Even in putting things back and adding a fresh touch on the decor, my goal is to use as much as possible of what is already here in our home–to move things from another room in order to get a different look or function.  It’s kind of fun!

Using this wonderful book, I made a pillow cover using some quilt strips and an old comforter a while back, but never got around to getting (or making) an insert.  I also have an overabundance of throw blankets. Simple solution? I folded two of the blankets into 18 inch squares and inserted them into the pillow cover. Viola! Pretty pillow….zero cost.

I’ll let you know about a few other decorating ideas I have up my sleeve. Hang tight. It’s all happening.

Another good thing that came of it: I discovered German Pancakes. Hello. Easiest and quickest breakfast ever. Rebekah had a giveaway and a plea for breakfast ideas a couple weeks ago and lo and behold! As I zipped through the comments, I saw that people kept mentioning German Pancakes or “Dutch Baby.”

Now. Who of you already knew of this and with held the information? Shame on you. I followed the directions of the very first commenter who mentioned it and our breakfast was delish and so easy.

Here’s how she said to do it:

The original recipe (which I usually double for my family of 7 and put it in 2 9×13s instead) is melt 2 tbl. butter in a glass pie dish (in the oven while you are preheating it to 425). In blender, mix 3 eggs, 1 c. milk, 1/2 tsp. of salt, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, and 1 scant c. of flour. Pour into pan and bake for 20 minutes. Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or all three!

If you try this, let me know how you liked it. It just doesn’t get a whole lot easier…

That being said, I have to admit that even though I sort of wish that I cared a little more about it,  A couple years back, I was truly inspired by this comprehensive list of smart shopping strategies. I have found that several of these DO work for me and in turn, for our family. Because as it’s been stated, “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.”

I don’t mean to make light of it. I don’t mean to say that everything we do in life needs to make us happy. For some, conquering a good deal is a challenge and victory is sweet. It makes you happy to know that you’ve saved your family money that can now be used for something else. I think that’s great.

For me, some of those happy feelings come from finding a new use for something old, sewing something for one of my kids or for a friend or baking a loaf of bread (or 2 or 3). I find that I need creativity in some form or another each day in order to thrive.  This post about finding ways to stay creative was helpful and encouraging to me. The time I would spend agonizing over coupons and compiling various lists for different stores is (for me and mine) better spent doing these creative types of things. (just to name a few!)

Sure, we need to be good stewards of what we have been given. But this plays out differently for different folks.  So if you feel insecure because you’re not creative, or I feel insecure because I spent more on my groceries than you did, neither one of us is quite as valuable to our families as we could be if we were less  focused on the ways we’re failing. So, in the words of my very wise father in law, “just do a little better” each day. Seek contentment. How you serve your family looks different than how I serve mine. And that’s okay.

But here is the real reason for this post.  I’ve long wanted to establish some sort of family mail system, so that in the shuffle between when items are delivered, and when I actually get around to doing something with them, they will have a temporary home. (Also, I am not a saint. I don’t keep it all. In fact, the majority of it gets tossed, if that tells you anything about the volume of art and letters we get!) Anyhoo, I originally had something sewn in mind, like this. Just haven’t gotten around to it yet. And maybe I never will. But a girl can dream.

And in the meantime, I might just try this envelope system to see how it works. I think my kids will eat it up. And all you non-sewers can be happy that I’ve posted something that doesn’t require enormous amounts of talent and sewing skills.

I have a friend who makes “already did it” lists instead of  “to do” lists. Maybe that’s not such a bad idea.

Also, did you know about Pickclick.com? I didn’t, but now I do. Just a way to cut down on your online shopping/browsing time.

Here are some cute, free, printable reminder cards for little ones trying to establish a routine.

And here’s my hoya, just bloomin’ away…isn’t it neat?  Amazing what a little neglect will do for a plant.

I know that is a weird title. But a couple of months back, I had a great visit with an old friend and her children. The kids got along beautifully so we moms had lots of time to catch up, share ideas and inspiration and chat about nothing and everything. Sometimes you just need a good dose of sweet fellowship. You know what I mean?

(Here she is, getting some baby slobbers to take home with her!)

Anyway, after our visit, I was inspired once again to try making my own laundry detergent. I have done a dry mix before and was pretty unhappy with the results, so when I learned that Sarah used a liquid (sort of) recipe, I just had to give it another go. I’m pretty happy this time around and have decided to continue. If you try this, you’ll still need to spot treat your stains, but she has a great recommendation for that as well!

Here are Sarah’s money-saving calculations, in her own words. (and the recipe/instructions to follow!)

I make it in a five gallon bucket and double the recipe(that way I only have to make it 4 times a year.) It literally takes 10 minutes to make. Use only 1/2c for each load. My old measuring cup from mystore bought dry detergent is what I use. It comes out to be only 1 cent a load!!!I do one load a day which means I am spending only$3.65 on laundry a year!!

Recipe and Instructions:

Shred one bar of soap and melt it in 6 cups of water on stove. After
the soap is melted, add 1/2 c of borax & 1/2 c of washing (not baking)
soda. Stir until disolved. Add 4c of hot water to a 5 gallon bucket, then add your mixture to the bucket. Add an additional 22 c of water. I like to add 1 ounce of clean cotton scented oil from the Dollar Tree for an
extra fresh scent. Let it sit for 24 hours so it will gel (it will
kind of turn into a lumpy gel.) Also, make sure you have a lid for the bucket for safety and because gnats and flies like to get into it (I learned this the hard way.)

The cheapest and best spot cleaner I have found is called Lestoil . I don’t even have to scrub to get out grass stains (which we have a TON of with 2 boys!) It will be near the Pinesol cleaner. Just put it in a spray bottle and treat as

needed.

If you decide to try this, let me know. I hope it works for you. I used Kirk’s Castille bar soap because my children have really sensitive skin. It is working great and we are getting ready to make another batch.

Onward! Forward! We’re at war and it’s intense. I’m trying this as a remedy, all the while my daughter is trying to count to one thousand. Perhaps she has been inspired by their presence? Who knows, but at least I am not required to be a witness to the entirety of her mathematical prowess at this time. I’m just in charge of making them GO AWAY!

I found that a pastry blender was very useful in combining the molasses and white sugar. Now I have a jar full for the next time.

I also needed buttermilk for the same recipe. Slightly more disgusting, but it works.

I’ve never tried essential oils, so that might be something that appears on my shopping list soon enough. Until then, here’s the recipe that I use for All Purpose Cleaner. I go through it quickly.

1 cup vinegar
2 tsp Borax
1/4 cup dish soap
32 oz boiling water

Mix together until everything is dissolved, allow to cool and put into spray bottle. (you’ll have some leftover. I usually put the rest in a big jar, so it’s ready to go when I need a refill)