Purpose is a word that has been on my mind the last few weeks. I'm the kind of person that makes New Year's Resolutions and a week later they are all but forgotten. I mean well, but am weak on the follow-through. When I began thinking about resolutions, and listening to others' resolutions, I thought that maybe I should try something different this year. On the Homestead Honey Hour, Bexar Prepper talked about using the Acronym SMART--Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic,Timely--when deciding on my resolutions. My goal was that my resolutions have purpose. I wanted this year of my life to be a year in which I looked back and said "I did something of value with my time." I didn't want to waste this precious year that God has given me. Using Bexar's guidelines, along with information from Money Saving Mom, I made a list of projects that I wanted to accomplish, books I wanted to read, and relationships I wanted to nurture. The month of January is half over and while I can't brag that I've accomplished all on my lists, I am content with what I have accomplished. I realize that this is only the beginning of a long process, but I am hopeful that this year will be different. I am living with a purpose.
I finished reading Rhonda Barfield's book. This is my third read of her book. It is outdated, but I have found quite a few useful ideas that I want to implement. I also found a few book recommendations from her book that I now have on order. My desire is to bring down my grocery bill by shopping with a plan and a purpose.
I am currently reading A Love That Multiplies--by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. From this book, I am finding other new resources, including https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgT8jnG8uFY .
Jim Bob also said something that so struck me. I wish I had been told this when my children were young. How my parenting would have improved. He said that he had purposed to show his children how to react in difficult situations. He taught them through his actions and reactions to life difficulties. How powerful is that idea? How differently I would have parented if I had been taught this principle.
The Last Lion Winston Churchill will be an ongoing read. I'm reading it for our book club. He is such a complex, interesting man.
I totally failed on my personal goals. I have no excuses, I just didn't do them.
My homemaking goals were accomplished to a lot of success.
1. My sink was shiny. My counter hot spots were still a problem. My cabinets were organized. My
pantry was cleaned and organized.
2. I managed to process all the cannery foods.
3. I unpacked at least one box per day.
4. We cleaned much of the master bedroom. It is far from perfect, but oh so much better.
Marriage/Family
1. I did spend time talking with my husband. We are making a lot of positive changes in our life. We
talk so much.
2. I didn't mail the box for my grandsons, but I did manage to get all the things that I wanted to send to
them.
Blog/Business
1. I only blogged 2 times last week. An improvement yes, but room to work more.
2. I haven't had time to begin this book yet.
Financial Goals
1. I continue working on this. I'm really excited about the changes DH and I are discussing. I will write
a blog post once the details are worked out.
2. DD and I went out once this week. This will change because of item one.
Tomorrow, I'll post my goals for next week. DH and I are traveling for the next two weeks, so it will be a little different, but I definitely have goals in mind for next week.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Menu Plan Monday
Sunday:
Brunch: Waffles, bacon, coffee
Dinner: Hamburgers, French Fries, King Cake
Monday:
Breakfast: Eggs, toast
Lunch: Simple fried rice
Dinner: Beef Stew, rice
Tuesday:
Breakfast: waffles, coffee, orange slices
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Marmalade-Curry-Chicken/
Wednesday:
Breakfast: Oatmeal, coffee
Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup
Dinner: Jambalaya, salad
Thursday:
Breakfast: Eggs, grits
Lunch: chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese
Dinner: Pizza, salad, banana yogurt
Weekly Goals
This was my goal for last week. The homemaking goals, I did accomplish to some success. I'm afraid that I didn't accomplish any other goals.
I am reading 2 books currently Feed Your Family for $12 a Day by Rhonda Barfieldhttp://www.amazon.com/Feed-Your-Family-For-12-00/dp/0806523557/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358208587&sr=8-1&keywords=feed+your+family+for+12+a+day
and my Book Club is reading The Last Lion Winston Churchill http://www.amazon.com/Last-Lion-Churchill-Defender-1940-1965/dp/0316547700/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358208675&sr=1-1&keywords=the+last+lion+winston+churchill+--+william+manchester+and+paul+reid
so my goal to read with a purpose this year is off to a good start.
Goals for the Week:
Family/Marriage/Mothering
Personal Goals:
1. Gratitude/I did this list
2. Continue Bible reading
Homemaking Goals:
1. 52 weeks to a more organized home--week 1--clean off countertops and sinks.
2. Process food purchased from the cannery.
3. Unpack boxes from the front bedroom.
4. Clean and straighten out master bedroom.
Blog/Business Goals
1. Blog 3 times per week
Financial Goals:
This Week's Goals
Family/Marriage/Mothering
1. Spend some real concentrated time on my husband. I get wrapped up in my projects and forget to give him the time he deserves.
2. Send off a package to my grandsons. They moved away and I want to send monthly packages to let them know that I love and miss them.
Personal Goals:
1. Gratitude/I did this list
2. Continue Bible reading
Homemaking Goals:
1. 52 weeks to a more organized home--week 3--I'm going to be away for a couple of weeks so I did weeks 1 and 2 last week. This week I need to work on the pantry. I will also continue to make a habit of clearing my counter-top hot-spots.
2. Work on a food storage spreadsheet so that I will know what I need to purchase next.
3. Unpack boxes from the front bedroom.
4. Pack for our upcoming trip.
Blog/Business Goals
1. Blog 3 times per week
2. Download Developing the Leader in You Audiobook and listen while traveling.
Financial Goals:
1. I am Keeper of the Home. My husband gives me 25% of the budget to do with as I wish for our home and hearth. I want to begin to track my spending in hopes of reducing it. I realize how blessed I am to have such a budget to work with, but truth be told, I don't think I'm spending it as wisely and I would wish. Tracking my spending will allow me to find holes and fill them.
2. We have reduced eating out. I am cooking more as a result. I wish to continue that. Perhaps have my daughter over to my home for lunch instead of going out.
I am reading 2 books currently Feed Your Family for $12 a Day by Rhonda Barfieldhttp://www.amazon.com/Feed-Your-Family-For-12-00/dp/0806523557/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358208587&sr=8-1&keywords=feed+your+family+for+12+a+day
and my Book Club is reading The Last Lion Winston Churchill http://www.amazon.com/Last-Lion-Churchill-Defender-1940-1965/dp/0316547700/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358208675&sr=1-1&keywords=the+last+lion+winston+churchill+--+william+manchester+and+paul+reid
so my goal to read with a purpose this year is off to a good start.
Goals for the Week:
Family/Marriage/Mothering
Personal Goals:
1. Gratitude/I did this list
2. Continue Bible reading
Homemaking Goals:
1. 52 weeks to a more organized home--week 1--clean off countertops and sinks.
2. Process food purchased from the cannery.
3. Unpack boxes from the front bedroom.
4. Clean and straighten out master bedroom.
Blog/Business Goals
1. Blog 3 times per week
Financial Goals:
This Week's Goals
Family/Marriage/Mothering
1. Spend some real concentrated time on my husband. I get wrapped up in my projects and forget to give him the time he deserves.
2. Send off a package to my grandsons. They moved away and I want to send monthly packages to let them know that I love and miss them.
Personal Goals:
1. Gratitude/I did this list
2. Continue Bible reading
Homemaking Goals:
1. 52 weeks to a more organized home--week 3--I'm going to be away for a couple of weeks so I did weeks 1 and 2 last week. This week I need to work on the pantry. I will also continue to make a habit of clearing my counter-top hot-spots.
2. Work on a food storage spreadsheet so that I will know what I need to purchase next.
3. Unpack boxes from the front bedroom.
4. Pack for our upcoming trip.
Blog/Business Goals
1. Blog 3 times per week
2. Download Developing the Leader in You Audiobook and listen while traveling.
Financial Goals:
1. I am Keeper of the Home. My husband gives me 25% of the budget to do with as I wish for our home and hearth. I want to begin to track my spending in hopes of reducing it. I realize how blessed I am to have such a budget to work with, but truth be told, I don't think I'm spending it as wisely and I would wish. Tracking my spending will allow me to find holes and fill them.
2. We have reduced eating out. I am cooking more as a result. I wish to continue that. Perhaps have my daughter over to my home for lunch instead of going out.
Homemade Granola
This year, I want to begin make items homemade instead of purchasing from the store. This way I'll control ingredients. I think breakfast is a good place to start cooking from scratch. I've decided to cut back on purchased cereal. Granola is a wonderful cold cereal treat. It can be made simply of just oatmeal, salt and brown sugar, but we love this granola. We eat it plain, with milk, or as a parfait with yogurt and berries. This week I didn't have whole wheat flour or wheat germ, so I just left it out. I didn't have almond extract, so I just doubled up on the vanilla extract. I don't like chocolate chips in my breakfast cereal, but I will add if I make granola bars. I added sliced almonds and sunflower seeds, but no sesame seeds. It's a very forgiving recipe. Just add what you prefer, or what the budget will allow.
GRANOLA
6 cups old fashioned oatmeal
½ cup wheat germ
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup raw sesame seeds
1/2 cup powdered milk
1 ½ teaspoon salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup brown sugar ( can use 1 ½ cups brown sugar and no honey)
1 cup honey (can use ¾ cup honey, ¼ cup maple syrup)
1/2 cup vegetable oil (I use coconut oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 cups nuts/seeds, (optional) any combination (walnuts, pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, pine nuts )
1 cup dried fruit, cut into small pieces (optional) (raisins, cranberries or blueberries)
1 cup chocolate chips or M&M’s
Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Mix all dry ingredients together except for nut/seeds, and dried fruit. Put honey and oil in a microwave safe dish, and microwave for about 30 seconds until honey is easily pourable. Add vanilla and almond flavorings to the honey/oil combination, and pour over dry ingredients. Stir until combined. If you are using pecans, you can add them now. If you are using almonds, add them the last 15 minutes of cooking time, or they will burn. Stir every 15 minutes until golden brown. It could take as long as one hour. Cool granola on pans, stirring occasionally, to break up large pieces. When cool, stir in dried fruit, if desired. Store in a covered container. Granola can be sealed in canning jars for long term storage.
This is an alternative to the above granola. The recipe it is based on originally called for peanut butter, but I'm allergic to it so I substituted almond butter. I'm sure cashew butter would be nice also.
6 cups old fashioned oatmeal
½ cup wheat germ
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup raw sesame seeds
1/2 cup powdered milk
1 ½ teaspoon salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup brown sugar ( can use 1 ½ cups brown sugar and no honey)
1 cup honey (can use ¾ cup honey, ¼ cup maple syrup)
1/2 cup vegetable oil (I use coconut oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 cups nuts/seeds, (optional) any combination (walnuts, pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, pine nuts )
1 cup dried fruit, cut into small pieces (optional) (raisins, cranberries or blueberries)
1 cup chocolate chips or M&M’s
Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Mix all dry ingredients together except for nut/seeds, and dried fruit. Put honey and oil in a microwave safe dish, and microwave for about 30 seconds until honey is easily pourable. Add vanilla and almond flavorings to the honey/oil combination, and pour over dry ingredients. Stir until combined. If you are using pecans, you can add them now. If you are using almonds, add them the last 15 minutes of cooking time, or they will burn. Stir every 15 minutes until golden brown. It could take as long as one hour. Cool granola on pans, stirring occasionally, to break up large pieces. When cool, stir in dried fruit, if desired. Store in a covered container. Granola can be sealed in canning jars for long term storage.
This is an alternative to the above granola. The recipe it is based on originally called for peanut butter, but I'm allergic to it so I substituted almond butter. I'm sure cashew butter would be nice also.
Almond Butter Granola
Mix &; heat in 4-cup glass jug
for 4 minutes on HIGH:
2/3 c honey
1-1/3 c margarine
1 t vanilla extract
2/3 c almond butter
1/2 t salt
1 c water
2/3 c honey
1-1/3 c margarine
1 t vanilla extract
2/3 c almond butter
1/2 t salt
1 c water
Mix in large bowl:
4 c rolled oats
1 t cinnamon
4 c rolled oats
1 t cinnamon
1 1/2 cup raisins/cranberries
1 cup sliced almonds
Pour wet ingredients over dry and
mix quickly and well.
Put onto two small greased cookie sheets.
Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes.
Exchange cookie sheets in oven, cook 10 minutes.
Turn oven off and let granola dry for several hours.
Store in closed jar on kitchen counter and watch it disappear.
Put onto two small greased cookie sheets.
Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes.
Exchange cookie sheets in oven, cook 10 minutes.
Turn oven off and let granola dry for several hours.
Store in closed jar on kitchen counter and watch it disappear.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Menu Plan Monday
It's a new day and new year. I want to use my food storage more than ever before. We're currently trying to empty out our freezer. We also have a lot of ham leftover from New Year's Day meal.
Breakfast options: (add fruit)
eggs, bacon bits
granola, milk
yogurt parfait
oatmeal
cream of wheat
grits
pancakes/waffles
muffins
Lunch options: (add fruit/veg)
soup/sandwich
salad
leftovers
macaroni and cheese, fish sticks &/or chicken tenders
potato quesadillas
nut butter and jelly sandwich
veggie burger, french fries
Monday--Leftovers
Tuesday--Spaghetti, cheesy bread, corn, salad
Wednesday--Black bean and mexican chicken burritos, spanish rice, salad
Thursday--Creamy ham and potato casserole
Friday--Pizza, salad
Saturday--Bean and Ham Soup, rice, salad, rolls
Sunday--Pork Chops, mashed potatoes, salad
Breakfast options: (add fruit)
eggs, bacon bits
granola, milk
yogurt parfait
oatmeal
cream of wheat
grits
pancakes/waffles
muffins
Lunch options: (add fruit/veg)
soup/sandwich
salad
leftovers
macaroni and cheese, fish sticks &/or chicken tenders
potato quesadillas
nut butter and jelly sandwich
veggie burger, french fries
Monday--Leftovers
Tuesday--Spaghetti, cheesy bread, corn, salad
Wednesday--Black bean and mexican chicken burritos, spanish rice, salad
Thursday--Creamy ham and potato casserole
Friday--Pizza, salad
Saturday--Bean and Ham Soup, rice, salad, rolls
Sunday--Pork Chops, mashed potatoes, salad
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Goals for 2013
Money Saving Mom has written about being more intentional about your New Year's Resolutions. I did try this in 2011, and achieved several of my goals. I thought I'd do it again with the addition of breaking those goals down into weekly action plans. Every Sunday, I will post my Action Plan for the week ahead. I've made a planner page that will fit my new Franklin Covey planner. . I want my goals to be clearly defined and straightforward. I will be using the acronym SMART to help me identify my goals and plan them out.
Smart stands for:
Specific--My goals need to be straightforward, clear and emphasize what I want to happen. What are you going to accomplish (use action words such as direct, organize, develop etc.), why is it important to do this year, what do you want to ultimately accomplish, How are you going to do it.
Measurable-If you can't measure it, you can't manage it. Should break each goal down into smaller, measurable tasks. Also set a time limit.
Attainable-You must be able to do these goals with your abilities and financial limitations.
Realistic-Dreams are nice, but you must be able to break each item down to a step or steps that you can accomplish.
Timely-It must be important for you at this time in your life. You must also set time limits for yourself that you achieve them.
Ask yourself each day, what 1 thing I can do to work toward achieving a goal.
Personal:
1. Read through the Bible this year.
2. Read through 24 books. Try for a mixture of classical literature, fluff, religion, and good skill books.
3. Listen to 12 audiobooks.
4. Eat well, Exercise daily and drink my water.
5. Goal of 10,000 steps per day.
6. Tackle 12 DIY projects.
7. Focus on 1 habit per month.
8. Take at least 1 photo per day and fill out 1 Project Life sheet per week.
9. Memorize Colossians.
10. Organize, reduce and donate more to make my home a better place to be using this 52 week home organizing program. http://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/organized-home.html
11. Complete one home project per month.
12. Finish Christmas stockings for Grandchildren.
Skills:
1. Canning
2. Herbals and Medicinal's
Prepping:
1. Replenish my 3 month supply.
2. Start a tracking system for my long term food storage.
3. Continue trying to reduce the number of items that I store.
Marriage:
1. Have monthly date nights.
2. Read at least 3 marriage related books.
3. Pray for my husband using Stormie O'Martian's book.
Children:
Ministry/Friends/Extended Family:
1. Visit my extended family every other month.
2. Pray for them.
Business/Blogging:
1. Read books related to home-based businesses.
2. Continue brainstorming for income streams.
3. Blog at least three times a week.
Financial:
1. Reduce eating out. Cook at home to lose weight and save money.
2. Purpose to increase savings for our long-term goals.
3. Put money aside every month for Christmas 2013.
Pinterest Inspired DIY Monthly Goals:
January--Put down hardwood floors in the Living Room
February--Refinish my Dining Room Table
March--Paint and Stain Buffet http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com/2012/06/making-of-red-hot-rhetta.html
April--Sew a rag quilt http://www.naptimecrafters.com/2010/12/guest-post-rag-quilt-from-just-enough.html
May--Make bread bags http://www.ehow.com/how_6665705_make-own-bread-bag.html
June--Art project with the boys. http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/2012/02/gallery-wall-kid-art-with-kids.html
July--Learn to sew lingerie
August--Make Homemade Lotion Bars http://littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/2008/11/homemade-lotion-bars.html
September--Finish my Texas Star quilt.
October--Homemade Hand Lotion http://asonomagarden.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/how-to-make-handmade-handlotion-w-label-download/
November--Cord Control Project http://www.jenthousandwords.com/2012/03/cord-control.html
December--Homemade Deodorant http://asonomagarden.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/how-to-make-homemade-deodorant-i-love-it/
Smart stands for:
Specific--My goals need to be straightforward, clear and emphasize what I want to happen. What are you going to accomplish (use action words such as direct, organize, develop etc.), why is it important to do this year, what do you want to ultimately accomplish, How are you going to do it.
Measurable-If you can't measure it, you can't manage it. Should break each goal down into smaller, measurable tasks. Also set a time limit.
Attainable-You must be able to do these goals with your abilities and financial limitations.
Realistic-Dreams are nice, but you must be able to break each item down to a step or steps that you can accomplish.
Timely-It must be important for you at this time in your life. You must also set time limits for yourself that you achieve them.
Ask yourself each day, what 1 thing I can do to work toward achieving a goal.
Personal:
1. Read through the Bible this year.
2. Read through 24 books. Try for a mixture of classical literature, fluff, religion, and good skill books.
3. Listen to 12 audiobooks.
4. Eat well, Exercise daily and drink my water.
5. Goal of 10,000 steps per day.
6. Tackle 12 DIY projects.
7. Focus on 1 habit per month.
8. Take at least 1 photo per day and fill out 1 Project Life sheet per week.
9. Memorize Colossians.
10. Organize, reduce and donate more to make my home a better place to be using this 52 week home organizing program. http://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/organized-home.html
11. Complete one home project per month.
12. Finish Christmas stockings for Grandchildren.
Skills:
1. Canning
2. Herbals and Medicinal's
Prepping:
1. Replenish my 3 month supply.
2. Start a tracking system for my long term food storage.
3. Continue trying to reduce the number of items that I store.
Marriage:
1. Have monthly date nights.
2. Read at least 3 marriage related books.
3. Pray for my husband using Stormie O'Martian's book.
Children:
Ministry/Friends/Extended Family:
1. Visit my extended family every other month.
2. Pray for them.
Business/Blogging:
1. Read books related to home-based businesses.
2. Continue brainstorming for income streams.
3. Blog at least three times a week.
Financial:
1. Reduce eating out. Cook at home to lose weight and save money.
2. Purpose to increase savings for our long-term goals.
3. Put money aside every month for Christmas 2013.
Pinterest Inspired DIY Monthly Goals:
January--Put down hardwood floors in the Living Room
February--Refinish my Dining Room Table
March--Paint and Stain Buffet http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com/2012/06/making-of-red-hot-rhetta.html
April--Sew a rag quilt http://www.naptimecrafters.com/2010/12/guest-post-rag-quilt-from-just-enough.html
May--Make bread bags http://www.ehow.com/how_6665705_make-own-bread-bag.html
June--Art project with the boys. http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/2012/02/gallery-wall-kid-art-with-kids.html
July--Learn to sew lingerie
August--Make Homemade Lotion Bars http://littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/2008/11/homemade-lotion-bars.html
September--Finish my Texas Star quilt.
October--Homemade Hand Lotion http://asonomagarden.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/how-to-make-handmade-handlotion-w-label-download/
November--Cord Control Project http://www.jenthousandwords.com/2012/03/cord-control.html
December--Homemade Deodorant http://asonomagarden.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/how-to-make-homemade-deodorant-i-love-it/
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