Cheapness

I have arrived because Dave Ramsey would be proud of me. For the first time I took great joy in shopping at Goodwill. It's a little like "dumpster diving" for clothing and I LOVE it. I spotted a pair of perfect pants for Simi two racks away and dove THROUGH the racks of clothing to get to it first (never mind there was no one within 15 feet of it). It was a stellar good find. But I would say the crowning moment of thriftiness came when I tried, unsuccessfully, to scam a Goodwill employee. I backed off when she said she could lose her job for doing what I suggested. Beth, I would have made you proud in that moment. Since you are THE Queen of Free.

Money, Money, Money....Oh, how I hate money!

How can you loathe something so much, when you've never even had it enough to get to know it? Although I do appreciate the millions of dollars God filters through our lives over a lifetime, I still haven't figured it all out. Like how to make it work for my family and stop making us work for it! I came across this article in our recent Reader's Digest issue and thought it was quite reassuring that there are crazy people like us out there! It is all very worth it and we will be the better for it, and hopefully our children will as well! Check it out! Reader's Digest

what's for dinner?

Hey yall here's a recipe for those of you, like me, who have run out of grocery money and it's only 1/2 of the way through the month. So in honor of roadkill here's a recipe for you out of A Husband's Guide to Home Entertaining (1978). There is also another recipe I chose not to print here for you because of it's disgusting factor....involving a calf head, brain, and a sharp knife. I am not regretting my vegan-ism.

BRAISED SQUIRREL
2 squirrels cut for stew
1tsp salt
½ freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp butter or peanut oil
¼ cup brandy or Cognac
2 cups chicken or beef stock
1 cup grated sweet onion
3 finely minced shallots
1 cup sliced mushrooms
½ tsp dry crumbled thyme
¼ tsp dry crumbled marjoram
½ cup dry red wine
1tsp cornstarch

Rub squirrel pieces with salt and pepper, brown in butter over very low heat. Drain butter from pan, heat brandy; pour over squirrel pieces and light. Lay flames burn out, then add all remaining ingredients except cornstarch. Cover pan, simmer at very low hear until squirrel pieces are tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Dissolves cornstarch in cool water, stir into pan, simmer until pan liquids thicken.
Serves 8

Introducing....

A slacker...me! That is what I know about myself. In the context of not doing this group anymore I know that I, thus forcing my hubby, will slack off on this Ramsey plan. As much as we have dissed Mr. Ramsey, I really am enjoying his plan. We have learned a lot in the short time we've been at it and don't know how much change is going to affect our group. Change is good, but like sandpaper, really. It's rough going through but comes out smooth and pretty in the end. This group has been a great group to be involved in with accountability and such. I feel as though we're just getting started in some respects, though. Like we've barely uncovered the surface and now we're changing. I hope we find a way to stay as a group, this small one, through what's coming down the pike. Eventhough, Dave and I have a very long way to go I realize you guys are almost there and we could potentially be boring you to death or holding you back in some way. We are committed to being better stewards of our blessings that God has given us. We also are well aware of the fact that even when, and I know it's a matter of when, we slack we'll know when and where and how to get the support to get back on track! We love you all! :( :) ........I love roadkill and ramen! Long live roadkill and ramen!?!

missing you already

Everyone keeps telling me that the Ramsey study at church will be great and I suppose that's true once I can get past not eat ting lunch with you all every Sunday afternoon. I have so enjoyed knowing more about you all in finances, life, and general knowledge (thanks to Billy). I am missing you and your not even gone.... I think our tradition should continue even if lunch on Sunday's won't work anymore.

Nutty Peach Crisp

1 (29 oz.) can sliced peaches, undrained
1 (18 1/4 oz.) Pkg. yellow cake mix
1/2 c. butter or margarine, melted
1 c. flaked coconut
1 c. chopped pecans

Arrange peaches in an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Sprinkle dry cake mix over top. Drizzle with butter; sprinkle with coconut and pecans. Bake at 325 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 15 minutes. Serve warm or cold. Yield: 12 to 15 servings.

Hello Fellow Ramsey want-to-beeees:
I have a new sure fire system to spend less at the grocery: Walk to the store and carry re-use able bags.
As I was walking though the Lion today I knew that I only could buy what I could carry home in my three bags. That means no impulse buys, kid toys, or anything with liquid (no beer, juice, bottled water, wine, etc because it's too heavy).
SO here's my rational. If I buy more it's like weightlifting (exercise), if I buy less my budget thanks me. It's a win/win situation :)

I would include a pic but my camera died today......it'll be 6 months before I can save up enough to purchase it, thank you, Mr. Ramsey.