Organizability

Freebies: Week of October 27th, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:04:00 +0000

Halloween Scapbooking Pages:

Here are some freebies courtesy of DigiFree that would delight any ghoul-get it? Check out their website for more free scrapbooking downloads. Here is just a sampling.

Scare up a free meal!

On October 31st, participating Ryan’s and Old County Buffets will be giving kids in costume a free meal (up to two free kids meals per adult). If you live near a County Buffet or a Hometown Buffet, I would call and see if they are participating since these buffets usually run the same promotions.

Shred Fest!

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:45:00 +0000

Since moving this past week I've come across some paperwork, documents, etc. that have important information on them. Such information needs to be discarded appropriately and for good reason. We all know it takes a while to actually "move in" and since moving I've found there are boxes of information that is no longer needed and needs to be shredded. I called a shredding company last week to get prices on what they charge and what they told me I thought was reasonable, considering the amount of papers and boxes that have been sitting around for um, let's just say years! So while I was glancing through the local newspaper this morning I came across a bank that is having a Shred Fest this Saturday. The most wonderful thing about it is it's FREE. Yes I said free as in don't have to pay a dime to have outdated paperwork turn into garbage, safely. Talk about frugality! Yep, so that's where I'm headed to on Saturday.

3 Things That Need To Be Done Before Moving

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:09:00 +0000

We finally sold our house! Read my post A House For Sale to read about that adventure. Anyway when it comes down to it, there are only a few items that I think really need to be done before moving, besides the changing of addresses, etc.

Pack up the small stuff ahead of time. I started moving the small stuff out of the house way back when I originally moved out. My situation was different though and that helped a whole lot! This would include extra linens, books, etc. Leave the bigger items to be moved out such as beds, dressers, etc. at a later date, the day you actually need to sleep in your new house. Get your drawers and closets cleaned out so that nothing is left behind. I've left "stuff" before in closets that I thought I cleaned out.

Rent a truck, hire some help, or do it yourself. I don't always advocate renting a truck or hiring help but at this juncture of my move, but that may be a possibility this time around. It seems that everyone is busy that I normally could count on. So that means other means. I can't believe that a 30 day time frame has almost come and gone! Maybe I will have to consider renting that truck. Does it come with helpers?

Clean for the next tenants. This may be obvious but I've actually moved into a place before that wasn't ready for us to move in. It was gross! When I moved into another house, not only did I have to clean after the previous owners, but after moving in, I felt like I needed to clean again after we moved in. That was not efficient to say the least. Save this job for the very last, after everything has been moved out.

Freebies: Week of October 6th, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:45:00 +0000

I found a website called Scrapbookscrapbook.com that has Fall Graphics that you can download for free. These graphics are for scrapbooking pages. You will be 'downloading' a file onto your computer to print as many copies as you want, when you want. You will be asked where you want to put this file. The website suggested that you tell your computer to put the file on your Desktop. It will be easy to find there. The icon will be a PDF file. You just double click on it and the viewer will open. The graphics will be in the graphics viewer. Then just print as usual. This will take a minute or two for the file to come to you from them. So, just go to this website and follow directions on how to download this file. These would make for some simple cute scrapbooking background pages.

The Family That Paintball's Together...

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:02:00 +0000

We've all heard the saying, "The family that plays together, stays together". This also applies to the game of Paintball. While I'm not one for the actual sport of Paintball, I have heard quite a few stories about the games my son and husband have played against others in their group. Here's a shot of my son and husband after a game. I bet you couldn't tell that huh?

Some of the group have included cousins, uncles, and brothers in which they have a great time shooting at each other. Here's a picture of one of the cousin's.

When the "group" gets together, it is usually up in a wooded area. Easier to hide I'm guessing. So here's a picture of a beautiful wooded area in northern Arizona. I would go just to take in the beauty of the forest, but a Paintball game is usually when the guys get together.

It's a wonderful time for family to get together doing an activity that they enjoy. Next time they go, I'm supposed to be taking the pictures. I hope there will be a tree or two wide enough to hide behind so I won't get hit!

October Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 18:59:00 +0000

For the next two days, Saturday and Sunday, is is about listening to the LDS General Conference in which we get to be inspired, uplifted, and most of all learn as the General Authorities of our church speak to us about important topics. This conference is held in Salt Lake City, Utah in which anyone can watch this via the BYU Channel on television or the internet, or one of the local channels of your television anywhere in the world. This is the activity in which I will be choosing this weekend.

3 Weird Foods I Like To Eat

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:30:00 +0000

When it comes to eating food, there are some strange and interesting food combinations that I rather like. For some reason, these certain combinations taste really good to me. Now don't get grossed out when I tell you what I like to eat together:

Cottage Cheese and potato chips

Now with eating this combination I just use the potato chips in place of the spoon. Weird huh? Yeah, I know. Try it though, you may change your mind.

Apples and peanut butter

This is a really good and somewhat healthy snack. So maybe it's not that strange to some people but it's not what I eat all the time. Sometimes I just have this craving for something healthy...the apple, and something salty...the peanut butter.

Cantaloupe and ice cream

And not just any ice cream. It has to be a scoop of Breyer's Natural Vanilla-the one with the whole vanilla bean thing going for it. I got hooked on this funky combination by a family member. Let's just say they are a bit strange anyway.

See, I told you they were weird. I don't have any pictures for this post mainly so that your imagination can run with it. Just for curiosity's sake, I bet you that you too will try any one of these too. Go ahead, I dare you!

Freebies-Week of September 29th, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:00:00 +0000

If you want a really cute and quick scrapbook idea for Fall or anytime, head to Smilebox.com. This is a photo sharing scrapbook that is free! You can email your online scrapbook to friends and family, or post it to your blog. Smilebox makes scrapbooking fun and easy! You can also share birthdays, holidays, special occasions, vacations, family time and more in their many wonderful designs. I thought that the Fall season with pictures of Halloween would be a perfect addition to a coffee table. Choose from hundreds of online scrapbook layouts from leading designers. Just add your photos, words, music, even videos, to make an online scrapbook. Scrapbooking just became easier!

Image by smilebox.com

A Salt Solution

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Here's a gardening tip I found at householdhintsandtips.com that can come in hand when dealing with that unwanted grass in sidewalk cracks. So unsightly! The solution is an easy one. Pour a good amount of regular table salt directly on the areas and the grass will eventually die off.

Want To Go To The Petstore?

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:44:00 +0000

I haven't posted for a couple of days...been kinda busy but I had this post in my head. So here's just a small post. This last Saturday for lunch, we went out to eat and while we were sitting there, my grandson turned to my husband with those big brown eyes, out of the blue, and with a tilted head and a big smile said, "Wanna go to the petstore?". The way he said it was so priceless and adorable! He remembered the guinea pigs and puppies "getting a bath". Who could've resisted such a request. I sure couldn't!

Photo by http://freedigitalphoto.net

Frugality At The Mall-With A Toddler!

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:00:00 +0000

You would think that going to a mall would be expense. Well, it can be if you're going to do some shopping on your own and without anyone else. Think toddler!

At my mall, I have found ways to make the mall experience inexpensive and still have a good time while doing so with a toddler in tow. If you have a small child here are some ideas for you and your little one to do at the mall that won't cost you a dime!

Inside the mall there is a play area where kids (usually of the smaller type) can play on various objects such as animals, slides, blocks, etc. While watching the children play and getting their energy out of their little systems, the parents can sit back and relax. It also is helpful to go there with the idea of "wearing them out" just before nap time.

You can taste a sample of a restaurant's food in the food court. They are usually standing by their restaurant enticing people to eat at their restaurant with their tidbits of food. Just go around to each of the restaurants you like, graciously accept the samples and fill up! Never having to buy anything if you don't want.

Then it's off to dessert time. Inside a See's Candy shop, they always have a free sample of mouth-watering chocolates to choose from. Just ask them for a sample. I am usually satisfied with this small bit of chocolate-free, although the aroma makes me want more. Children always want candy too. It's a win-win situation.

And lastly, usually at night, there is a band, a clown presentation, a school group, etc. playing in the courtyard outside that you can listen to for free. Though after the play area, we don't make it to the evening presentations. The toddler I'm with is ready for nap... And so am I!

Photos: http://seescandies.com/

Mothering At A Distance-A Care Package Timeline

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:00:00 +0000

My son has been serving a church mission for the last two years and will be returning home November 7th. So to honor his last days I will be sending him a care package, but not jut any care package, a birthday care package since his birthday is in October. While I'm not a pro by any means, I've sent out a few in my lifetime (having sent out a few to my husband in Taiwan 30 years ago), I do have a thing or two to tell you about the timeline. Thankfully, sending care packages now is much faster than it was 30 years ago.

I usually start with a target date to send, marking that down in my calendar. I then know that I have a certain amount of time to start gathering things or making food items, such as cookies, to put inside the care package.

I like to have a theme. It makes it easier for shopping. For example, this time the care package will be centered around a birthday-his birthday.

Make sure that when you send the care package, to send it so it arrives around the birthday. It would be very sad that something does not arrive near or on a birthday.

So with a birthday theme in mind, this year I've planned on making my son a Rice Krispie Pizza. I saw this recipe and thought that he would love it. One thing I need to do is find some cardboard that is round, or make it myself.

Then I will need to buy the "pizza toppings" , aka candy, and the other ingredients. I will look for sales about a week prior to this so that I can maximize my money. I know that sending a care package is not cheap, but definitely worth it!

About a day before I get ready to send the care package, I will make the Rice Krispie Pizza. After refrigerating the "pizza", the next day I will prepare it for packing. Add more fun items if you want. I will add a birthday card as well.

The last thing I will do is go to either a UPS store or another shipping facility and send the care package, and pray that is makes it to its destination on time, and in tact. I get a tracking number so that I can at least know when it has arrived and not have to hold my breath one day more. UPS guy...the clock is ticking!

I will take a picture of the results the night before I pack this Rice Krispie Birthday Pizza so you'll know how it turned out. I will post it on one of my recipe posting days. Stay tuned...

Photo: http://freedigitalphotos.net/

Freebies As Of 09-22-08

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Here are some freebies I've found this week:

Mobile Cell Phone Strap:

Ringtone Hall is offering for a limited time only their $3.99 Mobile Cell Phone Strap free of charge. Click HERE to request a free Ringtone Hall Cell Phone Strap. I thought this was cute so I requested one for a Christmas gift.

Home Made Simple Coupon Book:

Click Here for you free Home Made Simple Coupon Book with Over $27 in Savings + Sign up for the Home Made Simple® newsletter and find out about special offers, samples, coupons and sweepstakes.

Free Tote Bag:

Cost Plus World Market has a tote bag - Click Here Print out the coupon and take it to any Cost Plus World Market store to receive a Free cotton tote bag.

Free Pizza:

On Friday, Sept 26th, 2008 at participating Peter Piper locations, sample Gourmet Pizza while your kids eat their cheese/pepperoni pizza. Go to http://www.peterpiperpizza.com/ for your invitation. Enjoy.....

Decorating With Gourds

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:00:00 +0000

When I think of Fall, I think of its warm rich colors of red, orange, yellow and brown. It's no mystery where the classic earthy colors of the season come from; just look out the window at the natural world around you. Leaves are changing color to intense reds, oranges and yellows become vivid, to more subdued browns.

The produce of the season crops up in all kinds of rich tones as well; the deep orange of the pumpkin, lively apple reds and greens, gourds and squash in all sorts of shades and patterns of deep greens and buttery neutrals. Go to any farmer's market and you'll find decorative Indian corn with its pale yellow and dark red, brown, and black kernels. Simply adding a variety of any of these items to the interior as well as the exterior of your home will immediately give it a splash of Fall.

Wicker or paper mache cornucopias are just a couple of items that may be used for decorations around the home as well. Some of these even look like the real thing! You can group them in three's of varying sizes or simply place one here and there around the house for a splash of color. You can find real gourds at the grocery store or at a vegetable/farmer's market. The decoration possibilities are endless.

Let’s not forget the pumpkin. It is a kind of gourd but more traditional. Pumpkins are, perhaps, the stars of Fall decor with their orange flair. Here are some ideas: Simply adding various sizes of pumpkins to a window sill can provide seasonal appeal. From jack-o-lanterns to hollowed-out pumpkins filled with potpourri, pumpkins are a simple way to add Autumn accents to any room of the home as well as the patio and porch. Trade your regular planters for a few iron plant cages; fill them with small pumpkins and colorful ornamental gourds for a great new look beside the front door.

Put large pumpkins in flower beds or along side them. Buy more than 1 pumpkin and arrange them along the driveway or around the front porch. You don't have to carve them, just place them outside. Why not “plant” your Fall flowers in a pumpkin? Just clean out the pumpkin, place a potted Fall flower arrangement inside the pumpkin. This looks so cute.

Any way you choose to use your gourd, they are sure to add that touch of Fall to your outside decorations as well as for your inside decor.

Image of gourds:
url:http://www.umassvegetable.org/images/soils_crops_pest_mgt/crop/pumpkin1.jpg

Image of pumpkin:
FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Wait, How Much?

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:44:00 +0000

There are things that can be done to entertain the little ones. Some can be activities that don't cost anything to activities and events that can be costly. Such is the last statement this weekend. While it didn't hardly cost much to get in, I would say it was made up around lunch time. There was a kids fair in which my daughter and I took my grandson Jameson to. We arrived right at the opening of the doors to the coliseum.

There were vendors selling their wares at booths and booths to promote the good of the community such as child protection. Jameson spotted a booth that he wanted to check out. Here he is inside jumping around with other kids until we decided that kids would enevitably get hurt 'cause there were too many of them at one time. That's him in the plaid shorts.

While there were many, many booths to see, way at the back of the coliseum were carnival rides. Jameson spotted a ride that he really wanted to go on. The Airplanes. So I stood in line to purchase additional tickets for that one plus I got more for any other he spotted. He was so proud of himself "flying" that big ole' plane!

I had only enough tickets for 1 more ride for him to go on, by himself, 'cause that would've cost more, believe me! So we waited and waited in that line what seemed like an hour, until it was time for Jameson to ride the swings. He was so cute on them wasn't he?

After lunch (I guess you could call it that) consisting of a hot dog each,which was outrageously priced, and a small drink each, I figured out that I just spent equivalent to the price of admission just for lunch. No frugality here. I had forgotten how ridiculously overpriced food was at public places. Yikes! Next time, we'll sneak in our own lunch and drinks.

After a few hours and a much needed nap, we finally were heading towards the exit when Jameson discovered Cookie Monster. Now who could resist a cute picture with a Sesame Street character to tease him with when he's 16? I had to get it. So darn cute I tell you!

After trekking our way back to our car with a few weary family members, no longer had we been out of the parking lot and we looked back in his car seat and he was out! Out as in asleep! Fighting the crowds, a 2 1/2 year old, and let's just say lack of decent food, I was ready to be knocked out as well. Even though I had spent more than I had anticipated, it made up for it 'cause I think that Jameson had more fun that his Mom and I put together. Way more!!

Cherry Chicken Lettuce Wraps

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:27:00 +0000

Oh my goodness! I've found a recipe from Safeway that I want to try. This teriyaki chicken recipe never had it so good. Go ahead, you know you also want to try it.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite size pieces
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 pound dark sweet cherries, pitted and halved
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/3 cup toasted and sliced almonds
12 leaves of lettuce

Directions:

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ginger and chicken and saute until cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon oil, vinegar, teriyaki sauce and honey until mixed together. Add chicken mixture, cherries, carrot, green onion and almonds; toss together.

Serve by spooning a little of the chicken/cherry mixture onto the center of each lettuce leaf; roll up leaf around filling and serve.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Serves: 6

How I Made $250 In Less Than 30 Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 01:45:00 +0000

The other day, I noticed an advertisement in the paper about a new bank that just opened up in the neighborhood. They were giving away free money just to open up a checking account. On top of that, with each and every service attached to that account, the bank will deposit $25 extra dollars into that account. That was a deal that was too good to pass up.

I quickly went down and proceeded with the opening of my account. I put $25 in to start it ( I would have put it into the family account anyway, might as well put it to good use and get a return on that money).

I have the intention of taking that money that the bank will deposit and using it to help out with Christmas this year. I have to keep that in there for 90 days, exactly 2 weeks before Christmas, which works out perfect! I then can cancel after that.

After receiving my new checkbook, I only spent about 30 minutes inside the bank. I left knowing that I've got a great return on my own money I deposited. I feel a little more at ease with the struggling economy in knowing that I will have at least $250 to spend this Christmas.

Now that's how I made $250 in less than 30 minutes. Now that's a nice chunk of change.

Photo by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

3 Ways to Use Apples

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:35:00 +0000

We've all heard how an "apple a day keeps the doctor away", well, with the arrival of apple season, it's hard to stick to the one-a-day rule. Having had my apple cravings this month, here are three ways I've come across to use apples.

Use in Food:

Apple pie comes to mind. Need I say more?

Also Caramel Apples are a favorite this time of year. These are one of my favorites. Yum!!

Use in Activities:

Bobbing for apples can be a fun activity especially around Halloween. Take a bunch of apples and place in a container full of water. Without using your hands try and get an apple out of the container. This is a fun activity!

Have a Johnny Appleseed Birthday Party (born 9/26/1774) with apple snacks, such as applesauce, apple slices, dried apple rings, apple cookies, apple cake, apple pie, apple juice. Consider going to an orchard and picking your own apples then making your own treats. Plant some apple seeds and observe.

Make applesauce with the kids. Children can use plastic knives to chop up the apples. They will love this.

Make prints, cards or wrapping paper. Turn apples into decorative stamps by slicing the fruit horizontally, exposing the inside star shape. Or create more elaborate designs -- hearts, moons, Hitchcock's profile -- with a small knife. Then stick a fork in the rounded side of the fruit, dip it in paint and press the stamp on paper. Sounds fun!

Use in Beauty:

Whip up a facial mask. Treat your skin to an apple mask.

Combine one grated apple with honey, smooth the mixture on your face, then rinse it off after 10 minutes. For a pastier consistency, add some uncooked oatmeal.

Photos: courtesy by cardcow.com and kaboose.com

National Coupon Month

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:10:00 +0000

September is National Coupon Month.

Clipping and organizing coupons for as little as 20 minutes per week can save 20% off your grocery bill. Over the course of a year, this can add up -- with $1000 extra dollars in your pocket you can off-set rising food and gasoline prices.

Here are some interesting 2007 coupon facts according to the PMA Coupon Council:

89% of the United States population uses coupons.
Shoppers saved approximately $2.6 billion last year by using coupons.
The typical coupon was worth $1.25 savings in 2007.
Coupon users report an average of 7% savings on their grocery bill with coupons.
The typical family saves between $5.20 and $9.60 per week using coupons.
Manufacturers offered more than approximately $350 billion in coupon savings in 2007.

Since January, I've been tracking my grocery spending totals. I've spent over $3,000 on groceries and saved just under $2,000. That's a savings of 61%. If you break it down even further, that's spending only $83.00 per week for just 2 people. Can't beat that kind of savings!

Don't make just September be National Coupon Month. You can have that kind of savings last all year long!

70+ Uses For Vinegar

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:05:00 +0000

Did you know that there are over 70 uses for vinegar besides cooking? Yes, the vinegar that we all have in our cupboards. Along with using vinegar for cleaning or cooking, I will point out a few under each category, sparing you the other 65+ for now.

For Cleaning:

Cleans glass- Mixed with water or simply sprayed full-strength on glass and mirrors, vinegar does a great job quickly and easily. Simply wipe windows dry with crumpled-up newspapers . Your windows sparkle!

Clean and deodorize a garbage disposal -Make vinegar ice cubes and feed them down the disposal. After grinding, run cold water through. Vinegar ice cubes? Be careful not to offer your guests a drink with those ice cubes.

For Hair and Bath:

Cracked, dry skin- Smooth a little vinegar on dried skin to help it heal.

Bathwater-Add ½ cup of vinegar or so to warm bath water when bathing and get double benefits... softer skin and a cleaner bathtub with less work!

For Food and Cooking:

Fluffier meringues- Add 1 teaspoon vinegar for every three egg whites and you'll have fluffier meringues.

Boiling eggs -Add a bit of white vinegar to the water you're boiling your eggs in, and the shells won't crack.

For Gardening and Yard:

Kills grass-Undiluted vinegar will kill grass between bricks and sidewalk cracks.

Keep cats away- Sprinkle vinegar on areas you don't want the cat walking, sleeping, or scratching on. This one would be interesting.

For Health:

Mosquito bites- Use a cotton ball to dab mosquito and other bug bites with Heinz Vinegar straight from the bottle.

Sinus infections and head colds- Add 1/4 cup or more vinegar to the vaporizer.

For Pets:

Fish bowl cleaner- Eliminate that ugly deposit in the gold fish tank by rubbing it with a cloth dipped in vinegar and rinsing well.

Pet's drinking water- Add a teaspoon of vinegar to your pet's drinking water to encourage a shinier coat, and reduce odor. Haven't tried this one for fear of the cat killing over.

A Partnership With Nature

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:18:00 +0000

When a man plants a seed, nature proceeds to complete the work. So as a seed is dropped into the soil, if often lies for a long time. But with a dose of water, sunshine, and soil, the seed sprouts and pushes forward into the maturity it was meant to be. So it is with our children. When we raise them to hopefully become respectable, mature adults, with love and respect, in essence we've planted that seed.

And so it is with nature ...

These are my small bell peppers that are just now maturing after about 4 months. They've been through a lot with the Arizona summer, the monsoon season, and not to mention getting hit with a ball. They've seamed to be pulling through unscathed.

Autumn Casserole

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:44:00 +0000

I'm starting to gather up recipes for the upcoming holiday seasons and came across this Fall recipe from Taste of Home. Instead of making this for a holiday, I thought it looked delicious to make anytime of the year. Can you tell from Saturday's post about the Autumn Handprint Wreath that I'm awaiting the arrival of Fall?

Ingredients:

3 cups sliced unpeeled tart apples
3 cups sliced carrots, cooked
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup orange juice

Directions:

Place half the apples in a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Cover with half the carrots.

In a bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly; sprinkle half over apples and carrots. Repeat layers. Pour orange juice over all.

Bake uncovered at 350° for 30-35 minutes.

Yield: 6 servings.

Autumn Handprint Wreath

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:00:00 +0000

I was looking for an activity to do with my grandson to keep him entertained this weekend and came across this one by DLTK.com. I think I may have found the perfect age appropriate activity. It's one that is sure to be a hit.

Materials needed:

glue
scissors
yellow, orange, and red construction paper.

Directions:

There are two ways to do this craft.

Ttrace the child's hand onto paper and cut out the prints

Make paint handprints on the paper and cut those out.

Make nine handprints (3 of each color). Cut out the prints and glue to form a wreath.

You can decorate the wreath further with pictures (like leaves, pumpkins or corn, or candy corn). Some of these decorations can be stickers, hand drawn artwork by the children, pictures from coloring books or magazines.

Frugal Grocery Shopping Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:31:00 +0000

When shopping for groceries or for other items, there are a few tips that you should remember:

Avoid buying non-food items such as detergent, toothpaste, shampoo, napkins, and facial tissues at the grocery store, unless there is a really good deal. Usually you can get these items much cheaper at your discount or warehouse stores.

Always do your grocery shopping alone. Keep the husband and the kids home. This way you will spend less money.

If you have storage space, stock up on staples when they are on sale. You can then "shop" in your own "general store" when you run out.

Plan your meals in advance and try not to go to the grocery store without a shopping list.

Don't trust the register scanners at the check-outs. They have been known to make mistakes. Trust me, I know. When possible, know the price of what you're buying, and watch it scan.

You can also save money on mileage as well as your time by picking one day a week to do all of your shopping. You can plan out your most gas saving route by doing this.

Photo by grocerylists.org

5 Things To Do With A Library Card-Check It Out

noreply@blogger.com (Karin:) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:48:00 +0000

Celebrate September by signing up for a free library card. September is National Library Card Sign Up Month. What better way to celebrate libraries than to do just that? There are many things you can do with your own library card. Take a look below.

Check out books:

This month has been an interesting one with the hurricanes and the presidential campaigning underway. If this is what you want to learn about, look for books about weather or hurricanes. If you want to learn about Government at the local and national levels, why not check out a book about just that. There are so many books to read and just as many subjects to learn about. If you're anything like me, I could spend hours in a library just wandering through the vast aisles of information.

Activities:

A public library has activities for the very young up to the elderly alike. Some of the these activities include baby storytimes, toddler and school-aged programs. There are game nights, crafts that you can do with your children or for yourself, films to watch, and musical performance groups to listen to. Check with your local library to view their activities for the month.

Computer Access:

Having access to a computer can be valuable if you don't have one at home. Children can do their homework at the library and if they need to look for reference books, etc., they can do so right there without having to drive back to the library. Adults too can have access to a computer at the library.

Movies & DVD's:

Have you every watched a movie or DVD from your local library? You can while saving money at the same time. It doesn't cost anything to check out any movies or DVD's. They usually have quite a selection to choose from. Think of all the money you saved instead of renting them from a nationally recognized store.

Workshops & Lectures:

Learning something new is always a good thing, even presented at the library. There are local and sometimes even national speakers that you can listen to for free. These classes are educational and informative as well. There are book discussion groups and also, book authors sometimes have book signings at the library.

So take the time this month to sign up for your library card if you havent' done so. Take advantage of this wonderful service that is provided to you. You never know what you might read, watch, have fun doing, or listen to. You might even learn something. Check it out!