Show the Best and Brightest ME Contract

I always tell SD that she needs to try her best, not to look and compare herself to her friends or teacher or anything. Just herself. We are not comparing her work to her classmates' when she brings it home nor are we thinking of what the experts say she should be able to do at her age level.

We are looking at what she was doing last year and at the beginning of this year. We encourage her to learn, grow, and do better each and every year.

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So, on this paper she is promising to bring home 'good school papers.' The most important part of her promise statement though is that each paper should 'show the BEST and BRIGHTEST ME.'

We want her to be proud of herself, her work, and everything she does. We want her to think of this while she is at school, not just at home or when we are talking to her about it. So, my hope is that when she is at school she will think of this paper and be excited to come home and write in many new numbers for all the great assignments she brings home.

I left the numbers blank so that she can fill them in herself. A way for her to practice her handwriting, number writing, counting, and all the while becoming more and more proud of herself and her accomplishments.

When creating one of these contracts for your child, always:

1. Encourage them to be them. Make sure they understand that you just want them to be proud of what they can do. They are very important, and they need to feel that way.
2. Explain or show what is expected. Clearly identify what you mean by being their BEST. Show them work samples that they did in the past that illustrate their BEST work.
3. Allow lots of participation for the child. Like how I allowed space for SD to add in her own numbers as she brings home good assignments. Hang it on the fridge and allow them to show it off when it begins filling up.
4. Make sure they understand every word in the promise. I know SD may not fully understand the words 'promise' or 'brightest', and I could have used 'smartest' instead of 'brightest.' However I chose not to because I like to allow ample opportunities each day for her to grow her vocabulary. Don't underestimate what your kids can learn. Also, using the analogy of the word 'brightest' to a light bulb, SD can visually imagine herself glowing rather than stuffed into a book ('smartest').

What ways do you use to help your kids succeed in school?

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10 Fun & Frugal Father's Day Ideas

Father's Day is right around the corner, taking place on Sunday, June 21st this year. Take this opportunity to show the man in your kid's life how much he means to you and them. Here are some helpful, fun, and thrifty ideas to celebrate Dad.

1. Give him a framed picture.

Yes, this is becoming a little outplayed or boring. So, spice it up too... have the kids decorate the frame, have someone take a picture of the family engaged in a favorite activity, create a montage of favorite past photos, or even have the kids draw a special picture for Dad.

2. Clean his car for him.

Clean the inside and outside to give his car a spot-free shine. Do this the night before so he can be surprised when he wakes up.

3. Fire up the grill for dinner.

Buy his favorite foods and get your grill on. Set the table in your backyard with special decorations. Invite the whole family. After dinner, surprise him with a scrumptious dessert.

4. Rent his favorite movie.

Does he love a certain genre of movies, a certain actor or perhaps just one movie in particular? Get a DVD for him! He might have forgotten how much he enjoys the DVD until he sees it again. Gather your family for a movie night. Don't forget RedBox offers movies for $1 a night.

5. Dad's can love coupons too.

Have your kids write out (or you can write for them) special coupons for Dad to redeem for "Free hugs", "One back rub", or "Quiet time". Have the kids help think up ideas of something Dad would like to have a coupon for.

6. Cookies, Cakes, and Brownies.

Have the kids also help with cooking Dad a special snack or dessert. You can spice this up with special messages on the treats, or bake them in special shapes (ties, trucks, computers, fish, whatever else he likes or does for work).

7. Homemade calendar.

Have the kids help decorate a calendar for Dad that he can hang up at work. Print off pages with calendar dates for June this year to June of next year. Then buy some poster boards or even just use construction paper. Have the kids color, decorate, paint, glue sparkles, etc on the edges of the paper. Then attach the calendar pages in the middle. Add pictures on the backs like a real calendar. Make sure they are facing the right way for when you put it together they are right side up. You can attach the pages together with simple ribbon or string.

8. Hand-painted T-shirt for Dad.

Purchase a plain white T-shirt, or take one from Dad's wardrobe (most will have at least one), and have the kids decorate that any way they want. Use paints, markers, crayons, older kids can even sew or iron on patches. Then when they are done (make sure they leave part blank for this) either trace their hands or dip them in paint and write their names under each corresponding hand.

9. A Mom's Favorite for Dad ~ Breakfast in Bed.

Try giving him one of your favorite special treats. Again, you can even have the kids help, or just make sure they let Daddy sleep in.

10. Little messages of love.

Have the kids write out or tell you so you can write for them things the love about their Dad. Try to make at least 12 so Dad will have a new little message of love to read each month until next Father's Day. Or if you can have them make about 30, he can read one a day every month. Place the messages in a bottle, box, or other container and have an envelope for ones he has already read. Once he goes through them all, take the ones out of the envelope and "reshuffle" back into the container so he can repick.

Do you have any other ideas? What have you tried in past years? Let us know in the comments.

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Home Business Ideas

I have been thinking lately of more and more home business ideas. I am still on a roll with Cash Crate, and I have even made a new blog dedicated to becoming debt free using it. So, check me out there, and once I get my check in March (which I am already guaranteed to get) I will post a pic for you all to see the proof.

In the meantime, besides pouring myself into my kids and Cash Crate, I still need more. Don't we all need more money in this income? So, until my Cash Crate really begins to add up (mostly waiting on getting more referrals, come on all and join me *wink*), I need another form of passive or aggresive income to sustain us.

My newest idea is to teach kids (or adults) how to crochet. My mother taught me, and even though I have never finished a blanket, I know how to crochet and I have always been told that I am a great teacher. The only reason I have not finished a blanket is because of my Rheumatoid Arthritis. However I think that teaching someone for 30 min to an hour a night (or day) a couple of times a week wouldn't kill my arms.

If that idea is not a break out one, I have some others. Such as:

• Tutor
• Selling on Ebay
• Pet sitting
• Baby sitting
• Selling baked goods
• Selling crafty 'recipes in a jar'

Hmm... that's all I think I got for now. Do you have any other ideas or methods you use as supplemental income?

10 Tips to Help You Get Started Earning Money Online Fast with Cash Crate

Yes, it's true. I finally cracked last night and began using Cash Crate to make some money online. I was reading an article on Work At Home Mom Revolution which directed me to Frugal Dad's post for Side Hustles To Keep Your Family Finances Afloat. He has some really great ideas, but some that would not work for me right now. However I grew more curious about other information he gave out on his blog and ended up stumbling across this post about Cash Crate being legit and how much he actually earned himself! He even included a photo of his last check for $203.22!

[For my loyal readers and friends, please click on one of my banners or visit Cash Crate.com if you are interested in joining Cash Crate for yourself. That would help me out greatly. Much appreciated :) ]

I know I had tried doing Cash Crate years ago, however I ended up not making it to the minimum (which was $10) and just became bored of the whole task. Now the minimum payout is up to $20, but I am still going to test it out.

Mostly because Frugal Dad included some helpful tips on how to get started with Cash Crate to earn money in your first month, and then I also did some research and found many other helpful hints, tips, and tricks to help you earn money the fastest using Cash Crate and with only an hour of commitment a day!

Here is a summary of the tips I have discovered, and am using myself:

1. Create a "spam" email account. Instead of using any email account that you actually look at, I suggest creating a free one that you supply to the offers. Supposedly you can use a different email address than the one you specify to Cash Crate, I'm still not sure on that. So, I created one that everything Cash Crate is directed to. I used Gmail to do so, and I applied a filter to all Cash Crate incoming emails to be forwarded to an email I do check since those are the only emails I will care to read.
   
2. Create a "spam" voice mail number. Yes, I was stoked to find this tip. Go to simplevoicebox.com or grandcentral.com (I used Simple Voice Box), and you can set up a free number that you can direct the offers to instead of one of your personal real phone numbers. The number is simply a voice mailbox that you customize, and can check (if you want). Voila. No spam phone calls!
3. Sign up for the Do Not Call list. I had already done a few offers before I found the tip about a free number, so I placed the number I was using onto the Do Not Call list in hopes that these offers will be deterred.
4. Do NOT use a fake address when completing offers. You are required by Cash Crate to provide each offer with valid information, therefore if you give a fake address you may get deleted by Cash Crate or not credited your money. Also, all the information you provide to Cash Crate directly when registering should be accurate, because they send you real checks. Giving them a false name or address will make it impossible to receive and cash these checks.
   
5. Complete the 100% free offers. After registering, go to the “Complete Offers” menu, select “100% Free” from the “Show:” drop down menu filter. These surveys don’t pay as much, but they are typically shorter and do not require a credit card to participate. These are the only offers I am going to complete. Also, sort them by 'Rating' instead of by 'Payout', because you will receive credit for the money earned from those with higher ratings faster.
   
6. Download and use Robo Form. This quick, easy, and free program installs a toolbar in your web browser, and it allows you to save profile information for things like surveys. Then with the click of a button, Robo Form will fill in required information as you have specified. Check out this video I found that shows you how to get started with Cash Crate, and has a little tid bit about Robo Form.
7. Clear your cookies before and after each offer. This will allow you to do the multiple offers, and will make it easier for Cash Crate to confirm your offers quicker. Thus changing your pending money into earned money faster! In FireFox or Flock, you can do this by going to "Tools", "Clear Private Data...", and then unselect all the boxes and only check the one for "Cookies." Then click "Clear Private Data Now."
8. Hit "No" to any and all of the special offers. You do have to submit your information to the first form as indicated by Cash Crate. However after that there will be literally dozens of "special offers" that pop up on many screens after (I don't mean pop ups). This is the most time consuming part of the whole process, and this is where Robo Form comes in handy a great deal. Even if it pops up saying you must say 'yes' to at least one offer, say 'yes' and then on the next page look for a "Skip" or "No thanks" and select that. Do NOT submit your information to any other offers except the first one required by Cash Crate. For help understanding what I am talking about, check out the video I mentioned earlier and around minute 4:00 he actually walks you through completing an offer.
9. You can hit Alt-= to fill in all NO's. When you have a page where there is a list of offers and you have to select 'yes' or 'no' to all of them (always choose no, and yes for only one if required), simply hold down Alt and hit the = key and this will fill in all the No's for you. ;) Pretty cool, huh?
10. On the final page, click on at least 2 offers, let the pages load, and then you're done. At the end of nearly every survey will be a page saying something like "Final Steps: Please complete at least 2 of the offers below." Simply click on two of the offers (usually pictures linking to the site), and let the pages load completely to make them think you visited there. Then close out of all the windows/tabs until you are back at the Cash Crate offers menu. Find the offer you just completed, and hit submit. Once it shows a banner saying it was submitted, clear your cookies like I said in #7. Voila, one offer done and pending. (Also, once you delete your cookies, you will be logged out of Cash Crate, kind of a pain, but simply reload the page and log back in. If you have Robo Form installed, it will save your log in info for you.)

Currently I have $6.30 earned in my Cash Crate account and $24.15 pending, and that was only from signing up late last night. Also, this is the first of the month, so I have 27 more days to earn at least $13.70! I have high hopes that I will be receiving a check around March 15th. LOL. 

Do you use Cash Crate? Did you have a good experience or a bad experience? If you have any other tips or tricks, please share below. Did you find one of my tips helpful? If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, feel free to post a comment below or email me at mel [dot] bail [dot] mama [at] gmail [dot] com.

I Had a Small Heart Attack Today

Ok, first let me say, it wasn't a real heart attack. My health is fine.

However, I almost wasn't when I was looking through the multitude of pictures on my camera's memory card and instead of only deleting one picture, I accidentally deleted them ALL!

Yes, ALL, everything, 100 percent.... AHHHH!!! And of course because I am such a procrasitinator, just guess what pictures were also still on the memory card. Go on, just guess.... What major family holiday just took place? That's right, Christmas. My son's first Christmas (that we took pics and he opened his own presents)!

I died when I saw the "Deleting 100 files" pop up on my screen. What?! 100?! No, I just wanted to delete one, not all of them. I cant remember the exact number, but there were a lot of photos and videos on there.

*Breathe Breathe* There has to be a way to fix this, right? *Sob*

Ok, so dramatics over, one quick search on Google and up pops an eHow article (I love that site) about How to Restore Deleted Files From a Memory Card. Oh perfect, I hope.

Can you believe it actually worked?! Yes, one simple program that you just simply have to download (no installation needed) can restore just about any deleted files on hard drives, memory cards, etc. Terrific. And it isn't even a new program! But it's free!

So, what program is it? Well, if you haven't scooted over to the eHow article yet, I will tell you: It is Restoration available through Snapfiles.

If this has happened to you or especially if it happens often, I recommend downloading this program. I have done so, and have found no bugs or viruses. It also works well with Windows Vista.

Try using this before you do a system restore, because if you do that instead then your files may be lost forever.

Has this ever happened to you? Were you able to get your files back? Or would this program have come in handy?

Feelings of Accomplishment

I am feeling rather accomplished and proud today. I have finally gotten through to my husband that I need help around here, and it is going to happen whether he likes it or not. I got all the dishes cleaned and caught up on, and I refuse to let them get behind again. If my husband fills any with water, I stand over him until he washes them himself. I have demonstrated to him my concept of rinsing dishes with hot water instead of "soaking" them and how much more effective it is. Needless to say, he finally saw my point of view. (Now if only I can get rid of that nasty smell coming up from the sink drain.)

I have also finalized (for now) the chore list and system that hubby, Mack, and I are going to follow daily from now on. I spent an entire night deciding on the chores, frequency needed, and who can do what. I know I talked about using Chore Buster awhile ago, but that will only work if you already have everyone pitching in with the chores. No one was before, so I had to get a system in place first.

After a whole night of debating, categorizing, and analyzing I have come up with a solution.

This is a picture of the Family Chore list I posted on our fridge. Each person has their own set of chores, and even a few days off. I had to create it in a way that was fitting to their activity spans now, so as you can see my husband only has one chore a day and one day off completely. Then Mack has between 1 and 3 chores a day with the weekends off (because she spends time at her Grandma's). I know you can see that I got the sh** end, because I have at least one chore everyday and a few days I have 4 chores. However it's easy because I like dishes done a certain way, and everyone has to wash their own dishes anyways. So, really my chore of "washing dishes" entails my own dishes and any meal dishes (pots, pans, etc.). Having it written like this though and already having everyone trained to follow through and wash their own plates and stuff, they don't notice my little loophole *wink* So don't tell them.

Do you have a chore list for your family? Does it work? How is it set up?

My Struggle With Depression Goes On

This is an old post that I never published.

I am still struggling through my feelings of daily depression. I thought that moving to a newer, cleaner, better apartment would have ended most of my troubles. Unfortunately, it hasn't and I am beginning to see that most of my troubles are actually stemming from something besides my environment and money issues. I am discovering that my husband is behind a lot of my woes.

Not to bash him 100% here, but he does try and help me around the house once in awhile. However it is his lackadaisical habits that have me ripping my hair out right now. We have gotten through our money talks and he has agreed to give me all income and let me sort it out, which is a giant step for him and his 'spending issues.' Now if only I can get him to either not touch my kitchen, or clean up after himself in there, I would be all set.

Of course, every woman's dream man, right?

But honestly, how hard is it to clean up after yourself, guys? Since moving into this new apartment, I have busted my butt to keep up on the dishes each and every day. Then my one night that I talked about a little while ago, where I felt like doing nothing, resulted in a pile of dishes filled with gross water in the sink.

My husband's philosophy on dishes is that if you fill them up with water to "soak" then they are easier to wash. Ok, this may be true if the dishes are days old, with lots of caked on food. However if they are less then 2 hours old, all you have to do is blast them with hot water for about 30 seconds and the scrub with a sponge. Voila. Simple, done, finito.

But no, not him. And I have an issue (and he knows this) about touching dishes that are filled with gross, cold water and been sitting for awhile. However I have still been keeping up on any and all dishes that I use personally, plus I will wash one or two that I am not so grossed out about at the same time.

Unfortunately, any effort I make is not enough, and is always cut shorter when my husband steps into the kitchen. (For example, I had washed a bowl I used for lunch today, and he dropped some chocolate syrup on it while it was drying on the counter. Instead of quickly washing it or rinsing it, he dumps it in the sick and fills it with water! Why?)

Is anyone out there in the same boat as me? Have you and your husband gotten through something like this? If so, please let me know of some pointers. I am at a loss.

Ranting Session

I want to get something off my chest that has been bugging me for the past few weeks, and it can explain my lack of postings at the beginning of this week. And no, it is not really due to us moving, because I don't even have the energy to do a lot of unpacking or cleaning.

Most of you may not know this, but I have been suffering from what seems to be post-partum depression. I haven't really talked to anyone about it, or mentioned it at all really. I think I was either in denial, or mostly just not caring about... well anything. It hit me a few days ago when hubs and I got into an argument, and I just sat on the couch for hours afterwards. I didn't move, didn't talk, didn't eat or drink, I didn't even care to watch my son, pick him up, or giggle when he was being cute, and he was being oh so very cute.

Even as I sat there and noticed that I wasn't wanting to do anything, I was disgusted with myself for being that way, which made me feel worse. I felt like such a horrible mother, wife, and person. What was wrong with me? My son is my life, and yet I still didn't feel like living.

Well, what spurred my feelings has been my husband's comments lately. I always ask him for help with the baby while I cook dinner or finish something up on the computer (like coupon tracking or budgeting), and his way of helping is sitting my son on his lap while he continues to play on the computer. Of course, my son will always get bored, fuss, and run to bug me again. I love my son, and I would put anything down for him. But I am trying to make our family life better and I ask my husband for just 5 minutes of help, and he can't even do that. *Which by the way, my husband is disabled and cannot work outside the home presently, but he can help me with physical things around the house.*

Then when I mention how frustrating it is that my husband can't even look up from his computer games for longer than 2 seconds to help me, I get yelled at and called a 'useless blogger.' He says that I make him feel like a bad father when I mention things like that, but it's true. All he does is bury his head in an online game or chat room. I can't even get him to look up and see when my son is doing something adorable.

Afterwards, me and him talked and he apologized for what he said, but it didn't take away my feelings of emptiness and pointlessness. Here I am, busting my ass, trying to save our family as much money as I can, get us out of debt, and also finding ways to make our lives better, while raising our kids and carrying our third child. I am tired and overwhelmed. And for what? Why am I busting my ass for someone that doesn't appreciate my efforts?

Now most women in this situation that I've known are there because they don't ask for help, or whatever. But for me, that's not the case. I ask him for help, not all the time, just occasionally and only for a few minutes. Is that so hard? I try not to be nagging, but I physically do not have the energy to be standing, cleaning, cooking, caretaking, etc etc all day long. I can only do about 10 minutes of any activity before I need to sit down and take a break.

Usually in that time, my husband will grab the remote and change the channel (even though he is not even turned and watching the TV, just playing on the computer with the TV behind him). This of course upsets me, because when I go to sit down and relax until my next burst of energy I am stuck watching Chowder or some other horribly created show. (This is what spurred our argument the other day.)

Stupid things, yes I know. But I am a homemaker trying her damndest to make her house a home, and with a one year old at foot & a lil gremlin mullin around inside, I am tired all day long. I have so many ambitions, but I cannot get any of them done on my own.

I know my anger is justified and all, and that's not the issue. Hmm... I am not sure what I am trying to say here, but I am just trying to get my feelings out. I want to notice them, realize them, and hopefully find it in me to get help for myself. I dread the days these feelings come over me, but I have never been more fearful of them until the other day when I was so depressed that I couldn't even move. To have such feelings of despair, emptiness, and gloom while my son is running around, laughing, and playing peekaboo is not right. It is even worse that I do not care to get help for it. I don't want to feel that way anymore. I'm not in high school. I am an adult, a wife, a mother. I have others to care for, little gentle souls that count on me. It is not all about me.

So, why do I feel this way?

My Own Reading Program for a One Year Old

As I type, I have been in the midst of working on my very own version of how to teach my son to read. I have seen the infomercial for "Your Baby Can Read" and was astounded to find out how big of a trend this is. They have a system and it does seem to work on so many babies ages 3 months to 3 years.

I also found so many sites dedicated to Dolch words for beginner readers, word card suggestions, even a short article by Gwynne Spencer about how she taught her son to read using manicure scissors at 3 years old!

Then that got me thinking, 'If Gwynne created her own method that encouraged her son at 3, why can't I create my own method for my son at 1?' He is already interested in learning so many new things, like sign language, new foods, new places, etc. He is an open book for me to write LOL.

So, here I am, ready and willing to get started, and my first step was to identify the words I wanted to teach him. I was reading this article on eHow.com where they suggest to make 100-200 word cards and show them to your baby 3 times a day for no more than 30 seconds each. How you do it is by showing one new word a day until you get to 5 words, then retire the first word, etc etc. For more details, please go read the article, it is very informative.

I decided to identify my own 100+ words that I would like to teach my son. I started with his body and his environment. Mostly words that are easy for me to show him.

As I got over 100 words, I began thinking of an idea I had when I was younger... I wanted to write words on name cards for objects around the house and then tape them to each object, like what they do in preschools. I did this for a short while with my step daughter, however with many moves and all, the cards became torn or lost.

But that would be perfect to lead my son into the venture of reading. My goal is going to be to make these name cards again, and as I tape them up I will have my son with me. I will read the word, show him the object and then he can help or watch me tape it on (hopefully out of reach and for good, otherwise I will be replacing them often).

Then the everyday game I want to play is by making index cards with the words of the objects on them. I will show him a card, read it off, and then go show him the object. Eventually I want him to be able to run around and show me the objects as I show him the card. I have no goal for a length of time for him to learn, and I am taking a more direct approach than one word a day. I am going to treat it more like with sign language. I sign to him as often as I can.

I will do the same thing with the reading cards I make. Every time I say the word, I will show him the card (and probably sign as well). At this age, kids are sponges to information. Their brains are still developing and capable of taking in much more information than most people give them credit for. My son was able to pick up on his routine in only 2 weeks, and then we moved and he still was accustomed to his routine in the new environment.

I have been astounded by my son's intelligence and I really want to give him more credit than I have been. No more am I going to think, 'oh no he is too young for that,' because he can never be too young to be exposed to the real world and education.

Do you have any amazing teaching stories of your kids? Please share with us here. All links welcome! Videos of your kids being amazing would be great, too.

Yay I am Moving!

Well, finally... the day has come that I was not expecting. We were finally accepted for a new apartment. We have been looking and looking and waiting (not so patiently) for something in our price range (low income) and cleaner than where we are now. I am not proud of my current abode, and do not post many pics or videos because of it.

However that is all about to change. My MIL's contact at a real estate agent actually helped us out and found us an amazingly clean and cheap apartment ($825 a month, including heat and hot water). For those of you not familiar with the market here in Central Mass, that is a deal!! Right now we are paying $650 with nothing included, and the place is a dump. Really the building should be condemned like the one next door was. I have felt depressed and guilty forcing my children to live here in such conditions, but tried my damndest and more to make it homey, comfortable, and clean. Mostly my son is confined by a puzzle gate on the area rug in the living room, which has been getting ever more difficult with his newly found walking skills.

So, anyways, I never held my breath that our credit would be accepted anywhere better, and sat here and listened while my parents, brothers, and other family members knocked the only place we could afford or be accepted to live in. (Personally, if you are not willing to help out, then really you should have no say in the situation we are in now.) But that's a different issue that will soon be history.

Of course, knowing my mother and the perfect rental units she lived in because of being a military family, she will find something, if not many things, to complain and irk me about. She means well, but she doesn't always know when to keep her perfect opinions to herself.

The new place is small, ok much smaller, than where we are now. However, I have been begging hubby to help me downsize on our clutter forever now. This is the exact incentive we need. Also, the best part about our new apartment is... Salvation Army is right across the street! How much more perfect can it get? I can donate all that old clothes from high school that I will never wear again (and never let my daughters wear), and then go inside and find some real deals on maternity clothes that actually fits me. I am happy.

So, yeah, I will try my best and keep up with posting as this was very sudden and last minute. I am a bit upset with myself that I still don't have reserve posts, however this way I can post updates on the move and how everything is going with 'the fam' in our new place. Wish us luck cramming into a smaller apartment, and if you have any tips about decorating for a very small apartment, please feel free to email me or comment here with them.

16 Days of New Things ~ Days 10/11/12

Yes, I know I have not updated into the New Things, but I have been learning and busy doing so. I have found quite a vast resource while diving into the new lifestyle of frugality. Now, I am ready to share it with all of you.

If you are interested in how to live a frugal lifestyle, and are serious about trying all avenues, then I suggest visitng About.com. I have always loved this website, and they are filled with a vast knowledge on an array of topics.

Right now, I am reading the article called 'Simple Ways to Slash Your Grocery Bill.' At first, I thought it would be just how to coupon effectively or how to track prices, but the steps and articles they link to involve so much more. Also, they put all the information right at your fingertips, so it is now just up to you to read, follow, and live frugally.

There are 10 steps involved under this article and they are:

1. Only Buy On Sale
2. Plan Your Menu Around the Sales
3. Be Willing to Substitute
4. Buy Ingredients Instead of Prepared Meals
5. Shop Seasonally
6. Switch to Generic
7. Buy Reduced Price Items
8. Shop at Drug Stores
9. Cherry Pick
10. Stack Discounts

Simple right. I love it! However then reading under each number, I was amazed and thrilled to find additional and very helpful resources.

Such as, under #5, they have a link to the articles 'The Cheapest Fruits and Vegetables Month by Month' and 'The Best Time to Buy Everything.' Yes, everything! Food and non-food items. This list covers when you should stock up on party, grill, and pool supplies, the best times to buy winter or summer clothing, etc. A very useful tool for someone like me that never had to or was taught to pay attention to those things. I always just thought it was common sense to stock up on Christmas decorations after Christmas or Halloween candy after Halloween. However this list is not just about those items or times.

Also...

I have also started a price book, however I found anther extremely helpful website, Uncommon Way to Wealth, that actually has a free Excel spreadsheet that you can download. It has all the formulas, etc already entered (which I was having trouble figuring out). So, all you have to do is read the sample page that explains how it's easiest to use, and then start entering your prices on the Price Sheet.

There are many, many more resources on this website, but I have only skimmed the surface into my frugal living. So, I would rather have all my ducks in a row before I begin diving any deeper. However I have noticed that these articles have opened so many simple doors for me (no key required). How great is that?!

Check out these websites and let me know how helpful or accurate you think they are. And, tell me... have you started a price book? If so, what is included in yours?

Santa Stationary

I just spent the better part of the last 2 hours scouring the Internet in search of a 100% customizable Santa letter and/or Santa stationary that I could print for free. (Yes, I am cheap.) The only reason I waited until now is because hubby wanted an extra special reminder to our 6 year old, who has not been the best of best lately (including bed time tonight).

She already had a call from Santa, and a visit to see him and take pictures. However I did agree that maybe if our words were not sinking in, perhaps a written (or printed) note from a higher up in her world would help us out.

The problem I ran into tonight is even though the letters are cute and you can personalize them, they are not customizable. They either mention going to bed early, leaving carrots and cookies out, or the letter she sent him. Well, she is already in bed and will be getting the letter tomorrow morning in her stocking, we already left everything out for Santa, and she did not send him a letter. So, I was hitting roadblock after roadblock.

Finally I decided instead of searching for an already made personalized Santa letter, I would just search for Santa stationary.

Bingo.

Oh but wait, the stupid companies put their watermarks and logos all over the stupid thing. Why? Seriously, why do you need to publicize yourself on an image that is meant to be read by a child? How far are these companies willing to go to sabotage our children's fragile minds?

Well, luckily for me, I said there is no way I am printing it like that. A quick copy-paste into Photoshop and a few patches later, voila...

A beautiful ready to print and write on Santa stationary. All I had to do was save it and upload it into Word to create an 8.5 x 11 image to print and write on. (I like the more personalized touch of actual writing. Santa shouldn't be too far into this technology age. He's still riding in a sleigh!)

Feel free to download and save the image above. If it doesn't come out 100% perfect, and mine really did, then feel free to email me at mel.bail.mama {at} gmail {dot} com. I can send you the image or the saved Word document with the image already in it.

Good luck! And Happy Holidays to you and yours!

~Mel

16 Days of New Things ~ Day 9

Well, continuing with my journey through the land of couponing and sales, I have come discover one very intriguing thing. Did you know that when you buy a 12 pk of soda for $2.50, 1 can costs only 21 cents?!

Ok, yes I am new to the whole mommy homemaker thing, and I have no idea why it took me this long to discover something so mundane. I would willingly pay $0.75 to $1.25 for a can at a diner, but now I see the difference.

Here are some other prices I have simplified and I am stunned to see the real cost of things:

1 tablet of Tylenol = $0.11
1 roll of toilet paper = $0.23
1 bar of soap = $0.50
1 kaiser roll = $0.42
1 roll of paper towels = $0.69
1 oz laundry soap = $0.06
1 oz of ice cream = $0.05
1 packet of hot chocolate = $0.19
1 frozen waffle = $0.23
1 egg = $0.18
1 AA or AAA battery = $0.75
1 bagel = $0.42

These are the prices of the cost of some items I saw in Stop & Shop today simplified. What are the simplified costs of some of the things you buy?

16 Days of New Things ~ Day 6 & 7

My apologies for not posting yesterday, I was only able to be online for a few hours when I suddenly was struck with a massive migraine that did not go away until I went to bed at 10.

So, I will post two things today.

Day 6

I found an interesting website that I am curious about other people's opinions on and would like to help promote. It is called CharityAds.org. If you visit the website, you can click once per day per charity and they will donate money to that given charity. The cost to you ~ NOTHING!

That's right, it is absolutely 100% FREE to you. All you have to do is click! So, why would you not do something like that?

They way it works, according to their website, "CharityAds.org turns over all the net proceeds from our Sponsors to the charity whose page generated the view or purchase."

So, what is your opinion? Let me know in the comments below.

Day 7

I am in the midst of a huge lifestyle change for my family. Yes, I am talking about coupon clipping (and using). I added that last part, because I have always been avid at looking at, thinking about, and sometimes even clipping coupons out. However, I never really use them. I would talk and talk about it for hours, but when it comes down to it, we would always be in such a rush I would forget all about them.

So, today I was determined (and lets hope this lasts) to find a method, outline the way, and do it.

I went to multiple blogs that I already read, The Coupon Coup, Freebies 4 Mom, and even $5 Dinners for advice, tips and tricks. I ended up getting led all over to keep finding and researching more, and I ended up at CouponMom.com.

The reason I stopped here is because she has an increasingly in depth database filled and updated weekly with store sales and circular coupon deals. She tells you where to find the coupons, and when to use them, etc. The best part about this site, it is FREE!

She even has a few eBooks to help you get started (and yes those are available for free as well).

So, this is where my journey has taken me today. I am following her advice (possibly a bit more in depth than most) and aiming to really get my family into reaping the rewards of saving.

How about you? What new thing(s) have you learned today?

15 Days of New Years Resolution ~ Day 4

Today's resolution by Jessica is "Fight the Frump."

Huh?

Yes, I said the same thing. Basically it's to lose weight, but it goes deeper than that. Jessica explains it as "having confidence, introducing a little more glamour and fashion into our lives, and looking healthy because we’re living a healthy lifestyle." Amen to that, sista!

For most people, losing weight will make them feel better about themselves. Also, if you watch shows like TLC's What Not To Wear, then you know it is a major DON'T to lose weight and not get rid of your old "fat" clothes simply because they are comfortable. If your body changes drastically, then you need a whole new wardrobe.

I am guilty as sin of this faux pas. I had my son last December, and when I found out I was pregnant last month it was not a big deal wardrobe-wise because I was still wearing (and keeping) ALL of my maternity clothes! Big no-no.

Well, being a stay-at-home mom for the past year, I have been slipping deeper and deeper into Frumpy Land. I only wear jeans when I am leaving the house, and on occasion I have been known to wear the same shirt or sweater over and over. There was also a time that I would only bathe with my son, and still neglect to wash my own hair! I am so busy worrying over every little aspect of his life, that I completely neglect myself. Even worse, I am right back in the loop this new year.

So, I am going to adopt this resolution to Fight the Frump and add it to my 43Things. Being pregnant and already in Frumpville (yes I changed the name, I can do that, I am mayor), it is going to take a lot of extra energy to achieve this goal in the next few months and then keep it up after the baby is born in April.

Well, I also have to spill the beans of my naughty little trick from today, because it goes along with helping me to Fight the Frump. Today, hubs and I finally paid off our layaway at KMart, and brought home all the items. That included the Wii Fit that I have been absolutely dying for. As soon as we make it home, yes, I begged hubby to set it up for me. (Don't worry I will save the box to wrap up so Mack will think that Santa brought it and set it up for us. LOL. She's at Grandma's until Sunday anyways.)

Yay I finally got my Wii Fit!

Although I am preggo, I couldn't set a goal to lose weight just yet, so I actually put it so my goal was to gain weight (yes it lets you do that, and you can change your goal every 2 weeks). I won't go into many details just yet, I will save them for my review, but I do like it and hubs and I have decided to work on it for 30 minutes twice a day (or at least him). He lost 1.8 pounds in only 30 minutes earlier today! Which, if accurate, is awesome!

Anyways, so yes the Wii Fit will be part of my routine to battle my Fibromayalgia, stregthen my mucles for childbirth, and then get my body back after April. I will Fight the Frump of being a stay-at-home mommy.

15 Days of New Years Resolution ~ Day 3

Getting Organized is a major hassle for about 90% of the people I know. And yes, I am included. Especially with a newly 1 year old running (yes running) around grabbing things, organization is void in my household.

However, Jessica is suggesting it, and I must adopt this one as well, because otherwise I may as well lose my sanity if I don't get all the papers, documents, etc in proper place.

Jessica identifies 3 main aspects to help anyone get organized (check out her posting for more in depth about each category):

• Online Organizing Systems & Resources
• Getting a Good Calendar or Organizer
• Being Consistent

Well, until I had my son, I could never keep up with a calendar. However in the past year, doctor's appointments, counseling, dentist appointments, school closings, day care, and Girl Scouts with my step daughter have made it absolutely necessary to keep track of the family's activities. A few times I had lost my calendar, however I would always find it under the clutter and get right back on track. I found a method and I have to stick with it otherwise I will get confused.

When I started blogging, I took Jessica's advice to track things using Google Calendar. That did not last very long, because I do much better when things are written down rather than online. This allows me to plan on the go, as well as visually see at a glance what is coming up. I did want to keep up with Google Calendar because it has the feature of auto email and pop up reminders. However I cannot guarantee that I will be sitting at my computer when I need to be. So until there is a time that will actually be more convenient than my small paper calendar notebook, I am just going to stick it out the old pen and paper way.

So, with all that being said, I would like to interject that not only should you be consistent in whatever method you go with, you should find a method or tool that works into your life now.

Don't forget to enter to win a set of custom napkin rings for the New Year. It ends tomorrow!

15 Days of New Years Resolution ~ Day 2

Okay I must admit that this resolution I am not adopting, even though I should. Today's new resolution suggestion from Jessica is "Better Budgeting."

My family has many issues in this department, however I have a major problem with getting my husband on track 100% of the time. So, all my carefully laid out plans fall flat on their face after no more than a week.

So, I guess for this day, I will add "Get my husband on the better finance track." (LMAO! Oh I had to crack up while I was typing that.)

So, if you have any ideas to help me with this goal, feel free to leave a comment below for me.

Don't forget to enter to Win a set of custom napkin rings for the New Year.

16 Days of New Things ~ Day 3

I am happy that we are getting a lot more feedback generated for this series. Today marks Day 3 of '16 Days of New Things'. If you would like to join us, simply RSVP with the Mr. Linky below and/or add your comment below.

Today I would like to share with you how to teach your infants and young toddlers sign language. I was set on doing this since I was pregnant with my son for many reasons. First, I had a friend in middle school that was deaf and I learned sign language (mostly the Alphabet) to communicate with her easier. Second, my nephew has laryngeal papillomas, which prevent him from being able to talk loudly among other things. His speech therapist has also been working with teaching him sign language so he can better communicate to his family, and I would like my son (his cousin) to be able to communicate with him as well, especially when they are older.

And lastly, there are many benefits to teaching your young children sign language, including my favorite, the fact that they can communicate before even learning how to speak! A few months ago my son would eat everything and anything and never seem full, but suddenly he would only sit at the dinner table for about 5 minutes and then throw a hissy fit to get down. I could not figure out if he was still hungry, full, or just wanted to still run around and play.

I had been using signs for months, and I started overemphasizing 'More' when I knew he wanted something to eat (like snacks I fed him one by one). When he would hold his mouth open (which I knew he meant he wanted more) I would show him the sign for 'More' and help motion his hands in the same way. After only a month, now he can do it all by himself, so my problem of not knowing what's the matter (in terms of More) have been solved.

So, those are the benefits in a nut shell, now how can you do it. Just as I said how I taught my son 'More.' You know what your kids are trying to say (some of the time) and if you do then take that opportunity and use their frustration to teach them how to communicate. Since they cannot grasp verbal commands yet, the physical signs are easy and perfect for them. My son picked up on me asking him where is 'Water' was after only a week! Then it got harder when we mixed up what was in his bottle (milk, juice, and water). However if you keep a seperate cup or bottle for each different item, it will be simple for your young toddler to grasp the signs and meanings right away.

Now your turn, what is something new you have learned today? Or do you have something that you know about that you would like to share with others?

16 Days of New Things ~ Day 2

If you missed Day 1, check it out here. There were some wonderful contributions over there.

Oh yeah, here we are at Day 2 of my "16 Days of New Things" series, and if you are reading this on my site then you can see the new thing I learned last night. That's right, I made this layout all by myself. I wanted to try my hand at my own web design, and my goal was to start it next year. However last night, I was just in the mood, and it did not take me long at all. A few googled words and phrases, along with still a few kinks to figure out, and viola! My new layout.

I made the graphic in Photoshop (by the way click that link and you can see my other Photoshop art) a few days ago, and then decided to go with a simple plain colored background. I am still not sure about how I like how the colors mesh. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

Now your turn, what is something new you have learned today? Or do you have something that you know about that you would like to share with others?

16 Days of New Things ~ Day 1

Yay! We are at day 1 of my "16 Days of New Things" and gearing up for the new year. If the outcome of this series is great enough, I am considering extending it over to its own blog full time. So, if that sounds interesting to you, then get involved here on this blog's posts and subscribe to know when and if it goes full time.

One thing I would like to share my knowledge on is my method for getting my son to sleep in his own crib. I started 4 days ago, because I want him to be completely on his own when his little sister arrives in April. My method has been to establish and stick to a daily bed time routine. That routine has been dinner, bath, dress, and straight into crib.

Now I will go into the details, so you can understand that I follow every step to the T, and this way he knows exactly what I am going to do. Once he is in his crib, I will read him a small book (I have been using the same book) while he drinks from his bottle, then I will turn off the lights, hug him while I sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star once. Right after, I lay him down on his pillow, kiss him goodnight, and walk out of the room.

On the first night, he cried for an hour straight. I would go in once every 10 minutes, find his thrown binkie and give it back to him, hug him until he calmed down and then lay him right back onto his pillow.

On the second night, I followed the same routine and he only cried for about 40 minutes.

Not expecting any improvement and following all my methods above, after laying him down, he only fussed for about 10 minutes! It was such a short time, I wasn't sure if he was really asleep, so I checked and sure enough he fell right over onto his lap and passed out.

Then last night being the 4th night, and his big birthday bash being that day, I was not sure what to expect. Also, he had quite a diaper rash which I am assuming is from an allergic reaction to Cinnamon (confirming at next doc appt), but I followed my same routine and around 8 PM laid him down and he didn't even try and get up. He closed his eyes and fell asleep right with me in the room. I was completely surprised, and I am very relieved.

It is tough though, getting through listening to him cry. I thought so many times that I could not deal and I just wanted to hug him and stop altogether. However I got myself through it by reassuring myself that it is for his own good and mine. I am teaching him a great life skills of independence, patience, and self-soothing. Also, this will help me to get a better night's sleep, which apparently I need (but don't all parents).

Now something new I have learned today: I have fibromayalgia.

Now your turn, what is something new you have learned today? Or do you have something that you know about that you would like to share with others?