March Challenge ...

This year, 2011, is my year for getting organized.  One of the things on my list was making a Household Binder.  A binder that contains all kinds of information that we need on a daily, weekly and/or monthly basis. 

One of my favorite blogs - iHeart Organizing - is doing a March Challenge.  Guess what it is?  To get a binder done.  Now .. here we go.  I am up for the challenge.  There are several that I want to work on for this month and look forward to getting it done.  Jen .. is great at getting things organized.  Of how I wish she could come to my house.  She is also offering her templates FREE for the month of March ONLY!!  Go check it out .....

Financial Binder - iHeart Organizing

Here is a list of binders to get your started.  I got this list from that I have taken from different places.  This is a few ideas to help get you and me started.  The bold ones are the ones that I want to really work on this month.

• Freezer Inventory
• Fridge Inventory
• Pantry Inventory
• Storage Inventory
• Important School Information/Schedules
• Movie Inventory
• Cleaning Checklist
• Menu Planning
• Finances/Bill Payment Checklist
• Product Warranty Information
• Important Contact Numbers {Contractor, Plumber, Electrician, Yard Maintenance, Financial Advisor, Home and Auto Insurance, Poison Control, Neighbors, etc…}
• Travel Checklist
• Idea Lists/To Do Lists
• Home Inspiration/Paint Swatches/Fabric Swatches etc…
• Blog Posts
• Credit Card and ID Information
• “Weekend Wish List”
• Important Dates to Remember
• CPR Instructions
• Emergency Pack List
• Business Cards/Vendors
• Take Out Menus
• Local Produce Availability
• Personal Goals/Resolutions
• Parenting Resources
• Family Sizes and Measurements
• Computer Log Names/Passwords
• Calendar
• Kid’s Daily Schedule/Routine
• Kid’s Wish Lists
• Greeting Card Checklist
• Medical History
• Auto Maintenance Log
• Financial
• Family Binder

Binder Ideas - iHeart Organizing

Are you up for the challenge???   Do you already have Home Management Binders?  What do yours look like?  I would love to see and hear about your ideas. Can't wait to get started on mine ... will post pictures of my work in progress and when done. 

Lisa 

Super Saturday Shopping ...

Well, my sister and I went to Publix today instead of this coming Monday.  I have a bus meeting on Monday, when we usually go.  We had another great day of shopping, even though it is raining outside.  It didnt' stop us from getting what deals are out there.

This week at Publix you can get bags of Kibbles & Bits for free or as low as .49 cents.  They have them BOGO and you can print a couple from Coupons for $2.50 off ONE bag.  This is definitely a STOCK UP!!

My total purchase was $218.86 -- I paid $85.43 and SAVED $133.43!!! 

Can't wait to see what next week holds ... What good deals are you finding???

Relaxation .... Taking care of ME

Do you take time to take care of yourself?  Do you feel selfish when you do take time to relax? 

I think as mom's we all have, at one time or other, not taken time to take care of ourselves.   However, it is really important to take time out of our busy lives to tend to the mom, in the family.  How do we, mom, take time out of our hectic schedule to take time to take care of ourselves?  This is a simple question, but can be a hard one.  How much time do we take?  What should we do?

There are times in my life that I am taking care of everyone else and forget to take care of me.  What with the kids needing me to do something for them and then there is the husband.  Oh and don't forget the dog .. lol. Even they need me to take care of them.  Then there is the laundry, house to be cleaned, meals to be cooked, errands to be ran and then the part time jobs I am doing.  Shoot I hardly have time to work in my exercise and God time.  Now, I am needing to find more time to make sure I am taken care of.

Well, I did just that today.  I love to take nice long, hot baths and I usually take them at night, but today I decided to take one this morning.  Oh how nice!!   Everyone is gone either to school or work .. just me and the dog.  I ran a HOT bath .. fixed me some hot tea .. got my Bible and set off for the spa (my bathroom).  Oh I wish I could tell you just how nice it was ... no kids to come and knock on my door to just ask a question that could have waited.   After reading my scripture of the day .. I just cleared my mine and listened to the stillness.  Then Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God .." came to my mind and it made me think about how God wants us to be still so we can listen to Him. 

I like to do different things to relax and try to un-wind from my busy schedule.  Of course, hot bath is at the top, but some other things are .. sitting in a rocker chair on my back porch .. taking a leisure walk by myself ... or just going to bed early.  It doesn't matter what you chose to do, you just have to do it.  It can be as simple as 5 minutes, but sometimes we have to take more, just depends on your life.

So here is a challenge for you and for me.  To find sometime for yourself.  Some really relaxing and quiet time.   I am making an appointment with myself at least twice a month to take care of myself.  If I don't .. who will be around to take care of everyone else?     

Shopping day at Publix ...

My sister and I go to Publix's on Monday.  We go with out list and coupons in hand.  It makes it easier to go with each other, because if one doesn't have a coupon for something, the other one will.  We help each other out. 

Today was a good day.  I got to stock up on a few things .. love when you can do that.  I will start posting my shopping trips and how much I saved.  I haven't learned everything, but I am getting there. 

I spent $99 out of pocket and saved $132!!!!

Household Monday ...

In thinking about my post today ... about the big picture of getting out of debt.  I thought about all the little steps we can do to get to the bigger picture.  I think it is the smaller things we can do to get out of debt faster.  Things like; making coffee at home, instead of  stopping at Starbucks - that along could save you hundreds.  What about taking your lunch to work or school instead of eating out?  I know from experience, when I use to work, could save you anywhere from $5.00 to $10.00 per day.  That could quickly add up. 

I am already doing a lot of the smaller things to help my family get out of debt.  But one area that I am really working on is in my grocery bill.  I have always done a budget amount for groceries but most months have gone over it.  I can remember months charging my groceries.  (I know .. not smart .. if I had only known then what i know now!!)  Thank goodness I have finally learned.  So for the past month or so I have really been trying hard to stay in my grocery budget. 

I have always done coupons, and for the most part, thought I was doing good.  I mean, I was saving about $20 to $30 per shopping visit.  Thanks good, right?  Well, I thought so .. until my sister and I went to  coupon workshop.  OH MY GOODNESS!!   I learned that I can save much much more, just by changing a few simple things.   Here are a couple of things that I learned: 

1 - Don't go to the store with your "Need list" -- you need to go to the store with your "Use list".  This was an eye opener for me.   You want to look through the sales papers and find what is on sale that you use and stock up!!  For example:  mayonaise, ketchup, laundry detergent, etc.  These are the things that we use alot of, so when the items are at rock bottom prices, I stock up.   You want to buy enough for 10 to 12 weeks.  That is usually how long it takes for an item to go back on sale. 

2 - Never ever buy anything at full price.  You wait until the items goes on sale.  That is why you stock up.  If you have to keep going to the store to buy items that you "need" you are paying full price.  Take cereal for example -- if you get it when you run out you will be paying anywhere from $4.50 and up per box.  They will put it on sale for under $2.00

Tune in next week for more tips on "How to cut your grocery bill".  You dont' want to miss it.

Weight Loss Wednesday

I can't tell you how much I love the WII fit plus!!  Way too much fun!!  Some of those games are really fun and some of them are really hard.  Heck, my daughter is better at some of them.  I already have my favorites and the ones I really don't like.  I love the steps, boxing and getting to like the kung fu. 

In just a week .. I am already done 2 pounds!!!  I am so excited!!!  

Did you watch the Biggest Loser last night?  Man, I just cried.  Marci, is a great person, but she has lost so much weight and there are others there that need to lose much much more.   Each time I watch it just makes me want to lose so much more.   I just love the show ... my favorite right now is Hannah.  I have made a connection to her.  Who is your favorite?

Let's get moving .... make the right choices!!!  We can do this!!!

Thoughts for today ...

Ok .. I am totally in love with the WII fit Plus!!  It is great!!  It makes exercising fun and entertaining.  You can chose all different kinds of things to do.  That is what I like.  You dont' have to do the same thing over and over. 

I have already lost 1.5 pounds!!!  WHOOO!! HOOOO!!!  That sure does make me feel good and keeps me motivated to keep getting on that WII!! 

I am still reading the book by Joyce Meyer  "Power Thoughts".  I just haven't had a lot of time to do much reading.  Hopefully things will slow down in the next couple of weeks and I can get back to reading.  I did want to share something that I read the other day. 

Throw away your excuse bag!  Go get a 'can-do bag' and fill it with biblical, faith-filled reasons you can do what you need to do.  Stop making excuses and start doing what God is telling you to do.  Stop looking at all your weaknesses because His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.  It is through our weaknesses and inability that God shows His strength.  God actually chooses people on purpose who absolutely cannot do what He is asking them to do unless they allow Him to do it through them.  You don't need ability, you need availability and a 'can-do' attitude.

God gives you strength.  Nothing is too much for you when He is on your side.

Recipe Friday ....

I have been thinking about what recipe to share today.  I am going to share one of my family favorite things.  Honey Mustard Dressing.  This is the best!!  It tastes alot like O'Charley's Honey Mustard.  And it is sooo easy to make.  I usually make a bunch and keep in the refrigerator.  Hope you and your family enjoys.  Thank you to Lady & Sons for the recipe.

Honey Mustard Dressing

3/4 cup mayonnaise
3 Tbsp. honey
2 Tbsp. mustard
1 Tbsp. lemon juice or juice from 1/2 lemon
Horseradish to taste
2 Tbsp. orange juice (more or less as needed)

Combine all ingredients except for orange juice; stir well. Thin to pouring consistency with orange juice.  Cover and chill for 2 to 3 hours.

** All I put in mine is the mayo, honey & mustard and it is really good with just those three ingredients.  I have also, but haven't done it, to try different types of mustard.  **

Weight Loss Wednesday

Now that my Thyroid is running better.  It is time to get back to business of getting this weight off.   No more fooling around ... No more excuses. Which by the way, I have a million of them. 

Biggest Loser, which is one of my favorite shows, was really good last night.  One of the trainers, I think it was Bob, said "Your destiny is waiting on you to turn the corner".   (or something close to that)  My destiny isn't going to happen all by itself.   My corner isn't going to turn all by itself. 

I have to take the time for myself.  I do for everyone else but dont' take time to care for myself.  Who is going to take care of these people if I am gone?  

So let's get with it .... back to the basics.  Calories in ... calories out!!   I am going to start writing down my food intake.  I bought the WII fit plus yesterday and can't wait to hook it up and get moving.  I am really excited about it.    Going back to eating at the table!!!  This habit is hard to break .. love eating at the computer.  And WATER .. WATER .. WATER!!! 

Let's get going ..... Lord be with me .. and you on our journey to a healthier lifestyle!!!

Household Monday ....

Well ... it feels great to be back among the living.  It feels nice to have my thyroid running half way descent.  Now, maybe if I would keep a better check on it ... it won't get so out of sorts. 

In my quest to become better organized in the year ... I am not doing so good.   I have fallen behind on my monthly organization challenges.  I haven't done really bad, but I have lost focus.  I was going to have my daughters room done by now, but we haven't finished.  It is not totally my fault.  I am waiting on a lady to get a desk  painted for her room.  Found one a resale shop and  she is going to refinish it and paint it white, but we are still waiting on it.  Got to get some shelves to hang up too.  It sure does look better though. 

And for the month of February, I was going to get my sons room done.  I haven't even started on it.  Maybe in the next couple of weeks we can get his done.  It wont' take as long because he just wants one color and some little paint decorations.  His will look really cool too!!  When it is done ... lol 

I am doing better with my budget!!!  YEA!!  I am really proud of myself ....  I have always cut coupons but never really got the hang of it.  I would always save a few here and few there, but nothing really big.  My sister and I went to a work shop and learned so much.  I figured out what I was doing wrong.  Holy cow!!  I am totally saving money and my kitchen is full of food.  I am trying to get my grocery budget under $600 per month and so far this month, I under.  Not a whole lot, but I am not over, which I normally am.  I cant' wait to have that extra money to go towards a bill to help get us out of debt sooner.  That would be fabulous!!  I am going to try to start taking pictures of my shopping trips.  I am not the best at this yet, but I am doing really good.  Went to Publix today and saved $87 and spent $84 ... got stocked up on laundry detergent and a few other items.  Just think .. before the workshop I would have only saved about $20 in coupons.   To be continued .....

Expired Coupons

What do you do with your expired coupons?  I have always thrown mine away until I found that the military can use them.  Here is some infomation about sending your expired coupons:

• Coupons are accepted under the same conditions that are stated on the coupon
• Store coupons can not be accepted at commissaries…only manufacturer coupons
• Expired coupons can be used only at overseas commissaries (up to 6 months).  Otherwise they must be in date.
• Commissaries do not double or triple coupons.
• Internet coupons are acceptable as long as they are manufacturer coupons.
• When sending expired (or any) coupons to overseas commissaries, please cut them out of the insert before sending.

This is a great activity to involve your kids.  Not only is it an opportunity to have a conversation about the sacrifice our military makes for our freedom, but you will also receive a Thank You note several weeks after sending them. You can send coupons you aren’t going to use or expired coupons to:

Kristi Seigrist, Family Services Coordinator
48 FSS/FSFR
Unit 5200, Box 105
APO, AE 09461For more information, visit http://www.commissaries.com/

Weekly Menu

Sunday  - Meatloaf, mashed pot., green beans

Monday  - chicken fingers covered in chips

Tuesday  -  Baseball game

Wednesday  - Stoffer's Lasagna (I usually make mine homemade,but I got these for such a deal)

Thursday  - pork chops

Friday -  Baseball game

Saturday  -  Taco Soup (new recipe)

March Bible Schedule

1.   Numbers 7
2.   Numbers 8-10
3.   Numbers 11-13
4.   Numbers 14-15
5.   Numbers 16-18
6.   Numbers 19-21
7.   Numbers 22-24
8.   Numbers 25-26
9.   Numbers 27-29
10. Numbers 30-31
11. Numbers 32-33
12. Numbers 34-36
13. Deuteronomy 1-2
14. Deuteronomy 3-4
15. Deuteronomy 5-7
16. Deuteronomy 8-10
17. Deuteronomy 11-13
18. Deuteronomy 14-17
19. Deuteronomy 18-21
20. Deuteronomy 22-25
21. Deuteronomy 26-28
22. Deuteronomy 29:1-31:29
23. Deuteronomy 31:30-34:12
24. Joshua 1-4
25. Joshua 5-8
26. Joshua 9-11
27. Joshua 12-14
28. Joshua 15-17
29. Joshua 18-19
30. Joshua 20-22
31. Joshua 23 - Judges 1

There is a light at the end of the tunnel ...

That light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer and closer.  I am really starting to feel so much better.  My energy level is getting there and things are starting to work like they should.  Thank you Jesus!!! 

With things starting to look up .. the pounds are coming back off.  While my thyroid was out of wack,  I gained about 10 pounds .. most of it was swelling.  I am just thankful that the pounds are coming off. 

Speaking of pounds coming off ... I am so tired of being over weight.  And I am the only one that can do anything about it.  I have gone back to my old habits .. the ones that I was working so hard in changing.  But I am back on track ... the first thing is going back to eating at the kitchen table.  I really believe that this one will help me in my journey to lose weight.  And the other one is drinking more WATER!!  Even though I really don't like to drink water .. I am praying that the Lord will make me thirsty for the taste of water. 

I am also going to buy the WII fit.  I have been wanting it but just wouldn't let myself spend the money.  Well .. I am going  sometime today and buying.  I am ready to LOSE WEIGHT!!! 

I will keep you posted in how it is coming along .. I am back on my journey!!! 

You are only a failure if you stop trying.