Burt's Bees products for the whole family

Wednesday's What not

Have you ever used Burt's Bees products?  They are wonderful.

Burt's Bees has natural products for everyone in your family. Over half of Burt's Bees more than 150 products are 100 % natural. Burt's Bees is continually working toward the goal of having all of their products be 100% natural. Burt's Bees cares about the well-being of their customers and about the well-being of our planet.  Burt's Bees products are labeled with the level of natural ingredients used in their products.  They call this the "natural bar".  Burt's Bees also strives to use recycled materials in their packaging.  

Here are a few of the Products Burt's Bees offers for your family:

For a Naturally Clean, Soft and Snuggle Baby. Free Shipping over $49.

 Beautiful Complexion, Naturally. Free Shipping over $49.

Nourished Lips,Free Shipping over $49.

Blissfully Smooth Skin. Free Shipping over $49.

Burt's Bees Hair Products











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your child would love this in their room

Tuesday, time for family
Hey moms,
Are you looking for decorating ideas for your child's room or just about any room in your house? How about a
Make Your Own Fathead!  click Fathead link to get started.


Whats a Fathead?
Fathead is a brand name of life-sized, precision cut vinyl wall graphics manufactured byFathead LLC.  They have wall graphics for NFL football, MLB baseball, NBA basketball, NHL Hockey, NCAA College and soccer.  They also have wall graphics for Disney, Nickelodeon, superheros and much more.  They will even turn one of your personal photos into a wall graphic. What an AWESOME way to decorate your child's room, With a Fathead!
 
Bring  photos of your favorite memories to life. Just click the link above and get started.  What child wouldn't love seeing a life sized photo of themselves on the wall.


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save money at the gas pump

Monday's money matters
There isn't anything we can do about rising gas prices, but there are some ways that could save us money at the pump.

1. Plan ahead where to buy your gas.  I have noticed that stations closest to freeways tend to have higher prices.
2. Go to gas buddy to find the best gas prices in your state.
3. Most gas stations have a cash card program.  These programs are free to join, but you have to pay cash for a gift card to use at the pump.  This should give you a cheaper price per gallon then using your credit or debit card. I have gotten up to 10 cents a gallon off.  The discounted price varies each day.  The cards can be loaded over and over, so keep it and reuse it.
4. Some major grocery store chains have a customer loyalty card that you can use at their gas stations.  You earn fuel points when you shop there. More fuel points on your card equals a cheaper price per gallon. The discount will vary from day to day. There are some major gas companies that will accept your grocery loyalty card.  If they do, they should have it posted on the pump.
5. Make sure to keep your vehicle maintained.  If your car or truck is maintained properly, it will run more efficiently.  This will help you get better gas mileage.

more money saving tips

Pigs in a blanket, Yum!!!

Sunday's Sustenance

Treat your kids to a fun breakfast before school

My kids love these and they are easy to make. You can even get them ready the night before and then pop them in the oven when you wake up. Serve with scrambled eggs and a glass of milk or juice and they will be good to go! No time for eggs?  They are also good for grabbing and eating on the run.

What you will need:

1. 1 package of refrigerated dinner crescent style rolls
2. 1 package of cocktail little smokies

 Step 1: unroll and separate the rolls into a rectangle. There should be two.

 Step 2: cut into 8 small triangles. You can do this by cutting across the diagonal and across the middle from top to bottom and left to right.

 Step 3: roll up 1 little Smokey in each triangle

 Step 4: bake according to package directions

I bake mine on a Round Pizza Baking Stone

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Neatly and easily fold sheets

Saturday, so I have to do these!

I have often put my sheets away in the linen closet in a big bumpy wad.  Here is how I learned to fold my sheets so I can maximize space in my linen closet.

 step 1: Fold the flat sheet into a rectangle

 step 2: fold the fitted sheet and the pillow case into a flat square.

Watch the video at the end of post on how to fold a fitted sheet.

 step 3: put fitted sheet and pillow case at one end of the flat sheet

 step 4: roll the sheets together from one end to the other

There you have it!, a neatly folded set of sheets. Rolling them together helps keep your closet organized.  It also saves you time from hunting for a matching set.

Here is the video on how to fold the fitted sheet so it is flat.

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This stuff cleans just about anything!

Friday's Favorite Thing

Bar Keepers Friend®

I use this in my bathtubs, my stainless sink, my stainless pots and cook top.  It works great at cleaning heat stains.  It easily cleans and polishes stainless sinks and pots .  I have heard it even cleans the gunk and soap scum off glass shower doors, so I'm going to try that!  You can get it just about anywhere.  I buy mine from my grocery store.

Try it out and see if you like it!




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It drives me crazy!!! Dry itchy skin

Thursday, thinking of yourself

If it drives you crazy too, here is what you can do.
Leave a bottle of lotion in the shower.  After you dry,  rub lotion on before you leave the shower.
I use Aveeno dry skin lotion.
It works, try it.

I am not sure why it works.  I assume it has something to do with the moisture in the shower and on your skin.

Yeah! no more dry itchy skin!


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No More stuck on rice!!!

Wednesday's What Not

Every time I cooked rice, it stuck to the pot and was so hard to clean up. It seemed like I was scrubbing forever. I found a neat trick for easy cleaning.

Spray the pot with PAM No-Stick Cooking Spray before cooking your rice.  If you do this, your pot will clean up in seconds!



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Movie night!

Tuesday, time for Family

How about popcorn and a movie?
Have the kids pick a movie and make some popcorn.
Our family favorite movie is RV [Blu-ray] with Robin Williams.  It is about a father who rents an RV and takes his family on a mishap filled road trip that in the end brings them closer together. LOVE IT! if you haven't seen it, you must.  Robin Williams is HILARIOUS!

Instead of microwave popcorn, make homemade popcorn!

• it is better for you (this depends on what you add to it)
• it costs less
• it is fun to make
• it doesn't take a lot of time 

Watch the video below for instructions.

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stop impulse buying! free to print shopping list

Monday's money matters


Do you buy something just because it is cute?
I do!

We can all easily over spend at the grocery store.  I know I have many times.  I am a Marketing Corporations dream.  I will buy anything that is cute, smaller than normal or larger than normal.  I have fallen for every advertising ploy out there.
Below are some things you can do to keep from over spending at the grocery store.

• set a limit on your spending based on your monthly budget for food
• make a SHOPPING LIST
• bring cash to pay
• buy only what is on sale (the weekly store add will help you with this)
• buy store brands and not the brand name products
• if you must buy the brand name products, make sure you have a coupon
• stick to your budget! bring a calculator and add each item as you put it in the cart
• Stick to your list! this will stop the impulse buys
• be careful of 5 for $5 or 10 for $10 deals or any other cart buster deals.  Read the fine print! You don't always have to buy 5 or 10 of them to get the deal.  It is a trick to get you to spend more money.
• stay away from the end caps of the aisle 
• shop the perimeter of the store.  If you have to shop the aisles, look at the top and bottom shelves.  This is where the less expensive items are kept
• don't buy individually packaged items like chips and snack crackers. You are paying extra to have someone else package it for you. Buy the larger bags and divide them into servings when you get home.  This will give you the convenience of having them ready when you need them without the extra expense
• Always check prices
• Buy what you need for the entire week. Avoid extra trips to the grocery store of "just one thing", because we can never get just that one thing!
• Always be prepared before you shop!

Hope this helps!

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A healthy go-to snack for the kiddo's

Sunday's Sustenance

healthy go-to snack for the kiddo's

Great idea for a healthy snack that is ready to eat

I prefer the taste of regular carrots better than the baby carrots.  To me, they are a lot sweeter.  When I get home from the grocery store, I clean and cut my carrots and celery into sticks.  It doesn't take long and they are ready when I need them.

I store them in my empty peanut butter jars.  The wide mouth jars work best.  If you fill them with water, the veggies will not dry out or turn brown.  Just remember to eat them within the week.  The celery can get water logged if it sits in the water too long.

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Free to print, household chore chart

Saturday, so I have to do these!

The Weekly Works

Would you like to have a weekend free of household chores?

We all have household chores, that if left undone, can be overwhelming to say the least.  I found an easy way to attack them.  I make my plan of attack by using The Weekly Works chore list. For each day, I list my maintenance chores and my cleaning chores.  A maintenance chore is something I do everyday to keep things from piling up.  Laundry, dishes and sweeping the floors downstairs are an example of some of my maintenance chores.  My cleaning chores are just that.  I arm myself with cleaning products and rags and get to work!

If I stick to this chart, I can have my house clean by the weekend and all I have to do on Saturday and Sunday is have fun!
This is what Monday looks like.

1. Laundry
2. dishes
3. bathrooms
4. pick up for 10 minutes
5. sweep floors

Print out The Weekly Works and begin your plan of attack on those chores!

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Love this song!

Friday's Favorite Thing

It's a tearjerker  Ladies, so get your Kleenex. There is no video, just this cute little picture.  

Enjoy, the song is AWESOME!

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Me time is very important!

Thursday, Thinking of ME

We all need ME time.  It recharges our body and mind so that we can carry out the rest of our day. Set aside some time each day to devote to yourself.  Write it on your calendar.  Even if it is only 15 minutes, you will be a better mother and wife if you do.   Spend some time doing something you enjoy.

 Here are some ideas for ME time

1. read a book
2. give yourself a mani/pedi
3. keep a journal
4. go see a movie
5. have lunch with a friend
6. go shopping
7. have your own Spa Day at home

Enjoy your ME time, you deserve it!

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Reuse and Repurpose! pot scrubbers

Wednesday's What not

I came home from the Grocery store one day with about 4 mesh bags from the fruit and vegetables I bought.  What do you do with those?  

Plastic mesh bags

Turn them into pot scrubbers.  They are very simple and easy to make.  All you do is take one mesh bag and fill it with the other mesh bags and tie a knot in it. There you have it! a pot scrubber!

pot scrubbers

You can make them as big or as little as you want.  I like mine little because it is easier to use.

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Bring your family to the table

Tuesday, time for Family


With all the after school activities our children can be involved in, it can be hard to get everyone together for a meal.  There is proven research that family mealtime is very important for the health and well being of your children.  It is a time to connect with one another and talk about everyone's day.
Below are tips that I found at WebMD.

10 Benefits of Family Dinners

Toting up all the benefits of frequent family dinners:

• Everyone eats healthier meals.
• Kids are less likely to become overweight or obese.
• Kids more likely to stay away from cigarettes.
• They're less likely to drink alcohol.
• They won't likely try marijuana.
• They're less likely to use illicit drugs.
• Friends won't likely abuse prescription drugs.
• School grades will be better.
• You and your kids will talk more.
• You'll be more likely to hear about a serious problem.
• Kids will feel like you're proud of them.
• There will be less stress and tension at home.

10 Tips for Organizing Family Dinners

Don't let this mission feel daunting! Even the simplest meals -- like order-in pizza -- qualify as family dinners. The goal is to get everyone to the dinner table and to spend quality time together - not to force Mom into June Cleaver or Carol Brady mode. Here are tips on pulling it off:

• Set a goal. Twice a week, perhaps? Build from there.
• Keep it simple. Family meals don't have to be elaborate. Work salads and vegetables into meals. Focus on familiar favorites, like chili or frittatas.
• Be prepared. Keep ingredients for healthful meals on hand, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Keep healthy 'appetizers' on hand. Stock the kitchen with fresh fruits, nuts, and low-fat cheese -- stuff the kids can snack on after school, instead of chips.
• Get the family involved. Let kids help prepare meals and set the table.
• Use the crock pot. Put everything together before leaving for work in the morning. You'll come home to the delicious smell of a cooked meal.
• Pick up take-out, order pizza, or eat out. It still counts as quality time spent together.
• Avoid portion distortion. Keep serving sizes under control, whether you're at home or eating out.
• Make it enjoyable. Leave the serious discussions for another time. Family meals are for nourishment, comfort, and support.
• Set the mood. Play soothing music. Put flowers on the table. Light a candle. Create a relaxing environment.

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Free to print, sample Budget

Money matters Monday

We all want to save more money right?  Most people think they need to make more to save more.  The truth is. Whenever we start to make more money, we just end up spending more money.  I am guilty of that!  Finally fed up with the rat race of  working more so I could make more, so I could spend more,  I bought a ticket to see Dave Ramsey live.  I also bought the program and read his book The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness


BUDGET was a four letter word to me before I read The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness It changed the way I looked at money. I know what you are thinking.  "a budget! BLAH!!!!"  That was me before October 2011.  Now I can't live without one.

Do you want to save more money? ( I can't think of anyone who would say no to that question! )

One of the first things you need to do to save money is to see where all of your money is going.  Simple enough, right?

Sit down with your Hubbie and create a budget for your months expenses.  Below is an example of things to include.

Total Income                                                                                                                     

Charitable gifts                                                                                                                 

Savings                                 

                Emergency fund                                                                                               

                Retirement fund                                                                                             

                College fund                                                                                                      

 Housing

                Mortgage(PITI)                                                                                                 

                Repairs                                                                                                                 

                HOA fees                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                  

Utilities

                Electric                                                                                                                  

                Water                                                                                                                   

                Gas                                                                                                                        

                Phone land line                                                                                                 

                Cell                                                                                                                         

                Cable                                                                                                                     

Food                                                                                                                     

                Grocery                                                                                                                                

                Restaurants                                                                                                        

Transportation

               Car notes                                                                                                         

                Gas                                                                                                                        

                Repairs                                                                                                                 

                Car insurance                                                                                                     

                License/inspection                                                                                          

                Car replacement                                                                                              

Clothing                                                                                                                               

Medical/healthcare

Personal                                                                                                                              

Life insurance

               

School supplies and fees                                                                                              

                                                                                                                         

Gifts

                Christmas                                                                                                            

                Birthday’s                                                                                                            

Allowance                                                                                                                           

Vacation  

credit cards                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Pet’s                                                                                                                                      

Misc.

                                                                                                                Balance     


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Homemade Pie crust its easy, really it is!

Sustenance Sunday

I wanted to try my hand at a homemade pie crust.  Was I crazy?  For some reason, I had always thought that it would be a lot of work.  You have to mix it, roll it just right (not too thick not too thin), and get it into the pie pan without it tearing or sticking to the counter.  I have tried several different pie crust recipes. I found that when you are baking a pie that cooks for and hour, crusts made with shortening cook better than the crusts made with butter.   The butter tends to burn. Below is a simple recipe for a pie crust that fits a  9" Pie Plate. This pie crust took me 10 minutes to make not counting refrigeration time.

Makes one 9 inch pie crust

1-1/3 cups All purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup vegetable shortening chilled
3-6 tbsp ice cold water
Blend flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut the chilled shortening into the flour and salt, using a pastry cutter until the shortening becomes the size of small peas.  Add the ice cold water a tbsp at a time, tossing with a fork until flour is moistened and pastry almost cleans the side of the bowl.  Add 1-2 tbsp additional water if necessary. Be careful not to over mix.  The dough should be slightly crumbly and lumpy.  Form dough into a flat round and wrap in plastic wrap, chill for 30 minutes or over night. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick and place it into the pie pan, careful not to stretch it.  Make sure the crust stays cold.  Put it in the refrigerator if necessary. I cover the pastry round with 2 sheets of plastic wrap as I am rolling it.  This keeps me from using too much flour.





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Laundry! Yuck

So, I have to do these; Saturday

This is what my laundry looks like sometimes.  How about yours?  With 5 people in the house, it can become Mount Everest quickly.

 How can we  knock down our mountain of laundry?

The best way is to do one load a day. When you do this one load, finish it completely.  Wash, dry, fold and put them away as soon possible.  The laundry piles up for me when I don't fold them right away. The more they pile up, the less I want to sit and fold them. Washing one load a day keeps it from piling up and becoming overwhelming. 

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CamelBak Water bottles

Favorite things Friday!!

Camelbak Water Bottle

I have so many favorite things.  My favorite thing for this Friday is the camelbak water bottle.
I don't like to buy bottled water from the grocery store.  They are expensive, heavy and take up too much room in the cart.  I also didn't like the idea of all the water bottles that in up in the land fills ( I like to do my part to help save the planet). If you buy bottled water, add up how much you spend on it in one month.  How much could you save each month if you didn't buy them?  How much could you be saving over a year?  What could you and your family do with that money?

I have tried many different types of water bottles, and this is the best one I have found.

• it doesn't leak
• it doesn't make the water taste like plastic
• it is BPA free
• every piece comes apart from the bite valve to the straw inside.  This makes it easy to clean.
• the handle makes it easy to carry and it can be use with a Carabiner to hook onto a backpack.
• the insulated ones do not sweat, so there is no worry of getting everything in the backpack wet!
• bite valves can be purchased separately to replace worn out ones

I recommend a Camelbak Water Bottle for each member of your family. They come in many different types and colors. If they are taken care of, they should last for years.  Just think, no more lugging heavy bottled water from the grocery store each week!!

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