Monday, December 31, 2012

Perdue Oven Ready Roast

Over the last month and a half, the entire family has been sick at one point or another ( a couple days EVERYONE was sick!). That means that we have been making convenience meals when we want to eat, and I have been making easy meals! I don't know about you but I am sick and tired of eating processed, easy meals.

Enter Perdue Oven Ready Chicken Roast!



I was super excited to try Perdue Oven Ready Chicken Roast, because it was real chicken (not processed chicken nugget form which we ate way too many of) and it was easy to prepare, even for someone with no energy and recovering from the flu like me!



First let's talk about "real" chicken:  Perdue Chicken is fresh, all-natural chicken that's verifiably good. That's why all their PERDUE® OVEN READY Products are USDA Process Verified and follow an all vegetarian diet, no animal by-products, and are raised cage free.

Now let's talk about my chicken: The directions were simple: open the outer package, cook and then serve! Simple-- which is what I needed!

In it's packaging

Cooking in the oven, alongside some cheesy potatoes

Chicken and green beans. Yummy, healthy, easy dinner for the kiddos.
My observations: the chicken was VERY moist and yummy! It was super duper! It was super easy to cook, and clean up was a breeze. There was so much meat on the chicken that we had dinner that night, sandwiches the next day and I still have a large container of meat in the freezer that I will use for chicken enchiladas! Yay!

I will definitely be buying these again just for the convenience. As we look to 2013 I am committing to cook more at home and cook healthier foods and Perdue Oven Ready Roasts will fit the bill!

Disclaimer: I received a coupon for a free product as part of a BzzAgent campaign in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

January Low Spend and Decluttering Challenge

As the kids and adults in our house have been sick for the past month and a half, I have had a lot of time to think about what I want our 2013 to look like and what I want to accomplish. As I look back over previous years I can see that I have made goals that were too loftly, or were doomed to fail from the beginning. Part of that I think is that I look at the big picture and don't break goals down into manageable steps. I make goals for the year that I ultimately forget about in 2 months.....

Well NOT this year. I have decided that 2013 is the year that I make smaller mini goals--my ideal is to make a monthly goal that I want to work on for that month.

January is the month where I feel like I get a start over in redoing our finances and also a redo of our house, when I get rid of excess and feel the urge to declutter. So I was so excited to see that the lovely Carla over at My 1/2 Dozen Daily was hosting a January Decluttering and No/Low Spend Challenge. I have decided to join in!

 
 
My goals for this January challenge:
 
- Financial goals:
  • Spend no more than $320 on food for the month. (This averages out to $80 a week). I need to get our grocery budget down as this past 2 months we have been averaging $130 a week for our family due to illnesses and holidays.
  • Spend no more than $150 on household items (diapers, wipes, toilet paper, Tide, dish detergent and trash bags)
  • No Eating out
  • The EXCEPTIONS:
    •  Hubby and I are looking into buying new cell phones (ours are over 3 years old) and getting a cheaper plan (if we buy pre-paid we could potentially save $30 a month over our current bill)
    • We have to get a title and tags for our new to us van that we were gifted
    • This does not affect our utilities, rent, gas for our vehicles, etc.
    • As always family emergencies, medical, dental, etc. are not counted against this as well.
-Decluttering goals:
  • I have one decluttering goal for this month---the huge closet (it is the size of a half room) off the bathroom that has become a dumping ground for stuff and storage. It is horrible! Would like to donate/sell at least half of the stuff in there. Here are a few before pictures:
The view looking in from the bathroom
 
Behind the door
So there you have it....my financial goals and decluttering goals for January. I hope I can meet them and make them a stepping stone for success for 2013!
     
     
     
 
     
     
 


Sunday, December 30, 2012

Sunday Night Chit Chat

I think that I can say that I am back again to blogging....after having everyone in my house sick for the month of December, I think (fingers crossed) that we are all on the mend I hope. (We did have to take Benjamin to the ER one night last week due to a very high fever....turns out he has an ear infection in the other ear than the one he had 2 weeks ago and a virus. Thankfully he is doing better!) We do still all have coughs but from what I am hearing from friends and family, these coughs could last for a few weeks after we feel better. But I am planning on being back full time to blogging again (barring any more illness). I am starting tonight.....
 
 Time once again for Sunday Night Chit-Chat...hosted by our friend Carla! (I can't believe it has been over a month since I got to play along! )
 
To play along simply start your post with a photo or quote... Copy and paste the starters and link up to Carla so she and others can visit you and see what you've been up to!

SO HERE GOES:


Kiddos and I on Christmas Eve, wearing our new PJs from Santa!
What are you.....

Reading?
Nothing right now. I have read 4 books over the last couple weeks for reviews. That is what happens when you have an eight month old who wants to be held when he is sick and will only sleep when you are holding him.

Watching?
Hubby and I watched "Dear John" last night. Cute movie, but I liked the book better. Right now, kids are watching "Wow, Wow Wubbzy."
 
Listening to?
The TV is on, Benjamin is playing with his new toy remote from Santa, and Jacob is running around.
  
Cooking/Baking
Nothing. I have gotten really bad about cooking, and we have been eating way too many easy meals due to us being sick. I am hoping to get back into cooking this week and to help get our grocery bills back down.

Happy you accomplished this week?

Got the kids' rooms cleaned out and decluttered before we put away new toys and books. Took out 4 bags of toys to donate. Also got the game/ dvd closet cleaned out and have a tote full of VHS tapes to donate to school. Also got all the Christmas stuff taken down and put away so that we could get our house back in order.
 
Looking forward to next week?
The New Year! Diving into a couple challenges.
 
Thankful for today?
For my husband, who puts up with my many mood changes and who loves me for me.

Bonus question: Are you looking forward to 2013 or sorry to see 2012 leave? 
I am looking forward to 2013. 2012 has been HARD, especially the last month or so. Let's go 2013!
 
So there you have it. A little glimpse into my world on this Sunday night! Hope everyone has a wonderful week and remember to link up to our wonderful chat host Carla! :)

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Merry Christmas


To all my blog readers, I wish you a very merry Christmas from my family to yours!

I know I have been lax lately about blogging but the craziness of being sick basically for this whole month has really thrown a wrench in my plans. I am going to be spending the next few day with family and enjoying my hubby and kids (sicknesses and all!) and then I hope to be back with lots of posts, including a great giveaway and I am joining in on a January challenge! Until then, I say Merry Christmas and I hope your holiday is merry and bright!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Sickness....


Take your pick when you come to my house....we are now featuring....the flu, strep throat, and an ear infection. Hubby is recovering from having the flu all week. I was at urgent care 2 times yesterday...once with Rebecca who has strep throat and a fever of 102. And then with Jacob who has a fever of 102, possible strep (the rapid test came back negative) and an ear infection. Tonight I am feeling cruddy.....

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Very quick update....

The last 2 weeks have been h*** and have been stressful and just tough. A few quick highlights:
  • My Mom's bladder cancer is back, another tumor was found last wednesday
  • My mom had a bad stress test for her heart last Monday
  • My mom was sent to the ER on Friday morning and spent Friday-yesterday in ICU with heart problems
  • Hubby woke up Monday night/Tuesday morning throwing up and high fever. He now has the full blown flu
  • Missed work on Friday due to Mom's hospitalization
  • Have 5 cakes and 5 cookies plates due to school by Friday morning for St. Nick dinner.
  • Hubby's parents are calling about setting up a time for transfer of van
  • Coworkers are dropping like flies with the flu so HAVE to work.
That is why I have been MIA. That is also why I am so behind on book reviews, and a product review and giveaway. Pray things get better.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Farm Rich giveaway winner


The Farm Rich coupon giveaway has ended!

Thank you to all that entered!

The winner (Sue H....) has been emailed!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Today's post brought to you by the letter B


Today's post is brought to you by the letter....B....as in BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!!!!!!

That describes my life over the last week or so. Work has been crazy busy. Thanksgiving was BUSY (especially because I had to cook the bird!) (more on that later). We had Rebecca's birthday luncheon on Saturday (more on that later). Bill was sick Friday-Sunday. Back to work yesterday. Baking cupcakes this morning before work, so I can decorate them after work for Rebecca to take to school tomorrow for her actual birthday. Trying to get some Christmas shopping done without going bankrupt. Posting baby items to sell on eBay.....the list goes on and on....I have many posts in my head---real life, some book reviews, and a cool product review and giveaway! Now just have to find the time to do it and to live my crazy busy life!

Here is to another BUSY day!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Farm Rich Products (and a GIVEAWAY!)--UPDATED!!!!



My kids are ALWAYS hungry! Rebecca and Jacob both are going through growth spurts and they always want something to eat. I don't mind them eating as long as what they are eating is mostly healthy-- because these are the types of foods that allow them to stay fuller longer, while providing them energy they need to play and do the things that a 6 year old and a 3 year old do. At the same time, our family schedule is crazy busy and so I don't have a lot of time to prepare from scratch foods and snacks for the kids or the family.

Enter Farm Rich snacks and appetizers!


Farm Rich offers a wide variety of pure yummy snacks, including mozzarella cheese sticks, mozzarella bites, queso cheese bites, mini pizza slices and jalapeno peppers just to name a few, that all allow for families to have wholesome, yummy snacks that don't take forever and a day to prepare.

I was excited to have the chance to try the mozzarella cheese sticks! My children love cheese and since the weather has gotten colder, I was excited to give them a warm treat that included their beloved cheese.


The bag
Made 8 cheese sticks for snack time; ready for the oven



Pure yumminess and can be served with a variety of dips. We chose to have ranch dressing with ours.

Up close of gooey, cheesy yumminess!

The verdict was that these were a HUGE HIT! Rebecca loved them, especially dipped in ranch dressing. I LOVED the gooiness of the cheese and that they were super easy to prepare.

There is a LOT of cheese sticks in the bag. I fixed 8 for us that day for a snack, and then had enough for 2 light lunches later in the week. It was a great value for the money. I will definitely be buying more for the freezer for our family!

TO BUY:
If you want to buy some for your family, Farm Rich has a product locator on their website to allow you to find your favorite snack at your local store.

WIN IT:
Farm Rich has offered a Living Better One Day at a Time blog reader the opportunity to receive 2 FREE Farm Rich product coupons (just like I received) so that you can also try out a new favorite.
All you have to do to enter is fill out the rafflecopter form! (Contest is open to US residents only. I am not responsible for prize distribution fulfillment--sponsor of prize is. Winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or new winner will be picked!) Good Luck!

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO GET THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM TO LOAD OR TO WORK, PLEASE JUST LEAVE A BLOG COMMENT ON WHAT YOUR FAVORITE FARM RICH SNACK IS, FOLLOW ME ON GFC, AND/OR LIKE FARM RICH ON FACEBOOK. PLEASE LEAVE A SEPERATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY. THANK YOU!

CONTEST ENDS 11/29/12 AT 11:59 pm est.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: I was provided with free product coupons in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received. All opinion expressed are my own.

Get a free card from Treat.com!


Your holiday checklist just got shorter. Create and send a totally personalized greeting card from Treat for FREE.
An example of one of Treat's cards. This would be really cute for Grandparents!
Whether saying thanks for Thanksgiving, wishing a best friend a holiday birthday, or simply sharing the holiday cheer with a just because card, Treat lets you create a one-of-a-kind card that is sure to impress.

Another cute card from Treat. This would be great for a special kid!

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And another example of a card from Treat. I LOVE this one and will be ordering one for each of my kids!

I LOVE the selection that Treat.com offers!

As a bonus to my readers, Treat.com has offered each of you a FREE greeting card TODAY (Nov.19) and TOMORROW (Nov. 20)! Just use the code: TREATBLOGR when ordering! (This is good for ONE card!)


Disclaimer: I have been compensated for this post in the form of free greeting cards. However, I have ordered from Treat.com and Shutterfly.com in the past and have ALWAYS been pleased with my purchases. All opinions are my own.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Sunday Night Chit Chat

Time once again for Sunday Night Chit-Chat...hosted by our friend Carla!
To play along simply start your post with a photo or quote... Copy and paste the starters and link up to Carla so she and others can visit you and see what you've been up to!

SO HERE GOES:


Rebecca lost 2 teeth this week. I told her she could tell Santa that all she wants for Christmas is her two front teeth! :)



What are you.....

Reading?



 

Watching?
 

 Listening to?
The dishwasher is running.
Benjamin is cooing and gooing.
Rebecca and Jacob are laughing at the TV.
  

Cooking/Baking
I made pulled pork for dinner. It was really good.  
I hope to make pumpkin muffins this week AND I was talked into cooking a 24 lb. turkey for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday.

Happy you accomplished this week?

I ordered a couple of things for Christmas for Bill this week.
I got a review order put in (Look for a giveaway soon!)
Figured some things out at work.
Paid all of our bills for the month and we are not broke. LOL
 
Looking forward to next week?
Thanksgiving Day! Spending time with family. Eating good food!
 
Thankful for today?
 A low key weekend for me. Bill has been SUPER busy with deadlines at work so this weekend I spent most of it at home and just chilled. Took a couple quick cat naps.

Bonus question:
You're handed a round trip plane ticket to anywhere in the world for a weekend and $1000 cash. The catch? You have to go alone, right then & there with only whatever you have on hand. Do you go? Where would you go?

 I would go. I would go visit Australia and meet up with 2 friends of mine that I have met online and known now for over 4 years that help keep me grounded, but I have never met them in real life. Would LOVE to do this!
 
So there you have it. A little glimpse into my world on this Sunday night! Hope everyone has a wonderful week and remember to link up to our wonderful chat host Carla! :)

Friday, November 16, 2012

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home-- Days 8 AND 9

photo credit

I am following along with Money Saving Mom on her "4 Weeks to a More Organized Home (Simplified)" series!

Basically each day (minus the week of Thanksgiving, starting Nov 5) she will post an assignment to help you get more organized that should only take 30 minutes or less to complete.

I have been thinking about doing a major declutter and organization of our home before Christmas so this is coming at the right time!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today is day 10, but since I didn't get day 8 done until yesterday and day 9 not done until this morning, today is really day 8 AND 9.

Yesterday morning, I finally got around to doing day 8's assignment. It took me all of 5 minutes to clean out a dresser drawer. Then last night, I was EXHAUSTED. Things were CRAZY at work with a couple situations that I am still trying to make sense of. Home has been crazy. After I finally got home and got the kids in bed, I had just enough energy to pick up books off the floor, and put the pans in the sink to soak and I went to bed. I still am tired today but am going to move forward.

So without further ado....

The assignments and how I did:

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life! }

DONE: Yesterday's outfit of choice was: jeans, turquoise t-shirt topped with a long brown sweater, brown socks and brown flats and a turquoise and brown necklace with a turtle on it. I put my hair up in a ponytail again today.

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

DONE: On my list of to dos for yesterday, I accomplished all of them, including mailing off completed HEAP application and fixing our kitchen faucet to increase our water pressure. :)

::Set the timer for 10 minutes and go through your messiest dresser drawer. Remove items you no longer love, need, and/or wear. Quickly organize the remaining items.

DONE: I cleaned out my shirt drawer.

Before

After


::Wipe down all the door handles in your home. You can use a damp rag with a little disinfectant on it or a cleaning wipe. If you have younger children, they’d probably enjoy joining you in tackling this project!

DONE: I have 22 door handles in my house in case any one was wondering! :)

::Clean your light switch plates. You can use a damp rag with a little disinfectant on it or a cleaning wipe. If you have younger children, they’d probably enjoy joining you in tackling this project!

DONE: This was needed as Jacob has been playing with the light switches for the past week or so since he has gotten tall enough to turn them on and off. And since we are counting I have....17 light switches in our house. :)

It feels so good to get little stuff like this done each day! I am so enjoying this series!
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Are you working on organizing and cleaning your home? How are you doing?

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Celebrating and Savory a Simple Christmas Ebook winner


The winner of the ebook "Celebrating and Savoring a Simple Christmas" by Crystal Paine is.....

Comment #4: Amanda!

Congrats and you have been emailed!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Celebrating and Savoring A Simple Christmas ebook--- giveaway!

Many of you know that I am following along on Money Saving Mom's 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home series.

Did you also know that Money Saving Mom is one of my FAVORITE blogs to read?

Did you know that Money Saving Mom author Crystal Paine, just released her new ebook, Celebrating and Savoring A Simple Christmas?



This book is jam pack full of tips on EVERYTHING to make your Christmas enjoyable and simple for YOUR family!

Some of the topics she covers are:

  • Organizing your Christmas list
  • Making and sticking with a Christmas budget
  • Freezer cooking for the holidays
  • Making memorable family activities
  • Simple and inexpensive homemade gifts
  • Getting your home in order (including a 2 hour cleaning list)
  • Savoring the meaning of the season

  • THIS IS A GREAT EBOOK!!!!

    TO BUY:



    TO WIN:

    24 HOUR GIVEAWAY!

    Crystal Paine is generously giving away a copy of her Celebrating and Savoring a Simple Christmas ebook to one of my readers. 

    TO ENTER: Just leave me a comment on what you plan on doing to make this Christmas great for your family.  (Please also leave your email address so I have a way of contacting you if you win!)

    This contest is open to the US and will close at 10:00 PM EST on November 14, 2012. I will draw the winner by Random.org, and they will have 48 hours to respond to the email notification that they won.

    GOOD LUCK!

    4 Weeks to a More Organized Home--- Day 7

    photo credit

    I am following along with Money Saving Mom on her "4 Weeks to a More Organized Home (Simplified)" series!

    Basically each day (minus the week of Thanksgiving, starting Nov 5) she will post an assignment to help you get more organized that should only take 30 minutes or less to complete.

    I have been thinking about doing a major declutter and organization of our home before Christmas so this is coming at the right time!
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Today is day 7.

    Today's assignment and how I did:

    ::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life! }

    DONE: Today's outfit of choice is: black short sleeve shirt (has a crocheted top half), jeans, black and grey socks, black shoes, and a silver necklace. Actually pulled my hair back in a pony tail today as I was HOT at work yesterday so we will see if this helps.

    ::Set the timer for 15 minutes and vacuum the main living areas of your home.

    DONE: Kind of.....You see I don't have any carpet in my house. NONE. The house we are renting has either hardwood floors or lineoleum throughout. So I did sweep the main living areas, but not with a vacuum, but with a broom! :)

    It feels so good to get little stuff like this done each day! I am so enjoying this series!
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Are you working on organizing and cleaning your home? How are you doing?

    Monday, November 12, 2012

    4 Weeks to a More Organized Home--- Day 6

    photo credit

    I am following along with Money Saving Mom on her "4 Weeks to a More Organized Home (Simplified)" series!

    Basically each day (minus the week of Thanksgiving, starting Nov 5) she will post an assignment to help you get more organized that should only take 30 minutes or less to complete.

    I have been thinking about doing a major declutter and organization of our home before Christmas so this is coming at the right time!
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Today is day 6.

    Today's assignment and how I did:

    ::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great

    Today's outfit is: jeans, dark red tank top, black sweater, cross necklace, black shoes and socks. :)
    I find that I feel better about what I am wearing if I add a necklace to it.

    ::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and create a list of weekly goals.

    MY WEEKLY GOALS:
    • Complete and mail off HEAP application
    • Pay remaining November bills
    • Farm Rich review and giveaway posted on blog
    • Read at least 1 marriage book
    • List at least 2 things on ebay
    • Read at least 1 book a day to each child

    ::Set the timer for 10 minutes and run through your home and quickly pick up everything that’s out of place and put it away.

    DONE-- Thankully the house wasn't too bad, as Hubby helped me get it clean yesterday. :)

    ::Set the timer for 10 minutes and clean out the inside of your vehicle. Remove all trash and clutter. If you have time, use a vacuum attachment to vacuum all the seats and floors out.

    I actually did this last thursday as Friday Hubby was traveling with a coworker to cover a tournament game. I didn't think that his coworker should be subjected to the craziness of having 3 kids and only 1 car, so I cleaned it out last Thursday! So was ahead of the game! :)

    It feels so good to get little stuff like this done each day! I am so enjoying this series!
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Are you working on organizing and cleaning your home? How are you doing?

    Saturday, November 10, 2012

    Green Giant Seasoned Steamers WINNER!

     
    The lucky winner of the Green Giant Seasoned Steamers Prize pack is:
     
    LIBERTY B. (mindomatter76@.....)
     
    Liberty, you have been emailed. You have 48 hours to respond or I will choose a new winner!
     
    Thank you everyone for entering!

    Friday, November 9, 2012

    4 Weeks to a More Organized Home---Day 5

    photo credit

    I am following along with Money Saving Mom on her "4 Weeks to a More Organized Home (Simplified)" series!

    Basically each day (minus the week of Thanksgiving, starting Nov 5) she will post an assignment to help you get more organized that should only take 30 minutes or less to complete.

    I have been thinking about doing a major declutter and organization of our home before Christmas so this is coming at the right time!
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Today is day 5.

    Today's assignment and how I did:

    ::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great

    Today's outfit of choice: jeans, long sleeve black t-shirt, long black sweater and black shoes.

    ::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

    My goals for today:
    • Parent- Teacher conference
    • Deliver snack stuff to school
    • Lunch date with Billl
    • pick up books from library

    ::Set the timer for 10 minutes and remove your couch cushions and clean out any crumbs, toys, or other miscellaneous items you find. Use an attachment on your vacuum to vacuum the cushions, underneath the cushions, and all crevices of your furniture. Spot clean the fabric, if needed.

    It wasn't too bad. There were a couple of small toys but that was about it under the couch cushions. I did take the covers off the couch cushions and they are currently in the washing machine. Benjamin apparently had a blow out in his diaper while our friend was babysitting them this afternoon for us, so I had to spray and wash the covers. (That is life with a kid in diapers though!)

    Before

    After
     
    ::Set the timer for at least 15 minutes and do something you really enjoy and that relaxes and rejuvenates you. If you need ideas, here are a few: read, write, call a friend, pray, exercise, bake, play with your children, laugh with your husband, stop by the bookstore and browse the book selection, work in the garden, or take a nap! Take some time to just stop and enjoy life today!

    Today Bill and I had to go to my daughter's school for a parent-teacher conference. It was good. We also took the opportunity to have a friend babysit the kids during this and we went out to lunch at our local Mexican restaraunt BY OURSELVES!!! This is something that we haven't done since before Benjamin was born (he is 7 months old!). It was so nice to enjoy adult conversation and enjoy yummy food! Then we went to the library and spent a little bit of time browsing. I feel so good right now and refreshed and am ready to get back into housecleaning and other responsibilities!

    It feels so good to get little stuff like this done each day! I am so enjoying this series!
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Are you working on organizing and cleaning your home? How are you doing?

    Thursday, November 8, 2012

    4 Weeks to a More Organized Home---Day 4

    photo credit

    I am following along with Money Saving Mom on her "4 Weeks to a More Organized Home (Simplified)" series!

    Basically each day (minus the week of Thanksgiving, starting Nov 5) she will post an assignment to help you get more organized that should only take 30 minutes or less to complete.

    I have been thinking about doing a major declutter and organization of our home before Christmas so this is coming at the right time!
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Today is day 4.

    Today's assignment and how I did:

    ::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great

    Today I am wearing jeans, a pink tanktop, topped with a long brown sweater. I love the combo of browns and pinks!

    ::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

    My to do list for today:
    1. Find all paperwork for HEAP app
    2. Get supplies together for MIL b-day present
    3. Make and email snack schedule to work
    4. One load of laundry
    5. Do today's assignments

    ::Set the timer for 15 minutes and do a quick-clean of your most-used bathroom (if you have more than one bathroom!).

    Our main bathroom wasn't too bad. A few towels and bath toys on the floor. I picked those up and put them away. Went through the bath toys and threw out a few that were old and/or were squirting out stuff with the water. I replaced shower gel and shampoo for my hubby. And wiped out our sink and bathtub. I also straightened up the toothpastes.

    Before

    After

    ::Set the timer for 10 minutes and quickly clean out underneath your beds and furniture. Remove clutter and trash and put it away or throw it away. If you have more time, move the furniture (if possible) and vacuum underneath.

    OH MY WORD!!! I didn't realize how much STUFF was under our couch and under our computer armoire. There was a ton of kids' toys under both. We have hardwood floors and so there is nothing to stop small toys from getting kicked under the couch or the armoire. But now they are both clean underneath. I did not do our beds as I do the kids' each time I change their sheets and Bill and I do not keep anything under ours.

    Here are the "treasures" found under the couch-- LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the expression on Jacob's face...when I got all the stuff out, he was like "wow! treasures!" LOL! LOVE that boy!


    And the "treasures" under the computer armoire---


    I am glad that is done. I really should add a weekly clean out under the couch to our list of things we should do.

    It feels so good to get little stuff like this done each day! I am so enjoying this series!
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Are you working on organizing and cleaning your home? How are you doing?

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012

    4 Weeks to a More Organized Home--Day 3

    photo credit

    I am following along with Money Saving Mom on her "4 Weeks to a More Organized Home (Simplified)" series!

    Basically each day (minus the week of Thanksgiving, starting Nov 5) she will post an assignment to help you get more organized that should only take 30 minutes or less to complete.

    I have been thinking about doing a major declutter and organization of our home before Christmas so this is coming at the right time!
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Today is day 3.

    Today's assignment and how I did:

    ::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great

    ::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

    My goals for today:

    Find all paperwork that goes with HEAP application
    Read at least 1 book to each child
    Get supplies together for MIL b-day present
    Go snack shopping for work
    Do at least 1 load of laundry

    ::Set the timer for 10 minutes and do a quick-clean of your bedroom: Do a quick clean-up, make your bed, and vacuum, if you have time.

    My bedroom isn't too bad, but I cleaned off surfaces and made our bed. Looks much better now.

    Before (from one angle)
    After

    Before (from another angle)
    After (from another angle)

    ::Set your timer for 10 minutes and do a quick clean-out of your freezer. If you have a deep freeze, don’t worry about cleaning it out unless you have extra time today.

    My freezers weren't too bad, as I did a grocery shop this weekend. So no pictures of them. In the interest of full disclosure... I did empty a box of waffles and threw the box away. That was about the extent of my freezer cleaning today!

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    Are you working on organizing and cleaning your home? How are you doing?