Frugality and Time

Frugality and Time... there never seems to be enough of either.  You can do it yourself (if you have the time) or you can pay to take care of it (if you have the money).  So what are you going to do?  These are some of the choices we've made in balancing frugality and time.

Things I do:
Hang my laundry in the summer
Cook from scratch
Make my own laundry soap
Keep the heat and A/C turned down
Drink only water
Use cloth diapers
Cut my boys' hair in the summer
Freeze fruit in the summer
Pack our lunches
Make our own yogurt

Things I do sometimes:
Make my own hair detangler
Make my own baby food (no baby at this stage right now)
Buy block cheese and shred it myself

Things I'd like to do someday:
Bake my own bread
Use cloth wipes
Make my own dish detergent
Have a vegetable garden

Things I just have to let go:
Clipping coupons
Give the boys a REAL hair cut
Do the drugstore game (although I might try to pick this up again)
Sew clothing

Smore Bars

Who can believe it's the end of July already?  Wow, where has the summer gone?  So before the kids head back to school, here's a recipe that's guaranteed to be a hit, whether around the campfire or the dinner table.

Smore Bars
(*from Chocolate, Chocolate, and More)

3/4 c. graham cracker crumbs
4 Tbsp butter, melted
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 c. flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c. mini marshmallows (I really just dumped in handfuls)
2 regular sized Hershey chocolate bars

1. Spray a 9x13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.  Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter and press into pan.

2. Combine 1/2 c. butter and sugar until creamy.  Add egg and vanilla and mix until combined.

3. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt well.  Slowly add to wet ingredients.

4. Mix in marshmallows.  Spread dough over graham cracker crust.

5. Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 10-12 minutes.

6.  Break up chocolate bars and freeze while bars are baking.  After 10-12 minutes, remove bars from oven and top with chocolate bar squares.  Return to oven for 8-10 minutes.  Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

2013 July Bookmarks

*Bookmarks is an online book club hosted at Creative2xmom. Here we discuss the books we've read in the past month as well as the suggested reading. Our suggested reading for July was Forgotten God by Francis Chan.

These are the books I read this month:

Let Love In by Becca Fisher-- This was a fast read and I used it as a fill-in between a couple of books.  Jenna looses her husband in an accident and is left to raise her two small children on her own.  She eventually runs into and falls for a stranger with a past, but will his complicated relationships threaten their love?  It was a cute love story, nothing up to the standards of Lewis or Woodsmal, but sweet.  I got this one free at the beginning of the year.  It's not worth the $2.99 price, but well worth it if on discount.

The Family Camping Handbook: Real Food in the Big Woods by Katie Kimball--  Camping generally means junk food and sodas in our family so I was curious to see how Kimball would make it with a real food menu.  This handbook includes lots of different real food ideas that are quick, easy and able to be prepared ahead of time.  Additionally, it's a good resource for a first time camper, including a check list of necessary, and some luxury items, when camping.  I love the real food ideas and find them versatile enough to include many of them in our day to day lunch menu as well.

Happy, Happy, Happy by Phil Robertson--  Ever heard of the Robertson family?  How about Duck Commander?  Or Duck Dynasty?  It's not often you see a family on TV, let alone reality TV, that stands so strongly for what they believe.  Love them or hate them, they're not afraid to pray on national television.  And that one gets a nod in my book.  Robertson invites readers into a closer look at the family, including his ups and downs of life before Christ.  Coming from a modest background, it's easy to see that the Robertson clan isn't very far removed from their past.  And it's also easy to see that Phil Robertson's real passion goes beyond duck hunting and commands him to preach the word at every turn.  The final chapter takes a decided political turn and could be considered offensive to some.  However, on the whole, this book only encouraged me to look for God in every opportunity.

Our suggested reading for July was Forgotten God by Francis Chan-- The focus of Chan's book is our neglect of the mysterious, often forgotten Holy Spirit.  While we so often walk through our day acknowledging the working of the Lord and Jesus in our personal lives, what do we do with the Holy Spirit?  Most of us don't know.  Chan attempts to systematically take us through the Holy Spirit's place in history and in our daily lives.  While I thoroughly enjoyed Crazy Love, Forgotten God felt dry and too cerebral for me.  The chapters lacked focus and new ideas.  The best part of the book was the vignettes between the chapters in which Chan describes people he knows who embody a spirit filled life.  Sorry, this one was a miss for me.

So what are your bookmarks this month?

Tell us in the comments about the books you're chewing on. Or link up a review from your own blog. Let's share the books we're finding, good and bad. And give us your thoughts on Forgotten God by Francis Chan.

Don't forget to come back Aug 30th when we discuss Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren Winner and other books you're reading.

Family Fun Night: New Pizzas and Swimming

We've had a pretty fun summer so far.  And despite the typical sibling squabbles, I was a little bummed this week to realize our summer is more than half over.  Back to school sales are starting and before we know it, school will be back in session.  So I'm making as many memories as I can and we're staying busy.  Very busy.

A couple of weeks ago, we had a fun evening planned, which including creating our own pizzas and swimming a the Aquatic Center.  Friday night is traditionally pizza night in our house, either homemade or take and bake.

This night I made our favorite pizza dough and diced up a bunch of different toppings for the kids to make their own combinations.  For them to choose we had:

olives

pineapple

tomatoes

green onion

artichoke hearts

bell peppers

garlic

crumbled bacon

It was so yummy.  And quite a look into my kid's personalities.  One was careful about where every item was place while the other one piled on every ingredient we had out.  Yep, that's my kids.

Afterwards, there was a kick off at the local Aquatic Center for the summer league baseball teams.  Basically the kids go around and listen to presentations about the leagues philosophy, reading program, focus on nutrition, etc.  If they hit each booth, they get a voucher for a free hot dog and drink from the concession stand.  And the pool is open for the rest of the evening.

My kids had a great time, jumping off the diving board, playing on the playground in the pool, climbing the obstacle course, and going down the waterslide.  It's one of the events they look forward to all summer.  And honestly, we've got a great Aquatic Center and would want to take them even if it wasn't for this event.  

So we're staying busy.  Enjoying our summer and looking for new ways to make memories.

10 Things This Week

Here's how I did on my goals this week:

Marriage and Parenting:

*Read Boxcar Children with kids

*Complete 3-5 Summer Bucket List items

Blogging:

*Complete 1-2 This Family posts

*Complete 1-2 unfinished posts

*Weed through Pinterest board

Homemaking:

*Pack for beach trip

*Try a new sandwich recipe

*Work on christmas project

Personal:

*Exercise 4-5 days (not a chance)

*Get 8 hours of sleep each night (about 4-5 nights)

These are my 10 Goals for the week:

Marriage and Parenting:

* Start new Boxcar children book

*Complete 3-5 Summer Bucket List items

Blogging:

* Complete 1-2 This Family posts

* Complete 1-2 unfinished posts

Homemaking:

* Work on Christmas project

Personal:

*Exercise 4-5 days

*Get 8 hours of sleep each night

*Eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies each day

I'll add two more as the dust settles this week!

What are your goals this week?

Weekend Links

4 DIY All Natural Facial Cleaners

Chocolate Bundt Cake

Adoption Map Wall Art

Funfetti Cake Batter Buddies

What would a "Schoolification" of our nurseries mean?

This Week:

What I Made: Smore bars came out of the oven last night.  Can't wait to try them.

What I'm Reading: I picked up a book by Phil Robertson (of Duck Dynasty) this week from the library.  Funny, funny, funny!

What I'm Doing: Being single mom this week.  My husband's been at a pastor's conference so we've been busy, busy, busy!

What I'm Watching: I picked up a bunch of old Disney movies from the libraries.  When I get a chance, I like to rescreen some movies for family movie night.  In the evenings, I've been watching Miracle of the White Stallions and My Side of the Mountain.

What I'm Enjoying: Watching Lydia become more and more confident.  She's really been challenged to come out of her shell lately and it's been awesome to watch.

What are you up to?

Must Take Disney Photos

We are Disney obsessed.  You know we are.  We LOVE Disney.  So while we don't have any trips planned for the near future, it doesn't stop me from dreaming and being excited about our next trip.  Just in case you have a trip planned soon, here are our Top 10 Must Take Disney Photos:

1. Family Photo at the Floral Mickey inside the front gates

2. The lights and magic of the parade

3. Children's faces light up by fireworks

4. Your favorite window display

5. Family in front of the castle

 

6. Castle light up at night

7. Trying on hats



8. Your favorite treat

9. Your favorite meal

10. Your Favorite Character

26 Intentional Acts of Kindness #12: Appreciate your Librarian

Hey how did your mission go this week?  Were you able to bless someone with a surprise?  Our lives have been crazy.  CRAZY!  Did I say crazy yet?  My husband and I had a weekend getaway planned a few weeks ago and we both had the flu during some point of that weekend. Then the two older kids went to the lake with Grandma and she got the flu.  To top off this joyfest, our A/C went out on our hottest day of the year.  One hundred seventeen degrees.  That's 117!  Needless to say, we need a do-over on Challenge #11.  But I'm really hoping you had better success than we did.  :-)

Are you ready for a new challenge?

Show your appreciation to the librarian.  I know our librarians put up with a lot.  Lately people have been stealing the CDs out of the cases.  So now they have to file the CDs behind the counter and scan each one individually for patrons, besides how busy the library is for the summer reading program.  Our library has been BUSY lately and these librarians are working extra hard to make it a great place for all of us.  So how can we show our appreciation?  Drop off some cookies, offer to shelve some books, bring some cool snacks on a hot day, offer to help with crowd control during story time... what ideas will you come up with?

Will you join us in an Intentional Act of Kindness?

10 Ways to Fit Reading Into Your Day

During the last couple of years, I've found that my list of reading just seems to get longer and longer.  Someone mentions a book and I suddenly can't wait to get my hands on it.  My list grows by the minute.  And since I also do reviews for several sites, I may not finish my list before I die.  :-)

Reading is good for the soul.  It encourages us, stregthens us, enlightens us, allows us to escape.  Books open up worlds that we can't physically travel to: worlds in the natural sense and worlds of imagination.  If you're looking to fit more reading into your day, here are 10 ways I keep reading:

1. Make the time-- You have to make reading a priority.  Some days my priorities are out of whack and I spend too much time on facebook.  So make the time.  Know that three or four hours in your day won't magically open up, but you may find time that you didn't know existed.

2. Have a book handy--When I'm reading, I have a stack of books on my nightstand.  There's always 2-3 books that I want to get through quickly and keep them where I can find them.  I do read in other places of the house, but replace them when I'm through so I always know where they are.  Books travel with my everywhere: T-Ball practice, the pool, doctor's offices.  Always keep a book handy.

3. Set Goals--Often times when I'm not sure if I have time, I'll set a goal for myself.  Perhaps I have a book to review and I don't know when it will happen.  So I'll get a goal for finishing in a week.  Then I'll break it down to so many chapters a day.  Most times it means 2 chapters a day.  And even if I get behind, I'll find that I'm further along then I would have expected.

4. Read to the Kids--I love reading to my kids in the evenings.  They like to curl up on the couch and hear all the stories we have and many more from the library.  We also try to keep a chapter book going. Currently we're in book two of the Boxcar Children series.  One chapter a night, slow and steady.

5. Turn off the TV, the computer, the phone--It's so easy to turn on the TV when the kids go to bed and find that it doesn't get turned off till long after.  The computer has the same effect.  I'm not anti-TV, but imagine how much reading we could be doing in that time?

6. Always have a book going on your Kindle--I didn't get a Kindle till just over a year ago.  And while I still love a "real" book in my hands, there are a lot of good books to be found on Kindle.  In fact, there are many free or discounted books if you're willing to look around.  And if you don't have a Kindle?  You can get a Kindle for Mac download for free which will allow you to read from your computer.

7. Make sure of "Dead Time"--Remember I said always keep a book handy?  What about that dead time?  Now I love to spend time swimming with my kids, but they could be in the pool for hours and I need a good book.  What about while my kids are sitting so patiently at story time?  I'm sitting in the back reading a new book I picked up on the holds shelf.

8. Utilize Audiobooks--My kids love books almost as much as I do.  And if they're one thing that guaranteed to keep them happy on car rides, it's audio books.  Do you know how much time we spend in our cars moving from the gym to T-Ball to the library to church?  We spend an unbelievable amount of time int he car.  And so we listen to audiobooks.  Right now we have The Secret Garden in the mini van.  It's wonderful to hear the language and ideas that my children are learning.  And the sense of imagination that's been build day by day.

9. Join a book club--Since I started a monthly book club on Creative2xmom, I find that I get more and more reading done.  Knowing that I have people to discuss books with keeps me accountable to finishing them.  I love to discuss books: new ideas, beloved characters, and unique settings.  And a book club gives me the perfect excuse to make time for reading.

10. Read before bed--Reading before bed is a wonderful way to unwind.  Sitting in front of a TV or computer keeps our mind reeling.  A good book is the perfect way to settle at the end of a long day.  And reading 1-2 chapters an evening can quickly add up.

How do you fit reading into your day?

10 Things This Week

Here's how I did on my goals this week:

Marriage and Parenting:

*Start a new chapter book with kids

*Do a book craft

*Complete 3-5 items from our Summer Bucket List

Blogging:

*Complete 2-3 drafted posts

*Complete 1-2 While You're Waiting posts

Homemaking:

*Journal and organize some scrap pages

*Complete a Christmas project

*Finish and deliver FC report

Personal:

*Exercise 4-5 days

*Get 8 hours of sleep each night (5 out of 7/ getting better)

These are my 10 goals for the week:

Marriage and Parenting:

*Read Boxcar Children with kids

*Complete 3-5 Summer Bucket List items

Blogging:
*Complete 1-2 This Family posts
*Complete 1-2 unfinished posts
*Weed through Pinterest board

Homemaking:

*Pack for beach trip
*Try a new sandwich recipe
*Work on christmas project

Personal:

*Exercise 4-5 days

*Get 8 hours of sleep each night

What are your goals this week?

Weekend Links

Homeschooling Growing Seven Times Faster Than Public School Enrollment

8 Easy Crockpot Recipes

DIY Crafts for Using Vintage Jewelry

Manicotti Dinner

Create Great Art

This Week:

What I Made: Nutella Cupcakes.  It was my husband's birthday on Monday and that's what he requested.  It was hard to stay out of them.

What I'm Reading: I'm enjoying the July bookmarks book as well as a Real Food Camping book.  No camping planned this summer, but I'm dreaming for 2014 already. 

What I'm Doing: Running from one activity to the next.  We may have filled our summer with too much fun stuff: swim lessons, T-Ball, gymnastics, and general life.

What I'm Watching: My kids playing T-Ball.  Summer League has started and it's Lydia's first year.  Pretty awesome!

What I'm Enjoying: All the fresh fruit of the season.  The kids and I have been munching on peaches, plums, grapes, and cantaloup all week.  I love summer!

What are you up to?

While You're Waiting: Travel

(Image Credit: Jomphong)

*Recently I was thinking about all I would want my daughters to know before they get married.  Instead of wishing the days away until they walk down the aisle, how would I encourage them to live?  Living in the joy of who God created.  The practicalities and the dreaming.  What would I want to encourage... While they're waiting?  These are some of those thoughts.

And if you're 32 and have some freedom... travel!

And if you're 42 and celebrating an anniversary... travel!

And if you're 62, retired, and empty-nesters... travel!

Romance in Disneyland?

Recently I was reading a two part article on the Disneyland blog, listing the top ten romantic spots in Disneyland (part one, part two).  It was fun, lighthearted, and I caught myself either nodding ("Yeah, I really like that spot") or completely shaking my head in wonder ("How in the world did that make the list?").  I guess we all have our own ideas of romance.

But there was a lot of truth in the article.  That's the Disneyland experience: 100% kid-oriented, 100% romantic, 100% adventurous, and 100% enchanting.  How's that for my math skills?

And I thought what a fun idea.  There all types of ways to include romance in a Disneyland vacation.  From romantic hidden spots to ....

So without further ado, here are Creative2xmom's Top Ten Romantic Tips for Disneyland:

*photo from Disneyland blog

Sleeping Beauty's Castle--This castle is classic and an emblem of Disneyland culture.  What little girl hasn't dreamed of true loves kiss and waking to a happily ever after? With it classic fairytale architecture, this definitely a "dream come true" romantic spot.

Snow White's Grotto-- Located just to the right of Sleeping Beauty's Castle, this quiet spot is tucked away.  But certainly no less romantic.  It's a perfect spot to get away from the business of the park and snuggle close.

*photo from Disneyland blog

Court des Anges, New Orleans Square-- Nestled away between the Blue Bayou and New Orleans Square Train Station, this quiet courtyard transports you with its winding staircases and beautiful flowers.  Translated "Court of Angels," it's certainly a place for romance.

Mark Twain Riverboat-- If you haven't taken a ride on the Mark Twain, you are certainly missing out on one of the jewels of Disneyland.  Departing throughout the day, this lazy riverboat ride is a delight for any Disney traveler, but especially for the more romantic-minded tourist.

Golden Valley Winery-- Pop in for dinner and you'll be surprised "Wow"-ed by this romantic spot.    Transporting you to the lush vineyards of California, this spot is a must visit for any romantic trip.

*photo from Tours Departing Daily

Wine country Trattoria Courtyard-- As the courtyard empties for World of Color, this beautiful scene unfolds, providing a romantic glow for lovers.  What a charming way to finish off a busy day at Disneyland.

Lunch at the Blue Bayou--  Seated under the stars, listing to the crickets, one is seamlessly transported to a peaceful evening.  This is one of the most enchanting meals you're likely to enjoy in Disneyland.

*photo from Tours Departing Daily

King Arthur's Carousel--What a delightful way to end a day at Disneyland!  As the sun comes down and the lights come one, romantics may find themselves holding hands on a pair of horses.  Or better yet, arms wrapped around each other.

Bridge behind Grizzly River Run-- Late at night, the whole Golden State section of California Adventure is light up with a soft glow.  While everyone is waiting for World of Color, take a quiet stroll through this romantic area of the park.

Fireworks over the Castle--Ok, this one's obvious, but what's more romantic than fireworks over Sleeping Beauty's Castle?  Sure you're packed in with hundreds of other park visitors, but once the fireworks start, you'll feel like it's just the two of you.

*Honorable Mention--Mickey's Farris Wheel-- I put this one as an honorable mention because I know for some people this could be a romantic spot.  High above the park, it feels like it's just the two of you with a bird's eye view.  But for this park goer, it's just too high.  To each, his own.  :-)

Nutella Ice Cream {Pinterest Inspired}

After our yummy Strawberry Orange Sorbet last month, I was anxious to break out the ice cream maker and try something new again.  So we're looked through pinterest and found this yummy Nutella recipe for Father's Day.  Amazing!  It's so velvety and rich.  I have to remind myself to stop eating it.    :-)

Nutella Ice Cream
*From The Noshing Bride

24 oz heavy cream
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
6 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/2  c. nutella


1. Whip your heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

2.  Add all 4 additional ingredients.

3. Pour into an airtight container and freeze for 6 hours.  It's that simple!

10 Things This Week

Here's how I did on my goals this week:

Marriage and Parenting:

*Go camping with the kids

*Complete 2-3 items from our Summer Bucket List

Blogging:

*Complete 1-2 drafted posts

Homemaking:

*Try a new salad recipe

*Try a new dessert recipe

*Work on FC report

*Purge N's room

*Purge L's room

Personal Goals:

*Exercise 4-5 days(only 3)

*Get 8 hours of sleep each night (most nights)

These are my 10 Goals for the Week:

Marriage and Parenting:

*Start a new chapter book with kids

*Do a book craft

*Complete 3-5 items from our Summer Bucket List

Blogging:

*Complete 2-3 drafted posts

*Complete 1-2 While You're Waiting posts

Homemaking:
*Journal and organize some scrap pages

*Complete a Christmas project

*Finish and deliver FC report

Personal:

*Exercise 4-5 days

*Get 8 hours of sleep each night

What are your goals this week?

Weekend Links

Manu's Garden Party

A Pirate's Life for Me

Rock Star Glam Birthday Bash

Survivor Birthday Party

John Deere Tractor Party

What I Made: Nothing.  I wanted to bake this week, but the temps topped 117 and our A/C went on the fritz.  Crazy week!

What I'm Reading:  I'm reading July's Bookmarks book: Forgotten God.  It's pretty good and a quick read.  Hope you've found time to pick it up too.

What I'm Doing: We did a little camping at the end of the week and I did some homeschool planning, but with this weather, just lots of water play.

What I'm Watching:  The kids playing in the pool.  We've had a lot of fun at the lake this week.

What I'm Enjoying:  Remembering our over overnight getaway last weekend.  We went to a play and had a blast.

What are you up to?

Play it Again, Mama: 7 Tips for a Successful Summer BBQ

This post was originally published on 6/12/12.  Enjoy!

Planning a Summer BBQ?

Check out these 7 Items for Building

a Yummy Menu.

Lime Raspberry Cooler

4th of July Sparklers

Pork Tenderloin

Cabbage Salad

Cake Batter Ice Cream

Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler

Nutella Cupcakes

*Linked to these Parties

100 Places To Take My Kids

1. Mt Rushmore
2. Prince Edward Island
3. Ellis Island
4. Statue of Liberty
5. Grand Canyon
6. North Dakota to see where my family's from
7. Italy to see where the Gisi's are from
8. Ukraine where we worked with orphans
9. Disney cruise
10. Atlantic ocean
11. Skiing on Mt. Shasta
12. Skiing on Mt. Ashland
13. Hiking north of here
14. Amish Country
15. family mission trip
16. Denali
17. white water rafting
18. a homeless shelter to serve
19. Yellowstone National Park
20. Yosemite National Park
21. camping where the night sky explodes with stars
22. a homeschool conference
23. a restaurant from the Food Network
24. New Zealand
25. China
26. somewhere in Africa
27. Disneyland
28. Giants game
29. the Exploratorium
30. SF's Chinatown
31. Empress Hotel for High Tea
32. Butchart Gardens
33. Sacramento Zoo
34. State Capital
35. a rodeo
36. Balboa Park
37. kite festival
38. bakery tour
39. tortilla factory tour
40. Azalea Park
41. ice skating
42. Shakespeare play
43. Alaska
44. hiking on a volcano
45. horseback riding
46. a nursing home
47. caverns
48. Norway
49. a pirate ship
50. a long bike trail
51. pediatric's unit in the hospital
52....

Have any other ideas for me?