Teaching Good Things

Make it, Give it Sell it! Bartering

Kathy — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:13:46 +0000

About 2 years ago several us women got together with our 'nitch' that we make or sell. We met at a friend's home; each of us set up a table, and gave a little 'sales pitch' about what we had to offer. Some folks had services, some had products, and some had nice items they were willing to part with.

Anyway, after everyone did their spill we had a fun and profitable time going to each other and bartering. I think I did really well. :o) One of the things I make is crocheted name doilies. It cost me maybe ONE DOLLAR to make, and 6-7 hours crocheting in the evenings while we read or watch a movie, I do not consider it work because it is so relaxing… anyway…I bartered a name for a like-new surround system!!! I almost felt guilty but the lady did not want it anymore and she wanted a name. lol… OK!!! That same night I bartered 2 names for a bunch of homemade baked goods (whole wheat at that!), from a family of incredible cooks and shampoo, moose, some other hair stuff from a lady whose husband owns a beauty supply business. There were some other things I traded that night, I can't remember now…I was very please and was even able to 'pick up' a few Christmas gifts!

This is one way to make it, give it or sell it!

I'd love to hear some of your ideas.

Make It, Give It or Sell it!

Kathy — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:18:06 +0000

Whether it be items to make as gifts or items to sell there are all sorts of things that can be made right from home, thus making money and saving money.

Today begins a new series called Make It, Give It, or Sell It! With the holiday season knocking at our door there may some things you or your children can make, not only to give as gifts but maybe to generate some cash.

These are something we've made and given, we even sold them several times at fall/winter festivals.

These are nice gifts for anyone.You can put it in a basket with a couple mugs and a loaf of pumpkin bread…yummm.

Make your own 'designer' label on your computer. Then cover/stick on the label with wide packing tape. Add a fabric strip or raffia around the lid. The key to selling these are to give samples! All you need is a pump thermos and the small plastic cups sold at Wal Mart or Sams. Just offer a 2-3 swallows. ;o) We sell these for $5 a pint.

Spiced Tea Mix

1 (18 ounce) jar orange breakfast beverage crystals
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup red cinnamon candies
1/3 cup instant tea mix
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves

Combine all ingredients; store in an airtight container.

To serve, stir 1 1/2 tablespoons of mix into 1 cup hot water, stirring until candies dissolve. Yield: 5 cups (Makes about 1 1/2 quart, dry)

Keep the spiced tea mix on the kitchen counter in a decorative jar accented with a holiday ribbon. When company drops by, put the kettle on to boil, and set a tray with tea cups, lacy napkins, and cookies.

For more in a jar reciepes you can hop on over to my homemaking blog and read Gifts in a Jar.

To Avoid Criticism

Kathy — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:43:08 +0000

To avoid criticism

do nothing,

say nothing,

be nothing!

Investing in Our Future

Kathy — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:54:36 +0000

In God's sovereignty He has chosen not to give us a house full of children, although I am VERY THANKFUL for the ones He has given me. But now that they are about all grown up I miss having little ones.

Because God is so gracious to us, He has placed us in a wonderful church and given us the greatest circle of friends, most of whom have LOTS of little ones.

In a home where there are many children ranging from tots to teens the home is the perfect place to learn all about relationships. The pre-teens and teen learn all about parenting (in a sibling kind of way), especially if they are homeschooled. By the time those tots become teens, the older children will probably be married and having children of their own. It's a natural learning process. But when there are no little ones to care for, to serve, to teach, to discpline and to love on there can be a void in a person's learning about relationships, about family life, about how to care for little ones.

We want our children to be ready for marriage and children, so we are open and honest with them. We seek out ways to put them on that 'training ground'.

Today was one of those days. To get my 'fix' of some wee ones, and to give the girls some training, we spent some time with our friends that have TWO 2 year olds (one adopted, can you tell which one? lol…), a 3 year old and a 5 (6?) year old and we did a little craft. Oh yeah…this family also has a 13 year old and a 15 year old, who spent their time studing their economics lesson, while the rest of us played. ;o)

We made little Thankful Tom's.

They were so funny. YES! Little ones are A LOT of work, but they are worth it.

Children add so much to life! Without them life is pretty dull.

Read Emma's post HERE!

I actually had several more pictures…BUT do you have idea how hard it is to take a picture of 4 kids that keep moving…all the other pictures are blurry! lol…

For those of you that have older daughters, are you looking for oprtunites to give them LIFE skills? Today was not only fun for us, but it was investing in my grandchildren I will have one day. Lord willing. My daughter's will be ready for family life. Right now they can laugh at their future (Proverbs 31) because they will be prepared, well much as they can be. ;o)

Frugal Friday- Woot!

Kathy — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:25:46 +0000

I love Woot!

Woot.com offers a one day sale on an item, usually an electronic item. I love the fact that they have a forum where 'geeks' discuss whether or not it is a good item or a good price.

So check it out!

For more Frugal tips check out Crystal's site!

What Can We Learn from the Amish?

Kathy — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:47:34 +0000

Last night we watched a neat documentary about the Amish people, The Amish: A People of Preservation. No they are not perfect and yes, they are legalistic in many ways. Say what you will about them, but we can learn a lot from them about teaching our children and enjoying our families, not to mention how they take care of others in their community.

At a young age their children are expected to help. They are given responsibilities which in turn give them a sense of worth. They are not vegged out on mindless activities, although do they have recreation. You will notice that the children in the movie look so very happy!

The part that impressed me the most was that they value relationships more than they do productivity and activities. Who among us does not feel the pressure of always being in a hurry, always a long list of To-Do's? Don't we often wish for a more simple life? I don't mean a primitive life, just less stuff, less activity, less bills and more relationship? I hate when I hear the term "family night", after all, shouldn't most nights be family night?

The Amish spend the majority of their time working together, and this is so vital in their relationships. Why do men and women have 'office affairs'? Usually because that is where the bulk of their time is being spent, sharing a common mission (work). When children are gone at school all day it is no wonder we struggle for their hearts. The majority of the day they are sharing a common mission (school work/graduation) together.

Toward the end of this movie they show a barn-raising after a fire. These families do not trust in their insurance companies or contractors, or a Government bail out. They are counting on each other. They organize and come to their neighbor's rescue. They are not forced to help each other, they WANT to help each other. Isn't that how it should be? And because these people were taught at a young age to work, not only how to work, but to want to work, they are well equipped to meet the needs of those around them. It is all about taking responsibility for ourselves and offering an extended hand when needed.

I strongly encourage you to watch this movie. Observe how their children are right along side of them, learning and taking responsibility. Do you know why our culture views children and young adults as a burden? It's because we don't require them to do their part. Identifying 20 year olds as being in "extended adolescence" is absurd!

Things and money do not bring us long lasting fulfillment, but relationships do. We all long for good relationships with our family members and neighbors. God did not create us to live alone and 'look out for number one'. He created us to live for others, just as Christ did. What are you doing to equip your children with the ability to give of themselves, in the home and in the community? Do they know their purpose and responsibility? Are you working along side them with joy to prove to them that life is about caring for each other?

You can watch this through Netflix. We get the cheapest subscription they have, which also allows you to watch movies instantly online. I love Netflix because they carry GOOD movies that the video store doesn't and NO LATE FEES! ;o)

UPDATE: One reader just e-mailed that she found this movie at her library! yeah!

FREE gift wrapping until the end of the year!

Kathy — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:25:40 +0000

Buy any of our DVDs and receive

How to Make Italian Meatballs

Kathy — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:15:04 +0000

In a sauce pan, heat up some sauce, at least 4 cups worth.

These will be cooked in the sauce. I save some aside when I make a big batch for spaghetti.

Add bread crumbs or cracker crumbs. I used whole wheat bread crumbs…slipping in extra nutrition.

Add a couple eggs.

Throw in two tablespoons Italian seasoning, two teaspoons garlic salt and one-half teaspoon black pepper.

These are not exact measurements, adjust to your taste. You could also add chopped onion and bell pepper.

Mix thoroughly with your hands.

Make golf ball size meatballs.

Add meatballs to hot sauce. Keep on low heat.

Cover pot.

Do not stir until the outsides of the meatballs have cooked some, about 20 minutes, otherwise they may fall apart. Simmer for a couple hours. Skim off grease before serving.

Serve on a piece of whole wheat bread. You can also add some Parmesan cheese to the top. Serve with a salad and you have a complete meal.

How to Make Breadcrumbs

Kathy — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:50:04 +0000

Use stale or dense bread to make breadcrumbs.

These were made with some whole wheat bread that actually came out too 'heavy', so instead of throwing it away I tore it up into smaller pieces and put it in my Vita Mix (the BEST blender).

You could do the same thing in a food processor.

I let it chop/blend for just a few seconds.

Bag up in a freezer bag and keep in the freezer until you need them for meatballs, meatloaf or stuffing. You can add your seasoning if you'd like, that way it will be all ready!

Happy Birthday Olivia!

Kathy — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 02:46:02 +0000

Friday we celebrated Olivia's 18th birthday…am I really THAT old?

We enjoyed a girl's night out eating Chinese and then a trip to the thrift store.

Our circle of friends just LOVE the thrift store! :o)

Here is Emma and her friend Laura…can you guess who the comedian in our family is?

She keeps us laughing all the time!

Of course you'll find Olivia and Ana (one of her dearest friends) in the BOOKS!

And YES, I do carry a camera with me everywhere I go…sometimes I have 2 cameras in my purse! ;o)

Until I figure out how to successfully add a slideshow to a post on here you'll have to go on over to my homemaking blog to see slideshows. I posted one of Olivia. SEE IT HERE!

I am SO THANKFUL that we homeschooled. As I look back at these pictures I realize that it goes by in a FLASH! I'll never regret being with her everyday, sharing everything.

If you are struggling with homeschooling, HANG IN THERE! It is SO WORTH IT!

God is good…all the time!