Food Budget: What is the world eating?

Alice and I watch the evening news  after dinner. The other night we watched a news piece about a family in Sudan that was living in a cave. They had been driven from their homes because of the governments bombing. The family that was being interviewed was quite large. I'm not sure how many children.. possibly 7 or more? The family had not eaten anything for 1 1/2 days. I read that some are eating leaves off of trees to keep them barely alive.

Suddenly, my $200 a month grocery budget (which lately I find difficult to keep)  seems like a million dollars!

My husband and I like to also watch the international programs such as Bizarre Foods. I enjoy watching other cultures and how they live. The filming was in Mexico... not near the border but down deeper where there is more poverty.  It was fascinating to see how they eat literally every part of the animal.. feet, ears, skin, blood... nothing was wasted.

And then here we are... America! Here I struggle to keep within a $200 budget and I'm realizing that lately I have rarely been meeting that goal. What that family wouldn't give to have the money I spend on groceries yet I struggle to stay within my budget thinking I need more and more.

It's find it very helpful to wander outside the realm of thinking as an American and compare how the rest of the world lives. It helps me not whine and helps to develop a thankful heart.

The link below compares what families eat in a week from all over the world along with what they spend. I went through the pictures and really took notice of the families living on the lowest budget. Most were eating veggies, some fruit, homemade bread or tortillas, rice and beans with little meat and rarely any packaged items. Simple food items.  Take a peak. It's fascinating to compare the Americans with the poorer countries.

What the world is eating

Grocery Budget and the high price of cleaners!

My grocery budget is  $200 a month which also includes what I spend on cleaners. Purchasing cleaners takes a big chunk out of the budget so I've been looking for cheap alternatives.

I decided to start with a toilet cleaner since I was running out. I did some research and learned that vinegar is an excellent cleaner because it has an anti-bacterial property. I found an old spray bottle and filled it with vinegar. I thought it worked great until my husband smelled it and began choking. Not such a great savings if no one can use the restroom for hours because of the smell.

So, I watered down the vinegar with half water. That worked perfectly. There still is a slight vinegar smell but it fades quickly. I've tried adding essential oils to cleaners in the past but the scent doesn't linger long so why waste it.

Since I rarely use paper towels I just grab some of the toilet paper and use that to wipe off the vinegar.
Next I hope to try it on my shower.


Do you use inexpensive cleaners?

Free Kindle Book by Jerry Bridges

 I'm not sure how long this is available but it's FREE today! I don't own a Kindle but I downloaded
the free version for my PC. I love Jerry Bridges and I'm sure this book will not disappoint.



The Transforming Power of the Gospel

Perspective!

Inexpensive moisturizer

I've been looking for an inexpensive moisturizer  to replace the skin program (cleanser and moisturizer)  I used to purchase through Bath & Body Works which cost around $50. Now that we're officially living on a 1/3 less income I've needed to find a cheap alternative.  Coming up with $50 is very difficult these days. :-)

This week I ran across an article about using vegetable shortening as a moisturizer. I remember an old  friend using shortening to cleanse her face and she had beautiful skin. So, my interest was piqued. Some of the comments said that their dermatologist had recommended Crisco for those with skin allergies. The only caution was to not buy generic shortening because they may have added artificial ingredients.

So, this afternoon I thought I'd try it after I took off my makeup. While my face was still wet I lightly dabbed on some Crisco. Honestly, my face feels as soft as it did while using the expensive moisturizer. The only thing I'm not sure about is using it under makeup.

I save my Altoids containers (the ones that hold mints) which worked perfect to store the Crisco. I placed the container in my medicine cabinet. One thing I've learned is that if I don't make new changes convenient then I won't take advantage of them.

I'm very hopeful that this will be a natural and inexpensive alternative to an expensive product.

And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 

  For all the nations of the world seek after these things, 

and your Father knows that you need them. 

  Instead,

seek his kingdom, 

and these things will be added to you. 

Luke 12:29-31 ESV

What's in your fridge- Great website

I just found this website and I wanted to share it with you. I think it's going to be very helpful for those of us on a limited budget.

This is how it works: Just click the boxes of items you have in your pantry and fridge.. click a button... and ... PRESTO....it gives you meal ideas.

Here you go. Let me know if you use it and how you like it!

My Fridge Food