What Frugal Lancaster Is All About — A Vision For the Future and the Passions In My Heart

I was talking with a friend recently about my blog and they asked why I keep it local. Their question has been resonating in my mind the past few days. After much thought, I’ve realized that I should share my intentions and vision for the blog, Frugal Lancaster.

I do write a lot of local posts, but I also have a bigger vision.

A vision to reach parents where they are at, inspiring them (sometimes secretly, as you’ll see below) and challenging them to be intentional. A vision to motivate others to try new things and step out of their comfort zones. A vision to create more free printables helping others to make their house a home. A vision to urge readers to consider wisdom in their frugality – not just being frugal, but I also intend to share when I’ve mistakenly been too frugal, too! And maybe even a vision to help direct others on how to start a blog of their own!

Basically its a vision to do life with you, sharing in this journey — our faith, our family, our food, and our frugal life in Lancaster County, PA.

1. I absolutely love writing local posts.

It motivates me when I see helpful information being shared on social media throughout the county. I was so excited this summer to see my FREE Splash Pads in and around Lancaster County, Pick Your Own Strawberries: A Lancaster County Map and Pricing Guide, and Lancaster County Playground Map posts do so well. In my heart, my reason for writing each of those, is to help other families be intentional with their time and their money.

2. I have a vision and passion for inspiring others to be intentional.

I try to slip some of these tips and ideas secretly into my posts, like when I shared about how my kids know things will go well for children who behave properly in the grocery store. It is possible these little tidbits are being missed, but its still my hope that I am reaching parents directly and indirectly.

3. I love to try new things and create FREE printables.

God has blessed me with a gift of creativity, and the training to put it to use. I love finding quotes and verses that inspire me and my family. I brainstorm ways I can use them in the home and where they would be most helpful. Designing them comes pretty simple for me, so I want to share them with you. Whether you use them to hang in your home or print on a notecard. I’ve had many requests to show people how to create their own chalkboard art, so I have plans to create quick tutorials for that too!

4. I want moms to see that their struggle in this motherhood journey is real, and they are not alone.

I’m not a perfect mom. I do post things on facebook when I’m having a rough day that might make me look good, but that’s because I am having a rough day and I am desperate for encouragement (or I’m just incredibly proud of these little blessings God has given me!).

I make mistakes. I get discouraged, just like everyone else.

5. I want to share with families the real parts of the journey, and not sugar-coat it.

Whether you are a newlywed considering starting a family, a parent-to-be or a seasoned parent, I want to encourage you with the reality of parenthood.

I want to be real.

It is messy.

It is tough.

It demands perseverance and humility.

Today, we made chocolate chip zucchini muffins. I captured a photo of our time together and shared it on instagram. (My kids are 2, 4 and 6 years old.) I made it a point to share the reality of the experience—it wasn’t completely pretty, there was a mess, there was a lot going on, and I made mistakes and yelled. I wasn’t happy about it, but I recognized my wrong doing and I asked my kids for forgiveness.

I try not to be too hard on myself, because I think its pretty normal that kids in the kitchen exasperate many adults, no matter how hard we try! (How coincidental that Bonni then shared about guilt this afternoon on her live video!)

I did not share this photo to brag about the yummy muffins we made and that I’m ALL THAT because I spend time in the kitchen with my kids.

I shared it to encourage and inspire others.

Let’s keep it real,
be honest with each other,
and grow together.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJvidQ_jFNS/?taken-by=kathy_frugallancaster

What To Expect To See On This Blog In The Future

With all that said, I wanted to post this quick little note before I leave for South Africa, to show you my heart for how I want to obedient to God in using this blog. I love writing local posts and Facebook has been a growing outlet for me to do that—largely because you all take the time to share my posts. Thank you for that!

But as I’m writing local posts about fun, free things to do in the area and how to save money, I’m also going to continue sharing my passions. How I’ve been challenged to try new things and how it is impacting my life whether it is in the books I’m reading, the DIY projects I’m trying, or the recipes I attempt (like making my own yogurt!).

I’m going to continue writing inspirational posts, motivating others to be intentional in owning their lives, no matter what area of their life it is in.

And I’m going to continue to write to several audiences, whether you live in Lancaster County, Texas or South Africa. I know many readers enjoy my DIY posts, or even enjoy reading my Lancaster County posts because it gives them ideas to find similar things to do in their areas of the world—whether its finding free splash pads or visiting with dementia patients or riding bicycle on rails to trails as a family!