I will start with the latest book I've downloaded into my Kindle app The American Frugal Housewife by Lydia Maria Francis Child, written back in 1832. This book has a strong emphasis on the virtues of thrift and self-reliance and on frugality, Mrs. Child's New England heritage and her concerns for the nutritional effects of the 1820's depression in the United States are clearly shown. As I was doing my research on this book, I came across the speculation that the trim, compact size as well as the subject matter of the book made a convenient and helpful volume for pioneer families to carry on their westward colonization. In addition to hundreds of recipes the book contains household hints, remedies and practical information on buying, cooking and storing food.
When I first started to read the book I thought it was just a great read, but as I kept reading I realized that it is full of information we can use today in 2011. I know that just 5 yrs. ago we would have thought Mrs. Child"s advice as crazy and take it as a history book. Now it is full of great advice we all wish our Grandmothers were here to share.
Here is some of the books advice:
- True economy is the art of gathering up all the fragments, so that nothing be lost — fragments of time, as well as materials.
- Time is money.
- “In this country, we are apt to let children romp away their existence… The sooner children are taught to turn their faculties to some account, the better for them and for their parents.”
- Keep an exact account of all you spend. This will make you more careful in spending money, and it enables you to judge precisely whether you live within your income.
- Self-denial, “in proportion to your income”, is the surest course to eventual prosperity.
- Do not spend all of your money to purchase and furnish a house. Spend less than you can afford.
- “Do not let the beauty of this thing, and the cheapness of that, tempt you to buy” things you don’t need.
- Take pride in frugality! Do not be ashamed of work! Let others be vain and prideful.
All items I Review, I Review because I love them. I make no monetary compensation.
