Organizing Clothing for Large Families and Prepping for Future Use and Ways to Save Money

Lots of people tell me we have a "large" family because we have 4 children.  I don't really see it that way because to me "large" is six children and over.  In any case the more children you have the more fun life can be, but challenging too!  Especially if you live on a very tight budget like we do.  Handing clothes down to the next child is absolutely essential.  And finding good deals on clothes and shoes is one of my major quests in motherdom.

So I'll give everyone a tip.  Every February Walmart does a huge clearance sale on all its fall and winter clothes.  Things are 50% off or more so you can get amazing deals on coats, jeans, boots, long sleeved shirts and night outfits.  This also happens to fall in tax return season so if you have a little extra money its a good time to stock up for next fall for your family.

Because clothing prices are going up and I'm never certain of our money supply at school shopping time I always stock up in preparation for next winter. I do this in three main ways.  First is yard sales where you can find the best deals, second is thrift stores that are generally a bit more expensive than yard sales but still way cheaper than new at the store, and third at clearance sales. This is also a good prepping tip because what happens if TSHTF and you don't have any clothes for those kids.

So while we were at walmart the other day I got some amazing deals on shirts, pants, shoes, and coats.  I also bought the next size up in socks and underwear for all the kids for next fall.

Next I organized them into totes.  I have separate totes for seasons spring and fall for each child, and into them go the appropriate clothing and accessories.  Then on the side of the tote is a sheet with what it contains and how many of each item so I know if I need to be on the lookout for more of a particular item.  Every time I put a handmedown shirt in I just make another mark under shirts etc.

This system takes all the guess work out of stocking clothes for my family and eliminates duplicates and waste.  It also keeps the clothes neat and clean until they are needed.

Making vinegar clabbered cheese (very easy and yummy)

Here is how I make my own home made simple cheese.  You can use milk from your cow or goat, store bought whole milk, or dry milk!


I resorted to my ever trusty Encyclopaedia of Country Living by Carla Emery for my cheese recipe.  I actually got a book on cheese making but found this one (of course) to be the best.  It is so funny that for all the specialized books out there on canning, cheese making, etc. I still use my Encyclopaedia for the best information?

 

 

After draining the cheese and pressing it.  I got about 2 lbs cheese from 2 gallons milk and the whey went to the chickens.

This turned out absolutely delicious.  If you have ever had fresh mozzarella cheese from a gourmet cheese maker that's the flavor with a little more salt.  The texture is very similar to Feta cheese.  I made homemade pizzas with this cheese and we liked it better than the regular cheese. 

Vinegar-Clabbered Salty Cheese From Fresh Milk

Here's how to do it right.  You can do this with sour milk also.  Heat milk to about 185 F.  Add about 1 1/4 Tbs. Vinegar per 1 quart milk.  Stir vinegar in thoroughly.  Let rest until it clabbers.  Drain off whey through cheesecloth.  Add 1/2 teaspoon salt per 1 quart of milk you started with.  Mix well.  Let drain several hours more in a cool place (I used the fridge).  Then use!