Amy Hudelson's Blob
[DESIGNER'S NOTE- "blob" being my mother's striking back at a culture which spouts "Blog," knowing not of which it speaks- being weB LOG.]
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Healthy Food
This site sells herbs, both wild and organic, as well as an OUTSTANDING water purifier by Berkey, which we highly recommend:
More Than Alive.comAbout me
One of my favorite Bible verses is Matt 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves."
I was born in Fort Wayne, IN, raised Jehovah's Witness. The Lord got a hold of me at 20, married a wonderful spirit-filled man at 24. The Lord allowed me to be a Pastors wife and have 9 blessings (4 are now with the perfect parent, the remaining 5 are suffering thru us on earth!) and another, Micah, on the way. I take seriously the CALLING of wife and mother and search out ways to be as well rounded as possible.
My favorite Books in the Bible are Ruth and James.
Aside from Jesus, my favorite Bible characters are Ruth, and the Proverb 31 woman.
My favorite foods are... most all, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, ice cream!
I have an occupation, that being the Keeper of the Home with side jobs of secretary, doctor, dentist, advisor, chef, financial accountant, vice-president, decorator, theologian, landscaper, gardener, and professor to name just a few!
My hobbies consist of all crafts and arts of wifery and motherhood, while learning any area of life I have not yet tried! In other words, taking dominion of all I can while on this earth. There is no task too small!!!
My favorite music consists of any music that glorifies the Lord, esp. Paul Wilbur, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, and classical
My favorite movies are Scarlet Pimpernel, Cyrano de Bergerac, It's a Wonderful Life, National Treasure, The Hunt for Red October, Bourne series
Browse the Annals
By Date:
Blogs and sites that I like:
Vision
Forum
Money
Saving
Used
Movies/CDs
Free Patterns
T-Tapp
Excercise Program
Craigslist
Kids
Eat Free
Visionary
Daughters
Vegsource
Our church website may be reached by
clicking on 'Our
Church' on the menu.
Road to Recovery
Apologies from the designer, who is way behind...
Nov. 2009 (but posted April 2010)
I am finally feeling better, hopefully for good. I found the site About.com to be the best resource for Thyroid problems. I seem to no longer be having allergic reactions and am eating things again! Yea!! Just in time for the Holidays. I recently was feeling badly again, with a lot of my old symptoms and also carpal tunnel and bad tingling in my hands. After Googling my symptoms, I found the About site. I had not read anywhere else that the pain and tingling was under-medicated Thyroid. So, I took a 1/2 of my 60mg Armour and within 30 minutes, my pain and tingling was almost gone. I couldn't believe it! It has amazed me how much the Thyroid affects in the body. After reading the site I realized that my food allergies may have been gone a while ago. Under-medicated Thyroid symptoms are the same as what I was thinking was from food allergies. In the process, Armour changed the ingredients in their meds and that has made it hard to get the correct dosage. The site said most people feel their best with a 1-2 TSH. I definitely have to agree. I am in that range now and feel so much better. It is night and day!!!
Symptoms I had from under-medication:
Symptoms I had from over dosage:
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Homemade Simmering Potpourri
Since it is
citrus season, I thought I would share this.
Here is a great way to use those peels to enjoy the wonderful
smell all
through the house. This is an easy flexible homemade simmering
potpourri we
have been making. You can use any combination you like or
have on hand.
We have been using just orange peels and cloves and they
smell great!
Add one or 2
of the following that smell good together:
whole cloves
cinnamon
sticks and or oil
pine needles
peppermint
leaves and or oil
Put desired ingredients in saucepan covering the peelings until they float. Set on stove to simmer through out day, checking to add more water when needed. **Will also work in the small electric simmering crocks (if you are prone to forgetting things on the stove, it may be safer, LOL). Mixture will last several days of use.
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T-Tapp Update/Celebration!
6/16/09
I am forwarding a T-Tapp newsletter to inspire everyone! I encourage all of you to keep up (or start again) on your exercise! It has been a while since I wrote about my progress. I am celebrating the fact that I actually got through the whole 55 min workout for the first time...and am alive to tell about it :)! It's still the every other day schedule. I'm not intending to brag but to keep a log for myself in hopes of helping others that got to the point I did and felt led to share it with my sisters with the same struggles. I also didn't want to forget how far the Lord has brought me or the milestones along the way. I give God the glory for ALL of it!
I have noticed more strength, no more sore knots in my back, and better balance (I was able to carry Sophia across wobbly rocks in a creek easily, I was amazed). My rib cage is tighter and I have a waist again. The lump of fat on the back of my neck, between the shoulder blades, is almost gone (YEA) and some of the double chin as well. I fell on the sidewalk the other day (on an oil slick, it's another story), and landed hard on my hands and one knee. Rob and I both just knew I would be at the Chiropractor the next day, but to both of our amazement, I didn't have ANY problem, except for a small bruise. I would have been in severe pain a few months ago. I have lost a few more pounds. I am getting some bad headaches lately from a food reaction, doing T-Tapp got rid of it today. I measured finally (I forgot the 4th week measurement) and have lost 1 1/2 inches around the middle, stayed the same in a few other places and lost a little in others.
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Modern Entertainment
5/29/09
We don't own too many movies put out by the big names in the entertainment industry. Most have been disqualified in our house for different reasons and some only the adults watch and we fast forward a few places (i.e. the clothes changing scene in "National Treasure"). A lot of the kids ones we got rid of because in the films the children are modeling rebellion to parents in most of them OR the children are running around alone OR sexual innuendos OR it shows magic/spirits as good OR the parents are dumb OR all the jokes are about bodily functions, and I am sure I could go on. I know many have them all learn a lesson in the end, we just believe it is better to have the good modeled over and over instead of the bad. The Lord continues to weed out things we had watched years ago then we watch it again and can't believe we didn't remember the junk that was in it (funny how we block it out). Now the kids point things out we don't even notice because we are numb to little underlying things taught in shows. There are a few things we ask about what we watch:
1-How is God portrayed?
2-How are parents/authority figures portrayed?
3-What is the message it is trying to teach?
4-Would we want our kids or ourselves to be doing what the characters are doing?
5-Is it teaching in agreement with God's word?
6-Does it have any redeeming qualities?
7-What attitudes are exemplified?
8-Is the villain portrayed to be the good guy?
9-What is it casting to be "normal life"?
There may be more you can add as a filter for your family, but you get the gist. Overall, we try to be careful to check thru what we all watch because it is powerful and hard to get out of your mind once it is in.
Editor's note- "garbage in, garbage out, whatever is excellent, think about such things."
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Walk of Recovery- Workout Log
5/4/09
I have been doing mine almost every day even thought I am on the every other day schedule. I got this kink in my neck and I was reading that most causes is from not enough exercise or stretching of the muscles, and mainly from sitting at computers or bad posture. To prevent, do stretches every half hour and strengthen back muscles. So, I figured I should do my T-Tapp more. It does help. I did the stomach flattening one today. That should help my lower back muscles a lot too. I did loose five pounds when I got on the scale yesterday. That is a blessing. I haven't been under 190 since B4 Micah and maybe Sophia too. I haven't done my measurements this last week either. Time just gets away. Nechet and Moriah are looking stronger and less "fluffy" with better posture. I know the Lord sent this and He wants us doing it. PTL!!
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Walk of Recovery- Workout Log
I went to a friends house and she has had both (T-Tapp)
workouts
and never done them (another time capsule, LOL), so we did it together.
She
wants to start doing it like she should have been. I wasn't home to
measure, I will tomorrow. I truly believe the T-Tapp has done me the
most
good with my rehab. I am planning on upgrading to the bigger work out.
We'll see if I can do it!!
Saw the Dr today and she believes we are on the right track. There was
no
labs done on my thyroid with the midwives here so she is having me do a
panel that will check that and a lot of other things. She gets a
package
deal that is $150 if she orders it but is normally $450 through others.
I
am so glad, that will allow me to not have to pay the $300 deductible
with
Samaritan!! Praise The LORD!!!
Ladies, not only do we need to keep our bodies in shape and stick to
our
fitness programs, but we MUST get in a habit of staying in the word to
be
spiritually in shape as well. Our children need to do it too, and see
us
set the example!! I have really been learning a lot with the read thru
in a
year. I have found several heroines I have never heard of before that I
am
going to add to our blog and remember how bold and brave they
where...real
women. Keep going ladies, that we will glorify the Lord in EVERYTHING!!
[Note from web designer (and older Hudelson son :-D)- for the men who don't want to do T-Tapp: I would not suggest stopping other exercises to do it, and I would not be satisfied at staying where it brought me. That said, in 3 days I chopped approximately 1:30 off of my run time. To put that into perspective for non-runners, if I were to cut of 20 seconds in 5 days, I would be impressed and pleased. That happened about when I started T-Tapp, and that is the only way that I can explain such a massive improvement. So I do think that it works, and would recommend it.]
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Walk of Recovery- Workout Log
4/1/09
Day 14
I have lost 2 inches in areas!! I am stronger, esp in my back. I have
more energy as well. Now I will be on the every other day part of the
boot camp.
Day 15
I have noticed myself leaning forward when I stand, and it doesn’t feel
natural. I now feel natural standing and sitting straight. This is
wonderful! I have tried to have straight posture my whole life. I am
sure this will help my lower back pain I have had at other times, esp
during pregnancy.
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Heroines of The Bible
3/31/09
A great young lady of the OT that I haven't heard much about is the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite. Her father promised to sacrifice the first thing to greet him when he returned home, to the Lord, in exchange for victory over the Ammonites. It ended up being his daughter, his only child. Jephthah told his daughter and she replied, "My father, you have given your word to the Lord. Do to me just as you promised, now that the Lord has avenged you of your enemies." That is an amazing testimony to trusting the Lord and wanting to keep her father true to his word before the Lord. There is an Israelite custom commemorating her each year performed by young women. (Judges 11:1-40)
Walk of Recovery- Workout Log
3/26/09
Day 8
Still feeling stronger and more energy, immediate improvement to
allergy symptoms after doing the workout. Rob noticed I am smaller
:)(he is the test of how far I am!). Tried the Abdominal video last
night. It is from a VERY different point of view that is very amazing.
You lay down and she shows you how to tuck in your organs then do
muscle building exercises. I did help, but it will take a few times to
get them used to working right after all the babies.
Day 9
I measured today (should have been done on the 7th
day, little late). I have lost about 1 inch everywhere! I would have to
say it does what it says it will at this point.
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Walk of Recovery- Workout Log
3/09
Measurements: Weight- 190 W-39, H-48, A-13, L-30
Started T-Tapp videos with girls, have done 3 x’s a week for a week.
Noticed improvement in how allergy reaction feels.
Noticed immediate posture improvement and stronger lower back
From back down leggs, could feel muscles had been worked.
Tone already improving to overall muscles, less flab
3/16/09
Received T-Tapp book. Just glancing thru it saw many that had great
improvement with area’s I have been struggling with for years as well.
Saw it as an answer to my prayers of HAVING to get in shape and loose
this weight. Also saw the Boot Camp for loosing 4 sizes of clothing and
knew that is what I had to do. Along with it, the breathing exercises
to tighten my ribs from having babies.
Day 1-boot camp
Allergy symptoms improve after each workout. Muscles are tight. Boost
of energy!
Day 3
OK, She said this was the soreness day, yes I am a little sore . I can
tell a difference. I am stronger feeling all over my body. My eyes feel
better than they have in months, they aren’t weepy and tired. My ears
are not swollen from the allergy reaction now and the joint pain is
gone from it as well.
I am amazed! I can’t believe what the Lord has done. I have to return
my DVD to a friend so I bid on a whole set on Ebay. I noticed the
address was Phoenix, AZ. I won the bid at $90 dollars, then I get this
e-mail from the seller:
Dear Amy,
Wow, I just realized who you were! Please disregard the previous
invoice. We would like to give you this auction as a gift. As my
husband put it, "Because of your faithfulness to the ministry and your
husbands preparation of the messages for the prayer advance, we would
like to give you these items."
I don't think that we have actually met personally, but my husband has
met your husband on several occasions. We are from (a sister church).
I hope that you find this workout helpful. My personal opinion is that
they are worth their weight in gold! I have had a LOT of physical
benefits from doing T-Tapp.
In Christ,
(a sister)
Out of 5 million people here, this is God speaking. He definitely has
answered my prayers about needing help feeling better and getting into
shape. What a blessing, Thank you Lord Jehovah Jireh!!
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Walk of Recovery- First Step
03/09
Symptoms:
Weight gain, extreme fatigue, several anaphylactic shock attacks
(swelling in the face, hands, joint pain, head ache, ears ringing,
difficulty speaking, thinking), bloating, repeat yeast infections,
repeat mastitis
Saw a Dr of Naturopathy-Valeria Breiten, NMD, RD
Requested allergy test, Candida test
Results: negative Candida,
Foods allergic to: level 3-almonds, beans, eggs, 2-peanuts, 1-garlic,
onions, wheat, yeast, walnuts, pineapple, amaranth, green/wax bean,
buckwheat, cantaloupe, chili pepper, mushroom, mustard, white potato,
pumpkin, zucchini
Treatment Recommendations:
Homeopathy: Phytolacca 30C for mastitis if needed (hot/cold compresses,
black tea bags)
Herbal: Suppositories for yeast-calendula
Emotional: Quiet Time daily
Exercise 30 min daily-chose T-Tapp
Phys/Nutritional:
Hydrotherapy-alternating hot and cold in shower
Take Udo’s oil 2 TBSP per day
Eat lots of greens- dark greens breakfast, lunch and dinner
Take 1000 mg a day of NAC for liver function
2 day rotation diet
Other:
Clean sleeping room-allergy bedding covers, air purifier
Check OB records for thyroid testing results
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Walk of Recovery- Testimony
3/09
This section of my blog I am dedicating to my road back to health and hopefully a smaller size !! I feel terrible, tired, sick, huge, old, and irritable and I’m sure I could go on for days, but don’t want to dwell on it. The two biggest reasons I know I need to take action is I am not a blessing to my family or able to be really useable by the Lord (to full potential esp). With as tired as I am, I can not keep up with daily tasks or my family for that matter. I know the Lord didn’t intend for me to have no energy or joy for training my children, “in the way they should go”. How can I be an example when I am napping half the day and exhausted the rest of it. I have been pleading with the Lord to show me and help me get my health and strength back so I am not missing out on my blessings’ childhood. As of late, my health has been showing manifestations in lots of areas, so I have to take action. I see it as the hand of God showing me what needs done and what to work on or even where to start. I wanted to document where I started and how the Lord, my Jehovah Rapha heals me thru each step. I wanted to have this written down so I don’t forget what He has done, as an “Ebenezer”, memorial, and to help others as well. May the Lord use this for His Glory!!!
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Knowing the Times
This is from an e-mail I wrote, simply preparing for the "just in case" that something dangerous looms on the horizon.
A man did a BIG article on his blog of what to do to prepare, lived thru Argentina's collapse in 2001, and continues to update it. This has given the best info on the subject I have found (not a christian)- go here.
There are great crank or shake or solar lights, flashlights, and some have adapters to charge your cell phone at walmart.
Are you on a well? If not, get a Berkley (I think that is the name of it ) water filter, you can use the lake water in it. It is on the Pearl's site as are SEVERAL great books and videos on survival/homesteading/and more here and here.
This site also has great items and info.
The supply of electricity will probably be sporadic, in the case of a major collapse, so a generator would be great, but gas may not be available.
Also, don't know how well computer access would be, so if all the info needed is on one, does no good if can't get it (we will all have with-drawls then :))!!
I have been going to half.com and Amazon to find books on primitive living, making and doing things from scratch. A great book is Encyclopedia of Country Living, lays out about everything to do on your own, incl can etc. Hope this helps, I will have Gabe add all this to our blog (many are asking) and try to put other things I find on there.
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Who stole my joy?
3/4/09
I looked in the mirror and what did I see?
A scowling face looking there back at me.
My daily duties became such a chore,
This life I was living had no joy anymore.
I’ve the Lord of Lords and King of Kings!
But where is Jesus in all of these things?
I looked back thru my Christian life,
And realized much was filled with strife.
When I was saved, I brimmed with elation
Now it seems there is just irritation.
So then I did wonder, where did my joy go?
I looked here and there and to and fro.
The want of a family had been my hope,
Now that I had one it was hard to cope.
Instead of my children calling be blessed,
They would wake knowing I would be stressed!
My poor dear husband feared all of my moods,
As a helpmeet to him I had been no good.
Once again I did sit in sheer wonder.
How did my life get so far asunder?
One day as I read in the Word, He’d won,
The Lord prompted, I forgot what He’d done.
He sent me my dearest Savior and Lord,
With that came the blessings He had stored,
I knew He forgave all my transgressions,
Why have I not passed this on to my young ones?
What I had done caused my heart to grieve,
I thanked the Lord for the gentle reprieve.
My eyes now saw those entrusted my care,
I saw what I had neglected to share.
I asked my dear husband, ”Forgive me,” and then,
If he would but help me start over again.
"Children don’t follow my poor display,
Your mothers’ example until this day."
They extended much grace as Christ had done,
A victory over a battle now won.
Rising with hope I got to my tasks,
While in the Lords Glory each chore I basked,
With every trite detail I delighted,
For on the meaning of life I'd alighted!
If I can see all I do is for Him,
Then where could my own pity fit in?
When my husband requests things of me,
See it as honor and not just a duty.
Through the multiple spills on the floor,
Show the blood that was shed by my Lord.
Take the wrongful words that are spoken,
Pointing to Jesus body then broken.
I had assumed my joy had been stolen,
Now I know, that I really had none.
Amy Hudelson
2007
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E-Patterns!
11/8/08
Jennie Chauncey has finally come out with her e-pattern, an easy way to get your hands (or thimbles) on great patterns. Here is the link. We are so excited to have these! Enjoy!
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Frugality
7/7/08
Hello ladies,
I have been asked this several times and I always tell myself to save
it…this time I will and it will probably cover things you already know,
but it is everything so I don’t have to change it when someone else
asks me later. It is quite lengthy but I hope it gives you some ideas.
This has always been a favorite study topic of mine and I have read
several books, etc. on frugality, so here are things we have found
useful and either are implementing or have in the past. I am also
listing verses that guide us in our stewardship and worldview. So here
goes and hang on to your hat (because you don’t want to have to spend $
to buy another one :)!!!
First and above all, before we even get to spending:
Trust the Lord Phil. 4:19 “My God shall supply all your needs according
to his riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.”
Righteous Provided For Ps. 37:25 “I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging
bread.”
Do Not Rob God Malachi 3:7-10 “Yet from the days of your fathers you
have gone away from MY ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me,
and I will return to you,” Says the Lord of hosts. “But you said, ‘In
what way shall we return?’ “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me!
But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.
You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole
nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be
food in My house, and try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If
I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such
blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” ---The Lord
says to test Him in this promise WOW!!
Gods Condition for Prosperity Prov 3:9-10 “Honor the Lord with your
possessions, and with the firstfruits (tithe on all income) of all your
increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will
overflow with new wine.”
Be Faithful Luke 16:10a “He who is faithful in what is least is
faithful also in much.”
Don’t Be Too Proud Ruth 2:16-17 “And also you shall purposely pull out
for her some grain from the bundles and leave it that she may glean,
and do not rebuke her.” So she gleaned in the field until evening.
---The Lord provides for us, even in things left behind by others.
Don’t be too proud to accept it.
Parable of the Servants and Minas Luke 19:11-26 esp. verse 15 “And so
it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then
commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called
to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.”
Prov 31:10-31 The virtuous wife is shown to help her husbands increase
by being industrious, frugal, a wise business woman, and actively
searching for what is needed for the family.
Christians Dealing In a Pagan World Matt 10:16 “Behold, I send you out
as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and
harmless as doves.”
Gleaning
I often start with prayer that the Lord would provide what we need or
WILL need at a very low price. I make it my goal to rarely pay full
price for anything, if possible. Many times I will wait until the Lord
makes it available at a reduced price, although that means you have to
wait and look around. It is worth it, esp. the bigger the item.
Now that we have our minds renewed to be prepared to use the Lord’s $
wisely, here are some items that will be good tools in your family’s
budget:
Resources:
Miserly Moms (I and II) by J. McCoy-this book compares prices on
everything, has recipes to make your own cleaners, and what time of
year to buy what you need.
Tightwad Gazette – she is no longer putting out the newsletter but you
can get several book compilations at the library or used sources.
Tiptionary by Mary Hunt-similar to those above.
Tightwad Living Magazine-PO Box 629, Burgin, KY 40310-0629
Home:
Windows-Heat reducing film for windows, found at Home Depot or Lowes,
very easy to put on and can be removed. Will reduce up to 90% of heat.
About $50 a roll that covers several windows. This helped our old
windows and suns heat tremendously!!
Home building discount supply stores are Stardust (used items), web
site is stardustbuilding.org. We have gotten cabinets, countertops,
paint, ect for $15 or less. Construction Lots (wholesale), web site
constructionlots.com.
Home Phone has no Long Distance, we use cell when free min. or to those
who are free.
Water- Installing a Reverse Osmosis system will pay for itself VS.
Purchasing water (also from many reports I have seen, is much more
reliable for impurities being removed). Around $150 depending on size
and is easy enough to install yourself.
Left over water in cups or water bottles? Don’t throw it down the
drain. Use the water for plants, pets, fish tank, freeze to use in a
cooler. You did pay for the water!
Printers-purchase a refill kit at any office store and refill the
cartridge yourself. Very simple…just don’t wait until it is out
completely. The kit is around $20 for 3+ refills verses $50 for our
type cartridges.
Socks-save old sports socks for rags. They fit on the hand well and can
just be thrown away when messy.
Air Filters-An A/C installer said to only use the cheap blue air vent
filters. He said here you just need to filter out the large particles,
the others don’t let enough air through and it overworks the unit. He
also said the others that claim to purify the air are a hoax. The air
being filtered is for the out take NOT the air coming into the house
(buy the little ones for your little vents if you want to filter
those). The Cheapies are around $2+ each vs. the $4+ and up others.
Change once a month.
A/C-An A/C installer told us how to clean our own coils: outside coils,
just hose off well. Inside coils: unscrew the top, lift lid and prop
open with a long stick, spray off with “A/C coil cleaner made for
inside coils”. He said this will remove odors also.
Washer/Dishwasher-make sure loads are FULL. A cost analysis was done
with the energy saver models like most have, as to whether it were
cheaper to hand wash or use the machine. The author determined it came
out the same or cheaper to use the dishwasher when factoring in your
time as well. Don’t use the drying cycle, let them air dry.
Cleaners-there are many safe and effective cleaners you can use from
everyday items. They will cost less than $1 compared to triple or more,
esp. for the healthy kind. Many of these are in the book Miserly Moms.
Here is one: Window cleaner-1/4 of the spray bottle white vinegar the
rest water. I have found this to do a much better job than Windex.
Baking soda can be used in place of Comet and whitens also.
Candles-set candle jar in freezer long enough to get cold, use a butter
knife to pop out the remaining wax and wick stub. Rub wax on
drawer/doors and other items that stick or don’t slide smoothly
Fish:
Fish ONLY Store said NOT to feed the fish as often as the container
says. Only 1x every other day. If you feed them more, you are buying
food more often and you will have to clean the tank more from all of
the waste buildup. Tanks should also be away from a window and in a
cool place to reduce algae growth. Change filter 1x a month (we do it
at the beginning of the month along with the air filter). Having the
light on only in the evening will reduce algae as well. Also, Reverse
Osmosis water can be put in the tank without any additive needed.
Food:
Refrigeration: Always let food cool B4 putting in fridge, so unit won’t
have to work to cool down again. A full freezer works less. If you
don’t have enough for it to be fairly full, freeze water. If you take
it out don’t throw it out. Use it in a cooler, to water plants or add
to a fish tank (if R/O only). Keep outside coils free of dust.
Potato peels, wash potatoes well, pat dry skins, mix on cookie sheet
with a little olive oil and salt or other spices and bake or broil till
desired crispiness. Top with ketchup and enjoy.
Leftover potatoes/grain and a meat with veggies are great fried in a
pan with eggs and cheese. We call it garbage. Everyone loves it.
Leftovers-Keep all leftovers to eat the next day or put in a container
in the freezer. When you have enough make a soup or a casserole. I save
all the broth or juice from meats as well to serve as a base for
soups/beans. Boil the bones of your organic meats, cool strain and you
have a very nutritious broth. For as much as they cost, why buy Organic
broth when you can make your own free?
Save the juices/oils from those expensive organic products. Pickle
juice is perfect for slaw or potato salad, it already has all of the
spices in it. I use sundried Tomato oil for pasta salad, it adds great
flavor.
Dilute juice with 1/3 water. They are expensive and have a very HIGH
concentration of sugar and most people drink enough for 2-3 servings of
fruit in one glass. It is also cost effective to make your own
popsicles with 100% juice. You can do this in purchased popsicle molds
or just use paper cups and sticks.
We have saved by making these items ourselves…when not found at an
equal price: kefir, yogurt, granola cereal, power bars, and bread.
When it is hot out, cook in a crock pot or confection oven out side.
Not only will it keep the house cooler, it uses less power vs. the
large oven.
Dogs:
Trim nails yourself, can find the clippers in any pet section. Also,
cut hair yourself, recommend electric clippers unless your pet will
stay very still. Just watch a groomer a few times if needing to know
how.
Clothes:
Dresses getting short-add lace or ruffle. Or wear Capris under them
when the weather gets cooler.
Like denim? Purchase shorter dress styles or mini-skirts at Goodwill or
Savers and gather a coordinating material at the bottom to the length
you desire. This is a very cute, cheap way to have durable clothes and
you can make them all to match others in the family by using the same
pattern material for everyone.
T-shirts getting short? Same as above only make the material long
enough to be a dress. You won’t need nearly as much material. I did 5
of them in just 2 days. They are VERY quick and easy.
Where to purchase-I buy most of our clothes at Goodwill or Savers. Even
when I go to these stores, I am sure to go on a 50% off day (held once
a month), look for what tags are 50% off that day, and take in a few
items for a donation. Goodwill will give you a 20% off your total
purchase coupon, and Savers gives a Buy one item at $5 get one free.
You do have to ask for them when you donate. The coupons are attached
to a donation receipt you should keep and write how much your donation
was worth and use it for your charity deduction on your taxes. I have
just read that using these stores for donations would be today’s
equivalent to leaving a portion of your field for the poor to glean…and
at the same time I am able to glean from there (for a low price).
Otherwise I check all clearance racks and wait for what I am looking
for to go on clearance at Wal-Mart and Target. I use the same for
shoes, linens, toys, décor, books, furniture, material, craft items.
Gifts:
It is always more cost effective to make or purchase a gift (clearance
or Thrift store) than to give $. Keep a drawer or container for gift
items found at bargain prices. That way you aren’t caught without a
gift and are forced to buy something more expensive.
Material/Yarn/crafting items:
I don’t buy material from the big fabric stores. I feel they are
overpriced, even with a coupon or sale. I have found what I need at
Goodwill, Savers, and the Wal-Mart $1-$2 racks. There have been several
times I have gotten nice fabric on Craigslist, once was .50 a yard the
other time it was several boxes on the free page. I also look through
the sheets for nice patterns, big and close weave for $2-4. Every time
I go to GW or Savers, I check the craft/material section. There are
usually several bags of yarn with 3-4 skeins in them for $1.99-$2.99
(plus coupon or sale color). We have gotten bags of thread, patterns,
knitting needles and more at a fraction of the normal cost.
Baby:
The Wal-mart and Target brand diapers are a little less than half the
price of the name brands and seem to be of the same general quality. I
do get the huggies wipes when on sale with a coupon (you can request to
be put on the mailing list for coupons from the co.), because I can
tear them in half when the baby is just wet and they go a lot further.
Or, I have made my own in the past and it came out to .80 vs. $4.25
(after sale and coupon) for the Huggies. *If you want the recipe e-mail
me*
Many of the baby items are like new at GW and Savers and watch the
clearance racks. Garage sales are good too.
Other baby items are in abundance on Craigslist or at thrift stores.
These items also sell well at both places.
Misc tips:
*Ask a neighbor to save you the Sunday paper adds and coupons if they
don’t use them. That saved us $30 every 8 weeks.
*Share magazine subscriptions with others
*Be careful to compare the prices at the big club stores with the sales
in the Sunday adds. I have found many items are not cheaper even though
they are in bulk, like Toilet Paper etc. Even at Wal-mart, some of the
bulk size was the same or even a little more than the smaller sizes.
*Learn to cut hair for your family. I added up how much we have saved
since we were married 15 years ago. Using $10 for the men’s at once a
month and $15 for the ladies (many places are higher than these and
some have it done more than once a month); we saved a total of
$11,220!!! WOW, what a savings plan! Of course the more people you
have, the more you save.
*Cut off the front of used greeting cards to use as postcards or gift
tags.
Credit Cards: If you have a hard time sticking to needs only, don’t use
these! If you are pretty disciplined, they can be a great tool to get a
little back. The one rule is you MUST pay it off EVERY month or you pay
more for the things you are wanting to save $ on. We have been diligent
to do this. I only have one card with payback rewards, just for the
rewards. We have no add’l costs with the card also. The rewards are 1
pt per dollar put on the card. After you have accumulated a good amount
of points you can turn it in for gift cards to stores or items they
list on the site (I found the cards were a much more wise way to get
back). The biggest bang for your buck is to wait till you have 10,000
points, and redeem them for a $100 gift card. I usually get Sears,
Target or Home Depot. It really doesn’t take long to get that many
points. I put everything on it from gas to grocery to medical…just
DON’T overspend. The perks of a card is it tracks all transactions for
you and they will not charge you if someone steals your identity. They
also cover purchases for certain amounts of insurance, such as life ins
is included for airline travel.
Stores:
*Find where the clearance areas are in the stores you go to, quickly
check through them when you are there.
*Being flexible with the brands you will use is important.
*Use coupons for those things you NEED
*Take a list
*Combine store trips that are near each other. *We get our appliances
at scratch and dent outlets that Sears and Maytag have. They are
usually a 1/3 or more off, usually with little noticeable damage. We
then purchase the extended warrantee for around $150. Sears will send
someone to even change a light bulb under this and they have a lemon
guarantee: if it is repaired for same thing 3 times, they will give you
a new appliance. That way you don’t have to worry if it were badly
damaged in some way that you don’t see.
*Take your Sunday paper adds or grocery adds to Wal-Mart. They have a
price match guarantee on everything except meat and milk. That way you
don’t have to go to so many places to get what you need. E.g. Grapes
were .69 lb at Sprouts, they were $1.87 at Wal-mart, and they changed
the price. It worked the same with a Toilet paper add for K-Mart, and I
had a coupon.
*I get most of my produce and meat at Sprouts and Sunflower farmers
markets. Wednesdays are their double add days where the sale prices for
the previous and coming weeks are both good. If you don’t get the ads,
here are their websites: sprouts.com, sfmarkets.com. I stock up when
things we use often are on sale. Also, if you get a whole case of a
sale item, you get an add’l 10% off. This has proved to be quite a bit
cheaper than the big club stores or even Azure and co-ops.
*There are many Discount stores around the area as well. They carry
most of what the grocery stores do, even vitamins, batteries (name
brand for .45 each), kitchen utensils, pet food, toiletries, and light
bulbs. Their prices are at least 1/3 less than others. These items are
either near the expiration or the package has been damaged, or maybe
the original store is changing its stock. These are the names of 2 near
me: Dave’s Discount (only non perishables) on the corner of Dobson and
Broadway and American Discount near Extension and Broadway. American
carries everything. I have found organic items that I can’t usually
afford at the healthy stores, things like organic free range meat
($1.99-$2.99 lb), organic peanut butter ($2), gluten free soy sauce
($1.25), organic salads, and many other items. They also carry a large
stock of the 5-7lb cans for $3-4 that really helps our budget for
entertaining and church potlucks. For a while they had a special on the
7lb cans of black beans for $1 each because they had so many. These
stores do not have the same thing all of the time or a lot of every
item, so going fairly often and stocking up on the items found is the
best way to save the most. American also has a wheel to spin if you
spend $50 or more. You can win the free product of the day or $’s off
future purchases (last time Brianna spun us $25 off our next visit!).
Here is their website to see what they are currently carrying:
adfaz.com. I know there are others out there, check around.
*I get items free every month at CVS and Walgreens. Walgreens has a
rebate book at the front of the store with all of the free with rebate
items (they are in the Sunday ads as well). It is very simple and you
only send one rebate in for all of the items. They will give you an
add’l 10% back if you check the box to receive it on a gift card and
pay you extra for any coupons you use. CVS prints out a BUCKS reward
coupon at the time you purchase the item with a few weeks to use the
bucks. You do have to sign up at the counter for the reward program and
get a little keychain card to show every time. Their items are also in
the Sunday paper and in a booklet at the front of the store. I love
these 2 programs. I haven’t had to pay much out-of-pocket for
toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, razors or hair care in years. Even
if you don’t use all of the items, they can be used for gift bags, left
for guests, orphan bags, etc. *Back to school supplies are often free
with rebate at Walgreens, and office stores or very cheap. Watch the
Sunday paper adds.
Medical:
*If you do not have insurance, talk with the billing office about a
reduced rate for paying cash. They have lower rates for ins co’s and
will give you a lower rate as well IF YOU ASK. Most also offer a
payment plan of some sort. I believe hospitals and doctors are required
to let you make payments as long as it is $5 or more a month (Dr.s will
try to have you pay bigger chunks)
*We have reduced our monthly medical ins costs from $582 to $288 while
increasing the amount covered for medical. We switched to Samaritan
Share Ministry. It is just Christians agreeing to pay each others bills
with their agreed monthly payment. They have been around for 10 years
and are growing. They also send out a prayer guide for those having
claims and you send a card with each payment to your assigned person.
It is a wonderful ministry and plan.
Entertainment:
We purchase the entertainment book every year. With one date night of
buy one meal get one free; we have paid for the book. It is filled with
BOGO for restaurants, sports events, arts, amusement park, and auto
repair, travel etc. This is cheaper online.
We use kids eat free nights: Tuesdays at Chick-fil-a, Tues and Sat at
Denny’s, Monday and Tuesday at IHOP, Wed at Manuel’s, Tues at Lone
Star. There are more on the website: kidseatfree.com
There are also many places to get a free meal on or around your
birthday. Some with birthday programs are: Joes’ BBQ-free meal on the
day, Denny’s-card sent to use anytime, Sweet Tomatoes-card sent to use
anytime. Cold stone has a free ice cream on your birthday with their
club.
Free concert for dress rehearsals. I think all the philharmonics may do
this, but I know at least one does. Check their websites.
Here are websites that I regularly use to buy and sell items:
Craigslist.org-they have a free page, wanted, and barter, as well as
the for sale items. We always check here first. We have had a couple
good barters. I just posted what we had and what I needed. We have also
located cabins and vacation spots. You will have better listing
response if you have lots of pic’s and details with a # to call. There
is a large viewing on this site and you can look up any location in the
US.
Vegsource.com-go to the homeschooling chat boards. There are boards for
buying and selling curriculum, misc, and clothes. There seems to be a
large viewing on this site.
Ebay.com-auction site. Have bought lots here but not sold. There is a
fee when you sell, so far I have been able to sell fine on craigslist
and other free places.
Half.com-part of Ebay. It is free to sell here. They carry books, CD’s,
software, DVD’s. I find the prices generally less than Amazon.com, but
you can check there as well.
Freecycle.org-all items are free. I have not found anything great here,
but a friend loves it, so try it and see what you think.
Local place to buy and sell books, movies, CD’s, software, games,
educational. Bookman’s, several locations in the area. They also have a
birthday club for kids. Bookman’s sends a card for a free $5 for them
to use. You don’t get much for your things here, but a little more if
you use the $ to buy items they have. There is also Half Priced Books.
I like Bookman’s better.
If you want more details on anything, please feel free to contact me.
If I put all the details on here, I would need another hard drive…and
they aren’t free with rebate right now !!
God bless your stewardship, Amy
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Inspiring Quotes
5/27/08
Here are some good quotes with regards to homemaking, taken from the book "Passionate Housewives Desperate for God" by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald.
Of course, much of the world would agree that being a housekeeper is acceptable as long as you are not caring for your own home; treating men with attentive devotion would also be right as long as the man is the boss in the office and not your husband; caring for children would even be deemed heroic servise for which presidential awards could be given as long as the children are someone else's and not your own.
- Dorothy Patterson, homemaker and adjunct faculty member of the Criswell College, describing her frustration with society's disdain for the home-working woman and its insistence on the replaceability of the wife and mother.
He that is blessed with a good wife is as happy as if he were upon the throne, for she is no less than a crown to him. A virtuous woman, that is pious and prudent, ingenious and industrious, that is active for the good of her family and looks well to the ways of her household, that makes conscience of her duty in every relation, a woman of spirit, that can bear crosses without disturbance, such a one owns her husband for her head, and therefore she is a crown to him, not only a credit and honour to him, as a crown is an ornament, but supports and keeps up his authority in his family, as a crown is an ensign of power. She is submissive and faithful to him, and by her example teaches his children and servants to be so too.
- Matthew Henry, speaking on Proverbs 12:4, "a virtuous woman is a crown to her husband."
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All of Scripture for all of Life
Amy Hudelson
4/29/08
We’re Christians my family and I
We will follow Christ till we die.
He is Lord, or at least I thought,
Till later His advice I sought.
“What you wear and what you speak,
Is it not my heart you seek?
Think about your children’s schooling,
Am I really ruling?
Are you indeed loving your wife?
I see between you both this strife!
Does she follow you as head?
Just as in my Word I’ve said.
Family planning and TV,
Is it all thru Christ you see?”
Did my dearest see this too?
God said, “This must start with YOU.”
So we kneeled and cried while we prayed,
Not knowing how far that we had strayed.
The Lord revealed so much to us
That we’d inadvertently failed to trust.
With repentance we vowed anew,
Father we now are sure what to do.
I the head of house and wife,
All of Scripture for all of life.
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