I don't really know why people visit this blog. I do know that when my kiddo was first diagnosed with gluten intolerance, we were already living on the edge budget-wise (or lack of budget-wise, more accurately), and I was absolutely panicked as to how I was suddenly going to afford $5.00/pound for flour and how I was suddenly going to find the time to start making everything from scratch. And it didn't really feel like I could find any information at all about how to do it more cheaply.
And honestly, that's because you really can't. I mean, of course, you "can" - see My 5 Basic Rules for Eating Gluten Free on a Budget to find out how we do it. But, as far as I know, there aren't great, amazing, awesome deals on GF foods. You can't use your CVS Bucks to get free Bob's Red Mill flours or Pamela's cookies. There just isn't a way to make GF products as affordable as conventional products.
Which is why so often is blog isn't even about GF living. It's about all of the things we do in other areas of our life to make GF living affordable. It's about saving a buck or two by hanging our own laundry and planting a garden and buying clothes from the thrift store, so that we have enough money in our budget to buy the occasional package of Mi-Del cookies (with a whole lot of homemade cookies in between).
Plus, as you may have noticed, I'm definitely no world-class chef. I like things simple, and easy, and fast, and convenient. Healthy would be nice too, of course. But there are other blogs that deal with that. Some of the most amazing cooks (and hard-working too, trying recipes over and over until they get them right!) can be found in links in the sidebar over there (see me bopping my head that-a-way?).
But me? I'm just a busy mom, on a tight budget, trying to make it work.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Gluten Free on a Budget Revisited
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12 comments:
I love your blog and am inspired by it very often. It seems I think of you almost daily in my kitchen or when I'm shopping. I don't always do things the way you'd probably do them, but you've helped me be more intentional in a lot of ways. Not just exclusively from your posts, but by the links and other info you provide. We're not gluten free, but we are a family with special needs. We have to do things differently, too.
(I wish you'd swear more but, but oh well.) :)
(Plus you are kind of a homegirl. The name of your hometown has been part of my vernacular since I was a wee lass.)
I visit your blog because I think you're very REAL! Also, we are living on a tight budget, and I was diagnosed with celiac a few years ago...weird thing is for me, once I started nursing the symptoms went away.
I read your blog for inspiration. I too live in the same place you do, went to the same school and so on. Turning 30 this year has really made me change my way of thinking. I have five children and number 6 will be here around Christmas. I was informed at the beginning of the year that I went through over $250,000 in two years. My money is almost gone. With all the children and my loose spending I need to seriously rethink everything before we end up homeless. You and your family seem perfect. I am trying to transition to a budget and paying my bills from no budget, no bills, no worry. I ran into your blog at Americannews.com. I am impressed by how you have savings, and they way you budget everything. Something I need to do. I just can't get there.... You are teaching your kids something that I never had. My kids don't know the value of a dollar. Yours will, and this will be essential as adults. Keep up the great work!!
Zdoodlebub - I think about you all the time too - that's your bread machine behind the strawberry dessert below. :) You've been such an encouragement to me!!! And you always give me a giggle.
sarah - (I'm guessing!), that's so interesting about the nursing. I've heard that with pregnancy, but not nursing before. Fascinating!
stacey - do I know you?? I'm turning 30 this year too. Oh and we are SOOOO far from perfect (well, I am, SuperDad is pretty great, really, that jerk). I should post pictures of my filthy house just to show you! I started this blog for the same reasons people start weight loss ones - I was totally out of control money-wise, and I figured if I threw it all out there where the world could see, it would shame me into getting on track. And it worked, for the most part, though we certainly have really bad months!
Hey - I just stumbled across your blog but I was intrigued as my MIL is celiac and my SIL just wrote a glueten and diary free cookbook. We are currently collaborating on a recipe and review blog and the month of August will feature 2 glueten free recipes a week...
Thanks for the post! I also like to keep things simple and cheap. I linked back to this post in one of mine; I hope you don't mind ;)
Since I'm the budget freak in the family (and also have Celiac Disease) I know where you're coming from. I guess that's why I visit your blog - misery DOES love company! ;-)
Any time I get ready to complain about the high cost of living GF, I'm reminded of what a mess I was in before diagnosis. Compared with other diseases, I'd rather spend more on GF food than meds any day.
Blog on!
Hi RonaldJ! That is such an excellent point! Yes, GF foods are more expensive, but it certainly isn't chemo, right??? I tend to get a bit dramatic sometimes, Ha!
Hello, I believe you were in my senior class. I graduated in 1996. I quit school after the tenth grade and didn't return until October of our Senior Year. Because I had 16 credits to complete in 6 months I attended mostly ALC classes to catch up with everyone else. If I remember right your husband grew up a block away from me only he is a year or two maybe even three older. I also worked with his dad at 3M. He is a card. He got me over my shyness. I cooked in the cafeteria there. Now I am an at home mom of five and expecting 6 in December. I am trying to create a budget for everything but it seems I have no backbone when it comes to extras. This totally busts a budget. Because I have always been able to spend my money on whatever it is hard to find a starting point. I am still told daily if I don't have the money my bills will still be covered. This is a relief but doesn't help when I am supposed to be doing it on my own. It's pretty much like your parents taking over all your bills. Not seeing any of them. And when you need something you ask and they give you the cash for it. All the way up to $10,000 at a time. It truely isn't a good deal. I too started blogging hoping I would embarass myself into change. I don't think anyone sees my blog therefore it's not helping... I read your blog and see that there is hope. It's nice to know someone in the same area is doing great on their own. Hopefully soon I too can say the same....
Keep on, Keepin' on!!!
Oh Yeah, in junior high my last name was Heilman, and in High School it was Head. When I was married it was Luce. At 3M I went by Luce. I pretty much laid low. I don't find alot of people remembering who I am. I didn't attend regular classes.
I read your blog because we have some things in common - I was raised in the Midwest, and still adhere to the values, if not the location. I'm very frugal, and was a disciple of Amy Dacyczn back when she was still publishing the Tightwad Gazette. And I'm 100% gluten free. So there you go...
I'm just catching up on your blog after a very busy time - just found out you're having a girl! Congrats!
I first found your blog when the local paper featured it. I think I instantly used a gluten free cake recipe. But I keep coming back because of the frugal posts.
We've been really sloppy with our finances the past few years and your posts have been motivating us to get back on track!
-John
Stacey - I remember you! Chris does too, of course! It's good to hear from you, and I'd love to see your blog - I can't seem to get to it by clicking on your name here. If you're willing to share, I'd love to read it - 6 kids? Wow!
Li and John - so good to hear from you again!
Can I say? I LOVE it when people comment! :)
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