Hello from Vera…
In the 1830’s Lydia Maria Child, of Northampton, Massachusetts, wrote the American Frugal Housewife. This little book, with its recipes and hints for ways to save money around the house, revolutionized housekeeping for more than one generation of nineteenth-century women.
Her little book blossomed into several more invaluable works that touched on motherhood, healing, games for children and domestic relations of all kinds.
Though most of the cooking information provided in the American Frugal Housewife does not translate well to today’s tastes and modern cook stoves I, nevertheless, have found much inspiration in her creative tips over the years.
Now, with this little blog I hope to offer some fun and inspiring observations and household tips for all of you.
Who am I? Just your friendly neighborhood hippie, historian and psychic medium. I live in New England with my other half Serge, our two cats, Gypsy and Forrest, and my best friend Matthew.
Though not technically a house”wife” just yet, Serge will pop the question someday soon. Won’t you honey?
Uh, wha? Oh, yes of course sweetie…
The Vegetarian Frugal Housewife is a little piece of excitement for me, a place to drop all of my little gems, excess spices and various scraps. It’s kind of like a sewing box, with all those compartments full of miscellaneous notions.
Here I will post vegetarian recipes, info about hand crafts such as spinning and crochet, musings on raising animals and (someday) kids, reviews of books and products of interest to vegetarians, old-time anecdotes, remedies for natural healing, chatter about folk music and hippie living as well as simple things that we can all do to be a little more eco-friendly and a little less gimmee gimmee.
So from Vera and Serge, welcome to the Vegetarian Frugal Housewife.
If you enjoyed this post, perhaps you'd like to buy me some tofu or make a tip jar donation.
Nice start, so far… I found your site looking for a sort of list of foods you can make for $___ per week…. sort of like the hillbillyhousewife.com website… maybe you can put something like that on here. :)
Hello, I was just browsing through the internet and found your blog! I’m interested because I myself am a vegetarian, spinner/knitter/crocheter, and I love crafts. I love going to craft shows and I know this guy named Jonathan Spoons who makes wooden cooking utensils. All of his stuff is handmade in Pennsylvania from wild cherry wood. This blog reminded me of him a bit and I was wondering if you had ever seen his stuff.
Thanks!
-Hannah
Hi Hannah.
Nope, never seen his stuff. But I bet that I’d like to!
I love wooden spoons, wooden bowls and all manner of handmade kitchen implements…including antique cooking tools.
Glad you’re liking the blog!
Blessings,
Housewife
Hey there. I have been a dedicated vegetarian for 10 years now & am always looking for new recipes (although I’m hopelessly doomed in the kitchen) and interesting fun facts. I’m going to attempt to make your “chicken soup” tonight for the first time….lets hope I don’t blow the kitchen up or anything!! Anyways, I love this website & will recommend it to my friends.
Thanks Amy,
You’re very kind.
Bless,
Housewife
What a splendid site to have found! And a wonderful surprise to see the reference to Ms. Childs books..a blessing and gift of womens history. Looking forward to reading more.