There is a lot of excitement in the North East = Warm weather has come - at least for the weekend! Winter tends to be LONGGGG especially around here. At school the months leading up to winter are fun - 1st day of school, Jewish Holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas - oops I mean "winter holiday". But then after the break comes January, February, March....
Here are a few things that have helped me enjoy this season:
The Happy Lite - yes that is what it's called - it's put out by a company called Verilux. A couple of years ago when I was telling a friend how blah I felt in the winter she "turned me on" hahaha to this light. It simulate daylight - now it's not cheap - mine was $160 but to have bottled sunshine in my kitchen all winter long - priceless. I sit there in the morning while reading and drinking my coffee, the kids turn it on when doing their homework, we eat dinner by it (when it is getting dark at 4:30pm it's nice to have some "sunlight") and the dog even snuggles in front of it - which tells me it really works - dogs don't know how to read the word "simulator", so it must have her fooled.
Walking every day - this is the first year I have ever been this consistent in the winter and I really like it. I don't even mind the cold which is a first for me. But if I don't go first thing in the morning, I defiantly can find an excuse not to do it when I get home from school.
Countdown - someone told me that on the first day of winter - Dec. 21 (yes, we keep track of things like that at school -we just celebrated the 100th day of school - I don't think Cam is doing that at his job!) anyway - on Dec. 21 the days actually begin to get longer -I never knew that- it felt like the opposite, but she assured me it is true. So now I keep track of what the sun is doing -
Rising at 6:42 am Setting at 5:38 pm - we are almost there!!
Day Light Savings - Yes they have shorten this period so the short days don't feel quite as short - the clocks change again in 3 weeks.
Snow Days - any teacher will tell you that they enjoy the day off from school probably more than the kids do - why do you think we tell them to wear their pajamas inside out and sleep with a spoon under their pillow - just don't talk to us in June!
Blogging - secret confession -I don't like to write! I was never one of those people that kept a journal - now don't get me wrong, I have journals -lots of them, all with ONE page written in. When I mentioned to Cam this "blog idea" I was horrified when 15 minutes later he slipped the laptop to me and said "write, I'll make dinner" YIKES!! He had created a whole blog site for me and I had no excuse not to do it - why did he choose this idea to listen to. But I am so glad he did - because I am loving it!! I really like to type so I think that has helped me and apparently I have A LOT of opinions on how to save money - who knew!!
So enjoy this weather - while it lasts - and let me know what you are doing that is making you and your family a lot of cents!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
To All My College "Peeps"
One of my favorite college girls left a comment yesterday asking how college kids can shop more efficiently and save money. Great question!
When Colin decided he wanted to go to Full Sail University - everything looked great - the teachers, the location,the program - he will come out with his bachelors in just under 2 years - not bad!! The only downside was that there are no dorms - our son would not only be living on his own, doing all his own laundry, cleaning his apartment but also cooking all his own meals. The first 3-no problem, the last took a little prep work. So the summer before he left, he grocery shopped, cooked more meals and we talked a lot about meal planning. We even wrote up 3 x 5 cards that listed meal options and all the ingredients he would need to make it. Since he has a limited budget, eating out is not on his meal plan. He called me last week at 9pm to ask how to make chicken cordon blue - yeah, I would say he is doing OK!
So if you need some help with frugal ways to make your grocery money last as well as the food that you buy with it - read on.
You defiantly get a better deal on food if you buy in bulk but how do you keep it fresh as long as possible. When I get home from grocery shopping I divide all the meat I bought into amounts that I would use for a meal - so a 3lb package of ground meat will go into 3 separate *Ziploc, I write the date on the bag and then put it into the freezer.
If I am feeling ambitious I will cook it up first, then divide it and freeze it - that way when I pull it out, all I have to do is defrost and add it to the recipe - that cuts the prep time in half.
Chicken is great for this - I cook it in the crock pot or you can put it in a pot of water on the stove - just add salt and pepper - then pick out the bones and skin and will have cooked chicken to use for the week or I can put it in the freezer and pull it out as needed. Just make sure you package it in smaller portions.
Added bonus - I make chicken soup from the stock.
Repeat after me "The freezer is your friend" - but keep track of what you have in there and how long it's been there. Tape a piece of paper on the outside of the freezer and write the food you put in along with the date. When you use it, cross it off. So at a glance, you know what you have and how long it's been in there. I'm a generous landlord, but after a year - it has to go.
Things that I freeze:
Bread,bagels and rolls - if rolls start to go bad, I stick them in the freezer and use them for garlic bread.
Butter
Shredded cheese - it defrosts great in the fridge (never defrost in the microwave) and will last for months - I stock up when it is 3/$5
Nuts and Frozen Fruit - we always have this on hand for smoothies, oatmeal and yogurt
Bananas - I peel them, put them on a plate and when frozen put them in a *Ziploc and back in the freezer
Ice Cream - are you still with me????
So there are some ideas. When you are shopping for 1 or 2 people it is still worth it to look for a good deal, stockpile, food share with some friends and freeze all that you can - hope these ideas make you a lot of cents!! Now get back to studying and call your mom!!
* When I say Ziploc what I mean is the cheapest generic brand of bag that zips shut!
When Colin decided he wanted to go to Full Sail University - everything looked great - the teachers, the location,the program - he will come out with his bachelors in just under 2 years - not bad!! The only downside was that there are no dorms - our son would not only be living on his own, doing all his own laundry, cleaning his apartment but also cooking all his own meals. The first 3-no problem, the last took a little prep work. So the summer before he left, he grocery shopped, cooked more meals and we talked a lot about meal planning. We even wrote up 3 x 5 cards that listed meal options and all the ingredients he would need to make it. Since he has a limited budget, eating out is not on his meal plan. He called me last week at 9pm to ask how to make chicken cordon blue - yeah, I would say he is doing OK!
So if you need some help with frugal ways to make your grocery money last as well as the food that you buy with it - read on.
You defiantly get a better deal on food if you buy in bulk but how do you keep it fresh as long as possible. When I get home from grocery shopping I divide all the meat I bought into amounts that I would use for a meal - so a 3lb package of ground meat will go into 3 separate *Ziploc, I write the date on the bag and then put it into the freezer.
If I am feeling ambitious I will cook it up first, then divide it and freeze it - that way when I pull it out, all I have to do is defrost and add it to the recipe - that cuts the prep time in half.
Chicken is great for this - I cook it in the crock pot or you can put it in a pot of water on the stove - just add salt and pepper - then pick out the bones and skin and will have cooked chicken to use for the week or I can put it in the freezer and pull it out as needed. Just make sure you package it in smaller portions.
Added bonus - I make chicken soup from the stock.
Repeat after me "The freezer is your friend" - but keep track of what you have in there and how long it's been there. Tape a piece of paper on the outside of the freezer and write the food you put in along with the date. When you use it, cross it off. So at a glance, you know what you have and how long it's been in there. I'm a generous landlord, but after a year - it has to go.
Things that I freeze:
Bread,bagels and rolls - if rolls start to go bad, I stick them in the freezer and use them for garlic bread.
Butter
Shredded cheese - it defrosts great in the fridge (never defrost in the microwave) and will last for months - I stock up when it is 3/$5
Nuts and Frozen Fruit - we always have this on hand for smoothies, oatmeal and yogurt
Bananas - I peel them, put them on a plate and when frozen put them in a *Ziploc and back in the freezer
Ice Cream - are you still with me????
So there are some ideas. When you are shopping for 1 or 2 people it is still worth it to look for a good deal, stockpile, food share with some friends and freeze all that you can - hope these ideas make you a lot of cents!! Now get back to studying and call your mom!!
* When I say Ziploc what I mean is the cheapest generic brand of bag that zips shut!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Let's run some errands
When I got in from my walk yesterday morning there was a note on the table from one of the boys saying that he wasn't feeling well but wanted to go to school to take his Math test and could I pick him up on my lunch break - all this from the boy who asks me everyday if school is cancelled - I guess we are making progress. And apparently you can just tell the high school nurse that you are too sick to be in school and she will let you go home! So when I got to work and my cell phone rang with the schools number, I thought I knew what the nurse would say. Instead it was our other son with a high fever! After getting everyone settled at home, I had a few errands to run after work.
1st stop - CVS - did you know that some prescription plans will allow you to have a 90 day supply of your prescription for one copay? Ours does, so anytime we need something filled that is for more than one month I have the doctor write it for 90 days - I just saved 2 months on that prescription. Check with your pharmacy to see if you are eligible.
2nd stop - Post Office - with Colin living in Florida, this is a place that I frequent a lot, but I only recently found out that there is a self service machine in the lobby. No standing in line with 20 other people while 1 clerk waits on us and 2 employees scurry around behind him trying not make eye contact with us. You can send packages, big envelopes and buy stamps. The machine does all the work, prints out the postage and you stick it on and put it in the proper slot. You can also use their free shipping boxes. They come in 3 different sizes and you pay according to the box - $5, $10 or $15 - no matter how heavy it is and you can use the same machine to print out and pay to ship it-- see you suckers!
3rd stop - Redbox - remember when you used to go to the movies but that got too expensive, then you went to Blockbuster for your movies but that got expensive, now for $1.06 you can get fairly recent releases. You can also check online at Redbox.com for available titles at the box you want to go to. No disappointment when the movie you wanted isn't there = or trying to make a decision by calling home to read off all the available movies while the person in line behind you huffs and puffs. People also seem to like Netflix - I just don't think there are enough movies I want to see to justify the expense.
You may be wondering why I am telling you all this - not that it wasn't interesting.
There are two ways to make more money - I can work more hours (and be taxed on that amount) or I can save the taxed money I already earned and find ways to do things cheaper - so if I am frugal with what I already have it is like getting a raise without paying taxes. There are only a few BIG ways to save money - mortgage, car buying, etc. It is all those little ways that add up to save you money and time is money - so if I can do something quicker and cheaper - I'm all in and that makes cents!
1st stop - CVS - did you know that some prescription plans will allow you to have a 90 day supply of your prescription for one copay? Ours does, so anytime we need something filled that is for more than one month I have the doctor write it for 90 days - I just saved 2 months on that prescription. Check with your pharmacy to see if you are eligible.
2nd stop - Post Office - with Colin living in Florida, this is a place that I frequent a lot, but I only recently found out that there is a self service machine in the lobby. No standing in line with 20 other people while 1 clerk waits on us and 2 employees scurry around behind him trying not make eye contact with us. You can send packages, big envelopes and buy stamps. The machine does all the work, prints out the postage and you stick it on and put it in the proper slot. You can also use their free shipping boxes. They come in 3 different sizes and you pay according to the box - $5, $10 or $15 - no matter how heavy it is and you can use the same machine to print out and pay to ship it-- see you suckers!
3rd stop - Redbox - remember when you used to go to the movies but that got too expensive, then you went to Blockbuster for your movies but that got expensive, now for $1.06 you can get fairly recent releases. You can also check online at Redbox.com for available titles at the box you want to go to. No disappointment when the movie you wanted isn't there = or trying to make a decision by calling home to read off all the available movies while the person in line behind you huffs and puffs. People also seem to like Netflix - I just don't think there are enough movies I want to see to justify the expense.
You may be wondering why I am telling you all this - not that it wasn't interesting.
There are two ways to make more money - I can work more hours (and be taxed on that amount) or I can save the taxed money I already earned and find ways to do things cheaper - so if I am frugal with what I already have it is like getting a raise without paying taxes. There are only a few BIG ways to save money - mortgage, car buying, etc. It is all those little ways that add up to save you money and time is money - so if I can do something quicker and cheaper - I'm all in and that makes cents!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Do you have a reservation??
I heard on the radio yesterday that the average couple will spend just under $200 on Valentine's Day - I'm glad I'm not average - aren't you??
Cam just called me upstairs to show me the toilet seat he put in our bathroom - it lowers by itself. I'm pretty sure that isn't my Valentine's gift, but if it is I hope it was under $200!
That amount might seem high but if you think about eating out - that amount isn't too far off base. Which brings me to what I really want to talk about - eating out - is it worth it?? Fast food is around $5, sit down can be about $15 plus tip and nice sit down can cost you about $30 and those numbers are if you are dining alone - times it by 6 and you see why I obsess about this!
Cam LOVES to eat out. He likes to tell me the story of how his Dad had diabetes and after church he would say he was going to have an episode if they didn't get to Perkins in 5 minutes - he loved his Dad!!
My family rarely ate out. The first trip Cam went on with my family we drove to Martha's Vineyard. We pulled into the rest area and Cam thought - great - fast food. That smile was quickly replaced by a look of horror as my mom pulled out the picnic basket complete with plastic tablecloth and wet wash cloth in a Ziploc. He quickly ate and then excused himself to use the bathroom (and buy a burger!)
Fortunately in Cam's line of work he takes people out for lunch and breakfast quite often so you would think his need for other people preparing his food would be satisfied, but he tells me it is hard to enjoy your food when you're trying to listen and give wise counsel - BOO HOO!
I do enjoy eating out and the break from cooking and at times will look around the kitchen and cry out -PIZZA!!
But when I think about eating out and the expense that is involved in it I have to ask myself "Is it worth it"?
This is a good rule of thumb for anything you buy, not just food.
Take for example a cheeseburger and fries that would cost about $5. To buy the same meal at the grocery store and make at home would probably be about $1 - did I enjoy that fast food meal 5 times more than my home cooked meal? Probably not! Let's get fancier. A couple took us out to an expensive Italian restaurant and paid $120 - I could have made the same meal for around $12 did I enjoy it 10 times more? I do enjoy eating out - the atmosphere, the service, the way every one of my "needs" is met! And granted some meals are good - really good especially when cooked by a real chef but are they that much better? That is the question you need to ask when you are planning to eat out. I love Greek food and have tried to make it at home with little success so for me, that is worth it!
The key word PLANNING. Am I just going out because I didn't plan well at home. Am I using restaurants as a meal planner? It's a personal question. If you don't have the money - eat at home. But if you do have the money - choose wisely and use a coupon. If it's a special occasion or you have a good reason, go ahead but with a little preplanning, you can make those special meals right at home.
It turns out the toilet seat wasn't my gift for Valentine's Day -Cam cooked some steaks that we had received as a Christmas gift on the grill and made a Cesar salad. No long lines, no tips, no reservations - just dirty dishes, but that's why I had children. Eating at home does makes cents!
That Makes Cents Tip: Homemade Pizza
Take frozen bread dough and let defrost - follow directions on the package -I take mine out in the morning. Spray a cookie sheet, stone or pizza pan with olive oil. Spread out dough - little kids love to help with this, just flour your hands and knead on the tray. Cover with sauce (I just use spaghetti sauce, but you could try tomatoes too) Then put shredded mozzarella cheese, and any other toppings your family likes. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning or fresh Basil if you have it. Cook at 400 for about 15 minutes. It is delicious and costs about $3 for one pizza.
Cam just called me upstairs to show me the toilet seat he put in our bathroom - it lowers by itself. I'm pretty sure that isn't my Valentine's gift, but if it is I hope it was under $200!
That amount might seem high but if you think about eating out - that amount isn't too far off base. Which brings me to what I really want to talk about - eating out - is it worth it?? Fast food is around $5, sit down can be about $15 plus tip and nice sit down can cost you about $30 and those numbers are if you are dining alone - times it by 6 and you see why I obsess about this!
Cam LOVES to eat out. He likes to tell me the story of how his Dad had diabetes and after church he would say he was going to have an episode if they didn't get to Perkins in 5 minutes - he loved his Dad!!
My family rarely ate out. The first trip Cam went on with my family we drove to Martha's Vineyard. We pulled into the rest area and Cam thought - great - fast food. That smile was quickly replaced by a look of horror as my mom pulled out the picnic basket complete with plastic tablecloth and wet wash cloth in a Ziploc. He quickly ate and then excused himself to use the bathroom (and buy a burger!)
Fortunately in Cam's line of work he takes people out for lunch and breakfast quite often so you would think his need for other people preparing his food would be satisfied, but he tells me it is hard to enjoy your food when you're trying to listen and give wise counsel - BOO HOO!
I do enjoy eating out and the break from cooking and at times will look around the kitchen and cry out -PIZZA!!
But when I think about eating out and the expense that is involved in it I have to ask myself "Is it worth it"?
This is a good rule of thumb for anything you buy, not just food.
Take for example a cheeseburger and fries that would cost about $5. To buy the same meal at the grocery store and make at home would probably be about $1 - did I enjoy that fast food meal 5 times more than my home cooked meal? Probably not! Let's get fancier. A couple took us out to an expensive Italian restaurant and paid $120 - I could have made the same meal for around $12 did I enjoy it 10 times more? I do enjoy eating out - the atmosphere, the service, the way every one of my "needs" is met! And granted some meals are good - really good especially when cooked by a real chef but are they that much better? That is the question you need to ask when you are planning to eat out. I love Greek food and have tried to make it at home with little success so for me, that is worth it!
The key word PLANNING. Am I just going out because I didn't plan well at home. Am I using restaurants as a meal planner? It's a personal question. If you don't have the money - eat at home. But if you do have the money - choose wisely and use a coupon. If it's a special occasion or you have a good reason, go ahead but with a little preplanning, you can make those special meals right at home.
It turns out the toilet seat wasn't my gift for Valentine's Day -Cam cooked some steaks that we had received as a Christmas gift on the grill and made a Cesar salad. No long lines, no tips, no reservations - just dirty dishes, but that's why I had children. Eating at home does makes cents!
That Makes Cents Tip: Homemade Pizza
Take frozen bread dough and let defrost - follow directions on the package -I take mine out in the morning. Spray a cookie sheet, stone or pizza pan with olive oil. Spread out dough - little kids love to help with this, just flour your hands and knead on the tray. Cover with sauce (I just use spaghetti sauce, but you could try tomatoes too) Then put shredded mozzarella cheese, and any other toppings your family likes. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning or fresh Basil if you have it. Cook at 400 for about 15 minutes. It is delicious and costs about $3 for one pizza.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Spending $ Sometimes Makes Cents!
Somebody asked me what the "Purpose of my blog was?" Yikes, not only did I have to write, but I needed a purpose!
Then I realized that was easy - "How my family saves money" - DUH!
But as much as I love to save money I also LOVE to invest it!
No - I am not some savvy stock market geek - I wish I was. I just believe that spending money to better yourself, marriage or family is money well spent. Bottom line - I want those that I love to grow in their relationship with God!
So this past weekend 5 out of our 6 family member were doing just that (sorry Colin, someone has to go to school:)
Megan paid money to go to a Young Life Camp for Jr. High kids in the Dominican Republic where she is doing her student teaching. We paid our church to take Dylan and Ryan on a Sr. High Youth Group Winter Weekend -believe me that was money well spent! And Cam and I paid to go to a marriage conference at Sandy Cove along with some other couples from our church.
What do all these things have in common???? They cost us money and they were WELL worth it!
So my "purpose" for this blog hasn't changed. But don't work so hard at saving money that you forget why it is that you are doing it. If you lose sight of the things in your life that are important and that you value - it doesn't make cents!
SIDE BAR: I would be interested in knowing who is reading my blog. It would help me gear the blog towards the audience. If it's all college students, I'll hold back on the "Making your own Baby Food" articles and start writing the "Traveling the Seven Seas for Seven Dollars a Day" articles! So if you aren't already signed up as a follower, please do (if you don't know how, ask a teenager) Someone asked me if it costs money to "follow" NO, but if it makes you feel better you can put $10 in an envelope and send it to me! And if this is way too much of a commitment for you, please continue to stalk me for free. And thank you for all the kind, supportive, and encouraging comments you've given so far - I appreciate it!
Then I realized that was easy - "How my family saves money" - DUH!
But as much as I love to save money I also LOVE to invest it!
No - I am not some savvy stock market geek - I wish I was. I just believe that spending money to better yourself, marriage or family is money well spent. Bottom line - I want those that I love to grow in their relationship with God!
So this past weekend 5 out of our 6 family member were doing just that (sorry Colin, someone has to go to school:)
Megan paid money to go to a Young Life Camp for Jr. High kids in the Dominican Republic where she is doing her student teaching. We paid our church to take Dylan and Ryan on a Sr. High Youth Group Winter Weekend -believe me that was money well spent! And Cam and I paid to go to a marriage conference at Sandy Cove along with some other couples from our church.
What do all these things have in common???? They cost us money and they were WELL worth it!
So my "purpose" for this blog hasn't changed. But don't work so hard at saving money that you forget why it is that you are doing it. If you lose sight of the things in your life that are important and that you value - it doesn't make cents!
SIDE BAR: I would be interested in knowing who is reading my blog. It would help me gear the blog towards the audience. If it's all college students, I'll hold back on the "Making your own Baby Food" articles and start writing the "Traveling the Seven Seas for Seven Dollars a Day" articles! So if you aren't already signed up as a follower, please do (if you don't know how, ask a teenager) Someone asked me if it costs money to "follow" NO, but if it makes you feel better you can put $10 in an envelope and send it to me! And if this is way too much of a commitment for you, please continue to stalk me for free. And thank you for all the kind, supportive, and encouraging comments you've given so far - I appreciate it!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Trash to Treasure
A good part of my house is decorated with trash - there I said it! I am a dumpster diver! The only thing better than a good deal is free deal and what could be more free than trash!
It is amazing what people throw out! And I have found some real treasures. Here is a partial list:
4 kitchen chairs that match my original 6
An antique window someone had made into a mirror
Pampered Chef cooking stones - 3
Leather office chairs
2 Wooden dressers
6 trash bags full of clothes - some with tags on
Items to craft with
10 foot long book shelf
A wooden, tin punch trash can
Numerous end tables
A croquet set
2 Ikea chairs - I just had to buy new cushions
An under the bed storage unit - This End Up - remember that store :)
A rocking chair
2 living room chairs
Sports equipment
An enormous amount of wood for all my kids building projects
Last nights dinner - just kidding - just wanted to see if you were really reading:)
My family is used to my shenanigans - " quick pull over, I think I saw something" "Hurry and help me before someone else gets it!" My mom was my best accomplice - she could lift like no one else!!
My boys used to be so embarrassed but lo and behold they are now "Scrappers"! They trash pick metal objects and turn it into the recycling plant for some serious money! Mary and Sons, Inc.
I always wondered why people throw things out and I think because it is easy - why bother to ask around if anyone wants it, or drive to a donation center - just haul it to the street. And I think they secretly hope someone will take it! When my parents passed away and my siblings and I were cleaning out their house we did this. We had all taken the things we wanted, had driven many times to the Salvation Army,and still there were some big things we had to deal with - a huge entertainment center was one. Now, we could have arranged to have it picked up for donation but honestly we were tired!! So we hauled it to the end of the driveway - within 15 minutes we had 2 cars looking over the things and with glee they started loading it on top of their car. I don't know who was happier - them or us - my brothers went out and helped and the rest of us watched from the window. It felt good to know someone else would be enjoying my parents things.
So don't be embarrassed - remember that when you trash pick - you are doing someone else a favor!
And if it was toxic waste, I'm pretty sure they would have put a sign on it! I always scrub everything down with bleach and water when I get it home. Most things get painted - I love to paint, and then distress it so it ends up looking more aged than when I started - you see why I love trash so much! And if I get it home and it is in really bad shape or has a funky smell that won't go away - guess what I do - I throw it out - genius! What have I lost? - certainly not money and that makes cents!
It is amazing what people throw out! And I have found some real treasures. Here is a partial list:
4 kitchen chairs that match my original 6
An antique window someone had made into a mirror
Pampered Chef cooking stones - 3
Leather office chairs
2 Wooden dressers
6 trash bags full of clothes - some with tags on
Items to craft with
10 foot long book shelf
A wooden, tin punch trash can
Numerous end tables
A croquet set
2 Ikea chairs - I just had to buy new cushions
An under the bed storage unit - This End Up - remember that store :)
A rocking chair
2 living room chairs
Sports equipment
An enormous amount of wood for all my kids building projects
Last nights dinner - just kidding - just wanted to see if you were really reading:)
My family is used to my shenanigans - " quick pull over, I think I saw something" "Hurry and help me before someone else gets it!" My mom was my best accomplice - she could lift like no one else!!
My boys used to be so embarrassed but lo and behold they are now "Scrappers"! They trash pick metal objects and turn it into the recycling plant for some serious money! Mary and Sons, Inc.
I always wondered why people throw things out and I think because it is easy - why bother to ask around if anyone wants it, or drive to a donation center - just haul it to the street. And I think they secretly hope someone will take it! When my parents passed away and my siblings and I were cleaning out their house we did this. We had all taken the things we wanted, had driven many times to the Salvation Army,and still there were some big things we had to deal with - a huge entertainment center was one. Now, we could have arranged to have it picked up for donation but honestly we were tired!! So we hauled it to the end of the driveway - within 15 minutes we had 2 cars looking over the things and with glee they started loading it on top of their car. I don't know who was happier - them or us - my brothers went out and helped and the rest of us watched from the window. It felt good to know someone else would be enjoying my parents things.
So don't be embarrassed - remember that when you trash pick - you are doing someone else a favor!
And if it was toxic waste, I'm pretty sure they would have put a sign on it! I always scrub everything down with bleach and water when I get it home. Most things get painted - I love to paint, and then distress it so it ends up looking more aged than when I started - you see why I love trash so much! And if I get it home and it is in really bad shape or has a funky smell that won't go away - guess what I do - I throw it out - genius! What have I lost? - certainly not money and that makes cents!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
You love me, you love me not
Warning!!
4 Days Left!!
Do the math, look at a calender or better yet, turn on the TV - you can't miss that Valentine's Day is just around the corner. What a great day to tell those around you how much they mean to you - but like any American holiday you can't celebrate without spending a lot of money, right? - well think again.
Cam and I used to play a game with our kids when they first started to walk - we would sit on opposite sides of the room and put the baby in the middle, then we would say -" come to the one you love" whichever person they came to won! Hopefully these ideas will be better than that.
1.Love notes written on paper hearts are one idea. I gave each child their own color paper heart, wrote what we loved about them and strung them throughout the house. So when they woke up that morning encouraging words were everywhere!! We even made one for my dad - yes, Boppie - and hung it in his kitchen - he kept that up for quite a while :)
2.How about cooking up their favorite foods, a heart shaped cake or cookies - red food dye is optional. You could act like the chef and ask for their special request for a nice dinner. Then go around the table and say what you love about each other.
3. Your kids could pick a sibling that could be their special "valentine" and they could do special things for them and write them notes the week before V. Day, trying not to get caught = you could have a big reveal at the end of the week.
4. Dads- why not surprise your daughter with a breakfast date. Cam was so committed to his daughter (and eating out) that they braved an ice storm to get to the restaurant one year. He also made sure not only to have a card for me, but also one for Megan - hopefully she will marry a man that treats her as well as her dad treats her mom.
5. Breakfast in bed is a great way for anyone to start their day -whether it's Valentine or Tuesday!
6. Once kids reach school age - the valentines fun begins - when I was in 2nd grade and had a serious crush on a boy, I signed all my cards with my name but to the boy I liked I only told him of my undying love - anonymously of course- well it wasn't too hard for him to figure out that he got a signed card from everyone else in the class and an anonymous one from me - now that's putting the RED in valentines!
This is one tradition hasn't been banned from schools yet - we still make boxes or bags and each student fills it with cards for each of their classmates - now , some have candy attached, some with food coupons, but most are just signed. I used to have my kids make their own cards but let's get real - you can buy a box of 20 for $1. So unless you really enjoy doing this, go to the dollar store and buy a box or better yet, wait till after Valentine's Day and you can get them for 50% off and save them for next year!!
7. Scavenger Hunts are great with kids! You can hide little treats around the house, or write a message on a poster board and cut it apart - puzzle style and hide those pieces - they love to put it back together and read the secret message.
8. The infamous "Coupon Book" appears every V. day at our house- the only problem with the free "back rub, do the dishes, cut the lawn, take out the trash" coupon is that it is harder to redeem them than airline miles - at least in our house!! But they sure are cute!
9. I know it's fun to be self absorbed, but how about thinking of someone who might not get a card - a neighbor, nursing home resident, etc. Make some cards, or little crafts and hand deliver them - the smile you and the kids receive back is priceless.
10. One year we did a house swap with another couple. We offered to take their kids to McDonald's and a playground and the couple came to our house where I had made a simple dinner for them. They then returned the favor - it's like dinning out, without the crowds or expense.
11. Since V. day falls in winter - how about an indoor picnic - Cam and I packed a basket and drove to a covered bridge in our area - we did dine with the car on, but it was still romantic!!
And what could show someone you love them more than blogging with them - yes, Meg and I wrote this together while skyping tonite - if that isn't love, I don't know what is. Spending time with those you love sure does makes cents!!
4 Days Left!!
Do the math, look at a calender or better yet, turn on the TV - you can't miss that Valentine's Day is just around the corner. What a great day to tell those around you how much they mean to you - but like any American holiday you can't celebrate without spending a lot of money, right? - well think again.
Cam and I used to play a game with our kids when they first started to walk - we would sit on opposite sides of the room and put the baby in the middle, then we would say -" come to the one you love" whichever person they came to won! Hopefully these ideas will be better than that.
1.Love notes written on paper hearts are one idea. I gave each child their own color paper heart, wrote what we loved about them and strung them throughout the house. So when they woke up that morning encouraging words were everywhere!! We even made one for my dad - yes, Boppie - and hung it in his kitchen - he kept that up for quite a while :)
2.How about cooking up their favorite foods, a heart shaped cake or cookies - red food dye is optional. You could act like the chef and ask for their special request for a nice dinner. Then go around the table and say what you love about each other.
3. Your kids could pick a sibling that could be their special "valentine" and they could do special things for them and write them notes the week before V. Day, trying not to get caught = you could have a big reveal at the end of the week.
4. Dads- why not surprise your daughter with a breakfast date. Cam was so committed to his daughter (and eating out) that they braved an ice storm to get to the restaurant one year. He also made sure not only to have a card for me, but also one for Megan - hopefully she will marry a man that treats her as well as her dad treats her mom.
5. Breakfast in bed is a great way for anyone to start their day -whether it's Valentine or Tuesday!
6. Once kids reach school age - the valentines fun begins - when I was in 2nd grade and had a serious crush on a boy, I signed all my cards with my name but to the boy I liked I only told him of my undying love - anonymously of course- well it wasn't too hard for him to figure out that he got a signed card from everyone else in the class and an anonymous one from me - now that's putting the RED in valentines!
This is one tradition hasn't been banned from schools yet - we still make boxes or bags and each student fills it with cards for each of their classmates - now , some have candy attached, some with food coupons, but most are just signed. I used to have my kids make their own cards but let's get real - you can buy a box of 20 for $1. So unless you really enjoy doing this, go to the dollar store and buy a box or better yet, wait till after Valentine's Day and you can get them for 50% off and save them for next year!!
7. Scavenger Hunts are great with kids! You can hide little treats around the house, or write a message on a poster board and cut it apart - puzzle style and hide those pieces - they love to put it back together and read the secret message.
8. The infamous "Coupon Book" appears every V. day at our house- the only problem with the free "back rub, do the dishes, cut the lawn, take out the trash" coupon is that it is harder to redeem them than airline miles - at least in our house!! But they sure are cute!
9. I know it's fun to be self absorbed, but how about thinking of someone who might not get a card - a neighbor, nursing home resident, etc. Make some cards, or little crafts and hand deliver them - the smile you and the kids receive back is priceless.
10. One year we did a house swap with another couple. We offered to take their kids to McDonald's and a playground and the couple came to our house where I had made a simple dinner for them. They then returned the favor - it's like dinning out, without the crowds or expense.
11. Since V. day falls in winter - how about an indoor picnic - Cam and I packed a basket and drove to a covered bridge in our area - we did dine with the car on, but it was still romantic!!
And what could show someone you love them more than blogging with them - yes, Meg and I wrote this together while skyping tonite - if that isn't love, I don't know what is. Spending time with those you love sure does makes cents!!
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