Heart at Home

Think Outside the Cardboard Box

Robin — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:05:12 +0000

Tackle clutter with canvas collapsible containers. You can find them at Amazon, Home Depot, , Walmart, Target, Stacks and Stacks , Linens and Things, the Container Store, and several places online. They work for me, I use them in almost every room:

They come in pretty colors too like this Simply Shabby Chic™ Canvas Storage Bin in Rose fabric.

Here’s some fun storage boxes from West Elm (out of my price range but this gave me the idea to decorate my boxes. If I figure out how I’ll let you know).

Ikea has some unique boxes and great prices.

The Container Store has several options.

Get More Great Ideas Every Tuesday and Wednesday

Every Tuesday and Wednesday hundreds of bloggers post super organizing ideas, cleaning tips, recipes, parenting helps, and more! You can browse and visit the topics you are interested in or join in by posting your tips on your blog. Use the links below.

Tackle it Tuesday is a blog meme to motivate you to tackle a project each week. Tackle It Tuesday is about giving ourselves incentive, deadlines and satisfaction in getting our household tasks done. (It doesn’t even have to be housework… just whatever is on your To Do list.) Go over and read through the encouraging posts.

Works for Me Wednesday is a “blog carnival” (explained here). You will find TONS of super organizing ideas, and home improvement tips on Works for Me Wednesday. Join in. Post a tip you’ve learned on any topic–anything that has “worked for you” in making your life easier.

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Online Couponing

Robin — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:56:11 +0000

My daughter Victoria has 10 boxes of name brand cereal in her pantry and paid less than .70 a box. She buys coupons online. Sound crazy? She saves a bundle by ordering the coupons she will use and combining them with sales. She has 10 boxes of name brand cereal in her pantry and paid less than .70 a box.

She’s teaching me how. I’m starting with dog food coupons (we have 2 Great Pryneese that eat a LOT). For years I have been shopping at Sams or BJs wholesale clubs which is a good way to save money on many items. However, some items are much less expensive at traditional supermarkets with a coupon, particularly if the supermarket doubles coupons.

How does it work? If you buy ten $1.00 off coupons for .99 for your brand of toothpaste combined with a CVS sale, you can save $20.00!

Here’s more info:

One way of saving money with coupons is to pickup your local newspaper in order to get the weekly coupons insert. But there is another way, and that is ordering them online.

One drawback to getting the newspaper is that you never know what coupons will be in it, and if they’re for the items you will use.

The newspaper is not the only way you can obtain coupons. There are a few Websites out there where you can order the coupons you want and will actually use when you go shopping. I know the concept seems strange and you’re probably thinking, “Why should I order coupons when I can get them free?” Technically, if you purchase the newspaper for the coupons they are not free.

Ordering coupons and paying a small service can still save you money in the long run. Let’s take a look at how the savings add up. For example, let’s say you spent $10.00 and ordered 25 coupons all with a face value under $1.00. If you use all the coupons, that’s an automatic discount savings of $25.00. Now you have to subtract what you spent when you ordered the coupons, which is the $10.00. The total savings is now $15.00, which is pretty good. Looking at from this perspective, you really got your money back in grocery savings that you would have normally spent anyways.

The above example is a pretty good savings, but it gets better. Because you ordered coupons all under $1.00 face value, many grocery stores will double coupons up to $1.00! Using the above example, this brings your savings up to $50.00 that’s a substantial savings!

Here are a few tips you can use when ordering coupons:

Order only what coupons you are going to use. Some sites will allow you to order up to 50 coupons at one time with flat rate service fee. 50 coupons is a lot and you may or may not end up using them all. If you have a friend that also uses coupons, maybe you could split the coupons and costs between the two of you.

Choose coupons with a $1.00 face value or less. Many stores double coupons and you can double your savings.

Some sites charge a handling fee per coupon on top of other fees; do the math to see how much you will be saving before placing your order.

Check expiration dates. The farther off the expiration date is gives you more time to use it.

Watch for sales! You can save even more money if the product you have a coupon for goes on sale. Here’s a quick example. I had a coupon for 55 cents off dry cereal. The cereal was on sale for $1.67, the store doubled the coupon and I only paid 57 cents for a name brand box of cereal!

Check more than one store for sales. If you live where more than one grocery store is in close proximity, you can plan your shopping list to buy specific items at different stores using your coupons.

Using these tips, a little planning and ordering your coupons wisely, you can save up anywhere from 50% - 70% on your monthly grocery bill!

Michelle is the webmaster of Coupon Emporium which provides coupons, printable coupons and coupon codes from across the web.

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Please pray for Robin

Robin — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:05:27 +0000

Please see my update for Robin on www.heartofwisdom.com/blog.

Kathleen
Robin’s friend in Virginia

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Decluttering for Geeks

Robin — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:17:46 +0000

Decluttering for Geeks, by Evan Goer is Part 1 of a 4-part series). Part 1 deals with decluttering computer components; here’s an excerpt:

Typical decluttering books devote at least a chapter or two about why decluttering is a good thing. To save space, I’m going to assume that you’re already at least partly convinced. Here’s the thumbnail argument:

decluttering will save you time (you can find your stuff quickly)

decluttering will save you money (you can live in a smaller house, or avoid using external storage)

decluttering will save your sanity (you won’t be distracted by constant reminders of abandoned projects and rooms that need cleaning)

And here’s the thumbnail of the thumbnail argument. There but for the grace of God go we all.

Okay, so, computers. Most self-respecting geeks go through a phase of building their own computers. It’s fun to build exactly what you want, fun to compare and contrast different components with your fellow system builders, fun to put together a $500 box that outperforms the $2000 machine of the non-geek. You have powers beyond the ken of mortal men!

But like mathematics and women’s gymnastics, system building is a youngster’s game. Although the truly hardcore might stick with this hobby for decades, the typical geek burns out around their 30th birthday. All of a sudden, debugging overheating problems and scouring the internet for updated drivers becomes… less fun. You’ve reached the magical age where time begins to > money. Maybe it’s because you’re making more money, or maybe it’s because you feel the icy hand of death approaching. Either way, you sell out. You buy a Name Brand Computer, possibly a shiny silver one with a fruity logo. At first you feel guilty, dirty even. Then you get over it.

The end result is closets full of old, decaying systems, plus scads of individual components: Pentium II motherboards, PCI sound cards, and cables. Lots and lots of cables…

Read the rest of Part 1 here.

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Save with Coupons and Help Others

Robin — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:40:02 +0000

Grocery store prices are rising! Victoria (my third daughter) has been motivating me take advantage of the online grocery coupons. She calls to report her outrageous coupons savings.

If you don’t have a daughter calling you, watch this video to see how you reap the savings of couponing. Barbra Franklin saves for her family and a food pantry for her community

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_oNi6RrEl8

Visit Coupon Junkies at the Homeschool Lounge- A place for members to share coupon codes, online codes, promotional codes, shopping discounts, free-bates, rebates, and free offers.

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Another Use for a Leaf Blower

Robin — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:43:34 +0000

Ever think of using your leaf blower to clean the garage, barn, or patio? I “dusted” and “swept” our horse barn and metal storage building with a leaf blower. No more sweeping yucky cobwebs on my head!

We have an old wooden barn for our horses and large metal barn (half enclosed for storage and half open for hay, tractor, etc.)

Since no one has been in the barn for a month it was full of cobwebs. Our horses are in another county being trained and due home this week. I was cleaning and organizing the horse barn and hanging hooks for tack. I was using the broom to clean. Then I had a light bulb moment and grabbed the leaf blower.

It worked so well I used it to “dust”and “sweep” our storage barn. I have a lot of shelves full of boxes. The leaf blower “dusted” all the shelves, the top of my freezer, and swept the floor much faster than a broom. I also wind blasted cabinets where I keep the horse medication and brushes.

Then it was off to the patio to blow away all the dirt our two giant dogs drag in daily. It worked so well I’m keeping the leaf blower inside my laundry room to be nearby for a quick “sweep” of the patio daily.

So what do think. Shall I try blasting the legos in the family room? (JOKING)

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Forgiveness Impacts Us Daily

Robin — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:39:06 +0000

My last post was about a neighbor problem. I thought this an appropriate time to address forgiveness.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.—Eph 3:17-19

The fruit in our life is directly proportional to the grace one has received and given.

The root of bitterness can crush the Spirit’s root and stunt the fruit of the Spirit. The root sits just under the surface–easily overlooked–sucking the nourishment from the tree.

The foundation of Christianity is a based on forgiveness. As we grow in our faith it is easy to overlook this basic and forget how forgiveness impacts us daily. A doctor from Stanford University reports,

“The practice of forgiveness has been shown to reduce anger, hurt depression, and stress and leads to greater feelings of hope, peace, compassion and self confidence. Practicing forgiveness leads to healthy relationships as well as physical health. It also influences our attitude which opens the heart to kindness, beauty, and love.”

1. Receiving Forgiveness from God

We can strive to stay away from temptation and try to be good but there are always areas that remain sinful. We may harbor bitterness, lose tempers, or make hurtful comments to others. It is hard to accept failures and sometimes harder to confess them. But God calls us to confess and repent to receive His forgiveness. True repentance involves regret, mourning, and commitment not to continue in the sin.

God hates sin, but He loves the sinner, so much that He paid the price for sin Himself. Once the sin is covered by the Blood of Christ, it is blotted out! God doesn’t keep a record of our sins. Our forgiveness is total and complete.“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more” (Isaiah 43:25).

Faith and forgiveness are like hand and glove; they fit together perfectly. God tells us how we can be forgiven; we just ask with faith. First must have a repentant heart, stop the sin, and ask for God’s forgiveness.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9.

God doesn’t withhold the opportunity for forgiveness from anyone.

“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” Psalms 86:5

2. Self-Forgiveness

Once we receive forgiveness from God we also need to learn to forgive ourselves. If God doesn’t hold a sin against us why beat ourselves up over it? We all make mistakes. We walk in the flesh and we walk in the Spirit. When we walk in our flesh we sin. Once we repent and ask forgiveness we must forgive our self and go on.

There is nothing we can do to change the past, but we can affect our future. Harboring regret and negative emotions will make us bitter and resentful. We need to resist dwelling on things we can’t take back and accept God’s forgiveness.

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8.

God wants you to know that there is nothing you can do to make him love you any more today, and nothing you can do that will make him love you any less. He just loves you.

If you’ve never known the joy of simply living in God’s acceptance instead of trying to earn it, your most exciting days in Christ are ahead of you. People who learn to live out of a genuine
love relationship with the God of the universe will live in more power, more joy and more righteousness than anyone motivated by fear of his judgment.–Wayne Jacobson in He Loves Me

3. Forgiving Others

Are you bitter? Do you hold ought against another? Are you harboring resentment against someone from your past? Does the memory of the hurt and pain overwhelm you again and again? Does anxiety erode your mind as events plays over and over? If you cannot forget, have you forgiven?

When someone hurts us we never recover until we forgive. Unforgiveness causes deep pain and leads to hideous bondage resulting in bitterness, rage, anger, and with malice (Ephesians 4:31). Choosing unforgiveness is a life of bitterness and torment leading to a life of bondage to addictions and compulsive behaviors in hope of alleviating continuous emotional stress. It is agonizing and growing turbulence raging below the surface.

I recently found things I thought I had dealt with and let go. But during a weak time the pain and anger surfaced. I recognized I needed to forgive again.

Forgiveness is a choice–a spiritual decision–not to hold a sin against a person any longer. It is not based on what is deserved, but on grace. A tremendous release occurs when we are able to forgive. We must forgive others before requesting forgiveness from God. (Matthew 6:14-15).

Forgiving does not mean you can’t say something was wrong. You can encourage a compassionate willingness to forgive, yet retain the vigor of conviction that all people must be fully accountable of their behavior.

4. Receiving Forgiveness from Others

Receiving forgiveness from others is much harder than receiving forgiveness from God. God is faithful to forgive. People can go either way. The sin natures does not like to forgive and forget.

If you have a repentant heart and ask someone for forgiveness you have done your part. The forgiveness act is up to them.

5. What do you do if someone won’t forgive you?

Have you sincerely apologized? Do you have to keep asking for forgiveness? Do you need to beg? What if they say they forgive you but continue to bring up the problem or the sin? What if you get angry because they didn’t forgive you? This can be a serious cycle resulting in a vicious circle of bitterness. Here are the steps to take:

Forgive them for not forgiving you. Pray that God will open their eyes and their heart. They will reap what is sown (bitterness and unforgiveness). If you have truly forgiven them you don’t want them to reap these things. Pray for them.
Be patient. It is natural, human to get mad and resentful when you try to mend differences and the other person won’t respond. This may be something you will have to give to God daily.
Let it go. Don’t continue to apologize, as long as you have done so sincerely. Don’t play it over in your head, it only stirs up anger. Find it in you to demonstrate love, concern, and the desire to improve the relationship.
Focus on God’s perfect forgiveness. Psalm 103:12 says It is possible for the Lord to look at us without seeing our sins because when he forgave us, he removed our sins as far as the east is from the west“

For More on Forgiveness

In a recent radio broadcast, Nancy Leigh DeMoss said, “People who are not forbearing, who are not forgiving, generally become hard and cold. They often become depressed and even physically sick. There are many physical ailments today that doctors will tell you are affected by our unwillingness to forgive.” You can listen to the full broadcast at Forgiveness: Setting Your Captives Free.

Also see Nancy’s excellent book Choosing Forgiveness: Your Journey to Freedom

This post is from my Heart of Wisdom blog archive.

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Neighbor’s Shooting = New Fence

Robin — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:23:06 +0000

Putting up a new mesh fence around our home works for me (at least for now) . We have 20 acres completely fenced, but because of the angry neighbor have to tighten the play area for the dogs and children.

Our neighbor doesn’t like the dogs barking. About a month ago he began shooting at our dogs. We have two Great Pyrenees. They don’t bark a lot but they do bark at squirrels, rabbits, badgers, deer, foxes and other things that run in our yard frequently. This is the drawing I made to mark off the area for the new fence:

Click image for better view

When the shooting first started DH and I discussed it and decided the best course of action would be to talk. So I went over and gave the guy our phone number and said please call us if our dogs bother you. We never met him before this. He was civil and agreed. DH went over another day to touch base and make sure he was happy. We don’t want an angry man with a gun nearby. We began tying up the dogs near the house (out of the neighbor’s vision and range).

All was quiet until last weekend. My children and hubby were in the pool and both dogs were tied in our yard but barking because the neighbor had company in his pool. Out of the blue we heard screaming “Shut those *%$#@ dogs up and shots were fired. We sent the kids in the house.

Dh and I decided we needed to report him to the police. I went to get the phone and by the time I got got back the guy drove up on a motorcycle in our driveway screaming and yelling and waving his arms like a mad man to shut our dogs up because he can’t enjoy 5 minutes of quiet. I believe he was drunk. It was 11 am. He was so wild I called 911.

If he would have called as I had asked I would have taken the dogs in the house.

He was gone by the time police arrived. The dogs never barked once while the police were here (they bark at people who shoot at them). We had a trespass warning issued (so he can’t return). BUT the police said he could shoot and we couldn’t do anything about it. He told the police he was shooting into the ground.

Once the police left, he marched up and down the fence line with a rifle shooting every few minutes. We can only hope nothing sets him off again. What if a bullet goes into my window and shoots my children? I pray for safety daily.

Tightening the area my dogs and children play in works for me for now. I also have a tripod set up on my front porch to video tape any shots fired into my property (as a deterrent). Here are photos of the new fence and front gates.

We chose mesh because we will be getting goats soon.

Hard to believe anyone would risk hurting these guys:

Get a Gun?

By now you are wondering why we don’t get a gun. The only thing worse that an angry drunk with a gun would be a menopausal protective mother with a gun. It just wouldn’t be a good witness to shoot my neighbor. We will lay low and pray. God has a way of working these things out.

Works for Me Wednesday is a “blog carnival” (explained here). Be sure to check out lots of great tips on Works for Me Wednesday.

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4th of July Dessert: Fresh Fruit Crisp

Robin — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:49:49 +0000

Have you started thinking of your July 4th menu? We always have the same BBQ chicken, hot dogs, macaroni salad and watermelon. I’m going to start a new tradition with this yummy dish for dessert.

The farmers’ market has peaches and raspberries and I found this yummy recipe in the The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. You can substitute blackberries and blueberries.

Peach and Raspberry Crisp

10 to 12 large peaches
1 orange, zested
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups plus 2 to 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 pint raspberries
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick-cooking oatmeal
1/2 pound cold unsalted butter, diced

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the inside of a 10 by 15 by 2 1/2-inch oval baking dish.

Immerse the peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then place them in cold water. Peel the peaches and slice them into thick wedges and place them into a large bowl. Add the orange zest, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Toss well. Gently mix in the raspberries. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes. If there is a lot of liquid, add 1 more tablespoon of flour. Pour the peaches into the baking dish and gently smooth the top.
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Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, salt, oatmeal, and the cold, diced butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until the butter is pea-sized and the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle evenly on top of the peaches and raspberries. Bake for 1 hour, until the top is browned and crisp and the juices are bubbly. Serve immediately, or store in the refrigerator and reheat in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until warm.

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Optional: Top with vanilla ice cream.

Tackle it Tuesday is a blog meme to motivate you to tackle a project each week. Go over and read through the encouraging posts.

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Quick and Tasty Lunch Idea & MPM

Robin — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:00:56 +0000

It’s Menu Plan Monday and I thought I’d share a quick and easy summer lunch (or appetizer) with you. We have bruschetta and/or cheese bread once a week.This week Kroger had Italian bread on sale for $1.00 so we’ve had it several times this week. I bought a jar of bruschetta at Sam’s but it’s easy to make if you prefer homemade.

Traditional bruschetta is made by toasting the bread first, drizzle with olive oil, rubbing with garlic and then topping with the tomato mixture. When I make it for lunch, I make it like this:

Ingredients

1 loaf Italian bread or baguette French bread
Mozzarella cheese (ball is best but shredded will do)
Bruschetta (premade in a jar or homemade)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Butter
Salt

Slice Italian bread and brush with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or butter each slice) and arrange on a cookie sheet. Top each slice with a spoon of bruschetta and a slice of Mozzarella cheese. Place in 350 degree F oven for about 5 minutes or until cheese has melted. Salt to taste. Children that don’t like tomatoes eat bread with cheese only. Quick, easy, nutritious, and delicious.

Martha Stewart has some fancier bruschetta recipes that look tasty. I’m going to try it with artichoke next time. Yum.

Spending a few minutes making a plan organizes the week, helps you save time and money. MPM is usually hosted by I’m an Organizing Junkie, but this week MPM is being hosted by Laura of Heavenly Homemakers

Monday: London Broil*, Greek Salad, mashed potatoes
Tuesday: BBQ Chicken legs, potato salad, green beans
Wednesday: Leftover London Broil*, egg noodles, spinach
Thursday: Tacos
Friday: Meatloaf, baked potatoes, kale, Challa Bread
Saturday, July 4th BBQ: flank steak, hot dogs, chicken, corn on the cob, macaroni salad, watermelon, Peach and Raspberry Crisp
Sunday: Leftover BBQ

* I get the London Broil precooked at Sam’s. We get two meals out of it. Dh loves it!

Have you read this?

Invest 15 Minutes to Save Three Hours Each Week! Menu Planning Made Simple

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