My Wee View

Good Morning

2012-02-27T08:39:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to spring. Well, kids are back to school - I really don't know how they get up so early in the morning. My son who is a real X-boxer, gets up at 6am every morning straight in the shower and off to school with no drama at all. He is nearly 14, and most morning he will even make oats - he has learn by himself with a special layer of brown sugar - yum and such a great start to the day!!. My daughter is pretty good at getting herself up in the morning - but she doesn't sleep well so a little slow on it. Busy day today - I have to go and help out at the barn - getting it ready for more horses, which is very exciting, hope to build the racing stable up to about 20 horses this year so need to be very organized. But more horses more $$. I'm also working on a little project myself - just in the research stage at this point - but very exciting. Plus my company with my sister Merino Moms has a whole new line of clothing coming - Which we can't wait to launch so all good plans in the works. Must go as very busy today.

Caroline

Winter Break

2012-02-18T08:18:00.000-08:00

We stress so much to make the impossible possible. Sometimes we just need to relax and let the cards all fall into place. My daughter left today for Florida a 24 hour bus ride with the rowing team - sure they are going to have a great time and all the stress of getting ready is going to disappear. Her suitcase weights about 80lb - does she realize that it is like summer down there so shorts and t-shirts. Never mind I know she is going to have a great time and make many many memories.

Receiving a letter in the mail/post

2012-02-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

Do you ever send a friend a letter via the post anymore? Perhaps a card for a friends birthday? It is so nice to receive gifts, letters or cards in the mail, instead of bills all the time! If you have time this week write a letter to a friend or perhaps send them a pretty card. Mail is still so very cheap and it will make someones day. I remember 20 years ago when I was travelling around Europe - before computers and emails really took their place in the world. I was so pleased to receive notes from home and newspaper clips etc.

So take time today to write a quick note and post to a friend.

Caroline

Psalms 55:22

2012-02-02T09:04:00.001-08:00

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Amen!

What's done is done; what is gone is gone. One of life's lessons is to keep moving FORWARD!!

2012-01-31T13:38:00.000-08:00

I'm always reading and love facebook, and all the interesting information on there - you may not of realized yet but there is a lot of interesting home making, crafting, home cooking pages that you can like, then everyday you are full with a whole new book to read. Over the last month I can't believe all the information that I have (that is free by the way). I really want to have chickens now too - thanks everyone - I little hard when you live in a townhouse. But maybe I can still work out a way. I have also now know how to recycle just about everything so that is wonderful too. Plus on Facebook, I come across this saying

What's done is done; what is gone is gone. One of life's lessons is to keep moving FORWARD!!

We have to move forward every day - sometimes it is very hard to go to sleep thinking that tomorrow will bring more bills and more costs. I love spend the day at home and not spending any money. At least this little saying helps!! Have a wonderful FORWARD day everyone and keep smiling!!

Today I decided to enjoy being broke!

2012-01-30T05:39:00.000-08:00

So it is another day in my house and instead of worrying about money, I going to try and enjoy my day. I must say that I have learn so much over the last couple of months, about how to save on so many things. From making your own household cleaners to some great recipes. Plus trying to live a more simple life. There is so much stuff out there that we don't actually need! So much stuff that we can learn to make from scratch and enjoy all the free things in life. Like going for a walk, talking to a friend, reading blogs and even cleaning the house.

So today at least try and take time to enjoy your day no matter what is happening in your life.

Caroline

Great Depression Recipes

2012-01-25T06:44:00.000-08:00

I love looking up old recipes - check these recipes out from the great depression - if you have made any of them please comment.

http://countrytimerecipes.alphamaids.com/great_depression_recipes.htm

Caroline

Balls of Energy

2012-01-24T09:24:00.000-08:00

Love this recipe - my kids are always looking for something to snack on as they come in from school - now I can make these, freeze them and take them out just before they get in from school = Good Food

Balls of Energy

Author/Source:

Melissa @ Onceamonthmom.com adapted from FamilyFun.go.com

Ingredients:

1 medium banana
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
3 tablespoons shredded coconut

Directions:

In a medium bowl, mash together the banana and peanut butter. Stir in wheat germ. Roll tablespoons of the mixture into balls and roll in mini chocolate chips or coconut to coat.

Freezing Directions:

Place balls on a cookie sheet and flash freeze until solid. Transfer to gallon freezer bags. To serve: Thaw and enjoy. Alternatively these may be enjoyed partially frozen.

Servings: 12 balls

Full of Great Ideas: Toilet paper art on my $0 budget

2012-01-24T08:32:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful idea - I have just moved to the USA and by the time you get new furniture you just don't have the budget to buy art all at once - so this idea is great. I can't wait to collect all the toilet rolls so I can get started!!!!!

Full of Great Ideas: Toilet paper art on my $0 budget: Have you seen the amazing pieces of art people have been making out of toilet paper rolls? They have been all over the blog world for a coup...

How to stay warm in the Winter

2012-01-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

I have never been in such cold weather, 0oF the other day what - this is crazy! Doesn't help that I work in a cold place too, it is indoors but not warm at all. The other day before I went to work I dresses in layers - I think this is the only way one can stay warm as your warm body heat gets trapped between the layers, therefore keeping you warmer. As I'm from New Zealand I'm very aware of wool and it's qualities, especially Merino Wool. Not only is it light and comfortable you can easily add it as one layer for extra warmth. So one way to stay warm this winter is to dress in Merino Wool, it is the only way to go. You may pay a bit for it but it lasts for ever - I brought a top 7 years ago and still wear it all the time - it hasn't lost color or worn at all, so well worth the investment.

Caroline

Bullfrog Springs

2012-01-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

This is a good friend - check out their blog - love what they are doing!

http://www.bullfrogsprings.blogspot.com/

The Five Love Languages

2012-01-18T08:41:00.000-08:00

By Gary Chapman,

If you haven't read this book - it is well worth it! Did you know that there are 5 different ways that we can express love - for example: He sends you flowers when what you really want is time to talk. She gives you a hug when what you really need is a home-cooked meal. Most the time we learn love from our up bringing and learning through the years. Finding your love language and your partners can really help you understand each others love needs more. The five love languages are: Quality Time * Words of Affirmation * Gifts * Acts of Service * Physical Touch. I tell you if you can figure out your partners you will notice a huge mood change too - if you are unsure of their love language you need to read the book - heaps of examples and principles that actually make sense. Below I have put a link to the books website if you want to learn more.

http://www.5lovelanguages.com/learn-the-languages/the-five-love-languages/

Caroline

One hard week

2012-01-17T06:42:00.000-08:00

Sometimes is just gets too hard to balance the books - this week is one of them. I just have to watch everything I spend, but the worry is well up there. Most companies will let you push your bills back if you call them - if you just push the bill in a draw it will be harder to arrange any payments. But it is worth asking you may be surprised at how you can balance things. This week is so hard as I want to pay a large bill so it is done with but it really doesn't look possible as I need to get food as well. I have started to build up a stockpile so this will help in this area. Which makes me realize how important it is to build a stockpile - specially in winter when you may get snowed in etc. Plus if you can match it up with a sale and coupon you save so much. Well I must get started and matching up my coupons and contacting some debtors.

Great Stuff for him

2012-01-15T08:15:00.000-08:00

I love this idea - from lookie what I did blog. You could use this idea for everyone in your household or every room in your house. Plus you could make a small or large board.

http://lookiewhatidid.blogspot.com/2012/01/closet-organizer-for-him.html

Caroline

Household Cleaning

2012-01-11T07:10:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to get rid of the harsh chemicals in my house - check out this video

http://vimeo.com/9071036

It is a real eye opener. I grow up in a very chemical free household, in fact I don't think we ever had any sort of spray in the house or outside on the vegs. Here I 'm going to list a whole lot of household cleaners that you can make from everyday items - with very little or no chemicals. Also please check out Ecostore USA products on http://www.merinomoms.com/natural-baby-sleepy-time-bath/ with no nasty chemicals.

Caroline

Week 3 and getting better at this!!!

2012-01-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited - spend $67.30 for $98.51 saving $31.21 and got 45 items!!! I think I have enough for 6 meat meals and one not! Plus I got 14 tubs of yoghurt, 6 boxes of cereal, soups and beans - heaps of can food!!

The recipes will be posted under recipes tab once I have made and tested them.

Caroline

*: Tomato Relish

2012-01-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

*: Tomato Relish: My task for today is to make tomato relish. I grow up on this and so did my husband but it is very hard to find a good one in America. You...

Getting rid of the house phone!

2012-01-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

Do you have a house phone line? Our line costs us about $20 a month - I say about because it is part of the cable, internet and phone package. Which I think is very expensive when you have all three with the one provider. Reason being they have your account so don't need to offer you any special deals. Recently I was talking to a lady who said she took her phone off the package deal and her provider kept calling her with deals trying to get all 3 services again. In the end she just stuck with 2 - cable and internet but they reduced it down about $80 a month - wow. This got me thinking that having all 3 via the 1 provider isn't a wise idea. I liked it as I just have one bill coming in but it is crazy what we pay a month.

It is a really big step getting rid of the house phone, but before I do I'm going to look at magic jack - has anyone used this? Does it really work and save you money?

Caroline

Reducing Household bills

2012-01-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

Wow what a great read - so many clever idea's that can be used by anyone. Really enjoyed the tips by buying in bulk and making your own household cleaners.

http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/01/day-4-reducing-household-bills/

Also liked buying used - reminded me of my childhood, we loved garage sales and making our own clothes. One of the first things I had to buy when I got to America was a sewing machine (sorry didn't buy used but got on sale) - I haven't made an outfit yet but have done so much mending on it that it has saved me $$$$.

I'm also working on making things from scratch and making the kids lunches (I'm going to have to work them into this one). By the way my daughter is in High School and has lunch at 10:30am what is that all about!! Not that I can change this but I can change what she is eating and save $$ while doing it.

Caroline

Jimmy Graham

2012-01-08T17:44:00.000-08:00

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:7140597

If you watch NFL this is a must to listen too - what a remarkable story. It shows that one person kindness can save a life!

Yesterday's deals

2012-01-08T09:16:00.000-08:00

Hi - I didn't really want to add this into my weekly shopping yet as I'm not finished. But I did so well I had to share it. I spend $39.87 for $61.47 worth of food!!!!! I know it is still a lot appeared to the extreme couponers but I got stuff I going to use plus a heap for my stock pile!.. Big deal was 1 lb of cheese for $1.11 !!! Love it.
As I mentioned a few post ago that I get my cheese from the deli - Price Chopper has clear value cheese on sale all year long for $2.99 a lb - this week they had a coupon for $2 off any deli item over lb. So deal!!! I got just over a lb - I get it sliced but you can get it in the block if you prefer. I also got deli ham for $2.46 for a lb of ham sliced - my husband lunch for the week. Other deals 1 lb canned tomato's for $1 also stacked it with a coupon 40 cents off 2 cans - Price chopper double coupons under a $1 so 80 cents off 2 = 60 cents a 1lb can. I also got pastry sheets for $2.10 which is a bit - but wanted to try out the bacon and egg pie. I plan to make my own down the road more. It pays to get you local paper and research flyers - it might take you and hour to plan it out but saving over $20 is well worth it!!!

Making money by saving money

2012-01-04T08:30:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a long post as I discover how to make money by saving money. At this time of year the heating bill is way up - so this is a big area that I want to work on as soon as I can. We live in a small 3 bedroom townhouse - so very warm which is a bonus. However, our energy bill has hit the roof and I know I can save about $50 a month off this ($600 a year - around a weeks wages) !!!. I have noticed that the dryer is a really big one (I take note of the meter first - turn the dryer on and then take note of the meter. If you work it out by watts you will realize how much it cost to dry your clothes). So this is what I do I hang what clothes I can on a rack to dry overnight - under one of the vents for the heater is good, jeans are always good as they take so long to dry in the dryer. If you are organized you should be a day ahead so no one will need something right now!! Towels can also be done like this I grow up in New Zealand and we never had a dryer! You will be surprised at how much money you save therefore more money that you will make!! Be sure to check back as I will be adding a lot more to this post.

Weekly groceries under $60 - 2nd week

2012-01-03T12:33:00.000-08:00

This week I went a little overboard - cost $120 - but ------ I hoping it will last longer than a week. So far it is just on a week since I did my shopping and I still have food. Getting a little short on milk and bread - note to self buy 2 more next time. I'm also trying to make some good meatless meals - very hard when a big meat family. Plus I have been reading a lot about once a month cooking and freezing. And couponing, which I'm working on - takes a while to build up a stock pile of coupons and then a stock pile of food, but plan to get one item of food a week with coupons that is hardly going to cost me anything. Last night I made another winner - sausage pasta - cost about $7 for 4 so not bad.

Steak dinner - under $10

2011-12-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

I believe it is important to boost your iron levels in winter and steak is always a good way to do this. Yet it is so expensive to get this into your budget so I'm giving this recipe a go. It is made with flank steak but you can use any steak that is on sale - I got mine for $5 but only got 1/2 lb - but I will add a lot of vegs and couscous to make it go further.

1/2 lb Flank Steak (cut about 3/4 in. thick) ($5)
1 small red pepper (cut lengthwise) ($1.29)
1 onion (cut into wedges) (70 cent)
1 can of tomatoes (you can use any kind) ($1)
1/2 cup water
1 tsp chilli powder (10 cents)

1/2 cup Couscous (any kind) ($1)
1/2 cup hot water

Method
1/Add everything to a slow- cooker (if you don't have one you can use a stock pot on very low heat). Cook on low for about 7- 8 hours.
2/ Place couscous in a bowl, add water and cover - fluff with a fork.

Update
I have to change this recipe a little - I find it best if you put cut steak in a bag with about 1/2 cup of flour and a little salt - shake to coat and then brown in skillet of medium-heat first. Then I put slow-cooker on high for 30 mins. Then low for about 6 hours - just before you remove to serve - mix 1 Tablespoon of flour and 1/4 cup warm water and stir into slow-cooker - this will thicken up the stew.

You can also add cubes of potatoes, carrots instead of tomatoes and peppers and serve with rice.

Serve the steak over the couscous.

Total Cost $9.10 approx

Cottage Pie - Husband's Special

2011-12-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

I love this recipe in winter - it fulls everyone up and is so easy to make - well my husband makes it - even better. Plus you can change it up to use leftovers etc.

2 tablespoons oil
2lb of beef mince (I had this in freezer as brought a lot while on sale)
2 onions chopped
1 celery stick, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato sauce
1 tomato paste
2 bay leaves
Topping
5 potatoes diced
pat of butter
1/2 cup milk

Method

1/Heat oil in large frying pan over medium heat and add onion, carrot and celery. Cook until softened about 5 mins. Add beef and cook for 7 mins. Add flour and cook for 2 mins. Add sauces and bay leaves and simmer over low heat about 30 mins. Let cool and remove bay leaves.
2/To make topping boil potatoes for 20 mins or until cooked, drain and mash with butter and milk.
3/Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly grease a ovenproof dish. Spoon beef mixture into the dish and top with potatoes. Fluff potatoes with a fork and bake for about 25 mins.

ENJOY - you will love it - you can add different sauces and spices to your liking. Or add leftovers vegs.

Total Cost: Approx $8. Plus it makes enough to have for lunch the next day!!
Most the sauces you will have already - this week I did have to buy soy sauce but it will last for about 3 months and if you can match it up with a coupon or in store special - can save you a lot of money.