Thrifty Thirty: Thirty Ways I Pinch Pennies

             

Hello Dear Readers,

Here are some silly and some practical ways I have found to save money.

1. We budget each month with categories; the secret to a savings account is living below your means, not within them.

2. Costco bulk items are my salvation-- my favorite are the huge bags of rice for $7, the huge bags of flour, the bread, bagels, eggs, and rotisserie chicken. The chicken is already cooked, and it freezes well. *side note... Costco strawberries also taste better than strawberries anywhere else. I promise.**

3. I make my own laundry soap, the recipe is HERE. For $30, I made enough laundry detergent to last us a year and a half. And I like it!

4. For a while, I was making bread. That recipe is HERE. 81 cents for a 2 lb loaf is pretty good.

5. I give my husband haircuts. Luckily, he's very low- maintenance. :)

6. I tried giving myself a haircut... and it actually turned out not too bad! But I don't recommend it unless you're really, really confident with those scissors.

7. For date nights, sometimes Scot and I get a 79 cent Slurpy from Circle K and a Redbox movie... it's a great date for less than $5.

8. For other dates, we find free things to do... did you know that the public library gives out free "culture" passes? You have to be lucky enough to score some, but they equal free trips to the zoo, the botanical gardens, different museums, etc. Or, we go hiking or for walks, or even the occasional bike ride.

9. I sometimes shop at a discount grocery store. For those of you in the Mesa/ Tempe area, I recommend American Discount Foods off of Longmore and Southern. They are admittedly hit-and-miss; sometimes, I'll go in and find tons of stuff I want. Other times, there may be very little. They are worth checking out though, especially for produce! I've scored fruit trays for $2 there.

10. We use a filtered water system, the Brita pitchers, for drinking water. Rather than buying water by the gallon, we use this instead. The water tastes pretty good (and I am picky about my water), is easy to maintain, and washes easily.

11. We don't buy soda. I sometimes cave and buy fruit drinks (like apple juice), but those are not an every grocery trip occurrence.

12. I visit Goodwill and thrift stores every once in a while-- and it is well worth it! Not having grown up going to thrift stores, they are a whole new world for me. I've found everything from a nice dresser buffet for $50, to a matching piece of crystal glassware for my particular set, to serving platters, and more.

13. I sew. No, I'm not talented enough to make our clothes yet (which honestly, can be just as expensive as buying them anyway), but I do use my sewing machine for repairing clothing. I also use it for home crafts, such as a mail catcher I threw together one Saturday. Curtains are a breeze, too.

14. We don't have cable.

15. Scot and I read. The library is free and right down the street.

16. We plan grocery visits so we aren't constantly using extra gas to pick stuff up all the time we forgot.

17. This sounds kind of crazy, but we go looking for movies at Pawn shops. You can often get 5 for $3! And some have good movies, too.

18. We look for adds in the mail to eat out places... for instance, the Mongolian Grill by our house sometimes gives out offers that are good enough to cover one of our dinners.

19. We eat in almost all the time. We only go out when we have money budgeted for it in our "date fund," and even then usually with a coupon.

20. We use the cards at restaurants-- like the Red Robin Royalty card and others. Every ninth burger is free, and you get a free burger during your birthday month.

21. I drink a lot of tea. I get tired of water, and it is a great alternative to *just* water.

22. I use a Swiffer mop but instead of buying the replacement pads, I just use a regular old dishcloth (dedicated to the floor, of course), and a bucket of soapy water.

23. We use power strips for things like the tv, dvd player, wii, and whatever else gets plugged into our entertainment system. By cutting the power to everything while we aren't home, it saves us a lot of money on energy- sapping devices. We are planning on getting a timer for our router as well.

24. When I can, I hang things up to dry instead of using the dryer. Not all the time, because even I don't have that much patience for laundry, but when I can I do.

25. We used old rags instead of paper towels for the longest time, until I finally caved and bought some much to Scot's chagrin. He's getting used to them though... no more freaking out or being the paper towel Nazi. (I love you babe!) :)

26. Scot works on our cars himself. This is an incredible blessing, because I know not everyone knows how (I certainly don't), but that saves us a TON of money. Oil changes, break pad replacements, changing the motor mount or pretty much whatever needs to be done he can do.

27. We don't buy anything on easy payments or credit. Yes, we use a credit card for purchases sometimes because you need some kind of credit history, but we are really using what's actually already in our bank account when it comes down to paying the bill. We also pay the entire balance of the bill at the end of the billing cycle, and this saves a TON of money on interest charges. I hope that makes sense the way I explained it!

28. Back to the cars, Scot uses an app that keeps track of car mileage and tells him when general maintenance things need to be done (spark plugs, new battery, etc.). He pays attention and replaces things before they are broken... and this general maintenance has saved us many headaches and many break downs. Also, one of our budget categories is car repairs, so even when we don't use it for months when something goes wrong, we have the money and aren't caught stressing about how to pay rent that month. Yay for budgeting!

29. We use Chevron gas. I know what you're thinking, "but that's not cheap!" and I know, places like Circle K or Shell have cheaper gas. Know what? Mileage wise, they are not cheaper for your car and gunk up your engine, too. Paying the extra cents at the pump for Chevron actually works out to be cheaper in the long run.

30. We take the time to plan. It is trying for me at times, because sitting down and keeping track of our budget isn't always high on my to- do list, but it is worth it.

I hope some of those were helpful, and if not at least they were amusing, right? You're welcome. *notice how I didn't post a picture of my hair?

Until next time,
Hannah

When Sight Came Wrapped in Blindness

Here is an original poem, written by yours truly. Once in a while I like to write some (poorly written) poetry for fun, and I thought I would share this one with you all. It is about Paul, and yes, I took a few liberties with it... nevertheless, enjoy! :)

When Sight Came Wrapped in Blindess

When sight came wrapped in blindess that hot and dusty day,

I was galloping upon my horse, a holy, upright way.

My neck was bent upon the steed that bore me to my chore; 

And when I thought about my goal, I boiled more than before.

The sweat poured from my brow and arms, my hands stained with horses' leather; 

I grimaced as I thought of what came from that flock who stood together.

Those "Christians" cowering upon the floor of houses that I entered

And drug away for heresy, and murdered, for the better-- 

And as I thought about their faces both calm and resigned,

I puzzled at their rebelliousness- a fine thought for my mind

When all of a sudden, I was knocked off my fine horse

And fell to the ground with a loud THUD and no remorse.

A Mighty Voice cried out, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 

And my heart filled with dread-- for at once I knew it was He.

Incredulous, and to be sure, I asked, "Who art thou, Lord?" 

And that Voice of voices grew in strength and cried louder than before:

"I am Jesus who thou persecutes! Now rise, and be on your way;

and later in Damascus I will tell you about your stay." 

I stood once more upon my feet and then to my surprise,

Found that this great and mighty Jesus had closed my own two eyes!

"I cannot see!" I cried, and reached out my hand for help; 

And there a friend clasped it and brought it to himself.

He said, "Oh Saul, I'm afraid we've made a mistake! 

This Jesus that we hate so much is real and is not fake!" 

Onward we walked, and weaker I grew, for I would not not eat or drink;

I needed every minute to ponder and process and wonder and think. 

I had missed it! I had missed Him! This Jesus who I despised,

Was all the time in front of me, right before my eyes! 

At last we reached the gates of the city, and entered not so pious;

When there we ran smack into a man called Ananias.

He laid his hands upon my head and prayed a prayer for me,

And there the scales fell off my eyes-- at last, I could truly see!

Not just the light or friends or birds or things lovely to behold,

I saw the Man Jesus for who He was-- the God, I Am, of old.

I felt such sorrow for what I had done to followers of the Way,

And grateful to this Jesus for his mercy on me that day. 

He showed me that He lives and cares about each and every one of us,

When sight came wrapped in blindess that day,

On the road to Damascus. 

-Hannah Carlisle

Jingle Bells!

Hello everyone!

I wanted to share what has been going on with the Carlisles lately.

We have been getting ready for Christmas, and we put up our very first real Christmas tree together! Here are a few pics of our apartment, for those of you who have been asking.

 I love the beautiful roses Scot bought me just because!

 I have never had a stocking before, that's just a tradition we didn't do grow up. It's fun starting new traditions!

My dear friend Jennifer came for tea today, and she brought us coffee mugs. I'm sorry I don't have my pictures hung up yet... someday soon! 

I am enjoying my new job immensely; what a whirlwind! I had lunch at the Blitmore last week for the AZ Bioscience Roadmap luncheon, had lunch at the Phoenix Country Club on Thursday for a legislative reception, and tonight Scot and I are going to our office party dinner at the Ritz Carlton! How exciting. All of a sudden, I'm eating lunch with senators and getting to wear my "power suits" as my mom likes to call them; and I have to dress up every day! I LOVE my job. It suits me perfectly. ;)

Scot finished up classes for good this past week, and he graduates from ASU with his Biochemistry  degree this Friday! I am so proud of my honey. We are excitedly preparing for his family to arrive and for the good times ahead. We get to pick up his sister tonight, it will be great to see her! Scot is also looking for used cars to buy, fix up, and re-sell. We are still waiting to find out about grad school and are in the middle of making some big life decisions that we will be happy to share once we are all decided on everything. 

Other than that, we are still teaching Sunday School together. I took Scot to the Desert Botanical Gardens for the first time, and we recommend that as a great date! You can even go for free like we did if you snag a free cultural pass from the public library (ask at the front desk). We look forward to spending Christmas with family in Colorado this year, and I cannot wait to go play in the snow and make my first snowman. 

I hope everyone else is enjoying the holiday season as well! Cheers to you and to a great 2013!

For Jody... Easy Bread

I'm glad you asked about the bread, my friend! 

Here is the best recipe I have found for bread... no kneading required, and because you let it rise so long it tastes fantastic! It uses less yeast, too, and I think each loaf (2 lbs!) only costs 82 cents with the electricity it takes to run the oven included in there. 

One adjustment I made is using a regular stock pot with a lid instead of a dutch oven, because I don't have one. 

Anyway, here is the recipe! 

Ingredients: 

6 cups bread (recommended) or all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
1/2 t. instant or active-dry yeast2 1/2 t. salt2 2/3 c. cool water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the water and stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated; the dough should be wet and sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rest 12-18 hours on the counter at room temperature. When surface of the risen dough has darkened slightly, smells yeasty, and is dotted with bubbles, it is ready.
2. Lightly flour your hands and a work surface. Place dough on work surface and sprinkle with more flour. Fold the dough over on itself once or twice and, using floured fingers, tuck the dough underneath to form a rough ball.
3. Generously dust a cotton towel (not terry cloth) with enough flour, cornmeal, or wheat bran to prevent the dough from sticking to the towel as it rises; place dough seam side down on the towel and dust with more flour, cornmeal, or wheat bran. Cover with the edges or a second cotton towel and let rise for about 2 hours, until it has doubled in size.
4. After about 1 1/2 hours, preheat oven to 425-450 degrees. Place a 6-8 quart heavy covered pot, such as a cast-iron Dutch oven, in the oven as it heats. When the dough has fully risen, carefully remove pot from oven. Remove top towel from dough and slide your hand under the bottom towel; flip the dough over into pot, seam side up. Shake pan once or twice if dough looks unevenly distributed; it will straighten out as it bakes.
5. Cover and bake for 40-50 minutes. Uncover and continue baking about 5-10 more minutes, until a deep chestnut brown. The internal temp of the bread should be around 200 degrees. You can check this with a meat thermometer, if desired.
6. Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Also, this recipe works well if you want to add some spices such as rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley, or whatever. I have done that and it turned out delicious! Especially with some olive oil. It made great olive oil dipping bread. 

What is your favorite bread recipe?

A Bit of an Introduction

How do you answer the question of who you are?

You're a wife, mother, student, journalist, counselor, accountant, a giver to the community... etc.

Me, I'm a coordinator. But that's not who I am, it's what I do.

So who am I?

I am a young woman who knows she is valued and deeply loved by God, no matter what. I know that He is there for me to enjoy every day, every hour, every moment-- if I just will.

That is who I am... a human being created for a Creator who isn't just "out there," but deeply personal, involved with my life, and who cares about me; who saved me from myself even before I knew He did.

I realized that I never did fully introduce myself in this blog, and a lot has changed from the time I did in my last one about what it is I do. But not who I am, that hasn't changed... I just needed a good starting point.

So, who am I other than that?

I am a walking contradiction; with a highly organized brain, and yet unable to keep clothes off the floor.

I am afraid of the ocean, but have gone kayaking with sharks and snorkling with golden fish.

I am afraid of heights, but I will fly planes.

I have shown a blind child bubbles for the first time.

Iridescent loveliness escapes from my lips

a gentle puff of air, a breath from me

escapes and gently floats towards 

his little outstretched hands 

and lands on his tiny curled knuckles, 

tickles his dark eyelashes as he listens for 

what bubbles sound like.

POP!

Right on his nose, his cheek, his dimple. 

He smiles the brightest smile, reserved for days

when mom sends oreos in his lunch.

He doesn't hear bubbles, he feels them.

A breath of wonderment hits us both.

I am a writer (even if I am a cheesy one), and have the bad habit of choosing to read books over doing things like dishes. Who cares if they get done, when Dante is just about to reach the giant beast, frozen in ice, desperately beating his wings to escape?

I love tea parties, and will once in a while spoil a favorite adult or two with lavish apple pastries, chocolate chip scones, china tea cups, and sugar cubes. 

I speak Hebrew, and can read the Old Testament in it. I can also read the New, in Greek. 

I understand Español, but have a harder time conversing in it. 

I can use a Braille writer. But I can't yet read with my fingers.

I have spent a summer pondering my place in the world at the base of the Mayflower steps in Plymouth, England. Wondering if I would have been brave enough to get on one of those ships, despite the fact I traveled halfway around the world with no way to communicate with anybody. 

I believe in crocheting baby blankets, because I think every child should know just how special they are. But I can't knit worth anything, and have a quilt that's been in progress since... 2010?

I paint, and get frustrated when I can't seem to quite express myself as freely as I can on the piano or on the drums. What I try to express: joy. Does that mean I frustratingly paint to express joy? Hmm.

My favorite hymn is Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.  But my favorite band is the Newsboys.

I believe in wanting the best for people, no matter the cost to me. (So does my husband, God bless that man.) But I never expect the same from other people. 

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a missionary when I grew up. Despite the fact the only third- world country I've been to is Mexico, and the only mission trip I've ever been on was only a weekend long. 

I bake homemade bread without a bread machine, because I would rather have bread than dessert. But I cheat and use easy methods... even though I want homemade bread.

Unless, of course, that dessert foregone above was chocolate. 

When I see billboards with incorrect grammar, I seriously contemplate graffiti corrections.

I own an Apple computer, but an Android phone.

I hate math, and yet have helped to develop a math curriculum at the botanical gardens for elementary and junior high school students.

And the list goes on.

Of course, there's much more to who I am and what I do. But now I bet you know a little more about me, huh?

I would love to hear about you. 

New Job: Day One

Today was the first day of my new job. I can already tell that this will be a challenging, rewarding position, and that I'm so BLESSED to have it. In the morning, I spent some time going over what my calendar looks like for the next year pretty much, scheduling appointments, taking notes from the answering machine, familiarizing myself with my surroundings and server, and meeting most of the fabulous people in my office. It was a bit overwhelming, but luckily I've had enough "overwhelming" in my previous experiences that it wasn't too bad. I'm sure I'll be able to learn what I need to quickly. I brought in my chocolate chip scones to share with people today, but only one person took one. Oh well, it's a start. I am excited because already this week, I have the good fortune of a dinner with a famous author, and a lecture from an AZ Republic author! Lucky me.

I say lucky me, but I know where the real credit goes. It goes to God. Thank You, Lord!

Anyway, my first day was great. I can't decide what I'm looking forward to most tomorrow; organizing my desk, or reading more about the foundation, or the meetings I'll attend.

When I finally went home, Scot greeted me with a smile, a kiss, and dinner. Boy do I love that man, he still gets me right in the heart, every time.

 I realized that looking through the application process, I could have been a Flinn scholar myself minus the being in the top 5% of your class, I think I was just outside that. I met every other requirement, though. But then, thinking about my undergraduate career, it is almost as if I were one, the way I worked hard to get the most out of my education. I still got a paid trip outside of the country, doing something incredibly awesome; still got to be a part of many clubs and extra-curricular things, and still pursued and attained leadership roles at ASU. I don't know, if I had been given the Flinn, that I would have had the same experiences because I might have been tempted to take it a little easier. Of course, I was awarded three scholarships, and I owe my life to them, but they were not quite as good a deal as the Flinn. I wonder what would have happened had I applied and received it? I have no idea how my life might be different. What I do know is that I worked hard and was rewarded with what the reward for hard work is: more hard work. All wonderings aside, I am thankful for ASU, the scholarships I did receive, and that I made the most of what I had. Here's to a bright future, where I get to be a part of the whole higher education system!

America

Today is September 11, 2012.

I remember this calendar day when I was in sixth grade, because I woke up to find my mom's eyes riveted to the tv as a building was going up in flames. "What happened?" I asked. "I don't know," she said simply. That was it, because I had to get ready for school. I remember my teacher, Mrs. Barnette, turning on the news periodically and telling us that this was the first time an act of war occurred on our soil, except for Pearl Harbor. We didn't know what that meant, or what was going on in New York that day, but we understood it was important.

Only later did we realize the horror of that day, and about all of the men and women who lost their lives.

"Those who do not learn from the past are condemned to repeat it." I'm not sure where the phrase comes from, but it has stuck with me through the years. My generation was given a gift, a jolt if you will, on that day because we remember it so clearly. I know older generations remember when Kennedy was assassinated. What will our younger generations have? As a human race, we tend to forget things so easily. We forget big things, little things, even in-between things. I hope we don't forget   that day.

I also hope we keep in mind that we live in a country of relative ease. This Sunday after church, Scot and I had lunch with my favorite ASU professor, the lady I learned Hebrew from. We were discussing politics, and she couldn't believe how different things are here than in Israel, where she's from. She said that when she first arrived here in America, it annoyed her that the first thing she saw on the news was the weather. She couldn't believe how shallow the news stories seemed. She kept waiting for world news, but it just wasn't there. Scot and I exchanged a look, and she explained that in Israel everyone is pretty much every hour tuned into the news. That at any minute there could be a war with Iran, and here we are concerned with the fact that it's raining. But then, she expressed that it is nice not to have to live on the edge of your seat all the time. That the atmosphere here is just, well, very different.

She has a point. I don't know of anyone building bomb shelters, or worried about gas masks, or if the concrete holding up the houses and buildings is strong enough to withstand attack. We are of course concerned with the elections, but honestly whether Romney or Obama wins, we can still live out our daily lives with little or no interruption.

That is unique. Valuable. Precious. Today, my heart goes out to the families of those Americans who lost their lives that day, and to the ones protecting us from such things today. Thank you.