by Hope
I’m writing this on the twins’ birthday. And I’m super proud of up-leveling their birthday cupcakes that were a last minute idea. I found a bunch of “muffin” mixes for $0.99 at our local Ingles. (Sidenote: I rarely grocery shop anymore in person. I have a list, I order from Walmart and I get it delivered. I just have no desire to leave the house.) But I stocked up on a variety of muffin mixes a few weeks ago, and I use them for quick breakfasts or treats when I am going to eat carbs.
I took one of those muffin mixes and created “birthday” muffins. I added milk (the only thing they call for), an egg, some homemade vanilla extract, and some sprinkles. And voila, birthday muffins. They were a hit! So birthday cupcakes for $0.99, this definitely adds to our new celebration on a budget.
Lately, I’ve been cooking almost every other day. And that schedule works really well for me. In order to to help the twins’ recover from some financial hardships, I’m feeding them on their workdays…I make them a lunch essentially. And it means I get to see them more often. So I cook, make enough to have left overs and create their lunches from those left overs. Win-win! On the days I don’t cook, I eat my previously prepared items like chicken salad or make a sandwich or just eat cheese, meat and crackers.
I like this routine. And I really enjoy feeding people who appreciate it.
My mom is on my mind a lot and all the questions I wish I could ask her now. She always HATED cooking. But now I’m wondering if it wasn’t a hatred of cooking, but a lack of appreciation on our (my siblings and I) part. Don’t get me wrong, feeding a family of 7, 3 meals a day is a CHORE. But it makes it much worse when those you are feeding do not appreciate the thought and effort behind those homemade meals. Or even worse actively complain about what they are being fed. So I’m hoping that once my mom gets to heaven, she can read this blog and know that now, now I really appreciate all those years of work she did for me (even when I didn’t like the food.) Tell whomever is feeding you “thank you”, like sincere thank you and show them how excited you are to have a meal with them that they took time to plan, prepare and serve to you.
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
So, what do you think ?