New Idea

So I was talking to a friend this week about the blog. Our conversation has inspired a new idea for this blog (thanks Laurie). She said she was amazed if I do everything I say I do in the heavy duty schedule, I quickly told her that I do not. But then as we were talking I explained that I do have a printed schedule that I check off what I've done so that I can look back and actually know when the last time was I did each chore. For example, even if I don't get my bathrooms cleaned that week I can look back and realize, wow it's been 3 months, I better go scrub some toilets before mold starts growing in there.

So what is this new idea?? Have you seen Julie & Julia the movie? Well I know I'm way behind the times here but I just saw it about a month ago. My new commitment is that I am going to follow (as best I can) the heavy duty schedule for one year and see how it goes. I figure next week we start a new month and kids just finished school - it is the perfect time to start a new routine for my life. Feel free to join me or just check in and laugh at me when I don't get my chores done - we all know I'll miss a day or two, or twelve. But I'm committed to doing my best and reporting honestly. Even if no one reads I think it will be handy for me to keep track of what I'm doing a little better.

One important reminder for myself as much as anyone else is that my whole goal is to find better ways to keep up with the daily 'to do's' without feeling like it takes over my life. I have little ones at home and they are my most important priority. I will not neglect my kids in order to have a clean house. So buckle up and here we go - I'll begin reporting next week.

Deals to Meals

One thing I know that we all need help with is creating meal plans and budgeting our grocery lists. I found an amazing site that does all of that! They compare prices for you and then post the best deals around town (and the best part is they now doing this 12 western states, wahoo!!) They even show you ways to use everything you just got on sale in your meal planning.

I also love their recipes for using real food (aka food storage items) to make yummy meals for my family. I have used a lot of their food storage tips and substitution ideas for making everyday cooking more inexpensive. Check out their blog, I added their button on the right for quick linking. Another link is here just in case dealstomeals.blogspot.com

Check it out, I promise it is worth a look.

You may wonder, 'Why haven't you posted in over a month?'

Well the answer to that question is simple, I haven't cleaned my house in over a month.

My baby has been so sick and sad and she just can't get better. It seems like she's sick with one thing and as soon as it's cleared up she's got something else. It began with RSV months ago and we've had a few colds and ear infections as well.

Last week was the week of the mystery illness. She didn't seem sick necessarily but she was not acting like her. It was as if someone else's mean, grumpy baby took over her sweet little personality. Just within the last couple of days I've got my baby back, wahoo!!! She is back to being super happy, fun and she's even started sleeping again. (Amazing what a lack of sleep can do to a mommy.)

Even more exciting...today I spotted a little tooth that finally broke through. Mystery illness solved! I'm expecting several more teeth soon, but one is good enough to celebrate for me!

Hopefully things will return to normal around here. Happy, healthy kids free up time for me to clean and to blog about it. See you soon!