Posted in Frugality-Simplicity

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Simply Frugal

Frugal Tea

Tea lovers abound everywhere. People love their java and coffee houses are all the rage! I myself like to treat myself to a mocha java, decaf, skinny, no whip from time to time. Not that I cannot make it from scratch in the same amount of time, but just for a fun treat. However, I have noticed that tea I enjoy more at home. There is something so calming about a simple cup of herbal tea.

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Posted in Frugality-Simplicity

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

I Can’t Live Simply Until…

Simplicity for Your Community

 Schedules are a major issue for those seeking a more simple life. How to balance what is needed and what is wanted. We are all looking for the perfect balance for our lives. One thing we often overlook when we are finding that balance is others.

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Posted in Organization

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Keep It Together Girl!

Everyday School Organization

One thing that everyone tries to do at the beginning of each school year is to make a system that will work for keeping things organized. We all dream of mornings that are non-chaotic with never a spinny, spin, spin for that one needed item that seems to be hiding somewhere. I know I put that pencil somewhere, but where? Here is a system that can put those mornings behind you forever!

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Posted in Kitchen

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Can I Have Some More, Please?

Crockpot Ham & Potatoes Au Gratin

This is a dish that my hubby smells and his mouth begins to water. Of course, I love being able to please him after a long day in this way, but the fact that the meal is SO simple and frugal makes it a sure fire winner in my menu! This recipe uses cheese, which can be costly. What I have done over the last two years ...

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Posted in Homeschool

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Mom, I’m Bored!

Help Kids Learn to Keep Track of Their Stuff AND have FUN!

Every once in a while, a cog falls out of my head, rolls across the floor, is batted by the cat (who thinks it is a toy), which is then picked up by littleton to be used as a dinner plate in her dollhouse, and then hidden from me. It is during those times that I come up with some of the wackiest, yet most FUN activities!

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Posted in Frugality-Simplicity

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Simply Frugal

Become MORE than a Lister

So many of you find the time to email me (poke fun) about my listing obsession. I love each and every giggle along the way!!! I get the most laughter from those who predict a list I WILL be making! It shows that you really have taken time to get to know me and we have developed a relationship that is at a comfort level that we can email each other across the miles and bring smiles to each other.

I was talking to a new homeschooling mom a couple of weeks ago who was in the frantic…it’s time to get busy…stage. You know the one when you have to pull it all together, but you have never done it before, and ALL of the thoughts of what you simply MUST accomplish to succeed are spinning around your head. Oh this is a terrifying place to be in mentally. However, this need not be the case.

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Posted in Frugality-Simplicity

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

I Can’t Live Simply Until…

A Simple Mindset Change

As I was taking time on the net last week, I came across two sentences that so simply state what I have been rambling on about for years in trying to define the difference between a frugal life and a simple life. I found this answer (and a LOT more) over at Thoughts on Voluntary Simplicity. There is much wisdom to be gleaned here, but I will leave you to search that on your own. What they wrote that was so profound to me was this:

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Posted in Organization

Thanks to all who have been hanging in there with me this week. It sure has been crazy. Some of you are aware of what has been going on, and for those who don’t, the newsletter is on the way! I am working my way through re-scheduling the posts and Monday posting should be back to normal. Also, ALL of this week’s posts will be up today. Enjoy your weekend!

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Keep It Together Girl!

Teaching Kids Responsibility PART II

Last week was the beginning of a three part series on teaching kids responsibility in the home which builds their life skills, character, and helps mom. Today we are going to talk about an idea that has likely been expounded upon for years; assigning chores.

I agree that assigning chores helps kids understand exactly what their responsibilities are, as well as giving mom and dad a clear understanding of each family member’s responsibilities. However, I really struggled with this. I tried a variety of methods of instituting chores check points. I have had TONS of chores charts, programs to help me keep track of it all and they always fall by the wayside after a few months.

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Posted in Kitchen

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Can I Have Some More, Please?

Cup of Soup

I remember when cup of soup from my childhood. My mom would buy these little boxes that contained envelopes of powdered mix in which all you needed to do was add a cup of hot water and stir. We thought these were AMAZING! My mom loved the convenience of the little buggers. Whenever a hurricane is coming I always pick up a couple of those neat little cups of soup containers. Since we haven’t had a hurricane in a few years, I have had no need to purchase them. However, Fay inspired me to come up with more frugal options, since they are a tad on the expensive side.

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Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns

The Hurriedness of Hurricane Fay

Monday Madness! That’s what we are naming today. Hurricane Fay is headed this way and she has stepped up her time frame. Why is she in such a hurry anyway? I wanted to let all know that we will be in preparations for her arrival today. Busy, busy, busy. Vehicles to move, trailer to park, hanging plants to bring in, bikes to store, various and sundry things out and about, extra water and gas to get, and securing our RV. I will likely be the only person who WON’T be food shopping today. LOL! I always have food on hand. J

So, send out some prayers for us Florida folk as we all take time to prepare for her arrival. We are right in the center of the 2 perspective landfall areas, so either way; we will be getting some serious winds and rain. Also, I will likely not be able to answer emails today. If we lose power for any length of time, I may not be able to reply for a few days, so don’t think I am not getting them or am ignoring you…as if you would every think such things.

For my Digging Out of Debt students, you should still receive your class materials, regardless of Fay. They have been set to automated and all known glitches have been repaired. BUT, if you do have a problem go ahead and email and I will be available as much as possible!

For those who are kind of stunned by my relaxed issue with good ol Fay, she isn’t that big or strong. Once preparations are complete, we are looking forward to just hanging out and having some snuggly fun time. They have already closed my husband’s plant and we are definitely excited to have him home for an extra day. YIPEE! Fay is nothing compared to what we have dealt with in the past, but we don’t want to be complacent, either. J

Have a FABULOUS Monday, and I will see you back here ASAP! Back to Monday Madness!

These are my thoughts.

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Posted in Homeschool

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Mom, I’m Bored!

Rice Trays

Sand tables are a wonderful activity for littletons, but they can be a hassle. Cleaning up those sand granules seems a never ending job. No matter how many times you use your vacuum and broom, traces of sand are always left behind. Not to mention the fact that those little granules can get under finger nails and cause havoc when littletons rub their eyes, nose, or stick their fingers in their mouths. But your children can have this same type of fun with an inexpensive little thing called rice.

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Posted in Faith

What is IT? It’s “The It Factor”, of course!

My very sweet friend, Kathy Butryn is hosting “The It Factor” tomorrow (Saturday, Aug 16, 2008) This virtual seminar promises to be one of the BEST seminar’s I will take all year! Kathy is ready to lead us to a more simple life by helping us to get all the ITs accomplished. Kathy and I share a kindred spirit and I am so blessed that she has asked me to teach a session, SO if you have been waiting (ever so patiently) for me to have another online speaking engagement this is IT!

I am going to post the specifics in a sec, but first I want you to know that Kathy is happy to have any you as a FREE GUEST when you participate live. Ladies, this is a message EVERY WOMAN needs! There will below the info for you to click on that will take you to the registration area so you can get your FREE login info! Without further Ado…

Session 1: Discover "it"! (Goals)

We are often told we need to "set" goals. But what are the goals we are supposed to set? So often we set the wrong goals. Perhaps we base our goals on what other people tell us we should be doing. In this session, we are going to learn how to set goals based on who we are...and what God wants us to do...in other words, our life purpose. It will be an exciting process to discover the

goals that God has for you for this season of your life.

Session 2: Stick to "it"! (Priorities)

It's one thing to have goals...it's a whole other story to implement those goals. It can be easy to lose sight of those newly discovered goals.

Session 3: Build "it"! (Organization)

Sigh. Wouldn't you just love to "GET" organized? Actually, organization is a lifestyle...for a lifetime! It is something that we don't "get" as much as we "build" into our lives. And your "lifestyle of organization" will look different from mine...and from our other girlfriends. Regardless of our "style", let's learn some principles to "build" organization into our daily life.

Session 4:  Bonus Session

You will not want to miss this...as Leslie Valeska from "Simple Journey Ministries" joins me

in this brainstorming session. We'll try to answer some of your questions,

plus, Leslie has more great tips to pass along to us!

PLUS

You will receive a virtual goodie bag filled with downloadable extras!

REGISTER & GET MORE INFO HERE!

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Posted in Frugality-Simplicity

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Simply Frugal

More Energy Saving

I have been working on getting you as much information about saving money on gas and electric as possible, since both of these energy sources have sky rocketed. This week my husband and I chuckled at the fact that we have been so excited to pay only $3.78 per gallon for gas. We will take the savings even if it is only temporary. But today I want to share another way you can reduce your electric costs during the hot months.

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Posted in Frugality-Simplicity

I Can’t Live Simply Until…

Visual Simplicity

Most women have some type of planner or calendar system that they use to keep track of their lives. It is a common and fairly simple way of keeping track of life. Some women use a multiple calendar system, while others use a one calendar system. Whatever system you use, you can use this visual tool to determine how you can bring the most simplicity in the easiest way.

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Posted in Organization

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Keep it Together Girl!

Teach Your Kids Responsibility

One thing I have noticed that moms regularly do across the board is to take on responsibilities that do nto belong to them. We have so many reasons for doing so. For me, it is just plain easier for me to do certain tasks than to take the time to explain it, demonstrate it, supervise it, and then have to do it all over again until they master the task. The time factor is the biggest one for me. So instead of persevering for the greater good of my children, I take their responsibilities on my own shoulders and then wonder why I become frustrated with my work load.

I thought long and hard about how I could create some simple ways for my children to own their responsibilities, without incurring the time and training factor. What emerged was a system that has worked for our children and may work for your family as well.

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Posted in Kitchen

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Can I Have Some More, Please?

Pad Thai Recipe

There is something about Thai curry that just makes my mouth water. Have you seen Ratatouille? Remember when he is with his brother and he tries to explain to him what it is like when just the right spices and seasonings are combine? The Fireworks? That is what happens inside me with Thai curry. It’s AMAZING! The complexity of the flavors of curry and and coconut, oh sweet Mama! Serenity Now! If you have never tried a Thai curry and you enjoy food with a bit of a kick, this is a dish you MUST try. It is so simple, it can be made last minute. I recommend letting it let sit, though. Oh my…if only I were making it tonight. I use an electric skillet for this recipe, but you could use a stove top pan.

Simple Pad Thai Curry

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (more or less)

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Posted in Homeschool

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Mom, I’m Bored!

Toothpick Fun

One day I was busy with my own brain spinnings, when I discovered something amazing to occupy the littletons…toothpicks. It happened quite by accident. I had left a box of toothpicks out on the counter. One of the littletons had picked up the box and transported it to another remote location in our home. The siren of silence (when the children are too quiet) rung loud in my ears and I began moving around my home to discover what was amiss. I was completely surprised to find that my littletons were playing with toothpicks! They each had a little pile of toothpicks and were taking turns making a picture out of their stash. Once the picture was made the other littleton tried to copy it. Imagine when my shock and almost disappointment that there was no mess to clean up.

This lead me to think if this would work with other simple projects. Amazingly the answer is YES! We have used toothpicks as embossing, scratch art, paint brushes, construction materials, pin prick art, and word building. Try one or more of these activities with your littletons and you too will find a great way to keep them occupied, while you take on little tasks!

These are my thoughts.

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Posted in Frugality-Simplicity

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Simply Frugal

Which Teapot is the Most Cost Efficient?

Some time ago I posted about the fact that our kitchen is need of a serious facelift. One of our issues is that our appliances are on their last legs or, as in the case of our microwave, it is dead. Since I don’t know the first thing about microwave cooking, other than melting butter, it has always been a bread box. One thing I hadn’t realized was that I used the microwave daily to heat water for tea. After burning myself several times pouring water from my small saucepan into my cup, I resolved myself that I would need to get a teapot.

I was discussing this with one of my most wonderful friend’s and she let me in on a VERY frugal secret…an electric teapot. The savings she spoke of was that it heats water very quickly and is only 110 volts, instead of the 120 I would use heating a pot on my stovetop. That was enough to sell me on getting an electric teapot. However, upon further though, I realized that I could use this little gadget to save money on more than water for tea.

Here is a small list of the ideas I thought would make an EXCELLENT frugal electric savings with an electric teapot.

·         Jello

·         Stuffing

·         Hot cereal

·         Individual portions of pasta

·         Hot cocoa

·         Instant coffee

·         Ramen noodles

·         Instant Rice

Who would have thought that a little gadget designed for making water for tea could be so versatile AND save money!

These are my thoughts.

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Posted in Frugality-Simplicity

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

I Can’t Live Simply Until…

The Small Time Approach

There is a well known fact that we will put off a large project that may be much needed to help provide some simplicity in our lives. We may put these projects off because they are ones we dislike, we can’t imagine actually doing the task, we want to hire someone else to handle to the task, the task is just too time consuming, and the list goes on. However, you can achieve your goals by a simple method that WILL fit into your life.

Schedule small bits of time to accomplish the task over an entire week. Cleaning out your cluttered bathroom cupboards won’t seem quite so daunting when you complete the task over a five day period using 10, 15, 20, or 30 minute increments. That overgrown garden can be weeded and looking well maintained by using the small time approach. Make the job simple and a simple life will be in the making.

These are my thoughts.

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Posted in Organization

Simple Journey Ministries Presents

Keep It Together Girl!

Mug Storage

There isn’t a one of us who doesn’t wish we had just a bit more cupboard space in our kitchen. It’s a fact that will remain throughout time. No matter how many cupboards, there just never seems to be quite enough. One way to combat this issue, is to store your mugs outside your cupboard. Years ago it was a popular practice to hang mugs from underneath a cupboard from mug hooks. However, they often took space away from the countertop and under the cupboard small appliances. So, what’s a girl to do?

Most kitchens are designed with at least one cupboard that has an outer side exposed. Attach mug hooks to the side of that cupboard and hang mugs. You can arrange the hooks in a whimsical design or in clean cut even pattern. This will add a cute dimension to that boring unused space while freeing up valuable cupboard space!

These are my thoughts.

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