Back on the grid!
It’s been a long fall already. Back in September, we lost power for nearly four days when Irene blew through. Living off grid in the warm, waning days of summer wasn’t a too much of an issue. We were able to fill the thirty-gallon fresh water holding tank in the camper and that along with [...]
Homemade Vanilla
Posted in: Cooking, General Tags: frugal families, frugal gourmet, homemade, how to make vanilla extract
I can’t easily think of one thing I do that yields such delicious, gourmet results with the least amount of effort as when I make home made vanilla extract. I used to buy my vanilla extract from a reputable herb and spice company and I loved their vanilla but when the cost of their vanilla [...]
Starting over again
It’s been a long time since I blogged. It’s not for lack of content, that’s for sure! I am a very busy woman and each evening I say that I’ll spend a few minutes writing and then my head hits the pillow and before I know it, the next day has begun. I think that [...]
I was fired…
Back in the spring, there was talk of the state of CT trying to force Amazon to collect CT sales tax by saying that Amazon associates (like myself) constituted a ‘physical presence’ in the state by Amazon. This declaration is in response to the Supreme Court saying that a state can’t force a company to [...]
Wooden Drying Rack!
I found a very nice, quality made wooden drying racks back a few years ago at a wood shop in Wallingford, CT. I’ve been on the look out for another one of equal quality and a good ‘spread’ (the way the racks spread out so the clothes don’t hang over each other too much). Well, [...]
Suzy Homemaker?
I was recently discussing my decision to put my career as a dental hygienist on the back burner in favor of my career in motherhood and homemaking. She listened and then said, “Yeah, but you’re still JUST a Suzy Homemaker.” I agreed and thought nothing of it. Until later. I decided to research Suzy Homemaker. [...]
Get free stuff!
We’ve been running a fun challenge in the forums this year, kind of a “Christmas-without-cost” challenge. Every year, we talk about the various homemade things we can give as gifts but there are just some people and some things that you want to give that cost money and even if you make something for gift-giving, [...]
Faith-filled reading
Okay, I got some good news on my knee injury. The MRI showed no tears that will require surgery but the knee is sprained. I see another orthopedic surgeon Monday morning to get more information on how best to proceed (I’m trying to remember that if I have nothing nice to say about a certain [...]
Pretty, homemade dishcloths
Posted in: General Tags: crocheted dishcloths, homemade dishcloths, knitted dishcloths
I’m laid up right now with a knee injury. It’s not a good time to be off my feet with spring planting and camping, hiking and biking season upon me but it is what it is. I’m praying the orthopedic surgeon has good news for me tomorrow (prayers are welcome and appreciated). In the meantime, [...]
Stretch your Dollars to Avoid Taxes!
Well, the mid-term elections are over and there might be change coming but I’m concerned it won’t be good change for anyone. There are rumors flying that our new governor has said an 8% income tax isn’t out of the question. In addition, the Child Tax Credit has expired and unless renewed, families will lose [...]