And then there's today's post. Today's post was about a flub up I made. And maybe it's something that most people know. Maybe people don't. But its a flop that I made and while I share my successes, I figure its also worth sharing the mistakes I make so people can be careful not to repeat them.
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Don't Make My Mistake
And then there's today's post. Today's post was about a flub up I made. And maybe it's something that most people know. Maybe people don't. But its a flop that I made and while I share my successes, I figure its also worth sharing the mistakes I make so people can be careful not to repeat them.
All You Need to Know About Forex Indicators
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trader, the challenge of finding the perfect moment to execute your strategy is both an exciting and fascinating process. And, as fascinating as it might be, it is important to know that there is nothing like a one-size-fits-all strategy in forex trading. Simply put, there are numerous strategies or market indicators you’d need to master to be able to determine the perfect moment to execute a trade. The excellent moment to buy or sell can be determined through these indicators.
Thursday, November 26, 2020
My Thanksgiving Gratitude Post
I don't always make a Thanksgiving post, even though most of my readership does celebrate Thanksgiving. That's because while I grew up in the US and Thanksgiving was a big part of my life there, I moved abroad, married a non American, and did not have Thanksgiving off, and not really many people to celebrate it with. Occasionally we made Thanksgiving dinners throughout the years, but not always. This year, we're going away for the weekend and having a Thanksgiving style dinner tomorrow night.
However, whether or not I'm having an actual Thanksgiving meal today, Thanksgiving is a time where I get reminded about how many things I have to be grateful for. And this year, more than anything, I am feeling the gratitude, and wanted to share some of what I'm grateful for with you. This isn't going to be in any particular order, its just on what came to mind first.
Top Tips When You Decide to Cook with Kids
Younger kids always like to watch what you are doing. They even want to help out with small tasks, such as stirring the lentils or helping you set the table. If you have older kids, you can teach them how to measure the ingredients or crack open the eggs. At times, kids get excited if you tell them to pick their favorite dish that they would want to eat, and then you can make it together with them.
Easy Mulled Wine Recipe- Paleo, Allergy Friendly, Refined Sugar Free
Until a few days ago.
I don't know why, but a few days ago, I was thinking about sitting in front of a log cabin with a roaring fire, snuggled up in a cozy blanket on the couch with a good book, and sipping mulled wine. I'd never even had mulled wine, but I knew that I had to try to make it.
I looked online for how to make mulled wine, and there are so many different recipes out there, each with their own unique twist. Most of them called for star anise which I didn't have at home, and while I probably could have used some fennel seeds instead (from the wild fennel growing in my backyard), I had a guest over who detests the flavor of fennel, so I wanted to try another variety. I had just finished making a batch of jaggery syrup and though I poured it into the storage container, there was enough syrup in the pot I used that I didn't want to go to waste, and figured that it was the perfect time to make that mulled wine, using whatever was left of the jaggery syrup to sweeten it.
It was so wonderful, that I decided to make it a few times since.
Its the perfect combination of soothing warmth and comfort for a cold winter night. With Thanksgiving nearly upon us, and Christmas not long after that, many people are looking for the perfect beverage to serve. Why not make it be mulled wine, and give them that homey cozy feeling in a mug?
While I used jaggery syrup for mine, feel free to use whatever sweetener you like, whether honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, white sugar, or whatever floats your boat. You can play around with the spices, adding more or less. Just note that too much cloves will probably be overpowering, so down play it. There's no one right way to make it. Take your pick. My recipe is just a suggestion.
Easy Mulled Wine Recipe- Allergy Friendly, Refined Sugar Free
7 Life-Saving Tips for Parents in the New Normal
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Overcoming Homeschool Frustrations
If you’re a homeschool parent like me, you’ve had your own share of frustrations. Sure, you’ve also spent time enjoying your children and building precious memories. But if your children happen to be human, their ideas of how they want to spend their days likely differ from yours. More to the point, it’s likely that there is something you want them to learn that they’d rather avoid at all costs.
Each child is unique, and each has unique strengths and weaknesses. As conscientious parents, while we want to give them plenty of time to develop their strengths, we also want to make sure that they are building up their weak areas. And that’s where the frustrations come in, because our children, just like us, would much rather do just about anything else.
Parenting for a Successful Future
My Latest Super Frugal Scratch and Dent Grocery Haul
4 Ways to Save During the Holidays
The holidays can be tough when you’re on a budget. From expensive gifts to pricey dinners, it’s hard to make it to January without burning a hole in your wallet.
Fortunately, there are some ways to cut down on seasonal spending. If you’re looking to do your checking account a festive favor this year, read on for four ways to save during the holidays!
Monday, November 23, 2020
How I Overcame a Painful Trigger of Mine
How to Reduce Your Healthcare Costs
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Sentimentality When Decluttering After the Death of a Loved One
My friend Rebekah is literally the expert on decluttering and organizing. She made a whole business based on that, BalaganBeGone where she helps clients clear their clutter and clear their mind.
Decluttering and organizing are very important things for everyone, but especially frugal people, because, as my son pointed out to me yesterday when I was organizing my pantry and cleaning my fridge, if you don't know where things are, you won't know what you have, and you'll end up throwing out things that go off and purchasing things that you already own. In addition to that, if you have a lot of clutter, you end up needing to pay for a larger property to house all your stuff than if you are able to keep down your posessions.
When Rebekah's mother passed away, she had to live what she preached, and figure out how to balance the sentimentality and importance of her mothers posessions, while still not filling her house with too many posessions. Here's more about that.
How to Really Work at Home (and How Not To)
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Image from Pixabay - CC0 License |
Saturday, November 21, 2020
Financial Aid Programs for Military Service Members and Their Families
Parenting as a Military service member or the spouse of one exposes you to a lot of special financial challenges that most individuals don’t encounter. However, the federal government and military authorities have an impressive array of special benefits, legal protections, and tax breaks that can help cushion those challenges.
Here are some financial aid programs that are available to military service members and their families.
Friday, November 20, 2020
Cutting Clothing Costs With Picky Teens and Preteens
I've written before about cutting the cost in children's clothing, but the thing is, cutting clothing costs for younger kids is so much easier than doing so for older kids, especially when your older children are pickier. And because teens and preteens grow so quickly, even if you manage to buy clothes that they like, they very quickly outgrow them and you're in a bind again then. Often the tips and techniques that worked for younger children quickly proove useless when you have kids that reject most of the finds that you make, even if you think they're super cool and awesome and stylish (because kids know this much better than their parents, amirite?). In some groups where we were discussing this situation with kids and clothing, I heard some parents say that as parents, you can put your foot down and simply not allow it- your child doesn't get to dictate these things, you're the parents, you make the rules. So I spoke to my kids therapist about this, and she strongly disagreed; it is important for a kid to feel comfortable in their clothes, and no, this is not something you should "put your foot down about".
But a budget. How do you actually manage to dress your kids in a way that they find acceptable, but that you can swing financially?
And I'll tell you something- you can't expect your clothes bills for your teens and preteens to be as little as it was when you were frugally shopping for your babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. But with these techniques, hopefully you can make it as least painful financially as possible, while still respecting your kids' wishes and independence.
Cutting Clothing Costs With Picky Teens and Preteens
6 Plus Fun and Affordable Kids' Party Favors to Make Them Smile
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Homemade Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Refined Sugar Free Eclairs Recipe -- Frugal Fancy Food
I cook gluten free when I have family over, a few of my adorable nieces and nephews are celiacs so I had a basic idea of where to start. After a lot of research, just kidding I messaged my sister, she said all the egg keeps it together you don't really need to do anything but swap out the flour. I was swapping out more than that so with a bit of apprehension I added honey and coconut oil to the recipes and baked. And they turned out wonderfully. So wonderfully in fact that no one could tell the difference.
Homemade Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Refined Sugar Free Eclairs Recipe -- Frugal Fancy Food
How to Save Money On Kids Clothes
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Versatile Saag Paneer Recipe with Wild Edible Options, Vegan Options
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Vegan saag paneer, with tofu and coconut milk, made with lambsquarters and sea beet (wild swiss chard) |
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Cooking saag paneer on a portable burner in the middle of the forest. Also shown, cactus paddles for another dish. |
How to Add Value to Your Home with Backyard Improvements
If there’s one thing we all hate, it’s apologizing for a neglected yard. Your backyard should be an asset, not a liability. If you’re ready to make improvements that offer a good ROI (return on investment), consider these possibilities.
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Gifts For Your Tech Loving Kids of All Ages (And Even Adults)
Years ago I never would have written a post like this, because I was all into never spending any money, ever, on anything, unless it was absolutely necessary. Fortunately, I realized how unsustainable that was, and how it can even be damaging to your mental health and your family's mental health as well. I used to only gift homemade or dumster dived or revamped gifts but now nearly never will do that unless I know that the person who is being gifted to will actually enjoy it. And to be able to afford these things, I cut back on other things that I don't care about- that is my current motto on what frugality is.
Therefore, I changed my tactic in gift giving to limit the people to whom I gift, but then I spend money on what they'd actually enjoy, and typically stick to only one gift per person, but one meaningful and well appreciated gift. And for that, you have to know what the giftee would actually enjoy. There are different types of interests that people have. Some people love photography so anything related to that is enjoyed. Others are very into nature and hiking so things in that category would be appreciated. This post is dedicated to those of you with tech loving kids. Though I work online, I'm pretty much scared of tech, so I asked my tech loving teenaged son for ideas for this post.
Gifts For Your Tech Loving Kids of All Ages (And Even Adults)
5 Ways to Update Your Living Room On a Budget
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Photo Credit: Jon’Nothan Steebe (Unsplash) |
Monday, November 16, 2020
Pocket-Friendly Hacks That Will Make Your Home Elegant
If you're redesigning spaces on a shoestring budget, sticking within your financial limits requires more than the general concepts of home remodeling. You need to research and implement pocket-friendly hacks that will make your home elegant. This is where your creative skills come into play. Below are easy home renovation tips to help you revamp your interior design on a pocket-friendly budget.
Sunday, November 15, 2020
Ode to the Sea Beet (A Delicious Foraged Wild Edible)
Ode to the Sea Beet (A Delicious Foraged Wild Edible)
8 Creative Ways to Ease Transition from Crib to Big-Kid Bed
Making the move from crib to big-kid bed is a massive milestone of parenting (and childhood). We all know how much our little ones like their routines, so it’s tough to imagine the transition going well. But kids are remarkably adaptable, and you may be surprised at how quickly they settle into their new sleep space. In this guide, we’re going over a few brilliant ways to make the shift seamless, and maybe even a little bit fun at the same time!
Friday, November 13, 2020
An Easy Cheap Eye Fix
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My new glasses. Last picture was actually my old glasses. |
I wrote about my health issues recently, and how the seeming solution to my dizziness and headaches was new glasses, that my prescription changed drastically quickly, that even though I got glasses only 4 months previously (with a new prescription then), my eyes went up an entire number and I needed reading glasses, so that meant that I now needed multifocals (separate reading glasses and glasses for distance were not an option because I needed glasses for sitting at the computer, which is too far for reading and too close for far lenses).
Now multifocals are complicated glassess with complicated technology, and because of that, they are relatively expensive. In the past, I have purchased glasses from ZenniOptical for much cheaper than I can buy locally, but I needed glasses as soon as possible, because of the health issues my eye problems were causing, and I couldn't wait the potential month or longer it would take for Zenni glasses to arrive. Then there was the fact that because these glasses are complicated, I didn't want to risk Zenni doing it wrong and my not knowing and it not solving the problem and there being no accountability.
Thursday, November 12, 2020
The Art of The Pivot
As someone who studied dance for many years, when I hear the word pivot, what comes to mind is a dance move, or rather, a combination of dance moves "Step ball change and pivot turn". (Literally, as soon as I hear the word pivot, my mind immediately hears the dance instructors calling that series of steps out in the dance studio!) For other people, the word pivot brings to mind a Friends episode where they are attempting to bring a couch up the stairs and Ross screams out "Pivot" repeatedly. (I personally am not a Friends fan, but I know about this episode via social media.) What these both have in common though is the actual original definition of the word, to move to another direction while standing in the same spot. And this leads to another definition of pivoting, when a company (usually a start up) decides to go in a different direction when their initial plan didn't work out.
As an entrepreneur in entrepreneur circles, there's been a lot of talk about pivoting in your business, especially because of corona. So many businesses that had sound business plans beforehand had everything turned on its head once the world went haywire with this pandemic. Keeping on going as you had until now can work for some people, but for many people, the usual mode of business doesn't work. Yes, some businesses like Zoom or delivery companies have thrived during this situation, but if your business wasn't online beforehand, it means making a huge adjustment. But even I, some of my business is online (this blog) and I still have people asking me for discounts because of the corona situation, because money is tight for many people, so even online businesses can be affected.
How to Keep Your Pets Warm During the Cold Seasons
Saturday, November 7, 2020
When Budgeting Anxiety Causes You to Dissociate
I'm writing this post right now in an altered state of mind. No, I'm not high or drunk, but right now, my head feels like its wrapped in cotton wool, and my vision is blurring and I hear a ringing in my ears, and my body is shaking. And my head feels like a helium balloon that is only slightly tethered to my body, and the slightest movement will send it soaring into the atmosphere.
This is not because I'm ill. (Though I do have to get to the doctor to deal with my sore throat.)
This altered state of mind is called dissociating.
And I'm in this state of mind because I just worked on my budget.
I talk about finances.
And I talk about mental health.
And I talk about how it is worth spending money on your mental health, and about self care, and therapy. But this is something that I haven't written much about.
Budgeting anxiety.
How to Make Your Home Look Beautiful on a Budget
Friday, November 6, 2020
Spending Money to Save Money
My best friend, Michelle, introduced me to this quote by Terry Pratchet, in the book "Men At Arms", which is probably one of the best explanations on economic unfairness, why the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor.
“The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money.
Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles.
But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.
This was the Captain Samuel Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness.”
I could try to explain this to you in depth, but when Terry Pratchet did it so well, why reinvent the wheel.
Budget Shopping During The Holiday Season: 3 Tips To Keep Your Family And Your Wallet Happy
With the holidays fast approaching, many families will be preparing to begin their holiday shopping. The holidays are one of the major financial sore points for families, particularly if you are trying to live on a budget. The National Retail Association estimates that the average American family spent $942 on gifts alone in 2019. That is more than they have ever done before. However, with the cost of raising a family rising and many families battling with debt, it is no surprise that families are looking for a wallet-friendly approach to shopping during the holiday season. Before you start online shopping, try these simple tricks to help you satisfy your family’s wishlist without the massive credit card debt or breaking the bank this year.
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Getting My Son a New (To Him) High End Computer For As Cheap As Possible
One of the requests my son, Lee, has had, for what seems like the longest time, is a computer of his own. I use my computer regularly for work, and spent more than the bare minimum on mine so that I'd have a fast computer, but even my computer isn't good enough for what he wanted to use it. He wanted a gaming computer. And a desktop.
Computers and other electronics are ridiculously expensive where I live. When corona started and we were looking into the possibility of learning at home, I was looking into getting another simple computer, but the cheapest anything, the cheapest chromebook, was $285 on sale, usually more than that. For that reason, when I purchased my computers in the past, I purchased them in the US and had someone traveling here bring it to me, or my last one, I picked it up when I traveled there.
But with corona, people aren't traveling. And he wanted a desktop anyhow, so that wasn't something I could really ask anyone to bring in their suitcase even if they were traveling.
But my son had very specific plans on what he wanted to use the computer for- specifically the ability to use games that require a good graphics card- he wanted to be able to play Scrap Mechanic, among other games, and desk tops that had the requirements he desired weren't cheap.
My best friend helped me out trying to find a cheaper computer- I didn't need new, just good specs. But even refurbished computers are pricey locally. The cheapest we found was $175 for a refurbished computer. But even that one, we weren't sure if it had good enough specs for what Lee wanted.
How to Help Your Children Get Scholarships in a University
Whether your child is still contemplating about college vs university options, below are the different ways on how you can help your children secure a scholarship in any institution: