a yippeee me snack out of the deal when I came across a chocolate covered granola bar just waiting for me to eat it! I wondered how the kids missed that?
Now on to the Laundry!
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