Frugal Monday.....

Dearest Readers,

As today was a Monday and the beginning of June, I took the time to pay all of our bills and plan my menu for the month.  Whilst I have reduced our monthly bills just about as far as possible, I had a bit of wiggle room in regards to my menu for June and the cost to feed my family. 

I am browsing all of my wonderful cookbooks and will be replacing my old cool weather menu with my warm weather concoctions!  Instead of Tacos for Mexico Night, we will spice things up with a delicious Taco Salad.  My heavier Italian dishes will be replaced with refreshing Pasta Salads, full of fresh garden veggies direct from the local Farmer's Market and later this summer, from our own garden. (Drop me a note in the comments if you would like me to share the recipes that I find....I never know what to include on my blog!)

Our family tends to eat much less meat during the mean season of summer, preferring cool salads and grilled vegetables.  If I am careful and save my pennies, I should be able to take the money saved and begin to stock not only my freezer but also my pantry for next fall and winter.

I also will be canning like a mad woman this year.  We ran out of strawberry jam and Dearest is just heartsick....he loves his jam!  Pickles and relish are staples in this house and we will need a multitude of pantry space to keep my family happy!  I will also be making anything and everything one can make out of a tomato!  It will be time well spent when I can "shop" for my dinner in December from produce "put-up" in June.  Not to mention the delightful homemade Christmas gifts, that will be lovingly tucked away in my pantry!

This is the time of year that one can truly make a difference in the budget for their home.  By planning carefully and diligently, it is possible to feed your family well and save at the same time, thereby insuring that your family will be well fed during the cooler months.  It is just too late to plan once the first snowflakes start falling.

Well goodness, I hope I don't sound like Chicken Little!  Just a gentle reminder that the bounty of summer can be stretched to bless our families come winter.

Yours ever kindredly,

Shan

The photo above was taken in my kitchen.  On my receipt hook I have a ration stamp from WWI.  What a reminder to be frugal and wise with our provision!

A Sparkling Day.......

Dearest Readers,

What a lovely day this has turned out to be!  We started out with about 4 inches of snow and ice covered windshields.  Now, it is just sunshine and pretty green grass!

I have been hard at work painting the middle bedroom in true Victorian style.  I think the entire room will cost about $65.00 for paint, stencil paint and the trim.  I have already taken a "before" picture and I will certainly take an "after" photograph to share with you.  Doesn't it feel wonderful to work with the provision He gives us and make it something special? 

I had such a wonderful sense of peace and purpose this week as I looked around our home and farm and realized all of the ways that we as a family have recycled and reused things that many would toss into the rubbish bin as they raced out to buy something new.  I do not say this with any arrogance, rather, gratitude that I and Dearest were both raised to be good stewards of the bounty we are provided.  It is such an important lesson to pass on to our children, this sense of simplicity and satisfaction. 

Well, I must go and check to see if the paint is dry enough so that I can put on a second coat.  I actually like to paint....isn't that silly!  I can tell you that Dearest is happy about that, as he does NOT like to paint at all.  So he builds things and I paint them....we are a match made in heaven!

Yours very truly, if a little paint splattered,

Shan

This charming little cup is dated 1908 and belonged to Josephine.  I imagine she received this as a prize at a carnival or fair, as this is called "souvenir glass".  I love to put tea lights in it and watch it sparkle in the evening. 

Pinching a few Pennies

Dearest Readers,

Today was spent in the quiet and gentle pursuit of taking care of my family.  Besides the laundry, a home-cooked meal, and spring cleaning, Dearest and I took time to look over our budget and come up with a few things we could "pinch" to save money. 

We found that by calling any of the companies that offer you a service such as the cable company, phone company, trash, insurance, etc., you can usually reduce your bill by gently asking them to look over your account and "re-bundle" your bill to reflect the best price they offer.  You may have to renew your contract, i.e. the phone company, but if you don't plan to move or take your business elsewhere it makes sense to do this.

In short order, Dearest and I managed to put $90.00/month back into our household budget, just by setting aside time this morning and calling each of our service providers.  Thankfully, we can use this money to offset the rising cost of gas and groceries, etc. without feeling the pinch!

Tomorrow, we will run our errands in town. We plan to purchase whole wheat flour and baking supplies in bulk, our budget will not be effected as we plan to use our savings from today as our "bank" for deepening our pantry.  Since the price for wheat/wheat products continues to rise this should help our family stay well-fed and keep our budget in check.

I believe that one of the best ways we Mommas can take care of our families is to embrace the old-fashioned ways of our ancestors.  That means scratch baking, hanging out laundry, mending clothing, sewing, keeping things in repair and tending a garden.  Besides the joy of reconnecting ourselves with these long forgotten pursuits, we will be all the better suited to keep our families well fed and happy during the mean seasons of economic downturns. 

Blessings from a more frugal Honey Hill Farm,

Shan

Springtime Lace.....Spring Nest Cleaning Gift-Away

Dearest Readers,

It is that time of year when our thoughts turn to the glorious days of Spring!  For our dear old house here at Honey Hill Farm, that can only mean two things.....changing anything and everything over to lace and Spring Cleaning!

During the chilly months between September and February, the house is strewn with heavy throws, damask tablecloths and velvet curtains.  But when Spring comes, dear friends, the house is made lighter and brighter with lace.....lots of lace.  Plants "spring forth" in every available windowsill and light shines through freshly cleaned ripple-glass. 

While making the delightful change from Winter to Spring I endeavour to sneak in a little Spring Cleaning.  And just in time for this chore, comes a wonderful Spring Nest Cleaning Gift-Away from Miss Peggy at The Simple Woman.  Please plan to visit her delightful blog and enter her drawing for Mrs. Meyers dish soap (in a brand-new sent), an adorable apron, a cute scrub brush and a 1 year subscription to The Simple Woman! 

Now, dear friends if I could only get Dearest to stand still long enough I am sure I could get that lace doily to sit just right on the top of his head.............

Yours in Kindred Spirit,

Shan

Spring Cleaning Fever....

Dearest Readers,

My what a busy week we have had here at Honey Hill Farm!  From re-organizing my icebox to revamping my menu planning I believe I have caught "Spring Cleaning Fever".  It seems apparent that this is a very contagious disease as I have read of similar ailments on numerous blogs! 

I had such pleasure with my menu planning as I decided to designate a theme for each day of the week.  Sundays will now feature the flavors of Italy.  On "Meaty Monday" I will serve Dearest's favorites such as Steak and Bake or Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes.  Tuesday will remain "Mom's Choice".  Wednesday I will bring dishes from afar, this week will be inspired by Mexico.  BBQ Thursday is sure to please even my pickiest eater followed by Soup and Sandwich Friday.  Saturday couldn't be easier because it is "Clean out the Fridge Day". 

Dear Friends, I thought you might like to see my Menu Board.  I just printed out a blank calender and took it to our local printer.  I had them enlarge the calender so that the squares were 2 1/2" by 3".  Next, I had the calendar laminated. (The cost was $12.30 for the enlarging and laminating.)  I added photo corner mounts in each square.  I used vintage looking "luggage tags" for my menu cards (I cut them to fit)and I simply hand lettered each one.  All that I have to do is number the days with an erasable marker and I have an easy and inexpensive menu board that I can use over and over!

I hope that you have a quiet, gentle early spring day!

Kindredly yours,

Shan

Catching Up......

Dearest Readers,

Today will be a day for catching up on correspondence with dear ones and a few stray chores here at Honey Hill Farm.  I have a load of wash to fold and put away and a few of the rooms are begging to be put in order. 

Dearest will spend some time out in the shop and work on his bench for class.  What is that Dear Reader, you didn't know that I am married to a college boy? Oh yes, Dearest is taking a woodworking class at the local community college.  He has always wanted to learn about fine carpentry and decided it was time to do so.  He has to have it finished by tomorrow and is determined to receive an "A"!

I am so blessed by the Lord to be able to stay home and take of my family and home, it is not glamorous or "in style", but I can't think of a place that I would rather be.

Yours in Grace,

Shan

Quiet Homekeeping....Daily Grace

Dearest Readers,

The past few days have been filled with the rhythm of everyday living...I call it quiet homekeeping. There is such grace in the small things, the seemingly not-so-important-to-the-outside-world things that make a house a home.  It brings me such joy to have my home in order, a good nutritious meal in the oven, a craft project in my work basket and my family all around me.  What more could anyone want in life?  I am so sad, truly sad, for all those in this world that run from store to store, place to place trying to find happiness.  It is never sold, for any price, in any store.  It is found right in your own backyard, if I may borrow a line from dear Dorothy. 

I hope that each of you reading this will find grace in your everyday life....I believe it is a glimpse of Heaven upon this earth, that quiet feeling of deep-down happiness.  It is found in the simple and quiet of each day.  The sun shining through wavy glass and lace curtains, the aroma of a loaf of fresh bread, an apron tied around your waist that makes you feel just like your Great-Grandmother........simple, oh so simple.

Yours in quiet spirit,

Shan

Busy as Bees.......

Dearest Readers,

What a busy day we have planned here at Honey Hill Farm.  First, we hope to be able to "plant" the Easter Decorations I finally finished.  Dearest is not sure that the ground will be thawed enough to allow him to drive the stakes that support them.  If not, I will have to tie them to the porch rails somehow.

Next, a trip to the library is in order followed by a stop at the post office.  I also hope to stop at the local college Alumni office and see if they have old graduation photos of a few of our relatives for a scrapbook page I am planning.

Once we are back home, I will put out the indoor Easter decorations and wash a few loads of laundry.  Tonight for supper we will have Honey Baked Turkey, steamed vegetables and rice.  I don't have a recipe for the turkey, I just cook until done and then remove the lid and baste with honey and sprinkle Mrs. Dash.  Then I put it under the broiler so that the outside gets good and crisp.  So yummy!

Warm wishes for a delightful day,

Shan

The photo above gives a hint of the ceiling here in our parlour - very easy and inexpensive to do!

Homekeeper's Yearbook

Dearest Readers,

I have to share with you a recent discovery from a lovely website, Marmee Dear.  This Yearbook for the Homekeeper is a delightful way to stay organized for the entire year.  I was so excited when I received this in the mail.

I chose the 3-ring option as I wanted to be able to add homekeeping articles and ideas to the yearbook.  I just decorated a plain binder with some clip-art and added monthly dividers. 

This organizer has so much to keep a busy homekeeper on the right track: menu planner, grocery lists, shopping lists, home repair list, things to order list, telephone and address, bible reading list, etc... It also has charming artwork on each page as well as a bible verse!

In order to lead a gentle life, I feel one needs to be organized.  It offers peace of mind to know that I have not forgotten an appointment or task.  Dearest friends, I must admit that when I try to keep myself organized by memory alone, I flounder.  I find myself criss-cross at the end of an unorganized day! 

How do you organize your days dearest friends?  It would be so delightful to share our ideas.......

Have a blessed and orderly day,

Shan

A little of this and a little of that....

Dearest Readers,

It was a little of this and a little of that kind of day here at Honey Hill Farm.  A few loads of laundry (washed with homemade laundry soap-I hope some of you have tried this) started the day followed by a thorough scrubbing of the kitchen sink.  With the sink now sparkling, it was time to catch up on some correspondence and a few overdue phone calls.  I was able to send a package in the mail to one of my dear Sisters-in-Love; just a little something to thank her for all her support this last year...smile!

I have been working on a recipe binder and was able to complete a few more pages. (I will gladly share this if I ever finish!) I have so many recipes that it has become difficult to organize them in any rational fashion. I create a monthly menu and shop weekly, so a more efficient system is a must.

Also, after a wonderful telephone conversation with my dear friend L, I went right to my computer and printed out my blog pages, I think that I will put them in a notebook.  This will be a charming reminder of days gone by to pass along to my children.

A quick visit to the Sense and Sensibilities website renewed my vow to finish all my sewing projects so that I can start on a couple dresses I want for the summer.  Oh, all my poor neglected WIPS (works in progress)! 

Well, the sun is now behind our little mountain and it is starting to get dark here in the parlour.  Time to turn on a few lamps and start supper.  Tonight will be Turkey Burgers and a few leftovers from this weekend - easy peasy lemon squeezy! 

Blessings from Honey Hill Farm,

Shan

Market Day....

Dearest Friends,

I love going to the local market and selecting delightful foods for my dear family.  As you may have guessed, I love all things from the past and that includes groceries! I can almost smell the scent of the local mercantile where the aroma of fresh ground coffee mingles with sausage and fresh cheese.  Her basket in hand, our darling Homekeeper of the Past, gracefully selects the best food for her family.... Here is a list of some of the groceries available in 1900 as well as the price that a homemaker would pay as she went about her day at the market.......

Breakfast Bacon $0.13/lb                Spring Chicken $0.07/lb

Eggs  $0.14/doz                                Green Turtle Meat $2.75

Gelatin $0.15                                      Sugar 100lbs/$5.80

Sardines in Oil  $0.05                         Early June Peas  $0.10

Swiss Cheese  $0.25/lb                      Seed Potatoes  $0.35/bu.

Well, tomorrow will be market day here at Honey Hill Farm, where I am sorry to say I won't be paying $0.14/doz for eggs!  Of course, I am not shopping for Green Turtle Meat either!

Yours in kindred spirit,

Shan 

A Quiet Day

It will be a quiet day here at Honey Hill Farm.  A time to sit in the front parlour by the large window, soft music playing, a fire in the woodstove....Silently crocheting, thinking of our week ahead.  Dearest will to work in the fruit cellar while I bake something wonderful to fill the cookie jar and begin a long forgotten sewing project. 

 Just another gentle, lovely day....

Blessings from Honey Hill Farm,

Shan

Keeping out the cold

Dear Gentle Reader,

It has been so cold here lately!  Our dear house is over 100 years old and it can be taxing to keep out the cold winter air.  One of the best ways to keep a cold draft out of the house is with a curtain drawn across a door.  Here is a picture of my front door here at Honey Hill Farm.  As you can see I just hung a curtain on each side of the door and can easily draw them closed to chase away the chill of a cold day. Since our old house has all handmade doors and windows it can be very difficult to locate curtains that are the right size.  I just used heavy ready-made velvet curtain ($20 each). Of course, they were too short for my tall door so I just added lots of trim from the fabric shop! (Dearest had to laugh as my trim cost more than the curtains!) Make sure to hang your curtains a little bit higher than you actually want them as the trim and heavy velvet make them stretch.

Have a warm and blessed day dearest friend,

Shan

Stocking the Pantry

Dearest Readers,

What is it about open shelves in a pantry that speaks to us of days gone by?  I receive such joy when I come home from the market and fill all of my jars and baskets.  I find that my well-stocked pantry invites me into my kitchen to create so much more than those brightly colored boxes!  If you have a space in your kitchen I highly encourage you to empty your boxed goods into a sparkling jar, then stand back and feel yourself slip graciously into another era....

Yours in kindred spirit,

Shan