Envelope System -- Free Template!

(photo by Kelleigh)

Do you use the envelope system?  Basically, you set up envelopes for the categories of items you can pay cash for say gas, groceries, and eating out.  The theory behind this is that cash in your hand is harder to part with and better yet, it makes it simpler to stick to your planned budget to have this money earmarked.

Today I came across this tutorial to make your very own customized envelope system for your wallet.  These are so pretty!  I can't wait to print these off and make some of my own.  I also think these would make a great gift paired with Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover book.

This system has really helped us cut down our grocery budget!  You can read more about this at Dave Ramsey's site.  While you're there, check out the baby steps toward financial freedom.

Thanks to Kelleigh for creating these and being sweet enough to share them with us. =)

Also thanks to Money Saving Mom for sharing the post. =)

He Smells Better

(Banana Stock Photos)

Or maybe I should title this Adventures in Nose Stuffing? What is it with boys (maybe it's just mine?) stuffing things up their noses?

My four year old has had a strange aroma for months. Months I tell you people that this poor child has smelled like something crawled inside his head and died. Then it started to decay. It's been an off and on thing, but unnerving to say the least.

He baffled us and the doctors. At first, we thought it was his breath, so we increased the brushing. No luck. Maybe a sinus infection, so we tried saline to flush the boogies. Again no results.

Then, one day, he blew his nose. It was the worst smelling Kleenex ever. It's wasn't his fault, but who wants to be the stinky kid? Very bad thoughts ran through my head about the unknown origins of whatever was going on, but I braved them and took him back to the doctor. AGAIN . . .

Today, she found something up his nose. My four year old replied "It's a dead bug." Really?!?

After retrieving the kit,

she went fishing,

and found what looked like a chunk of tissue. Of course, I asked if that might be the case. The nurse and doctor couldn't figure out what it might be. After the doctor ran it under some water to rinse it . . . PLASTIC. Clear plastic.

What child puts plastic up in his nose?

This one. (Though his story is someone else put it in his nose.)

His first reaction, to take a deep, smiling breath and proclaim, "I smell better!"

Really he does. The aroma is gone, and he spent a good amount of time "sniffing" all the things he hasn't smelled in a while.

Hopefully, he's learned his lesson. Did I mention my oldest son shoved a wad of cotton up his nose once because he got tired of blowing when he had a cold?

BOYS . . .

5 Things: While we're on the subject of neighbors

Let me just say that the lady who lives directly to the west of me is one of the sweetest little ladies in the world. Really.

The neighbors to the west, as a whole, really aren't bad. It's the ones to the east we have to worry about. Here are five of the strangest/worst neighbors we've had. Thankfully, we have moved away from some of these clowns.

1) Captain Underpants -- Not only did he show up in his underwear days after we moved into our house, he has woken me up in the middle of the night watching TV very loudly in his yard. Really, it was so loud I woke up terrified that there were strangers in my home. When we first moved in, he had a large satelite dish in the front yard. You remember the 6 footers? He tried to camoflage it with overgrown weeds. We rejoiced when he took it down . . . until he parked a much larger RV in its place.
And his cousin around the corner, sent my dog running one day when he got loose. Mind you I immediately went after him when he climbed the fence. Well, he scared the dog off, then wrote me a ticket for $189. And the pound, lacking any kind of oversight of their employees, wouldn't let me fight it.

2) The Dog Whisperer -- She "gets" animals. She tried unsuccessfully to get us to give our dog over to a rescue agency because "she communicates with animals and she could tell he was unhappy". She's called the police on us about the dog being unfed/watered so many times that they don't even come out anymore. Once, while we were out of town for a day, she called the police to say that we'd moved out and abandoned our cat. I can't leave my dog outdoors during the day because she feeds him things, etc. And I'm not sure that she isn't the one who is detaching our chainlink fence . . .

3) The Kissing Cousin -- She lived across the hall from us for a short time. I've never heard such vulgarities come from a woman's mouth. They were always directed at her children. We had to start keeping our door locked because her kids would wonder into our apartment. Those poor kids were ALWAYS naked. And there dad was their cousin.

4) We all get senile -- The lady across the street is cooky in a completely harmless kind of way. I think age is just catching up to her. My cat used to check the mail with me every day. Every day said lady would tell me how beautiful my cat was. One night I got a call from her at 11 pm saying "the prettiest little kitty was on her porch" and that she "sure was worried about her getting home".

5) The door is locked -- My first apartment was a dump. Literally, but it was all I could afford. One night the neighbor tried really hard to break into my apartment. I'm sure he was inebriated. I'm hoping he thought it was his door. Either way, I kept a rifle stock beside my door the entire time I lived there.

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What about you? What is the strangest or worst experience you've had with a neighbor?

Writer's Workshop: At least they weren't tighty-whities . . .

The Prompts:

1.) Ask A Dad! Write a letter asking your husband for advice regarding any issue you might have and record his answer

2.) Describe a situation that forced you to confront a neighbor.

3.) Tell us about Grandpa.

4.) Which appliance in your home would you most miss living without if you had to live without.

5.) What are three things we would love to know about you!

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**This wasn't so much a confrontation on our part, but a neighbor confronting us. It was just too funny not to share. =)**

We were so excited when we bought our house three years ago. We thought we were moving to a nice quiet neighborhood. We were mostly right. We bought in winter. No one was outside.

Note to self: house hunt in summer -- the crazies don't like the cold.

Within two weeks of our moving in, our neighbor to the west came over to discuss a problem he was having. He asked me to please keep my kids and dog in the house until 2 or 3 in the afternoon because he and his wife work third shift and sleep during the day. Kay . . .

To me that is a bizarre enough request. I make sure my kids and dog aren't being unnecessarily loud at all hours of the day, like yelling and incessant barking. This was also coming from the man who has no problem waking me up at 3 am because he is watching TV too loudly in his backyard.

**clears throat**

My biggest issue that day is that the man showed up (in my front lawn mind you) in the middle of the day IN HIS UNDERWEAR.

I'm sorry, but I just didn't need to know that he prefers boxers. I am thankful however, that he doesn't wear briefs.

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Don't forget to read the other entries and sign the linky at Mama Kat's.

Happy 4th!

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
And to the republic for which it stands
One nation
Under GOD
Indivisible
With liberty and justice for all.

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Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance. --Psalm 33:12

Works For Me: Good Advice

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

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For more Works For Me, visit We Are That Family.

5 Things: Fast Food Strangeness

I currently work fast food. I also worked fast food, at a different establishment, back in high school. It's interesting to say the least.

Here are the top 5 strangest things I've seen at work:

1) A very sweaty (damp?) man cruising through the drive thru in an open robe. Thankfully I didn't see THAT, but he did tell me I have a sexy voice **shudders**

2) A woman balancing a small baby on her steering wheel so she could breastfeed and drive at the same time. Don't even get me started on that one.

3) A Jeep full of college boys with a blow up doll strapped into the back seat. Gotta love frat hazings.

4) Count them six inches of tighty-whities hanging out of the back of someone's pants as he played chess. In addition, he's creepy in general. You know the kind that makes you want to shower and lock your doors.

5) The busty lady who hides her money in a sock in her bra. I've become well acquainted with her breasts. I feel like I should buy her dinner or something.

How about you? What is the strangest thing you've seen at work?

Writer's Workshop: I've been blessed!

Choose a prompt, post it on your blog, then go sign Mr. Linky!!

The Prompts:

1.) Describe something someone has done to make you feel special.

2.)Name your current addiction...we can get through this together. It's milkshakes, and I always drink them late at night when I get off of work. I've gained 10ish pounds. I need an intervention.

3.) What have you been busy doing that's keeping you from updating your blog? How hard is it for you to get back into the swing of blogging when you take time off? School, stress, drama. It always takes me a while to get back into a groove. That's why I should plan posts in advance. You'd never even miss me!

4.) Write a letter. Would someone like one? Hmmm?

5.) Where would you like to be? At this moment, napping. In general, I'm looking forward, albeit nervously, to my Australia trip at the end of next month.

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I did not really grow up in a stable household. Luckily, God sent many special people to bless me in my childhood (and even now!). I've had many special teachers. I'll tell you about a few.

Mrs. Storms was my first grade teacher. She had a special knack for making all of the children in her class feel special and loved. She had a large Christmas tree in her room. Every year, she would crochet ornaments for Christmas. She made two with each student's picture -- one as a gift for home and one for her tree. Her tree was filled with the faces of every child she taught throughout the years.

Mr. Wallen I had two years, for both fourth and fifth grade. Our school offered enrichment programs in the summers. Our family couldn't afford them. Mr. Wallen paid for these programs for me to attend as well as some field trips. I didn't even realize he took care of most of it at the time. Others we'd tried for pie. He and the other teachers endured some awful pie from me without complaint. I was never ever singled out or made to feel ashamed, just truly blessed.

Mr. Quinn helped me to reach incredible heights in Algebra. He is brilliant, patient, and kind. With his help, I attended a math and science camp hosted for the top students in the state. He enlisted the help of another teacher to ensure another student and I could attend the camp. He always had time to play golf in the school yard, and never got too nervous when I didn't hold a club tight enough.

I've truly been blessed!

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For more Writer's Workshop visit Mama's Losin It!

WFMW: Peeing in the yard

No it's not a typo. You read it right.

Hi my name is Beulah. I have two boys, and I let them pee in the yard. Thank you.

Sometimes I encourage it. Like when my oldest son was potty training, but we were never near a public restroom when nature called. Let's just say, he saw a lot of parking lot action.

Or when our single bathroom is otherwise occupied, I shoo them to the backyard.

The little one eagerly goes out with the dog.

It can be a little embarassing for the hubby. Like when the little one dropped his drawers at the park. I wish I'd been able to capture those little cheeks for you. That and the look on the hubby's face.

Now if I could only get them to pee in the toilet rather than on it . . .

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For more Works For Me posts, visit We Are That Family.

Writer's Workshop: When I Grow Up

The Prompts:

1.) If you could cut back on something in your life that takes up your time what would it be? And what would you prefer to spend that time doing? Mmmm. I'd like more time for cleaning or better yet, a house that cleaned itself. A girl can dream.

2.) Share a recent adventure you had with a friend. I went rummaging this weekend. It was fun yes, but not adventurous. I have lunch date with Val Monday. Our latest conspiracy is sure to be an adventure.

3.) Describe a memorable gift. Why was it important to you? The best gift I ever recieved was a thank you.

4.) If you could change career paths now and be anything you wanted to be...what would you be and why?

5.) Kim's email: In the St. Louis News-Dispatch paper, they had an article of a man who wrote his own obituary before his death, and gave it to his sister to post when he died. He summed life up in 45 words: (Click here to read his words).
I know it's a morbid subject, but what about a prompt about what would one's obit say, with a word limit. You could stipulate that everyone died at 100, so we'd all be predicting what our future would be like.

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If I could change careers, I'd be a stay at home mom. I really want to be at home with my kids, and I wouldn't mind expanding the family. I've always wanted a big family. =) Ideally, I'd like to homeschool as well.

Maybe some day right? A girl can dream . . .

For more Writer's Workshop, go check out Mama's Losin It!

LGSG: Reducing paper waste

One of the ways we've cut back on our expenditures and waste is by getting rid of paper towels and paper napkins. It seems to me if we have them, we use them very quickly, no matter what their intended purpose is. In fact, things like paper towels contribute greatly to our environmental waste.

Instead, we rely on fabric napkins and microfiber cloths.

Having reusable cloths saves you money. You do initially invest in the cloths, but you are no longer buying the paper or are at least buying less. The cloths are also washable, so you are able to gain continued use from them.

I love the fabric napkins. Maybe I'm strange (don't answer that), but I think a meal with fabric napkins just seems classier. All of my napkins were purchased from the store on clearance from some where or another. I can't bring myself to pay more than .25-.50 a piece for them. If you sew well, you can also make your own. I found a simple tutorial here. I just throw mine in with the regular laundry, usually on the cold setting and they do fine.

Microfiber is one of my favorites. I use them for general cleaning all around the house. They work great in place of paper towels, and they don't leave the streaky, linty mess. We have specific cloths for the extra dirty jobs, like the bathroom. I also love them as dishcloths! If you aren't careful, these can be a larger expense. I've found that the varieties sold at hardware and tool centers are much cheaper than those found in the cleaning section of your favorite market.

Harbor Freight Tools is a wonderful place to buy microfiber if you have one in your area. You can often get a four pack of 16x16 cloths for less than $5. They are neon colored, but otherwise the same quality etc. you'd find anywhere else.

Now how about you? How do you reduce paper waste in your home? Have you found any creative uses for microfiber? Let us know below!

Writer's Workshop: July 17, 1890

The Prompts:

1.) Share a love letter.

2.) Memorial Day Weekend plans?? I highly doubt it. It's to rain and the hubby has to work.

3.) List ten things you are currently sick of. Umm, better not. =)

4.) Put an outfit together using pictures you found online and show us what you'd LIKE to be wearing today. ugh!

5.) What have you been too busy to pay attention to? The blog. Sorry. I really will catch up and write posts ahead, so you don't miss me. Someday. Maybe. I hope.

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This a letter written by my great-grandmother to my great-grandfather while they were dating. I wish my scanner was hooked up to the laptop, so I could so you how beautiful it is.

1890

Royerton, Ind. July 17

Mr. C. Jefferson

Friend Charley,

I expect you will be surprised to recieve this note. Allie and Ned was home Sunday evening and we decided to have that long talked ove picknick next Sunday afternoon out in the wood's near the base ball ground. And I thought I would rite and let you know when it is.

Charley I would like for you to come over and take me over to town. We would like to start a bout one oclock. We would be glad to have you come for dinner if you can.

If you can't come for dinner come by one oclock any way. Please don't disappoint me. My twin sister went back to Muncie last Sunday night and I am so lonesome without her. I went over to see her Monday night and came back Tuesday on the five oclock train.

We had a nickpick. We had company from town last Sunday the company that went over to Eaton that Sunday picknicking and we had a nice time. They surprised me I was not expecting them.

Lena and I are going to rite a long letter to minnie to night. Lena is riting now.

Well I close by asking you to excuse poor writing and spelling.

Good by

Truly

Hannah

Please let me know if you can come if you can. If you can't let me know Come anaway.

Nannie

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For more Writer's Workshop, visit Mama's Losin' It.

Good Read

Mary at Owlhaven is doing a beautiful series right now on adoption. It's good stuff!

Read about her prayers for adoption here and how they were able to finance their five adoptions here.

Don't forget to check out the comments sections for more wonderful stories of God's will, but be warned, their beautiful enough to make you tear up. =)

Krazy hair day

LGSG: Homemade Laundry Care

Laudry is one of the easiest places to start your transition to saving money and the environment. I've always been a fan of natural laundry detergent, but I've not been a fan of the price tag.

A while back, I came across Wildwood Mama's tutorial for homemade laundry soap, and I was intrigued. Our detergent supply was getting low, and I really didn't want to pay store prices. I also wanted something that would be better for our family, so I decided to give it a try.

Much to my suprise, the soap worked wonderfully! It was simple to make. I simply grated the soap while watching a movie with my husband. I've tried both the liquid and the powder versions, and I've used a variety of bar soap. Also, the ingredients were very inexpensive. You'll need a fresh bar of soap per batch, but the boxes of baking soda, borax, and washing soda will porvide you with several batches of detergent.

I prefer the dry powder because it saves me the extra step of dissolving the soap and adding the water. I also prefer Fels Naptha or castile soap for the bar. They seem to work the best for the kinds of dirt we face, but you can use any type of bar soap, even bath soap, for your detergent. You can grate your soap with a handheld grater or use a food processor. Due to the baking soda/detergent combination, your laundry will not have a scent when it is done. This is a little unsettling for some. Personally, as long as it doesn't stink, I'm good. =)

The recipes:

DRY DETERGENT

Combine 1 bar soap (grated)

1 cup baking soda

1 cup washing soda

1 cup borax

Use 2 TBSP per load of laundry

LIQUID DETERGENT

Grate 1 bar soap. Place in a large pan on the stove. Add 2 1/2 cups boiling water, 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup washing soda, and 1 cup borax . Dissolve over low heat. Once dissolved, add 2 1/2 gallons hot water. Stir well to combine. The detergent will take a day or two to set. The consistency of the soap will depend on what type of bar soap you use. This is okay. Just be sure to stir well before using.

Use 1/2 cup per load of laundry

SPRAY STARCH

Dissolve 1 1/2 TBSP corn starch in 1 pt cold water in a spray bottle. You may add a drop or two of essential oil if desired.

STAIN REMOVER SPRAY

In a spray bottle combine,

1/2 cup ammonia

1/2 cup liquid laundry soap (use your homemade or castile)

1/2 cup vinegar

1/2 cup water

Since this recipe contains ammonia, be sure to test a hidden part of your clothing for discoloration first.

OTHER STAIN REMOVERS

Fels Naptha bar

Castile soap

Peroxide -- works great on natural stains and blood stains

FABRIC SOFTENER

You may simply use 1/2 c vinegar

or

Combine 2 cups vinegar very slowly with 2 cups baking soda. A large pot or bowl works best to prevent overflow. Add 4 cups water. Use 1/4 cup per load.

Have any natural and frugal laundry tips you'd like to share? Feel free to leave a link in the comments section. You are also welcome to the button to use for frugal and green posts.

Writer's Workshop: You did WHAT in the bathroom?

The Prompts: (Mama Kat)



1.) Book review!
I LOVE books!I usually read about two a week. Maybe I should start reviewing them . . . I really enjoy the inspirational romance novels from Steeple Hill.


2.) When is it okay not to listen to the words? Explain about a song you really love that has lame lyrics or lyrics you simply don't understand.
Hmmm . . . generally I prefer not to understand the words if I can't make out them or the meaning. I'm usually traumatized once I find out. Why do people write about things like that? Why are people okay with hearing it on the radio?


3.) Why won't you forget? List six true sentences that begin with the words 'I'll never forget...' Then use all six of your sentences in a paragraph, poem, or longer descriptive piece.
I'll never forget finding out I was pregnant at 18.
I'll never forget getting proposed to in a driveway.
I'll never forget the way things have made me feel.
I'll never forget taking a pregnancy test in a bathroom at the mall. (We had to know! =) )
I'll never forget my grandma's words of encouragement.
I'll never forget this thank you.

4.) Write about an interaction you had with a salesman.
I was the sales lady for years and years. I do avoid magazine salesmen. I'll not be duped again. The last time I refused to talk to one the guy got pretty mad -- he was also on work release. Go figure.

5.) What's for dinner? I'm starving.
I'm making Beef & Mushrooms over noodles. I guess it's kind of like a homemade hamburger helper, but much, much yummier! And something green. Maybe brussel sprouts?

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I'm gonna cheat and go with the preggo test story. Besides, I know someone will wonder. Right?

My oldest son was concieved on birth control. I went back on it after he was born, but I had to change methods more than once. My body just can't handle the birht control. Pills/patch gave me horrible migraines on the off-week. I-can't-get-out-of-bed migraines. I'm able to control them with diet without the hormones. The shot was just a nasty mess.

Once my husband and I got married, I went off of birth control all together. It didn't take long for us to get lazy. Five months later, I was convinced I was pregnant. My silly husband didn't believe me. As if I hadn't been down the preggo road before =)

In between his step-sister's wedding and reception, we went to the mall to pick up her gift and a card. We just happened to pick a pregnancy test up too. I promptly took in the MCL bathroom. Sorry MCL, but I had to know. I couldn't have the test burning a hole in my pocket.

and I was right. Women just know these things.

Linkage

I'm looking forward to trying this bread recipe at Owlhaven. It's a frugal recipe that looks super easy to make and yummy too!

I thought this article on intimacy by Jess on was spot on.

If any of you are looking to concieve (or giggle a little) Michelle has a lot of great information and links over on her blog.

Find anything interesting lately? I'd love to hear about it!

Works For Me: Coupon Organizing

Finally the post you've all been waiting for . . . drum roll please . . . my coupon organizing system complete with photos. Thanks to my friend Brandy for planting the seed for this idea!

What you'll need:

** 3 ring binder

** binder inserts designed to hold baseball cards

** tabbed dividers

** zippered pouch (optional)

** plastic folder inserts or sheet protectors (optional)

The first thing you'll need to do is to decide what categories you'd like to divide your coupons into. My categories are:

** grocery

** bath and body

** medicine and vitamins

** personal care

** household

** pets

** misc

Here's a closeup if you're interested.

Once you get your tabs all figured out, it's time to put them in the binder. Behind each tab you'll want to place several of the baseball card inserts.

Now that you have your inserts installed, you're ready to put your coupons in them. I like to fold the coupons so I can see the value in the front and the expiration date in the back.

Finally, I like to put a zippered pouch in the front. I use this to keep track of reciepts.

I use the folder inserts to hold store specific coupons like for CVS and Walgreens. Sheet protectors are great for holding copies of your store's coupon policies. These are nice to have if there are questions at the store.

Visit here for more Works For Me Wednesday posts.

I miss

I sure miss this mohawk.

and the little bit of baby fat on those cheeks. I miss that too.

The red paint however, I still have nightmares about.

Not a baby anymore

I'm still wondering how this

Turned into this so quickly

Has it really been four years?

Say it isn't so . . .