Not just the practice. But where your head is.

I had asked online for a recipe for baked beans. I said my family was used to the canned variety, so I was hoping to find one with a somewhat similar flavor from which to start.

One friend noted that Bush’s doesn’t have HFCS (knowing that would be a key issue for me), and that “cost would only be an issue if you were feeding an army.”

Now, I do understand her point - canned baked beans aren’t very expensive.

But what she said is frighting — essentially that the savings doesn’t matter, because it’s small.

The cost always matters.

I wish I could remember where it was that I first read something that really clarified this for me (maybe one of you can help). I’m pretty sure it was either Everyday Cheapskate (Mary Hunt) or Tightwad Gazette.

She was talking about the dangerous habit that people have of thoughtlessly putting a second “regular” stamp on a letter weighing over an ounce, or putting a letter stamp on a postcard.

It’s a slippery slope, if you do that and casually say, “It doesn’t matter, it’s just a few cents.”

Once you have allowed that mindset to take root, it’s easy for it to spread. A few cents here, a few cents there. A few cents a gallon… which adds up to more than a dollar, but that’s not so bad. A dollar here, a dollar there…

And what about this:

His lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”
~ Matthew 25:21

My point here is not that canned baked beans are cost prohibitive.

There are times when other considerations do outweigh the cost. Not just in this case, but overall, it may be a question of storage, or convenience, or nutrition, or availability, or a cost trade-off with something else, or preparation costs, or even taste preference.

Today you may choose to put a second regular letter stamp on that heavy card, carefully weighing the fact that a trip to the Post Office will use more gas than that costs, and the fact that the card needs to be mailed immediately so we don’t miss Grandma’s birthday. I have no problem with that. Tell Grandma “Happy Birthday,” and put second-ounce stamps on the shopping list for next time you’re out.

You may not always choose the absolute cheapest option.

But that’s making a choice.

It’s very different than saying it doesn’t matter.

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(Coin image is from Life Frameworks, a website I know nothing about. Stamp image from USPS.com).

Today I want to share my personal clothing dilemma with you. Sounds exciting, eh? It isn’t “about modesty” necessarily, just about my adventures with modest dressing.

As you probably know, I was not raised dressing in the modest manner I do now. Nor have we had an excess of money at any point in our marriage, whith which I could just run out and buy a whole new wardrobe (even if I wanted to).

So, what happened, was a gradual transition.

I picked up a skirt off the department store clearance rack. I picked up a skirt at a thrift store.

I bought a couple of men’s short-sleeved button-down shirts at a discount store. The fact they are “men’s garments” here seemed to weigh less heavily than the fact that the “women’s” styles available all had plunging necklines, or a too-fitted cut, or other similar issues.

Every once in a while (birthday, etc.), I would be able to order an item from a WAHM online shop that made modest clothes to order. A jumper here, a skirt there…

And headcoverings happened the same way. A couple purchased here and there, a couple won on blogs and giveaways, a couple of gifts.

But the end result is quite a hodgepodge of, well, themes.

Ideally, I’d like to have the most combinations and options available from the relatively small number of items I might have in my closet.

Although this photo (from Wardrobe 911)doesn’t match my modesty choices entirely, it gives you a good visual:

All three bottoms … go with all four tops … go with both jackets.

With just the seven base pieces, you have twelve outfits (plus the jacket options). And you’d never have the last clean top not match the bottom you wanted to wear.

My current wardrobe, however, doesn’t work that way. (I’m leaving the “church clothes” and “serious work clothes” out of the equation, since they don’t need to be mixed and matched in).

I have:

Plain jumper (brown)
Three patterned jumpers
Denim skirt
Denim skirt with “pinstripe” pattern

That’s plenty of bottoms, really. But then there’s the tops:

White blouse – goes with anything
Tan blouse – goes with anything
Green blouse – goes with plain jumper, one pattern jumper, both denim skirts
Green/white check blouse – goes with plain jumper, plain denim skirt
Greenish “Hawaiian Shirt” – goes with plain jumper, plain denim skirt

Okay, that’s still a pretty good setup, if maybe not “ideal”.

Then there’s the headcoverings.

Now, it’s true that I could just wear a white one, and it would go with everything. But I have some other cute ones that I’d really like to wear!

The trouble is – they don’t play well with others.

I have a really neat headcovering from Sowers of Hope that is a brown and navy print on white. (The one pictured is from their shop; not mine, but to give you an idea how the bold prints can look).

So, I can’t wear it with anything patterned. That leaves out all the bottoms except the one plain jumper and one plain denim skirt (I could probably get away with the pinstriped denim) — and then only if worn with a plain top in a coordinating color. Hm.

And there’s that adorable tichel I have that’s tan with dark brown stars. I’ve only worn it a couple of times, since it only really seems to work with the brown jumper and white blouse.

Too many patterns!

The easiest coordination system would be with no patterns at all, but that could get a little dull.

Maybe the answer is to only have one category patterned – tops, bottoms, or headcoverings. If everything in the other two categories was solid colored, that would make for a lot more combination options.

What do you think? What do you do?

If you’re trimming down, most people know that they could / should / will be advised to give up or cut back on:

• Cable TV
• Expensive cell phone plan
• Starbucks (or comparable food / drink “habit”)
• Smoking (ick!)
• Owning too many vehicles / too new, costly, or gas-guzzling vehicle(s)
• Eating out – both fast-food, and also “nice” sit down
• Entertainment – going to the movies, concerts, casinos, sporting events, etc.
• Shopping issues: shopping for shopping’s sake, too much trendy clothing, expensive jewelry, etc.

But most of the people I know aren’t really those type of people.

We’ve all taken steps to be good stewards, and try to avoid frivolous wastes of money.

So many people are still struggling, though. The economy is bad, jobs are hard to come by, and choosing to live on one income can be really hard.

I wonder how many people have thought a step further about ways to live on less.

Cutting coupons is a popular way people think they can cut their grocery bill… But I’ve begun to wonder about it on several levels.

Coupons are primarily focused on processed foods. There are lots of coupons for frozen meals, canned meals, sugar cereal, all those “snack foods”, sodas and other packaged drinks, and so on.

This is not the most healthy food you can eat. Most of the food items are not things that I feed my family – they contain excessive salt, preservatives, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, and furthermore suffer greatly from a lack of true food value.

But aside from that… That stuff is expensive!!

I know that hard-core couponers can often pick things up free, or very cheaply, when a good deal comes around.

Other times, though? If that’s the foods you buy, and that’s what your family eats, then that’s going to be what you’re buying all the time. Getting you “hooked” on their product is, of course, why manufacturers offer the coupons in the first place.

And most people don’t coupon to the “extreme” level – they just use the coupons they have, when they have them, and otherwise buy what they want.

When I look in the cupboard of someone who says she’s behind on her bills and can’t make ends meet, it saddens me to see commercial “toddler puff snacks,” fruit chewy big-kid snacks, fruit punch drink pouches, and individual plastic-wrapped cake-like desserts.

Think about it:

Is processed food a hidden “luxury item” in your budget?

Just one more advantage of a simple, frugal, “slow food” lifestyle.

You’d think God knew what He was doing when He invented the stuff, or something!

There are a number of ways to save money while making the purchases you were planning to make anyway. You just click through to one of these sites, search for the place you want to shop, then click their link to go there – while they track your purchase and give you a rebate.

It may only be a few cents here and there. It doesn’t sounds like a lot, especially if you’re like me and don’t shop for a lot of “consumer goods”. But it does add up over time. So, since none of these cost anything, why would you NOT want to get a little something back?

Shop At Home

Shop At Home is the site I use most – it just seems to overlap best with where I shop online.

It’s free, of course, plus you get a $5 bonus if you make your first purchase through them within 60 days of joining.

EBates

EBates also sometimes runs a ‘$5 bonus with your first purchase’ type offer, but they do not seem to be doing so right now.

If you have the time and patience, you should always check both ShopAtHome and EBates – there are some stores that are on one but not the other, and some stores that are on both sites but with differing rebate percentages.

UPromise

There are two ways to use UPromise:

1. You can sign up to register a UPromise account for your child. Then shopping through their site posts a “rebate” (like the ones above) directly into a college savings account for your child, rather than sending you a check. (Click Here to access their signup form)

The big advantage of this, and the way I use UPromise most, is that you can also register your credit cards and grocery loyalty cards with them, and earn rebates on participating off-line purchases, as well.

2. You can receive a lot of great coupons and offers through their site, without any signup – but also without any back-end rebate. (Click Here to access the Guest Shopping page)

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are personalized links that will generate a small referral bonus for me if you use them. Thank you!

It was on this big flat cart, like you use at Lowe’s, and it totally filled up the back of my Tahoe (that was before Clyde – wait, you didn’t read the story about Clyde??).

As you can see, R.T. enjoys the wheat berries straight out of the bag!

All in all, we got:

• 3 bags of wheat (25 lbs. each)
• 1 bag of black beans
• 1 bag of white beans (great northern)
• 1 bag of sugar
• 1 bag of oats
• 1 box of potato flakes
• 1 box of rice
• 1 box of spaghetti
• 1 box of macaroni
• 1 box of powdered milk
• Plus a package of 100 Oxygen Absorbers to package with the food for storage

Naturally, we got home to discover that we didn’t have enough of the 5-gallon buckets accumulated to store it all! It’s been slow going getting them from the Commissary bakery, but I have a couple of other places to try now, so maybe we can get caught up.

I’ve also gotten in with a group of ladies on an order for combined shipping, to get some Gamma Lids – that will resolve my issues with a couple of buckets I have that are lidless, as well as making life easier in general. (They snap on with a gasket like the regular lids, then the center part screws open (but seals tight) for access).

That’s a lot of supplies! Time to organize the “pantry” space in the back hall closet…

Although her Etsy store usually has a cute market tote or two, and sometimes other fun things, my favorite things are all “customs” she’s created just for me.

In my last “batch” of sending her goodies to upcycle, she made an adorable purse for Jewel. (You can read the full review, and see photos of the rest of the lovely thing she made – HERE).

This time around I had a new challenge for her. I sent her a pair of Nick’s old camo cargo pants, and requested something a la the Market Tote that took advantage of the pants’ “coolness” in a lunch tote for Nick.

Wow! It’s everything I hoped for, and more… Look at all the cool stuff:

Cargo pockets as exterior pockets.

Pants waistband as shoulder strap.

Ankle zipper as bag closure.

And lined with an old pillowcase, for full upcycle flair!

This is not a sponsored, or even requested, blog post. I’m simply sharing the wonderful work of Hillbilly Creations. Oh, and by the way, Mrs. Davis is also the SAHM of a family who lost their home in a tornado a couple of years ago. Nice Christian family that you’ll help support!

Looking at the date I first wrote about natural deodorant made me realize that it’s been SIX MONTHS now. There have been several interesting developments that I wanted to share with you – at least if you consider anything about deodorant interesting!

One of the first things was giving up on the store-bought deodorant stick dispenser.

Fist of all, it’s not made for that kind of use. After a refill or two, the pusher-upper stopped pushing – the threads had stripped.

Secondly, it’s not really, really suited for this product. Your “Secret” doesn’t turn to liquid if it gets a little warm in your bathroom…

My first through was that it was “a bother” to scoop some of the mixture out with my fingers and smear it on my underarms. After all, then I also had to wash off my hand.

Wow, really?

I had no idea I was that much of a prima donna!

Then I ran across a great quote. Someone shared on Facebook, so I’m not sure this is an exact quote, and I have no source… But I like it!

Simple living does not mean removing all complexities.
It means focusing your energy on the complexities that matter.

No, mixing up the deodorant is not quite as simple as buying a tube of that stuff at the store.

No, applying it turns out not to be as simple as swiping some on from that tube.

But… it’s better. It’s more wholesome. It even is, in the grand scheme of life, a more simple – straightforward – product.

So, I continue.

And Wolf got on the bandwagon, as well, with trepidation.

He has used deodorant spray for many years, because stick deodorant clogged his pores and caused under-arm irritation.

Besides, he hates coconut. I don’t say “hate” much… I think it applies here.

The verdict?

A new convert!

He is not bothered by the scent. He does not have irritation or clogged pores. And apparently it’s getting the job done.

Oh, and he totally agrees with my rambling thoughts on the “complexity” of creating and applying it.

ANYHOW, I’ve almost gotten into the habit of always having the bags with me, and that’s all feeling pretty settled.

So now other things are starting to occur to me.

1. When we went up to visit family over Memorial Day, I packed our church clothes and shoes. Usually, I put each shoe (or each pair, depending) in a plastic grocery bag, to keep the suitcase and clothes clean. What do I use for that?

My same shopping totes would work, of course – although that didn’t occur to me at the time, for some reason.

2. We also use the plastic shopping bags for cleaning the cat box. It’s much more convenient to be able to clean the cat box without, for instance, taking it outside to the trash can. Plus, who wants the stinky cat litter sitting around making the trash can gross?

3. And what about produce? Bananas or pineapples can be free-floating, but it would be much easier to have a bag to contain the peaches, plums, or tomatoes… and when things are sold by weight, you don’t want to use a big (heavy) cloth tote!

Presumably, I want something like these (set of 3, from 3BBags.com)?

Anyone have any good suggestions, for these situations, or other “next steps”?

Have you ever noticed those links over on the right-hand side of the blog? There’s some pretty cool stuff over there.

Today I got a delightful package in the mail, and I wanted to draw your attention to its creator – Rachel Davis of Holy Hillbilly Creations (listed under Modest Apparel). On the website, as well as in her Etsy shop, she has a wide range of old favorites and new creations…

Some time back, I received a Holy Hillbilly Creations Reusable Shopping Bag from a giveaway she did. It was immediately my favorite bag – great design, sturdy workmanship, useful size…

When I decided I needed some more, I started talking to Rachel about her fabrics. Some of the bags she sells are made from new fabric, but many are upcycled from a variety of clothing items. As we talked, a plan began to form in my head.

I sent her some old jeans (from prior to my skirts-only shift, although you can also take them from the men in your life, or get them at garage sales and thrift stores!)…

The legs of two pairs were converted into two of her fabulous Shopping Bags.

The tops were made into a pair of adorable aprons (trimmed with a discarded sheet with a pretty butterfly pattern).

Those jeans never had it so good!

The third pair I hadn’t had any definite plans for when I sent the box off. I really wanted a purse for Jewel, but to be usable for someone her size it needed to be a lot smaller than the hip dimension of a pair of adult jeans.

The Lord blessed our endeavors, and Rachel ran across an adorable toddler skirt about that time which we swapped for my jeans. Jewel’s new purse is a masterpiece!

Jewel is also carrying her purse in the photo at the top of the post. The outfit was a hand-me-down, legging-type pants and a top. With the pink print and the kitty appliqué, it was too cute to just pass on… But, obviously, pants are a no-go. Holy Hillbilly Creations to the rescue again, with a beautiful pants-to-skirt conversion.

Rachel has been through a lot since I first “met” her and posted a review of her skirts over at Life on the Road back in 2007. They lost their home to a tornado in 2009, and have had an uphill battle since. Give her a bit of slack on how much inventory is in stock at any given time… But you’ll never, ever have occasion to doubt her sewing skills or professionalism with her business.

There are some Shopping Bags (only $8!) and other fun items stocked at the Etsy store, and you can also contact Rachel with your special requests.

Got some old clothes lying around that have sentimental value? Or that you just hate to waste? Why not let her upcycle them into a new, useful item for you!

How about those of you wanting to make a switch to wearing skirts, but can’t afford to buy all new: maybe an inexpensive pants-to-skirt conversion or two can help!

Prices vary depending on the project, but are always very reasonable.

Yes, I have guilt about how I “should” be sewing these things myself… But the facts of the matter are that I am really doing all that I can manage right now, and furthermore that I am not (and I may never be, although I intend to try) what would be deemed a competent seamstress. To get these tasks taken care of, getting such high-quality work done at such a reasonable price, is good stewardship, plain and simple.

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Still working on my list of 12 DIY Projects to Try in 2011. I know it’s a long way from February, but bear with me. Here’s what has happened so far:

• January – Sew a Blind Hem
• February – Homemade Chai Tea (NOW – FINALLY)!
• March – Homemade Hamburger Buns
• April – Plant a garden for food
• May – Freezer Jam, coming soon!

I started with the Spicy Chai Tea recipe from Houseboat Eats. I doubled it, since I figured that everyone would want a taste, and I didn’t want to have to skimp!

Jewel and I had a fun time together on Mother’s Day making up our new concoction.

Bulk spices all came from the Monterey Bay Spice Company (online), except for the cardamom, which I had already purchased (ground, so not as pretty!).

Pretty, eh?

Then I discovered that I didn’t know a good way to crush the harder items – whole cloves, peppercorns, etc.

Here’s what I came up with. Functional, not glamorous.

But anyhow, we got the job done! Then they simmered in the pot.

Taking a West Ladies idea, I strained it using a well-washed section from an old sheer curtain (and a brave husband).

Since the milk is added with the tea, it is already creamy looking – not the clear tea you see in some of the photos with the online recipes (although of course you could make it that way).

And the verdict? Everyone enjoyed the tea! (That’s Jewel sipping hers at the top of the post).

We all agreed it had a bit too much bite, and added a bit more sugar and milk than seemed to be indicated.

Based on our taste test, as well as the variation at Tammy’s Recipes, we’ll be tweaking it a bit next time.

Less ginger, for sure. Perhaps a bit more orange, and a bit more allspice.

Next time will be soon, though! Chai is so delicious…

Wolf asked me if it was worth it — all the time and effort, and even the monetary investment — over buying Chai teabags or concentrate in the store. Aside from the “fun” factor, I readily admit that that cup of chai wasn’t worth all that… But as part of a process, I believe it was. Being able to build it exactly to our taste is a wonderful feeling.

Hopefully we can get a “perfect blend” worked out, and make ready-to-go chai packets as Christmas presents this year.

[Be sure to check out the blog hop I'm entering with this post: Simple Lives Thursday, co-hosted by the amazing GNOWFGLINS]