Emergency binder {important documents}

So, For the last oh i don't know year or so, I have been meaning to get around to this... Our emergency binder. {as a side note, I if you're considering doing this, I think you should click on the link and read the comments section because there are tons of great ideas and information}  Up until now, all of our important documents have been in a paper file box just waiting to be destroyed by water,  fire or kids...
Well, Today I finally finished it.

My fire proof waterproof safe is pretty small and a regular 3 ring binder wouldn't fit in it. So I had to get a flexible one.

 

•  Things I included in our binder {I just put them in clear sheet protectors

• Social security cards
• Birth certificates
• marriage license
• patriarchal blessings
• life insurance policies
• bank info
• medical info
• emergency contact numbers {If my cell phone were out of battery or lost, I would be up a creek, I don't know any phone numbers}
• As soon as I can get my act together, I'm also planning to put  a flash drive with our pics in there.

I'm sure the list will grow, and things will be added,  But I feel good that I've gotten it started.
And yes, The safe is small enough to be carried off, So hide it.

I love this. It makes my heart happy. It pretty much speaks for itself, But it inspired a few thoughts. 

I am very pro "use it up wear it out make it do or do without,"

I love making my kids clothes out of an old sheet or t shirt. 

I love duct tape and jimmy riggin things so that I don't have to replace and spend the money on something. 

But It had never crossed my mind that this theory was applicable to marriage as well. 

Michael and I have a strangely easy marriage. We have never really had to work hard to like each other, or get along. However, We don't have a lot of common interests. Actually we are pretty polar opposite. 

I basically live on green vegetables and fruit. Mike doesn't eat either. AT ALL.

Mike LOVES fast food. I'd rather poke my own eye out than eat fast food of any sort.

I LOVE the arts. Music dance, etc. Mike wanted to kill himself 5 minutes into the Nutcracker ballet I made him take me to, And he completely forgot about the tickets to the orchestra he bought in plans to surprise me for my birthday, So we missed it. I'd be so excited I couldn't sleep! There's no way I could forget about something like that! 

I'm a gym rat, Mike is a field rat. {I'd rather be at the gym working out, and Mike would rather play football and call that his workout}

I think it's so cute when you see couples running races together, And It makes me sad that I know that will never be us. I love to run races, and Mike only runs if he is being chased by something or someone bigger than him. 

I love shopping, Or even just wandering the mall and window shopping, Mike would rather stab his foot and watch it bleed than have to go to store.

We have but just a few common hobbies... We both love football and we both love outdoor activities. {Which are rather limited with 4 kids under 5}

That about covers our common interests...  However,

 Our outlook on how to raise our kids is the same, 

our outlook on money has grown to be the same {That took some effort}

Our outlook on where we want to be in 10 20 and 50 years is the same. 

Our goals are the same

Our dedication to the Lord is the same. 

Our marriage works because of one thing...

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and our determination to raise our family to him, in his gospel and in his way. That makes it easy. We don't need fixed, Because we aren't broken because THE MOST IMPORTANT THING in both of our lives is not one another, or our children, But our relationship with Christ.

After that relationship, Comes our relationship with each other, And then with our children. 

Too often ones priorities can shift from Christ, to children, money, careers, possessions, etc.

That's when things become broken and need fixing. 

 If we ever were to be broken, because we shifted our sight from Christ, there is only one way to fix it. 

Christ and his gospel. 

 

Without the rain

You know, I was having a conversation the other day, and we were talking about the new house, and it was mentioned how we are really lucky to be able to build our "Dream" house in this housing slump. Well, Yes, We are...We are blessed to be able to. However, It hasn't been without many many trials, not too short of loosing every dime we had... Actually that's an understatement... We were worse off than that, We were in debt up to our earballs. {You know, Like your ears and your eyeballs... Never mind, It's a Hicks word.} We were in terrible shape financially, To put it lightly. Partially due to circumstances, Partially due to our lack of knowledge and concern for budgeting. However, We never doubted the Lord.
Knowing that the lord has known all along the things that were in store for us, he allowed us to go through the trials that we did, in order to be able to prepare the way for something greater. And to teach us how to not make the same mistakes twice. However, I didn't see the "light at the end of the tunnel" so to speak while we were going through those trials. I knew that the Lord was mindful of us and had a plan, But lets be honest, In the thick of those hard situations, Sometimes you question the Lord. Not doubting that he knows who you are or that he knows the situation, But you want to know WHY he's allowing you to experience them.
I was no different. I wondered that A LOT. Now, After almost 3 years, Just now, am I seeing how the Lords plan for our family was orchestrated perfectly.
Those 2 years of "worse than broke" Taught us what its like to have nothing, It taught us mercy and compassion, It taught us why preparing ourselves is important. It taught us how to manage money in the Lords way, The way in which we will forever be stewards over the things that God blesses us with. It made our marriage what it is, And what it will continue to be forever. During those times there was never a second where Michael or I got angry or placed blame on one another. We knew that we were in it together and that we would come out of it together. We knew that WE as a family were more important to keep together than fighting over or stressing over finances. Never once was there a feeling of contention over the "lack of." I didn't Blame him for not making enough and he didn't blame me for not managing it better.{Which he very well could have} Now I wont say that we werent frustrated with the situation, But we worked through it. We both were in the infancy of our financial  knowledge, And were patient with each other. I know I've said this before, But I am so grateful that the Lord allows us to experience hard things. Our lives and our relationship is forever changed and strengthened because of those short years of struggle, And now, Finally, Comes our rainbow.

Recently I came across this post... my thoughts are in purple and green.

 

How To Be Content With Less

by Crystal on February 27, 2012

The following is a guest post from Tessa of The Recreational Word Slinger
Before I got married, I used to buy anything and everything I wanted when I went shopping. I was working part-time, going to school, and indulging my every want. You can imagine the shock that I experienced when I was married and had to stop buying things for myself!
I struggled with “little” purchases when I would visit Target or Kohl’s every now and then. I told myself that this $10 top or book would not affect our budget much, so I would stick it in my cart and go on my merry way. As you know, that type of thinking is dangerous. Those small, insignificant purchases tend to add up over time to one significant deficit in the budget.
After the concept of spending cash only was introduced in our marriage, I realized that I was much more satisfied with having less than I originally thought was possible.

Here are 3 ideas that can help you be content with less:

1. Expect less.

Stop expecting to buy something every time you run an errand. I was so guilty of this before we switched to using cash. I would think that I deserved a little treat for having to get out and grocery shop or run errands. Direct your thinking towards expecting less.

2. Ignore the urge for more, more, more.

This is easier said than done in today’s society. We are constantly bombarded with different advertisements telling us that we need more. We have to retrain how we listen to or pay attention to such ads. When you become immune to advertising, you might find that your desire for more decreases.

3. Look at what you do have.

This idea is by far the one that has helped me get over my obsession with stuff. One way to do this is by verbally thanking our Creator for what He has given us. When I am more mindful of the blessings that I have been given, then I find that I am less mindful of my humanistic desire for more.

I'm slowly learning this concept. It's been a LOOONG transition.

Mike and I knew each other and worked together for about a year before we started dating. He told me later, That he told himself he would never date me because of how spoiled I was. {How did that work out for you Mike?}

I don't think the phrase "From the other side of the rail road tracks" could even begin to describe the different worlds we grew up in.

Because of the way we were raised, We have had different outlooks on money. And only recently in the past couple of years, have we come to be on the same page with our finances. We have taken the mistakes we've made in our short marriage, and learned from them, and have made significant changes in the way we run our finances. We are not perfect. However, We have made a constant effort to set our finances in order.
Let me share a few things that I think have made it easier for us. And May I add that these things can be done on any budget, You just have to revisit your priorities, And distinguish true NEEDS Vs. Wants.

We prioritize. Take the things that have to be paid, and knock them out. Chip away a little at a time if that's all you can, But if you have debts that need to be paid, Do without other luxuries, Cable TV is a luxury, So is a flat screen, So are restaurants,  So are new clothes. If you owe money to someone or something, Make it your priority to get out of that bondage. 

 We have become content with less. It didn't happen over night. And yes, There are still some things we may "want" But we don't want them more than we want financial freedom, and we have learned to say "NO" to ourselves, to each other,  and even harder, We have learned to say no to our children. They have sufficient for their needs and they will be better people for learning that they don't get or need everything they want. 

We have automatic savings. This is Essential. Mike's work doesn't match his 401k, So we have had to be aggressive in the way that we save for our retirement. It comes out automatically and we don't even have to make the choice of paying it or not. It's been made for us. We also have a certain amount of money come out of every one of mikes checks. It goes to a separate account that we do have access to, But it isn't easy access. We do not have a debit card or checks to it. Honestly, That is probably one of the smartest & easiest things we did. 

I HATE CREDIT CARDS.

We do have a credit card, However, The maximum limit is $1,000, {Which we rarely reach.} It is only used for online purchases, And it is paid off every month. I will never have a credit limit more than that. It is way too easy to spend on a credit card, and it is SO hard to catch up if you get behind. Just learn to wait until you can pay cash for it. If you can't pay cash for it, AND still have your 6 month emergency fund, You can't afford it. I don't care if it's a dollar. You can't afford it, and you have to learn to recognize and be okay with that.

We do not try to keep up with the Jones'. If I don't have money to go to dinner, I say, "I don't have money for that." I'm not ashamed, I've got bigger fish to fry, Like a 15 year mortgage.  I Don't care how much money my neighbors or friends have, Or rather, How much debt they can rack up. I don't care that I drive a mini van and not a Lexus SUV, {Okay, Maybe that one still stings a little bit, But I don't want that payment, So it really is okay and I don't mind} I don't care that I don't have one of every designer handbag. I'm not here to impress anyone but the Lord, And I promise you, he doesn't care one lick about a Coach purse, But you better believe that store room that is filled with food to feed my family... He's impressed with that. 

 

 

Top 12 reasons not to have food storage... And paper towels.

I'm still here. When we switched internet providers, The internet was out for a few days. Comcast is terrible, and has quite possibly the worst customer service ever.
Any how, life is good. Life is busy, stressful and chaotic, but wonderful. We are making progress in our housing situation, nothing in stone yet. but getting closer. however, It has become real to me that in a short while, we are going to have to come up with a good bit of money for a down payment, and furniture, and all the little things that add up and that you forget to account for. And so the purse strings have been really tight. And by tight I mean, no money was being spent. I was starting to go a bit crazy, There's still something inside of me that loves the thrill of spending money, I was starting to miss it...
We got our tax return last week and so I felt like splurging just a bit... I went to Costco and bought toilet paper and paper towels. {we've been out of paper towels for 2 weeks and I'm too cheap to take any money out of the bank to buy paper towels} I had miscalculated how many packs we would go through before my next Costco trip, So we did without. Who would have thought that paper towels are a luxury item? Not the old me that's for sure.
I also bought the kids much needed new clothes, and cringed at the thought of spending the money. My mom had to talk me into buying my son new shorts. He has one pair. And a pair of jeans with holes. He needed them. But it didn't make it any easier to spend the money.
Well, All of this brings me to my point. While we have been in no spending mode, We have been eating almost exclusively from our 3 month supply. Rice, beans, wheat, pasta, etc.
I was reading the ensign, and came across this article.
I love this line "We made an effort to live on less. We separated our wants and needs by determining if items were essential or simply nice to have." 
Paper towels, are just nice to have, not a necessity, A regular dish towel does the job, it just means a bit more laundry for me, But shoot, whats a few more towels in that massive pile anyways? 
Because we have our food supply in order, it has allowed us to save the money that we are going to need instead of having to buy so many groceries. 
A 3 month storage of food and an adequate savings emergency fund, is not going to build itself. We are responsible for making it a priority. And we are responsible for making sure the needs of our children are provided for should hardships arise. I will go without a new pair of shoes, a big tv, new purses, and whatever else, Just to make sure my children will always be provided for. I've been in the situation where we had little more than condiments in our fridge, and didn't have any clue how we were going to pay to keep the heat on in the middle of winter. Those situations easily could have been avoided had we prepared ourselves adequately. That situation was the consequence of US not preparing ourselves. NOT the Lord allowing us to suffer. He had given us council that had we followed, could have prepared us to have sufficient for our needs. But we had ignored the council. The Lord was extremely generous to slothful servants as ourselves. We never went hungry and always had a roof over our heads. He very well could have said, "You should have listened my child, I want to help you, But you have to face the consequences of your choices. Now you will go hungry." 

Now, a bit of humor. Thank you Brian Larkin for finding this...

Top 12 Reasons Not to Have Food Storage

by Country Survival on April 9, 2011 · 4 Comments · in Editorial, Food Storage, Self-Sufficiency

Most people do not have a year’s supply of food storage. I hear it all the time….my neighbors will help me, the Church will provide for me, the government will give me food. Sorry, but you can not put your family’s temporal salvation in the hands of other people. No one else is going to store food for you. You have to do it yourself.
Here are the Top 12 Excuses I Hear for not having a food storage:

12. My neighbors have a TWO year supply! I seriously doubt it. As a emergency preparedness coordinator in a previous stake, I created an extensive emergency preparedness survey. The results were that 94% of our stake did NOT have a year supply, and 82% had no food storage at all. If your idea is to beg for food from someone else, well, that’s a really bad plan.

11. I’m moving in with my parents (or my children). Really? There’s a bright idea. Guess what, they don’t have food storage either.

10. I’ve paid tithing for 20 years, the church should be able to give me some food. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Tithing is “fire insurance” (see D&C 64:23), not “food insurance.” In fact, the church storehouses and welfare farms would feed less than 5% of the members of the Church. The prophets have been telling you to have a food storage for over 75 years. Have you followed the prophet’s commandment?

9. I have a gun! I have seen on several forums and websites that people say that don’t store food because they have a gun and they know where the nearest Mormon is located. Guess what! You idiot, most Mormons have guns too. If you don’t already have self-defense options as part of your year supply, you should.

8. We pay taxes; If something does happen, the government will take care of us. Some might even say, “they have to help us; our taxes pay their salary; if we die, they will have to take a pay cut.” Government aid worked out so well for people in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, right? With most all states in a severe budget crisis, and the federal government with a $14 TRILLION debt, the government will not be able to help. In fact, the government has been urging people to store food, water, medicine, etc. Check out http://www.ready.gov

7. Wide-spread national catastrophe will never happen. You might think that nothing happened with Y2K, but every prophecy given by the Lord will be fulfilled, and probably when you least expect it.

6. I have a 2 year supply of wheat; that should be sufficient. You need much more than just wheat. Unless you are eating that wheat on a daily basis and your body is accustomed to it, it will literally tear up your digestive system. You need to store of food items to go along with the wheat.

5. It takes up too much space!. This is utter nonsense. It doesn’t matter where you live, you can find space if you want to. I put a full year supply of food storage for 2 adults and 4 children in the closet under my stairs. I was able to store over 650 of the #10 cans with easy access to any of it at any given time. Check out Where to Put Your Food Storage.

4. It doesn’t taste good and you can’t make adequate meals. Having a food storage means that you have to cook rather than go out to a restaurant or visiting the frozen food isle of the grocery store. Find the right recipes, and you can make your food storage into a delicious and nutritious meal.

3. I’ll store up gold and silver to trade for food. So, are you planning on eating those gold and silver coins? If you were starving, and you had a choice between a bag of gold coins and your neighbor’s cat, which would you choose? When people are starving, they are not going to trade away their valuable food for gold or silver. If they do, you will be buying the most expensive bowl of soup you ever ate.

2. I can’t afford food storage. The average food storage for an adult can cost as little as a dollar a day. We live in the wealthiest society in the history of the world. If you do not have food storage, it is because you have your priorities reversed. If you choose to purchase expensive cars, an extra large house, LCD televisions, computers, vacations, etc. before getting food storage, then you need to re-evaluate your priorities. Are those items more important than food storage?

1. A year supply??? I thought I only needed 72 hours! The recovery period for emergencies and natural disasters is much more than 72 hours. I lived in Houston when Hurricane Ike hit in 2008. Yes, a 72-hour kit helped…for the first 72 hours! Then we were left with the damage to recover from. There was no electricity for 3 weeks! Many places didn’t have running water (or sewage) for several days. Most all grocery stores were closed; the ones that could be open did not have anything to sell. Large pine trees blockaded roads and downed power lines. There was no cell phone reception; the towers were knocked down or destroyed.
Simply put, getting your year supply of food storage is a commandment of God through his living prophets. We need to be obedient to the commandments of God, including the commandment of food storage.

Centsible meals

Blah Blah Blah, I could feed you a bunch of excuses of why I have disappeared off the face of the blog world. But Honestly. I just haven't wanted to write. I'm in a weird funk. And when I'm not in the weird funk mood, I am just busy. I've tried to minimize my time that is spent on the computer in the cyber world, and start enjoying real life more. I'm not wasting as much time on Facebook, {So I am only on there if I get a notification that someone has sent me a message or posted on my wall.}
I have limited myself to 15 minutes a day on Pinterest. {I don't know how long that will last.}
And so blogging has been on the back burner as well.
I've gone into one of my "I've got to cut our spending" kicks again, I cut the cable totally. We aren't T.V. watchers anyways, and I really don't want that influence in my home. As inappropriate and degrading as the shows are, The commercials are just as bad. So, It was a win win really. We don't miss it. I also switched internet providers. Now instead of $70 a month, we will pay $25. That is if I can figure out how to set it up. Wish me luck tomorrow!
So, In attempts to cut the budget more, I was trying to figure out how to cut our food bill even more. Yeah, I think it's possible. I came across this book. You can find it on Amazon. I found it on clearance at a book store for $1.99. If you are considering cutting your food budget, I suggest that you invest in it. This gal feeds her family of 6 on $200 A MONTH! I know some of you are thinking that I am slightly getting ridiculous about this... And you know what, I very well may be. But I don't care. I'm cheap and I am happy.

A sneak peek into what I liked about the book.

Less processed = less money.
Less processed = healthier

Homemade bread is healthier, and cheaper.

Get rid of boxes and bags. {IE cake mixes, oatmeal packets, boxed "helper" dinners etc.} Most of the time you have to provide the most expensive ingredient {Like Meat or eggs} and you only save a minimal amount of time, and spend 4 or 5 times what it would cost to make it yourself. And chances are, you have the stuff needed to make it in your pantry already.

She talks a lot about basic fillers.

Whole grains
Rice
Beans
Potatoes

Instead of focusing her meals around meat, she focuses them on these, and then occasionally a meat is added to compliment the meal.
Hearty soups and stews, etc. Which I really like, one because its less expensive...WAY less expensive. and two, I am not a big meat fan anyways. Or dairy for that matter. {With the exception of cheese.} And those are usually the two most expensive components of meals.

I know that making everything from scratch is time consuming, But really, That's my job. I am a homemaker. My job is to make food. I am really trying to simplify my life, and enjoy spending time with my little ones. Lala loves helping me make bread, and Blake loves eating it!

Does my Costco membership really save me money? Or do I buy crap I don't need?
eat with the seasons.

Convenience costs. Just think about it. Pre packaged stuff and snack size items cost way more.

She does a months menu at a time. Each week day revolves around a base food.
Sundays- meat
mondays-noodles
tueadays-rice
wednesday-beans
thursday-potatoes
friday-grain

Most of these things are in her pantry and she has a hearty supply on hand of the basics.

I am super excited about seeing if I can really feed my family for less than $1.00 per person per day, like she says. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
Yes, Yes I can. And shoot sucker you know I am not eating dry beans and rice. It's going to be a cheap flavorful fest all up in the Hicks house! I'll let you know how it goes.
And P.S. We are headed to the cannery to stock up on some basics if you'd like to join us. you can find a price sheet HERE.

Pot roast and noodles.

So as I have been trying to drastically reduce our grocery bill. I have found myself reverting back to a TON of recipes that my grandmother used to make. Go figure it was because she was the queen of stretching a dollar!

When I was little, There was a span of time that my mom and I lived with my grandparents, and even after that, for several years we lived 5 minutes away from them. Now, let me give you a little looksie into what that house was like. My mom comes from a family of 15 children. Yes, They are all from my grandparents. No adoptions, no twins, no blended family. Now, As you can imagine, it was always a party. There were always tons of people around, and always tons of grand kids. My grandma, Bless her heart, would allow all of us {grand kids} to have a sleepover on the weekends. At least 10+ kids usually. Those are some of my most cherished childhood memories. Most specifically I remember lining up buffet style at the counter, youngest to oldest, in a line of at least 30+ people, being scooped up a heaping ladle full of pot roast and noodles for Sunday dinner. So, Here's my slacker version of my grandmas pot roast and noodles. 

No Yolks egg noodles. 1/2 of a bag

A can of Costco canned pot roast. NOT DRAINED. Just fork shredded. Don't knock it til you try it. I hate cooking raw meat, and this way you save yourself like 6 hours of crockpot time. And it's cheaper for us this way because we end up throwing meat away if I buy a whole roast. {And P.S these are things EVERYONE should have in their food storage.}

1 can {or box} of cream of mushroom soup.

1 pouch of onion mushroom soup mix.

Cook the noodles. Drain and set aside. 

While noodles are cooking,

Pour cream of mushroom soup and onion mushroom packet in sauce pot. Add 2 Tbs. flour. and 1 1/2 cups of water. Drain the liquid of the can of meat into the pot. {Not the meat yet} run your emulsion blender in the mix to make it smooth. Then turn the heat on and boil for about a minute until the sauce thickens a bit. Now add the fork shredded meat to the sauce. 

Now you can either mix it all together or you can serve the gravy on top of the noodles. We have it with rolls and peas. Super cheap, and it comes together in about 10 minutes. Rachel ray has got nothing with her time consuming 30 minute meals. LoL. Obviously she doesn't have 4 kids ;)

The long awaited coupon post...

Okay, I know this has been a long time coming. Sorry. So, I'm going to do my best to tell you how I coupon because it's not "extreme couponing." I refuse to drag 4 kids to 10 different stores all over town. I do not shop at walgreens or rite aid or participate in their rewards programs. It just is not practical for me. There are awesome deals to be had, but they aren't for me. I go to target, and Publix. That is it. I don't coupon on a majority of my food. We don't eat processed and artificial crap and while it is getting a little easier to save money on natural and whole foods, The majority of food coupons that are put out are for pre packaged stuff.
 Get a binder and get organized. This will never work if you aren't organized. get a binder and some baseball card holders.

GET DIVIDERS! Divide them up however your brain processes them best. By Isle, By category, by store, whatever.

1. Get 2 or 4 Sunday papers delivered, Even numbers so you can maximize Buy one get one sales. Ask your neighbor to save their coupons for you. My moms neighbor gives me hers if I'm over there, and My friend Gloria from the gym saves 2 inserts for me!!
2. Before you even look at the ad clip the coupons on things you use. I do not clip coupons on things that are on sale and I have a coupon on them just because they are cheap. If it isn't healthy or we don't use it on a regular basis, I don't buy it.
3. Go to the stores website and look for store coupons. You can "stack" {that means use both coupons on one item} a manufactures coupon and a stores coupon. Depending on your stores coupon policy. You can also use a target store coupon at publix if they accept or consider target as a competitor. IE...The Publix by my house does not, But the Publix by my moms house does. Most coupons you are only allowed to print two of from one computer. I print from my computer, and then I print from my moms house. There are 2 computers that I can print from there. And remember to look for peelies {The coupon that is stuck to the product itself} Depending on the store you can use all 3. But it is a manufactures coupon so some store will not let you use them together. Oh and I almost forgot. Make sure you look in the package of the things you buy. Scrubbing bubbles sometimes have coupons in their packaging and so does the shout color catchers box. Like the actual cardboard box is the coupon. You'd never notice it if you didn't know to look.
4. Okay, Then you go through your ad and do your matchups.
5. I take a separate trip for couponing. It's just easier for me to concentrate. I usually have my binder in the car just in case I find an unadvertised deal while I am regular grocery shopping.
6. Look for clearance things that you have coupons for. Thats where you can score some GREAT deals.

A look into my collection. Mind you this is after I haven't couponed for 5 months. I ran out of room and had to take a break from it when Brent was born. So it's a little low right now. 

 This is my laundry soap collection. I am not a soap snob, I just buy whats cheapest. Usually I can get these for about $1-$2 per bottle.

 Razors are always free. Target does Awesome gift card promotions when you buy two razors. So, You use your coupons for the two you buy and then get the target gift card! Toothbrush heads, and Always contact solution.

 Coupons on clearance items. This tide stain release was originally $18. Marked down to $12. I had a $3 manufacturer coupon and a $2 target coupon. So it was $7. I bought 4 of them. And haven't had to worry about buying them for quite sometime.

 Toothpaste was free, deodorant, And you know why I love Target? They have coupons on their generic brand. I got my face wash for $.85 and its every bit as good as the St Ives brand.

 This is all hair products. I have maybe spent $30 on all this. And there's probably easily $100+ worth of products in there.

 Target online usually has $1 coupons for any up and up product over $3. I ALWAYS use those on wet wipes, I buy the 3 pack.

 Cleaning supplies. Always check the box for coupons.

 Target has coupons for up and up diapers. I'm cheap. We use target diapers. I print as many coupons as I can and stock up when I can get the coupon and they are on sale.

 Look for extra incentives...This was a double bonus. These packs of razors had $10 i tunes gift cards with 2 razor purchases... Guess what? I got 6 razors for FREE. So in addition to free razors I also have $30 in Itunes.

Okay I know this is really long. But if I can do it, So can you. And as a rule of thumb I never buy anything when I need it. you'll always pay more that way. You wont have a coupon or it wont be on sale. That's why slowly building a "stockpile" is important. You never run out of things and you always get a better deal. 

 If you have questions I'd be happy to help! Or if you want help organizing a binder, Or making a cute binder carrier with the strap, I'd be glad to show you.

Has it ever hit you how blessed you are?
Mike and I were sitting in tithing settlement a few weeks ago, and the bishop asked how everything was going in the Hicks home. Mike said, "It's going so well, I'm kind of waiting for the bottom to fall out." Implying that the Lord had possibly been going easy on us in terms of trials, and tribulation... I piped up and said, " No. The trials are there, However, I think it's a change of attitude.
Later that night I brought the conversation up with Mike. I said, "Do you really think that things have been super easy, and trial free?" He confirmed his thoughts. I gently pointed out that in the past few years,  There was a time that I struggled so much with postpartum that I locked myself in the closet and cried on a daily basis. I reminded him that we had just made the decision to leave the home that we brought all three of our babies home to.  That we have 6 people in a tiny townhouse. The months that we didn't know if our daughter was going to be able to hear our voices. The months that we didn't know if her feet were ever going to be normal, Or if she could walk normally. That we had a few months prior, had minutes that felt like hours that we didn't know if our son was going to live with us on this earth after his birth.

I assured him that the trials were there. However, I think that through the refiners fire that the Lord has changed our outlook on the trials that we are given, and softened our hearts to graciously accept his will. I am in no way saying that I have never hardened my heart towards the Lord or taken everything that he has thrown our way with the best attitude. However, There has never been a moment in my life that I felt like the Lord had abandoned me, or given up on me, or that he didn't know my needs or didn't love me.

I can also see where Mike was coming from. We have been extremely blessed, Our children are healthy, and we have sufficient for their needs. We are happy. I know that everyone has their own trials, and nobody's life is perfect, or easy. I know that our trials are seemingly insignificant to the things that the Lord sees fit for others to experience. But I do know that when we put our trust in the Lord, and in his timing, and in his wisdom, no matter what our situations are, that the things he blesses us with will bring us closer to him, when we make the decision to be happy and live our lives by his example and teachings. Things are very good and we are very blessed. Looking back, EVERY trial we have been given, has been a blessing. We have come to know our savior better, and learned knowledge that will carry us through the things that the Lord will continue to bless us with. The gospel of Jesus Christ is real, and it is through him that happiness comes regardless of our circumstances.

An excerpt from Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-8

"Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee ^eexperience, and shall be for thy good.

The ^aSon of Man hath ^bdescended below them all. Art thou greater than he?"

So, As I was Black friday shopping I was at Target and saw this beaut!

The Dyson DC35 digital slim.

Oh you have no idea how BAD I want one of these. I've wanted one for so long. So when I was in Target at midnight and it was on sale $50 off, plus my extra 5% from my Target debit card... You can Imagine how happy I was! So, I threw that bad boy in the cart. I finished my shopping and then began wandering Target, {yes at midnight} Deciding on whether or not I needed it. Well, Yes, I do NEED a new handheld vacuum. The electrolux I bought sucks. {That's a whole nother blog post on doing without until you have enough to buy quality things. Instead of wasting money to keep replacing crappy items.} Anywho... So here I was in Target at midnight going over the pros and cons of buying this vacuum. Yes, I need a new one, Yes, I could afford it. And yes, It was a great deal on this particular vacuum. However, I couldn't get a hold of Mike to discuss it with him. Go figure he was asleep like a normal person at midnight. So after wandering the store for 30 min. debating on whether or not I should buy it, I put it back. I finally came to the conclusion that the entire reason we are in "No spending save as much as you can" mode, Is so that we can have those things later on down the road. And if I keep buying things I "need" We're never going to get to where we want to be financially. So, I came to a really important realization. {For me at least, Maybe you are already there}

Saving money and being able to eventually attain the goals that you set for yourself, Isn't just going without the wants for a little while. It's about going without the "needs" too. Does anyone really need a $300 hand held vacuum? NO. Would it make my life easier? Yes, But if I keep spending money on things I "need' It's going to take a lot longer than I want it to to get to where we really want to be. Would I rather have a huge retirement and a paid off house later on down the road? YES, Way more than I want that stupid vacuum.

Okay, I know that just because I didn't buy a $300 vacuum doesn't mean that all those things will come to be just because I have an extra $300 in the bank and no Dyson digital slim in the house. But it's the principle. It's learning to distinguish true needs and wants, And it's about the attitude I have towards money. Do I want this.... That will make me happy for the next day, Year, 5 years? Or do I want a better life for the next 50 years? Because I've learned to be in control of my "needs" and wants?
Which brings me to the next post... Next year {2012} Our goal is to live on 30% of Mikes income. And save the rest. And I'm going to show you how I'm going to do it.... After I go do some laundry and soothe some crying kids ;)

Extra money for Christmas and less crap.

Recently, It dawned on me that Christmas is really expensive for 4 kids. I was looking into starting their Christmas lists, and deciding what to buy each of them. First off, I REALLY wanted these for them. They used to have little wal mart ones that they destroyed, So I wanted these because I know Pottery Barn quality is awesome, and I could just wash the slipcover.

Pottery Barn anywhere chairs. But they are WAY expensive. The oversize ones I want are $160 each. Yeah, Times that by 4 kids. Because you know if I don't get them each their own they will fight over it.
Not to mention the leap pads they want. {They play with the demo one at Target for like 15 minutes until I drag them away from it} Plus the games, Plus a Unicorn...No joke, I'm supposed to come up with a unicorn. I mean, Santas magic is going to make a unicorn...
So, I was thinking back to the Christmases that we didn't have any money, and what we did. The first year we were married Blake came home from the NICU on Christmas eve. He was our present. Aside from the gifts our parents got us, Like socks, and kitchen stuff, He was our only present. The best Christmas present either of us have ever received. The next year, We just had Blake, And he was one. So really, we didn't really need to get anything. Then there was a Christmas in there that we went overboard. That will never happen again. We only had 2 kids. Then there were a few Christmases that we had NO money. So I sold things. The whole reason for this post. If you're looking for ways to come up with a few extra buck for Christmas, Here's some things that I've done that have worked pretty well.

Go around your house and collect the things you don't use anymore, Or the things that don't fit, The toys your kids don't play with, and the things they've outgrown. Makes you money and cleans out your house to make room for new things. {I hate clutter. The rule in this house is every one thing in... one thing out.}

• Consignment shoppes are awesome! Little Bits on Beach Blvd is my favorite. You can like their FB page to see what they are buying and when. 

• There's also Craigslist. I've had awesome success with this. Just make sure you meet in a public place and that you don't meet someone alone. Take your husband or brother or someone. 

• Ebay. I've also had success with ebay. We've sold Iphones, and Playstations, and WII's on ebay at Christmas time for more than we paid for them, because most of the stores were sold out. I have a few listings right now. You can find them here. I go the cheapest route possible. One free picture, And minimal upgrades for the listing. If people want more pictures they can ask and I will e mail them. The only thing I pay extra for is a reserve price. That's so that if I don't get how much I want to get out of something, I don't have to sell it. 

 

• Etsy. If you're the crafty type, You can always make and sell things on Etsy. I've done this, And I just don't have the time for it anymore. Just make sure you have a decent profit margin, Take into account the time you spent, and the supplies that were used to make it. 

Shoot, I've had friends post a picture on facebook and say its for sale and sold it on facebook.

I know Christmas isn't about the presents or money. Actually, We are keeping Christmas very very small, And really want our kids to remember that it's not about presents and Santa It's about the birth of our Savior. So our kids are getting one "Big" present, and 2 little ones. They will be entertained with one present they really want anyways. But even at that, Christmas is going to cost money. And I had a lot of closet cleaning to do, Took some of the kids clothes in to sell, And listed some clothes of mine that don't fit anymore on Ebay. Every little bit helps. Okay, No more posts on Christmas until AFTER Thanksgiving. But I wanted to give you enough time to do this before black Friday! {Basically the best day of the whole year} Go de-clutter and make some money honey! 

I am not paying $100 for a t shirt...

So I found this shirt while daydreaming at Anthropologie.  But it was $100 freaking dollars. FOR A T-SHIRT!!!
It's cute, But it ain't worth $100 bucks! So I got to thinking, I could make that so easy. So I did.

First I bought a plain long sleeve T-shirt from Target. They are on sale this week for $10.

Then I pulled out some leftover black jersey knit fabric I had in my fabric bin. (Maybe 3 inches wide, and about 6 yards long, I wanted a lot of full thick ruffles, You don't have to use that much) And ruffled it with my ruffling foot. You can ruffle it by hand but it will take a while. And if you do use a ruffling foot, Just be warned that stretchy knits are harder to ruffle with the foot and take some patience. But it's still faster than doing it by hand.

Then I pinned it where I wanted the ruffles. And Yes, I tried it on with the pins before I stitched it because I wanted to make sure they fell where I wanted them to, And yes, I did get stabbed several times.

So for $10 I have a ruffle shirt that I actually like better than the one at Anthropologie. Because I got to determine how full I wanted the ruffles and where I wanted them. And if you can't see the pictures really well, Sorry, I'm too cheap to buy a nice camera. So I just use my Iphone.

Another way to save money and feel pretty.

I have a ton of things I want to blog about, but I just can't find the time right now.

I think that it's really important to do things for yourself, especially right after you have a baby and aren't quite feeling like yourself. Well, one thing I love is to have my nails done. Not so much being at the salon, but just having them look pretty. But it is SO expensive. Well, I had gotten around it being so expensive by having them just paint my nails instead of a full mani or pedi.  Well, The problem with that is that they chip so fast. So... Here is my solution.

Yep, Did those myself. I found a french wrap kit at Sallys.

A french wrap is just a little piece of white plastic that you glue to the tip of your nail. No chipping and it lasts about a week and a half and then they just peel off. The kit cost $30... Hear me out. You're thinking for that price I'll go to the dang salon... The kit has enough tips for 12 times. Thin and thick whichever you prefer. Plus the salon top coat that you can never find...The super awesome kind that is really shiny and dries super fast. You know what I'm talking about right? Plus the glue, and 2 nail files. So, Long story short, It takes like 10 minutes from start to finish, You don't have to go to the salon, and pay for a babysitter, and its way cheaper. It comes out to about $2.50 each set. I pointed out to Mike, I went from spending $40 for a full set, To about $12 to just have them paint my nails, and now, down to $2.50. I'm finding that I really don't have to give up any of the luxuries of life while being on a super duper don't spend money budget. I just have to be a bit more creative and try new things.

Guilt Free CHOWDER!!!

Yep, you read right... guilt free! And It's all food storage. We, My mom and I, {But mostly my mom, I just tasted and told her to add more this or less that...LoL} Originally made this recipe to be a dinner in a jar. {Just put the spices in a Ziplock bag at the top of the jar.}

4 cups water 
2 cups THRIVE FD corn 
1/4 cup THRIVE dehydrated carrots
1 cup THRIVE FD potato dices

1 tea onion powder  
1 1/2 tea. salt
3/4 tea. pepper
1/4 tea. ground thyme
1/4 tea. paprika
4 bouillon cubes


2 cans non fat evaporated milk
1/4 cup corn meal
1 Tablespoon flour


In separate container mix milk, corn meal, and flour. set aside.
Boil everything else until re-hydrated. About 15-20 min. {the carrots take the longest to re constitute, you can add those first, and add the corn and potatoes 10 min later if you want, but I don't have time to baby-sit dinner, so I dump it all in at once}
Then add the milk mixture and boil for one minute longer. DONE! You can also add bacon, But then it's not guilt free.
And for the record, It's the best dang corn chowder I've ever had.

Don't exchange what you want most...

"Don't exchange what you want most for what you want at the moment"

I came across this and I can't get this out of my head, I've been mulling over it for quite some time. How different would my life be if I had applied this principle my entire life? Well, for one thing, I'd have more money in the bank. I'd have less shoes. And I certainly wouldn't have as many dresses in the back of my closet I haven't worn but once. So, It made me get to thinking... What do I really want? We have a lot of goals. Financial and otherwise. I won't go into specifics, but I can tell you a few things that we've decided aren't as important as those goals, that we've decided to do without. At least for a little while.

A big rental house. When Mike and I were deciding where we wanted to rent, we went back and forth. Mike wanted to be around $1,000 a month. Well, on this side of town a 3 bedroom house that isn't ghetto rents for about $2,000 a month. The only way $1,000 was going to be possible was an apartment. I told Mike that was out of the question. With almost 4 kids, it just wasn't something I was willing to do. Well after searching and searching we got really lucky and found this town house. It was a compromise both of us could live with. Yes, It's a small 1500 square feet. And we are bursting at the seams, But it's temporary, and it allows us to save more money every month. Living in a rental house that has 4 bedrooms right now, Isn't as important as saving money for what we really want down the road.

Eating out. Mike used to eat out breakfast and lunch everyday. That doesn't happen anymore. And I used to take the kids to Chick fil a for nuggets at least 3 times a week on the way home from the gym. I think we've gone to Chick fil a twice in the last 2 months. It's not as important as saving money right now. And let's be honest, eating out was one of our biggest expense.


Couponing. Yes, I feel like it's a sacrifice. It takes a lot of my time per week. But me not doing it just because I don't want to spend the hours in the store and clipping coupons, isn't something that I can justify right now, because it does save us a few hundred dollars a month.

New, name brand clothes. Yes, I did have to just go buy Blake new clothes, But that's because I haven't bought the kid new clothes in over a year. And now, I make a goof bit of the girls clothes, or they just wear what we have. Can I tell you the last time that Mike or I bought new clothes? It was probably some time around 2 years ago. Really. Mike insists on wearing Payless shoes to work. It drives me insane. I hate it. I hate them. But he insists. And well, They are cheaper, and meet the need. And He insists on wearing them until he can't anymore. I mean this pair he has now has had a HUGE hole in them for at least a month, and he hasn't gone to get new ones yet. He's really taking this Use it up, Wear it out thing to heart, I guess. And I am very proud to report I haven't spent a dime in Lululemon in over a year. Okay, Yes, It has made it easier that I'm pregnant, And I can't guarantee how long that will last after I'm back in shape, but hey, It's a start!

A new Limited Avalon. I know for 100% fact that my cute little old man of a husband would LOVE a new Avalon. And, Yes, We could afford it. However, He's happy driving his little prius that is really cheap and saves us money on gas. But it's not important that he has one NOW. I'm not saying it won't happen, Actually, I've already given him permission to get it if he wants it. {Not that he has to ask, that sounded wrong, But we discuss with each other anything we buy over $100.}

 Don't get me wrong, We aren't going without. Our needs are met, and I don't feel like we're really giving anything up. We are happy with the things we have and grateful to be able to live this way. You know, peace of mind and security. 

Target.

Yes, That Target. I'm proud to report that I have learned to control my impulse buys and can safely navigate through target without buying things that aren't on the list. That's huge progress for me. So now, a good majority of my shopping is done at Target, the only other store I go to is Publix. But I would say 90% of my shopping is done at Target. And I have found ways to save HUGE on the things I already buy.

First, I do get a Sunday paper and clip coupons, but ONLY on things I already use. The trouble you get into with coupons is clipping them all and buying something you don't use, or would normally never buy, just because you have a coupon.

Second, Target online store coupons.

Next is mobile coupons. You can sign up here to get coupons via text message.

And last is the Target debit card, you can get it here. It comes out of your bank account just as if you had used your debit card from your bank. And you save 5% EVERY time you shop. The card can only be used at Target, and the only downside that I have noticed is that it takes 2-3 days to come out of your account, So just be diligent about balancing your bank account. It is seriously the greatest thing since sliced bread. It even gives you 5% off the pizza hut cafe! {Not that I would know that or anything because I don't eat that garbage... I'm pregnant, don't judge me}Think about 5% over your Grocery/Diaper/Toiletry/household stuff over a year... It adds up. Our savings {just for having this card,} are probably close to three or four hundred dollars per year. That's not including big purchases either. And no, there is no fee for having it either. Really, I haven't found a downside.

Now, A few other things I love about Target... They have coupons on their generic up and up brand.  I don't know of anywhere else that does that. And as a side note, Up and Up diapers and wipes are awesome! And You can earn gift cards on things you purchase with coupons Including their generic brand!... Not to mention they print lots of catalina coupons, based on the things you buy. So, long story short, I love Target, and feel pretty good about saving a lot of money there.

 I highlighted stuff I liked. I know it's old school, but it's still pertinent.

Teach LDS Women Self-Sufficiency

Sister Barbara B. Smith

Relief Society General President

---

Teach LDS Women Self-Sufficiency

  <--------------CHECK OUT THAT HAIR!!!
 

My dear brothers and sisters, this morning and in the welfare meeting last October, our Presiding Bishop, Victor L. Brown, quoted from the Doctrine and Covenants, section 78, verses 13 and 14, in which the Lord says he is preparing us to withstand the tribulations that shall come upon us so that “the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world.” (D&C 78:14.)

We have been told that the gaining of this independence will come to Church members only in proportion to their obedience to the word of the Lord in this matter. Obedience brings security and self-sufficiency. It breeds confidence and a peaceful attitude.

Relief Society officers are in a position to materially assist the women of the Church to respond obediently to the advice of our leaders regarding home production and storage, that each family may be prepared to take care of its basic needs for a minimum of one year. Latter-day Saint women should be busily engaged in growing, producing, and conserving food, within their capabilities to do so. Relief Society should help them be provident in the use of the resources available to hem, however great or small these resources may be. By provident, I mean wise, frugal, prudent, making provision for the future while attending to immediate needs.

Relief Society can help give direction to women by providing them with expert instruction and learning experiences. The best place for this teaching is in the ward homemaking meeting, in lessons and in miniclasses. Instruction could also be given in homemaking fairs, seminars, and workshops sponsored by stake and district Relief Societies. Home storage could be a topic for summer visiting teaching messages and could be a suggested theme for talks in ward and stake meetings. Stake and district Relief Society teachers could make this matter a subject of active planning and enlist the cooperation of ward Relief Societies in implementing it.

Each ward or branch Relief Society presidency should make an assessment of the general circumstances of the sisters living within their area and prepare a one-year plan for homemaking meeting instruction to be given on subjects relating to home production and storage, according to the needs and conditions of the women. These classes could include the following guidelines to provident living:

1.  How to save systematically for emergencies and home storage.
   
2.  How to, what to, and where to store.
   
3.  How to store seeds, prepare soil, acquire proper tools for gardening.
   
4.  How to grow your own vegetables.
   
5.  How to can and dry foods.
   
6.  How to teach and help your family eat foods needed for physical health.
   
7.  How to do basic machine and hand sewing, mending, and clothing remodeling.
   
8.  How to plan and prepare nutritious, appetizing meals using the resources available, and foods from home storage shelves.
   

The resources of libraries, extension services, and government agencies should be wisely used. Instruction should be given that will help each sister understand how to make a good home storage plan in council with her husband, that he might direct their family.

May I suggest that when approving such plans, each Relief Society presidency use the following checklist:

1.  Are we as Relief Society officers motivating and actually training the sisters in the necessary skills of family preparedness, and then helping them to put these into practice?
   
2.  Are we counseling among ourselves and with our priesthood leaders so that adequate and realistic plans for home storage and production are being developed and carried out?
   
3.  Do our homemaking miniclass plans respond to the various needs of the women in our ward?
   
4.  Are we helping the sisters know how to estimate needs and replenish their home production and storage program?
   

If we do these things, when trouble comes we will be like a family I know who experienced unexpected financial reverses last year. The father became severely ill, and they were temporarily without employment income. As the fresh produce in the refrigerator was eaten, the family began to use the food they had stored. When the father recovered, he had to look for work in another community. While he was gone, there was a breakdown in the town water system. The family had gallons of water stored which were used for several days before the water line was repaired. Throughout this experience there was no panic, no sense of being overwhelmed. They were prepared for the emergency. Adequate advance provision had been made, including money saved. The basic household bills were paid, and the family was able to care for itself independently.

The principles of family preparedness and a woman’s part in them were not given for our time alone. I consider the women described in the thirty-first chapter of Proverbs a provident woman. Recall her wisdom, prudence, frugality, and preparation, as “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. …

“With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. …

“She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. …

“She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. …

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” (See Prov. 31:13–31.)

From the beginning it was planned that reverses and trials would be a part of our earthly experience, but the Lord has mercifully provided ways for us to withstand these problems if we are obedient to his revealed truth.

The guidelines for Relief Society sisters now are the same as they were in biblical days: Obey, Plan, Organize, Teach, and Do. Obedience is training and doing.

Relief Society sisters have always been known to do that which they have been given divine direction to do with excellence, commitment, and the vision that makes it possible for them to have the rewards and the joy of righteous endeavor.

I pray that we may all become provident homemakers and help each other to perform his or her role in family preparedness effectively. I know that this is the desire of our Heavenly Father for us, his children, whom he loves. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Whole Wheat—in Disguise

Random sampler from Aug. 1990 ensign

If you want your family to start eating foods made from wheat flour, you may have to reeducate their taste buds. Most of the foods our society prepares for us are made from white flour, so it is normal to think of whole-wheat flour as tasting “a little funny.” Since your family is more likely to accept whole wheat if you ease it into their diet gradually, try some of the following cooking tricks.

Start by using whole-wheat flour in desserts. After all, who can turn down a cookie? Then move on to other recipes your family likes. The transition is easier when foods are not totally unfamiliar. Don’t feel that you have to use all whole-wheat flour in a recipe, either. Using half white and half whole-wheat flour gives excellent results in most baked goods. If your family is extra fussy, include one tablespoon of whole-wheat flour in each cup (eight ounces; four ounces, British measure) of white flour, then increase the amount each time you make the recipe.

Since whole-wheat flour is brown in color, it is less noticeable when you use it in recipes with brown sugar, molasses, chocolate, or fruit or vegetables (bananas, applesauce, carrots, or zucchini).

Whole-wheat flour is heavier than white flour, so to make sure foods maintain their normal textures, you’ll need to increase the leavening (baking powder and yeast) in a recipe when you substitute whole-wheat flour for white. In yeast breads, use half again as much yeast and allow the dough to rise a little longer.

In recipes that use baking powder, increase baking powder by one teaspoon for each three cups (twenty-four ounces; twelve ounces, British) of flour. Recipes using baking soda need not be adjusted.

For baked goods that use eggs, separate the eggs, stir yolks in with ingredients, beat whites until stiff, then fold whites into batter just before baking. For extra lightness, add an extra whipped egg white.—Rosalie Farnbach, San Diego, California

 Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with 1/2 wheat flour and 1/2 white flour are a great start... And actually I always make my bread with 1/2 and 1/2. I tried to do it with all white flour and thought I'd done something wrong because it tasted funny to me, come to find out after several other people tasted it, and raved about it, it was made correctly, I prefer the taste of wheat. It's how my mama makes it and I guess that's just how I'm used to it. So, go bust out a can of wheat, grind it, and get to bakin'.