Today, we’re going to do sort of a backwards Q&A, because I want to find out a few things from you, my readers.
First, do you find the menu/grocery spending posts to be helpful?
I don’t mind doing them, but I worry that they might be boring to read. If that’s the case, just say so. And if I find that enough of you yawn while reading those posts, I will cease and desist. On the flip-side, if you think they’re really helpful, speak up and save that feature!
Secondly, do you feel disappointed on the days when I do posts that are mostly photos, with only a little bit of text, or do you enjoy these peeks into my life?
Examples of these would be my posts on organic tomatoes, the start of chilly weather, why I think drying sheets are beautiful, my favorite white dress, and the pants that did eventually quit.
I’m asking because I’m considering doing a post like this somewhere around once a week in order to cut back a bit on the time I have to spend on my blog (because much as I love you all, my family comes first!). Posting pictures takes a lot less time than composing a 300 word article. Plus, I love to take pictures and share pictures, so I get a lot of joy out of doing this sort of post.
I value your input, though, so please feel free to tell me if you hate those photo-heavy days…I only get joy out of sharing pictures if you get joy out of looking at them!
Lastly, is there anything you’d like to see more or less of on my blog? ‘
More pictures or fewer pictures? More recipes? Fewer recipes? More or less of my day-to-day life? More how-tos? Are there any particular topics you’d like me to cover?
You get the idea. I want this blog to be helpful to you, so if you can think of a change I can make to better serve you, then speak up. The floor is yours. 😉
Kimberly
Monday 26th of October 2009
I just found your blog and cannot stop reading. Please do not change a thing. Thank you for all of your help. I know it takes time to put posts together. We do appreciate all the information, including why you think drying sheets are beautiful.
Jennifer
Sunday 25th of October 2009
Hi-
I do like your recipes a lot- food waste fridays are a favorite too. Groceries- yes and no- I always have questions about household goods that are not food- TP, papertowels and cleaning supplies. Do you include these in your groceries?- how about pets and pet food? is that groceries? I am totally amazed at how little you spend for food- our family of 2 could not get by on that- I do choose a lot of vegies, prefer organic and local all of which runs up costs- meat is especially pricey if I get organic- I got 3 free range, organic chickens about 5#s each for $75 from a local farmer- this doesn't leave much room for anything else. Menues do not interest me- been planning meals for too many years to enjoy the planning.
Thanks for all the effort you put into these posts. jennifer
Becky
Thursday 22nd of October 2009
I'd like a recipe and "how to" on making bagels. (like you did the yogurt)
Do you go to CVS and do the CVS and such with CVS extra care bucks? I mostly noticed your grocery shopping at Aldi's and one other place but don't remember you mentioning drugstores. Do you do the rebates, etc?
Does your husband ever stop and buy food while he is out?
Thanks.
I'd actually like more about your life. I am not really that interested in your whole grocery shopping experience, but it's not a problem for me--I can just glance and go on to something else. :) The reason I'm not that interested is because I don't even live in the US so quantities/prices, sometimes, I can't relate to these posts (except as I remember life in the USA either on furlough or when I was first married).
I do like your pictures. Your kids are cute and the pictures precious. I like the things you post about the "finds" at thrift stores and how you make them into something that works for you.
As far as home schooling....It is much, much more efficient than regular public school. To all the ladies/people who are concerned. It only takes an hour or two to teach a child the Kindergarten or even first grade material (at least the necessary stuff). Most important is learning to read and keeping their interest level high. The whole day is full of learning. I always read to the children at night--as I had more kids it took longer and longer since I let them each choose two books. :) (but thankfully we stopped with 5 kids!)
Anyway, my first two did fine on the ACT and have done/are doing well in college, so I'm sure it's okay to not spend 6 hours a day in elementary school with them. If someone would actually observe a the classroom and take notes on how much time a child actually spends doing their schoolwork, it would be an interesting study (a smart child). I remember spending a lot of time reading in my Christian school because we were allowed to do that if all our work was done.
For those of you who worry...never fear. The average school classroom has a lot of "wasted" time that says kids are basically just "hanging around" waiting for something to do.
Lori
Wednesday 21st of October 2009
I love the menu/grocery spending posts, that is what drew me here. It is amazing to me how little you spend for such a large family. It gives me ideas for myself. I also like the photos. I wouldn't change a thing.
Kate
Tuesday 20th of October 2009
Both are fun posts to read. I like reading your grocery and menu lists because it puts into concrete facts how you go about being so terrifically frugal. For those of us who struggle to keep our spending down, seeing the nitty gritty of how you do it really helps. And your pictures are simply wonderful - I wouldn't think any of your readers would the least bit mind... I think its generous to share your beautiful family and photographic talent this way.