tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post173195371595763099..comments2024-03-19T19:33:25.643+10:00Comments on A Tray of Bliss: Budgeting and Insourcing...play to your strengths...Mimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-52218321360365003892016-04-03T12:21:29.846+10:002016-04-03T12:21:29.846+10:00SUCH a great post! :)
Thanks for joining Cooking...SUCH a great post! :)<br /><br />Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!Jesshttp://www.pluckys-secondthought.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-65399033942832267992016-04-02T09:17:40.489+10:002016-04-02T09:17:40.489+10:00Dear Mimi, this gave me a good laugh this morning....Dear Mimi, this gave me a good laugh this morning. I have strawberries growing (under wire) next to my clothes line- I get to eat about 2-3 a week- so much for the jam I was planning to make . I also have a gifted tomato plant that seems to have a mind of it's own. No matter how I tie it up it still ends up draping itself across the pathway. It is however loaded with fruit so everyone is happily side stepping around it.<br />My work days have been cut back from 4 to 2 days per week and after following your blog for a while now I have decided that I will not look for another job but will instead use the time to try 'insourcing'. Thank you for the inspiration and the confidence to give this a try. BevAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-79293504677076353092016-04-01T20:32:08.648+10:002016-04-01T20:32:08.648+10:00I think a lot of us grew up in families that kept ...I think a lot of us grew up in families that kept chooks, had a big vegie garden, fruit trees, wood stoves, everything cooked from scratch, mended, repurposed, made do and handed down. I did! It was a lot of work and when my parents retired they got rid of the chooks, minimised the vegie garden, put in a heater that operated with the click of button, cut down the fruit trees as they'd done their work and enjoyed good holidays, new clothes and wining and dining with friends. Everyone wondered how they could do that in retirement but it is exactly as you say, save to your strengths and you should have some left over to be able to play.<br />JaniebabeJaniebabehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14759455864672571959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-43023709072154818172016-04-01T16:18:01.768+10:002016-04-01T16:18:01.768+10:00Dear Mimi - I had a knowing smile reading your pos...Dear Mimi - I had a knowing smile reading your post today. Pure gold. I'm no sewing genius, gardener or craft maker for that matter but related on so many levels albeit I do love my slow cooker. <br /><br />For me I keep the pantry stocked and eat out very little. Home cooked meals are always better and I save the eating out for the occasional fine dining. Most of our designer furniture is second hand and eBay and Gumtree have become my friends for buying and selling you just need to know your market. For the big ticket items I always bargain with cash - and never pay full price. Like yourself we also travel overseas every year or 2 and it's well worth the small sacrifices. BBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13379775559308293845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-88146592837862076692016-04-01T13:33:49.841+10:002016-04-01T13:33:49.841+10:00Dearest Flora! How are you my lovely! Yes the sewi...Dearest Flora! How are you my lovely! Yes the sewing. I do love sewing, but I no longer have the patience for the labour intensive stuff. There was a time when Vogue were my favourite patterns, and linings and princess seams and bias cut this and that were my forte`. Alas, I can't cope these days. If it has straight seams, and can be completed in one day, I love it. If not...well...sigh...it goes. I cannot imagine a Flora Fascinata headpiece being any kind of disaster...I'll have to take your word for it ;-) Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-53596895604307258702016-04-01T13:31:24.404+10:002016-04-01T13:31:24.404+10:00Lol Laura. It sounds as if you've travelled th...Lol Laura. It sounds as if you've travelled the same path! Yes, doing is far more constructive than dreaming. I know someone who calls it the Fantasy Self. We all have a Fantasy Self who effortlessly accomplishes all manner of things. The reality however, is often very different! Thanks for stopping in. Love seeing you! Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-5811678969605699012016-04-01T08:20:10.898+10:002016-04-01T08:20:10.898+10:00Dear Mimi, this gave me a good giggle. Particularl...Dear Mimi, this gave me a good giggle. Particularly relate to those expensive sewing projects....that don't quite cut the cheese. I've had my fair share of headpiece disasters too!!! <br />As for the garden I have had great years and then a dud! Can't pick it. The only thing I am sure fire with is cooking. Love your work, lovely Mimi. Xx Flora Fascinatahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02307285983019254214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-76673575608452774272016-04-01T08:14:13.158+10:002016-04-01T08:14:13.158+10:00Girl, you made me smile! We've lived the life ...Girl, you made me smile! We've lived the life haven't we? I imagine you've been at this about as long as I have. I've learned to pick and choose what I'll actually do and not just dream about!<br />Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage<br />Living on a Short Shoestring BudgetMrs. Laura Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17334381585683324912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-24712129140163296102016-03-31T15:42:34.181+10:002016-03-31T15:42:34.181+10:00Meg, I know, right? It makes you wonder why they&#...Meg, I know, right? It makes you wonder why they're so expensive at the supermarket! Thanks for the great comment. Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-21527398928458581242016-03-31T15:41:49.100+10:002016-03-31T15:41:49.100+10:00It's always a pleasure to visit you and Jess, ...It's always a pleasure to visit you and Jess, Julie. Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-1544423638794242712016-03-31T15:41:26.916+10:002016-03-31T15:41:26.916+10:00Melinda, I am so humbled by your comment. My idea ...Melinda, I am so humbled by your comment. My idea is that whilst we all need encouragement, we also need someone to say it's okay to fail, or not try, or give up sometimes. Sometimes we just have to tally up the things we are good at, and be thankful. Especially in the blogging world, it's very easy to become overwhelmed and discontented because there are so many talented people out there. I had an epiphany recently when one of my most favorite bloggers (nobody listed here to the right...one of the BIG bloggers), introduced us to her 'team'. She added that she is (and always was) a professional in her field, and that many of her photo shoots are professionally styled. What a dodo I was not to have picked that! It was like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I admired her so much, thinking she was just another person like me, making it up as she went along. But no. I think there are many instances of 'professionals masquerading as amateurs' out there in Blogland, and we need to be aware of that. I prefer to share my failures along with my successes. It may not be motivating for everyone, but hopefully it lifts the burden from the shoulders of others, as that little bit of knowledge did for me. Thankyou so much for your lovely comment. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-53595683474087989692016-03-31T15:35:54.941+10:002016-03-31T15:35:54.941+10:00Hello AnnMarie...yes that's another one. It...Hello AnnMarie...yes that's another one. It's wonderful if you can do it, and even better if you have a willing Nanna or Grandma to do it for you, but otherwise, it's something that gets lost in the chaos of caring for little ones, isn't it! Thanks for the encouragement. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-35624743440728100332016-03-31T15:34:36.731+10:002016-03-31T15:34:36.731+10:00Elizabeth, I'm glad to have given you a giggle...Elizabeth, I'm glad to have given you a giggle. I like your strategies. Very sensible indeed! Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-27016450709206508702016-03-31T15:33:54.378+10:002016-03-31T15:33:54.378+10:00Hello PP! Yes, there certainly is a skill to growi...Hello PP! Yes, there certainly is a skill to growing food. How did the pioneers manage?? The home made soap is divine if you're game, and a kit makes it very easy. Give it a go. At least you can say you've done it...lol! Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-12769278316158355432016-03-31T15:32:56.403+10:002016-03-31T15:32:56.403+10:00Hello Stephanie Sweetness! Yes, I really did cut m...Hello Stephanie Sweetness! Yes, I really did cut my own hair! I do not recommend it! You would look so lovely with a pixie cut. All the focus will be on your pretty face now. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-9633169391274753392016-03-31T15:31:59.773+10:002016-03-31T15:31:59.773+10:00Hello Earthmotherwithin. I am so pleased to see yo...Hello Earthmotherwithin. I am so pleased to see you! I cannot believe you ever doubted your quilting skills...look at you now! You're right...that's a lesson in itself. My breadmaking days are behind me unless I make the effort to make the gluten free stuff. It's not more difficult than a cake, but it's remembering to do it! I couldn't agree more on the herb growing. Growing our own herbs saves us an enormous amount of money and adds so much to the pleasure of the meal. It's the way to go! And fruit trees. Mine are yielding figs, mulberries, cumquats, lemons, limes, mandarins and kaffir lime leaves and fruit for potpourri. I love it. The latest additions are olives, avocados and blueberries. We shall see how they fare. But so far, the fruit trees are much less effort and far greater reward than veg! And in terms of saving money, they make a lot more sense. I love your attitude that a failure shouldn't stop you learning. So very true. I'm glad you stopped in and commented. Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-84311341859415837382016-03-31T15:27:20.166+10:002016-03-31T15:27:20.166+10:00Exactly Lynn! That's the strategy! Mimi xxxExactly Lynn! That's the strategy! Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-55396003311765167752016-03-31T15:26:46.211+10:002016-03-31T15:26:46.211+10:00I know Chel...digging is for the birds...or the go...I know Chel...digging is for the birds...or the gophers. My poor back and shoulders do not cope with digging. There was a time when I was out there with a crowbar, loosening the soil so my husband could come along behind me doing the digging. But the crowbar routine is beyond me too these days! Good on you with the soap. I do well with it too nowadays, but only because I persevered beyond those early failures...lol! Love, Mimi xxxMimihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12189100084557458199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-35524640545514349092016-03-31T09:26:18.525+10:002016-03-31T09:26:18.525+10:00I had a good chuckle about not planting eggplants ...I had a good chuckle about not planting eggplants if you don't eat them! That is exactly what happened in our first veggie bed. Someone told me that they were easy to grow in Summer and they did grow and fruit, prolifically, problem being that we don't really like eggplant:) Now, I plant what we eat and use. Lesson learned! Great post:)Meghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11573371198907761962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-60728338351105098542016-03-31T07:15:23.545+10:002016-03-31T07:15:23.545+10:00Aww I really enjoyed your post today Mimi! These ...Aww I really enjoyed your post today Mimi! These are all great tips about saving money!<br />Thanks again for joining and sharing at our Monday Cooking and Crafting with J & J!<br />Enjoy the week.<br />Julie xoJulie's Lifestylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13804692908534378507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-5740400036091422842016-03-31T01:31:47.996+10:002016-03-31T01:31:47.996+10:00Thank you. I beat myself up all the time because: ...Thank you. I beat myself up all the time because: I don't have the time to invest in learning some of these things, I don't have the money for the equipment needed, I've tried multiple times and failed because it's not my gifting from God. So rather than look at the ways I am succeeding, I often time get upset because I can't or I don't have, or it's not my gift. This post is truly beautiful. I'm going to pin it so when I'm feeling down that I don't have the yard space for even a small garden, I don't have time to learn knew things because I homeschool and have all four of my daughters still at home, or I've tried and failed so many times, I can look back at this and realize, it's ok. Concentrate on what I can do and enjoy life. :) Melindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00765701939855475700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-9882152695071798042016-03-30T21:23:38.703+10:002016-03-30T21:23:38.703+10:00Oh, I so agree and have been there! Great post!! B...Oh, I so agree and have been there! Great post!! Both my daughters were determined to make their own baby food with the birth of their firstborn. I didn't say anything and waited....needless to say it was too much money and time to bother! Live and learn!AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01969507879772949374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-55438767357660470442016-03-30T18:54:32.419+10:002016-03-30T18:54:32.419+10:00That did make me laugh! I've had various simil...That did make me laugh! I've had various similar experiences too. But we find that buying Needs not Wants, growing vegetables (yes!), making soups and freezing lots, are all ways to save moneyElizabethdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02405703727112759947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-53181997839103844112016-03-30T17:22:08.759+10:002016-03-30T17:22:08.759+10:00Such a funny, charming, and interesting post, Mimi...Such a funny, charming, and interesting post, Mimi! I've had a few flops, too...especially when trying to grow our own food. It is so difficult! The soil isn't much more than rocky clay here, and it is always sooo hot! My hubby bought me a soap making kit approximately a year ago, I've yet to put it to use, maybe this year...so glad you've shared your trial and errors!Parsimonious Décor Darlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04883406014186185383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7492903313028603031.post-80391783598226028922016-03-30T13:32:20.437+10:002016-03-30T13:32:20.437+10:00Sweet friend, I thoroughly enjoyed this post {{smi...Sweet friend, I thoroughly enjoyed this post {{smiles}} And I am giggling about your cutting your own hair...did you really? I did when I was a wee little girl, but have not tried it again. Although I got a pixie hair cut yesterday and oh my....I have no words. If I feel brave I shall share a photo on my blog :)<br /><br />Thank you for the tips, dear one. Much love to you!Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02389136708128457239noreply@blogger.com