There seems to be sugar everywhere I turn and it seems to have imbed itself into my life so much that it seems impossible to escape it.
Thursday was a good day. I sent the leftover cookies with my husband to his work. But then my ladies group made a delicious monkey bread. Which I had two helpings of. I also had no regret with that. The rest of the day I made healthier choices, and I think that overall this is going to be a processes.
I haven't been counting sugars, but I have avoided taking a cookie every time it was offered. It isn't as easy as I had hoped, but I feel better that I am making healthier choices.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Day 0 Healthier Eating
Today is February 11, 2015 and it is what I call DAY 0. It is DAY 0 because not until almost 5pm did I decide to go on this adventure but I did think it would be important to look at the foods I ate today and see what my diet was looking like.
Please be nice to me, as I know my diet wasn't healthy, but as I pulled out the foods that I ate today and looked at the sugar content it almost gave me a heart attack by how unhealthy I am eating.
Breakfast Calories Sugars GI
Cinnamon Toast Crunch 130 9g probably above 70
Milk 2% 130 12g 41
Corn Dog 230 8g
Simply Orange Juice 110 23g 50
tomato ketchup 20 4g
ripe banana 105 14g 62
Kempswich-ice cream 320 23g
Snack size Skittles 61 11g
Total for now: Calories=1106
Sugar= 67g (not including banana or orange juice= no added sugar)
Sugar Goal= 25g
Overall I can say that I definitely need to look at labels more closely and stop eating processed foods and treats. I will also be removing high sugar juices from my diet. Although they seem healthy, I don't think that such a high concentration of sugar from a fruit juice without the fiber benefits of eating the actual fruit is a healthy decision. So I will shy away from juices and opt for fresh or frozen fruit instead.
Tonight we eat a meal someone else prepared, so I wont know all the nutritional information. But I think that making healthier choices as often as I can is what is really going to make a difference.
Please be nice to me, as I know my diet wasn't healthy, but as I pulled out the foods that I ate today and looked at the sugar content it almost gave me a heart attack by how unhealthy I am eating.
Breakfast Calories Sugars GI
Cinnamon Toast Crunch 130 9g probably above 70
Milk 2% 130 12g 41
Corn Dog 230 8g
Simply Orange Juice 110 23g 50
tomato ketchup 20 4g
ripe banana 105 14g 62
Kempswich-ice cream 320 23g
Snack size Skittles 61 11g
Total for now: Calories=1106
Sugar= 67g (not including banana or orange juice= no added sugar)
Sugar Goal= 25g
Overall I can say that I definitely need to look at labels more closely and stop eating processed foods and treats. I will also be removing high sugar juices from my diet. Although they seem healthy, I don't think that such a high concentration of sugar from a fruit juice without the fiber benefits of eating the actual fruit is a healthy decision. So I will shy away from juices and opt for fresh or frozen fruit instead.
Tonight we eat a meal someone else prepared, so I wont know all the nutritional information. But I think that making healthier choices as often as I can is what is really going to make a difference.
Healthier Eating and Healthier Living
Sugar. It is everywhere. It is in most of the foods that we eat. Even foods that we wouldn't typically think would have sugar, there it is. Hidden in different forms such as ingredients that end in "ose" and "ol"
I want to eat healthier because I want to feel better. I don't plan to lose weight, but I do hope to gain more energy and lose the sluggish feeling I have with my current diet.
For the next, however long I can hold out, I am going to try to reduce the amount of added sugar in my daily eating and focus on eating foods that have a lower Glycemic Index.
If you are unfamiliar, as I was until about 20 minutes ago, with what the GI (Glycemic Index) is and why it is important follow these links for more information.
This first link has information on what the glycemic index is, why it is important and how to use it. I plan to choose only foods, as much as possible, that have a glycemic index of less than 55, which is considered low. But especially none over 70, the high category.
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/glycemic-index-good-versus-bad-carbs
This link goes to Harvard Health and has a list of common foods and their GI. I will be using this as a guide, for the most part.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/glycemic_index_and_glycemic_load_for_100_foods
So I will be looking at the GI when choosing foods and the sugar level. I plan to eat less than 25 grams of sugar each day as suggested by the American Heart Association for women.
http://authoritynutrition.com/how-much-sugar-per-day/
I will be posting menus that I find, with their nutrition facts, and any progress that I notice in the next couple of days. Wish me luck!
I want to eat healthier because I want to feel better. I don't plan to lose weight, but I do hope to gain more energy and lose the sluggish feeling I have with my current diet.
For the next, however long I can hold out, I am going to try to reduce the amount of added sugar in my daily eating and focus on eating foods that have a lower Glycemic Index.
If you are unfamiliar, as I was until about 20 minutes ago, with what the GI (Glycemic Index) is and why it is important follow these links for more information.
This first link has information on what the glycemic index is, why it is important and how to use it. I plan to choose only foods, as much as possible, that have a glycemic index of less than 55, which is considered low. But especially none over 70, the high category.
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/glycemic-index-good-versus-bad-carbs
This link goes to Harvard Health and has a list of common foods and their GI. I will be using this as a guide, for the most part.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/glycemic_index_and_glycemic_load_for_100_foods
So I will be looking at the GI when choosing foods and the sugar level. I plan to eat less than 25 grams of sugar each day as suggested by the American Heart Association for women.
http://authoritynutrition.com/how-much-sugar-per-day/
I will be posting menus that I find, with their nutrition facts, and any progress that I notice in the next couple of days. Wish me luck!
Monday, January 26, 2015
When is it the right time?
This question I don't have an answer for. Specifically speaking, when is it the right time to tell someone about Christ?
The obvious answer would be immediately, but I don't think it is as simple as that. I feel as though each opportunity has its own timing, but how do you know when that is?
My husband and I have gotten to know a lady and her boyfriend over the past few months. Only seeing them occasionally, but we have invited them to our home twice. I still haven't said anything about what Christ has done for them, and that this gift is available for them. They do know that we are believers, at least I would hope so given our prayer times before meals, and that I am a Sunday School teacher. But is what we are doing enough?
To be hard on myself, I don't think that it is. I want to say something, but I also don't want them to think that I view them as a "project." Just another one of my to-dos on my list as a Christian. I want them to know that they are special to me, as my friends, and that I would regret it the rest of my life if I didn't share with them the One who makes my life worth while, the One I live for.
So is it as simple as that? Just putting my feelings out there, prepared for judgment, awkward silences and infamous line "I already know all about that." I wish that it was as easy as it looks on paper. I know it is a delicate balance between showing love and sharing the hope I have in Christ and having my audience accept it or coming across as holier than thou and having them reject it, and worse keep that opinion despite other Christian's efforts because I failed so miserably.
Have any of you gone through this predicament? If you are on the other side, did you share/not share, and what was their response? Any suggestions to make this end positively?
The obvious answer would be immediately, but I don't think it is as simple as that. I feel as though each opportunity has its own timing, but how do you know when that is?
My husband and I have gotten to know a lady and her boyfriend over the past few months. Only seeing them occasionally, but we have invited them to our home twice. I still haven't said anything about what Christ has done for them, and that this gift is available for them. They do know that we are believers, at least I would hope so given our prayer times before meals, and that I am a Sunday School teacher. But is what we are doing enough?
To be hard on myself, I don't think that it is. I want to say something, but I also don't want them to think that I view them as a "project." Just another one of my to-dos on my list as a Christian. I want them to know that they are special to me, as my friends, and that I would regret it the rest of my life if I didn't share with them the One who makes my life worth while, the One I live for.
So is it as simple as that? Just putting my feelings out there, prepared for judgment, awkward silences and infamous line "I already know all about that." I wish that it was as easy as it looks on paper. I know it is a delicate balance between showing love and sharing the hope I have in Christ and having my audience accept it or coming across as holier than thou and having them reject it, and worse keep that opinion despite other Christian's efforts because I failed so miserably.
Have any of you gone through this predicament? If you are on the other side, did you share/not share, and what was their response? Any suggestions to make this end positively?
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
What to do about Christmas
I have tried starting this blog post about half a dozen times and was never truly satisfied with how it was going. I continually deleted what I put down and rewrote the intro a couple of different ways. I was just about to give up. Mostly because I hate writing, it makes me feel like I assume I know more than others, which is far from the truth. But I really did want to finish this blog post, because I feel that this is important.
What do you teach your children about Christmas?
Without judgment, I do believe that parents have the right to teach their children traditions and beliefs as they see fit, as long as those don't harm others around them. But with that said I also believe that your children will be shaped not only by what you teach them, but also what others believe and will teach them, especially at school.
We have chosen to tell our children that Santa Claus is a fictitious character based on the real Saint Nicolas that lived a long time ago. Furthermore, we emphasize that Christmas is about Jesus birth and what that meant, and still means for the world.
This has caused a few issues here and there as our children have grown. "Deer in Headlights" faces and the blunt questions of why. A lot of harassment, joking and not, from fellow friends, family, and acquaintances, Christians and non Christians alike. But regardless of what other people have told my husband and I, their opinions on what we should do, it is still our decision and it is one that I am proud of as a parent. (Wow that sounds braggy) But the truth is, I am proud of the results of our teachings, which most people think is only the above statement about Santa, but in reality that isn't even close to it at all.
We don't actually talk about Santa that much, and when we do, I tell them that people still dress up like Santa, because they want to spread happiness and joy, and to remind us to be charitable and give to one another, just as God gave to us that first Christmas. That God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. That is what we focus on as a family.
And although most people focus on the Santa, and tease us about being "Santa-haters" which we never have claimed ourselves. We really don't need to worry about what other people think. It's about what God thinks. And I would like to share the words of my 6 year old's "Letter to Santa"
"The best Christmas ever: The best day of Christmas is Jesus. God sent his son, Jesus, and he loves us very much. Jesus was born in a barn and there were animals like sheep, cows, and the best gift of all is Jesus! God is the one who sent his son and Jesus loves us all."
Christmas to my family is more than traditions. I want my children to have something I didn't have when I was growing up. A relationship with the one true God, and their savior Jesus Christ.
What do you teach your children about Christmas?
Without judgment, I do believe that parents have the right to teach their children traditions and beliefs as they see fit, as long as those don't harm others around them. But with that said I also believe that your children will be shaped not only by what you teach them, but also what others believe and will teach them, especially at school.
We have chosen to tell our children that Santa Claus is a fictitious character based on the real Saint Nicolas that lived a long time ago. Furthermore, we emphasize that Christmas is about Jesus birth and what that meant, and still means for the world.
This has caused a few issues here and there as our children have grown. "Deer in Headlights" faces and the blunt questions of why. A lot of harassment, joking and not, from fellow friends, family, and acquaintances, Christians and non Christians alike. But regardless of what other people have told my husband and I, their opinions on what we should do, it is still our decision and it is one that I am proud of as a parent. (Wow that sounds braggy) But the truth is, I am proud of the results of our teachings, which most people think is only the above statement about Santa, but in reality that isn't even close to it at all.
We don't actually talk about Santa that much, and when we do, I tell them that people still dress up like Santa, because they want to spread happiness and joy, and to remind us to be charitable and give to one another, just as God gave to us that first Christmas. That God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. That is what we focus on as a family.
And although most people focus on the Santa, and tease us about being "Santa-haters" which we never have claimed ourselves. We really don't need to worry about what other people think. It's about what God thinks. And I would like to share the words of my 6 year old's "Letter to Santa"
"The best Christmas ever: The best day of Christmas is Jesus. God sent his son, Jesus, and he loves us very much. Jesus was born in a barn and there were animals like sheep, cows, and the best gift of all is Jesus! God is the one who sent his son and Jesus loves us all."
Christmas to my family is more than traditions. I want my children to have something I didn't have when I was growing up. A relationship with the one true God, and their savior Jesus Christ.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Post
I have about a dozen rough drafts of various subjects in my blog, but I never finish them. I either feel like I sound way to pompous or I just can't express in words what I want to say.
This post isn't meant to express any opinion on any political issue but to perhaps address how we treat each other.
Christ calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Are we doing that when we treat people with a different lifestyle as if they are a leper? This can go any direction that you can image. Towards someone with less expensive clothes, hair unkempt, maybe smells, has the fanciest accessories, wears a lot of makeup, men with long hair, and the list goes on.
It even means treating homosexuals with love and kindness. You don't have to agree with someone's lifestyle in order to be kind to them. In fact, I think that is just the point. Let me tell you a recent story to hopefully let you know what I mean.
My husband and I were on vacation to Jamaica. On the plane from Miami, I noticed to ladies sitting next to each other in the first class part of the plane. They were obviously more than just friends. I didn't think much of it as we shuffled pass to get to our seat in coach. I also remember an older gentleman with long grey hair, another man of Mexican descent desperately trying to get his extremely large carryon into the overhead bin, and more. The point is that I remember lots of people from the plane. But I really remember the ladies, because we ended up taking the shuttle to the resort with them and being in the same waiting room with them and three other couples as we waited for them to get our paperwork in order and everything signed. We also ended up visiting with them, a couple of different times during our 6 night stay. They have four children and were from the New York area. They had a heavy accent, which I loved. Being from the Midwest and never traveling much it is always a treasure to hear another regions accent. One of them was brave enough to jump off a cliff on an excursion, the other was not so brave, but I almost blame my husband and I for scaring her as we met a man who jumped and bruised his legs severely. Overall they were a very nice couple, just like the many other couples that we met on our trip.
We tell stories of the other couples that we met on the trip. The first was from Conneticut and had children, another was just the two of them and she was a prosecuting attorney. We even met another gal with the same name as mine who was a newlywed from Texas. But we don't tell stories about the ladies. The reason is other people's reaction. Some don't even like being in the same area as a homosexual let alone have a conversation and get to know them. I am a firm Christian and I will not be taking any political stance because that isn't what this is about. It is about shining the love of Jesus on everyone for the whole world to see and obeying his command to love each other as we love ourselves. We never were given the opportunity to share the gospel with them, but sometimes that isn't God's plan. Sometimes we are just a glimpse at what a Christian life is, Love. Not hate or bias. Christ died for all of us and I want to keep the doors wide open for Christ to use me to spread that message. They will know that we are Christians by our LOVE.
This post isn't meant to express any opinion on any political issue but to perhaps address how we treat each other.
Christ calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Are we doing that when we treat people with a different lifestyle as if they are a leper? This can go any direction that you can image. Towards someone with less expensive clothes, hair unkempt, maybe smells, has the fanciest accessories, wears a lot of makeup, men with long hair, and the list goes on.
It even means treating homosexuals with love and kindness. You don't have to agree with someone's lifestyle in order to be kind to them. In fact, I think that is just the point. Let me tell you a recent story to hopefully let you know what I mean.
My husband and I were on vacation to Jamaica. On the plane from Miami, I noticed to ladies sitting next to each other in the first class part of the plane. They were obviously more than just friends. I didn't think much of it as we shuffled pass to get to our seat in coach. I also remember an older gentleman with long grey hair, another man of Mexican descent desperately trying to get his extremely large carryon into the overhead bin, and more. The point is that I remember lots of people from the plane. But I really remember the ladies, because we ended up taking the shuttle to the resort with them and being in the same waiting room with them and three other couples as we waited for them to get our paperwork in order and everything signed. We also ended up visiting with them, a couple of different times during our 6 night stay. They have four children and were from the New York area. They had a heavy accent, which I loved. Being from the Midwest and never traveling much it is always a treasure to hear another regions accent. One of them was brave enough to jump off a cliff on an excursion, the other was not so brave, but I almost blame my husband and I for scaring her as we met a man who jumped and bruised his legs severely. Overall they were a very nice couple, just like the many other couples that we met on our trip.
We tell stories of the other couples that we met on the trip. The first was from Conneticut and had children, another was just the two of them and she was a prosecuting attorney. We even met another gal with the same name as mine who was a newlywed from Texas. But we don't tell stories about the ladies. The reason is other people's reaction. Some don't even like being in the same area as a homosexual let alone have a conversation and get to know them. I am a firm Christian and I will not be taking any political stance because that isn't what this is about. It is about shining the love of Jesus on everyone for the whole world to see and obeying his command to love each other as we love ourselves. We never were given the opportunity to share the gospel with them, but sometimes that isn't God's plan. Sometimes we are just a glimpse at what a Christian life is, Love. Not hate or bias. Christ died for all of us and I want to keep the doors wide open for Christ to use me to spread that message. They will know that we are Christians by our LOVE.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
We did it!
We are not a special couple and what we have accomplished, many have done and will also do. It isn't the goal of life, but it was a goal of ours. We are out of house debt. This little beauty is all ours, less the taxes we will owe each year and the endless repairs, upgrades, and changes we will make in the years to come. But let's not focus on all the negative, rather the positive. We no longer will have to pay a house payment.
I know that this goal seems so far off for many people, and honestly it should. A house purchase is a huge investment, usually the biggest that we will make in our lives. So how were we able to do it at such a young age (I am 26)?
Here are some of the key defining factors as to how this was possible. All were a gift from God and without His help and guidance, honestly it wouldn't have become a reality.
1. We sold two homes already in our life time, both of which we walked away with a fair amount of cash from. This was possible because we continually upgrade, and renovate our homes, doing the work ourselves saved a ton of money that we were able to pocket when the house sold.
2. Our current home purchase price was probably less than a 1/3 of what we could afford according to the bank, who doesn't really care if you are stuck with that "affordable" payment for the next 30 years of your life.
3. Cheaper home=cheaper taxes every year. This payment to the local government never goes away and we were well aware of that when choosing this home.
4. I decided to become a stay at home mom, so we decided to cut our costs. The house was the only thing that would actually make a difference if we could reduce that. So we purchased a cheaper home. It would not be paid off however, if that was all that happened, at least not this fast, it would have taken another 2 years or so. But my husband obtained a better paying job. (more on this the next point)
5. My husband has a better paying job now. We still live off of his previous income. That means we don't spend more than we did before. The extra money we put towards savings and debt reduction.
There is more, but I will detail that later and include our monthly budget as well.
I know that this goal seems so far off for many people, and honestly it should. A house purchase is a huge investment, usually the biggest that we will make in our lives. So how were we able to do it at such a young age (I am 26)?
Here are some of the key defining factors as to how this was possible. All were a gift from God and without His help and guidance, honestly it wouldn't have become a reality.
1. We sold two homes already in our life time, both of which we walked away with a fair amount of cash from. This was possible because we continually upgrade, and renovate our homes, doing the work ourselves saved a ton of money that we were able to pocket when the house sold.
2. Our current home purchase price was probably less than a 1/3 of what we could afford according to the bank, who doesn't really care if you are stuck with that "affordable" payment for the next 30 years of your life.
3. Cheaper home=cheaper taxes every year. This payment to the local government never goes away and we were well aware of that when choosing this home.
4. I decided to become a stay at home mom, so we decided to cut our costs. The house was the only thing that would actually make a difference if we could reduce that. So we purchased a cheaper home. It would not be paid off however, if that was all that happened, at least not this fast, it would have taken another 2 years or so. But my husband obtained a better paying job. (more on this the next point)
5. My husband has a better paying job now. We still live off of his previous income. That means we don't spend more than we did before. The extra money we put towards savings and debt reduction.
There is more, but I will detail that later and include our monthly budget as well.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Digging Ourselves Out- The MASTER PLAN
If you have been following along, this is part 3 of the Digging Ourselves Out post. In this part I am going to give you our plan for getting ourselves out of debt. While everyone's situation is different, I hope that by sharing this it can inspire you to make better decisions for yourselves, so that you may also become financially free.
May 2010- I graduate from college. I am unable to find a great paying job in my desired city. We move back to our hometown area. I am making more money than my husband now, but he isn't able to find a job right away. This is okay, though because we were able to move in with my in-laws and they had enough room to accommodate our family of four.
October 2010- We find a home of our own. It is near the top of our price range, but it was the best choice at the time. Looking back I realized was far too picky. I also quit my job at this time, as my husband has found a full time job that pays better with health care, and we are now expecting baby #3. (I did not quit my job just because he found a job. It was a crap job.)
May 2011- Baby #3 is born.
June 2012- I start working outside the home. I am ready to work, and we found care that we can trust for our children. With this job I pay half to daycare, and the other half, as diligently as I can, I put towards student loan payments.
March 2013- I quit my job for a couple of reasons, the biggest of which- I missed being at home with my children. Looking to the future, we are going to be living off of one income, in a house that is stretching our budget too thin. We make the decision to sell our home, and search for a less expensive one in the area.
June 21, 2013- We find a foreclosed home that is half of the price of our current home. It needs work but we are very handy, and a lot has already been done by the bank. Downside- we are now making two payments. Thankful that we have savings.
August 2013- My husband lands his dream job. He now works for the union making literally twice as much as he was at the last place.
October 2013- Our home sells, and we are given the proceeds, which was a lot- given that we put a lot of work into our first home. We put most of that money into our new home mortgage- About a third of the house cost.
Now that you have our history here is OUR PLAN: My husband now makes twice as much. Save half of his income, and live off the other half. We were already able to have a comfortable life with his previous income, and even more so now that we have a cheaper home. That half that we have been saving, we have split into saving and debt. We now make double payments on our house, and will have it paid off by the end of 2014. Our student loan debt, our only other debt outside the mortgage, will be paid off by June of 2015.
We could have chosen at some point to just spend more, to get nice new vehicles, better house, and everything else we wanted. But we have chosen to spend it on debt, and honestly, it feels better. Each month I can breathe easier knowing that our debt is going away, far far away, hopefully never to come back again.
May 2010- I graduate from college. I am unable to find a great paying job in my desired city. We move back to our hometown area. I am making more money than my husband now, but he isn't able to find a job right away. This is okay, though because we were able to move in with my in-laws and they had enough room to accommodate our family of four.
October 2010- We find a home of our own. It is near the top of our price range, but it was the best choice at the time. Looking back I realized was far too picky. I also quit my job at this time, as my husband has found a full time job that pays better with health care, and we are now expecting baby #3. (I did not quit my job just because he found a job. It was a crap job.)
May 2011- Baby #3 is born.
June 2012- I start working outside the home. I am ready to work, and we found care that we can trust for our children. With this job I pay half to daycare, and the other half, as diligently as I can, I put towards student loan payments.
March 2013- I quit my job for a couple of reasons, the biggest of which- I missed being at home with my children. Looking to the future, we are going to be living off of one income, in a house that is stretching our budget too thin. We make the decision to sell our home, and search for a less expensive one in the area.
June 21, 2013- We find a foreclosed home that is half of the price of our current home. It needs work but we are very handy, and a lot has already been done by the bank. Downside- we are now making two payments. Thankful that we have savings.
August 2013- My husband lands his dream job. He now works for the union making literally twice as much as he was at the last place.
October 2013- Our home sells, and we are given the proceeds, which was a lot- given that we put a lot of work into our first home. We put most of that money into our new home mortgage- About a third of the house cost.
Now that you have our history here is OUR PLAN: My husband now makes twice as much. Save half of his income, and live off the other half. We were already able to have a comfortable life with his previous income, and even more so now that we have a cheaper home. That half that we have been saving, we have split into saving and debt. We now make double payments on our house, and will have it paid off by the end of 2014. Our student loan debt, our only other debt outside the mortgage, will be paid off by June of 2015.
We could have chosen at some point to just spend more, to get nice new vehicles, better house, and everything else we wanted. But we have chosen to spend it on debt, and honestly, it feels better. Each month I can breathe easier knowing that our debt is going away, far far away, hopefully never to come back again.
Digging Ourselves Out Part 2
I mentioned our education debt last time, but this time I want to focus on our debt as a whole.
To start with, we do not have credit card debt. I have my parents to thank for that. They helped me apply for my own credit card when I left to go to college in Montana, far from home in Eastern South Dakota. They only gave this to me for emergency use. They were very strict about it, and warned me to not buy anything with my credit card that I didn't absolutely need. So there is our credit card story. We use our credit cards now when traveling, or making large purchases, all things that we have the money for in our checking account. We just use the credit card for the cash back for things we already have the money for.
Second, we do not have any loans on our vehicles, and never have. This was out of luck, but also out of realistic expectations. We knew it would be in our best interest to buy our cars with cash and not buy more than we could afford with cash. The luck part was that my husband bought a house before we got married, put equity into the house, then we sold the house, and used the proceeds to buy our vehicles. IMPORTANT! We did not go out the next day and buy two cars. In fact my husband was still forced by his frugal wife to bear with the current crappy car he had until it stopped working all together. We also did not spend all of the money on the cars. We bought two cars, spaced about a year apart, several months after the house sale, with far less than the entire proceeds.
It makes me sad to know that there are so many people out there struggling with debt and with spending and saving. I think that Dave Ramsey put it really well when he said
To start with, we do not have credit card debt. I have my parents to thank for that. They helped me apply for my own credit card when I left to go to college in Montana, far from home in Eastern South Dakota. They only gave this to me for emergency use. They were very strict about it, and warned me to not buy anything with my credit card that I didn't absolutely need. So there is our credit card story. We use our credit cards now when traveling, or making large purchases, all things that we have the money for in our checking account. We just use the credit card for the cash back for things we already have the money for.
Second, we do not have any loans on our vehicles, and never have. This was out of luck, but also out of realistic expectations. We knew it would be in our best interest to buy our cars with cash and not buy more than we could afford with cash. The luck part was that my husband bought a house before we got married, put equity into the house, then we sold the house, and used the proceeds to buy our vehicles. IMPORTANT! We did not go out the next day and buy two cars. In fact my husband was still forced by his frugal wife to bear with the current crappy car he had until it stopped working all together. We also did not spend all of the money on the cars. We bought two cars, spaced about a year apart, several months after the house sale, with far less than the entire proceeds.
It makes me sad to know that there are so many people out there struggling with debt and with spending and saving. I think that Dave Ramsey put it really well when he said
"We buy things we don't need, with money we don't have, to impress people we don't even like"
I hope that this can encourage some of you to avoid using that dreadful credit card on things you don't need. Next time I will give you our plan to getting out of debt.
Digging Ourselves Out
Like so many people our age, we have DEBT. The word just disgusts me, but for the most part, this debt was inevitable. Now I said for the most part, because there are things that we could have done earlier in our lives that would have helped ease this current burden, but we were young, much too young to realize the importance of saving and being frugal. After all we didn't have kids yet, and I did what I was told, which was go to college.
Let's talk about college. Because this decision has played a major role in my life. If I could do it over again, I would still go and do pretty much everything exactly the same. But I was left with debt.
Here is what I have learned from that:
1. Only borrow what you need to go to school. Do not borrow enough so you can get a PS4, or to have just some extra money laying around. You are paying major interest on this money, and you should only take what you ABSOLUTELY NEED. Like Books and Class. Also, and this should go without saying, but I will say it anyways. APPLY FOR GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS! My husband went to a tech school and only he and one other guy applied for the scholarships the school was handing out. That worked better for him, he got more money, but it was sheer laziness why the other guys didn't apply. It doesn't hurt to try, but it will hurt you if you don't.
2. Work. If you can, which pretty much everyone can, find a job and work while you go to school. Everyone says that they can't get a job, because school just takes too much of their time, and if they had to work their grades would suffer. These are also the same people that would frequent the bars and frat parties. They had time for that apparently. SOAPBOX WARNING: I was a wife with two children while I attended school, and my grades were better than my peers, far better, and that is because I used my time wisely. And by time, I mean the small amount of time that I got after my kids went to bed and before I went to bed.
3. Save. If you are working, then save, save every penny that you can. Because when you get done with school, you are going to have to find a job, which will probably require you to move to another city, which will cost money, and if your loans were deferred until you graduated you only have 6 short months to get your budget lined up to accommodate these new loan payments you will have to make. SHOCKER! You may not be able to find a great paying job in your field immediately after you graduate. You may have to put in some time at a lower level position somewhere, that pays crap, until you get experience or your big break and land you dream job. I was at the top of my class, but because the economy was tanking, no one was hiring. Saving money while in school will ease this stress.
I know that the information above should be a no-brainer, but I hope there is someone out there that can benefit hearing it from someone who has come through to the other side.
Let's talk about college. Because this decision has played a major role in my life. If I could do it over again, I would still go and do pretty much everything exactly the same. But I was left with debt.
Here is what I have learned from that:
1. Only borrow what you need to go to school. Do not borrow enough so you can get a PS4, or to have just some extra money laying around. You are paying major interest on this money, and you should only take what you ABSOLUTELY NEED. Like Books and Class. Also, and this should go without saying, but I will say it anyways. APPLY FOR GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS! My husband went to a tech school and only he and one other guy applied for the scholarships the school was handing out. That worked better for him, he got more money, but it was sheer laziness why the other guys didn't apply. It doesn't hurt to try, but it will hurt you if you don't.
2. Work. If you can, which pretty much everyone can, find a job and work while you go to school. Everyone says that they can't get a job, because school just takes too much of their time, and if they had to work their grades would suffer. These are also the same people that would frequent the bars and frat parties. They had time for that apparently. SOAPBOX WARNING: I was a wife with two children while I attended school, and my grades were better than my peers, far better, and that is because I used my time wisely. And by time, I mean the small amount of time that I got after my kids went to bed and before I went to bed.
3. Save. If you are working, then save, save every penny that you can. Because when you get done with school, you are going to have to find a job, which will probably require you to move to another city, which will cost money, and if your loans were deferred until you graduated you only have 6 short months to get your budget lined up to accommodate these new loan payments you will have to make. SHOCKER! You may not be able to find a great paying job in your field immediately after you graduate. You may have to put in some time at a lower level position somewhere, that pays crap, until you get experience or your big break and land you dream job. I was at the top of my class, but because the economy was tanking, no one was hiring. Saving money while in school will ease this stress.
I know that the information above should be a no-brainer, but I hope there is someone out there that can benefit hearing it from someone who has come through to the other side.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Oatmeal Butterscotch Cookies
These cookies are yummy, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Ingredients
3/4 cup butter softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups quick-cooking or regular rolled oats
1-3/4 butterscotch chips
(this is the same recipe found on the back of the Hershey's Butterscotch Chips bag)
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F
2. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar in a large bowl until well blended. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Combine Flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in oats and butterscotch chips. Mix well
3. drop by heaping teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly, remove from cookie sheet onto wire rack
Makes about 4 dozen cookies
**It took me between 11-13 minutes for baking.**
Ingredients
3/4 cup butter softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups quick-cooking or regular rolled oats
1-3/4 butterscotch chips
(this is the same recipe found on the back of the Hershey's Butterscotch Chips bag)
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F
2. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar in a large bowl until well blended. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Combine Flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in oats and butterscotch chips. Mix well
3. drop by heaping teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly, remove from cookie sheet onto wire rack
Makes about 4 dozen cookies
**It took me between 11-13 minutes for baking.**
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Gallery Wall 2
Besides enjoying the beautiful outdoor weather, I have been busy creating another gallery wall for my living room this time. This one took a little longer, as I had to move furniture and take down a tv before I could start.
I did not take pictures of the process but I have the end result.
To begin, I took frames that I had in my Thrift Store find Collection. I laid them out on the floor and then decided to add a piece of my art. Taking color inspiration from the art and other pieces in the room (that you cannot see in the picture) I chose my colors. I painted the frames separating the colors and mixing them up a bit.
I saw this idea on Pinterest: take newspaper, cut out the shape of your frames, mark on the paper where the nails need to go, then tape to the wall. I did this and it was awesome. I was able to tape them to the wall, like I had them on the floor, then after getting them all taped, I stepped back. I was able to see that overall it would be better to raise the entire collage up about 8 inches. and that was easy to do with tape. Once I had it where I wanted them, I simply nailed through the paper right on the spot, and peeled the paper off. (I also used 3M picture hanging strips that are like Velcro for the mirror and smallest upper right frame, as these two did not have a hanger on the back, and it worked great) Yes it took extra time to start to cut out the paper (I did not do a perfect job, and it was still fine) but overall I think it saved me time and a lot of headaches.
I left openings for future installments, because my family never slows down!
Happy Crafting!
I did not take pictures of the process but I have the end result.
I saw this idea on Pinterest: take newspaper, cut out the shape of your frames, mark on the paper where the nails need to go, then tape to the wall. I did this and it was awesome. I was able to tape them to the wall, like I had them on the floor, then after getting them all taped, I stepped back. I was able to see that overall it would be better to raise the entire collage up about 8 inches. and that was easy to do with tape. Once I had it where I wanted them, I simply nailed through the paper right on the spot, and peeled the paper off. (I also used 3M picture hanging strips that are like Velcro for the mirror and smallest upper right frame, as these two did not have a hanger on the back, and it worked great) Yes it took extra time to start to cut out the paper (I did not do a perfect job, and it was still fine) but overall I think it saved me time and a lot of headaches.
I left openings for future installments, because my family never slows down!
Happy Crafting!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Gallery Wall
Today I am going to tell you about one of my past projects, my gallery wall! My inspiration came from a pin on pinterest, where a lady purchased old frames from the Thrift Stores and painted them the colors she wanted. So taking that idea, I headed out.
Found the frames and the mirror, for less that $1.00 each, and I believe the total price was less than $5.00 for everything (excluding the picture prints) So here is the break down.
I picked out which frames I wanted to use that would fill the space nicely. Next I picked four colors I liked together, grey, coral, teal. and cream. Using these four colors I painted the frames.
How I made the "Z". I have seen a lot of different string art on pinterest, and found some aqua yarn in my stash. First I found the "Z" that I wanted to make online. Then using my ruler I recreated it on a piece of paper the same size as the board. (the board was the back of a frame that has a boy blowing bubbles.) Once I had my letter Z drawn out, I measured evenly around it where the nails should go, then I taped it onto my board, hammered in small nails, then wrapped the string around the nails to give the look I wanted. (When wrapping the yarn around the nails, it was mostly trial and error, if I liked it that portion stayed, if I didn't like it I would undo some and redo it until I did like it) I used 3M strips that come off clean (the velco kind) to hang it on the wall.
How I made the chevron. I own a miter saw, which makes this much easier, but there are other ways to do it as well. Here's how I did it. I had left over 1"X2" wood from a previous project. All of the angles are 45 degrees and if you look carefully all of the angles go the same way. So I cut 6 pieces the same length, with 45 degree angles on each end. To assemble I used a biscuit joiner and wood glue. IF you don't have one of these, or even know what that is, you may be able to find something (such a metal plate) at your hardware store to attach them all together in the chevron shape. Then I painted it, drilled two holes into the back for hanging on the wall. (You could also use the 3M strip here as well)
Excited to start working on my next gallery wall!
Found the frames and the mirror, for less that $1.00 each, and I believe the total price was less than $5.00 for everything (excluding the picture prints) So here is the break down.
I picked out which frames I wanted to use that would fill the space nicely. Next I picked four colors I liked together, grey, coral, teal. and cream. Using these four colors I painted the frames.
How I made the "Z". I have seen a lot of different string art on pinterest, and found some aqua yarn in my stash. First I found the "Z" that I wanted to make online. Then using my ruler I recreated it on a piece of paper the same size as the board. (the board was the back of a frame that has a boy blowing bubbles.) Once I had my letter Z drawn out, I measured evenly around it where the nails should go, then I taped it onto my board, hammered in small nails, then wrapped the string around the nails to give the look I wanted. (When wrapping the yarn around the nails, it was mostly trial and error, if I liked it that portion stayed, if I didn't like it I would undo some and redo it until I did like it) I used 3M strips that come off clean (the velco kind) to hang it on the wall.
How I made the chevron. I own a miter saw, which makes this much easier, but there are other ways to do it as well. Here's how I did it. I had left over 1"X2" wood from a previous project. All of the angles are 45 degrees and if you look carefully all of the angles go the same way. So I cut 6 pieces the same length, with 45 degree angles on each end. To assemble I used a biscuit joiner and wood glue. IF you don't have one of these, or even know what that is, you may be able to find something (such a metal plate) at your hardware store to attach them all together in the chevron shape. Then I painted it, drilled two holes into the back for hanging on the wall. (You could also use the 3M strip here as well)
Excited to start working on my next gallery wall!
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
The Dirty Diaper Resolution
I regret to inform you that I can no longer find the link that I used to potty train my child. But I do remember the process and if you use a search engine and say you want to potty train a child in 2-3 days there are several places to check out.
So here is the method that I used. My daughter was just one week shy of her 3rd birthday. I had the time and energy to do it, so I went for it. Starting on Monday morning, after breakfast, I took my daughters diaper off, and left her bare bottom. I told her to use the potty if she needed to. I made a simple "Good Job" potty chart with a marker, one sheet of notebook paper, and a package of stickers.
Now here is the boring part. I sat with her the entire morning. Watching her, following her, so that if she started going I could rush her to the little potty chair I placed downstairs. (our only bathroom is upstairs) In addition every 15-20 minutes I would tell her to try to use the potty. (I gave her a sticker for trying as well, as she is a stubborn child and didn't want to sit until I offered up that reward)
After a few hours of nothing (hey! at least no accidents!) She finally did it! Then, now this is me and my idea, I gave her a little candy treat. (This method of treat giving worked for the first two children, although it sometimes back fires later when you try to take the treat away) I figured at this point I would deal with that later.
It has been two weeks and for the most part she is doing really well. No #2 on the potty yet, but that will come. We put a pull up on her when we drive in the car, or to church, but she treats it like underwear so it works for now.
This method may not work for you, every child is different. All three of my children were, are, different, but I hope that this will give you encouragement to try something new in your adventure into potty training.
So here is the method that I used. My daughter was just one week shy of her 3rd birthday. I had the time and energy to do it, so I went for it. Starting on Monday morning, after breakfast, I took my daughters diaper off, and left her bare bottom. I told her to use the potty if she needed to. I made a simple "Good Job" potty chart with a marker, one sheet of notebook paper, and a package of stickers.
Now here is the boring part. I sat with her the entire morning. Watching her, following her, so that if she started going I could rush her to the little potty chair I placed downstairs. (our only bathroom is upstairs) In addition every 15-20 minutes I would tell her to try to use the potty. (I gave her a sticker for trying as well, as she is a stubborn child and didn't want to sit until I offered up that reward)
After a few hours of nothing (hey! at least no accidents!) She finally did it! Then, now this is me and my idea, I gave her a little candy treat. (This method of treat giving worked for the first two children, although it sometimes back fires later when you try to take the treat away) I figured at this point I would deal with that later.
It has been two weeks and for the most part she is doing really well. No #2 on the potty yet, but that will come. We put a pull up on her when we drive in the car, or to church, but she treats it like underwear so it works for now.
This method may not work for you, every child is different. All three of my children were, are, different, but I hope that this will give you encouragement to try something new in your adventure into potty training.
Monday, May 12, 2014
The Dirty Diaper Conundrum
Conundrum:
A riddle whose answer is or involves a pun or unexpected twist
A logical postulation that evades resolution, an intricate and difficult problem
So here I am, a 25 year old, intelligent (or at least that is what my diploma said), mother of three beautiful children, taking on what could be the most difficult task in the last 6 years of my life. Potty Training my youngest daughter.
First off, do not tell a parent how to handle a parenting situation with something that you read somewhere. No matter how intellectual the source. Second, if you don't have children, or have not yet gone through what they are experience, your thoughts are useless. I mean the above two in the most loving way, because as you will soon learn, once you have kids, and have read a couple of books, its that you actually still will know nothing of this parenting game.
You could have 100 kids, and each one of them would be different. How they respond to discipline, how they get potty trained. There is no FORMULA! For me as a math nerd is terrifying and exciting. Trying to figure out a solution
*** Update! I only made this article as a draft and never posted it, but I thought it would be good now to do so. As of right now we are successfully getting our daughter to use the potty! I will add to the next post as to exactly how I did that and my inspiration!***
So here I am, a 25 year old, intelligent (or at least that is what my diploma said), mother of three beautiful children, taking on what could be the most difficult task in the last 6 years of my life. Potty Training my youngest daughter.
First off, do not tell a parent how to handle a parenting situation with something that you read somewhere. No matter how intellectual the source. Second, if you don't have children, or have not yet gone through what they are experience, your thoughts are useless. I mean the above two in the most loving way, because as you will soon learn, once you have kids, and have read a couple of books, its that you actually still will know nothing of this parenting game.
You could have 100 kids, and each one of them would be different. How they respond to discipline, how they get potty trained. There is no FORMULA! For me as a math nerd is terrifying and exciting. Trying to figure out a solution
*** Update! I only made this article as a draft and never posted it, but I thought it would be good now to do so. As of right now we are successfully getting our daughter to use the potty! I will add to the next post as to exactly how I did that and my inspiration!***
Here we Go again!
So after a 3 month break of crazy house renovations, I am back. Although I don't like blogging, I feel so full of myself doing so, I do like to share my success and failures of projects to hopefully inspire others.
I have been busy with many projects but this post for now is just a reintroduction. So what is to come? Well art projects mostly, renovation progress, and a kitchen island.
So lets get started.
I have been busy with many projects but this post for now is just a reintroduction. So what is to come? Well art projects mostly, renovation progress, and a kitchen island.
So lets get started.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
To be or Not to be... A Vegetarian that is.
For the month of February I have decided to take on a vegetarian style diet. I was hoping to gather information such as energy level, mood, and weight loss and compare it to the diet we usually eat as a family. Here are the results thus far.
Day 1: February 1
I had cereal with milk for breakfast and then made it until 11:30 when I finally had chicken pot pie. Completely forgetting that I couldn't eat meat.
Day 2: February 2
Cereal for breakfast then off to church. It was potluck after lunch and sure enough being a small town Minnesota church, there was only meat and noodle hot dishes to eat. So I stuck with a salad. Blah! Then a meatless pizza was brought out, which I ate plenty of like a starving ravenous wolf.
That night, we ate out at Pizza Ranch, for those who don't know is a sit down buffet with pizza, fried chicken, potato sides and salad. Well I couldn't resist the all meat pizza so again I failed.
Day 3: February 3 and Day 4 Feb 4
Didn't even try. :(
But then a revelation. Last night at a friend's home we came up with the plot to both be vegetarian and see who can last the longest. Being the competitive person that I am, I could not refuse. So coming this March, we will be partaking our own MARCH MADNESS. Stay tuned. :)
Until then I will continue working on our house projects, and updating you along the way. Our kitchen is almost complete!
Day 1: February 1
I had cereal with milk for breakfast and then made it until 11:30 when I finally had chicken pot pie. Completely forgetting that I couldn't eat meat.
Day 2: February 2
Cereal for breakfast then off to church. It was potluck after lunch and sure enough being a small town Minnesota church, there was only meat and noodle hot dishes to eat. So I stuck with a salad. Blah! Then a meatless pizza was brought out, which I ate plenty of like a starving ravenous wolf.
That night, we ate out at Pizza Ranch, for those who don't know is a sit down buffet with pizza, fried chicken, potato sides and salad. Well I couldn't resist the all meat pizza so again I failed.
Day 3: February 3 and Day 4 Feb 4
Didn't even try. :(
But then a revelation. Last night at a friend's home we came up with the plot to both be vegetarian and see who can last the longest. Being the competitive person that I am, I could not refuse. So coming this March, we will be partaking our own MARCH MADNESS. Stay tuned. :)
Until then I will continue working on our house projects, and updating you along the way. Our kitchen is almost complete!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Jewelry Board
This post has been inspired by an item that I saw in a magazine. It was a Jewelry Board, in which you would tack pins to a decorative board and hang your jewelry from those pins. It was a lovely idea. It was not a lovely price tag. $80.00 for this little treasure. I could hardly justify it, since the jewelry that would be hanging from it, barely totaled the same amount.
I decided to make my own! But as I started thinking of all the work it would be, and money and supplies it would take to build the frame, add a back board to push the pins in, paint or fabric for the board, I became overwhelmed. And decided it wasn't worth it.
So the months passed... I reopened that same magazine, and found that same project. This time I was determined to make it. But soon I remembered why I stopped.
I told my wonderful husband my dilemma. He, being such a clever man, told me a simple solution. Use a cork message board and decorate that. GENIUS!!
So here is what I did...
I took my cork message board, acrylic craft paint (white), leftover fabric, and some spray adhesive and got to work.
First I painted the frame of the cork board. Then cut my fabric. Sprayed the back of the fabric with the adhesive spray (I would think another type of glue should also work, so long as it wont leave bumps). Applied the fabric to the frame. VOILA! Jewelry board complete. To hang my jewelry, I stole some pins from my sewing stash and they work just fine, as my jewelry isn't very heavy. I am sure that there and pretty push pins in the home office section of a department store that would be more sturdy and handle heavier jewelry.
I decided to make my own! But as I started thinking of all the work it would be, and money and supplies it would take to build the frame, add a back board to push the pins in, paint or fabric for the board, I became overwhelmed. And decided it wasn't worth it.
So the months passed... I reopened that same magazine, and found that same project. This time I was determined to make it. But soon I remembered why I stopped.
I told my wonderful husband my dilemma. He, being such a clever man, told me a simple solution. Use a cork message board and decorate that. GENIUS!!
So here is what I did...
I took my cork message board, acrylic craft paint (white), leftover fabric, and some spray adhesive and got to work.
First I painted the frame of the cork board. Then cut my fabric. Sprayed the back of the fabric with the adhesive spray (I would think another type of glue should also work, so long as it wont leave bumps). Applied the fabric to the frame. VOILA! Jewelry board complete. To hang my jewelry, I stole some pins from my sewing stash and they work just fine, as my jewelry isn't very heavy. I am sure that there and pretty push pins in the home office section of a department store that would be more sturdy and handle heavier jewelry.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
What is your Worth?
I have been seeing things such as the picture below for quite some time. An insurance man even tried to use this to get me to buy more life insurance. What is a stay-at-home mom worth?
If you visit their website you can see what YOU are worth as well. They have you enter in your information and they use their calculations to assign you a value. Although I was very skeptical, I decided for the sake of research to do it as honestly as I could.
First I entered in my three children aged 5 and under. Then I entered in my zipcode to give them an idea of how much the median income is for my area. Although I did not agree that the local low for annual income is $86,732.00, I decided to trudge on. (the local low is probably much lower)
Next they give you a form, and you fill in how many hours per week you spend on each activity such as housekeeper, cook, van driver, laundry machine operator etc. Some were a bit extreme like nurse staff- RN, CEO, and Interior Designer. I mean, really. Putting a Band-Aid on my child's boo boo, or deciding which curtains to hang in the living room, hardly qualifies me for such positions.
So for the sake of this blog, I skipped the ones that didn't pertain to me. I ended up with these results.
Housekeeper, 8 hours.
Laundry machine operator, 3 hours
Daycare educator, 5 hours
I only included hours spent on each activity as a direct result of having children. So doing my own laundy, cleaning my own messes, regular cleaning such as toilets, floors, etc, book keeping, and cooking I didn't count. Regardless if I had children or not, I would still do these tasks.
Well my result was nothing like the poster. I am worth $8,239.00. I had to laugh at that figure. Because it gave me such joy. I don't want their to be some big dollar amount slapped on me as to what I am worth. Because I am worth nothing. And I am worth everything. I am worth nothing, in that no amount of gold, dollars, magic wishes, would ever be able to replace me to my family. But I am worth everything, because I know that God loved me so much that he sent his one and only son to die on the cross, so that my sins would be forgiven, and I would be able to go to heaven some day.
You could give me a million dollars a year, or more, and I would never give up staying home with my children. I wouldn't even give up one day. There are some things in this life that you can't buy. One of them is time, and any moment could be your last. Live it to the fullest. (and I don't mean skydiving. I mean snuggles, kisses, and hugs.)
Friday, January 17, 2014
Make your own Foaming Soap
I first saw this pin a long time ago. At first I thought it was going to be this elaborate recipe for making me own soap, but it is actually quite simple. And with three children washing their hands, it helps for two reasons.
1. kids use too much of everything, when doing anything.
2. they also fail to get the suds going before putting their hands under the water. Result: all the soap gets washed down the drain without ever fulfuilling its purpose.
So here it is. A money saving alternative to buying your own Foaming Soap.
Here is what you need: A foaming pumper. (I bought this with soap in it the first time and have reused the same one for over a year, still works great) Large jug of your favorite hand soap, or if you are like me the least expensive, decent smelling soap. And hot water.
1. kids use too much of everything, when doing anything.
2. they also fail to get the suds going before putting their hands under the water. Result: all the soap gets washed down the drain without ever fulfuilling its purpose.
So here it is. A money saving alternative to buying your own Foaming Soap.
Here is what you need: A foaming pumper. (I bought this with soap in it the first time and have reused the same one for over a year, still works great) Large jug of your favorite hand soap, or if you are like me the least expensive, decent smelling soap. And hot water.
STEP 1: Add a small amount of soap to the bottom of the pumper container. I add about as much as shown in the picture.
Step 2: Add HOT water to the pumper. It will foam up with the soap. I keep adding water until the foam bubbles are only a few on top.
Step 3: Replace pump, screw on secure, and shake until the soap is dissolved. This is easier to do with a colored soap, but if you use a clear soap just shake well until it all appears liquid.
Voila! You have your own foaming soap! The container of bulk soap in the background I believe I got at Menards more than a year ago for $4.00 for 128 oz. Judging by the size of the pumper, I filled it about 1/8 full of the soap which equates to about 1 oz of soap. So that $4.00 will last me 128 refills approximately. Which is about 3 cents for each pump filled. The kids get their hands cleaner and it saves me money. Hooray!
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