Monday Message

"The best food storage is not in welfare grain elevators but in sealed cans and bottles in the homes of our people. What a gratifying thing it is to see cans of wheat and rice and beans under the beds or in the pantries of women who have taken welfare responsibility into their own hands. Such food may not be tasty, but it will be nourishing if it has to be used." (President Gordon B. Hinckley)

It still seems prices continue to rise and we must try harder to stock our pantries.

Keep looking for sales.

Keep trying to find more frugal ways of doing things. Learn to do more for yourself. YouTube has lots of people showing how to fix things and how to replace things. Once, we changed a starter by having a tutorial and we did it! So try that before you pay.

Our money is not going very far so we need to do everything we can do to live more frugally. Think outside the box.

Tip: Before I get groceries, I go through my refrigerator and clean and chop any produce left from the month and put them in the dehydrator and dry them for later use.

At the beginning of the year, people want to organize, so they run to purchase tubs and all manner of organizing bins. Instead of doing that, look around your house and see what you already have that can help you with organizing projects.

We have a recycle place where it has items that still have usefulness - it is like a free yardsale. This last week, I picked up these two books, the person used them for budgeting by envelope method as they had labels on these ziploc type envelopes that are heavy duty. So I took off the labels and put my embossing stencils in them - way sturdier than the little photo album which had flimsy pockets, so I organized things into these books....

I use these brass stencils in card making.

I put this in here to show how to take something with a purpose and use it for another. We just have to think outside that box - recycle, reuse... waste not, want not!

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without," should be our motto for this year.

https://www.pinterest.com/lovelyetcblog/repurpose-reuse-recycle/

https://www.google.com/search?q=reuse+recycle+repurpose&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS960US960&oq=reuse+recycle+reporpose&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCQgBEAAYDRiABDIGCAAQRRg5MgkIARAAGA0YgAQyCAgCEAAYFhgeMggIAxAAGBYYHjIICAQQABgWGB4yCAgFEAAYFhgeMgoIBhAAGAUYDRgeMgoIBxAAGAUYDRgeMgoICBAAGAUYDRgeMgoICRAAGAgYDRge0gEJMTgwMTBqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:cc72d895,vid:mMYqGSqG6i8,st:0. I like the idea of making crinkle things. I should make some toys for the cats.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69o1z-MxJ88 - this has some really nice ideas.

https://www.pinterest.com/diyhsh/recycle-reuse-repurpose/

https://www.google.com/search?q=reuse+recycle+repurpose&sca_esv=a8d116dd7e3648b9&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS960US960&sxsrf=AE3TifMF-SVO4Q5Uh9ZKDjALMWkPnR38Dg:1767561934635&ei=ztpaabvAJrPrptQP34aW8QM&sqi=2&start=10&sa=N&sstk=Af77f_e_cusQx4jCJki-mckx4SViMxddgewHJdGd5-3nw_WCHMcn5awCu1ZqECnnqgmx9GKtQTt40Wg8pRygwuLSAg0Htf0Zmc4YIw&ved=2ahUKEwi73-2p6fKRAxWztYkEHV-DJT4Q8tMDegQIDBAE&biw=1600&bih=888&dpr=1.35#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:89d23e08,vid:UjgtrXO-jf8,st:0

I think this could inspire you.

I know a lot of people are going to use what they have already on hand and not purchase new items this year. One lady is going to finish twelve unfinished projects. She has embroidery projects and sewing projects and knitting projects. She said she picked twelve to finish one unfinished project a month rather than buy anything new this year.

When our girls brought home art from over the years that they made at school, I saved them, then I traced onto a piece of muslin and embroidered their artwork. I made them pillows of their work and I made us pictures.... a few are on this wall so we can continue to enjoy them.

I used the same colors that they did and embroidered the pictures, then I placed a sheet of tinfoil on a cookie sheet and laid the art face up on the foil. I heated a cup of water and put like four tea bags in it. Then, using the tea bags, I dabbed on the thick tea when it was like how I wanted it. Then I baked this in the lowest temperature my oven would go till it was dry (about fifteen minutes or so). Then framed them. Each has the name of the child and the date that they made the art.

Things do not have to cost money to be nice. I had everything, even the frames.

I think over time many think they are down in the dumps and shopping is a way to feel better. I suggest not doing that. Also, window shopping is not helpful if your budget is tight. Find other things. Like if you are down, think of someone who needs a visit or a plate of cookies or give a helping hand and before you know it, your mood has changed.

These are just a few ideas. I bet if you think about it, you could come up with lots more ideas.

Missy says just do the best you can and find time for you as well.

Tippy Longstockings says while things are hard now, keep a stiff upper lip - we can do this!

Monday Message

"Start now to create a plan if you don’t already have one, or update your present plan. Watch for best buys that will fit into your year’s supply. We are not in a situation that requires panic buying, but we do need to be careful in purchasing and rotating the storage that we’re putting away. The instability in the world today makes it imperative that we take heed of the counsel and prepare for the future." (L. Tom Perry)

Make a plan to stock up on your storage.

Make a plan to learn skills.

I think we all are going to have to live a lot more frugally this new year.

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2020/02/monday-message_24.html - this is about skills.

I stopped into the thrift store (Salvation Army) today and there was some cotton yarn - one can make dishcloths out of - they also had some knitting needles, and a little fabric, so don't rule out haunting your thrift stores. I saw big sheets that would give you less expensive fabric. Today they seemed to be putting out racks and racks of clothing, so don't rule out used clothing - actually, I think it is better quality now than the clothing that is new.

Keep looking for vacuum sealers - they help save so much money! I did not see any today but I often see them. Also, I saw bread pans.

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2015/07/monday-message.html - bread is a huge price-saver right now too. If you always keep the ingredients in storage, you will have baked items for less.

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2015/03/monday-message_16.html

Dishcloths are a great way to learn to knit and useful as well, plus they're great to give as gifts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6t1upQeNAE - here is a great place to learn to make dishcloths.

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2019/12/monday-message_9.html - great beginning sewing links here.

Don't rule out frugal foods and scratch-cooking as huge money savers.

https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/single-serve-slow-cooker-oatmeal/ - we eat a lot of oats at this house.

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2015/06/monday-message_15.html - ha ha ha too funny! Cause now I am turning 70 and have even seen more, the times we are living in topping the list.

Tippy Longstockings wants to ask what frugal ideas do you have for this year? Leave comments below - we all learn from each other.

Missy is popping in here as well to say keep being kind, it is needed more than ever! 

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2015/03/julekaga.html - I will be making this on New Year's Day. We love it (P.S. look at that little Missy! She was so tiny then!)

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2015/02/monday-message_23.html 

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2015/02/lemon-biscotti.html - these are our very favorite, yum!

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2014/12/lets-sit-by-fire.html - awww yes, sit by the fire - here is my favorite caramel corn.

https://theloopywhisk.com/2020/04/02/ultimate-gluten-free-bread/

https://www.mamaknowsglutenfree.com/easy-gluten-free-bread/

I think that there is so very much one can learn. We need to slow down enough to be able to learn.

Take the time to learn something every day!

Missy says keep working on your storage and get what you need for making bread in your storage - she will help you eat it, yum!

Tippy Longstockings says remember to take care of you too!

Monday Message

"Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to ‘prepare every needful thing’ (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we may care for ourselves and our neighbors, and support bishops as they care for others." (All is Safely Gathered In pamphlet)

By the time you get this, the holidays are passed and it is close to my birthday.

I hope you have had wonderful time over the holidays.

I hope you have rested up. We need to take care of us as well ya know.

We are in soup season and soup is very frugal.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/cheap-soup-recipes-for-fall/ - taste of home has great recipes. If you have a favorite soup recipe put it in the comment section below.

https://realfoodrealdeals.com/frugal-healthy-soup-recipes/

https://www.thriftyfrugalmom.com/12-favorite-easy-soup-recipes/

https://www.allrecipes.com/gallery/easy-soup-recipes/

https://thefrugalgirls.com/best-soup-recipes

There are wonderful recipes on these sites! But, what to make to go with that soup??

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2022/06/monday-message_20.html

Rolls

Bread

Popovers

Cornbread

It is a great time to build those breadmaking skills and invent all kinds of interesting rolls....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdTAcAgOONw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JVARcThpZU

Turn the kids loose, let them create rolls that could be fun as well!

All of this is frugal and what you save on your food budget, use to build that storage.

I find putting your soup in the crockpot in the morning helps when I am exhausted at supper time.

Take the slower pace of winter to learn that skill you have been wanting to learn.

Back in December this fella was looking for something to build a skill with.

I finished a spinning project...

I am trying to learn to spin better yarn. Although I love all that I have made and use it as well, there is always more to learn.

So even if you have a skill, try to build on that skill.

At the same time, build your other skills and your storage.

In my neck of the woods, we are now entering into cabin fever time - it's a thing.

https://www.pinterest.com/pplelectric/cabin-fever/

https://www.snowredfern.org/2024/01/26/50-fun-cabin-fever-activities-for-kids/

https://signup.com/prevent-cabin-fever

Go through your clothes and dad's clothes, find some whacky items like scarves, ties, shoes etc. and build a fun dress-up box.

Tippy Longstockings says her favorite activity is chasing a laser light.

Prices continue to go up and will for a while. Remember to find joy where you can. Be helpful to others. Help people in need and share smiles wherever you are.

We can do amazing things when we put our minds to it.

Missy says just do the best you can. Try to look for that joy and find rest.

Tippy Longstockings says when you are blue, find a friend to cheer up and you will feel better too.

Monday Message

"The best food storage is not in welfare grain elevators but in sealed cans and bottles in the homes of our people. What a gratifying thing it is to see cans of wheat and rice and beans under the beds or in the pantries of women who have taken welfare responsibility into their own hands. Such food may not be tasty, but it will be nourishing if it has to be used." (President Gordon B. Hinckley)

At the time of this writing it is December 17. We have temps that are nice, melting all that snow - I love it!

It sure has been a busy time...

I thought you would love elf here, he is cheering up his friends. My friend Kathy had a candleholder like this. One evening I stopped by, she had it on with candle and lights out - it was like their own little bonfire. They cast big shadows, I loved it. Then a few years later, I found this at a yard sale and snatched it right up.

I hope that by the time you are reading this you finally are resting. Now we can crack down on our storage and skills. Remember, goals are the stars to steer by, not sticks to beat ourselves with.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYbSR6T4OW4 - here is important information on cans with past-due dates. They are still good, don't throw them out unless they are bulging or leaking they are still good. This brings us to always rotating your food. Put new in the back and use up the older. This is a huge saving on those dollars you spend on food. But knowing the food is good helps you with your pantry.

Our Church The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently discovered that some things we were getting and putting in storage was good for way longer than first thought if properly stored. I get my powdered milk through the church's storehouse as I like it better than what you can get at your stores. They said it is good for 25 years. Well, I can tell you mine is going on 26 years and is just as good as the day I got it all those years ago.

So what I am saying is, don't throw out your expired food, it is still good.  

https://preparednessmama.com/expiration-dates-on-food/ - more info on dates.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSDTpb0i3dY - you could get ideas here but prices have gone up and will continue to do so.

If you find a good sale on salmon (let's say) and if you are like me and don't eat it, don't get it! I know you hear all the time, if you are hungry enough you will eat it. I wholeheartedly assure you I would eat grass first, I won't eat salmon. So only store things you and your family eat now - that is very important!

Now you maybe eat store-bought bread and want to be able to bake bread - if you do, introduce this new thing to your family. Make cinnamon rolls then cinnamon swirl bread. It's to perfect your skill at baking bread. 

I use vital wheat gluten and I use an electric knife to slice my bread. I slice it all at one time before I put it into a bag. I find the reason most people complain is because it is sliced too thick and with electric knife, I can slice it any thickness - so thin you can see through it. Of course, I just use a regular slice but I am telling you that you could go that thin. I slice it all at once because like store bread, the whole loaf is sliced, you can just reach in, grab slices and make your sandwich. If you slice as you go, first day is okay but each day after that it crumbles.

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2015/07/monday-message.html - there is a lot of bread information here.

https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/easy-pantry-staple-recipes-food-stocking-storage-tips/

https://food.unl.edu/article/how-cook-dry-beans-scratch/ - you probably have beans in your storage.

https://thesurvivalmom.com/simple-food-storage-meals-for-tight-times-stock-up-on-three-months-worth-fast/

How are you doing on building your skills?  They are going to be more important in the new year.

I finished spinning my yarn...

I finally finished spinning the project I was working on.

It came to 324 yards, it is drying now in the last picture.

When it is dry, I will twist it into a skein and attach a tag with the yardage on it. Sadly, I got the fiber long ago. The store is now closed. I think a lot of things will be closing.

It was my plan to get it finished as a gift to myself for Christmas.

I have plans yet to make a new bonnet for my sock machine as well for Christmas.

I had stirred up cookie dough that I still have three kinds to bake off.

I encourage you to get a budget drawn up and work on your goals and your storage and your skill building.

I was given a five pound bag of carrots. I have never seen that size of bag before. I decided to clean and slice and blanch well and put in the dehydrator. While I had it going, I diced up old apples, giving the squirrels the peelings and cores - they ate them right up. I diced the apples into lemon water to keep them from browning. These will be great in oatmeal and the carrots great in soups, so don't throw out things, dehydrate them.

Missy says make a good plan to tackle the new year!

Tippy Longstockings says keep putting in supplies and building skills, this will be a tough year.

Monday Message

"Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. We could refer to all the components of personal and family preparedness, not in relation to holocaust or disaster, but in cultivating a life-style that is on a day-to-day basis its own reward." (President Spencer W. Kimball)

After Christmas has come and gone, we turn our attention to the new year. I feel it is ever important to plan for it.

How is your storage? What are your goals for building it up?

Make a plan. Where are your low spots? How will you add to it? Prices are going to continue to rise. If you use up a jar of peanut butter, put it on your grocery list times two.  And ROTATE!!! If you don't do this, you are wasting money and food. Some I know write the date on the item when they put it in storage and some move things forward and put it behind.

But because prices are going up, do not wait for them to come down. Remember my story about the flour and how it had gone up? I asked why and the person putting out the flour said just wait. it will come down. Well, twenty-some odd years later, it hasn't yet come down. I bought the flour then and continue to buy it. We need to not wait.

I made the cats toys for Christmas...

Trying to work in my low budget Christmas, I worked with what I had. There is catnip inside each with the stuffing.

There are times that are hard and we have to work inside of tight parameters.

We can do this. 

Our cats will love these maybe more than store bought.

But working with what we have saves money in that I didn't need to add a burden to an already tight budget.

Which brings me to next year's plan again...

What are the skills you want to learn in 2026? Make a list!

https://www.creeksidesimplicity.com/25-ways-live-simple-life/ - here are some ideas to get your juices going.

https://www.queenofthehousehold.com/homemaking-skills/ - I like that rest and taking care of ourselves is on the list.

https://www.foodstoragemoms.com/40-lost-homemaking-skills-that-need-to-be-refound/ - has a nice list.

We don't need to know it all at once. We also don't need to beat ourselves up that we aren't the best. We do the best we can for our family.

Skills are so varied. Let's say you bought cookies (side note here wow - prices have really gone up! I walked by a display of Oreos and my heart wept at how high they have gotten) so maybe you let your skill be baking different cookies. I have a friend who makes a cookie of the week - different each week.  Your friends have favorite recipes and would love to share them with you! I will go first...

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2022/11/monday-message_21.html - these are our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. Be a collector of good recipes.

I just used cookies as an example but there are so many other skills.

I plan to continue to learn more weaving using what fiber I have on hand.

I also will keep spinning to use fiber I make which is using what I have.

Sewing - I want to continue to make my own clothing using what I have or can find fabric thrifting.

These are a few of the areas I continue to work on, your list will be completely different.

Decide what on your list is most important and do that first.

Now for the fun we have been having with the elf...

We have had more fun with this silly elf and it has been free fun for sure.

Missy says she is shocked by the prices of everything. She says just do the best you can. Little by little it adds up.

Tippy Longstockings says she knows we will all get through this together. Keep trying to have free fun.  And to share your favorite cookie recipe in the comments below.

Monday Message

"Start now to create a plan if you don’t already have one, or update your present plan. Watch for best buys that will fit into your year’s supply. We are not in a situation that requires panic buying, but we do need to be careful in purchasing and rotating the storage that we’re putting away. The instability in the world today makes it imperative that we take heed of the counsel and prepare for the future." (L. Tom Perry)

This post is being written two weeks ago so by the time you read it, it'll still be a little before Christmas.

I started The Long Winter when we got that big storm and I wanted to start a scrubbie, then I did it again but this time I only did part of it as a scrubbie and the rest as a dishcloth.

Here is the pattern - https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dishcloth-scrubber--coaster On one, I held scrubbie fiber with the cotton yarn the whole way through and on the second, I only held it towards the end to get a dishcloth - I like that one best.

I hope you found some storage things on sale. This is a good time to get good sales on stock-up items.

I know this is such a busy time, I hear you for sure. I figured you needed to have a rest so I threw in these last minute ideas..

https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/gifts/free-gift-ideas

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj9jdzKVN1eefAfrviBG0lkSoHSjm6P--

https://sustainmycookinghabit.com/last-minute-diy-christmas-gifts/

https://andreadekker.com/50-clutter-free-gift-ideas/

https://www.gathered.how/arts-crafts/last-minute-diy-christmas-gifts

https://haileystitches.com/christmas-gifts-to-sew/

I am making this week's post shorter as I know you are so busy. Just remember those in need - even a smile helps when things seem so bleak. So many are having a hard time this year.

Missy says take time to do what you like during this time.

Tippy Longstockings says take time to rest!

Monday Message

"A cardinal principle of the gospel is to prepare for the day of scarcity. Work, industry, frugality are part of the royal order of life." (Bishop Keith B. McMullin)

As I write this, tomorrow is Thanksgiving where I live. While life is crazy, we all have lots to be thankful for. Let's think on those things when life looks rough. Do our hardest to find joy.

I have finished the Christmas stocking...

The one on the left is the one for this year that I just finished. The one in the center was last year's and the one on the right is two years ago.

I am not yet very good but still trying to learn this skill.

How are you doing at building your skills?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpfLTb56fMc - here is a beginner knitting tutorial.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wd0BPAtQpNQ - how to cast on knitting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esEtUaa-Pwg - how to work the knit stitch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbtnjHrb_Hg - how to purl.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTAO80lAQOs - how to cast off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8yU4qu46WI - once you learn from sites above here, you can learn to make a scarf.

Here is something on my list to make that would make a great gift...https://files.allpeoplequilt.com/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/sites/42/2021/04/26/Pinwheel-Pot-Holder.pdf?_gl=1*aq3b6l*_ga*MTkzODUyMDM3OS4xNzYzNTg1Nzg2*_ga_DK3GDWHWJH*czE3NjM2ODIyNzEkbzQkZzAkdDE3NjM2ODIyNzEkajYwJGwwJGgw

If you like to crochet, I am going to make these for our car it could be gifts or can be a regular set of coasters as well - https://www.lifeawayfromtheofficechair.com/2014/05/crochet-car-coasters.html

Christmas is coming fast!

https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/christmas/g1704/american-state-gifts/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_del_d_bm_prog_org_us_g1704&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11760168925&gbraid=0AAAAACq-IPy17KxgvE972FY6GRlQna7cI&gclid=CjwKCAiA55rJBhByEiwAFkY1QNPErHeLHCub6gotzmyF8JSyxusX6_rheC6YE8Y6f5QpH_M0rYjrAxoC-wwQAvD_BwE. - this has great food ideas. I like the reindeer fudge.

One thing I decided to do this holiday - I started early is I am taking this elf and each day he will be somewhere different.

Our holidays will have to be a low-spend one so I have the elf doing this for holiday cheer.

I am knitting my hubby two hats for cold weather. 

I will make goodies from what I already have in the house (having storage is a great help here).

If you are needing to have a low-spend holiday, don't be down - find free ways to make it fun! We can do this!

Tomorrow, I will set out the puzzle for the holidays.

Unfortunately it seems we will have a snow storm this weekend which I am not ready for. But I plan to dust off The Long Winter to start reading it again. If you have kids, you can read aloud by candlelight. Get some cookies and have a fun time.

Continue to look for free things to make your holidays fun. Share what you have in mind. We loved dropping cookies and running or making a food gift.  

No matter what kind of holiday you have planned, remember to take care of yourself - rest well, eat well!

Missy is horrified at the current prices - hard to think of them going higher!

There is no indication prices will be coming down and every indication they are going up. So every time you are in a store, pick up one item for storage - like a jar of peanut butter or even just a box of Jello, just make sure what you get is something your family likes.

Missy says find time for joy - we really need some at this time!

Tippy Longstockings says she is pretending to be the tree this year - try hard to find fun!