Frugal Living | Heart of the Matter

July 22, 2010 By Guest 6 Comments

Here it is again…Back-to-School time! As usual, teachers and students alike begin thinking of the new school year. Parents make trips to the store to purchase the items on school supply lists. Teachers begin thinking about ways to give their classrooms a welcoming appearance. Students begin thinking about things like new clothes, and backpacks, lunch boxes and shoes. And retailers…well, they just want to sell it all to us!

Even though my husband is a public school teacher, we have decided to school our children at home during their formative years. We are a homeschool family, and while we are not obligated to purchase items from a school supply list, we still must make preparations for the school year. What better time to purchase supplies than during the “Back-to-School” discount days when many items are cheaper than at any other time during the year?

Here are a few things to consider when making Back-to-School purchases:

Clean House!

Have your children sort the school materials that they already have. Our children have a big drawer that is home for their school supplies. Over the course of the school year, the drawer becomes a jumbled neverland of crayons, bits of paper, broken pencils, dried out glue sticks, paintbrushes, and mix-matched markers. Have the children make a “Fling Box” and a “Keepsies Box.” Everything that is obviously garbage goes into the throw-away category, and can be tossed into the Fling Box. The Keepsies Box is exactly what it sounds like…a receptacle for things that should be kept for use again. Keeping the choices simple…“keep” or “throw away”…makes it easy for kids and speeds up the initial process of cleaning up. Make a rule of thumb that no new supplies are purchased until there is a clean and organized place for them to live.

Inventory What Is Useable

The next course of action will be to see what exactly can be used again. Not everything in the “Keepsies” box will actually be useable. Take the lids off the markers and test them out. Some of them will be dried out, and some will be getting tired. Glue sticks may be used up or dried hard. Paint bottles may be almost empty, and paintbrushes may have ruined bristles. It may be helpful to make a list of things that are still good enough for use. Reorganize that cluttered mess by putting like items together in containers. Often the old cardboard boxes that these items came in are long gone or they have been tossed during the “Clean House” phase.

Make a List of Needed Items

The next step in the school preparation process is to make a LIST of items that you will need for the new school year. This is an important step! Going shopping without a list is a great way to spend more money that you really intend to spend. It’s easy to fall victim to clever marketing on the part of retailers. Plus, by planning ahead and making your list ahead of time at home, you will be less likely to forget something when you are in the store surrounded by a busy throng of shoppers.

Also, things change from year to year with a family that schools at home. The supplies that worked one year, may not really be suitable for the next grade level.

Look for Great Deals

While you are out shopping, keep your eyes open for discounts that will truly be worth your while to take advantage of. Many times, retail stores offer school supplies at a significant discount during back-to-school sales, and then mark them back up 3 to 4 times during the rest of the year. A box of markers may be $1.00 during back-to-school days, but as much as $3.00 during the winter months. The same goes for many other items.

Last year, I found 70-page spiral bound notebooks for a nickel a piece! At 5 cents, I decided to buy 40, because I knew that I might not run across such a great deal again. And, even buying 40 at one time…I still only spent $2.00! We have used these notebooks for all kinds of things, not just school work. I keep a few extra for the girls to take notes during church services. I put one on a key-ring with a metal snap clip and took it to the ballfield to keep records during T-ball season. I gave one to my middle daughter to draw pictures in. The possibilities are endless, and I still have a bunch on hand.

Also, in our state of Tennessee, we often have a “tax-free” school supply weekend in August. On this weekend, shoppers are not required to pay sales tax on certain items. While shopping may be more crowded during this time, you may be able to save as much as an extra 10%.

Be Aware of Marketing Tactics

Just because some items are bargain priced, doesn’t mean that ALL things are on sale! Be aware of retailers’ tactics to try to get you to spend as much money as they possibly can. Shop with your list, and only take advantage of deals that are really great bargains. Take a calculator with you if necessary to determine whether or not that advertized special is really a great buy. Personally, I try to limit my spending during back-to-school days to actual school supplies. I try to make purchases of clothing, jewelry, shoes, etc. at other times of the year, like during end-of season clearance sales, because I think the deals are better on these items then.

Back-to-School Supply Shopping is a Great Tradition

My daughters love going shopping during back-to-school days. They look forward to being able to pick new colors of scissors, pencil sharpeners, etc. They enjoy purchasing things to make the new school year fun. This ritual builds excitement and anticipation for the new grade level, and provides them with an opportunity to feel like they are not missing out on the things that their peers who are enrolled in public school get to do. And, it instills responsibility in them to know that the supplies they purchase have to last all year!

It’s a great family activity that kids will look forward to, and it will kick off the year with a great start!

Visit Elizabeth Davis at Life Worth the Living, where she is living life and loving it! You can also check out her husband’s Bible website The Bible Lamp Stand.

April 9, 2010 By Montserrat 1 Comment

This is the second in a series of posts about cooking with children. Read the first post here.

Meal Planning

We all want our families to eat healthy. This can be hard when we have picky eaters that only like noodles, bread, and shredded wheat cereal. Not very well rounded, right? Teaching my children to cook also involves teaching them about proper nutrition and consequently meal planning. Meal planning has so many benefits: healthier lifestyle (less eating out), cost savings of groceries, knowing ahead of time what to cook thus decreasing stress, and when kids are involved – less picky eating!

If you aren’t already in the habit to plan meals ahead of time please change your habit! It really is a lifesaver. Once you get in the habit you’ll be more influential in teaching your children this skill.

An easy start to planning meals is to make a list of every type of main food dish you normally eat. I have a long list of chicken dishes, beef dishes, seafood recipes, soups, breakfast foods, etc. that I keep on the side of the fridge. When we try a new recipe that we like we add that to the list. When it’s time to sit down and plan out the meals for the week it’s handy to look at the list for ideas.

Another good way to plan meals is by looking at the grocery sales ads for your area. Planning around items that are on sale will help reduce the overall cost of groceries.

How Our Family Plans Meals

Every family situation is different. You may only need to plan for dinner for the whole family for the week. Because we homeschool and live on a farm we are able to eat every meal together as a family. I LOVE this! Our main meal is lunch because during the hectic days of summer the men all quit at a certain time in the heat of the day to go home for lunch, whereas dinner time varies depending on whether hay still needs to be hauled, or baled, or machines fixed before the next day’s work. Our farm is a good 40 minute drive from the nearest grocery store so having a menu plan is essential for us. We plan every meal for every day of the week because we can and need to.

The chores at our house are rotated on a weekly schedule which means each child has one week where they are in charge of the kitchen including meal planning, cooking, and cleaning. When it’s time to create our menu plan for the next week here’s what I expect depending on the age.

2-6 year olds will usually suggest just the main dish. I’ll add the sides on my own. As we cook together during their week I’ll usually say why we’re having certain side dishes so they learn that having a variety of vegetables, fruits, and legumes helps to keep our bodies healthy.

7-10 year olds will suggest every part of the meal with tweaking from me to teach them the importance of rounding out the meal from each food group. “Corn, potatoes, and bread? That’s a lot of starchy foods. Why don’t you think of a different vegetable?” The food pyramid is introduced. We also talk about having a variety of colors on the plate so a meal looks more pleasing.

11 and older I expect them to do it all on their own and they do! Occasionally I have to remind them to serve more vegetables or not serve beef dishes three days in a row but for the most part they are able to plan excellent yet simple meals.

The following sites have free menu planning printables you can use:

Organized Home Weekly Menu Plan
DonnaYoung.org
Money Saving Mom

It has been so fun to see the different cooking styles of my children emerge. My oldest daughter (age 14) loves to do “gourmet.” She really gets into cooking and consequently experimenting, and boy, if she doesn’t have a natural talent for it. Thursday we had homemade ravioli with two different sauces, a wonderfully rich and fattening homemade alfredo sauce and a sweet tomato basil sauce. I swear I always gain weight on her week of cooking. My second daughter (age 13) is more like me. We like to eat healthier, have more whole grains, lots of veggies and keep things simple but delicious. My third daughter’s (age 11) style is starting to peek through a little too. We know it’s her week to cook because we ALWAYS have tuna noodle casserole. Do you know any other person in the world, much less a ten year old, whose favorite food is tuna noodle casserole?

One benefit of letting my children meal plan, that I didn’t foresee when I started, was the whining and complaining of what was served dramatically went down.

Once my children realized how much effort is involved in planning meals and then cooking them they were less inclined to make negative comments, especially when they knew those comments could be made to them on their days of cooking. They came to appreciate the chef, sincerely thanking them for a nicely cooked meal.

Take a little time this week to plan your meals. Involve your children! Whether you give them a whole week to help or rotate days instead it doesn’t matter. Just give them the experience and chance to learn.

Have you had experience involving your children with the meal planning? Do you have any tips to share with us about cooking with your children? If you have any questions please ask away!

Next article in the series will cover grocery lists and shopping, yes shopping, with your children.

December 16, 2009 By Misty 3 Comments

Last week I was online, chatting with my sister-in-law about menus and grocery shopping. At some point during our conversation she said, “We know how to be frugal around here.”

“Right! That’s great!” I said at the time.

But later, thinking back on our conversation, it left a sour taste in my mouth.

Why, you ask? Why was it that while I was willing to high-five her “frugality,” I found myself balking, thinking I wouldn’t want the same term applied to me?

I’ve referred to myself as frugal in the past. Being frugal is supposed to be good. Especially in times like these, when so many are really struggling, and *all* of us find ourselves in need of being more careful with our finances. There are plenty of great women out there helping others save money, encouraging people to be careful with the way they spend it. I belong to a grocery savings information service myself.

I thought about it a lot over the next few days.

Am I “frugal?” Do I want to be? The word “frugal” has a lot of connotations, and I’m sure we might define it differently. But most of us would probably agree that it implies a holding back . . . measuring carefully . . . not quite taking our resources to the limit.

Something about that just rubs me the wrong way.

Here’s the thing . . . I don’t want to be that. I don’t want to measure everything– not my money, not my time, not my efforts or emotions. I don’t want to give grudgingly. I don’t want to slap the kids’ hands when they reach for one more cookie, or cross people off my Christmas list because I’m trying to keep the gift budget low. I don’t want to buy the perfume I don’t like as well because it’s ten bucks cheaper.

I want to live extravagantly. I want to splurge and enjoy and give more than I think I can.

I think God’s like that. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He did pretty well with a few loaves and fish, and He didn’t leave anyone out. When there was a cost to be paid– a debt He didn’t owe– He paid it with His own life.

And anyway, He seems to appreciate extravagance . . .

Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table. But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste? For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me. For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”

~Matthew 26:6-13

I’m not saying we should be stupid and spend money we don’t have, nor that we should just throw what we do have out into the street. Our money is God’s, and we’re His stewards. We need to walk in wisdom, and we need to please God in the way we use what He gives us. But I think there’s so much fear right now in the world, especially in regards to money, that we’re in danger of courting a different sort of problem– that of becoming miserly in our spirits. Penny-pinching in our budgets starts to spill over into every other area of our lives. The way we deal with money might become the way we do everything. And that might not be good.

I want to live an extravagant life. It’s going to take a while to flesh out exactly what that means. How about you? As you consider the extravagant gift God sent us in His Son, Jesus, what does extravagance look like in your own life?

Misty Krasawski is the overly-blessed mom of eight children whom she homeschools in sunshine-y Florida. She has been clinging ferociously to the hand of her Lord since she was knee-high to a grasshopper, homeschooling for the past thirteen years, and has eighteen more years ahead of her with the children who are glad she will have done most of her experimenting on those who went before. Her wonderful husband Rob has much treasure laid up for him in heaven for having been called to such a daunting task. After the house goes to sleep she can sometimes be found gathering her thoughts at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MistyKrasawski.

November 11, 2009 By Renae 5 Comments

Because the lyrics of my life include Rich Mullins’ songs, someone gave me a twenty-six page magazine about the self-proclaimed ragamuffin. There are many pithy quotes in the Release Extra, but this one echoes.

I don’t feed my ego by wearing pretentious clothes or by cutting my hair in pretentious ways or by snubbing people in hotel lobbies. That’s not the way I feed my ego. The way I feed my ego is much more insidious and sneaky, but just as real…

I relate. Otherwise, these words would loosen their grip of my heart.

My family tries to lives simply. We bought an ugly house and make lists of what we’ll fix someday. Dreaming about converting the garage and remodeling the bathroom is easier than actually doing it. It’s cheaper, too.

One of our cars is an old station wagon. It isn’t held together with duct tape (yet), but most of the paint is gone.

My wardrobe consists of t-shirts, jeans, and a few skirts. I do not like putting on make-up. My hair is short, because I don’t want to mess with it every morning. Those external things don’t make me humble. I inflate opinions of myself in other ways.

My pride gorges itself with thoughts of invincibility. I am strong. I like to think I can keep the house clean and children laughing, while speaking gentle words of wisdom. Then the sun rises, and I pull the quilt over my head.

I want to be regarded as thoughtful, smart, and capable. But just when I’ve got things under control and figured out, children grow, seasons change, finances squeeze, or the dryer breaks. The laundry stacks up and the floor collects dirt.

It is easy for me to see when others put extra pressure on themselves, but if the load is on my back I often miss it. Glancing over my shoulder, I am astonished by the tangled weight of expectations. The extra fat I carry is from feeding my ego. God intends for me to run with the foot soldiers, but I lag behind wriggling the pack on my back. Instead of carrying the messy mass, I need to let it go.

There is a weight to carry. It is the weight of God’s glory, not mine.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Renae teaches her eleven-year-old son and two little girls at home. She has prepared lesson plans, enjoyed children’s literature, and delighted in discovery with her children for five years. By studying Principle Approach philosophy, she realized what she always suspected: the Bible lies at the heart of all subjects. Find her reflections at Life Nurturing Education.

November 6, 2009 By Guest 8 Comments

One of my favorite gift-giving strategies is to focus on family gifts rather than individual gifts. This approach is an effective means of saving both time and money, two very important resources, especially this time of year! Deciding on one large present is much quicker than choosing several individual gifts. In fact, I can often find an appropriate family gift to fit several families on my gift list. One large gift is often less expensive and of better quality than several smaller, individual gifts. The fact that a family-oriented gift encourages families to take time to have some fun together and enjoy one another is a wonderful added bonus!

A little creativity in presentation can make all the difference between an average gift and one that feels special, so make the effort to be creative. For example, rather than just hand my college-student nephew a fast food gift card for his birthday, I asked for an empty fry container from the restaurant when I bought the card. Then I made sugar cookies, cut them to look like french fries, and put them in the fry box along with the gift card. A little extra effort gave a rather plain gift some pizzazz! Since my family ate (and enjoyed) most of the batch of cookies, the cost of the few “fries” in the gift presentation was very minimal.

Over the years, I’ve built up a repertoire of gifts that families love to receive. Take a look at some of the following ideas and see if one isn’t just what you’re looking for. Present it with some creative packaging and I’ll almost guarantee you some happy gift recipients!

Super Sundaes

Who doesn’t love ice cream—especially when you get to make it just the way you like it? This gift looks extra special when presented in a big basket (from the thrift or dollar store, of course). Include a bunch of bananas, various toppings, sauces, nuts, and a $10 grocery store certificate for the purchase of ice cream and whipped topping. Search your dollar or thrift store for inexpensive sundae glasses or banana split dishes to give the gift some extra punch. You could also include long dessert spoons and/or napkins. Don’t forget a jar of Maraschino cherries! Create a gift card that looks like a banana or tub of ice cream.

Fun and Games

A family game night package is sure to be enjoyed. Depending on your budget, you can include inexpensive card games or a more expensive board game. Visit a game store and you’ll find a surprisingly large selection of both types. Snacks could range from popcorn and candy to cheese, sausage, and crackers, to a batch of your favorite brownies or cookies.

Movie Night

One of my favorite, not to mention easiest and least expensive family gifts is the Family Movie Night package. I take a white cardboard paint tub from the hardware store and fill it with a 2-liter pop, several bags of microwave popcorn, some large boxes of candy from the dollar store and a movie rental coupon. I create a gift card to look like a filmstrip or ticket stub. A tub like this can be made for well under $10 and is easy to mass produce if you have several families you’d like to remember. You can also bump it up a notch by using a large glass, plastic, or metal bowl and including DVD(s) rather than a rental certificate.

Get Corny

I don’t know anyone that doesn’t love popcorn. Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to put together a gourmet popcorn gift basket. Make up some caramel corn or popcorn balls, but don’t stop there. Search the Internet for “flavored popcorn recipes” and find everything from Jello® flavored, to pizza, to ranch, to cinnamon popcorn. I even found a recipe for cranberry popcorn balls! Package each flavor in its own tin, box or basket and label appropriately. You can even go the extra mile and include recipes so the family can recreate their favorites.

Winter Warm-Up

Buy a great puzzle that the family can work together, include a cute or comfy pair of socks for everyone and some fancy hot chocolate, and you’ve got the makings for a cozy winter evening. Include a wonderful apple pie or vanilla scented candle to help set the mood. You could even bake them a real apple pie, for that matter!

Sports Fan Fun

Sports fans will appreciate a gift based around their favorite team or sport. Set the tone with a homemade Sports Fan Hand and, just for fun, include a mini football, basketball, or homemade pom poms. Depending on the sport being highlighted, you might include seat cushions, hand warmers, sun visors or knit caps, all in appropriate colors, of course. Be sure to include water bottles, trail mix, and peanuts.

Christmas Morning

We had a friend who gave us the same gift every year and I always looked forward to it with eager anticipation. On Christmas Eve day, she would deliver her homemade version of Cinnabons® along with a Mason jar of homemade hot chocolate mix. These yummy treats were intended for us to enjoy on Christmas morning. This gift was inexpensive and simple, but was always a favorite to receive.

Book Lover Basket

Are you giving to homeschoolers or a family of book lovers? What about putting together a package with personalized bookmarks and book plates? These elastic bookmarks are unique and easy to make. An Internet search for “printable book plates” will provide you with lots of options. You could even make your own from scrapbooking papers or buy some at your local bookstore. Include a great family read-aloud or even a favorite book on CD.

So, can you save time and money this year by gifting families instead of individuals? I hope these few suggestions have given you some inspiration. Bless a family with a gift they can enjoy together, and boost your budget at the same time!

Molly Green is passionate about cheerful, creative homemaking on a down-to-earth budget. Visit her online home, www.Econobusters.com for tips on frugal and tasty cooking, fresh decorating ideas, affordable family fun, simple but effective organizing, and much more! Sign up for her free weekly E-Newsletter, and get a bonus menu-planning E-Book too!

Molly’s favorite project is her monthly Money-Saving Digest. In each issue she features columns on decorating, hospitality, parenting, and more, as well as one featured topic, like working from home, education, frugal vacations, family organization, or gardening.

Molly is learning that frugality means freedom, not drudgery, and it can be fun, too!

November 6, 2009 By AmyF Leave a Comment

Thank Goodness it is Friday. It has been a busy week in my household and the busyness has stretched its way to the Forum. I am sure I am not the only one who has benefited from the questions and advice that has been posted. We would like to extend an invitation to you if you have not been to the forum yet. Come on by and register. And check these discussions out while you are there:

Do you use Netflix? Have you viewed these great videos for schooling? Do you have your own list you would like to add too?
Do you have some fun ways to keep school going when the focus is not there? We can’t always take a break when things aren’t going well, but at those times, it seems like we need fun to keep going on. Here is what we do. How about you?
With so many subjects and studies to do in November, share with us your notebooking and lapbooking activities you are doing this month.
Is your teaching style Charlotte Mason? What areas do you strive to be more CM?
Are you a frugal guru? Do you have a unique way of saving and would love to share your brilliant ways with us? Come post your ideas at Fabulously Frugal.
Speaking of Frugal ways, I must repeat this thread this week. Have you seen or heard of any great holiday deals?
And last, but not least I would like to focus on one of my favorite sections and invite you to post some questions, advice or your experience in this area. If Adoption has been a part of your life or is in your future, stop by here and share your stories or post a question too. It is a great place to give support to each other as you go this journey.

As I think of the past weeks and all that has happened on the forum, I can’t help but mention that we are only eight away from 200 members! What a great support group for all of us. Come join us and maybe your question will be highlighted in next week’s At the Forum. Until next week, you can catch me posting there!

Amy Fleeker is a part of a great family that includes a husband of 12 years, 3 children, a dog and a cat. Her homeschooling style is eclectic with a emphasis on classical teaching. When with her family, you can find her watching movies, playing board games, and living life with a great sense of humor and knowing that God is all around. In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking, tatting, crocheting and doing a little family history. You can visit Amy at her blog, Counting Change Again, or at the HOTM forum, where she is the Lead Moderator.

October 8, 2009 By Guest 1 Comment

Let’s face it. Skin care, anti-aging creams, and hair products are not cheap. Nearly everyone wants to look attractive and youthful, but not everyone has a limitless budget for beauty. Through the years I’ve hit on some inexpensive alternatives to high-priced beauty items that have not only saved me a bundle, but are just as effective as their expensive counterparts.

1. Johnson’s Baby Wash to remove all make-up, including mascara. ($3)

2. Witch Hazel as an astringent and toner to clean pores and tighten skin ($1)

3. Dawn Anti-bacterial dish soap as a dandruff shampoo. It really gets rid of dry, itchy scalp. ($1.50)

4. Sunscreen on your face under make-up to ward off the aging effects of the sun. Also keep a tube in your car to rub on your hands while you drive. Nothing gives away your age like brown-spotted hands. ($3)

5. Apple Cider Vinegar to remove moles. It’s true! Soak a cotton ball in ACV (not dripping), place it on your mole, cover with a band-aid, and leave overnight. After several nights, the mole will eventually fall off ($3.25 for the potent, organic kind from the health food store works best).

Since I’m mother to three fashion-conscious, budding divas in the home, I look for unorthodox ways to reduce the beauty budget. These simple money-savers are tried, true, and now, passed on to my frugal teens.

By Guest Writer Christine Thomas

October 8, 2009 By Belinda 1 Comment

‘Housekeeping requires knowledge and intelligence…, the kind that is complex, not simple, and combines intellect, intuition and feelings. You need a memory good enough to remember how things are done, where things are, what the daily routine requires, what everyone in the home is up to as it affects housekeeping, the state of supplies, budgets, and bills… Above all, housekeeping must be intelligent so that it can be empathetic, for empathy is the form of intelligence that creates the feeling of home…’

~From Cheryl Mendelsohn’s Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House, pg. 10-11

In a rare moment when I am not on the computer for work or business purposes, I enjoy short, cute quizzes that tell you—with tongue-in-cheek sarcasm, I am sure—what type of cook or gardener or housekeeper you are. There are times when I attempt to view my home from the perspective of an outsider. I look at furniture choices (although most of the furniture is hand-me-downs as opposed to the result of deliberate store picks), plant selections, and paint colors. As I look, I have my own short synopsis of who I am, equally tongue-in-cheek. I conclude that I am low-maintenance, arguably cheap, and my choice of colors says that I must be a closet naturalist. In summary, I am led repeatedly back to the one word people often use to describe me: “warm.”

For several years, probably due to readjusting our finances after I came home and/or settling into a house that was not so new anymore, I did very little to improve the house. We moved furniture around and replaced items as needed, but I stopped buying, stopped painting, and for the most part, I stopped decorating. Then my husband began to have his men’s group meetings here, and I began to see the house through other’s eyes and started buying again. After the first of my new purchases I was a bit ashamed of myself: was I worried about what others thought (something I pride myself on not doing)? Was I trying to impress someone? If I wanted to spruce up the house, why did it take having people over to make me spend money– providing comfort and luxury for the five folks that live here motivation was not enough?

I had more time to visit my own thought processes while listening to my husband’s comments as the men’s meetings rotated from house to house. I could not help but notice everyone’s attraction to the newer, bigger homes and the assessments that followed. Then I really got mad. In my rekindled passion for upgrades, was I subscribing (or I should say renewing my subscription) to a materialistic view that “things” in my home dictated how blessed we are as a family?

As all of this was churning through my head, I had a chance to think more about that word warm. In part, being warm means:

1) showing or feeling kindness and friendliness
2) showing passion or liveliness
3) showing or feeling great enthusiasm

When I think about it, I realize that this is what I wanted for our home—to be warm, not just for visitors, but even for the people that live here each day. I want people to walk in and feel at home, to be relaxed. I want the atmosphere to spark conversation, to give people the freedom to laugh, to cry, to just be. What a change that type of thinking made in how I spent my time and resources. Even the mundane clean-up tasks I have taken up with a new energy. I will admit I still do not dance around with the broom. What I have done is to take a look at the home, not as a list of tasks or a depressing view of all the home improvement projects I would love to complete with unlimited time and money. As a wife and mother, I have a God-given unique ability to do something that no one else in my home can do: I can turn this house into a home. This ability transcends the way I place pillows on a sofa, to the smells I choose for cleansing and deodorizing, to the foods I select at the grocery store. It is a heavenly covering over all who abide here. How I manage the home is about safety, health and wealth; my care and concern nourishes the mind, body and soul.

As one small example, so many do not enjoy grocery shopping, and there is nothing wrong with that, but I get a kick out of meal planning. It is one of my favorite household activities. Past the joy of eating (smile), I like managing the budget, and consequently setting the course for what we will eat. I love making the list, experimenting with new ingredients, and observing how the whole process determines where we will shop—a regular grocery store, a whole foods store, a fish market or a produce market, or maybe all of those listed and more. So, guess what? As I am shopping and the Muzak pumps out 80’s pop music, I reminisce of my college days, relish where I am now and the opportunity to bring pleasure to my family in this way, and I sing along.

Though our home is far from immaculate, and more often than I like, I must admit that it is not even company-ready, I have learned to embrace managing the household as more ministry than misery. I realize more and more each day that all of the tasks that we manage, and the associated value that we place on them, are a function of what we want people to feel while in our homes. “People,” by the way, can be those that live in the home every day, and not necessarily company. With each flower blossoming, with paper-free counters, clean clothes and floors, and even with photo albums that depict our times together, I am slowly, but surely, day by day, creating an environment that is warmer and warmer.

Belinda Bullard is a wife and homeschooling mother of three, Belinda is an author and the owner of A Blessed Heritage Educational Resources, a literature-based history curriculum featuring African-American presence in history, as well as the contributions of other races to American history. A chemical engineer by formal education, she also serves as adjunct faculty for college distance learning programs.

$15 Homemade Math Manipulatives$

September 5, 2009 By Amy Bayliss 8 Comments

Math manipulatives are beneficial in so many ways. Your child will be able to “touch” and “see” the math concepts come to life. “1 + 1″ will not only be something recalled from rote memorization but it will be understood. My kids have learned so much with the incorporation of these manipulatives into our daily math work and they actually think it’s fun. That is the best part!

In my search for said items, I went for a stroll through our local teacher supply store and was just completely awed by all the cool gadgets, toys, and gizmos that we refer to as “manipulatives”. As I mentioned before I have a couple of kids who require the use of manipulatives to “get” the concept prior to committing the process to memory so I know how expensive it can be to purchase these items. So, I have compiled a list of alternatives to the pricey manipulatives.

Counters
There is no need to buy counting bears or cookies. Why not use hot wheels, or cheerios, erasers, or even pennies? Use something the child likes and they will be more interested in counting them.

Lacing Cards
I used the cardboard that came in my scrapbook kits from Dollar Tree to make lacing cards. You could also use the backs of tablets or cereal boxes. Simply punch holes all around the edge and use a shoestring to let the child lace it up. Simple!

Pattern Stringing Beads
I found a pack of Foam Beads with Craft Lace at Dollar Tree (one of my favorite places for supplies) and it was perfect for use in place of the pattern stringing beads.

Sorting
You can use a mini-muffin tin and buttons, or muli-colored pasta for sorting.

Shapes
You can use marshmallows and toothpicks to form shapes as shown in the photo. You can also cut shapes out of cardstock and laminate them.

Hundreds Chart
These are available for free online. Here is one from About.com.

Fractions
You can cut a paper plate into however many portions you will need: 2 for halfs, 3 for thirds, etc. Or you can use pizza!

Linking Cubes
Use legos for linking cubes! They actually work better and can be found in bulk in most any goodwill store.

Money
I prefer to use real coins and copied bills for counting money. I simply copy the cash front and back (shrinking it and putting “for teaching purposes” on the front) and then laminate them. You could also use the money that comes with some board games.

Geoboard
You can make a geoboard by using a square piece of wood and 25 finishing nails. Just print a grid off of the computer and place on top and start nailing them in. Once the nails are all in the paper will just tear off.

Clocks
We use an old wall clock that I got from a yard sale. I simply pulled the face off and let them move the hands to show the time. It works great and it cost me $0.25!

Flash Cards
You can print your own flash cards online using a site like APlus Math or you can make your own on index cards.

Measurements
Use your own kitchen items. Measuring cups and spoons are perfect for children to learn with. Water too messy? Let them use beans or rice!

Place Value
Use bundled toothpicks or straws to show place value. Simply bundle in groups of 10s, 100s, etc and place on top of a piece of paper to show the proper order.

MISC.
Graphs, Charts, Math Fact Cards, Play Money, Math Drill Sheets and more can be found at DonnaYoung.org.

Married to her best friend and “main squeeze”, Amy Bayliss is a 4th year homeschooling mom to three boys. She enjoys writing about the eclectic teachings that bring a glimmer of curiosity to the eyes of her sons. In addition to being the co-owner of Heart of the Matter, she writes for Internet Cafe Devotions. Be sure to visit her blog, In Pursuit of Proverbs 31 and her family’s homeschool blog: Integrity Academy.

August 3, 2009 By Suzanne 15 Comments

The last time we talked I told you how I had temporarily dropped all of my newly frugal ways due to the surprising sickness that came with this pregnancy. Except one. Laundry detergent. I started making my own detergent last November after watching an episode of 18 Kids and Counting and I haven’t looked back. The money saving value is so exceptional it will, at the very least, make you look twice and, at most, cause your jaw to drop and become it’s number one promoter.

For most recipes I found online there were 3 basic ingredients needed. Borax, washing soda, and laundry soap. I find these three items in my grocery store for under $10 (you can call their hotline numbers to find a store near you) or order them online.

detergent-basics

Here are the two recipes I have tried.

Liquid: I used the Duggars recipe found here.

Powder: 1 cup Borax, 1 cup Washing Soda, and enough grated Fels-Naptha to make 2 cups (usually 1-2 bars)

Here is the full list of what I gather each time I make a large batch of detergent.

full-detergent-supplies

I have a large coffee can cleaned out to hold the detergent, an old cheese grater I keep just for the soap,
a plate to grate the soap onto, a little food chopper to finely chop the soap, and here’s where I appear to really go off the deep end – I keep our extra remnants of bath soap (you know the little pieces that usually fall apart and get thrown away?) and then use them as extra filler soap with the Fels-Naptha.

My large almost 3 pound coffee can will hold a triple batch and this lasts us months.

I grate the Fels-Naptha and remnant soap, then put it in the chopper to make it super fine. I dump the soap into the coffee can at this point, add the 3 cups Borax and 3 cups Washing Soda (remember – my big batch is tripled) secure the lid and shake thoroughly. And I’m through. I use less than 1/8 cup powder per large load.

I have consistently used 20 Mule Team Borax and Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, but I have tried several different types of soaps – Pink Zote Soap and regular Zote Soap. They all worked great I just happened to like the Fels-Naptha the best. It’s a harder soap – I like the way it grates and I like the smell of it a little better. And speaking of the smell, the fragrance is very light before washing. After washing, the clothes have no noticeable odor. At all. Even in that first trimester. I, personally, like a stronger smell to my clothes, so with all the money saved on detergent I began buying the off-brand fabric softeners just to make my clothes smell like what I’m used to.

In my brief time making detergent I’ve learned a few things. There are lots of recipes out there. I began with the recipe they gave on television – it was a liquid version. It worked fine for us and I have at least two friends who still opt for the liquid recipe – it does seem to go a little further. I switched to powder when I got pregnant and loved the ease of it so much that I haven’t gone back. I had to tweak ours a bit, which I read later may have been due to the hardness of our water. Maybe. Though I’m fairly certain mine was due to my general goofiness.

For instance, my local Wal-Mart did not carry the Washing Soda and I figured since it and Baking Soda were both made by Arm & Hammer and they both had Soda in the name that they couldn’t be that different, right? Not so. At least, not in the same ratios. After one batch made with the Baking Soda our clothes were looking very dingy. I became disheartened and almost gave up. But after reviewing my recipe, decided to do a search of the bigger city for the real stuff and actually give the real recipe a try. (Novel concept, right?) It worked like a charm. Our clothes came out beautifully clean.

Here is another site with lots of versions of the recipe.

So, tell me, do you use homemade laundry detergent? If so, how long have you been doing it and what’s your recipe? If not, but think you want to try this, be sure to come back and tell us how it works out and if you’ll continue.

Happy soap making!!

Suzanne is wife to one and mama to four and a half. The little ones are 2 boys ages 7 and 6, a girl who’s 4, a wild toddler boy who’s 2 and a new baby boy expected this October. She eclecticly unschools with lapbooks the Charlotte Mason way. In other words, she doesn’t have the slightest clue what she’s doing, but does it anyway. Be sure to stop by her personal blog at TheJoyfulChaos.

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$15 Homemade Math Manipulatives$

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