She confidently trusts the Lord to take care of her (and her family)- Psalm 111:7
Calvin Coolidge was quoted during the shortages of World War I saying “Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do (or do without)“. Depression-era families were experienced in being resourceful, and we can be too with thoughtful frugal living tips!
My grandpa used to tell me stories of living during the Great Depression.
There were 10 kids, poverty, and things were bleak. He shared that at times, an onion sandwich was all they could hope to eat. And they were grateful for it.
One bathtub in the kitchen, taking turns in the same water.
Making the most of what you already have
Even in the struggles, Grandpa could recall sweet memories of siblings and exploration and delight. His mother was a master at making something from nothing and is one of my homemaking inspirations.
Can you imagine 10 kids, a ner’ do well husband and a small town with few opportunities? Yet, she was known for being clever, helping strangers, and making sure every child had a button for their clothes. She must have felt weary, and scared.
However, there was a shared sense of camaraderie. Community mattered.
Back then, women shared ideas across a clothesline or in snippets from a magazine. Today we have the same spirit with a vastly broader sharing network via the internet.
There is so much useful information at our fingertips, I gathered a round-up to get you started and make it through these times with confidence about the things we can take charge of, right now! (read ideas to make ends meet here)
The kinds of tips that make us feel empowered instead of paralyzed. Inspired, we too can embrace the lessons of Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, or Do without.
Be encouraged by this practical homemaking roundup, teaching ways to make the most of what we already have in our homes and pantries!
One thing we enjoyed when the kids were young was creating lapbooks. You can create your own easily based on any theme your kids enjoy OR even buy them to download
Oh, the lessons from our own histories! My grandma is a determined soldier against stains for example, and for fixing what is broken. Not tossing it away.
One of my most treasured photos of her is when I was sad my favorite sheet ripped. She promptly got the sewing basket and set to work. I don’t have those skills, but I’m trying to learn. Want to join me?
How did depression-era people live frugally?
Again, I emphasize community. A homemaker tried hard to make the most of what she had. There were few options, and those tidbits passed amongst the women stretched her dollars and her hope.
Check out these great resources that pass along depression-era tips that are super useful today!
BTW, if you like essential oils, I switched to (and am in no way sponsored by) Edens Garden. Great prices, quality and free shipping on any size order. I use Fighting Five and Guardian on the regular
Encouragement for your homemaker spirit
Laughter is good medicine and family time can be so much fun!
We can be intimately engaged with those in our homes. Game time, puzzles, reading, taking a walk…spend moments pursuing peace and making a good memory.
Oh, friends, my heart hurt for those where the money is scarce but the bills are plentiful. We really, really understand this.
I am trying hard to keep from living in fear myself each day, as we haven’t recovered from the LAST financial crisis of my husband losing his job. Here are a few lessons from the road I hope will encourage you…
We are resilient people. Stay strong my friends ♥. If this post encouraged you, please pass it on to someone else who could use it…and leave YOUR ideas in the comments!
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Hi Christa – Thanks so much for linking to TheHomeSchoolMom’s resources! Your link for “Homeschooling When You Hadn’t Planned on It” also goes to the lapbook post instead of the suddenly homeschooling post if you want to update it. Since I can’t include the correct link in the comment, I’ve used it in the website field so you can find it easily. Great resource list you’ve put together!
Hi Christa – Thanks so much for linking to TheHomeSchoolMom’s resources! Your link for “Homeschooling When You Hadn’t Planned on It” also goes to the lapbook post instead of the suddenly homeschooling post if you want to update it. Since I can’t include the correct link in the comment, I’ve used it in the website field so you can find it easily. Great resource list you’ve put together!
Thanks! I’ll update that now 🙂