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)

I have been noticing today busy little squirrels burying walnuts while they are preparing for winter so we should be busy getting ready for winter too.

Make sure you have stuff on hand for illness as you won't feel like going to the store when you or your family is sick.

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2016/11/monday-message_21.html - in this post I have some sick plan ideas.

What outside things do you need to tend before winter or summer (depending where you live)? If you are heading into spring, is your gardening plans at the ready? I hate to think that soon I will be shoveling a walkway. We have fall right now but it is hot at the time I am writing this. We'll go from 84 degrees tomorrow to 64 the day after. I am ready for fall like temperatures, fall is my favorite time of year.

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2016/09/monday-message_26.html - in this post you will find my all time favorite pumpkin streusel muffins. I love them! They say fall but I like them all year long!

I feel like my week has been filled with getting the loom warped for the next project. The picture with the black and white strip of paper is the back of the loom. I am threading the heddles, I made that strip of paper so it is easier to see. I move a clip as I do a heddle.

Missy wanted to jump in here to remind you to be learning those very important skills like crocheting, so you can have a warm cover up when it is cold.

Tippy Longstockings wanted to also jump in but she wanted you to see her fine coat with the black stripe down her back... She says, do you have your coats ready to unpack for when your season gets cold?

https://valleyfoodstorage.com/blogs/inside-vfs/how-to-start-food-storage-essentials-for-beginners - this has very good information on putting in your storage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-x88m8_6Ac - per Missy's suggestion, here is how to crochet a granny square which is what she was sitting on.

I have a friend who would learn one skill till she was good at it then pick another. This is a great way to build those skills.

If you think, why should I do this? Think how much do you spend on gifts? A lot of our skills can be used to share with others.

https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/l/knitting/knitting-patterns/free-knitting-patterns/free-hat-knitting-patterns - here are a lot of free hat patterns for you to make for when you get cold weather.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USAr7TFXcv0 - here are some very basic sewing gifts to make, I think they are great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPzwVCpv7J4

Missy knows one of the best ways to learn is from a book!

Tippy Longstockings says if all else fails, look cute!

Monday Message

"We encourage members worldwide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings. We ask that you be wise, and do not go to extremes. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve." (All is Safely Gathered In)

I just want to point out the quote, it says we encourage members worldwide. Worldwide...give that a minute to sink in. People all around the world are working on their storage and skills as well. Which means that people all around the world will be able to be a help in calamities...first responder type. What a wonderful thing. If we all do our part how wonderful it can be. 

During these times of high prices we have fallbacks so that we can wait for prices to improve.

My garden is winding down and fall temps are here. I'm in my mood to fall clean...

I finished the dish towels, they are now off the loom and done.

I now have begun warping the loom to make a scarf.  

My sister sent through her friend the fiber she just knows I will love, so I have sleighed the reed. From here I'll need to string the heddles. Believe me, I am learning skills every step of the way.

How are you coming with your skills? Tell us what skill you have worked on in the comments below!

Tippy Longstocking says sometimes watching someone doing a skill helps us learn.

Missy says sometimes reading how-to books help us learn skills too.

The girls wanted to suggest if you know someone with a skill, ask them if they could teach you that skill. Most people would be very happy to teach you!

Monday Message

"Too often we bask in our comfortable complacency and rationalize that the ravages of war, economic disaster, famine, and earthquake cannot happen here. Those who believe this are either not acquainted with the revelations of the Lord, or they do not believe them. Those who smugly think these calamities will not happen, that they somehow will be set aside because of the righteousness of the Saints, are deceived and will rue the day they harbored such a delusion." (President Ezra Taft Benson)

It seems like calamities are happening more often and are more severe than ever.

Preparing for tomorrow is not a bad thing. It feels good to take that worry down a notch.  

Today a fall chill is in the air, makes me want to prepare for winter. I check to see what we are low on and then adjust my grocery list so I can pick up that item, as in being more frugal with my meals so there is money to get these things. Always look at sale flyers to get a lower price on things and I like to have mixes made up for winter...

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2015/10/monday-message_12.html 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/1987/09/provident-living-a-way-of-life?lang=eng - great article.

https://www.recipegoldmine.com/mixes/chocolate-pudding-mix.html

https://www.recipegoldmine.com/mixes/vanilla-pudding-mix.html

https://www.recipegoldmine.com/mixes/piecrust-mix.html

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/fruit-crisp-topping-mix/

https://chickensintheroad.com/classic/cooking/quick-mix-biscuits-muffins-and-pancakes/

https://www.recipelink.com/recipes/abc-muffin-mix-basic-muffin-mix-with-44-variations-0220958 - lots of variations you can do to these muffins.

https://www.littlehouseliving.com/10-mixes-that-should-be-in-your-pantry.html - I love the scone mix and keep it on hand as I do the SOS mix as well.

SOS mix - https://extension.usu.edu/sanpete/files/Soup_or_Sauce_SOS_Mix.pdf

https://tipnut.com/baking-mixes-seasonings/ - many I use from here as well.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/ready-gravy-mix/ - I keep a jar of each of this going all the time too.

https://thedollarstretcher.com/frugal-living/food/inexpensive-homemade-baking-mixes/

https://chickensintheroad.com/classic/cooking/homemade-hamburger-helper/ - you know I like her site.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1980/10/prepare-for-the-days-of-tribulation?lang=eng - this is worth the read.

These are some things to give you ideas and resources.

I would also suggest that these would make great gifts. You have time to find containers to put mixes in from thrift stores, write up the recipe and the ways to use it on a card you attach, and the person getting the gift will love it.

How are you coming with your skill building?

Plan to have some skill building time. Decide what it is you want to learn and make a plan how to learn this skill.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSZsQu0ZtVQ - she shows you how to reclaim yarn, best video! I just love her so if you want to do something with yarn but the cost stops, you try this... very easy to do I have done it.

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2014/02/monday-message-frugal-meals.html

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2020/01/monday-message.html - this blog post had a lot of skill building ideas plus some pictures of Gus for those of you will remember him.

I know we are more busier than ever but make preparations the best that you can and that is always good enough.

Missy says read and teach yourself how to develop a skill... she plans on it right after her cat nap.

Tippy Longstockings says remember you can't get gibble on good looks alone.

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)

Preparing for the future is a job we all should be undertaking.

Look for those sales and stock up.

This is a cake I made out of three things: white one-step angel food cake (which I try to keep in storage as it just needs water), I also added strawberry kool-aid powder I keep on hand for flavoring cakes and cookies and frostings and dying fiber - very versatile, that is why it is red (use half and get pink). I mix it all with crushed pineapple and bake in a 9 x 13 pan - makes a great cake as well. I keep these mixes on hand always. 

So look for basic items and some things that can be for special occasions as well.

I like to store the one-step angel food cake mix and pancake complete mix as well. Both only need water. These last long on the shelf and stretch your oil and eggs to be used on other things.

Also, be working on those skills. Sewing is a good place to start. Being able to mend our clothes is such a huge thing.

Here are the remade dresses, now these are for every day wear and I love them.

I have finished knitting a dressy cowl to wear with dresses for church.

I had a little help "on it" :p 

But I'm glad to get it done.

How are you coming on your skill building??

Kids are back to school and you might be heaving a sigh...Well once you are rested up, we need to start gearing up for Christmas! No, it is not too early.

https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/25-easy-homemade-christmas-gifts-can-make-15-minutes.html - good ideas.

https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/35-gorgeous-modern-diy-christmas-tree-ornaments.html

https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/tips/g645/crafty-christmas-presents-ideas/

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/gift-ideas/g1266/handmade-gifts/

https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/homemade-gift-ideas-1251561

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/gifts/g33416427/diy-christmas-gifts/

https://www.blesserhouse.com/100-diy-christmas-gifts/

It is time to get started on getting gifts made.

I know that it is canning time in my neck of the woods, so it is a busy time.

You all are doing very well.

Missy says preparing for the future will be a blessing.

Tippy Longstockings says she plans to go trick or treating as a snail.

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)

You are all probably working with summer's bounty if you are in our neck of the woods, and if not, are you thinking of what you will be planting?

Some years our zucchini is good, other times it doesn't do well. This year the plant is out doing itself. We have eaten a lot and there's more coming. Some hid so well and got bigger - no problem, we love zucchini!

Did you know you could make relish from zucchini ?? Yes, you can.

Our gardens are for some reason this year not doing so well. All are complaining of the same things.

I have been dehydrating my tomatoes and eating as they come. They are struggling this year and are not very big. Many have complained of this as well.  My grandmother loved sliced tomatoes with a sprinkle of sugar on them. This is my preferred way as well. It is more like fruit, it tastes so different then with salt on. So the next time you slice a tomato take one slice and sprinkle it with sugar and see what you think...yum!

How are you coming with your skill building?

https://www.ehow.com/how_2041672_read-sewing-pattern.html - this will help you read a sewing pattern better... it will unlock the secrets... I always think they have secrets :p

I have the other three dresses cut waiting to be sewn out of the large dresses. If you need to be frugal while sewing, look for larger clothing that can be used over again in another way. I know fabrics are so high in price. This is a good way of getting around that.

I have been working on my dish towels.

That white line is the cutting line I mentioned before but now you can maybe see better that the towels are two different towels.

As our weather is cooling I will be making up the bread mixes. I do ten jars at a time...

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2021/05/monday-message_10.html

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2022/06/monday-message_20.html - this has the bread recipe booklet that has the different things you can use the bread mix for.

These are still my very favorite recipes.

We still need to be as frugal as we can to stretch those dollars...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hry9uyd_108 - this gal has great ideas.

https://www.pinterest.com/simonavery2/frugal-times/

https://www.prudentpennypincher.com/200-cheap-easy-skillet-recipes/

I found this at the recycle place near us....

This will be my motto I think.

Missy says she finds joy in her bag and you need to find joy as well.

Tippy Longstockings says find joy in your life - find your happy place.

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)

If you haven't yet started, this is wonderful advice, especially now.

How are you doing with skill building?

Remember last week I got those huge knit dresses? Well, I did one up and have three to go.

I was able to pin the pattern in such a way to use the neck band, sleeve bands, pockets, and hem. I have three more to go.

I have finished the weaving part of the first towel. In all there will be three - I am learning a lot!

The white two rows is where I will cut them apart and hem them when I take them off. The first towel is more periwinkle and you can see number two towel will have more pumpkin and the third will be more green.  

I am wanting to do a punch needle project along with https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0MEUaaXpFc so I went through my house to pull the yarn size that she is using.

I have the punch needles already...

Collected over decade (yes, you read that right).

There was one thing though - having fibro makes it hard to hang onto things for long periods of time. So my husband gifted me this stand.

I have a hoop in it that I was ready to embroider, so I grabbed it to test the stand. I think it will work great. It is good for embroidery, punch needle, tambour embroidery - these are all things I want to learn and build on. These skills help with things to give for gifts and to pretty my nest.

So today I will organize the items needed for all and do more testing of fabrics I have.

What skills are you working on?

I have dehydrator going with these tomatoes plus a couple more trays. 

Being able to preserve our garden produce is so very helpful to our budget.

The zucchini is destined for a few meals this coming week.

Covid is starting to show up again in our neck of the woods so back to masks is coming. They hurt my ears a lot so I will be making this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwdTQZt-x5g

I hate having to do this again but we are in high risk, so we must.

This is a beginner friendly one. I say if you are wanting to learn to crochet as a skill, this will be helpful. Also, just using a scrap of yarn will be frugal.

So you see the skills help me today be able to make these to help my ears.

 I am thankful for what skills I have and will be working on more.

Missy says having skills is a great thing as there is always a cat toy to be made.

Tippy Longstockings asks if being just right in front of the fan is a skill? As summer days get hot, notice they call it dog days of summer, not cat days...

Monday Message

"The revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah." (President Ezra Taft Benson)

I picked this quote since this week at the thrift store I got this ark. Anyone who knows me well, knows I love Noah's ark.

It is about ten inches high.

Have you ever paused to think of how much work it was to get all the storage ready to put on that ark? They just couldn't roll up to Costco and then to tend all the animals. I think it is a lot to store for a family let alone all that.

Skills are necessary for living more frugally...

You can see I am using the pattern that fits me and laying it over a dress that was way, way too big for me. It was given to me with three others. I'm just trying this one first.

I wanted to place the pattern on so that I could keep the neck ribbing, hem, and sleeve ribbing. This should make a fast sew when I get to it next week.

If I did not have some sewing skills, I wouldn't even be able to do this. So I am glad I have some sewing skills, plus this is a skill I am wanting to build on as well.

This amount of knit fabric would be pricey for me. So keep your eyes out for large articles of clothing that would have lots of fabric you could use. Even a grown-up t-shirt could be made into smaller t-shirts or underwear. So before you get rid of your clothes think about what you can make out of them.

I picked up this pattern as well. It was marked 50 cents this week but as I am a senior, and this was on their senior discount day, it was less. But my concern was this store used to have two big boxes of patterns... now they only had not quite ten patterns and that's it. Maybe they are doing a clear-out. When they do that they shift them to another store but at this store it did not look like that. Usually there would be empty shelves throughout the store but that wasn't so. Let me know in the comments if you are seeing patterns at your thrift stores. I am very thankful I have saved my patterns over the years.  Still, I have used the clothes I have and like that I have made patterns from them.

So I urge you to build your sewing skills.

I have been shifting a few things about in my living room, just a few things...

I moved my chair and spinning wheel to trade places with each other.

Here is the chair. I wanted to be able to have the little loom closer and easier to use by the chair where I use it. Right now it has rug mugs going on it.

The spinning wheel is where the chair use to be.

I am almost done with this spin project I have going on the wheel.

I also have been weaving...

First, I needed to get a better pad for the seat.

Boy, has that made all the difference!

I am almost done with the first of three dish towels.

They all have the same colors but they are switched around. This one has more periwinkle in it, the next has more pumpkin, and the third will have more green.

This is a skill I am working on to further develop.

I used up a bucket of flour so now I need to load it, re-date it, and put it to the back of the others. Rotation is very important!

I got my buckets free to begin with years ago from bakeries and then they went to charging a dollar a piece. Still, you could purchase buckets like them from Lowes BUT ask them for FOOD GRADE BUCKETS as they carry both kinds and to store food in them, they must be food grade.

Yes, you can store flour for five years in a cool and dry environment. Remember not to place them on concrete. I put wood between the concrete and the bucket, otherwise moisture sucks into it.

Since I have talked looms, I thought you might want to play a game called can you spot a cat...

Missy says to keep working on your skills, you will need to know how to use them to live more frugally.

Tippy Longstockings says that whatever skills you have, build on them and keep working on your storage like with the bucket of flour - maintain what you have and build on it too.