Secrets of Success

Repurposing

I set a 2013 goal to use up items in my household that were taking up room, and if I can use them to help me/someone else, that is even better!

I am using yarn to make little girls' ponchos with a free Lion Brand pattern; I am using scraps of fabric to create potholders that will be parts of gifts during the year; I even looked at a deli-container as a possible "greenhouse" to begin plants or perhaps sow some lettuce soon.

Stretching Dollars for a Charitable Contribution

I have a young cousin who will face numerous heart surgeries. A lot of her medical procedures are provided through Medicare/Medicaid, but the expense for her young parents and little brother to stay in the area [3 hours away from home] are very hard for the family to come up with. Wishing to make a donation, but with my own funds being tight, I took books in my house that I deemed non-necessary to a used book store to start a fund so that I can provide the young family with at least a day's

Planning Ahead

Instead of making my usual recipe for Spark's yummy buttermilk cornmeal muffins and freezing the leftovers after DH and I finish a meal, I doubled the recipe and now have muffins for more 5 more meals in my freezer!

Soda Substitution

I used to always feel the need to stop for a diet soda whenever I stopped by a convenience store for gasoline. Now, I go ahead and get the ice, and then fill with water. I am saving not putting the chemicals in my body and getting 4 glasses of water by the time it is done. I still feel as if I have bought myself a treat!