Its raining, I'm sewing.... :D

I would normally say I spent a dreary day in the house because its raining and I have nothing to do after the house is cleaned. This time I will say I spent a beautiful day in the house because its (big drops) raining outside! I was in such a good mood (rain yay!) after I cleaned house I decided to make something I have had in the back of my mind for a while. I have for the past few months been using plastic bags as a type of envelope system to keep track of my bills weekly. I have them individually marked with what my bills are for the month and each week I put the amount I will need (divided by four) into each bag. Since its raining :) I decided to make a pattern for my new envelope system (because its working so well) and sew up four envelopes, I also embroidered on the four what each are to be used for. Anyway here are the four envelopes I made, I have been on a no spend for the month (only  necessities) so I used what I had on hand. The material is what is left over from a rug I made last month and the inside material matches the outside. I wanted Velcro for the closers but since I did not have any on hand I added buttons with a twine loop as a closer.


I made an envelope for our animals also, seems like when they get sick is when I am broke. I hope this takes care of that also!








Then I decided to make a larger one to put the four envelopes in and also my notebook. When my notebook is inserted there is a half inch to spare on the top and about a 1/4 inch on each side. I also used a plastic insert between the material, so its not as floppy as the small envelopes. In my notebook  I write the month at the top of each page  and as I put money into each envelope I write down the amount I inserted, I do this week by week then when I have the total for the bill I pay it. I have been doing this for three months (but using Ziploc baggies) and I am now running two weeks ahead on my bills and a little set back for the animals. I think I will also make an envelope just for the money I have (hopefully) saved each month, one for coupons and one for insurance (due once every three months)  :) Hope everyone is having a great day!

#7 - Make your own, use less (or at least try)

Some of this could have went with #3 household organisation or #4 re-use, re-purpose, but I felt like it needs its own spot with me. Something as simple as dish cloths can be made at home, yes I have priced the store bought ones vs/me making them and they may cost close to the same. I get two cotton dishcloths out of one ball of cotton yarn. Most of mine though (cotton yarn balls) are from yard sale finds usually at .25 apiece, cant understand.....why buy yarn (or anything for that matter) and not use it? The ones that are more or less free are the made overs from other items, towels, old t-shirts, sheets etc...
I have noticed a big difference in our grocery bill since I have been going by #1, at first it was a little time consuming, although I had been doing a lot already but now what I added on also seems normal.
I also make my own duster, soak 18 to 20 inch cheese cloth squares in a mixture of 2 cups hot water and 1/4 cup lemon oil. squeeze out mixture and let dry. When totally dry I keep in a zip lock bag until ready to use, I have also used this with old towels I just cut them up and use in place of the cheese cloth and they are free....more or less. I love the smell of lemon when I dust its my one of my favorites, just under the smell of Vanilla! Then when I have used it, throw it into the washing machine and start all over again. Lemon to me is a clean smell and when I use it around the house the house seems cleaner, I know mind thing....
I started making my own soap last year and since I pick up the fat from a butcher down the road (sorry about 5 miles away)  but the fat is free and lye is not expensive so it ends up like penny's a bar. I did re batch some bars and added oatmeal, Shea butter etc, the family used them a lot more than just the plain goat milk soap, so anyway I will keep making soap. I also save as much on the electric bill as I can, but one of the things I would love to do is live more off grid. I have learned a lot on this topic from over at Hard Work Homestead, they are totally off grid, you can learn a lot from her site! I do make my own cheeses one of my favorites at this time is from my goats milk. I do have Connie the cow so we have fresh cow's milk and butter and we also have a supply of butter in the freezer. Calista (goat) is the only one being milked at this time (others have not had their kids yet), I make soft cheeses with her milk and conjeta. oh! I just realized this could go on and on, I guess my attitude needs to be when I see something I need, make sure it is a need not a want! Then stick with the attitude of make sure it is not something I can make (remake, patch etc) at home first, do not just "run to the store"! Hope by the end of this year to only have my mortgage payment (this is set up hopefully on 10 year plan) and also have some extra cash set back. A lot of work and keeping fingers crossed for the year! I also keep a ledger so I can remind myself how much I am saving so (hopefully) no back sliding!  :)

Homemade Broth

I begin this process every Monday, everything I would normally throw away, the vegetable peelings, vegetable ends, even onion peelings, I wash them and store in the freezer (in a freezer bag) all week long. When Sunday rolls around I make vegetable stock, if I am busy on a Sunday I just carry it over till the next week and make a double batch. This is very economical (because its more or less free) and whats left over after making stock, I give to the chickens. When done I store the broth in freezer bags, we tend to use the broth before two months are up, but it would probably keep in the freezer a little longer.
I also do this with chicken bones, ham bones etc..I just make the broth, label, date and store in freezer and then its ready when I need it, quick, easy and cheep!