Simplifying our Wants

I was sitting in church today and started thinking of how abundant (and easier) our lives become when we simplify our wants and then feel gratitude for what we do have.

I just ran into this quote that kind of sums up what I was thinking:

"With a few flowers in my garden, half a dozen pictures and some books, I live without envy."

-Lope de Vega

I Love Thrift Stores!

This is just a reminder to all of us about how great thrift stores are. One of my friends has told me I can live better on little money than about anyone she knows. Besides having free flights a majority of my adult life (sis & hubbie worked for airlines) ... thrift stores have been the other great resource to help me live "The Good Life ... on Less."

I've bought clothes, furniture, dishes, books, toys, baby clothes, movies, a lawn mower, you-name-it at thrift stores. Where I live, many of the stores have 50% off days. Three or four years ago I spotted a whole set of really nice Mikasa dishes. There were 10 big plates, 10 small plates, 10 bowls for $26.00. Being incredibly cheap ... I mean thrifty ... I chanced it and waited a couple days until 50% off day and got the whole set for $13.00. I just checked the Mikasa website and one dinner plate is selling for $16.99.

Yesterday I stopped off at a thrift store while running errands. I bought a movie I love, the book Anna Karenina and a VCR. I just have basic cable ... no fancy way to tape, no Tivo, etc. About a year ago my VCR broke and so I haven't been able to tape shows ... generally not a big deal since you can just go and view most television shows on your computer now, but on occasion I can't find a show online and want to tape it. My husband is horrified that I bought such an archaic machine, but I found one in good shape for $4.99. It was half-off since it had been sitting on the shelf so long. Apparently my husband is not the only one who thinks they are archaic. But it does the job for me, so I was tickled pink.

I don't have a thrift store very close to my house these days, but in the future I'm going to try and remember what a great resource they are!

Shower Caps!

Ok, this one isn't a money-saver but a time-saver ... time is money ... right? I recently bought a shower cap on a whim. Unfortunately mine isn't as rockin' as this one, but I LOVE it! "Pre-children" I used to wash my hair every other day. Now, I honestly only wash it about every four days (I know, gross). Anyway, with this lovely shower cap you can pretty much keep your hairstyle lookin' good (especially if you have frizzy/curly hair like me) until your next wash.

My mother used one of these and she was one of the most "put-together" women I've ever met ... and with minimal effort. It's taken me umpteen years, but I'm finally realizing what a genius she was!

Another "help" I've tried is to sleep on a silky pillow case. Really helps keep the hairstyle smooth the next day.

Another Great Link from Tiphero!

I highly recommend getting the weekly newsletter from Tiphero if you're serious about saving money. They had a link to this article today. It's about a gal trying to feed her large fiance for a week on $25.00. I have eaten on less many weeks of my life and it's a real challenge ... especially if you're trying to eat healthy (healthful?) foods. I thought her findings were interesting.

Walking

I discovered a new gem of a park today. It's just 3 miles from our house, has these really great long trails, bathrooms and drinking fountains. Best of all, walking really lifts my spirits and is completely free! Here's to walking!


"Thoughts come clearly while one walks." ~Thomas Mann

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." ~John Muir

"The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk." ~Jacqueline Schiff

"We live in a fast-paced society. Walking slows us down." ~Robert Sweetgall

"Me thinks that the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow." ~Henry David Thoreau

"I have two doctors, my left leg and my right." ~G.M. Trevelyan

Casserole Basics

I just got my weekly newsletter from TipHero. I've been wanting to come up with a few go-to casserole recipes. For a good review on "Casserole Basics" click here.

Really Good Corn Bread

Cornbread can really stretch a meal. Mark Bittman, a well-known cookbook author and NY Times columnist says of cornbread, "This is one of the most important recipes I know. With the possible exception of brownies, there is no other baked good that packs so much flavor, and can be used in so many situations, with so little work."

After some searching, I found this recipe. It's based on the recipe from the Alber's Cornmeal box called "Sweet Corn Muffins." A friend of mine tweeked the amounts of flour and cornmeal in the recipe on the box and I like it this way much better. Enjoy!

Sweet Corn Bread
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 cup white or yellow corn meal
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/4 cups milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 8-inch square baking pan.

Combine flour, sugar, corn meal, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Combine milk, eggs, vegetable oil and butter in small bowl; mix well. Add to flour mixture; stir just until blended. Pour into pan.

Bake for 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Serve warm.