CVS -- pretty good deals Today!

First and foremost, check out Simply CVS (google it...).  Fantastic site that will get you up and ready for CVS and the most current deals!

ECB = Extra Care Bucks (good as CASH on your next trip! (or transaction); no change, so don't forget that!)
MC = Manufacturer Coupons (P = Printable, SP = Sunday Paper, E = Ebay "purchased" coupon)



6.49 -- total! to to shabby!

 I did two transactions, you will see why once you read down:

Transaction 1:
H&S Shampoo (ECB 2.50)  4.99 - 1.00 MC (SP)= 3.99
Reach Floss .99 - 1.00 MC (P) = FREE (Coupon reduced to .99)
Reach Floss .99 - 1.00 MC (P) = FREE (Coupon reduced to .99)

Total before coupons: $6.97
With Coupons: 3.99
Final Price: 3.99
ECB: 2.50 (for next transaction)
PLUS! 5.00 off $15 purchase! (this was a RANDOM coupon, but happens A LOT at CVS!)

Transaction 2:
** all of these were part of a buy $15, receive $5.00 ECB's)**
Cottonelle (box; sale, 3/$4) ) 2
Cottonelle (refill 3/$4) 4
     = $8.00 for cottenelle products - (4) .50 MC (P)
Clorox Wipes (2/$4) = 4.00 - (2) 1.00 MC (P) = 2.00
Tilex (2/$4) = 4.00 - (2) 1.00 MC (P) = 2.00

Total before coupons: 16.00
with coupons: $10
minus ECB (prior trans) and CVS coupon: 2.50
Final price: 2.50
ECB= 5.00 (for next time! woohoo!)

I will say that some sites "factor in" the ECB as the final dollar (meaning, the last transaction would have been a $2.50 "money maker" ... but I don't see it as that.... i want to know EXACTLY ever cent I'm spending; hence not factoring in the ECB's in the final value.

Let me know what you think!
Cyndie

2 more shopping trips, and money to be saved!

So I decided to stop posting (and annoying) people with all of my "good deals" from the stores; instead I will post them here, then link it to my facebook.  (Follow me if you can! I'd really love to have more followers via blogger/gmail)

My first trip was to Albertsons.

1 -  6 pack of water 11 imperial margarine packs of sticks 5 Kraft bbq sauce 2 loaves of bread 2 mayos 2 laundry detergents 2 Sunday Papers (Coupons!) ===================== 11.02 Seriously! The margarine was .49 ea when you buy any 10 participating items.  the bbq sauce was a part of that same sale and they were .99 ea (I had 5  coupons for .75 off each, so .25 each!) Mayo was on the sale, but I didn't have a coupon, so they were still 1.49 ea The laundry was in the sale as well, and I had -1.25 coupon off of sale price (2.99-1.25= 1.74 each!) The bread was "regular price" at .99 each, and the papers were 2.00 each water was 1.00 (I had a 1.00 coupon = FREE) Obviously that doesn't add up -- thats because I had a $10 coupon off of my purchase (a catalina) -- so It was 11.02 total! My next trip was to Smiths (Kroger Affiliate) Smiths had a similar sale to Albertsons; buy any 10 participating items get a discount price (or 5.00 off -- same thing) The Philly cooking cream was 1.99 ea (on sale w/ buy any 10) and I had two -1.50 coupons = .49 c each! The dannon yogurt was 1.49 ea (on sale w/ buy any 10) and I had five -1.00 coupons = .49 c each Then I "filled in" with the powerade for .39 c each 3.75 total (with all coupons and "smiths" discounts) Crazy right? Well, That was my shopping adventure for today... Let me know what you think! Cyndie

Coupon-ing -- not just for your grandma!!!

Alright ladies, here it is.  My coupon-ing adventure. 
It all started about a month ago when I realized that I was tired of paying full price, or even the "sale" price at the grocery store.  Part of me wanted to give up and just go to Wal-mart ... but the other part of me saw this as a challenge.  I now shop cheaply at grocery stores (Smiths -- kroger affiliate; Safeway; Albertsons, Target, & CVS).  It takes time, A LOT of organization, and some storage room. There are a few "start up" costs involved, such as Sunday Papers (yes, plural), An organizational system of your choice (I chose the binder method), ink (computer printing coupons -- it's the best way to go!), and perhaps a shopping adventure for coupons via the Internet (mainly ebay, but other 'clipping services' are available).



My Coupon Binder.  Notice the tabs
(21) and handmade pockets. (You
can purchase this from me for 20.99 plus
shipping! Read the article for more
details)  Each additional Pocket page
is .50 c each 

 Ok, first and foremost: organization of the binder coupon file. Those cute little accordion files you see for $1 at Micheal's and Target? STAY AWAY.  They aren't big enough -- especially if you are going hardcore.  You want to be able to see your coupons and expiration dates.  My recommendation is to stay away from the cute accordion file (or even the bigger ones).  Go the binder method. 

Get a nice 2-3 in binder with a zipper closure and some sort of pockets on the inside and outside.  Dividers that are durable and have pockets are a must!! You want to put these in sections that you are comfortable with; such as numbers 1-24, or groupings of popular items (baby, freezer, breakfast, health, beauty, etc...). You will also need either premade baseball card slots (with 9 pockets on each side), or handmade pockets. I made my own pockets, b/c i wanted larger pockets (the baseball ones are super tiny).  I am going to start selling zipper binders complete with dividers (21) and handmade pockets (21) (the binders will vary in color, but I'll do my best to get you close to a color you want; the binders start at 20.99 plus 4.00 shipping (or 9.00 for priority mail) -- email me at cdeurmeier@gmail.com if you would like to place an order.  Binders will take at least a week to arrive)

COUPONS! I need COUPONS!

Next is to cut, search, download coupons.  You will find a plethora of blogs online that devote themselves to couponing and saving money.  Google one or more of the following to find amazing deals!

- Totally Target


My Smith's Adventure: 24.04... Seriously!
Milk - FREE (bought cereal [4 - used coupons] = free milk!
Powerade .39 c each (bought 36)
Pasta -- all free! On sale, paired with coupons
Classico Pasta sauce -- on sale for 1.49,
had coupon for -1.00 ea! (used four coupons)

 - Coupon Divas
- Hooked on Bargains
- The Krazy Coupon Lady
- Simply CVS

coupon sites:
- smartsource
- redplum
- cellfire
- target.com

All of these sites are bookmarked in my browser -- so I can check these sites daily for good deals.  Coupon printing is limited to the first two prints (per computer), and you will find amazing deals on facebook too! (I downloaded a coupon for 2.00 off challenge butter -- it's 1.98 at walmart! = FREE)

You can also use a clipping service, or ebay.  Now ,"supposedly" you aren't paying for the coupons, just for the time to search, clip, and mail the coupons... but funny how high dollar coupons cost more.  At anyrate -- I usually get the Sunday paper, find out if I really should buy more of those coupons -- and spend less than 4 bucks to have 5 SmartSource coupon packs to me.  It's really not that bad of a deal when you consider how much you will receive.  I also bought bulk amounts of certain coupons ( i.e. 2.00 off of dentastix for the dog ... meaning i paid less than $1 per bag of treats -- I now have MORE than a year supply).

Cut, print, collect your coupons...then separate them on the table, floor wherever, into your specific groupings that you have in your binder.  Then, use those handy divider pockets -- put those piles of coupons in the pockets, then after that -- place them in the pockets. 

Now, that is how to organize, how about how to use those handy dandy coupons?

Check and print out all coupon policies for the stores you plan to shop at; read through them, and keep them in your binder.  Stores like target and CVS take "stacked coupons." and walmart honors those stacked coupons.  But you have to do it in a certain way.

Stacked coupons:

scenario --
Bounty paper towels at target:
Reg price 15.47, on sale for 10.00
- 1.00 Target coupon
- 1.00 manufactures coupon
= 8.00 for paper towels

Hand your target coupons first, then manufactures coupons. 

If you plan to use this method at walmart -- hand the target first (they will adjust the price) then the manufactures coupon -- that will deduct from the price. 

I know this is super confusing -- but you will get the hang of it!

Coupon the heck out of a sale:

Sign up for all of the "coupon cards" or shoppers cards for each store you visit (such as Kmart, CVS, Grocery stores, etc)

Look for cheap buys (typically on the front page of the weekly brochure for a store), such as 10 for 10 deals, or buy 10 of these items, get 5.00 off, and pair those sales with coupons.  I "bought" free pasta today!! The pasta was regularly 2.99, it was 'on sale' for 1.49; if I bought 10 participating items (mix and match) i could get the pasta for .49/ a box.  I had coupons 1.00 off two boxes -- meaning the pasta was free....

A little on "CVS-ing"
First and foremost -- bookmark "simply CVS." her site is AMAZING! 
Second: Get a CVS extra care card.
CVS Lingo: ECB = Extra Care Bucks -- Money you earn off of shopping

Look on her website for "how to start" CVSing.  Also, check out her 5 and $10 scenarios for getting started at CVS.  -- I'm addicted! 

Stockpiling:

should i stockpile? YES! Even if you only have the small area in a closet, find space, and stockpile.  Buy ahead -- this will save you a lot of money.  If you have an extra freezer -- even better! (I'm saving for one!)  I use a Food Saver to freeze meats and cheese...



Part of my stockpile.  Here is a sampling of my
deals: Dog treats ($1 ea), starkist tuna (.39c ea)
Gummies (.49 each), Fruit roll ups (free!), Pasta
(most for free! no more than .49 c a bag!), Cereal
(ALL less than 1.00 each)

 For instnace, if pasta is on sale this week (or free!) buy as much as you need for the next 3-6 months.  Check expiration dates; dig to the back of the shelf and get the latest expiration date as possible. 

Another thing to stockpile is health/beauty items.  I paired target coupons with manufacturer coupons and "purchased" free mascara -- I now have a 6 month supply!  Also, look for clearance items at target (end caps!!) and pair target coupons with manufactures to get even more of a deal!  I purchased 10 bars of my fav soap for 2.00 (It was originally 8; marked down to 4, -$1 coupon (target) and -$1 manufactures coupon.  2.00 for almost a year supply of soap! crazy, right?

Stockpile the heck out of things such as: pasta, cereal (check expiration's!) laundry detergent, dish washing detergent, health/beauty items (shampoo, soap), diapers, wipes ... the list is almost endless.


Ok, I hope I haven't confused you too much!! I'm sure I have missed something, so contact me! You can email me at cdeurmeier@gmail.com or asouthernlegacy@gmail.com if you ever have any questions.  I will post more later...but hopefully this helps a little bit.

Keep motivated! You CAN do this!
Cyndie :)

This is what my pantry looks like ... c'mon -- read it. be nosey!

The.Pantry.   (by the way -- click on the pictures to see them larger!)

Yes, It's my pantry.  Now,  you may think I straightened everything to show it to my blog, but you are quite wrong my friend! This is how it looks every day of the week.  I know it seems a (little) OCD ...but lets face it -- how awesome is it to open up a cabinet and know exactly where everything is?  I also have a running log in my purse of items that I have, I'm running low on, and "in desperate need." 

I buy a lot in bulk to avoid having a high bill every two weeks of groceries.  Right now we are eating at right under 100 every two weeks, but I plan on cutting that -- by a lot.  I have enough beef and chicken in the freezer to last two months. I purchase when it's on sale, costco, etc., ... cook it up, and freeze it.  The best thing I got for Christmas was a foodsaver.  It's more like a life saver -- and I highly recommend investing in one!

I have pictures of all of the pantry shelves, except for two... not sure why I missed two.  I think I was just trying to get the gist of the pantry -- not overload you with crazy pictures.  

I'm also showing you my medicine shelf.  (the baskets are from walmart -- $1 each and I can reach them!).  I'm quite short and my eyeline is barely on the bottom of cabinets, much less to see whats in baskets ... so I purchased these small handled baskets that I can pull down when I need something.  (if you notice in the main pantry picture you will see my coveted stool -- I use it daily! 

One of my favorite cabinets is the corner cabinet: spices and baking items.  I know it looks insanely straight -- but that's how I keep it.  Otherwise I'll never know what I have.  I also write the expiration date on EVERYTHING.  If I'm feeling really OCD I'll also write it in my planner.  I really do this for medicine, but occasionally you will find that my parsley will expire in November of this year. 

Ok, well I think I've given a pretty descent tour of my kitchen storage areas...

Love to all!

Cyndie

Sewing -- it's not perfect but it's made by me...

So, I've been procrastinating for a while (partly b/c of my headaches, partly because my craft room is a wreck...) but I finally completed two projects tonight.  One, was an elephant onesie for a dear friend.  She found the outline of an elephant she liked, and I added the houndstooth (signature Coach Bear Bryant) hat.  The hat is hand cut to fit each unique elephant.  The elephants are also hand cut, but traced onto some heatbond fusible sewable webbing.  I use an applique stitch on my plain sewing machine to sew each applique on.  The hardest part is curves: because you have to put the needle down, raise the presser foot, turn the material, and lower the presser foot.  Sometimes this happens and i can only go one stitch -- you really have to concentrate.  But the result is worth it, and I feel they are unique and "un perfect" in their own way.  I love using my embroidery machine to applique -- but this is my favorite way to applique -- almost by hand :).

Now, this friend of mine also asked me to create something quite unique for her son: a cape.  Now, normally a cape would be super easy but this wasn't just any cape -- it was an ACU shirt cape.  These are the t-shirts worn by our soldiers with their "acu" (or digitized camo) uniforms.  This little boy's wish was special -- because his daddy is deployed right now, and he currently wears a regular ACU shirt as a cape -- but it falls off.  The mom asked me to make a cape out of an ACU shirt.  "Luckily" my hubbs spent 5 years in the army (and 4 at USMA) and has quite a collection of these shirts.  I also put the "S" for superman on the back of the cape -- at the wish of my dear friend.  The "S" is traced from the logo online, and then hand cut.  the hardest part of this portion of the process was the yellow fabric.  I had to cut out the "negative" portion using the yellow fabric, then pin each portion on -- ironing after I finished.  Of course all of this (red and yellow) has heat n bond on the back so that it's easier to fuse to the fabric, and sew on when I'm finished.

Well, that's all I did tonight --  it took me roughly 3 hours to complete both projects...

I hope they inspire you to do some projects :)

Cyndie....

My latest cooking adventures: Applesauce & Cookies! (but not together)

Well, two posts in two days! I'm getting better at this ... maybe?

So, my first adventure was applesauce.  Why? because I was tired of all the junk in regular applesauce -- even 'natural.' So, i thought "why not make your own...can't be too hard..."  A good friend (B.H.) gave me confidence (b/c she said it was easy...) and so finally got the courage.  I searched the Internet, but didn't find what I was looking for -- so I decided to combine a few ideas, and just go with it. 

I peeled, cored, and sliced 10 lbs of organic red delicious apples (8.99/10 lbs @ Costco).  It took a while -- but I threw some awful reality show on tv and just watched TV from the Kitchen counter.  For every quart (4 cups) of apples, I tossed in 1/3 cup of water.  I added more if I think it needed it...but the apples really don't need it.  Now, the 10 lbs of apples didn't fit -- so I had to make two batches.  So I tossed them in the crock pot and put it on high for 6 hours ... stirring every once and a while (although you don't have to... i just was excited).  Most recipes called to mash them with a potato masher -- but i found a whisk was SO much easier!  Once you mash the apples up, put them in a glass or pottery type bowl and let it cool all of the way down (I threw it in the fridge for a few hours).  Then gather up some of the ball freezer cups (see picture, 3.00/4 at walmart).  These are amazing! Make sure you leave an inch or so of room for the sauce to expand.  Applesauce when made by itself (notice i used NO spices, sugars) is VERY brown.  Annabeth wanted nothing to do with it, but eventually she tried it, and LOVED it... 

 

   

I also tried to find a good cookie reciepe -- you know the kind, the ones that look like pepperidge farm made it, or from a deluxe bakery.  And low and behold I found (and tested) this recipe: Cookies! This is the BEST recipe I have found.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• If you are in high altitude -- add 1/2 cup of flour
• Be sure to follow the melting of the butter and cooling -- this helps ALOT with the process
• Cool the dough (pre - chocolate chips) in fridge for an hour or so until it hardens
• add chocolate chips (i used mini ones -- 1/2 a bag) by hand (no mixers!!) after dough has "toughed up"
• There is a specific thing she says in there about 1/4 a cup and pulling them apart -- DO IT.  I did it both ways (with a spoon, and just dolloping them on the cookie sheet, and then her way) and it made ALL of the difference in the world! 
• use parchment paper (wax paper is not the same thing) or cooking spray -- no non-treated pans -- you will burn them
• do not remove the cookies from the pan immediately after they have cooked -- let them completely cool on the cookie sheet -- then you can move them to a plate -- don't waste your cooling racks... that's just something else to wash.

Well, that's all I have for now....

Have a great Friday night!! 

 

Cyndie 

Attempting to: make money, clean house, and have fun (And Annabeth's chorechart too!)

So, as most of my friends know, I received an embroidery machine from Matt & his parents.  I absolutely love it!  It's actually a combo machine (sewing and embroidery) but I already have a Brother 6000i to sew with, and I'll save the Brother SE 400 as the specialty machine. 

I've always loved color matching and choosing fabrics, so making the gifts and kids clothes has been really fun.  Appliqueing is a time consuming process, if you don't already know that.  For the basic letter it takes roughly 30 mins, if you have everything ready (fabric prepped, etc).  For the more intricate designs (i.e. the monkey) ... it takes about an hour.  I did two monkey's in the set (pictured to the side) and each took roughly an hour.  It's a simple process, but one you can't leave unattended.  The most time consuming part has to be the cutting of the fabric.  Once you make the first "stitch patterns" of the design,  you lay the fabric down, it does another stitch pattern, and then you have to cut out the excess fabric. 

At any rate -- the basket above took roughly 9 hours total to complete.  (I had a few accidents along the way: i.e. 3 onesies...).  I really enjoy doing the work, and I feel so accomplished at the end of the day. I feel like I'm offering something more than the china made items in leading super stores, it's something made from the heart.  I take my time picking out fabrics, threads, and designs; and then my time to make the items. 

Another item I started to craft was the t -shirts.  I made these for a dear friend of mine back in Alabama for her two girls.  I wanted the shirts to be similar, yet different: same color, same design, different shirt type (turtleneck vs. crew), and obviously the letters are different.   Shirts are pretty tough to applique because of their stretchy fabric -- but in the end I think these turned out well.  I tihnk they will be a nice addition to the girls valentines outfit, and they are also re-sellable (b/c they don't have any names on them!).

On another note, I have been continuing my cleaning schedule.  My headaches make things shift, but the best part is not having to "deep clean" anything.  After two or three weeks everything is pretty much clean, it's just the maintenance part of cleaning.  The best reward has been clean bathrooms.  It's amazing what 20 mins each Monday can do to a bathroom.  Dusting is my least favorite thing to do, right next to laundry, but it all gets done.  I've also been cleaning out a few things each day -- and yesterday i tackled a pet peeve: coffee table. 

The coffee table is one of the first things you see when you step in the house.  It's also the catch all for all things: laundry, magazines, books, remotes, wii controller, and laundry.  So yesterday I decided to take back the coffee table. I cleared everything off, threw away old junk, and separated the "clutter" into two piles: magazines & bills.  I have room for two baskets -- so thus the two baskets are labeled Magazines and Bills... I know this sounds silly -- but it really does make me feel better. Now there is a place to put the bills that need to be paid, and current magazines.  Everything else gets filed, tossed, or dropped off at the library (magazines :) ).

Alrighty, so, I know I titled this make money (new machine...), cleaning house (loving the always spotless bathrooms!), but now for the fun:  spending time with Annabeth.  She truly is the most wonderful person I know.  We do one big activity everyday -- and sometimes it's two.  Today it was going and getting daddy's Valentines gift, and when she wakes up we are going to make cookies.  Doing things with her brings me so much joy.  Lately she's been going through a demanding phase (I have to have dessert after every meal, MOM!), so we started taking things away from her.  i.e. Nintendo DS is now only for special days (when she finishes her chore chart for two days straight & long trips), no more candy (unless it's a super special occasion) and desserts consist of celery sticks, yogurt, or applesauce (that I made myself!).

Now, you may ask "A 5 year old? A chore chart? say WHAT?!"

Yes, Annabeth has a chore chart.  It's quite similar to the one pictured.  I bought hers from target when we first moved to Bozeman, and it was around $10 at Target. Her chores have changed over the past few months (according to her ability) but the concept remains the same: accountability.  She has several things that she must accomplish everyday in order to receive a pre-determined treat (typically it's minutes on the DS...but she has other options as well).  Her chores consist of: getting dressed, feeding her fish (and helping with Lucy), cleaning her room (and making her bed!!!)Doing her school work (only M-F), set the table, brush teeth, get ready for bed, and the big one: NO WHINING.  This last one she hasn't accomplished three days in a row, yet, but she's working on it.  She's done a great job with this, and I highly recommend it to anyone with a young child. 

Ok, wow -- lots of babbling -- but I covered a lot of bases today...

Off to make cookies with my little bff!!

:)

My life has been changed...by an organized sewing / office / craft / guest room.



Ribbon Shelves! You can
find these at Michaels
for 19.99 (but I used the sale
of 40% off -- 11.99!)

 Organize an office you say? on a budget? NOOO! Well, yes sir-e-bob I did it. It took a few months, and a lot of collecting and storing items waiting to do the whole thing... and here is my favorite part: ribbon shelves:

 I collected enough of these shelves (19.99 ea Michaels; you can use a coupon!!).  I know this sounds crazy -- but this makes my life so much easier!!!  I even color coordinated the ribbon.  The spindles are easy to come off too.  The only "downside" is that some ribbon manufacturers "holes" in the side of the ribbon rolls is too small.  All you have to do is cut slits in the sides and they work great on these.  It took me about an hour to put the shelves together, and hang them, and another hour to sort and put the ribbon on the spindles.



Fabric!!!

 Ok, next up? The closet.  Don't think i'm crazy -- yet.  It's a fabulous system. I collected these pressboard shoe stacker's randomly ... and once I had enough, I put it all together.  It's cheaper to buy them at target (9.99); wal-mart has them for 12.99.  They are super easy to put together and i LOVE them.  The one thing I did do, however, was I have a template to fold the fabric -- so that the fabric is the same size when folding.  I know that sounds a little OCD, but it makes finding the fabric easier when they are neatly placed on the shelves.  My theory is why go so far as to buy the organizer, but not use them to their fullest potential.  the drawer portion (to the right of the photo) has scraps in the drawer, and contains holiday fabrics (Halloween, Christmas, etc.). 



Cutting Station ... and Ironing station...
and desk...and....

 The next part is probably my LIFE SAVER.  I originally bought this 1920's drop leave table at an antique mall in Sheffield while Matt was in Iraq.  I was so excited to have a dining table -- low and behold it was too small for Matt -- haha, sometimes I forget he's 6'4''!  So it sat in the dining room of our Woodbridge home (the "formal dining") and wasn't used, and then put into storage.  When we moved here I had no where for it, and then it dawned on me! I needed a cutting table!  I pulled this into the room and BAM instant cutting table.  I can also open up one, or both leaves to cut bigger projects.  I bought a table top ironing board at Joanns on clearance for 4.97! So I have that hanging on the back of the door to this room.  I was tired of tripping over our huge ironing board -- which is now in the laundry room. I store (in my 31 huge tote!) t-shirts and turtlenecks for my "supply" of shirts for my business.  Side note -- see that "pencil cup" holding the scissors? -- made that out of a pickle jar, felt (for the inside of the bottom -- so scissors won't break the glass), and ribbon!



The next series of pictures shows (if you look closely) Annabeth's drawings on the tri-screen (which masks larger mailing boxes), my "mailing station basket" with smaller supplies, and my POSTAL SCALE (whoohoo).   Under the brown sheet is two sets of four wire drawers (ikea), and my ribbon organizers :). The second picture is a close up of my main sewing workstation.  Lighting is key (I have two tasks lights on this area alone), and I both lights on clearance!   The third picture is a close up of my embroidery thread. My sewing thread is on the shelf above the embroidery machine (not covered). I thank my mom, Matt, and my mother in law - Liz - for giving me these for Christmas.  What a blessing!

The last picture (below) is my favorite.  Look at that workspace! I'm so blessed.  It is comprised of the Ikea shelves (with tops) an Ikea desk, and a foldable table.  I took a twin size sheet (b/c it's cheaper for the fabric) to make the chocolate brown skirts.  I wanted them to be similar to the color of the table by the window... so that it anchored the room, while the shelves made it look bigger. 

Well I hope you have enjoyed my OCD-ness with my craft room. 

Cyndie :)

tip of the day: dishes.  Do the dishes before you go to bed.  While I don't always follow this rule, it is at least a heck of a lot easier to wake up in the morning and have nothing to do in the kitchen.  My grandmother gave me this advice, and I try to abide by it as much as I can.  Also, (tip #2) make your bed! even if you pull the covers up, at least it looks more kept than sheets everywhere! :)

Cleaning the house -- Oh how I loathe you Monday!!

Happy Monday!



Sometimes, this is EXACTLY how I feel...



Yeah, I didn't think you would second that either.  I may  be a stay at home mom, but Monday's are those days I dread.  It's the start of the week (no more hubby around :(  ) and it's the start of my daily cleaning schedule.  "DAILY CLEANING SCHEDULE?!" you may ask... but yes...daily.  I feel very overwhelmed by the "grandmother" concept that I was raised with in my family -- and I feel guilty when there is something out of place.  But, that being said, we are a regular family with regular messes.  I still have bags (yes regular shopping bags) full of clothes in my bedroom that have been there since we moved in.  I'm just being lazy and not going through them -- I'll get to them eventually I suppose.  But there is something about waking up, making the bed (yep, everyday!) and getting started with your day.  Mondays, however, are the worst for me.  It's... Bathroom day... yuck.  Although it's Monday, and I haven't even started on the bathrooms yet, I did do my grocery shopping today (that is usually reserved for Sunday's).  So, tomorrow I'll probably double up on bathrooms and dust/vac the floors.  So yeah, it's a little schedule (that's in my head) that I'm trying to get implemented here in Bozeman.  It's a nice one, that if you don't feel like doing something that day, you can move it to the next.  I also don't spend all day cleaning.  30 mins, max of the "deep cleaning."  I try to do at least two loads of laundry a day, and I'm still tyring to get that system working.  When we lived in VA, my hubbs did all of the laundry -- but now that I'm at home -- I think it's something he shouldn't have to worry about.   

Ok, so here is my "attempt" at a cleaning schedule.  I'm starting today (ah hem -- tomorrow), and I'll let you know how it's going.  I'll also tweak it as need be... feel free to comment...

Monday: Bathrooms (everything except the floors)

Tuesday: dust/vac (living room, kitchen/dining shelves, hallway)

Wednesday: Sweep/Mop floors (bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, foyer)
Thursday: dust/vac (master bedroom, annabeth's room --she can help too!, office)
Friday: Bathrooms (general wipedown), Kitchen cleaned -- oven, microwave, fridge, counters, sink -- all wiped off (i love my 409 kitchen cleaner... oh, and a "self cleaning oven" helps too!
Saturday: day off :) (but I'm ocd -- so I'm sure I'll figure something to clean out)
Sunday:  day off :)

*everyday -- at least ONE load of laundry (complete load, cyndie -- no leaving it in the washer...); make bed(s); general "pick up"

I'm also going to have a "project a week" until i "take back the house, 2011" ... meaning?  This week it's the guest/office/sewing room.  Next week it will be the two hall closets, and so on. 

Ok, well that's all I have for today ... till next time :)

tip of the day: http://www.coupons.com/ -- LIFESAVER (as well as money saver!!)

First Post, so here we go!

First Blog...ever!

Home Sweet Home! A big change
from Washington, DC!

So, I was asked by a few friends as to WHY I don't blog.  For some reason I never felt what I do on a daily basis to be interesting, but why not? Perhaps this will be a good way of venting, sharing ideas, and perhaps a little bit of creepy people watching :).

I plan on updating this blog every other day, or so, depending on whats going on here in exciting Bozeman, Montana. First Rule: I will attempt to use correct grammar and spelling (being a former teacher and all) ... but that will not be guaranteed!!! :)

My Newest Adventure: Take back the house!



Annabeth's Closet



I came home from a wonderful Christmas vacation in SoCal, only to discover that my month long "lagging" on the house had really started to show.  Therefore, I decided to start my challenge of "take back the house" ... I can't stand not being able to find things (ask my hubs, I lose things ALL the time).  But I also hate when my own space is something I can't relax in because there is excess paper on the coffee table, or that "scary closet" that i won't open is full of crap that I have NO clue what is in there.  First things first -- I gathered my most handy tools: Trash bags, small grocery bags, removeable  labels (i.e. post its), and my trusty label maker!



Toy Bins, Labeled,
and Categorized

I Started first on Annabeth's room. Why? Simple, because I felt that if her room was finished, she could play in her room while I was conquering other rooms in the house.  I really paired down things in her room.  Unnecessary toys that I was keeping for my own sentimental value were out.  She didn't play with her kitchen or play vanity anymore -- so those were out; stuffed animals were limited 10; things were contained by baskets or plastic tubs, neatly labeled to be put away.  Also, her favorite books were placed on the lowest shelf of a bookshelf, and the others are stored in another area of the house.  Her Leapster is placed within reach.  This video system she is allowed to play whenever she likes (mostly educational games, etc.); her Nintendo DS is only for use in the car, or at a store -- so long as she is quiet and not "begging" for this that and the other.  (A Side note: we never use the DVD system that is in the car in town -- only on long drives -- it stops the "mommy, what movie are we watching...etc. when you are trying to get into a car when it's 10 degree's outside).   She also has a table and chair set in the corner -- this is a great place for her puzzles (located on the bookshelf :)) as well as impromptu tea parties.  No play dough, moon dough, or paints allowed! Annabeth knows that any of these more "messy" projects are to be done in the kitchen (and all of these supplies are under the sink :) ).



Top Drawer.  The organizers were bought
inexpensively at IKEA, 9.99 for 10!



My favorite part of her room is her dresser.  It's always a pain to do laundry, but I finally broke down and paired down clothes she can't wear anymore (even though I hate to part with them), and sectioned her drawers into basic winter necessities (i'll change some of the categories in the summer -- all two months of it!).  Sections are: Undies and Socks, Nightgowns, T-shirts, sweats (including jackets), Leggings, jeans/bottoms, long sleeve shirts, and complete outfits.  The complete outfits is my favorite part of the drawer.  It helps Annabeth become more "independent" when she wants to get dressed.  I fold pants inside of tops and place them in this area.  All she has to do is pick up this bundle, and she's ready to get dressed.

After I finished Annabeth's room, I knew there was one more area I had to conquer that day: The Hall/Linen Closet.  This house is equipted with 3 Hall Closets! One with double doors and 6 long shelves; one wiht a single door, shelf, and rod; and another double door with a shelf and a rod (mainly our winter coats... I havne't gotten to that one yet).  My main closet that is used everyday is the double door closet with six shelves.  It's basically a linen closet, with some storage, as well as a place for annabeth's toys. It was a great place to house all of her books and Pony Collections (thanks Auntie Allaina!!).  Books are something we don't scrimp on.  She's a fond "reader" and loves her books.  I will find her sitting in that hall on a pillow thumbing through books.  She has several collections of My Little Ponies and Pet Shop figurines that are housed neatly in plastic drawers (purchased at the Container Store when I worked there during a seasonal job). I labeled all of the boxes.  Annabeth can't read, but she can sound out words, and this has helped her a lot with sounding out words -- even in the few day's that they closet has been reorganized! 



Linen Closet (and two more
shelves above the towels too!)

 This closet also serves a huge purpose of housing linens, towels, cleaning supplies, and "over stock."  Everything is labeled, and things that Annabeth would need (like TP) is within her reach.  She knows that cleaning supplies are NOT to be touched, and hasn't considered touching them.  Overstock is the extras that I purchase in bulk that don't fit (neatly) in the bathroom.  Items purchased in bulk such as shampoo, soap, cleaning supplies, facial wipes, make up, and small hand sanitizers (for the purse, I buy these on sale from Bath and Body works; i can't STAND typical hand sanitizer... it smells awful and dries out your hands...).  I love buying in bulk -- it's one less thing to purchase every two weeks (you'd be surprised how much you could save!)

Well, that's about it for my first trip in cleaning the house and "taking it back."  I hope this hasn't bored you -- perhaps it's given you a few ideas, and even some motivation to re-organize.  Let me know what you think! :)

My Organizing tip of the day:  Reorganize a drawer -- any drawer.  You'd be surprised how much better you will feel when you wake up in the morning and you can actually find your toothpaste in your bathroom drawer! :)

Happy Organizing!