My Wish Book for Saving Money

Mrs. White's wish book.

In an effort to spend less money this year, I decided I needed a wish book. All through the year there are things that distract me with a sense of want.  There are little things I want to buy that do not cost much money. However, if I were to purchase every one of them, I would have no money at all.  The solution for me is to keep a wish book.

Money is for food, clothing, shelter, and to help those in need. We must not be frivolous or wasteful. It is not okay for me to have things any time I want them. Yet, there is a time and a place for special gifts and treats. The best time for a present is a birthday, holiday, or on Mother's day.

My wish book is one of those blank, lined journals.  The cover is very pretty and reminds me of quiet, simple days. It makes me think of old country living and the beauty of homemaking. There is a beautiful farm house off in the distance, a lovely sunset, a large, carefully tended garden, and a homemade quilt on the clothesline. I think the cover is an ideal image for a book to write about simple things that I would like to have someday.

Here is how it works:

I write the date, the name of the item I would like, and then leave a space on the right for whenever I am able to have this wish fulfilled. I will include the date it happens as well.

The things I would like are very simple and inexpensive.  I will give you some examples:

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1.  "Little One, God Loves You" (Board book)

 I want to add books to our home library. I like to keep an ongoing assortment of sweet books that my grandchildren can read whenever they visit here. This book is so sweet and precious:

2.  "Peony Garden Journal" (notebook by Peter Pauper Press)

 I would like a lovely floral book to keep track of my garden.  I want to write out the dates for planting, the dates of the first harvest, and little notes on how the garden is doing.  The design on this notebook is calming and elegant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  "Help for our Healing" (sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley, from In Touch Ministries, on DVD)

 I have a collection of sermons on both DVD and CD.  I have heard this sermon before and have taken notes. It is a good one that I would like to see again and again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.  "The Greatness of God" (sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley, from In Touch Ministries, on CD)

 This is an excellent sermon that I watched the other day. I am told it is not available on DVD. It is only offered on CD. I would love to listen to this one again and again. I am working on building up a large collection of sermons on both CD and DVD, here at our home library.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  "Midnight Floral Journal" (notebook by Peter Pauper Press)

 I would like to add some extra beauty to my finances. I would use this stunning notebook for my budget. Normally I use a composition notebook, but in my effort to surround myself with gentle beauty, here at home, to bring cheer and happiness to my days, I would like this pretty book for my budgeting work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  "Peony Garden Desk Notes" (note pad with gift box by Peter Pauper Press)

Every time I go to make a grocery list, I use a small piece of paper. This floral box of notepaper is ideal for bringing pretty things to my desk with a good purpose. Once the box is empty I can refill it with scrap paper and continue to use it.

 

 

 

 

 

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This list of a variety of things will give you an idea of what I have in my wish book.  It is okay to want things. It is okay to receive a gift. But there must be waiting and patience and frugality in order to reach the essential goal of saving money. 

This year is a good year to avoid spending money as much as possible. Keeping a little wish book is a great tool to help us dream about little treasures that we might someday have. 

 

On the first page of my wish book, I will write the precious verse: 

 "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." - Psalm 37:4

 

I will always strive to remember that if the Lord wanted me to have these things, he will find a way to provide. And if not, I will still be grateful and at peace. I will leave that with him and rest content.

 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

The beautiful testimony of the Mother of D.L. Moody - Poverty in the 1800's. 

Excellent advice from Colonial Days - To Earn and not to Spend. 

Peaceful, Old Fashioned Living - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

 

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

"Gracious House Keeping: Advice, Encouragement, and Cleaning Help for the Christian Housewife."

Complete with Encouragement and Work Charts to cheer you along in your homemaking!

115 pages, paperback.

 

 

Reducing Expenses

Library of Congress: Farm couple doing their bookkeeping at home in 1930.

In an effort to keep our expenses as low as possible, I have been enjoying some quiet, around the property, here in Vermont.  I am doing this to create a feeling of contentment for a simple life. I am thinking more and more about old fashioned living.

Normally I would have a CD of old hymns playing quietly in the background. Or perhaps I would leave the television on after watching an old DVD of something like a Deanna Durbin movie, or some old black-and-white tv show. I am remembering to shut these things off, and unplugging what is not in use.  I am watching and listening to less technology.   This will help keep our bills low because I am not thinking of something to buy. I am not running up the electric bill.  Watching television or listening to a CD are wonderful things to do, but must not take up all of our time.  These are for times of recreation. We cannot be resting all day long watching television unless we are ill.  In my childhood home, my parents had a small, portable black-and-white television. It was probably stored in a closet somewhere because we never saw it unless one of us was sick in bed.  Then it was brought out to give us some amusement while we convalesced in our room.

I have been walking the property, here at our humble Estate.  The sound of the birds singing, the rushing of the river, and the gentle feeling of the blowing wind are quieting to the mind.  I see little purple and blue wildflowers appearing on the lawn.  I see the trees and garden coming back to life, after a long, sleepy winter.  All these sights and sounds of nature bring a sense of joy to the heart, and a gentle feeling of contentment.

In previous generations, it was more common to live a life of careful thrift. This included wise spending, careful use of resources, and a consistent habit of saving.  The goal here was always to avoid waste.  Good financial management meant a cautious and orderly outlook when it came to the use of money. There was waiting, thought, and patience involved in overseeing the family funds.  Budgets, bills, and income were important considerations in planning for spending and saving.  This wisdom is still necessary today.  

We can reduce expenses in thoughtful, creative ways while still enjoying each day.  It is a blessing to have a little pocket money to spend, as long as the bills are being paid and there is a clear plan of saving. We must always save for a rainy day.  These come regularly over the years.  If we can find ways to avoid wasting money and choose instead to be orderly in our spending, we will have a great deal more peace and contentment in our lives.

Yesterday, as I washed the dishes in the kitchen sink, I looked out the back window and saw the rushing river on the border of our property.  It was a beautiful sight and makes me think of a vacation or a haven from the worries of the world.  A great deal of our time is spent in doing things: being productive, cleaning, cooking, taking care of the family, and (in an unhurried, pleasant way) going about our daily work.  This daily labor, of creating and caring for a happy home, costs nothing.  Being busy with this common labor, with a grateful heart, will naturally lead to less spending.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

What Many of us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

Finding Genuine Happiness at Home - Peace be Upon This House.  

Old Time Frugal Living - A New England Winter on a Small Income.  

 

 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

For old time encouragement in living simply on a limited income, order Mrs. White's book:

"An Old Fashioned Budget: Humble Financial Management for the Christian Housewife"

77 pages, paperback.

The Housekeeper's Budget

Library of Congress: Husband and Wife going over House Account in 1941 Minnesota

As another month draws to an end, it is time to reflect on the household budget. I am ready to close out this month's account.  This is where I add up all the bills that were paid, the money I spent, and the money I gave away.  Every dollar and dime are accounted for because I write it in a book. This helps me see what I am doing wrong, or how I can fix things for the coming months.  It also keeps a record (or a history) of our home expenses.

A good housekeeper must be a good manager. One of the biggest goals she should have is to live on a budget.  She must learn to live within the income the house is provided with. This takes time and effort. It even takes a great deal of wisdom and logic to avoid the traps and temptations of the advertising world around us.

We are taught, in our modern world, to save money by spending it.  This is a genius advertising method to get us to spend as much money as possible.   There are many ways to save money and we must learn to be creative and find what works in our own situation. For instance, I can tell you how to save money on winter heat here in Vermont. But it will not help someone living in Florida. We can share ideas on how to save, but we must take only the advice which works for our own family.

We had a couple of high bills outside of our budget recently. A car repair bill (which I consider to be part of a yearly expense) was more than I expected.  There were also a few emergency trips which cost extra money in gas and charity.  This put me over my spending.  Since we live on a fixed income, I had to take the extra money out of a small savings account to make up the difference.  This is not good because that savings cannot be replaced.  So next month I have readjusted my expenses to keep my spending low.  One of the biggest ways I did this was to cut my gas and grocery money.  This means I will have to work much harder in making homemade meals and to stay home as much as possible.  These are not difficult things to do, but they do take time and effort. They also require some sacrifice on my part. I am willing to do this because it will help our family and home for the long term.

I could either be wasteful and foolish or I can be frugal and careful. I choose to work here at home, doing my part, to keep us out of the poor house. Every housekeeper ought to have that same attitude.  The lady of the house can spend her family into poverty or she can manage the money well and bring peace and security into her home for many years. The stability of a home depends on how well the household funds are managed.

Does it matter if you are poor or rich?  In other words, is it okay to be careless and carefree and wasteful in our management of money just because we have plenty?  Being frugal and a good manager of one's income is something every single household should practice.  No business will last long if they spend more than they make.  No household will stay out of the poor house if they spend more than they make. One should not make a habit of spending out of the savings account or of getting into debt to get through the month.  All of us have to live within our income.

 I want to explain the importance of little savings.  We can earn a few pennies in a savings account.  We may look at our bank statement and think it is a paltry, insignificant income.  However, if you think about that interest earned in a new way - you may be more likely to appreciate every little dime.

1. I have been paying my electric bill over the phone with a check (or debit card) for over a year.  There is no fee. There is no cost.  This has saved me one stamp per month.  That is like earning 48 cents in interest for the month.

2. I just learned that I can also do this with my phone bill.  This will save me another stamp and earn me another 48 cents.

In these two items I have earned almost a dollar by doing something different. That is 12 dollars a year which could buy a gift for someone's birthday.  It is by being creative and by being careful with money that we can be successful managers.  Can we face most all things in our financial life in a similar way? Could we try to spend less in every aspect of our household without really changing our quality of life?

The housekeeper's budget is just a simple notebook listing all the fixed expenses like the rent or mortgage. It includes the electric bill, the phone bill, and the cost of insurance.  There is an amount for groceries and gas and any other expense that is required to run one's home.

Another book could be the "house account" book where all the money that is spent is recorded as they happen throughout the month.  This is where we see the truth of how the budget is working.  We can see any mistakes we make or any changes that are necessary. It takes a bit of thought and time to keep household financial books, but they are an important part of managing a home with care and wisdom.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives -


Simple Living - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

The precious joy of Grandchildren - I hear Angels Crying.

 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

For old time encouragement in living simply on a limited income, order Mrs. White's book:

"An Old Fashioned Budget: Humble Financial Management for the Christian Housewife"

This is a slim, 77 page, paperback book.

Rich and Humble Living

Library of Congress: House and Garage in 1935 Mississippi  by Arthur Rothstein

In 1905, a book of moral and religious stories contained a sketch of a struggling family who were in great need of new clothing, comfortable furniture, and home repairs. *  Mother did her best with what money and resources she had, but it was difficult and discouraging.  When a good sum of money was obtained, she was able to do several things which greatly boosted the happiness and morale of the family.  The lesson here was that times of hardship should be a temporary matter.  It is a blessing and a gift to have pleasant surroundings, pretty clothing, and treats which make one smile, particularly if these can be done with prudence and frugality.  We must not pile up an abundance of money, letting it sit idly in savings, when a portion can bring happiness to those around us.

Providing a bit of comfort and pleasantries for daily living does not have to cost a great deal of money.

Happiness may also be obtained in our activities.  These past few weeks I have been playing tennis with my grown sons.  There is a beautiful court in a lovely park maintained by the town.  The only cost I have incurred is the purchase of a set of rackets and tennis balls, which were a small one-time expense.  These should last me many years, perhaps even a lifetime.  One often feels rich when one takes even an hour a week to enjoy some outdoor recreation in season.

We can slowly add material items to our homes and lives,  over a long period of time. These may be a set of pretty curtains, lovely dishes, cheerful paint for a hallway, elegant pictures for an entryway, games for the parlour, and yes, even a set of tennis rackets. 

Amy Dacyczyn, in her book, "The Tightwad Gazette," teaches that we can add things to our lives on a yearly basis that will help save us money, and also make our lives better (such as gardening tools, a set of quality baking pans, a sewing machine, cloth diapers, a good dress suit, fruit trees for the back yard, etc.).  The method is to take a small amount of money in the first year to frugally purchase what is wanted (or needed) and then each year, purchase the next thing on your list, and on and on.  Over time, with lots of hard work and patience, you will have the desired items to make your life better (and happier).

Some may think that being poor, or of humble means, suggests that being "lower class" should be taken literally. This is rarely the case.  In the history of our American ancestors, many started out in humble cabins yet were people of virtue and good citizenship. 

Evangelist Dr. John R. Rice (1895 - 1980) was a very rich man when it came to family and friends. He is quoted as follows:

"You say, 'Crime is excusable because somebody is poor.' I was poor, too. My family was poor. I wore "hand-me-down" clothes. Eight of us lived in a four-room country house without plumbing, without electric lights, without running water; and we were decent and honest, and went to church, and paid our bills, and did right. Being poor doesn't give any excuse to break the laws of the land."

Abraham Lincoln is well known for coming from a childhood of poverty and humble means.  He went on to become the President of the United States of America.  His son, Robert, became a wealthy businessman who built a beautiful mansion in Vermont.

Poverty is often as temporary and fluctuating as the stock market.  Things get better!  We can live rich lives through the good times and the bad, depending on our attitude and outlook.

Mother Teresa explains this well:

"Spread love everywhere you go: First of all, in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to your next door neighbor. . . Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting."


There is something called, "the joy of the Lord," which will greatly help us in our attitude.  This is a life of strong faith and trust in Almighty God.   He owns the cattle upon a thousand hills!  (Psalm 50:10)  He feeds the birds!  (Matthew 6:26)   And just like the old, sweet hymn says, "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." 

We are truly rich, indeed!

Blessings
Mrs.White

* "Sabbath Readings for the Home Circle"


From the Archives -

A Peaceful Retreat - "The Privacy of Home Life."

Happiness in - "Making Money Last."

Wisdom from Yesteryear - "Building a Strong Work Ethic in our Children."

 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - 

"Mother's Book of Home Economics."

312 pages, paperback.

To Earn and Not to Spend

Country Driveway at Mrs. White's Vermont Home

In Colonial days, girls and young ladies were taught diligence and productivity.  Some of the things they were trained to do:

1. Cook all the meals, keep a garden, and preserve food. 

2. Wash, dry and iron clothing, and do mending to make everything last.

3. They often had a loom in their homes where they would take wool from the sheep and process it into some usable material to make clothes for the family.

4.  They were taught embroidery, and cross stitching.  Girls would do their needlework in a "sampler" with sayings, proverbs, and poems that had great meaning.

One of the poems presented diligence and hard work in the home, ending with the words:

"To Earn and Not to Spend." *

This reminded me of the book, "Farmer Boy" by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  The mother was incredibly productive and prudent in her homemaking.  She made pies and bread and stews.  She made sure her children were washed and clean and that they wore carefully kept clothing. If there was a rip in a shirt or in a dress, she would sew it up, as she sat by the fire in the evenings.  Mothers, in those days, had work baskets in the parlour.  This is where they would do their handwork after the chores were finished for the day.  There was a time for everything and a time for each task.  There was order in the home.  This was the secret to a comfortable, peaceful life.

These Mothers had abundance from their gardens and they would fill the pantry shelves and root cellars with plenty of food. This cost them nothing but labor.  This was part of "earning" and not "spending."    


Today, there are many ways we mothers are "spending" money that might not be best.

I used to stock up on (many) large cans of coffee when they were marked down in price, thinking I was saving Mister money.  But lately, I have come to realize that this excessive inventory was tying up money that was needed for the savings bank.  It was needed for "rainy days" and for other needs.   It put me into the mode of always stocking up on many different things to the point that money was being spent on a monthly basis to "save" rather than taking all that money and putting it into the bank.

The definition of "saving" used to mean putting it aside, not trading it for goods or services.

Today, we are told that we are "saving money" when we buy things.  This is part of the problem of we mothers losing our productivity in the home. We are not as diligent in our work of producing. We are too busy consuming, buying all kinds of things.  We are taught to buy all the time.

I love the simple poem from the old days that urges ladies -

 "To Earn and Not to Spend."

These are certainly wise words, from just a simple sampler stitched by young ladies from Colonial days.

Blessings
Mrs. White




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* [Edited  - updated note:  I originally read the saying mentioned above in a book, but have found it in its entirety and included it below for those who are interested.]

 “A Dialogue between a thriving Tradesman and his Wife about the Education of Their Daughter.”

Prithee, good Madam, let her first be able,
To read a Chapter truly, in the Bible,
That she may’nt mispronounce God’s People, Popel,
Nor read Cunstable for Constantinople;
Make her expert and ready at her Prayers,
That God may keep her from the Devil's Snares;
Teach her what’s useful, how to shun deluding,
To roast, to toast, to boil and mix a pudding.
To knit, to spin, to sew, to make or mend,
To scrub, to rub, to earn and not to spend,
I tell thee Wife, once more, I’ll have her bred
To Book’ry, Cook’ry, Thimble, Needle, Thread.

  - Boston Evening - Post, December 10, 1744. 
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Mrs. White's special book for homemakers:"Introduction to Home Economics:  Gentle Instruction to Find Joy in Christian Homemaking." Paperback, 200 pages. 

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Economy For The Christian Home

 

~ Our newest book, brought to you by "The Legacy of Home Press." ~


This book was written while taking care of grandbabies, cleaning the house, cooking, and caring for the family.  It was very difficult to write in my notebook when everyone was sleeping, or jot down Bible verses and look up passages while dinner was cooking.  It took many hours of formatting, proofreading and fixing mistakes.  It is still imperfect, just as I am. (gentle smiles). 

The front cover is of our Vermont property. The photograph was taken in November 2014. We still have lots of snow here as it stays all winter long in northern Vermont.  In the picture, you can see our tall Christmas trees, our American flag and our old wooden wagon.

The book is designed to bless and encourage you in saving and giving. It includes some personal stories from my own experience, along with ideas for your own home.  I hope this book will encourage you in the careful use of money,  as you strive to be the kind of wife your husband can say he does not worry about the waste of domestic funds. (Proverbs 31:11)

Details:

 A Bible study designed for individual or group use.

{Scripture quoted in this book is from the KJV Bible.}

 Includes:

- 12 challenges.

- 12 homework assignments.

- 12 devotionals to inspire and motivate you.

You will learn about a "Charity Box" for the home; how "New England Thrift" can help you save money; how "Prayer Directed Giving" can warm your heart; what it is like to "Live in Reduced Circumstances" and much more.

At the end of the 3 month program, your house-account should be more efficient. You will have money in your savings account and your giving will increase in ways that will bless you and others as well.

Mrs. White's book on Saving Money and Inspiring Charity:

-Economy for the Christian Home.  

Paperback, 110 pages. 

 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Finding Happiness at home - Poor and Pretty Living.

We Need More of This - Homemaking Propaganda.

Nourishment and Frugality - Basic Cookery.

  - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Living in Reduced Circumstances

Library of Congress - A Farm couple doing their bookkeeping at home 1930

Several years ago, during a major oil crisis, gas prices rose to over $4.50 a gallon here in rural Vermont.  This caused food prices to skyrocket, partly due to the cost of fuel for the freight trucks who were delivering inventory to all the supermarkets.  

Many could not afford to drive to work and had to find ways to carpool, walk, or find some other form of transportation.  I remember having to give up going to church and limiting youth group events for my (then) teenage children.  It was shocking to realize we couldn't afford the gas to drive to church!

One of the hardest things during this time was having just enough food to feed one's family with little or nothing left over to share with a guest. Many did not entertain at home. Having company was rare and difficult. Offering just a cup of tea to a guest when one wanted to offer cake or pie was depressing!

Nobody wants to live in want or hunger. Nobody wants to feel like buying sugar to bake cookies would be a financial burden when the family needed more nutritious foods like vegetables or meat.

Food pantries in our county were suddenly full of the more affluent in our area.   We were told that many could not afford to buy food and pay basic living expenses at the same time.  One large church in our area was open on a daily basis and gave out emergency food boxes which were expected to last a family, or individual, for a couple of days.  We were seeing both homeless and middle class in the same breadlines.  Nobody wanted to be there.  Nobody wanted to need charity, but the economy forced many to seek help just to eat.

Another church in our area had a monthly potluck supper offered right after the morning service.  Almost everyone brought hot food, desserts, salads, bread and treats to share with each other.  This way each family could contribute what they could and enjoy a nice big meal without feeling like they were getting a handout.    This same church also provides a large spread of refreshments in the dining room after every Sunday service.  Most of the food is brought in by members of the congregation and is a lovely way to comfort one another with both food and fellowship.

There were certain days of the week where local supermarkets would provide display tables with food samples.  Children of customers were also given a cookie from the bakery or a piece of cheese from the deli.  This made grocery shopping, on limited funds, a special outing and a way to gratefully enjoy a special treat. It benefited the stores as well since they were able to offer new foods, and have a nice way to encourage customers to shop.

Today, times are better.  Gas prices have dropped to around $2.88 in our area.  This is the lowest I have seen it here since before the oil crisis hit our nation.  Yet, there will always be someone, or some family, struggling through a time of poverty, a time of "reduced circumstances."  These are the people on a financial adventure who will overcome the difficulties with prayer, faith, hard work, and the blessing of a good church family.

Blessings
Mrs. White

* [This post is an excerpt from my book, "Economy for the Christian Home."] *


From the Archives -

I will never Regret Staying Home - A Humble Parlour as a School of Theology.

He Still Hears us - Prayers Which Cannot be Uttered.

Marriage - When Groceries are the Presents.

 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Read Mrs. White's book on Saving Money and Inspiring Charity:

-Economy for the Christian Home.  

Paperback, 110 pages. 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Cookery

Library of Congress: Setting the table in home economics class,South Carolina, 1939.

 

 

I studied cooking in Home Economics classes when I was a teenager. My mother also gave me freedom in her kitchen. I would look through her cookbook and bake special treats when the pantry ran low.  While Mom did most of the cooking, I was happy cleaning and cooking whenever I got the chance.

In my first home, I enjoyed making meals for my husband.  I still remember our first trip to the local supermarket.  We were so excited to pick out our own groceries, together.  I made his breakfast, packed his lunch, and made his dinner each night.  With a small household, and a decent income from his job, we didn't have much to worry about financially.

As more and more children came into the home, I had to learn to make many things from scratch, with the ingredients I had on hand.  I remember going to the local library and finding all kinds of old cookbooks.  I borrowed them, and found recipes that would work well for my family.   Many of these recipes (like breads and stews) were made so many times that I memorized them.  If I really loved a borrowed cookbook, I would save up and buy my own copy.

Frugal, or thrifty, cooking is a valuable skill for the housewife.  People often share recipes, which is good.  However, many families have different tastes.  Some have allergies.  We also live in different climates and have a different cultural basis for what we eat.   In the Boston area, fresh lobster and clam chowder is common, whereas, they may not be staple menu items in a little town in Idaho.    Restaurants in Florida serve the most delicious fresh orange juice you could ever taste!  They are known for their oranges and have them in abundance.   We have to make use of what is available and low cost, in our area.  It is important to learn how to adjust recipes to work in our own kitchens.

It is a common cliché for mothers to save money by serving "rice and beans."   This might work for many, but not in my house.  One cannot always save money by doing what the masses suggest.  We have to remember to serve foods that our own family will enjoy.  Cooking basic foods from scratch will save money.  Serving carefully portioned- sized- meals and storing leftovers will also save money.  

To learn basic cooking skills my favorite book is The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook.  It boasts 1,400 recipes!  The pictures are stunning and are set up almost encyclopedia - like.   My children used to love to look at all the pictures and say, "Let's make this one!"   You will learn to make easy breads, muffins, meats, and all kinds of dinners and desserts.  Once you learn the basics of these foundational recipes, you can start adjusting ingredients to meet the needs of your family. 

Basic cooking also means you have freedom from the supermarket sales ads.  Certainly buy hamburger or chicken only when they are priced reasonably.  But you can make so many different things with them. The store will recommend processed foods to go with the meats. Cooking from scratch means we don't need those items. You will no longer be a slave to what is on sale.

 When we buy hamburger in a "family sized" package, I take it home and divide it up into smaller portions.  I then put each meal's serving in a gallon Ziploc bag and freeze it.   Even though we have a lot of people in this house, I only cook with that small amount of meat. It is the ingredients that go with it, that make the meal stretch - the vegetables, the bread, etc.   I love the older cookbooks from the 1960's that have old menus that go along with the recipes. This was from a time when portion sizes were much smaller than those of today.  The fun in the dinners had a lot to do with the beverages, the way the vegetables were prepared, and the lovely way in which it was all presented. 

Nourishment was key, and homemade was the most nourishing of all.

I realize we mothers have days of being exhausted and can't do as much as we would like.  But when you are in the habit of cutting and washing vegetables for stew, or whipping up a quick batch of muffins, making food from scratch can be a valuable part of the daily routine.  When all my children were little, I had lots of helpers.  We set to work at the big kitchen table.  I had children rolling out dough, or peeling vegetables.   The bigger children were at the counter or stove stirring sauces, or handling the hot foods, while the safe work was done at the table. Meal preparation was a happy, pleasant way to pass the time with small children.   To them, it was playing!  It got the work done, and the children enjoyed it.  They also loved taking turns serving the food and giggling and visiting at the table.

These days,  I have a barstool in my kitchen. I often sit near the counter to wash dishes, or to make biscuits.  I also have my kitchen radio nearby to hear CDs of gospel music or sermons.  Often my grandbaby is in the highchair watching me work. He plays with bowls and lids and has a wonderful time.  The kitchen can be a happy place to be, making frugal cooking a pleasant part of life.


Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives:

Remembering my Childhood - When Television was Special.

The beauty of a formal morning table - Breakfast at Home.

Mother's work - The Pleasant Task of Cleaning.

  - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Find Home-keeping Inspiration, in Mrs.White's book

 - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.  

Paperback, 274 pages.

Learning to Live in the Rural Countryside

Lake View near Mrs. White's home in Vermont.

Something in the soul tends to slow down and be at peace, out in a rural area.  We think of a vacation spot, getting out of the hectic "city" and just taking a break.  Perhaps we avoid some technology (television, phones, etc.).  Maybe we spend most of our time fishing, taking strolls, camping, and just watching a little TV in the evening hours.

We visit more. . . We are more neighborly. . . We have an abundance of time.  We can read, study, write, bake, cook, and take the time to say "hello" to the few we happen to meet in a day.  There is less of a need for money.  This takes away many burdens and much pressure.

This, to me, is something like homeschooling. 

Often, we think we need to be bombarded with social opportunities. We think we need lots of activities to be normal.  When we aren't constantly busy, or around a ton of people, we think something is missing.  This is like learning to live in a rural area; A place where few people live, limited stores, and the only public transportation depends on how far you can walk.   This is often a culture shock, just like starting a homeschool.  It is so different. 

Somehow, as we learn to get through the adjustment phase, we find a blessing.  We find the joy that is hidden underneath all the social expectations, and all the things we are told we are "missing out on." 

We find that being in a rural area, is just the place to thrive. . . and grow. . . and become a productive, pleasant citizen.  It is a place where our children can thrive, and grow in character and nobility.  We are protected from the onslaught of humanism, ungodliness, and a worldly culture.  We appreciate many more things.  We are grateful.

We often have more time for prayer, for focusing on the needs of others, and for doing good deeds. 

This is what I am learning, in the middle of nowhere, "trapped at home with no car," in Northern Vermont.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Old Fashioned Thrift  - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

 The Reality of Getting By - A New England Winter on a Small Income. 

Beautiful Living - Feminine Grace.

 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

The Thrifty Kitchen

Baking Bread 1950, Potomac Electric Power Co. (LOC)

Must the cookie jar always be full?  Do Mothers have to keep a steady supply of cake, brownies and other treats in the kitchen?  Must she provide her family with gourmet dinners each night, or special meals that taste delightful?

Or is it okay to have a thrifty kitchen? This kind of kitchen produces things like oatmeal in the morning, or whole grain apple muffins. Lunches might be sandwiches or leftovers.  Supper might be the main meal of the day, served around 5 or 6 in the evening.  This could be pasta, meatloaf, or one of our frugal favorites, southern cornbread, home fried potatoes and baked beans.

It is not required that Mother buy soda, candy or chips. It is completely unnecessary for her to serve dessert every single day.  It is also extremely expensive.

Simple, homemade foods from the kitchen help keep household expenses low.

It has been said that we must not be fashionably dressed above our means. It is also true that we must not grocery shop and cook beyond what we can afford.

One of the biggest leaks in the family budget is an abundance of food.

Here are some ideas for keeping costs down:

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1. Have meals at specific times, whenever possible. This way everyone knows what to expect.  It also helps Mother plan her day. (For example - Breakfast at 8 a.m.  Lunch at noon. Dinner at 5 p.m.)

2. Have basic foods in the pantry - like potatoes, vegetables, fruit, flour, sugar, cornmeal, and meat. This way you can quickly come up with something to make, without worrying about rushing off to the store.

3.  I know many people write up weekly menus and meal plans, but it is not always necessary if you have basic ingredients available.  You should also have some basic family recipes handy that are easy, quick and frugal.

4. Make special foods, like cookies, once a week. This is something the family will look forward to and appreciate. It could be a Friday night treat. Or, plan on making a cake or nice dessert for Sunday afternoons.   The less often treats are offered, the less likely money will be wasted.

5. Offer children basic beverages like juice, tea, water or milk.  If the older ones want soda, or some name brand drink, have them use their own money. (Mother is not obligated to provide the children with commercially prepared, designer beverages.)  This goes the same for candy bars and other processed snacks.

6. Serve whole grains and fresh foods. This is nutritious and helps keep everyone feeling full.

7. In restaurants, patrons are served ice water before their meal. This helps fill them up. Try this at home! Why? Because in this current day, people tend to eat much larger portions than they really need. If they have some water first, they will eat a more appropriate amount of food.

8. Some nutritious snacks include: crackers with peanut butter; celery with cream cheese; sliced apples; carrot sticks; or wheat crackers with cheese.  (Not donuts, danishes, or cupcakes.)
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I realize it takes a tremendous amount of work to have a thrifty kitchen. It is much easier to buy convenience foods. However, there is more at stake than just saving time or money. We need to save our health.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

From the Archives -

Always Remember - The House Comes First.

Wisdom from Colonial Days  - To Earn and Not to Spend.

The Greatest Use of Mother's Time - A Humble Parlour as a School of Theology.

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

  For Encouragement in Christian Homemaking, order Mrs. White's book, "Homemaking For Happiness: Wonderful Days at Home."

In this book, you will find essays, articles, and diary entries about life in a Christian home.

Entries are arranged by season, and include:  "Keeping a Frugal Kitchen;" "Missing the Lilacs;" "An Evening Walk in the Garden;" "At Grandmother's House;" and "Chores for Grandchildren."

You will also find a few photographs showing a little of the local landscape.

Paperback, 307 pages.

When We Can't Endure a Little Hardship

Living in an old house makes me think about all the struggles the early Americans went through.  I visited Plimouth Plantation, in Massachusetts, many times. The tiny little houses the Pilgrims lived in were cold, plain and uncomfortable.  The people worked tremendously hard just to survive. This is hardship.

In our 1800's house, there are drafts, broken faucets, and plumbing problems. We are always repairing something or trying to make things last.  We are also constantly seeking ways to economize. During a recent warm spell, we didn't use our wood pellet stove. Some mornings I was cold, but I just had to wait a few hours for the temperature to rise, and the house would have been heated by the warmth of the sun. It is in our nature to seek ease, comfort and self-indulgence.  We have an anti-hardship nature. This is why we waste money, and act spoiled.  It came from generations of Americans who forgot what it was like for the Pilgrims and the Pioneers.  We are living on the ease and "wealth" created by our ancestors.  Instead of continuing their traditions, we are sitting back and living like the rich.

In the old days, struggle built character.  And a little suffering made us grateful.

Now things seem to be handed to us. We lost our ability to endure the rough times. We lost our creativity and ingenuity.

This morning I was thinking about how easy things are for me.  I have plenty of free time, and set my own plans for each day. I have good things to eat. I have a lovely home (as long as I work hard to keep it neat).  Even though I have so many things to be thankful for, I still grumble and complain when I have to suffer. We modern day Americans come from tough Pioneer stock. But we have weakened and softened over the years.  One of the greatest accomplishments would be for us to endure the hard times and learn to sacrifice for the good of our characters.

No one wants to suffer, of course. But if we can just strengthen ourselves enough to patiently get through the hard times, we will do well. It's kind of like picking our battles and not making too much out of the daily trials.

This would make the good times that much sweeter.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Are you requiring your children do your chores? - A Cheerful and Willing Housekeeper.

Encouragement - How a Godly Mother may Guide an Imperfect Family.

To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Building our Homes with Little Money

I grew up in the same house my mother grew up in. It was a beach cottage that Grandpa spent years rebuilding, while Mother was a small child. By the time I arrived, it was a large 2 story house with enclosed porches and an efficiency apartment in the basement. It had charming french doors and windows in the living room, which led out to one of the porches. There were stone steps and a small decorative fence on part of the property, close to the lilac bushes.  Not only did Grandpa rebuild the house, he also cultivated the land, creating a garden, and encouraging the growth of lovely plants.

Part of the foundation of the house was on a mine of rocks. These rocks were in a section of our basement, piled high, with the house built on, and around it.  The rocks were also on the great hill beside the house. This hill has been covered with dirt and grass and was a wonderful place for children to play in both summer and winter. We sled down the snowy hill, or rolled down the grass in the nice seasons.

I used to watch Grandpa working on that hill with his tools. He was covering the rocks, or working the land in some way. This was when I was a very small child. (We children lived with our parents and grandparents in the same house, just as my parents now live with my family.)

Years later, I learned that much of the supplies and lumber Grandpa used to rebuild the cottage was from salvaged items found on the shore of the nearby beach. This was typical for a generation of hard working Americans who knew how to find necessary items and create things with very little money.  But this wasn't just the Depression-era Americans.

Remember when Pa Ingalls would build an entire cabin out of the woods? He would cut down trees and work with the land to coax it, and to create, with his own labor and skills, to make a Home for his family. In these days that would be called "scavenging," But it was the normal way.

Now we buy everything at the local hardware store or lumber yard. I was thinking the other day how much I want a glass, French door for one of our rooms. I had thought for months about going to the store and buying one. But where is the fun in that? I would rather wait and search for such a treasure, scavenging it just like my ancestors did a few generations ago.

I remember when we lived in Massachusetts and I had gone into this thrift store, when my children were very young. I found a white wicker shelf unit that was faded and worn. I brought it home, set it up on the porch, and spray painted it a glossy sage green. It looked beautiful! It dried on that porch in the lovely sea air, since we lived near the ocean. Later, when I set it up in the house, it brought something artistic to our home, something amazing, because I had taken special care with it. It probably cost me around $4, including the paint, and I loved it.

If we can only look back at our American History and understand how homes were built using labor and local resources, rather than spending thousands of dollars at the local shops, we could have a stronger sense of appreciation and pride. We would gain a tremendous ability to survive. The money we could save, over the course of a few decades, and the example we set, would create a precious inheritance for the next generation.


Blessings,
Mrs. White



 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Find Home-keeping Inspiration, in Mrs. White's book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.  Paperback, 274 pages.

Financial Survival in Hard Times

LOC: Calleb family on the porch of their home, Appalachian Kentucky, 1940.

 

I don't think we realize how bad things are in this economy. Many of us have decent homes to live in and cars to drive. We even have furniture, computers, telephones, electric appliances and cable television. While we suffer without much money, we are able to enjoy some home comforts.

But things are getting worse. The cost of food and gas is skyrocketing. Yesterday, I drove to the grocery store and had only $32 to get through the week. I had to decide which meat to buy. I needed 4 meat items for 4 suppers. Then I needed eggs and bread. I still have some food at home, but needed to supplement what was already there. I had to buy a small can of coffee, rather than the large one I normally buy. When I got home, I reminded my husband that we must ration the rest of the sugar and all the coffee. It had to be enough to get us through until the next payday.

I quickly made a simple supper - hot dogs and beans. I did not have macaroni and cheese to go with it, like we normally would.  I ended up making a small batch of chocolate chip cookies so they would feel like they had a treat. I also announced to the family that "there is popcorn you guys can make later, in the air popper. There is butter to go with it." Then I made a batch of iced tea.

And that was our night... Tomorrow, I thought... God would provide for us again tomorrow.

Granted, we have enough money to pay all our bills. Yet that leaves us short for food and gas. It leaves us without any extra money for little bits of happiness - like buying an ice cream, or nice cold soda on a warm day.  These treats help cheer the soul.  . .  Now we must find another way to find that cheer.

Times are going to keep getting bad. In light of this, I wanted to share with you a few ways I have learned to "go without."

1.  I love Mary Kay, Avon and other name brand skin care products. But I don't use anything more than a steaming hot facecloth, and a little moisturizer to care for my skin. (No toner, No skin cleanser. . nothing.) I have been doing this for many years.

2. I buy make-up from the dollar store. I use it for months and months until it is gone. (I don't care that the experts say to replace it every 3 months.)

3. I wear torn and ripped up nylons almost everyday. But you can't really see the rips because they are too high up.  When I have a little extra money, as long as the children are happy and don't need anything, I buy a new pair.

4. My skirts, tops, dresses and sweaters (I never wear pants - they are too casual for me) - are purchased at nice stores in the mall  - on clearance in February and March each year.  I pay anywhere from $3 to $7 for each item. There are no thrift stores near me. We are in a very rural area.

5. I don't eat much. Most of my grocery shopping is for foods the children and my husband like to eat. If money is very tight, I will eat oatmeal, toast, hot tea, water and cereal for the day and be just fine. When there is money, I enjoy chocolates and cookies.  (This might explain why the mothers during the Great Depression were very slim.)  If I am really lucky, I get to enjoy a frozen pizza - my favorite!

6. I drive very carefully. If you go at a steady speed and avoid lurching, speeding up or suddenly slowing down, you can conserve gasoline and make it last much longer. 

Jobs are scarce. Many are out of work. Life is harder in America for a generation that is used to consuming and enjoying pleasant treats. We are in a time where we must learn to be creative and survive on less.

What ways are you surviving in hard financial times?


blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Encouragement - Poor and Pretty Living.

What it Means to Be - Just a Housewife.

Some Help - The Secret to a Clean House.

 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

 Help for hard times at home - 

House Keeping in Hard Times: Essays and Encouragement from a Christian Housewife

 Paperback, 180 pages

 As you read the entries, you will get a sense of what it is like as a Christian housewife through the ups and downs of life.  Topics include motherhood, marriage, taking care of children, cleaning, living on a low income, saving money, and building up the family with faith as the foundation.