Archive for cheerful frugality
Houseplants: what are your favorites?
Frugal living doesn’t have to be bare and ugly. There are plenty of ways to beautify without spending a lot, and houseplants are one way that I always come back to. My plants may not always thrive the way I want them to, but they are lovely while they last – and when they suffer [...]
Frugal Camping
My family’s first real camping trip we dove right into the deep end. We had three children, ages 11 months, and 7 and 8 years old. We were military, and we had orders to Alaska. We were visiting my grandparents in one of the Great Lakes states. A number of my relatives had come to [...]
Attitude
When you are living within your means and not in debt, and especially when you are making changes to live that lifestyle, attitude is easily your most important tool in your frugal toolbox. For example, to me, a vehicle is transportation, that’s all. It’s not a status symbol. It’s not a statement about who I [...]
Grow Your Own Wheat Grass
What you need: potting soil or compost A container (it doesn’t have to be deep. Cake pans work) wheatberries (try your natural foods store) water sunshine Fill the container with soil. Sprinkle wheatberries evenly over the surface. Sprinkle a little more dirt over the top. Spray gently with water. Keep the soil moist but [...]
A What’s In Your Hand Chore Chart
My just turned two year old grandson is enamored of all things Noah’s Ark. Also of all things Old McDonald, and animals in general. So when I was making the yard sale rounds recently and saw this Noah’s Ark wall hanging for two dollars, I knew I had to have it for him. Kindly pretend [...]
Frugal Kind Of Funny
Generally our holiday and birthday celebrations are small. We do not do huge presents except a few special birthday years. But last year I found such an awesome deal at a thrift shop that I couldn’t resist, and I bought it for my husband for his birthday (which is just a few days before Christmas). [...]
Keeping Perspective
Sliding into the seat, I sigh as my gaze falls upon the cracked and faded console of my old car. Her 17 years of age are showing. I remind myself that I am not a “car person.” My appreciation of vehicles lies in their performance much more than appearance. The few years we have had [...]
Wedding Bells Are Here Again!
It seems like only yesterday we were busy with the details of the wedding of Firstborn Son and New Daughter. Little did we know another wedding day would soon be on the horizon! After a precious courtship, Daughter said yes to a terrific young man and so our wedding planning has begun! So for the [...]
Thanksgiving Day Frugal Thoughts
Contemplating the wonder of a day set aside to focus on the many blessings in my life, and looking forward to gathering together with family and friends, my heart was full with gratitude. Even though Firstborn Son and New Daughter would be spending this holiday far from us as they travel back to the East [...]
Toughening Up My Frugal Skin
Enjoying a visit with an extended family member, my heart sank when first I heard her comment. Husband had been sharing that in the near future we would be celebrating our 29th anniversary. He was describing our plan of staying at a nearby hotel which offered a nice breakfast and an evening snack so plentiful [...]
The Frugal Life and Discontent
Basking in the early morning quiet, thoughts jumbled and uneasy begin to clear. Why this weariness of soul? Knowing that I am easily unnerved by visual disorder, I make a mental note to try to prioritize some organizational projects. Finding the balance between serving and caring for people and keeping the environment I serve them [...]
Senior Citizen Discount
“Happy Birthday, Mom! Now you’re eligible for the Senior Citizen Discount!” These words of greeting made me chuckle. Youngest Son knows his frugal mother well! The Senior Citizen discount has been a topic of conversation in our house from time to time. Last year, Husband took on this eligibility, although not with the same enthusiasm [...]
Temptations in the Frugal Life
Opening window and basking in cool breezes, eyes taking in sun shadows highlighting bedroom walls, temptation came. Not prepared for such thoughts, I had been reveling in the unusually cool South Texas spring day. Without invitation, discontent seeped into my soul. Early morning light previously enjoyed, now seemed to accentuate all that needed to be [...]
Ordinary Days
Taking out my fancy glasses (the Dollar Store sells some lovely ones), and setting them upon the table, I realized how much I enjoy ordinary days. Nothing special is happening, but I find it fun from time to time to serve our beverages in elegant style! Holidays and celebrations certainly have their place, but give [...]
An Old Fashioned Pounding
Sitting next to Firstborn Son and New Daughter, my heart was full. Surrounded by the smiling faces of our church body with our newlyweds close by, Husband and I were so grateful for this special evening. An old fashioned Pounding was being given by our church friends, Texas style! Many, having not been able to [...]
