With the Grain » budget

How to Raise Pigs For Their Meat

Jenn Greenleaf — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:51:08 +0000

In keeping with the information being presented on this blog recently about self-sufficiency, we’re going to talk about how to raise pigs. Raising pigs isn’t as difficult as many believe.

Here are some links to lead you:

Be sure you have enough storage space in a large freezer or two small freezers when it comes time to slaughter. If you intend to sell the meat, be sure to thoroughly research all the permit and licensing rules, regulations, and requirements set forth by your town, city, county, and state.

How to Compost

Jenn Greenleaf — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:29:09 +0000

Self-sufficiency is on the minds of many consumers, particularly those who are already implementing the “reduce, reuse, and recycle” practice into their households. With these principles in mind, it’s a smoother transition into self-sufficiency.

Why? Because these homeowners are looking for ways to reuse household items and, in the case of composting, this is achievable.

Here are some links to lead you:

Composting is just one of the many ways homeowners can work toward self-sufficiency and reusing items. Good luck!

How to Be Self-Sufficient at Home

Jenn Greenleaf — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:14:19 +0000

Let’s face it; being more self-sufficient should be touching most of our lives by now. However, taking this step is difficult for many. There are a number of ways to be more self-sufficient in our homes, and in an economy that’s struggling as ours is, it could help to explore and implement some or all of these strategies.

Here are some links to lead you:

Research this topic thoroughly before embarking upon costly home improvements or extensive DIY projects. Start small, and then work your way up. There may be grants available in your area, or low-interest home improvement loans geared toward projects such as these.

Budget Home Improvement Resources

Jenn Greenleaf — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:10:39 +0000

Being on a budget is as common in today’s market as serving peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in school lunches. However, finding resources about budget home improvements may not come as easily. Here are some links to guide you:

It is not impossible to find home improvement solutions without it costing you an arm and a leg. The trick is to research every resource you can get your hands on, comparison shop, and find the best deals on contracting if you are unable to complete DIY projects on your own.

Is Your Contractor Reliable?

Jenn Greenleaf — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:59:57 +0000

While the majority of contractors out there are trustworthy and honest, there are always one or two sour ones in the bunch. Like with everything else, consumers must be aware of such issues. Here are some tips to follow when choosing a contractor you can trust:

Before choosing a contractor, create a list of what you would like accomplished and the materials expected for the job. You may also want to draw up sketches, plans, and prices for materials you have researched.
Figure out your budget in advance, and stick to it based on the research you’ve done.
Work with at least three contractors in terms of interviews, estimates, and site visits before making your final decision.
Ask for at least three references from each contractor interviewed for the job.

Home improvement projects can be very costly and complex, so the last thing you want to experience is a dishonest or untrustworthy contractor. Leave nothing to chance, and be sure to do your homework! Good luck!

Home Improvement Loans: Yay or Nay?

Jenn Greenleaf — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:23:49 +0000

Are you looking at a long list of home improvement tasks and wondering, “Where in the world am I going to come up with the money to do all of this?” You’re not alone. Here are some links to lead you:

When armed with enough resources, it is easier to make an informed decision about where you should obtain the money necessary to complete your home improvement tasks. If obtaining a loan doesn’t appear to be the best option, then consider opening a savings account that will become your “home improvement house fund” instead.

Does Foreclosure Terrify You?

Jenn Greenleaf — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:23:10 +0000

Silly question, right? To some, this is already a reality that can’t be stopped. For others, though, who are on the brink of foreclosure there are still options to explore. Here are some links to lead you:

Out of all of this advice listed above, the number one should be not to avoid your lender. You would be surprised how willing and able they are to work with you once they learn your situation. Good luck!

Family Meetings: Being Cost Conscious

Jenn Greenleaf — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:34:00 +0000

Last night, we gathered the family together for a meeting. We do this at least once per week to catch up, go over new things that will be happening in the household, and address any issues anyone might have. Last night, the subject of being more cost conscious came up. Here are some of the ways we talked about making our home more efficient during these tough times:

Unplug your cell phone chargers: if there’s nothing charging, take the plug out of the wall.
Turn off space heaters: it costs more to keep a heater running in a room that isn’t being used than it does to turn it on one hour before going in.
Use your towel twice: rather than washing a load of towels everyday from the seven of us taking baths and showers, we could easily cut this in half.
Hang the heavy stuff: instead of running the dryer for over one hour (it’s old and will be replaced this summer), hang the heavy things (sweatshirts, insulated pants, etc.) to dry.

A lot of what we covered was new to the kids because half of them are still under ten. We thought it was important to go over everything in detail so they grow up with an understanding of how to be more efficient and responsible when it comes to working as a team in the household. They all seemed pretty excited to help out!

Do You Love Where You Live?

Jenn Greenleaf — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:06:12 +0000

Are you the type of dweller who lives in a place, but does not love where they live? This is not uncommon considering how much we all tend to put into other aspects of our lives . . . our work, our families, our health . . . why don’t we invest as much time and effort into our homes? Ask yourself:

What is it about your home that you do not love?
What do you think it will take to make your home one that you will love?
Do you have the time available to make these changes?
Do you have the budget to make these changes?
How many people will you need to help you make these changes?

There is a lot involved with making a home one that you love, but it is not impossible. Think about your style, your tastes, and your level of comfort, your favorite colors, and your favorite fabrics. Start one room, or one section of a room, at a time so you do not become too overwhelmed!

Inexpensive Artwork Idea

Jenn Greenleaf — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:26:32 +0000

Do you want to spruce up your space, but you do not have the budget to include original pieces of artwork? Until you can afford investing in artist’s work, art prints, or photography consider creating a piece of affordable art with a modern twist.

Materials:

At least fifteen paint chip samples (textured or faux finished samples will create a more interesting work)
A piece of acrylic, an acrylic clipboard, or an acrylic photo frame.
Decoupage medium or gel medium
Ruler
Sponge or paintbrushes
Small containers of water
Cardboard or newspaper to protect your work surface
Black binder clips (found at office supply stores, in the office supply section of most stores – if you use a clip board, you will not need these)

Instructions:

Create a grid pattern using the individual paint chips, ensuring that they are evenly spaced using the ruler.
Apply decoupage medium or gel medium to the front of the paint chip sample and affix them to the back of the acrylic surface.
Seal the entire project using more of the medium over the paint chip samples and the acrylic. Allow the piece to dry completely.
If you haven’t used the clipboard, add the binder clips to the top corners and use them as picture hangers.
Optional: add a piece of paper to the back of the piece before the medium dries.

Create several of these to add a modern edge to your decorating on a budget. Try to find textured piece of acrylic (like in the lighting department of the home improvement section of most stores – using a piece of plastic from a suspended ceiling light insert would work well!), or a piece of acrylic that has been tinted in a color to match your space. Another option is to use glass paint!