It’s a new month and time for a new frugal book review. A college friend recently emailed me asking for some encouragement as her family transitions to living on one income. This is a frequent and honest challenge for many families, especially for Lutheran church workers. Therefore, this book review is for you, Anne, and for all the others with the hopes and desires to live on one income. As I mentioned in last month’s review, Ellie Kay is one of my favorite Christian financial writers. She has a wonderful way of sharing what she’s learned and lived while providing encouragement for those … Read More...
Visiting
The other day, I read a wonderful article entitled The Power of Community from one of my new favorite websites, (in)courage. I related well to Allison (the author's) perspective. Here is the section that spoke to my heart. Publishing a status update or a blog post is the modern equivalent of pouring lemonade on a hot afternoon and fluffing the pillows on the porch swing. We are welcoming each other into our lives. Our communities of friends live across our neighborhood, our towns and often across the world. This is my life, for better or for worse. There are those who bemoan the … Read More...
A Canning Saturday
It's the first Saturday after a full week of school. My husband and I both had good weeks teaching at our respective Lutheran schools. That said, we were tired after a busy first week. We went to bed early and slept until we awoke. I awoke first to the crickets chirping and crossed the dew covered lawn to pick tomatoes. This is what I picked...and there are still tomatoes on our ten tomato plants! As a result, I spent the day in the kitchen - dicing, chopping, peeling, cooking and canning. I diced enough tomatoes, peppers and onions to make a double batch of my Aunt Renee's … Read More...
Official Coupon Policies
When one begins using coupons, it can be overwhelming. I realize that and understand the challenges there are to coupons. Don't give up! Ask questions and use the resources that you have at your disposal…including me! One of the biggest challenges can be (on occasion) redeeming coupons at the store. It is a shame that it can be a challenge to use coupons but the challenge is less when you are aware of a store’s policy on using coupons. If you know the rules of coupons and play by the rules of coupons, then you get the rewards of using coupons – saving money! I could go on and on about … Read More...
To Do Lists
It's that time of year...school is just around the corner. I'm a Lutheran school teacher and I admit that the start of school is always bittersweet. Just when I've settled into my summer routines, it's time for a new year. I do love teaching and love having a classroom of kids. It's the fact that there is always so much to do! Here's a glance at my back to school to do list. Check over classroom once more. Finish running all copies for next week. Buy magnets to label the lockers for my 24 third and fourth graders. Go grocery shopping. Do the laundry. Iron Andy's new … Read More...
Singing with Lutherans
I grew up listening to Garrison Keillor with my Dad as we drove in the car. I learned to appreciate his Midwestern perspective and his stories of Lutherans. Coming from a Lutheran Midwest family myself, and a family who loves to sing, this has always been my favorite story of Garrison's. I hope you enjoy his Lutheran perspective as much as I do. I have made fun of Lutherans for years--who wouldn't if you lived in Minnesota? But I have also sung with Lutherans and that is one of the main joys of life, along with hot baths and fresh sweet corn. We make fun of Lutherans for their blandness, … Read More...