Organized Homeschooling

I know that homeschooling doesn't really fall under the umbrella of homemaking, but it is one of the things that I am passionate about and takes up my day. I thought that I would do a post about how I homeschool (organized, of course).

Luke is almost 5 years old. I have been officially homeschooling (as in using worksheets) since he was about 4 years old. Before that he learned through living. This year (his last year before starting kindergarten) we are following Sonlight curriculum. We do the CORE P4/5 which covers history, science, language arts, social studies, and learning skills. We read a ton of books including the Bible everyday. It's awesome curriculum. I love it because it is all set up and organized for 36 weeks of curriculum which is what is required down the road. We also do Handwriting Without Tears K, Horizons Math K, and Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading.

Since I am the type of person who has to have everything organized, I sit down for a few hours and put all of my curriculum together and make a nice chart to follow. I find that if I do it all at once I get through the stress and then I just pull what I need each day. I know when it becomes more intense, I will probably have to do my lesson planning by quarter or month or week even, but for now, I just do it once for the year.

Here is our homeschool spot in the bonus room:

My awesome mother-in-law gave us this great table and chairs to use. It's perfect because the table has a leaf to make it bigger or smaller and 4 chairs. Right now it is pushed against the wall to give the kids more play room, but down the road we might pull it out as God-willing we have more kids to homeschool. That is my precious son, Luke.

This is our bulletin board:

We use this to post what we are working on for the week. The top left is our number of the week (eventually that will be our letter of the week). The top right is where we put Luke's picture of the day's Bible story. That was the Tower of Babel. The bottom right is where our Bible verse for the week as well as Luke's picture of it goes. In the middle we have a compilation sheet (we just finished our short vowel sounds so he made a nice picture of them). In the bottom left is our basic schedule. Above that is the letter of the day (we are reviewing sounds letters make to prep for reading). I can't possibly put all of his work up there, so we pick the main stuff. His math and learning skills worksheets go in a pile on the shelf.

This is one of my shelves for homeschool materials (this holds our current curriculum):

It has all the books from Sonlight as well as our Horizons, HWT, and OPGTTR stuff. The shelf below it holds our daily folders and Sonlight binder.

Here are our daily folders:

We have five folders (one for each day of the week). On each folder I have a rundown of what we do on that designated day (ie Monday is CORE P4/5 and Reading, Tuesday is CORE P4/5, Handwriting, and Math). In the folders I have all the worksheets (math, handwriting, and learning skills) we will use on that day for the whole year (I paperclip them by category so they are easy to pull from).

Here is what the table looks like before we start:

I lay out the Sonlight binder, our daily folder (today we are doing two days since I have a medical test tomorrow), blank paper for drawing, markers and crayons, and our Sonlight books.

Here is my Sonlight binder:

It tells us what books (stories) we are reading, what learning worksheets we are doing, as well as our Bible verse and song for the week. It also has creative ideas to expand our learning.

Here is Luke coloring a picture of the Bible story we just read (Abraham):

Here is Luke doing a learning skills worksheet (coloring in the lines):

Here is Luke doing a math worksheet:

The reason I am a homemaker isn't to keep my house clean or meals on the table every night. The real reason is so I can be with my children everyday raising them to be Godly people who have strong morals and teach them as well. I love homeschooling. I hope you have enjoyed a peek into how we homeschool.

Folding Laundry

As you know I love to save time in anything that I am doing. When it comes to folding laundry, I have found a few tricks to getting it done even faster.

Tip #1 - Pull it out ASAP when it is done drying to avoid ironing/wrinkled clothes.

Tip #2 - Sort it into piles of similar items (ie put all the full-sized towels in a pile, all the hand towels in a pile, and all the washclothes in a pile). Then fold each mini pile. Your brain works faster when it does the same thing over and over plus you are folding the items into one pile instead of looking for the spot to put it.

Tip #3 - Have a basket for each room. As you fold clothes, put them in the appropriate basket. That way you can just take that basket to the right room.

Tip #4 - Have other people help you ;)

When Things Are Crazy

Sometimes you have crazy days, or weeks, or even months. Having just come off a twin pregnancy, dealing with the loss of my baby, and having a newborn, my life has been unpredictable, emotional, and at times, down right depressing hindering my motivation to do much of anything.

I had people in and out of my house for 6 weeks taking over my usual tasks which I was super thankful for, but it made me quite dependent and then the people were gone and I had to figure out how to do it all on my own again. Then we had Thanksgiving, all of the CHRISTmas stuff, CHRISTmas, and New Year's.

I finally feel like we are settling into our new life with two children. It's tough accepting that I don't have Alexis, but I am learning to accept it a little more each day. There are days when I get so sad and depressed that I just can't function minus taking care of the kids. I think that is normal.

I have decided that instead of pressuring myself to have the perfect house and schedule, that I am going to just focus on getting a few things accomplished each day. Here are those things:

1) Take care of Luke and Nathan - Feed them, play with them, relax with them, take care of their personal hygiene needs.

2) Homeschool Luke - It only takes 30-45 minutes a day, so if I get behind we can just double up one day. Before it would upset me if we didn't do it every day, but now I realize that some days it's just not the right day.

3) Cook dinner - My goal is to cook every night (minus church night and eating out night).

4) Do some laundry - My goal is to keep the laundry caught up doing roughly a load or two each day.

5) Straighten up frequently used spaces - Den, kitchen, master bed, homeschool space.

6) Keep the kitchen cleaned and useable - Wash dishes, load/unload dishwasher, wipe counters/table, and sweep.

7) Wash bottles/pump supplies - I just rinse all the stuff during the day and then wash it all one time a day.

8) Pump 3x a day - I have decided that being attached to my pump 7 times a day is ridiculous and made me more depressed. I'd rather spend that time with my family. So now I am pumping in the morning, before bed, and once during the day. I know my milk supply won't be as good, but I am fine with doing some formula to supplement.

9) Make bottles - I make 7-8 bottles one time a day. I put 2oz of pumped breastmilk in them and put them in the fridge. When we need one, we add 2oz water and a scoop of formula.

10) Relax, rest, sleep, and spend time with Lee - Downtime is essential to functioning. Lee does the last feeding of the night (around 11 or 12) and then I do the middle of the night feeding. It helps me get more sleep.

I know that it helps me to have things to accomplish each day in order to feel better but putting too much pressure on myself can stress me out. I don't want to have extra stress while I have Nathan and am still grieving my loss of Alexis. I am thankful that God has taught me so much through all of this.

What are your must-dos for each day?

Cleaning the Powder Room

I started a series a long time ago on how to clean each individual room. I am going to pick that back up now and hope to keep it up until each room is done.

Today's room is the powder room or the bathroom that guests use when they come over. In this case I am going to assume it just has a sink, toilet, and mirror.

Here is how I detail clean my guest bathroom:

Step #1 - I take everything off of the surfaces (toilet paper rolls, tissue box, soap dispenser, etc).

Step #2 - I put toilet bowl cleaner in the toilet (that way it starts working while I clean other things).

Step #3 - I spray bathroom (or all purpose) cleaner all over the sink and toilet.

Step #4 - I use the toilet bowl brush to scrub the toilet bowl and surrounding areas.

Step #5 - I take a sponge and scrub the sink and toilet until it is sparkling.

Step #6 - I use glass cleaner and a paper towel and clean the mirror. I take the somewhat used paper towels and wipe dry the sink and toilet to make it useable and look even cleaner.

Step #7 - I refill everything (soap, tissues, toilet paper, etc) and change the hand towel.

Step #8 - I empty the trash.

Step #9 - I sweep and vacuum the floor.

Step #10 - I mop the floor.

Cleaning the powder room is really important because this is where people will be using the bathroom when the visit your home. I like to keep an eye on this room throughout the week and if I notice it looks dirty, I will run a Lysol wipe on the sink and toilet and use some glass cleaner and paper towels to clean the mirror. I also like to empty the trash as needed (especially if I know people are coming over). I like to keep it fully stocked and even like to keep feminine hygiene products in there in case a guest needs it.

I would love to hear how you clean your powder room.

I Can't Believe It's Been a Year (Giveaway)

I can't believe it's been a year since I started Organized Homemaking. Like I always say, it took me years to become a great homemaker. When I first got married I lacked a lot of domestic skills. Lee had to teach me to separate loads of laundry (yes in college I threw it all in one load - luckily it was cold water). I couldn't cook to save my life (unless you count the microwave/reheating foods). I was horrible with money (well it was more that I had never lived on my own so I didn't pay bills or have a credit card or know how to follow a budget). I didn't have any clue how to coupon or save money (in fact I didn't know anything about couponing until a year and a half ago). I could clean really well since that was my job growing up and I was a great organizer, but otherwise I was domestically challenged.

I wanted so desperately to be a great homemaker, but my meatloaves were always mushy, our clothes were always wrinkled (if they even got done), I couldn't balance the checkbook, and I had no clue how to meal plan and grocery shop in a money-saving way.

After years of reading books and blogs, combing through cookbooks to find simple yet tasty recipes, and many trials and errors, I finally learned how to be an organized homemaker. Like I've said before, I am no June Cleaver or Martha Stewart, but I manage to keep an organized and generally clean home, have a simple yet yummy dinner most nights of the week, keep up with the ever expanding loads of laundry, and utilize coupons to save a load of money on our groceries.

I decided to start a blog because it is my heart that wives and mothers who are struggling to be the homemakers they so desire have a place to get simple ideas that they can easily implement and see big changes quickly. I wanted to share tried-and-true recipes for simple and delicious meals so that families could sit down and have a nice meal and conversation each night. I wanted to share simple couponing, meal planning, and grocery shopping techniques to cut down on time, money, and stress. I wanted to share tips on how to organize, clean, and do laundry without all the headache of wondering, "Where do I begin?" I wanted to share budgeting and bill paying tips to cut down on financial stress. Overall, I just wanted to share all of the wonderful things I have learned through all of my own failures and successes.

I hope and pray that this blog has positively impacted my followers and/or readers.

All of that being said, I would love to hear how my readers have enjoyed the blog and what you guys like and want to see this year. So if you leave a comment filling out this survey, you will be entered in a drawing to win the book, "Secrets to Getting More Done in Less Time" by Donna Otto.

http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Getting-More-Done-Less/dp/0736917152

Name (or a fake name if you are worried about security)?
Do you follow and/or read the blog?
How did you hear about the blog?
When did you start reading the blog?
How often do you check the blog?
What is your favorite thing about the blog (in general)?
What is your favorite thing about the blog (specifically - ie couponing, cleaning scheduling, etc)?
What is/are some thing(s) that you have learned from the blog and implemented in your home and what has/have been the result(s)?
What would you like to see more of on the blog this year?

Thanks so much for reading the blog. It is a real joy to me to be able to share it with you. I appreciate all of the love and support I have been shown from my readers. Y'all are the best!

Ashley

Washing Dishes

I'll admit that I let my dishes pile up sometimes. It's not really that I mean to, but if the dishwasher doesn't get unloaded there isn't a place to put them, and when I am in a rush, I just start the pile. For some reason once there are a few dishes, in no time there is a massive pile.

When that happens, I have a system that helps me get them washed in no time:

First I start by unloading the dishwasher (which is the culprit behind the piles of dishes).

Then I load up glasses and cups because they usually just need a quick rinse and can be put in the dishwasher.

Then I load up any pretty clean (as in don't need to be scrubbed) dishes and utensils into the dishwasher.

Then I pull out any "deep scrub" needing things (pots, pans, really gross dishes) and put them to the side to do last.

Then I quick rinse and sponge off semi-dirty dishes and load those into the dishwasher.

Then I scrub the dirty dishes and put them into the dishwasher.

Lastly I scrub pots and pans and any other bigger things that don't go into the dishwasher.

I take the sponge and some dish soap and scrub the sink really well and wipe down around the sink.

I like to do easy things first because it makes me motivated to keep going since it quickly makes the pile not seem like a mountain.

Of course the best way to do dishes is to rinse and load as used, but in the real world that doesn't happen all the time, right? ;)

How do you "like" to do dishes?

Maximizing Family Time

As per request, I am going to do a post devoted to maximizing family time. This is a great topic for me because I am all about family time. Aside from the Lord, family is top priority to Lee and myself. We are all about quantity time and quality time with our family.

How To Prioritize Family Time -

#1 - Don't Over-Commit to Things

In this busy day and age there are a million things you and your family can do from church activities to school activities to sports to social get togethers to hanging out with other friends. It's not that these things are bad, but if you aren't careful, you could all be going in 100 different directions all the time and not have time for just your family.

Lee and I make it a priority to really think about what we are doing with our time and commitments to make sure we get time as a family unit. That means we aren't excessively involved in our church (we do go every Sunday morning to worship and most Wednesday nights for the meal and classes, but we don't do choir, extra Bible studies, or too many other get togethers that pull us away from each other extra times).

We don't sign up for activities all the time. We like spending time with friends and extended family, but we don't do it excessively.

We will let the kids do activities as they get older, but not excessively. I am not sure what the rule will be yet, but we will look at each thing and the commitment level (ie how much time it takes each week) and decide if it is fruitful enough for the commitment it takes. Of course our children will do church things, sports, and activities, just not every single day of the week. And when possible, I want things to still be family time or at least more than one person in the family going (ie all of us go and cheer for Luke's sporting event or Lee and Nathan go to cub scouts together). That way we aren't split up all the time.

#2 - Have Dinner Together [Almost] Every Night

I have read a ton of parenting books and gotten tons of tips on how to have a successful family unit and one of the biggest things I have seen is how important family dinner is. We try to have dinner as a family every night. I know this isn't possible for everyone but since I stay home full-time, we only have to work around Lee's work schedule. I try to have dinner ready when he gets home so that we can all sit down and enjoy a meal together.

I know that life is going to get busier as the kids get older, but I really want to try to have family dinner every night (at least most nights), so we can all stay on the same page and know what is going on in each other's lives. It doesn't matter if it's a fancy meal, hamburger helper, take out on paper plates, or at a restaurant, family dinner is just everyone being together enjoying a meal and conversation.

On that note, we try to keep family dinner positive. We don't talk about Lee's work (unless it is good stuff) or the misbehavior of the kids all day or bad things that are going on. We try to have fun and enjoy that time together.

#3 - Spend Time Together Playing Each Night (Or at least most nights)

Again I know that isn't always possible for everyone, but Lee and I try to spend time playing with the kids after dinner each night. If you can't do every night, plan nights when you can. Designate at least one night a week for "family night." It is easier now to have this time together and I know it will get a little harder as the kids get older (especially teenagers), but I think setting aside time to play and have fun as a family is important.

I read that as your kids get older you should designate one night for "family night". No friends over, no dates, everyone is there. The book said Sunday night worked for their family because they had gone to church and usually had a lower key day and it was a school night so kids weren't going out with friends/on dates and there usually weren't activities on Sundays. I think whatever works for your family is best.

#4 - Plan Special Outings

We aren't big on going to movies since most of the movies that come out are too violent and/or sexually explicite and it costs a lot, but if there is a good family movie worth seeing, we plan it as an event. For instance, we went to see Toy Story 3 as a family this summer. When we go, we go all out. We get popcorn, candy, and drinks and just have a blast. We don't focus on the cost, we just enjoy the outing.

Same with vacations or special events like the fair. We plan ahead financially and really enjoy ourselves. I look at is as a memory making thing and I want our kids to have lots of great memories of their childhood.

Fun Family Time Ideas -

Go to the movies - Like I said above, when you hear of a great family movie coming out, go and make an experience out of it.

Go to the movies at home - Put on a great movie, snuggle on the couch with blankets and loved ones, pop popcorn, have snacks, and have fun.

Go bowling, mini golfing, or skating - It is so fun to have some healthy competition and do something that isn't just sitting.

Go out for ice cream - Lee and I love to take the kids to our favorite ice cream shop, Sunni Sky's, in the summer and sit outside and have homemade ice cream.

Make homemade ice cream - Get an ice cream machine and make your own ice cream. It's really fun to try new flavors or buy all the toppings for sundaes.

Make homemade pizza - Make (or buy) individual pizza crusts and get all the toppings prepped (I like to put them in individual bowls like a pizza parlor). Everyone rolls out their crust, adds their sauce, cheese, and toppings, and gets to enjoy their favorite pizza.

Go to the park and play (parents too!) - We love to take lunch to the park and play. Lee and I are big kids at heart and have just as much fun going on the slides and swings and playing with the kids and the kids love it.

Have a tickle fight - We love to do tickle fights. Just make sure you go potty first ;).

Go paint pottery - I love to paint pottery. I am not an artist, but there is something so fun about getting a piece of pottery and just painting it and enjoying it for years to come.

Go to the zoo/museums - Lots of places put out coupons (sometimes buy 1, get 1 free). It is so fun to walk around learning about things together.

Wash the vehicles - Put on bathing suits and wash vehicles. Mom and Dad wash the big ones and let the kids wash their bikes/trikes (or let them help with the big vehicles).

Water gun/balloon fight - Again, put on bathing suits and get water guns/balloons and have a fight in the backyard.

Pillow fight - Grab some pillows and have a great pillow fight. Set some boundaries and have fun.

Play sports in the backyard - We love to play baseball or toss the football in the backyard.

Decorate cookies - Make (or buy) cookie dough and icing and use cookie cutters and sprinkles and decorate cookies.

Volunteer - Go to a shelter and serve food, build a house for Habitat for Humanity, etc.

There are millions of things you can do with your family. Some take time, money, or a bigger commitment than others, but the main thing is that your heart is for your family and that they are your priority. I hope these ideas have gotten your juices flowing. I would love to hear how you make family time a priority and what you do with your family.

Grandma Reid's Homemade Veggie Soup

There is nothing better on a cold (especially rainy or snowy) day than a hot bowl of homemade soup. I love soup!!! This is one of my favorites because my Grandma Reid makes it and it is chock full of good veggies. Of course no one makes it like she does, but I can't get her to make it for me all the time. ;)

I like to make a big pot, eat about 1/3 (by myself) for a week for lunches and put the rest into 2 big tupperware containers and freeze it for later. If your whole family likes vegetable soup, you might want to freeze half and eat the other half for a couple of meals. I love to eat a grilled cheese with it (it's yummy dipped in it).

GRANDMA REID’S VEGGIE SOUP

Ingredients:
A few potatoes, peeled and diced
1 - 2 onions, chopped
½ - 1 head cabbage, chopped
2 - 3 carrots, diced
2 cans green beans
1 can corn
1 can peas
1 can diced tomatoes
1 small can tomato paste

Directions:
Combine potatoes, onion(s), cabbage, and carrots in a big pot.
Cover with water.
Cook on medium heat until softened.
Add green beans, corn, peas, and tomatoes.
Cook about 30 minutes.
Add tomato paste to thicken.

It Never Hurts to Ask

Lee and I went to take my van to get an oil change today. I always collect oil change coupons and try to only get it done when we have a good coupon. Well there is a new Firestone near our house and they send out $15 off coupons which are pretty good. I needed an inspection this month so we waited until today to go do both. Yes I like to save myself time. ;) Well the coupon expired 12/31/10. :(

I figured we could just ask if they would still honor it. I knew the worst thing they could say was "no". Well they said "yes" and we still saved the money. The thing is these stores/shops want your consistent business (hence why they send the coupons). We would have paid the $15 if we had to, but since they were so nice about it, they will be #1 on our list to get oil changes in the future.

So, it never hurts to ask. :)

Trouble Spot

So no matter how organized I am, I always have a trouble spot that seems to pop up here and there. The trouble spot is a place that clutter just seems to accumulate.

For our family that spot is the cedar chest behind our couch in the living room. It is in the walkway to our kitchen and for some reason clutter just seems to find a home there and likes to stay for a while.

Mail, magazines, books, receipts, coupon inserts, paperwork, arts and crafts, homeschool papers, and other random things just seem to end up there. I need to work on keeping it clutter free since all of our family's board games are in there and I hate to have to move stuff to get to the game or say no when Luke asks to play one. I am going to really work on keeping it clutter free.

What is your trouble spot?

What are your plans to keep it clutter free?

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!!! It's hard to believe that we have started another new year. Last year was probably the craziest year I've ever had. I am hoping that this year might be a little calmer. We aren't planning anything big since we just had Nathan a few months ago and have settled into our house pretty good, but I know that anything can happen.

I started the blog almost one year ago and I feel like it has gone pretty good. I hope to continue writing it on a regular basis as I really enjoy sharing things I have learned along my journey of homemaking.

What I want to know from you guys is:

1) What do you want to see on the blog?

2) What do you like most on the blog?

3) Is there anything I could improve on?

I would really love some feedback because I write this for the readers and want to share things I know you guys want to hear about. Please feel free to comment or email (ashley-webber@hotmail.com). Thanks!!!

Toy Organization - Board Games & Puzzles

If your house is anything like mine, the days after CHRISTmas look like a toy store. My family is big on presents and while Lee and I try to keep the craziness under control, there really is no use since our parents spoil our kids rotten. Since I can't handle mess and disorder, I have systems for toy organization. I thought that I would do a series on toy organization.

Here is Installment #1 - Board Games & Puzzles:

As soon as I open a board game, I check to make sure it has all of the parts.

Then I put the game together to make sure it is all there.

Then I put all of the pieces into different baggies (ie game pieces in one baggie, money in one baggie, etc).

I put rubberbands around the cards.

I like to put all of the little baggies and cards into a bigger resealable bag.

I put everything back into the box.

We have a chest for all of our games and I put all the adult games on one side and all of the kid games on the other. I put like-sized games together to save space.

When we play a game, we always clean it up the way we found it so that no pieces get lost.

For puzzles, we put all the puzzle pieces into a ziploc bag and then put it in the box. That way if the lid was to fall off, we don't lose any pieces.

Hope this helps!

How to Set Goals

I hope you and your family had a great CHRISTmas. Our family did as always. It was nice seeing family, eating all the goodies, and exchanging gifts, but most of all celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Now, I am ready to regroup and focus on 2011. I love the week between CHRISTmas and New Year's when I can think back on the previous year and plan for the next. I am going to share how I set goals and make plans for the new year. There is more to it than just saying, "I want to lose weight," or "I want to do _____ less/more." It requires much more.

First, it is good to clearly think about what the big picture is or who you want to be at the end of the year. It might be desiring to be closer to the Lord, having more Biblical knowledge, being thinner and healthier, being more focused on family, and/or advanced in a skill you want to learn more about.

Then, you want to start with your most important goals. In my life, that is spiritual goals. I desire each year to strengthen my walk with the Lord through prayer, Bible reading/study, and teaching Luke more Biblical truths. You write the specific goal, ie "I want to read the Bible in a Year."

Next, you put a goal date on it. For reading the Bible in a year, your goal day would obviously be "December 31st, 2011". The key is putting a realistic date on it. Make sure you could meet it, but that it will require you to work hard.

Then, you put a daily plan to it. For reading the Bible in a year, your daily plan would be "Read the Bible daily based on the reading plan." Basically giving yourself a daily plan breaks your goal down into small, attainable steps and gives you a daily check point to keep you on plan.

Lastly, you want to write down anything you need to do ahead of time to make it easier to jump in on January 1st. For reading the Bible in a year, you would "Get a Bible in a Year reading plan and put it with my Bible; and put my Bible and reading plan where I plan to read it daily."

Now, instead of just flippantly saying what you want to do, you have a written goal, date, daily plan, and list of things to do to get you started when you are ready. I really hope this has helped you guys. I am going to post my goals and plans for 2011 in another post to give you an idea of what I really mean. Plus, posting it will help me because I know you guys will know what I am supposed to be doing. ;)

Take Care!

Some of My Favorite Cookie Recipes

I love to bake!!! My favorite thing to bake is cookies. I think I love them because there are a ton of varieties but the basic baking is the same (cream butter, add sugars, add eggs and vanilla, mix dry ingredients, add dry to wet, bake). I love a process that I can follow that can still produce different things.

I decided to share my favorite cookie recipes. These are [very] tried and true recipes.

NESTLE TOLL HOUSE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Ingredients:
2 ¼ cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups (12 oz pkg) chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in small bowl.
Beat butter, sugars, and vanilla in mixer.
Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition.
Gradually beat in flour mixture.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop by rounded Tbsp onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.
*I bake them for about 7-8 minutes on a middle rack and 2 minutes on a top rack to make them bake evenly and stay soft.

GINGER SNAPS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat in mixer (1st)
3/4 cup Crisco (sticks)
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 tsp salt

Mix in a medium bowl (2nd)
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
2 tsp ginger

Add dry to wet.
Make small balls & dip tops in sugar.
Place on cookie sheet.
They will flatten out themselves.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
*I bake them for about 8-10 minutes on a middle rack and 2 minutes on the top rack to bake evenly and stay soft.

PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all ingredients in bowl.
Shape into balls and press down with fork to form criss-cross pattern.
Bake 8-10 minutes.
*I bake them for 6-7 minutes on the middle rack and 2 minutes on the top rack to bake evenly and stay soft.


SUGAR COOKIES

Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
In electric mixer bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 to 4 minutes).
Add eggs and vanilla extract and beat until combined.
Add flour mixture and beat until you have a smooth dough.
Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for about one hour or until firm enough to roll.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place rack in center of oven.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
Cut out desired shapes using a lightly floured cookie cutter.
Put on baking sheet.
Put in refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to chill the dough.
Note: If you are not going to frost the baked cookies, you can use an egg wash (scramble egg with water) and brush it on the cookies and add sprinkles before you bake.
Bake for 10 minutes or until they are brown around the edges.
*I bake them for about 8 minutes on the middle rack and 2 minutes on the top rack so that they bake evenly and stay soft.
Let cookies cool.
Frost with royal icing, if desired.
Be sure to let the royal icing dry completely before storing. (This may take several hours.)
Frosted cookies will keep several days in an airtight container.
Store between layers of parchment paper or wax paper.

Royal Icing

Ingredients:
2 egg whites
2 tsp lemon juice
3 cups powdered sugar

Directions:
Mix egg whites and lemon juice with a whisk.
Add powdered sugar and mix.
Add a little cold water for consistency.

SNICKERDOODLES

Ingredients:

Topping:
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon

Cookies:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup dark brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees (yes, 300 degrees!).
In a small bowl combine sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Set aside.
In a medium bowl combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well with wire whisk and set aside. In a large bowl blend both sugars with an electric mixer set at medium speed.
Add the butter and mix to form a grainy paste.
Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix at medium speed.
Add the flour mixture and blend at low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
Spoon onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
Bake for 15-18 minutes.
*I bake them for about 12 minutes on the middle rack and 2 minutes on the top rack to bake them evenly and stay soft.
Remove immediately from cookie sheet and let cool.

PEANUT BLOSSOM COOKIES

Ingredients:

Cookies:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated white sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 Tbsp milk
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Coating:
1/3 cup granulated white sugar

Garnish:
48 milk chocolate Kisses or mini Reeses, unwrapped

Directions:
Line three baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream the butter.
Add the peanut butter and sugars and beat until light and fluffy (about 2 - 3 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat to combine.
Beat in the milk.
In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add to the peanut butter mixture and beat until incorporated.
Cover and chill the batter for about an hour, or until firm enough to roll into balls.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and place rack in the center of the oven.
Roll the batter into 1 inch round balls.
Place the granulated white sugar in a shallow bowl and roll each ball in the sugar.
Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies for about 8 - 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned.
Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, place a chocolate Kiss in the center of each cookie, pressing down until the cookie just starts to crack.
*I like to put the cookies back in the oven for a minute to soften the candy.
Cool completely on a wire rack.

Organized CHRISTmas Baking

I love CHRISTmas!!! It's my favorite time of year. I love celebrating Jesus' birth, playing Santa Claus for my kids, spending time with family, all of the decorating, the present giving, caroling, CHRISTmas programs, and of course, CHRISTmas baking.

I love to bake!!! It's so fun to pull out recipes, get out the mixer and supplies, and spend the day in the kitchen baking lots of yummy treats to share with others. As with anything, I have to be organized about it.

Here's how I CHRISTmas bake:

1 - I select all of the recipes I want to make and how many of each (ie batches).

2 - I compute how much of each ingredient I will need.

3 - I go through my cupboards, pantry, and fridge to see what I need at the store and make my list.

4 - I go shopping for all of the baking needs (I also stock up if I notice my baking cupboard is low on something since I love to bake randomly).

5 - I lay out all of my dry ingredients (flour, sugars, baking soda/powder, salt, spices), wet ingredients (butter - so it can soften, eggs, milk, molasses), and misc ingredients (peanut butter, chocolate chips, candies). I put my mixer on the main island. I get out some smaller mixing bowls, measuring cups/spoons, and baking sheets.

6 - I start with the recipes that need to be refrigerated (ie sugar cookie dough, peanut blossom dough) so that they can be in the refrigerator while I am making the other cookies.

7 - I use one set of measuring cups/spoons for dry ingredients and one for wet so I don't have to wash as much.

8 - I also like to keep a sink of hot soapy water to put stuff in as I go to make cleanup easier.

9 - I just work my way through my baking and clean as I go so there isn't a major mess to clean up at the end.

10 - I have a station for cookies to cool and be packaged.

It's just so much fun. I really enjoy letting Luke help me (if he wants to of course) and by being organized it keeps things running smoothly.

Organized CHRISTmas Present Giving

As everyone knows CHRISTmas can get so crazy, especially when we get too overwhelmed by all the presents, shopping, parties, and other ruckus that tends to happen this time of year. To combat the craziness, I try to really organize my CHRISTmas present giving. I usually start my shopping after Thanksgiving as I really like to focus on Thanksgiving before all the CHRISTmas stuff starts.

Lee and I sit down and write a list of all of the people we are going to be buying presents for. Then we come up with a budget for each person. Then we like to write down some ideas or things that each person likes or is into. I take my list with me when I shop and I write down everything I purchase for each person. That way I remember what I've bought (yes, if I don't write stuff down, I completely forget). I also keep a tally of how much I've spent so I can stick to my budget.

I try to have all of my shopping done by the week before CHRISTmas. I usually end up picking up a couple of things for Luke as he makes new requests every day (sometimes every hour). I like to wrap as I go as well so I don't end up with a massive pile of presents to wrap two days before CHRISTmas. Plus the presents look pretty under the tree.

I hope these tips have helped. I would love to hear how you organize your CHRISTmas present giving or if you just wing it. :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Ways to Save $$$ on Formula

Even though I am exclusively breastfeeding or pumping and putting it into bottles (for feedings away from the house and night time feedings), I am already getting some formula. I nursed and pumped for Luke for 3 months and then went to formula, so I have it in my mind that I more than likely won't nurse/pump for a full year, so I am stocking up on formula when it is a good deal and/or I have a coupon/check voucher.

Here are my $$$ saving tips:

- Buy generic - I've heard that Target and Walmart brands are just as good as the name brands and save lots of money.

- Sign up for every brand of formula's samples, coupons and check vouchers - I signed up for the multiples program so I get double coupons (I don't have the heart to call and tell them I only have one baby plus I can use the extra coupons) - They send me coupons and/or check vouchers (sometimes for up to $11 off of any formula).

- Look for the deals and match with coupons/check vouchers when you have them - Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, and Target run deals on formula frequently and they will take the coupons/check vouchers with them.

- Look for rebate programs - Enfamil has one right now that if you spend $40 in formula, you get a $15 rebate. I matched that with sales and check vouchers and got all of the formula for FREE.

- Know how much you want to pay per ounce and aim to only buy it at that price if possible.

- Have a budget for formula each month - I think with Luke we spent around $100. My goal if we go to exclusively formula will be $50 (but of course if Nathan needs it and we go over, I'll cut from somewhere else).

I hope these tips have helped.

My New Schedule

Since I just posted about how to create a schedule, I figured I would post my new schedule in case people were interested in seeing how I plan to spend my days. I would love to see yours as well and if you would like, I would love to post them on my blog for others to get ideas from you. Just comment or email me at ashley-webber@hotmail.com. Thanks!

MY NEW SCHEDULE:

7:00am - Wake Up, Brush Teeth, Wash Face, Get Dressed, Make Bed, Start 1st Load of Laundry, Wash Bottles/Pump Supplies, Unload Dishwasher/Reload Dishwasher, Make Breakfast

7:30am - Wake Nathan Up, Feed, Change, and Play with Nathan (Eat Breakfast)

8:30am - Put Nathan Down for a Nap, Put 1st Load in Dryer, Start 2nd Load of Laundry, Exercise, Shower and Get Ready

9:30am - Fold 1st Load of Laundry, Put 2nd Load in Dryer, Do Weekly Cleaning, Play with Luke, Make Snacks for Luke and Me

10:30am - Wake Nathan Up, Feed, Change, and Play with Nathan (Eat Snack)

11:30am - Put Nathan Down for a Nap, Homeschool Luke

12:30pm - Make Lunch, Eat Lunch, Clean Up Kitchen - Dishes, Wipe Down, Fold 2nd Load of Laundry

1:30pm - Wake Nathan Up, Feed, Change, and Play with Nathan, Read Books to Luke and Nathan

2:30pm - Put Both Boys Down for a Nap, DOWN TIME - Prayer, Devotion, Bible Study, Read, Watch TV/Movie, Scrapbook, Blog, Coupon, Nap, Make Snacks for Luke and Me

4:30pm - Wake Nathan Up, Feed, Change, and Play with Nathan (Eat Snack)

5:30pm - Put Nathan Down for a Nap, Make Dinner, Help Luke with Art Project or Play with Luke while Dinner is Cooking

6:30pm - Eat Dinner, Clean Up Kitchen - Dishes, Wipe Down, Sweep, Straighten Up, Play with Luke

7:30pm - Wake Nathan Up, Feed, Change, and Bathe Nathan

8:30pm - Put Nathan Down for a Nap, Help Lee Put Luke to Bed

9:00pm - DOWN TIME - Prayer, Devotion, Bible Study, Read, Watch TV/Movie, Scrapbook, Blog, Coupon, Hang out with Lee, Have a Snack/Dessert

10:30pm - Wake Nathan Up, Change and Feed Nathan

11:00pm - Put Nathan to Bed, Go to Bed

Creating a Schedule

I am a big scheduler. I like knowing what time I am going to wake up, go to bed, eat meals, do stuff with the kids, do stuff around the house, etc. It helps me because I can work around my natural rhthyms throughout the day. Plus kids really love routine and schedules. They like knowing what to expect. Well my life has been very unscheduled the last year since I was pregnant or a new mom the whole year. I would sometimes go to bed early and/or sleep late or take naps plus my sickenss and/or lack of energy required a lot of sitting and resting so I didn't really do as much as I normall do.

Well now that things are settling down with Nathan and we are going to be getting back to a few things that got put on the back burner for a while - working out, homeschooling, normal cleaning routine - I decided that we needed a new family schedule.

Lee and I sat down when things were quiet and worked out a schedule for our family. I am really excited about it and thought that I would share how we did it.

Since we have 4 people with 4 different schedules and sets of needs, we wrote out what each person did during the course of a day.

Lee's List - Wake Up, Get Ready for Work, Make Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks, Leave for Work, Drive to Work, Work, Leave Work, Drive Home, Get Home, Eat Dinner, Play with Luke, Help Luke Clean up Toys, Shower and Get Ready for Bed, Bathe Luke, Get Luke Ready for Bed, Put Luke to Bed, Relax/Spend Time with Ashley, Go to Bed

Luke's List - Wake Up, Get Ready, Make Bed, Eat Breakfast, Play Alone, Play with Mommy, Play with Daddy, Homeschool, Arts/Crafts, Watch TV/Movie, Eat Lunch, Read Books, Clean Up Toys, Take a Nap, Wake Up, Eat Dinner, Clean Up Toys, Get a Bath, Get Ready for Bed, Go to Bed

Nathan's List - Wake Up, Eat, Play, Take a Nap (Repeat all day until bed)

Ashley's List - Wake Up, Get Ready, Make Bed, Start Laundry, Wash Bottles/Pumping Supplies, Make Breakfast, Eat Breakfast, Clean Up Kitchen - Dishes/Wipe Down, Feed and Play with Nathan, Workout, Shower and Get Ready, Daily Cleaning, Weekly Cleaning, Finish Laundry, Feed and Play with Nathan, Make Lunch, Eat Lunch, Clean Up Kitchen - Dishes/Wipe Down, Homeschool Luke, Feed and Play with Nathan, Read Books with Luke, Put Boys Down for a Nap, Down Time - Prayer, Devotion, Bible Study, Read, Scrapbook, Blog, Watch TV/Movie, Nap, Feed and Play with Nathan, Play with Luke, Arts/Crafts with Luke, Make Dinner, Eat Dinner, Clean Up Kitchen - Dishes/Wipe Down/Sweep, Feed and Bathe Nathan, Relax/Spend Time with Lee, Feed Nathan and Put to Bed, Go to Bed, Middle of the night feedings (if needed)

Then we put how much time each thing would take (some things we grouped together).

Then we started with our wake time. We decided that Lee, Luke, and I would wake up at 7:00am and do our morning things and then I would wake Nathan up at 7:30am and start his routine. Then we decided on a bedtime for each of us. Luke will go to bed at 9:00pm. Nathan, Lee, and I will go to bed at 11:00pm (until Nathan starts sleeping all night). Then we decided on a naptime for Luke (and Nathan). His naptime will be around 2:30pm to 4:30 or 5:00pm. I wanted to have time in the afternoon when both boys napped together so I could have some downtime.

Then we decided on meal times. Breakfast is around 7:30am (yes, I will eat while I feed Nathan for now), lunch is around 12:30pm, and dinner is around 6:30pm.

Then we decided on when we would homeschool, I would workout and shower and get ready, when I would have focused playtime with Luke, and when I would clean and Luke would have alone playtime. We also decided on when the boys would get their baths and factored in time to get ready for nap and bed (clean up toys, read, pray).

I did all of it in an Excel spreadsheet. I put all the time slots (15 minute increments) from 7:00am to 11:00pm and each of our names across the top. I plugged in everything and that way we could see where each person was all day.

That was our basic daily schedule. Our weekly schedule will be the same spreadsheet but with different things added in. For example we go to church Sunday morning from 10:00am until 2:00pm (driving time, church, and we go out to lunch, so I will have that change on the schedule. We will have a different weekend schedule, but will try to keep wake time, bed time, meal times, naps, and Nathan's schedule consistent those days.

If anyone is interested in seeing the Excel sheet, just email me at ashley-webber@hotmail.com and I will send it to you. You can just change it how you need to. It's super easy to use.

NOTE: This is our proposed and ideal schedule. There will probably be tweaks and changes (especially when Nathan goes to a 4 hour schedule or our homeschooling takes more time, etc) and we probably won't follow it exactly each day (hey, that's life), but it is good to know what to expect each day.

Life with a Newborn - Tips Included

As anyone who has ever had a newborn knows, they take a lot of your time and mental/emotional focus. We are big on scheduling our babies as soon as possible. I am a huge proponent for the Baby Wise series. The books tell you exactly how to take care of a newborn, how to get them on a routine, and down the road how to deal with bigger issues like discipline, potty training, and eventually the teenage years.

Basically you put the baby on a 3 hour rotation (which is what they do at the hospital anyways) and you feed them, keep them awake (if they will stay awake after), and then put them down for a nap. It discourages feeding them until they fall asleep as well as using props (like rocking to sleep, co-sleeping). When you follow this eventually they will learn to sleep through the night.

It worked beautifully with Luke because we started from the beginning. He slept through the night (8 hours at 2 months and 12 hours at 3 months) really well and never looked back. At almost 5 years old he still sleeps great (10 hours at night and a 2-3 hour nap each day).

Nathan has taken longer for 2 reasons: 1) I held him and didn't really work on the schedule/sleeping alone thing for 7 weeks and 2) he was 5 weeks premature so it has taken longer. But now he is doing pretty good. He is almost 12 weeks (7 weeks adjusted age) and he does a 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hour routine all day and goes 4-7 hours at night (average of 5 hours). He is getting there.

So I have about 1 1/2 to 2 hours between feedings and playing with him to do all the other things - eat, personal hygiene, workout, homeschool, play with Luke, cook, clean, do laundry, etc. I have learned to work fast and use every minute of time that I have.

If I have 5 minutes, I will quickly wash bottles and pumping supplies (I nurse but pump for when we are away from the house and middle of the night feedings since I sometimes fall asleep during his feedings) or unload the dishwasher. I might quickly prep something to eat for later. I might go through a room and straighten up. I might quickly start/change out laundry. I might make beds.

If I have 10 minutes, I will maybe prep some things for dinner that night or wipe down and sweep the kitchen or run a vacuum in the living room. I might quickly fold some laundry (even if I can't get it put away).

If I have 15 minutes, I might wipe down a bathroom or vacuum a floor. I might take a quick shower and throw on some clean clothes. I might iron a few items of clothing.

If I have 30 minutes, I might quickly workout. I might do an art project or craft with Luke.

I am learning to use every bit of time that I have. It helps a lot to not worry about doing something perfectly or getting it completed but taking whatever time I have and using it to make things run smoothly. By the end of the day I've usually gotten quite a lot done once I add up all those 5, 10, 15 minute increments. It's really paying off.

Where Have I Been?

Hey Everyone!

Wow! I can't believe it has been over 2 1/2 months since I have blogged here. It's been a crazy and emotional couple of months. The day after the last entry I made here, I went in for my 35 week ultrasound of the twins. We found out that our precious daughter, Alexis Faith, had passed away. To say we were devestated doesn't even begin to cover it. The doctor highly recommended that we go ahead and deliver Nathan Reid since he was looking great and measuring big and there could be further complications for Nathan or myself.

So on October 1st, 2010, we welcomed our 5 lb 13 oz, 18 in long beautiful baby boy, Nathan Reid, into the world at 5:45pm. Two minutes later at 5:47pm, I delivered Alexis Faith. It was the most joyful and saddest day of my life. I went through every emotion you can think of (sometimes all in the span of 5 minutes).

Recovering from a c-section, having a newborn, and mourning our loss was a lot to deal with for a couple of months. I had a lot of help (my husband for 3 weeks, my mom for a week, Lee's mom for a week, and my sister's step-mom for a week) and people brought meals for almost 6 weeks straight. It was really all I could do to get through each day taking care of Nathan and being grief-stricken. Needless to say, blogging wasn't at the top of my list.

Things have gotten better each day. My grief is not as deep. Thanks to my faith in Jesus Christ, I have found strength, peace, and comfort each day. I know that Alexis Faith is in heaven and I will see her again. I also know that life must go on. It is hard to accept at times that she isn't here. I had so many hopes and dreams and plans for her and for us together. It does sadden me to know they won't happen. I just have to believe that God will work all of this together for good. It makes it a lot more bearable having faith, family, and friends.

I hope to be able to continue my blog. I know it probably won't be as frequent as it was when I was able to rest and sit so much during my pregnancy, but I will try my best to blog at least weekly. I appreciate your following and/or reading my blog. I really enjoy sharing with you.

Chili Recipe

Well I tried to post the pictures I took along the way when I was making the chili today, but Blogger is being pain about posting pics lately for some reason. Either way, here is the recipe:

CHILI

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
Baby carrots, chopped
Green peppers, chopped
Yellow peppers, chopped
Red peppers, chopped
1 lb ground beef/turkey
Salt and pepper
Chili powder
Cumin
Oregano
Seasoned salt
Paprika
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Cayenne pepper
Thyme
1 large can (or 2 small cans) tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can kidney beans
1 can chili beans

Directions:
Heat olive oil in big pot over medium heat.
Add onion, garlic, carrots, and peppers.
Cook until soft.
Add ground beef/turkey and salt and pepper.
Cook until beef is cooked throughout.
Add seasonings.
Add tomato sauce, tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili beans and stir well.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 1 hour.

*You can freeze this once it cools.

**You can use any peppers you have on hand (today I just used a green pepper).

***You can use any combination of spices you have on hand as well.

Rite Aid - 9/23

I stopped by Rite Aid tonight because I needed some new makeup and they have Cover Girl cosmetics for Buy 1, Get 1 Free. They also still have the diapers for $8.99 and I had a $3.00 coupon for them. I also had a $5.00 off $25.00 purchase. I decided to peruse the store and see what other things looked good. I found Rite Aid wipes for $6.29 with a $2.00 rebate and I had a $1.00 coupon. I decided to do all of these deals.

I got 2 Cover Girl products (normally $9.99 and $8.59, on sale for B1G1), a pack of diapers (normally $11.99, on sale for $8.99), and a pack of 420 wipes (normally $6.99, on sale for $6.29).

It would have been $37.56.
After sales it was $25.27.
I used my $5.00 off $25.00 purchase = $20.27.
I used a $3.00 off (diapers), $1.00 off (wipes), $1.00 off (CG), and a $1.00 off (CG) = $14.27.
I used $6.00 in UP! Rewards = $8.27.
I got a $2.00 SCR for the wipes = $6.27.
I got a $2.00 UP! Reward
I saved 83%.

Got Paid $5 to "Buy" Diapers at Rite Aid

I LOVE RITE AID!!! I think I may love Rite Aid more than CVS. With the UP! Rewards program, Single Check Rebates, Gift Card programs, $5.00 off $25.00 purchase coupons they have on their website a lot, and the fact that they will take as many coupons as are applicable, you can make out like a bandit there.

Well, today I literally did make out like a bandit. I got paid $5.00 to "buy" 3 packs of Huggies diapers. Each pack was normally $11.99, but was on sale for $8.99. They had a $2.00 UP! Reward (and you could get one per pack on the same transaction - no limit). If you bought 3 packs (over $25.00 - you could also mix and match with other items, but I wanted diapers), you got a $10.00 Rite Aid gift card. When I matched it with all of my coupons and previous UP! Rewards, it was awesome. Here's the breakdown.

3 packs Huggies diapers normally $11.99 each = $35.97
On sale for $8.99 each = $26.97
Used $5.00 off $25.00 purchase = $21.97
Used (3) $3.00 off Huggies diapers = $12.97
Used $3.00 UP! Rewards from previous transaction = $9.97
Paid $9.97 + tax = $11.05
Got a $10.00 Rite Aid gift card = $1.05
Got $6.00 UP! Rewards = -$4.95

SAVINGS = 100+%

CVS - Free $25.00 Gift Card

A few weeks ago we got a coupon that printed out on our receipt for a free $25.00 CVS gift card if you transferred a prescription from a competitor or brought in a new one (couldn't be a refill). I thought, "We probably won't need this (as we don't get sick much in our house), but I'll keep it just in case." Well good thing I did because I had to get a prescription for Procardia (contraction reducing medicine) this week. I brought in my prescription, paid for it, and got a free $25.00 gift card. That will definitely go a long way with how I coupon. I am thinking 5 packs of diapers. ;)

Great Kohl's Trip

If anyone wants to know how I do Kohl's, I wrote a thorough post a while back. Just click on Clothes Buying on the side bar. Tonight we went to Kohl's because I had a 30% off coupon and they were doing Kohl's cash back ($10 GC for every $50 spent) and Luke needed his Fall clothes. I held out until I got the coupon and the cash back. I am thankful they had it this week as I am 33 weeks pregnant and feel about 50 weeks pregnant. I had a tough time and was exhausted when we got home, but it was worth it.

We got Luke:
- A nice tie for church (he really wanted one)
- 2 6pk underwear (he graduated to white ones - he's too big for characters)
- 7pk socks
- 8 casual shirts
- 6 pairs of jeans
- 1 pair of khakis for church
- 3 church shirts
- Fleece jacket
- 4 pairs of pajamas

All of that would have cost $504.98.
After the sales it was $285.77.
After the 30% off it was $200.03.
We saved 60%.
We also got $40.00 in Kohl's cash.

Who Knew?

Since I have been doubly pregnant, I haven't been able to keep up with everything like I normally try to. It's been quite frustrating for me as I am a "make a list, check off the list" type of person. I would still try to write a nice list for each day, but I slowly found myself marking less and less off each day. It got really annoying. Lately, I've barely been able to do anything minus making the bed, straightening things up, dishes, and wiping things down. I can do laundry, but I struggle with the getting it from bins and putting it away.

Well last week, Lee and I were having my last baby shower at our house since the people coming hadn't seen our new house yet. We decided that I would do surfaces (dust, wipe down bathrooms, etc) and he would do floors (sweep, vacuum, mop) and straighten up (take things to the rooms they belong). Well, I ended up in Labor and Delivery for 6 hours on Saturday. I was instructed to put my feet up and drink water and to not do any housework. That might sound like fun to most people, but I have a tough time relaxing and not doing the things that I normally do.

Well Lee insisted that he take care of everything. I just had to let go and let him do it. The funny thing is, he did an amazing job. In fact, he cleans better than I do. He moved stuff when he vacuumed (I rarely do that), he dusted with real dust spray and a cloth (when I do dust, I use those Swiffer clothes), and he scrubbed the sinks and toilets (I usually use Lysol wipes and just wipe hard). I was very impressed and to be honest, very embarrassed that I had always insisted to do everything myself.

I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that my "job" is to be a wife, mom, and homemaker. It gives me my confidence and my meaning (at least in the sense of a daily purpose like Lee gets from IBM). Plus I am really particular (okay anal) and I like things done a certain way. Well who knew that he could do it as good, if not better, than I do it? You learn something new everyday. ;)

It was really a comfort to know that 1) he is willing to do things that I normally do without a complaint and 2) he will do an awesome job. Now, I just have to realize that more people can do the same thing for me. That's the next step. ;) I have a feeling that God will use situations to help me learn that as well. He always does.

The Payoff of Stockpiling and Meal Planning

So back before I got into this whole "Organized Homemaking" thing, I really struggled with grocery shopping and meal planning (or lack thereof). A lot of the time we would go out to eat, but when I would actually cook, there was zero planning. I would just say, "Let's have spaghetti (or whatever meal sounded good)." It was a totally different experience back then than it is today.

Before:

I would just go to whatever store was closest (usually Harris Teeter or Super Target) and would buy what I needed. I would grab some pasta noodles, sauce, lean ground beef/turkey, a green pepper, an onion, and perhaps some frozen garlic bread/texas toast. I would also usually end up grabbing some other random things (especially if I went to Target).

I wouldn't have a single coupon, but I would grab what brand was the best "deal" that day. I would spend probably around $11.00 just for the stuff for the spaghetti. If I added texas toast, it would be at least $13.00, not to mention the other random things (ie cookie dough/brownie mix for dessert).

After:

Now, I coupon and only buy things when they are great deal and stockpile. I buy all of my meat on sale and individually package it for the freezer. I never spend more than $3.33 on lean ground beef/turkey and usually get it for better than that. I buy pasta noodles (whole wheat) for virtually nothing and spaghetti sauce (even the large jars) for under $1.00. I buy my peppers when they are 50 cents to $1.00 (I cut them up and freeze them in freezer bags). I still buy onions when I need them, but they are usually not that expensive (maybe 50 cents apiece). I also stockpile baking goods (like brownie mix) when it goes on sale. I don't impulse shop anymore.

So, even if I haven't technically meal planned, I can say, "Let's have spaghetti." I go to the pantry and grab my free pasta noodles and cheap spaghetti sauce. I grab a pound of lean ground beef/turkey and my diced peppers from the freezer. I either have an onion from my fresh produce shop or have Lee stop and get one (saving me money - he will not impulse shop). If we want garlic bread, I have it in the freezer (I probably got it for 50 cents). If we want brownies, I have mix in the cupboard that I probably got for free or maybe 25 cents. So, I cook the same meal (if not better since I only buy name brand with coupons) for roughly $5.00 (including bread and dessert).

So by doing all this couponing, stockpiling, and meal planning, I saved myself $6-8 (or more) for just one meal. Not to mention the headache of going, "What's for dinner?" "How about spaghetti?" "I have to go to the store." "It's not worth it." "Let's just get fast food." We have a healthy, home-cooked family dinner which to me means we are building family memories. For me eating around the dinner table at home is very different from eating around 10 other families at McDonalds while your kid plays (and doesn't eat). Of course there is the place and time for that as well (all moms need a break from cooking and kids enjoy playplaces).

CVS - Lots of Baby Stuff - 9/5

CVS has some great deals this week (9/5-9/11), especially on Gerber formula and J&J baby products. I also had some awesome coupons, including 4 $3.00 off $15.00 purchase, 2 $6.00 off formula, $8.00 in total coupons off the diapers and wipes, and the J&J coupons they mailed me.

I have 2 CVS cards (one in my name and one in Lee's name). I don't usually use more than one, but the formula/baby products deal was too good to not do it twice. We did three transactions with my card and two transactions with Lee's card (we went to two CVSs - used one card at each).

Here's everything we got:

Store #1 - My Card

Transaction #1 -
25.7 oz Gerber formula - normally $23.99, on sale for $20.00
2 J&J baby wash - normally $4.49 each, on sale for $2.50 each

Total before sales = $32.97
Total after sales = $25.00
Used a $3.00 off $15.00 purchase = $22.00
Used a $6.00 off formula = $16.00
Used 2 $2.50 off J&J = $11.00
Used $6.00 ECBs (from last week) = $5.00
Paid $5.69 with tax
Got back $10.00 ECBs (if you buy $25.00 in formula and/or J&J baby products, you get this)

Transaction #2 -
40ct Huggies diapers - normally $11.99, on sale for $8.99
360ct Huggies wipes - normally $11.99, not on sale

Total before sales = $23.98
Total after sales = $20.98
Used $3.00 off $15.00 purchase = $17.98
Used $4.00 off diapers & wipes (CVS coupon) = $13.98
Used $2.00 off diapers = $11.98
Used $2.00 off wipes = $9.98
Used $10.00 ECBs (from previous transaction) = FREE
Just paid the tax of $1.40

Transaction #3 -
3 Scott 6pk paper towels - normally $7.49 each, on sale for $4.99 each
2 Wisk - normally $8.49 each, on sale for B1G1 ($8.49 total)

Total before sales = $39.45
Total after sales = $23.46
Used $3.00 off $15.00 purchase = $20.46
Used 3 $1.00 off Scott = $17.46
Used 1 $3.00 off Wisk (I had 2, but she only let me use 1) = $14.46
Paid $16.05 with tax

Store #2 - Lee's Card

Transaction #1 -
25.7 oz Gerber formula - normally $23.99, on sale for $20.00
2 J&J baby wash - normally $4.49 each, on sale for $2.50 each

Total before sales = $32.97
Total after sales = $25.00
Used $3.00 off $15.00 purchase = $22.00
Used $6.00 off formula = $16.00
Used 2 $5.00 off J&J = $6.00
Paid $6.69 with tax
Got back $10.00 ECBs

Transaction #2 -
2 Wisk - normally $8.49 each, on sale for B1G1 ($8.49 total)

Total before sales = $16.98
Total after sales = $8.49
Used 2 $3.00 off Wisk (she let me use both this time) = $2.49
Used $2.49 in ECBs = FREE
Just paid the tax of 66 cents
Had $7.51 in ECBs left over*

EVERYTHING -

Total before sales = $146.35
Total after sales = $102.93
Used $77.47 in coupons
Spent $25.46 (plus tax)
Got $7.51 in ECBs left over

Saved 83%.
Saved 88% if you factor in the ECBs I got.

Quick CVS Trip - 8/30

Lee took me up to CVS tonight after dinner. I just wanted to get a few things really quick.

I got 2 Purex, 1 Cascade, and a Bounce.
It would have cost $25.16 (before tax).
I had $9.20 in CVS savings which brought me down to $15.96.
I used a $3.00 off $15.00 which brought me down to $12.96.
I used $1.45 in manufacturer's coupons which brought me down to $11.51.
I used a $10.00 ECB from last week which brought me down to $1.51 (before tax).
I got back $6.00 in ECBs.

So not counting my $10.00 ECB, I technically "spent" $5.51 (before tax), for a savings of 78%.

So today we got a package from Gerber. It contained 2 little boxes. Each box had a canister of their Good Start formula, a onesie (so cute), a $6.00 coupon for a canister of formula, and a $1.00 coupon for Gerber apparel. I was so excited. Of course if you know how much I love couponing, I saw Rite Aid was having a deal on this exact formula. If you buy $25.00 worth of Gerber Good Start Formula, you get a $10.00 rebate. I am going tomorrow and will get a 26oz canister of formula for like $1.50 with all my coupons and the rebate. I am excited to get these coupons and freebies from companies so that I can go get stuff super cheap for the babies. Of course we are hoping I can nurse or pump, but I know we will need formula at some point and if we don't, we can donate it. :)

Goal Price List

I've been meaning to do this for a long time. I wanted to post a list of what I consider my goal prices for things. This helps because I can look at "deals" and make sure they are really good deals. Obviously demand can make the price I am willing to pay go up (like if we are out of milk and we are at Harris Teeter, I don't care if I could save 50 cents down at Walmart).

Here's my goal price list for commonly used items:

Meats:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts - less than $2.00/lb
93% lean ground beef or turkey - less than $3.00/lb
Pork chops/loin - less than $3.00/lb (I really love to get it for less than $2.00/lb)
Fish - less than $5.00/lb
Steak - less than $6.00/lb

Dairy:
Milk - less than $3.00/gallon
Eggs - roughly 10 cents/egg
Cheese, shredded - $1.00/bag
Yogurt - $1.00/pack (I really love to get it for FREE which is possible during Super Doubles at Harris Teeter most times)

Deli Meat:
Packaged sandwich meat - $2.00/pack (I prefer to get fresh from the deli though)
Packaged turkey bacon - $2.00/pack (I've gotten this for like a quarter before)

Produce:
Grapes - 99cents/lb (I will pay more if they look good and we want them)
Apples - under $2.00/lb (really love to get them cheap in the Autumn)
Bananas - under 50cents/lb
Watermelon - $3-$4 in season
Pears - 99cents to $1.50/lb
Pineapple - $3-$4 in season
Zucchini/squash - 99cents/lb
Onions - 99cents/lb
Potatoes - $3.00/5lb bag
Carrots - $2.00/lb
Bagged salad mix - less than $2.00

Condiments:
Peanut butter - less than $1.00 (I love to get it for like 50cents)
Jelly - less than $1.00 (I love to get it for like 50 cents)
BBQ sauce - FREE
Mustard - FREE
Mayo - 50cents
Ketchup - under $1.00
Frank's Red (we use this a ton) - 50cents
Salad dressings - under $1.00 (very easy to get for FREE)
Worcestershire sauce - FREE
Steak sauce - $1.00

Canned Stuff:
Canned Veggies - 50cents/can
Canned Tuna - FREE - 25cents/can
Canned Cream Soups - 60cents/can
Canned Soups - 25cents/can

Pasta/Rice:
Packaged pastas - 50cents
Packaged rices - FREE - 50cents
Jarred pasta sauce - under $1.00/jar

Breakfast Stuff:
Cereals - under $1.00/box (I love to get these for FREE)
Oatmeal - under 20cents/packet
Poptarts - under 50cents/box (We only get these if they are a super good deal)
Breakfast bars - $2.00/box (Luke loves these so we get them no matter what, but I like to stock up when they are a great deal)
Fiber One bars - $1.50/box (Again, Lee loves these so we get them no matter what, but I like to stock up when they are a great deal)
Granola bars - $1.00/box (Again, Lee loves these so we get them no matter what, but I like to stock up when they are a great deal)

Snacks:
Fruit snacks - FREE (I only stock up when they are FREE or super cheap as they are a treat)
Chips - we rarely buy chips so if we want them, we shop whatever is the best deal of things we like
Pretzels - $1.00/bag
A lot of our snacks are bought based on super good deals. We don't buy too many chips/cookies. I prefer to make homemade cookies from low-cost baking ingredients (flour, sugar, butter, vanilla, etc).

Cleaning Products:
Wipes - less than $1.00/tub (I love to get these for FREE)
Sprays - less than 50cents (I love to get these for FREE)

Laundry:
Detergent - 5-10cents/load (at least the load indicated on the bottle/box)
Fabric softener - 5-10cents/load (at least the load indicated on the bottle)

Dish:
Dish soap - FREE - 50cents/bottle (depending on bottle size)
Dishwasher detergent - $2-$3/bottle

Toilet Paper/Paper Towels:
Toilet paper - roughly 25cents/roll
Paper towels - roughly 50cents/roll

Baby Stuff:
Diapers - 10cents/diaper
Wipes - FREE to 2cents/wipe
Baby Wash - $1.00/bottle

Food Storage:
Baggies - 5-10cents/baggie
Containers - 25-50cents/container

Freezer Food:
Ice cream - $1.00/container (only buy when it is a great deal)
Frozen pizza - $2-$3
Lean entrees - $2.00

Personal Care:
Face wash - $1-$2
Shampoo - FREE - 50cents
Conditioner - FREE - 50cents
Soap/Body Wash - FREE - $1.00
Shaving gel/cream - FREE - 50cents
Razors - FREE - $1.00 (for the good ones)
Deoderant - 50cents
Makeup - $1-$2
Toothpaste - FREE - 50cents
Toothbrushes - FREE
Feminine hygiene - FREE

Please let me know if there are any other things you think I should add to the list. :)

Rite Aid - 8/30

I ran into Rite Aid today and did 3 transactions. If you haven't read previous posts about Rite Aid, I divide my shops into different transactions now that they have the UP Rewards because you can only get one per transaction, but you can roll them and get another with a different transaction. I also do this because I usually have a $5/$25 or $4/$20 purchase so it makes sense to break it up into $20 or $25 transactions.

I got 3 40ct packages of Pampers Swaddlers diapers, 1 240ct package of Rite Aid wipes, 1 tube of Boudreaux diaper cream, 2 Colgate toothpastes, 2 Nivea body washes, 3 Gain dish soap, and 3 Downy fabric softeners.

It would have cost $97.55 (before tax).
I had $33.16 in Rite Aid savings.
I had $42.50 in coupon savings.
I had $2.00 in SCR savings.
I spent $19.89 (before tax).
I saved 80%.
I had a per item cost of $1.33 (pretty good for diapers, wipes, and fabric softener). ;)

My New Laundry Routine

A while back I wrote about how helpful having a laundry routine is. I know lots of people just do laundry as it comes up and that works for them, but I am the type that really does better when I know what I need to do. It helps me to not let stuff get overwhelming. That's been a challenge for me during this double pregnancy because I can't keep up and then I get overwhelmed. Luckily, I have Lee to help me out when I get in a bind. I don't like to have to have help, but when it is necessary, I let my weird "do it myself" tendencies down and ask for help.

With the twins on the way, I have been thinking about how things are going to change as far as household chores go. I know that I don't have a clear idea of how it will go (especially the first few months), but being the planner/organizer I am, I have come up with a new laundry routine that will (hopefully) only have me doing two loads a day during the week and playing catchup or doing extra loads (if they present themselves) on the weekends.

Here is the plan:

Monday - Lee's everyday clothes and my everyday clothes

Tuesday - Master sheets/other whites and towels

Wednesday - Babies' clothes and babies' bedding/towels

Thursday - Luke's clothes and Luke's bedding

Friday - Lee's work pants and Lee's work shirts

I'm thinking this leaves Saturday (I don't do much at all on Sundays) to do an extra load or two of whatever might need to be done. I am thinking there might be an extra load of the babies' stuff or our everyday clothes. Those will be easy to knock out on Saturday. Or if I get behind, Lee can help me play catchup on the weekends.

I am really hoping that this works out really effectively as I don't like to have much to do on weekends so we can spend family time or do outside chores.

PS I would love to hear what your laundry routine is (or if you don't have one, how you do it). Please comment. :)

20 Followers!!!

I am excited that Organized Homemaking now has 20 followers!!! I am not sure how many readers we have, but I know there are people reading that don't follow. It makes my heart so overjoyed to know that my little blog that I started just to help a few friends learn how to coupon has become a source of helpful information in all areas of homemaking.

It is my heart's desire that all women (and some men) that want to be organized homemakers can be. It took me years of messing up, trying again, messing up again, and trying again to finally figure out some really useful tips that make our home run more smoothly and I am happy to share them with anyone who wants to learn. I am happy that there are people who are enjoying the blog.

Thanks readers!

Now that I have been doing this for 6-7 months and seem to have a decent amount of people following the blog, I would love to know what you guys would like to see on here. If you could comment, that would be awesome. :)

What do you want to see more of or different things I haven't done before?

Couponing - Weekly Schedule

A lot of people have asked me, "How much time do you spend couponing?" and "How do you do it?" People seem to want to know how I actually plan my trips and how much time it really takes me. I decided that I would do a post with my basic weekly schedule.

What Is My Weekly Schedule?

SUNDAY
Coupon at CVS (their deals start on Sundays - earlier I get there the better)
Coupon at Rite Aid (their deals start on Sundays - earlier I get there the better) (I only go to RA if there are a good amount of deals)
Coupon at Kroger (I only go to Kroger if there are a good amount of deals)
Buy Sunday paper(s) for the coupons (if there are $150 and up I get 2; if less, I get 1; on the 1st Sunday of the month, I buy 3-5 because they have a ton of coupons including P&G)
Clip and organize coupons (at the end of the month, I pull expired coupons)

MONDAY or TUESDAY
Plan my trip(s) to Harris Teeter on Southern Savers

WEDNESDAY
Coupon at Harris Teeter (their deals start on Wednesdays - earlier I get there the better)

FRIDAY OR SATURDAY
Plan my trip to CVS on Southern Savers
Plan my trip to Rite Aid on Southern Savers
Plan my trip to Kroger on Southern Savers

How Do I Plan My Trips?

I go to Southern Savers (http://southernsavers.com/) and click on the store I am looking for deals at (I generally shop at Harris Teeter and CVS, but I also do Rite Aid and Kroger if there are enough deals to warrant the drive).

They have a checklist maker and I just quickly click the deals I am interested in and print the list.

If there are printable coupons that I need for the deals (only if I absolutely want them/they are a great deal), I print and clip those.

I go through my binder and find the coupons I need for the deals.

I put it all together in the ziploc bag for that store.

I go to the store and get my deals.

How Long Does It Take?

I would say that clipping and organizing coupons, looking up the deals, printing the IP coupons, pulling the coupons, and organizing my baggies takes no more than 3 hours a week (if that even). I have gotten pretty efficient.

At first it seemed like it took me a lot of time since I was learning all the stores policies, looking for every deal, going to every store, and didn't quite know what I was doing.

Now I can clip the coupons I know I want (I don't clip them all anymore) in 15 minutes probably (more if I get multiple papers). Same with finding the deals. I only get the ones I need/want/are rock bottom deals, so I don't spend as much time on that part. I do all of this during downtime (like when I am watching TV at night).

I also zip into and out of the stores really quickly. I know the lay of the land at each store, go through my list, get my stuff, and check out. Unless there is a coupon problem, or I have to think on my feet, it takes just a few minutes to get my deals. I would say I shop faster now than I did before since I only go in and get what I want, I don't dilly-dally and look at all the deals. I can't imagine walking aimlessly around with my giant coupon binder doing the math in the store. That would be nuts for me (and very impractical since I usually take Luke with me). I would say I spend an hour or two (at the most) at the store each week (including getting my fresh stuff each week).

So I spend no more than a total of 5 hours (probably a huge overestimate) planning and shopping. I probably spent at least 1-2 hours before. The way I look at it is, I have cut my grocery budget from $600 or more to $450 or less and I get at least twice as much for that amount (including lean meats, fresh produce, milk, and bread each week). TOTALLY WORTH MY TIME! :)

CVS & Rite Aid - 8/22

Today could be called Toilet Paper Day. Lee and I stopped by CVS and Rite Aid and I ran in and got some awesome deals on toilet paper, diapers, and laundry detergent.

CVS

3 packs (16 double rolls) of Charmin toilet paper - normally $11.99 each, on sale for $9.99 each

Total before sale = $35.97
Total after sale = $29.97
Used $5.00 off $25.00 purchase = $24.97
Used 2 25c coupons = $24.47
Total with tax = $26.41
Got back $10.00 ECBs

Saved 60%.

RITE AID

Transaction #1 -

2 packs (12 rolls) Cottonelle toilet paper - normally $11.49 each, on sale for $6.49 each

1 pack Huggies diapers - normally $11.99, on sale for $8.99

2 Xtra detergents - normally $3.49 each, on sale for $2.00 each

Total before sale = $41.95

Total after sale = $25.97

Used $5.00 off $25.00 purchase = $20.97

Used $1.00 and 50c off coupons on Cottonelle = $19.47

Used $2.00 and $3.00 off coupons on Huggies (stacked RA & mft cpns) = $14.47

Used 2 $1.00 off Xtra coupons = $12.47

Total with tax = $13.71

Got back $1.00 UP reward for Xtra and $2.00 UP reward for Huggies

Transaction #2 -

2 packs (12 rolls) Cottonelle toilet paper - normally $11.49 each, on sale for $6.49 each

1 pack Huggies diapers - normally $11.99, on sale for $8.99

2 Xtra detergents - normally $3.49 each, on sale for $2.00 each

Total before sale = $41.95

Total after sale = $25.97

Used $5.00 off $25.00 purchase = $20.97

Used 50c coupon on Cottonelle = $20.47

Used $3.00 coupon on Huggies = $17.47

Used $1.00 coupon on Xtra = $16.47
Used UP rewards ($2.00 and $1.00) from previous transaction = $13.47

Total with tax = $14.71

Got back $1.00 UP reward for Xtra and $2.00 UP reward for Huggies

I also get a $5.00 SCR for the 4 Cottonelle.

What I would have spent = $83.90 (minus tax)

What I did spend (after sales, coupons, SCR, and UP rewards) = $17.94 (minus tax)

SAVED 79%.

Quick Diapers & Wipes Run at CVS

Tonight, I made a quick run for diapers and wipes at CVS. The other night Lee had to get a prescription filled and get some meds for his ear infection, and he, being the brilliant husband he is, saved all the coupons that printed on the bottom of his receipt (he's learned fast that you never throw out coupons). One was for $3.00 off a purchase of $15.00 and the other was for $4.00 off Huggies Jeans diapers.

Well, Huggies Jeans diapers were on sale for $8.99 (normally $11.99) and I had the $4.00 coupon plus a $1.50 off any Huggies diapers. You can stack coupons (AKA use a CVS coupon and a manufacturer's coupon) so that was $5.50 off.

I also had a $1.50 off Pampers coupon and a buy a pack of Pampers diapers, get a free pack of Pampers wipes (awesome coupons to use together). Well Pampers happened to be on sale this week for $8.88 (normally $11.99).

I figured I would get the Huggies diapers, the Pampers diapers, and the wipes, and use all my coupons and save a bundle. Well when I went it, I scanned my card at the CVS coupon machine in front (always do this!) and it gave me a $3.00 off $15.00 purchase and a $5.00 off $15.00 purchase. The $5.00 off $15.00 expired before the $3.00 off $15.00 and was the better coupon, so I used that one.

She rang it all up - $11.99 for the Huggies diapers, $11.99 for the Pampers diapers, and $2.99 for the CVS wipes (they were out of Pampers so I asked if I could substitute and she did it).

She scanned my CVS card - I saved $3.11 on the Pampers diapers and $3.00 on the Huggies diapers ($6.11 in CVS savings). My total was then $20.86.

I gave her my coupons in this order (I say this because it is very important):
$5.00 off $15.00 CVS coupon(always use these 1st because if you give the coupons and get below $15.00 they can't take it).
$4.00 off Huggies diapers CVS coupon
$1.50 off Huggies diapers manufacturer's coupon
$1.50 off Pampers diapers manufacturer's coupon
Free Pampers wipes with purchase of Pampers diapers manufacturer's coupon

I had a total of $14.99 in coupons.
I had a total of $21.10 in total savings.

The total was then $6.79 including tax.
It would have been $28.99 including tax.

I SAVED 77%!!!

Dishes Dishes Everywhere

Unless you eat out every meal, dishes are inevitable. It's amazing how quickly they can pile up if you don't tend to them after each meal and snack or if you don't unload the dishwasher when it is done. Those are my first tips: always unload the dishwasher ASAP and wash and load the dishwasher after each meal or snack so they don't pile up.

Here's my next set of tips:

Just like everything else in my house, I have a system for dishes. We have a dishwasher and disposal (thank God). That sounds funny, but I have been lots of places that didn't have one or the other or both and it makes it really challenging to do dishes. With a dishwasher and disposal, dishes are simple.

We have a two-sided sink. The side with the disposal and the counter next to it is for dirty dishes only. This makes it easy on Luke because he knows where to put a dirty dish. We don't let him put them in the sink (it's too deep and we would get broken dishes). The side without the disposal and the counter next to it (which just happens to be above the dishwasher) is for clean dishes only. The clean side of the sink is where things that don't go into the dishwasher (frequently used things - peeler, knife or bulky items - pots, pans, mixing bowls) are put to dry.

With this system, it makes doing dishes super easy. You go to the dirty side and either rinse and load the dishes into the dishwasher or scrub, rinse, and put them on the clean side to dry. When the dishwasher is done and ready to be unloaded, you just put it all away (that is when I put away the dishes on the clean side as well). It makes it really easy and pretty quick.

My dishwasher tips:

Yes, I load my dishwasher in a very anally organized manner (and Lee follows it). I figured I would share my system in case you wanted some ideas. Trust me, it takes just as much time to load it specifically versus just putting things in and saves a ton of time when unloading.

Bottom rack:

Utensil holder: Each side has 3 places for utensils. One side is for silverware. We put spoons in one, forks in one, and knives in one. On the other side, we put steak knives in one (the one next to the knives) and kitchen tools (big spoons, measuring cups, etc) in the other two. It makes it really easy when you go to unload. I grab a handful of the same thing and can put it away really fast.

Around the edges (where it is wide): This is where bowls go.

Inside: We line up dinner plates on one side and salad plates on the other. It makes it really easy to unload because you grab a handful of similar plates and can put them away in seconds.

Upper rack:

We have a row for tall glasses, a row for smaller glasses, a row for sippy cups, a basket for sippy cup lids, a row for ramekins (really small bowls), and a row for tupperware and car cups (water bottles, etc).

I hope this helps. :)