Out of the Mouth of Babes

Twelve-year-old Lia stirred up some major controversy when she chose this topic for her speech assignment. The truth does not discriminate by age.

You can read more of her story here.

Frugal Thoughts

I just read that the price for a first-class mail stamp will increase 2 cents to 44 cents, starting May 11.  It seems like this is becoming an annual event, since this will be the fourth year in a row for an increase.  

Remember that you can still buy Forever Stamps at the current rate and they will be good...well...forever...no matter how many times the postal rate is increased.  

I have spent the last hour or so looking at the Frugal Friday blog here at Biblical Womanhood.  There are over 160 links for great frugal ideas, tips and recipes. Good stuff!

I found a recipe here for homemade granola cereal that I have to try:

Almond Coconut Granola 

A crunchy almond coconut homemade breakfast cereal; this granola is delicious with raisins, dates, or chopped fresh fruit. Yield: 26 cups 

16 cups quick oats

4 cups coconut

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup slivered almonds

2 cups oil

2 cups water

2 cups honey

1 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon vanilla

1 Tablespoon almond extract

Instructions:

1. Mix oats, coconut, cornmeal, and almonds in large bowl.

2. In another bowl or blender, mix remaining ingredients. 

3. Combine all and stir well. Spread onto two greased baking sheets or in a large baking dish. 

4. Bake at 200 degrees for 4-6 hours (or overnight) or until granola is dried and lightly browned. Stir once during baking. 

5. Allow granola to cool, and store in an airtight container. Serve with raisins, dates, or chopped fresh fruit.  

Happy Valentine's Day!

Give your pig a hug...or anyone else that is dear to your heart. : )

Ain't It The Truth?

"We will never be at peace with the nations next to us until we are at peace with the person who sleeps next to us."  

~A MountainWings Original Quote by Nathaniel Bronner Jr.~

"Like wise, we will never be at peace with the person who sleeps next to us until we can be at peace with the person we are."  ~submitted by subscriber Moe Childs, Canada~

Spending Insanity

One definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing over and over...but expect a different result.

Did you happen to watch the Presidential Press Conference tonight?

I found it very interesting when someone asked him about the fact that the success of the stimulus package is dependent on consumer spending. Chuck Todd said, "Isn't consumer spending, or overspending, how we got into this mess? And if people get money back into their pockets, do you not want them saving it, or paying down debt first, before they start spending money into the economy?"

Of course it took President Obama almost ten minutes to answer the question...and the bottom line is that, no, he most certainly does not want consumers to be wise with their money and save it...or Heaven forbid...pay off debt.  

If the American people suddenly become financially wise and realize that they don't need all the "stuff" that they once thought they did (which, by the way, will not happen), our nation would be in even more serious trouble.  This is because our economy is structured on the fact that we are a spending people.  

We spend when we have the money to spend...and we spend when we don't. The average American owes around $9000 in credit card debt.  This is a noose around our necks just waiting for the right time to tighten.  

If the stimulus package passes and I end up with any extra money in my pocket, you can bet that you won't see me at the mall.  Sorry Mr. President, but you won't be able to count on my spending to rescue the country.

(If you are interested in hearing the President's full answer, you can go here.)

25 Random Things

This was a note that I wrote in Facebook.  I was "tagged" by someone else who wrote their own list and the rules stated that I was to make a list of 25 random things about myself.  Here is the list:

1) I have two older sisters and one younger brother.
2) My favorite color is purple.
3) Left to my own devices, I tend to be an introvert, but once pushed, I can be the life of the party. 
4) I do not have a middle name.
5) I have worn glasses since I was 2 years old. 
6) I once sang The Way We Were at a high school graduation.
7) I won a trip to Hawaii in my 20s and it was the first time I had flown.
8) I have worked at many different jobs, including being a licensed insurance agent, a teller at a credit union and a certified nail technician.
9) I have taken several online college courses and have a 4.0 average.
10) I want to be a writer when I grow up.
11) I love the mountains.
12) I prefer cold weather over hot.
13) I have rodent phobia and go berserk if I see one.
14) I won an English award in high school.
15) Both of my parents are deceased.
16) I love to cook and I love to hear folks make yummy noises when they eat my cooking.
17) I have a wacky sense of humor and I love to laugh.
18) I have had pen pals most of my life and that’s how I met Mike.
19) I love words…reading…writing…speaking…and playing word games.
20) I enjoy scrapbooking and doing crafts.
21) Three of my very close friends have died…one when I was in my 20s…two more in my 30s.
22) I love my extended family and when we all get together (with sisters and their families) we have a ball.
23) My friends are important to me and they play such an important part in my life.
24) I like 70s and 80s music.
25) I want my life to make a difference and I spend a lot of time thinking about how I can best do that.