Is there such a thing as too many coupons?! ACK!This week my coupon organizer bit the dust. I overfilled it and abused it one too many times, and now several of the pockets have split. I could use a little duct tape, but I know it would only be a temporary fix.I bought another coupon organizer at Walmart for $5.88 to replace it. It is wider, and a little fancier than my older model. I spent some time making nice labels for all my categories. I felt pretty proud of my organization. I cleared out … [Read more...]
Vinegar Saved My Dishwasher
I've known for years that white vinegar is great, non-toxic household cleaner.But a few nights ago, I learned that it can help fix dishwashers, too.My husband is a creature of habit, and I know that, so I'll take partial credit for the incident that happened. You see, we had been using store brand powder dishwasher detergent in our dishwasher. I was using it up before I started to use my gigantic stash of Electrasol dishwasher tablets I got for super dirt cheap last fall. Well, I forgot to … [Read more...]
Reflections on Making My Own Baby Food
My twins are now 10-months old, and thankfully, they're starting to eat more "people" food. They're taking a greater interest in new tastes and textures and that means they get to share the family meal (mushed up, of course) and are slowly pulling away from baby staples like pureed carrots and squash.I've been making baby food for the twins for five months now, and I must admit, I am so happy that the end is in sight when it comes to baby food. I thought those of you who are parents may want … [Read more...]
Organizing on the cheap
You don't need to rush off to Target or The Container Store to get organized. There are simple things you can use from around your house to tame your clutter.First off, be sure to do a thorough purge of stuff you don't need. You may be able to free up storage containers when you empty them of your excess stuff.Recycle containers from other things. Baby food containers make great storage for crafters. They can hold scrapbooking embellishments like eyelets and brads, or sewing notions like buttons … [Read more...]
A way to use those plastic bags
One of my readers, Tanya, recently sent me a great use for those plastic grocery store bags.She writes, "There's a woman I know that makes bags of all kinds out of cut up plastic bags. You simply take a typical plastic grocery store or hardware store bag and cut it into 1.5-2 inch strips, horizontally. Loop them together, then crochet them into a bag. crocheting is very easy to do, much easier than knitting and it only takes one needle. Once you start, you can make them into any size or shape. I … [Read more...]
Coming out of a baby food slump
After making baby food for the twins several times in the last month and a half, I have started to lose my ambition. It got to the point where I actually considered buying baby food (gasp!).At their six-month check-up, my doctor gave the boys the go ahead for meat. My one son needs meat because he is a hungry boy all the time. Yet, I haven't made any meat for them. I've been pretty lazy.This week I used some coupons I had for free jars of baby food to get the boys some meat dinners. … [Read more...]
Yes, I do like chicken
I had a meeting in town today, so after I was done, I went to one of the local grocery stores to get more fresh fruits and veggies for the babies and to stock up on meat. (It was on sale).The bagger, noticing the large quantity of chicken I was buying (about 28 pounds worth), said, "You must really like chicken."And I do... but especially when it's on sale! I spent about $100 at the grocery store today, and saved $53. My freezer is well stocked. Now I just need to make some more baby food. … [Read more...]