Sep 26, 2008

Bookshelf Makeover

I've been frustrated when looking at this bookshelf.
Due to its clutter like appeal -lol
Finally, I thought of an easy cover-up Curtain.


After






Before



Directions
  1. Measure Shelf (from where you want the curtain to be placed)
  2. Cut Material to length
  3. Material: Add 1 in seam allowance on sides and bottom and 2 in for Top
  4. Fold over Top and sew pocket for Rod
  5. Fold over sides and bottom and sew- or use no sew iron on adhesive
  6. Iron - or not
  7. Hang bar and slip on curtain
************************************************************************************
Baskets
Hang baskets on coat hooks. Toss your winter Gloves etc. in them. (saw in BH&G)
Hang 2-3 Baskets spaced equally apart in rows on the wall.
This can work for lots of uses
Kids rooms (small toys, barrettes, pencils,etc.)
Computer Room (mail storage, to do box, envelopes,pencils etc.)
Living Room (remotes, magazines etc.)
Bath (washcloths, makeup,towels, etc.)
Kitchen (spices, etc.)
Sewing organizing
*************************************************************************************
DVD Lovers Storage

Get a Medium Size Photo Album w/accordion like binding, The pages need to have a pocket bottom and no perforation.
Take DVD's out of case and keep the Cover. Slip the cover into Photo Album page and tape down. Slide your DVD into page for storage.

Cheap Gifts




The other day my husband brought home a Beautiful handful of wild flowers he picked on the side of the road. This was so thoughtful and it was a new kind.
Total Cost 0 - Love Factor 10

Sep 24, 2008

To DVD or not to DVD

Let me say that this whole DVD thing is over rated. Occasionally I will buy a DVD at places like Walmart or the local video store when they are on sale for $5.oo etc. When we rent, I try to rent from Red Box and there is a surplus of codes.
I personally like VHS tapes. My kids can drop them on the floor, walk on them and they still work. Try doing that to a DVD. I stock up at Garage Sales - my latest great bargain was 25 cents each. Woohoo

Sep 21, 2008

Family Meals under $10

The Preamble to these meals are that:
1. You need to shop sale ads or shop wholesale grocery stores such as Aldi's or Savealot etc.
2. Try ordering from a local Angel Food Ministries Distributorhttp://www.angelfoodministries.com/
3. If there is a large sale stock up! Bring home your meat and portion it out into baggies and freeze.
4. If you do not have a deep freeze, you may want to buy one.
5. Hamburger/ground meat- usually 1 1/2 lbs will feed a family of
If you have mostly men or large eaters you will need to bump it up to 2lbs.
6. Garden, Garden,Garden-and save!! -Can your extras or trade with other gardeners for what you want.
7. Invest in a Food Sealer- I bought mine at Salvation Army for $2.50.
8.You can freeze vegetables,meat, milk,bread,cheese, leftovers, candy, coffee etc.



Chicken in Dirty Rice w/Green Beans and Cornbread





  • 4 Cooked & Chunked Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts-($4.00)
  • 1 pkg Onion Soup Mix (.25)
  • 8 C Water
  • 2 Boxes Dirty Rice ($1.40)
  • 1 Can Green Beans (.40)
  • 1 Box Cornbread (.60)
  • 1 Egg (.25), 1 Tbs Brown Sugar or Honey(.25). 1/3 C Milk (.25)
  • 1 1/2 Cup Sour Cream ($1.00)
TC: BT $8.40
------------------------------------
  1. Boil Chicken w/onion Soup Mix in 8 C water-Cook till done about 40 min *save water*
  2. Chink up Chicken
  3. Add Dirty Rice to water and reduce to simmer, cook till done about 20 min
  4. *stir rice very often
  5. Add Chicken once rice is fully cooked- cook 5 Min on low heat stirring often
  6. Plate Chicken and Rice Mixture and top with dollop of Sour Cream
  7. Plate Green Beans and Cornbread
Cornbread
  • Cook according to directions (calls for 1 egg), 1/3 C Milk, 1Tbs Brown Sugar or Honey
**********************************************************************************
Baked Chicken Pot Pie
Serving 4-6 People

  • 4 Cooked Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts- Chunked ($4.00)
  • 1 Can Jumbo Biscuits ($1.00)
  • 2 Pkg Mixed Veggies or 1 can Mixed Veggies, 1 can Potatoes ($2.50)
  • 2 Cans Cream of Mushroom Soup ($1.00)
  • 1 Cup Milk (.25)
  • 1 Pkg Onion Soup Mix (.25)
  • 1/2 cup H20
  • Total Cost BT $9.00
-------------------------------
In Casserole Dish, Combine Cooked Chicken, Veggies and Potatoes
Mix Milk,Onion Soup Mix, Cream of mushroom Soup,& H20 in Seperate Bowl
Stir in Soup Mixture to Casserole Dish
Layer Bisuits on Top
Bake 425ยบ for 30 minutes
Let Cool and Serve

******************************************************************************
Good Old Fashioned GoulashServing 4-6 people
  • 1 1/2 lbs Hamburger ($2.25)
  • 1 Bell Pepper (.25)
  • 1 Onion (.25)
  • 2 cans Diced Tomatoes (.90)
  • 1 Tsp Basil (.10)
  • 1Tsp Oregano (.10)
  • *can substitute 1 Tbs Italian Seasoning for these two*
  • 1 Tsp Pepper (.10)
  • 2 Jars Spaghetti Sauce ($2.00)
  • 1 Package Conchiglie Pasta or your choice ($1.00)
Total Cost BT $6.95
-------------
  1. Chunk up pepper and onion
  2. Cook meat w/pepper, onion & Spices about 20 min or until done
  3. In Seperate Sauce Pot boil noodles according to directions, rinse and drain
  4. Add Meat Mixture, Sauce, & Diced Tomatoes
  5. Simmer for 15 minutes- Let cool off and serve

*************************************************************************************
Chicken-Sausage Pineapple Rice
Serving 4-6 people
  • 4 Frozen Chicken Boneless Skinless Breasts ($4.00)
  • 4 Long Sausages (Kibassa/or choice) $1.50)
  • 2 cans Diced Tomatoes ($1.00)
  • 1Can Chunk Pineapple (1.00)
  • 1 1/2 Cup Minute Rice (.50-.75)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 Onion (.25)
  • 2 Tbs Garlic crushed (.10)
  • 1 tsp pepper (.10)
  • 1 tsp chili powder (.10)
Total Cost: $8.80Before Tax
*If you like alot of spice add a chili pepper
-----------------
1. Cut up Chicken, Sausage, Onion in Chunks in large Sauce pot- cook till done (5-10mins)
2. Add Tomatoes, Pineapple,Rice, water and spices
3.Bring to a boil and lower heat to simmer- cover and cook for 10 minutes- stirring occasionally
4.Serve when water is absorbed into rice and cooled.

**********************************************************************************
HOBO Stew
Serving 4-6 People
  • 1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef ($2.10)
  • 2 Cans of Each: Diced Tomatoes,Potatoes, Green Beans, Kidney Beans ($4.00)
  • 1 can of Corn and Hominy ($1.00)
  • 4 Stalks Celery - Chunked (.50)
  • 1 Bell Pepper-Chunked (.50)
  • 1 Large can V8 Juice or Vegetable Juice (1.00)
  • 1 package Onion Soup Mix (.25)
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper (.10)
Total Cost BT: $9.45
---------------
  1. In Large Stock Pot- Combine Everything
  2. Cook at a slow boil for 30 minutes or until ground beef is fully cooked.
  3. You will need to stir and breakup ground beef occasionally as it cooks.
  4. Cool and serve
***********************************************************************************

Sep 19, 2008

Freebie Links

Sept 26,2008
Free Sippie Cup http://www.juicyjuice.com/Public/Default.aspx

Sept 19,2008
Free Cell Phone Charm ringtonehall.com/free-phone-strap.html

Sep 17, 2008

Couponing

Coupons will save you so much money if you do it right.
This is time consuming at first and takes dedication.
Have faith, I've been told it will get easier -lol
In general - use on sale items to get the best deal.

1. Buy 2-3 Sunday Papers and/or buy them on eBay.
2. Join an free online coupon community.
3. Get at least 2 bi-fold coupon organizers. (Target has these for $1 each)
4. Clip away and file
5. Sign up for coupons online and print them.
6. Shop the weekly ads - some you can find early posted online.
7. Match up your coupons to the ads.
-Most stores will accept 1 in-store coupon(check your limit) and 1 manufacture coupon per item.
-If you buy multiples, use multiples. (this is where buying 2-3 papers comes in)
-Look for Buy 1 Get 1 Free sales and use a coupon on each item. Some stores will allow this.
-Check the stores online website coupons - a lot of times you can use 1 online, 1 in ad, and 1 manufacture coupon per item.
-Get your store discount cards (like Price Chopper, CVS , Walgreen's etc.)

____________________________________________________________________
OK, So I've heard that some of the CVS stores have scanners that print your coupons. If your in Missouri, let me know which stores you've seen the scanners in.

Scanners Located:
Blue Springs (S. 7 Hwy)
Gladstone
************************************************************************************






I am so excited at my CVS finds today
and the great clearance deals.






90% off Clearance:


  • 2 zip up pencil cases
  • 2 insulated school lunch boxes
  • 60- keychain /minatures (markers, cards, pens,pencils,notepads,etc.)
  • 6 clear book caovers-great for laminating stuff
  • 1 Canvas Tote Bag
  • 6 Thermal cups- will be used for Christmas gifts
  • 1 High School musical microphone mini
  • 2 Hannah Montana Ballpoint Pens
  • 1 Hannah Montana Guitar Box with mints
  • 1 Hannah Montana Star Candy filled Tin purse
  • 1 Hannah Montana Spiral Notebook
Reg Clearance Items:

  • 2 body spa packets .25ea
  • 1 food skin care packet .25ea
  • 2 Flower Notepads .50 ea
  • 1 Box clingwrap.50ea
  • 1 Elastic Bandage- .50ea
  • 4 Boxes assorted Bandaid type bandages .50ea
  • 6 boxes of wylers light singles to go-.49 ea
  • 1 paper shredder-7.50
Reg Price Items:

  • 6 Johnson Buddies Bars $1.19ea - have $3/3 Johnsons coupon
  • 4 bottles dawn sale .99- had coupons
  • 2 CGirl Makeup foundation- sale 5.99 b1g1f-used b1g1f coupon
  • 2 funsize bags skittles- sale 2/$4 used 1 mc
  • 1 Fusion Razor- had $4 coupon earn 5.99 ecb

First transaction Transfer Script-get $25 Gift card

2nd Trans- Razor and 2 Cover Girl - total oop 12.35

3rd Trans action -everything else
$0 Dollars OOP and $2.26 left on GCard
Total Saved- 104.00
$$ Ahhh It was a good day to save money$$
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CVS Trip 9-27-08
25 Kleenex- I figured we'll use them this winter-lol (Buy @25 KC Deal got 10 CB)
1 Conair Beard Razor Kit (14.99)
1 Binoculars (3.99)
1 Gift Bag
1 Greeting Card
1 Tube Crest Pro health Toothpaste
5 Bottles Purex Laundry Detergent
1 Arizona Tea
1 snack size Bag Sunchips
Total Spent: $31.00




*********************************************************************************
Walgreen's Trip 9-17-08
This is what I bought
3 Glade gel warmers
1 Glade candle
2 Nutrisse Shampoo
1 Nutrisse Styling Product
8 Walgreens gentle bath soap bars
2 Colgate toothpaste-maxfresh
1 crest toothpaste
1 snacksize bars bag of nestle Butterfinger
1 snacksize bars bag of crunch?
4 Wrigley 5 gum packs
Lypsyl Chapstick
Loreal revitalift antiwrinkle concentrate
chemistry hair therapy shampoo
fructis by garnier smooth milk hair creme
revlon nail polish
2 pez dispensers
2 boxes Kashi cereal
1 pantene shampoo
1 pantene conditioner
1 bic soleil disp razors
1 bic cmft 3 disp razors
1 pantene scrunch gel
1 nivea mens body wash
I paid $81.20
I have rebates coming of $60.04
Total oop after rebate check will be $21.16 spent.
cool huh-lol






Sep 16, 2008

Saving Money on Flowers

Recently, I have been buying Perennials and saving the seeds when they blooms die.
I plan on using these seeds next year in different spots of my yard.

Strictly buying Perennials is hard to do because there are so many beautiful Annuals. Sometimes, If I cant resist the urge I'll wait until the annuals go on sale for $1 or less. Many people bring their annuals in over the winter.

Flower swap. If you have an free online community in your area, place an ad describing the flowers that you are willing to trade and the flowers that you want- pics always help.

Ask your friends or neighbors to trade or if you can have a start from their flowers when they thin them out.

I Love Gardening!!!!!
************************************************************************************
Dry your Flowers and Make arrangements.
The easiest way is to gather a bunch , wrap a ribbon around them and hang upside down. I rotate them to keep them evenly dried.

Here's a great link for the different methods used.
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/landscap/h1037w.htm

Sep 15, 2008

Join Dave Ramsey

Ok, let me just say that The Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover has changed my life.
A lot of his material and courses are available at Churches for very little cost maybe even free.Check with your church and check the website for classes close to you.

This is for families looking for financial savings resources, people in little or serious debt. He gives you tools and step by step instruction on how to pay off your debt and save money for emergencies ,pay off your house,retirement, kids college,etc. and how to teach your kids good money saving values.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a side note: I get really emotional over this-lol.
Life is hard enough with the influences of our world (on us,our family,our children) The Devil wants us unhappy, wants us trapped, when you have financial freedom, it brings a clearer mind.



  • Dave Ramsey Website
  • Saving Money on Kids Clothes

    1.Instead of having to buy new Long Sleeves for Fall/Winter, use summer T-Shirts and Buy a pack of Long Sleeve Thermals to go under them.

    2. Cut Off those jeans that wont fit your kids next year into Shorts or Capri's. For the shorts, do a half roll and tack on each side, this is the look this year-lol

    3.Shoes - scuffs use white shoe polish on sneakers and rubber shoes, black on black shoes or touch-up the sole with a black permanent marker.

    4. Shop at Consignment & Thrift Stores.
    A lot of Consignment stores will pay you on site for your clothes.


  • Childrens-Orchard





  • 5. Get a Clothes Circle started-
    Get together friends who have had kids 1-2 yrs older than yours or find someone 1-2 yrs younger than yours and meet a month before each season and exchange clothes. Make it a girls night out and have some snacks and play a game. Women can also do this if your friends are similar sizes, have lost or gained weight recently. Teens can come along and exchange too. Yes Guys - this is for you too. Make it a guys night out.

    6. If you cant do a clothes circle - Accept Hand-Me Downs then donate what you or your kids won't wear to churches or different organizations.
    Visa Verse on the Hand-Me Downs - Give yours to a Friend or Family Member
    One of the Greatest Blessings is to Give From Your Heart.


    7. Garage Sales- I love these, Remember to get there early.

    8. There are different Local Free Online Communities that you can sell or buy items with no Insertion Fees.

    9. You can buy kids pants a size larger at the end of the season sales and tack the back or side. When the pants start getting tight, let out the tack.

    Reusables- Plastic Grocery Bags, Baggies, Zip up Comforter Bags etc

    Why would you throw these away?
    1.Use for plastic grocery bags for Small trashcans
    2.Put stinky leftovers in one, tie it up and throw away.
    -Keeps house smelling better until trash day etc.
    3.I use tissue boxes to store the grocery bags in. It makes organizing easy - Throw a label on it.
    Grandma uses a Bag Lady or a Tea Towel
    Tea Towel Bag Holder- Sew elastic 3-4 inches from top and bottom.Create a loop on back to hang it. Fill and Stuff w/ your bags.

    4.Baggies (this is not as hard as you might make it out to be)
    Buy the good baggies
    Wash out your baggies w/little dish soap,rinse and hang.
    You can buy a mountable 3-wand metal towel bar(like grandma use to use) and mount it on the inside of your cabinet doors under the sink. Hang baggies or use clothes pins to attach more.

    5.Comforter Zip up bags- store sweaters or next years seasonal clothes etc.

    Games made from Reusables

    1. Kids Bowling Game
    Rinse 10 Plastic Little Juice bottles out and spray paint them fun colors.
    Arrange on floor like bowling pins.
    Get a softball, baseball or foam ball and roll away.

    2.

    Diaper Wipe Tub uses

    Diaper Tub Uses-
    Fill with these and more (Slap on a Label for easy organization)
    • Pencils and Pens
    • Kids Toy Blocks or Lego's
    • Craft Items
    • Scratch paper for Notes
    • Scrap Booking Supplies
    • Batteries
    • Broken, Old, or Missing Jewelry Pieces- to save for repairs
    • Receipts
    • Coupons
    • Seeds saved from this years flowers- I found it useful to dry out your flowers and then place them in baggies, labeling as you go. I then organize them in a Diaper Tub.
    • First-Aid Kit- We gathered together all the essentials for our First-Aid Kit, labeled it and stuck it in the Bathroom.

    Spaghetti Jar Uses

    Spaghetti Jar Uses:
    1. Create candle holders
    Country Candles: wrap some wire around the threads of the jar and create a upside down u to hang them -place votives in the jar and light.- put citronella candles in them and hang from trees at night

    2.Potpourri holder- fill with potpourri and sit on a table or counter

    3.Create gifts for Christmas - fill with receipe,print a lable, attach lid, and tie with a bow
    *will be adding recipes soon*

    4. Use for Leftovers in fridge

    5. Canning - now some may disagree but I know others who have tried this and been doing it for years.

    6. Craft odds and ends holders - thread, ribbon, buttons, etc