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)

You cannot believe how quickly it will build if you just start a little here and a little there. We all go to the store so often, just make yourself pick up one item for storage every time. That way it isn't painful like a big purchase. I still do this though I don't go to stores very often. Once it is a habit, you won't have to think it, you just do it.

It is so nice to see no snow when I look out the window.

I still am fighting this cold flu but doing a little better. I have done little putzing jobs as I can around the house. Mostly had to rest, still so wore out but pushing on. It is amazing what you think up to do when you can't feel up to it.

https://theprudenthomemaker.com/how-we-saved-money-this-past-week-16/ - she does frugal things, very inspiring.

This last year for Christmas we did something different for fun. Both of us opened a bag each day from December 1st through the 25th. It was such a hit, we will do it again this year. The things were inexpensive, mostly Dollar Tree items and a piece of chocolate. So after Christmas our grocery store had bags of miniature candy bars for a dollar. I got them and froze them to put in our bags, just a few in each bag.  

For the bags I use lunch sacks. I have been getting bag items every time I get groceries to spread out the cost while still within our grocery budget. This is one thing I am doing to stretch the budget. This I am doing for the two of us. Yes, me too. I save the best one for Christmas Day. I have already forgotten what things I have gotten, so it works. This year I am putting our initials on the bags. I will write 25 on the bag for Christmas Day. We will pick each other's bag out for the day so it will be a surprise every day. Like I said, these are just inexpensive useful items.

https://frugalfamilyhome.com/food/recipes/vanilla-pancake-syrup-recipe - make your own syrup.

https://www.littlehouseliving.com/frugal-living-tips/frugally-fit - lots here, she always has great stuff.

So many ways to be frugal, starting with recipes that are frugal. If you have old church cookbooks or find any at thrift stores or yard sales they are just full of frugal recipes.

I have found many recipes over the years from these cookbooks. They are a book of everyone's favorite recipes. So pick them up when you see them and spend time looking through them. They are also a lot more frugal.

I have watched many podcasts where so much butter is used when it isn't necessary and it is very greasy and not at all good for you, not to mention expensive. More doesn't make it better. I also cringe when I see people not measure out spices and herbs, which I see them just dump them in from the container guessing. To me where they might only need a tsp. but it ends up being tablespoons, this is expensive. So measure your ingredients, this will save a lot as well. We need to stretch what we have and to be frugal where we can.

https://frugalfamilyhome.com/food/recipes/make-your-own-groceries-35-recipes-to-make-at-home-and-save - she has things that you can make yourself.

Missy says remember to wash your paws to keep those germs at bay. She also says slow down and smell the catnip. Work on storage and finding frugal ways to live.