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!

Monday Message

"Let us be in a position so we are able to not only feed ourselves through the home production and storage, but others as well." (President Ezra Taft Benson)

Things still are indicating higher prices ahead for us so I encourage you to be as frugal as you can.  Work on your storage and skills. They will help you a lot in the coming days.

It is easy to be complacent. Don't be.

I know the temptation is to just do things like you always have and deal with it later but that is not an option. It would be better to prepare for it than to try to figure it out later.

It is hard to admit you have to cut back but the alternative is much harder.

At this time, I am still working on the Christmas sock mystery knit-along but by the time you read this, it will be all done.

It will look better after it is blocked. I do them for fun and to try to get better at colorwork knitting.

Plus, we get the pattern free as part of the knit-along. So this is a totally free thing for me to do as I had the yarn already.

Thanksgiving in the United States is a week from the time of this writing. I thought I would show you what I did with this turkey I got at the recycle place. Not sure if it was to hold a plant or not but I thought it could be festive in the bathroom.

Might have to get him out to put a pot with a flower in it for summer.

So many have been laid off recently. It is a very bad thing but it's so much worse during the holidays. I just think we should do whatever we can to help. 

I stopped in to Salvation Army to kill a few minutes till the next stop was open. They were playing Christmas music but there wasn't many people shopping. Don't rule out going to thrift stores, they're the best ever place to get gifts. Think of ways to make things into gifts. Like, I saw all sorts of glass containers. You could put a cookie mix inside one you make up.  Cute mugs you could put your hot cocoa mix in. I saw baskets you could fill with treats, toys and games and puzzles that you could pair with things. Loaf pans - bake a loaf of bread, wrap and put it in the pan then attach the recipe. Pizza pans... just so many things one could do. You could do a giant cookie on the pizza pan and add an ornament. So just stand for an extra minute and think, how can I make this a gift? 

We went to the library yesterday in a bigger town to our north. They have books for sale - three dollars each. Find a book that goes with your person's interest, like quilting or sewing or watercolor. They had cookbooks - pick a recipe in the book, get the ingredients to give with the book. Who wouldn't like that? Same with children's books. Is there a child's mystery? Attach a little note pad and pencil, cover the note pad and draw a spy glass and write clues on the cover. I think that would be fun. Is there a food mentioned in the book? If not, make a big cookie of the character... things like that.

I know someone who picks up used dolls at the thrift store, washes them up, fixes their hair, makes clothes for them and gives them as gifts.

You could even print off a free pattern to put in the card to your person that they would love.

Games with popcorn or movies - they are $1.99 at my Salvation Army store. Put popcorn with a fun movie. There are frugal ways, we just have to think harder and smarter.

I hope this has your thinking juices flowing!

https://www.sewingbeefabrics.co.uk/quick-and-easy-diy-pot-holder-sewing-tutorial/

https://www.allpeoplequilt.com/bags-pillows-gifts/gifts/pinwheel-pot-holder - I love this one.

https://scrapfabriclove.com/quilted-double-pot-holder-tutorial/

https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g645/crafty-christmas-presents-ideas/?src=arb_fb_d&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_clv_md_pmx_hybd_mix_us_18459994477&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18456255285&gbraid=0AAAAACq-Irv6irVNjVpHUozPFmlz3ySfm&gclid=CjwKCAiA8vXIBhAtEiwAf3B-gybALHwjeZ7Dkg0jjMytAxrhjoJJwKAeC5aURCTTAFRqfyoLuPMelhoCGX4QAvD_BwE - I like the cookie idea and the gnome. I really like this site.

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/gifts/g33416427/diy-christmas-gifts/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_pw_d_bm_prog_org_us_g33416427&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15358799983&gbraid=0AAAAABxutSqcYmfAd0E2UM077Vkd_7hw_&gclid=CjwKCAiA8vXIBhAtEiwAf3B-g9M1chtetHmzQqxOuuUQaWgOEjoHX3mrMqGgWi8ECIlO4UL2RW2niRoC6v8QAvD_BwE - this is very good too.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/12525705208918801/ - some ideas here.

I know this is a busy time for us all but remember to take care of yourself too.

Remember to give care packages to those in need. With all the layoffs happening so many more will be in need.

This is the time of year food goes on sale so be thinking about how to build up your basics - flour, rice, beans, etc. Do what you can to stretch your dollar. I do not think next year will be better so have things in storage to help over the rough patches.

Missy says don't overdo it. Find frugal ways to doing holidays and take time to enjoy being with family and friends.

Tippy Longstockings says remember those in need this year, make it a family thing!

Monday Message

"Today, I emphasize a most basic principle: home production and storage. Have you ever paused to realize what would happen to your community or nation if transportation were paralyzed or if we had a war or depression? How would you and your neighbors obtain food? How long would the corner grocery store—or supermarket—sustain the needs of the community?" (President Ezra Taft Benson)

I don't think that we have to imagine when we see all the turmoil all around the world, but especially  here in the U.S. we are seeing so many troubling things, so many things we cannot do anything about but vote and this is so frustrating. Out side of our country, we are seeing things happening to your country too because of things here in the U.S. Just know we cannot do anything till the election. And also know that it is a few that are to blame, not us as a whole.

The great thing that happened here was getting to read our daughter's book. We both loved it very much. She is a very good writer for sure.

I sure do not see things getting better. The holidays are almost here and many cannot get food, let alone gifts. Keep working on your storage. If you can, stock up on rice, beans, oats, etc. things that will go the furthest to feed your family. Learn those skills and use them to do gifts for your family.

https://www.familybalancesheet.org/2022/11/free-christmas-gift-ideas.html

https://www.quora.com/What-are-good-gifts-for-Christmas-when-youre-low-on-cash - I always like ideas from others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6414OkRp9wk - This is the basic knit stitch and you can do this as gifts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eORO9c3OWss - this one is crochet, if you prefer.

You have time to work on these for gift giving. Things will be hard this year so time to pull on our skills.

Remember, if people have a favorite treat, you can make and give that person that for a gift as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EasoV3mBCHA - here are some ideas for sewing gifts. I like the pencil bookmark and the apple pad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3zPJ9vdGBg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdg-fPoT5_0

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

I think just watching these will inspire you to come up with ideas of your own.

DO NOT GO INTO DEBT FOR CHRISTMAS! This is very important right now! If you did thinking that things will be better later, they won't.

What ideas do you have? Share with us all in the comment section below.

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2013/10/monday-message-fugal-christmas.html - some ideas.

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2016/11/monday-message_21.html

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2015/12/monday-message_14.html

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2015/12/monday-message.html

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2015/11/monday-message_30.html

I threw in these Christmas blog posts so you can find other things with ideas.

A report back to you on the binder that I talked about a few blogs ago - it has been such a great help! I am glad I got it made up, it has been so useful!

.I did have to move it to a larger binder, but it has worked great.

Busy Day Soup Mix (I like to have jars of it on the shelf ready to go)

Into a pint jar put...

6 beef or chicken boulion cubes

1/4 c. lentils

1/4 c. ABC-shaped pasta

1/8 c. yellow split peas

1/8 c. barley

1/4 c. green split peas

1/4 c. wide noodles

1/4 c. dried onion

Then I tuck a few bowtie pasta to fill in the rest.

To make it...

Add the ingredients of this jar to six cups of boiling water that you either cooked a cut-up pound of chicken in or a pound of hamburger (which is still in there by the way). Simmer this for an hour.

It is terrific and so nice to have on the shelves.

This is a favorite I got from my friend years ago and this can be made up and given as gifts as well, just include directions to make it.

This is what the Mystery Knit-Along Christmas stocking by Arne and Carlos looks like. We get six rows a day. It has been fun! I had the yarn so for me this is a free project and in the end, I will have the pattern free. After that, it is for sale in their shop so I do it for fun and the pattern for free.

We got an early taste of winter this week. Can't say I am looking forward to it.

Missy says things will be hard but remember what is really important, we will get through this together.

Tippy Longstockings says find a way to cheer others and help as you can - even if a smile is all you can do - it will warm someone else!

Monday Message

"Let us be in a position so we are able to not only feed ourselves through the home production and storage, but others as well." (President Ezra Taft Benson)

Especially now where the food stamps have been frozen, we need to be as helpful as we can. These are not the best times for my country and so many need help, let us step up how we can, even prayers.

So many will be hurting this year for Christmas.

I remember my grandmother having a hard time. This was the beginning of the depression. She would be given old warn out clothes that she would remake into clothing for her six kids. I have mentioned this before how she was making a pinafore dress for my mom. She had a hard time finding enough good parts of a blouse and she positioned the hole to hit under the apron part of the little dress. This was for a school concert my mom was in.

But Christmas came around and they had nothing. She gathered the children around the wood burning cookstove and opened the door so the kids could play what they saw in the coals, like when you watch the clouds and find shapes. They all had fun (this was Christmas Eve).  The next day, townspeople came in the morning bringing a tree, food, and toys for the kids. We can be these townspeople to those around us.

I remember another year she made a little cupboard for my mom out of a crate. So you see, we can try to work with what we have.  

Every winter I read The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It is something I start when we get the first measurable snowfall. In the book, they had a hard time when the trains couldn't get through. So Ma said to the older girls they could only give the youngest girl a gift because of the train situation. The girls were able to add money together to make ten cents and they bought their dad suspenders - there was very little left in both stores. Laura had been making things as she embroidered and knitted so she finished and wrapped them and gave them to the rest in her family. See how skills help us?

Reading that book helps me to be inspired to have storage in.

Things don't have to be new. I once got for free a very loved plastic kitchen set. I scrubbed and scrubbed this up and gave it to the girls a house away that I knew were having a hard time. I delivered it by ringing the doorbell and running home, it was a "From Santa" gift. The girls loved it. So get used things and fix them up. I knew some ladies who would get dolls at yard sales and wash and clean them up, making clothing for them and then giving them to girls in need for Christmas.

So look for opportunities to share joy.

We have had a visit from my sister and a visit from our youngest daughter so it has been an enjoyable October. Our oldest daughter and family were here in July so we feel blessed.

The garden is done. I picked watermelon before the freeze thinking that they might not have ripened but they did, so we like that.

I was able to get the dress made that I had cut out in the last blog post.

I made this dress from fabric that was given me long ago.

I wasn't sure I was going to do the mystery Christmas sock this year but I am still using the yarn I keep in a project bag from the last two times so I decided I would. Here is where I am at the time of writing this blog post. This is a free knit along. We get six rows a day and we don't know ahead of time. It's through Arne and Carlos. It is fun and costs me nothing.

The other day coming back home from an errand two blocks from home on our street they were setting out these ferns for free so we stopped and got one. The lady said she didn't want to winter over them as she already had 34 house plants after all, so I brought one home.

I am hoping that I can keep it alive. Good so far...yikes.

Free is my price point, anymore than that and I have to pass. We are looking for insurance to rise, meds too. And groceries continue to rise. We have caught bad colds. I was picking up a decongestant and I thought orange juice would be nice. I went to pick it and the price was $7.99 what?!?! Left it behind. I thought getting cereal and it was the same, so left it behind as well.  Someone mentioned hamburger $7 a lb, I thought it must be their area but oh my, ours is too.

So we need to share recipes for frugal meals and research for some as well since prices are getting out of hand.

I am adding this recipe - it is fantastic and it makes two and a half gallons which freezes well.

We will have to use every tool we have to get through this just like my grandmother did. So keep working on those skills.

https://www.littlehouseliving.com/cheap-meal-plans-emergency-edition-week-9.html - here are more ideas.

https://charisecreates.blogspot.com/ - this is a cute tutorial.

https://agmagazine.substack.com/p/20-budget-friendly-christmas-traditions

https://www.localpassportfamily.com/2018/11/christmas-traditions-list-116-ideas.html

https://www.busybudgeter.com/21-christmas-traditions-to-enjoy-on-a-tight-budget/

https://mummy2twindividuals.com/budget-christmas-eve-traditions

https://funcheaporfree.com/traditions/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GdLcMZmeeg this is beginner-friendly and she shows you how to make a scarf.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djYf7lJD6W0 - she shows to make a crocheted scarf.

It is good to build our skills to help to make your own gifts.

Missy says keep working on storage and skills, it's oh so important!

Tippy Longstockings says spread kindness also.

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)

In the last post I said how I liked the third option of the binders - it was my favorite, only for inspiration. Which you can see that I did not copy hers but added my own ideas because of the inspiration I got from hers. I wanted a working binder and here is the version I came up with...

I know mine isn't as fancy but it will work for me. Call it the poor person's version or the more frugal option.

If you decide to do this project, you may find recipes you had forgotten and get inspired to use this all-in -one binder. I wanted to have a way to do my menu and wipe off if I changed my mind and to put together a grocery list all in one place. I picked our favorites to have in the binder. I look forward to using this!

Someone gave me these socks last year sometime but I hated how tight they were on my ankles. So here is what I did...

They folded the top over and sewed with elastic. In the picture you can see I took my scissors and cut that sewing and there is still a finish at the now new top. This made these socks now wearable.

They are now supervisor approved.

I cut out a dress this week. I went to a funeral and a lady was wearing a dress - it was black with white daisies on it. I have a fabric I was given that was kind of close so this is that fabric.

I also picked the last of the garden getting ready for the freeze they are predicting.

This week, we had two errands but had to wait in between so thought we would stop at Salvation Army as we were in that parking lot. I can tell you, I notice no sewing patterns, not even a place where they used to be - not one! And I know Goodwill has no sewing patterns either.

I know it is getting hard with patterns being high-priced and fabric high in price. Remember, there are work arounds! I have given you some sites with free patterns awhile back but you can do tracings off your clothes - the ones you like and that fit well.

https://frugalmeasures.blogspot.com/2022/03/monday-message_14.html - scroll down. you will see I used a t-shirt I liked and traced off a pattern.

https://www.tiktok.com/@lingsworldchina/video/7541969271048506655 - making under pants from an old t-shirt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkvOS7A5vxE - she shows how to use your underwear for a pattern.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWvGOjHyukQ - she shows how to do this from an old t-shirt.

Where there is a will, there is a way! You will be amazed at what you can do!

Missy says find frugal ways to do things. Look at what you purchase... how can you make do or make similar things?

Tippy Longstockings says to keep working on your storage - prices continue to rise. You can do it!