BAM!! Just Like That!

And...Bam!  Just like that my firstborn son turned 16 this week.  It was a day that arrived way too soon for me.  The two of us got to go on a date in the middle of the day to a local Brazilian steakhouse with an amazing salad bar of fresh greens, fruits, cheeses, and meats that are such a delight for the eyes as well as the taste buds.  A favorite was the Brazilian lemonade.  I am going to work on this recipe and see if we can enjoy some of it at  home this summer.  I'll post the recipe when I get it just right.  He was kind enough to pause for a quick shot here before we went inside.  I can't believe the amazing, capable young man he has become.  Sniff!

 Since it is still somewhat cool we are spending more of our days inside than we like to.  That does afford me some guilty pleasure time to spend with my embroidery machine though on fun projects.  Here are a couple pillows that I personalized for the girls beds to give their room a little more flair.  Both pillows are amazing thrift store finds that I knew would be perfect.

See you around the homestead soon!

-Melissa

Budget Boosters

Our family has goals.  Some of those goals are financial.  In order to leave our suburban homestead and buy the land we want we will need to save up a substantial amount.  Lenders don't like to risk lending on raw land.  Anytime we need to make a financial change the household budget gets a review and is often tweaked a bit to realize our goals faster.  Here are some things I’ve recently started that are making a difference. I don’t know what you’re doing or not doing already so some of these suggestions may be repeats for you.  If not, I hope they give you a boost!
1) After a year of telling myself that I should, I finally sat down and created a price book. I am happy to say it’s making a big impact already.  My memory is pretty good but there is no way I could ever remember what was a low price for grapes, much less every single item on my list. Now when I come across a *super* low price, I buy ahead. If it’s meat, we freeze it. If I find fresh produce, I plan several meals around that find and freeze any leftovers so I am blessed with more meals in our freezer. If I find a pantry staple, I stock up. If I see it is not a *super* low price, I compare it to other produce that are on sale in town that week and only purchase the items we need for that week.
2) I am fortunate to live in an area with several smaller “alternative” grocery stores. Many times I find lower prices in these stores for produce and some meats. These are primarily conventional foods so I pick and choose carefully, but I’ve actually found a few stores that carry a some organic items as well. For example, I bought bunches of organic kale for $1/lb recently and prepared several meals. One caveat, this requires some time since I usually have to visit 4 or 5 stores each week. 
3) Stop throwing out food. Maybe you don’t have a problem with this, but many do! I have become adept at knowing how much food I need to feed my family. In the past, I would see a good sale and stock up, but in my rush I would purchase too much and then could not cook it all before it went bad. Or I would buy fruit with the intention of having us enjoy it for breakfast and then, in haste we would reach for toast and jam.  Sadly, the fruit would get moldy. I have since decided to buy much more cautiously, even when that means missing out on real savings, rather than having to throw away rotten food.

4) This last one was hardest for me. We are making some financial changes right now, so I’ve decided to  buy the “dirty dozen” as organics and the rest conventionally grown. It is not prudent to allow perfect to become the enemy of good.  I have found it better for my family to eat some conventional fruits and vegetables than no enjoy no fruits and vegetables at all. I will still purchase organic dairy for us all and organic/sustainable poultry and meat whenever I can afford to. I will not allow myself to obsess about it.
So here you have it.  These are some of the things we've been trying for now. Priorities make these choices difficult, for sure! Rely on God to help guide you through them.
What are some of the choices your family has made?  I'd love to hear them.
Enjoying Dixie Living,
Melissa

Dare To Compare

• What if my savings at the co-op don't compare to others savings at the grocery store?
  You really should not compare non-organic food prices to organic food prices.  You really aren't comparing apples to apples!   Actually, I’ve found that when you simply don’t compare yourself to others, you enjoy life a lot more.
  Make decisions based upon what is best for your family as you are led by the Lord, and then be inspired by others... but don’t feel guilted by them.
  
• How can I put my money where my mouth is?  
•  Folks, if you can afford it, spend it. We are in trouble here in America.  Consumers need to use our funds to support small family farms AND organic food whenever possible.  This is not just because organic is better for our bodies, but it is better for the land as too.  Did you know that chemicals actually turn the soil to dust?  There is no enrichment taking place.            
• Where can I get the most bang for my couponing buck?  
• Have some fun and play the drug store game.  Use Register Rewards and Extra Care Bucks, etc. to get all the other stuff–toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, razors, toilet paper, feminine products for FREE or close to it. This is probably the only area that you can really be an Extreme Coupon Queen.  If you don't do paper goods, you can also find natural/cheap alternatives to these things-we don’t use paper towels, disposable diapers/wipes when at home, etc.  I know some folks make their own deodorant-which eliminates the aluminum dangers of the store bought brands. I just began using Dr. Bronner's for almost everything in our house-which is natural and organic. You can even brush your teeth with it   I know, why would you, right?? If you look around, there really is so much *stuff* you can just stop buying once you find cheaper, smarter alternatives!  You can really build up your pantry and preps this way.
• I too have struggled with many of these same questions…you can read many of my conclusions here.  Eating WELL does cost more, that is the ugly, naked truth. Would you consider the alternative? I would much rather have my spending set a little higher (if it is affordable) to support local, organic, agriculture.  Quality fresh fruits and seasonal vegetables are worth the extra cost for our family! I’m LEARNING to do my best to determine works for our family without comparing my numbers with others…Blessings to you!
• What are some of the new things your family is attempting in an effort to live healthier lives?

Enjoying Dixie Living,

Melissa

Fresh Savings for the Homestead

• How can I save the most money on fresh fruits and vegetables?
  In the summer I utilize a CSA, and in the winter (my husband is particular) – I buy whatever is the best buy by looking at the sale ads for that week. So, I go every day or two and buy from Kroger, Publix, and Trader Joe's.  Simply whatever is cheapest, organic, and on sale that week are my criteria.   I often purchase frozen berries from Trader Joes since they are really inexpensive.
  
  What is the big "organic" deal?
• You may find considerable savings by buying only the “Dirty Dozen” fruits and vegetables organic? Is there a nearby Farmer’s Market?  Many smaller local farms may not be *certified* organic, but the fruits and veggies are often much better choices than conventionally grown produce that is shipped to you from factory farms. You may learn that they did not use pesticides at all…you will just have to ask the farmers!
  
  What about fruits?

• If your family enjoys frozen berries, then try looking for local u-pick farms in the summer. These may not be 100% organic, but I have found smaller farmers are less likely to be putting as many industrial chemicals on their plants.  Get the kids involved and pick as much as you can afford, wash and freeze it. We pick at least 20 quarts of strawberries annually and freeze for smoothies and such. I know it wouldn't be prudent to buy them throughout the winter otherwise, they're too expensive! I also find great deals at the Farmers Market my town hosts each weekend. I bought 10 quarts of fresh blackberries at $2 each just to freeze. I also froze the peaches we purchased after I got tired of canning them.  $12 for half-bushel was a great price! I can always find great prices on apples from the north Georgia Mountains, minimally sprayed for just $10 a bushel. Start looking in the summer and in a few years you will have your own list of farmers and contacts to help get fresh fruits and veggies in season to can, dehydrate or freeze. They are better tasting and local!!
  
  Where have you found the best local fruits and veggie buys for your family?
  
  Enjoying Dixie Living,
  Melissa

Selling to Save

Eating organic and healthier foods doesn’t have to set you up for bankruptcy!
Perhaps one of the biggest battles to overcome is our thoughts on food. Is it really wise to be buying all of those snacks if they do nothing to actually nourish our bodies? My husband and I regularly used to buy 2 bottles of sodas and a half gallon of ice cream each week – whether or not they were on sale.  But even when on sale, those costs add up!  We eventually cut out purchases like these so that we could afford to buy raw milk at $7.50 a gallon.
I also sold a lot of stuff to purchase bulk grains! I went through our basement and garage and pulled out everything that was cluttering up those areas that I could sell. Within just a few weeks I had sold enough on Craigslist to make a bulk purchase at a local natural foods bulk store (Bread Beckers) and bought enough grains and wheat for a year as well as natural sweeteners, oils, beans, staples and salt. I was also able to purchase more than enough herbs and spices for making my own dressings and seasoning mixes. This decision allowed us to enjoy healthier foods without the initial start up costs that many balk at.
We actually went from a “couponing” budget of $300.00 for 2 adults, 2 kids, and a toddler to spending only $300.00 on mostly organic and whole foods.  It can be done!  You could also do the "phase out" method where you replace used up items with only the "good stuff" rather than tossing that brand new bag of evil white sugar!!  I like the idea of selling things to purchase bulk foods. I think that often the mentality is to put your money into things that don’t get consumed, but in reality, this approach will leave you healthier and more clutter-free.  What ways has your family been successful at saving money on "real" food?

Enjoying Dixie Living,
Melissa

Saving on our Daily Bread

Do you know about Azure Standard? If you are fortunate enough that they deliver in your area, it will help save greatly on your grain and baking budget. For example, 25 pounds of whole white wheat flour is around 15 dollars!  $1.66/ pound is cheaper than the all purpose flour you can buy at Wal-Mart, and it's healthier!  If you are like me and mill all of your own grain, there are fantastic prices on whole grains too!
Our family's money-saving journey started when I realized that frugal living really *does* work — and I have traveled that road for several years now. What did take me some time was learning how to home-can bulk items, preserve garden produce, save money on natural goods and organic items.  Savings abound on the seemingly countless processed and unhealthy items in the stores.  I am now happy to report that the organic coupon industry is finally picking up steam. Finding ways to save money on healthy natural and organic goods involves other tricks and tools that involve much more than simply couponing. Some of those strategies I discuss here include:
- cook from scratch...really
- grow your own
- buy locally
- buy groceries off Amazon (you read right! a new way for your family to save on natural and organic goods)
- CSAs
I no longer believe my family can't eat well for less!!!!

Homestead Living is Thrifty Living

As panic struck Wall Street earlier this month many families lost their sole source of income. Even if you are just frugal (read cheapskate) like me you don't want to miss any opportunities to keep a little more of your hard-earned money. As a blogger, one of my favorite sites just for general thrifty living is the collection found here. This is an eclectic collaboration of writers, moms, economists, and other professionals who really know how to help us save more of our family resources. The actual post I've sent you to is a GREAT resource for getting started with a family budget. While you're there be sure to look around on the sidebars for other authors of interest.
That said, I would be remiss if I did not mention another resource that our missionary to Poland, Becky Petersen, shared with me last week. The owner of this site is actually her sister and she sells coupons as well as other savings aids that may be of interest if you have a specific ongoing need -- like diapers. I am constantly on the lookout for other moms with home businesses that I can patronize. This year the owner of this site used her profits to take her missionary sister and her family on a wonderful all-expenses paid trip to Egypt. As you can imagine this was a tremendous blessing to this missionary family who probably would otherwise not have been able to afford such a journey.
While you're out looking for savings don't forget to take a peek here. There are many times when I am looking for a printable coupon for a specific store (maybe Jo@nn) and I have already used the one they mailed me. I just go to this handy dandy site, look up my store and PRESTO! I print myself a coupon when they're available.
Make it a goal to organize and keep your coupons with you whenever you are out. I try to challenge myself to never pay full price.  As always remember the old-time mantra "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."
Enjoy Dixie Living,
Homespun HoneyBee