tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post3231394724675042156..comments2024-03-26T00:26:19.756-07:00Comments on The Bluebirds are Nesting...: Feather your Nest Friday, 12th January, 2018.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-18803873088555460972018-01-15T03:55:49.365-08:002018-01-15T03:55:49.365-08:00Dear Leslie,
That is such a beautiful comment. Th...Dear Leslie,<br /> That is such a beautiful comment. Thank you so much for the encouragement. I feel like I have had criticism from all sides lately so that is just what I needed.<br />Much love, KelseyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-16865433254387455892018-01-14T19:45:27.445-08:002018-01-14T19:45:27.445-08:00Hey, Kelsey!
Loved that your friend gave you a fun...Hey, Kelsey!<br />Loved that your friend gave you a funny look over ironing tissue paper. Remember to follow your convictions on being a good home-keeper. I think all of us here have had some slur against us over being frugal. But oddly enough, those are the people that later share what an example you were to them. <br />I am so proud of you! You are ahead of the game. You are developing good skills now, early in your marriage, rather than after finding yourself deep in debt.<br />" A prudent wife is better than rubies"<br />Blessings,<br />LeslieLeslie McKinleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08082544707682903607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-50797794985121207372018-01-14T17:22:08.016-08:002018-01-14T17:22:08.016-08:00Dear Annabel,
Oh what a blessing all those plums ...Dear Annabel,<br /> Oh what a blessing all those plums are! And the prices on the fruit you bought, such a good deal. You have been busy making hay while the sun shines, for sure. <br />How wonderful to have made a new friend and get all those linens. A country wedding will be beautiful, especially with you and Chloe doing the decorating. My cousin who had the country wedding (with the sunflower field!) had big hoops covered with strips of vintage sheets hanging from the rafters in the barn where they had the reception. They were like chandeliers and it was beautiful.<br /> This week we installed smoke detectors in our home as this house didn't have any, so I feel good about that. <br />We received a big bag of baby boy clothes from one of the guys in the fire department as he has a boy just older than John (who turned six months on Monday!) and he says there is more to come. This is a blessing as we don't have many clothes in bigger sizes. <br />With part of my allowance, I purchased an anniversary gift for Colton that I bought on sale. I managed to keep it a secret and surprise him, though we had some really close calls :)<br />I saved tissue paper from a gift I received and ironed it so it looks like new. I told some friends I did this and they looked at me like I was from another planet. <br />I have been meal planning and keeping to the budget, using what we have on hand and shopping sales. My husband is doing a 60 day weight loss challenge with the fire department so this has required extra planning on my part, but so far I am keeping up and we are doing well.<br />We (by this I mean Colton) dug up the invasive plant out of the front yard. This is part of January's to-do list in preparation for ordering grass next month.<br />I canned 7 quarts of bone broth and dehydrated apple slices from apples we purchased on sale, 10 lbs for $2.<br />I purchased a gift card to the craft store at 10% off, as we are planning a trip next month. It came out of my allowance for this month but I will get it back next month plus a few dollars for planning ahead.<br />I made 6 cards last week from last year's calendar. And I finished my first ever knitting project! It is a washcloth and I am working on my second one now. They are for gifts, even though the first one turned out a bit wonky. It was a labor of love and I'm giving it anyway.<br />We have a huge window upstairs that the sun shines right into. This lets in a lot of heat and has caused sun damage to everything near it over the years. Heavy duty thermal curtains are expensive so we opted for hanging painters' dropcloths. They work so well, are so much cheaper, and they look great!<br />I haven't added up the savings but it looks like a good two weeks. We are doing well saving and have accomplished a lot on our lists.<br />I hope everyone has a good week!<br />Love, Kelsey<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-47320540594724560812018-01-14T03:14:39.376-08:002018-01-14T03:14:39.376-08:00Dear Fi,
Well my 2016 Vicky Challenge was thirty ...Dear Fi, <br />Well my 2016 Vicky Challenge was thirty something thousand.... $22000 was from painting my won house as I was quotes 25 and it cost me three... mind you A LOT OF WORK and a ruined arm... haha I thought this year would be less but I counted a couple big things... one was saying no to the insurance company and asking for a payout, it took ages and was stressful but it benefitted us by $10,000! Also doing the bathroom ourselves saved $8000. My total was $44000. I can list my savings each week! It sounds too good to be true and it was mostly small things! <br />You have avocados! I would love that! I would also check out that passdonfuit for sure! Id be there! <br />Have a good new week! So much to do so little time! With lots of love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-36090881680840380452018-01-14T03:09:53.804-08:002018-01-14T03:09:53.804-08:00Thank you Glenda! I am fascinated by your elderbe...Thank you Glenda! I am fascinated by your elderberries! Now you have mentioned Farmer Boy I will read that. I think I will work my way through the whole series. You are related! Ill be asking you more about this! <br />No I have never water bathed jam... it is not the norm here, at least I have never heard of it locally. It keeps for several years at least by which time it is always gone... if it lasts that long! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-6360124275249575492018-01-14T03:07:09.899-08:002018-01-14T03:07:09.899-08:00Dear Mimi, Industry in the kitchen is very happy. ...Dear Mimi, Industry in the kitchen is very happy. I love photos of produce, cooking, baskets of goodies and jars of preserves, to me they are beautiful. I hope to get figs at some time, I better ask Chloe how the figs are going! I hope lots comes your way as I know you also make the most of it. Many thanks! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-48917329291077200992018-01-14T03:05:06.407-08:002018-01-14T03:05:06.407-08:00Thanks Little Penpen, It was a good week! xxxThanks Little Penpen, It was a good week! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-18787900138782047052018-01-14T03:04:18.030-08:002018-01-14T03:04:18.030-08:00Dear Mandy,
I also cannot function being out or ru...Dear Mandy,<br />I also cannot function being out or running around all the time. I had the day out Tuesday and that was enough for me although I babysat the girls as well and have little outings to the shops or to see them etc. It is very soon too much time out and things go downhill rapidly...<br />Getting your car well sorted is a good thing and wise before a trip. <br />A new bed is also a very good investment! A blissful bed is about the best thing ever!<br />Thank you for your kind words! I hope you have a great new week! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-89751572555543038702018-01-14T03:00:54.388-08:002018-01-14T03:00:54.388-08:00Dear Nana Chel, Thank you! We have LOTS of weddin...Dear Nana Chel, Thank you! We have LOTS of wedding sewing to do but I think it will be very pretty. <br />I find jam a great gift and my Dad loves plum jam so I made some for him first. I traded jam for eggs with Chloe. Now I have a lot lined up so much of this will be gifts i.e. three types of jam in a little basket with some herbs or something! I eat some but not much... I also like to add a dollop to muffins or biscuits or little cakes as it looks so pretty! <br />I cant wait to see what classes and new skills you are on to this new year! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-50425041943066418432018-01-14T02:58:09.062-08:002018-01-14T02:58:09.062-08:00Dear Marian, If you have the fruit then go for it!...Dear Marian, If you have the fruit then go for it! If I do little bits I do it in the microwave as the colour is so pretty but big batches I do on the stove top. I am still going here, now on to nectarines! With love Annabel.xxx ps what are you making now!? I know you will be on to your gift making again! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-12515371942512555362018-01-14T02:55:50.450-08:002018-01-14T02:55:50.450-08:00Thanks Cheryl! I have been busy all weekend with ...Thanks Cheryl! I have been busy all weekend with fruit! Yes it is a big blessing. I am done with plums now and on to nectarines! Each day I do some more plus I gave Chloe quite a lot! I hope you had a lovely weekend and have a good new week! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-52595534325539388622018-01-14T02:39:39.323-08:002018-01-14T02:39:39.323-08:00Dear Elaine, It is good to have surgery over and ...Dear Elaine, It is good to have surgery over and done with but it can be really hard. I hope things are going better now. It was good you had some meals in the freezer! Online shopping also has its advantages in these times!<br />Citrus! We get good winter citrus which I always think is like a ray of sunshine! Also the blossoms smell so nice! <br />Today I finished the plums finally and tomorrow Im on to the nectarines! I think I need to read all the little house books. I saw some of the TV series when I was young but that is all. <br />Thanks so much for everything Elaine, have a good new week! With love Annabel.xxx<br /><br />Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-28116379837254475472018-01-13T23:40:38.699-08:002018-01-13T23:40:38.699-08:00Thanks so much Earthmotherwithin! It really was a...Thanks so much Earthmotherwithin! It really was a big week! But good things! I am still going on fruit too! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-84237458974475136482018-01-13T23:39:45.080-08:002018-01-13T23:39:45.080-08:00Thanks Debbie! It was a big week but so nice! Ha...Thanks Debbie! It was a big week but so nice! Have a good new week to you! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-51794874137023254862018-01-13T23:38:50.698-08:002018-01-13T23:38:50.698-08:00Dear Gardenpat,
OH the soap display boxes sound re...Dear Gardenpat,<br />OH the soap display boxes sound really good. I haven't seen them so I better go nosey on your store... anyone who makes soap would be interested in these!<br />I don't know how the chickens cope with such cold! But obviously they do! I thought the way you wrapped up the coop was a good idea. Eggs are so useful!<br />Your stocking up on great deals is awesome! I am still dealing with fruit but I am not complaining it is a good problem to have!<br />I hope you have another excellent week after a peaceful and restful Sunday! With much love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-51701101682583864322018-01-13T23:35:25.630-08:002018-01-13T23:35:25.630-08:00Dear Teresa,
Well done on stocking up when you fou...Dear Teresa,<br />Well done on stocking up when you found a good sale! <br />Cookie gave me a recipe for grain free pumpkin pancakes and I am trying these. I love pumpkin! Many thanks, with love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-14239867088980085962018-01-13T23:33:41.012-08:002018-01-13T23:33:41.012-08:00Dear Kathy, I love your New Years Eve tradition. A...Dear Kathy, I love your New Years Eve tradition. And you are right, we can celebrate with a really wonderful meal even with special ingredients and treats at a small cost compared to going out. Also I agree on avoiding the roads! You had a lot of great savings! I would love to see your knitting too and it sounds like you are getting a lot done! <br />The yarn and books from your lovely friend was a bonus for the week! I hope you have had a good weekend and are ready for a new big week! With love and thanks, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-22905768524988252442018-01-13T23:29:39.680-08:002018-01-13T23:29:39.680-08:00Dear Leslie, Thank you so much! You are a great e...Dear Leslie, Thank you so much! You are a great encouragement! <br />What savings! I am LOVING the sound of this armoire. That sounds right up my alley as do the french style chairs! Oh my goodness! <br />There you are enjoying cherries as a result of your work when you had them fresh! I hope this will be me in winter! Thank you so much for all your kind words Leslie! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-50869941416435398302018-01-13T18:11:37.315-08:002018-01-13T18:11:37.315-08:00How blessed I am by this site and all the ladies w...How blessed I am by this site and all the ladies who share here! Annabel can share her victories in savings with all of us and we rejoice. How great it is to have sisters who see God in the everyday! So happy for you all in your savings and blessings. God is good!<br /><br />I had to renew my drivers license and needed a certified copy of our marriage certificate. So I tried to order one online. One site claiming it was official wanted to charge me $65 USD! Well, I prayed and asked my husband for help. We found the site of the county where we were married. I called the phone number listed. The woman gave me instructions and told me my total cost...$2.50 USD. Amazing, I saved $62.50! <br /><br />other savings: shopped at the Habitat for Humanity's Restore. They are a thrift store for housewares, building supplies and furniture. We purchased a lovely 7 foot tall armoire for $60 and two french style chairs for $5 each. All of these I intend to gussy up with paint, but all are well built.<br />So glad us U.S. ladies can be inspired by your harvest in the depths of winter. We enjoyed cherries in syrup on our sourdough waffles this morning. Many hours of picking, pitting and canning those cherries...but what a blessing.<br /><br />Love,<br />Leslie Leslie McKinleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08082544707682903607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-6276182720045201912018-01-13T16:24:38.054-08:002018-01-13T16:24:38.054-08:00Dear Jen, Your challenges sound interesting! I ...Dear Jen, Your challenges sound interesting! I am glad you are making progress. Step by step and week by week archives a lot! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-58132435060831631402018-01-13T16:22:39.939-08:002018-01-13T16:22:39.939-08:00Dear Lana, I think the first year after a big med...Dear Lana, I think the first year after a big medical crisis or surgery is a long one and when you get to the time of year it all happened it is kind of a strange anniversary and a bit scary. If you can see how far you've come it can be good though. Your husband did great on the plumbing! I am doing the same with dental work... I used up what my insurance would pay for last year and thought I will wait for the new year to do anything else!<br />I hope your Sams Club is straying open I saw they are closing over 60 stores and it was unexpected. <br />You had a good week.... I have also been thinking of you and praying for Ally and her family. With love Annabel.xxx<br />Annabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-27213199691596780122018-01-13T16:16:36.898-08:002018-01-13T16:16:36.898-08:00Dear Patsi, I hope you do get great deals at Sams ...Dear Patsi, I hope you do get great deals at Sams Club. I saw a lot of people sad about this closing. I will be so glad to have you in the swap! There are a lot of possibilities even with envelopes and small parcels! With love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-31756153634620139882018-01-13T16:14:20.834-08:002018-01-13T16:14:20.834-08:00Dear Mel,
Your fruit trees are already producing a...Dear Mel,<br />Your fruit trees are already producing and rewarding you! This is great.<br />The extra work plus the public holiday pay would be a big help. Well done on doing this extra work. You already do a lot! I hope you get a rest as you need that too. Once tired I find it is hard to catch up! Last night though I slept and slept which has helped. <br />You had a great week of savings on the groceries! Have a beautiful Sunday it is such a nice day! With much love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-4742882522306277412018-01-13T09:41:12.748-08:002018-01-13T09:41:12.748-08:00Wow, wow, wow is all I can say about all of that w...Wow, wow, wow is all I can say about all of that wonderful fruit! What an absolute blessed week you have had. I so can't wait for summer now!<br />Glad you made a new friend as well.<br />Blessings.Cheryl Kimbleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06485771676254429681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-20497558941896159202018-01-13T04:37:38.327-08:002018-01-13T04:37:38.327-08:00Lana, I just wanted you to know that you have been...Lana, I just wanted you to know that you have been on my mind often lately and I am praying for you. I am glad to see that you have been blessed with things that make you happy and that your husband is able to do some of the repairs himself. That is such a joy. <br /><br />Blessings. <br /><br />love,<br />CristyCristyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11885394458317264217noreply@blogger.com