WFMW: Swiffer Refills the Cheap Way

Ok, I am sure many of you out there in blog land have already thought of this, but I came upon an amazing (at least to me it was) discovery yesterday.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY REFILLS FOR YOUR SWIFFER SWEEPER.

Has anyone noticed how expensive those little over-glorified paper towels are? Yeah, I could make 2 meals for the kind of $$$$ and it takes me 2 or 3 just to get the floor semi- clean after the toddler demolition crew a.k.a. my 3 year old gets done playing.

So after careful inspection of the Swiffer device I came up with the following:

This is a blue shop towel I cut into thirds and attached 1/3 of it to my swiffer.  It is thin enough to push down into those little grabber thingys (hey, you try to think of a better term) and its rough enough to really scrub the floor. 
I then just sprayed it with a multi-purpose all natural cleaner and away I went.  It not only held up better, it cleaned better. 
When I was done I just threw it in the laundry. How easy is that? 
I plan on making some vinegar/water cleaner to use, but right now, this is what works for me.

Do y'all have any other ideas on how to improve it? Have y'all done this before?


I completely forgot to link up last Wednesday's WFMW so here it is.

Re-using Containers

I've been putting off posting this for a couple of reasons.  First, I'm horrible at taking pictures!  Second, I was trying to avoid any controversy.  So here is my tip and then I'll tell you about the controversy.

I love being able to re-use things!  Not only are you recycling and therefore caring for the Earth that God entrusted us with, but you get twice the return on the item.  In other words, you've used it once and then you use it again for something else. That equals saving money!

Whenever I empty out a container of any kind I look at it and think........and yes that usually hurts. ; )
I think about the following:

1) Is this container a good sturdy container?
2) Has this container been contaminated so that I need to toss it i.e. been used with raw meet or chemicals?
3) Do I have a foreseeable need for a container of this size and make?

Examples of containers would be laundry detergent boxes, gallon bags used for freezer storage, pringles cans, oatmeal cans, butter tubs (and plastic tubs that are similar) and finally Formula cans.
Okay, so this is where the controversy comes in: I use formula.  There I said it..... 

Some of you may think I'm silly for thinking that is a big deal, but in certain circles, especially whose blogs I read, Formula = evil.  So before we go any further I would like to clear a few things up:
- I am fully aware of the goodness of nursing (better for baby, prevents all kinds of problems with the mom)
- I am aware that formula is not ideal and that its expensive
- I have had problems nursing (I'll post about it sometime) so that is why I use formula
- My babies go on table food and whole milk asap


I know that everyone does things different and that's great!  I am feeding my children right?  That is the ultimate goal, isn't it?  Then we shouldn't quibble over how, when and what.  

Okay, now that I've stepped down off of my soapbox.  Here are some ideas for these containers.

Oatmeal cans- not only are they great for your kids to play with in their play kitchens but they can hold many items. Jacob has several filled with his play kitchen food.  I've used them to hold dry beans and rice.

Butter tubs are great for leftovers but can hold lots of other things as well.  Why spend the money on expensive name-brand plastic containers with lids? We are fond of cottage cheese, if you can't tell. = )

Leftovers and premade meals

Pet Rat Food

Last, but not least, is my favorite The Formula Container.  They are sturdy, different sizes and seal really well.  Just rip off the label and let your imagination run wild.  = )

Before and After

toys, especially the kind that seem to get under my feet

Rice/Beans etc

And this is kind of an idea I had for Christmas:

Photo Credit

I'm thinking of wrapping the lid separate than the canister and then adding a nice bow.  I could fill it with different Christmas goodies layers with tissue paper? Just an idea I'll have to play around with. = )

This is my list, but their are so many other things you could do with used containers.  I'd love to hear your ideas!

God Bless,

Melodie

Back to School Materialism

As I was perusing through the local store ads online for good deals the "Back to School" sales caught my eye.  There were all manner of writing implements, papers, folders with funny looking cartoons on them and then......clorox wipes, kleenex, hand disinfectant????

My mother, who works at the school I attended, says that these things are, in fact, on the required school supplies list? So, the tax dollars, including the ones we pay even though we homeschool, aren't enough to buy hand soap and desk cleaner?  Now, parents are required to clean the school and provide basic personal hygiene items, while paying to send their children  to school!!!

The question is, do we really need all of this stuff to learn? Even when I was in school I questioned the obligatory 2 boxes of kleenex because at years end low and behold the closets would be stuffed full of such kleenex yet it did not deter the teachers from requiring it yet again the next year.  Does this really make sense?

While staring at all of the doo-dads and thing-a-ma-jigs that your children "just have to have to be cool" and trying to avoid the stick-thin teenage models in barely-there clothing I noticed another note : "Many students can't afford even the basic school supplies, see how you can help!"

What do they consider basic?  Once upon a time a single slate and chalk were basic.  But if you send your child to school with merely paper and a pencil not only will the bullies bring out their claws but your children will actually be disciplined for it. 

Aren't we missing the point with all this? Why can't people realize that a Hannah Montana folder will not make their child truly happy?  Why can't people realize that teachers, or schools rather,  do not have you or your child's best interest at heart? (I speak from experience and by saying this I mean "most" teachers, there are a few good souls out there but far fewer than most people think)

This saddens me.  It's another nail in the coffin of Christianity.  If we can't stop embracing the world and start separating ourselves from it I believe we are to suffer a worse fate than Sodom and Gomorah.

*Disclaimer: I am by no means insinuating that new school supplies = materialistic self centeredness.  I too become giddy over the idea of colorful folders and new notebooks. Oh, and the highlighters with sticky notes in them? LOVE!  Please take the message as the overall theme and don't nit-pick. = )

The Church, Yard Sales and Other News

I'm currently working on a new post about our decision to change churches where I'll discuss the why, when and how.  But suffice it to say that we are now attending a different church Waco Family Baptist Church and feel completely at peace with our decision.  We are so excited about what this change may mean for our lives and the spiritual growth of our family!

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I HEART YARD SALES!  I have never been an excellent yard-sale-shopper but am absolutely determined to get better.  I read a great post on Raising Olives blog and it helped me sort through a lot of the problems I was having.  For example, I would drive by a yard sale and see piles of junk on tables, write it off as *junk* and drive away quickly.  But now I try to stop. and. look. And low and behold I thought I did pretty well today!

Well, I won't be winning any awards for photography and please excuse the pile of books, coffee cup, unswept floor............
I purchased the following for myself: yellow dress shirt, blue dress shirt, blue floral skirt, red sweater, white sweater, purse and jean jacket with fur collar ( am I going to have to brush that thing regularly?)
For the boys: I found a tigger costume for Jacob (Mikey is going to be Pooh!) and I found 4 dress shirts for little Mikey. 
I spent a grand total of $20.  Not too shabby in my eyes and way cheaper than goodwill.

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In other news......it's hot.  Getting over 100 now but I thank God everyday it is not a repeat of last summer with 30 days of 100 and over. 

With the help of my mother I have filled my flower beds and pots and added some hanging planters to our new rent house.  Her green thumb go me started, if only I can keep my brown thumb from killing them. 

Potty training is a disaster.  We were doing good for a while and then not so good.  *sigh* I try to remind myself that he will learn and he won't wear diapers forever. 

Mikey's first two teeth came in last Sunday---during church.  I discovered this when he latched down on my finger in the middle of the service.  Ouch.  The little fella handled it okay and is well on his way to chewing on everything.

I've been reading Family Driven Faith by Voddie Bauchman.  I love this book. I am amazed at how technologically behind I am....did you know there were e-books?  That there are books that cost less and can be read on your computer?  Woah.....this is cool.  There will be a post coming on this book for sure.

Well, that's a wrap for now, the kiddos are in bed, the hubby's on call and I am t-i-r-e-d.. 

God Bless, 

Melodie

WFMW: Freezer Cooking Week Instead of Day

This is my first ever Works-For-Me Wednesday post!!!!! Can you tell I'm excited?!? It's also a little late....oops. = )

I have just recently started freezer cooking and I admit, it was very daunting at first.  Although we do not have a large family its is still so much easier to have meals 1/2 way prepared so that we are not tempted to eat junk or worse, eat out. 



However, the big day of cooking was not working.  I was overwhelmed and my tiny little kitchen could not handle it. And by tiny, I mean its approximately 9 x 6.  Yep, it was once a porch that the previous owners re-purposed for a kitchen.  I'll be sure to post pictures later = ).


Back on topic, I decided that instead of cramming it into a day I could spread it out over a week.  Its still a lot of work but 1 weeks worth of work is a lot better than the grueling task of figuring out what to fix each. and. every. night and undoubtedly not having anything thawed out.

For example, this week I did my planning and shopping on Monday.  On Tuesday I made my vegetable dishes: broccoli and cheese casserole and deserts: banana pudding.  

Today I made my beef dishes: shepherds pie, Cavatini (to die for!), and browned some extra to toss into spagetti etc later. 

Tomorrow I will make my chicken dishes: chicken pot pie, warm chicken salad and extra chicken for other dishes. 

And finally, Friday I will make my corn dog muffins (I can't remember where I got this recipe, can anyone help?) and homemade ham and cheese hot pockets.  I will also chop up and freeze some onion to have for recipes and make another batch of breakfast burritos, sausage patties and waffles. 



While most people like knocking it out in one day, I find that Freezer cooking is best spread out and that's what Works for Me.

$1 Easter Lilly's at HEB and More

I hit the after-Easter sales today at walmart and HEB.  All of the Easter merchandise and candy are 1/2 off at walmart.  Beware though, some things are still cheaper if you buy the regular type of candy instead of the "Easter version".  I did get a great deal on Resses eggs that are the same as the regular candy. 

This sale is especially wonderful because we don't get to celebrate the commercial egg-hunting part of Easter until the 18th.  So by waiting until today I got everything I needed for Jacob's Easter for 1/2 off! woohoo!

Another tip: If you wait until next weekend the pickens' will be slim but everything will be 75 percent off or more! 

 HEB had Easter 6 inch Easter Lilly's for $1!  They are a spring flower so I don't think they last long but for a $1?  AWESOME.  

Hope this helps!


*Thanks for the image:

 

Giveaway by At the Well

 At the Well has a fabulous giveaway going on this week. They also have a raffle going with some amazing prize packages.  For details on entering click here

Baby Food Deal

I know many of you don't use baby food but if you do I found a great deal at Dollar Tree of all places.

Now Dollar Tree, mind you, is a tricky place.  They persuade you into buying things you don't need with their promise of "Everything for $1.00" and often times you can, in fact, get the item cheaper at Walmart.  However, they do have some great deals on things like homeschool supplies, picture frames and baby odds and ends. 

Today, I found Gerber baby food 3 for $1.00, so roughly .33 cents a piece. I usually pay .60 something-cents for the same at Walmart or H.E.B. I know what your thinking, but don't worry, I checked all of the expiration dates and they're A-okay.  The only down side of this deal is the selection.  They usually only have cereal and fruit combination's but its a good staple to keep around.   

In fact, while feeding my latest addition by 2 1/2 year old has been known to steal bites of the oatmeal/apple sauce/banana.  And I know I could make this cheaper but the convenience is hard to beat = )


Know of any good deals?  Feel free to share!

*The graphic used came from the site below*

Being Frugal with Food---Grocery Budgeting

The 4 Moms, 35 Kids post today inspired me to jot down the methods I use when I budget and shop for groceries. Even though we have only have two little ones at the moment I have adopted a lot of these practices in case there are more in our future. Not to mention, its always good to save money, right?

Budgeting

Because we are only a family of 4 our budget doesn't look anything like a lot of families. We a lot $255 every two weeks for expenses. Expenses include: Gas for our van and my husband's truck, feed for the chickens, dogs and menagerie of reptiles and groceries, personal items and household supplies. So out of that I spend approximately $50-$60 a week on actual food, roughly $15 a person weekly or $60 a person monthly. While I don't think that's too shabby, some may think I'm spending too much. It all depends on where you are in life as to how you look at things.

Eating Out

We do not eat out except for special occasions and then I scour the net for coupons and special deals. If we are going to be in town running errands we pack a lunch or we come back home to eat. (We live right on the edge of the city so this isn't too hard). My husband packs his lunch every day and sometimes gets to come home to eat.

Eating Habits

Okay, now with that budget in mind let me also tell you how we eat. We have meat every day of the week and there is not a whole lot of rice but we do love pasta. We do eat fresh fruit and veggies but only what is in season/on sale. We do not eat prepackaged cookies, ice cream, soda etc. I usually make one dessert item a week, such as a pie or cookies. Soda and ice cream are reserved for dining out on special occasions.

The boys eat what we eat.....or they get awful hungry. Of course I keep in mind if they do have severe aversions to certain foods and I be sure to include an alternative if I can, but this doesn't happen often.


Planning

I used to plan a weekly menu around our local grocery ads and coupons. This worked well, but I have found that if I wait for things to go on sale and then buy them in bulk I tend to get a better deal. I then simply base my menu on the stockpile of bought-on-sale items in my freezers and my pantry. This post by Smockity is a good reference on how to grocery shop in your own house.

We only buy things like cheese and some canned goods in bulk. We also find that the produce and meat at places like Sams are both a better deal and often better quality.

I find that the HEB meal deals and sales are often worthwhile and will get most of our other groceries from there.

I hate going into Walmart so I try to avoid it at all costs.

The "day old bread store" is a very frugal place and worth the little extra drive. I usually find wheat bread for .85 cents a loaf so I buy several and freeze them.

The farmers market is a frequent stop in the summer, and this year I plan on freezing some of that great produce so we don't have to rely on non-organic during the winter.

This year we were given a 1/4 of a cow by my parents and intend on purchasing one a year. I believe the beef is still partially corn fed but at least I know where exactly its from and who butchered it.

In a few months we will have some meat chickens to process but until then, if its on sale, we eat it.


Coupons

I do clip/print coupons and pair them with sales but I have some criteria for this.

1. The item has to be a really good sale.
2. The item has to be something we will actually eat.
   

You would be surprised how many over-priced items that people tend to buy just because they have a coupon for it.

Convenience

While we avoid most convenience items such as TV dinners, pre-packaged snacks and soft drinks, there are a few things we indulge (or you could say invest) in.
When considering whether or not to purchase a frozen pizza for example, I consider the following:

1. What is the cost compared to eating out? Take-out Pizza is outrageous!
2. What is the cost compared to making it from scratch? I have made pizza from scratch before, but sometimes we are just looking for a quick meal due to busy schedules.
   
3. Am I willing to sacrifice a little spending money in order to not to have to cook this item from scratch? This is what it all boils down to: Am I willing to sacrifice money for convenience? Often the answer is no, but some days the answer is a definite YES and I go ahead and make the purchase, keeping in mind I have to pull that money from spending because that purchase was not in the grocery budget.

Where I Am Not Frugal

We buy paper towels. There I said it...whew, such a relief!

We are less frugal on certain things like buying paper towels but there is always room for improvement, right?
**Disclaimer**We do use reusable rags etc for most chores the paper towels are more for "emergencies".

Other things I have not been so frugal on:
-Bottled Green tea- its the only thing my husband asks for.....ever. So we buy it in bulk for his lunches.
-Disposable Diapers- I went back to cloth and then my parents gave us 2 cases of diapers. So I guess technically we are still being frugal.
- Buying bread- although I am getting it cheap, I know that homemade is better and cheaper still. I used to make my own, but right now with a toddler and a baby, its one of those sacrifices I'm willing to make. = )
- 6 oz of chocolates for $10!!!!!!- well, this was because I felt sorry for the 2 little boys that came to sell goodies for their school fundraiser. But being that expensive I'm enjoying them even more....hehe.

Things I want to try in the future:
-Home-made granola instead of cereal
-making my own baby food

Do ya'll have any ideas? How do you keep the budget trim and slim every month?
I would love to hear suggestions and like to answer questions!

God Bless,
Melodie