16 Days of New Things ~ Day 13

This was supposed to be added into my previous post, but I will just give it it's own.

Did you know that you could freeze milk, eggs, and butter?

I didn't before, but I do now. I also know how to do it. Thanks to another great article I found on About.com here are some unusual foods that can be freezed.

Eggs

Mix the yolks and egg whites together, and pour into an ice cube tray. Two cubes are the equivalent of one large egg.

Milk

Store in its original container, but pour out enough milk to allow for expansion – approximately a cup per gallon of milk. Thaw in the refrigerator, and shake well before using.

Butter

Store in its original container. Thaw in the refrigerator to use.

Bananas

Freeze in peel. Then, simply thaw and peel to use in smoothies and breads. Note: the peel will turn black, but that won't effect the quality of the banana at all.

Celery

Wash and chop to desired size. Then, flash freeze on a tray, and transfer to a freezer bag or another air-tight container. To use: add the frozen celery directly to soups or other heated dishes.

Tomatoes

Wash thoroughly. Then, freeze whole and unpeeled on a tray. Transfer to freezer bags once fully frozen.

Fresh Herbs

Chop finely. Then, place in an ice cube tray along with a small amount of water. To use: simply drop frozen cubes directly into heated dishes.

Nuts

Freeze (either in shell or shelled) in a freezer bag or another air-tight container.

Zucchini and Other Squash

Wash and chop to desired size. Then, blanch for three minutes; allow to cool; and freeze in an air-tight container.

Apples

Freeze whole or chopped, peeled or unpeeled.

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?

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 8

Busy, busy bee. But aren't we all?

I have been working to get things in order for the holidays, along with a venture into the world of couponing as I talked about in my last post. I have been one busy Mama.

Unfortunately in all our busy errand running and holiday preparations, my house has been neglected and is now in complete disarray. I have a newly walking 1 year old that loves to get into everything he can, because he can. We had a bookcase filled with DVDs and CDs, well it was filled, now the contents are spilled all over the floor daily. I try and pick them up, just for them to be pulled back down in 5 minutes.

I love my son, and I love watching him develop daily, but I could really do without the naughty "What's this?" curiosity he has adopted. He is so curious to see what his limits are, and what he can do with things now that he can walk around freely.

So, a few things I have learned about toddlers and living room furniture:

• Always go for entertainment centers that have drawers or doors to hide things behind.
• Tuck wires behind anything available.
  
• Open bookcases that go all the way to the floor, a no-no.
• Never leave anything on a table that is short enough for them to touch the top.
• Never, and I mean never, have table covers/cloths that drape far enough down that they can grab them. Especially if there are things on top of that table. (Even if you are using that cloth to cover items you would not like baby to get ahold of. Find another place for those things.)
• If possible, try to not open drawers in front of your toddler. However if they do happen to see and catch on that those open if pulled on, invest in baby safe locks that attach to the outside. The ones that go inside and you push down to open, still allow a few inches to reach your fingers in. So, it is a possibility that baby can do the same thing and get their fingers smooshed.

What have you learned today? What would you like to share that you already know? Please join us with the Mr. Linkie and in the comments below.

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?

16 Days of New Things ~ Day 5

Almost forgot to post a new thing for today. LOL. I have been so busy with learning my "new thing" but I guess I should share with everyone in my "16 Days of New Things."

Day 5 of '16 Days of New Things'

Today, DH and I picked up our layaway from KMart after making our last payment, and I am sure most of my Twitter friends know what was included. The Wii Fit!!

That's right. I now am the proud owner of a Wii Fit. So, even though we were supposed to wait and have it be a present from Santa to the family, I just couldn't. And SD is spending the long weekend with her grandma, so it was the perfect opportunity to bust into it.

As simple as some of the tasks would seem in your mind, once you are on the board it is hard to actually grasp your center of gravity accurately. You think, "Of course, I know what I'm doing..." blah blah blah. Oh let me tell you how wrong I was.

I am pretty much Pro at the Ski Jump and all Yoga positions. However the balance games are kicking my bootie like nothing else could.

Now some of you may be thinking, but aren't you pregnant? Why are you 'working out'?

Well, exercise is important for everyone, no matter what condition your body is in. Especially being diagnosed with Fibromayalgia, exercise is key to kicking the condition. Also, exercises like Yoga and the Balance Games will help me to strengthen, lengthen, and stretch my muscles and get ready for childbirth. Also, I do believe that someone once told me that if you consistently exercise during your pregnancy, then it is easier to get your body "back" after the baby is born.

So, what new thing did you do or learn today? Let us know in the comments below.

16 Days of New Things ~ Day 4

Day 4 of '16 Days of New Things'

How are you liking things so far? If you are new, welcome, please RSVP below and add a comment about something you would like to share or something you just learned today.

Today's post will be short and sweet. I just wanted to share a website I found that I have been using on and off for a few weeks now, called Daily Mugshot.

Did you ever see the project from some guy about a year ago where he took a picture of himself in the same spot, same expression, and same time for a year? Then he played the pictures in a quick slideshow and you could literally see him progress throughout the days, weeks, and months.

Well, that is what Daily Mugshot can help you do for yourself. Check out my Mugshow below, and if you scroll your mouse over it, options will appear at the top to slow down the speed and even change the direction. I haven't been 100% consistent with it, but after a few years I am sure it will grow into something.

Daily Mugshot

I also started one with my son. Although for myself I use a webcam, I cannot do that with him because he is way too squirmy. So, I use our digital camera and upload the pics. It takes about two seconds, and puts together nicely. His doesn't have as many as mine, because I lost out camera for a time and just found it today. But like I said, after a few years (maybe 10+ for him) it would really turn into something amazing and neat.

Daily Mugshot

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!

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?

15 Days of New Years Resolution ~ Day 1

Ok, so this started yesterday and I was a part of it, but I forgot to post the information here. Sorry... please forgive me. However I am sure you got your fill of me yesterday with my 16 Days and Unconscious Mutterings.

So, just quickly, Jessica Knows is having a wonderfully great and helpful series to those who want to get the New Year started on the right foot, 15 Days of New Years Resolutions. Yesterday it began, and I signed up with 43Things.com (again) to keep track of my goals and progress.

Also, I 'subscribed' through 43Things to all the women that are following Jessica Knows series so that when they come up with a new goal, I can cheer them on. Unfortunately, you are limited to only 5 cheers a day I think, so this isn't helpful if you have 10+ people that start a new goal per day. However, I will check out their blogs, etc and keep up with motivating them as I would love for others to motivate me.

So, check out Jessica series (start here to find out more about it), then check me and the others out on 43Things.com, and join us. We are also twittering about it using the hashtag #15DaysNYE. Simply go to Summize.com and type in '#15DaysNYE' and it should bring up all tweets including that tag. If you need help, simply email me at mel.bail.mama {at} gmail {dot} com or tweet me @Mama4Kids.

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

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?

16 Days of New Things

What do you think of our new look?

I have always tried to make a point of learning something new each and every day. Now these do not have to be big things, anything little counts. If you didn't know about something or how to do something, then you are learning something new. This improves your life skills in many ways.

I want to extend this goal out to my blogging community readership, and if this is received well enough I may consider taking it onto its own blog permanently into the New Year.

So, beginning on Monday, December 15th and going roughly until the end of the year I will post a new thing that I learned or can tell others about each day. The topics will more than likely vary greatly as I have quite a random knowledge base.

Then for anyone that wants to participate, simply comment on one (or more) thing(s) you learned on that day. Or provide other readers with some knowledge that you have to share. Some examples to get you all on the right track: how to get my son to sleep on his own, a new recipe I found, a helpful organization tip, a great motivational blogger, etc.

The only thing I ask is that you keep the language 90% clean, be creative, and have fun. Also, don't feel that you have to post every day otherwise it will be a task that will just discourage you. Instead try and subscribing to my feed via email so that you are automatically sent my new posts. Then you can begin reading and hopefully feel motivated to take part.

How does this sound to you? What kinds of things do you think you would be interested in seeing? Or what information could you share with others?

15 Days of Marketing ~ Day 6

Start following this series with Day 1 here.

Day 6

I have not had much time to myself, let alone would I be able to find a few minutes a day to read. So, I will be putting off the reading part of this day's homework assignment.


√ In the meantime I did mange to subscribe too all the blog feeds she suggested. On top of that, I followed any and all of those blog authors on Twitter (is they were there), and made quite a dent in adding others to follow based on their followings. Actually, since I brought this up, I have quite the Twitter network growing. I am not sure what it is because, however I do have to say that it is not very effective. I only get responses from very few tweeps. I wish more of them out there would convo with me or just stop following so I don't keep thinking that I am being heard when no one really cares.

15 Days of Marketing ~ Day 4

I have been working on this one and Day 5 for awhile, but I forgot to post my progress on it yesterday. So, today I will type of this post and Day 5's post, back to back. Also, just to keep any new readers up to date, this goes along with Jessica's 15 Days of Marketing on her blog JessicaKnows. So, if you are lost on what I am doing, read her series, because I am only posting my progress on my blog.

Day 4: Part 1

√I signed up with Twellow and followed Sarah Evans' advice to add a few pages worth of PR tweeps to follow.

Day 4: Part 2

√I have just begun to get a line written that I can use to send to all those that follow me (or follow back) that includes the link to this blog.
√I always include #15days in my tweets that have anything to do with my progress in the series. Just go to summize.com and type in "15days" or "#15days" and I will usually be near the top (@mama4kids).

15 Days of Marketing ~ Day 3

Start following this series with Day 1 here.

Day 3

I started this task days ago, but I wanted to post in working order. This day was simple, I was having trouble getting my camera to work and then my recording volume wasn’t working. However then my hubby fixed it for me the other night, and I was able to get started yesterday morning.

Out of the three options:

1. Start vlogging.
2. Sign up for 12seconds.tv
3. Confess in your blog posts, be real.

I am vlogging on 12seconds.tv http://12seconds.tv/channel/Mama4Kids Check me out and follow. Also, I am pretty sure that I am ‘being real’ here on my blog, so you could say I have all three of these covered, even though only one was required.

I will be taking a break for the holidays on this and working to launch this new blog at Blogger. I will begin again with Day 4 on Monday December 1st. Also, don't forget to subscribe to my feed to be the first to receive my updates.

15 Days of Marketing ~ Day 2

Today, marks Day 2 of me following JessicaKnows tips on her 15 Days of Marketing series. If you missed Day 1, read it here.

Day 2

1. √ I signed up with Mom Central, Mom Select, and One2One Network. And I am considering signing up with more, just because I love free stuff.
2. √ I have signed up for an account on WishPot, and begun to add products to my many wishlists. Also, it has features to write product reviews which will help me with step 4 of Day 1.
3. √ I applied for a spot on Blissfully Domestic, because I love their site. Then I signed up with Type-A Mom and I love their simplicity much more than the others.
4. √ I have signed up with NewsVine, however I am still at a loss of where to begin. I am not much a news person.

15 Days of Marketing by Jessica Knows ~ Day 1

For those of you that don’t know, Jessica knows something that you need to know (lol). JessicaKnows is a great blog for many reasons, but today I am deciding to follow her 15 Days of Marketing series to help better my Internet presence and this very blog.

I’m not going to go into much detail about what she tells us to do, because I would love for you all to get the full picture by visiting her blog and reading the series for yourselves. Instead, my postings are going to be my write-ups for my progress and the answers to the “homework assignments” she gives us.
I am also going to be posting my progress on Twitter occasionally and in the “15days” group on Twitter Moms. So, you can link up with me in both of those places as well.

Day 1
1. Include your contact info on your blog to make it more PR friendly.
√ Email: mel (dot) bail (dot) mama (at) gmail (dot) com [they didn't have an easier email name available that I liked]
√ Twitter: @mama4kids
2. √ Sign up for HARO.
3. √ Sign up with GetClicky.
4. Write some product reviews to get exposure in the PR world. [Haven't started this one yet, but when I do you will see then on this blog.]

Homework
3 Favorite Brands:

1. VTech ~ My son has so many VTech toys, and I remember my first laptop [very basic edition in black and white] was a VTech as well. Their toys are educational, fundamental, safe, reliable, and fun.
2. Sony ~ Our whole house is practically filled with Sony products, and my husband can barely pry himself away from the Playstation3 (especially now that he was finally invited to Beta test “Home”).
3. LG ~ I have loved LG for quite some time. At first, only knew about their cell phones (which all of my phones have been), however when I became an adult and now I see all the commercials for their ground breaking and awesomely unique products, I just want them ALL! Especially the washer and dryers