Hello, my name is Ana I'm a wife and mother. I'm always looking for ways to better myself and my family. I love crafts especially Dollhouse Miniatures in 1:12 scale, fashion (Plus size), cooking, reading, jewelry making, and boating. You can easily find me on the hunt for treasures at thrift stores and deals at the Dollar Tree. We are a 1 income home our budget is tight.
This week's recipes where found in Cheap Eats Budget-Busting Ideas That Won't Break the Bank by Sterling Epicure, Delicious Dinners $5.00 by Haystack Media and lastly Taste Of Home Magazine 2016 Summer. Some of the recipes did not have photos.
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Turkey & Wild Rice
My day starts simply with morning coffee creme brulee and a cinnamon stick. As a list of things to do pop into my thoughts. I decide to slow down and enjoy the sound of the coffee maker and it's steady dripping sound. Pushing the mundane chores to the side for a moment. I hear my children talking and enjoying their toasted raisin bread with sweet cream butter. I just turned on the wax melter in the kitchen for some aromatherapy. A moment with God is next.
Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
Think of good ways to bring joy and comfort to your home. Have a beautiful day my friends.
As always I'm looking for creative ways to use what I have and recycle items. This week I decided to focus on the mans room in my dollhouse. I made this mirror from packaging, washi tape, and redline tape from the Dollar Tree. It was very easy. Please see my video below for my process. I have a list of items I want to create for this room and many others that I will be sharing on a Budget.
I enjoy using the trash to treasure method.Where ever I go I look at things with the eyes of a miniaturist. Grabbing a piece of cardboard and making it into something miniature is very gratifying. This door can be made many different ways from any era or time. It's up to you and your project at hand. I may even attempt to make the missing front doors to my latest Dollhouse. I will list the video's below for the cardboard screen door Diy for your viewing pleasure. I am creating a Shabby Chic Porch Scene that I will be sharing with you as I go. This project may take several months depending on how kind time is with me.
I propped the door inside the kitchen of my newest dollhouse so you can have an idea of the look. The color does not match the trim because the door is for another project. The door looks like it is bowed because its not attached rather leaning. If it was attached it would have looked a bit better.
These were sad times where the landscape of America changed. I believe that learning from our past is vital. As history has a way of repeating itself. I give myself scenarios of "What If". What if I could not get food for my family.... all the stores are empty,no electricity, no gas for my car, no medicine, no water, no phone, no Internet, no heat (cold winter), no cooking (alternative means), no money available at ATM. What if we experienced an EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) that could take down our electrical grid for months or years. Here is a link from Washington Times: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/may/21/electromagnetic-pulse-emp-is-a-major-threat/ I just recently learned from the Weather Channel that the East Coast has a rock that effect us greatly in a Solar Storm here is the link: https://weather.com/news/news/2018-06-14-rocks-under-interstate-95-power-grid-fears What if we had a natural disaster or weather event that could effect our lives for months or years. Look at the recent and past hurricanes (Maria and Katrina), snow storms, flooding rain. All these are reality and very difficult to recover from. Lastly, new information has come out on Yellowstone the U.S. Super Volcano that maybe of great importance its recharging at a rapid rate than previously known. Here is a link from Newsweek: http://www.newsweek.com/yellowstone-supervolcano-scientists-can-tell-how-fast-molten-rock-bubbling-958405
What are some of the steps you could take to ensure your family is in a better position. Think about what your daily needs. Begin there.. I previously listed my pantry categories as a helpful tool. What else could you do be frugal, re-use, recycle, and re-use again. Make old things new. Learn new skills like sewing, crochet, cooking, baking, preserving, clothing repair, shoe repair, wood making, soap making, herbal tinctures,and gardening (food). Having a good selection of recipes to chose from with little amount of ingredients is important. I have began searching and writing down recipes with 5 ingredients or less. I thought of the great depression and how they had to make meals with little to nothing. I will also be looking at newer recipes as well. My pantry will be re-assessed for important main ingredients that can have long shelf life or used with my food saver for longevity.
Grate potatoes, add remaining ingredients and mix. Place in piles in frying pan in 1/4" oil and press thin. Fry until crisp and golden brown turning once.Sprinkle with table sugar (cane) and serve hot.
Makes 6 to 10 pancakes.
here is the link for the recipes above:https://www.cooks.com/recipe/as5n36k2/depression-era-potato-pancakes.html
As some of you may know we are a 1 income family. My husband and I work together towards making sure our food and water supply at a decent level. Some of you may ask why? You may even be thinking she is crazy,lol. Life has a funny way of throwing curve balls. They may come in form of a weather event, illness, injury, job loss,economical/recession or death. All these would be a big hit emotionally and financially. Most of us are not prepared even for a job loss let alone temporary illness or injury.
These are real life events that happen.
When was it the last time you looked at your pantry. This would include water food, spices, and long term foods. These long term foods can be 20/30 years shelf life, canned goods/canning, or food you have placed into food savers bags for extended life. One of my friends on YouTube (At Home with Alicia) is going to use their stock pile of food for the month of July and be on a limited budget. I think that is a great idea! I may have to challenge myself as well to use my food stock. This would allow me to see what my family liked and disliked. Lets Jump into something I feel is important. Having cook books with 4/5 ingredients are great. However, Cook Books in general are good to have imagine you can no longer afford Internet/cable nor a cell phone. Having Cook Books and other Alternative Health Books (Herbal Healing from the kitchen) and references could make a big difference in your life. Food for thought excuse the pun. Now you may ask what do I have in my pantry. I have shared a few videos on this on my You Tube Channel but here is a short list and a video below.
Some of the foods canned goods or extended I like to have on hand are:
water: Very Important cant Survive without Water
make it a point to get a case of water whenever possible
canned meats:chicken,beef, chili,tuna, salmon,etc
veggies: asparagus,corn, green beans,tomato/sauce/sweet peas,carrots,beet, yams, pumpkin,potatoes etc.
Now, lets take a short trip through history. It provides us with a glimpse of what has taken place and what items you may want to consider stocking up on. Spices and Tea where very expensive and hard to come by. Normally, only the rich has access or funds for such luxuries like sugar, spices, honey, or flour. Remember honey is great for health, foods, and drinks. If the honey crystallizes it can be easily reheated/melted and placed into another container for later use. Now, lets take a leap into growing our own foods. I don't have a green thumb to save my life(big smile). I'm just keeping it real. So, this process of growing our own food is a bit scary for me. Especially since we are renters and digging up the ground would be a no-no. I have done some research and a garden in pots is what we would be doing as a family. My husband has expressed interest in this. So, lets see what happens.
My final words. Caring for ourselves and family is easier when you are not in a life crisis. So, I encourage families to start working on their food supplies and water if or when the day comes that tragedy strikes it wont hurt your family as badly because of your forethought, action, and love.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Lets talk Fashion Life: this ain't no dress rehearsal live it fullybeautifully
Life: this ain't no dress rehearsal live it to the fullest in a beautiful way
Lets talk Fashion
Fashion is an expression of you it can tell others how you feel or the mood your in. I know as a homemaker sometimes fashion is the last thing I'm thinking about. Guess what I did. I gave myself a test for 4 days I pushed myself to get dressed in the morning and a light day make up look. I woke up earlier than normal so I could complete the task with no disruptions just me time. I felt like a million bucks. It put pep in my step and I felt beautiful. My energy level perked up because I was feeling good about myself and my husband appreciated the effort. Now, lets get a little personal as a plus size woman it can be daunting putting a look together that makes you feel Fabulous. It can be done. Go through your closet and try things on and see what gives you a immediate beautiful look and what ever doesn't get rid of it. This allows you to weed out the do's and dont's in that closet. Our taste change as we age and per season. For years I would only wear only black and now I'm rocking color especially neon brites they are my favorite. Don't be afraid to express yourself with fresh color, prints, floral, textures and brites. I hope you all take the leap and empower yourself with Fashion and Accessories!!!!
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Why did I stop...confession of a homemaker
As a homemaker I feel I am being pulled in a hundred different ways. Look at the photo above this homemaker has a table of food she loving prepared and set out for her family. Note: their is a table cloth,drinks, condiments, desert platter, and a non-stop movement of life. She has a dog on her lap while sitting she is feeding a horse through a open door. Her mother/in-law is sitting partaking. The husband just getting home and putting up his things. I can only imagine what the rest of her evening will look like after the meal is over with 3 children. I admire her tenacity to the fact she has plants on her sill that are beautiful. I don't have a green thumb to save my life,lol. Another thing to work on (smiles).
This is not the scene of the average family. Most families eat in the kitchen while standing looking at their cell phones, bedroom, or in front of the TV. Disconnected from one another. We had made it a point to have our meals together as a family. But as my husband hours grow longer and longer into the evenings it simply isn't happening. My energy level has diminished as well as my interest in the kitchen. I'm taking active steps to change this.
We all know the importance of the kitchen a place of gathering, sharing, and family. A kitchen nourishes the family and is also your pharmacy when one is sick. Learning the uses of herbs and spice's to help cure a family member. I bought a book of herbs that would help me create tinctures and I haven't followed through. Only to my determent. Since I have been ill this may have helped me.
Prepping:
I have also stepped back from my prepping efforts for my pantry/home. My husband tapped me on the shoulder and said "Hey, whats going on with the prepping". My answer.... not much..I need to kick it back into gear. So, I am stepping up my efforts to have a pantry for my family to care for them in case of an emergency, sickness, accident,job loss or death. As a single income family my preps will determine if my family of 6 will be feed and cared for with less stress on the budget. My prepping also includes medicine, clothing, emergency kits, water etc... Every family is different and has different needs. I want to learn to can food and learn other practical things to help my family.
These are but a few things I am trying to conquer. What are you trying to conquer/change in your home I would love to know.
These are beautiful flowers my husband brought home for me last week. These simple but small gestures are so important in relationship. Never under estimate the simple things to bring you closer. He knows I've been struggling with an infected wisdom tooth that needs to be pulled. He see's my sleepless nights and my discomfort. Even though he worked a 13 hour day (Mechanic). He went to the grocery store brought food and cooked for the family. He is Amazing.
Simple gestures as a hot meal, clean clothes, and a clean home. All these simple things that cost little to nothing to do except your time, thought, and energy. These small things can make a difference in the home and in relationships. It is constant for me to push to get these simple things done. It seems never ending especially with little ones that play all day into the night. I do the best I can. I know I can push to be better (Smiles). Lets remember the little things and call someone today like a parent,husband/wife, family or friend and let them know your thinking of them. Its means alot.
Sunday, March 11, 2018
This is a friendly reminder to change those clocks. This is also a great time to think of what plants, vegetables, or fruit you would like to grow and start getting ready. As a beginner I am always educating myself with the best ways to grow food. This will be my first time doing this and Im excited to see what happens. I have talked to a few people, read, and watched videos. I feel confident that this will be a good experience and new adventure for me to say the least. Mind you I dont even have real house plants so this is a great undertaking for me and I will relish the experience.
Since I will be planting on my deck I will be using pots. Something similar to this photo above. As a renter I dont want to dig up their yard,lol. This looked reasonable and manageable to me. I look forward to sharing photos of my efforts.
Friday, February 23, 2018
Busy Bags & Folder Activities for Children
I will admit I haven't made any busy bags or activity folders in a long time. However, having 4 year old twins that can get pretty much into everything through out the day means they need to be kept busy. Its that time where I need to focus on learning activities like busy bags and making folder activities once again.
For the next several weeks I will be visiting Pinterest and Youtube where you can find a gold mine of ideas, activities, and more for children. I will share what bags and/or learning folders I create as I go and do video's on youtube as well. Busy bags and folder activities can be made with things around the house with little to no investment besides your time and creativity.
Remember themed Holiday bags and folders activities are different and fun for the kiddos. So, lets be pro-active and kick it into high gear with learning fun!
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Remember God is there for you.......
Good morning my friends. This morning I sat quietly in my chair and spoke to God. It was 4:30 am the home was still although both my twins where partially awake in my bed. I needed this time to talk to God about my burdens, concerns, and unknowns. I had not done this for a few days. I often allow the outside world and its events to over take me lately. Big mistake. Like this light house God is a Beacon of love, hope, and forgiveness. Sometimes we weather storms and forget to look to God for his guidance and comfort. This is a gently reminder that your not alone. I wish you all a Blessed week and ask God to rain Blessing's on you and your loved ones.
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Getting Ready for Bumps on the Road Augason Farm extended shelf life Foods
As a beginner prepper and homemaker. I see alot of disturbing events taking place in America. I've seen the catastrophic fires in California, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Earth Quakes, and civil unrest. Currently our stock market has been down by numbers never seen before since 2008. Markets in other countries dropping low as well. Families still struggling making ends meet when the gas prices are creeping higher each week. Currently in our area $2.60 a gallon or more. Food prices that swelled in previous years because of events that effected the delivery or changes at ports that simply never came back down. Food packaging deceiving customers with larger boxes, bags, and only a quarter of product inside. Recipes changing for companies to save money and our old time favorites no longer taste the same. New and higher taxes for imports from other countries which in turn we pay for at the check out. Many countries pulling away from the U.S. Dollar and creating their own gold backed currency. This is not good for America. So many things happening that affect the average consumer. These times in our lives as a family of 6 at home I worry and fret. So, I have taken action to make sure that we will be freed from uncertainty. I am assuring that my family will have water, food, clothing, and medicine. As I have previously mentioned we are renters and at the mercy of homeowners/investor's. I hope that one day we will have our own home to cultivate new memories, grow our own food, and leave a legacy for our children. I honestly feel we are in time of judgement. It is important to live righteously, honestly, and simply. When a weather event, illness, job loss, or loss of life occurs your foresight in prepping will be a blessing. Your investment in your family will free you and allow your money to last a bit longer because of your foresight. Many countries with collapsed economies, rough winter seasons, and certain religious groups are preppers. I urge you all to take the simple steps to buy a few more cans of food, water, and medicines when your able to. Also be diligent use coupons, ibotta, and other apps, coupons printables to save money whenever possible. I personally buy name brand medicines from the Dollar Tree when I find them. I buy much of our clothing in the thrift stores. I get hand me downs for my boys from my sister. In turn I donate to keep the wheels turning. I think of simple ways to make things better now. I am reading more on certain subjects to prepare myself spiritually and effective alternatives for life's unpredictability. So, as you can see I could go on forever on this subject. I feel you get the point. So, I will end it here my friends with (gentle smiles). I pray this message reaches your heart and small changes begin.
Friday, January 26, 2018
By Wisdom a House is Built
Proverbs 24: 3-4
3By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established;
4through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
Reading this scripture provides me with comfort and joy. My home is a humble one we are not home owners rather renters. Most of our furniture is used and well loved by other's. I
shop at Thrift Stores often making my home special on a limited budget. As I may have shared before we are small business owners a one income family of 6. Reading material has always been considered by me to be a treasure. Books can teach you provide travel, fantasy, and adventure. I have a few shelves with books that have been found at thrift stores, dollar tree's and given to me by my family. My sister just came by today with some of the clothes her sons have grown out of and books for my children to read that had been well read by her children. Blessings rain down in so many ways. While our treasures may not be grand nor exquisite they are wonderful. Keeping in mind that rare and wonderful treasures could be a child's photo or art work the Bible laid open to one of your favorite verses. A hand made quilt or crocheted blanket. Pillows fashioned out of left over material or quirky table mats. Even a well kept house that is warm and welcoming to all. In my season of life a well kept house is laughable. I have young children. My days consist of a array of toys to dodge as I walk. Never ending piles of dish's that compliment the piles of laundry. Crumbs on the floor that never end. The treasures get blurry in the mist of the flurry of family and life.
Take heart for every season there are changes. My seasons are gently changing and things will change and so will yours. My beautiful rare treasures are my children's laughter and smiles my husbands love and our good health. I couldn't ask for more. Although, a well kept house would be great,lol I hope you enjoyed my friends.
Thrift Store Treasure Hunting
Hello my friends I wanted to share with you some of the Treasures I found at the Thrift Store. While I was there I also donated 2 30 gallon trash bags one consisted of toys and the other 8 winter coats ,clothing, 4 snow pants, shoes, and scarves. It felt great to de-clutter a bit and share some of our good fortune with others. As a homemaker living on a budget that sometimes may feels almost non-existent. I look for Treasure in the Thrift stores to make my home feel warm and inviting. I hope you enjoy the short video that shows the wonderful pieces I found.
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
A peek into my working Pantry
This is a small peak into my working pantry where I store canned goods, sauces, spices, etc. This particular shelf stands in my kitchen open space. I shared just a few shelves to give you an idea of items I buy for my family of 6. These foods are used and replenished of course. Every family will be different with their needs, wants, and likes. I have additional shelves to share and pantry closet. These I will share bit by bit. My personal goal is to have a few months worth of provisions for my family. Its a slow but steady process. I also am going to try my hand in canning. As a one income family my fears of job injury, health, job loss, and or death seem to loom over me. Im not even touching upon our fiat currency the U.S. is running off on and/or civil strife/war or other political issues that could cripple the U.S. markets, foods, and goods. I feel more confident in knowing I will be able to provide nourishment to my family if such an ill fate arrives. I hope you enjoy my share and inspire you to work on your pantry.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Marriage Woes
Ephesians 4:32And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
The struggles are real in any relationship. When you no longer tune in to each other and rather tune out. When we allow our world to revolve around our children, career, or other ambitions. Forgetting to nurture and grow our relationship's with our husband's (significant other). When kind words are no longer a part of the day. When you don't look forward to seeing each other. When your unable to remember the last time you held each other kissed, touched, or made love. It may have been days, months, or years.
Our relationships are what we put into them. Do you feel all you do is to try and try with no acknowledgement of your efforts or return? Please know God see's your effort's. However, it maybe time to find new solutions to old problems. One of the main issue's in relationship's are communication and listening. My marriage has it's up and downs. Especially, recently where communication has become a issue. I will admit I am guilty of being stubborn. However, when I do put forth effort to acknowledge and listen to what my husband say's it makes a world of difference. Especially, if I address his concerns and make changes in my home or routine. This lets him know I am listening and I care. I know what makes my husband smile and what doesn't. I am human and in my immature moments I won't do what makes him happy like a hot meal waiting for him after a long day. I know I can push myself to complete the task but I simply won't just because I'm unhappy with something he may have said, done, or not done. Spitefulness (anger/pettiness), is not good in any relationship it just creates more strife and hardships. This I am learning and changing. We often chose our own happiness and its route. I am making positive strides towards building my relationship with God and in turn my husband. I am not perfect nor is he we are human and make mistakes. My challenge to you is to go out of your comfort zone to improve your relationship. Listen and acknowledge what your partner is saying. Makes changes to show that your are listening and you care. Everyday reach out and physically touch it can be a hug, passing of the hands, a touch on the arm, back, face, or standing side by side. Embrace each other before leaving for the day and hug when they return. Bring back the romance that brought you together. Pray in the evening and pray at meal time while touching hands. When the relationship of a husband and wife are strong the roots run deep and are almost indestructible. I hope you enjoyed my fruit of the day. If any of you can relate let me know down below.
The treasures I found today are wonderful. As I look for items for my home and savings for my family I shop at thrift stores. My guest bathroom has the toiletries lying on the floor. Terrible I know. Today I found the perfect container with a beach theme that is charming and functional for $5.99 which I gladly paid for. I then traveled down the road to my second shop. You see my sister and I had been looking for cloth table napkins and found them to be extremely expensive in the stores. To my delight I found some. The first set with the gold white and red are for my sister $1.98 per set. They will be a gift. The black and burnt Orange sets are mine $1.98 per set. Along my search I found a a beautiful table topper that is quilted with an Apple in the middle for 99 cents. Then next to that was hanging a set of blue jean place mats perfect for my children for $2.98. Lastly, a bag of high quality cloth ribbon for 1.98. After discounts and coupon I had for the store I paid 7.00 for my bounty at the second store. Always remember to check for membership cards discount and specials.
Friday, December 29, 2017
“She looketh well to the ways of her household.” Proverbs 31: 27
This woman could easily be me or you. Surrounded by her children playing, talking, and being inquisitive. As you try to complete your daily task's and projects. Constant interruptions and noise through out your home of voices, toys, running feet, and laughter. Of course in between a tug of war for a toy or an argument of what is theirs. You may not even feel well but continue to on to your daily chores. You may even have a child with special needs that takes up the majority of your day. However, everyday day as a homemaker we have opportunities to be happy, gentle, loving, or frustrated, upset, and angry. These are real everyday choices for us as women to make. When frustration sets in I know that God is in the room with me watching. Each word every action we will have to defend. Was there wisdom, kindness, gentleness, patience, and love?
Proverbs 31:26She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue
I am no Martha Stewart or Pioneer Woman. Although, I long to achieve some of their skills. I am human. I have my moments when I lose my temper just as anyone else and say things I ought not. We often forget to take that moment to breath and think before reacting to our children, family, and friends. Choose patience and gentleness. It's such a simple way to live. A fruitful and delightful way to feel. Building those up around us instead of tearing them down. Knowing that God is pleased with us and our choices. We as woman leave an impression for a lifetime on our children of what is right and wrong. What is acceptable and what is not. We cast long shadow's in their lives after we are gone. I hope you enjoyed my fruit for thought.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
The year is coming to a close soon. Its a special time for reflection and growth. The month of January will consist of many personal changes for myself. As a wife, mother, and homemaker. The way I run my home and how I care for it will be will be in the fore front. I will changing a few things and making my home less cluttered. I will be doing more with learning with my younger children. I will also be tending to my spiritual growth and placing much needed Bible study in my every day. Creating more home cooked meals with scents that will welcome my husband home after a long day at work. Learning to be gentle even when in strife and thinking before I speak. Recognize and be thankful for all my blessings everyday. Lastly remembering to acknowledging one's unique ways and embracing them. That is what makes one special.
To welcome in December 2017 I decided to have a craft challenge for myself. I want to share a crafty project once a week.
This week I want to use what I have. I chose a ring from Shopmiss.com that I purchased about a year ago. The owl ring is large and beautiful in details. Unfortunately, the stretch part was to tight. I simply cut off the stretch portion. Next, I used my Baiyon alcohol ink markers the colors I chose are black and brown. For the background I used Tim Holtz wood pieces I picked up from Joann's online a few years back. I tacky glued 2 wood pieces together for the base/frame. I colored the ring and hot glued the owl ring to the wood. I set it aside to rest and adhere. I then tacky glued the open space on the bottom wood frame and gently poured Recollections gold micro beads. Lastly, I used black marker on the raw edge of the wood to finish the look. I hope this inspired you to use some untraditional items for crafty goodness. Enjoy my friends
