Budgeting & Frugal Living

Cleaning and Organizing the Linen Closet

January 30, 2012

Written by one of our monthly Titus 2 contributors, Mrs. Faye Henry

I don't know about you, but I find that the Winter is the best time of the year to clean and organize my linen closet.

If you do not have a separate closet then perhaps you could use an old wardrobe, set of drawers, or even an old trunk to hold them. My hubby painted over an old wardrobe and put in a few shelves which I use for my quilts. It is just so nice to have a space for these necessities.

To get started, I completely empty the shelves and pick over the contents to see which I want to keep...

You can organize sheets and pillowcases according to size or type of fabric. Some ladies store their sets of sheets in one of the pillowcases to the set.

With our Canadian Winters we use warmer sheets like flannel and then cooler cotton sheets for Summer. Therefore, there is a shelf for each type of fabric. Tablecloths and napkins are stored on a separate shelf. I make homemade laundry soap and rinse for them, which is frugal and healthier for your family.

During our almost 42 years of marriage I have collected lots of old fashioned linens and lace...

A little tip for getting stains out of old linens that you may find at a thrift store or whatever is to hang them in the sunshine for a couple of days.

Also, hanging tablecloths on a pants hanger on the inside of your linen closet door will save you shelf space.

Just put a cup screw on the inside of your linen closet door...

Linen closets are a great place to store extra candles and soaps or even hotel toiletries for over night guests.

I remember my Grandmother's linen closet from when I was a child. She stored her linens in an old bureau upstairs in the spare room. The first thing you noticed when the drawer opened was the sweet smell of lavender... smile...

Today, when I open my linen closet door I smell sweet relaxing lavender.

Linen closets should smell nice... Don't you think so?

Did you know that the simple smell of linen is a memory maker?

Your children will remember and it will take them back to the happy days of childhood, perhaps of Mama tucking them into their beds and the quiet little prayers that you prayed together.

With that in mind, I am leaving you a recipe today:

LAVENDER LINEN SPRAY

In a 16 ounce spray bottle place 14 ounces of distilled water and 2 tsp. of lavender essential oil. If you prefer a different oil that is fine, too.
Be sure and shake well while using as the oil and water will separate.
Spritz your linens, sheets or towels to freshen.

Here is a link to my site for a LAVENDER POWDER RECIPE for your bedding as well.

Remember, dear ladies... It is the little things that make a house a home!

Won't you pop over and visit Mrs. Henry at The Blessed Hearth?

Pour yourself a nice hot cup of tea and stay for awhile. The fire is lit and burning brightly and the candles smell heavenly. Biscuits are in the oven...

:: also shared at little natural cottage, homestead revival , domestically divine, and making your home sing

Filed Under: Homekeeping, Hospitality, Simple Pleasures

Dinner on a Dime: Favorite Healthy & Frugal Dinners (and a link-up!)

January 26, 2012

We're all looking for dinner ideas that are simple, healthy, and inexpensive.

Here are a few of my favorites (and there's more listed in my recipe index):

Cheesy Chili Pie

Chicken Pot Pie (with a savory herb and cheddar crust!)

Curried Chicken Fried Rice

Now, I'd like you to share your favorites! There are just a few rules.

Please...

Dinner ideas only. We'll look at other meals in other upcoming link-ups.
Try to keep them both frugal (less than $2 or so per person) and reasonably healthy (no processed foods, boxed meals, etc).
Share this post with your friends after linking up. They need dinner ideas, too!

Are you ready? I can't wait to read through your delicious recipes and ideas! I just know I'm going to be inspired!

*You might also enjoy the ideas and recipes in The America's Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook: A New, Healthier Way to Cook Everything from America's Most Trusted Test Kitchen

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:: also shared at better mom mondays , titus(2)sdays, teach me tuesdays, and welcome home

Filed Under: Budgeting & Frugal Living, Eating Real Foods, Homekeeping, Recipes 8 Comments

We’re Hosting a Virtual Party with LOTS of Great Prizes!

January 23, 2012

That's right, there's going to be a HUGE party, and we'd love for you to join us!

On Tuesday, February 7th, from 8-10 p.m. EST, join myself and five other bloggers as we give away hundreds of dollars in exciting products and services, share about God's love, answer your questions, and encourage your faith.

Your hosts for the party:

The party will take place on our Facebook pages and you'll be spending twenty minutes with each blogger as they talk about different aspects of love and give away great prizes.

The LABB segment of the party will be on our Facebook page from 8:40 - 9:00 p.m. EST. During that time, you'll have an opportunity to enter to win these prizes from my generous sponsors:

Accordance 9 Bible Software, Introductory Level :: Valued at over $1400 if you were to buy these resources as printed books!

Dayspring Christian online store credit of $50 :: Have you shopped the clearance section of Dayspring's site yet? They have great sales and beautiful home decor!

One Evy's Tree feminine, embellished hoodie of your choice :: You can see all the gorgeous hoodies here. I love that they are modest, feminine, and FUN!

One 12x12 faith-inspired print from Red Letter Words :: Which one would you choose? They're all so beautiful!

I hope you'll join us for the party! We're going to have an amazing time together!

For all the party details, to find each blogger's Facebook page, and to RSVP, visit our Love Around The Block event page.

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Filed Under: Blogging Tips, Budgeting & Frugal Living, Deal Alerts, Giveaways/Reviews, Home Education, Links, Nurturing Family, Practicing Faith 1 Comment

5 Ways To Spend Less Money This Year

January 20, 2012

Today, you can find me sharing at the Modest Mom. Here's a small snippet of my post about how to spend less money this year:

It's a new year and with it comes a fresh start, new goals, and clearer vision.

With ever-rising food and fuel costs, many families have resolved to live more simply and spend less. We made that commitment several years ago, and it has allowed us to purchase a home and vehicles debt-free over the years, even during the "economic downturn" and a period of unemployment. It hasn't always went smoothly, and we've certainly had challenges along the the way, but God has blessed our efforts. We are committed to re-assessing our spending each year and as life changes happen or expenses fluctuate. Nothing ever seems to stay the same!

It's our prayer that we can give more generously by living more simply.

Here are five things to consider as you begin a new year:

1. Pray for wisdom. I always try to remember that it's not my money, it's His, and He's letting me steward it. How does He want me to spend it? Pray for His direction and wisdom in this area. Read what the Bible has to say about money. There's so much encouragement in the Word! Pray about what other books you should read or financial advice you should follow. Pray for the little things, too, like help with stretching your grocery money. He will begin to give you wisdom in this area if you ask!

:: Please join me over at the Modest Mom to read the rest! ::

Inspired here? Join along via Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter

Filed Under: Budgeting & Frugal Living, Frugal Living Leave a Comment

How to Simplify Grocery Purchases

January 16, 2012

Before we moved to our new state last year, I lived only five minutes from my sweet mama. On Monday mornings she would call me and ask, "So, what time do you want to bring the boys by today?" She knew I would be grocery shopping and was always so gracious about asking to watch the boys while I was out and about. What a blessing she was!

Oh, how I miss living close to my mama! I love it here, don't get me wrong, but it's been quite an adjustment bringing the boys along to just about every errand I make.

Necessity has forced me to find a way to simplify my grocery routine. Online shopping has not only been a time saver, but a money saver, too.

Here's where I'm shopping now:

Azure Standard

Azure Standard just began delivering to our city this month, and I'm planning to be a regular customer. On our last order, our organic apples cost us less than $1 per pound, which is a fantastic price this time of year, even compared to conventional apples. All of their prices are very competitive and their products are natural and organic. Besides apples, we also ordered organic carrots, organic dried beans, organic whole oats, organic red wheat berries, organic turkey bacon, Ezekiel wraps, and more. They have lots of produce and bulk goods to choose from.

Amazon.com

I've found that Amazon's Subscribe & Save program allows me to get the best prices on diapers and wipes when you calculate it on a per diaper basis. I also order laundry supplies, cat food, furnace filters, and sometimes maple syrup from their site. They have a complete section dedicated to natural and organic foods.

Vitacost

Vitacost sells a wide range of products, including healthy snacks (Kashi, too!), baby items, household items, Burt's Bees, and more. They have Arrowhead Mills Organic Quinoa, Nutiva Coconut Oil, and more at prices that are comparable to most major stores. If you're new to Vitacost, you will get a $10 coupon code if you sign up right now, and then get additional $10 codes for referring friends to sign-up, too. That's one of the things I like about their site --- by signing up and referring friends, my credits accumulate and I can get many items I need for free or very little cost. All the details are listed on their site. My most recent order with them included Mill Creek natural hairspray, Seventh Generation tissue paper and dish soap, dried fruits, and more.

Sam's Club

I try not to step into Sam's Club too often, but when I do I purchase natural cheeses, milk, eggs, cream, and produce. Before we moved where we live now, we made similar trips to Costco. Costco also sells this Seeds of Change quinoa and brown rice blend that we like to keep on hand. I sometimes purchase maple syrup here, too, depending on Amazon's price.

Our Local Supermarket

There always seems to be a few things that I need that aren't available with my other options. When I want just one parsnip, or fresh herbs, or other odds and ends, I make a quick run to our local supermarket. I also watch their weekly sales flyer for loss leader sales (usually on the front page) and stock up on a great deal when it comes along.

Have you tried to simplify your grocery shopping? Have you found that you've done more shopping online or went out less often?

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top image credit

also shared at Nourishing Gourmet

Filed Under: Budgeting & Frugal Living, Eating Real Foods 11 Comments

My Goals for 2012

January 10, 2012

About ten years ago, a mentor and successful businessman counseled us with these wise words: "People don't plan to fail, they fail to plan." I believe that's true.

I get so much more done when I've set specific, reasonable, measurable goals for myself.

Last year, I set some basic goals for a few things (like reading), but nothing like what I've done this year. I've broken everything down and spelled everything out --- I haven't done it this thoroughly in years. And it feels really, really good.

Let's dig in...

Here are my goals for 2012:

Personal

Continue daily Bible reading and prayer time.
Complete the 21 day Daniel Fast.
Read at least 24 books, or two books per month. (My January books are here)
Complete the Couch to 5K program.

Marriage

Go on the Love Like You Mean It marriage cruise.
Go on one overnight getaway.
Have monthly date nights.

Children/Family

Take each child out alone once per month.
Work toward potty-training Preston.
Go on at least one family vacation.
Go on a family camping trip in the summer.
Complete 12 read-aloud books.
Continue having one family night together at home per week.
Plan one family activity per week (hiking, walks, parks, etc).
Visit with extended family at least once each month.

Homemaking

Re-organize my homekeeping binder and recipe binder.
Transform 8x8 closet downstairs into organized pantry for bulk purchases.
Continue regular homemaking routine, including one load of laundry each day.
Re-decorate master bedroom.
Finish unpacking items still in boxes from move.
Quarterly de-clutter the house.

Homeschool

Complete second grade, begin third grade with Gentry.
Begin simple pre-school lessons with Preston.
Read one more book on Charlotte Mason’s philosophy and integrate ideas.
Go on one field trip per month.
Continue with swimming lessons for Gentry.
Continue with art classes for Gentry.

Ministry

Assist my husband in preparing for monthly leadership meetings.
Assist my husband in creating monthly ministry schedules.
Assist my husband with paperwork for new church building construction.
Plan two ladies events each quarter.
Update church calendar each month.
Read one ministry-related book per month.
Other church planning, hospitality, banquets, etc as needed.

Financial

Continue to tithe at least 10% of income.
Give generously as needs arise and are prayerfully considered.
Continue to save 100% of our rental’s net income (after taxes, tithes, etc) towards updating the rental property.
Increase car savings to (XYZ).
Increase emergency savings to (XYZ).