I started this vegetarian menu plan while watching the documentary series 30-Days by Morgan Spurlock (Thanks to the recommendation from Katy, The Non-Consumer Advocate). The first episode follows him and his fiance as they attempt to live for 30 days working minimum wage jobs. I'd echo Katy's recommendation. It's a good reality/attitude check, examining the struggles faced by low-income families. And the scene about free activities in the city? Hilarious. Local bank or hospital tours! My husband and I watched it at least four times, laughing harder each time. Anyway, most of their dinners were beans and rice, which is pretty much the most economical Keep Reading
Frugal Homemaking for March: Things to do around your home this month
I took this picture a year ago. It has very little to do with homemaking and everything to do with how I feel right now. This time of year, I crave color. Change! I'm done with winter and so ready for spring. Good thing that all of these things are right around the corner. Here's what's happening at our home this month: My husband and I are planning to raise chickens, both for the eggs and the education. Our kids are super pumped about it, and I think it'll be a fun family project. Right now, Backyard Chickens is our favorite resource. It is packed with great information. Anyone have advice for raising chickens? Throw it our way! - We are Keep Reading
What’s for dinner? This week’s reader (whole ham & leftovers) menu plan (2/24)
Menu Plan by FLNW reader Ruth My father trained race horses and was usually at the track by 5 a.m. Our main meal was at lunch most days but we also ate breakfast foods for any of our meals. He liked meat and potatoes. Most of the meat dishes in my week are from childhood meals. In between I have lighter, more modern selections. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Baked Ham: Choose a cheap one that is not pre-sliced and then score the tough rind with a sharp knife, down to the meat. Put 2 T mustard in a bowl and stir in as much brown sugar as you can. Slather this on the ham and bake according to instructions. Save Keep Reading
Wood-burning stoves: Tips for finding cheap (or free) firewood
Free firewood As you know by now, my husband and I are nuts about our wood stove. We love the look, feel, and savings it brings our home. For more on that check out the first two posts in our 3-part series: Wood-burning stoves: A frugal and efficient way to heat your home The cost and savings of installing a high-efficiency wood stove One small detail with heating your house with a wood stove is that you need... wood. And not just any wood. It should be seasoned, which means it should be cut, split, stacked, and covered until the water content is less than 20%. For softer woods, like pine, this typically takes 6 months to 1 year. For hard Keep Reading
The cost and savings of installing a high-efficiency wood stove
High-efficiency Wood Stoves: Cost & Savings Last weekend, we got about 6 inches of snow at our house. My husband, like any respectable energy efficiency nut, wasted no time in breaking out his precious spray foam and foam board (recycled packaging, of course). He blocked out windows in our back bedrooms and sprayed foam into any nook and cranny that dared to leak air into the house. I even woke up one frosty morning to find all of our couch cushions stacked into our huge picture window. I don't even bat an eye anymore. Seriously, this is just another day living with Ed. We don't always see eye to eye on these crazy projects, but there was one Keep Reading
What’s for dinner? This week’s low-carb & diabetic-friendly menu plan (2/10)
Menu Plan by reader Linda from Bellevue, WA. I love to read, cook, eat, and spend time with my family. I'm a self taught cook. My mom did not enjoy cooking and probably hoped I would have a chef when I got older. I'm always learning how to improve my skills. We're a household of three adults: my husband, my dad, and me. My Dad is a diabetic so most of my meals are low carb (under 50 carbs a meal). We're also trying to eat more whole foods. I work full-time, so I also love quick meals and my Crockpot. I also love to save money by buying in bulk. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday Breakfast: Hard boiled eggs, Blueberry Keep Reading
What I learned from my kids about family fun
The post was originally published a couple of years ago. I thought it would be some timely encouragement as many of us in the Pacific Northwest are heading full steam into summer. Guest Post by Kari Patterson “What would you like to do?” It was Family Day. Every Saturday we set aside our chores and pressing needs and commit a full day to rest, refreshment, recreation, renewal, and fun. This day was sunny, and I was eager to make plans for some serious family fun. I leaned forward in my lawn chair, looked at my three-year-old daughter, and asked her again. “What would you like to do?” “BUTTERFLY!!” She squealed, oblivious to my question. She ran as Keep Reading
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