Friday, February 26, 2016

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #55


Hello Ladies!
Saving money by practicing thrift and old-fashioned frugal living has become second nature to me over the years. You can save a whole lot of money just by making do with what you have. 
I missed a week, so I included a few highlights from last week. I hope you've got the snow or sunshine or rain you've been hoping for. I am still praying for snow and for a new job for my husband. He had three interviews this week. It's all in God's hands and in His timing. 
Now. 
I.
Get. 
To.
Practice.
Trusting.
God.
And.
Being.
Patient!

~ I made homemade soap with my friend Joyce.
~ A friend gave us her old car! We've needed a second car for a long time. Four drivers - one car. It's a 1989 Grand Marquis. It's an answer to prayer. Thank you Jesus!
~ Lots of homemade food and making do this week.
~ Homemade cinnamon rolls were the special treat I took to co-op this week. Nothing fancy, but delicious.
~ My daughter refilled our foaming hand soap bottle.
~ I watered down the concentrated dish soap when I refilled my little bottle.
~ I bought the off brand of Dawn dish soap, but my husband told me not to buy it again.
~ I put a little water in with my shampoo to extend it. I liked it better! It was easy to lather. My hair was just as clean. 
~ Lentils and rice is a cheap filling meal. I used garlic powder instead of garlic.
~ I made potato soup— another cheap filling meal.
~ We ran out of toothpaste, so we're using a few little samples we got from the dentist. When it's done. I'm going to try to make homemade toothpaste. I'll have to let you know how that goes!
~ We had our taxes done at a volunteer tax service for free. Thank you Jesus!
~ I used a 40% off coupon to buy a ball of cotton yarn at Hobby Lobby. That brought it to less than $2.00. 
~ I received a new book for review. 
~ I received some new knives for review.
~ I made another batch of Super Quick Super Cheap Laundry Detergent. It doesn't last as long as it might if my teens weren't using it, too. I have a feeling they use a bit too much. It doesn't matter though, because it's so cheap to make!
~ I wrote a few Amazon reviews and a book review.
~ I'm making dishcloths that may end up being gifts next Christmas— if I don't need them first!
~ I'm still working on my little snowman ornaments for my winter tree. The decorations are off it now, and I'll store it this weekend until next winter, but they'll be ready for next year. 
~ My husband sold some restaurant equipment which will help pay our business debt. We don't have any personal debt, so no pesky calls from bill collectors!
~ My husband fixed the blinker on our car for only $4.00.
~ I didn't go back and buy another ball of yarn I wanted at Hobby Lobby.
~ We ate leftover potato soup and some smoked sausage my dad gave me for supper.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to save for rainy days. I am a squirrel. I have been squirreling a little money here and there as it comes to me for years. It's been very helpful in this time of unemployment. Even if you can only save a few dollars or even a few cents, please do it. It's the only reason we've still got money after no income for two months. The other thing I had was some food in the freezer. 

Prepare while you can ladies!

~~~~~
What are you doing in your home this week?
~~~~~

ஐღLauraღஐ 
...doing what I can with what I've got
where I am on a short shoestring budget!
~~~~~
This post was featured!
Darling Downs Diaries
~~~~~

38 comments:

  1. Praying for your husbands job interviews.. May God bless.
    Sounds like you have been doing a good job with your frugal ways.. The potato soup sounds good.Have a blessed weekend.

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  2. Great post. Great job of being thrifty! I've been making our laundery soap. I'm not sure I totally like the recipe I'm using. I've tried dishwasher soap but totally didn't like it. I'm trying to be more thrifty. Mainly making sure I use leftovers. Or cook without having leftovers. I always cook too much! Thanks for coming over and seeing my sewing projects. Good luck getting yours done. I was actually being thrifty too. Most quilters don't colored threads in piecing. I've used all my pinks in the pink blocks I worker on last week. I don't get it. Quilter use colored thread in applique but not in piecing.
    Strange now that I think about it. I'm using up my applique thread.
    Sorry I went off on a rabbit trail. LOL. Have a good weekened.
    XXOO

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  3. I thank you dearly Judy. You are always such an encourager!
    I'm doing my best. It's getting harder, but God will help me to feed my family and take care of our needs.
    Just making homemade laundry and handwashing soaps has helped.


    Lynn, I think some of the piecing I enjoyed most was when I was using up every color thread I could get my hands on!

    Be blessed!
    Laura

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  4. If there is one thing I've learned in this life journey is that God has our backs
    Every season has its purpose. He'll bring u all to a season of change in His timing. In the meanwhile you are doing a good job making what u have stretch and setting a good example for others. God bless ur family, I pray ur season of change comes very soon. Thank you for sharing ur story with TGI Saturdays.

    Blessings.

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  5. I always look forward to coming here and reading about the thriftiness you do. Always an encouragement. Thank you sweet friend...Blessings to you.

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  6. Will pray for your family and that the job God has planned for your family comes soon. I am humbled by your faith and patient the face of adversity. You are an inspiration.

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  7. I enjoy reading your blog. If you would email me I would love to share my yarn collection with you. I love to make washcloths. Hugs, Sandi
    szil949@yahoo.com

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  8. As always love your thrifty posts. They inspire me to make every dollar count. My thrifty week included crocheted dish cloths (I have a tons of cotton yarn I bought in my non frugal days), buying "manager special " bananas and freezing them for smoothies, and cooking from the pantry and freezer with little supplement from the market. I just love crocheting dishcloths for a no brainier project and storing them away for gifts. Take care- Tina Oh continued prayers for your husband employment.

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  9. Thanks so much Latisha, that is so kind!
    Laura
    ~~~~~

    That is so generous Sandi! I'll email you!
    Laura
    ~~~~~

    Thank you so much Tina! You're being very thrifty! I like dishcloths for the same reason!
    Laura
    ~~~~~



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  10. Wonderful advice, sweet friend. You are truly an inspiration to us all, and even though I hate to think of the trials you are going through, I can see the hand of God teaching all of us through your experiences and shared heart. To God be the glory!

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  11. Dearest Laura, These have been some troubling times for so many! I will be keeping you and yours in our prayers! You are such a strong lady who keeps right on plugging along!
    Thinking of you!
    Hugs, Roxy

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  12. I'll also be praying for those interviews, Laura! I always enjoy reading your thrifty ways & ideas. My husband & I implemented a Savings Challenge as we work to pay off his student loans by next year and save for land & our house (we want to build it). I think I'll make a pot of potato soup for my lunches this week!

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  13. You're so sweet, Roxy. I always feel challenged and encouraged when I visit you!
    Hugs back!
    Laura

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  14. I do hope it helps someone else, too as you say, Cheryl. I'm trying to keep a good attitude. It's getting harder to figure out meals and such, but I just keep on keeping on.
    Blessings,
    Laura

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  15. May God bless you in your efforts to save Heather!
    Have a thrifty week!
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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  16. Laura,
    It looks like we are in the same boat--husbands out of work.... I'm so sorry. I know first-hand how scary it is. But, God is faithful, and He is taking care of us. It sounds like He's caring for you, too. I plan to read your back posts later and catch up on your family. Today, I have work, so will spend the day doing that, as every penny counts these days. Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by my blog. It's encouraging to see that others are thriving under similar circumstances.
    Becky

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  17. Dear Becky,
    May God bring blessings, peace, and prosperity to your home. May he provide for all of your needs including a good job for your husband and creativity for you. I ask it in Jesus' Name. Amen.
    Laura

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  18. I love your fun list. I recently learned to make my own toothpaste as well, and I'm pretty pleased with it. Thanks for sharing your tips! (stopping by from the Good Morning Mondays Link Party)

    ~Taylor-Made Homestead~
    Texas

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  19. Hi Laura
    I read a previous Thrifty Week and you wrote about eating oatmeal because it's a good inexpensive breakfast. Try cornmeal mush as a hot cereal. Really delish with some milk and sugar or Maple syrup.
    Like your blog alot.
    Take care,
    Barb

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  20. Good Morning, Laura...sorry that I haven't stopped by in ever so long. Praying for your husband this morning and his job situation...God is so faithful and He always provides...I hold on to this promise when things get difficult. You are doing an amazing job at being thrifty...keep up the good work!
    Hope you have a lovely week!
    Sweet blessings,
    Laura

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  21. Sounds like you have had a very productive and frugal week! A few frugal things from my house: Made yogurt from some milk we had that was just about to go bad. Drained juice off canned mandarin oranges and saved it for smoothies--very tasty! Ate leftovers a lot so no waste. Packed lunches instead of buying lunch out.

    I praise God with you that He is providing for your needs and am praying that He will continue to meet those needs and provide the right job for your husband!

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  22. You are showing just want a Proverbs 31 woman you are with your care at home. You might share some of your "recipes" for making your homemade items. I'd be interested in hearing about your laundry soap, toothpaste, and more. Thanks for sharing your post at the Over the Moon Link Party.

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  23. Thank you Mary Ann. You're very kind. You've had a terrific thrifty week. Good for you!

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  24. Hi Laura,

    I've not dropped by your place in awhile either. It seems so easy to "lose" blogs we like, doesn't it? I'm coming by in a few minutes.

    Thank you for prayers. He's got another interview Thursday. One he really wanted fell through, but God knows best. This is giving us a chance to see how much we really trust the Lord. I'm amazed how long we've been able to stretch what we have. God is good.

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  25. You definitely had some great ways there to be frugal! Thanks so much for sharing Laura! I hope your husband's job situation is able to be fixed soon. Your trust in the Lord is a beautiful thing! Have a lovely week!

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  26. Thank you so much Katy. That means a lot!

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  27. Great tips, Laura. And I'm glad to make a visit to your blog, as I am always looking for ideas on how to cut costs or find bargains. I make and use homemade laundry detergent too and love it. It truly is so much cheaper than buying a bottle for around $7 or $8 dollars a pop! I also like to extend everything I have longer than most think possible. My hubby doesn't really get that frugal side of me that I learned from my dad who learned to be extremely frugal when his father lost his business and went bankrupt many decades ago. Those are hard times to go through, like you and your husband seem to be facing, but they teach us so much if we will pay attention. Thanks for your wisdom, my friend!

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  28. You are an amazing lady! I enjoy reading your lists of how you saved money and you creativity. We should all be doing the same because you never know. Take care, Kelly.

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  29. You're so sweet Kelly. I'll visit soon!

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  30. HI Beth,
    I'm glad I can help. You might like my most popular post:
    40 Ways to Use it Up, Wear it Out, Make it Do, or Do Without.
    I'll visit you at your blog in a bit.
    Be blessed,
    Laura

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  31. Sometimes I think I shop just for something to do. On Friday I had a much needed pedicure - one toe gives me trouble and my doctor says my lady (been going to her for 27 years) does a great job of keeping it under control so it's much cheaper than going to the doctor. Anyway, when I finished, I had 1 hour before it was time to pick my husband up from an appointment. I started to drive to Tuesday Morning to "check out what they had". Before I made the turn, I told myself how stupid it was to go to a shop where I knew I would buy something I didn't need. I'm trying to reduce my possessions. So, my frugal act for this week was to just go early to my husband's appointment and to sit in the car reading. It was relaxing and much cheaper than shopping.

    Have a great week and thanks for sharing at SYC.

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  32. It helps so much to share in bringing food Carol. It's just easier for everyone. Be blessed!
    Laura

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  33. That's terrific Carol! Wow! You've had a breakthrough! I am so very happy for you. You're on your way to a thriftier lifestyle!
    Happy today!
    Laura

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  34. It's always such a good idea to make things last and improvise with what you can. We have been trying to cut down o our small bills like cell phone services... eating out... changing ins companies.. All of these have added up to saving around 200 a month. Love your ideas! Thank you for sharing.

    Tamara <3

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  35. Laura, you amaze me at how good you are at being thrifty. Praying that one of the interviews paid off for your hubby. I agree that it's important to be thrifty. Even when you're doing well. One never knows when that might change. We all need a little nest egg to fall back on! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  36. That's a terrific savings, Tamara! Well done!

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  37. Nothing yet, Jann, but still hoping and praying. Maybe next week.

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God bless you! This life only works with Jesus. The next life is a continuation of this one—make sure you spend it with Jesus. Jesus is the only way to God the Father!

Your blog friend,
Laura Lane
5 Year Cancer Survivor