Thursday, April 28, 2011

Going Green

Not too long ago, I tried the Martha Stewart 28 day wellness challenge. I failed miserably at it. I think because I took on so much at one time. I really want a change in my life, but to do it all at once feels like it would be one of those crash diets, where you fall off the wagon. This approach has never worked for me at any point in my life. Slow and steady is the way to go here.


Part of the challenge was changing your lifestyle to a more earth friendly, greener you. This is going to be my first challenge. I've already started substituting my old cleaning products out for more natural ones. Vinegar has become my friend. Below are a list of different methods I have researched from Martha Stewart Whole Living.


Natural All-Purpose Scrub
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into a bowl. Add just enough liquid soap to make a creamy paste. Spread mixture on the flat side of 1/2 of a lemon and scrub. The lemon acts as a sponge and leaves a natural citrus scent. Use a damp rag or sponge to wipe away any residue. You'll find the paste will stay moist for a few hours.

Mold Remover
Vinegar is a great all-purpose cleaner; use it straight for tough jobs, or dilute it with water. Tea-tree oil is a natural fungicide and can help disinfect surfaces -- mix 2 teaspoons with 2 cups water. To whiten stained tiles or grout, use a mixture of 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to 1 cup water.All of these solutions can be sprayed onto a surface, allowed to dry, then wiped with a damp cloth.

DIY Tub and Tile Cleaner
Vinegar works well on soap scum and mineral deposits, but rinse thoroughly, as it can corrode some fixtures and etch glaze on tiles. You can also try tea tree oil -- 2 drops tea tree oil with 1 cup water -- in a spray bottle. A natural antiseptic and fungicide, tea tree oil costs more than vinegar but will kill most types of mold and help prevent growth; as with all concentrated oils, it should be used with caution, as it can trigger allergic reactions if it comes into contact with skin.

 Natural Carpet Stain Remover

Pour a small amount of soda water onto a fresh carpet spill, and blot with a towel. Don't rub, as you may mat the fibers. If the stain is set, try hydrogen peroxide: Pour some onto a clean, white cloth, then press cloth to carpet. Wait about 15 minutes, blot with a clean cloth. There should be no need to rinse.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Bella's aDORAble 2nd Birthday!

It's been very busy this past month and this is a little delayed. When I went to download the pictures, I realized I didn't have very many and the ones I did have came out blurry. Bummer, but the children had a wonderful time, and that was my goal.
The theme was Princess Dora!
I got her cake from Target. They were the only one's I could find that had Dora Princess.
I also made Dora the Explorer cupcakes! I found the idea and dora template at Nickjr.com. They are not as easy as the tutorial make it out to be.
I got the Dora Picture here
The royal invitation I got here! I used photoshop to resize and insert party information.
Bella awaiting the opening of her presents! I made her birthday dress!
Each child got to bring home their own Dora Backpack filled with a crayon roll up, princess wand, and a maraca. I printed some Dora coloring pages and rolled them up like the map!

For the party snacks a served a Taco Bread Casserole with all the toppings, as well as some queso and a taco dip. The theme was fiesta in honor of Dora!
She was so excited for all her gifts!


She enjoyed eating her cake and ice cream while playing tea party in the "Explorer Room". The Explorer Room was suppose to be an obstacle course set up for the little ones. We started with Puzzle Bridge. I used her bridge slide and decorated it with cut out felt puzzle pieces. They really enjoyed that. Next was Butterfly Forest. I used a inflatable ball pit and covered it with a green felt sheet. I attached butterflies to the sheet. Finally, there was the Castle, which I used her doll house. The enjoyed the Puzzle Bridge the most!


It was so much fun!

My coupon quest

Week One
After recently watching the new series Extreme Couponing on TLC (Wednesday at 9/8c), I've been obsessed with coupons. I searched the internet for information and foundhttp://www.couponmom.com/. This website is a great directory and will match up current store sales with coupons from smart source, proctor and gamble, and red plum, amongst others. I've started my clipping binder and collected about 300 coupons in one week!

I went shopping at target the other day, with some planning saved 12 dollars! Not so bad for my first week! I've learned that research and preparation are the key, as well as a decent collection of coupons. To develop a decent collection I assume will take a couple weeks. From the series I have also gained so great knowledge!

I'm hoping there will be some great deals on cleaning products and laundry detergent next week, I've got the coupons but to really maximize some serious saving you need to match the coupons up with the in store sales!

Week Two
Continuing the savings!
Last week I started my coupon quest! I managed to save around 15 dollars. Not too much but a nice little savings.

This week was much different!!! After another 7 days of coupon collecting and building up my binder, and scavaging all the store sale ads I managed to save $125!!!! Between matching up the store sales and coupons, going to 2 different grocery stores, it was success.
Highlights!!


·                     I got 2 free Fuze drinks! They were buy one get one free and I had a coupon for $1 off. They are regularly $1!
·                     I got two Colgate tooth paste tubes for .50 combined. Another Buy one get one and two coupons (.75 and $1.00) I also had a store coupon that allowed me to get a free dozen large carton of eggs for the tooth paste purchase!
·                     At one store there meat and poultry was 50% off, I was able to stock up on a 2.5lbs roast, 3 steaks and 3lbs of ground turkey all for $12!
·                     Fresh Spinach in a bag was 10 for $10, along with red seedless grapes.
·                     I got fresh zucchini and squash for .49 a pound!!
These are just a few of my awesome savings!


I've already collected my coupons for next week, hopefully there will be some good deals...