tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post3996235749564679395..comments2024-03-26T19:10:34.328-08:00Comments on The "Make Do" Homemaker: When Life Gives You Lemons...: Frugal Friday: Money Saving Weekly RecapErika, "The Make Do Homemaker"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09303208981550053539noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-63751957211963153012016-11-03T14:52:04.074-08:002016-11-03T14:52:04.074-08:00Once I get some more jars emptied, I'm going t...Once I get some more jars emptied, I'm going to seriously consider doing this. Thanks, Jeannie. For right now I am going to pick up some of the "so so" store bought condensed soup as it's on sale for .79 a can this week when I go shopping tomorrow. At least than I have something quick that I can doctor up into a decent soup fast. Erika, "The Make Do Homemaker"https://www.blogger.com/profile/09303208981550053539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-25416412740474948272016-11-03T14:49:49.488-08:002016-11-03T14:49:49.488-08:00Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking as soon a...Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking as soon as I pull the turkey out of the freezer I'm going to make different types of soup and put them back in to replace it. Definitely a good idea to have those on hand. Thanks!Erika, "The Make Do Homemaker"https://www.blogger.com/profile/09303208981550053539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-29465388441866059362016-11-03T14:47:35.824-08:002016-11-03T14:47:35.824-08:00I was trying to do something similar to that with ...I was trying to do something similar to that with our old scratching post, but found the interior was cardboard and my cat had just decimated the cardboard right along with the rope and carpet. This new one has a wooden core, though, so hopefully I can make it work next time. Thanks for the advice on where to go and get rope, too. I was trying to rewind the old rope with the good side out instead of buying new, but I'm thinking buying new wouldn't cost much compared to buying a new post :).Erika, "The Make Do Homemaker"https://www.blogger.com/profile/09303208981550053539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-26149738997421536312016-11-03T14:45:26.715-08:002016-11-03T14:45:26.715-08:00Wow! Great haul! Great sister you have there, to...Wow! Great haul! Great sister you have there, too! :)Erika, "The Make Do Homemaker"https://www.blogger.com/profile/09303208981550053539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-19565540658625838692016-11-03T14:44:23.903-08:002016-11-03T14:44:23.903-08:00Our insurance doesn't cover much of anything I...Our insurance doesn't cover much of anything I've found when it comes to things like respite. My son could get respite through the state, if I could get him approved for DDS eligibility (disability eligibility) through the state, but there's a super long waiting list to get approved (the state cut back from 2000 people per year getting approved to 50) and then AFTER you get approved you get put onto another waiting list and you might see some type of approval for things before your eligibility lapses. So far I haven't had any luck with that.<br /><br />Most times, it's doable around here and when I'm in absolute "not sure what to do or where to turn" mode I can call on my in-laws to help, but I try not to do that unless there is no other option as I hate to ask people to handle my responsibilities and problems for me :).<br /><br />Hugs and prayers sent back at you, Dawn :).Erika, "The Make Do Homemaker"https://www.blogger.com/profile/09303208981550053539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-49069750709801184812016-11-03T14:40:14.687-08:002016-11-03T14:40:14.687-08:00I always seem to have to eat yogurt when I'm o...I always seem to have to eat yogurt when I'm on antibiotics just because my stomach doesn't like them much. I appreciate the liquid Tylenol thing, though. I have had a stuffy head to go with the strep, so I actually invested in liquid NyQuil to help me sleep at night and get rid of the post nasal drip. I forgot how truly horrid liquid NyQuil tastes, but it really did coat my throat and help to kill the pain so I could sleep better. Thank you :).Erika, "The Make Do Homemaker"https://www.blogger.com/profile/09303208981550053539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-70506781800257270112016-11-03T14:37:57.629-08:002016-11-03T14:37:57.629-08:00Thank you for that! I immediately, after reading ...Thank you for that! I immediately, after reading this, went and threw away my toothbrush. I would have spaced doing that without the reminder, so thank you again! You might very well have saved me from reinfecting myself.Erika, "The Make Do Homemaker"https://www.blogger.com/profile/09303208981550053539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-30899645556751827962016-11-03T14:35:10.758-08:002016-11-03T14:35:10.758-08:00When it comes to respite care, it's hard up he...When it comes to respite care, it's hard up here, terribly so to get some. First you have to get DDS eligibility (disability eligibility) through the state and they have to ok that. Then you get put on a waiting list...a long one...to qualify for any type of services. This includes respite, grants for therapy equipment, behavioral help, etc. I had DDS eligibility and was on the waiting list for two years without hearing anything until our eligibility lapsed and was gone. Now it's darned near impossible to get on the DDS approval list as we went from 2000 people getting approved per year to 50. So the waiting list just went through the roof the last couple of years. I, at some point, will probably go in and reapply for the DDS eligibility just so that we're on the waiting list in case my son needs a higher level of care when he's of legal age than I can provide, but past that...there's no point. Erika, "The Make Do Homemaker"https://www.blogger.com/profile/09303208981550053539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-69494118924566569752016-11-03T11:02:08.415-08:002016-11-03T11:02:08.415-08:00Chris you have some good ideas also, however I can...Chris you have some good ideas also, however I can mine because my freezer is really getting old and I just don't trust it much. Also, my son will put a jar in his backpack when he leaves for class early in the morning. He will stop and open the jar to eat the soup for lunch, then close it up and finish it off for dinner. He then returns to his apartment late in the evening. I figure one jar of canned soup will have saved him about $14 for two meals. Not to mention all the chemicals he has not consumed.<br />JeannieJeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11333123227073032453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-38115304188164544272016-11-01T12:29:14.158-08:002016-11-01T12:29:14.158-08:00Hello first time commenting but I just wanted to t...Hello first time commenting but I just wanted to thank you for your blog and like others compliment you on your perseverance through your challenging times. Your attitude is amazing. <br />Regards<br />Tracy - Cape Town South Africa<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09061788081378180652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-77906989697904831832016-10-31T12:29:00.091-08:002016-10-31T12:29:00.091-08:00Hi Erika, I really like Jeannie's suggestion ...Hi Erika, I really like Jeannie's suggestion about the soup! I don't can the soup, though ... I freeze it! It is so nice to know I have that as a back-up. It does take more time to defrost it though than to heat up canned soup. I usually microwave the container on the defrost cycle for 3 - 5 minutes. I can then get the soup out of the container and transfer it to a dish (microwave) or pan (stove top). At that point I continue to defrost it and get it heated up. I do keep the temp low on the stove, though so I don't burn the soup.<br /><br />I so hope you're feeling better and that your son's skin is improving. That's just got to feel so terrible ... and, you need some sleep!<br /><br />Sending lots of warm thoughts,<br />ChrisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-8213231752035139712016-10-31T12:23:53.336-08:002016-10-31T12:23:53.336-08:00Jeanie, I highly recommend investing in a really g...Jeanie, I highly recommend investing in a really good metal one if you can. They are durable, last forever and keep food nice an hot for a long time. The trick really is to heat up the container with boiling hot water first and to make sure the food you put in is good and hot too (bring soup or other food items to a boil on the stove top not microwave). You could also send things like pasta dishes, chili, sloppy joes (send bun in a separate container), hotdogs or leftover casseroles. Totally worth the investment!Rhonda A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00448188064878559345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-74761693989822189552016-10-31T10:19:04.651-08:002016-10-31T10:19:04.651-08:00Oh Erika, what a horrible week. I am so sorry and...Oh Erika, what a horrible week. I am so sorry and have been praying for you. Nothing I did this week will compare with your problems.<br />Just one idea. Since you have a canner, it would be easy to make your own soups. I do this then stick them back in the cabinet for THOSE days. I will often just double a recipe and can some whenever I make a pot of soup. It saves us getting tired before it is eaten and then some jars are sent to college with my son. I use the reusable canning lids so the cost is really minimum.<br />I do hope this week is better.<br />Jeannie<br />Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11333123227073032453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-14250391805256938182016-10-31T10:12:44.303-08:002016-10-31T10:12:44.303-08:00Thank you for the idea of sending hot soup in your...Thank you for the idea of sending hot soup in your daughter's lunch. I am sending my college age son lunches because it is just too expensive to eat there. However, there are no microwaves anywhere close to where his classes are so I have been sending him sandwiches. Last week I forgot and sent him a hamburger. "Mom", he said. "It just tasted gross cold and I could not eat it." <br />I have seen soup thermoses at Goodwill and will pick one up for him. As the weather is getting colder and he is going inside and outside all day, I want to send him something warm. I will look for one this week.<br />Jeannie<br />Jeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11333123227073032453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-17359376312313638942016-10-30T22:28:15.952-08:002016-10-30T22:28:15.952-08:00Oh my, sounds like you have had quite the week. Yo...Oh my, sounds like you have had quite the week. Your resistance was low and I find that when mine is I get sick and strep is pretty nasty to get. If you have a dishwasher use it on everything and whenever I got strep I was told by a Dr. to put a capful of bleach in my dishwater for hand washing (rinse dishes well). Hopefully to avoid the whole family coming down with it. <br /><br />As you were talking about soup I had an idea that I might try for times when I end up sick since my husband isn't much of a shopper and it kills me when he pays full price or goes to the expensive stores. Maybe this would work for both of us. I'm thinking of soups I make and wondering if I got everything but the broth prepped and in a freezer bag I could then dump in a crockpot or on the stove top when I get sick and have good soup to eat. All you'd have to add is the broth or some bullion and water to cook it. I'm thinking about soups I could try like chicken and veggie. Plus we always keep rice in the freezer in bags already cooked and that could be added. Just a thought.<br /><br />Take care and I hope you have a much easier week this week.Crystal Hankeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17914175004653234554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-45400539745940422016-10-30T20:20:14.442-08:002016-10-30T20:20:14.442-08:00Erika,
I tried to leave this comment earlier, and ...Erika,<br />I tried to leave this comment earlier, and I don't think it posted. If so, feel free to delete the extra one.<br /><br />I do DD service work for my nephew and niece (only one at a time) as a Personal Support Worker. This is accessed through DD services here in Oregon. Your son should qualify for this, as he is more impacted from his autism than my niece. <br /><br />Anyway, they set a number of hours that the child qualifies for. What I do is help the child in any way AND help the parent with chores that help the client. There are goals that are set and I write down how I helped with those when I bill for the services. <br /><br />Some examples include: Goal: work on social interaction Worked On: Took him to the YMCA pool where he swam, interacted appropriately with the kids in pool, helped with street crossing safety, etc., Or: took him to McD's where he played with another kid on the equipment. <br />Goal: Work on self-care skills (various ones at different times) Worked on: Had him pick up 8 things while I helped put away the rest of his laundry. Had him place dirty laundry from floor into hamper. I washed the laundry.<br />Anyway, it's worth checking in to. It would be a tremendous help to you.<br /><br />Anyway, you get the idea. Your son's goals would be for his needs. There are lots of hours where my nephew just plays with his Legos as well. Sometimes, I play too, but sometimes I do dishes or other things that help out. I am very comfortable in my sister's house. I was thinking that if I was at the house of a different client, a stranger, I would have to have really clear directions. Even with my own sister, it took over a day for her to show me exactly how my nephew wanted things, and I already knew him pretty well. So, you'd have to be involved at first. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-17851756901023556122016-10-30T14:11:56.243-08:002016-10-30T14:11:56.243-08:00Erika-I was afraid something was wrong. I hope yo...Erika-I was afraid something was wrong. I hope you are feeling better soon. And that Alvah is in less pain.<br />DH and I went to Kroger today for the Dr Peppers that were on sale buy 5 for 77¢ each. We bought 10 and had 3 coupons for $1 off so ended up paying 47¢ each. We checked the marked down meats but there wasn't anything that I could fit in my budget. I did get the free small can of dog food. My babies will enjoy that.<br /><br />kim Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-78548441696888575172016-10-30T13:17:05.367-08:002016-10-30T13:17:05.367-08:00I'm sorry you got sick with strep...that is mi...I'm sorry you got sick with strep...that is miserable and I am praying your son is healing up nicely also. I think you will find that you have more energy when your Vitamin D levels are back to normal. I had to be on clinical strength doses for awhile and still take 20,000 IU a day to maintain. If I am low, my pain levels go way up as does my OCD and anxiety.Debbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16449564619872452771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-15551780617124660742016-10-29T16:51:27.945-08:002016-10-29T16:51:27.945-08:00Oh, Erika, I do hope you are feeling better soon. ...Oh, Erika, I do hope you are feeling better soon. Also hope your son's hands are better. I have struggles with the skin on my hands, too. There's nothing worse, as you really need your hands for everything!<br /><br />With your new cat scratch post, a thought for when it gets worn: We go to Lowe's or Home Depot and get a roll of 1/4" sisal rope. DH removes the old worn out twine and re-wraps the cylinder and secures the new twine with his staple gun. It's so much cheaper than constantly buying new scratching posts.<br />Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07446471087473468726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-12745689849629173162016-10-29T16:27:23.608-08:002016-10-29T16:27:23.608-08:00Here are my awesome deals that I got at Kroger thi...Here are my awesome deals that I got at Kroger this past Thurs. My sister was there & called me up & said get here quick, so glad I did lol. I ended up with 2 pkgs of pork chops (8 in a pkg) for a little over $6 (they retailed over $23 each), 2 pkgs of sub buns .59 each, 3 pkgs of their organic brand chicken strips marked down to $2.19 a bag, 4 pkgs of their very expensive organic Laura's ground beef $2.19 pkg (reg price $6.99 or $7.99 can't remember exactly),2 pkgs of vienna brand hot dogs marked down to $1.99 (reg price $6.99 each yeah I know crazy price for hot dogs) & 2 pkgs of fresh ground pork marked down to $1.17 & $1.19 each. Spent $36.19 saved over $80. Crazy awesome finds & my sister did just as awesome with her finds!!! Shannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04376206114618169640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-49593868949093120402016-10-29T16:21:11.627-08:002016-10-29T16:21:11.627-08:00Erika, I really feel for you. I hope this coming ...Erika, I really feel for you. I hope this coming week is a much better week for all of you. <br />I know you are probably so tired of dealing with insurance companies at this point but may I suggest calling your health insurance company or a local/state agency and see if you are covered to receive respite care? I worked for a local government agency and this service was at times provided at no cost to qualified families and the caregivers that provided the services were contracted and trained by the state. It's just a thought, maybe worth trying to give you a little breather now and then. <br />I admire your perseverance and the way you still find joy in the positive happenings that come your way. You are a really good mom and wife, Erika! <br />Lots of hugs and prayers being sent your way!Dawn- Blessed Beyond Measurehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18380049127079259624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-40644053313399645322016-10-29T16:16:39.789-08:002016-10-29T16:16:39.789-08:00The renowned throat surgeon who helped my throat i...The renowned throat surgeon who helped my throat issues back in my young days :) recommended two things: he told me to use liquid tylenol the first few days for the post surgery pain in the throat (the liquid coats it) and he recommended yogurt because it contains good bacteria to replace the good that is gone and help fight off the bad (the antibiotics don't know the difference so good & bad both get killed off--this was in the mid 70's when yogurt wasn't in the supermarkets so you found a health food store or made your own). The above recommendation to throw away your toothbrush is an excellent precaution. <br />I hope you feel better soon. You do an amazing job taking care of everyone and everything and dealing with all the stress in your life. Gailnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-80236316954079595042016-10-29T13:18:12.002-08:002016-10-29T13:18:12.002-08:00What a week, Erika! I hope you're feeling bet...What a week, Erika! I hope you're feeling better, and that your son is also on the mend!<br /><br />Sharon Schulzehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03400815138134107737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-82212918279434223112016-10-29T11:52:24.445-08:002016-10-29T11:52:24.445-08:00Erica,
Remember to throw away your toothbrush. Yo...Erica, <br />Remember to throw away your toothbrush. You don't want to take any chances.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7536514511090897212.post-6059667879208419752016-10-29T09:48:01.890-08:002016-10-29T09:48:01.890-08:00Goodness, what a week Erika! Well, I'd say you...Goodness, what a week Erika! Well, I'd say you probably handled it much better than I would. I don't do well at all without sleep. I've also had strep throat and know first hand how extremely sore and physically draining it is. I hope you feel better soon (though anything would probably feel better at this point).<br /><br />I canned 2 pints and 5 half pints of apple syrup this week from the boiled and strained apple peeling/core liquids I made the previous Sunday. I was again trying for apple jelly, but it just wouldn't set, no matter how long I boiled it. My conclusion is that either the type of apples I used (MacIntosh) didn't have as much pectin or the amount of sugar I was using wasn't enough to get it to set (1 1/2 cups sugar to 4 cups apple liquid). Oh well, it still tastes amazing as apple syrup and I'm learning by experience!<br /><br />I found a bag of marked down bananas for $0.30/lb this week. So I made a batch of chocolate chip banana bran muffins to snack on and to take in lunches. The bran I used was given to be for free earlier in the fall. I also made the most delicious homemade cream of chicken and vegetable soup with homemade bread. I veggies I used were potatoes, carrots, and green/waxed beans, all of which are cheap to buy. I also used some of the free corn I received in late summer and frozen chicken stock I made a while ago from chicken bones and leftover veggies scraps, so that was essentially free as well. It's so rewarding when I can make cheap, healthy food that my family truly enjoys!<br /><br />I've learned a new trick this year to convince my daughter to take soup (especially left over soup) in her school lunch. In order to take soup, I have to heat up a kettle of water and pour it into the insulated soup thermos to heat it up. With the remaining hot water, I make up an insulated travel mug of hot chocolate for her to take as well (she drinks it in the AM on the way to school). She says the hot chocolate is what makes taking soup in her lunch the best! I will count this as a win.<br /><br />In conclusion, I guess I can say my best frugal accomplishments this week evolved around feeding my family from food scraps and free food. So glad they don't read this!LOL Hope you have a better week this week, Erika! Some sleep and a healthy dose of $5 antibiotics should help.*smile & 2 thumbs up*<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Rhonda A.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00448188064878559345noreply@blogger.com