As I learned more and more about nutrition in its broad scale, I determined in my 20’s that eating right is not “dieting,” it is actually just the way we were intended to feed our bodies. I’ve looked at and participated in different levels to both extremes: total fast food & packaged foods vs. complete natural (make your own honey, make your own bread, juice your own fruits, etc.). I hate to tell you this, but I agree with both!! So how can I lead you in one direction or the other?
Here’s the news: I don’t and I won’t suggest to anyone that either is exclusively the way to go. I have a whole section on eating right and not. In the hustle-bustle of our daily lives, it is hard to adhere to and to me is somewhat unreasonable to be constant in either mode. I have, for 38 years, managed my Diabetes (the balance of which is severely dependant on food intake) by just using my brain.
Doctors have deferred to me most of my life because they cannot argue with the fact that I am in good shape. I have a very severe case of Diabetes, accompanied by all the complications (kidney, eyes, nerve, and digestion and anything else that sporadically faults, such as heart, lungs, etc.) It is not a lie that Diabetes affects every organ and cell of our bodies because it contingent upon circulation (blood) levels.
When I was younger, one book labeled it as the “silent torture.” Truly, Diabetes is an extremely dangerous and comprehensive illness. And I have been through some scary times; however, Diabetics do not have to be isolated and absolutely do not have to suffer as much as some do.
Really, I use common sense and balance. And here’s the rub that goes against the grain of every nutritionalist in America: I still believe in counting calories instead of carbohydrates. Wow, you wouldn’t believe how much hostility that causes. Total and sheer frustrated hostility pours from the otherwise calm and respectable nutritional advisors. BUT - the doctors side with me because of the facts. Yeah me! The doctors tell them to leave me alone and let me do it my way because whatever I’ve done for 38 years is working better than all the dead people who did it differently.
This, in turn, makes the advisors even angrier and they refuse to work with me. So, I’ve been on my own in regards to nutrition for a lot of years. Fortunately, I enjoy the study of nutrition so I liked checking out the books and making spreadsheets and articles about nutrition. And for the last 10 years, the internet has made it increasingly easier to find what I need to know in a snap.
For many years, due to the stigma attached to Diabetics, I hid my condition from everyone. I knew people for 15 years and they never knew I had Diabetes. I’d go in and out of hospitals and just call in sick at work. I don’t look sick, so no one assumed I had any chronic illness. I don’t act sick, so nobody guessed. I made up my mind when I was a teenager that I didn’t want to be a decrepit frail person and that as long as I could keep going, I would keep going happily. I rarely discuss my condition unless it is informational and I do not use it as a crutch or for sympathy. I am so grateful to the Lord for getting me this far with such a debilitating condition, that I cannot justify being a complainer or using it in a manner to exploit others. That just seems ungrateful and WRONG.
Plus, whining is my pet peeve, so it doesn’t fit anywhere into my life or my surroundings. Here’s my take on eating: eat food that helps your body function properly and eat as much as you need to continue functioning.
No part of me agrees with the idea that a person can be on a continual diet for life. That is crazy and if you investigated all the people who wrote the fad diets and the miracle diets, you would discover that they don’t stick to that diet every day of their lives. They veer sometimes. Even the best of them do, so don’t be fooled.
The only problem with a Diabetic veering on his/her diet is that the insulin and/or exercise for that timeframe has to be adjusted. I’ll go into that balance later, but for now, let’s just look at the food part of the formula. Not just for Diabetics, but for everyone. Food is your energy and what you eat is the makeup of your chemistry, so eat the best you can.
I don’t have a rule that says “cake is not on my diet.” I don’t have a death clock that starts ticking when I eat red meat occasionally. No body parts fall off or even stop working when I eat lunchmeat or when I have carbonation in my beverages. And guess what? I’ve used sweet-n-low for 38 years. Is it a good idea to constantly eat junk and processed foods? Absolutely not. So, I don’t want to ever be quoted as encouraging poor eating habits.
There is a difference between a habit or routine and an exception. If you tell a Diabetic child that he/she can never have cake, ice cream, red meat, butter, jelly, etc., that kid is going to instantly begin building a wall to shut the whole dieting idea out of his/her life. Adults do the same thing. Every time you start a new diet, don’t you just crave everything that is NOT on the diet? Who in this world thinks that there is ONE diet that all people should follow forever and ever amen? Isn’t that somewhat nutty? Should we all drive the same car and live in the same house? Again, that is not reasonable.
Here’s the best diet: eat food that helps your body function properly and eat as much as you need to continue functioning. When this is your diet, you have now broken the harness and have some options that in turn, give you the ability to make choices. So, make good choices.
Sometimes I eat cake; sometimes I even (should I say it publicly?) eat a bar of CANDY! Yes, it’s true. Get a bag and breathe into it if you have to. I am not only admitting to you that as a regular smegular human being, I sometimes eat candy, but I am notifying you that I, an insulin-dependent Diabetic sometimes eat candy. Wow. Once you are able to stand upright and focus again from that news, let’s move on.
Sometimes I deliberately choose a taco over a tomato with cottage cheese. Yes. Sometimes I fry my eggs instead of scrambling them and SOMETIMES I even CHOOSE Captain Crunch cereal instead of Corn Flakes. And here I am, still alive. Shocking, isn’t it? I do want to repeat that I make the choices deliberately. Here’s the key: that word “sometimes.”
Do I eat fried foods and sugar from the time I roll out of bed until I drop in a panting heap at the end of each day? No. Do I eat fried foods and sugar every day of my life? No. On the other hand, do I completely deprive myself of all treats? No again. It’s not the candy and lunchmeat that kills people off and it’s not the natural cooking and fresh veggies that keep them alive.
It is that when you eat food that helps your body function properly and eat as much as you need to continue functioning and SOMETIMES allow yourself a sidetrack of indulgence, eating can be balanced even in someone with a serious medical condition.
If I tell you that you can’t have a cookie, you probably will immediately want a cookie. So that is really just a nuisance and doesn’t require indulgence. Really, we all are able to exhibit self-control and not drive 5 miles out of our way to get a cookie. If we decide recognize that cookies are delicious but do not add much to the helpful functioning of the body (even if it has oatmeal and raisins or peanut butter in it); but, that sometimes a cookie might be yummy, control is more manageable. If the cookie is a “possibility on a sometimes basis” rather than absolutely forbidden, it is easier to control our intake of the cookies.
Again, some type of self-control has to enter into the equation. People who are overweight more than likely have not dealt much in the area of self-control and that is not what I’m talking about. Absolutely, there are people who are completely out of control and eat junk constantly. That is not a dieting problem; that is a social, spiritual, or emotional problem and I don’t plan to address it.
I am talking about the reasonable life and the reasonable person, approaching a reasonable manner to maintain a reasonable eating pattern. If you want to lose a few pounds, cut back your calories. If you eat a piece of candy, look at how many calories you just took in and shave it off something else. Period.
Fruits and vegetables are good for you, but fruit packs a bunch of calories and some fruits are just as much of a hit to your blood sugar and your waistline as a piece of candy, so look at what you’re doing. If you ONLY eat vegetables, you starve yourself of other needed nutrients and have to take supplements to bridge the gap.
I am just here to notify anybody that cares to listen that any nutrition you can get from a pill is completely inferior to the nutrition you get from the food itself. I personally do not take vitamins because it just seems a little silly to me. That topic is not a battle I’ve chosen to fight in my life, so I just keep my mouth shut on the issue. Take vitamins if you think you should, but you still have to pay attention to what foods you put into your body. God designed our bodies and He also designed how to keep them functioning, so just be reasonable.
I see a lot of articles about guilt and “don’t beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon,” and that kind of stuff. I see the word “moderation” used a lot. I’ve always found those perspectives kind of odd. I just don’t see how one person can tell another person how to feel. Aren’t feelings based on what belief system you have established in your life? If I tell you not to feel sad because your dog died, but you loved your dog and your heart is breaking, how can you just stop feeling sad? If you feel guilty, you can’t stop feeling guilty just because someone else thinks what you did is okay.
You have to establish a reasonable system that allows for mistakes. With that, you operate in a reasonable fashion which means you can eat a piece of cake sometimes. When you make a mistake and eat a whole cake, you adjust accordingly, recover, and try not to do that again. Then, guilt is not even part of the picture. It doesn’t enter into the equation. If you find that you’re not reaching your goal, then you have to change your plan, but remain in the parameters of reasonable.
If your goal is to lose weight, and you’re not losing weight, adjust your plan and go forward, but don’t cut food out of your life for 3 days in order to get where you intended to be. Feeling guilty won’t change where you are; not feeling guilty won’t change where you are. Recognizing that you need to adjust your plan and then doing so will change where you will end up; but it will not change where you are. Giving yourself a lecture about doing a better job won’t change where you are. You are where you are.
All you can do is adjust your path to hit the goal. And if you just ate a whole cake, that is where you are. Regret doing it? Maybe. Hate yourself, punish yourself, be cranky and punish others for it? No. Adjust, recover, and move forward. You may just need to shave some calories off for eating too much cake and then again, you may need to reduce your entire daily calorie intake if your goal is not being met. But be reasonable. That’s a really important concept in our lives.
Shocking to many people, the Bible gives insights into how to take care of our bodies. Truly, who believes that God quickly created a doctor and medicines right after Adam and Eve, in case they ever got sick? I know, I know. Hard to believe.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Learn and Live
Some say “Live and Learn;” But I stand firmly on “Learn and Live.” This is the section that will draw the most criticism as well as the most support and I already know that. I’m a Christian woman and have been most of my life, but not all of my life.
The word “Christian” draws all kinds of opinions. Mostly, people have their own idea of what a Christian is and many times, that opinion has been formed by someone else and is inaccurate. I don’t know what to tell you about the things I will post in here. You’ll just have to look and see.
There is lots to say in here but I don’t want it to be just my opinion, so I will actually use references and examples from the Bible and insights learned thereof. Oooh, already I feel somebody getting stiff-necked. So, I’ll let you know that I am not a forceful person. I just have learned so many valuable lessons and have lots to say. Use what you can and discard the rest.
Just make sure you discard the part from me and not the part from God. Whatever you believe, wouldn’t you agree that it is a better idea to learn the lesson by knowing the precept instead of living the lesson?
I’m just sayin’….
Love,
Connie
The word “Christian” draws all kinds of opinions. Mostly, people have their own idea of what a Christian is and many times, that opinion has been formed by someone else and is inaccurate. I don’t know what to tell you about the things I will post in here. You’ll just have to look and see.
There is lots to say in here but I don’t want it to be just my opinion, so I will actually use references and examples from the Bible and insights learned thereof. Oooh, already I feel somebody getting stiff-necked. So, I’ll let you know that I am not a forceful person. I just have learned so many valuable lessons and have lots to say. Use what you can and discard the rest.
Just make sure you discard the part from me and not the part from God. Whatever you believe, wouldn’t you agree that it is a better idea to learn the lesson by knowing the precept instead of living the lesson?
I’m just sayin’….
Love,
Connie
Funny Stuff
I spend most of my life laughing at life. Even things that are “tough” to endure can later be funny. The Bible tells us that a “merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” I believe that is true. Not that you want to laugh at someone who is going through a difficult time, but I always try to take “the light road.”
I haven’t always been that way. I spent about 10 years in my late 20’s and early 30’s on the brink of sadness, wondering if I would ever get to be married. I also dealt with several health issues during that time, so I didn’t laugh so much.
I have learned that there is such a thing as spilt milk and there are options on what you can do with it.
I have learned that life throws curves and you have to learn how to be a good driver.
I have learned that if God is my co-pilot, I need to switch places.
I have a section on Spiritual Lessons Learned the Hard Way, so this one is just on the funny side of stuff.
Mostly we just want to dwell here for a giggle or two. You can be assured there will be posts about kids in here.
I haven’t always been that way. I spent about 10 years in my late 20’s and early 30’s on the brink of sadness, wondering if I would ever get to be married. I also dealt with several health issues during that time, so I didn’t laugh so much.
I have learned that there is such a thing as spilt milk and there are options on what you can do with it.
I have learned that life throws curves and you have to learn how to be a good driver.
I have learned that if God is my co-pilot, I need to switch places.
I have a section on Spiritual Lessons Learned the Hard Way, so this one is just on the funny side of stuff.
Mostly we just want to dwell here for a giggle or two. You can be assured there will be posts about kids in here.
Keep the Cash and Do it Yourself
Ah, the philosophy of my life. I like to save money and I like to make things, so these two work well together. I’ve mentioned our website, www.keep-the-cash.com on other posts. Be sure to go there. It is packed full of all kinds of stuff.
KTC is a website created by Shelley (sister-in-law) and me that focuses on that topic: ways to keep your money. We are writing a series of eBooks that cover different topics which enable you to save money. I’ll post things into here, as well, but the real "life" of this section will be in the website.
KTC is a website created by Shelley (sister-in-law) and me that focuses on that topic: ways to keep your money. We are writing a series of eBooks that cover different topics which enable you to save money. I’ll post things into here, as well, but the real "life" of this section will be in the website.
Bekah's Boutique
I need to put a post into this section so I can give it a label and make it into a real section for you to see and for future “actual” posts. So this is just a tag blurb so the label will apply.
This section will be “Bekah’s Boutique” which is the name I gave to my store, which was my little home business of sewing and crafts about 5 years ago. I’ll put some things in here for you to see. Sometimes people still contact me to make something and occasionally, I do, but not much. I like crafts and the idea of sewing, and once I sit down at the sewing machine, I go on for hours. But, getting me to focus and sit down at the sewing machine is the hardest part.
I actually just like designing the stuff more than sewing. But, the feeling of accomplishment gained from actually sewing or producing something from “scratch” is GREAT, so I still do it sometimes.
Bekah’s Boutique (named after my daughter, Rebekah), has custom clothes for girls, custom bedroom sets for infants and children and a few for adults (usually only by request). I also have embellished handbags, jewelry, and some dog things in there. Just a mix of fun things.
This section will be “Bekah’s Boutique” which is the name I gave to my store, which was my little home business of sewing and crafts about 5 years ago. I’ll put some things in here for you to see. Sometimes people still contact me to make something and occasionally, I do, but not much. I like crafts and the idea of sewing, and once I sit down at the sewing machine, I go on for hours. But, getting me to focus and sit down at the sewing machine is the hardest part.
I actually just like designing the stuff more than sewing. But, the feeling of accomplishment gained from actually sewing or producing something from “scratch” is GREAT, so I still do it sometimes.
Bekah’s Boutique (named after my daughter, Rebekah), has custom clothes for girls, custom bedroom sets for infants and children and a few for adults (usually only by request). I also have embellished handbags, jewelry, and some dog things in there. Just a mix of fun things.
French Bulldogs
I cannot imagine any person ever not loving French Bulldogs, once they have met one. My brother laughed and poked fun at them nonstop for years until I got some and now he thinks they are adorable (even though he would NEVER admit it). I talk to people all the time who are converts. At least twice a week and usually more often, I am in a conversation about French Bulldogs. I love these guys.
So when I first had to start going through a divorce 5 years ago, I didn’t want to go back into an executive job market and I didn’t feel strong enough to be a financial advisor right then, plus I didn’t want to put my baby into daycare. So, I opened a sewing boutique and bought four French Bulldogs and began raising champion Frenchies for the show ring.
Wow. I am an animal lover (confirmed and certified), so I think just about every animal is cute, period. And dogs are one of my favorites. I’ve always like flat-faced dogs: Shih-tzu, Pekingese, Pugs, but had never really met any bulldogs.
When I did finally meet a French Bulldog, I was hooked in about 11 minutes. These little guys are incredible. They are little clown dogs and forever loyal. They love to love and be loved and will put on a show for anyone who will give their attention. They are perfect pets and naturally clean dogs (I like that).
Of course, mine are spoiled rotten, but I do not claim responsibility for it. Someone breaks into my house every day and spoils them.
Rebekah is an animal lover, too, so she loves that I have the bulldogs. We have about 3 litters of champion-bred puppies per year and man, are they the most doted on and adored puppies EVER!! I rarely make money, but manage to break even now. I have bought a few automobiles for three veterinarians. My dogs have their own dedicated bedroom in our house and their own condominium (heated and air-conditioned) built off the garage accessed by doggie doors when they want to go outside.
Go on over to my website www.puppyprints.net and look at some of these little toots. It won’t take you long to fall in love. I have a lot of experience with dogs and nurturing, so I spend a lot of time talking with people about dogs. People (strangers) call me at least 3 times a week for help, mostly referred by people who have bought Frenchies from me. I love the dogs. No doubt about that.
So when I first had to start going through a divorce 5 years ago, I didn’t want to go back into an executive job market and I didn’t feel strong enough to be a financial advisor right then, plus I didn’t want to put my baby into daycare. So, I opened a sewing boutique and bought four French Bulldogs and began raising champion Frenchies for the show ring.
Wow. I am an animal lover (confirmed and certified), so I think just about every animal is cute, period. And dogs are one of my favorites. I’ve always like flat-faced dogs: Shih-tzu, Pekingese, Pugs, but had never really met any bulldogs.
When I did finally meet a French Bulldog, I was hooked in about 11 minutes. These little guys are incredible. They are little clown dogs and forever loyal. They love to love and be loved and will put on a show for anyone who will give their attention. They are perfect pets and naturally clean dogs (I like that).
Of course, mine are spoiled rotten, but I do not claim responsibility for it. Someone breaks into my house every day and spoils them.
Rebekah is an animal lover, too, so she loves that I have the bulldogs. We have about 3 litters of champion-bred puppies per year and man, are they the most doted on and adored puppies EVER!! I rarely make money, but manage to break even now. I have bought a few automobiles for three veterinarians. My dogs have their own dedicated bedroom in our house and their own condominium (heated and air-conditioned) built off the garage accessed by doggie doors when they want to go outside.
Go on over to my website www.puppyprints.net and look at some of these little toots. It won’t take you long to fall in love. I have a lot of experience with dogs and nurturing, so I spend a lot of time talking with people about dogs. People (strangers) call me at least 3 times a week for help, mostly referred by people who have bought Frenchies from me. I love the dogs. No doubt about that.
Food as Gifts
Recipes?
I sometimes laugh in the face of such. HA! But then sometimes you have to follow a recipe to the pinnest point so I don’t always laugh. Like Divinity. Did you know the type of pan you use will make or break this stuff?
I spent about 5 years learning how to make all the “hard to make” candies and I would devote every 3rd Christmas season to cooking and bundling up 15-20 different selections on decorated plates as gifts. It actually became a bigger deal than I realized and the first year I missed, I received complaints. Who knew?
I enjoy it, so I don’t mind continuing the routine. I have certain people who have particular requests, so I have those treats that I MUST do each time I make food gifts. Eventually, about 9 years ago, I had to add something besides candy, so now I have a wider selection each time I plan a food year.
Not everybody gets everything, as I’ve learned some people’s likes and dislikes but there is always someone new to add, so they get a larger variety. Loved ones always get the biggest batches (trays and/or platters of food instead of plates).
This year (2010) is a food year! Hooray. I am anxious to add a couple of new things this year, so I’ll post them into here, along with recipes and pictures of the past and ongoing favorites.
Check back soon!
Connie
I sometimes laugh in the face of such. HA! But then sometimes you have to follow a recipe to the pinnest point so I don’t always laugh. Like Divinity. Did you know the type of pan you use will make or break this stuff?
I spent about 5 years learning how to make all the “hard to make” candies and I would devote every 3rd Christmas season to cooking and bundling up 15-20 different selections on decorated plates as gifts. It actually became a bigger deal than I realized and the first year I missed, I received complaints. Who knew?
I enjoy it, so I don’t mind continuing the routine. I have certain people who have particular requests, so I have those treats that I MUST do each time I make food gifts. Eventually, about 9 years ago, I had to add something besides candy, so now I have a wider selection each time I plan a food year.
Not everybody gets everything, as I’ve learned some people’s likes and dislikes but there is always someone new to add, so they get a larger variety. Loved ones always get the biggest batches (trays and/or platters of food instead of plates).
This year (2010) is a food year! Hooray. I am anxious to add a couple of new things this year, so I’ll post them into here, along with recipes and pictures of the past and ongoing favorites.
Check back soon!
Connie
Monday, April 5, 2010
Homemade All Purpose Cleanser
I love to save money. I can spend $1,000 on something and never have remorse but be irked for a couple of hours over wasting 50 cents. It is all contingent on the value (monetary or perceived) value of the item obtained.
For instance, I consider accomplishments to be of value and can wrap what a particular item accomplishes into the value of it. In doing that, I might pay more (monetarily) for the item than usual.
People pay me to help them with their budget and finances, so I have to keep guidelines and a system, but when I budget for things, I consider more than the face value. That is not something that is readily transferred to application in someone else’s budget. So, I have a budget “principle” I use that allows the ability to be used in a real life and not just on paper.
Anyway, we’ll talk about finances and budget in another post, but this one is about saving money, getting deals, looking for a bargain, finding a way to spend less… that type of thing. I love all those phrases!
I’ve mentioned that Shelley (sister-in-law) and I have written an ebook and you should definitely check it out in my previous post. The book is devoted to one spending less concept, which is using coupons as a method of payment. We treat couponing as a viable part-time job. The money savings is sometimes not even believable and whatever you save, you earned.
Some women are finding by applying our extra spin on the couponing strategy that they make more by using the “Keep the Cash” method(s) than they have at their part-time job. Not to mention getting to stay home and take care of their own kids instead of paying for childcare.
Again, I encourage you to look at the info and the link in my earlier post and check into it.
Right now, I’d like to mention some other money-saving tips just for fun and just because I love that sort of thing.
Of course, Do it Yourself is the BOMB! Whoo-hoo, I love making my own stuff. Whether it is figuring out a recipe for some popular dish or doing my own taxes or figuring out my own medical symptoms, I love the DIY stuff.
I recently decided I didn’t like all the chemicals that swirl around us in our homes, so I checked into making some of my cleansers myself. Now I should tell you that I was a bleach person. I’m a natural blonde, but my hair was about the only thing I didn’t use bleach on. I didn’t think anything was truly clean unless bleach in some fashion had been applied to it.
I don’t like the smell of bleach, but I can tolerate it and eventually I guess maybe I couldn’t even smell it anymore because I had gotten used to it. I probably will not ever completely eliminate bleach from my entire life, but WOW! That is one dangerous chemical!
Although sure nothing could get cleaned otherwise, I forced myself to replace bleach with some other types of safer cleaners and was pleasantly surprised. I did not want to hop from one pure chemical (chlorine) to some mixture of equally toxic chemicals that we find in store-bought cleansers. That narrowed down my options considerably. Basically, after all the options, I was left with vinegar, lemon, and baking soda. It just didn’t seem like enough. I tried it and yes, things seemed to be clean but I just wasn’t convinced.
I wrote my friend who is a missionary in Mexico and lives an incredible ALL NATURAL life. I need to insert one comment here: I admire her strength but I probably will never be an “all natural” woman. She has her children in birthing tubs delivered by her husband. I am completely in awe of that strength and I admire and respect it, but won’t ever do it. She makes her own honey, when her husband goes out to their shed, where they have a family of honey bees constantly producing rich and succulent honey combs. Actually, the bees "make" the honey, but either way, I won’t ever do that.
She makes all her own clothes and the clothes for her 7 children. I won’t ever do that. I sew but usually for fun. She uses cloth diapers. Okay, I won’t EVER do that. She scrubs clothes on a washboard and hangs them out in fresh air to dry. Why? She likes the fresh air smell on their clothes. We don’t have fresh air in the states, so I won’t ever do that. Her husband bought a washing machine, but she doesn't always use it.
Okay, enough said. She is WAY fabulous and more “natural” than me. I admire her greatly; I just can’t and maybe won't ever even try to be that. Tammy has wonderful insights into cooking naturally and uses all natural cleansers. She makes her own cleansers and her own soap and her own laundry detergent. Are you ready for this? She makes her own vinegar.
So, I asked her for tips on cleaners. I told her about my vinegar mixture and that I thought things were “clean” but just still felt they could be more …. Something. She had the immediate answer: alcohol. I had not thought of that. She told me to add ½ cup of isopropyl (70%) to my mixture and that is what I did. When I started cleaning with it, I immediately knew what I had been missing: "disinfection." Is that a word?
Disinfected. I didn’t feel like everything had been disinfected and the addition of the alcohol somehow filled that need. Think about it: hospitals use alcohol to keep germs away from incisions into our bodies. I feel so much better about my cleaning mixture. She also told me to add just a drop or two of lavender oil. I’d heard that before and truthfully, I haven’t added that yet, but I may try it sometime.
So that’s my daily all-purpose cleanser. I mix it into empty spray bottles in the following increments; you can adjust up or down however you are comfortable. The alcohol also cuts through the vinegar smell. However, the smell of vinegar is an absorbent, so it doesn’t last long anyway.
In a spray bottle:
3 cups vinegar
1 cup alcohol
Lemon (fresh squeezed)
NOTICE I LEFT OUT THE BAKING SODA. I also increased the alcohol amount just because I wanted more disinfectant properties in my mixture. Most people are aware of this from Science experiments in school, but just in case you didn’t do those experiments:
Vinegar mixed with baking soda will make a HUGE bubbling and will scare you into almost a faint. In school, we built fake volcanoes and then added vinegar and a touch of baking soda to make them “erupt” with lava that we colored red with food color.
So, if you are going to add the baking soda (sometimes I do), make your mixture in a bucket and then when the lava stops bubbling, pour it into the bottle.
Sometimes I pour vinegar and baking soda into my kitchen sink with the intention of it bubbling its way down the drain and acting as a type of abrasive rinse.
So there’s a tip for today: New all purpose cleanser without harmful chemicals.
For instance, I consider accomplishments to be of value and can wrap what a particular item accomplishes into the value of it. In doing that, I might pay more (monetarily) for the item than usual.
People pay me to help them with their budget and finances, so I have to keep guidelines and a system, but when I budget for things, I consider more than the face value. That is not something that is readily transferred to application in someone else’s budget. So, I have a budget “principle” I use that allows the ability to be used in a real life and not just on paper.
Anyway, we’ll talk about finances and budget in another post, but this one is about saving money, getting deals, looking for a bargain, finding a way to spend less… that type of thing. I love all those phrases!
I’ve mentioned that Shelley (sister-in-law) and I have written an ebook and you should definitely check it out in my previous post. The book is devoted to one spending less concept, which is using coupons as a method of payment. We treat couponing as a viable part-time job. The money savings is sometimes not even believable and whatever you save, you earned.
Some women are finding by applying our extra spin on the couponing strategy that they make more by using the “Keep the Cash” method(s) than they have at their part-time job. Not to mention getting to stay home and take care of their own kids instead of paying for childcare.
Again, I encourage you to look at the info and the link in my earlier post and check into it.
Right now, I’d like to mention some other money-saving tips just for fun and just because I love that sort of thing.
Of course, Do it Yourself is the BOMB! Whoo-hoo, I love making my own stuff. Whether it is figuring out a recipe for some popular dish or doing my own taxes or figuring out my own medical symptoms, I love the DIY stuff.
I recently decided I didn’t like all the chemicals that swirl around us in our homes, so I checked into making some of my cleansers myself. Now I should tell you that I was a bleach person. I’m a natural blonde, but my hair was about the only thing I didn’t use bleach on. I didn’t think anything was truly clean unless bleach in some fashion had been applied to it.
I don’t like the smell of bleach, but I can tolerate it and eventually I guess maybe I couldn’t even smell it anymore because I had gotten used to it. I probably will not ever completely eliminate bleach from my entire life, but WOW! That is one dangerous chemical!
Although sure nothing could get cleaned otherwise, I forced myself to replace bleach with some other types of safer cleaners and was pleasantly surprised. I did not want to hop from one pure chemical (chlorine) to some mixture of equally toxic chemicals that we find in store-bought cleansers. That narrowed down my options considerably. Basically, after all the options, I was left with vinegar, lemon, and baking soda. It just didn’t seem like enough. I tried it and yes, things seemed to be clean but I just wasn’t convinced.
I wrote my friend who is a missionary in Mexico and lives an incredible ALL NATURAL life. I need to insert one comment here: I admire her strength but I probably will never be an “all natural” woman. She has her children in birthing tubs delivered by her husband. I am completely in awe of that strength and I admire and respect it, but won’t ever do it. She makes her own honey, when her husband goes out to their shed, where they have a family of honey bees constantly producing rich and succulent honey combs. Actually, the bees "make" the honey, but either way, I won’t ever do that.
She makes all her own clothes and the clothes for her 7 children. I won’t ever do that. I sew but usually for fun. She uses cloth diapers. Okay, I won’t EVER do that. She scrubs clothes on a washboard and hangs them out in fresh air to dry. Why? She likes the fresh air smell on their clothes. We don’t have fresh air in the states, so I won’t ever do that. Her husband bought a washing machine, but she doesn't always use it.
Okay, enough said. She is WAY fabulous and more “natural” than me. I admire her greatly; I just can’t and maybe won't ever even try to be that. Tammy has wonderful insights into cooking naturally and uses all natural cleansers. She makes her own cleansers and her own soap and her own laundry detergent. Are you ready for this? She makes her own vinegar.
So, I asked her for tips on cleaners. I told her about my vinegar mixture and that I thought things were “clean” but just still felt they could be more …. Something. She had the immediate answer: alcohol. I had not thought of that. She told me to add ½ cup of isopropyl (70%) to my mixture and that is what I did. When I started cleaning with it, I immediately knew what I had been missing: "disinfection." Is that a word?
Disinfected. I didn’t feel like everything had been disinfected and the addition of the alcohol somehow filled that need. Think about it: hospitals use alcohol to keep germs away from incisions into our bodies. I feel so much better about my cleaning mixture. She also told me to add just a drop or two of lavender oil. I’d heard that before and truthfully, I haven’t added that yet, but I may try it sometime.
So that’s my daily all-purpose cleanser. I mix it into empty spray bottles in the following increments; you can adjust up or down however you are comfortable. The alcohol also cuts through the vinegar smell. However, the smell of vinegar is an absorbent, so it doesn’t last long anyway.
In a spray bottle:
3 cups vinegar
1 cup alcohol
Lemon (fresh squeezed)
NOTICE I LEFT OUT THE BAKING SODA. I also increased the alcohol amount just because I wanted more disinfectant properties in my mixture. Most people are aware of this from Science experiments in school, but just in case you didn’t do those experiments:
Vinegar mixed with baking soda will make a HUGE bubbling and will scare you into almost a faint. In school, we built fake volcanoes and then added vinegar and a touch of baking soda to make them “erupt” with lava that we colored red with food color.
So, if you are going to add the baking soda (sometimes I do), make your mixture in a bucket and then when the lava stops bubbling, pour it into the bottle.
Sometimes I pour vinegar and baking soda into my kitchen sink with the intention of it bubbling its way down the drain and acting as a type of abrasive rinse.
So there’s a tip for today: New all purpose cleanser without harmful chemicals.
Itty-bitty Change to a Favorite Food
I’ve always been a “do it yourself” kinda gal. I just like to see things put together and love putting them together myself. I like to experiment with adjusting ideas, so I try things all the time and never write them down! I have been trying to stop that because there are times when someone will ask me how I made something (food, clothes, crafts) and I’ll have to recall the event to give the instructions.
So last week, I tried just a little bitty twist on something I eat all the time and loved it. I told some people and they want a recipe or at least measurements, of which I had none. It was just such a simple thing but MAN was it good. So here it is. Remember, this is just a simple (really simple) thing with a twist.
One avocado, smashed into chunks with a fork; add 2 tablespoons of salsa (I like my own homemade salsa but you could use store-bought brands) and celery salt. Yep. Celery. Don’t know how much, just a little. Add just a touch of pepper and spread this onto wheat thins. Munch them while working at your desk and the whole chore at hand brightens up and goes faster.
I’ve had avocado on every bread, rice cake, and cracker imaginable and sometimes just eat them straight from their jackets, but have never put avocado on wheat thins. I really like the blend and the celery salt added just enough change to make it seem brand new. My homemade salsa has tomato sauce, lemon, cilantro and onions (white) in it, so there are the other contributors to the flavor mix. Try it and let me know if you like it.
I love natural foods and eating well, but sweet things are also fabulous to me. I spent years reading every nutritional book in the library (before Al Gore invented internet) and actually know how to measure any mineral or vitamin content you would reasonably want to include in your cooking.
In addition, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I am 38 years insulin dependent Diabetic, so my life has been driven by what we used to call dieting. As I learned more and more about nutrition in its broad scale, I determined in my 20’s that eating right is not “dieting,” it is actually just the way we were intended to feed our bodies.
I’ve looked at and participated in different levels to both extremes: total fast food & packaged foods vs. complete natural (make your own honey, make your own bread, juice your own fruits, etc.). I hate to tell you this, but I agree with both!! So how can I lead you in one direction or the other? Here’s the news: I don’t and I won’t suggest to anyone that either is exclusively the way to go. I have a whole section on eating right and not. It is mostly centered around what I've learned from being an insulin-dependent Diabetic for 38 years and having been in the "nutrition" game for almost 4 decades. Be sure to check it out if you are facing a "diet."
So last week, I tried just a little bitty twist on something I eat all the time and loved it. I told some people and they want a recipe or at least measurements, of which I had none. It was just such a simple thing but MAN was it good. So here it is. Remember, this is just a simple (really simple) thing with a twist.
One avocado, smashed into chunks with a fork; add 2 tablespoons of salsa (I like my own homemade salsa but you could use store-bought brands) and celery salt. Yep. Celery. Don’t know how much, just a little. Add just a touch of pepper and spread this onto wheat thins. Munch them while working at your desk and the whole chore at hand brightens up and goes faster.
I’ve had avocado on every bread, rice cake, and cracker imaginable and sometimes just eat them straight from their jackets, but have never put avocado on wheat thins. I really like the blend and the celery salt added just enough change to make it seem brand new. My homemade salsa has tomato sauce, lemon, cilantro and onions (white) in it, so there are the other contributors to the flavor mix. Try it and let me know if you like it.
I love natural foods and eating well, but sweet things are also fabulous to me. I spent years reading every nutritional book in the library (before Al Gore invented internet) and actually know how to measure any mineral or vitamin content you would reasonably want to include in your cooking.
In addition, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I am 38 years insulin dependent Diabetic, so my life has been driven by what we used to call dieting. As I learned more and more about nutrition in its broad scale, I determined in my 20’s that eating right is not “dieting,” it is actually just the way we were intended to feed our bodies.
I’ve looked at and participated in different levels to both extremes: total fast food & packaged foods vs. complete natural (make your own honey, make your own bread, juice your own fruits, etc.). I hate to tell you this, but I agree with both!! So how can I lead you in one direction or the other? Here’s the news: I don’t and I won’t suggest to anyone that either is exclusively the way to go. I have a whole section on eating right and not. It is mostly centered around what I've learned from being an insulin-dependent Diabetic for 38 years and having been in the "nutrition" game for almost 4 decades. Be sure to check it out if you are facing a "diet."
Friday, April 2, 2010
Coupons and Saving LOTS of Money
I get a lot of my shopping done FREE. Yep, it's true. I was one of those women that thought it was a good idea and even had some fab experiences with random couponing but never really used the concept to the MAX. Well, I do now.
I'm what the stores label as a "super couponer." The clerks dread us because of all the coupons, but the store owners and manufacturers love us because of all the business we bring them. Stores get paid MORE than the coupon value by the manufacturer, so they actually make money when we use our coupons. So, the next time you get an annoyed clerk, remind her that you are valuable.
So I receive several RSS feeds from ladies across the USA who do the same thing I do, which is look for all the bargains before they even go into effect or at least within seconds of the promo time. I will be linking to some of their websites and blogs for you later. I love their feeds because it makes my job easier by looking at the HOT specials first. We call them HOT money-makers (when we make money by using the coupon) and SMOKIN' deals (when the item(s) are free or just cost us pennies after applying the coupon.)
We stack em, roll em, double em, and do all kinds of things these days. I've even co-written an eBook on the whole step-by-step process that gets even the beginners going. It covers everything from finding hidden coupons to speed cutting them, to stacking for free items and moneymakers. Woo Hoo!!
So, you should get onto the coupon wagon for sure. I've started teaching classes in my area (Dallas/Fort Worth) and already have a waiting list for ladies groups that want a class for their members. It's very exciting and fast-paced.
Let me know if you want to access the eBook or set up a class for your group or for yourself. I love it!
Connie
I'm what the stores label as a "super couponer." The clerks dread us because of all the coupons, but the store owners and manufacturers love us because of all the business we bring them. Stores get paid MORE than the coupon value by the manufacturer, so they actually make money when we use our coupons. So, the next time you get an annoyed clerk, remind her that you are valuable.
So I receive several RSS feeds from ladies across the USA who do the same thing I do, which is look for all the bargains before they even go into effect or at least within seconds of the promo time. I will be linking to some of their websites and blogs for you later. I love their feeds because it makes my job easier by looking at the HOT specials first. We call them HOT money-makers (when we make money by using the coupon) and SMOKIN' deals (when the item(s) are free or just cost us pennies after applying the coupon.)
We stack em, roll em, double em, and do all kinds of things these days. I've even co-written an eBook on the whole step-by-step process that gets even the beginners going. It covers everything from finding hidden coupons to speed cutting them, to stacking for free items and moneymakers. Woo Hoo!!
So, you should get onto the coupon wagon for sure. I've started teaching classes in my area (Dallas/Fort Worth) and already have a waiting list for ladies groups that want a class for their members. It's very exciting and fast-paced.
Let me know if you want to access the eBook or set up a class for your group or for yourself. I love it!
Connie
Monday, March 29, 2010
Website and eBook
I guess I should give you the new website address and tell you about the new eBook. The website is about families and spending less. We have some pretty fab things lined up for the site and I'm so happy about it.
Hurry, go right now to see the website: www.keep-the-cash.com. It already has several tips for saving money, budgeting, cooking, crafts, and more! Very exciting.
This website is for help running a home, with special insights into coupons, organization, Natural Remedies, Diabetes, Parenting, French Bulldogs, Kids, Cleaning, Recipes, Crafts, Budgeting, Spreadsheets, and just being a woman.
We have articles we've written, articles from others, and links to several resource websites and blogs for help with family matters.
The specific goal is our dedication to helping families spend less money and less time on things so the family members can spend their time together.
Later this week, our eBook, "Keep the Cash, Pay with Coupons" will be available at an introductory rate. This is a compilation of several years of couponing and is a comprehensive tutorial with pictures and step-by-step guides on how to cut 50 to 100 percent off your shopping costs. We cover speed-cutting, stacking rolling and doubling, and the full spectrum of the coupon world complete with resource links. I've even designed a spreadsheet that has built-in formulas to help you easily keep track of your costs, savings, and status.
Woo Hoo!! Go check out the website here: www.keep-the-cash.com .
Hope to hear from you soon-
Connie
Hurry, go right now to see the website: www.keep-the-cash.com. It already has several tips for saving money, budgeting, cooking, crafts, and more! Very exciting.
This website is for help running a home, with special insights into coupons, organization, Natural Remedies, Diabetes, Parenting, French Bulldogs, Kids, Cleaning, Recipes, Crafts, Budgeting, Spreadsheets, and just being a woman.
We have articles we've written, articles from others, and links to several resource websites and blogs for help with family matters.
The specific goal is our dedication to helping families spend less money and less time on things so the family members can spend their time together.
Later this week, our eBook, "Keep the Cash, Pay with Coupons" will be available at an introductory rate. This is a compilation of several years of couponing and is a comprehensive tutorial with pictures and step-by-step guides on how to cut 50 to 100 percent off your shopping costs. We cover speed-cutting, stacking rolling and doubling, and the full spectrum of the coupon world complete with resource links. I've even designed a spreadsheet that has built-in formulas to help you easily keep track of your costs, savings, and status.
Woo Hoo!! Go check out the website here: www.keep-the-cash.com .
Hope to hear from you soon-
Connie
Lovin' Crafts Over Here!
Lovin’ Crafts Over Here!!
I’m just sayin’…
I am having the best time with this new fad of lingo going on. You know? I’m just sayin’… I love that one in particular: I’m just sayin’… You can’t leave out the dot dot dot. Don’t finish the sentence, just dot dot dot. It cracks me up. I’m approaching 50 so I am too old to pick up some of the lingo that runs through the teenagers. But this one is fun.
I’m just sayin’ dot dot dot. Okay, I’ve got to stop because this post has nothing to do with catch phrases.
Crafts. I love crafts. Does anybody love crafts? I cannot imagine being a person who doesn’t enjoy some kind of crafting. I can spend hours just looking at different crafts and I’ll make this list of about 5 or 6 HUNDRED that I plan to do. That is my biggest problem is that I start too big with crafts. I just love the whole crafting idea.
Crafting is economical (make a gift), personal (make a gift), and just downright fun (make a gift). And I always feel like I’ve really done something when I make something out of a batch of supplies. And when I see those articles on how to make things out of objects just lying around your house, I’m ON it. I want to run in the kitchen and empty my oatmeal containers and turn them into beautiful ceramic-looking vases or cute little pen-holders for my daughter’s desk.
I love sewing and decoupage and woodwork and painting glass and quilting and just all of it. I can’t enumerate them because there is always another one. I’ve wanted to have a craft shop for years and years. So this may be the closest I ever get to one. Indulge me, will you? Let’s talk crafting!
I want to use the craft section to post pictures and links to other crafty sites as well as posting some of my own little goodies. There are some incredible women out there that are unbelievably creative. My sister AND sister-in-law are both amazingly creative. I’m more of a “re-create” it kinda gal. I see things and think of how I could make them. Denise (sister) and Shelley (sister-in-law) just come up with stuff to make. They just wake up and have these great ideas and then they do them and they’re breathtaking and I think, WOW.
But I could re-create it and put a new spin on it. So, that is what I do. I look at things and figure out how to make them and/or re-make them. I rarely follow a recipe for cooking or a pattern for sewing or an outline for crafting exactly as it is written. It is pretty definite that I will change the idea along the way and produce something different about it. That is my attempt at creativity, I guess.
It works for me. When I first went through my divorce, Rebekah was 3 and I did NOT want to put her into daycare. So, Shelley had started this business online called “The Silver Spoon,” where she made and sold custom handbags and small machine-stitched throws and lots of other fabulous things. So I zoomed my antenna in on the throws and changed the idea up a bit, expanded here and there and soon, was selling quilts and full custom-made bedroom sets online. I supported Rebekah and me for almost a year before I went back to work when she was 4.
Loved it, but probably wouldn’t have thought of it had not Shelley come up with the idea that I bounced off of. My sister, Denise, decorates cakes. She has never taken a class in her life and creates these breath-taking wedding cakes that have bridges running from the main tiers to side tiers and waterfalls that flow into a lake with floating doves. I am NOT kidding and I am NOT exaggerating. She made my wedding cake and her daughter’s wedding cakes. I have pictures to prove it. She is incredible.
Denise does not decorate cakes for a living but I wish she would because then we would be famous. “We” is an automatic. If she gets famous, so do I. People ask her to make their wedding/anniversary/birthday (etc.) cakes and she does them for free. What a gal!
I’m just sayin’dot dot dot
Well, I guess I’ve rambled enough and should move on. But this section is for crafting. I want my readers to send in their ideas, too! How great would that be? Now, be warned, my repertoire is HUGE but not full. I have a list of hundreds of crafts but that doesn’t mean I’ve done all of them. Maybe we can do them together. Sounds like fun… once a week: you and me just lovin’ crafts.
I’m just sayin’…
Connie
I’m just sayin’…
I am having the best time with this new fad of lingo going on. You know? I’m just sayin’… I love that one in particular: I’m just sayin’… You can’t leave out the dot dot dot. Don’t finish the sentence, just dot dot dot. It cracks me up. I’m approaching 50 so I am too old to pick up some of the lingo that runs through the teenagers. But this one is fun.
I’m just sayin’ dot dot dot. Okay, I’ve got to stop because this post has nothing to do with catch phrases.
Crafts. I love crafts. Does anybody love crafts? I cannot imagine being a person who doesn’t enjoy some kind of crafting. I can spend hours just looking at different crafts and I’ll make this list of about 5 or 6 HUNDRED that I plan to do. That is my biggest problem is that I start too big with crafts. I just love the whole crafting idea.
Crafting is economical (make a gift), personal (make a gift), and just downright fun (make a gift). And I always feel like I’ve really done something when I make something out of a batch of supplies. And when I see those articles on how to make things out of objects just lying around your house, I’m ON it. I want to run in the kitchen and empty my oatmeal containers and turn them into beautiful ceramic-looking vases or cute little pen-holders for my daughter’s desk.
I love sewing and decoupage and woodwork and painting glass and quilting and just all of it. I can’t enumerate them because there is always another one. I’ve wanted to have a craft shop for years and years. So this may be the closest I ever get to one. Indulge me, will you? Let’s talk crafting!
I want to use the craft section to post pictures and links to other crafty sites as well as posting some of my own little goodies. There are some incredible women out there that are unbelievably creative. My sister AND sister-in-law are both amazingly creative. I’m more of a “re-create” it kinda gal. I see things and think of how I could make them. Denise (sister) and Shelley (sister-in-law) just come up with stuff to make. They just wake up and have these great ideas and then they do them and they’re breathtaking and I think, WOW.
But I could re-create it and put a new spin on it. So, that is what I do. I look at things and figure out how to make them and/or re-make them. I rarely follow a recipe for cooking or a pattern for sewing or an outline for crafting exactly as it is written. It is pretty definite that I will change the idea along the way and produce something different about it. That is my attempt at creativity, I guess.
It works for me. When I first went through my divorce, Rebekah was 3 and I did NOT want to put her into daycare. So, Shelley had started this business online called “The Silver Spoon,” where she made and sold custom handbags and small machine-stitched throws and lots of other fabulous things. So I zoomed my antenna in on the throws and changed the idea up a bit, expanded here and there and soon, was selling quilts and full custom-made bedroom sets online. I supported Rebekah and me for almost a year before I went back to work when she was 4.
Loved it, but probably wouldn’t have thought of it had not Shelley come up with the idea that I bounced off of. My sister, Denise, decorates cakes. She has never taken a class in her life and creates these breath-taking wedding cakes that have bridges running from the main tiers to side tiers and waterfalls that flow into a lake with floating doves. I am NOT kidding and I am NOT exaggerating. She made my wedding cake and her daughter’s wedding cakes. I have pictures to prove it. She is incredible.
Denise does not decorate cakes for a living but I wish she would because then we would be famous. “We” is an automatic. If she gets famous, so do I. People ask her to make their wedding/anniversary/birthday (etc.) cakes and she does them for free. What a gal!
I’m just sayin’dot dot dot
Well, I guess I’ve rambled enough and should move on. But this section is for crafting. I want my readers to send in their ideas, too! How great would that be? Now, be warned, my repertoire is HUGE but not full. I have a list of hundreds of crafts but that doesn’t mean I’ve done all of them. Maybe we can do them together. Sounds like fun… once a week: you and me just lovin’ crafts.
I’m just sayin’…
Connie
Got Girls?
Got girls?
I had my daughter, Rebekah, late in life, after getting married in my 30’s. Now, I have always loved children and still work closely with children in different ministries. When I was young, I wanted to have 100 children and even went to the extent of selecting 100 names (first and middle) in preparation.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I went to seminars and workshops and church functions for YEARS to learn how to be a wonderful wife and mother. I used to lecture my younger sister and brothers, all of whom had children before I did. I would give advice to friends, family, and even unsuspecting strangers. I knew so much about raising kids.
Surprisingly, the equation changes when you throw kids into the mix of knowledge. Suddenly, all the things you learned and maybe even applied at various times to other children just don’t have the same impact when dealing with your own child.
I have been surrounded by girls a lot in my life. I have 6 nieces that I “helped” grow up and have been working with children’s’ groups for over 25 years. And then, I had Rebekah in 2000.
Okay, readers, do any of you have girls? For those of you who do not, have you ever heard the word ‘drama’? You will need to become familiar with drama if you have girls or work with girls.
First of all, drama has to be understood. “Drama” is inclusive of many things: perception, response, translation, conveyance… all of those types of things. There does not necessarily have to be any actual drama included in what is going on; it just automatically becomes a part of everything. You will need to recognize drama to fully appreciate girls and actually in order to survive.
Secondly, when I say ‘drama has to be understood,” I mean that you have to understand that drama is built deep inside of little girls. They are born with it. Things just naturally are a bigger deal to girls than boys. This is understood.
I am a girl. Well, I was for several years (more than 17). But it wasn’t until I had a girl that I recognized the true concept of drama. I mean really, how many men can appreciate listening to the entire repeat of ‘she said this and I said that and then she said that and I said well, okay, and then she said she didn’t like him and so I was like okay then what are you going to do and she said I don’t know because I’m confused and then I was so sad because she was confused and then she decided to just be herself and I was so happy that she felt that way that it made me proud of her but I was really angry with him because he had said that to her.”
So we covered four intense emotions in less than 30 seconds, right? And this little girl (or teenager) felt every one of them when they happened and get this: SHE FELT EACH EMOTION AGAIN IN FULL ASPECT WHILE TELLING YOU THE STORY. So she goes from sad to happy to proud to angry without taking a breath right in front of your very eyes.
Not everyone can follow that. But women can. “Oh honey, you did a great job by being a friend to her” we will say to our little girl. And a man might say, “so… was that good?” which leaves the little girl totally exasperated with Dad/brother/friend and eventually possibly husband.
I can talk about kids and girls all day long. All right, I can just talk about anything all day long. But this is one of my favorite things to talk about. Kids and girls. Some of the hardest belly laughs I’ve ever lived through were over kids, mostly girls. They are so fun and delightful. And bossy and dramatic. And just about every emotion rolls into every day. It is like a roller coaster at Six Flags, except those make me sick and I don’t like them.
In today’s times, children are sometimes rushed along and the natural movement of the stages of womanhood are cut short and maybe even deleted altogether. Unfortunately, this causes immature women who have major battles to face without their full set of equipment. Girls are beautiful artwork formed by the hands of God Himself. Know them, love them, teach them, train them.
I enjoy an online magazine called “The Girlhood Home Companion.” Here’s a quote from their mission statement: ‘The Girlhood encourages young ladies (ages 10-18) to enjoy their precious girlhood years while walking closely with the Lord and developing a deeper relationship with Him. Filled with the wisdom of writers from the past and present, each edition features encouraging articles and stories that center on one character quality per issue. Each theme is explored in-depth through editorials, articles, and stories that will minister to the heart of your daughter, while teaching her the practical skills of homemaking, cooking, crafts, sewing and other girlhood pastimes. There is nothing so lovingly designed with the heart of a Christian girl in mind as The Girlhood Home Companion. Ageless, it continues to inspire daughters, mothers, and grandmothers of all ages.’
You may have already figured out that I try to see the humorous side of everything. Or at least that is how I always try to present it. But sometimes before the humor appears, there are growing pains even as an adult. We still have growth into our senior years and ultimately forever in this life. There will never be a time when there isn’t something more to learn. So, I want this section to be a growing place for girls and women. For girls, teenagers, daughters, housewives, mothers, single parents, women of all walks of life.
“When life moved at a much slower pace, there were distinct periods of development in a girl’s life: babyhood, childhood, girlhood, and womanhood. One thing I firmly believe is that girlhood is a priceless training ground that should not be rushed.”– Mrs. Jill Novak
Let’s grow!
Connie
I had my daughter, Rebekah, late in life, after getting married in my 30’s. Now, I have always loved children and still work closely with children in different ministries. When I was young, I wanted to have 100 children and even went to the extent of selecting 100 names (first and middle) in preparation.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I went to seminars and workshops and church functions for YEARS to learn how to be a wonderful wife and mother. I used to lecture my younger sister and brothers, all of whom had children before I did. I would give advice to friends, family, and even unsuspecting strangers. I knew so much about raising kids.
Surprisingly, the equation changes when you throw kids into the mix of knowledge. Suddenly, all the things you learned and maybe even applied at various times to other children just don’t have the same impact when dealing with your own child.
I have been surrounded by girls a lot in my life. I have 6 nieces that I “helped” grow up and have been working with children’s’ groups for over 25 years. And then, I had Rebekah in 2000.
Okay, readers, do any of you have girls? For those of you who do not, have you ever heard the word ‘drama’? You will need to become familiar with drama if you have girls or work with girls.
First of all, drama has to be understood. “Drama” is inclusive of many things: perception, response, translation, conveyance… all of those types of things. There does not necessarily have to be any actual drama included in what is going on; it just automatically becomes a part of everything. You will need to recognize drama to fully appreciate girls and actually in order to survive.
Secondly, when I say ‘drama has to be understood,” I mean that you have to understand that drama is built deep inside of little girls. They are born with it. Things just naturally are a bigger deal to girls than boys. This is understood.
I am a girl. Well, I was for several years (more than 17). But it wasn’t until I had a girl that I recognized the true concept of drama. I mean really, how many men can appreciate listening to the entire repeat of ‘she said this and I said that and then she said that and I said well, okay, and then she said she didn’t like him and so I was like okay then what are you going to do and she said I don’t know because I’m confused and then I was so sad because she was confused and then she decided to just be herself and I was so happy that she felt that way that it made me proud of her but I was really angry with him because he had said that to her.”
So we covered four intense emotions in less than 30 seconds, right? And this little girl (or teenager) felt every one of them when they happened and get this: SHE FELT EACH EMOTION AGAIN IN FULL ASPECT WHILE TELLING YOU THE STORY. So she goes from sad to happy to proud to angry without taking a breath right in front of your very eyes.
Not everyone can follow that. But women can. “Oh honey, you did a great job by being a friend to her” we will say to our little girl. And a man might say, “so… was that good?” which leaves the little girl totally exasperated with Dad/brother/friend and eventually possibly husband.
I can talk about kids and girls all day long. All right, I can just talk about anything all day long. But this is one of my favorite things to talk about. Kids and girls. Some of the hardest belly laughs I’ve ever lived through were over kids, mostly girls. They are so fun and delightful. And bossy and dramatic. And just about every emotion rolls into every day. It is like a roller coaster at Six Flags, except those make me sick and I don’t like them.
In today’s times, children are sometimes rushed along and the natural movement of the stages of womanhood are cut short and maybe even deleted altogether. Unfortunately, this causes immature women who have major battles to face without their full set of equipment. Girls are beautiful artwork formed by the hands of God Himself. Know them, love them, teach them, train them.
I enjoy an online magazine called “The Girlhood Home Companion.” Here’s a quote from their mission statement: ‘The Girlhood encourages young ladies (ages 10-18) to enjoy their precious girlhood years while walking closely with the Lord and developing a deeper relationship with Him. Filled with the wisdom of writers from the past and present, each edition features encouraging articles and stories that center on one character quality per issue. Each theme is explored in-depth through editorials, articles, and stories that will minister to the heart of your daughter, while teaching her the practical skills of homemaking, cooking, crafts, sewing and other girlhood pastimes. There is nothing so lovingly designed with the heart of a Christian girl in mind as The Girlhood Home Companion. Ageless, it continues to inspire daughters, mothers, and grandmothers of all ages.’
You may have already figured out that I try to see the humorous side of everything. Or at least that is how I always try to present it. But sometimes before the humor appears, there are growing pains even as an adult. We still have growth into our senior years and ultimately forever in this life. There will never be a time when there isn’t something more to learn. So, I want this section to be a growing place for girls and women. For girls, teenagers, daughters, housewives, mothers, single parents, women of all walks of life.
“When life moved at a much slower pace, there were distinct periods of development in a girl’s life: babyhood, childhood, girlhood, and womanhood. One thing I firmly believe is that girlhood is a priceless training ground that should not be rushed.”– Mrs. Jill Novak
Let’s grow!
Connie
I do. Zero to 7.
The first thing I need to tell you is that I went to seminars and workshops and church functions for YEARS to learn how to be a wonderful wife and mother. I used to lecture my younger sister and brothers, all of whom had children before I did. I would expound to them the need for discipline and how to teach children the proper things in life. I had all kinds of advice and input and observations. Oh, I was full of it.
I had Rebekah late in life, after getting married in my 30’s. In my marriage, along with my new husband came 4 children from a previous marriage. Rebekah was born almost a year later, so within a year, I was a wife and mother of 5. Now, I have always loved children and still work closely with children in different ministries. When I was young, I wanted to have 100 children and even went to the extent of selecting 100 names (first and middle) in preparation.
I still love children and have always wanted to work with children. I’ve studied and trained in every imaginable topic relating to children. Here’s the thing: once I had children, I stopped giving advice. My siblings were thrilled. Actually, they secretly giggled as I went through all the growing pains (multiplied by 5) that they had endured before me. They were supportive and helpful and not once did either of them mention that I certainly was quiet on the “teaching front” lately. They just watched. And prayed.
It was a lot to transition into: single woman in late 30’s suddenly has husband and 5 kids. I mean, what was the Lord thinking? Have you ever wondered that when you end up somewhere you didn’t remember driving to? I mean, I prayed for marriage and trained for marriage. I prayed for children and trained for children. I spent every day of my life waiting to have my family. So, I was thrilled!
Quickly after “thrilled” I was thrilled and overwhelmed and there wasn’t a big patch of time between those two stages. I’ve always been surrounded by lots of kids. I prided myself on being able to manage groups of kids. I was the director of this group or the teacher for that group. I had nieces and nephews and godchildren. I really knew a lot. Until the kids showed up.
I found out that the equation changes when you throw the kids into the mix of knowledge. Suddenly, all the things you learned and maybe even applied at various times to other children just don’t have the same impact when dealing with your own child. Certainly, the impact of all my knowledge was barely perceivable when in the mix of 5 children.
Wow.
But the Lord did know what He was doing and I changed in dramatic fashion within the years of going from single beach girl to Mom of 5. Let me just say that I have a high respect for training from those who know what they’re doing. However, no amount of training matches living the real thing. There are some things that just aren’t covered in books.
Literally, it was me and in the length of a marriage ceremony, it was “us.” A lot of us. And before I even settled into that, I soon was pregnant (okay there’s a topic that will need its own section). And then, there were 7 of us. So, I plan to write about it for those of you who may be getting or have just gotten married into an already-existing family. Sometimes they’re called “blended families.” Sometimes they’re called “disasters.” Either way, it is an adventure and worth writing about.
I learned so much. I grew so much. I hurt so much. I loved so much. I was blessed so much. So, the name of this section is “I do. Zero to 7” and boy, are you in for a ride. Some things I just can’t tell you, but I can tell you the principle that applies and how I learned to use the principle from God’s Word to grow into the woman He intended me to be. I can tell you how I use those same principles for my own daughter and still use them today in my life. I can tell you the strength I got from that time.
The marriage ended in divorce years later, but today I still use what I learned from my “crash course.” And they are some of the most valuable tools I have: what I learned in difficult times.
Get ready, set, let’s go!
Connie
I had Rebekah late in life, after getting married in my 30’s. In my marriage, along with my new husband came 4 children from a previous marriage. Rebekah was born almost a year later, so within a year, I was a wife and mother of 5. Now, I have always loved children and still work closely with children in different ministries. When I was young, I wanted to have 100 children and even went to the extent of selecting 100 names (first and middle) in preparation.
I still love children and have always wanted to work with children. I’ve studied and trained in every imaginable topic relating to children. Here’s the thing: once I had children, I stopped giving advice. My siblings were thrilled. Actually, they secretly giggled as I went through all the growing pains (multiplied by 5) that they had endured before me. They were supportive and helpful and not once did either of them mention that I certainly was quiet on the “teaching front” lately. They just watched. And prayed.
It was a lot to transition into: single woman in late 30’s suddenly has husband and 5 kids. I mean, what was the Lord thinking? Have you ever wondered that when you end up somewhere you didn’t remember driving to? I mean, I prayed for marriage and trained for marriage. I prayed for children and trained for children. I spent every day of my life waiting to have my family. So, I was thrilled!
Quickly after “thrilled” I was thrilled and overwhelmed and there wasn’t a big patch of time between those two stages. I’ve always been surrounded by lots of kids. I prided myself on being able to manage groups of kids. I was the director of this group or the teacher for that group. I had nieces and nephews and godchildren. I really knew a lot. Until the kids showed up.
I found out that the equation changes when you throw the kids into the mix of knowledge. Suddenly, all the things you learned and maybe even applied at various times to other children just don’t have the same impact when dealing with your own child. Certainly, the impact of all my knowledge was barely perceivable when in the mix of 5 children.
Wow.
But the Lord did know what He was doing and I changed in dramatic fashion within the years of going from single beach girl to Mom of 5. Let me just say that I have a high respect for training from those who know what they’re doing. However, no amount of training matches living the real thing. There are some things that just aren’t covered in books.
Literally, it was me and in the length of a marriage ceremony, it was “us.” A lot of us. And before I even settled into that, I soon was pregnant (okay there’s a topic that will need its own section). And then, there were 7 of us. So, I plan to write about it for those of you who may be getting or have just gotten married into an already-existing family. Sometimes they’re called “blended families.” Sometimes they’re called “disasters.” Either way, it is an adventure and worth writing about.
I learned so much. I grew so much. I hurt so much. I loved so much. I was blessed so much. So, the name of this section is “I do. Zero to 7” and boy, are you in for a ride. Some things I just can’t tell you, but I can tell you the principle that applies and how I learned to use the principle from God’s Word to grow into the woman He intended me to be. I can tell you how I use those same principles for my own daughter and still use them today in my life. I can tell you the strength I got from that time.
The marriage ended in divorce years later, but today I still use what I learned from my “crash course.” And they are some of the most valuable tools I have: what I learned in difficult times.
Get ready, set, let’s go!
Connie
Organization
So now, are you an organized person? I am but I don’t have time to maintain it. HA! Everything I see goes through this 5-second makeover in my brain and then I dismiss it and move on. Well, most of the time I can dismiss it, but some things just NEED to be organized and I can’t let it go.
I like to organize shelves, paperwork, finances, pantries, clothes, closets, drawers, cleaning supplies, music, oh the list is endless. I don’t like to make beds. Isn’t that funny? I can avoid making the bed well into the morning but can’t overlook the laundry supplies not being in orderly fashion.
Clutter is a serious enemy of mine. I hate clutter. I would shove it all into a closet and under furniture but then I know it’s there so that bugs me and I have to drag it all back out. So I’ve learned to understand this side of me. I’m an organized person. I don’t go on trips without having everything organized. I don’t go grocery shopping without a plan. So why am I looking at a stack of papers beside my computer as I type this? Oh, nevermind. I’ll organize them in a minute; this is way more fun.
I blame my mom. She always said that everything has a place. That did not always filter into action in our home when I was growing up but it did get said a lot. My mom raised 4 kids alone in a 2-bedroom house, and we were very poor, so times were tough. She was and still is a very strong woman and from her, one of the life lessons I have learned is that we always keep going no matter what.
Anyway, four kids in an itty-bitty house with little money meant there was clutter. And sometimes, not much money for anything but bleach. So we cleaned mostly with bleach. We bleached everything: the counters, the floors, the walls, the furniture, the clothes. But bleach could not do anything about the clutter. I would dream of getting extra money to put up shelves or to build a little storage house in the back yard for stuff to go into.
I had a happy childhood, don’t get me wrong. Just difficult. But I treasure the life lessons I learned from growing up in tough times. So, back to clutter. I have wondered if maybe the reason I detest clutter so much now is that it reminds me of poverty or something? It just feels ugly to have clutter everywhere. I will pick up things from the floor before loading the dishwasher. Just don’t like clutter.
Fortunately, I love crafts. So, even as a child and teenager, I would come up with ideas to hide clutter. We didn’t have any extra space to put the stuff, but I would try to think of ways to make it look better. Like putting construction paper around cereal boxes and oatmeal boxes and then, storing things in them. Or putting paper around our toy box. Our toy box was a box. It was a cardboard box that would get replaced with another cardboard box when that one got worn. So covering it with paper and drawing on the paper made it look more fun.
Anyway, I’ve grown up and never gotten over my dislike of clutter. So I love finding new ideas on organization, even if I don’t have anything that needs to be organized at the moment (that never happens). I am immediately drawn to magazines that have a blurb about organizational tips on the cover. I cannot resist an email that mentions something about ‘how to get organized.’ I have a ton of tips and have tried lots of them, but really – there’s no way to try them all because I would never get anything done. I would have to organize my organizational tips.
But that doesn’t mean that I can’t hand them off to my readers. I’ll give you the ones I’ve tried and liked, ones I still use, those I tried and didn’t like, ones I didn’t like but you might like, ones that I haven’t gotten to yet but want to try. I’ll just give them all to you and you can run with it. What fun!
Some of the things I plan to cover are:
Getting the most out of small spaces
Storage areas you hadn’t thought of yet
Pretty organizing tips
Using crafts to organize
Teaching kids how to organize
Containers and more
Go vertical!
Camouflaging clutter
… and more!
This is going to be a fun series. I will post weekly into the Organization Section and will eventually come up with really clever names for all my sections as soon as I organize them.
Looking forward to working with you!
Connie
I like to organize shelves, paperwork, finances, pantries, clothes, closets, drawers, cleaning supplies, music, oh the list is endless. I don’t like to make beds. Isn’t that funny? I can avoid making the bed well into the morning but can’t overlook the laundry supplies not being in orderly fashion.
Clutter is a serious enemy of mine. I hate clutter. I would shove it all into a closet and under furniture but then I know it’s there so that bugs me and I have to drag it all back out. So I’ve learned to understand this side of me. I’m an organized person. I don’t go on trips without having everything organized. I don’t go grocery shopping without a plan. So why am I looking at a stack of papers beside my computer as I type this? Oh, nevermind. I’ll organize them in a minute; this is way more fun.
I blame my mom. She always said that everything has a place. That did not always filter into action in our home when I was growing up but it did get said a lot. My mom raised 4 kids alone in a 2-bedroom house, and we were very poor, so times were tough. She was and still is a very strong woman and from her, one of the life lessons I have learned is that we always keep going no matter what.
Anyway, four kids in an itty-bitty house with little money meant there was clutter. And sometimes, not much money for anything but bleach. So we cleaned mostly with bleach. We bleached everything: the counters, the floors, the walls, the furniture, the clothes. But bleach could not do anything about the clutter. I would dream of getting extra money to put up shelves or to build a little storage house in the back yard for stuff to go into.
I had a happy childhood, don’t get me wrong. Just difficult. But I treasure the life lessons I learned from growing up in tough times. So, back to clutter. I have wondered if maybe the reason I detest clutter so much now is that it reminds me of poverty or something? It just feels ugly to have clutter everywhere. I will pick up things from the floor before loading the dishwasher. Just don’t like clutter.
Fortunately, I love crafts. So, even as a child and teenager, I would come up with ideas to hide clutter. We didn’t have any extra space to put the stuff, but I would try to think of ways to make it look better. Like putting construction paper around cereal boxes and oatmeal boxes and then, storing things in them. Or putting paper around our toy box. Our toy box was a box. It was a cardboard box that would get replaced with another cardboard box when that one got worn. So covering it with paper and drawing on the paper made it look more fun.
Anyway, I’ve grown up and never gotten over my dislike of clutter. So I love finding new ideas on organization, even if I don’t have anything that needs to be organized at the moment (that never happens). I am immediately drawn to magazines that have a blurb about organizational tips on the cover. I cannot resist an email that mentions something about ‘how to get organized.’ I have a ton of tips and have tried lots of them, but really – there’s no way to try them all because I would never get anything done. I would have to organize my organizational tips.
But that doesn’t mean that I can’t hand them off to my readers. I’ll give you the ones I’ve tried and liked, ones I still use, those I tried and didn’t like, ones I didn’t like but you might like, ones that I haven’t gotten to yet but want to try. I’ll just give them all to you and you can run with it. What fun!
Some of the things I plan to cover are:
Getting the most out of small spaces
Storage areas you hadn’t thought of yet
Pretty organizing tips
Using crafts to organize
Teaching kids how to organize
Containers and more
Go vertical!
Camouflaging clutter
… and more!
This is going to be a fun series. I will post weekly into the Organization Section and will eventually come up with really clever names for all my sections as soon as I organize them.
Looking forward to working with you!
Connie
Cleaning House
And then, the not so fun things… like cleaning. Oh come on, be honest. We ALL love having a fresh, clean, sparkling, spotless, perfect house but who likes to make it that way? Truthfully, I actually enjoy cleaning the house once I get started. But that is the problem: getting started. It is like getting up when the alarm clock sounds… hit that buzzer as many times as possible!
Some cleaning I do NOT enjoy even after I get started. I have 4 French Bulldogs and they never clean up after themselves! I also have a 9-year old daughter who would not dream of cleaning up her own mess without my constant prompting. But we will cover that later in another section called “Kids.”
All right, so admit that your house could be a LITTLE cleaner, a LITTLE more organized. Come on, you can say it. It will be like therapy to admit it so we can move on. Come on, SAY IT!!
I’ll just tell you a couple of things about me so you will feel safe to talk with me. I grew up in a poverty-stricken home that was not clean. As a young adult and into my early 30’s, I was a fanatic about cleaning and used every chemical that hit the market, searching for the one(s) that would eliminate all dirt and dust from my vicinity. After that, I was really involved in my career and cleaned house in “spurts” which is nice word for “sometimes.”
I never let the house get filthy or stinky, but I might leave the dishwasher loaded and just use it as a cupboard where some of my dishes were stored. I might have had a junk drawer or two. Still, I kept my house clean, just not sparkling every moment. And after a few days, I would feel guilty and have a cleaning spurt, where I CLEANED for hours and everything shined again.
Now, I will just go ahead and admit that I absolutely hate carpet. I hate vacuuming carpet. There is nothing about carpet that I like. I have always felt like carpet is dirty. Have you ever pulled up carpet to lay new flooring? Wow. For years now, I have had hardwood or Pergo flooring and every day when I sweep, I remember that I don’t like carpet. If you could see how much dirt sweeps up in one day, you would have to wonder where all that dirt would be if you had carpet. Surely you don’t think the vacuum cleaner is getting it all? Okay, enough of my soapbox and back to my story.
So in my 30’s I got married and had an immediate family with stepchildren and my firstborn within a year. Suddenly, cleaning was a never-ending part of my life. No matter what was up on the agenda for any given moment, something needed to be cleaned prior to or right after. There was no such thing as a series of days or even a series of minutes that my house was “clean.” Junk drawers? What a laugh. I used to feel guilty about unloaded dishwashers and junk drawers. HA!
I met myself all day long, running with sponges and cleansers hither and yon, back and forth. I did laundry every day all day and sometimes into the night. Dishes. I’m not even going to describe what that word included. I had gone from single woman to not-very-super Mom. My house was a wreck and I could never catch up with the cleaning. It was an awful feeling. It followed me around to other places. I would be at fun events and be thinking about what I needed to do when I got home.
And then, I just stopped worrying about it and learned to live in a “lived in” house. It was a really big transition for me. Eventually, I taught the girls to clean and learned to chill out a bit and things weren’t so consuming, but WOW, what a time that was.
In my 40’s, I had to go through a divorce and now, I am a single parent with my 9-year old daughter and our 4 French Bulldogs. I work a full-time job and have some church ministries I am involved with, plus I just bought a new house last year. So, my life is pretty busy. I am on the go a lot. As I mentioned, my dogs don’t clean up after themselves and seem to have no intention of ever doing so. My daughter is “in training” and does a good job trying to clean. But, she still sees nothing wrong with putting a tablecloth onto a table that is sticky. You know what I mean?
She knows Mom wouldn’t like it, but she really doesn’t relate to why.
So here we are. Working, schooling, living, learning, and trying to keep the house clean in the middle of everything. Sometimes it is tough to get everything finished. Any single moms out there? I never thought I would be a single parent; it just wasn’t on my list of things to be. I love being a parent and am blessed to have that honor, but let’s face the fact that going it alone can be… tough.
With all that said, cleaning house doesn’t need to be another hurdle for us. Having a dirty house would only cause stress to an already overloaded life. That would be problematic to say the least. So, I’ve had to come up with ways to keep the house clean and still manage to work, help with homework, cook, teach, spend time with my daughter, run errands, shop, manage finances, serve in church ministries, maintain family and friend relationships, and sleep somewhere in there. This list is nowhere near comprehensive, obviously. There is always more to do.
So cleaning is important for health and for my sanity, but sometimes does not make it to the number one spot for the moment. Sometimes I have to budget time. And speaking of budget, guess how much money I’ve spent on miracle cleaning techniques and products. So, some of the things I will present to you will be time-conscious and some of them will be money-conscious and some of them will be just great tips I’ve learned from trying so many things. You can use what works for you; I don’t plan to come by your house for inspection any time soon, so you’re safe.
I will be posting cleaning tips once a week in this section. Some of the things I will cover are:
Cleaning Tips vs. Cleaning Habits
Spot Checks
What Kinds of Cleansers Should be Used?
Secrets of Cleaning
Vinegar, Epsom Salt, Baking Soda, and other Helpful Solutions
Mixing Cleansers
Cleaning up Dog Areas
Budget Cleaning – Making Your Own Cleansers and Soaps
Homemade Air Fresheners
… and more!
I’m very excited about this section. Well, I’m excited about all the sections. But this one is a real eye-opener. Stay tuned… it’s gonna be fun.
Connie
Some cleaning I do NOT enjoy even after I get started. I have 4 French Bulldogs and they never clean up after themselves! I also have a 9-year old daughter who would not dream of cleaning up her own mess without my constant prompting. But we will cover that later in another section called “Kids.”
All right, so admit that your house could be a LITTLE cleaner, a LITTLE more organized. Come on, you can say it. It will be like therapy to admit it so we can move on. Come on, SAY IT!!
I’ll just tell you a couple of things about me so you will feel safe to talk with me. I grew up in a poverty-stricken home that was not clean. As a young adult and into my early 30’s, I was a fanatic about cleaning and used every chemical that hit the market, searching for the one(s) that would eliminate all dirt and dust from my vicinity. After that, I was really involved in my career and cleaned house in “spurts” which is nice word for “sometimes.”
I never let the house get filthy or stinky, but I might leave the dishwasher loaded and just use it as a cupboard where some of my dishes were stored. I might have had a junk drawer or two. Still, I kept my house clean, just not sparkling every moment. And after a few days, I would feel guilty and have a cleaning spurt, where I CLEANED for hours and everything shined again.
Now, I will just go ahead and admit that I absolutely hate carpet. I hate vacuuming carpet. There is nothing about carpet that I like. I have always felt like carpet is dirty. Have you ever pulled up carpet to lay new flooring? Wow. For years now, I have had hardwood or Pergo flooring and every day when I sweep, I remember that I don’t like carpet. If you could see how much dirt sweeps up in one day, you would have to wonder where all that dirt would be if you had carpet. Surely you don’t think the vacuum cleaner is getting it all? Okay, enough of my soapbox and back to my story.
So in my 30’s I got married and had an immediate family with stepchildren and my firstborn within a year. Suddenly, cleaning was a never-ending part of my life. No matter what was up on the agenda for any given moment, something needed to be cleaned prior to or right after. There was no such thing as a series of days or even a series of minutes that my house was “clean.” Junk drawers? What a laugh. I used to feel guilty about unloaded dishwashers and junk drawers. HA!
I met myself all day long, running with sponges and cleansers hither and yon, back and forth. I did laundry every day all day and sometimes into the night. Dishes. I’m not even going to describe what that word included. I had gone from single woman to not-very-super Mom. My house was a wreck and I could never catch up with the cleaning. It was an awful feeling. It followed me around to other places. I would be at fun events and be thinking about what I needed to do when I got home.
And then, I just stopped worrying about it and learned to live in a “lived in” house. It was a really big transition for me. Eventually, I taught the girls to clean and learned to chill out a bit and things weren’t so consuming, but WOW, what a time that was.
In my 40’s, I had to go through a divorce and now, I am a single parent with my 9-year old daughter and our 4 French Bulldogs. I work a full-time job and have some church ministries I am involved with, plus I just bought a new house last year. So, my life is pretty busy. I am on the go a lot. As I mentioned, my dogs don’t clean up after themselves and seem to have no intention of ever doing so. My daughter is “in training” and does a good job trying to clean. But, she still sees nothing wrong with putting a tablecloth onto a table that is sticky. You know what I mean?
She knows Mom wouldn’t like it, but she really doesn’t relate to why.
So here we are. Working, schooling, living, learning, and trying to keep the house clean in the middle of everything. Sometimes it is tough to get everything finished. Any single moms out there? I never thought I would be a single parent; it just wasn’t on my list of things to be. I love being a parent and am blessed to have that honor, but let’s face the fact that going it alone can be… tough.
With all that said, cleaning house doesn’t need to be another hurdle for us. Having a dirty house would only cause stress to an already overloaded life. That would be problematic to say the least. So, I’ve had to come up with ways to keep the house clean and still manage to work, help with homework, cook, teach, spend time with my daughter, run errands, shop, manage finances, serve in church ministries, maintain family and friend relationships, and sleep somewhere in there. This list is nowhere near comprehensive, obviously. There is always more to do.
So cleaning is important for health and for my sanity, but sometimes does not make it to the number one spot for the moment. Sometimes I have to budget time. And speaking of budget, guess how much money I’ve spent on miracle cleaning techniques and products. So, some of the things I will present to you will be time-conscious and some of them will be money-conscious and some of them will be just great tips I’ve learned from trying so many things. You can use what works for you; I don’t plan to come by your house for inspection any time soon, so you’re safe.
I will be posting cleaning tips once a week in this section. Some of the things I will cover are:
Cleaning Tips vs. Cleaning Habits
Spot Checks
What Kinds of Cleansers Should be Used?
Secrets of Cleaning
Vinegar, Epsom Salt, Baking Soda, and other Helpful Solutions
Mixing Cleansers
Cleaning up Dog Areas
Budget Cleaning – Making Your Own Cleansers and Soaps
Homemade Air Fresheners
… and more!
I’m very excited about this section. Well, I’m excited about all the sections. But this one is a real eye-opener. Stay tuned… it’s gonna be fun.
Connie
Things About Food
Wouldn’t you love to have a meal or 3 you can present to your family that is good for them, tastes great, and even looks good – all prepared by you? And you will know what is in each dish because you put it together. I want to show you how to have that any and every day you wish. You can take it as lightly or as far as you want.
AND guess what? You will spend less money using these tips, so you can KEEP the CASH to spend on other things. Oh the possibilities are endless! I can’t wait to get started.
I spent several years living “on my own” as a young adult in a state where I had not grown up and so, knew very few people for a while. I was accustomed to cooking and eating in large family settings, so the first couple of times I tried to cook for myself, I automatically bought and cooked and wasted a LOT.
Knowing nothing about cooking except to prepare large quantities, I eventually just went on to eating fast food. That lasted for a really long time. Whatever the reason, we all get into a rut of poor eating habits. Whether it be due to a busy schedule, fatigue, boredom, cravings, pressure, or just poor planning, at some point we are not eating like we should.
My path didn’t go very far because I always ended up in the hospital. I am insulin-dependant Diabetic from childhood and therefore, my body cannot handle overloads of poor eating without significant consequences and sometimes, permanent damage. My fast food adventure lasted for a while and I was in and out of the hospital frequently.
In my early 20’s, I just wanted to have fun like the rest of the world, so I tried to ignore my body’s needs for nutrition. To make a long story short, I finally had enough trips to the hospital and decided it wasn’t worth it anymore. Sometimes we get our focus back and sometimes we don’t. There are people who continually make bad choices and never turn around. This is true in all walks of life, but we’ll just stick to food for right now.
I’m not here to tell you that you MUST do it a particular way, but I do want to tell you that if you don’t eat right, your life will less vibrant than it could be. In many cases, poor eating damages and can even kill a person. Wow, this is getting depressing, so I’ll move to the happy side of life.
Ever feel sluggish, tired for no reason? Ever feel distracted and unfocused and can’t seem to concentrate? Ever have aches and pains that seem to have no cause? Ever have stomach aches, headaches, blurred vision? How about stomach and gastric problems? Any of these, all of these? BAM!! Look at what you’re eating. Yeah, yeah, we’ve heard it all before.
Each week I will present a section to focus on food – good and bad. I have 42 years of experience invested into eating and boy, do I have lots of things to say. The best news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, tasteless, and confusing to eat better. You need to make the move in steps. I plan to cover:
Good foods, bad foods
Yummy substitutes for bad food
Portioning
What to do when you eat badly
Recipes for Life
Meal Planning
Cooking Ahead
Making your own TV Dinners
Desserts and Treats
Cooking for Diabetics
… and more!
Connie
AND guess what? You will spend less money using these tips, so you can KEEP the CASH to spend on other things. Oh the possibilities are endless! I can’t wait to get started.
I spent several years living “on my own” as a young adult in a state where I had not grown up and so, knew very few people for a while. I was accustomed to cooking and eating in large family settings, so the first couple of times I tried to cook for myself, I automatically bought and cooked and wasted a LOT.
Knowing nothing about cooking except to prepare large quantities, I eventually just went on to eating fast food. That lasted for a really long time. Whatever the reason, we all get into a rut of poor eating habits. Whether it be due to a busy schedule, fatigue, boredom, cravings, pressure, or just poor planning, at some point we are not eating like we should.
My path didn’t go very far because I always ended up in the hospital. I am insulin-dependant Diabetic from childhood and therefore, my body cannot handle overloads of poor eating without significant consequences and sometimes, permanent damage. My fast food adventure lasted for a while and I was in and out of the hospital frequently.
In my early 20’s, I just wanted to have fun like the rest of the world, so I tried to ignore my body’s needs for nutrition. To make a long story short, I finally had enough trips to the hospital and decided it wasn’t worth it anymore. Sometimes we get our focus back and sometimes we don’t. There are people who continually make bad choices and never turn around. This is true in all walks of life, but we’ll just stick to food for right now.
I’m not here to tell you that you MUST do it a particular way, but I do want to tell you that if you don’t eat right, your life will less vibrant than it could be. In many cases, poor eating damages and can even kill a person. Wow, this is getting depressing, so I’ll move to the happy side of life.
Ever feel sluggish, tired for no reason? Ever feel distracted and unfocused and can’t seem to concentrate? Ever have aches and pains that seem to have no cause? Ever have stomach aches, headaches, blurred vision? How about stomach and gastric problems? Any of these, all of these? BAM!! Look at what you’re eating. Yeah, yeah, we’ve heard it all before.
Each week I will present a section to focus on food – good and bad. I have 42 years of experience invested into eating and boy, do I have lots of things to say. The best news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, tasteless, and confusing to eat better. You need to make the move in steps. I plan to cover:
Good foods, bad foods
Yummy substitutes for bad food
Portioning
What to do when you eat badly
Recipes for Life
Meal Planning
Cooking Ahead
Making your own TV Dinners
Desserts and Treats
Cooking for Diabetics
… and more!
Connie
Saturday, March 6, 2010
New eBook about to be released!
I will have a full 45-page eBook available hopefully by early next week. I will post the link to it here on my blog as well as on our website.
This eBook is on "Keep the Cash... Pay with Coupons" and shows how my sister-in-law and I have learned to save hundreds of dollars a month and even make money on grocery-shopping. It is incredible! I will post more info on it by Monday and then plan to have it ready to go by Thursday or earlier. You've got to get into the couponing world... very fascinating.
More eBooks to follow...
So far, the next eBook I am planning is on organization. "Keep the Cash by Keeping your Life Organized." There is nothing more annoying than having to buy something because you cannot find the one you already bought. LOL. You know what I mean.
In the meantime, as eBooks are published, I will post tips and news onto this blog. So, check back often and stay tuned always.
Okay, enough said. I'm looking forward to all this blogging stuff.
conniemailbox@aol.com
This eBook is on "Keep the Cash... Pay with Coupons" and shows how my sister-in-law and I have learned to save hundreds of dollars a month and even make money on grocery-shopping. It is incredible! I will post more info on it by Monday and then plan to have it ready to go by Thursday or earlier. You've got to get into the couponing world... very fascinating.
More eBooks to follow...
So far, the next eBook I am planning is on organization. "Keep the Cash by Keeping your Life Organized." There is nothing more annoying than having to buy something because you cannot find the one you already bought. LOL. You know what I mean.
In the meantime, as eBooks are published, I will post tips and news onto this blog. So, check back often and stay tuned always.
Okay, enough said. I'm looking forward to all this blogging stuff.
conniemailbox@aol.com
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Start-Up
Well, I've finally moved into the blog world. I've always used a website and email, but blogs are GREAT, aren't they? I'll be transferring info into here hopefully at a rapid rate. In the meantime, feel free to respond to my post(s) to ask questions or request information from me.
As those of you who already know me are aware, I will be posting information related to creating and maintaining a beautiful home. "Beauty" is broad in my world, so it encompasses all kinds of things:
Saving money
Organization
Coupons
Raising Kids
Crafts
Decorating
Cooking & Recipes
Cleaning Tips
Homemade tools (cleansers/clothes/gadgets)
Makeup
Sewing
Decoupage
Dehydrating
Do it Yourself tips
French Bulldogs
Flute and Music
Spiritual Inspiration
More... as soon as I can remember all the categories we've covered.
Check back frequently, as I will be transferring, adding, and posting over the next few weeks.
Looking forward to the Blog world!
As those of you who already know me are aware, I will be posting information related to creating and maintaining a beautiful home. "Beauty" is broad in my world, so it encompasses all kinds of things:
Saving money
Organization
Coupons
Raising Kids
Crafts
Decorating
Cooking & Recipes
Cleaning Tips
Homemade tools (cleansers/clothes/gadgets)
Makeup
Sewing
Decoupage
Dehydrating
Do it Yourself tips
French Bulldogs
Flute and Music
Spiritual Inspiration
More... as soon as I can remember all the categories we've covered.
Check back frequently, as I will be transferring, adding, and posting over the next few weeks.
Looking forward to the Blog world!
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