Tip of the Day 8/31/11

Children, and most adults, thrive on routine. When something is out of order it throws the next thing out and before you know it you have the domino effect going. All of my kids are grown and raising their own children now, but we still thrive on routine in our house. In teaching Sunday School calm is maintained and a lot is learned each week because we have a routine we follow. It is funny how even the 3 year olds know when we are doing something out of order and they question it.

A great way to maintain order in the home is to establish a routine. To help with the chaos of getting everyone out of the house for school and work we have talked about easy lunch prep and clothes choices, today lets talk about breakfast and home work.

A part of your routine should be as soon as you walk in the door the kids should pull any paperwork from their backpack that is for the parent to review, sign, etc. and place it in a designated basket. This will allow you to pick it up and take care of it without having to search for it. As soon as the paperwork is handled place it in the proper location, back in the basket for the child to return it to their backpack is a good policy. Paperwork and mail just thrown on the counter when you walk in has a tendency to get lost or forgotten. Establish a set area for each. This will teach the kids, and you, responsibility.

As a part of your dinner clean-up each evening the final action should be setting out what is needed for breakfast in the morning. If you normally have cold cereal set the table with the bowls, spoons, and napkins along with cups and the boxes of cereal if they are allowed to choose their own. If you cook a hot breakfast, set out the pans and other prep items needed. This will reduce the time needed in the morning and make the household run smoother.

We all want the atmosphere of our home to be calm and it starts with you leading the way.

Tip of the Day 8/30/11

Does your morning routine consist of kids arguing over what to wear, can't find their shoes, or showing up in a winter sweater at the breakfast table when it is still 85 degrees outside? Maybe it looks like a tornado went through your room before you left for work because there are so many clothes strewn across the bed from all the outfits you tried on before deciding on the right thing for the day.

If either of these scenarios sounds familiar, I am here to say there is a better way to start your day. A little pre-planning is all it takes.

The night before choose everything (and I mean everything including underwear) that each family member needs to get dressed in the morning. Even if your child wears uniforms to school they have different things to choose from, shorts vs. pants, hair bows, socks, etc. When choosing your own outfits for the next day try something on if you aren't sure if you need a cami under a top, it will save having to start over in the morning. Choose jewelry and change out purses if you desire the night before. Plan it all and your fuzzy brain won't have to think about it in the morning.

Making this a part of your nightly routine really does not take long and is much easier than the frustration and chaos of trying to do it in the morning. Give it a try for a week and see if it helps the morning routine. I believe you will be pleased.

Tip of the Day 8/29/11

When I was a kid we always had hot lunch at school which I liked, but I always thought it would be fun to take my lunch to school in a lunch box or paper bag. One of my favorite memories is staying the night with a friend and her mom packing a sack lunch for us. When we moved to a new state in 7th grade the school did not have a cafeteria and I got to have a lunch box. I loved it, but it was only for three months, then we moved and I had hot lunch again. I guess I couldn't get bored with the lunch menu in three months time, but some kids take lunch for years and it can get really old for Mom or Dad trying to figure out what to pack. "Lunchables" are expensive and we all want something for the kids that is nutritious, but that they won't throw away. So, where do we turn?

A great place to start is at the dinner table. You’d be surprised at what foods he may enjoy cold and if your child’s classroom has a microwave your options are even better. Maybe your child loves broccoli or carrots, try vege chips or dried veges--green beans are awesome. Offer new items as an after school snack and if they like them, then you know they won't be throwing them away. Don't pack something new without trying it at home first.

Here are a few easy fixes.

Sandwich Roll Ups

Sandwich roll ups can take on many forms. For instance an easy lunch may include deli rolls made by spreading thin slices of salami with a little mustard. Add a strip of cheese and a pickle spear. Roll up. Secure with toothpicks. Or spread slices of ham with cream cheese. Roll up and eat as is or slice into 1-inch spirals.

Mini Subs

Make a miniature submarine sandwich out of a hot dog bun. Use pepperoni slices and other favorite meats. Slice regular sized deli meat into thin strips. Add cheese and shredded lettuce. Pack a small container of salad dressing to pour on top at lunchtime.

Homemade Lunchables

Instead of paying top dollar for a boxed lunch of meat, cheese, crackers, a treat and a sugar based beverage with little to no nutritional value, be creative and encourage your children make their own.

The best way to interest your child in making his own "Lunchables" is to encourage him to select both the container and the ingredients. What kinds of deli meat, cheese and crackers does he prefer? When shopping for groceries ask that your deli meat be sliced thick instead of shaved or regular slices. If your child doesn’t like the idea of square deli meats use cookie cutters to cut out meat and cheese.

Pack milk or juice boxes instead of pop or fruit flavored beverages. Maybe you can compromise on the ‘treat’ by offering a dried fruit or cereal mix with a few M& M’s or even purchase some ‘treat size’ chocolate bars and keep them on hand for those special days when homemade "Lunchables" will be on the easy lunch menu.

Cold Dogs

If your child enjoys cold pizza maybe he would also like to try a cold hot dog. (After all, wieners are already cooked.) Just put the condiments directly on the bun, add a wiener and wrap up.

Be creative using the leftovers of foods they really enjoy at the dinner table.

Tip of the Day 8/24/11

Yes, I have brought this topic up before, but you will all thank me in December if you have been following my tips. Christmas Eve is just 4 months from today. Have you started your shopping yet? It is never too early, but it can be too late. Right now is a great time to shop because of end of the season bargains. Don't limit your thinking to winter items for giving. Last year I was able to find swimming pools at a great price at the end of the season. Think birthday shopping as well.

When shopping markdowns, be sure to check with the service desk and ask if the item is at it's lowest markdown. Many stores have certain days of the week for the department markdowns and if the next markdown is due the following day they will often go ahead and give you the discount. TJ Max is a great place to always ask.

Give yourself a jump start to enjoy the season this year.

Tip of the Day 8/23/11

When I opened the door this morning I could feel Fall in the air. The temps are cooler and more dew on the grass. The leaves are beginning their early turning and there is just an anticipation that comes with the changing of the seasons.

With the coming of Fall and the beginning of school we start looking at all the things we set aside to enjoy the summer, or endure the heat. Now is a great time to prep the outside of your house for the coming months. Do an inspection of the outside of the house and make note of the things that really should be done before winter, maybe the windows need washing, clean out the gutters before they fill with leaves, clean the flower beds and put in some Fall color, sweep away the cobwebs that have accumulated, wash down the patio furniture. Spend the days outside enjoying the color weather.

Tip of the Day 8/22/11

We are in what many consider the last weeks of Summer. Kids have already started school in a lot of places. I am so thankful our school districts follow the tradition of not starting school until after Labor Day. Our nights are getting cooler and all the stores are filled with Fall clothing and I even saw Halloween items out as I did my shopping last week.

Now is a great time to repeat some of the things we have done at the beginning of other seasons. A good place to start is in the closets. A while back I suggested hanging all of your clothing in the closet with the hangers facing the opposite direction as you normally would, then when you wear an item hang it back up normally. This is an easy way to determine what you have actually worn throughout a season. If you did this at the beginning of the summer you should have some items now easily identifiable as ready to be removed from your wardrobe.

Remove anything not worn, that no longer fits, you don't like, etc. Place in your car so that the next time you are near the thrift store you can drop the items off. Or, if you like to have garage sales, set them aside in a designated area of the basement or garage for that event. Be thorough as you go through the items, if you didn't wear it this year, you aren't going to wear it next year. Let it go.

Now you will be ready to move all of those beautiful Fall pieces into the closet.

Tip of the Day 8/17/11

Well, my shopping is complete for the next 6 months. The next time I really grocery shop will be when the tulips are just starting to poke their little heads through the snow.

Today I will answer some very common questions I am asked about this process.

How do you make provisions for "Fresh" items like produce and milk?

Every weekend I determine what meals I will be preparing during the following week then I make a trip to my local market and pick up the few fresh items I need. By going into the store with cash I limit myself to only purchasing the items I specifically NEED. Of course depending on the size of your family, how much milk you drink, etc., you will need to determine what that amount is. During the summer months I take advantage of all the fresh fruit and vegetables stands on every corner, so I may spend a little more during the week, but the initial outlay at the store is less than in the Fall, so it balances out. The key is to only purchase the items you went into the store for. Do not wander the aisles or think because something is on sale you should pick it up. You have a full pantry and freezer, you are just supplementing, not shopping.

What about special occasions and holidays?

By using my calendar I am able to anticipate pretty accurately what special occasions I will need special items for in advance. For instance when I shop in the Spring I know we will have a big cookout for at least 2 holidays, Memorial Day and the 4th of July, so I purchase the things I will want to fix for those occasions, as well as Easter Dinner. Included in my Fall shopping trip are the items I need for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner (except the turkey because of the sale price later and space considerations) as well as the items needed to do all of my holiday baking. In the Spring I purchase sunblock and bug repellant, in the Fall I stock up on cough drops and Airborn. It is all about anticipating any scenario and needs your family might have. In the middle of the winter when I come down with a cough in the middle of the night I know I have cough syrup in the cabinet.

How do I determine how much I need of each item?

This is an easily learned skill and why I recommend doing a 1 month trip, then a 3 month, before attempting a 6 month. By shopping for 1 month you will be able to determine how much toothpaste, deodorant, laundry soap, etc. you use during that month and be able to pretty accurately come up with amount needed for 3 months. At the end of three months you will be able to determine how close you came and adjust accordingly for six months. To determine food needs I base my planning on 5 meals per week to allow for leftovers and changes in schedules that naturally occur. We go out to eat once per pay day, every two weeks, but enjoy a nice "restaurant style" meal once a week at home, so I plan that into my shopping. Our church eats together every Sunday and I am responsible fore dessert every 8 weeks, so I factor about 3 special desserts into my planning. Maybe your family eats at Grandma's every Sunday or you have friends over every other Friday night and eat sloppy joes or pizza together, factor all these types of things into your planning and you will come very close to meeting your goals.

Do you only purchase consumables and things on your list?

I try to anticipate my needs for the next 6 months when I make this trip in order to keep from making other trips. Once a year I like to replace all of my kitchen towels and dishrags (I use the white bar mop towels and rags) so I pick them up on my Fall trip. Keep a running list of the things that you need to pick up or replace and try to wait until your next big trip for them. I usually need something like a new dish brush or yesterday I needed a new oven mitt. I always walk the clearance aisle to see if there are items that fit into my gift giving needs for the next 6 months (I have a separate stash of money for these purchases) or other items that I know I NEED, not just want. I have found toothpaste in that aisle and was able to stock up at 1/2 price. Yesterday I found a vacuum cleaner attachment for mini-blinds marked down to $1.50. That is perfect to try for my Fall cleaning. The key is not to purchase things just because it looks like a good deal. Stick to your list and NEEDS. Buying a bunch of things because they are on sale, but not on your list, is not saving money.

How does shopping like this save more money than shopping the sales and using coupons each week?

This was one of my biggest questions as well when we started, but it has proven to be a HUGE money saver. The principle is similar to buying in bulk. Fewer trips to the store saves time, gas, and keeps you from purchasing unnecessary items. No more running from store to store to get the best deals, choose the stores you find to best meet your needs (I recommend no more than 2) and only shop there. By shopping this way you always have food in the house and will eat out less often which leads to healthier lifestyles and fewer doctor visits. But the biggest thing is seeing the actual savings on the receipt. I only cut coupons out 1 - 2 months before my next shopping trip and only cut out the ones I know I need, not things that I might want to purchase. During the year we will occasionally purchase an item at our local store because it is on sale. Ice cream is so expensive, not to mention the containers are smaller, so we watch for it to go on sale.

How much do you spend every six months?

This is probably the one question everyone asks and I am happy to share the answer because you will see from this number why I am a firm believer in this process. My total bill from yesterday was $1160. Adding to that what we anticipate spending in addition over the next 6 months we will spend around $250 per month including going out to eat 2 times a month or approximately $1500 dollars every 6 months. This is proven by the close watch we keep on our spending with a daily calendar where we write down what we send each day. We are a household of 2, but if you watch my posts of meals we frequently eat you know we do not live on beans and rice. :)

If you have other questions you would like answered let me know and I will be happy to do my best.

Tip of the Day 8/16/11

Today we will take a look at how to use the inventory you have done of all the consumable products in your house.

Based on this list I begin to develop a menu to use all the items I still have from my last shopping trip. I use these items before I use the new items I will be buying on my current trip. After a few times of shopping this way you should have a master list for the Fall/Winter months and a list for the Spring/Summer. Mine are combined into one list, but I know which items I use during each season. I am not as likely to use as many baking items in the summer (a lot of them are specifically for holiday baking) and we don't grill as much in the winter so I don't need as much steak rub, etc. in the winter.

As I have inventoried I have made a notation next to the items that are partially used and need more of. We all have our favorite recipes and style of food we cook. frequently, so shopping can actually become fairly easy. If there are new recipes you want to try over the next few months add any new ingredients to your standard list. If the family enjoys that recipe then permanently add those ingredients to your list.

Remember to include everything you can think of that your family consumes when making this list, not just food items.

Now, since I completed my inventory yesterday, I am off to do my shopping including the items I will need for holiday baking.

Tip of the Day 8/15/11

It is hard to believe August is half-way gone and school will start (at least here) in a couple of weeks. Now is a great time to think about Fall cooking and being prepared for the months ahead. Several years ago I came across a newspaper article about a couple that decided to try to get out of debt and take control of their life by shopping less frequently. It worked for them, so we decided to try our own version of the concept and are thrilled with the results. This week I would like to share this concept with you and hope you take away a few ideas to help simplify your life.

Since January 2004 I have only grocery shopped 15 times, every 6 months. This is a practice I believe most anyone can develop, not just a professional organizer. This process can be used for one month or three month shopping, but the greater amount of time between shopping the less you will spend. 6 months seems to be the optimum for practical reasons like seasons and not wanting too much in the freezer in case of a major power outage. I strongly suggest you start with a one month trial, then a 3 month, before jumping into a 6 month purchasing trip. The natural tendency will be to over buy.

If we look back at the pioneers we see how they "laid in the supplies for winter and lived off the land." These same concepts can be adapted to modern society and the benefits will be be a healthier lifestyle, less financial outlay, and less stress. Can any of you honestly say you LOVE to grocery shop? The stress of planning a list and usually having to bring the children with can be daunting, not to mention just finding the time to carve into your week, and that daily stop after work cuts into your evening of relaxation. Often this leads to just going out to eat because it all becomes too much.

Barring unusual times, like working on remodeling a new church building for 2 weeks, we only eat out once a payday, every 2 weeks. There is always something in the house to fix for dinner. This has led to healthier habits and helped Richard reach his goals after his heart surgery.

Of course one of the greatest benefits is time and money saved. By not walking into a store daily, or weekly, we have saved literally thousands of dollars over the past 7 years. My desire is that you will take the information I provide you with this week and develop a strategy that will work for your family.

So, my tip for today is to do an inventory of what you currently have in your home. This is not just food items, but also toiletries, paper goods, cleaning supplies, etc., anything that is consumable. This process may take a couple of days your first time through. If you have not purchased my cookbook with a very extensive shopping list included to work from you will need to develop yours as you go. With a master list this process can easily be done in 1 - 2 hours. Discard expired items as you go, but note them as needing to be replaced.

Tomorrow you will learn how to evaluate this list and develop a shopping list from it. Have fun discovering what you have in the cupboards that you have forgotten was there.

Tip of the Day 8/12/11

It's Friday, the day most of us look forward to every week, the beginning of the weekend and usually something fun. It seems like the perfect day to make a list of the things you would like to accomplish with the rest of your life. When I turned 50 I took a step back and asked myself what I wanted to do with the second half of my life and what I needed to do to get to that goal. I made a job change that led to a higher pay so that I could work toward leaving the regular work force and start the business of my dreams. I didn't know how long it would take to get there, but I had a goal. Now I am running the business I have dreamed of for years. If we don't set goals we will never reach them. Maybe you are a working Mom that would love to be home with her children. I have a friend that she and her husband have sacrificed living in a location (state) they really loved to move to a location where they could afford for her to stay home and be with their child. God is honoring their decision. Our goals take sacrifice on our part. Maybe it means going back to school and living on beans and Mac and Cheese for a couple of years to move into the career you have always desired, maybe it means sacrificing one or two evenings a week in front of the TV to learn a new skill, etc. Don't limit yourself as you set your goals. Really take the time to think about what would make you happy. We weren't given life to live it miserably, we were given life to live it abundantly. What does the abundant life look like to you? I know Who has given me abundant life and I praise Him daily for the life I live in Him!!!

Tip of the Day 8/11/11

We are all familiar with the term "Bucket List." I have one in my mind and I am sure most of you do as well. Ireland, Italy, and Paris are on the list as well as reading all the books I own, and learning to weave, but, I would like for us all to consider making a different kind of bucket list. A list that has nothing to do with what our desires are, but what we can do for others. What are the things you could facilitate on behalf of others? I know someone that lost his leg to diabetes a couple of years ago, now someone else mows his yard, cleans his roof gutters, and clears his driveway in the winter, a widow in our church has osteoporosis, so one of the men in the church loads his mower up every week and takes care of her yard, a teenage girl that helps out a family with 3 small children to get them their baths and ready for bed at night. If we look around there is always someone in need that we can help and it doesn't take much to bless them. We live in a world of abundance, even in the hard times we are in, and too often we think about what our needs, wants, and desires are, but the most fulfilling life is one of giving to others. What can I do to make others happy. Look around you and see where you can meet a need and make that your list for today, a list of things to accomplish on behalf of others before it is too late.

Tip of the Day 8/10/11

Wow, Summer has sped by us and we are already looking at school starting and Fall just around the corner. With that comes thoughts of Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you haven't already made a Christmas gift list like I suggested back in January and started purchasing 1 - 2 gifts a month, now is a great time to do so. The end of a season is a great time to shop for bargains. Start your list today and start grabbing those great markdowns. A gift that is on sale is no less from the heart than one you have paid full price for. You are just being a good steward of your finances and can give gifts that you really desire to give to those you love. It's not too late to consider making some great gifts as well. Check out the websites I posted last week for some inspiring ideas. Get the kids involved in making some gifts as well. Don't put it off any longer, Christmas will be here before you know it.

Tip of the Day 8/9/11

Now that we have listed the things we are thankful for, let's make a list of how we can give to others. I am not just talking about Christmas and Birthday gifts, I am talking about sharing our talents and gifts with others. God has given each of us something to pass on to someone else. Somedays we feel like we have nothing to give, but God has chosen you for a special purpose. List the things you love to do and then try attaching a name of someone you could share that with. You will be surprised by how many people you can reach out and touch with even a simple act of kindness. The more you give the more you will receive. That is not the reason to give, but it is just a fact of the act. Go out and bless someone today.

Tip[ of the Day 8/8/11

Sometimes life looks overwhelming and as the old saying goes, "we can't see the forest for the trees." Everything seems to be piling up around us and we don't see the good in any of it. But no matter our circumstances, the good is there. God has a way through it all and we need to take a step back and see what is really in our lives. Today try taking the time to make a list of all the things you are thankful for. It doesn't matter how small the "thing" is, write it down. You will be amazed at how long the list will be. Add to the list as things come to mind and review it often. Thank God for all of it and take time to thank the people in your life that are a part of the good. The more you thank, the ore thankful you will be.

Tip of the Day 8/7/11

A Toy Box is an essential component of a Grandparents home. Keep a toy box filled with all ages of toys. You will discover the older kids love to play with the little kids toys as well as their own age. Books for all ages are important as well as outside toys. We keep a scooter, balls, beach toys, sidewalk chalk etc. for their use. I have 2 toy boxes, plus a shelf of books just for the kids. My older grands love to look through all of my books and borrow them from "Grandma Dee's Library." They all know right where to go for the things they can play with. Hope you have lots of special times with your precious kids and grands this summer.

Tip of the Day 8/5/11

Choose activities or items in your house to reserve for special occasions with your children or grandchildren. When I was a little girl my Nanny, who is now 97 1/2 yrs. young, would always let me play with her china tea cup collection when I visited her. I loved those cups so much and they are now mine. Whenever my granddaughters visit we enjoy a "tea party" with those cups. The other activity my granddaughters enjoy is going through my jewelry and trying on my shoes. My Great Aunt Alma always let my sister, cousin, and me try on her tops (she was really tall and we thought they made great mini-dresses) and jewelry. She would even let us dress up in the most gaudy outfits and take us to a local hamburger joint dressed in them. My other grandmother always had Jiffy Pop popcorn for us when we visited. Sometimes I crave Jiffy Pop. Small things make big memories. Make times together special and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime with your children and grandchildren.

Tip of the Day 8/4/11

Sometimes we think the biggest and most expensive gifts are what will make our kids happy. When my grandkids come to visit I give them each $5 and take them to the old fashioned Five and Dime Store in our town and let them pick out what ever kind of junk they want. They pick things from makeup to plastic snakes and have a blast wandering around picking out goofy things. I always treat myself to the $5 purchase as well and get my favorite candy and a new coloring book. It is fun to compare and see what everyone chooses.

Tip of the Day 8/2/11

A great resource to have available for the kids and grandkids to ward off the "I'm bored" days is a Craft Center. A rolling 3 or 4 drawer cabinet works great for this. Fill the drawers with paint and brushes, paper, various styles of scissors, scraps of ribbon, fabric, buttons, rocks, beads, etc. Cover the dining room or kitchen table with an old plastic tablecloth or shower curtain and turn them loose with their imagination! I add patterns and ideas I come across to the drawer for them to use to springboard to great creativity. Let's create something fun today.

Tip of the Day 8/2/11

A great resource to have available for the kids and grandkids to ward off the "I'm bored" days is a Craft Center. A rolling 3 or 4 drawer cabinet works great for this. Fill the drawers with paint and brushes, paper, various styles of scissors, scraps of ribbon, fabric, buttons, rocks, beads, etc. Cover the dining room or kitchen table with an old plastic tablecloth or shower curtain and turn them loose with their imagination! I add patterns and ideas I come across to the drawer for them to use to springboard to great creativity. Let's create something fun today.

Tip of the Day 8/1/11

A week of Mommy and Grandma tips:

"To-Go" bags can be sanity savers for everyone in the family. They will reduce the frustration that can often precede what should be a fun event because everyone is searching for a missing item. Determine what the frequent activities are that you and your family are engaged in outside of the house and pack tote bags containing the items that you always need to take with. If you live in a beach community like we do, beach "To-Go" bags are essential. We have a bag of towels and the beach blanket and a bag with sun screen and lotion, bug spray, and handi-wipes. Another great thing to keep together are all of the bathing suits and flip-flops for the family. Rather than having each family member keep their suits in their own dresser drawer, designate a drawer, or a bag located in the laundry room for everyone's suits. After each washing place in the bag and you will always know where to find them. This method works great for everything from sports equipment and uniforms to library books. A great "To-Go" bag is coloring books and colored pencils (not crayons since they can melt) and a few car-toys that you can grab as you head out the door. Put some fun back into all of your "To-Go" activities and save yourself some time and frustration.