If I can cook dinner in the crockpot, then my day goes so much smoother. I've got cabbage and sausage covered in chicken broth cooking right now. It smells so good. I'm just too tired to start cooking at dinnertime. This way, I enjoy the meal so much better.
If you have a good crockpot recipe, please send it my way!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Journaling
During each pregnancy, I started a journal for that child. I write my feelings to them. I document milestones and funny expressions.
But between us, the real reason I journal is to have documentation to give to their therapists when they become adults and start blaming me for all their problems. It's insurance. I know I won't be able to remember, so I'll have that little journal book to back me up. ; )
But between us, the real reason I journal is to have documentation to give to their therapists when they become adults and start blaming me for all their problems. It's insurance. I know I won't be able to remember, so I'll have that little journal book to back me up. ; )
Brown Sugar
I read that if you put a marshmallow in your container of brown sugar, it won't clump. So, I tried it several months ago. It works!
Who's Versus Whose
I always have trouble remember which to use. I had to come up with the right one in my last blog post.
So, here's the bottom line: If you can replace the word with who is or who has, use who's. If not, use whose.
Now, if I can just remember when to use effect or affect.
So, here's the bottom line: If you can replace the word with who is or who has, use who's. If not, use whose.
Now, if I can just remember when to use effect or affect.
Clean Floors
Don't clean floors make a house feel so much cleaner? For some reason, it's the one chore I do the least, but should do the most - simply because of how good it makes me feel when the floors are clean. I have several friends whose HUSBANDS sweep the floor every night after dinner. What's up with that? I don't even dare ask for that one. I've tried to add it to the chore list for my children, but I don't enforce it.
Oh, now I'm remembering why I don't like cleaning the floors. It was MY chore growing up. Oh, by the way, this brings up another idea. Rather than saving for our kids' college, we've been thinking about starting a housecleaning fund to help save our girls' marriages. From the looks of it, it might be a problem for them.
I have found two products that I'd like to tell you about. One is the magnetic broom (see pic below). I'm not sure of the real name, but that's what I call it. A friend told me about it. Her hardwoods always look so clean. I've only found two places that sell them, World Market and Space Savers. I now have one upstairs and one downstairs. They're great on tile (bathrooms, kitchens, etc.), too.
The other product has been around forever! It is a Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner. I bought mine used (practically brand new) off of craigslist. I swear by this vacuum. If anyone has a vacuum that can beat how good the Rainbow cleans, then tell me about it. My neighbor loaned us his when we installed hardwoods. The dust was everywhere. We put on the air cleaning filter, and it sucked up so much dust. I was amazed what this machine can do. Don't pay full (fool) price!
Oh, now I'm remembering why I don't like cleaning the floors. It was MY chore growing up. Oh, by the way, this brings up another idea. Rather than saving for our kids' college, we've been thinking about starting a housecleaning fund to help save our girls' marriages. From the looks of it, it might be a problem for them.
I have found two products that I'd like to tell you about. One is the magnetic broom (see pic below). I'm not sure of the real name, but that's what I call it. A friend told me about it. Her hardwoods always look so clean. I've only found two places that sell them, World Market and Space Savers. I now have one upstairs and one downstairs. They're great on tile (bathrooms, kitchens, etc.), too.
The other product has been around forever! It is a Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner. I bought mine used (practically brand new) off of craigslist. I swear by this vacuum. If anyone has a vacuum that can beat how good the Rainbow cleans, then tell me about it. My neighbor loaned us his when we installed hardwoods. The dust was everywhere. We put on the air cleaning filter, and it sucked up so much dust. I was amazed what this machine can do. Don't pay full (fool) price!
Library Books
I am all about going to our local library. When we purchased the house (pre-children) that we currently live in, one of the perks was that the library was at the entrance of our neighborhood. It has been a wonderful amenity. I can't recall the last time that I purchased a book.
Our library has the online feature to login to an account and request books. The library will pull these books and place them on hold and send an email notification.
When I hear of a good book, I immediately go to my online library account and request it. There is typically a waiting list for the popular books. I have found that by the time I finish reading the book that I'm currently reading, I get an email that my new book is waiting for me. The timing has worked out nicely.
I thought I'd share the tip.
Our library has the online feature to login to an account and request books. The library will pull these books and place them on hold and send an email notification.
When I hear of a good book, I immediately go to my online library account and request it. There is typically a waiting list for the popular books. I have found that by the time I finish reading the book that I'm currently reading, I get an email that my new book is waiting for me. The timing has worked out nicely.
I thought I'd share the tip.
Recycling Old Calendars
I was getting ready to toss a 2008 calendar today. The pictures were local since it was a town planning calendar that we received free from our sweet town. I decided to cut out the pictures from the calendar to put into our craft box.
Then, the idea came that I could use each month's picture as the title page for each month in my annual family scrapbook. The month is printed on the picture, so it's perfect. It's also local pictures, so that is a bonus, too.
Then, the idea came that I could use each month's picture as the title page for each month in my annual family scrapbook. The month is printed on the picture, so it's perfect. It's also local pictures, so that is a bonus, too.
Recipe Rotational - Menu Planning
I wish that my educators had been more honest with me. NO ONE told me how many hours I would spend in the kitchen once I had children! I had NO idea. If I had, I would have spent less time on my piano lessons, math homework, chatting about the boys, and practicing for dance team. I would have been collecting and putting together kid-friendly, healthy menus to make my life easier now! It has been one of my biggest challenges. It's mental. For so many years, it seemed like cooking was all about being Betty Homemaker - which I fought for a long time.
When I finally got it into my thick skull that preparing a good, healthy meal for my family was one of the best ways that I can serve them, it became much easier. Now, I cook with love.
What I've done is to collect our favorite (realistic) recipes and put them into a one-inch 3-ring binder. I actually slide the recipes into sheet protectors. I keep "recipes to try" in the pockets of the binder. If it isn't a keeper, then I toss the recipe. If it's a keeper (the entire family has to agree on), then I put it in a sheet protector and add it to the rotation. So, I flip open my recipe binder and look to see what's up for this week. Once I cook the recipe, I put it in the back of the binder so that the recipes keep rotating.
I have tried MANY different menu plan ideas - and this one has worked best for me, so far.
Please share you menu planning ideas. I'm always open for new ideas.
When I finally got it into my thick skull that preparing a good, healthy meal for my family was one of the best ways that I can serve them, it became much easier. Now, I cook with love.
What I've done is to collect our favorite (realistic) recipes and put them into a one-inch 3-ring binder. I actually slide the recipes into sheet protectors. I keep "recipes to try" in the pockets of the binder. If it isn't a keeper, then I toss the recipe. If it's a keeper (the entire family has to agree on), then I put it in a sheet protector and add it to the rotation. So, I flip open my recipe binder and look to see what's up for this week. Once I cook the recipe, I put it in the back of the binder so that the recipes keep rotating.
I have tried MANY different menu plan ideas - and this one has worked best for me, so far.
Please share you menu planning ideas. I'm always open for new ideas.
Sorting Utensils
A friend had a great suggestion. He said to load the utensils in the dishwasher by item - spoons in one slot, forks in another, etc. It makes it easy to unload! Great idea!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Peaceful Sleep and Meditation
Deepak Chopra's CD called Balancing: Body, Mind & Soul is a great tool to relax you into sound rest. If it disturbs your partner's sleep, then get headphones and let it put you into a deep sleep. It is also great to listen to for a mid-day break.
Another meditation cd that I recommend is a personal Musical Soul Portrait by Richard Shulman. This is an incredible experience. I received my own personal musical soul portrait as a gift. A Musical Soul Portrait is a private recorded session of your own personalized music for meditation, healing, relaxation and inner exploration. Richard talks with you about your intent for spiritual growth and for support through the music for any issue for the Highest Good. Richard then goes to his piano and records a musical journey unique for you. A Musical Soul Portrait session will give you music (he mails to you) which follows the path of your own Divine connection. Each one hour session includes a recorded musical journey which can awaken memories and visions, and activate your own soul mission.
The Love Quilt
When my children are having trouble going to sleep or having a nightmare, we sew a love quilt. I came up with this idea from a suggestion to outline the four sides of a box, then have them open the surprise in the box (a release of butterflies or a bunny rabbit or whatever they want). Well, we would get through this meditation box rather quickly, and my daughter would still be awake. So, I came up with the idea of making a love quilt. We go through each square which represents one person that loves them. We sew that square to the next one which is another person/friend that loves them. Once we have gone through as many squares as we can think of, we sew one large piece of fabric on the back of the quilt to hold it all together. This large piece represents God's love. I tuck them in tight under the covers and tell them to know that they are safe under their love quilt, and that they are very loved.
Sleep is so important. I wish everyone a good night's rest.
Another meditation cd that I recommend is a personal Musical Soul Portrait by Richard Shulman. This is an incredible experience. I received my own personal musical soul portrait as a gift. A Musical Soul Portrait is a private recorded session of your own personalized music for meditation, healing, relaxation and inner exploration. Richard talks with you about your intent for spiritual growth and for support through the music for any issue for the Highest Good. Richard then goes to his piano and records a musical journey unique for you. A Musical Soul Portrait session will give you music (he mails to you) which follows the path of your own Divine connection. Each one hour session includes a recorded musical journey which can awaken memories and visions, and activate your own soul mission.
The Love Quilt
When my children are having trouble going to sleep or having a nightmare, we sew a love quilt. I came up with this idea from a suggestion to outline the four sides of a box, then have them open the surprise in the box (a release of butterflies or a bunny rabbit or whatever they want). Well, we would get through this meditation box rather quickly, and my daughter would still be awake. So, I came up with the idea of making a love quilt. We go through each square which represents one person that loves them. We sew that square to the next one which is another person/friend that loves them. Once we have gone through as many squares as we can think of, we sew one large piece of fabric on the back of the quilt to hold it all together. This large piece represents God's love. I tuck them in tight under the covers and tell them to know that they are safe under their love quilt, and that they are very loved.
Sleep is so important. I wish everyone a good night's rest.
Foster Care and Adoption
I work with the NC Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (NCFAPA). Are you even aware how many children do not have a permanent home? The numbers are staggering. They just want a place to call home.
The following website lists children that are waiting for a permanent home: http://www.adoptuskids.org/Child/ChildSearch.aspx
The following website lists children that are waiting for a permanent home: http://www.adoptuskids.org/Child/ChildSearch.aspx
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Baking with Applesauce
I'm going to try substituting applesauce for oil in my baked goodies. Does anyone have some good recipes they'd like to share?
From what I've read, a general rule is to use half as much applesauce as you would oil and to retain some oil in the recipe (two tablespoons).
From what I've read, a general rule is to use half as much applesauce as you would oil and to retain some oil in the recipe (two tablespoons).
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Laundry
Does your laundry pile up to your ears? I finally found a system that works. I have a 3-pocket laundry basket that we sort-as-we-go (whites, colors, and jeans). Once a basket gets full, I toss it in the wash in the mornings when I first get up. It's usually dried and folded before the kids go to school. This plan keeps it from getting to be too much.
I got this idea from a former boyfriends' mother. I think I liked the organized lifestyle of this family more than the boyfriend. They had some great ideas on keeping the family flowing. They had a linen closet in their bathroom. The father (an engineer) designed this home. Although it wasn't large by today's standards, it was very well planned. The linen closet was wide enough for three laundry baskets (whites, colors, and jeans). When one basket was full, it would get washed. Wouldn't it be great if the laundry room was on the back side of the closet so that the clothes could be pulled through to the other side? I wish I had a large-enough bathroom to have a big linen closet like theirs. I've made my system work, though.
This process takes out an entire step of sorting. What system do you have for your laundry? Share your ideas!
I got this idea from a former boyfriends' mother. I think I liked the organized lifestyle of this family more than the boyfriend. They had some great ideas on keeping the family flowing. They had a linen closet in their bathroom. The father (an engineer) designed this home. Although it wasn't large by today's standards, it was very well planned. The linen closet was wide enough for three laundry baskets (whites, colors, and jeans). When one basket was full, it would get washed. Wouldn't it be great if the laundry room was on the back side of the closet so that the clothes could be pulled through to the other side? I wish I had a large-enough bathroom to have a big linen closet like theirs. I've made my system work, though.
This process takes out an entire step of sorting. What system do you have for your laundry? Share your ideas!
Kitchen Towels
I have to share a quick tip. Food Lion has absorbent and soft kitchen towels as a specialty item right now. They washed nicely and came out fluffy. They were a great price, too. Grab some while they still have them. They're in the tiered baskets down the food aisles.
Juicing and Smoothies
I remember a time when my mother-in-law (MIL) was 40-something, and she was telling me about juicing to ease her stomach pains. I would roll my eyes behind her head (being the 20-something at that time). Please, forgive me, Dear MIL. I recently had to eat crow and call her to ask her more about it (now that I'm 40-something). After extensive tests and being told the pains were in my head (I thought they were in my stomach), I decided to try carrot juice. It IS every bit the miracle food that it is rumored to be. Once a day, I juice 5 carrots and one apple and slurp it down. I can feel it moving through my veins.
For my juicer, I purchased a Factory-Reconditioned Breville XXJE95XL Two Speed Juice Fountain Plus from Amazon.com for $89.99. I give it a thumbs up.
I've also discovered the health benefits of a good blueberry smoothie for breakfast. This idea came from my husband (yes, the son of the MIL). He's been making these for a long time while I turned my nose up at them. I mix a handful of frozen blueberries, a banana, soy milk, flax seed, and some honey. My kids even enjoy it! We start our day with these delicious drinks. I'm going to have to add the calories in them.
What's your favorite feel-good remedy?
For my juicer, I purchased a Factory-Reconditioned Breville XXJE95XL Two Speed Juice Fountain Plus from Amazon.com for $89.99. I give it a thumbs up.
I've also discovered the health benefits of a good blueberry smoothie for breakfast. This idea came from my husband (yes, the son of the MIL). He's been making these for a long time while I turned my nose up at them. I mix a handful of frozen blueberries, a banana, soy milk, flax seed, and some honey. My kids even enjoy it! We start our day with these delicious drinks. I'm going to have to add the calories in them.
What's your favorite feel-good remedy?
Self-Tanning Lotion
Shorts season is almost here. From my limited research, it seems like L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion is the best for the money.
Anyone have better luck with other self-tanning lotions?
Jazzercise
Okay, I've decided to change my workout since I've been doing the same walk/run shuffle for years. I finally decided on Jazzercise. Why? Because it makes me smile while I'm doing it. Be sure to check out the different locations. The prices seem to vary based on how many classes are offered.
What exercise formula works best for you?
What exercise formula works best for you?
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Compost and Gardening
We hope to plant a garden soon. We're going to experiment with a hanging (vertical) garden. If anyone has some ideas on this, please share them. Our thoughts are to plant tomatoes, squash, etc. in soil-filled buckets that would hang from a trellis. We saw this at Disney World Epcot's Living with the Land tour and loved it (see picture below).
In the meantime, I've been composting for many years. I keep a bowl by my kitchen sink and fill it up with trimmings from fruits, veggies, egg shells, and paper products - anything that decomposes. My hubby built a nice compost bin which I had him place beneath the kitchen window (on the back side of our house). When the kitchen bowl is full, I dump it out the window. I can't tell you how many friends have asked me what I just threw out the window. We have a good laugh when I show them the compost outside of my window. The soil around it is so rich. It hasn't smelled yet, and the deer seem to enjoy it.
Do you have any gardening tips? If so, please share them with me.
In the meantime, I've been composting for many years. I keep a bowl by my kitchen sink and fill it up with trimmings from fruits, veggies, egg shells, and paper products - anything that decomposes. My hubby built a nice compost bin which I had him place beneath the kitchen window (on the back side of our house). When the kitchen bowl is full, I dump it out the window. I can't tell you how many friends have asked me what I just threw out the window. We have a good laugh when I show them the compost outside of my window. The soil around it is so rich. It hasn't smelled yet, and the deer seem to enjoy it.
Do you have any gardening tips? If so, please share them with me.
Ways to Save
- Install a reverse osmosis water filter and give up bottled water
- Bake your own bread and pizza dough
- Bake your own goodies and give up Little Debbie's
- Shop at Aldi's Foods and Wal Mart Super Center
- Create a price comparison sheet. I've attached mine to help you get started.
- Replace countertops with granite tiles rather than solid slabs
- Shop for used items on craigslist.org before buying new.
- Sell something on craigslist to raise the funds before you buy something off of craigslist. I call this my craigslist petty-cash funds.
Any good ideas on finding savings? I have a friend that so sweetly emails me when the department stores have their sales. She has a good handle on the clothes bargains.
The Birds and the Bees
It was during a Bible study, Your Girl by Vickie Courtney, about raising a pre-teen/teenaged daughters that I realized I needed to find some good books on this topic. A friend pointed me to A Series for the Christian Family:
Book 1: Why Boys and Girls Are Different
Book 2: Where Do Babies Come From
Book 3: How You Are Changing
Book 4: Sex and the New You
Book 5: Love, Sex, and God
Book 6: How to Talk Confidently with Your Child About Sex
Book 7: Human Sexuality: A Christian Perspective
Passport 2 Purity (Family Life)
What worked for you with your children? Please share any tips you may have.
Book 1: Why Boys and Girls Are Different
Book 2: Where Do Babies Come From
Book 3: How You Are Changing
Book 4: Sex and the New You
Book 5: Love, Sex, and God
Book 6: How to Talk Confidently with Your Child About Sex
Book 7: Human Sexuality: A Christian Perspective
Passport 2 Purity (Family Life)
What worked for you with your children? Please share any tips you may have.
Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey
I highly recommend Dave Ramsey's financial wisdom. You can find out more on his website. You can also listen to Dave on the radio. He has a great program.
To save money, check out Dave's book, The Total Money Makeover at your local library. Then, download the forms below to get you started. My husband and I found the toughest part was sitting down and coming up with the budget. Once that task was behind us, it was simply a matter of allocating funds and finding places to cutback. It's a healthy exercise for every family!
I highly recommend Quicken to keep up with your finances. Many banks have a download option that pulls your account information straight into Quicken. A monthly budget is produced by the click of a button. It also makes taxes a snap.
I want to hear your Dave Ramsey success stories. Have you done the debt-free scream yet? Tell us about it - help keep us pumped!
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Forms
Dave's 7 Baby Steps
To save money, check out Dave's book, The Total Money Makeover at your local library. Then, download the forms below to get you started. My husband and I found the toughest part was sitting down and coming up with the budget. Once that task was behind us, it was simply a matter of allocating funds and finding places to cutback. It's a healthy exercise for every family!
I highly recommend Quicken to keep up with your finances. Many banks have a download option that pulls your account information straight into Quicken. A monthly budget is produced by the click of a button. It also makes taxes a snap.
I want to hear your Dave Ramsey success stories. Have you done the debt-free scream yet? Tell us about it - help keep us pumped!
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Forms
Dave's 7 Baby Steps
Allocated Spending Plan.pdf
Basic Quickie Budget.pdf
Breakdown of Savings.pdf
Complete.xls
Consumer Equity Sheet.pdf
Debt Snowball.pdf
FPU Cooridinator Application.pdf
Income Sources.pdf
Irregular Income Planning.pdf
Lump Sum Payment Planning.pdf
Major Components of a Healthy Financial Plan.pdf
Monthly Cash Flow Plan.pdf
Monthly College Planning.pdf
Monthly Retirement Planning.pdf
Prorata Plan.pdf
Recommended Percentages.pdf
The Great Credit Rebellion - Letter.pdf
Extra Payment Mortgage Calculator
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