Sticking to a budget down to the penney is difficult. I am not detail oriented, but relate more to the big picture, and round numbers! I have a friend who knows (down to the penney!) what they spend in every single area of their finances, and I am inspired. And tired. I do, however, know what my budget is for groceries, and have recently gotten a little grocery happy, to be honest. I mean, that bottle of wine and chevre looked perfect for a summer evening (ok, and it was worth it.) BUT, now it's time to tighten the belt once more. And I have a few new budgeting tactics I'd love to share.
First Order of Business:
For everything that I can't get locally/weekly, I am going to shop for once a month instead of once week. We've had this discussion before: how easy it is to spend way more on BOGO's and other great deals (that, um, you actually didn't need) but felt like it was too good of a deal to pass up. I love a great deal, too, but every time I go to the grocery store, I get things that are great to have, but not on my list. I am hoping that it will be easier to save money if I can go once a month, really plan and cut coupons, and not to mention, save on time and gas during the rest of the month!
Second Order of business: A sub category to the grocery shopping is to go ALONE. SANS CHILDREN. One, it is very difficult to concentrate, add up my bill as I go, take my time, etc. when two children keep getting out of the cart to grab shiny objects!! After all, the grocery store (flying solo!) is a mini vacay! Thanks for watching the kids, honey!
Third Order of Business: After stewing over our budget, there was nothing obvious to cut besides groceries, but then it dawned on me. I budget a certain amount for gas because that is how much I use. Well, that is me letting my life dictate my budget instead of my INCOME determining my budget. BIG MISTAKE. I quickly decided that I have to give myself a gas budget within my means, and once it's gone, it's gone. Hence, why cutting my grocery trips down is a great way to also help with strategy number three. I am planning on getting $50 worth of gas at a time as well instead of filling up all the way, so it makes budgeting that much simpler and easier to track.
I hope these three budgeting tips help you and your family save a few bucks going into the new school year! I am REALLY excited to take even more control of my finances while my family works towards financial freedom!
Love,
Anna
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
What are you for?
News flash: our country is in a heated debate over certain
bills and ideologies. I can't even open
Facebook without political whiplash these days!
But, even in (somewhat) non-political topics, like real food, or
religion, I'm noticing a heck of a lot more information on what people despise than
what people are for. If I read one more
"look what Monsanto's up to now," or," look at this ugly
photograph of Obama frowning along with some witty-rude comment about our
president" Facebook update, I think I am going to throw up in my
mouth! And I don't need to add a photo to this blog, because I know YOU know exactly what I'm talking about.
I'm ready to hear what you are for. I get educating on the "bad" topics,
sure, but I'm ready to hear what you stand for without bashing the other 50% of
the population! You aren't going to win
converts to your agenda by criticizing the uneducated or those who hold a
different world view.
I want to hear what Christians believe- like, if your view
is that the church should rise up and tithe to help unburden the government's
responsibility, then why don't you encourage your brothers and sisters to
tithe, and lead by that example? If you
feel so inclined to share your political views on Facebook, than why not use it
to rally and rise up instead of rile up and knock down?
Let's not give in to the political swindle of deception and
suggestion, and rally up for a change with real ideas, real ideals, and
comments that share that sentiment! How
would the political climate of our great country change for the better if we
actually listened and shared instead of battled with facetious arguments?
I dream of a world.....
Anna
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Strawberry Strata
Tuesday's Real Food Recipe for this week? Um. Strawberry Strata. I was making some strawberry jam today (forget canning for the year...I just buy organic fresh or frozen fruit and simmer it down as needed!) and was dreaming of this chicken sausage and cheddar strata I had made the other day. I kept thinking about the fabulous texture of the custard, and thought that making a sweet version would quite possibly convert me from traditional french toast.
As I stared at the beautiful strawberries simmering, I decided to go for it. What rose from the oven was something quite spectacular that could have improved if only I would have given it a torched sugared topping (think creme brulee). A great reason to have to make it again! The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Use high quality ingredients, like local cream and eggs, organic items, etc. This isn't fancy food- it's comfort at its best, and using good quality ingredients delivers! Here is the recipe, which would serve as a delicious spring dessert, or a fabulous brunch option along with something savory.
Strawberry Strata
Ingredients:
1 9x13 pan, buttered
1 1/2-2 cups organic strawberries
1/2 cup sugar (preferably raw cane sugar)
4 eggs, preferably pastured
1/2 cup half n half or heavy cream (preferably local, not homogenized)
6 slices soft bread (either homemade or good quality soft bread from the store), crusts removed
Ceylon cinnamon (find at Penzey's Spices), which pairs wonderfully with fruit- much milder and more citrus in flavor than other cinnamon
1 TBSP lemon or orange juice
zest of lemon or orange
extra sugar for sprinkling
Hull and halve the strawberries and place in a bowl. Add 1 TBSP lemon fresh lemon juice and zest of the lemon (orange can also be used) and 1/2 cup sugar. Let macerate (sit) for 45 minutes. If you are in a hurry, you can use prepared jam, or warm up the strawberries over the stove.
Meanwhile, remove the crusts and place on the bottom of your prepared pan.
When strawberries are ready, put strawberry mixture in a large measuring cup. Add half n half (or cream) to fill up to 2 1/2 cups. Add the 4 eggs and whisk the mixture together until combined, slightly breaking up the strawberries while you mix (if you heated your strawberries, make sure strawberries are not hot when you add the eggs or you'll get scrambled!). Pour strawberries custard over the bread and let sit for 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the mixture thoroughly. Sprinkle Ceylon cinnamon and sugar on the top, and place in preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until the strata is set in the middle. Do not over bake. Let the strata cool for about 15-20 minutes, cut and serve.
*note, if you are making this and not using fresh, in season strawberries you may want to consider adding a little extra sugar.
As I stared at the beautiful strawberries simmering, I decided to go for it. What rose from the oven was something quite spectacular that could have improved if only I would have given it a torched sugared topping (think creme brulee). A great reason to have to make it again! The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Use high quality ingredients, like local cream and eggs, organic items, etc. This isn't fancy food- it's comfort at its best, and using good quality ingredients delivers! Here is the recipe, which would serve as a delicious spring dessert, or a fabulous brunch option along with something savory.
Strawberry Strata
Ingredients:
1 9x13 pan, buttered
1 1/2-2 cups organic strawberries
1/2 cup sugar (preferably raw cane sugar)
4 eggs, preferably pastured
1/2 cup half n half or heavy cream (preferably local, not homogenized)
6 slices soft bread (either homemade or good quality soft bread from the store), crusts removed
Ceylon cinnamon (find at Penzey's Spices), which pairs wonderfully with fruit- much milder and more citrus in flavor than other cinnamon
1 TBSP lemon or orange juice
zest of lemon or orange
extra sugar for sprinkling
Hull and halve the strawberries and place in a bowl. Add 1 TBSP lemon fresh lemon juice and zest of the lemon (orange can also be used) and 1/2 cup sugar. Let macerate (sit) for 45 minutes. If you are in a hurry, you can use prepared jam, or warm up the strawberries over the stove.
Meanwhile, remove the crusts and place on the bottom of your prepared pan.
When strawberries are ready, put strawberry mixture in a large measuring cup. Add half n half (or cream) to fill up to 2 1/2 cups. Add the 4 eggs and whisk the mixture together until combined, slightly breaking up the strawberries while you mix (if you heated your strawberries, make sure strawberries are not hot when you add the eggs or you'll get scrambled!). Pour strawberries custard over the bread and let sit for 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the mixture thoroughly. Sprinkle Ceylon cinnamon and sugar on the top, and place in preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until the strata is set in the middle. Do not over bake. Let the strata cool for about 15-20 minutes, cut and serve.
*note, if you are making this and not using fresh, in season strawberries you may want to consider adding a little extra sugar.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
A Topsy Turvy Balancing Act - Anna Everhart 06/20 by Mommy Success Series | Blog Talk Radio
Have you ever wanted to hear from a blogger/writer in a more conversational way? Have a listen to my interview with Devonne Batts on the mommy success series radio show! Hopefully this will encourage you!
A Topsy Turvy Balancing Act - Anna Everhart 06/20 by Mommy Success Series | Blog Talk Radio
A Topsy Turvy Balancing Act - Anna Everhart 06/20 by Mommy Success Series | Blog Talk Radio
Friday, June 8, 2012
Mindful and in the Moment
Why is it so difficult for us to realize just how precious our moments in this life can be? The irony is that the moments which grab our attention and help us remember to say I love you, smell the roses, etc, seem to effervesce into thin air just like our life in the grand scheme of eternity.
A few weeks ago, I lost my precious Grandma Tuttle, my friend's husband died of cancer at age 32, and then yesterday, another dear friend lost her brother-in-law to cancer at age 28. The loss of my grandmother at the beautifully wise age of 96, after she lived a meaningful and lovely life was sad because of our loss, but so wonderfully satisfying for her. But, to lose these other friends when their lives were just taking off brings a sort of angst that cries out from those who are left behind. It's the sadness we feel that not only were they taken from us, they were not able to carry out all of their potential that we knew they had. In the case of my friends here, they actually did do amazing things with their lives!! But, the world lost in that moment something glorious, and it isn't fair. The hope of seeing them again in heaven is God's gift of comfort in these times, and I certainly am praying for everyone to feel that hope and comfort in these situations I am sharing about specifically.
We are reminded right now of the precious frailty of our bodies. We understand that we should ignore the "tyranny of the urgent" and focus on our true priorities. Can we do this? How do we do this? The reminders of flowers in the fields, the wind, the trees, a smile, a hug are all experienced daily, but it is up to us to realize those reminders and apply them to our day. Again, I ask myself why this is so hard! Why would it even be a difficult decision to turn away from facebook and watch my children play? It's absurd! And yet, it happens to all of us, and for many different reasons.
Here is my charge to you. And it is a charge, because it will take work and a commitment.
"I will live in the moment while being mindful of my future."
It's that simple. I don't mean live in the moment on pinterest, or on facebook....what I mean is, to really be engaged with my life, and save some important things for other times so that I can focus on the MOST important things right now. When I am mindful of my future with my kids, their future, and our life down the road, it changes what I do today. It forces me to put down what is "important" and read a book with my child, which is MORE important. Period. Yes!!! We can do this. We can live an inspirational life by living in the moment while being mindful of our future. This is an intentional person living out their potential every day. We have no idea when our final breath will take place, but we all will take it. I want mine to be a satisfied breath no matter when it happens.
Love,
Anna
A few weeks ago, I lost my precious Grandma Tuttle, my friend's husband died of cancer at age 32, and then yesterday, another dear friend lost her brother-in-law to cancer at age 28. The loss of my grandmother at the beautifully wise age of 96, after she lived a meaningful and lovely life was sad because of our loss, but so wonderfully satisfying for her. But, to lose these other friends when their lives were just taking off brings a sort of angst that cries out from those who are left behind. It's the sadness we feel that not only were they taken from us, they were not able to carry out all of their potential that we knew they had. In the case of my friends here, they actually did do amazing things with their lives!! But, the world lost in that moment something glorious, and it isn't fair. The hope of seeing them again in heaven is God's gift of comfort in these times, and I certainly am praying for everyone to feel that hope and comfort in these situations I am sharing about specifically.
We are reminded right now of the precious frailty of our bodies. We understand that we should ignore the "tyranny of the urgent" and focus on our true priorities. Can we do this? How do we do this? The reminders of flowers in the fields, the wind, the trees, a smile, a hug are all experienced daily, but it is up to us to realize those reminders and apply them to our day. Again, I ask myself why this is so hard! Why would it even be a difficult decision to turn away from facebook and watch my children play? It's absurd! And yet, it happens to all of us, and for many different reasons.
Here is my charge to you. And it is a charge, because it will take work and a commitment.
"I will live in the moment while being mindful of my future."
It's that simple. I don't mean live in the moment on pinterest, or on facebook....what I mean is, to really be engaged with my life, and save some important things for other times so that I can focus on the MOST important things right now. When I am mindful of my future with my kids, their future, and our life down the road, it changes what I do today. It forces me to put down what is "important" and read a book with my child, which is MORE important. Period. Yes!!! We can do this. We can live an inspirational life by living in the moment while being mindful of our future. This is an intentional person living out their potential every day. We have no idea when our final breath will take place, but we all will take it. I want mine to be a satisfied breath no matter when it happens.
Love,
Anna
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