Tag Archives: Amish

A Cheap Meal Out (and a Winter Coat for 85 Cents)

Last Saturday, we decided to take a trip up to a tourist spot, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Many people vacation there because Lancaster has a large Amish community. Sure enough, there are plenty of fun things to do and buy. There are handmade items, such as quilts and furniture and plenty of yummy pies, cakes and bread to purchase. While we can’t resist picking up a pie, our usual stops in Lancaster have nothing to do with the Amish tourist trade. Instead, we focus on where the value is. Our first stop is an Amish-run natural food store. The store is tucked … Continue reading →

Religion in Genealogy Part 2: Anabaptists

Anabaptists are members of a Christian denomination that was formed during the 16th century. Anabaptists do not believe in infant baptism. Rather, they believe that only adults, who have confessed their religion, should be baptized. They reject the ideas of the larger society, such as civil government and taking oaths. Anabaptists also practice shunning, a discipline in which a church member who has sinned is banned from the church, until and unless he repents. Descendents of the Anabaptist religion, the Amish, Mennonites, and Brethren, began coming to America during the early 1700s. The first Anabaptist immigrants settled in Lancaster County, … Continue reading →

Anniversary of the Amish School Shooting

Just two years ago today, the country watched in horror as it was reported that a lone gunman infiltrated a one-room Amish schoolhouse and went on a massacre that left five girls dead and five others wounded. During the attack, the boys were sent out of the school, leaving the girls behind with the gunman, who after the attack, killed himself. The quiet town of Nickle Mines, Pa is a place of lots of pasture. On any given weekday, you will usually find various Amish folks mowing their lawns with rotary cutters, working in the fields, hanging laundry out to … Continue reading →

Frugal At Home: Lancaster Trip

I have to say that I am enjoying a frugal day today after last week’s shopping spree. Yes, we do spend money just like everyone else, even though we try to be careful. Last weekend, we headed to Lancaster County, which is just a short drive from our home. We had dinner at our favorite family style Amish all-you-can eat restaurant (expensive) and balanced that with bringing lunch with us. We also played some miniature golf, a favorite of my eldest son. Normally, it might have cost us $25, but we got away with only spending $5. That is because … Continue reading →

Dressing a Daughter’s Room 4

Just how do you pick out curtains for a little girl’s room? Hopefully you have been following my adventure. I talked about how we’ve gone about getting ready for custom curtains, including measuring and the different ways that curtains can be hung. We are planning for window curtains and curtains over the closet instead of a door. If you missed any of those previous posts, click here: Dressing a Daughter’s Room, Dressing a Daughter’s Room 2, Dressing a Daughter’s Room 3: Tabs, Rings and More We decided to go with a ring system for the window curtains. For the closet, … Continue reading →

Hex Signs and Barn Stars

Living here near one of the biggest Amish communities in the country, I get to see a lot of hex signs and barn stars. Many people have the original signs on their barns from when the Pennsylvania Dutch first came to America and carried their culture with them to this country. Many of these signs have been restored to their original brightness and color, while others lay in wait as secrets. They are there if you know where to look. Hex signs and barn stars have also been adopted by the non amish, the non dutch and integrated into current … Continue reading →

“Redding Up” on Fridays

Fridays always seem to put me in a nesting mood in my home. I like to make sure that the house is all ready for the weekend. Maybe it is knowing that chaos generally ensues on Saturdays and Sundays, with errands, household improvements and lots of play time. Maybe it is the thought that the house should be ready for company, should any stop by. Or maybe it is just the thought of everyone being home for the weekend and wanting it all to feel clean and cozy, with all of the ducks in a row. Whatever the reason, I … Continue reading →

Frugal Lessons from The Amish: Rising Early to Cook

Want to witness another frugal lesson from the Amish? Read on to learn about how rising early to cook (or adapting this practice) can be very frugal. Amish women tend to rise very early, while it is still dark, during a time that most of us would consider to be still part of the middle of the night. They do this so they can prepare their homes and their families for the coming day. Because the Amish burn so many calories in physical work and even social pursuits, they tend to create very large and dense breakfasts, and the breakfast … Continue reading →

Frugal Lessons from the Amish: Living It for Real!

When I started my Frugal Lessons from the Amish article series, I knew there was a lot I would learn from my new friend Amy who is part of that community. I knew that some ideas might have to be adapted to suit our modern life styles, but I was really looking forward to the learning curve and to sharing all of that great information with you. Little did I know, that I would soon, for two days, be living it! Oh, I didn’t run away from my family and join an Amish community, but fate (and nature) sort of … Continue reading →

Frugal Lessons from The Amish: Giving Up Your Vacuum

Can giving up your vacuum really save you money? Vacuum cleaners use large amounts of electricity, require the purchase of bags and filters, and eventually need costly repair or replacement. Eliminating this piece of equipment can save you money. I know, I know. You are shaking your head at me again. How on earth can I possibly recommend giving up your vacuum? While it is great being frugal, no one wants to live in a dirty house, right? I don’t know about you, but I use my big vacuum on a daily basis. I have three small children worth of … Continue reading →