August 2021 – Page 2

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Happy Wednesday!

A QUOTE

No matter what’s happening in the world, have your tea, make your list, plan your food preparation, read to your children, wash the clothes, do something creative for everyone and be a light for your home. – Lydia Sherman

I found this quote on Pinterest and it really resonated.  Life seems to be changing minute by minute at this point and when I think too much about the future, I get anxious.  This was the reminder I needed to slow down and focus on my vocation right in front of me.  One day at a time.

TABS OPEN IN MY BROSWER RIGHT NOW
A BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF ART

“Homeward with Mother” by Hugh Cameron (found here)

A RECOMMENDATION

Have you seen this home tour of Rejiv Surendra’s NYC apartment?  His home is filled with handmade things and so inspiring!  Our taste is different, but I immediately starting thinking of projects I could make to add unique beauty to our home.  I feel a new challenge coming on…

A HOMEMAKER CHECK-IN

How are you, my dear reader?  Some of us are struggling with the rising cost of food, uncertain job security, even whispers of another lockdown.  Some of us are working hard toward debt freedom or business creation.  The future has so many unknowns and it’s a lot for anyone, but especially for us as homemakers and caregivers in charge of the purse strings.  I’m brainstorming a way for us to “talk shop” and share tips, recommendations and encouragement as we dive into these challenging economic times – maybe through these Wednesday Five posts? I hope you’ll comment and share your thoughts as well!

  • What do things costs around you right now?  Our gas is $2.95/gallon.  A few grocery staples: a gallon of whole milk is $2.81, a loaf of bread is $2.48, and a dozen eggs are $1.28.
  • I usually make one carb-heavy dinner each week and one we recently tried was this recipe for Chili Mac.  I liked that it only called for one pound of ground beef and the rest of the ingredients were all shelf staples.  Add a big salad and garlic bread on the side and it’s a decently cheap, well-rounded meal.
  • I have been browsing ThredUp every so often for deals on fall/winter wear.  Another website I sometimes browse is called Swap.  It’s a little hit or miss, but there are some great deals to be found if you dig.
  • A tip I just learned and can’t wait to try: You can re-crisp stale cookies, crackers, cereal or chips by placing them in a single layer and dehydrating them at 145° for 1-2 hours.
  • Another new find: this website to create and print your own handwriting practice sheets.  Really easy to do and could help with homeschool costs!

This post contains affiliate links.

If you’ve read here for any length of time, you know that I am a passionate supporter of keeping snail mail alive!  This is a monthly series that I hope will inspire you to start putting thoughts on paper.  There’s nothing like finding a handwritten note among the piles of bills and junk mail.   

August 1 // Sisters Day

Sisters Day is traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday in August.  This is the time to tell her how much you love and appreciate her.  Don’t forget your sister-in-law, sorority sisters, even the religious nuns you know!  
A few cards created by small businesses:

August 9 // Book Lover’s Day

Book Lovers Day is the perfect day for relaxing in the shade with a good book.  Celebrate with your fellow bibliophiles by passing along a recent read or something on their wish list.  I’m sure a bookstore gift card would be loved too!
A few cards created by small businesses:  

August 16 // National Tell a Joke Day

This one is so fun!  Send a letter filled with your favorite jokes – the cornier, the better!  Kids will love to join in on this one.
A few cards created by small businesses:

August 21 // National Honey Bee Awareness Day

The third Saturday in August is dedicated to the bees!  This day was established in 2009 for beekeepers, as a way to promote honey and to encourage educational programs.  Thankfully, we can participate too.  Send a letter with a few (bee-friendly) flower seeds tucked inside or pass along your favorite jar of local honey.
A few cards created by small businesses:

August 26 // National Dog Day

National Dog Day has two goals: to honor dogs, and to rescue dogs from homelessness and abuse.  Today would be a great day to support your local animal shelter.  
A few cards created by small businesses:

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I’ve tried many kinds of goal posts over the years.  Maybe I’m getting older, but I’m seeking more to life than just checking off the tasks on the to-do list!  So for this school year, I’m creating monthly overviews, filled with ideas and possibilities to add to our ordinary days.  (I’ve also included a handful of tasks that I probably should accomplish, especially in the homemaking area.)  Maybe it will give you a few ideas too!

Eating Seasonally 

It’s still summer and blazing hot, yet there’s that tiny hint of a new season just around the corner…  Even though our garden isn’t producing much, I do hope to support our local farm stands and eat something fresh off the vine!  In season in August:

  • blueberries
  • watermelon
  • corn
  • tomatoes
  • cucumbers
  • peppers
  • summer squash
  • zucchini
Celebrating the Liturgical Year

The month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  According to my Saintmaker Planner, “Catholics venerate Mary’s heart because it is the seat of her love (especially for Christ), virtue, and inner life.”  I’d also like to celebrate a few saints on their feast days:

Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency 
  • Work on beefing up my pantry using the challenges from A Working Pantry.
  • Process the broiler chickens.
  • Clean and organize all of the chicken raising “stuff” and pack away for next year.
  • Research fermentation.
Homemaking 
  • Plan out the dinner menu for at least two weeks at a time. (maybe the entire month?)
  • Wipe down all of the bathroom cabinets.
  • Wipe out the silverware drawer.
  • Tidy the school room and refresh supplies.
  • Check everyone’s sneaker situation and start making a to-buy list for cool weather clothes.
100 Little Things Revisited

August is the month that I typically release my yearly 100 Little Things list.  This year, I think I’m going to try something a little different.  In the seven years I’ve done this project, I only averaged about a 35-40% completion rate.  Lots of tasks have gone undone due to lack of interest or money or time.  So for 2021-2022, I’m going to sift through the lists and see what I can do!  Here’s what I’ve picked out for August:

  • Complete a new embroidery project. (100LT #37 from Round Seven)
  • Learn how to dehydrate fruit. (100LT #98 from Round Four)
Family Fun
  • Bring back Poetry Tea Time, complete with a special weekly sweet treat.
  • Celebrate some silly holidays:
    • National Fresh Breath Day (6) // maybe I’ll get them all gum!
    • National S’mores Day (10)
    • National Tell a Joke Day (16)
    • National Trail Mix Day (31)