Good Morning!
We’ll be LIVE Conversing On
10:30 AM Eastern
AM Coffee Schedules Are Here
Today’s Winners Are Announced Here
Grab a cup ‘o Joe and share what’s on your mind for an hour on this Saturday, March 8.
HAPPY THE 8TH OF MARCH – INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!
Sponsored by Rushmore Essentials
How To Do These AM Coffee Conversations?
• Sign In Below in the 1st comment thread
• Start participation by commenting under the threads, comments you are interested in
• Hit REPLY button under the posted message/comment if you want to place your commentary under someone else’s
• We will be drawing winners out of each highlighted comment thread: A big image represents a stand-alone Comment Thread
• All Winners will be announced every 10 minutes under Celebrate the Winners Comment Thread
• ADD Your Favorite Conversation Topic Here!
REFRESH Your Screen Frequently To See and Follow Conversations!
Saturday, March 8, 2014 Discussions
• How to Run A Household and Stay on Budget
• How to Balance Our Needs With Those of Our Families
• How Personal Traits of Character Help You or Act as Your Disadvantage
• What would be Your Top Best Solution(s) or Advice for Someone to a Better Budgeting for each Month
AM COFFEE – Sign In, 2 WINNERS –> Drawn at 10:35AM EST
What To Do?
• Comment and Say ‘Hello’ to all who will be here with you
• We’ll be drawing winners out of this thread!
Hello Everyone! Ready for a Coffee Klatch!
I’m Ready!
ready
I love that you called it that!!!
Ready
It will be a nice break from work (I start working on my blog at 6am) to come and share! I cannot wait for this!
Good morning!! I’m so happy to be able to make it today, and I love the topics!
Good morning raye!!!
Good morning SheNna!! I hope your day’s going well!
hello everyone, my first coffee chat…yay! 🙂
Welcome! You’ll have a great time. Jump on in, there are conversations everywhere.
sounds fun for a Saturday morning!
First time doing a this. So morning to all and I am bringing my cup of tea to the party.
Morning elicia.
Morning to you SheNna.
Hello everyone
Good morning all! This is a nice morning break!
Good morning! Glad to be here and good luck everyone!
Good morning, and good lick to you too 🙂
Hello! I will probably be a little late this morning – dd has ballet! But I will be here!
This looks like fun! My first AM Coffee Conversation! It’s Saturday and I am ready for a work week break!
Hello everyone
good morning everyone!
Hello, all!
Hello and good morning all!! I don’t know about all of you but I’ve got fried chicken on my mind. #HotAndSpicy
Mmm southern fried chicken sounds amazing and yes, hot sauce is a must. I should have been southern girl.
I’m batch cooking today Charles, and I’ve taken the legs and thighs off of the chickens I’m roasting. I plan to use those for fried chicken (they’re hubby’s favorites), so it’s on my mind too.
Any tips??
Good morning everyone!!! Had a seriously bad day yesterday and almost missed am coffee all together because my iPhone fried itself in the middle of the night. But today is a much better day and I look forward to talking to you guys and meeting new people! I hope you all are having a blessed day 🙂
Today will be a brighter day. Did you get your phone fixed?
No, unfortunately it was unable to be fixed and I lost every photo and video of my 9 month old from birth until now because the touch screen stopped working and they could not unlock my phone to retrieve the data. Also when hooked up to their computer the phone read “all data corrupted”. Needless to say I was devastated to have lost a years worth of my memories 🙁 but I did get a new phone and will make more memories to make up for my loss. Thank you for your concern! So very nice of you! How has your weekend been?
Mandi,
Oh my that is heartbreaking. A few years back I had three years worth of photos on my laptop. It crashed I lost everything. I have since learned to back up everything. I guess I am paranoid. I back up on a external drive, my computer (the photos from my phone), and also two photo databases online.
Oh no! I had that happen with my middle child. But thankfully others had pictures, so I was able to get those. Children grow up so fast. Cherrish these moments.
my weekend has been pretty good, but I’m off to work. I only work weekends. I lifeguard at an indoor water park, so I take a break from my 3 little bambinos to watch 100’s of others.
Today will be a GREAT day..Positive thoughts = Positive outcome 🙂
Sorry to hear yesterday was so bad Mandi. I missed yesterday’s coffee conversation because my internet was down. It’s amazing how losing our technology can have such an adverse affect on our lives. I hope today is much better!
I hope today is much better for us as well!! And yes it’s unfortunate when our computers, phone, internet decide to take a holiday. It amazes me sometimes how important those things really are in today’s world! But today is a new day, so I’m just going to hold my chin high and try to forget about yesterday and I hope you are having a wonderful day today, and may it only get better!!!
Hello everyone from Texas.
Hey everyone!!! Hope the sun is shining today. Its beautiful out here. Heading to 61! But, I’m off to work, at least its 84 in sunny in my work 🙂
Finally we have a beautiful day down south!!
Same here. I’m in jersey, and the forecast is looking pretty nice. Hope winter weather is heading out. I’m ready for some sun.
good morning I hope all is having a great day
Good morning Karen! Do you have anything fun planned for the day?
@SHENna yes later we are planning my daughters baby shower and you
Baby showers- they are beautiful. Boy or girl?
I’m spending a few hours with the kids before I head to work. I have lives to prevent from drowning #lifeguard
Is the chat done here or does another window open up?
Chatting is done here. Just hit reply on anyones post to respond 🙂
Hello to everyone here today!
Hows your morning going so far?
Sick Grandson, then I spilled his medicine all over me and sofa. Coffee pot put out luke warm coffee. So this chat is just what I need.
I love organizing with boxes. Plastic, mesh, baskets, all of them.
I have a thing for boxes too. I’ve started saving any boxes I get and covering them in pretty contact or scrapbook paper to dress up my organizing. My ‘junk’ drawers are totally organized now thanks to the small boxes from drink mixes that my hubby likes, jello/pudding boxes, and cereal boxes! It’s so much cheaper for me to use what would normally go in the trash and personalize them with coverings to suit my decor.
Good Morning!! I’m ready for some coffee!!
I am drinking coffee and feeling like a winner today!
Good morning all!
I’m here with my coffee but I’m not really sure what I’m doing.
This is my first one like this so I am with ya…. I am just chatting and commenting on ones I want 🙂
Good Morning
Good morning I posted on the wrong thread earlier!
Hello Everybody!!!! Just sitting around having a nice hot cup a Tea waiting for party to start But Coffees for me!!!
Winners Will Be Announced Here!
• We’ll be drawing winners every 10 minutes today.
• Come back at the end of the coffee hour and see if you won.
• PLEASE FILL OUT THE WINNER’S FORM
Sign-In 2 Winners, 10:35am
– Kay M.
– Ashley Cossette
AM Coffee #1 Winner 10:45am
– Elicia P.
AM Coffee #3 Winner 10:55am
– Leda
AM Coffee #4 Winner 11:05am
– Judy Gregory
AM Coffee #6 Winner 11:15am
– Kristin F.
AM Coffee #5 Winner 11:20am
– Elizabeth Sul-Celline
AM Coffee RETWEETS Winner 11:25am
– Tracy McKendry
AM Coffee #7 2 Winners 11:30am
– Amanda Alvarado
– Lisa
Hi everyone
Hello and good morning!
Hi.
Hello ladies! Happy international women day! Are you enjoying coffee? Enjoying a creamy one right now. 😉
I had no idea it was International Women Day!! Just another reason to celebrate being us! I’m on my third pot of the day, because I woke up at 2 a.m. lol. Having a treat and putting hazelnut caramel creamer in this cup!
Me either but hey more power to us!!! 🙂
YUMMM Hazelnut caramel creamer sounds delishhh!!!
My daughter stocked me up on it for my birthday a couple of months ago. I have no idea where she got it, but it’s the little individual creamers like they have in gas stations. It’s wonderful, and they don’t have to be refrigerated!
Mary,
Happy the 8th of March to you!
Yes, today is the International Women’s Day. And We gotta CELEBRATE IT!
Yes!! Thanks 🙂 We definitely gotta celebrate our day!
Hello all!
Congrats Kay M and Ashley.
Congrats to myself! Thank you!
Congratulations on winning. Hope that brightens your weekend!
Congrats Leda
Congrats elicia!!! And I hate that happened to you! I will definitely be backing everything up from here on out!
Thank you Mandi. My pictures were mainly my vacations. I feel worse for you as it is your baby. I can get my vacations back but you can not get your baby’s first year back.
I’m still in tears about it…… And my MacBook fried too two years ago and I lost 3 years if photos from that. I am beginning to hate apple products!! I have the worst luck with them. But yeah I lost my babies first tooth, first bath, first crawl. Definitely a huge blow!!!! 🙁
WoooHooo!! Thank You So Much!! I’m so excited!!!
Congrats to everyone so far!!!! Woohoo!!
Yes Congratulations to all the winners. Hope it brightens their weekend.
Congrats to all the winners!
Whats a good brand of light coffee? All I see is med to dark roast. I love coffee but once in a while I have come across a really really good cup.
Congrats Judy!
How long is this mornings chat for?
Congrats to all the winners so far! :))
Congrats Kristin, Elizabeth, and Tracey.
congrats all winners!
Yay! Thank you!!!
Congrats Amanda and Lisa!
WoooHooo!! Thank You So Much!!
yay!!! thanks so so much!!!
AM COFFEE #1, 1 WINNER –> Drawn at 10:45AM EST
How to Run A Household and Stay on Budget
What To Do?
• Share your personal examples and tips
• Provide your insights into how to save small that would add up
• Do you buy things on SALE? Where, if yes?
• Do you do COUPONS? How do I start? Is it difficult to coupon?
I am a savvy shopper! Shop the sales at the stores that I have found to have the best bargains, use coupons, and compare prices. I have a coupon wallet with dividers to separate them in order to easily find the one I want. If I am unsure about a purchase, I’ll walk away. After an hour, if I still want it I’ll get it. If I don’t feel like walking back for it, I forget it!
Carol, I love the tip about walking away for a while. I do that on most major (and lots of smaller) purchases. It really does make you be mindful of spending. I’ve saved myself a lot of money that way. 🙂
I have my coupons with me when I shop. I always check the ‘managers specials’ bins in the stores I go to. You never know when you’ll find something marked down because of a damaged package – and then have a coupon to make it even less! I buy a lot of staples/canned goods this way.
when I go shopping I cheak all news papers and all the deals I buy what ever is on sale I am not a impulse shopper I go to get what I need I shop at Meijer Walmart and my little store where I live I love by one get one free or buy 10 get one free I us coupons rarely I just get what I need and get out of the store lol
Kay, I started checking the markdowns too. Such a good tip! Wow, there are some really good deals to be found!! Our local market has a marked down special on meats that will expire within a day or two as well, I snap those up and either freeze them as soon as I get home, or cook them and freeze them for future meals. I’ve cut my grocery budget to less than 1/4 by doing that some weeks.
I do this. I am a vegetarian and so is my son. My husband is the only one who eats meat so in reality I would be freezing it anyway. I have gotten meat for pennies. Our local grocery store just starting mailing coupons and a lot of times there are coupons for meat. I pair it up with the reduced meat and I have gotten meat for such a cheap price.
Wow, those meat coupons are really hard to find out here. Way to go!!
I love the managers specials too- I have found great gifts from clearance candles and beauty products at the supermarket
I watch all the circulars like a hawk for sales, and try to match my coupons to those. Sometimes I find the coupons aren’t going to save money if I buy a different brand, so I’m very conscious of that…..and always check the actual price per weight. Sometimes coupons are the best value when using them on the smaller products vs the big packages. I buy the biggest roasts or chickens I can afford when I find them on sale, and challenge myself to see how many meals I can get from each.
I make my own laundry soap which has saved lots over the last year. I usually make most of my own cleaning products, and it’s helped the budget and been more environmentally friendly. I cook more from scratch than ever before and it saves a major amount of money. To save time, I cook big batches when I’m in the mood or have a semi free day, then freeze meals for when things are more hectic. (Who knew bread was so easy to make??)
I shop thrift stores a lot, I’m always shocked at what great bargains can be found. Quite often, I’ve found name brand items with tags still on them. I also scour thrift shops for items that I can remake into gifts. For example, I found a gorgeous dress last November to make into a full apron for my daughter for Christmas….it was 50 cents and turned out beautifully. I take apart jewelry and reuse the beads, chains, etc to make new. I use flannel shirts to make rice warming packs. It may not be a daily budget idea, but I have so many birthdays through the year, that it has saved me lots just to upcycle, and thankfully my family and friends really love handmade gifts.
For entertainment, we’ve found tons of free or inexpensive things to do. Once the weather gets nicer, there are tons of festivals and events near our rural area to keep us busy. The zoo and most museums are free here, and those, along with a nice picnic make for a great day out. We share dvd’s with friends and family, and ask for those as gifts.
I’m always looking for ways to stretch our money, I consider it a game rather than a chore, and it can really be enjoyable.
Do you ever use the weekly sales circular coupon match up sites online? Most tell you the date a coupon was published, or provide a direct web link to printable coupons
I get newsletters from blogger sites that match up the coupons Elizabeth. I love the bloggers for helping out and working so hard to keep us informed. I don’t have a smart phone, so I can’t do coupons thru my phone, and I don’t have a printer, so I can’t print any out either. Most of the stores here refuse printed coupons because they’ve gotten burned so many times by forgeries.
Raye,
I need you as my family member. I love homemade items. Plus the fact they are recycled is a added plus!
Well just come on down Elicia, our family is known for ‘adopting’ people. I agree with the recycled part, I absolutely love finding new uses for things. I love making the gifts, it gives me a lot more pleasure than just spending my money on something they can buy themselves, plus I can tailor what I make to suit each person’s personality.
I normally got to pick n save to find deals and country store…I do a little couponing not much cause its a bit hard to me
Brianna,
Start small. Look through the coupons and only pull out what you normally buy. Keep it in a envelope in your purse or car. When you are in a store buying what you normally buy you have a coupon for it.
Another way to start small. Most stores have a loyalty card. Go on their website you may be able to load coupons onto your card (will take you about less than 5 mins) or check out Savingstar. This site allows you to load electronic coupons to your grocery card. It banks it into a account for you and you can cash out. If you do not like the idea of it banking then look at Cellfire. It too loads onto you grocery card but comes off at the checkout.
Hope this helps.
I use as many coupons as possible, i match with the deals for the week and try to save at least 75% of my bill every week!
Coupons, coupons, coupons. If it were not for them and sales we would not survive on a one income. I look for sales and match them with coupons. When it comes to cleaning products I have turned to vinegar for cleaning. It costs about $3 for a large gallon which gives me much more cleaning than a store bought product. I also utilize resales for my sons clothes. For the cost of under $100 I get two seasons worth of clothes.
Couponing is easy! When there are lots of inserts in the Sunday paper, buy multiple copies. Clip out just the coupons you’ll use. Use them.
The ones you won’t use can be passed on to family, friends, and neighbors as well. We trade back and forth and don’t waste nearly as much now.
I use a combination of coupons and free samples. I use the sunday paper and also the New York Times, which I get for free. I get all magazines and the NY times for free through a great program called “Rewards Gold”. A lot of times, Publix lets you use store coupons on top of sunday paper coupons and bogos. This saves a lot of money! I get a lot of free product coupons online and through the manufacturer websites.
I shop for clothes at sales only and use coupons. The majority of our dd’s clothes are bought from Zulily and she has nice high end clothes that cost a fraction of the price. Zulily is also my BFF when it comes to kitchen and household items too. Another site I like is Plum District. I can get a voucher for most time half price of what the voucher is worth
I love to shop clearence sales, especially Kmart or Jcpenny, I make my own laundry soap. I just started using coupons we have a grocery store the doubles $1 or less coupons.
There are no Kmart’s near us, but JCPenny really has some great clearance prices!! I got one of my daughter’s formal dresses for a school dance on clearance for 7 dollars! It was a $135 dollar dress marked down and it was exactly the style and fit she was looking for too!
Kohl’s has great clearance prices too, I’ve gotten blouses and sweaters for as little as $1.25, and saved them for Christmas. A couple of years ago they had beautiful jewel toned Vera Wang rain coats for $7.00.
Get pantry staples ,like oatmeal, at discount stores or dollar stores. Same quality – lots cheaper.
Dollar stores are fantastic for staples. My hubby loves the single serve powdered drink mixes too, and I always buy those there….they’re less than half the price of the grocery stores.
I buy toilet tissue at the Dollar General here. They have the same brands as Walmart or my grocery store for much much less.
It takes a lot of hard work from us to run a successful household. It’s important to stay organized, and make a ledger of your bills every month and write down what bill you paid, and on what day. That helps soo much for me and it even helps going into the following year, so I know what to expect on my heat/gas bill, during the cold months of winter. And keeping a ledger also helps keep up with the days your bills are due each month. I have found that to be my most successful organizing tool for the household needs. I use coupons when I can, and shop at Bi-lo when I can to earn fuel perks!! Nothing is better than combing through their weekly ads and finding the buy one get one specials, and their bonus fuel perks specials. I do only try to buy certain things when they are but one get one, and stock up on the staple foods! I am not big into coupons but not because it isn’t helpful, I just simply don’t know how to do it like you see some of the extreme couponers do. But I would love to learn!
The tip I use to save money is not to spend any more time in the stores than absolutely necessary. Go shopping with a list and stick to it. My hubby used to think I was nuts when I would buy a case or two of something that was on sale like canned goods. When he finally figured out how much I was saving he built me a large pantry to hold everything. Now he notices sales. I use coupons occasionally. Only if is cheaper than a similar item without a coupon. I live 30 miles from the nearest decent size store. I only shop 1 or 2 times a month. I save money by not going to town any more than necessary. I usually combine shopping trips with doctors appointments. My car is 15 years old but has decent gas milage. I spend money on repairs instead of payments and higher insurance.
I don’t use a lot of coupons either. I’m really trying to adhere to the saying, “if it needs a commercial or coupon, you don’t want to eat/use it!”. I try to make my own cleaning products and re-use things like cleaning cloths, but it’s hard to remember and change old habits.
Well, since having the baby I started saving more for my family. I began researching online and at the library to know good ways to save without losing it. I also ask my mom since she is an expert!!! I honestly don’t know how my mom did that while being a single mommy. She rocks! Anyway, The best tip I could give you is to plan! Organized your thoughts and start writing down what you think it’s a priority for you. What you need and what you DON’T need. Try to set up a shopping schedule for every other week and look online for coupons in sites like coupons.com or download a great app (favado app) is awesome; also target app has great coupons you can show directly from your phone. About Favado app you can Compare prices in your favorite stores and they show you the lowest prices and great deals! I match prices at Walmart too. I read the local newspaper and you can find coupons there as well. Once you have done all of this it will become a habit and you would be able to know how much you have saved!
wow you all have some great ideals thanks for sharing
hehe it takes time to learn about it but hey its worth it 🙂 Give it a try!
I have become very smart when shopping now. I have learned to coupon shop and have saved money by getting a lot of the household items free. Free toothpaste, shampoo, laundry detergent, toilet paper, razors, shaving cream. Boy it helps out a lot, giving me money to spend on groceries.
My tip to share, is for you ladies to join Facebook coupon groups and check out other coupon sites, like http://www.freetastesgood.com and http://www.krogerkrazy.com for tips on what coupons will give you the best deals.
Another tip on shopping is visiting thrift shops for clothing. It’s not like it was in the 70’s and 80’s, your grandma type clothing. There are a lot of great deals with newer styles of clothing. You can save lots of money. If you don’t buy your children’s clothing there, you can at least save money on your wardrobe.
I LOVE thrift store shopping! Even my 16-year old daughter loves going with me. She’s a runner and she gets a thrill finding expensive running clothes for a couple of dollars. She used to hate going, but she’s realized how smart Momma is at saving money 🙂
My kids too. My 19yr old daughter has realized that she can buy pencil skirts and harem pants from the 80s and 90s for almost pennies for what she would buy at the mall stores. And to top it off, they look better. And she likes that she can buy flannel shirts in her size and not have to raid her dads closet and it be way to large.
Thrift stores are the best.
I forgot to add one big tip that has saved me lots…….I’m in a very rural area so a lot of time the stores are out of the ‘sales’ items or items that I might have free coupons on. I don’t hesitate to ask for rain checks! Don’t let the sales pass you by just because they aren’t in stock!! I’ve yet to have a store tell me they won’t give me rain checks. I keep them in my wallet so I don’t forget about them.
I always seem to forget to ask for rainchecks. But that is a great tip. thanks for sharing.
I never remembered to ask either until my local store was out of 4 items I’d planned to buy because the sales were so good, and I had coupons for 2 of them. I asked for the rain checks, and the manager told me he was so sorry they ran out that he’d up the limit on them to make up for it. One of the sales was for roast, and I use 1 roast to make 4 different meals……the limit was 2 per person and he allowed me 4 on the rain check. I always ask now lol.
I do buy things on sale and use coupons, also price match when I can. I go through flyers and see what’s on sale and where.
I am an extreme couponer wannab. I saved over $25 last grocery trip!! I love watching the register amount go backwards. 🙂
Repurpose Items as much as possible!
The in-store coupons are the best! But I agree, couponing really helps the bottom line for household budgets!
I scour all of the store ads on Sunday! Then I plan my shopping list according to the things I need.
Not always easy because some things I need are not always in the sale flyers.
Again coupons, coupons, coupons.
Stayed up until 4 doing laundry so missed this mornings AM coffee conversation…:( Did want to share some good shopping tips. The past few months grocery prices have skyrocketed so when at the grocery store always look in the marked down goods. There are usually a couple of different locations in the store where you shop and don’t forget your coupons.. Yesterday Kroger’s had some great markdowns.
Best way to get good quality made shoes that are new is at your local Goodwill. Need a unique wedding or birthday gift they always have beautiful vintage & antique etched stemware or other glass that maybe your friends collect. Or maybe your creative and want some fun projects to do.. Look on Pinerest and you’ll find a way to re-purpose what you already have or items you’ve found at goodwill. I have 4 of them near me and it’s always an adventure.
AM COFFEE #4, 1 WINNER –> Drawn at 11:25AM EST
RETWEET THESE TWEETS!
RETWEET #1
RETWEET #2
RETWEET #3
RETWEET #4
RETWEET #5
I couldn’t RETWEET #3. No link!
Fantastic! Thanks for fixing RETWEET #3! All retweeted and done!
Shared RT #1
done @hinklekaren
All retweeted
all retweeted 🙂
RT them all.
Retweeted all I hope. I am on my phone and I do not know if it went through. Twitter handle @lesh4537
Retweeted them all. Thank you.
Done!
done
Done!
All done
Awe!!! I don’t use twitter yet!! I will create an account soon though and attempt to learn how! I need to catch up with the times! Haha! I’m not sure there are many my age not using twitter, but I just never got into it.
My cell phone doesn’t work at my house (I live in a valley in the boonies). I made a twitter account and only use it online. I’m very technologically challenged, so if I can do it, I know you can! Good luck. 🙂
Haha!!! Thanks!!! I am sure once I get it rolling I will become addicted to it! Lol
we live under a tower and have NO service! LOL…guess you need be a bit away!
Retweeted
RT’d @leyn16
Retweeted @kittylover1313
All retweeted and ready for a new adventure!
@yipperbear did ’em all
Congrats Judy!!!!!
All done!!! @christibwillie
I retweeted them all 🙂
All retweets — tweeted!
done @wifemd
AM COFFEE #3, 1 WINNER –> Drawn at 10:55AM EST
How to Balance Our Needs With Those of Our Families
What To Do? –> Share and Comment
• Do you ever take personal time off from your family’s needs?
• How do you rest and relax?
• Do you consider an hour spent doing your own thing as a huge downside?
• What are those small steps we can all take to contribute to our personal growth and improve peace of mind that it’s OK to spend some time and some money on our personal needs?
Hubby and I go on vacation about twice a year to rest and relax! During a normal day, I take about an hour to have lunch, drink my coffee, read the paper, or do whatever I want! It’s my time to regroup! I find that reading a good book is so relaxing. Whether it is a self help book, a comedy, or a serious novel, a book will take to a special place where I can unwind and forget about the daily grind.
Well at this time I don’t have much time for me I have a 5 year old grandson whom I adopted he is 5 now and has autism so he keeps me busy so my free time is here on the computer that’s my rest time or when he gose to sleep at night so at this time I give all to him but I wouldn’t trade it for any thing A nd spending a hour or to for me no I think its what keeps me going
My family and I relax by doing a family trip and go camping…I take an hour or more on the computer doing gaming
Brianna,
I do my computer time as me time too.
My fiance and I try to give each other a little bit of time each day, even if it’s 15 minutes to ourselves. it’s hard with two little boys constantly running around ALL day and night, but we both understand that we need our individual time. even if we use it to run to dunkin donuts or something. those few minutes does wonders!
I remember those days when my kids were small. I had 3 children in 2 1/2 years! It was tough, but we survived. I worked around my hubby’s schedule. When I would get home at midnight, I would often find him in the dark, with a lit candle, and a poured glass of wine for me! Those were some of the best times!
I wish my husband would realize I need “me time”. He thinks I get it all day. If only he knew what it was like staying home all day with a three year old. But I can not complain. I do get to be a stay at home mom. Most people do not get the chance.
I had that problem with my then hubby when the kids were little. I finally convinced him he’d have a much better wife if I got some ‘me time’, because I’d come back refreshed and energized and much happier. A happy mommy/wife seems to lead to a much happier household!
My husband works nights, so we sneak off during the day and do things together with out the children. We go to our favorite places to eat or go to the movies.
I rest and relax by reading mysteries and making greeting cards.
My downtime is usually first thing in the morning before everyone is up and at night when dd is in bed.
My down time is the Internet but can be so time consuming! I set a timer and enjoy with my morning and evening coffee.
I think reading is so important- it’s so sad to me how many adults I meet who say they have not read a book since childhood
I agree. I do have to say for the first two years after my son was born I did not read as I could not find the time. Now that he is three I am finding time. It killed me with no reading because I was one of the people that would be at the library checking out my 50 max on books!
Also, I have recently discovered the Kindle books which I can read on my phone as well. It has made things a little simple for me but I still prefer print.
Yes, people who can read – but don’t read book – breaks my heart!
Taking care of a disabled hubby is a full time job. It’s really hard to find more than a few minutes at a time for myself. I try to enjoy the early mornings and late nights when he is asleep, That’s when I do my toenails or enjoy a nice bath. Without the time for myself, I find I’m easily frazzled and flustered by daily events, I need the ‘me time’ to refresh and recharge.
I’m on and off the computer most days in short bursts of time to relax and to connect with other people. Once in a while, one of my kids will stay with my hubby so I can get out. Those are times I truly treasure. It’s a little hard for them because their lives are so busy, but it’s truly appreciated when it happens.
I try to have a nice walk everyday – doesn’t have to be long, just think, no music, no phone. It’s great when I can time it for sunset!
Ieda,
I so wish I lived in a warmer climate. I love taking walks. I never walk with music (just my phone with runkeeper tracking my walk, plus, in case of emergency) I love just my thoughts!
Walking in the snow is pretty fabulous! So quiet and serene! Just bundle up and wear good boots! 🙂
It is refreshing – and healthy – to take a walk!
I honestly wish I could take time for myself. DH works so much that it is hard for me. My dad would take my son if I needed to do something during the day/week. That was a huge help because I was able to get my hair done a few times. Sadly, he passed away two weeks ago and now I am at a loss of what I will do as I got so used to him being able to watch my son. My mom is around but she works so much and still has a 15 yr old at home to deal with.
On a up side, I love that my son still takes a nap. I use this time do what I want to do at home. A lot of times I will not clean but will look on the internet to find deals and such or read a book.
My balance of time for myself is a little off.
Oh my!!! I am so sorry to hear of your loss!!!! 🙁 I don’t know what I will do when either if my parents pass I couldn’t imagine what you are going through. I will be praying for you!!!
I do think we deserve a special time to maintain peace, happiness and our energy levels to the fullest! We deserve to have a good time since we are very hard workers! Keeping a home organized, taking care of our kids and husband isn’t easy and we need to be mentally prepared to do all of this! So, yes. We do need a rest and relax time. I usually (once in a while) have a foot massage and I try reading a book every night. That help me find a good balance between me and those around me. Having a personal time off isn’t BAD it is HEALTHY for you and your family. Try to go to the movies with your friends like old times! Make plans with your friends, have a tea party! Get together. That’s great and will make you feel all new again. 🙂
When I had small kids in the house I would get up extra early to have some quiet time to myself before everyone else got up. I could drink my coffee and pray and plan my day before starting breakfast and getting everyone up. My day always went better when I could do that. Of an evening when I could, I would wind down by taking a hot bath and soaking while reading a book. That is still my favorite de-stressor. Most nights though, I would fall asleep on the couch while everyone else was watching a movie. I remember something that my grandparents would do when we lived with them. Everyone had to take a nap in the afternoon. We did not have to sleep but we had to lay there and be quiet. No talking. My bed had a bookcase headboard. I could read as long as I was quiet. That is when I learned to love to read.
Taking time off for every mother is important. I know with having the medical issues I have taking some time off is important, but I will admit that it is hard to do. I have an 11 year old boy with ADHD and Autism, a 9yr old girl, and a 9 month old boy. With that said my two boys need most of my attention due to my sons medical condition and it can be so hard to always know how to cope and handle everything with him. It’s like I am constantly fighting the school on bullies, and my son isn’t able to make friends in the neighborhood easily because of his social awkwardness. However he does excel in school and has made straight A’s all year. It just takes a lot of devotion from me and a lot of time helping him to study, and stay focused. But it is all worth it. Yes it is very stressful juggling two older children in school and a baby, but with some persistence and perseverance it can be done. I’m a lucky girl to have someone in my life to help me do the laundry, clean, and even cook dinner for me when I myself am ill and unable. And he gives me breaks and time for myself to decompress. My favorite stress reliever is a nice, warm, candle lit bubble bath. It helps with the aches and pains. I also enjoy watching a movie with my family, popcorn, candy, the whole nine yards! I find just relaxing with them can make all my worries disappear! And when I can afford to, going shopping and just buying something small, can relieve much stress for me. Every girl likes to pamper themselves every now and then right?? Seeing a massage therapist is important as well, and I love going to get pedicures!!
This is an area that I have a hard time. I always forget about myself. I take care of my brother in law who is a stroke patient, so my sister can work. I babysit my 18mos old grandson so my daughter can work. I have a 20yr old son who has autism. And a 16yr old son in high school. I am always doing for others that I seem to forget about myself. Until my own health conditions sent me back to the pain management doctor, he told me that when you board a plane and they instruct you on how to use the oxygen mask, they tell you to put the mask on yourself first before you can help your neighbor. And this is what I must do to myself. If I can’t help myself first, I won’t be able to take care of others.
I definitely understand your pain and can sympathize!!! It’s nice to know I am not alone in this battle. Autism is so hard and it hurts even more when you are sick yourself. But you have to take are of yourself to e the best you can for your kids! :-). I wish you and your family all the best!! You are a super mom!!
Thank you Mandi. I sure try but always seem to feel more like a failure than super mom.
I know that feeling too and you just have to keep reminding yourself that you do the best you can, and that’s all you can do!
My relaxers are walking on the beach, listening to music, or listening to the birds. I try to keep organized because I hate chaos. If I had a bathtub, that would be on the list too! I have a hard time keeping stress free, so I have to remind myself to do it.
I try to take time for myself while the kids are at school. Sure, there’s always something that needs my attention, but I need to deal with my own needs too, otherwise I implode. Imploding is bad!
Boy I miss those days when the kids were in school. I always took time for myself between cleaning and shopping. But now that their older I find it harder and harder to fit myself in. Today is a mini break with this coffee chat.
Yes, I do take an hour of down time. I think some days my head will burst if I don’t. I think everyone needs some time to themselves. It’s also important to relax and take a nice bath/shower with some scented candles. Just some you time.
I don’t do much more than cook on the weekends. After taking two days off, Monday’s are full of laundry and dishes. With 7 people in the house, it’s really more work than relaxation to do that…lol
I relax in the evening with a hot long soak in the tub!
I love to read, it’s my relaxation!
When I walk it helps me to relax, clear my head, think about all the things that I love about my children, pray, listen and just be. It’s something I do for me – and not often enough. Whenever I am feeling overwhelmed, I go out and walk. Snow, rain, sun – it doesn’t matter, it always helps.
I need my hours time either outside in the sun, or reading or something I enjoy just for me. No I do not feel bad about that at all.
AM COFFEE #4, 1 WINNER –> Drawn at 11:05AM EST
WHAT TO DO?
• Go to our Sponsor’s page and TAG them as @drinkRE (it’ll appear automatically as RE) to thank them for sponsoring our AM Coffee at @CelebrateWoman. Click here for drinkRE Facebook Page
• Come back and tell me you’ve done so!
Done!
done
Done
done! 🙂
done.
Done!
done!
Done!
I thanked them. What a wonderful product and company to have as sponsors!
Done!
Done!
Done under Kelsey. Tagged RE and Celebrate Woman as well
Done.
I wrote a post on their page!! Done! Where is everyone else tagging them? Maybe I didn’t do it right?
Not sure I did it right, but I think I did it 🙂
Done! 🙂
Done
Done
Done.
done
DONE
DOne
done~
Done: https://www.facebook.com/drinkRE/posts/532389146877465?stream_ref=10
AM COFFEE #5, 1 WINNER –> Drawn at 11:20AM EST
WHAT TO DO?
• Go to this page and tell me if you’d love to Experience the powerful effect of this sexy trio!
I would love to give these products a try! Would be really helpful after a good workout on my Exercise Bike or treadmill!
I would love to try this I need all the help I can get just started back working out and this would not hurt to try at all
I would love to give these a try I’ve been starting working out it’d be very helpful I need all the help I can get
I would love to try it! not only does it seem like an awesome workout option, but it also is so good for you!! Nice to see a company that really thinks about what they’re putting in their product!
I would love to try these and I thanked the sponsor.
Wow, would love to experience this product. Sounds great!
I would love to try these especially the REfocus!
Yeah I would like to try that one too!!
I go for a long walk at lunchtime- this would be great to have at work after
Would love to try this product trio!
I’d love to try this trio. The more I read about these products, the better they sound. We’ve been trying to be more health conscious around here, and this would fit right in with what we’re doing.
Looks interesting. I’d give it a try!
I would love to try these..sounds great!
OMG! yes, I do need this antioxidants and other fabulous fruit nutrition back after dealing with temper tantrums hahaha. Its a great one! I like it is GMO free!!
I wasn’t too sure as first until I read about the anti-inflammatory benefits to the body. And, it helps keep your mind sharp. Boy do I need that!
I love trying new products that can provide a healthier me!!!! This seems like a wonderful product and I would definitely “give it a whirl”! It has soo many amazing benefits and I’m sure many are enjoying it thoroughly!!
I want all three, They look very inviting and I need them.
Haha that’s what I was thinking!
I could really use this drink after aerial dance practice
Need all the anti-inflammatories I can get.
Oh I hear ya Judy! Lupus here 🙁
WOuld be so awesome to try! TXS
Done
I did, thanked them and yes, this would be awesome to try!
I would definitely try these!
AM COFFEE #6, 2 WINNERS –> Drawn at 11:15AM EST
WHAT TO DO?
• What would be Your Top Best Solution(s) or Advice for Someone to a Better Budgeting for each Month?
• Share what you do to save and to spend, like where to shop, what to look for, how to recycle and much more.
Get rid of the plastic credit cards. If you can’t afford to pay for it with cash, then it isn’t worth buying. The finance charges are a killer if you don’t pay them off before the next billing cycle. You’ll end up paying more for that sale item than you bargained for!
@ Carol you hit the nail on the head don’t use money u don’t have get your self on a plan and try to stick with it and meal plan plane your weekly meal out and buy what you need for that week and shop for sale items I look whats on sale and plan meals around the sales it saves me and then I know what we are having this week for meals I shop Sams also to get what we use everyday buying bulk will save you lots of money
I agree- I love the trick of freezing your cards into an ice block, so you would have to wait a good long time for it to thaw out in case of an “emergency”
Totally agree about the plastic. I got rid of mine 14 years ago best thing I have done.
Elicia,
I grew without any plastic! It was a rarety in our household. In a way, it’s been very easy for me to do without it.
And I love to hear that you’ve been plastic-free for the past 14 years! That’s quite Awesome!
That is awesome!!!!
Thanks. The only time it bit me in the butt was when I went to buy a car car. I had paid off my current car 1.5 years early. I was putting more than half down and still no one would give me a loan. I finally got a loan through the dealership (22%). After one year I went back to my credit union and they gave me the loan (a lot lesser %). I had the car paid off 2 years ahead of time.
Spend less money on soda, and eating out
I do need to spend less on soda for sure!
Spend less money on stuff you don’t need and eating out and also get rid of the credit cards
Look over what you buy, and what you buy because you “want” and what you buy because you “need” if you are trying to keep a tighter budget get rid of some of the wants. also check your bank account. you don’t realize how much money is going to those little 5 dollar here 3 dollar there purchases until you take the time to actually add up the numbers!
Stop impulse buys by waiting 24 hrs to purchase things. If you really need them after 24 hrs then go back and buy them. You will find that most items are not needs but wants. By waiting the 24 hrs, you have time to think about the purchase and realize it may not be the best option.
Great advice! I wait too if I am unsure about a purchase!
To save money, think “old school” on spending. Our grandparents didn’t get things until they had saved up for them and they paid cash. Small extra purchases like flavored coffees purchased sway from home can be a big financial drain. Track every cent you spend and it might be an eye-opener if you are financially challenged.
I wish they made products like they did 50 years ago. Everything is so throw away now a days. People think that throwing away and buying new is so much better now. Second hand stores have great finds!
If you coupon do not buy it just because you have a coupon. Also buy only what you need. I see people buying things that they really did not need in the first place but bought it because they saw it on sale and had a coupon. In the end they blew their monthly budget. Another thing pay cash for everything. Using your cc or debit does not make it seem like you are spending. See it and physically having it makes you more aware of your spending.
I need help I this area so I have no tips! LOL I do most of my shopping online at bargain sites though so that saves money and I am able to buy items I wouldn’t be able to at full price.
We eat out only on Saturday mostly and special occasions. Making healthy food at home is always the best.
Sometimes schedules make cooking at home difficult. Planning ahead makes it easier but even then it’s not foolproof.
Be realistic!
Menu planning around sales has helped me the most. I cook mostly from scratch and save lots that way, cooking freezer meals in big batches.
I work swagbucks to have extra money to purchase gift cards to use for birthdays and holidays, and often buy things from Amazon a lot more inexpensively than I can find in local stores.
I keep all my receipts and make a ledger to see where all the money goes. Those small “Oh it’s only a couple of dollars” purchases can ruin your budget quickly if you don’t keep an eye on them!
I shop at thrift stores a lot, but even then, I keep track of what I spend. It can be easy to go overboard because it costs so little.
I agree with not using credit cards.
Also couponing is a great way to save, I just started 2 weeks ago and already saved at least $100
I don’t buy anything I not going use even if I have a coupon unless I can get it free.
Well, organized is the key to keep ur family on a budget. Do you really need cable TV while having Internet? Did you know you can watch your favorite shows online too?. Thats such a great way to save. If you live in an apartment talk to your neighbor to split Internet services bill (I do that and we both are way too happy about it, we are saving tons). Try to not eat outside and have a meal planning! You will avoid temptations and you will know what your having each day for dinner. Freeze meals, so when you are in a hurry just go ahead and put em out of the fridge!!! easy, time and money saver. I agree about credit cards! GET rid of it! Its not good at all. Shop during end of seasons, you will find great prices and save $$$.
Great suggestions. We have an antennae for most channels and use netflix for movies. Saves us a lot.
Haha, the antennae works for my family too 🙂
BTW Jan, I think theres a site online you can watch the movies for FREE!! Ugh, I just dont remember which one it is… Gonna start looking about it. If I find it I will let u know.
I check out the thrift stores when I go to town. I also shop at garage sales. I have tried to organize my freezer so I know what is in there before shopping. I keep a running list on the refrigerator of things I am low on or out of. I stock up when things are on sale if it is something I use regularly. We only eat out when we are in town. We can’t have food delivered out here in the country and very seldom just drive to town and go out to eat even though the nearest restaurant is only 6 miles away. I save a lot of money on convenience foods since I am no longer working. I also need fewer clothes.
Always remember not to spend money you don’t have in the here and now. My grandfather always taught me to never get a credit card for that reason and so indefinitely agree with the ladies that have posted here. Again being organized with a ledger of how much you are spending and on what each month can help a ton. That way you have a starting point on where you should or could cut back on some of your spending. Always turn off lights and t.v’s too! Anything to help bring these expensive electric bills down is always a good thing!!!
I would say get rid of your credit cards. If you can’t pay with cash, do you really need it? Also, cook home meals and save going out for fastfood to once a month. This could save a lot for a family of 4. And learn to shop for deals, coupons, thrift stores and make a budget. Next vacation plan a staycation and do something free in your local city.
I am a sale freak! I clip coupons, look for bargains and rarely buy anything full price. Always use double coupons when you can and beware of buy one get one free sales because the prices are usually jacked up to cover the freebie.
I don’t go to store without my coupon binder EVER! You never know what you may catch on clearance and have coupon for! ORGANIZATION is key also. Once you get oraganized it’s easy to keep it all done.
Im in medical school and my husband is the only income so we reaallllyyy have to bidget. We constantly write down things we need each month and set up goals for how much we need to save. We share the extra things we would love to do if we had the money. At the end of the month iff we managed to save our goal we may use the extra money to get the little unnecesary things we wanted. I shop at Sams club or costo to buy non-perishables in bulk then i go coupon crazy for anywhere else. I have also found htat the more we make from scrach, the more money we save adn ther ecipies useally give us a lot more left overs than buying prepackaged meals
We pay all bills on payday and then do cash only. What’s in my wallet is what we have until the next payday.
Start with organizing and really have a positive attitude about ways to save money! Don”t Say I can’!
BEST thing right now, is Dollar Tree takes coupons…You never know what they may or may not have but anything off something that cost $1 is GREAT!
I use coupons and look for sales for even more of a savings. Stock up on things that won’t go stale when they have coupons for it. I’m just careful and try not to buy on impulse.
AM COFFEE #7, 2 WINNERS –> Drawn at 11:30AM EST
WHAT TO DO?
• Share Your Personal Household TIPS & TRICKS
I shop a lot at Walmart and take the sales flyers with me. They price match! One stop shopping so I don’t have to waste gas driving all over town!
We always get the sunday paper and go through to see the coupons and go for the cheap marked down itens
my tip is to not sweat the small stuff. Do not get so wrapped up in following a schedule (they’re nice, but going with the flow when something doesn’t work out is ok too!). In the past I spent so much time worrying about getting every detail done every day, and now I know that if something doesn’t get done… it’s OKAY!
Ashley, this is one of the best tips ever! I take care of my disabled hubby and at first I stuck to a tight schedule. It just stressed us both .out. Now we do his therapies when he feels like it, not when the clock says it’s time. If the laundry doesn’t get done today, I’ll get to it tomorrow. We eat when we’re hungry, even if it’s 4 in the afternoon, or 9 at night, rather than 6 O’clock on the dot. Life has become so much more relaxed and we’re both doing better 🙂
Shop farmer’s markets for the best produce at the lowest prices. Cook from scratch in large batches and freeze extra meals for convenience. Avoid high priced processed foods to save money and improve your health.
I go to a local farm market where they sell big baskets of slightly aged fruits and vegetables for $2! It’s great for same day cooking
Use vinegar and baking soda to clean with. It saves money and there are no harsh chemicals!
I coupon and shop sales. As soon as the grocery ads come in I look at them and circle what I buy. When the coupons come in I look through and cut what I use. When buying items that I “think” I need I do it online. This way I place it into cart and walk away. I come back the next day and if I truly need it I will buy it. I usually shop Amazon which means local grocery store carries it. The store gives me fuel perks so when I buy the card I also get about $.10 off.
I tried making my own dish detergent, did not pan out so well. However, I do use vinegar for cleaning. So at about $3 a gallon that saves a lot. I also use baking soda when I need to scrub.
My son loves to wash his hands, he also loves to waste the soap. I had gotten a Lysol Foam Hand pump. I bought the refills of the liquid. What I do is put about 1-2 tablespoons of the liquid into the pump and then fill with water. I shake it up and now I have hand foam. Has worked wonders!
Instead of using the swiffter clothes I went out and got a microfiber cloth. When I am done I just toss into the washer.
I agree with Amanda. I use vinegar and baking soda. Works wonders and chemical free is the best!!! Homemade cleaning is awesome. One more tip is to not run the dishwasher at least you have a FULL load there. The same with the laundry. Also, avoid doing laundry during the weekend cus everyone else is doing so and you might help a little bit to take care of the environment. Ive tried doing laundry at night time and the bill comes lower than usual. Thats a good one there!
I love coupons and get the Sunday paper and clip all of them along with my stores coupons. I also make sure to look at the top shelves because some retailers like to hide the super clearance items out of your vision box.
I have already listed above most of my house hold tips. One thing to remember when cleaning though is to start in one room and do one room at a time. Trying to bounce all through different rooms cleaning here and there, for me at least, leaves a lot left undone in each room. I am loving some of the tips and have tried making my own laundry detergent and it works like a charm! I read it somewhere on Facebook and when you are living day to day, tips like that are really helpful!!!
Start shopping at stores like Kroger or Giant Eagle, who offer gas rewards with purchases. I coupon shop so I can earn up to 50 cents off a gallon of gas. This helps a lot. Other places where I live are Kmart, with $50 purchase you get a 30 cents of gas at a local Speedway gas. And speedway allows you to use 3, so you can save 60cents off gas. Speedway also has its own gas rewards. You earn points on purchases, after 4000 pts and 8000 pts you can cash in rewards for cents off gas.
My husband and I have to-do list that sync and shopping list that syn con our smart phones. For example f i drink the last bit of milk, i just click it on my phone and it goes on both of our shopping list. We also have a to do list that syncs so we can help each other get done with task if we have extra time. the shopping list really saves a lot of time.
Pick up after yourself often and house will stay clean! No dishes in sink ever left dirty! All you have do is take few extra seconds to pick up behind yourself. Now if my husband would LISTEN to that! LOL
I pick one room a day to make sure it’s clean! That way I don’t get overwhelmed!
I like WalMart, but there is a new Costco in our area and that has great savings on lots of household items!
Run a smooth kinda house with kids…..STICK TO A SCHEDULE, EVEN ON WEEKENDS!!! I have learned recently how much this really helps with the kids routine!!
I do a lot of do it yourself when I can. I like to use all natural products. Mostly because you can mix natural items and make cleaners, detergent, soaps almost anything really. Second reason I have to use all natural items is because one of my kitties is allergic to chemicals in most cleaners.
Yes walmart is great they do price match I just make a list of what I need for the week and get it and if I don’t have it I just make due with what I have you can always substitute other ingrediance and when I make soups or big meals I freeze leftovers for future dinners so cook once eat twice lol
hello an good morning
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Good Morning Everyone! I am not sure what tip i could share except this one Keep an extra toilet brush in your house. this is to be used to clean baseboard, tub & walls. It is very helpful for those who have a hard time bending to reach these areas 🙂
Hello and good morning!
Good Morning Coffee Clutchers!
Good morning! One of the ways I stay on budget is by using coupons and getting free samples and products through the mail.
I agree with the freebies Sherry, I haven’t bought toothpaste or shampoo and conditioner in a few years now.
What??? How do you do that!!!???
yesall4free.com is a great place to start Mandi…….it’s my favorite. You can also check out Freebie Empire. There are lots of sites to get freebies. Check facebook for them, that way you avoid the scam sites.
Thanked the sponsor! Thank you. This will be fun!
Good Morning Everyone! I hope the sun is shining somewhere! Not here chance of light snow in southeast MI!
Good Morning Everyone! 🙂
Good Morning to all the wonderful women in the world!!
White vinegar and baking soda will clean just about everything. Save your money!
What’s the mixture…would love to try it. What’s the best way to get 20 year old toilet bowls clean …hate the stains!
Charles, when you mix vinegar and baking soda, it foams up, so be careful if you mix them. To clean a very old, very stained toilet here, I used a pumice stone. It worked wonders when nothing else I tried would work.
I make my own laundry detergent. Been doing it over a year. It’s easy and works great
You know what I’ve discovered about making my own laundry soap? My washer no longer smells bad if I leave the lid down for a couple of days! Besides working really well, that is a plus!
I’ve noticed that too Lisa. My washer used to get a nasty musty smell, but I no longer have that. I do use a few drops of essential oil in my detergent if I can’t find Fels Naptha soap, and have to use Ivory. I don’t care for the smell of Ivory.
What’s in home made laundry detergent?
I use Fels Naptha laundry bar, shredded in my food processor, along with Borax, Baking soda and Arm and Hammer Washing soda. Works great! I have 4 kids and three sweaty guys in the house and all our clothes come clean without any problems.
What are the quantities the mix. I’d love to try it. Where do you get Fels Naptha…never heard of it? TY Lisa.
Charles, here are the recipes I use. I have very hard water, and wash in cold water, so I use powdered, but I’ve made the liquid for people who prefer that.
Powdered Laundry Soap
2 cups finely shredded Fels Naptha (I get it at Walmart in the laundry aisle, it’s cheaper there than anywhere else I’ve found)
1 cup washing soda (not baking soda) (I have to get this from the local hardware store, I can’t find it anywhere else)
1 cup borax
Combine ingredients, and store in an airtight plastic container. Use 2 tablespoons per laundry load
powdered works best for cold water and hard water.
When I can’t find the Fels Naphtha, I use Ivory soap or Zote. I don’t like the way those smell, so I add some essential oils to scent the detergent.
Liquid Laundry Soap
1/3 bar of Fels Naptha soap
1/2 cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
1/2 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax
water
Grate 1/3 bar of soap. In a large pan (reserve this pan for soap-making only), put 6 cups of very hot water and grated soap. Stir in washing soda and borax. Using a wooden spoon, stir until it comes to a boil. Lower heat, and stir until it thickens (about 15 minutes). Watch closely to prevent it from boiling over. Remove from heat. In large bucket, pour 1 quart of hot water, and stir in the soap mix. Add another 5-1/2 quarts of water. Mix to combine. Set aside for 24 hours to form a thick gel. For ease of use, pour into a container with a lid (you can reuse an old laundry-soap container or milk jug), and shake before using. Use 1/2 cup of soap for machine load of clothes.
I also have tons of recipes for other household cleaners if there are any others you’d like) My name is Raye Wiedner on facebook, feel free to drop a message. 🙂
My favorite tips are:
Make your own laundry detergent and use dryer balls to save lots of cash.
I make most of my own cleaning products, and save orange, grapefruit, and lemon rinds to put in them. Dry them, and then soak for a week or two in vinegar or alcohol…..excellent for natural cleaning with a pleasant scent.
Take a day or two every month to cook large batches of freezer meals to pop in the crockpot or toaster oven for hectic days. Check Pinterest for Crockpot meals, there are so many great recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas. My daughters and sisters and I are getting together to cook all day and make enough freezer meals for everyone for at least a week or two. If you have friends or family to do this with, it make a chore into a fun day.
I never throw out veggie peels or tops, I toss them in a bowl in the freezer til it’s full. Then I boil it all for an hour or two, strain it, and use the broth as a base for stew or soups. I do the same with bones.
When we have just a bite or two of something leftover from a meal, I put that in a bowl in the freezer, and when it’s full, I use that to make a stew or soup as well. Leftover mashed potatoes make great thickeners for those.
I love household tips and have oodles of them saved in a 3 ring binder.
Raye,
Question about putting the peels in vinegar/alcohol. I love the idea to make my vinegar cleaning smell nicer. How do you do it. Just through the peels in the vinegar and then use with the peels?
I guess I am a bit confused.
I save the peels and dry them as I get them. Then when I’m ready to make my cleaners, I just toss pieces of the peels into a jar and cover them with the vinegar or alcohol. (I use the alcohol to clean windows and mirrors, it doesn’t seem to streak as much). I usually just put the peels and liquid into a spray bottle and use it. I do know some people take the peels out, but I just leave them in. I hope that helps.
Thanks Raye,
I use vinegar to clean with but I do not really like the smell. Thank you for clarifying and I will totally do this. I think I will have a orange today for lunch just so I can start the drying process.
I hope you like it. I use orange, lemon, grapefruit……any citrus peels I have. It cuts grease well and smells great. I’ve even mixed all 3 in, and it’s fantastic.
I love making orange vinegar cleaner. Any store bought spray cleaner makes me sick, but this doesn’t. It works great in the kitchen and smells nice too!
Good morning 🙂 This is my first coffee chat. I better go make more coffee! lol
Mine to… 🙂
I am here today! Didn’t make it yesterday! So glad to be here! I hipe everyibe has a spectacular day!
sorry I got so excited I misspelled some words!
Hi all. I’m a little confused. Thought it started at 10:30est but, first couple seem to be closed. My house hint or tip would be “saving” a pan when gunk is stuck to the bottom. Pour in about a quarter inch of dish dish detergent and let it sit about 5 minutes. Scrape with a wooden spoon. Then and about an inch of biling water and let it sit a few hours.
My husband is paid bi-weekly so I do our grocery shopping two weeks at a time. I have a notebook with all of my dinner and dessert recipes in it and I make my shopping lists in the same notebook. Recipes are kept in the front and the lists in the back. Doing the big shopping trip saves me money because I don’t have a lot of self-control if I shop without a list. Shopping for 7 is quite expensive so the first store I hit is the butcher shop. Then I head over to Aldi and buy almost everything else. I’ve discovered they have the very best clumping cat litter and it’s the only kind I’ll use. At $3.99 a container it’s a great deal. What I can’t find at Aldi I’ll buy at Walmart. I hate Walmart, but we don’t have another store to shop at on my side of town. All three stores are in the same 2-block radius so I’m saving gas money as well shopping this way.
Another tip is to make friends with the local butcher. I have stopped buying meat at the “grocery store” and started shopping the butcher shop instead. The prices are lower and the quality is amazing. You can get some great deals in the freezer section and they sell boxes of meat that end up saving you money. Sometimes they will discount meat for us if we buy enough or if something comes from the freezer that might have been there for a week or two. Nothing wrong with it, they just want it gone.
Great tip!! I miss being in an area that had a butcher shop. I used to get MUCH better prices and fantastic quality there.
G’Morning everyone! I have my coffee and am ready to go 🙂
Use baking soda and vinegar to clean. I also use vinegar in the rinse cycle of my washer. I cook based on what is on sale or is in the pantry or freezer. My hubby plants a garden every year. We eat a lot of fresh veggies. When shopping online I go to retailmenot to see if there are any online coupons.
Hi everyone!!! I have the goods (coffee) next to me READY!!
sorry I am later – been a bit under the weather and moving slow like a turtle
#2 retweeted all links
oops guess that was #4 they are in reverse order in the feed 😛
not enough coffee yet
now i am truly confused because there are two morning coffee #4’s 😛
I did them both 🙂
Good Morning All!
HELLO lovely ladies
#3
I live alone at present but was married and raised 2 sons.
I was not very good about taking “me”: time and usually ended up getting resentful, tired and drained.
It was only after the kids grew up and moved out that I realized how foolish I was and started taking time for me.
I highly recommend to every woman out there that you treat yourself as well as you treat your loved ones.
It’s OK to spend a few dollars getting your hair cut or nails done
It’s OK to leave the dishes in the sink and go for a walk
if no one else does them while you are out, they will be there when you return.
I’t s ok to leave the beds unmade and start your day with a long warm relaxing bath or sohwer – it’s rejuvenating and your entire day will go better for having treated yourself at the beginning of the day instead of waiting for it to be over and putting yourself last.
Couldnt agree more Joann!
Good morning everyone!
I find a BIG problem is (and stores know it) you go in with a list and end up with double the list. Key to my coupon shopping is sticking to list and NOTHING else unless its a clearance isle and I have coupon to stack!!
I agree! I don’t go grocery shopping if I’m hungry and I stick to the list and coupons I have!
2nd #4 I went to drinkRe’s page and thanked them
https://www.facebook.com/drinkRE/posts/532376360212077?stream_ref=10
I’m here, late but I’m here!
Good morning 🙁 over slept 🙁
i did too 😀 its ok
Lol its only 834 here 🙁
#5 Yes I would love to try it thanks
#6
money saver tip:
not all coupons are money savers – if you dont need it dont buy it.
budgeting tip
never rob peter to pay paul
don’t pay credit card debt with other credit cards….
if you can’t afford it don’t buy it.
instant gratification is NOT a necessity
the manufacturers just want you to think it is
AGREE 100% you have to watch close!!!!!!
Joann,
I have a friend who blows her budget just because it was on sale and she had a coupon. I also see people buy things they really do not need just because it was on sale and they had a coupon.
Good Morning all! Sunny and cold here near Chicago!
Here’s a tip!
Find a couponing group in your area…….sometimes they post on the info boards at local grocery stores etc…..sometimes they advertise in the paper……or just search online. I’ve found I’m better at couponing if I have a partner(s) in crime……you know two heads are better than one, especially when hunting deals!
yep and I have met people online that trade coupons to…Never know what ya can get!
#7 household tip
when you die no one is going to talk about how clean your house was…
don’t let the things you own , own you –
quality family time is much more important than a clean house or well kept yard.
involve the children in household chores but MAKE IT FUN!!
LIVE IS TO SHORT AND TOMORROW IS NOT GUARANTEED
SO CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES CAREFULLY
Joann,
Can you please give this advice to my husband! He thinks the house needs to look not lived in!
This is my most favortie tip!
Good morning from Pa!
I’m feeling Lucky!! Laura are you picking up my positive energy?
Chuckie,
I sure do!
You are a gem!
What a beautiful day to take a stroll.
Hello and good morning
Wow, there’s a lot of great advice here this morning! Thanks to all you amazing ladys for this valuable info!
Thanks for all the great info today 🙂
The information here is amazing!
Lots of good reads here today! Thanks
Good morning!
Good Morning coffee drinkers! Sun is shining , snow is melting and I am having coffee. Getting ready to enjoy this beauftiful day. Love all the tips so far.
Awesome discoveries! Thank You all for the great advice. 🙂
I missed this party, Congrats to all the Winners!!!
Hello