January 2019 Reading List

Meet the Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living by Elizabeth Willard Thames

Pistachio Salad

1 (20 oz.) can of crushed pineapple, drained
1 (8 oz.) container cool whip
1 (3.4 oz.) package pistachio pudding mix
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

In a bowl, add cool whip and dry pistachio pudding mix. Mix until well blended. Then add pineapple  and mix well. If you like really soft marshmallows add them at this point, if you like more firm marshmallows, mix in just before serving. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Raspberry Gelatin Salad

3 small boxes raspberry gelatin

3 cups boiling water
1 bag frozen raspberries
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce

Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water and then add frozen raspberries.  Place the mixture in the refrigerator and let set for 1-2 hours or until partially set.  Stir in the cranberry sauce, let it set completely and then spread whipped cream on top.

KonMari: Preparing for Success

I've been a stay-at-home mom/wife all my adult life of 28 yrs. Our children are grown with the last one graduating almost 4 1/2 yrs. ago. I'm finished with discarding for my Minimalist journey but may have a few items that I decide that don't fit my life anymore. I have a few projects to do under the Furniture and Sentimental categories for my KonMari journey. I'll do detailed cleaning and a quick tidy of each category. My husband and I are making a few personal goals for 2019 which may have us reevaluating some of our KM categories as time goes on. We have home renovation projects to do this year too. Once you discard enough stuff and your home is tidy you feel more at peace along with having more time to tackle the projects and redo rooms to spark joy.


I watched the entire Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on January 1st. I've read both The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy in the past couple years. I did a quick tidy of my home to make sure everything was in place to begin going through the categories again. I wrote my Konmari schedule into my planner and printed a list for each week to work on. I'll add things each week if needed. I'll do each category in the area it's stored and don't have a special place to stage my things. I'm using a laundry basket in the laundry room to collect discards if needed. I'll bag up my items before the end of the evening and load them in the truck for donation at my favorite local charity. I'll take before pictures, during, and after pictures.


My 2019 project goals for my unfinished KonMari categories are:


• Furniture- Paint and Stain the dresser/buffet for the family room. & Paint the furniture stored in the barn & Paint and refinish the floors in the laundry room and my husband's office.  & Paint the upstairs hall.


• Sentimental- Delete unwanted digital pictures, organize our 6 photo boxes of printed pictures, scan printed pictures to digital.


My vision is to be a light and love as Christ loves me. My husband and I to enjoy our empty nest years with many adventures. To be a blessing to our children and grandchildren while sharing many family times. Have a peaceful relaxing home that supports our life together. We enjoy our home and love to welcome our family and friends.

Sunny Summer Salad

2 pears, sliced

1 cup strawberries
2 oranges, peels left on
2 kiwi fruits, peeled and sliced
colorful greens such as radicchio, and butter lettuce
1/4 cup toasted coconut

Dressing:
1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons honey

Cut orange slices into wedges. On 4 salad plates, arrange greens and all fruits into a design. Top with coconut. Serve the honey dressing on the side. Dressing: Mix well. Garnish with fresh mint.