Search This Blog

Friday, September 30, 2016

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #82

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-shirts for rags. 
  • I made a little pumpkin out of a thrifted t-shirt. I'll make some more and share the photos next week.
Discounted hair straightener for review
Well, that's my thrifty week. 
~~~~~
What are you doing in your home this week?
~~~~~

A peek into my life...
A little laundry...

A lot of sorting warm clothes that had been packed in the basement...






A little helping my daughter with her blog.


Things packed back up for October when it gets colder.

♥

ღLauraღ
...doing what I can with what I've got
where I am on a short shoestring budget!

 ~~~~~
Written by Laura Lane at 15 comments:
Labels:

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Garage Saling with Littles

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 Art of Homemaking
Written by Laura Lane at 14 comments:
Labels: ,

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Avoiding Christmas Stress

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!

Written by Laura Lane at 22 comments:
Labels:

Friday, September 23, 2016

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #81

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. 

Next week, the post may be a little late... or I may skip a week again. We'll see how busy I am this week. I intend to write every week, but once in awhile life gets in the way. Imagine that....



~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~~
Here's my thrifty week:
  • Saturday lunch out with Lowell and my daughters. $1.99 fish and fries special at Long John Silver's... Three of us substituted hush puppies for fries. It was quite filling for eight dollars and tax.
  • A last apple crisp from the apples my friend gave me.
  • Rebuild transmission on new-to-me van under warranty (within 500 miles of the warranty ending) Praise God and thanks to my husband for noticing something wasn't working right.
  • Loaner car free
  • Husband got good deals on veggies at Aldi
  • Bleach and Oxiclean off brands at Dollar Tree $1 each
  • Mended a towel that was coming unsewn
  • Used up veggies and things on hand
Well, that's my thrifty week. 
~~~~~
What are you doing in your home this week?
~~~~~
♥

ღLauraღ
...doing what I can with what I've got
where I am on a short shoestring budget!

 ~~~~~
Written by Laura Lane at 27 comments:
Labels: , ,

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Happy First Day of Fall!

Hello ladies! 

 Happy Fall y'all. Just had to say it! It's been in the '90's here in Southwest Missouri. I have hope for the future though! I may not get any fall weather today, but I'm going to seize the day for all it's worth! 

 I'm so excited for this first day of Fall. It feels like summer, but I am going to burn a Maple Pumpkin Muffin* candle, drink a cup of tea, close my eyes and make believe!

 Be blessed!

 Laura
Thrilled to be in what
I believe to be the most
wonderful time of the year!

http://harvestlanecottage.blogspot.com/2016/09/my-fall-bucket-list-2016.html


*Beanpod candle purchased inexpensively at a yard sale and saved for Fall!

Written by Laura Lane at 19 comments:
Labels:

Friday, September 16, 2016

My Fall Bucket List 2016




  • 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 fire and dream
  • Make homemade cocoa
  • Bake pumpkin bread
  • Bake cookies
  • Volunteer for campaign
  • Vote November 8th! I voted early by absentee ballot.
  • Work at an election poll—at 5:30 am! Finished at 8:30 p.m.!
  • Make Christmas gifts
  • Watch Christmas movies
  • Listen to Christmas music
  • Burn cinnamony, pumpkiny, spicy fall candles
  • Read by candlelight and lamplight
  • Read Little House in the Big Woods with hubby and kids who will listen 

Written by Laura Lane at 53 comments:
Labels:

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Home Happiness Depends on the Wife


“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! Love covers a multitude of sins. That love is God's love for us, for me, for you.

   God I pray that you will continue to conform me into the image of your son Jesus, and continue to form me into the wife, mother, friend, and daughter you created me to be. Thank you for giving me a husband that loves me anyway— even with all my imperfections and shortcomings. Thank you Jesus. Amen.

   
Laura
Continuing on

Simple Sunday-Fabulous Party
Written by Laura Lane at 22 comments:
Labels: , , ,

Friday, September 9, 2016

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #80

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 instead of clutter in my closet.
  • I cut my soap bars apart and set them to dry on top of the refrigerator in a box. I figure the bars cost about a dollar each to make. It doesn't sound thrifty until you consider that to buy them, I'd pay $3.50 or more each. My family loves homemade soap. I use a blend of coconut oil, vegetable shortening, olive oil, water, and lye. It costs around $30 to make a batch. I need to make at least one more batch before Thanksgiving.
  • I didn't go out for a cappuccino Tuesday evening. I stayed home and saved money.
  • We had company for Labor Day. We made burgers, chips, and fried okra from our garden. I've never had fresh fried okra. Oh my! Our friends brought the potato salad. We sent apples home with them as a parting gift.
  • I made two apple crisps from the 40 lbs of apples that we received free last week. 
  • I made apple butter using a slow cooker full of apples cut small and treated with lemon juice, brown sugar, white sugar, and a wee bit of water. 
  • I used little canning jars that my friend Laura gave me. Thanks Laura!
  • We had a Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Marathon party from 7 a.m. on Saturday until about 2 a.m. on Sunday morning. I provided the first $20 for meals and snacks (plus some of the chili fixin's). The kids pooled their money and paid for the rest. The guests also brought snacks and sodas. By the way, bagels, cream cheese, butter, and jellies made a very easy first breakfast. This was followed later by second breakfast, elevensies, lunch, tea, supper, and dinner more or less. ~grin~ They basically ate like Hobbits all day!
  • Hubby made 2 apple pies from the apples.

Well, that's my thrifty week. 
~~~~~
What are you doing in your home this week?
~~~~~
Remember to start thinking about
what you've got in your hand!
♥

ღLauraღ
...doing what I can with what I've got
where I am on a short shoestring budget!

 ~~~~~
Written by Laura Lane at 18 comments:
Labels:

Friday, September 2, 2016

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #79

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:
  • We enjoyed Wendy's $.50 frosties for the family— again!
  • I received a gift of 40 pounds of Red Delicious apples.
  • My son found a western shirt on clearance for $3.00.
  • My husband found a couple of white dress shirts on clearance.
  • I chose to reuse old license tags to save $25 dollars when I paid my van taxes. 
  • We rented movies on sale for seventy-five cents.
  • I received a new CD to review from a group my kids like— The Afters. 

Well, that's my thrifty week. 
~~~~~
What are you doing in your home this week?
~~~~~

♥

Now it's time to go eat supper. I'll talk to y'all again soon!

 Blessings!

ღLauraღ
...doing what I can with what I've got
where I am on a short shoestring budget!

 ~~~~~
Written by Laura Lane at 20 comments:
Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)