Harvest Lane Cottage

Welcome to another thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage. I am honored by your visit.  Each week I share my thrifty and frugal projects, ways of saving money, and my blessings from God.  I am so glad you dropped in for a visit today—or tonight! ♥♥♥ Hello!     You're probably wondering how I did at my yard sale. Zilch. My friend called a couple days before with a scheduling conflict, so we elected to reschedule it. I didn't have my calendar handy, so we don't have a date. That will give me more time to collect for it. ~~~~~ ♥♥♥ ~~~~~~ Here's my thrifty week: Free socks for review I was out at lunchtime and very hungry. I bought a $2 bag of mixed nuts. Pricey, but less than a fast food lunch and better for my body. Refilled my water bottle instead of buying tea while I was out and about. Wrote a review for free paintbrushes Made some tissue holders from material and thread I had on hand I tore up one of my husband's old t-sh...

Over the years, one of the ways we've made ends meet on a short shoestring budget is to frequent garage sales. We call it going saling. When my children were young, I'd give them each $1 in change. Amy, the youngest, wanted hers in nickles. Yes, she nickled and dimed them! I was always amazed at what they were able to purchase. Yes, there's the cute factor, but they learned to bargain. I never learned that, and I feel extraordinarily nervous about it. So, if I find something I really like, I have one of the kids bargain for it! Now they are 25, 19, 17, and 15. Little and cute gets great bargains, but they're all still good bargainers. Life goes on, and I miss those little cuties. I love who they are becoming as young adults as well. I sure do value the photos and the memories. Blessings, Laura walking down  memory Lane P.S. The girls had their faces painted at a festival... just in case you're wondering what's up with the picture. No Rules   The ...

I find that after December 1st, we're too busy or rushed to really think out the preparations. That's when things just happen. I know there have been years when I feel so stressed by the time mid-December hits, it's difficult to enjoy the season. Not this year! Let's think ahead, plan ahead, and do ahead this year. Join me? Laura Happy at Home ♥ Everything Christmas   ♥ Art of Homemaking Mondays   Tuesdays at Our Home   Titus 2 Tuesdays   -   Tuesdays with a Twist     Homestead Blog Hop   Christian Blogger Link Up   Raising Homemakers  -  A Wise Woman Builds Her Home     Home and Garden Thursday  -    Share Your Cup Thursday   -   Create it Thursday     Imparting Grace  -  Sitting Among Friends   -  No Rules Weekend Blog Party   Homemaking Party

Welcome to another thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage. I am honored by your visit.  Each week I share my thrifty and frugal projects, ways of saving money, and my blessings from God.  I am so glad you dropped in for a visit today—or tonight! ♥♥♥ Hello!  Fall is here— or it should be. We're still waiting for crisp mornings and chilly evenings. I burned a Maple Pumpkin Muffin candle to celebrate the first day of fall. I had planned on a nice cup of tea, but didn't get it made. I didn't seem to relax much yesterday.  Have you read  The Thrifty Woman's Real Estate Investment Strategy   yet? This next week I should be busy with real estate investment.  We've got too much stuff in this little house, and it's time to move some of it out. My friend is coming over with her things next Thursday for a yard sale. The date is set. Now I have to make progress! No more putting it off. I hope my husband will help me this weekend.  ...

Make my fall bucket list Make apple pie. Enjoy candy pumpkins Make apple butter Celebrate First Day of Fall September 22nd September 25th Christmas Prep Party  Roast marshmallows around the fire. Go to a bonfire. Curl up with a terrific book. Sew a new autumn handbag for me! Read a wonderful Christmas book  Take a drive to look at fall foliage  Craft some new fall decor Bonfire for the marrieds at our place Make pumpkin pie Make caramel corn Make popcorn balls Sip hot apple cider Volunteer at Republican Headquarters Finish Emily's quilt. Drink eggnog Worship God under the stars Eat chili Maple Leaf Festival October 25th  Christmas Prep Party Carve pumpkins Try a new soup or stew Nibble candy corn Make pumpkin cut out cookies Invite friends for soup and bread Collect leaves and seed pods to decorate Take a walk and enjoy the maple leaves Shop for a new coat - Found one at a thrift store $13.49! Toast pumpkin seeds Gaze into the ...

“In the last analysis, home happiness depends on the wife. Her spirit gives the home its atmosphere. Her hands fashion its beauty. Her heart makes its love. And the end is so worthy, so noble, so divine, that no woman who has been called to be a wife, and has listened to the call, should consider any price too great to pay, to be the light, the joy, the blessing, the inspiration of a home.”  J.R.R. Miller    It's a heavy burden that Reverend Miller puts upon wives. I've read several things that he has written. Some paint such an ideal picture of a wife, I wonder if perhaps some of his quotes might be discouraging. I think his intention was to encourage women in their high calling. There is truth in his writings, but they can make a woman feel burdened down with perfectionism.   I know I'm not a perfect wife and mother. I'm not a perfect anything. But God, in His infinite mercy, sent the perfect sacrifice for my sins—Jesus Christ His son. Thank you Jesus...

Welcome to another thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage. I am honored by your visit.  Each week I share my thrifty and frugal projects, ways of saving money, and my blessings from God.  I am so glad you dropped in for a visit today—or tonight! ♥♥♥ Hello!    Fall weather is playing hide and seek with us. Last week when I wrote, the weather was glorious. This week, summer has been back, but fortunately, the heat hasn't risen over the '90's. Still, the air conditioner has been going every day and some nights. The most comfortable place in the house is still in front of the a/c. Are things getting nicer where you are?  With cool weather, comes thoughts of crafting, sewing, baking, and decorating. First though, I need to do some fall cleaning. Do you have any favorite homemade cleaning recipes or tips you'd like to share? ~~~~~ ♥♥♥ ~~~~~~ Here's my thrifty week: I went yard saling and bought nothing! Yay! That's more $ in my pocket in...

Welcome to another thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage. I am honored by your visit.  Each week I share my thrifty and frugal projects, ways of saving money, and my blessings from God.  I am so glad you dropped in for a visit today—or tonight! ♥♥♥ Hello!    I am back. I enjoyed the chance to catch up on some blogging things and some email without the need to write regularly. For the next week or so, I'm going to be writing reviews that I haven't finished yet. Please be patient with me!    Fall is my favorite time of the year, so you can be sure that I'll be writing about all the things I love about home, family, faith, friends, and fall. Be sure to click on the tab above, Falling for Autumn to see some of my earlier Fall posts.  ~~~~~ ♥♥♥ ~~~~~~ Here's my thrifty week: I wrote reviews for two of my favorite homeschool products in exchange for free copies of The Well Planned Day and the 4 Year High School Planner . Than...