Weekly Wrap-up

I love being able to share with you all of the neat things I find on blogs I follow so I plan to do a weekly wrap-up every Sunday to highlight some of my favorites and give you the links so that you can peruse at your leisure also.

I am loving the flips flops over at Make It and Love It.  She gives an entire tutorial on how to make these so that they have interchangeable ribbons!  I'm seriously going to have to make several of these!

My kids love the Lofthouse cookies that you get at Walmmart.  Sisters Stuff promises a recipe that will have them tasting the same out of your own kitchen.  We will be trying this, this week.

I'm going to be re-doing the main bathroom which also happens to be the boy's main bathroom.  I am thinking about doing these hooded towels (in blue) for them to match the decor.  As a side note, I found $0.75 hand towels and $3.00 border that I got and I can't wait to get started on it!

I can't have a recap without an apron of some sort.  I am going to have to buy this pattern to make this Domestic Goddess Apron.  I just think it is adorable!

My dear friend Alisa, over at The Sweet Life made this addroable ruffled bottom onesie!  I don't have a little girl in my house to make this for but I still fell in love with it.  I am for sure going to keep that in mind for future friends' babies!  I love the flower she put on the front too.

I am really hoping that since the kids will be back in school this week I can work on some of the crafts that are swirling through my head.  Stay tuned for more projects next week!

Spring Has Sprung - "I Think" (easy craft)

It's spring according to the almanac but the view outside my window doesn't show such.

Two days ago it was a beautiful 62 degrees and warm enough to say it was spring.  Today...can't get above freezing. YUCK!!

I'm not going to let it stop me from bringing spring indoors though.  I am ready and if I have to force it then by golly, that's what I'm going to do.  I made my own grass......out of rice, green food coloring, and vinegar.

Take a 2 lb bag of rice, 1 T of vinegar and some green food coloring and mix it all together.  Spread on a cookie sheet over some paper towels and bake at 200 degrees for about 20-30 minutes until it is all dry.

Now you have green grass even if there isn't any outside!!  Now some flowers to liven up my dining room windows!

HAPPY SPRING!!  I hope yours is warmer than mine!

A Lot of Nothing

So much has been going on in our little house.  By the way, I just have to say that we have had 60 degree weather ALL week and I am NOT looking forward to the 6-10 inches of snow we are supposed to get tonight and tomorrow.  SPRING WHERE ARE YOU??

Okay, back to my family.....

First off my dear hubby finally got to the doctor about his chest pains and they did an x-ray and an EKG and all seems to be well!  This is a great relief considering we thought he was having some major heart issues that would have only been fixed with surgery.  At this point it seems his high cholesterol is only that and hasn't created any blockage at this point!  Praise the Lord!!  I keep hearing that gall bladder attacks resemble heart attacks so we are going to be looking into that now.  I am just happy and thankful that my hubby is healthy enough to get off his rear and "really get healthy".  At this point he has lost about 10 pounds and he has about ** more to go. {he would not be happy if I actually gave you that number}  We have to keep the hubby happy!!

My dearest little Parker is growing like a weed.  I have been trying and trying to get him in to get his first haircut since he is long overdue but with his dad's work schedule, getting an appointment when he is home can be a little troublesome.  So I am HOPING that he will have a haircut within the next few days.  I will for sure be posting pics!  I can't wait - he is going to be so stinkin' handsome!!  He is trying soooooo hard to learn more words every day.  He is going to be talking all of the time really soon!  He can meow like a kitten, woof like a doggy, and oink like a pig.  They may not all sound like the animal but it is soooooo adorable in his own way!!  I think daylight savings time has done good for Parker's bedtime.  He ALWAYS went to bed at 6:30 and was up faithfully at 6:30 everyday.  Ever since the time change he has been going to be around 7:30 and sleeping until 7:30 or 8:00!  Spring break has been wonderful this week with Parker letting me sleep in!

James is my fireball like always!  He is so stubborn and adorable - how can that be?!  I love him sooooo much but he can make me soooooo mad.  I am having some challenging times with James talking back all of the time.  I have noticed that it helps when I can just take some time out of my day and focus on him.  I just have to remember that this is something that he needs from me and his dad and make it a priority.  Sitting here looking at him as he feel asleep in dad's recliner, I can't help but ignore all his idiosyncracies and just love him!!  (It's because he's quiet!)

Alysia...what do I say about her?!  She is a never ending pit of drama all of the time.  She was grounded from her phone for a few weeks because she was in the drama a little "too much" and it was soooooo quiet around the house.  Phone is back...boy problems are back!  Yay!!!!  NOT!!  Poor girl.  If she only knew that one day she will look back and see all of this as being so silly.  She is growing up to be such a beautiful young lady and I just pray that she keeps her head on straight and doesn't let those boys get to her too much.  A boy can be a blessing but if it is before God's plan then it can be a burden that she lives with forever.  Stay young sweetheart and stay true to yourself!

There's my little slice of my world.  Not much to brag about but to me it's all important.  I don't take the time out of everyday to remember that enough.  I pray that God reminds me everyday of my blessings and shows me how to approach each situation with patience and love.  :)

Smashed Peanut Butter and Jelly - IT'S NEW

James loves making creations in the kitchen and his new one is called Smashed Peanut Butter and Jelly.  He says it is just like "Smashed Potatoes."

Here is how you make 'em (in his own words)!!

First, you cut up bread, any size, but don't leave them not cut up!
Second, you get some jelly.  Then flick the jelly but if it doesn't work, rub it!
Third, you get some peanut butter and flick the peanut butter.  If it doesn't work, rub it!

Daddy said it tasted delicious!!  {smile - wink} don't you just love the minds of little ones...

Sew Cute! Purses!!

I "LOVE" sewing!  I can't wait for my craft room to get done so I can actually do more of it.  Hauling out the sewing machine for every project I want to do now just gets really old, really fast.  That and the fact that my kitchen table is buried underneath all of my sewing supplies so it is out of service for a few days usually.  I have to admit though, there are some awesome creations that come out of that mess!

Here are couple purses that I made with the intention of selling but I just adore them so much, I can't decide what to do with them now.  Keep or not, give as gifts???  I am sure that I have enough purses and since I don't even carry one right now because of the diaper bag, do I REALLY need another one!?  Anyways, enough with my indecision and onto the photos!!

They are small purses but big enough to hold all of your essentials.  If I didn't have a baby I could "probably" fit all my necessities into it.

They are short straps so it is a handheld purse and not one for the shoulder.  There is a larger design that has longer handles and would hold MUCH more.  I got the pattern from Taylor Made Designs.  It honestly think I got the pattern about a year ago and don't even see it on her website anymore.  BUT, I do see that she has some apron patterns that are just adorable so I might have to snatch a couple of those up.  If you have followed me long enough, you know I "love" aprons!

Spring Swap

I can't wait for spring and warmer weather so when I came across this blog today I decided that it would be fun to do this Spring Swap with Shortmomma.  You ought to go check it out and participate if you have a blog!  It will be fun to see what to swap with another blogger.  I'm thinking I have some ideas of some neat things I can send to my blogger and hope to get some "cool" things in return!  It's worth a shot!

If you're wanting to grow traffic on a new blog, this is a great way to do that!  HAPPY SPRING!!

Awesome Diaper Deal - HURRY!!

You must take advantage of this if you are in the diaper stage with your kids or have grandchildren.  I just got 5 packs of Luvs Diapers and 3 tubs of Huggies Wipes for $39.52.  After I receive my items, TOMORROW, I will send in a $14.97 rebate that you can get HERE.  That equals about $3.06 per item!  That is an AWESOME SAVINGS.

Here's how you can get it too.  Go to Diapers.com and place your order.  Any orders over $49 will get you free shipping and will be delivered the next day!  You can't beat that.  Then enter my referral code of BETH4788 to get an additional $10 off.  There is a link on the sidebar that will take you straight to the site.  When you are done ordering get your REBATE filled out and mail it in.  The rebate is for a free magazine subscription but if you don't want the subscription they will mail you $14.97.  THEN (here is the best part), get your own referral code and blog or email about this to all your family and friends and you will get a $5 credit for everyone that uses your code!!

So use my code of BETH4788 to get your first order started and then generate your own code to start getting credit towards a next purchase from all of your friends and family!!

I am just GIDDY over the savings!  This couponing thing is going to be good!!!

REMINDER - Giveaway

This is just a reminder that if you are following along on the Inspiration Series that I am doing there will be a giveaway at the end.  There are about 15 posts in all and we are on Post 5.  You still have time to follow.

How to enter the giveaway:

• Comment on the post and give me your thoughts and ideas
• Become a follower if you are not already
• Blog, tweet, or facebook about the post and how it helped you or will help you in the future

Make a separate comment about each of these so that I can keep track of everyone, please.  I plan to have this all wrapped up in about a month.  I promise the giveaway will be something you will want to have, but you have to participate to win!

Good Luck!

Becoming a COUPON DIVA - Part 4 in a Series

Anyone can be a coupon diva BUT I will warn you that it takes a good amount of time on your part. You are not going to be able to shave 25% or even 50% off of your grocery bill if you view take it nonchalantly. You have to invest time into couponing and the rewards will pay off every time you go to the store and come home having spent significantly less.

I have tried many time in the past to become the coupon diva that I see others being but it just seems too complicated. I am going to make it work this time though. It’s not hard, it is just a commitment. To me it’s worth it because I truly HATE going grocery shopping and spending most if not all of the money I have budgeted only to need more groceries before my next check arrives. I am literally sick to my stomach every time I leave Wal-Mart now just because I am amazed at the amount I spend there on groceries that in one week will be GONE.

Here are some statistics for you:

• If you invest 2-5 hours per week you can look to shave 15-25% off your entire year’s grocery bill.
• If you invest 5-10 hours per week you can look to shave 50-75% off your entire year’s grocery bill.
• If you invest 30-40 hours per week you can look to shave 90% off your ENTIRE year’s grocery bill.

If you’re like me, I can’t spend 30-40 hours per week on my couponing. I will considering invesing 5-10 hours of my time though. This time spent includes looking for coupons, traveling to the stores, actually grocery shopping and creating menus. If you really think about that then 5-10 hours can add up pretty quick.

First things first.  You need to check your stores policies and guidelines regarding coupons. When do they offer Doubles, Super Doubles, Triples? These are they day that you want to shop with your coupons. A lot of companies don’t advertise these dates but if you ask they will tell.

Here are all the ways that you can get coupons:

• Circulars - this is the Sunday paper. Buy more than one – it is a great way to get lots of coupons for a small investment. Red Plum and Smart Source are the two major circular coupon companies.
• IP – Internet printables, this is becoming a very easy way to get coupons. Sign up with a few sites and they will send you coupons all of the time. It’s a great thing!
• Catalina’s – these are the coupons that print out at the register when you get your receipt. These are GREAT simply because they are usually for an item that you bought therefore more than likely will buy it again.
• Blinkies – these are found in the stores next to the item it is for, you know the ones that all the kids like to take coupons from (or is that just my kids) 
• Tear pad – found on little pads near the product.
• Peelie – these are found on the products themselves such as Grands biscuits.
• Wine tag – these are found on the bottle neck of a bottle and are mostly in the soda pop section which is a section I am TRYING to avoid.
• Rebate – this is a coupon that you mail in and receive money back. (Your hours per week spent couponing should also include filling out rebates. The woman saving 90% of her grocery bill will be using these to their fullest potential.) Don’t ever throw rebates away!
• Ask family and friends! There are a million coupons that get thrown away every year! Tell everyone you know that you will take any coupons that they don’t use. Pass them on when you sort through what you want.

Make sure that you have a loyalty card and that you use it for stores that you frequent. Also take advantage of stacking. That is using a store coupon such as one that can only be used at Target and stack it with a manufacturer coupon. TWO COUPONS on one item!

Your ultimate goal would be to use coupons on sale items ONLY. If you build your coupon stash and only buy when things are on sale, this is where you will see the biggest savings. You can typically use 3 coupons per item. I did not know that.

Here are some secrets!! 

• If the coupon says do not double at the top it WILL still double if the store you’re at doubles and it starts with a “5” in the barcode area. If it starts with a “9” it won’t double.
• If ANYWHERE in the barcode there is an “8100” you can use this on ANY item. For example there are a lot of coupons for Cream of Mushroom Soup by Campbells. It says it is for Cream of Mushroom only, BUT if there is an “8100” in the barcode it will scan and be accepted.

These are legitimate ways to use coupons and you are not doing anything illegal by simply knowing how to use them.

There you have it!! Now get to working and scour the earth for coupons and USE THEM! Let me know how your next grocery trip goes.

This Could Turn Out REALLY Bad...

I have an addiction to caffeine or sugar, I can't figure out which.  I have my cup or two of coffee every morning and then I have my "several" 8 oz glasses worth of hydration which would be my Cherry Dr. Pepper.

So...what's new?!?!  The other night I was REALLY tired and I had to work late into the night.  Working until midnight isn't very fun when you are tired and your bed is right behind you calling your name while the audio you're listening to can sometimes "lull" anyone to sleep.  So, back to the other day when I was REALLY tired; I decided to have a cup of coffee to help keep me up.  I wasn't going to put too much sugar in it and not drink a whole cup since I didn't want to be up all night.  I just wanted to see if it would work.

Let me tell you what, I could have worked way past midnight!  It was absolutely AMAZING!!  The next night, same old tired routine and I was falling asleep at the computer.  So... tonight I have another mountain of work ahead of me; therefore I decided to try the coffee again.  The only good thing is that the lovely medicine that I take to prevent my migraines is ALSO a medicine that they prescribe to patients with insomnia.  So when I'm done working, I pop two of them and drift off to dreamland.

No migraines, deep sleep (even if it is only about 6 hours) and no migraines.  I could get used to this!

Disclaimer: don't try this at home.

Bloomin' Handmade Greeting Cards

I went to the dollar store today and bought some daises so that I could make some of these.  I am thinking that they would be adorable to mail to someone for St. Patty's Day with a shamrock design or maybe a nice Easter card with easter egg cutouts.  The possibilities are endless.  Head on over to Make and Takes for lots of neat ideas!

MISSION: Budget Savvy Momma

I just sat down at the computer to do a bit of work but before I could do that I had to do some blog hopping and I have to tell you, I came across two of the most awesome sites known to woman!  That is if you like to save money.  I am a horrible financial manager in our household and although I have come a long way in recent years, I still have a looooooong way to go.  [hmmm.....I guess my spell checker doesn't think "long" should take that long to be spelled either.]

First off if you haven't learned about Dave Ramsey's Envelope system, then you must learn about it HERE.  Stupid me I took a Financial Peace class by Dave Ramsey and haven't implemented anything that I learned.  How stupid is that?!?  I'm not looking back anymore though....I am going to put this into practice NOW!  This is going to help me get organized and figure out where my money is REALLY going.

Now once you have that in place, check out Money Saving Mommy and The Krazy Coupon Lady for LOTS and LOTS of helpful tips, tutorials and articles on how to save money on just about everything.  While you're at it check out how Kelleigh does it all!!  It's amazing and I hope to be like these women someday.

I have used coupons in the past only to get frustrated with spending the time getting coupons for things that I don't ever use.  It is soooooo frustrating!  How do these women do it?  Hopefully I can come back in a month and let you know how they do it and also let you know that I am doing it too!  We'll see how it works out.

Take the challenge with me, will you?  I'm a little excited!!

What are some things that you do to help your budget stay under control?  Do you use the envelope system?  What are some things that you have figured out DO NOT work for you?

First Time Mod Podger

My mother got me a vinyl wall saying for my birthday but since I still have to paint I didn't have anywhere to put it yet.  So being the impatient one that I am, I decided to see what I could pull off and use it now.  I had some canvas in the garage that I had intended for another project and of course what crafter doesn't have a million pieces of scrapbook paper lying around the house.  So I got to thinking that I had bought some Mod Podge in an attempt to try it out since it seems that everywhere else I see it used, the projects turn out so cute.  Who knew Mod Podge could transform so much!!

This is how it all started.  Didn't really have a vision when I started so I just decided to design it as I went.

This is how it turned out.   By far not a professional job, but I don't think it turned out too bad.  The fact that people comment on it and don't just ignore it makes me think that it is at least "okay".

I think I have a newfound love for Mod Podge though [giggles].  That could be bad....

Linked up to...

Ramblings

Has it seriously been one day shy of a week since I last chatted with you all?!?!  Where has my week gone?  I feel like I'm going to lose all of my cyber friends when I don't touch base with you on here.  I'm a little obsessive, I know.  That's how I roll though :)

I have been uber busy with my transcription work that I do from home which leaves my blog on the back burner which I don't like.  BUT it makes me some extra money which will come in handy when I start redecorating the boys' and girls rooms.  I can't wait!  Hubby has all of my daughter's room framed in downstairs and working again on it today.  

I, for one, CAN'T WAIT for him to frame my CRAFT ROOM/OFFICE!  I have soooooo many ideas floating through my head about what I want it to look like and can't come to one conclusion but hopefully it will turn out the way that I want it.  I'll post a pic later of my inspiration.  I'm typing this now as I work, in between files.

Alysia's room is going to be a fancy white and black room with aqua accents.  The bedding she got to match her new furniture is BEAUTIFUL!!  It is going to look spectacular when it is all done.  She can't wait! 

Parker's room is going to be done in antique cars and trucks.  My lovely MIL got some really cool antique trucks from Hobby Lobby one day when they were having a sale so I have some really neat things to start with.  If anyone knows where I can get antique prints for that walls, please let me know.  I am looking for those right now.

James has decided on a camouflage room which couldn't fit him more perfectly.  I have a pic for inspiration that I will post on this too.  We're going to have a lot of fun designing his room!!

Once everything is done I will show all of you the results and you can ohhh and ahhh over them or turn your eyes in disgust :/  Hopefully it turns out like I see it all in my head!

To Chore or Not to Chore

As many of you know I am a stay at home mom with three children; two of them who are old enough to help when needed which is exactly what they do.  They help when needed, or better when asked.  My 15 year old daughter's chore is the trash.  It is her responsibility to take it out whenever it is needed which is on a daily basis in our house.  My 6 year old son's chore is to make sure that the dogs have food and water.  That's it.  Those are the only responsibilities they have other than doing well in school.

Let me ask this - is this good.  I was once convicted that I am not showing my daughter how to be a good woman if I am not teaching her household tasks and my son won't be able to know how to take care of himself when it is needed.  I agree with that on a level.

The reason I am bringing this up is because it has become blatantly apparent to me that I NEVER sit down!  Seriously!!  From the time I rise until my day is done at night I am constantly on my feet.  Since we have a breakfast bar we don't even sit at the dinner table now.  The kids are around the bar and I am standing on the other side eating and feeding the baby.  Still standing.  Dishes, laundry, the constant pickup from a one year old, training a puppy that wants to chew everything in sight, sweeping, mopping, vaccuuming, taking this kids here and there, working on the computer, dishes again, another load of laundry, dusting, cleaning up the kitchen.  Honestly the list goes on and on....all day......every day.  It is so monotonous.

the other day when I asked my son to get my shoes for me since I was sitting down for a couple seconds to get a breather.  He said, "Gosh, why do I have to be your slave?"  [jaw dropping]  WHAT?!?!  It made me really think about what I do around here and how I am the one doing everything and he has no clue what a slave is.  Don't get me wrong I love what I do, but it was proven to me right there that he doesn't show any appreciation for the house that he is raised in.  It might be messy at times but that is a given with a busy family where someone is always home.

My question - I have a hard time instilling chores when I would rather do them myself so that I know they are done properly, there will be no arguing, and  they will be done when I want them done and when they need to be done.  My daughter helps a lot with my one year old so that I can finish stuff around the house so I don't know which one is better.  My son would rather sit and play video games all day and my daughter would be a hermit in her room reading or something which means they are out of my hair and I don't have to hear their constant bickering.  Let me tell you the age difference doesn't make that go away at all.  They fight like none other.  My son is annoying and my daughter is just - well let's just say she isn't very nice.

What do I do?  I have a really hard time watching my kids do chores around the house so that I can just SIT.  I feel like I am not doing my job.  How do I overcome that and get them to help me around the house so that I don't feel guilty and yet they don't feel like I am working them like slaves.

What do you think?