So, in keeping with my traditions since I had a family of my own, Thanksgiving is a fun time around here. We have so much to be thankful for! As usual, we are listening to Christmas music (and have been for months, haha) and have the house all lit up. I'm nearly done with my Christmas shopping.
I got a couple things from Kohls this weekend for Josh, and got a couple cds for Hannah. Did you know Family Christian Stores is having some Mega Sales this week. Several cds are already on sale now for just $5-including Newsboys, Jamie Grace, and Toby Mac, and more will go on sale exclusively this weekend. I got a catalog in the mail a couple weeks ago, and they are going to have some great dvd deals too- lots for just $3. So if you need Christian or inspirational gifts, look no further!
Also, you know I had to hit up CVS yesterday. If you coupon, you know why! If not, you probably missed the bulk of the good deals. On Thanksgiving day last year, they had some spectacular deals, and this year there were no shortage, but they started on Sunday instead. I knew it was coming, so I printed all my coupons ahead of time in preparation. There were several money maker deals where they actually paid me to buy the items, but even without those, you could have gotten over $100 worth items completely free as advertised in their ad. There were several couponing blogs that laid it all out, some with you only spending $6 out of pocket, and getting $100+ worth of items! I know I got matchbox cars, toilet paper, paper towels, playdough, carmex lip balm, a 1.25 liter of sprite, starbucks drinks, glade and airwick warmers, and deodorant, olives, and alot more all free. Oh, and a universal remote! I didn't get all that they advertised though 1) because they were out of somethings or didn't have them and 2) because I just don't buy crap I don't need or don't know someone who can use. There was certainly something for everyone though! I wish I had taken a picture, but oh well!
Anyways, I also got a ton of stocking stuffers for cheap at Rite Aid, and I have about $20 to RA and to CVS to roll over later in the week each, for Thursday or whenever. Last week Rite Aid had large Spongebob candy canes (or Scooby doo) and Santa skittles 2/$1. I picked up one of each for all 3 kiddos, and the playdough at cvs for free after ECB this week makes for another good stocking stuffer.
I told the kids this morning that we could have the week off of school if they would all be on their best behavior and help out around the house. We're just going to get some baking done, and do crafting and art projects all week. All the school they have to keep up with is their reading every day.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
How to save on Christmas!!
So, most of you know my family is a single income family. I have been a stay at home mom since my daughter was 6 months old. I have done a few things here and there, but when my oldest was a baby, I decided that the trade off of a small paycheck every other week was not worth missing my daughter grow up. I have also been determined not to let me kids go without their immediate needs, but also to let them have fun experiences to remember too. I don't want them to grow up going without so much that they wish I would have worked when they are grown. I do my very best to provide for them in ways that more than make up for my lack of income. I work extremely hard to stretch my husband's paycheck every month.
Just like my mother taught me, I have always prided myself in being thrifty. I cut coupons and stock up on groceries. I shop at no frills stores on the things that I need week to week as well. Another major thing I do is buying used products where I can. I shop at garage sales, consignment sales, and swap kids clothes with friends. What I'd like to talk to you today about is, how you can stretch your money and make the most of a tight budget for Christmas. We all know that our economy is still in the tank. Many of you are struggling, and the holidays are fast approaching. What's a mom to do? Rather than be tempted to put it all on your charge card (which this can be ok depending on the circumstances) I have some alternatives for you.
1)Go Local. First of all, this may be a budget buster, as shopping in little local boutique type stores tend to charge higher, for their smaller volume of merchandise. However, you can find some really special things if you are looking to splurge. What I would suggest to save $$ though and help the little guy at the same time, is to reach out to individuals you know. Everyone can use a little extra cash this Christmas, and it will help you and your friends both if you reach out to see who can provide goods or services that you need.
Let me explain. You could go to a chain store and buy something generic. You could go to a boutique store and pay a fortune for something unique. Or you could ask around to your friends, family, and on Facebook, to see if anyone might be able to help. Perhaps you know someone who sews and could make some special stockings for your family. Or maybe you have a knitter in your family, and you can get your loved ones matching scarves and hats that will be in their favorite colors. I know several moms who have their own business on the side and I am going to share one of my friend's pages with you in a moment.
I have other friends that sew dolls, bake cakes, tassels for your home furniture, wreaths, and make all kinds crafty items, and a whole ton of other things.
Think about if you have any friends that make things that would be willing to give you a discount if you buy from them instead of a big chain store. Also, if you are considering hiring a company to cater, clean your house for the holidays before guests arrive, or any other service you need done, reach out to your Family and Facebook friends in the area. I guarantee there is someone who can use the money for their family this holiday season, and they may cut you a break in the price to get your business. Also, I am willing to do babysitting for you if you need to run errands or do some Christmas shopping, or just want to go out on a date with some friends. Just message me on Facebook if you are interested. Consider your own talents and if you can offer your handmade products to your friends for sale. It makes for a very personal gift as well I might add! We always try to buy at least one gift from one of my friends every year, since I know it provides actual families with a little extra cash for Christmas.
My friend Morgan does monogrammed work and I bought this handmade shirt from her for Jonah for Christmas. He's going to be so excited, and I guarantee you my $ meant more to her than it would from some high priced specialty store. Here is a link to her Facebook page, where you can place an order for her very reasonably priced custom made items.
SewIsMe
2) Shop Clearance and Sales. The next time you head to Target or Walmart or whatever your favorite store is, be on the lookout for Clearance items. These items are almost always in perfect condition.Sometimes the box might be slightly dented, but usually they have just ordered an over abundance of that product, or they are making room for the latest model to come in its place. I usually start in the summer time, checking out Target's huge clearance section. Sometimes these products are on the end cap of the aisle. Sometimes they are all mixed in with the other products, and some times, especially with seasonal items, there will be a whole section just for clearanced items. You can find prices 30% all the way to 75% off.
Don't be afraid to make an offer either. If you find something you like, but are short on cash, it can't hurt to offer what you feel like it is worth to you. I stumbled upon a huge box of paperback boxes on Saturday while we were out, and knew instantly it would be a perfect gift for Hannah. She had marked 10 cents a book, which would be awesome. New these books would be $4-5 dollars each, and used at the Goodwill bookstore, they would still be $2 each! I was thrilled, and immediately started making stacks of 10 books. Eventually, I stopped and just realized Hannah would more than likely like any or all of them. These below are the series books that she had (after I sorted them all out at home). At the sale they were all jumbled up, but I saw Junie B. Jones, Animal Ark, Puppy Pals, Baby Sitter's Club Little Sister books (that I read when I was Hannah's age!), and Hannah loves all these.
Rather than continue counting till Armageddon comes, I just thought, if she is asking for 10 cents a book, she's ready to get rid of these if someone will use them. I went to her and very politely asked if she would take $5 for the whole box, not really knowing how many were in it. I said I had an avid reader and this would make a wonderful Christmas present as she's trying to build a collection, and these are all series' that she loves. She was very happy to oblige, and I was thrilled to pieces. When I got home, I organized them all. The above is all the series books, and the below picture shows several more books that are mismatched. All but one were in perfect condition! As a bonus, I found a neat Hello Kitty album that will make a great stocking stuffer. I counted them and after 150 books I lost count! That means even if I bought them at a used book store, I would conservatively have spent over $300. She's going to LOVE this, and it frees more of my budget to splurge on special gifts that I have to buy new.
8) Barter. Yes, folks, it's time to get creative! If you are crafty and can create something others will find of value, consider making a trade with other crafty creative friends. If you have a talent others lack, consider trading your service for something they need. My husband is great with fixing computers, so we'd be happy to trade computer repair work for something you can make or create that I otherwise would have to pay for.
9) Go homemade. You don't have to be a super skilled craftsman to make this Christmas a memorable one. It's the thought that counts anyways. I have always had more people that I wanted to gift than I could afford, so I always end up making homemade goodies. Fudge, chocolate covered pretzels, buckeyes, and Christmas cookies are always family favorites. For grandparent's take a picture of the grandkids and have each child make a homemade Christmas ornament or frame for their picture.
10)Pass down family treasures. While pulling out the decorations for Christmas this year, I found these little gems that will make perfect gifts for my daughter and will cost me NOTHING!
The Barbie is still new in the (slightly dented) box, but Hannah won't care. I checked online, and this doesn't qualify as a collector's item, but so I see no reason why Hannah can't open and play with it! Also I found my musical carousel horse and I think it will be perfect for her. So it may be worth rummaging through the old things you've put away from your childhood days. You probably have perfectly good toys that your kids would love, and they will be that much more special since someone else with love them as much as you did. Even Dads can join in the search for attic treasure! Perhaps there is some action figures that could use the love of a child. I know when Hannah gets a little older, I will gift to her the antique porcelain dolls I loved as a kid.
So there you have it, 10 ways to save big this Christmas!! God Bless!
UPDATE: Being that it is nearly Christmas, most of the Clearance toys are gone, so if you have to buy new, be sure you compare prices online. Check Target, Walmart, Toys R Us and Amazon to see who has the best deal. Sometimes stores will price match even online prices during the Christmas Season. If their price drops during the season (excluding Black Friday)or find it lower at another store, some stores are offering the difference on a store gift card, and as you know, every little bit counts! And check Coupons.com online for coupons. I reluctantly bought Jonah a new Chuggington DVD at Target for $12.99 because Jonah would not let go (lol) and then got home and found out that there was a $3 coupon I could have printed! I know for a fact that there are several Barbie coupons out right now, as well as some other toys your kid may have at the top of the list!
Just like my mother taught me, I have always prided myself in being thrifty. I cut coupons and stock up on groceries. I shop at no frills stores on the things that I need week to week as well. Another major thing I do is buying used products where I can. I shop at garage sales, consignment sales, and swap kids clothes with friends. What I'd like to talk to you today about is, how you can stretch your money and make the most of a tight budget for Christmas. We all know that our economy is still in the tank. Many of you are struggling, and the holidays are fast approaching. What's a mom to do? Rather than be tempted to put it all on your charge card (which this can be ok depending on the circumstances) I have some alternatives for you.
1)Go Local. First of all, this may be a budget buster, as shopping in little local boutique type stores tend to charge higher, for their smaller volume of merchandise. However, you can find some really special things if you are looking to splurge. What I would suggest to save $$ though and help the little guy at the same time, is to reach out to individuals you know. Everyone can use a little extra cash this Christmas, and it will help you and your friends both if you reach out to see who can provide goods or services that you need.
Let me explain. You could go to a chain store and buy something generic. You could go to a boutique store and pay a fortune for something unique. Or you could ask around to your friends, family, and on Facebook, to see if anyone might be able to help. Perhaps you know someone who sews and could make some special stockings for your family. Or maybe you have a knitter in your family, and you can get your loved ones matching scarves and hats that will be in their favorite colors. I know several moms who have their own business on the side and I am going to share one of my friend's pages with you in a moment.
I have other friends that sew dolls, bake cakes, tassels for your home furniture, wreaths, and make all kinds crafty items, and a whole ton of other things.
Think about if you have any friends that make things that would be willing to give you a discount if you buy from them instead of a big chain store. Also, if you are considering hiring a company to cater, clean your house for the holidays before guests arrive, or any other service you need done, reach out to your Family and Facebook friends in the area. I guarantee there is someone who can use the money for their family this holiday season, and they may cut you a break in the price to get your business. Also, I am willing to do babysitting for you if you need to run errands or do some Christmas shopping, or just want to go out on a date with some friends. Just message me on Facebook if you are interested. Consider your own talents and if you can offer your handmade products to your friends for sale. It makes for a very personal gift as well I might add! We always try to buy at least one gift from one of my friends every year, since I know it provides actual families with a little extra cash for Christmas.
My friend Morgan does monogrammed work and I bought this handmade shirt from her for Jonah for Christmas. He's going to be so excited, and I guarantee you my $ meant more to her than it would from some high priced specialty store. Here is a link to her Facebook page, where you can place an order for her very reasonably priced custom made items.
SewIsMe
2) Shop Clearance and Sales. The next time you head to Target or Walmart or whatever your favorite store is, be on the lookout for Clearance items. These items are almost always in perfect condition.Sometimes the box might be slightly dented, but usually they have just ordered an over abundance of that product, or they are making room for the latest model to come in its place. I usually start in the summer time, checking out Target's huge clearance section. Sometimes these products are on the end cap of the aisle. Sometimes they are all mixed in with the other products, and some times, especially with seasonal items, there will be a whole section just for clearanced items. You can find prices 30% all the way to 75% off.
So all of these items were bought at Target on clearance. The Captain American Action figure makes sounds and says various phrases when you push a button, which I know my son is going to love. I also got him a Megabloks set, and a Chuggington Train set. If you didn't already know, Jonah is into trains, cars, trucks, and anything with wheels basically. When we had cable, he watched Chuggington all the time. That, and Thomas the Train were his favorite shows.
So, how much did I save, you ask? Here's the breakdown:
Captain America: Originally $20, Paid $13 (roughly 30% off)
Megablocks: Originally $21.99, Paid $10.99 (roughly 50% off)
Chuggington Interactive Railway: Originally $30, Paid $20, (roughly 30% off)
It may not seem like much, but that was 30-50% savings amounted to over $28 dollars in savings, and I only spent a total of $44 on 3 gifts. Because I shop clearance items all throughout the year, I am able to get much nicer items than if I had to budget for full price items. Black Friday may have great deals, but you can avoid those nasty crowds and item shortages if you just shop clearance and sales all year round. Also, to get the most out of your money, it is best to shop for your child's age range rather than only specific products. Be on the lookout for when you see something that is age appropriate, and you think they will enjoy it, buy it and put it back in a closet for the next Birthday or Holiday!
3)Sell and Shop at Consignment Sales. You make slightly more than you'd make at a garage sale, and they sell your items for you, taking usually about 1/2 of what you make. On the down side, it is really alot of work sorting items and getting ready for it. But these sales tend to draw huge crowds that you would never see at a yard sale. Typically, shopping at a consignment sale, items will cost 25-30% of what the original retail prices are. You can score some big ticket items for your kids by buying the ones that are for sale at these events. In fact, this weekend Mommy's Secret Consignment Sale is this Saturday and Sunday in Olive Branch, MS. On Sunday, the majority of items will be half the price marked on the tag. They typically have lots of puzzles, games, and outdoor toys that may be costly if you buy them new.
4) Consider buying last year's model.
Especially with kids who are younger, they may not care if they have the
newest, latest model of the toy the like. If they have asked for a
handheld video game system, check with your local Gamestop
to see what might be a good option for your kid. Tell them your child's
age, and interests, as well as what type of games you are looking for.
My grandparents recently asked me about getting a handheld video game
for my son, and after calling around, I found out that the Nintendo 3DS
is the newest model, but they still have new and used original Nintendo
DS handheld systems, which were significantly cheaper. Also, they still
carry plenty of games that are used as well. You can also purchase an
extended warranty even on the used systems for an additional fee. He is
just as happy with his Nintendo DS and he still feels like his older
cousin who's got the newest latest games! Another thing to remember is
that if you buy an older model and older games, and you want to upgrade
for them later, those older games will typically play on the newer game
systems as long it is a similar model. It does not work the other way
though, so you have to have the newest system to play the newest games.
If you are ever unsure, be sure to speak to the sales associate to have
them explain it to you before you buy.
5)Check
Craigslist or your local Facebook resale group. If you are looking for
something specific, but aren't ready to fork over a fortune, look online
and price shop as early as you know what you want. See if you aren't
able to find a good pre-owned item. Just beware of buying from
strangers, be sure the product works right before paying them, and meet
in a public place. You never know!
6) Ok, be prepared to keep an open mind on this one. It might take a minute for you to process what I'm about to say, but once you really think about it, I think you will come around. I have two words for you: Garage Sales.
Yes, you heard me. I am proposing that you shop at garage sales for Christmas. Just hear me out though. Think about how much money children's toys cost these days, and then consider just about how much time your children play with something before it becomes boring to them. The idea to this works both ways, though. You can first start by having a yard sale in the mid-fall months to de-clutter your house, and get rid of the toys that your children no longer play with. If they don't play with it now, they won't even know it's gone! Take that money and set it aside to replace the old toys and clutter with new gifts!
Now, if you don't believe that it is worth it to shop yard sales, you aren't doing it right! My mother taught me the value of a dollar and I work hard to stretch our money. I know realistically, kids don't usually care about the boxes things come in. They just want it to work, and have all the pieces there!
I love going to garage sales and yard sales because you never know what you are going to find. Sometimes you will find great items and sometimes it will just be "junk". But remember, one man's junk is another man's treasure! Check out what I found at a yard sale with my mom this past weekend, if you don't believe me.
Leap Frog English/Spanish guitar $1 ($18 new)
B toys Times Square Activity Cube $1
($32 new)
Leap Frog Letter Dinosaur $1 ($17 new)
Playskool Busy Basics Swing and Score
$1 ($20 new)
Playskool Explore and Grow Musical Gear
Center $2 ($24)
So I paid just $6 ( I kid you not!) for over $100 worth of toddler toys! Oh, and that is not including the shape sorter my daughter got for her Jonah for just 50cents!
You will sometimes hit sales that won't have anything good, and you will just keep on driving by. But many times, you will find something totally worthy of parking your car to have a look. We found this on Saturday, used but in perfect condition, for only $5!!! It is normally $49 at Walmart, but this week, it's on rollback to $39. Either way, that was an amazing deal, and Jonah will love it!
Because I shopped at garage sales and got lucky with some good stuff, I was able to spend a little more (like the monogrammed shirt) on other things, and he will have a great Christmas. The only downside is, now I need to find boxes for them!!
7) Use your points/rebates/freebies!
If you haven't already signed up for Swagbucks, do it! I have already earned 2 $10 Dominos Gift cards in the last few months for just using them as my search engine and printing coupons through their site. You can trade in your points for various gift cards like Target, Amazon, and tons of other HOT stores.
If you have Register Rewards/Balance Points at Walgreens, Extra Care bucks at CVS, or Up+ rewards at Rite Aid, Use them! Check out the ads and if you don't need products for your grocery list, use the rewards like cash to buy toys or gifts for friends and family. In fact, many times these stores have b1g1 deals on hot ticket toys and items to make the deal even sweeter!
Also, if you buy Disney movies, sign up for Disney Movie Rewards. It's completely free. You just use the codes on the inside of the dvd cover and you enter them online to earn points that can be traded in for prizes. I have gotten free DVDs before, and I recently just traded a couple hundred points (took maybe 2 movies to earn).
8) Barter. Yes, folks, it's time to get creative! If you are crafty and can create something others will find of value, consider making a trade with other crafty creative friends. If you have a talent others lack, consider trading your service for something they need. My husband is great with fixing computers, so we'd be happy to trade computer repair work for something you can make or create that I otherwise would have to pay for.
9) Go homemade. You don't have to be a super skilled craftsman to make this Christmas a memorable one. It's the thought that counts anyways. I have always had more people that I wanted to gift than I could afford, so I always end up making homemade goodies. Fudge, chocolate covered pretzels, buckeyes, and Christmas cookies are always family favorites. For grandparent's take a picture of the grandkids and have each child make a homemade Christmas ornament or frame for their picture.
10)Pass down family treasures. While pulling out the decorations for Christmas this year, I found these little gems that will make perfect gifts for my daughter and will cost me NOTHING!
The Barbie is still new in the (slightly dented) box, but Hannah won't care. I checked online, and this doesn't qualify as a collector's item, but so I see no reason why Hannah can't open and play with it! Also I found my musical carousel horse and I think it will be perfect for her. So it may be worth rummaging through the old things you've put away from your childhood days. You probably have perfectly good toys that your kids would love, and they will be that much more special since someone else with love them as much as you did. Even Dads can join in the search for attic treasure! Perhaps there is some action figures that could use the love of a child. I know when Hannah gets a little older, I will gift to her the antique porcelain dolls I loved as a kid.
So there you have it, 10 ways to save big this Christmas!! God Bless!
UPDATE: Being that it is nearly Christmas, most of the Clearance toys are gone, so if you have to buy new, be sure you compare prices online. Check Target, Walmart, Toys R Us and Amazon to see who has the best deal. Sometimes stores will price match even online prices during the Christmas Season. If their price drops during the season (excluding Black Friday)or find it lower at another store, some stores are offering the difference on a store gift card, and as you know, every little bit counts! And check Coupons.com online for coupons. I reluctantly bought Jonah a new Chuggington DVD at Target for $12.99 because Jonah would not let go (lol) and then got home and found out that there was a $3 coupon I could have printed! I know for a fact that there are several Barbie coupons out right now, as well as some other toys your kid may have at the top of the list!
Monday, November 12, 2012
It's beginning to look alot like Christmas...
Yes, I know it's only mid-November, but it's no secret we've been Christmasing in the Harrison Household since November 1 (and quite possibly even before that). But our decorations went up November 2nd. The tree is up. Let's just say this year, we let the kids decorate again! We aren't done with ornaments, but my plan this year is to have the kids make homemade ornaments each week and put them as the tree as we go. We do have a few up, but it looks much better in person than it does in the photo. We had to buy new lights from Target and decided to go for the new LED lights! They are mini lights with colored covers over them, which is neat! It reminds me of the glass multicolored bulbs my Mamaw had in the 80s with the huge bulbs that got so hot! Well these are really nice because they can last forever and they are cool to the touch. Plus, just a few go a long way because the bulbs are big.
Also, I've got my mantle decorated as well! I've pulled out all my favorite decorations and this year, they won't all fit on the mantle! We also have adopted an Elf on the Shelf this year, and the kids named her Candie. So far she's mostly been hiding in different spots and hasn't done too much crazy yet. She's been found reading a book, "fishing" for the Christmas singing bass on the mantle (so redneck, I love that, lol!) and hanging from the ceiling fans. Oh, there was the time she drew with lipstick on the kids faces but I was clear that I wasn't crazy about that, so she toned it down after that! Haha!
This weekend I hope to finish my Christmas Village on the island in the kitchen, I don't know what I will do as far as decorating in the kitchen otherwise though.
Also, we've been thinking and coming up with some great Christmas traditions. One of which, thanks to my good friend, will be the Christmas Countdown Calender. It's got 25 pockets and each pocket is going to have a special treat, which the kids will have to compete for behavior wise. At the end of the day, the best behaved all around kid gets to choose something from one of the pouches.
Also, something I am very excited about this year new is a book tradition. I've been collecting new and like new books (so far I have 2 brand new Skippy Jon Jones books I got on clearance at Kohls, and a nearly new Little Engine that Could book. ) I need 22 more. Can you guess what I'm doing? I'm going get a total of 25 books and starting November 30th (same day we start the Christmas Countdown) I will have them all wrapped under the tree with a special Christmas blanket in a basket. Each night I will allow the kids to choose one of the books under the tree to unwrap and we will read it together by the tree! Isn't that a great tradition!! I plan on getting some new, but also I'm going to be looking all year round for next year at yard sales or the Good will bookstore for perfect condition hard cover children's books that will build a nice collection for us.
Ok, so now that you know what we are doing for the Holidays, I have to catch you up on the last several months. We've been so busy with school, church, and everything in between and I don't feel like I've had a chance to catch my breath till just now! We have celebrated three birthdays, Halloween, and Thanksgiving is next week. My sister got married and now we know she is expecting a little boy this spring! I cannot wait!! We are still working with Josh teaching him to read and are slowly but surely making progress. Both the older kids are doing awesome in math, and we have gotten involved again not only with our church small group but with serving in our church. Jacob and I both help with Awana and Jacob is helping with the 4-6 grade boys on Sunday mornings.
We have had some crazy life stuff thrown at us over the last few months, but God has used it to remind us that he is in control and he will provide (and that's all I'm gonna say about that!) for us. Jacob got a position at a new branch 10 minutes from our house, and he's home an extra 3 hours every day! We get to have breakfast and dinner together every night, and have been able to make more commitments. I started keeping Greyson again during the week, which I LOVE, and he is such a sweetie. Jonah is doing so much better, although he is not perfect, with learning to mind and not being quite so naughty. God has given me more patience to deal with him as well. So no, for us things are not perfect and we are dealing with some things, but we are so thankful for the things that God is blessing us with. I don't feel like we are still wandering in the desert any more, so I am thankful for that.
I have some more posts I plan on doing soon, because there's so much more things I want to share with you, so plan on seeing more blog posts here on out. God bless ya and have a great week!
Also, I've got my mantle decorated as well! I've pulled out all my favorite decorations and this year, they won't all fit on the mantle! We also have adopted an Elf on the Shelf this year, and the kids named her Candie. So far she's mostly been hiding in different spots and hasn't done too much crazy yet. She's been found reading a book, "fishing" for the Christmas singing bass on the mantle (so redneck, I love that, lol!) and hanging from the ceiling fans. Oh, there was the time she drew with lipstick on the kids faces but I was clear that I wasn't crazy about that, so she toned it down after that! Haha!
Also, we've been thinking and coming up with some great Christmas traditions. One of which, thanks to my good friend, will be the Christmas Countdown Calender. It's got 25 pockets and each pocket is going to have a special treat, which the kids will have to compete for behavior wise. At the end of the day, the best behaved all around kid gets to choose something from one of the pouches.
Also, something I am very excited about this year new is a book tradition. I've been collecting new and like new books (so far I have 2 brand new Skippy Jon Jones books I got on clearance at Kohls, and a nearly new Little Engine that Could book. ) I need 22 more. Can you guess what I'm doing? I'm going get a total of 25 books and starting November 30th (same day we start the Christmas Countdown) I will have them all wrapped under the tree with a special Christmas blanket in a basket. Each night I will allow the kids to choose one of the books under the tree to unwrap and we will read it together by the tree! Isn't that a great tradition!! I plan on getting some new, but also I'm going to be looking all year round for next year at yard sales or the Good will bookstore for perfect condition hard cover children's books that will build a nice collection for us.
Ok, so now that you know what we are doing for the Holidays, I have to catch you up on the last several months. We've been so busy with school, church, and everything in between and I don't feel like I've had a chance to catch my breath till just now! We have celebrated three birthdays, Halloween, and Thanksgiving is next week. My sister got married and now we know she is expecting a little boy this spring! I cannot wait!! We are still working with Josh teaching him to read and are slowly but surely making progress. Both the older kids are doing awesome in math, and we have gotten involved again not only with our church small group but with serving in our church. Jacob and I both help with Awana and Jacob is helping with the 4-6 grade boys on Sunday mornings.
We have had some crazy life stuff thrown at us over the last few months, but God has used it to remind us that he is in control and he will provide (and that's all I'm gonna say about that!) for us. Jacob got a position at a new branch 10 minutes from our house, and he's home an extra 3 hours every day! We get to have breakfast and dinner together every night, and have been able to make more commitments. I started keeping Greyson again during the week, which I LOVE, and he is such a sweetie. Jonah is doing so much better, although he is not perfect, with learning to mind and not being quite so naughty. God has given me more patience to deal with him as well. So no, for us things are not perfect and we are dealing with some things, but we are so thankful for the things that God is blessing us with. I don't feel like we are still wandering in the desert any more, so I am thankful for that.
I have some more posts I plan on doing soon, because there's so much more things I want to share with you, so plan on seeing more blog posts here on out. God bless ya and have a great week!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Can you guess what we did last night at my house? Yep, I have officially jumped on the 'make my own detergent' bandwagon! Sorry the picture is a bit blurry, but you get the idea. Anyways, you know I am all about saving some money, but I had never tried this before. I have been trying to coupon and stockpile more lately, as we are desperate to pinch some pennies! We caught a break on a One Day Sale with our local paper, and they slashed the prices to about 30% off for 'new' subscribers (meaning you haven't had a subscription recently).
I started to get dangerously low on detergent, and was trying to figure out what I should do. The kind we buy, (Xtra, just the cheap stuff) is not on sale right now. And I just wasn't finding deals like I did last winter. See, last Winter I scored 6 huge (119 load size) bottles of Xtra for around $25. That was in February. I haven't bought detergent since February!!! I scored an amazing deal back then and stocked up on a large supply, and have just now gotten down to the bottom of that last container. And we do LOTS of laundry in this house! So, if you do the math it did last me 6 months, we go through 1 bottle of that stuff a month (one very large bottle).
So I guess here was my concern, I wanted to make sure it was really going to save me, a thrifty mama, money. Not just the mom who buys the $15 box of Tide every month. I also knew it was going to require me to venture out into the madhouse that is Walmart, which I despise. Let me be clear, it's not Walmart persay that I don't like. I just don't like the insane crowds and never being able to find anything. Little did I realize...it was the first day of back to school. CRAZY BUSY!!!! That being said, here's how it breaks down.
Oxy clean (generic is fine, yay!) $2.75--optional, but I have 3 messy kids so this was a given!
Borax $4
Purex Crystals $5-also optional. You could use none, or up it to two bottles. Next time I may get a 2nd bottle for more smell.
Arm and Hammer Washing Soda $3.50
Baking Soda $3
2 Fels Naptha Bars $2
Bucket to mix it all in $2
Total Cost: $23.25 plus tax
So after that, it was pretty simple. You have to grate the Fels Naptha bars (you can also use pink zote or ivory, I believe) with the fine end of the cheese grater. It smells really good. Then you just kind of pour everything in and mix together. Be careful when pouring the baking soda and borax, as they tend to have dust fumes. You don't have to wear goggles or anything, just keep your face out of the bucket, and don't dump it in sitting in front of an air conditioner or anything like that. I would think that would go without saying, but you never know.... Also, pour SLOWLY and that will help. I did try to use a spoon to mix it, but eventually I knew the bottom wasn't mixing through so I just used my hands. The neat thing is that if you do use the purex, you can scoop some of the mix up and put it in the Purex bottle since it will be empty. The top has a little round scoop too, that you can pour into, and also, the Sun OXYgen stuff I bought had about a 2 tbsp size scoop. And that's it. That's all there is too it. Supposedly it's HE safe (several of the ingredients specifically say that too) and even though I don't have an HE washer, it's new so I wanted to be super careful.
That's all there is to it! It's supposed to be equivalent to a 6 month supply, so we will see. Each load takes 1-2 tbsp instead of a whole cup of liquid.
Some things to remember:
1) I had a $1 off the coupon for Purex, did not include it in the price, but if you coupon, look for it in your stash! It's a very recent one (think last 2 weeks) so if you haven't clipped lately look there first.
2) I am rounding here. I figured I would have to go to Walmart to buy all the items, and they had them all, right next to each other. I don't remember the exact price to the penny, but I rounded up to the nearest dollar to what I paid. So you'll actually spend less than that probably.
3) The generic version of Oxyclean was in a container twice the size of what I needed, so I cut that price in half for the purpose of pricing this project. I do still have half left in the container, so I won't buy the $5.50 tub of Oxy stuff again till NEXT year!
4)I got a mop bucket, because that was all I could find. I highly reccomend using a 5 gallon bucket if you have one on hand. You will not be able to reuse the bucket though, you'll need to store the remainder of the detergent in the bucket. I had enough room, but a 5 gallon bucket would have made it easier to mix.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Updates Updates Updates!
So, needless to say, it's been a little while since my last blog. Way too long. So I will give you a quick chance to catch up with what all has been happening with us.
Josh is into video games. He's turning 5 next month and asking for plants vs. zombies for his birthday. It's amazing to me to sit back and see this sweet boy having his own opinions forming and whatnot. He's growing up!!! It's so crazy, it's happened so fast.
Hannah is growing up too. She's so much smarter than I would have ever dreamed up, and the concepts she grasped are just way beyond what your average 1st or 2nd grader should understand.
Jonah's just a little troublemaker. Hubs says he just gets bored and then go and misbehaves because he 1)doesn't know any better at all, and 2)he doesn't have anything better to do. If he is constantly having a change of pace, then in very short bursts, he does alot better. But he's got a short attention span unless he is being naughty!
We've started school already. The kids are doing really well, and I'm really actually loving having 2 kids in school vs. having just Hannah. It's been wonderful being able to interact with them and teach them one on one. We are doing some curriculum and some unit studies-specifically we are doing Unit studies on Social Studies.
I am writing again. You guys may not know this, but I've actually been writing things for years, but they've never seen the light of day for the most part. I've got several half finished projects, and things that I just stopped for one reason or another. It's kind of ironic because my grammar/punctuation/etc has become extremely lazy because of the internet, text, typing, and the like. BUT, I've got something right now I'm working on that I am really very excited about. I am more passionate than ever about trying to figure out where this project is going and what needs to be done, and it's become fresh and new to me again. I have a few things still on the back burner that it just wasn't the right time for, but what I'm working on now, is thrilling to me. It's new, it's a challenge, it's exhilarating, and I'm constantly (for the first time ever, and perhaps that's the difference) working at trying to make it better. I'm researching how to be a more effective storyteller, and using my writing as a vehicle to do something. So, I'm not sure if that makes any sense, but it feels good to say it (or write it) on here for someone, anyone really, to read.
Not that anyone reads this blog anymore, now that I had to make it private, but still. For those of you still hanging on, that's what I've been doing!!
Josh is into video games. He's turning 5 next month and asking for plants vs. zombies for his birthday. It's amazing to me to sit back and see this sweet boy having his own opinions forming and whatnot. He's growing up!!! It's so crazy, it's happened so fast.
Hannah is growing up too. She's so much smarter than I would have ever dreamed up, and the concepts she grasped are just way beyond what your average 1st or 2nd grader should understand.
Jonah's just a little troublemaker. Hubs says he just gets bored and then go and misbehaves because he 1)doesn't know any better at all, and 2)he doesn't have anything better to do. If he is constantly having a change of pace, then in very short bursts, he does alot better. But he's got a short attention span unless he is being naughty!
We've started school already. The kids are doing really well, and I'm really actually loving having 2 kids in school vs. having just Hannah. It's been wonderful being able to interact with them and teach them one on one. We are doing some curriculum and some unit studies-specifically we are doing Unit studies on Social Studies.
I am writing again. You guys may not know this, but I've actually been writing things for years, but they've never seen the light of day for the most part. I've got several half finished projects, and things that I just stopped for one reason or another. It's kind of ironic because my grammar/punctuation/etc has become extremely lazy because of the internet, text, typing, and the like. BUT, I've got something right now I'm working on that I am really very excited about. I am more passionate than ever about trying to figure out where this project is going and what needs to be done, and it's become fresh and new to me again. I have a few things still on the back burner that it just wasn't the right time for, but what I'm working on now, is thrilling to me. It's new, it's a challenge, it's exhilarating, and I'm constantly (for the first time ever, and perhaps that's the difference) working at trying to make it better. I'm researching how to be a more effective storyteller, and using my writing as a vehicle to do something. So, I'm not sure if that makes any sense, but it feels good to say it (or write it) on here for someone, anyone really, to read.
Not that anyone reads this blog anymore, now that I had to make it private, but still. For those of you still hanging on, that's what I've been doing!!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Summer Fun
We have been super busy this summer, and it's only just begun. To be honest, I've never been a big fan of summer time. It's really pretty hot where we live. In July the heat index gets over 110 degrees. Most days, we are stuck indoors and it can be difficult to find things to do with 3 kids to keep us from getting stir crazy in the house. Of course, I would much prefer Fall as a season. It's cool, the colors are beautiful, and I feel like we can get more time enjoying the outdoors.
So I've pretty much committed myself to year round schooling at this point. Hannah got a full month off from school. She and I both needed a break. This week we are starting back school a couple days a week, and next month, we will start back to our normal schedule. I think when we have school, it does good for us to have something to do because it makes our days pass faster. Jacob is working 2 jobs now, and so some days we don't see him from 6 in the morning till 11 when he's coming to kiss the kids asleep in their beds. It helps us to not think about missing Daddy if we've constantly got stuff to do. So today, I made it my mission to create a fun distraction for the kiddos. Baking!!!
I found an awesome recipe for blueberry muffins. I made so many that I froze some, and they are just as good reheated in the microwave as when they first came out of the oven. I'll share the link for the recipe in a bit. It's not mine, so I won't try to claim it. But it was a super yummy one, and I can't imagine myself making them a different way ever.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/to-die-for-blueberry-muffins/
Tomorrow starts our adventure with money. We are going to play store, and games for the next few weeks and work on memorizing the coins (for Josh) and adding/subtracting money (for Hannah). Hopefully I'll have some pictures to come soon. :D God bless
So I've pretty much committed myself to year round schooling at this point. Hannah got a full month off from school. She and I both needed a break. This week we are starting back school a couple days a week, and next month, we will start back to our normal schedule. I think when we have school, it does good for us to have something to do because it makes our days pass faster. Jacob is working 2 jobs now, and so some days we don't see him from 6 in the morning till 11 when he's coming to kiss the kids asleep in their beds. It helps us to not think about missing Daddy if we've constantly got stuff to do. So today, I made it my mission to create a fun distraction for the kiddos. Baking!!!
I found an awesome recipe for blueberry muffins. I made so many that I froze some, and they are just as good reheated in the microwave as when they first came out of the oven. I'll share the link for the recipe in a bit. It's not mine, so I won't try to claim it. But it was a super yummy one, and I can't imagine myself making them a different way ever.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/to-die-for-blueberry-muffins/
Tomorrow starts our adventure with money. We are going to play store, and games for the next few weeks and work on memorizing the coins (for Josh) and adding/subtracting money (for Hannah). Hopefully I'll have some pictures to come soon. :D God bless
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Cleaning House!!
So, I've been making some changes around here (well Hubs and me both, actually). First, I decided it was the best thing for everyone involved to stop babysitting as much during the week. I feel like I've put us into a pickle financially because we were counting on that income. However, it got to where it was taking a toll on the kids and I, and I couldn't give the little boy what he needed, so it's for the best. I feel to an extent, like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. At the same time, financially I don't know what our next step is. I have some ideas as far as supplemental income, but none of them will be possible without God's blessing. Hubs is also applying to get a 2nd job. So prayers for the right thing to come along, as well as success with his current job.
I think I am just at the point where I felt I needed to take a step back and focus on my own family, and the kids, and do what was best for them. I will say this, though. I have so much more energy now. Even though my house is far from spotless (I sure it will never be that way) I have more time and energy to get things straightened up, and I am to the point where my house isn't always trashed anymore! So that is good! I am finally making some headway on laundry. I am able to get 2-3 loads done a day, and we are able to get the door shut, so that's progress..right?
I have also decided that it's probably best if starting in the Fall, I don't keep kids -other than my "nephew" who I'm still watching, but he's easy peasy. I love him to bits! He's not really my nephew at all. He's actually Jacob's cousin's ex-wife's son if you can figure that one out in your head, lol.... and nephew seems easier to explain to the kids, lol. His mom and Jacob grew up together (as did her ex), and they go way back. In my book, they might as well be brother and sister.
But I think when Joshua starts school it will be so much easier on everyone if I can focus on them and their schoolwork. That being said, while I am on the hunt for curriculum for the Fall, I figured I would take some steps to help get everything more organized. We have a cube book shelf in the living room, but Jonah is constantly pulling all the books out and sometimes ripping out pages. I went through it this morning and had to throw some books away that were torn beyond repair. Well, actually, if you can follow how my brain works, I should back up a bit.
Our old "school cabinet" was literally falling apart. Literally. Jonah had pulled one of the doors completely off, and the other door was buckled in the middle and it didn't take much for me to yank it off. I decided that with the new year coming, I was going to take this summer to get smart, and organize all our school things. It may not be pretty, but it's a lot more functional now.
So basically, I just moved everything around. Since I have the stockpile shelves but they are getting bare, I combined some of the food shelves and some of the personal care product shelves all onto the same Cabinet. Then I took things like cereal and snacks that we use on a daily basis, and moved them into the old school cabinet. THEN, I moved all the stuff from the school cabinet into the pantry, which was pretty much empty except for some pots and pans. I got Jacob to cut me some makeshift dividers and now I know where everything is. I was able to take stock and see what I have and what I need. I have separate places for Joshua's books and Hannah's books. l was actually surprised to see how many art and craft supplies we actually had-It's way more than I realized, and now I have access to it all! It may not be very pretty, but it is certainly much more functional.
This is the before. Well, sort of. This is about halfway through the process of cleaning and shelving.
So then I decided we needed a neater place to store our books. The living room shelves would be fine, except they are right on Jonah's level to destroy. So now the shelf that was holding all my personal care products, now holds only books. I have it so he shouldn't be able to reach them as easily, and we will be able to keep them nice for school. I have a stack of easy readers and bob books for Josh, as he continues through his 100 easy lessons book. I have various "Why" and "How" books that Hannah loves to just sit and read when she's bored. It's a great way to teach them without even realizing it! I also have the sets of chapter books we are working on collecting (so far, we have The Cul de Sac kids, and we are working on Junie B. Jones and some other series books.) Then on the top I have books that we use for Reading in school, since this past year she really liked those Children's Illustrated books for literature.
So, yeh. That's what I've been up to posting about all the cleaning and organization stuff I've been doing. Now you can know what I've been doing. I am about the least organized person I know. And of all the things I can spend money on, that is not one of them!! But it has been nice to get rid of the clutter. Ok, well let me get off here and go make some lunch for these kiddos!!
I think I am just at the point where I felt I needed to take a step back and focus on my own family, and the kids, and do what was best for them. I will say this, though. I have so much more energy now. Even though my house is far from spotless (I sure it will never be that way) I have more time and energy to get things straightened up, and I am to the point where my house isn't always trashed anymore! So that is good! I am finally making some headway on laundry. I am able to get 2-3 loads done a day, and we are able to get the door shut, so that's progress..right?
I have also decided that it's probably best if starting in the Fall, I don't keep kids -other than my "nephew" who I'm still watching, but he's easy peasy. I love him to bits! He's not really my nephew at all. He's actually Jacob's cousin's ex-wife's son if you can figure that one out in your head, lol.... and nephew seems easier to explain to the kids, lol. His mom and Jacob grew up together (as did her ex), and they go way back. In my book, they might as well be brother and sister.
But I think when Joshua starts school it will be so much easier on everyone if I can focus on them and their schoolwork. That being said, while I am on the hunt for curriculum for the Fall, I figured I would take some steps to help get everything more organized. We have a cube book shelf in the living room, but Jonah is constantly pulling all the books out and sometimes ripping out pages. I went through it this morning and had to throw some books away that were torn beyond repair. Well, actually, if you can follow how my brain works, I should back up a bit.
Jonah friendly bookshelf. Happy Happy!
Our old "school cabinet" was literally falling apart. Literally. Jonah had pulled one of the doors completely off, and the other door was buckled in the middle and it didn't take much for me to yank it off. I decided that with the new year coming, I was going to take this summer to get smart, and organize all our school things. It may not be pretty, but it's a lot more functional now.
So basically, I just moved everything around. Since I have the stockpile shelves but they are getting bare, I combined some of the food shelves and some of the personal care product shelves all onto the same Cabinet. Then I took things like cereal and snacks that we use on a daily basis, and moved them into the old school cabinet. THEN, I moved all the stuff from the school cabinet into the pantry, which was pretty much empty except for some pots and pans. I got Jacob to cut me some makeshift dividers and now I know where everything is. I was able to take stock and see what I have and what I need. I have separate places for Joshua's books and Hannah's books. l was actually surprised to see how many art and craft supplies we actually had-It's way more than I realized, and now I have access to it all! It may not be very pretty, but it is certainly much more functional.
This is the before. Well, sort of. This is about halfway through the process of cleaning and shelving.
These are the after pictures. See what I mean about the art supplies? TONS!
So then I decided we needed a neater place to store our books. The living room shelves would be fine, except they are right on Jonah's level to destroy. So now the shelf that was holding all my personal care products, now holds only books. I have it so he shouldn't be able to reach them as easily, and we will be able to keep them nice for school. I have a stack of easy readers and bob books for Josh, as he continues through his 100 easy lessons book. I have various "Why" and "How" books that Hannah loves to just sit and read when she's bored. It's a great way to teach them without even realizing it! I also have the sets of chapter books we are working on collecting (so far, we have The Cul de Sac kids, and we are working on Junie B. Jones and some other series books.) Then on the top I have books that we use for Reading in school, since this past year she really liked those Children's Illustrated books for literature.
Looks like a trip to my favorite place, the Goodwill bookstore, is in order!
So, yeh. That's what I've been up to posting about all the cleaning and organization stuff I've been doing. Now you can know what I've been doing. I am about the least organized person I know. And of all the things I can spend money on, that is not one of them!! But it has been nice to get rid of the clutter. Ok, well let me get off here and go make some lunch for these kiddos!!
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