My Frugal Life: Rebuilding Our HouseWhen we got married, Jim and I had only one thing in large numbers: children. We decided to purchase some land in the country where the six of them could have room to grow. We had $5,000 saved, and used it to put a down payment on an 11-acre piece of marginally useful land.
Saving By the "Windfall" MethodFor years, we have had a leaky roof. Every summer my husband puts another coat of sealer on it (it's a mobile home) and every winter we put buckets under the leaks. I have determined that we will have a good roof before the snow flies.
Our Little Trailer On the PrairieIn the early days of our marriage, Jim and I had six teenagers and a weekly food budget of $35.00. I am grateful that Jim is such a fine gardener, and that he thoughtfully included the children in that hobby.
Retirement Planning TipsPlanning for retirement can be sticky. We have not been in a position to save due to high medical costs. But there are a few things you can do.
Pay Off Your HouseI have been re-reading Possum Living by Dolly Freed. Her number one thrift tip is to have your house paid for.
Travel Tips for Mini-Cassia, IdahoWe love our hometown, and I think you will, too. Right now, the cherry and apple trees are in bloom. When the petals drift slowly down in the warm air, it feels as if we are at a wedding. Most people think Idaho is backward, but I want to tell you otherwise.
Bargain Frozen BananasWhat a treat! I found very ripe bananas for $1/5 pounds. Very few were soft, so I took a chance. I also bought some chocolate shell, because I remember frozen chocolate covered bananas from my days of working at Knott's Berry Farm.
Stretching One Meal Into FiveThis is how two people made five meals out of one roast this week, and didn't get tired of it even once. This is one of those meals that keeps on giving and changing into something new.