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!!!!

In The Secret of His Presence

I have been enjoying my break from blogging for a while but I do have this one jewel to share. As part of my morning Quiet Time I have been compiling a notebook/journal of sorts that includes scripture excerpts, songs of praise, hymns, and worthy poetry. My notebook serves as a great source of help for me as I attempt to come before my Father. Many times I need some prompting to get my meditations started and this particular poem that I wish to share has become one that I refer to at least weekly as I ask the Saviour to search my heart.
~ In The Secret of His Presence~
In the secret of His presence
How my soul delights to hide!
Oh, how precious are the lessons
Which I learn at Jesus' side!

Earthly cares can never vex me,
Neither trials lay me low;
For when Satan comes to tempt me,
To the secret place I go.

I tell Him all my doubts, my griefs,
And fears; Oh, how patiently He listens,
And my drooping soul He cheers.

Do you think He ne'er reproves me?
What a false friend He would be
If He never, never told me
Of the sins which He must see.

Would you like to know the sweetness
Of the secret of the Lord?
Go and rest beneath His shadow-
This shall then be your reward!

And when e'er you leave the silence of
That happy meeting place,
You will surely bear the image of the
Master in your face!
-Ellen Lakshmi Goreh
Next time you need a little prompting for your heart's devotion, I hope that you will consider this work by Ellen Goreh a great aid as you ponder your Saviour.

Enjoy Dixie Living,
Homespun HoneyBee

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

Homestead Hairstyles for Little Girls

For this piggie variation you will need your comb, brush and 5 elastics. This is the finished product with bows in.

Brush through the hair until it is smooth and shiny.

Give the hair a nice, straight part. I am a side parter but right down the middle looks awesome too!

Put each side of the parted sections securely into the elastic band of your choice. Try not to use hair from any farther back than the very top of the ear.

This is your chance to make it nice and smooth with no lumps.

Take a small section from each of the ponies and wrap the hair around the elastic then secure inside.

Here is what you will have so far once both sections are secured and wrapped. If you've got to go, this is a great look too!

Part out a great big section from the middle of the crown. Brush through until it is smooth.

Add the ponytail sections from the front into this large middle section. Brush through and secure with 3rd elastic band.

Just as with the 2 sections up front you will need to securely wrap this pony tail too. This is what you will have so far.

Now part the remaining hair at the base of the head into 2 piggie sections. Add your elastics but do not pull the hair completely through during the last loop.

This will make nice, full piggies that almost look as if you've curled them. You can wrap the hair around the elastic to hide it as before or leave them and cover with bows.

A final view of the full wrapped piggies.

A view from the top.

And now the completed style adorned with bows. These are my medium basic boutique bows available at my site. This really is a cute and versatile style that she will enjoy wearing. Go try this one today!
Enjoying Dixie Living,

Homespun HoneyBee