Not Ashamed of Economy

One of my favorite books to get from the library is, The American Frugal Housewife, Dedicated to Those Who Are Not Ashamed of Economy, by Mrs.Lydia Maria Child.  I love her informal and straight-to-the-point style.  I am sure her opinions were controversial in her day.  My favorite quote comes from the first paragraph.

 "The true economy of housekeeping is simply the art of gathering up all the fragments, so that nothing be lost.  I mean fragments of time, as well as materials.  Nothing should be thrown away so long as it is possible to make any use of it, however trifling that use may be; and whatever be the size of a family, every member should be employed in the earning or saving money." 

 Fantastic stuff!  I also enjoy the chapter entitled, "How to Endure Poverty."  She writes,"A mind full of piety and knowledge is always rich; it is a bank that never fails; it yields a perpetual dividend of happiness."  She goes on to describe a visit to an alms house where she met a lovely lady contrasted with a bitter woman, both of equal misfortune.  I love the section of the book called, "Hints to Persons of Moderate Fortune."  She talks about timely ideas.  "Not one friend will be gained by living beyond your means, and old age will be left to comparative, if not to utter poverty."  There are some good recipes, too.  My 10 year old daughter made "Cup Cake," a very good shortbread type of cake.

Cup Cake
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
3 cups flour
4 eggs
Mix together, bake for 20 min.  (The recipe doesn't give temperatures because I am sure that was not thought of then.  I baked it at 350. and it took longer.)

If you come across this little gem, give it a read.
~Jenn