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Family Finance!

Given the current global economic situation I thought some readers may benefit from a series of posts on family finances. In these posts I will share the strategies and ways of living that we use and have used for many years. The economic situation is not affecting us at all because we never live any differently – I guess you could say we are consistently frugal and careful.

A little background…

We are a family of 2 adults and 3 (soon to be 4) children living on a single income. My husband has a good job and works hard, but we are classed as “low income earners”. We have a modest but pleasant 3 bedroom single story home. We have a mortgage for this home. We own one family car. Our children are homeschooled by me – I am at home full time. Our luxuries are few, but we have a good lifestyle with plenty of healthy food, we always have spare money for unexpected expenses and we don’t worry about money. We believe that God always has and always will provide for us, but we also believe that He helps those who help themselves.

I hope that sharing our way of life financially will help you to improve your own. I will endeavour to leave my first post tomorrow.

All the best.

Mmmm, toffee!

by Kelly 2 Comments

This is a great old fashioned treat for kids (and Mums!) and so easy to make.

1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
3 oz. butter

Put all ingredients into saucepan and heat. Bring to the boil and boil for about 10 minutes (it begins to get frothy). To test if its done, drop a small amount into a saucer of water. If it starts to set then its ready. Pour into a slice tin or patty pans (well buttered). Allow to set.

Enjoy!

Oh, the heat!!

by Kelly 1 Comment

I was up early this morning, watering the gardening and getting as much done as possible before the heat set in. It was truly wonderful to have some quiet time to myself with the children all still asleep, its something I rarely get. I also made dinner early to eat cold this evening so things are really under control for a change.
The first morning of back to (home) school went exceptionally well with spelling, maths and social studies for the boy and tracing, drawing and mazes for young dd. Little’un was sick yesterday but seems her normal, happy self today.
It was 38 degrees yesterday, 41 for today, 43 forecast for tomorrow. We have spent the past couple of weeks looking into all our air conditioning options which has led to the decision that we can’t afford it at this time, so its another summer of jealously listening to the roar of neighbour’s airconditioners while we swelter. Ah well, its been 14 years without, I guess I can go a few more.

I don’t intend to use the sewing machine this week, but the creative juices are still… trickling, and I’ve been sketching up some embroidery and bear designs for when it gets cooler. I’ve treated myself to the latest Homespun magazine as there is not much else to do when its so hot.

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway which ends Saturday. If you’re a fellow Australian I hope you’re staying cool!

GIVEAWAY!

by Kelly 10 Comments

Hand embroidered homespun with a silky maroon border and backing, this cushion cover hot off the sewing machine measures 36 x 36cm. It has a flap back for easy insertion of the cushion. The giveaway is just for the cover, you will need your own insert (available at Spotlight for a few dollars or you can make your own with calico and polyfil). For a chance to win leave a comment. Winner will be drawn randomly next Saturday 31st January (the end of January already?!)

GOOD LUCK!

Velvet pouch doll

by Kelly Leave a Comment

I’m really into these pouch dolls of late, they’re so snuggly and cute. This one is going into the Etsy shop.

I’m working on a new waldorf type design that I’m very enthusiastic about but requires a lot of planning and thought. It will also use some materials I haven’t used before, so I have more to learn.

Its really warm here today and not much happening after Mass this morning. We’re planning a trip to the beach tomorrow as its supposed to be hot.

Wool felt rabbit

by Kelly Leave a Comment

Here is what I came up with yesterday, I would make changes to the pattern if I make any more. The kids were competing over who was to be the new owner, but the boy won out. Unfortunately the rabbit was declared “too stiff” for snuggling in bed with!I’ve been checking out the Duggar’s website, this family has inspired me for a long time, truly wondrous.I hope you enjoy your weekend in peace and joy. God bless you all.

Emmeline apron

by Kelly Leave a Comment

Here it is, it took me forever to get on to it but my sister will finally get her Christmas present! I wholeheartedly recommend this pattern, it came together beautifully and looks fabulous. You can get it here but I purchased mine from the Crafty Mamas Shop.

Lastnight I drew up a bunny rabbit design for some of my wool felt, so I hope to get time to work on one today. I’m a little in between with projects, not really knowing what to do next. My dilemma is – I want to continue making waldorf dolls but my profit margin is so slim its not really worth the time and effort put in. I don’t know whether people will still buy them if I raise the prices. I think I’ll make a couple more, put them in the Etsy shop for a higher price and see what happens. On a regular sized doll I usually make $20 – 30 for about 15 hours work. And my time is limited.

Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time is make some bears as collectables so one of my aims for this year is to make a bear that I consider good enough to enter into a competition. Fingers crossed, we’ll see how I go!

Thursday

by Kelly 1 Comment

This custom dolly is safely on her way to her new home, so hopefully the new owner won’t mind me posting these pics. I
made a little wool felt ted to go along with her.

This morning I made some fresh bread as the weather was cool. We then took sandwiches to the local gardens and had a picnic in
the shade of a weeping willow next to a pond. Besides the usual
struggle to keep the young’un in one place, it
was lovely. We also stopped in at the small secondhand book store

there and bought a few children’s books, which the older ones are now
poring over on the couch.

I’ve had a bad week but yesterday and today are feeling a little more
normal, the heat exacerbates the nausea so cooler days provide relief. I’m working on the Emmeline apron for my sister’s Christmas present (yeh, a little late, I know!) and its nearly finished. I’m sorely tempted to keep it for myself, but I’ll make another.

Knitted pouch doll

by Kelly 2 Comments

What a blurry photo! I just finished this little doll tonight, she is so cute! She is a pouch doll with a knitted body and hat. I used some beautiful organic Victorian wool for the knitting, it is so good to use. I’m giving her to 18 month old daughter (no hair, so she can’t pull it all out!)

Little Theresa

by Kelly 2 Comments

Here she is as promised. She is the first doll I’ve given a fringe (bangs if you’re not an Aussie) and it looks quite cute. I gave her freckles too. She is 9 inches tall and going to reside in my Etsy shop today.