Archive for misc.
Collecting Frugalities
Because my husband is currently unemployed, I have been more seriously revisiting several frugal topics in our own lives as well as on my regular blog. I’ve also shared some exciting finds we came across this week, and in turn, we’ve learned something from our commenters. First my son-in-law called to tell us butter was [...]
Saving Money on Dental Care
Calling the dental surgeon in regards to the impacted wisdom teeth of Youngest Son, I grimaced at the estimated cost. Our dentist had been able to remove Youngest Son’s top wisdom teeth with no problem, but as the bottom ones were impacted in the gum, he had recommended an oral surgeon. Now having called one [...]
Introduction
My name is Valerie Jacobsen. I’m married to Paul and am mommy to eleven children, 8 girls and 3 boys, ages 21 to 5. We’ve gone through some lengthy periods of unemployment for Paul, so I have a home business selling books online. I’m also helping my older sons (10 & 9) start a business [...]
Earn Money By Participating in University Studies
When I first heard of doing this, I thought of drug trials, and that did not appeal. Fortunately, there are more than trials available to those interested in bringing in some extra cash by being subjects or participants in research studies. One of my daughters is earning a little over 300 dollars to eat about [...]
Living Within Your Means
Listening to the comment I wonder what is really meant by “living within your means.” I would imagine that this phrase could be interpreted in different ways by different people. Musing on this thought as I make the bed and tidy up the bathroom, I consider what I think it means for me. Husband and [...]
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 [...]
Valentine’s Day Tradition and How Love Stretches
Remembering back to Valentine’s Days gone by, I reflect upon our East Coast days. A tradition we enjoyed in the years when our family was younger was to set aside this particular holiday to serve dinner to friends who attended church with us. The evenings of food and fellowship are precious memories. Even though we [...]
Emergency Supplies
As I mentioned last week, my husband suddenly joined the ranks of the unemployed and he’s looking for new work. We are in a better position than many to weather this, because we do have his retirement pension and we rent a field out to some farmers for a small sum (less than the going [...]
Tax Tips
Listening to NewSon share the benefits of filing his taxes now that he was married made me realize that his gain was our loss. Our now married daughter meant one less tax exemption for Husband and I. Later in the evening while checking my email, I saw the weekly summary from The Dollar Stretcher.com. Here [...]
Can’t Never Could…
Note: In one of life’s many little ironies, a couple days after I wrote the following, my husband joined the ranks of the unemployed. We have five progeny still at home, one with multiple handicaps, and I just learned that the sleep machine my doctor says I need because I stop breathing 35 times an [...]
When Murphy Comes To Town
Walking past the bathroom, I notice a puddle of water on the floor. A soft drip, drip takes my eyes to the ceiling and a spot damp with rain makes me realize that my roof must be leaking. I grab a trashcan to catch the drips and head to the dining room, where my feet [...]
Coins and Cleaners
Save up your coins- every night drop your change in a bucket or jar. Take them in to a Coinstar location near you. If you choose a gift card instead of cash, you get the full value (occasionally they run specials, so check back regularly. There are a few grocery stores, CVS pharmacies, places like [...]
Packing Returns
Opening the box and removing the returned product, I was overwhelmed by the smell of popcorn. This package had been diligently packed with the cushioning power of popped corn! As Husband’s helper from time to time at his place of employment, I have had the opportunity to open and describe the condition of returned products. [...]
Thrift
Never waste a single penny, and you’ll then save many a pound ; Never leave a pin or needle lying useless on the ground ; Never lose a single moment, and an hour you’ll never lack ; Never waste in foolish fancy what should hang upon your back ; Never let a heap of ashes [...]
Soup Days!
Answering Husband’s call, I smile at his request: ” Let’s put a log on the fire and drink hot chocolate tonight!” Winter has come to Texas and as transplants from the East Coast, we try to savor the colder moments. Positively commenting on his meal that evening, Husband found great delight in his meal [...]
