One of my many testimonies- My Dad
This is one of the many God-given experiences where He has molded, chiseled, and even cut some things off to teach me lessons I would have never learned any other way. I can now sit here and give God all the glory.
Like most little girls, as far back as I can remember I was my dad’s number 1 fan. No matter the hours he spent at work (which were excessive) when he was home, he belonged to me. He was my laughter and my protector. When dad was home all was right in the world.
As I grew older our relationship didn’t change much. He was respected and loved by my mom, me, and 3 little sisters. When he was home there was always a production of a great supper on the table. He worked hard and played hard. He would think nothing of getting home at 9pm and say, “Get packed were going to the beach!” It drove me crazy as a teenager but looking back the spontaneity was adventurous.
My life as I knew it began to unravel super bowl weekend in the year 2004, six months before my wedding. My dad gave the startling announcement that he was no longer happy and he walked out the door. The shear shock and worry smacked us in the face. The worry was not about us but him. Is he having a nervous breakdown? A midlife crisis? He was leaving what other fathers ld dream about. Leaving a woman whom he married at 18, me (his biggest fan), a beautiful daughter with severe autism, a seven-year old little girl who had at one time had daddy wrapped around her finger, and a precious 3-year-old little girl who would never remember her mom and dad together.
He left to stay down our dirt road with his parents while he, “Figured things out.” During this time our eyes were glued to the windows watching to see if our dad would come home. We soon started noticing a purple truck making its way past our home to my grandparents house quite often.
The Lord has His way of bringing truth to the surface. The purple truck carried a woman who was one of the partakers in tearing my family apart. My Dad and her were having an affair. Rumor has it they were caught by her husband and she was forced to leave. The pressure was then put on my dad to do the same. He came to a complete halt. He had no time to pick fights with my mom or time to make a miserable home life. To make the stab deeper my grandparents knew my dad’s secret and were helping to aid in the secrecy. They provided them a place to stay and support before we ever knew what was going on.
The days and weeks went on in a teary eyed blur. Aching for the life we had and the stab of betrayal and rejection. I can remember my mom and I at the altar in church many times begging God for healing and answers. The healing and answers took place very slowly. To this day we can still relapse into feelings of rejection, but we continue to look back and see what God has pulled us through.
When I look back I remember sweet memories driving home from church with mom tears streaming of God’s grace. I remember countless late night card games spent with family surrounding and protecting us. I remember the day we were forced to move out of my childhood home. We were in the bathroom with my sisters getting ready for the last time. I looked at mom and said, “Are you ready to get out of this hell hole?” perhaps not the most Christian thing to say but it was so needed and so appreciated. She said, “Yeah , Lets do this!”
We held tight to God’s promises as all our security was squished into a tiny apartment. That night we cranked up the song, “I’m moving on” by rascal flats and cried like babies. Though Mom’s heart was breaking she was a pillar of strength. I have seen God do the miraculous in her I would have never seen any other way.
Since those early days there have been many ups and countless downs. One thing I’m certain of without a shadow of a doubt is that God protects His children. His faithful love sustains, pulls us out when needed, and replants us firmly.
This is one of my many testimonies where I have been shown God’s greatness. As of today I have forgiven my dad as well as the other woman whom he is still with today. I have grown to once again love him and appreciate his presence in my life. He has truly tried to make an effort and for that I am very grateful. I do not think it was time or distance that allowed this healing but a supernatural weaving of God to stitch my broken heart.
No, it will never be like it was, but things never are. God moves, pushes, pulls, whatever He has to do to bring you closer. Today I am so thankful or a praying Momma who was used by God to go through difficulties to change the course of future generations.
Fighting Debt
Stuart Miles/photo credit
I wish someone would have taught us from the beginning of our marriage the importance of never collecting debt. Everyone explains the importance of communication, keeping regular date nights, and not going to bed angry. People often fail to mention the importance of simply living below your means.
Frugality has become a lost art in our society. We live in a world today where many luxuries are at our fingertips. You no longer have to save before you buy. You simply hand over your shiny piece of plastic or put your signature to another loan and boom…it’s, “yours.”
There is something so sweet and simple to the, “plan, save, then buy,” plan. Imagine if you will, newlyweds making a list of their priorities together. They list out the items they want to purchase for their new life together. They have conversations, they dream, they plan, and work together to save up that money. Once they have saved enough money they do their research and get the best bang for their buck. They bring home their new purchase proud of what they have accomplished together as a team. The object now symbolizes their hard work and commitment. It’s not just a status symbol to them.
Our instant gratification mentality is ruining America’s work ethic. This is true of not only of material things to work for, but also working to put effort into our marriages, or the work of raising our children. To be able to delay gratification is a sign of maturity. The actual definition of delayed gratification is: To resist a smaller but more immediate reward in order to receive a larger more enduring reward later. Isn’t this concept worth passing down?
Practicality goes along way in the fight against debt. Advice to not accrue debt is simple, practical, and saves so much time and many arguments in the future. We can’t let the money talk scare us away from giving others the head start and knowledge we wish we had. Because of smart decisions you make today, you can rest more confident in your future.
God’s Plan
The topic of this post is controversial, but I hope to shed some light on it in a awesome simple way.
image courtesy of hin255/freedigitalphotos.net
Not too long ago our Pastor preached an encouraging sermon on God having a plan for your life. He preached that nothing is by accident but is apart of God’s intricate design and plan for His glory. My mind wandered…or was led to thoughts of those lives we take from the mother’s womb everyday.
I don’t want to get caught up in the debate of when conception or life starts. Honestly, I don’t think it even matters. We can so often get sidetracked on all the technical definitions that we can miss the point. I believe this is satan’s ploy. We were all part of His plan before the beginning of time. The point at which an egg and sperm unite is just the physical proof of the plan. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” Jeremiah 1:5
I wonder what would happen if we could truly wrap our heads around that verse? These aren’t just embryos or whatever you want to call them, that we are killing. They are chosen by God, just as we were as part of His will and good pleasure. Now I don’t know about ya’ll but that’s amazing.
This God we serve doesn’t just sit up in heaven on His throne, “Keeping an eye on us.” Oh no, He is a micromanager. David says in Psalm 139:13, “For you formed my inward parts: you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” He is involved in every single detail of this universe He created.
- Psalm 147:4 He counts the number of the stars; He calls them by name.
- Job 28:24 For He looks to he ends of the earth and sees everything under heaven.
- Matthew 10:30 But the very hairs on your head are all numbered.
Let’s remember that all these so called, “accidental pregnancies,” hold the life of someone with a purpose and plan. Jesus thought of this life as He was hanging on the cross dying for our sins.
Mommas, we need to encourage one another to be faithful to the plan God has for us and let Him knit that precious life inside us that He loves.
I’m linking this post with:
The Prairie Homestead, A Mama’s story, Raising Arrows, The better Mom,The Modest Mom, What Joy is Mine, Far Above Rubies, Growing Home, Heavenly Homemakers,Time Warp Wife, Thankful Homemaker, Mamal Diane, Teaching What is Good, A cat like curiosity, Mom’s the word, conerstone cofessions, A proverbs 31 wife, Some of the best things in life are mistakes, Let this mind be in you, A Wise Woman Builds her home, CSAHM Parenting Linkup, Deep Roots at Home, Graced Simplicity, Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well, Hope in Every Season, Jill’s Home remedies, Little Natural Cottage, Our simple country Life, Raising Mighty Arrows, The Purposeful Mom, Consider the Lillies, Happy and Blessed Home, Homemaker by Choice, Your Thriving Family, My Joy Filled Life. New Life Steward, Hometead simple, Christian Mommy Blogger, Let this Mind Be in You, Heart Reflected
Our Love Story with a Prayer
We aren’t the typical by any means and this is no typical love story. God’s hand has been on us from the very beginning when Tim first spoke to me at my locker in the high school hallway.
We became official couple status a week after turning 16 on New Years Eve. From that moment on we have been inseparable. I feel as though that was when our marriage started minus the certificate to prove it. We were committed 100% to each other beyond silly high school relationships. I’m not kidding y’all… I thought I was grown.
We were in the FFA and horticulture class together. Every spare moment was spent talking, planning, and dreaming of our future, or was spent having the time of our lives. From the beginning, this boy has protected me from the world and honored me above all others. At 16 we started putting any money we earned in an envelope for a ring and a future. It turns out the money we saved at that time kept us afloat during our early years of marriage.
Tim graduated in the year 2003. I was supposed to graduate in 2004 but quit school to get married and start our life together. I know to some this may sound CRAZY, and we were. I did however have a plan. I got my GED from my local community college and started in a nursing program shortly after. The thoughts of wasting time sitting in a classroom another year seemed irresponsible and lazy at this point.
We got engaged with my family all around at my 18th birthday party. The funny thing is we didn’t feel weird or crazy it just felt like the next step to us. Slowly but surely family started getting on board as well. We picked a date for a fall wedding and were excited about where God was taking us.
A month after our engagement the life I thought I had slipped through my fingertips. My dad walked out on my mom, me, and three little sisters. I started questioning my life. The rejection from my dad made me run that much harder to Tim. Once again he was a protector to me as well as to my entire family.
Considering all that had happened we pushed our wedding date up to June 12th, 2004. With scarce financial resources my mom pulled off the most beautiful night a young girl could have ever dreamed of. Arm in arm my mom waked me down the aisle to the boy God made for me, the man to be the father of my children. Together we have walked hand in hand and entered into a commitment of love 
ordained by God.
Although it has been tough at times we have chosen each and every day to pull together when the world tries to tear us apart. When I haven’t felt like trying I’ve prayed to God that I would. He has been so faithful.
.
Here we are 3 kids and 9 years later. As I look back at those innocent years I can see how God was leading us. We followed whole heartily, no questions, no hesitations. To this day I can still feel His presence and know He is leading but for some reason I doubt and hesitate. I’ve been tainted in some ways by the world. As I’ve grown older my mind can get in the way of my heart. My prayer is that Tim and I will live everyday as though we are 18 again and follow our hearts and love like no other.
Sharing this post with The Prairie Homestead, A Mama’s story, Raising Arrows, The better Mom, The Modest Mom, What Joy is Mine, Far Above Rubies, Growing Home, Heavenly Homemakers, Time Warp Wife, Thankful Homemaker, Mamal Diane, Teaching What is Good, A cat like curiosity, Mom’s the word, conerstone cofessions, A proverbs 31 wife, Some of the best things in life are mistakes, Let this mind be in you, A Wise Woman Builds her home, CSAHM Parenting Linkup, Deep Roots at Home, Graced Simplicity, Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well, Hope in Every Season, Jill’s Home remedies, Little Natural Cottage, Our simple country Life, Raising Mighty Arrows, The Purposeful Mom, Consider the Lillies, Happy and Blessed Home, Homemaker by Choice, Your Thriving Family, My Joy Filled Life. New Life Steward, Hometead simple, Christian Mommy Blogger, Heart Reflected, Mrs. Happy Homemaker, Keeping It Simple, The Life of Faith, The Alabaster Jar, Splashing Glory, The wellspring, Road to 31
Rebelling The World
Photo by Just2Shutter/ Freedigitalphotos.net
Have you ever felt God in a way you can’t explain and can’t ignore? Fortunately, I’ve heard His whispers my entire life. More times than I would like to admit, the whispers have gotten drowned out by this world. It’s a time when you completely forget about the vision God has for you and your purpose in His kingdom. I too often have fallen into the traps of focusing on myself. Recently I find myself getting so fed up with our image obsessed culture and politically correct conversations.
Just when I’m starting to hear His voice once again God sends a person, a statement, a situation to jolt you out of your societal slumber.This happened to me on Saturday morning when I was reawakened by this beautiful blog post by my friend Bethany. God gives us all convictions at one time or another but what will I do with them? I’m feeling God’s tugs and nudges to DO SOMETHING for all the things I believe in. Is it enough to just say I don’t believe in abortion? Is it enough to just say children are a gift from God? Is it enough to just say a little prayer for orphans, widows, and the less fortunate as I sit with my fresh brewed coffee in hand with organic creamer and a soft blanket on my lap?
I’m just not convinced it’s enough. I want a life where I pour myself out daily to be refilled by the only sustainable thing in this life; God’s power and love. He is guiding, I just don’t know where. But I do know that there is more to life than this. I don’t want to be a Sunday Christian, I want to be a Jesus Follower everyday of my life grabbing hands along the way to come along.
I don’t want to listen to the world around me that tries to make things look perfect and pinterest worthy. I want my eyes opened to the hurting world, the mess, and the ugly. I want to watch first hand God turn ashes into beauty.
What sacrifices can I make to save myself from a life focused on money , beauty, and shiny perishable things? I rebel against the life most have. I don’t want it. I don’t even want to secretly want it AT ALL. I want a life worth living. I want to pour myself into my husband and these children of mine to become rebels against this culture with me. To shift our focus on the only thing that matters: THE PEOPLE JESUS DIED FOR. Every single person on this planet and every single person that will be on this planet were on His mind on that monumental day of His death. I want the rest of my life to be spent making sure people now that. To show hope to the hopeless, advocate for precious unborn life, open my arms and home to the hurting, and feel the sting of sacrifice of my time and money. This is time well spent and is the key to happiness.
I would love to hear what you are doing for what you believe in!
Linking up with:The Prairie Homestead, A Mama’s story, Raising Arrows, The better Mom, The Modest Mom, What Joy is Mine, Far Above Rubies, Growing Home, Heavenly Homemakers, Time Warp Wife, Thankful Homemaker, Mamal Diane, Teaching What is Good, A cat like curiosity, Mom’s the word, conerstone cofessions, A proverbs 31 wife, Some of the best things in life are mistakes, Let this mind be in you, A Wise Woman Builds her home, CSAHM Parenting Linkup, Deep Roots at Home, Graced Simplicity, Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well, Hope in Every Season, Jill’s Home remedies, Little Natural Cottage, Our simple country Life, Raising Mighty Arrows, The Purposeful Mom, Consider the Lillies, Happy and Blessed Home, Homemaker by Choice, Your Thriving Family, My Joy Filled Life. New Life Steward, Hometead simple, Christian Mommy Blogger, Heart Reflected, Mrs. Happy Homemaker, Keeping It Simple, The Life of Faith, The Alabaster Jar, Splashing Glory, The wellspring, Road to 31
Tending your marriage
Rosen Georgeu/ freedigitalphotos
Everyone has heard at one time or another that marriage takes work. Just because we have heard it doesn’t mean we always put the effort in.
I think our ideas of work can be construed at times. Sometimes the work is simply being able to keep your mouth closed when we want to tell our husbands the right way to do things:) Work could also mean smiling or simply being a joy to be around. I know I often take these small gestures for granted but they can have a huge impact on your marriage.
God commanded for husbands to love their wives and for wives to respect their husbands. Respecting the man God put in our life is one of the greatest ways we can tend our marriage. When he has our support, he can soar. This is the way God designed it. He created marriage and therefore knew what we would each need.
Once we as women can take a small step back and recognize the role that God has created our men for, then we can start to see them through God’s eyes. We should feel our empowerment in the way we can build up our husbands instead of the false empowerment of trying to compete with them or trying to always be right. This is no contest, but a unity to accomplish God’s purposes.
Our culture tells us women to not only strive for equality with our husbands but to surpass him as the leader in every are of life. I know for many this is a strange concept, but what if we weren’t made to be equal? What if we were made to be below him? To be the foundation, to uphold, to lift up, to be the strong tower. As we are below him we are protected, and covered with power from God to turn our families into the bright lights they should be.
This is a simple list of how we can tend our marriage and show our man the respect he craves.
- Smile at the guy for goodness sakes, maybe even give him a wink!
- Say a simple thank you. Gratitude goes a long way.
- When he comes home ask him about his day without interrupting.
- If he complains about something don’t tell him how he could have done it differently or better.
- Praise him in front of the kids.
- Have him a glass of sweet tea or whatever he drinks when he walks in the door.
- Pray for him and trust God to lead him.
- When he is home let him lead how you spend family time.
- Show affection.
It’s the simple actions that can help our marriages flourish. Any other ideas?
The circus of Motherhood: Simplify
image courtesy of Renjth Krishnan/freedigitalphotos
Ever feel like you are juggling 10 balls at once? If you drop one then they all will fall. I often associate motherhood as a balancing act. It’s bout like you’re in the circus (picture yourself as a clown if you want) on the tight rope walk being as deliberate as possible with every move you make to get to other side in one piece. One false move and your on your face, or feel like you are anyway.
In no way am I an expert when it comes to balancing priorities, or anything for that matter. But I do ask for God’s help and learn from others how to simplify life to keep all the juggling balls in the air and get across the tight rope.
Bath time
I know all my germaphobe friends are going to pass out on this one but I DO NOT bathe my kids every night. Three times a week or so is our normal…most of the time;) You would be amazed at the dirt a baby wipe can get off on those in between days. Perhaps I’m lazy or smart.. but the time and energy it saves is a huge headache reliever. Besides, we are saving water and not drying out their skin:)
Clothes
I lay out everyone’s clothes the night before and put them in the corner of their room. I used to let the kids run around in pajamas all day unless we had something planned. I have found that there is almost always an unexpected visitor coming or a quick errand that needs to be ran. In the middle of our day I would have to stop, pick out clothes, and get everyone dressed. This can become quite aggravating if you’re in a hurry. Lesson learned. (Notice I didn’t mention getting myself dressed!)
Diaper bag
Keep that thing loaded and ready at all times. You just have to remember to grab it when your walking out the door. Keep it near your car keys.
Food/Meals
Every Saturday I write out our menu plan for the week to have it ready when I grocery shop on Monday. I write it our so that at 5pm I’m not looking through the pantry and giving them cereal once again. Another time saver for the actual menu planning is trying to keep the same pattern every week. Example: Monday- Mexican style food, Tuesday- crock pot meal, Wednesday- pasta/italian, Thursday- soup/salad, Friday- pizza, Saturday- leftovers.
Shoes
All kiddos keep their shoes in a big plastic bin in our coat closet by the front door. They know when they take their shoes off to stick them in there. Whenever we leave they should be able to find them…most of the time anyway.
Home School
I can’t speak for Mommas with older children. I can say that with a 1, 3, and 4-year-old simple is best. I consider it a great home school day when we read the Bible together, pray, and list out the things we are thankful for. The day is even better when they can run outside and be there wild and crazy selves. When I’m trying to be an extra good Momma we read book at the end of the night. (I’m working on reading to them more.)
Outside your home
This is a big one. Each season of life provides different opportunities to get out and do some stuff with your kids. If you’re not careful the opportunities can turn into distractions. I have fallen into this many times. I try to remind myself to schedule around nap times and when we are most productive in our home. The outside world includes computers and TV. Don’t let this rob your time. It’s sneaky. Set boundaries and draw the line.
Probably one of the greatest things I have learned and am trying to put into practice is to let go of unrealistic expectations of myself. When I fail, then I have guilt, then I eat… not good!
I would love to hear others ideas on how they do what they do. Any tricks on getting to other side of your tight rope?
Country Dreams
I dream of a place off the beaten path. The familiar sounds of gravel flying signaling we are home, just as in my childhood. I dream of starry skies and firewood smells. To see open creation and God’s wonders all around. To breathe in fresh air of a dream coming true.
I dream of children running barefoot through tall blades of grass. Learning and loving alongside me to care for our land. I can see muddy little feet and sweaty faces running through sprinklers. I long to see my son climb up on his daddy’s shoulders with my girls in boots to their knees walking close behind to go on a pasture walk.
I dream of waking up while it is still dark to care for livestock and gardens that will nurture my family. To have that warm cup of coffee in hand as the sun makes its entrance welcoming another hard-working day. I dream of chickens scratching through the new dew of morning as a child tries to grab feathers. I can see my girls and I laughing hysterically to milk a goat ready to give nutrition to our family.
I can hear the sounds of the ice cream maker on the back deck churning as we unwind from our day of turning this piece of overgrown land into our livelihood and future. I dream of family gatherings for Sunday suppers where they all come to get away from it all. I can see the birthday parties, celebrations, and late night conversations. I can taste the flavors and sweetness of our homegrown food with all hands in, enjoying every bite.
I long to knead the bread, can the tomatoes, pick the berries, mix the dough, separate the milk, and prep my chickens all while wearing my favorite aprons. I long to feel the breeze not obstructed by buildings but seeping though the leaves and limbs. To feel a late evening thunderstorm rolling in just before the first heavy clouds appear.
I dream of standing by a farmer that’s learning, working, planning, raising, and harvesting our land and children. A farmer that puts life to my dreams and holds my hand through it all. To see him turn into a man of God who stays on his knees.
I long and dream for different, for honesty, simplicity, and life’s sweetness that can’t be bought. God can make this dream He has given us a reality. For it is He who places the dreams. Commit thy way unto the Lord: trust also in Him: and He shall bring to pass. Psalms 37:5
Easy Special Breakfast
Although I am a morning person, cooking an extravagant breakfast is not my thing. I am a cereal and granola type of girl, thus so are the kiddos.
At times, on special mornings I will put in the effort to make something delicious and filling. This recipe is my husband’s favorite. He calls it his, “Cracker Barrel Breakfast.” Since it was just Father’s Day that is what he got! It’s pretty simple and fail proof.
Apple Oatmeal Bake
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 Tbs butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups oatmeal
- 2 eggs slightly beaen
- 2 cups of chopped Granny Smith Apples
In saucepan melt butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt into the milk until sugar has mostly dissolved.
Mix in eggs, oatmeal, and apples.
Dump over into greased 8×11 baking dish.
Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
Once baked scoop in bowls and add a thin slice of butter, a splash of milk, sprinkled brown sugar, and some chopped pecan. MMM! Cracker Barrel aint got nothing on this!
If you have leftovers and want to reheat them just stick it on the stove and add a little milk to keep it from sticking.
Linking this recipe to Let This Mind Be In You
5 Simple ways to save at the grocery store (without coupons)
Photo courtesy of Ambro / Freedigitalphotos.net
The battle of the grocery store is one I have been fighting ever since I became a wife and mother. No mater how hard I tried or how many coupons I clipped I was always over budget. Every week I would leave feeling defeated and aggravated. In a silly way I felt tricked by their advertisements.
I no longer search for coupons since my family and I have significantly cut back on our processed foods. Besides, I usually bought more when I cut coupons anyway. With couponing aside, I knew I had to get control of our grocery budget and start telling my money where to go instead of leaving it to chance every week. I’ve got better stuff to spend my money on:)
First and foremost I never go without a list. I do my very best to stick to it. I’ve also found it helpful to shop at the same place. When I go to new stores I am usually intrigued and end up spending more. This is especially true when your kids are with you. I usually end up grabbing something I didn’t intend on getting. With my list I’m ready to conquer this monster.
Tip #1 Rice and beans or beans and rice
I am a huge fan of these kitchen staples. Not only are they slammed with health benefits but they are dirt cheap and easily bought in bulk. They fill hungry bellies very well and go a long way. There are a gazillion awesome recipes on the internet. One of our favorite simple meals is pinto beans slow cooked all day with homemade slaw and my whole wheat cornbread. On the next night I take the leftover pintos and stir them in with rice and spices to make a stir fry or filler for burritos. Another favorite at our house is a big roast with vegetables and potatoes. The next night I mix the leftover roast with rice for a stew. It’s all about getting creative and seeing how far you can stretch any meal. It’s quite fun when you start to get into it.
Tip #2 No Juice
I finally bit the bullet and quit buying juice for the kids. One jug of apple juice ran me about 5$. I had to buy two a week. Not only do I have a money savings of 40$ a month but a slew of health benefits as well. First and foremost they aren’t driving me crazy asking for juice every ten seconds. If they are thirsty then they are all able to get themselves water out of the fridge. Secondly, it’s better for their teeth and health. My kids get enough sugar from cookies and popsicles. They don’t need it from their drinks as well.
Tip #3 Meatless Monday
We are in no way vegetarian but we have significantly cut back on our meat consumption. We have replaced a lot of our meat with tip #1 (the rice and beans.) This has saved us a tremendous amount of money. If your used to having your meat at every meal then maybe you could start with a meatless Monday. For the first time this year we purchased a 1/4 of a cow from a farm and had it butchered and frozen. I love having the stockpile in my freezer. I highly recommend it and am hoping to do the same with pork and chicken. Maybe even our own animals one day soon:)
Tip #4 Homemade
Try making your own snacks. Do your kids love cookies? Make you a big batch of oatmeal raisin at the beginning of the week. Trail mixes or granola can be eaten any time of day. Eat it dry, on top of yogurt, or with milk for cereal. Peanut butter and apples or veggies and ranch are also simple cheap snacks. Try to stay away from anything in a box even if it’s on sale. Take granola bars for example. There are probably six – eight in the box. Instead, you could make a fresh batch that would be double or triple in amount. Your granola bars would taste better and be better for you, no comparison.
Tip #5 Stock up
You better bet when I see noodles, rice, coffee, or beans on sale I stock up. Those weeks at the grocery store may be slightly higher but the next week will be lower than usual. You have to educate yourself on a true deal. I fallen victim to this myself by looking at the pretty advertisements instead of doing my math.
I am always learning and tweaking any grocery store strategies. Does any one have any ideas?
Shared this post with:The Prairie Homestead, A Mama’s story, Raising Arrows, The better Mom, The Modest Mom, What Joy is Mine, Far Above Rubies, Growing Home, Heavenly Homemakers, Time Warp Wife, Thankful Homemaker, Mamal Diane, Teaching What is Good, A cat like curiosity, Mom’s the word, conerstone cofessions, A proverbs 31 wife, Some of the best things in life are mistakes, Let this mind be in you, A Wise Woman Builds her home, CSAHM Parenting Linkup, Deep Roots at Home, Graced Simplicity, Raising Homemakers, Women Living Well, Hope in Every Season, Jill’s Home remedies, Little Natural Cottage, Our simple country Life, Raising Mighty Arrows, The Purposeful Mom, Consider the Lillies, Happy and Blessed Home, Homemaker by Choice, Your Thriving Family, My Joy Filled Life. New Life Steward, Hometead simple, Christian Mommy Blogger, Heart Reflected, Mrs. Happy Homemaker, Keeping It Simple, The Life of Faith, The Alabaster Jar, Splashing Glory, The wellspring, Road to 31
Hey Y'all! My name is Brittany Styron. Sweet Country Roots is a place I hope to encourage, inspire, and bring a chuckle. Grab yourself a cup of coffee and join conversations about marriage, babies, homeschooling, frugal living, good food, and an old fashioned way of thinking.
