Home Shopping (History and Warning)

1940 New Mexico: Ordering from the Sears Catalog, because of the distance to the nearest store.
(Library Of Congress)

It used to be that every home had a Sears Roebuck Catalog.  This was a large book containing every kind of item you could possibly need.  It was a published mercantile for the home.   We would fill out order forms and mail in our order; Then eagerly wait for the postal delivery!   We children were often seen with the catalog, dreaming about the clothes, toys, and decorations we wanted.

Years later, they stopped publishing.  New ways of shopping were coming into fashion, and perhaps mothers at home were becoming more mobile - more able to go out to the stores. Mass shopping, for fun and recreation, was gaining popularity.   One of the saddest days in American family history, was the day Sears stopped printing their catalog. 

In the late 1980's cable television started appearing in homes.  This also brought a home shopping channel.  We were able to sit under constant sales pitches, and put under pressure, to order within the next 5 minutes or the item would be "gone."   Many bought jewelry, decorations and clothing through the telephone.  The panic of the ending sale played with the emotions and made us feel like we had to have it now.  . . This was the beginning of brainwashing (or brain-training) to turn the culture into a shopping- focused society, rather than a home- and- family focused society. Prudence, diligence, patience and hard work were being slowly eroded from our characters.

Today, we have Internet sales, and online shopping options.  This is certainly helpful for those who are generally homebound, or unable to get out much.  But we are still seeing the "buy now," and the "sale ending tonight" pressure that we never saw in the old Sears Catalog.  If we are not aware of these sales gimmicks, and are not armed with knowledge to fight off the fear of not "getting that sale price,"  we will be sucked into the lure of shopping for recreation; buying things we don't need, and of shopping without hesitation or prudence. 

Shopping from the comfort of one's home, with seed catalogs and Lehman's catalogs, while gathered around the kitchen table, are good ways of slowing down the spending process.  We may dream over the items, plan what we will do with them, and carefully come up with a wise shopping decision.  This is one way to counteract the consumer craze that has taken over our nation.

Blessings
Mrs. White




Did you get a copy of our newest book?

 "Dear Kitchen  Saints:  Letters from an Iowa Housewife" was written by Connie Hultquist.  Her amazing marriage testimony was recently published in Above Rubies Magazine.  Her book is a treasure of wisdom and encouragement!




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Shabby Apple Presents - Vintage Style Clothing

It's time for a Commercial break, brought to you by Shabby Apple.


This clothing company offers a lovely, fashionable array of items for women.

Their vintage clothing line offers dresses with dreamy names such as "golden afternoon" and "peony."

"Gondola" from Shabby Apple

They also sell charming aprons, bags and jewelry.  Shabby Apple offers an enjoyable online shopping experience. Have you visited them recently?






*Disclosure - This has been a commercial break. I will receive an item from the shop for review purposes.*

To see more about my commercial breaks, please visit my disclosure page.

Shopping for Mother's Day

A few days before Mother's day, we children would walk about a mile to the local "Brooks Pharmacy," in Massachusetts.   They had the greatest selection, and so many wonderful items for sale.  We would look at the jewelry, the household goods, and the candy.  We usually bought Mother's favorite perfume, Musk by Alyssa Ashley.  It had such an elegant, pleasant scent!

When we were in our early teens, we often got Mom a store-bought card.  From the time we were around 12 years old, each of us had some source of income - mostly from babysitting or housecleaning for our neighbors.  There was a sense of pride buying something for Mother, with money we had earned ourselves.

In those days, we children helped make mother's day special.  Of course, our Father always surprised Mom with something that made her very happy.  He wanted her to feel rewarded for all her efforts at home, and for taking care of us.

All these years later, I am remembering my own Mother's days.  I have a box full of cards the children made me over the years. I love to read them again each year! 

I love to attend church on this special day.  There is always a message encouraging Mom in godly living.   After service, we go home to an easy dinner.  We often spend time in the yard, just resting.

Mother's day is often the time to visit the graveyard. It is a time to leave flowers and say prayers for our Mothers and Grandmothers who have gone ahead to our Heavenly Home.  This is a sad and somber day, when one understands the fragility of time.

This year, I will spend time praying for more patience and more wisdom as a Mother.  My children will probably buy me flowers for the front porch.  They will probably buy me my favorite snacks, and some candles.  Their handmade cards will be cherished like always.  But Mother's day is really a day to be grateful for each child, and to feel honored to be their Mother!

Blessings
Mrs. White



For Home-keeping Inspiration, order my book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking. 


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Living Without Credit Cards

I don't think we realize the extreme poverty that is hiding behind the modern credit industry.   American culture is under the illusion of wealth because of our growing consumer debt.   

There has always been 'credit' and 'debt', but not the dependence on credit cards to survive.  This is what frightens me.

In the early years of my marriage, credit cards were rare. We all waited for the next paycheck, or the next month, before we bought items that weren't essential.  We had our budget for food and rent. But things like clothes, home decor, or gifts were not part of the financial plan.  We had to save and wait to buy those things.   I remember waiting an entire year before we finally got curtains for our apartment.   If we didn't have a bed, we slept on cushions on the floor.

 If we needed shoes for the children, and didn't have the money, we would go to the local thrift store and see what we could buy, using some scrounged-up change.  (I remember taking a nice new looking pair of shoes, and trading them for a smaller pair, in my pre-schooler's size, at the local thrift store.)  Sometimes, this got us through a month or two before we could buy the necessary new pair of shoes our little ones needed. 

Our family is from a wealthy town in suburban Massachusetts. We are used to all the shops and malls and restaurants. Going to "Brighams" for ice cream after a movie was part of life for the young people.  Spending money was the way we  lived.  We all worked hard and earned what we spent. We teenagers did not borrow money from our parents or even have an allowance. We all had ways to earn a small income - through jobs, babysitting, yard care or whatever we could do.  The idea of credit cards or borrowing money never entered our minds.  I didn't know this kind of thing even happened until many years into my marriage.

The only consumer debt I was aware of was a layaway plan at the local K-Mart or Ames department stores.  We mothers would wait for a good sale, and buy the items we needed for our families, including gifts and clothes. We would pay a little each week, without interest or obligation, until our items were paid for.  THEN we would receive the merchandise. Or, if we decided we couldn't afford our things, (perhaps a problem came up) we would cancel the layaway.

There is a common type of debt that occurs in life, which includes emergency car or house repairs.  For us, these kinds of things are rare, but every company has worked with us to come up with a payment plan.  We did not need credit cards for this kind of debt.   These bills were always paid off within a few months.  However, it always put a strain on our budget. We would cut back on other things to make the payments.  It is impossible to get ahead in life when we overextend ourselves financially. 

Patience and going without are crucial for the working class.

There are many times in my marriage that we have lived in utter poverty.  These struggles taught us valuable financial lessons. We appreciate everything we have. We know how  to live with very little.  We have never raised our standard of living, even when Mr. White's income has increased over the years. We have only lived in cheap apartments or bought homes with a tiny mortgage.  We live simply so we can survive the rough times.

Have I ever used credit cards? Of course.  I hate them. They are dangerous and devastating.  Currently we have no debt (other than our mortgage). We don't own a single credit card.  We don't want anything to do with them. They enslave us.  They train us to depend on them for our existence. By having everything NOW, and not waiting for it, we slowly build up a burden of debt and misery that very few can ever escape from.

I would rather go without.  I would rather wait for the treats and the seeming necessities.  I would rather have this historical, working class approach to spending, than live with the illusion of having what I want now.

 Even though it may seem harder to live without credit cards, it is the most freeing, amazing, peaceful financial experience you could ever imagine!

Blessings
Mrs. White

The Complete Tightwad Gazette is one of the best tools for frugal living.



When Mother is Poor - To Encourage the Downcast Housewife.

A Very Precise way to Conserve Food - Kitchen Inventory - The Pantry.

Essential Virtue - A Wife Who Does Not Complain.



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Commercial - Free Days

Advertising is designed to be catchy, to get into our memory. Most of us still remember decades-old slogans from companies like "Oscar Mayer," "Burger King," and "Coca - Cola."  We often remember them fondly.   Through commercials, organizations become familiar to us, and we begin to trust them. We end up choosing their products more often and even become loyal to their brand.

However, it is not necessary for us to hear or see commercials on a daily basis. We see ads in print publications, on the Internet, and in store displays. We hear them on television and on the radio. I don't think a single day has gone by that I haven't heard or been exposed to some kind of commercial.

The other day I realized how I am allowing this to happen, and it is interfering with my own creativity and plans. So what did I do? If I was in the car listening to the radio, and a commercial came on, I turned it off or changed the station. Why? Because most of the ads are not important to me. Why would I let myself listen to company pitches that I can't relate to, or that don't have anything to do with my shopping needs? It becomes junk to the mind, just like junk mail only worse - because it tends to stay in my thoughts!

Spring and Summer are easy seasons to avoid a great many commercials. Many of us are out camping, gardening, swimming and doing all kinds of quiet activities that don't require artificial items (like TV) for recreation.   We are certainly shopping in department and grocery stores, but we tend to be quick not wanting to waste our outdoor hours.   This will help limit our exposure to an abundance of advertising distractions.

Having hours, or days, of commercial - free living will keep life more simple.  Our focus should never be about what we should buy or what company we should be loyal to. It should be about church, family, creativity and daily living.  Why would we need to have a commercial break for that?

Blessings
Mrs. White

* P.S. - As much as I cringe not to have an affiliate link in this post, due to the content, I had to avoid it. (gentle smiles). *

For those who wonder - How Can I Quit My Job and Stay Home?

Are You Overworked? - When Mother Feels Unappreciated.

How The Blue Laws took away a beloved custom - The Old Sunday Dinner.



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This post is part of The Christian Home Magazine in the Financial category. To see more articles in different aspects of Home life, please visit the latest issue, hosted at Day by Day in our World.

Marriage - When Groceries are the Presents

When I do the grocery shopping, I always buy a few special items for Mr. White. Perhaps it is the ingredients for beef stew.  Or, maybe it is a brownie mix. I like to find his favorite things and make them for him at home. He greatly appreciates my efforts.

Of course, I must remember the basics, like coffee and sugar and bread. If we run out of those items, I am slacking on my job.  (gentle smiles)  But for me to buy those special items, the ones that take extra effort from me, and are bought economically. . . are what make Mr. White happy.

As for me, I am not the type of girl who likes jewelry, a new car, or expensive clothes.  Mr. White knows this.  When he wants to surprise me, or make me happy, he will buy my favorite frozen pizza (Freschetta), or some Ginger ale. . . Perhaps he will buy me a large bag of m and m's, or some mint-chocolate-chip ice cream.   And with these little presents, I am delighted.

At different times, each of us will be in the store, looking through the aisles, thinking about what the other would like.

My favorite thing, is to hear him coming home, rattling his pockets, and saying, "I bought you some m and m's!"

And he loves when I come home, put down the grocery bags, and tell him, "I bought you a special kind of burger!"

No fancy restaurant dinner. . .no wrapped presents . . . no trip to foreign lands. . . no night out on the town. . . no.... none of these things can compare to when Mr. White and I buy groceries for presents.

Blessings
Mrs. White

For Those Difficult Days - Make the Mess Look Pretty.

Our Home - Tonight's View from the Kitchen.

What Do you Do all Day? - How a Housewife Passes the Time.

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No Spending Money

I love to go shopping. I enjoy walking on Court Street in the center of Burlington, Vermont. I love the brick walkways and little shops. I enjoy the excitement of Stowe, Vermont and all the quaint restaurants. Did you know the Trapp Family Lodge is in Vermont? There are so many exciting things to do and see when we go out to spend money.

Can you imagine visiting an old boutique, antique shop or vintage bookstore? They are like places to find treasures. You can browse, and take your time, and enjoy an afternoon of leisure and relaxation out in these charming places of business.

It is delightful to come home with parcels, packages, and bags full of lovely things. The memories alone are worth those kinds of shopping days.

I have shopped in Mexico, California, Florida, Tennessee, New York City (okay... it was only the airport gift shop...), New Hampshire, Boston, Cape Cod and all over Massachusetts. I've shopped at Disney World, Disney Land, Dollywood, and I have dined in the most amazing California restaurants.  I know all about the wonder and adventure of shopping, and I love it. But it is a love that is slowly fading. 

I have had many stages of my life when I didn't have a dime to spare. I've had phases of poverty and living in extreme frugality.

This is why I have decided to do a little challenge. This week, I will not spend any money.  I will buy the basics, of course, the groceries and pay the bills, but I will not buy anything else. Even if there is something I need, I will put it off for a week, as long as it is not an urgent necessity.

There have been times in my marriage where I have gone years without a working dryer, or a working oven. I have used  Yankee Ingenuity   to manage without some needs, and know how to survive when I have to. So for me to skip spending money for a week, won't be a big deal. Yet, it will feel just a touch like deprivation - like not eating cake when you really want to. (smiles)

My goal is to have these little spending fasts throughout the year and build up my endurance for avoiding the idea of shopping for recreation, or entertainment.  Honestly, why do we Americans buy stuff that we really do not NEED?  Why do we tend to give in to impulse and buy things just because we LIKE them?

Did you ever walk out of a store, proud of yourself, because you only bought the things on your list? Or perhaps you didn't find what you needed and walked out with empty hands? The lesson here, the challenge, is to realize that there are more important things to do with money.

Have you ever decided to go on a shopping fast?

Blessings
Mrs. White

This post is part of The Christian Home Magazine in the Financial category. To see more articles in different aspects of Home life, please visit the latest issue, hosted at Day by Day in our World.


The Never Ending Battle - Fighting the Money - Seeking Mentality.

When Money is Scarce - Financial Survival in Tough Times.

To Encourage Old Time Housewives - The Delicate Beauty of Homemaking.

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Not Shopping

It is Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Many people, all over the U.S. are shopping today.. . Except me. (smiles)

I am home, cleaning, and remembering what a wonderful Holiday we had yesterday.  

I don't think I have ever shopped on Black Friday. I love hearing about all the treasures others are able to find, and about how much fun they are having, but I really would rather stay home. I don't even want to shop online, or by phone.  I know, that is so un-American of me. But I'd rather not spend any money. I just don't need anything right now.

So I am busy with my decorating and homemaking tasks.  It will be a restful, happy day at home.

Later, I will hear about the shopping feats of others. I will be delighted for them.  Just like a Grandma who sits at home, resting, eagerly waiting for when the family comes back home. .  . Waiting for them to tell her about their adventures in the world.

I will have some hot, homemade beef stew waiting for them. The fire will be blazing in the wood stove. And Mama will be here, as happy and content as ever.


Blessings
Mrs. White

Vintage Advice - Cooking for Mister.

Grateful for - The Housewife Contract.

Delightful Homekeeping - A Break That is Deserved.



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Shabby Apple Dress - Giveaway

I had the most lovely time visiting Shabby Apple's online store. Their vintage inspired and boutique clothes are beautiful. I am so excited to tell you about one of their dresses that you can win, right here, in a giveaway!

It is called "The Ballerina".

The Ballerina - Side View

This is such an elegant dress! The color is plum. The fabric is a soft jersey. The ruching adds a classy, flattering touch.



The Ballerina - Front View

The Regular Retail price is $62.00.  It is currently on sale for only $43.40.


Navigating the Shabby Apple site was like shopping in an upscale, comfortable boutique. Their products include: Women's Dresses, Maternity Dresses, Girls Dresses, and Fashion Accessories.  They have so many lovely things!

Would you like to do a little shopping? I have been given a coupon code to offer my readers, which will give you 10% off your order!


The code is: legacy10off



The Giveaway

How would you like a chance to win "The Ballerina" Dress?

Win it for yourself, or as a gift for a friend or relative.

 To enter, all you have to do is choose to like Shabby Apple on Facebook, then come back here and leave me a comment.

For additional Entries:

1. Post about this on Facebook.

2. Post about this on Twitter.

3. Follow me on Twitter.

4. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

5. Become a Public Follower through Google Friend Connect, or let me know if you are already a follower.

6. Choose to "Like" The Legacy of Home on Facebook.

7. Subscribe in an email to The Legacy of Home Blog.

8. Follow Shabby Apple on Twitter.

9. Visit Shabby Apple and tell me which item you like the most.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

One random winner we be selected on Wednesday, November 23, 2011. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you. 

This contest is closed. The Winner is - Cristi!

*Disclosure - Shabby Apple is sponsoring this giveaway.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

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Gathering the Supermarket Bounty

When my five children were little, Friday was our big shopping day! We would go to three different markets to get the best deals.  When we got home, we had to process all that food!

First we put away all the canned goods. Then we started washing and cutting carrots and celery into sticks. These were stored in containers in the fridge.

Next, one of the girls would start making an easy lunch so all the younger children would be settled for the afternoon while we worked.

Once everything was put away and our menu was posted on the refrigerator, we were ready to rest for the afternoon.

We used to run a little take-out restaurant from our home. This was for family members only. My sister and Mother were our only customers. They both lived in nearby towns. This was an opportunity for them to enjoy homemade, healthy foods at their convenience.

We printed up a menu, listing things like:

1. Lasagna.  $2.00
2. Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Muffins 1/2 dozen, $3.00
3. Mini-Loaf of Challah bread, $2.00
4. Amish Pretzel, $1.00
5. Pizza, $5.00  (This was prepared in a re-usable aluminum pan, for the customer to bake.)
6. Split Pea Soup. $2.00
7. Fettuccine Alfredo (made with a non-dairy, homemade creamy sauce using cashews.) $2.00

The girls and I would make extra batches of food throughout the week and freeze portions for our "customers." The Challah bread, pizza and pretzels were made fresh, from scratch, within 24 hours. We required weekly orders to be given a few days in advance so we could make sure we had the right items "in stock."

I still remember having my parents stop by on Friday nights for a visit and to pick up their order. It was wonderful!

Now that my children are mostly grown, I had forgetten all about the work we used to do on shopping day. It seems I have gotten lazy. (smiles)

Last week, I was reading The $5 Dinner Mom Breakfast and Lunch Cookbook  by Erin Chase. The book is full of fabulous recipes. But it also includes sections on pre-cooking and freezing foods! Her methods are designed to encourage busy housewives of today. It inspired me and reminded me of "the old days" of my homemaking.

I got right to work, making spaghetti with meat sauce, calzones, double chocolate muffins, ravioli, and fettucinne to freeze. My family enjoyed easy and quick meals anytime they wanted. It worked out well for my teens and husband who are always on a diffent schedule than the normal 5:00 dinner hour!

I was also able to take a few days off from heavy work, which I greatly enjoyed!

Fridays are the adventure days. This is when the shopping and the gathering and the planning takes place. It is like a weekly, modern day harvest. Instead of picking and canning foods, I am bringing them home from the store. Either way, there has to be a time of processing in the kitchen.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Enjoying - The Home Arts.

Stories and Ideas - Ten Children and Housekeeping.

Easy Days of - Summer Housekeeping.



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