Sunshine Mary on Lazy Housewives

One of my favorite bloggers, Sunshine Mary, has a post on the matter of lazy housewives.  A big thank you to SSM for giving mention to The Working Home Keeper blog.  And no, she doesn't fancy me the lazy variety of housewife!  Lots of good discussion in the comments as well, so be sure to check it out.

If you're visiting from Sunshine Mary - welcome to my little blog!  Make yourself at home and have a look around.  Here is a bit of explanation about the blog:

Why a homemaking blog for working moms?  Don't they all have maid services and feed their families from drive-thrus?

While there are plenty of blogs and work-life balance sites focused on the "work" aspect of working motherhood, few focus on home.  I wanted to create a space to encourage working mothers in their most important job and purpose - caring for their families and homes.  The focus should always be homeward regardless of employment status.  I'm proud to say the readership of the blog is not just working mothers, but homemakers, stay-at-home moms, work-at-home moms.  All who share a love for home and family.

So, why even work outside of the home?  Why not be a stay-at-home mom or full-time homemaker?

While I cannot answer for all working moms, I can speak for our situation.  In our marriage, my husband has the final say on all major decisions.  Having one income or two is one of those major decisions.  My husband felt the best way I could support him in my role as helpmeet, was to bring in additional income.  At some point, that may change.  But for now, I aim towards contentment in my role as a working home keeper.

What about the costs associated with working?

There are costs associated with working outside of the home.  However, we try to live frugally and well below our means.  We have been fortunate to avoid childcare expenses by having my mother live with us.  She has been living with us since our oldest child was four months old.  In addition to the child care savings, having a multi-generational home has been a great experience.  Our work clothes are thrifted, lunches packed and meals cooked from scratch.  We also live debt-free except for our mortgage (which is on track to be paid off completely in less than 10 years). 


In short, that is a bit about the blog!  Now, I have to get back to the kitchen.  It's a cold day and I have a pot of 12 bean soup on the stove and homemade French bread baking in the oven.  Till next time!

Mary Ellen

Pinterest

Twitter
 

 

Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint Before & After - Ball & Claw Foot Side Table

After reading Inspired You by Marian Parsons (of Miss Mustard Seed fame), I knew I wanted my next trash to treasure project to be a milk paint project.  My first milk paint project to be exact!  Lucky for me, my favorite local antique shop started carrying Miss Mustard Seed's milk paint line about the same time I came across this ball and claw foot side table.  A little beat up, but very solid with beautiful lines and curves.

 The beauty of milk paint is it allows you to paint over surfaces without any priming.  For the table legs, I chose Miss Mustard Seed milk paint in Shutter Gray.  My first coat of milk paint (with bonding agent added) seemed a bit uneven and bubbly.  But by the second coat, the color was very solid and smooth.

My initial plans were to stain the table top in a dark walnut color - reminiscent of the many beautiful pieces Miss Mustard Seed features on her blog.  But, no matter how much Dave sanded (he burned out one sander!), he could not remove all the finish.  Plan B - paint the top in Typewriter.   

To bring out the details and provide a protective top coat, I went over the entire piece with Miss Mustard Seed Antiquing Wax.

I placed the table for sale on Craigslist.  I wasn't sure if there would be any interest since it was only the single piece.  But, it was bought by a lovely lady who thought it a perfect match for her similarly styled furnishings!  She was so intent on getting the table home, she made her very tall husband climb in the back of their two door car to give the table more room upfront!

Mary Ellen

Disclosure



Homemade Laundry Soap

After seeing many mentions of homemade laundry detergent at various frugal living forums and blogs over the years, I finally decided to make a batch for myself!  I was reluctant to try homemade detergent/laundry soap in the past (despite the potential savings)  because my Mother took care of the laundry for us.  And since she was kind enough to take on the laundry and ironing, I figured it best to stick with what she preferred (she's a diehard Gain fan!).  Since I've taken over laundry during her recovery, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to try something new.

I used this recipe for the homemade laundry soap.  The blogger gives a review of the laundry soap after having used it for a year.  I also found the comments helpful.

The Process:

Instead of grating the Fels-Naptha bars by hand, I used my Salad Shooter.  One of the best yard sale buys we ever made!  I never used Fels-Naptha before, but had previously read about it having an unpleasant smell.  I actually found the smell to be quite pleasant - a clean, soapy smell!  I also was surprised to find it readily available in our area.  Wal-Mart and Kroger had plenty as did a local country store.
 

Once the Fels-Naptha was grated, I used my Vitamix (the dry container) to blend together the Fels-Naptha with the baking soda.  I wanted to create smaller bits that would dissolve easily in the wash.
 

The Fels-Naptha and baking soda blended together

I found it was best to work in small batches of baking soda and grated Fels-Naptha.  Also, to "rev" the machine a couple of times instead of letting it run continuously.  With one batch, I had to scrape out a baking soda-soap paste from the bottom of the container (combination of overloading and running the machine just a bit too long!).  So, there were a few larger chucks in the final mix.

Finally, mixing the Fels-Naptha/baking soda mix with the remaining ingredients.  In hindsight, I should have separated into two batches (like my husband suggested!) instead of one large batch.  Just to ensure a thorough mixing of the ingredients and equal distribution of the softener beads (I love those things!).

Bella inspecting the final product



The resulting homemade laundry soap

I didn't have a pretty canister, so I used what was on hand - several large pickle jars and canning jars!

How it Works:

So far, so good!  After making the laundry soap, of course I wanted to test it out.  I did a large load of towels in cold water and a load of linens in warm water.  No problems dissolving completely in either warm or cold water, and everything was clean afterwards.  I've read about the possibility of a residue when using homemade detergent/laundry soap over time.  But, the consensus seems to be using vinegar to solve the problem.  

The Math:

Cost of ingredients:

1 box Borax $4.79 (Kroger)

3 bars Fels-Naptha .99 each (Wal-Mart)

1 box (4lb) baking soda - already on hand {I normally buy a large bag from Costco since I use baking soda not only for baking, but homemade cleaners, homemade carpet deodorizer and the litterbox}

1 box Arm & Hammer Washing Soda $3.29 (Kroger)

4lbs of Oxi-Clean $11.05 (12 lb box from Costco)

2 small containers of Downy Unstopables $4.97 each (Wal-Mart)

Total spent: $32.04

 

 

I'll give an update on the performance of the homemade laundry soap in about a month!

 

Mary Ellen

 

 

Disclosure

Patriotic Marshmallow Flags

 

 

 

A fun and festive project for the kids on the 4th - patriotic marshmallow flags!  I came across this cute idea as I was thumbing through an issue of Kraft Food & Family.  Start with the new Jet-Puffed StackerMallows (they're flatter than regular marshmallows).  

 

 

Using blue and red frosting tubes, draw the canton and stripes.  Then, add star-shaped sprinkles! 

 

 

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

 



 

Image



Homemade "Clorox" Wipes - {from Living On A Dime}

Homemade Clorox Wipes
Recipe from Living On A Dime

1 cup of water
1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol
2 Tbsp. Dawn dish soap (only use Dawn)
2 Tbsp. ammonia (optional)

24 rags - cut into squares (4x6 inches but whatever size you have available or whichever size you need will work.  Old washrags that have seen better days are great for this!)

Mix the ingredients and pour over the rags.* Then, when you need to clean your bathroom, use them as you would the disposable Clorox wipes.  The best thing about these homemade wipes is that you can just throw them in the washing machine and use them again! Really! It's that simple!

*After you make this recipe, you will need to adjust how much of the mixture you pour over your rags. I didn't have that many rags and they were pretty wet so I just used less of the cleaner.

For more easy cleaning, laundry and homemaking tips to make your life easier, check out the Keeping It Clean e-books.

*****



Jill Cooper and Tawra Kellam are frugal living experts and the authors of the Dining On A Dime Cookbook. Dining On A Dime will help you save money on groceries and get out of debt by cooking quick and simple homemade meals. For free tips & recipes visit http://www.LivingOnADime.com , sign up for our free Living On A Dime Newsletter and learn to save more!

Disclosure

{Recipe Repost} Strawberry Vanilla Jam

It's strawberry season!  On Mother's Day, we took a trip out to Vollmer Farm in Bunn, NC, to pick local, organically grown strawberries.  The kids always enjoy spending time at the farm (especially the Back Forty playground!).  And back home, I enjoy turning some of our fresh picked bounty into yummy Strawberry Vanilla Jam!

Rinse, hull and slice your strawberries.  You will need 5 cups of crushed berries for the jam.  I add the sliced strawberries to my Vitamix and pulse quickly, working in several small batches until I have the needed amount.  

Add the crushed strawberries to a stainless steel saucepan along with 4 tablespoons of lemon juice, a 1/2 teaspoon of butter (helps to reduce foaming) and half a vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise.  Whisk in pectin (1 - 1 1/2 boxes or 9 tablespoons).  Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring frequently.   

Next, add 7 cups of sugar (all at once), stirring constantly.  Return the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.  Boil hard, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.  Remove from heat.  Using a large slotted metal spoon, skim off any foam.  Remove the vanilla bean.

Nota Bene:  Visit the Fresh Preserving website for instructions on how to prep jars and lids and for basic water bath canning procedures.

Add hot jam to prepared canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.

Process jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude.  When processing time is done, turn off heat and remove the lid from canner.  Allow jars to rest in canner for 5 minutes.  Carefully remove jars from canner without tilting.  Place jars upright on a towel in a draft-free area and let cool, undisturbed for 24 hours.

After 24 hours, check lids for seal before placing in pantry.  If jars did not seal properly, refrigerate immediately or reprocess.  

Recipe from the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving: 400 Delicious and Creative Recipes for Today





Mary Ellen

Disclosure

In the Kitchen - Red, White & Blue Strawberries

 



The kids joined me in the kitchen for a fun Memorial Day treat - Red, White & Blue Strawberries!  I found the idea and recipe on Pinterest, of course!

 

Ashleigh & Reed dipping our strawberries in melted white chocolate

 

The strawberries set aside to harden after the first dipping

 

I didn't have the blue sprinkles as called for the recipe.  But, sugar mixed with a few drops of blue food coloring work just the same!

 

Clayton adding the blue sprinkles

 

After we finished dipping the strawberries, it seemed a shame to let the leftover melted chocolate go to waste.  So, I took some store bought crème filled cookies and dipped them in the white chocolate!

 

 

Waste not, want not :)

 

Happy Memorial Day!

Mary Ellen

Duck Dynasty's Phil & Kay Robertson on 700 Club

Yes, I admit it - I LOVE Duck Dynasty!  I started watching the show after hearing a coworker rave about it and have been hooked ever since!  While some of the scenarios on the show come across as scripted (as my husband likes to point out!), it is still very entertaining and genuinely funny.  Plus, it's something we can watch together with the kids.  A refreshing departure from your standard reality TV show!

One of my favorite parts of the show is the interaction between Duck Commander founder Phil Robertson and his wife, Miss Kay.  In the interview above with Terry Meeuwsen of 700 Club, Phil and Kay discuss the early years of their marriage.  And, they have quite a testimony!

I can't wait for the fourth season of Duck Dynasty!  According to Phil and Miss Kay, even their beardless son will take part in the show.

Happy, Happy, Happy!

 

Mary Ellen 

On Wifely Submission & Working Outside of the Home

The following excerpts are from the blog, Sunshine Mary:

"My great-grandmother worked, but she was not a career woman.  Her purpose in working was to serve her family, not to serve her own ego or materialistic desires.  The Proverbs 31 woman worked both inside and outside the home:

She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. (verse 16)

She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant. (verse 24)

She worked outside the home, but this was her motivation in doing so:

She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness. (verse 27)

A woman’s primary concern, whether she is working at home or outside the home, is for the well-being of her household."


"A Christian wife is concerned with pleasing her husband, not herself; she is concerned with her family’s well-being, not her own preferences.  She doesn’t fight against her husband; she submits to him."


"Your obedience to your husband is more pleasing to God than whether you spend your day at home or in the workplace."


I encourage you to read the post in its entirety - Traditionalist Marriage versus Christian Marriage Exemplifies Selfish Rebellion versus Selfless Obedience.

~

 As a Christian and (far from perfect!) submitted wife that works outside of the home, the above really resonated with me.  I'm not working to climb corporate ladders or to maintain a lifestyle.  I work simply because my husband feels it is best for our family to have two incomes at this time.  In the Bible, Ephesians 5:22-24 speaks of wives submitting to their own husbands in everything.  For me the "everything" includes working outside of the home!  It should also be noted, the passage says, own husband.  While one husband may feel that it is best for his wife to be at home, another may feel differently.  However in each instance, the husband is doing what is proper for their household.  It is challenging at times to be somewhere other than where your heart desires.  Yet, I know in doing so, I'm honoring my husband and looking well to the ways of my household.  

Mary Ellen   

{Repost} Easy Guacamole for Cinco de Mayo!

 

We'll be enjoying some easy Mexican inspired dishes today!  The Pioneer Woman's very easy - and very delicious - Beef & Bean Burritos.  And of course, I'll be making homemade guacamole using this recipe from the Gluten Free Goddess.   This guacamole is light and fresh and has no onions, which is a bonus because our little Ashleigh Girl avoids anything with onions or even the hint of onions! 

 

For the gauc, I add 2 -3 diced avocados, 1 garlic clove, 10 grape tomatoes (halved), lime juice and some fresh cilantro to my Vitamix and blend until slightly smooth.  Then, it's ready to enjoy!

 

Mary Ellen  

 

 

 

 

Disclosure     





My Super Cute Tee from Dress United

I was thrilled when the fine folks at Dress United invited me to try out their customized t-shirts!  With Dress United, you can make your own personalized t-shirt - for your team, business, special event or just to express your creativity.  The Dress United easy to use design tool makes creating your custom t-shirt a breeze! 

Select your t-shirt from a variety of styles (ladies, they have girl cut tees for a more stylish, feminine fit!).  Choose your color (pretty pink for me!). 

Add a graphic - upload your own or select from the various image categories on the site.  Add text and that's it! 

For my tee, I went with a simple monogram.  And when it arrived, I could have not been more pleased with the quality of the shirt and the finished product! 

With Mother's Day right around the corner,  Dress United would be perfect for creating one of a kind, personalized t-shirts for the special Moms in your life!  Or maybe t-shirts for little league teams, your small business, or family reunion.  The possibilities are endless!        



Now, something for my great readers -  Go to http://www.dressunited.com/redeem and type in the code

BLOG30OFF4U 

to receive 30% off your order and free shipping within the US.

Mary Ellen

Disclosure:  I received a free shirt in exchange for my review.  All opinions expressed are mine.

  



Busy Day in the Kitchen

 

 

A busy day in the kitchen....homemade cinnamon rolls this morning for breakfast.  The Pioneer Woman's Blackberry Cobbler this afternoon.

 

Currently, making 20 batches of slime (yes, slime!) for Clayton's class project.  And later for supper, Indian Roast Chicken from Bal Arneson (The Spice Goddess).

 

Source: cookingchanneltv.com via Mary on Pinterest



What's cooking in your kitchen today?  

Mary Ellen



Garden Ridge 90% Off Christmas!

A big thank you to Manuela, who encouraged me to visit our local Garden Ridge store after I commented on a clock she purchased there.  Garden Ridge is new to our area, and just opened up in the space of a closed Target store.  I actually thought it was a farm supply store at first!  I was blown away my first visit.  So much for the eye to see and the store seemed to go on forever!  Dave and I took particular interest in their Christmas tree selection.  You know how we feel about Christmas trees around here!  When the Christmas items went to 75% off, Dave surprised me with a 7ft pink Christmas tree - so adorable!  And then, the wait was on.  Would they go to 90% off?  

My sweet husband diligently checked in every day after work.  For the past two weeks, they stayed at 75% off.  Finally, yesterday 90% OFF!  Dave picked up a few Christmas trees after work before coming home.

Including this 12 foot pre-lit tree!  Yes, 12 feet of Christmas tree awesomeness! 



 We went back to the store together to get discounted ornaments (most boxes were .99 or less) and one more Christmas tree.  My cart was filled to the brim with ornaments.  I looked like I was auditioning for TLC's Extreme Couponing!  Don't worry local folks, we didn't clear the shelves :)  We filled the back of our minivan.  Hey, when my husband says spend what you want, I listen!  This morning, I totaled our haul and figured we came away with just over 1500 ornaments!

Who's ready for Christmas!  This girl is!

Mary Ellen    

What I'm Reading ~ Inspired You by Miss Mustard Seed & A New Project

"God is the creator of all things, and we are made in His image,

so surely there is a creative side to all of us."

-Marian Parsons, Miss Mustard Seed

I'm frequently awestruck by the beautiful images on her blog.  Now, I'm being inspired by her words.  I'm currently reading Inspired You: Letting God Breathe New Life Into Your Heart and Home by Marian Parsons, better known as Miss Mustard Seed around the blog world. 

  

And on a related note, I'm working on a project piece using Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint for the first time.  If you're local, you can find MMS milk paint at SuzAnna's Antiques.  All the colors are beautiful, but for this project, I chose Shutter Gray.  It's such a lovely gray with a hint of blue.
   

Beautiful lines


Ball & claw foot

What projects have you started in the New Year?

Mary Ellen

Disclosure