Running is a great way to get you heart pumping, your brain functioning and your body looking and feeling great. However, having 5 children of my own, I can understand how difficult it is to find the time to get out and do it, let alone the energy! However, according to an American study running women produce a less potent form of oestrogen than their sedentary counterparts. As a result, female runners cut their risks of developing breast and uterine cancer by half, and by two thirds their risk of contracting the form of diabetes that most commonly plagues women. Also running has been proven to be an effective combatant to monthly cramping. Running is supposed to aleviate the cramps! Not to mention, it's just plain good for you.
So my challenge for this week is start with just 20 minutes every other morning and go running. You can even run around the block with your child. Do it for you. Do it for them. It will clear your head and make you more efficient throughout the day.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Removing Crayon From Laundry
As I pulled the warm clothes out of the dryer, I wanted to cry! Each and every piece of laundry had any where from small to very large orange stains. The tale tell signs that I had washed and dried a crayon. Now this is nothing new, old school actually. So I went to my blog and dredged up this post from way back when. Embarrassing as it is to admit, this is not the first time I have ruined a load of laundry with a crayon! However, it makes for the perfect Tuesday Tip and Trick for today. Enjoy!
This is a great tip that every mom should have in her never ending supply of ideas. Yes, this is a discovery made due to necessity. As I was putting my girls to bed one night I realized they had no pants to wear to school the next day so I ran downstairs and hastily put all the jeans I could find into the washing machine and I went to bed. Early the next morning I got up for work, put the jeans in the dryer and signed on to work. After work I woke the girls, put them in the shower and came down to have their jeans warm and ready for them when they got out.
Much to my dismay, one of my children, my suspicion lies with my youngest boy, had left an orange crayon in their pocket. Not a pair of jeans were safe. Every single pair of jeans had the unmistakable markings of melted crayon. Well, needless to say, my girls got a new pair of pants that morning and I went in search of a miracle cure for melted crayon.
What I found was a wonderful product call Goo-Gone, sold by most large retailers and grocery stores in their Laundry and Cleaning sections. It is a solvent that works on almost everything. I personally have used it for years to remove everything from candle wax from a shirt to price stickers from plastic and glass surfaces. This stuff is almost as versatile as WD-40! But would it take out the wax and color of the crayon?
Well, I found that it did a great job of breaking up the wax and removing some of the color but something more was needed for the remaining color. This is where I introduced, plain old, everyday dish soap.
So here's the process. Place a white paper towel between the layers of fabric. Squirt GooGone on the spots and allow to sit and absorb. I found that if I squirted one pair and then squirted another pair, I could then return to the first pair to start scrubbing. Using a toothbrush I would scrub in small circles a few times then I would freely add some dish soap and continue scrubbing. I was convinced that it was working by the orange tint arising in the bristles of the toothbrush. After scrubbing each individual spot I then washed in hot water with extra detergent.
I was really amazed by how well this process worked. There were no residual grease marks or color. The jeans all looks as great as they did before the crayon attacked them.
This is a great tip that every mom should have in her never ending supply of ideas. Yes, this is a discovery made due to necessity. As I was putting my girls to bed one night I realized they had no pants to wear to school the next day so I ran downstairs and hastily put all the jeans I could find into the washing machine and I went to bed. Early the next morning I got up for work, put the jeans in the dryer and signed on to work. After work I woke the girls, put them in the shower and came down to have their jeans warm and ready for them when they got out.
Much to my dismay, one of my children, my suspicion lies with my youngest boy, had left an orange crayon in their pocket. Not a pair of jeans were safe. Every single pair of jeans had the unmistakable markings of melted crayon. Well, needless to say, my girls got a new pair of pants that morning and I went in search of a miracle cure for melted crayon.
What I found was a wonderful product call Goo-Gone, sold by most large retailers and grocery stores in their Laundry and Cleaning sections. It is a solvent that works on almost everything. I personally have used it for years to remove everything from candle wax from a shirt to price stickers from plastic and glass surfaces. This stuff is almost as versatile as WD-40! But would it take out the wax and color of the crayon?
Well, I found that it did a great job of breaking up the wax and removing some of the color but something more was needed for the remaining color. This is where I introduced, plain old, everyday dish soap.
So here's the process. Place a white paper towel between the layers of fabric. Squirt GooGone on the spots and allow to sit and absorb. I found that if I squirted one pair and then squirted another pair, I could then return to the first pair to start scrubbing. Using a toothbrush I would scrub in small circles a few times then I would freely add some dish soap and continue scrubbing. I was convinced that it was working by the orange tint arising in the bristles of the toothbrush. After scrubbing each individual spot I then washed in hot water with extra detergent.
I was really amazed by how well this process worked. There were no residual grease marks or color. The jeans all looks as great as they did before the crayon attacked them.
Monday, August 18, 2008
College Road Trip
I am very excited to say that our family got the opportunity to rent College Road Trip from Red Box this weekend and we loved it. It was a geared to the older children and the younger ones lost interest pretty quickly, but with a mattress in the living room and a kitchen full of treats, they still enjoyed the evening.
The story line of the movie is an over protective father who's not so little girl getting ready to go to college in another state. He decided to take her on a road trip to "re-connect". Along the way he does every stupid thing imaginable to keep his daughter from "going away" to college. Along the way they do manage to reconnect while they get themselves in to alot of very funny mischief.
It really was a good family movie, possibly not for the younger kids, but for the older ones and Lee and I, we totally loved it!
The story line of the movie is an over protective father who's not so little girl getting ready to go to college in another state. He decided to take her on a road trip to "re-connect". Along the way he does every stupid thing imaginable to keep his daughter from "going away" to college. Along the way they do manage to reconnect while they get themselves in to alot of very funny mischief.
It really was a good family movie, possibly not for the younger kids, but for the older ones and Lee and I, we totally loved it!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Free Silver Jewelry
I haven't mentioned it in awhile and so I thought it worth mentioning. Silver Jewelry Club offers handmade jewelry for free with a new piece debuting every ten minutes or so. All you pay is $6.99 shipping and handling. Below is their current listing.
I can tell you, I have ordered quite a few pieces from these guys and I have been completely satisfied and often wowed by the quality and craftsmanship of their pieces. This is definitely not costume jewelry.
I can tell you, I have ordered quite a few pieces from these guys and I have been completely satisfied and often wowed by the quality and craftsmanship of their pieces. This is definitely not costume jewelry.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Starbucks, What Do You Think?
Starbucks has been around for a very long time now and has led the coffee industry in sales and volume. They have inspired many, many coffee connoisseurs to open their own coffee shops in aspiration of the "big bucks" that have become synonymous with coffee. Who in their right minds would have paid $5 for a cup of coffee before Starbucks came around? Not me! So now with the economy waning a little, Starbucks has released news of new espresso machines that will revolutionize the way they do business. So here is what I am wondering, will this new machine really kick their profits back into high gear or do you think that the $5 coffee trend is waning as well. Have consumer wised up and figured out that good coffee can be just around the corner and a lot less expensive? It will be interesting to see where this takes the Coffee Giant.
Are Pills Really The Answer?
Every time I visit my doctor anymore she draws more blood. From the results of the blood works she prescribes me more pills. And more and more I am starting to wonder, it this really such a good idea? Should I not be trying to control my body with natural things, diet and exercise and such instead of chemically altered substances? Every day you see it, diet pills, thyroid pills, ED pils, they seem to have a pill for nearly everything! But is that really the best option? Are there ways to combat things without pills? I know I was able to. When they diagnosed me with Hypothyroidism and put me on pills, I started to do some research and found that the Iodine in salt is necessary for a healthy thyroid, however, too much can cause problems as well. I seriously slowed my salt intake and within the year my blood test came back normal again. I have been off the thyroid medicine for 5 years and every single blood test comes back normal. Could that work with other things? I would think so. Hopefully the industry starts to turn to more natural cures as opposed to chemically altering our bodies all the time.
When Computers Get Old
My children's computer is my old computer, the poor old thing is really struggling to keep up. The games and activities they want to play are not compatible with it, it does not have nearly enough system memory and it keeps freezing in strange places. It won't load the girls Princess game and it won't play the toddler games. In general, it's days are up I believe. But now the question is, where do old, out date computers go. It feels wrong just throwing it out with the trash?
Saving Garden Spinach
Saving Spinach from your garden can be tricky. It is a very particular vegetable but it makes any summer salad a lovely treat. Right after harvesting your spinach, take it directly in the house and rinse it in cold water. This will allow it to "go to sleep" and the deterioration process will immediately be slowed. Take it right out of the water, shake it off, bag it and put it directly into the fridge. This will make your spinach last about a week longer once you get it into the fridge and it will stay nice and crispy.
Dress Your Home in Fabrics
DIY home decorating is quickly becoming the norm in our beautiful state for many reasons. It's easy, any beginner can make a couple of throw pillows to accent her couch. It's cheap; compared to hiring a home decorator, DIY is pinching some serious pennies, but even compared to purchasing pre-made Window Treatments, Drapes, Valances, Swags, etc., you are still saving a bunch. You have options; stores just do not have the ability to carry every color and/or pattern or combination to make your home look just the way you want it. It's fun; especially with friends and family. I am sure most of you scrapbook or stamp or have some other gathering that includes getting together with family and friends to create your masterpieces. Home decorating can be just as much of a social gathering. Get your friends together and have a home redecorating at your place. Next month, her's! It's so much fun. Or if you prefer to work alone, it can be just as fun. Get our your needles and scissors, put on some good music and enjoy a fun and relaxing afternoon, turning your home into your home.
There are so many small things you can do to make a HUGE difference. Starting small will give you the confidence to tackle larger projects. Start with some throw pillows for your couch. Look around your living room. Is there a picture or a certain color that you would like to draw into your decorating? Personally, I have a curio cabinet with all my dolls and a light pink picture of dolls that was given to me years and years ago. The picture has always gone with my dolls, but it does not match my new living room. However, I was able to find a fabric that had the same pink from the picture and the brown and blue from my couch, a strange combination I agree, but once I made some throw pillows, it pulled the whole thing together seamlessly.
Now Valances and Swags are not my thing. I know you can do them yourself, but for me, I prefer to purchase them. However, I can still have control over the colors, patterns and textures but finding the right place. Fabric Workroom is a wonderful option to actually making your own. You have the ability to mix and match a myriad of designer fabrics, you can choose from classic styles or create your own custom window treatments. Their prices are affordable and their selection is great.
Other great DIY options are blankets and throws. They create a carefree, cozy, "this is my place" kind of feel to any room. Blankets and throws are so easy to make and can be done in an afternoon with minimal supplies. Tied fleece throws are great for kids rooms, dens or family rooms and fleece comes in many, many different colors and patterns. You can even find sports prints, animal prints or licensed character prints to match just about any decor. Light fabrics combined with a very thin batting can be quilted into a heirloom couch blanket in a matter of a day or two. With blankets and throws, the possibilities are endless.
I hope this gives you some inspiration and a desire to get out there and DIY! Turn your home into "your home".
There are so many small things you can do to make a HUGE difference. Starting small will give you the confidence to tackle larger projects. Start with some throw pillows for your couch. Look around your living room. Is there a picture or a certain color that you would like to draw into your decorating? Personally, I have a curio cabinet with all my dolls and a light pink picture of dolls that was given to me years and years ago. The picture has always gone with my dolls, but it does not match my new living room. However, I was able to find a fabric that had the same pink from the picture and the brown and blue from my couch, a strange combination I agree, but once I made some throw pillows, it pulled the whole thing together seamlessly.
Now Valances and Swags are not my thing. I know you can do them yourself, but for me, I prefer to purchase them. However, I can still have control over the colors, patterns and textures but finding the right place. Fabric Workroom is a wonderful option to actually making your own. You have the ability to mix and match a myriad of designer fabrics, you can choose from classic styles or create your own custom window treatments. Their prices are affordable and their selection is great.
Other great DIY options are blankets and throws. They create a carefree, cozy, "this is my place" kind of feel to any room. Blankets and throws are so easy to make and can be done in an afternoon with minimal supplies. Tied fleece throws are great for kids rooms, dens or family rooms and fleece comes in many, many different colors and patterns. You can even find sports prints, animal prints or licensed character prints to match just about any decor. Light fabrics combined with a very thin batting can be quilted into a heirloom couch blanket in a matter of a day or two. With blankets and throws, the possibilities are endless.
I hope this gives you some inspiration and a desire to get out there and DIY! Turn your home into "your home".
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Pack it Safely
Anytime you travel, safety is a concern. Where to keep your wallet, your purse, laptop all types of expensive, personal items. Luckily there is a company that is looking out for the very same thing. Pacsafe has many, many different options to keep you and your personal belongings safe while you travel as well as a whole list of T.S.A. approved travel kits and luggage options. They have super safe, anti-theft purses and slings that would be a great gift for anyone you know that travels often. Or there are T.S.A. approved luggage tags to take the hassle out of checking your luggage. They just have a whole myriad of options for the experienced, well seasoned traveler as well as the complete novice. Before your next trip, take a minute to look over this site and make sure you are well protected.
Moving? Make It Easy On Yourself!
I am adding this under Tuesday Tips and Tricks because I am so impressed and I just don't think enough people know about this option! My friend T just moved here from South Carolina. She didn't have a HUGE house, but she had accumulated the things she needed to live. Furniture, books, computers you name it. Look around your house, you'll know exactly what I mean. Just lots of stuff.
Well, she was going to drive here but her little car was WAY to small to fit even the smallest of furniture, except, I think she did somehow manage the computer chair, without the wheels? She looked into renting a U-Haul truck but the price on a one way rental was astronomical! Then she found this thing called a Moving Pod!
I had never heard of any such thing! It's a portable storage container. They bring it to you, drop it at your doorstep (figuratively), leave it there while you load it and then when you are ready to go you schedule a pick-up, they load it up and haul it to your destination for you! Once there, they secure it in their storage lot until you are ready for it again and once again, they bring it to your doorstep for easy unloading! The whole idea ofmoving pods is just amazingly simple. But the best part about the whole thing was the price! Nearly half the price of a U-Haul, more than half the price of a moving company and yet, all the transportation is done for you. It is just such a convient option to regular moving, I can't believe I had never heard of it!
Well, she was going to drive here but her little car was WAY to small to fit even the smallest of furniture, except, I think she did somehow manage the computer chair, without the wheels? She looked into renting a U-Haul truck but the price on a one way rental was astronomical! Then she found this thing called a Moving Pod!
I had never heard of any such thing! It's a portable storage container. They bring it to you, drop it at your doorstep (figuratively), leave it there while you load it and then when you are ready to go you schedule a pick-up, they load it up and haul it to your destination for you! Once there, they secure it in their storage lot until you are ready for it again and once again, they bring it to your doorstep for easy unloading! The whole idea ofmoving pods is just amazingly simple. But the best part about the whole thing was the price! Nearly half the price of a U-Haul, more than half the price of a moving company and yet, all the transportation is done for you. It is just such a convient option to regular moving, I can't believe I had never heard of it!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Relax In Paradise
As a mother of five, I seldom find time to rest, let alone all out relax! My father has a hot tub and once in awhile I will manage to find the time to escape to sit in the warmth and steam, outside under the stars with the smell of the pine trees wafting over me. Well, I decided that it is hard enough to get out there, it's time to get one of my own! I talked to the hubby and it was a done deal. Our credit union was having a spa sale so we got a great deal and now we are in the process of building the gazebo around it and deciding on hot tub accessories (like a good looking cabana boy!). I found a great website for hot tub covers, they had great prices and some amazing designs! I had no idea you could do that with a hot tub cover! Wow! So hopefully next thing I know, I will be relaxing in my own hot tub paradise! Check out the one I chose!
Isn't it amazing? Really, I will be relaxing in my own private paradise. I have even bought ferns to accent around the deck! Anyone want to join me?
I do have to point out just one thing, just so you all don't think that I am all about the aesthetics, after all, my husband does, this particular cover is made with heavy duty re-enforced outdoor vinyl and the most durable and proven ink sets available. It is tested and proven to be waterproof, resistant of the chemicals used in most spa's, they won't tear, mildew or shrink.
And as for the wood on the gazebo, I might have fought against that horrible looking, green, treated wood with the little holes all over in it, but I agreed to redwood and yes, resealing it every year. And I did give in on the plastic vs. real wood flooring. But in my defense, what good is a spa if it is not relaxing? And just how relaxing can it be without being aesthetically appealing??? So, my paradise is now in the works, complete with a beautiful spa cover to give the look of a plush forest, redwood gazebo and plastic floor (awww, we all take a little, give a little). Now, if I could just find that cabana boy!
Isn't it amazing? Really, I will be relaxing in my own private paradise. I have even bought ferns to accent around the deck! Anyone want to join me?I do have to point out just one thing, just so you all don't think that I am all about the aesthetics, after all, my husband does, this particular cover is made with heavy duty re-enforced outdoor vinyl and the most durable and proven ink sets available. It is tested and proven to be waterproof, resistant of the chemicals used in most spa's, they won't tear, mildew or shrink.
And as for the wood on the gazebo, I might have fought against that horrible looking, green, treated wood with the little holes all over in it, but I agreed to redwood and yes, resealing it every year. And I did give in on the plastic vs. real wood flooring. But in my defense, what good is a spa if it is not relaxing? And just how relaxing can it be without being aesthetically appealing??? So, my paradise is now in the works, complete with a beautiful spa cover to give the look of a plush forest, redwood gazebo and plastic floor (awww, we all take a little, give a little). Now, if I could just find that cabana boy!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Dinosaurumpus
Dinosaurumpus! Is one of my very favorite children's books and one that the kids and I have read so many times that the cover is falling off and torn and the pages are curling. This is a darling book that introduces children to the different types of dinosaurs with a cute little rhyme and happy, colorful pictures that help to bring your children's imaginations to life.Tony Mitton has a wonderful way with words and a very creative imagination that grows throughout his writing which flows off the pages and into your child's head in a colorful imaginative story full of excitement and fun.
Guy Parker-Rees illustration's are so colorful and vibrant that they just jump off the pages and into your child's imagination to complete the total, amazing experience.
This is a book not to miss. Take the time to find it and read it to your children. I was able to get my copy through the Scholastic book orders my children brought home and I am sure that your local library would have a copy to check out. But however you get your hands on it, just do it, read it and I hope you can enjoy it as much as my children and I have.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Keeping Kids Bedrooms Tidy
I have struggled, trying many different ideas to get my children to get their rooms cleaned and keep them that way. I finally found something that has worked! We made a bedroom cleaning chart that has worked so well. We had to tweak it a little the first time we went through it to accommodate everything in their individual rooms and their individual personalities as well as to not make any one step over whelming but the finished product has worked like a charm.
They start with their 30 minutes of cleaning every day and get as far through the list as they can. Then the next day they start at the top again so as not to get behind again and work as far as they can until eventually they finished the last thing on the list and the next day they started at the top and got through the whole list in a matter of minutes and were able to get on to other chores in the house.
Now their rooms have this quick checklist that they go through everyday to keep their rooms clean and they are much happier and so am I. Below are the two lists that I created. Feel free to use them and adapt them to your children's individual needs.
Boy’s Bedroom Cleaning
Make Your Bed
Pick Up All Blankets, Pillows & Stuffed Toys
Pick Up All Dirty Clothes
Take All Dirty Clothes To The Laundry Room
Pick Up All Clean Clothes & Put Away
Put All Shoes In The Closet
Pick Up & Throw Away All Trash
Pick Up Lego’s
Pick Up All Other Toys And Put Them Away
Put Away All Things That Belong Somewhere Else
Girl’s Bedroom Cleaning
Make Your Bed
Pick Up All Blankets, Pillows & Stuffed Toys
Pick Up All Dirty Clothes
Take All Dirty Clothes To The Laundry Room
Pick Up All Clean Clothes & Put Away
Put All Shoes In The Closet
Pick Up & Throw Away All Trash
Pick Up All Dolls And Put Them Away
Pick Up All Other Toys And Put Them Away
Put Away All Things That Belong Somewhere Else
I hope you can find this as helpful as it has been to me.
They start with their 30 minutes of cleaning every day and get as far through the list as they can. Then the next day they start at the top again so as not to get behind again and work as far as they can until eventually they finished the last thing on the list and the next day they started at the top and got through the whole list in a matter of minutes and were able to get on to other chores in the house.
Now their rooms have this quick checklist that they go through everyday to keep their rooms clean and they are much happier and so am I. Below are the two lists that I created. Feel free to use them and adapt them to your children's individual needs.
Boy’s Bedroom Cleaning
Make Your Bed
Pick Up All Blankets, Pillows & Stuffed Toys
Pick Up All Dirty Clothes
Take All Dirty Clothes To The Laundry Room
Pick Up All Clean Clothes & Put Away
Put All Shoes In The Closet
Pick Up & Throw Away All Trash
Pick Up Lego’s
Pick Up All Other Toys And Put Them Away
Put Away All Things That Belong Somewhere Else
Girl’s Bedroom Cleaning
Make Your Bed
Pick Up All Blankets, Pillows & Stuffed Toys
Pick Up All Dirty Clothes
Take All Dirty Clothes To The Laundry Room
Pick Up All Clean Clothes & Put Away
Put All Shoes In The Closet
Pick Up & Throw Away All Trash
Pick Up All Dolls And Put Them Away
Pick Up All Other Toys And Put Them Away
Put Away All Things That Belong Somewhere Else
I hope you can find this as helpful as it has been to me.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Eye Glasses
Wow, I am really behind on the news! I guess that there was a news story about an online company called Zenni on Fox News I guess they offer prescription eye glasses for as low as $8! Of course I hear this after I have my whole family's eyes checked and get glasses for the ones that need them. Big C, of course had to have the Converse brand frames, which were $125.00! That's before the lenses, protective coating, shatter proofing and scratch resistance! We are totally not talking cheap here! $8 would have been a bargain! So I decided to check them out.
I went to ZenniOptical.com to see what they had. I am sure they are going to have basic, run of the mill, glasses. Nothing fancy, nothing special. Boy was I wrong! They had a better selection than Sears and all of them, I mean every single child's frame was totally reasonably priced! They didn't have any designer brands for kids, that I could find, but what they did have were stylish and trendy and not a single pair was more than $29.95! Every single pair was under $30! That just can't be beat!
So now I am left thinking that I definitely paid too much for Big C's glasses. However, I know he will lose them, break them or just plain grow out of them like he does everything else at the moment. So a little vindication comes from knowing that I know am armed with the information I need to make the right decision next time!
Silly Sally
If you have the opportunity to read Silly Sally by Audrey Wood, I guarantee you will love it. It is one of my all time favorite children's books. The story reads like a poem with laughable illustrations and a hilarious and very creative story line. The pages are filled with brightly colored illustrations that will keep a child attention and imagination going for a long time. It is a repetition book which is great for smaller children but it is fun enough that even my 12 year old loves it.
It begins... Silly Sally went to town walking backwards, upside down.
Along the way she met a pig, a silly pig. They danced a jig.
Silly Sally went to town dancing backwards upside down....
Along her journey to town she meets up with a pig, a dog, a loon and a sheep before meeting Neddy Buttercup who has a silly way of getting them all to town.
I just can't say enough about how much fun this book is for young children as well as older ones, myself included.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Save BIG $$$ on Groceries + a Killer Deal on Newspapers
I am in love! I was introduced to a new website (completely free!!!) by a wonderful lady. She was giving a class on saving money on your groceries. I have seen this concept before but she had some great new ideas and wonderfully easy organizing tricks that even I can do. So here's the concept:
You combine the store's sale ads with coupons to get products at amazing prices, sometimes even free!
All you need to do is visit Grocery Smarts, use password g84ctw, and they make it all so easy. They list all the stores ads, combine them with the coupons from this week and previous weeks newspapers and tell you which ones will give you the best deals.
Some of the great deals from this week were Herbal Essences Shampoo and Conditioner $0.50 each bottle, plus a free Mani or Pedicure! Power Aid Sports Drink; Free. Oral B Tooth Brush; Free. Juicy Juice, 8 pack Juice Boxes; $1.00. Duncan Hines Brownie Mix; $0.50 each. Stouffer's Family Size Dinners; 2/$5.00. These are some MAJOR savings! My receipts show well over 50% savings at all stores.
Now, I have just started so I don't have the coupon power that I will shortly. However, here is what is suggested. You should get one Sunday Paper for every member of your family, babies included. This allows you to get one product per person using the store ad and your coupons. So in my case, I would buy 7 news papers, one for each of us and I would have had 7 coupons for Power Aid. I would have been able to get 7 bottles of Power Aid for FREE! Oral B Toothbrushes, I could have gotten all of us toothbrushes for FREE! You get the picture, right?!?
You combine the store's sale ads with coupons to get products at amazing prices, sometimes even free!
All you need to do is visit Grocery Smarts, use password g84ctw, and they make it all so easy. They list all the stores ads, combine them with the coupons from this week and previous weeks newspapers and tell you which ones will give you the best deals.
Some of the great deals from this week were Herbal Essences Shampoo and Conditioner $0.50 each bottle, plus a free Mani or Pedicure! Power Aid Sports Drink; Free. Oral B Tooth Brush; Free. Juicy Juice, 8 pack Juice Boxes; $1.00. Duncan Hines Brownie Mix; $0.50 each. Stouffer's Family Size Dinners; 2/$5.00. These are some MAJOR savings! My receipts show well over 50% savings at all stores.
Now, I have just started so I don't have the coupon power that I will shortly. However, here is what is suggested. You should get one Sunday Paper for every member of your family, babies included. This allows you to get one product per person using the store ad and your coupons. So in my case, I would buy 7 news papers, one for each of us and I would have had 7 coupons for Power Aid. I would have been able to get 7 bottles of Power Aid for FREE! Oral B Toothbrushes, I could have gotten all of us toothbrushes for FREE! You get the picture, right?!?
Salt Lake Trib and Deseret News:
1 Sunday Paper each week $39/6 months
2 Sunday Papers each week $78/6 month + $8 Grocery Gift Card
3 Sunday Papers each week $117/6 months + $16 Grocery Gift Card
4 Sunday Papers each week $156/6 months + $32 Grocery Gift Card
Standard Examiner
1 Daily Paper and 5 Sunday Papers each week $17.50 per month for 6 months
(I know this sounds like a HUGE waste of paper, it does to me too. But just remember, all those papers you get can be taken to most elementary schools and they recycle them for money!)
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Do Kids Need Computers?
These days there is so much wonderful information available on the Internet and so many wonderful activities to keep kids entertained through the heat of the day. But is it all really necessary? It is such a huge expense to buy them computers even with the great electronic deals you can find, you are still pushing hundreds of dollars. Does it really make sense?
Personally, I believe it does. The world is headed in a direction where computer are now the norm and will soon be a constant. Poverty nowadays comes with a cell phone and a computer. Households that do not have money for groceries have computers, Internet access and cell phone communication. It's a way of life that our children need to get used to.
Now with the gas prices the way they are and the economy in a recession, more and more employers are turning to telecommuting to save on the overhead of the business and to help their employees save on the price of gas. Working from home, even for part of the work week is becoming more and more prevalent. By the time our kids are grown, they are going to need to know the computer and Internet inside and out for their jobs, for the day to day lives. I don't know that they necessarily need their very own computer, but I do think they need one available to them, protected age appropriately and monitored closely, but they need to know how to network, how to surf the net, how to send and receive e-mail and how to type. It will affect them in the future.
Personally, I believe it does. The world is headed in a direction where computer are now the norm and will soon be a constant. Poverty nowadays comes with a cell phone and a computer. Households that do not have money for groceries have computers, Internet access and cell phone communication. It's a way of life that our children need to get used to.
Now with the gas prices the way they are and the economy in a recession, more and more employers are turning to telecommuting to save on the overhead of the business and to help their employees save on the price of gas. Working from home, even for part of the work week is becoming more and more prevalent. By the time our kids are grown, they are going to need to know the computer and Internet inside and out for their jobs, for the day to day lives. I don't know that they necessarily need their very own computer, but I do think they need one available to them, protected age appropriately and monitored closely, but they need to know how to network, how to surf the net, how to send and receive e-mail and how to type. It will affect them in the future.
Gotta Do Something Else
Big C gets the opportunity to visit his friend once a week. At our house, we do not have any gaming devices, the computer is for me and my job only and the televisions hardly ever come on. So he gets there and there is an X-Box, a playstation 3, a computer that they can play on, a PSP and then the television, if they ever get around to it. He spends the whole time playing. I think that his friend gets a bit tired of it, but then the next day they come here and play outside. So I guess it all works out. They get the game time and then the outside time. But, I really wish they could make more games that were as educational as they are fun. Why can't they make war games more historic, I guarantee that you would have a world full of kids that knew their history!
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