Monday Message

"We can begin ever so modestly. We can begin with a one week’s food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months. I am speaking now of food to cover basic needs. . .I fear that so many feel that a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all. . .Begin in a small way, … and gradually build toward a reasonable objective." (President Gordon B. Hinckley)

Starting small can be worked into a budget quite easily if one uses thrifty ways.

We are starting into the hardest part of the year. Heating bills will be up, groceries are up, and it is dark and cold if you are in my neck of the woods.

I finished the hat I was sewing. I made it reversible, it took longer to cut out than it did to sew up. Here's a link to the pattern - https://www.fleecefun.com/basic-hat-adult-child-and-baby-pattern-and-tutorial/

This is the week before Christmas at the time I am writing this post. Our weather has turned colder brrr. I have a big pot of chili in the crockpot and made a pan of cinnamon rolls. When we were in grade school they served these two together and it was a fast favorite.

I have been working hard to make a few kits up of things I want to work on. Christmas Eve I want to cast on a hat and Christmas Day I have an embroidery project I would like to start and a little beading project I have been learning to do, so I will be ready.

I have all included in the bags ready and waiting.

I finished the spin project I had going as you can see in the picture. I saved the label from the fleece and taped it on the skein at the end so I would have the information. I also started another as part of my fun for the holidays idea.

I have been rushing to finish the mats I have on the loom so I can get it warped up with my next project which will be dish towels... which brings me to what I want to say...

I am trying to use what I have on my bobbins and using up the warp on the loom. I am hurrying so I can have the dish towels on the loom by Christmas. I am only able to do one mat or so a day before my back complains and rushing isn't helping with that as well. So while I have put this self-imposed deadline on myself trying to meet this goal of getting this done, I have decided when I get those dish towels warped up and a few rows worked, I will slow this way down and enjoy the process more. And that is how I plan to do the things I have planned, moving to more process rather than production, to take everything slower and enjoy the process, enjoy my minutes to find joy in a slower pace.

I am concerned about the virus. I heard two doctors on tv yesterday, one said that in a few weeks we will enter into the fifth wave and it would be the worse yet. The other said we should be wearing N95 masks and if not able to then two of the others...add that to what the president said that it would be dark and we would lose many more people. All this and the rumblings of shortages and higher prices just really puts a dark outlook on the future so I am trying to find things that will bring me joy.

I think the new year will find us all tightening our belts a bit more.

How can we make that not such a drudge?? I think staying positive. The chocolate cake rule I have is one way to do that. No matter what, I always have the ingredients on hand to make this chocolate cake.  No matter how hard things are I make this cake and it somehow helps. I also plan to make it for my birthday which is early January so it's not just in hard times that I make this cake. When there were hard times I would make it, I wanted it to represent normalcy for the family so the kids would not worry. So no matter what happens I can make chocolate cake which is why I always keep the ingredients on hand.

Get the recipe here - http://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2020/04/monday-message_20.html

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/frugal-living-guide - helpful ideas here.

We don't need to do these things grudgingly, we need to set a positive mood. Make things like a game.

This reminds me of an article I read in the Ensign in 2013 - https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/ensign-july-2013/2013-07-19-powdered-milk-budgets-and-blessings-eng.pdf?lang=eng

Having hard times does NOT hurt our children in any way, they are so resilient. We all have had hard times...they will have hard times too. It is part of life.

Gus and Missy say that their chocolate cake is a toy and catnip. It really is the simple things that make a difference.

Monday Message

"I wish to urge again the importance of self-reliance on the part of every individual Church member and family. None of us knows when a catastrophe might strike. Sickness, injury, unemployment may affect any of us. We have a great welfare program with facilities for such things as grain storage in various areas. It is important that we do this. But the best place to have some food set aside is within our homes, together with a little money in savings. The best welfare program is our own welfare program. Five or six cans of wheat in the home are better than a bushel in the welfare granary." (President Gordon B. Hinckley)

As we now will be turning our attention to the new year, I would rather make a list of things I would like to do, a list to inspire me, not one to make me feel guilty but to make me happy and not sad.

Like on my list will be...to take care of me as well as I do for others, to find time to read more and rest more, break down tasks more, take time to enjoy my interests more, continue to stay safe and realize that my being safe isn't a punishment, the world has changed and I must change as well. Reminding myself my immune system is not like others and to not kick myself because of it. To remember the Spanish Flu went on for years before it was over - this will take time as well. So giving myself some grace, I am doing what I can do. Realizing I cannot attend church physically at this time but I do attend virtually, while this feels somehow less it really isn't as it is a huge blessing given to me by my Father in Heaven and this blessing is more not less. I still keep up my scripture reading and journal keeping, I am thankful for my blessings. I feel loved.

I have fibromyalgia and I need to slow my pace down.  It has been a year of big projects. I think now perhaps it is time for no more of those for a while.

We are heading into the roughest part of winter in my neck of the woods. So I think I will do more hygge type things...

https://iowacity.momcollective.com/2018/01/05/hygge-list-15-ways-embrace-cozy-winter/

I would do more hot cocoa with sugar free flavorings with mini marshmallows.

https://almosttheweekend.com/how-to-enjoy-winter-even-if-you-hate-it/ - good ideas.

https://almosttheweekend.com/being-kind-to-yourself-in-january-and-february/

It is here that I wanted to mention, check on people this time of year as it is so very very hard on people. I know we cannot visit in person but email is a good way. Don't wait to have someone say they are having a hard time because they won't, you have to be proactive.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus/acts-kindness-during-coronavirus-outbreak - there is a list of ideas to scroll down.

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/a32598922/ways-to-cheer-someone-up/ - pick and choose.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200317-covid-19-how-to-stay-happy-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak - some ideas here.

https://siliconvalley.salvationarmy.org/silicon_valley/news/17-ways-to-strengthen-friendships-during-the-pandemic/

https://simpleonpurpose.ca/simple-hygge-autumn-list/ - take what ideas you wish.

www.freereadfeed.com I mention this a lot but having a free source for books is very helpful.

I want to learn new skills and break those down into bite size pieces.

I want to work on some warm projects, for example - https://www.fleecefun.com/basic-hat-adult-child-and-baby-pattern-and-tutorial/

Here is the free pattern - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXYhMYqy1_4

https://www.allfreeknitting.com/Knit-Shawls/Poppy-Knit-Triangle-Shawl-From-Yarnspirations - this would be a very easy project to learn on.

With the higher prices I think now is a good time to learn more frugal ways of doing things.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/meal-planning-guide/ - good helps here.

Find frugal and easy meals - https://moneysavingmom.com/lunchbox-freezer-cooking-bean-cheese-burritos-day-1/#_a5y_p=909256.

https://www.nogettingoffthistrain.com/recipes/cheap-healthy-meal-ideas/ - basic and simple.

https://www.nogettingoffthistrain.com/recipes/20-more-5-dollar-dinners/

https://www.nogettingoffthistrain.com/recipes/5-dollar-dinners-2/

The more we can find frugal meals the further our money will stretch.

https://www.nogettingoffthistrain.com/frugal/how-i-stick-to-a-60-a-week-grocery-budget-

Missy says it is important to stay the course and be safe.

Gus says be sure to eat your veggies and get lots of rest.

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)

I like this because it is just prudent to do. If it is just our way of life, that can't be bad. At some point it is just replacing what you use.

https://theprudenthomemaker.com/how-we-saved-money-the-fourth-week-of-november-2/ - I love this gal, a great example to all.

https://theprudenthomemaker.com/encouragement/ - this is from her site too

https://theprudenthomemaker.com/live/saving-money/ - helpful ideas here.

https://theprudenthomemaker.com/?s=gifts - ideas on gifts.

I have been busy making ornaments for the last couple weeks to stick in cards. I made up this pattern.  It is on perforated paper.

I made these last year, I want to make more of them to perhaps make a garland for the fireplace.

One summer I got these pretty decorations at a yard sale and at some point I will make more, I like them in the bowl.

For many years I have collected these cookie presses when I would run across them at yard sales or thrift stores. The one on top of the hot cocoa is my very favorite one.

What things do you collect? Leave a comment below.

During this time that is so busy, take care of you as well.

https://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/wellness/g2044/how-to-have-a-stress-free-christmas/ - here are some ideas.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/penguin-slice-and-bake-cookies-4531396 - this was a fun find this week. I think preparing these and giving them to someone would be fun for them to discover what they are when they slice and bake. Also, they would be fun to make up and freeze and one night when it is storming, take them out and slice and bake. Wouldn't that cheer the soul?

https://www.favecrafts.com/Christmas-Crafts/352-Homemade-Christmas-Decor-Ideas-Gifts-and-More - many ideas here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1tZ35pzhfw - this is fun, I would use mint flavoring and put in my hot cocoa - yum!

Gus and Missy say have fun together but to please be safe.

Monday Message

"I wish to urge again the importance of self-reliance on the part of every individual Church member and family. None of us knows when a catastrophe might strike. Sickness, injury, unemployment may affect any of us. We have a great welfare program with facilities for such things as grain storage in various areas. It is important that we do this. But the best place to have some food set aside is within our homes, together with a little money in savings. The best welfare program is our own welfare program. Five or six cans of wheat in the home are better than a bushel in the welfare granary." (President Gordon B. Hinckley)

I feel like I did when the pandemic was still in China as our country is now closing some borders to slow the spread of a new variant, Omicron. I knew it was coming when it was still in China. So I assessed what we would be needing. I now have that same feeling.

What did we learn? Can we do better this time? It sounds way worse than Delta. How can we adapt? How can we be encouraging to others?

Remember what items were hard to get in stores in the beginning of Covid. Do you have these items on hand now?

Gus say be sure to have lots of good things to eat on hand.

It would be good to stock up before the snow flies.

Missy says she is trying to build her mouse catching skills. Are you working on skills too?

Take time to go through what you have on hand. Is there anything that needs beefing up?

I always think of The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder and how they had such a long time of that winter and limited food stores. In that story, they had friends who moved out to a claim too and a lady brought over popcorn and since there wasn't any there yet it was a nice treat. The lady said her husband did not think they could take the big bag of popcorn as their wagon was full, she took it and sat on it all the way. So, do you need popcorn? If not, you might want some on your shelf for family movies or game nights.

I wonder, is there a young girl or boy out there that will write about our times?

I think one should definitely have ingredients to make cookies, especially chocolate chip.

https://www.favecrafts.com/Christmas-Crafts/352-Homemade-Christmas-Decor-Ideas-Gifts-and-More - lots of ideas here, just scroll down.

Remember hygge! Have candles and blankets and hot cocoa, just cozy things about.

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it is crunch time for Christmas. Remember to not stress. Take time to rest and enjoy everything you do. Stress is not healthy for our bodies.

https://www.frompenniestoplenty.com/blog/frugal-fun-christmas-activities - keep in mind we are in a pandemic and adapt accordingly.

https://thehappyhousie.porch.com/20-elegantly-adorable-ways-to-fill-clear-ornaments/ - I think it's best now a days to use the plastic clear ornaments, that way there's no breakage.

https://www.pinterest.com/rangerjeanette/gifts-ideas-for-shut-ins/ - great ideas for those who have to stay home to stay safe.

https://www.graceforsingleparents.com/12-days-christmas-gifts-ideas/ - this can be for anyone, scroll down to the ideas. One time we did this for a husband and wife. We did not say who we were till the end. We had so much fun thinking up the gifts, like pineapple rings for the golden rings and Dove soap for the doves (this was before Dove chocolate). We had fun as a family sneaking it to the door and hide so as not to be seen...it was great fun!

https://livingwellmom.com/25-diy-advent-calendar-ideas/ - here are some great ideas. I watch some knitting podcasts where they have a different yarn and treat and stitch markers in little bags. One does a bag of fun little treats for her husband for each day. She has the yarn ones and they buy like a Harry Potter one for one son, a Lego one for the other, so they each open that day after supper. In another one, her and her husband get little treats, same idea but are in little socks hung across a wall.

https://thecraftyblogstalker.com/25-diy-christmas-advent-calendar/ - more ideas.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/270356783854080445/ - some more ideas, the main point is be creative and find inexpensive ways, being frugal doesn't mean awful.

Gus and Missy say have happy holidays and keep being safe, they love you all!