Change for the Better

Our family has been working hard to implement changes around the EE over the last year while maintaining a frugal lifestyle. We're making an effort to eat healthier, be more active, practice better time management, and streamline activities for maximum impact (and prevent burnout). We're figuring things out as we go along and by no means have all the answers. However, it is interesting to note the overlap between each of these efforts.

Here are a few things that are working for us:
1) Plan ahead, no matter what the subject. We have all been guilty of last minute holiday gift purchases where we wind up spending way more than if we had planned ahead and shopped throughout the year. On a day to day basis, our lack of weekly meal plans has led to food waste and frustration at supper time, therefore leading to expensive, unhealthy take away food. Implementing a plan doesn't mean we need to be unyielding or inflexible. That has been a hard lesson for me in particular.

2) Cook meals from scratch (or mostly). The result is rewarding to the pocketbook and waistline. Bear in mind that "convenience foods" don't necessarily take less time than a simple homemade meal. Take the time to learn a few homemade meals and keep the pantry stocked for busy weeknights. I'm going to be adding more recipes for this purpose under the tag Fast & Frugal. Cheatin' Chicken & Rice is a good place to start! http://theenchantedemporium.blogspot.com/2010/11/cheatin-chicken-rice.html

3) Utilize devices in the home to save time, money and frustration. A slow cooker or rice cooker can make healthy, frugal meals with very little prep time. This helps us avoid the temptation to grab fast food on a hectic day, as mention earlier. At the EE, an awkward cabinet over the stove houses these handy helpers along with a kitchen torch, coffee grinder, etc. A large saute pan, stock pot, stand mixer, set of mixing bowls, and glassware casseroles are also good tools to have on hand!

4) Frugality does not equal deprivation. As a Christian, I equate stewardship with frugality. We attempt to be conscientious in our spending to allow us to help others and enjoy the little luxuries of life. The purpose  for our efforts in this matter isn't to be martyrs on the altar of self righteousness. Rather, it is to allow us to live a full life without indebtedness.

5) Be joyful! We need to be careful not to get so bogged down in our worries about finances, family needs, and so on that we forget to find joy in our lives. We were created to be joyful beings! Sometimes we just have to stop and make ourselves find that happy, peaceful place. It helps us to embrace life choices (such as frugality) and truly live it, if it is done with a happy heart.

What are some ways your family brings order to the chaos of life? Share your comments so we can learn from one another!