Friday, January 07, 2005

About the author


Hi, I'm Meredith!

Like Merchant Ships is a blog about saving money--and doing it with style. Like the Proverbial 31 woman, I don't mind going the extra mile for my family.

In fact, I consider it a job. Smart shopping--and God's grace--have enabled me to stay home with 3 kids. I've resisted an "about me" page for years, but finally realized it's a nice way to welcome visitors.

Consider yourself welcomed!



You'll see that I'm learning a lot about hospitality this year, working with a small home and even smaller budget. In the meantime, I share a little money-saving goodness each day:

quick notes, big projects, yard sale finds and sometimes even frugal flops.

How I learned To Save Money:

My story starts with a new baby, one income, and a teensy home in a transitional 'hood.

Before I knew it, we were painting the exterior with $9 in recycled paint and embarking on a series of fixer-uppers to build equity.


I polished off The Tightwad Gazette in a week, then scoured the web for more frugal inspiration.

I found page after page of tips, but wrapping gifts in old newspaper didn't appeal to me. While I don't mind living on a budget, neither do I want to *look* cheap.

One day I stumbled across a community of Christian bloggers, women living their faith, making the most of their time and money.

I named this space after the only verse I do well and jumped in.

In time, keeping home became more than a day job.

By living below our means, I'm learning to minister to my family, extend hospitality to others, and discover what stewardship is all about.

And so it's grown.

Every day my life is enriched by the people who visit here. Thank you for your encouragement and advice!


Finding Your Way Around Like Merchant Ships:

This blog is not so much a compendium of tips as it is one family's creative story.

I try to respect your time by showing, not telling. You can often find more detailed information by clicking "Comments" below each post.


You can read Like Merchant Ships chronologically by clicking "Older Posts" at the bottom of each page, or by searching the pull-down archive list.

If you're looking for a specific topic, click on any of the categories on the right and browse around.


From time to time I have challenged myself to do more with less. You can read these experiments and series here:

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Meredith
I love the new look, it's nice to find out the little details about the women I have been reading about all these years.

Mary

Anonymous said...

Meredith,

Just wanted to say that I enjoy your blog A LOT. It's one of only two blogs bookmarked ON MY BOOKMARK BAR. (The other is Thrifty Chicks, which I just discovered this week).

You might be pleased to hear a conversation I had last night with my almost-15-year-old:

Me: Look at some of these finds the Thrifty Chicks have posted! They found them in thrift shops.

DD (disinterested): uh-huh.

Me, (trying to drum up enthusiasm): Well, you can read Thrifty Chicks if you want. I find it inspiring. There's another blog you might like. It's called Like Merchant Ships.

DD: I already read that one.

************************************

Yep. Your blog appeals to my very fashionable teenager. She CHOOSES to read it. And when your kids are teens, you'll realize why I'm so impressed.

Thanks, Meredith,
Jora

Mary Ann said...

I love this, Meredith! I've been reading your blog since the spring of 2005 and it is still one of my very favorites!

mom23 said...

Hi Meredith! I can't find your email or twitter on here so I'll just leave my question here.

I am so stuck on what to do for lunch after church. What do you do for your family after church on Sunday? I would love to have lots in the crockpot and the house picked up so we could just invite people over straight from church. But little kids, naps, etc. So what do you do? Thanks in advance, Tracy

Unknown said...

Wonderful blog. I love your attitude!

Musings of a Housewife said...

I love this page. You sum your blog up perfectly!

Sandy said...

This page is so you.
Perfectly said :)

Babybear Scraps said...

The link to the Aldi's vs sales series isn't working. I'm very curious to see what you came up with to save me from my plan of doing that experiment myself!

Melissa Lester said...

I'm glad you added this page so I could read a little more about you. I enjoy your blog so much and appreciate the lovely images that show us that frugal living can also be full of joy, creativity and generosity.

Graciously Southern Events said...

You are such an inspiration! I've been reading your blog now for a few months and tell everyone how creative and talented you are! I thoroughly enjoy your tips, helpful frugal ideas, and especially your delightful spirit. I started a blog myself to join in on the fun, but it can't compare :) Keep up the awesome work and take care!

Christina said...

Meredith,

I really like your website. You are a very talented and creative lady. Your page has encouraged me to be a better homemaker and help mate to my husband.

TJ said...

Meredith, I've been playing around on your blog today, and have to tell you that I love the new features! The About You and the Food for Thought are great!

Thank you for highlighting my Used Gifts post. I honestly thought of you when I wrote it, as your birthday party ideas always inspire me.

Jessica Ryan said...

I've been reading your blog for a few weeks now, and enjoy it so much that I have added your blog ot my blogroll!

Mary Bernard said...

Hi, Meredith. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Yours is beautiful! I will be back to read and visit soon. Love what I've read so far.

Christine said...

Meredith,
Blessing to you and your family. I pray that one day you will return to blogging regularly, but only if you are ready.
Please keep your Blog up and running. I refer back to it, to get inspriation and some fantistic ideas.
Thanks for all that you gave us!

Angel said...

I am so glad that I found your blog. I have looked at many but you are the first one that I have left a comment on. I spent my rain Saturday read through all of them. I have bookmark you and will visit you often. Thanks for being a good steward and helping me become one.
Angel

Nicola said...

Meredith! I miss your regular posts so very much but completely understand family and life come first. You have such a way of making the real so very lovely!
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com

A Homemaker's Heart said...

Are you still planning posts to this blog? I really am inspired by your blog and it has helped me tremendously with the gentle art of home-making. Hope to read more soon!!!

Fatcat said...

Just wanted to let you know I miss you since you haven't been blogging as much.

~katie~ said...

Hi Meredith!

I don't know if/when you plan to come back to blogging, but I hope all is well with you! Just wanted to let you know you are missed in the blogosphere...and hoping you'll give an update soon!

Blessings to you and your family,
Katie

Gina said...

Thanks so much for linking to my blog. I discovered your blog quite a few years ago. I always appreciated your lovely inspiring posts - but I don't think I've ever commented to tell you so!

Gina

Susan said...

Sigh....I continue to miss your blog very much!! I check back regularly to see if, by chance, you've decided to start writing again. But absent from that, I still LOVE to read through all your old posts, and hope that even in the busyness of your life (and mine, too!) with young children you'll feel the urge to begin your lovely and beautiful and inspirational posts soon! You are missed!

Dwija {House Unseen} said...

Thank you so much for recommending my blog on Tumblr! A friend of mine recently accused me of being a Proverbs 31 woman and now I find you...it was meant to be :)

Tara said...

oh Meredith how I miss you. I've searched and searched the blogosphere but can't find a blog I love as much as yours. Hope all is well with you and that you come back to blogging someday!!

Christine said...

Just checking to see if you are back blogging. :(
Miss you!