The Thrifty Soaper

MUST READ; The Toilet Paper Test....

2009-08-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to receive a generous gift from the people at Charmin and Febreeze. I thought to myself, hmmm, toilet paper, whats the big deal? Everyone knows the 'expensive' brands are softer, thicker and nicer, prettier and so on.... so what more is there to know, I wondered.

After closely inspecting my new kit I tried the 'thickness' test and soon discovered that, yes, 7 sheets of Charmin are thicker than 28 sheets of 'generic'. This got me to thinking.... how much money are we really saving when we purchase the cheap stuff, even with sales and coupons???

If I spend $1 on a 4 pack of cheap TP (say, on sale but without coupons) that would be equal in absorbency to one roll of Charmin. (appx. as it takes about 4 squares of cheap TP to equal 1 Charmin)

It would take 4 packs of cheap TP to equal ONE pack of Charmin!!! Wow!

I was expecting to be impressed by the quality of Charmin, I was not expecting to discover on my own the mere frugality of it as well. I now think differently about my TP 'bargains'.

I also got to test out the new Febreeze decorative candle-free luminary and find that it is by far the most attractive fragrance product out there in that field. Quite lovely!

Free Listings on Ebay!

2009-06-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

I have recently discovered selling some of our gently used items on Ebay. They have a new program now that allows you to post 5 items per month at NO CHARGE! Yippee! After your item sells, if it does, you will still be charged a small percentage to Ebay and to Paypal (of course. )

If it doesn't sell you are still out nothing!

Selling is SO easy, I just had no idea! You must register with Ebay, easy, have a PayPal account, done! and be able to load pictures to your computer, simple!

The free listing offers one picture and a starting bid price of .99 cents. I have sold a quality electronic item for over $100 using this method! Its awesome. I have also sold a large amount of clothing this way as well. Some things will be popular and go for more than you expect, some just may not sell, or sell for .99 cents.

I have been a little disappointed a couple times when an item sold for just a dollar, but felt better after I reminded myself that I:

1. cleared out my closet of something I don't wear

2. recycled

3. made a dollar!

4. made someone else's day!

Check it out HERE and start selling!

good coffee + cheap price= caffeinated excitement!!!

2009-06-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

Wow! This week you can get bags of SBC (Seattles Best Coffee if your not a local) at Albertsons for ONE DOLLAR!

Check out All Together Beautiful for the rundown.

oh, and for those interested in my Home Made Toothpaste post, where to get ingredients WITHOUT shopping at 6 different stores, I will add to it next week after a little bit of work!! :-)

$10 at Albertsons

2009-05-21T18:33:00.001-07:00

Yeah! I haven't done any Albertsons shopping in some time and have really been itching to use some double coupons again. I saved $40 here and spent $10 out of pocket. The best part is we NEEDED everything I got. We were on our last bottle of salad dressing and my daughter was in need of juice, bread, crackers and our coffee cream was almost out, ahhh!

Okay, the Kashi meal was free with a coupon, thats why I got it! A fun lunch treat to reward myself after all my bargain hunting!

Free kleenex for life

2009-05-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

As I am not a fan of using disposable items I try to find new ways to incorporate environmentally friendly substitutions in our lives every day.

I have a few cute embroidered handkerchiefs that I use for myself, but I wanted something for the whole family. I would need a lot if it would replace a box of tissue during cold seasons. Purchasing 20 handkerchiefs was out of the question, and I only wanted more 'one use' items anyway.

I soon realized that if I cut up some of my husbands old white tee shirts (from of my sewing scrap bin) I could duplicate the 'kleenex box' idea. Cotton tee shirts are from fabric woven very tightly and will not come unraveled so don't need any sewing to keep them together, simple cut to shape!!

Thrilled in my discovery, I knew the real test was my husband who had just been hit hard by a cold. I showed him the stack and he was happy to try anything. He was instantly in love with the softness and sturdiness of these. Now he won't touch the crummy disposable tissues! Tossing them into a laundry basket instead of the garbage seemed to create no extra hassle for any of us.

We keep them in our kitchen towel/rag drawer for ease! I'll never go back to paper!

(I know its been forever since my last blog post, sorry Grandmas!!, I'll try to get a few more in during the weeks :-) in the mean time check out my Etsy site and see where all my 'spare' time is going!!)

Albertsons is going to....

2009-04-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

Jane from All Together Beautiful has agreed to take over my Albertsons postings and Sneak Peak Previews.

I know she will do a wonderful and thorough job and I cannot wait to check in from time to time to see for myself. Be sure to keep checking her blog daily as we never know when the sneak peak will become available.

As many of you know I have turned my focus to my Etsy site and my soap business. I seem to be staying busy enough there now to fill my hobby roll and just leave enough time to be mom and wife as well. I just don't have space left in my day to dedicate to my blog the attention it needs.

Thank you everyone for all your help on Albertsons over the past, and lets be sure to give Jane a big welcome!

albertsons ad is here!

2009-04-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

here it is!

Albertsons Ad Preview...

check out the Grocery Gathering for your local grocer!

---------------------------- ------------ --------- ----- --- --- -- - - - -

Well, as Im typing this one handed while my daughter sleeps on my lap all I do is envision my next creations; I really need to make more baby lotion, finish my espresso massage bars (heavenly!!) and make more peppermint mocha sugar scrubs.

the Albertsons ad? I think Im ready to pass it on. With a growing toddler and a growing soap business I just dont make the time to blog like I used to. Its fun when I get that urge and want to ramble on endlessly about something I created, some of my thoughts and ideas or especially when I think I really know a lot about something!! I just cannot commit 100% anymore.

I would like to know if any of you are interested in taking over my Albertsons Ad posts. I know there are still a few of you out there that enjoy the sneak peak, thank you. I am happy to share my sources and pass on the links as well through BeCentsAble the Grocery Gathering.

Interested? email me at sweetsydneybean (at) gmail (.com)

otherwise, enjoy Albertsons this week! I'll touch base from time to time! :-)

why Albertsons doesn't always impress me...

2009-04-07T15:51:00.000-07:00

Heres what I got at the Commissary for $35. I was quite proud of myself this morning! Even with my now-toddler walking up and down every isle, taking cans off the shelf and putting them all back, with my help of course. Silly girl.

I got a ton of stuff including 2 bags of organic apples, one of organic pears, a case of tp, tons of salsa, lots of cheese for friday pizzas and enough stuff to make my husband lunches for quite some time!

Yeah!

...but, I will have to go to Albertsons if I want cereal!!

albertsons ad is here!

2009-04-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

and here it is...

Albertsons Ad Preview

wow, its been a week since I've blogged. I have been directing my focus elsewhere, the family and my soap business, as well as an un-manicured 7 acres that we purchased last fall.

now I've got to finish clipping my coupons quickly before my little one beckons me to bed....

albertsons ad is here!

2009-03-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

and here we have it; Albertsons Ad Preview

(it was a little slow again for me to load, so be patient or try again if you need!)

Im not impressed...

grapes .99lb

head of iceberg .99

Post Cereals 1.57 when you buy 2

Kellogs Cereal; buy 3 boxes(at 1.99) get one gallon milk free. great if you have coupons!!

heres $1/2 Frosted Flakes

check out the Grocery Gathering for more grocers!

The Best Homemade Toothpaste!

2009-03-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

I have made toothpaste only a couple of times recently and found/created a wonderful blend this morning.

Okay, your thinking 'homemade toothpaste?', Come On! But, do you realize how many harmful chemicals are in standardized toothpaste? Some of these horrible chemicals are Sodium Lauryl Sulphate(SLS), Triclosan, diethanolomine and Isopropyl Alcohol. Did you know Flouride can be fatal for children when consumed in high dosages?

Want more info? Heres a great easy list from the Chicago Tribune.

Okay, there are some safe ones out there but be careful, even the standard toothpaste by Toms of Maine has SLS in it. We have been using one called Xyliwhite and love it, but its pretty expensive in my mind at 3.75 a tube PLUS shipping.

Here is my version, give it a shot, we really think its wonderful!

Erins Yummy Toothpaste

Ingredients;

baking soda appx 1/4 cup

xylitol appx 1+ Tbs

salt appx 1/2 tsp

liquid glycerine appx less than 1/4 cup

essential oil 1-2 ml (maybe 1/4 tsp?)

(these are all very approximate as I dont write my toothpaste recipes down, really I just go by taste and feel. Its not a science, trust me!)

Directions;

Pour baking soda in a bowl, add salt and xylitol(I ground up the xylitol with my pestle and mortar as the first batch this morning was too grainy).

Drizzle in the glycerine till you get a toothpaste like consistency.

Add essential oils to taste.

I made a cinnamon version earlier today that was so cinnamon-y it made my tongue numb so be careful, that was also due to a lot of testing! My second batch, the white one, turned out perfect! Crushing the xylitol was really key to a perfect product, and so was lots of peppermint oil! If it was in a tube nobody would even know it was homemade!

Oh, except it doesn't foam. I have been using natural toothpaste so long I forgot that companies use the SLS and other foaming agents in theirs. So, yes, you may miss the messy foaming over sensation and huge mess in the sink. Your welcome.

I store mine in baby food jars and we just dip our dry toothbrush into it before each use. If you are concerned about the cleanliness of this just keep half a popsicle stick in the jar for sanitary spreading, or make each family member their own jar.

I have not calculated the cost of this but I can assure you it is minimum. The initial cost of some of these supplies is certainly a factor but once you have them they should last for many, many years. I purchase my essential oils and glycerine from a local to me and wonderful company called Brambleberry. I highly recommend them as they always have the very best prices (I know as I compare often always trying to get the best deal), they ship super fast plus the business is run by a regular women, just like me and you.

I got my xylitol from my mother who probably ordered it from iHerb where she gets all of her natural supplements and products, at least the ones I don't make for her! Im sure any health food store or many grocers would carry this as well. Check in the natural baking section by the sugars.

The xylitol is a very important ingredient in this product as it has been shown to fight cavities better than fluoride and even has REVERSED cavity deterioration in many studies. Actually, my mother is an example so I am a true believer.

Go now, make some toothpaste and impress your family! Go on!

Tackle it Tuesday.

2009-03-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Yikes, what a nightmare. It started out okay when we moved in last fall, so what happened???

I can totally blame our toddler for the 3 bottom shelves, but who to blame the top on.....

just an hour later....

Ahhh, so much better!

Check Out 5 Minutes For Mom for other great projects tackled today!

Albertsons sneak peak...

2009-03-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well, no doubles this time, but there might be some decent deals otherwise...

The Albertsons Ad Preview

The Nabisco crackers will be .75 each if you have any $2/2 coupons.

Get a coupon for Free Milk when you buy Kellogs cereal. (3 boxes cereal + milk= $5) (better if you have coupons)

8oz bags of Albies cheese is 1.68

Well, thats all I see for now.... check out BeCentsAble for more great deals!

Even Easier Box Cake???

2009-03-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't blogged in a while, and I do miss it. We have just been so darn busy. Well, me really. Taking care of our sick baby. She still has a low fever as of today. Poor sweet little thing. I wonder if she may have a sore throat as well to accompany her new symptoms of a runny nose and little cough. hmmm....

Anyway, I had some big time sugar cravings tonight and wanted to quickly throw together something yummy. Having a pantry full of box cake mixes I got for nearly free I considered one of those. Being a vegetarian, I really don't buy eggs so googled a good substitute. I do have a box of Ener-G Egg replacer but didn't know how well that would work here. What I did found sounded really fun and easy so I gave it a shot!

Its just as good I really think, lower in fat and sooo much easier to prepare! We both loved it, though usually we eat some healthy vegan concoction, so maybe its not exactly the same. But amazing none the less!

Ingredients;

1 box cake mix

1 can soda - 2 sips (its supposed to be 10 oz of any carbonated beverage)

Make cake as normal directions suggest.

Do not add anything else! Its just that easy.

(no eggs, no oil, no water, no milk, no nothin'!)

Menu Plan Monday

2009-03-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

Daddy is back home for a while now. Thank goodness. I am happy to get back into the menu planning groove again! Wow, that and a trip to the grocery store is calling!

monday

leftover orzo from freezer

salad

bread

tuesday

Irish Potato Soup (a good and really easy recipe!)

Molasses Brown Bread (kind of like my mom makes maybe???)

using the Soy Buttermilk sub here

wednesday

refried beans in crock pot

tacos

thursday

spaghetti (thaw sauce from freezer)

bread

friday

pizza night

veggie tray

saturday

stirfried tofu

broccoli

rice

sunday

leftover buffet

make a nice meal together

albertsons is a GO!!

2009-03-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

Looks like it just might be a good one this week....

Albertsons Ad Preview (with doublers!!)

Yippee!!

deals;

Tropicana OJ .50 after doubler

Kellogs products 1.50 (when you buy 10) before any coupons...

Hot Pockets and Lean Pockets $1.50. Double my .40 coupon= .70

Tree Top Trim Juice is 2.50, double coupon from yesterday(or last sunday?)= .50!

I'll post more soon! I know there are more deals out there! Did you see any great ones???

Check out the Grocery Gathering for your local Grocers!

my $12 loot

2009-03-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hit up the GoodWill last thursday to take advantage of one of their half off sales. Red tagged items were 50% off. I was able to get a few nice things for really good prices. The selection didn't seem as good this time, Im wondering if closer to the end of the month, before typical paydays, things wont be as picked over...

Ohh, I even found a really nice chocolate brown J.Jill shirt for myself. It is a little wide so I may have to take it in a little, but if it looks good on I will be happy!

I still have a couple dollars left for our monthly toddlers budget, so I may give it a try in a week or two...

The cutest moccasins!

2009-03-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

I was so lucky to win these uber cute Nowali Moccasins from my favorite natural parenting based (sort of!) giveaway site Mama In Flip Flops2. I was so excited when I won them but am even more excited now that we have tried them out.

These are the first moccasins my family has ever used and Im am hooked! Living in the milder climate of Washington, slippers and socks are worn all year round. Especially on chilly mornings.

These are even cuter in person then they were on the site, I had a really hard time choosing one as they offer so many adorable options for both tiny babies and even older children as well as adults! No more messing with shoes AND socks! Im sold already.

My favorite feature of these mocs is the super thick and soft 'sock' that makes up the inside. Not only does it bring warmth up past her little ankle, but it actually surrounds her foot top to bottom. So many slippers cheap out when it comes to the soles and my daughters feet can get chilly on our cold floors. Not in these brilliant creations! To top it off they are lined in a very thick leather that not only makes these appropriate for both indoor and outdoor use but makes them slip resistant, which is very important to us!

Well, my daughters feet have gone from a 3/4 to a 5- 5 1/2 in about a month! I was worried about getting her a size that would be too small, so as you can see from the pictures I got them a little bigger than I needed! At least we will get a LOT of use out of them! (because already she doesn't want to take them off)

She just loved them so much I could not get her to stop running in them. I know she loves the way they feel, especially since I don't add extra bulk of socks that so many other shoes need!

Thank you Andrea and thank you Nowali!

(and next time I promise I'll get out the real camera!)

How about a BIG freezer?

2009-03-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Just a few years ago we invested in an upright storage freezer. The 'Suzy Homemaker' in me had been wanting one forever. We bought it at Sears on sale and even got a full rebate on the delivery as I recall.

I knew having a storage freezer would save us a lot of money. Besides filling it with garden produce, extra meals and leftovers I cook, we would be able to take advantage of great sales on freezable items. I love to hit up the day old bread racks, get lots of tortillas with coupons and even stock up on coffee creamer. All of these things freeze so well!

When we began our search for a storage freezer, we had initially planned on buying a 'more affordable' small chest freezer. They are usually in the $170-$200 range for a smaller one. At the time we had a basement to keep it out of sight. After some research and some strong encouragement from my mother (thanks mom!) we decided to invest a little more on a larger upright model. I am happy we went with it. Not only is it really easy to keep organized, but it is frost free, it does have a light and adjustable shelves.

Now that we live in a one level house, without a garage, we had a tougher time figuring out where to put it. I did not want it in the laundry room and it will be years before we can add a garage on to our home.... we did have a storage shed outside my daughters room off her patio... It is was used as a small garden shed by the previous owners of the house and is the perfect size for a freezer! It is built into the house, similar to a closet outside. We were lucky that it had a light in it and with a small kit from the hardware store my husband was able to turn it into an outlet.

I think our savings are terrific with this freezer and we have more than made our money back. I am able to stock it to the brim with coupon deals and keep extra pre-prepared meals in it as well. What might the savings be?? If a pot of bean soup costs me $3 to make, and I can freeze half for another day and I can get a loaf of 'goumet' dill and onion french bread on the day old rack for .90 (cough-walmart-cough,cough) then my meal costs;

Soup for 3; 1.50, plus bread .90 = $2.40 for a meal out of the freezer

If I do this once a week, versus takeout at Taco Del Mar, Two of the 'bargain' $5 platters + beans & rice f

or baby= $15

$15 once per week x 52 weeks= $780

$2.40 freezer meal x 52 weeks= 124.80

SAVINGS OF $655.20

for only doing this one time a week versus fast food!!! That will more than pay for your freezer!!

for fun lets compare this to eating out at a decent restaurant only a meager once a month;

$38 includes tip and a glass of wine (hey- we dont get out much, so indulge!, right?) =$456 per year

Instead, have that freezer meal ONCE per month= $28.80

You will SAVE $427.20

You can still get a decent freezer for that price by not eating out at a restaurant just ONE TIME per month!! Hey, and you might even be able to put some food in it!

(of course I didn't figure in the cost to power the freezer, but I didn't figure in the cost to drive for take out either!)

From ConsumerSearch.com;

''Reviewers are quick to point out an interesting fact about U.S. freezers -- they're all primarily manufactured by three companies: Frigidaire (owned by Electrolux), W.C. Wood (based in Canada) and Haier (based in China>). Frigidaire makes freezers under the Frigidaire and Gibson names, and along with Haier, makes some freezers for Kenmore and GE. W.C. Wood makes freezers for Amana, Magic Chef, some units for Maytag, Danby and Whirlpool. Haier makes freezers for GE, Kenmore, some units for Maytag and Amana in addition to selling some models under its own name. Thus, it's no surprise that reviewers find no significant differences in efficiency and performance between brands of the same manufacturers (as long as they're new models of similar size and style). This also means that shoppers can pay a premium for high-profile names when the products are nearly identical. For example, Frigidaire freezers sometimes cost more than GE freezers and Maytag freezers may fetch a premium over a W.C. Wood freezer.''

I thought that was quite interesting. (it was about the three main freezer manufacturers making all of the freezers under different names, if you didn't want to read it!)

So, maybe its time to think about a storage freezer!

blogworthy grapefruit.

2009-03-12T19:58:00.000-07:00

Oh yum. Not only was this the best grapefruit I have had in a long time but it is soooo delicious as well. I ran into Walmart the other day for cheap organic soymilk, shoe polish, contact paper and bananas (where else ya gonna' go for all of those?) and discovered huge bags of grapefruit for.......

$2.

I am not sure how many pounds each bag was, but I do know that I am a super dork and just weighed one of these guys on my digital soap scale and it came in at 14.4 oz. There were 7 in the bag. I am guessing each bag weighed at least 5-6 lbs. I would keep an eye out if you are near a Super Walmart.

and, yes, I do eat mine just like they are an orange!

2009-03-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted a sweet and healthy treat for us girls to enjoy. This is actually healthy enough to be a breakfast or lunch!

If you don't have a rice cooker I suggest you go get one! Only kidding, this can also be made on the stovetop Im sure, just make it like normal rice.

Simple and Healthy Rice Pudding

1 cup rice (I did half white, half brown)

1 cup water

1 cup soy milk

1/2 cup coconut milk

1-2 Tbs cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp salt

stevia to taste ( I added maybe 1T of liquid, medium strength)

a large handful of raisins

Toss everything in the rice cooker, stir really well and cook on regular rice setting. Garnish with leftover coconut milk. Yum!

he is a little bit gross...

2009-03-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Its hard to tell from the picture, as its dark and Im using my phone instead of a real camera, but, his head is squished back into his neck, his 2nd eyelids are showing and his mouth is open. He is in the middle of a dream I think, happily lay-sitting on our couch. Sweet and kind of disgusting at the same time.

The diabetes is easier on us now. I am a pro at giving injections, although still needle phobic myself! We have switched him to an all canned food diet. Research I have done has suggested the carbohydrates in dry food cause more severe blood sugar highs and lows. Cats are carnivores and I agree that maybe they shouldn't be eating all the corn normally packed into their regular dry food.

His thirst issues are back to normal, suggesting the insulin is doing its job. We do still see him get wobbly each day and will have to address this with the vet at his next visit. He is happier now, much more himself. He goes outside everyday for a little bit, pending its not too cold. He loves to lay in the sun and eat the grass. He also prefers to do his business out there, which keeps me happy, but you didn't want to hear that!

The diabetes treatment is expensive and takes a lot of care and time. I know its worth it, rather, we don't have an option. We accepted him into our home and owe it to him as a living thing, person or animal, regardless.

All in all, things are on the upswing. Slowly but surely.

Tackle it Tuesday; back on the wagon!

2009-03-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am back to my organized organizing starting this week! The past couple weeks I have still been following along with my organization resolution more or less, I have just been focusing on my soap stuff and our daughters room. I think I do better with just short term goals like shown. If I want to do more I can!

Here goes....

The refrigerator is in desperate need of help! If I get really nuts I'll get out the label maker....

and, the freezer. It is not in a useful state at all, and as we have a storage freezer there is no excuse for that! Can't wait to get it in order.

Wow. I am actually a little embarrassed about posting this picture. At one point there really was some organization to it, I promise. I have tossed in some things that wouldn't normally belong; baking chocolate my daughter kept stealing from the pantry, my toothbrush (yes, I like to brush my teeth in the kitchen, its just easier with a toddler!!), our vitamins. Organizing this drawer is long overdue.

Come back next tuesday to see what I accomplished!

Do you have any organization goals this week??

Why I am happy.

2009-03-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

I am actually fighting a really depressed state this morning. Yesterday my daughter and I took my husband (daddy) to the airport to fly to Hawaii for a week for work. There were a million reasons why we couldn't accompany him. Number one being that we just plain couldn't afford it.

I am having such a hard time today knowing that maybe someway, somehow we could have gone with him. Well, we couldn't and we didn't so I need to get over it and focus on what I do have in my life that does make me happy.

1. a wonderful healthy, happy and perfect daughter

2. a sweet and dear husband who respects me and loves me more than anything

3. that caring husband who is a gentile and loving father that loves and cherishes his daughter more than anything

4. an emotionally close, loving and supportive family who all live just minutes from me

5. a wonderful safe and comfortable home on private land

6. the ability to do my favorite hobbies, soaping and sewing

7. the knowledge and love of making wholesome and healthy meals

8. a healthy body with never a concern

okay, the list could go on and on, but I feel much better now already. Thank you. :-)

What do you have to be happy about?

Albertsons ad is here!

2009-03-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

here it is...

Albertsons Ad Preview

Green Grapes .99 lb

Kraft is running a promotion; get $10 back when $25 is spent. This would make...

Triscut 1.50

Kraft Salad Dressing 1.50

Orowheat Bread 1.50

Digornio For One 1.50

California Pizza for one 1.50

All before coupons.

Check out the Grocery Gathering for you local grocer!

free organic lettuce!!

2009-03-07T11:49:00.000-08:00

Earthbound Farms is giving away free organic lettuce seeds! Go quick as they say they usually run out fast....

Dont have a garden? No problem, they give simple instructions on how to grow them indoors in a used salad container!!

just soaping away...

2009-03-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

Oh, here they are.

As I go to put on my pjs and robe tonight, while my husband puts our daughter down to bed, I discover my missing droppers in my robe from this morning. You know your busy when...

I was making soap bits this morning and could not find the 3 droppers I had gotten out previously... I looked everywhere! Good thing I had more in my supplies because I clearly never would have looked in my own pocket for them!!

I have been busier with my Etsy site than I had imagined. I am not selling a ton of items, but I am surprised that I am actually selling some things! I have even had a return customer already and I just began selling with Etsy last month! I am really excited and am planning on putting more of my focus there.

I will be getting more organized, stocking up a bit more and showing you guys more of my stuff. And, I do plan on doing a few more give-aways. Just not quite yet!

Here is the Summer Lemon soap I unveiled just this morning... It smells soooo good! The lemon essential oil I purchased from Brambleberry is the best I have ever smelled, I really am in love with it!

I wont be posting it for a month or so as it has to cure, but I am thinking of doing a whole lemon line, or maybe citrus set.... lemon soap, orange lotion, grapefruit body scrub, lime lip balm, lemon candle, grapefruit bath bombs...... what else can I make???

Albertsons

2009-03-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

and finally here it is;

Albertsons Ad Preview

I dont know... It doesnt look too great this week. Maybe thats why we waited so long...

Kellogs cereals will be 1.67 again

3lb bags of Granny Smith or Red Delicious apples will be $1.50 (or .50 lb)

some BOGOs....

For those of you who were wondering, I dont actually get the ad early myself, I get it from someone else who is kind enough to share it when he gets it early every week! So, no, I never really know when its coming either... ;-(

Want to see your favorite grocers deals? Check out BeCentsAble!

Discover your local Goodwill (or I will!)

2009-03-02T18:29:00.000-08:00

I have been on a quest for used books for my daughter. I have found them at local thrift shops (few and far between), my favorite childrens consignment shop (a little pricy for me unless on 'sale') and even at used book stores, or 'boutiques' at the outrageous prices they ask!

I know the library is available to us, we do go there every week, but I just prefer not to borrow books as my daughter is still young and usually chews/colors/looses/fills with raisins/rips them. You know.

Somehow, just today, I remembered that the Goodwill sells books. The nearest Goodwill is about 30 minutes from my house, and I haven't been there in years. When I went with my daughter today I was so pleasantly surprised, I mean thrilled! What a huge selection of things; childrens clothes and books were my top interests today. If my daughter only had slept in the Ergo a little longer I could have discovered so many other areas Im sure.....

The prices were pretty great. All childrens books were .79, unless otherwise marked, and I think I only saw 2 or 3 of those out of the hundreds lining the shelves. The kids clothing was organized very well; by age(ish), by sex, by item (long sleeved, or pjs), and by color. The toys were kind of everywhere, but still somewhat grouped together.

The toys I was able to find for her Easter Basket were great as well. I scored a bunch of Melissa and Doug wooden tool toys, a toy box and peg set for 2.99 all together! I was just amazed at the wonderful playthings they had on the racks.

I was able to scroll through a few clothing racks while hanging on to my now awake and active toddler, sorting out a few quality items at decent prices. I didn't pay more than $3 for any single item and came home with some really awesome things. Quality brands do mean a lot to me as I know the better an item is made the longer it will last. I have seen this with cheap 100% Target shirts that pill after 3 washes vs a consignment Gymboree that holds up to anything. This in mind I only purchased the Gap, Greendog, Janie and Jack, and Nordstrom today for her. (the rest are in the wash right now!)

Keep in mind that I had to sort through a fair amount of things I would not consider quality or worth my money. I imagine Goodwills in wealthier areas have higher quality things. (I just read they have one in Bellevue!! mom? ya ready?)

While we have been donating to the Goodwill for years, this is the first time I have really appreciated how wonderful they really are. The Goodwill Industries is huge support for the community giving good jobs and active life training and work experience to so many people with disadvantages in life.

Find your local Goodwill here and help support your local economy!

Prefer to shop online? Check out ShopGoodwill.com. Too funny! But, hey, the prices are better than ebay.

...and are these deals still not good enough for you? (I want more!) Every thursday starts a new half off sale. Next thursday is 50% off All Pink tags!! (they actually have calenders at the checkout with sales listed, you know I grabbed one, yippee!)

and as always, Happy Shopping!

convenience (for me!) food

2009-02-27T22:00:00.000-08:00

While my husband is away for a few days I have decided in order to make survival of raising a toddler w/ molars coming in and sleep issues without any help, I need to make things easier on myself. I wont be cooking while he is away. I feel this will allow more time playing with our baby and keeping her happy while maintaining my sanity! (aka; not having a huge mess in the kitchen to clean up 3x per day)

While this may seem like no big deal to many of you, keep in mind that we are vegetarian and I keep my daughter on a vegan diet as well. And, we are on a budget and I generally eat really healthy. Fast food is out, 'prepared' frozen meals are out and Im not about to spend big money on gormet veggie take out.

Instead I have prepared a few things for us to enjoy while we are having some quality girl time together.

First, I made a big batch of peanut butter oatmeal muffins that we can have for breakfasts and snacks. They were a little dry so I wont share the recipe!

Second, I made a HUGE salad. I chopped up any vegetable we had, some peas and even a green apple and threw it together. I plan many things for this salad, and have enjoyed a few already!

1: Taco Salad; throw on a can of pinto beans, chips, thousand island

2: Boca Wrap; microwave boca throw in tortilla w/ salad mix and tofu ranch!

3: Soup and Salad; heat up a can of soup, pour balsamic on salad

4: Burrito; heat up a frozen burrito, throw it on salad and pour on salsa

This will keep up happy and healthy while not tempting me to eat chips for dinner or to create a big mess in the kitchen!

(of course I am posting this after he returns home as to not advertise being alone!)

I love winning natural products!

2009-02-24T11:15:00.000-08:00

Last week I found out I won this wonderful Zarbees natural cough syrup from Jane at All Together Beautiful.

So many conventional products used these days are so horribly harmful to our bodies. That is why I am converting our family slowly to living on 100% natural products.

My daughter is first, of course! She has never had any drugs in her little precious body. I never even took a tylenol during pregnancy! This cough syrup is something that we will use and continue to buy more of!

As Zarbees is completely natural and loaded with honey, your kids will love it, no horrible drug or alcohol taste! It is packed with Vitamin C and Zinc, well known for kicking colds and boosting the immune system.

Harmons stores in Utah seem to carry it, and Im sure others will soon! The rest of us will have to buy it on-line from the Zarbees site, but shipping is free!

Thank you so much Jane, and thank you Zarbees!

a few freebies...

2009-02-23T20:29:00.000-08:00

Get a free BPA free water bottle when you let 5 people (5 different emails) know about Salada tea here.

Get four free issues of Esquire magazine from Start Sampling.

Walmart is offering Crest Strips Whitening Advanced Seal... big long fancy name.. blah, blah, blah...

well, thats all I see worth anything right now!

does this void my warrantee?

2009-02-23T20:22:00.000-08:00

Only kidding! This is a real cell phone though, an old one of mine we let the little one play with as she loves 'talking' on the phone so much now. Guess we wont be able to donate this one to any charities in need. Oops!

I was cleaning up the kitchen, my husband was in the other room and our daughter was clearly having her own fun while her bath filled up tonight.

Sometimes I think my laughter is only encouragement....

albertsons Sneak Peak...

2009-02-23T07:15:00.000-08:00

Its monday already?

Here is the Albertsons Ad Sneak Peak.

A smaller one this week with just a few deals:

GM Cereals and Fruit snacks 1.50 when you buy 4. Heres $1/2 Cocoa Puffs or Golden Grahams making them only $1 each. Have any Cheerios coupons?

Soy Dream is 1.40, use .75 coupon here= .65 each (that is a screaming deal!) (when you spend $10 on participating)

Soup at Hand are 10 for $10 (ha, ha!!)

Use in-ad coupon for Premium saltines at .97 each.

Check out BeCentsAble for you local grocer!

Earning a few dollars...

2009-02-21T21:55:00.000-08:00

American Eagle is offering a $10 gift card for a research study survey. Sign up for their panel here!

Join with Zoom Panel and earn rewards and gifts for simple surveys!

Amazon is giving a $10 gift card for moms with children under 2 who participate in this short survey.

okay, and this one is not survey related, but Gevalia is having a really great deal right now. They are offering 3 boxes of coffee and a stainless steel coffee mug for just $3.

This is one of those subscription things where you have to cancel the minute you get your order, like the free magazine 'trials'. I have no problem doing it with magazines, I just haven't done it with coffee before. Its really not that much hassle for practically free, really good coffee. I've heard of many women who have successfully done this.... this might be one of those deals worth grabbing! hmmmm....

When convenience isn't.

2009-02-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

A long time back I got ahold of some really great Campbells coupons that earned me a number of these Soup at Hand meals free.

This is normally something I would not purchase as it is not very natural, requires microwaving (literally zapping some of the nutrients out), nor is it filling.

Every time I nuke one of these suckers it seems to make a mess! Two different houses, two different microwaves and following the directions each time. Then I have to add spices, salt and pepper and tabasco to make them palatable!

We have to remember just because we think we spot a good deal doesn't really mean it is a good deal!

These certainly WERE worth free, and I would be happy to try them again. For .25 cents or less!

sleeping better

2009-02-19T06:52:00.000-08:00

Well, technically you can say she has slept through the night twice in a row! Technically, because 5 hours straight counts as a 'full nights sleep' according to the 'experts'.

(how can we trust these so called experts if they feel 5 hours of sleep is enough! hmmm..)

I think she is learning that nursing is great for comfort and food, but she can sleep without it. She now finishes nursing and rolls over to go to sleep! She only woke up twice last night and only once the night before! Getting her to bed is easier as well, thats dads report at least!

We have our early dinner (5:30pm sharp-ish) and early bath(6:45pm) and bedtime(7:45-8:15ish- we are working on that!) firmly in place. I am doing WHATEVER it takes to get 2 naps in during the day. Weather I rock and nurse her for an hour, or go for a drive in the car, I make it a priority to get her to nap at least 1 hour 2x per day. That really is the hardest part right now!

I had a lot of faith in The No-Cry Sleep Solution and now I have even more faith!

We are still working on creating a 'lovey' for little one. She has never had a favorite stuffed animal(I am her favorite 'lovey'!), so we are sleeping with a bunch of them! Its such a funny sight to see stuffed animals all over our bed. We are so NOT stuffed animal people! (as adults, you know) I think she is getting more attached to them now and will slowly send them to her crib one at a time.

Also, the nap issue I will continue working on. Maybe I will try to see if she will nap in our bed during the day...

Anyway, off to a good start today! Nothing beats waking up happy and rested! Yippee!

Free Eden Organic Pasta!

2009-02-18T08:38:00.000-08:00

Check out my bloggin' friends awesome giveaway here on All Together Beautiful. She is giving away some whole wheat organic pasta. My 2 favorite things; Organic and Food!!

Be sure to look through her blog, she has a few other giveaways as well. I think she is becoming quite the blog queen!

The Albertsons Ad is here...

2009-02-16T19:27:00.001-08:00

Here it is.

Looks like there will be some good deal scenarios with the buy 10 save $10 deal through Betty Crocker/Pillsbury/Progresso catalina. (the $10 will be a catalina, (aka; coupon for $10 usable @ albertsons for any groceries) to use on your next shopping order)

Progresso Soup is 2 for $3 or 10 for $15, get $10 back= .50 each!! (we should have some coupons as well!!)

Check out the Grocery Gathering for your local grocers!

Did anyone see any great scenarios? I'll dig through my coupons and see what I come up with...

sleep much?

2009-02-13T19:58:00.000-08:00

I was going to get myself some coffee this morning and my daughter some juice w/ liquid vitamins. Yup. Thought I'd have her vitamins in my coffee instead. Mmmmm... B vitamins...

It was great to start the morning out with a good laugh though!

Actually, we did start the morning out all smiles. For the second night in a row!! I think this sleep plan stuff is working already. I remember a few times last night when she woke to nurse, finished, then ROLLED OVER to sleep. WITHOUT me!! I cannot believe it.

Which brings us to why she didn't wake up miserable and crying like normal, maybe she knows she can now sleep without it (it being nursing) and is not distressed when waking as she doesn't feel like she is missing out now.

We really struggled to get her down to sleep last night. My husband was finally successful by rocking her. I am scavenging for ways to get her to nap during the day as well. I think many of these issues are heaviest right now with her molars coming in. I took a 30 minute drive today to finally get her morning nap in. We tried rocking, nursing, walking around, lullabies.... Hopefully her naps will get easier too.

All in all, I think Elizabeth Pantley is on to something. We are planning to progress each day (and Night!).

I thank you for all your warm thoughts and support. Everyone has been so kind and inspiring. I know everyones wishes and advice will help us make it through this hurdle. I know that we all may raise our children differently but we do have in common the fact that we are all doing it the best way we know how, with our treasured families and children first.

Lets all sleep well tonight.

feeding the birds: free

2009-02-12T20:29:00.000-08:00

Just the other day after a trip into town to drop off a package at the post office, I noticed how nice of a day it was. My daughter was in a great mood and it felt like such a shame to rush straight home to clean as usual. I knew I had a bag of possibly stale cheerios in my diaper bag and I had been wanting to see how the little one liked feeding the birds.

Our post office is in our downtown, which consists of a waterfront park and some cute boutiques. I did something I am only now learning to do, and on a whim took her to the waterfront for some fun. It was a little breezy, but we had jackets and hats.

Approaching the park I did not see any birds and was concerned this idea was bust. I decided to toss a few Os over the fence to see if I could get any action. Not 10 seconds later the lawn behind us was covered with maybe 30 ducks! The little one squealed with delight and if you can imagine we had a wonderful time. She still makes the duck 'quack' today!

As I now want this to be a normal activity for us I thought of a great way to collect 'bird food'.

I put a jar on the kitchen counter and have started to fill it with any stale crackers or pretzels she doesnt finish, the bottom of the chip bag or whatever else would get otherwise discarded! I will keep baggies of it in the car for those spur of the moment joyful events!

For anyone who knows me, this was a ever so much needed break this week! We had so much fun and are planning to go saturday morning with daddy.

I will report tomorrow how night #2 with the sleep schedule goes. Night one was okay!!

For more fantastically frugal ideas check out one of Crystals many blogs.

the no-cry sleep solution

2009-02-11T19:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I have a couple of blog posts only partially done, I am hoping to finish them in the next few days! Our lives have taken a little bit of a sudden turn when I decided last week that I just cant live with our sleeping patterns anymore. Something has to change before I completely loose my mind. I am totally serious. Seriously. Totally. Totally and seriously. I am not kidding.

I had previously mentioned the fact that our daughter wakes up numerous times during the night to our pediatrician and she basically said 'thats what co-sleeping, breast fed babies do'. Great, thanks.

I also had been unable, until just recently, to connect with anyone I know who does both of these things. Anyone! Most families co-sleep and bottle feed or breast feed and allow baby to 'cry it out' or the so wonderfully coined 'self sooth' (by bawling their eyes out for you???). There are a few moms who state their dear babies slept through the night from the beginning. I wonder, are they taunting me? Kidding, but really? How is that possible.

Anyway, I just discovered this wonderful author, who happens to live in the super awesome state of Washington as well!, named Elizabeth Pantley. I actually left a comment on one of the greatest attachment-parenting type give away blogs; Mama In Flip Flops2. I didn't win, but ordered the book anyway even before she drew names! I knew it was meant for me to read. I knew it.

Elizabeth Pantley is a mother of four. She supports breast feeding and co-sleeping, as well as most of the american 'modernized' methods of child raising. She feels any variation of the 'cry it out' method is truly just not answering babys needs. Finally, someone who doesn't want to suffer but at the same time doesn't want their sweet child to suffer either.

I started to read monday, a difficult task these days with a toddler that wants everything I touch or look at! Oh, and her molars are coming through, I actually just discovered that this afternoon after she wouldn't stop screaming. I went to give her some of my clove teething oil and reached back there and felt what I can only describe as a small marble pressing up through her gums. The poor sweet dear. Some of the 'magic numbing oil' and chamomile tablets quickly helped.

So, as I was saying. A few pages into the book and I was getting teary. I do blame this mostly on sleep deprivation! But, by the time I hit page 20, I was in a full on cry-it-out-cause-you-don't-know-what-else-to-do-session.

Here is what did it, actually its on page 11, a quote from one of Elizabeth Pantleys 'test' mothers;

''I am truly distressed, as the lack of sleep is starting to affect all aspects of my life. I feel as though I can't carry on an intelligent conversation. I am extremely disorganized and don't have the energy to even attempt reorganization. I love this child more than anything in the world, and I don't want to make her cry, but I'm near tears myself thinking about going to bed every night. Sometimes I think, 'what's the pint? I'll just be up in an hour anyway''..... ''

It really hit home for me. That could have been out of my mouth. If I were only coherent enough to state it so eloquently. No, instead I am spending my time loosing most things I put my hands on, putting the crackers in the freezer and being unable to finish sentences. Sleep deprivation does not sit well with me.

Last night we started step one in Elizabeths plan: the sleep log. Oh, how I dreaded writing down every waking moment AND how long she was up. It really wasn't that bad, I mean, hey, I was up anyway. :-)

Funny thing, when she woke me for the third time last night, at 5:30 am, I was actually peeved because we had gotten so much sleep! I wanted a 'bad' night of almost no sleep for our first log. I thought by doing so, our results would only get much, much better. After doing the math, I learned on our 'good night' the longest stretch of sleep we got was 3 1/2 hours. Not cool.

Step two was today: the nap log. I can sum that one up: a nightmare. With her current teething, and me allowing her to fall asleep nursing for the past 15 months, I have had a really tough time now getting her to sleep without her 'pacifier', if you know what I mean. After letting her doze in my lap for just over an hour I had to call it quits. Truthfully, I needed to run to the restroom. Breast feeding makes you thirsty, ect. ect..

I was able to pretty much finish the book while she was napping and was more prepared for step three, our nighttime routine. We had a very early dinner, an earlier bath, a much quieter and dimmer house, and now, an early bed time.

I am so afraid for step four, weaning her off the breast for sleep. Her teachings sound wonderfully gentle and still encourage answering babies cries in ways I am comfortable with, I am just really scared to have a horrible and long night.

This will be 100% of my focus for the next week or two.

Wish us luck. The good Lord knows we will need it.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-09T19:24:00.000-08:00

I will do as many no-prep, no-cooking meals this week as possible. There are a few organization projects I want to finish around the house,( you'll see a few tomorrow) a couple things I need to finish for Etsy,(hopefully you'll see by the end of the week) a book to read called The No Cry Sleep Solution, (I think I will share my readings and progress...) Im got to page 50 today and I actually, truly have hope that I may be able to get some real sleep one day soon! (oh, without sacrificing my daughters emotional needs)

Here it is: short, sweet and minimal effort

monday

just the girls- leftovers from the fridge

tuesday

lipton teriyaki noodles

broccoli

morningstar farms asian patty

wednesday

macaroni grill pesto type pasta w/tomatoes added

green beans

green salad

thursday

taco soup

chips

tofu sour cream

friday

pizza night

saturday

stir fried tofu

veggies

rice

sunday

spaghetti

fresh bread

salad left?

groceries;

more lettuce?

Albertsons Sneak Peak...

2009-02-08T22:02:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone got to take advantage of last weeks great deals. This week looks a little dismal...

Here is the Ad...

Sara Lee bread is $1.67

Arm and Hammer 20lb cat litter is 5.99. Go here to print $1 off. Not a bad deal.

For more great grocery deals at your local stores, check out The Grocery Gathering!

why I don't do 'diet'

2009-02-07T15:15:00.000-08:00

Okay, now Im going to bore you with some of my healthy propaganda...

From ABC News: (whole article here)

A Purdue University study released Sunday in the journal Behavioral Neuroscience reported that rats on diets containing the artificial sweetener saccharin gained more weight than rats given sugary food, casting doubt on the benefits of low-calorie sweeteners.

"There's something about diet foods that changes your metabolic limit, your brain chemistry," said ABC News' medical contributor Dr. Marie Savard.
Though Savard said more research needs to be done to uncover more information, the study does hint at the idea that the sweeteners alter a person's metabolism.
Savard said another recent study, which included more than 18,000 people, found healthy adults who consumed at least one diet drink a day could increase their chance for

weight gain.

THE LETHAL SCIENCE OF SPLENDA,
A POISONOUS CHLOROCARBON
By James Bowen, M.D.

"Splenda/sucralose is simply chlorinated sugar; a chlorocarbon. Common chlorocarbons include carbon tetrachloride, trichlorethelene and methylene chloride, all deadly. Chlorine is nature's Doberman attack dog, a highly excitable, ferocious atomic element employed as a biocide in bleach, disinfectants, insecticide, WWI poison gas and hydrochloric acid.

"Sucralose is a molecule of sugar chemically manipulated to surrender three hydroxyl

groups (hydrogen + oxygen) and replace them with three chlorine atoms. Natural sugar is a hydrocarbon built around 12 carbon atoms. When turned into Splenda it becomes a chlorocarbon, in the family of Chlorodane, Lindane and DDT.

Dr. Bowen continues: "Just like aspartame, which achieved marketplace approval by the Food and Drug Administration when animal studies clearly demonstrated its toxicity, sucralose also failed in clinical trials with animals. Aspartame created brain tumors in rats. Sucralose has been found to shrink thymus glands (the biological seat of immunity) and produce liver inflammation in rats and mice.
"In the coming months we can expect to see a river of media hype expounding the virtues of Splenda/sucralose. We should not be fooled again into accepting the safety of a toxic chemical on the blessing of the FDA and saturation advertising. In terms of potential long-term human toxicity we should regard sucralose with its chemical cousin DDT, the insecticide now outlawed because of its horrendous long term toxicities at even minute trace levels in human, avian, and mammalian tissues.

"Synthetic chemical sweeteners are generally unsafe for human consumption. This toxin was given the chemical name "sucralose" which is a play on the technical name of natural sugar, sucrose. One is not the other. One is food, the other is toxic; don't be deceived.

Aspartame: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You (from Mercola.com -whole article here)
Aspartame is, by far, the most dangerous substance on the market that is added to foods.

Aspartame accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the FDA. Many of these reactions are very serious including seizures and death.(1) A few of the 90 different documented symptoms listed in the report as being caused by aspartame include: Headaches/migraines, dizziness, seizures, nausea, numbness, muscle spasms, weight gain, rashes, depression, fatigue, irritability, tachycardia, insomnia, vision problems, hearing loss, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, loss of taste, tinnitus, vertigo, memory loss, and joint pain.

According to researchers and physicians studying the adverse effects of aspartame, the following chronic illnesses can be triggered or worsened by ingesting of aspartame:(2) Brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, parkinson's disease, alzheimer's, mental retardation, lymphoma, birth defects, fibromyalgia, and diabetes.

Aspartame is made up of three chemicals: aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol. The book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," by James and Phyllis Balch, lists aspartame under the category of "chemical poison." As you shall see, that is exactly what it is.

There are so many alternatives out there! Stay away from the poison!

my coupon shopping this week...

2009-02-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

ahhh, finally! It has been awhile since I have done some serious coupon shopping. Not that this is a TON of food or anything, but I still count it as a major coupon trip as I used coupons and sales for everything!

Oh! I forgot to add in the shopping bag that came free with my Quaker purchases! I think it is adorable and as we only use cloth grocery bags now, it will come in quite handy.

Our Albertsons did a double coupon deal. I was able to use 4 double coupon coupons! This made my granola bars .50 and the lipton Asain Sides (GREAT with broccoli) .25. Funny, I got better deals on the other items without double coupons! The beans were 10 for $10 and I used $1/1 coupons, I had a free soup coupon and the coffee creamers plus can of store brand coffee (eeew) was .50 total!

All said and done I spent $2.42.

Bringing Back Celery.

2009-02-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

Is this in your fridge?? Don't toss it out!

How often do you buy celery only to use two stalks and discover a week later that it has turned limp. Now what to do? Sure, you can cut it up and toss it in soup. But, why not just revive it and start over?

Cut the bottom 1/2 inch or so off the celery and place it in a glass of cool water. Place in fridge and check it after 24 hours. It should have 'drank' some of the water and come back to life!

Yeah! Its just that easy.

For many more economical tips in these tough times check out Biblical Womanhood!

My favorite Veg Cookbooks

2009-02-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

I am asked all the time where I find good vegetarian recipes. I thought it might be fun to post a list of my favorite books and websites. I mainly cook vegan. If I am going to put energy into something, Im going to do it right and not load it with extra fat, calories and other stuff that wont keep our bodies at optimal health and feeling great.

Oh, and just for fun, maybe I'll post some corresponding Amazon advertisements on the side here to make it easier if any of you are interested in making a purchase!! I recommend the used versions, shipping is the same unless you spend over $25 on new books. (hint: click on the used price otherwise it will take you to the brand new, higher priced book)

I know, I know, such a shameless way to make a buck. I have bills to pay too! ;-)

My favorite books:

My favorite Crockpot book is Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker by Robin Robertson. All of the recipes are really easy to prepare and always good and very healthy, generally low in fat.

One book I have relied on for years for simple and even more complex tofu recipes is Tofu Cookery by Louise Hagler. I use many of her base recipes all the time, my meatloaf if a version from this book.

I really enjoy anything by John or Mary McDougall. They keep things very, VERY simple and the recipes are the ultimate package if you want to loose a few pounds or just stick to a very healthy, low fat, no sugar diet.

I was given a wonderful book from a California restaurant called The Real Food Daily, by Ann Gentry, cookbook as a gift. I have only made a few items in it, as they are more complex in preparation, but they are by far the very best vegan foods I have ever eaten. She uses some atypical ingredients in her foods for the most amazing results.

My mother has Fast Cooking in a Slow Cooker and I have copied many really great recipes from it! I really need to get my own copy I guess!

Some of my favorite Recipe Websites are:

FatFree.com: their site is a little 'basic', but I always find what I want there. I would guess almost half of their recipes are vegan, the rest vegetarian.

The Post Punk Kitchen is just a kick to visit. All vegan and very funky!

I really like Vegan Mania. They don't have a ton of recipes, but everything I've made there was good!

I actually use the Morning Star Farms recipes on occasion when I want to 'not cook' and just fancy up some prepared goods.

I have just recently found Fat Free Vegan and have bookmarked a few things. I have yet to try them yet, but they are making me hungry!!

I also used to subscribe to Vegetarian Times, my subscription recently ran out and I've gotta renew again. They always have TONS of wonderful, seasonal recipes in them. (and good coupons, too!)

Happy Cooking!

and the winner is...

2009-02-05T08:06:00.000-08:00

Lucky number Seven won my Sweet Sydney Bean soap giveaway! I appreciate all the wonderful suggestions, advice and kind comments, thanks guys! I will do my best to fulfill these!

So, what did Rachael from Beans and Rice win?? She won a Parfait gift set containing one of my cupcake soaps and a matching lotion. Both pure and natural without any preservatives so she can even feel good about using them on her girls!

I am also going to throw in my favorite Summer Lemon Organic soap bits, as I know she is a cloth diapering momma too! Actually, these are wonderful for all child cleaning needs. Just drop one in a cup of hot water, let dissolve and transfer to a storage container. Many moms keep the formula in a spray bottle to spray on baby bottoms or clean cloths for safe and easy clean up after meals!

(I actually keep some small cloths pre-moistened in a wipes container in my kitchen drawer, cleanup could not be easier!!)

I know I don't advertise my giveaways very well, so just keep a close eye out for my next one!

And, for everyone who is interested in trying my products or purchasing a gift from my Sweet Sydney Bean shop I will offer a 20% discount on anything purchased through the end of the month!! Just type in 'Blog Discount' and I will manually adjust on your bill before finalizing!!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

7
Timestamp: 2009-02-05 16:05:30 UTC

Commissary Deals Pac NW

2009-02-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

A few really good deals I saw...

Muir Glen Tomatoes had a $1/1 coupon on the back for $1/1 when you buy organic soup. Soup is 2.59 and tomatoes .89 - .75 from paper insert and $1 on can= .84 for tomatoes AND soup

Eight O'Clock Coffee 3.00 ($1/1 found in bags of coffee)

Honey Bunches of Oats 1.59

Jolly Time popcorn 1.09 a few $1/1 or $1.50/1 here

Kashi soft Bars 2.09 recent $2/1 printable here

Wacky Mac pasta .89 recent .50/1 = .39

Be sure to check out BeCentsAble for your local Grocery Gathering!

Tackle It Tuesday!

2009-02-03T17:13:00.000-08:00

Over the past 2 weeks I have been very busy working on various project around the home. My two 'tackle it tuesday' projects got thrown aside while I got distracted with other projects.

Here are my before and afters. Its nice to be able to use our bulletin board again!

I also bagged up the rest of the clothes and toys our daughter just grew out of and those are going to storage for now.

Next week the changing table should be out of the pictures!! She hasn't let us 'hold her down' to change her in probably 6 months or so. She prefers standing!

I am going to find another place to put her diapers, her many, many big bulky cloth diapers! And her wipes warmer. I also plan to finish painting the trim in her and her closet door. The home we just moved into was only pre-owned for a 'brief' time (3-4 years?) and the previous owners didn't get a chance to finish everything. We have a lot of projects ahead of us for the next couple of weeks in order to complete her room! I am excited and will post more pictures of what we 'tackle' next week!!

Does anyone have any big projects they are tackling this week?

Albertsons Ad sneak peak...

2009-02-02T18:26:00.000-08:00

*** PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE COMMENTS FOR AWESOME DEALS FROM MY READERS!! THANKS GUYS!

and here it is! full of coupon doublers again! Looks like they will only double $1(or less) off coupons up to $1.

Lipton rice/pasta side 2/$2
-.75/2
-doubler 1.50/2
.50 for two rice/pasta sides or .25 each!

Quaker Simple Harvest Bars 2/$5
- $1.00/1 (2/1/09 RP)
- $1.00/1 (2/1/09 RP)
- doubler $2.00
= 2 Quaker Simple Harvest Bars for $1.00!! ( .50 each)

Dannon's Lite and Fit = 20 for $10
- $1.00/10 (SS 2/1/09)
- $1.00/10 (SS 2/1/09)
- doubler $2.00
= 20 Dannon's Lite and Fit for $6.00 ($.30 each!)

check out the Grocery Gathering for more great stores!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-01T23:00:00.000-08:00

Healthy, simple and vegan this week. We need to be better about eating a little healthier. I do believe I have put on a few pounds. My husband thinks he has too! How'd that happen??

Monday

Peanut Butter Sesame Noodles (Rachel Rays- I used to use this recipe I think...)

Steamed broccoli

Tuesday

Black Bean soup in the crock pot

carrot thyme bread

Wednesday

Loaded Baked Potatoes (we skipped those last week)

canned chili and veg toppings

tofu sour cream

Thursday

thaw something from the freezer- carpet is being

installed today, Yippee!

Friday

Pizza night (homemade and cheeseless)

veg or salad

Saturday

Make Spaghetti sauce in bulk- didn't use my gigantic

Costco tomato cans last week. I'll then put this in jars and freeze!

Sunday

Leftover Black Bean soup

over rice

Green salad

groceries;

fresh cilantro

canned chili?

baking day!

2009-02-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I get this bug to just be really domesticated all day. I do think it must be hormonal. Primal, even. Maybe.... oh, I won't get into it!

Here's what I made!

Oreganato bread sounded good, next time I will add a tsp or so of sweetener. Dorky name, huh? Mr. Roboto anyone?

To put on our bread I made some Better Butte r. It is fantastic!! I really was surprised, just like margarine! I had no idea how easy it would be to make our own 'butter'!

Although, unlike butter or margarine, it is free of chemicals, hormone filled dairy or any hydrogenated oils, so it was safe for the little one to eat! Yippee Skippee!

Tofu Banana Pudding was super easy and contains no sugar or added fat!! and its really good! I think she likes it! (look, I think she actually got some in her mouth :-)

My favorite healthy oatmeal cookies. Very low sugar and fat free! It makes cookies for breakfast more than okay! More than okay? Yes, we will be having cookies for breakfast 'till they run out!

-then I threw together a quick vegetable-italian type soup. I chopped up any fresh veggies we had, tossed in some barley and some herbs, my favorite vegan stock base and let simmer. A bit before we ate I tossed in some pasta and cabbage. It was pretty decent and very healthy.

Yum!

good deals and freebies...

2009-01-31T22:02:00.000-08:00

A Healthy Home Kit that sounds really cool!

Get gift certificates to restaurants for a fraction of the price ($5 for a $25 gift card), my good friend Olivia has the details for this offer from Allstate insurance.

Get awesome steals at OldNavy.com when you use the code HALFOFF for an additional 50% all items!! Woo Hoo!! (shoot, did I already spend my daughters allotment this month???) Wait! Go quick! Sale is only through 02/02/09!

well, I leave you with these, I must check out Old Navy...

oh! how busy I've been!

2009-01-30T19:06:00.000-08:00

I feel like I have not gotten to blog all week! Nor have I gotten to read many of my favorite blogs lately. Oh, I must have missed out on so many great sales, deals, freebies, crafty ideas, recipes, green living tips, coupons, child rearing stories and tips....

I have been focusing on setting up my new shop on Etsy. I have built a little stock pile (I was pretty much bare bones since Christmas) and have changed my product line name. I thought Soap by Erin was just a little too dull. I have chosen Sweet Sydney Bean. Simple, pretty and sweet. This name has a very special meaning to me.

Check out my shop! Leave me a comment about what you think. Should I change something, add something, fix something? Is there anything you think is outstanding? Do you have any advice for me?

Keep in mind I am still adding to my shop and you will see new products every few days.

For my faithful readers, leave me a comment about my new site, SweetSydneyBean, and Wednesday I will randomly pick one of you to send a special product to! If I cannot link your name to a blog, please leave me your email or be sure to check back wednesday!!

Thanks! and wish me luck!

just a few freebies today...

2009-01-27T08:32:00.000-08:00

Get a Gardeners Idea book free from Proven Winners.

Free Sleep Kit from Tempurpedic. It includes a DVD, a sample of the memory foam (any craft ideas for that one???) and more.

Free coupon for Diet Dr Pepper!!

Get a sample of Yo Yo lip gloss and catalogue.

and, Jane has a great link to Cesar Dog food! (we still want to get a dog this year....)

Albertsons Ad Sneak Peak!!

2009-01-26T10:09:00.000-08:00

the Albertsons Ad is Here!

free TP if you have any Scotts $1/1...

Orville Reddenbocher Popcorn in .75 when you buy 4, think we have coupons from recent ad or print this here for .25 profit!!

Check out the Grocery Gathering for your favorite local stores!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-01-25T19:40:00.000-08:00

Money is going to be tight for the next while. I am going to keep my grocery shopping to a minimum and cook what we have.

monday

meatball subs (featuring meatless meatballs my dear husband picked up at Trader Joes)

grilled onions and peppers

oven fries

tuesday

No Hurry Vegetable Curry from Fresh From The Vegetarian Slow Cooker

(hey look, its for sale on the left- wadd'ya know!)

rice

chutneys

wednesday

Home Made Pasta Sauce , Ill do my own variation. ( I have 2 gallon(?) size cans of tomatoes from Costco and have been meaning to use them...)

Spaghetti

frozen peas

thursday

stir-fry veggies w/ noodles This looks good..

morning star farms asian patties

friday

pizza night - I plan to make from scratch, cheeseless

veggie tray (seriously this time!)

saturday

Crock Pot Vegetable Lasagna

yes, from Fresh From the Vegetarian Slow Cooker

steamed veggie of some type

bread in the machine

sunday

Baked Potatoes

fun toppings; canned chili, broccoli, canned tomatoes, ect.

Check out The Org Junkie for more super fantastic menus!

groceries to buy:

green pepper

tofu-firm

zucchini

eggplant or red peppers, something cheap?

garlic- fresh

frozen peas?

and the award goes to...

2009-01-25T11:01:00.001-08:00

A huge thanks to Karla from Karla's Bonanza for appreciating my silly writings and awarding me the Lemonade Award.

I enjoy reading Karlas blog and seeing what awesome and stylish deal she finds at her local San Fran shops. Secretly, I think I live through her beautiful finds! Oh, how I wish our Thrift Stores were as awesome in my small town!

So, I now get to choose 10 blogs that I enjoy and seem to also make 'lemonade out of lemons'.....

1. Jane from All Together Beautiful for her wonderful and positive views on life and raising a family.

2. Olivia from Shopaholic In Rehab for sharing with us her daily struggles trying to surviving life while being frugal and living it up in this fashion first, fast paced world.

3. Rachael from Beans and Rice who always posts the sweetest family pictures and the greatest frugal (and yummy!) recipes.

4. Laura at Bloggin Momma who always makes me laugh with her amusing posts and great, frugal ideas as well!

5. Sandy at Sandy's Space who always has inspirational postings and pictures.

6. Michelle at Saving Some Green always has wonderful frugal ideas and great deals and freebies.

7. Amy at NW Frugal Weightloss is so inspiring and positive and full of fantastic recipes and ideas. Her blog is awesome!

8. Andrea at Momma In Flip Flops2 always has the very best reviews and giveaways. Another place I 'dream' shop!!

9. Debra from Beyond Prenatals does a wonderful job teaching us how to care for our bodies before and after children.

10. Loretta at Vegan Footprints is such an inspirational blog full of healthy life tips and positive writings.

ahhh, well, just 10 is all I get to pick, but there are so much more I read and love. Thank you to all of you who post positive and inspirational thoughts. You make our days brighter!

free magazines

2009-01-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

One of my readers asked about the company where you can earn free magazines by watching commercials. I haven't checked into them in a while, but they are AdPerk. Unfortunately, things don't look good for them right now, they only seem to be offering one magazine.... Field and Stream. It does say to check back often for more offers... Sorry, Dena! Hopefully they get more soon!

Try Remedy Magazine free, it is a decent health based little magazine. I always find a good recipe or two in mine!

Get Cosmopolitan Magazine for free!

Try a natural parenting magazine Kiwi, I really love my subscription!

Decorative Arts magazine sounds fun, I can always use ideas!

Ohh, Town and Country is offering 3 free issues. I might have to grab this one!

and Traditional Home.... okay, I'll stop now!

a few freebies...

2009-01-22T08:35:00.000-08:00

Free bag of Rice Works chips. (coupon) Yum!

Get a sample of Turtle Chex Mix!

Free subscription to Blender magazine.

Ohh, try new Quaker True Delights granola bar. fancy!

Some really cute Gardenburger posters here!

another great sale!!

2009-01-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

Killer Sale at The Childrens Place right now. They have an ADDITIONAL 50% off winter clearance items. Many tops and bottoms $3 or less. Looks like a flat rate of $5 shipping and rumor has it if you use code SA19 at checkout you will get an additional 15% off.

I dont recommend trying to purchase anything till late tonight when less people are shopping. I have had my laptop up on the kitchen counter for over an hour navigating through their site. They are so bogged down right now its not even worth it!

High quality brand new items at cheaper than consignment prices delivered to your door! I am just so easy to please!!

EDIT: after waiting all afternoon for their slooow site, I finally finished. I timed out numerous times but was very patient as I knew these deals were too good to pass up!

For $32 SHIPPED (including tax)I got:

matching avocado velour sweat set

matching red velour sweat set

matching retro floral type yoga top and bottom

coordinating fleece pant and long sleeve top

another long sleeve top

2 tank tops

11 really super cute high quality items. woo-hoo! I'm super excited!

Tackle It Tuesday!

2009-01-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

Per my New Years Resolution, I have started my Tackle It Tuesday postings.

Last tuesday I choose to start on one of the worst projects in our home; our daughters room. With a combination of her birthday and Christmas being very close together she got bombarded with gifts and toys abound! Wanting her to be able to play with EVERYTHING, we allowed her to keep all of her precious toys out. Then this happened.

On the couch here is everything I took out of her closet. Originally I had bagged up any clothes that didn't fit her and labeled it. Small stuff goes to storage and bigger stuff for later gets organized in her closet. Now that her clothing is bigger and takes up more room, AND now that she has lots of toys I had to think of a new plan....

It took me most of the week picking away at things, but it looks lovely in there now. Everything has a home and there aren't so many toys available to take out that she does not know what to do with herself or even what to play with.
If you can see, I labeled cardboard boxes and am keeping toys in there. I will 'cycle' through her toys; when she gets board with something, in the box it will go and out will come more!! (no, shes not spoiled at all!)

And for her clothing, the stuff for the future that I get really good deals on (ie; garage sales, thrift store sales, clearance, ect) I have back in plastic bags, labeled and stored under her crib. You cant even tell it is there with the crib skirt!!

We finally were able to order carpet for her room (for those of you that know us)! We decided not to carpet her closet, the cost of her closet alone was $300-$400. I am hoping there will be enough scraps after installation we can use those, or just purchase a remnant and do the closet ourselves later. We found a certified green carpet that is helf the price of what we were originally looking at!!! Its not as nice, but we were never going to be able to afford $1400 to carpet a small bedroom. Yippee, no more playing on sub-floor, we are so excited!! It should be in by the end of the month.

Next is a closet system for her and to finish the moulding in her room!

and for next week....

I have chosen 2 smaller projects for this week; the cork board above our kitchen desk, and 'S's changing table. The coark board has everything in the world pinned to it!! and her changing table has a few items I need to put away and decide what to do with still, ie; leftovers from last week. I'll post the pics next tuesday!

Does anyone else have any orginazition goals for this week? I would love some inspiration!

silly little things...

2009-01-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

I just found this fun little tool on another blog and wondered where my writing skills were at. Scary. I was happy to see I am at a Post-Grad level!

Are they kidding?? Maybe Im not a dummy after all!! :-)

Try it, its fun!!

(ps: the smiley face may have bought my level down just a little...)

Albertsons

2009-01-18T22:31:00.000-08:00

Ta Da!

Albertsons Ad Preview

I have not been to Albertsons in weeks. What a tragedy!! I even passed up the double coupon week, can you even believe that??? Well, I was the 24 nurse on call to our deathly ill cat, and that had more priority. I guess its a good thing we are stocked to the hills on pantry items!!

Maybe I can go this week....

Cantaloup .48 lb, I think thats good?

Kellogs cereals 1.75

Old Orchard Juice 1.34 w/ in-ad coupon!! (remember we can use our own coupons with these)

Spend $20 on participating items, get $5 back... always has potential!

Check out the Grocery Gathering for your local grocers deals.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-01-18T18:54:00.000-08:00

Oh what a busy time it has been.

Taking care of our cat Dave has just plain taken it out of me. He is doing wonderfully now. He will eat softened kibble, with a little canned of course, and hes able to jump up on our bed now!! I am now a pro at giving insulin injections as well!

I have also been super busy working on my soaping and Etsy site. Soon, I will share it with you all! I am so excited!!

Skipping out on my weekly menu planning always sounds like a good idea but in the long end is NOT NOT NOT!!!

Every night this past week my husband asked me what I had in mind for dinner, because like a good husband he checks my blog and knows our weekly menu. Since I didn't plan last week it was more of a hectic chaos trying to decide what we could make for dinner. I won't be skipping menu planning any time soon again!

monday

our favorite No Hurry Vegetable Curry from Fresh From the Vegetarian Slow Cooker

brown rice

tuesday

Slow Cooked Ziti Casserole also from Fresh From the Vegetarian Slow Cooker

fresh green beans

wednesday

stir fry

soba noodles

thursday

taco soup -Paula Deens recipe veggie version

bread machine bread

chips

friday

pizza night- back to cheese-less for me

veg tray

saturday

tostadas

tofu sour cream

sunday

leftover buffet (or we'll cook together!)

help! need parenting advice.

2009-01-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

My very good friend Olivia needs some parenting advice. Her almost step daughter is 11 and has sparked some much needed help in the parenting department.

Check out her post, I bet any advice can be helpful!!

Thanks guys!

Juice for Tots! Frugal Friday.

2009-01-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

I (of course!) had a coupon for Motts for Totts juice and was able to get a really good deal on it. We give our daughter her liquid vitamins and omegas in a sippy cup full of juice every morning, so she is drinking a lot of juice.

After inspecting the Motts for Totts Juice, I learned that it is lower in sugar because it is mixed with water. How simple. And, you know me, I tried to make some myself. I can easily buy regular on sale juice, or even organic, and mix it with 40-50% water. This will almost double the quantity of juice so I thought it would be a great idea to freeze the excess to use later, pre mixed!

So, the juice is now half off of my sale-after-coupon price!!

I used some spaghetti sauce jars (trying not to use chemical leaching plastic when I can), made sure they were really, really clean, and poured in half juice and half water. I can use one now and throw the rest in the freezer.

a few coupons...

2009-01-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

Some really good Advil and Centrum coupons.

A free coupon book from Eat Better America!! They always have great coupons.

South Beach $2/1 Snack Delights.

South Beach Fiber Fit granola bar $2/1 coupon.

A $5/1 any Natures Bounty vitamin!

keeping those goals in sight...

2009-01-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year again where most of us want to shed those extra holiday pounds we have packed on. Or that baby weight, or those pounds that creep up on us as we sit in front of a computer all day....

Most of us are simply not realistic when it comes to how much we can loose and how we are going to do it. I just read a wonderful simple set of rules on one of my new favorite inspirational blogs Frugal Weightloss. Amy really has things layed out in such a simple and effective manner. She makes it fun and easy!

Check it out!

Military Commissary

2009-01-14T08:27:00.001-08:00

Check out the Grocery Gathering for your favorite store!

Did a quick trip to my local Commissary yesterday to grab some applesauce, which I forgot! I was able to use a few coupons that were close to expiration though;

Ben and Jerrys Ice Cream 2.83 (I used my no-longer-available $3/1 coups)= .17 profit

Quaker 'Natural' Granola bars 2.00 (used my coupons from recent paper) = $1

Celestial Seasonings Chammomile tea 1.59 (used paper insert for .55/1) = 1.04

Totinos Pizza Rolls .99 (used $1/1 no longer available) = .01 profit

Kashi Crackers 1.50 box (use a .50/1)= $1

I was also really excited to see some low prices on Organic Produce!! It was pretty picked clean, but I was able to get a few thing;

Organic DAnjou Pears .58 lb

Organic Golden D. apples 1.56 lb

Organic Carrots 5 lb bag for 1.96

not a recipe for beans and rice

2009-01-13T16:30:00.000-08:00

Last night I threw together a super quick meal of Beans and Rice. I threw a box of Trader Joes Spanish style rice (any flavor rice would do!) in my rice cooker, added what it instructed and plugged my cooker on. When the rice was done I opened up a can of Ranch Style black beans, dumped it on top and put the lid back on to warm them.

I served this with Peach salsa as we were out of mango chutney. It was fantastic, healthy, cheap and really, really easy!

Sale at JoAnns!

2009-01-13T11:50:00.000-08:00

Did a little shopping at JoAnn Fabrics yesterday. I discovered that all Christmas items were marked down 90% off!! I only got a few things; wrapping paper at .39 and wreaths at .29!!

Wrapping paper is always useful, although not the most environmentally friendly way to give a gift...

Those wreathes will look great next year hanging on each one of our doors!! We have an insane amount of exterior doors, and not even a big house! I just counted, 7 exterior doors!! Silly, huh?

Albertsons Preview Ad

2009-01-12T09:08:00.000-08:00

Here it is;

Albies Ad

a few decent buys; (before any coupons of course)

Quaker items will be 1.50 each

Select small boxes of Kellogs cereals will be 1.25

JollyTime popcorn is $1( if you have not printed the $1/1 coupons yet, do so!)

Mission tortillas will be $2 (use $1/1 coup here)

Ben and Jerrys ice cream is 2.99 (if you have not used the $3/1 coupons, are they no longer being offered? I dont see them...)

check out the Grocery Gathering!

Super Sample Sunday

2009-01-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

I got a couple of good ones this week. The ziplock vacuum sealer might come in handy if I can get some replacement baggies at a good price. How I love to freeze food!!

What did you get?

out and about and ready to play!!

2009-01-10T23:11:00.000-08:00

(again, I apologize for the poor picture quality, the late, dark evening seems to
produce poorer pictures. my new handy-dandy phone is just so simple to snap a pic,
email it to myself and post it no cords needed!!)

Okay, thats an exaggeration. But, he is doing much, much better.

Dave ate on his own today!! He made a 'number two' yesterday. And, here you see, he just ventured out into the living room!! It has been over a week (full 7 days) since he has done each of these. (except the #2, he did one of those last tuesday, sorry, TMI)

He has been such a sick baby. Just a mess really. He is down 9 pounds from 6 months ago. We never thought we would have to force feed him with an oral syringe just to keep him alive!

We are both so thankful he has made such a huge turn around. We will be able to sleep better tonight.

something I needed for free...

2009-01-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

My only trip out this week was to run to Rite Aid for a glucose meter for my very sick kitty. I was hoping to find a deal and with a little help from the pharmacist I did. This one was on sale, had a coupon on it (she dug to the back looking for a box w/ coupon) and offers a rebate on the rest of my cost!! Free! I only paid $5 out of pocket at Rite Aid and will get that back.

While I was there I grabbed the 10 Soy Joy bars for Free after Rebate. Of course I brought my $3/10 coupon for a $3 profit. They only had mango coconut left, so I got 10 of those. Tried one on the way home, and, eh, not terrible. I much prefer the flavor of 'energy' and 'power' bars though.

after tax; appx $2 profit

make your own; bath net

2009-01-09T07:19:00.000-08:00

My daughter is now at the age where she loves playing with bath toys. After her recent 1st birthday and Christmas she now has more than a hand full to clutter up the tub.

I researched bath nets on-line and discovered that they are all ugly. At least not worthy of the $20 w/ shipping certain places are charging. I made a note to myself to look at netting the next time I went to the fabric store.

Last week I unpacked a bag of satsuma oranges and looked down at the packaging. Huh, I thought. I went and pulled some suction cups off a shower shelf that we were not using, tied it on with little bows, and Viola! My own bath net. Free.

My $15 Value

2009-01-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

I needed to order a few supplies to make some products, so I pulled up Brambleberry and started shopping. I discovered that they had a $15 grab bag of "surprise" items. The value was promised to be at least $30. I considered this risk and decided that I can make just about every product they sell, so I purchased one.

When I opened up the bag, yes, it was actually a papersack stapled shut!!, I found all of these wonderful items. If you are not a soaper or don't have much experience in the crafting world this may not look like a $30 value to you. I assure you it is. Much, much more actually.

My favorite item here is the 16oz bottle of Woodland Pear fragrance. The bottle has writing on it. It appears as if someone was unsure if the fragrance really was Woodland Pear. Well, whatever it is, its fantastic! If I were to purchase this at full price, which I would, I would pay $25 at least. And, thats a deal, it would be buying in bulk.

So, I got a little sunshine sent my way from the wonderful people at Brambleberry today. And, I needed it. Thank you!

Feline Diabetes

2009-01-07T17:55:00.000-08:00

We have spent every waking moment taking care of this big guy here. Saturday I discovered that he wouldn't come out from under the bed. Sunday he was not eating and seemed very lethargic. Monday we decided we better take him to the vet. We discovered Dave has diabetes, and we should not have waited so long to get him seen.

He was almost to diabetic coma state. He was at the point right before seizure. He spent 24 hours at the trauma clinic we were transferred to and is home now. They wanted to keep him for a couple more days but I convinced them that I could take care of him, plus our bills were almost at $1000 and we just didn't have anymore money. Never in my life has finances dictated health care. Something is really screwed up with the medical system, at least for vet care when payment plans are not even an option.

He had gained a lot of weight over the past few years being an indoor cat. My mother kept telling me I was going to kill him by feeding him too much. Harsh, I thought. No, she was right. When we moved in to our new home a few months ago he began going outside and running free and happy on our 7 acres. He got thin quickly. We were really happy to see him looking so good.

We didn't know his rapid weight loss was actually his body no longer producing insulin. Besides always eating a lot, we saw no signs.

I am watching him around the clock. Feeding him food and water with a medicine dropper, giving him glucose to bring him out of his constant hypoglycemic state and injecting him with insulin. This is my first time ever using a needle. Sorry for the practice, buddy. Tomorrow I have to go purchase a glucose meter thing because I think the insulin dosages may be causing increased hypoglycemia.

This is my first personal experience with diabetes and it sucks. I have learned a lot in just these past couple of days. I know it will get better. I know he will get stronger and be able to walk and feed himself soon. Hopefully not too much longer, this is hard.

I just needed to write this down on paper. It feels good to share, thank you for listening.

a little sneak peek at some goodies.....

2009-01-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

I just made these Sunday and they turned out sooo well! And they smell wonderful! They wont be cured and ready to use for another 5 weeks. They are soap, after all!

(excuse the poor picture quality. my husband talked me into getting one of those fancy phones w/ email, internet and camera. my contract was waaay up and I was due for a new phone anyway..... planning on getting my moneys worth!)

a healthy banana shake

2009-01-06T14:50:00.001-08:00

.....mmmmmm.

I make these all the time when I want a healthy treat and don't want to feel guilty about eating something bad for my body.

1 banana

1 handfull ice cubes

1/2 cup soy or rice milk*

1 spoonfull of unsweetened cocoa powder

a few drops of stevia**

Throw in blender and blend away. Be happy you have chosen a healthy snack for yourself!

*did you know dairy milk has TONS of sugar in it? not any good if you want to loose any weight or are concerned about your health!

**did you know stevia can be purchased at WalMart?? Its by the sugars. (stay away from any chemical sweetners (ie splenda, nutra sweet, ect), studies have proven the reaction they cause in your body can actually cause you to GAIN weight! they don't advertise that now, do they!!)

Eating Healthy in 2009

2009-01-05T12:24:00.000-08:00

So many of us have resolutions to loose weight this year.

Last year my resolution was to loose all of my baby weight and get back to a healthier size. I was able to accomplish that, and I am so proud of all the hard work I did. Working for so many years as a medical secretary was not good for my body. Sitting all day on the computer really helped me 'beef up' my back side, along with a little help from cookies and unhealthy foods, that is!

Being raised in a very healthy family on a mostly vegetarian and whole foods diet I have been given the gift of knowledge-of-health. I thank both of my parents for these teachings. It was so easy for me to regain my trim figure as I know how to do it quite simply:

1) I know what to eat and I know what not to eat.

2) I also know that you don't burn calories sitting down! Funny, I actually do most of my blogging standing up in the kitchen, I didn't even realize that till now!

I have been inspired by a very good friend to help encourage her to loose some of the weight that has crept up on her over the past few years. This is encouraging to me as I want to firm up what is left of my mid-section surplus. I think we can be inspiration to each other and maybe to you, too.

I will leave a link today to Dr McDougalls site. Years ago when we lived in CT I tried his 'diet plan in a box' out with a friend. His beliefs are equal to mine and I found enjoyment in purifying my body through his easy "Health Kits". I totally recommend all of his stuff!

I will be back with more health tips! I just love talking 'healthy'!

Albertsons Ad is Here!!

2009-01-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

here it is!!!

Albertsons Ad Preview

looks like a really good one.....

check out the Grocery Gathering!

Super Sample Sunday

2009-01-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

Just magazines for us this week! A couple good ones for me and the Robb Report for my husband. This is one he used to buy on occasion, so the few free issues were a great treat. (and I felt so proud of myself scoring that freebie for him!)

Did anyone else get any goodies this week?

Yes, we STILL co-sleep.

2009-01-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

The older my daughter gets the more I feel I have to hide our night-time co-sleeping arrangements. It is not the norm here in the states. I feel I am judged and even looked at differently. Some 'old school' teachings suggest I am irresponsible or even negligent. Am I, are my loving ways actually causing ill-effect on my sweet baby? Will she be sleeping with us forever? What do we do when we want to have another child??

I some times wonder if I am coddling her too much or making her too dependent on me. Not being like everyone else has a tendency to make one question their own beliefs. This has sparked a little research on my part, and I am glad I did.

Babies were meant to be held and loved. It is more natural for a child to be close to their parents then to be sleeping alone, isn't it? Babies have so many needs, emotionally and physically, that must be met 24 hours a day, not just during daylight hours, or when convienient for mom and dad. I feel I can best meet these important needs best by having her with me at all times. Attachment parenting is a practice women and families have been doing since time began, and what the rest of the world still does!

As young adults we have that strong pull to find a mate to love and comfort us, support us and hold us at night when we desire. Why should my baby be forced to sleep or cry alone? It is just not normal to 'force' a living being to 'tough it out' on ones own. I won't do it.

Our daughter has a wonderful crib of her own in her lovely, pretty little room. It is everything I have ever wanted for her. She takes naps there, they are now generally 45 minutes to 2 hours two times a day. She has never been much of a sleeper. When she is ready we will convert her crib to a toddler bed, then later to a twin bed. I am sure she will be sleeping on her own by then.

She will let us know when she is ready.

Here are just a few really wonderful articles that I have found which should help answer any questions regarding co-sleeping and the family bed;

Answers to Co-Sleeping questions

How long to Co-Sleep

Co-Sleeping and SIDS

Happy New Year Goals

2008-12-31T19:37:00.000-08:00

2009

Wow, what a year this will be. We have just moved into a new and wonderful home, my daughter will turn 2 later this year and we will rise out of this recession finally with a democrat back in office.

My goal for 2009 is to create an organized home. Between recently moving, having a baby, trying to work on a soap buisness and my husband working AND in college full time our home is not as organized as it used to be. A few places are 'lined up and labeled' as I like it, but the rest is in a sort of chaos.

To reach this goal I will dedicate Tuesday as my organizing day. I will choose one item in the house (be it a drawer, cabinet, box or basket) and tackle it. I feel that by the end of 2009 we will be back to running on a more orderly home. Thus saving time, money and unneeded stress.

Have a wonderful new year!

Great Sale at Crazy 8

2008-12-31T10:40:00.000-08:00

(this shirt is on sale for $2.99!!!)

This store is totally new to me. I live in a small town and don't get to keep up to date on all the wonderful brands available. Crazy 8 is a branch off Gymboree. They promise great Gymboree quality at cheaper prices.(this shirt is on sale for only $1.99)

I placed an order with them a few weeks ago and was more than impressed. For under $25 (after tax and shipping) I got;

5 shirts
1 sweater
2 pants

Thats cheaper than thrift store prices, folks!

They are offering $5 shipping right now and if you sign up for their emails you will get a coupon code for $10 off a $30 purchase. (that is an additional 33% off the clearance prices!!)

Now, quick, go shop!

Albertsons Ad is Here!!

2008-12-30T18:29:00.000-08:00

Here it is;

albertsons ad preview

Boca Burgers are 1.95

Some Kellogs cereals $1.59 (use $1/1 here)

Coffee Mate $1.75 (when you buy 4 and use $1/1 here)

3lb bag of Cuties Clementines BOGO (2.99 I think??,use coupon for .55/1 from paper insert)

oh, pooh. I didn't feel like going shopping again tomorrow, but I guess I have no choice now do I??

(check out the grocery gathering for more grocers)

Home Made Diaper

2008-12-30T16:55:00.001-08:00

Well, I finally did it.

I have been so afraid to try to make a diaper, I mean, if I do a poor job I will end up with a really big mess! I have been researching cloth diapers for a long time now and just came across a really easy pattern by DiaperSewing.com. It really is just instructions and I traced my own cloth diaper for the size and pattern. I used the Fitted Side Snap pattern and I think it turned out wonderfully.
I used some flannel I already had, an ugly receiving blanket in my scrap pile and a cut up cotton pre-fold diaper for the soaker. As I now have a serger I was able to whip this out pretty quickly, between caring for the little one and all. The pretty snaps I purchased at JoAnns during a sale, as well as the awesome investment of the snap gun, maybe $7 for it on sale?? I am soo getting my moneys worth, I use it all the time.

I made this to fit the free diaper cover I won a while back from Andrea (Mamma in Flip Flops2). Woo Hoo, I think I'll make some more!!

Total Cost $1-2ish.
Worth it!

(thank you grandma Laurie, this picture would be nothing w/o the REI socks and the Pottery Barn table & chairs. we are so spoiled!)

Commissary Deals Pac NW

2008-12-30T14:45:00.000-08:00

(check out the Grocery Gathering for your local stores)

I was lucky enough to be able to go to the grocery store by myself today (I think for the second time EVER). This allowed me to use up all of my coupons expiring tomorrow. That in mind, I made a killing at the Commissary. Go quick and you, too, can get these deals!!

(all prices are before coupons, and sales run through the 7th)

Tree Top Apple Juice 1.59 (I used $1/2)

Mazola spray cooking oil 1.00 (I had $1/1)

Kashi Cereal Bars 2.72 (I had $2/1 printable)

Wonka christmas candy .50 for gummies (used $1/2)

Aunt Jemima pancakes and waffles $1.25 ($1/3 coupon on shelf)

Lenders frozen bagles .79 (.50/2 coupon on shelf)

Planters nuts .75 for big jar

Starbucks Coffee 1 lb ground only 3.99

Holiday theme Ziplock freezer bags .95 (used $1/2)

Buitoni fresh pasta 1.59 (used $1/1)

Red Star Yeast jar 2.79 (used .75/1)

Green beans .75lb

Apples, Pink Lady .67lb

Fresh Express Salad Kits $2.22 (used $1/1)

Menu Plan Monday

2008-12-28T16:18:00.000-08:00

After a holiday away, we are ready for some good healthy cooking! We will do low fat, vegan all week and hopefully purge some of those desserts and calorie laden yummies we enjoyed!

monday

stuffing (from freezer)

mashed potatoes (instant)

green beans

boca patty & gravy

tuesday

bean tacos

tons of chopped veggies

potatoes

tofu sour cream

wednesday

no hurry vegetable curry

brown rice

chutney

thursday

chili in the crock (this looks good)

bread machine corn bread

friday

pizza night

veg tray and salad

saturday

pasta-any

bread in bread machine

salad

peas

sunday

baked potatoes

top w/ chili and other goodies

broccoli

Yummy!

bumGenius $8.95!!!!

2008-12-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

I just found this really wonderful website called Home Grown Baby and discovered a deal I cannot keep to myself. They are offering bamboo fitted bumGenius diapers on sale for $8.95. That is a screaming deal.

They are also having a sale on the Happy Heinys at $12.95 per diaper, a really great deal also.

While you are there be sure to pick up something else you need and support a Stay at Home Business Mom!

Super Sample Sunday

2008-12-27T17:39:00.000-08:00

This will be two weeks worth, a fairly decent spread of useful items. I had taken a picture before we left for the holiday but was actually to busy to even post it last Sunday!

Two weeks ago I got the BHG magazine, one I usually try to look at before my daughter destroys it! A calendar and some Zevia coupons I requested.

This week I got two more magazines, popcorn and some dog treats I will save as we may get a dog next year.

What freebies did you get this week?

Coupons

2008-12-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Christmas!

Oh, what an ordeal it was for us coming home to so much snow!! All I will say is that it took us 16 hours to get home from Oklahoma. We are so thankful to be home safely.

.........and, time to stock up my coupons for a shopping trip again!!

Check out Start Making Choices for some really great coupons for Hunts, Pam, Orville, ect..

Buy the Entertainment Book now for $10 off AND free shipping. (It will cost me only $15 shipped, and I will get my money back the first time I use it!!)

A coupon for Free Zout stain remover!!

Morning Star Farms $1/1!! (I can never get enough of these!)

I always love Seventh Generation products, many coupons there as well.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T16:13:00.000-08:00

After a long day of travel (um, 13 hours door to door to be exact) we safely reached our destination. Our daughter was a wonderful flyer. She was great the entire time, not really a surprise, I suppose.

She fussed only twice; once after going through all the lines at SeaTac (get me the HECK out of this Ergo, Mom!!) and once on our 2nd flight, a session of nursing eased that frustration. Oh, the magic powers of nursing.

We have been just so busy visiting family and friends. What a joy to see such welcoming people, I just love getting to know my husbands background and where he 'came from'.

I am so thankful for all I have in my life. Remember all the wonderful things you have in yours.

Have a wonderful Christmas.

wish us luck...

2008-12-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

We have spent what feels like the last two weeks preparing for our holiday trip. We will be flying half way across the country to visit my husbands family for Christmas. It will be the first plane trip for our daughter.

Oh, I hope it goes well.

We have lots of new (used!) books for the trip and a few small quiet toys. I am also planning to bring my nursing cover and nurse in public if need be, which will be a first for me. I have enough snacks to hopefully keep her happy and entertained. I am also planning on bringing the iPod so she can listen to music, really, she loves music so much I think if we hold a earphone up to her ear she might enjoy it, who knows. The laptop will come along as well. She really loves looking at the family pictures on it (especially ones of herself!!).

We will be leaving later tomorrow morning, assuming we can get my car unstuck out of the driveway by then....

(my husband wanted to go run an errand yesterday, he took my car as generally all wheel drive can concur anything, well, he got it stuck half way up our really, really long and steep gravel driveway. He tells me it is sideways...)

We haven't flown since I was pregnant and are disappointed at the new luggage rule, no longer can you check a bag for free anymore, NO, it costs $15 for the first bag for each seat paid for!! The price goes up if you want to bring another bag. We were expecting to pack light, but I did not know that you had to pay for just one bag now...

Wish us luck. We will be in the air for only 2 1/2 hours, then 1 1/2 hours tomorrow with a stop in Denver. Unfortunately there are no Non-Stop flights to Oklahoma City. Shocker :-)

Does anyone have any advice for flying with a one year old??

Playing in the snow.

2008-12-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

Power Outage Preparedness

2008-12-17T23:06:00.000-08:00

We lost our power this morning at about 4 am and it didn't come back on till almost 5 pm. A tree fell on some power lines on my road and 18 families (per the Power company) were out of power.

It hasn't been terribly windy, nor has it snowed more than an inch or two. I think the big old tree was just ready to go. It made a huge mess when it fell, taking out a ton of lines and creating grueling work in this bitterly cold weather for about 8 or more guys the whole day.

We have gotten more than a few power outages during our lives and are generally prepared (ish). I have a drawer in our entry way cabinet dedicated to flashlights, lanterns and candle lighting lighters.

We are really lucky in our new house to have propane heat. We were able to stay warm today and even fire up the stove-top to heat up some soup and easy foods. When the power came back on this evening we had a sink-full of dishes to take care of, thankfully the outage was only so long!

And, lucky for me, I just purchased some disposable diapers and wipes yesterday for an upcoming trip. Boy was I glad to put one on my daughter when we woke up this morning and knew her 'scheduled' 'number two' was coming. Not having water would have made it tricky to deal with such dirty cloth diaper, I was thankful to be able to wrap up the offending package and not mess with it one bit.

I made a little mental list today on what I will keep in our Power Outage Drawer for the future. Being as anti-disposable that I am, I will have to purchase, sign up for free, and, or, scrounge up many of the following items;

Flashlights (the battery/lightbulb drawer is above it)

Matches/ lighters (candles are in a separate closet)

Paper eating products (plates, cups, napkins, plastic utensils)

Disposable Diapers ( I have signed up for all different size freebies, this will be a perfect place for them!)

Baby Wipes (for everything!!)

Portable Radio/ CD player taking batteries

I will keep a gallon or two of water in the storage pantry as usual.

Anyone have any other suggestions?? Does anyone else do this??