I did it. 

Now, you need to understand a couple of things first.  One, I’m not at all green. It is a great idea & all that stuff, but I’ve just never done the green thing. Second, I am serious procrastinator. To somewhat battle that in this, I made today day one, even though I wasn’t “prepared” and didn’t have a system in place (or quite frankly have much clue about what I was doing!).  But all that said…

I did it.

I started a compost!

I am beside myself with excitement and honestly think something must be wrong me with me. I mean, who gets excited about something so gross? And after I mixed (ahem, shook a little bit) and watered, it is most certainly GROSS. 

I took pictures – yes, I actually have before and after pictures for Tackle it Tuesday, woo hoo! – and I plan to blog my little composting journey, so please come back and help me if you have any clue about how to do such a thing, ‘cause I surely don’t. 

I staked out and claimed the back right corner of the fenced in portion of the back yard. Here it is:

I put newspapers down, spread out a little so not in a thick stack.  Next I placed the smallish cardboard box I had been using the past couple of days to put scraps of paper in (I tore up non-glossy junk mail and envelopes) on top of the papers. After the box was in place, I dumped a couple bowls of something that used to be leftovers (from when I leaned out the fridge a couple of nights ago) into the box. After the bowls of “something”, I gathered some already decomposing leaves and straw and put in the box. 

I shook the box up to sorta mix it, then I filled up the 2 bowls with water and poured the water into the box on top of the “mixture”.  Water started escaping, so I scrunched up the papers around the box to help hold it in / absorb it. 

And this is what we have:

Oh! I don’t want to forget to mention my “helpers”:

“B” was off with his daddy during this process. When they came home, hubs mentioned I could toss the old jar of pickles – which is awesome b/c the jar will be perfect for tossing small stuff in throughout the day.  I took the jar out and invited “B” to come help. He refused. When does my kid refuse to go outside anyway? I’ll give you that it is super hot, but still. 

I added the pickles and juice, then tossed on a few more decomposing leaves.

And that, folks, makes up day one of my composting adventure.

Oh! I added protein. Before the lectures begin, (a) it wasn’t much, and (b) I didn’t know ahead of time (did I mention the gross part? Yeah, not picking it out).

I haven’t really researched the systems, but I’m thinking we might go with the stall looking system. 

So… I would truly adore you if you left me words of wisdom and links to fabulous information about composting. And I would also adore you if you come back now and then to check on me.

OK, that really isn’t the question.  The questions are more along the lines of:

 
How do I create a compost pile?

What system would work best for me (there are systems?)

What can I compost?

Where do I put it? (Ahem, does it smell???)

How long does it take before a pile is composted?

Do YOU compost? Load me up me links, advice, your experiences, etc.  I am so not green. I’m not overly proud of this, but I’m not so good at change either.  It has to be easy & not time consuming or I’ll just end up not doing it.  And to be perfectly honest with you, I’m not even entirely sure what green is all about – I know some things, but not extensively, not all the way you can be green. That may be another post. For now, help a girl out with this composting thing. If you wanna just come over and do it for me, by all means you are welcome. Or just point me in the right direction.

Don’t you just LOVE when your post disappears??  Ugh! Not sure why only the first line stayed and the rest vanished, but it is back now.  I think.

UPDATE: I’ll add related links here as I start my search!!

Gardening 101: Compost Doesn’t Happen {BlogHer}

Compost Guide (dot com)

Thank you to everyone who entered the Huggies Diapers & Wipes giveaway and especially those who posted the videos on your blog.

The random numbers chosen were:

50 – Erin

 

and

 

103 – Angie Hall

Congratulations ladies – look for an email from me.  J

Hey, folks! Time for some freebie fun on this great weekend!!  I’m going to do this a little different this week and spread some linky love to other great ladies that love the freebies and deals as much as I.  Hop on over and visit these blogs and see what other great freebies they are blogging about! This is not a comprehensive list, by any means, so feel free to use Mr. Linky below for any I missed.  Just make sure when you add your link, that your definition is free without any strings – no purchases need to be made, no shipping to pay, no extensive hoops to jump through (quick surveys are ok, b/c sometimes businesses use the offer as an op to find out about the demographics and preferences of their potential customer base, just not any of those pages long survey stuff). 

From 5 Minutes For Mom

Not your typical freebies & deals site, but you don’t want to miss this. CLR has teamed up with 5M4M to sponsor the Tackle It Tuesday meme on October 21, 2008.  Get your FREE bottle of CLR Bathroom & Kitchen Cleaner and all the info you need by clicking below (Deadline is Oct 2):
>>>  ** CLR Tackle **  <<<

From “Deal”icious Mom:

Lactaid® Fast Act Dietary Supplements

LilliPads

Prevention Magazine

Bertolli’s Premium Sauce

Sport Diver Magazine

Art in America Subscription

Get a coupon for a free can of Campbell’s Select Harvest soup when you text the word TLC to the 467467 (US residents only).

From The Freebie Blogger:

Cascade Complete and Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. US residents only.

Move Free Advanced for joint pain relief. US residents only

Retrofit cord safety kits. US, some US territories, Canada, APO and AFO.

Wizdom Kit for children with diabetes or for a school or office.

Moms Vote 08 Bumper Sticker. US, some US territories, and Canada.

Printable turkey place card that’s great for Thanksgiving. International.

From MomAdvice’s The Motherload:

Murad Resurgence (More magazine offer)
Always Infinity (Walgreens sample)
Kotex (when you enter sweeps)

Kotex (Walgreens sample)

From Freebies 4 Mom:

Dove Shine Therapy

Nordic Naturals

From Dealicious Design Studio:

7 free wordpress themes

 YOUR TURN:

Now you are the people of God;
you had not receved mercy,
but now you have received mercy.
- 1 Peter 2:10

Is your favorite little person ready for Halloween? Are you searching for a look that is festive but still kid friendly? Happy Panda has a cute Halloween design available in snappies or lap-t’s. To celebrate Halloween we are offering 20% off on your purchase! Use code (HALLO) during check out until November 1st.

Do you know someone who is expecting in October and needs a baby shower gift? Happy Panda has added a Halloween diaper cake! This seasonal cake features our Halloween design on an infant snappy. To top it off we have added a paci-plushie panda at the top!

So, I once claimed to be a multitasker – of course, which mom isn’t, right? I guess in a sense I am, but some months weeks days I feel like I probably could not walk and chew gum at the same time. Not without some serious damage taking place. 

I have a couple of new projects I am working on, and my little one is sick again (yes, we just came off a full blown case of chicken pox a couple of weeks ago), added to the fact that I’ve been unsuccessfully trying to find a system to my days that will work for me.  Oh, and the fact that my husband has an unconventional schedule that typically throws my schedule for a loop on the off chance I’m attempting a schedule.  What does all this mean? I’m trying to find a balance – in run of the mill household tasks, in doing Preschool At Home, in managing online activity (projects, the blog, etc), among other things. Lots of other things.

So, forgive me for the recent lack of consistency on this blog.  Once other things fall into place (I am so praying that they WILL fall into place), it will work for this as well.  Thanks for understanding and bearing with me.  You guys are awesome and I just wanna say I luv ya. 

Do not fear!
Stand by and
see the salvation
of the Lord.
- Exodus 14:13

 
The 1,2,3 Spresso machine takes the guesswork out of espresso coffee making with its patented espresso pod system! This unit has a powerful pump to brew true Italian espressos, lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos quickly and easily. Simply fill water reservoir, flip the “on” switch to activate heating, and flip the temperature to the coffee position. When the green ready light comes on, turn the function selector dial to coffee and drop a pre-filled pod into the slot at the top of the machine. Almost immediately, rich espresso begins to flow directly into your cup. When brewing is completed (about 10 seconds) turn dial to the “off” position. If you wish to make latte, mocha, or cappuccino, flip the temperature dial to the steam position, wait for the ready light, and turn function dial to steam. Place milk filled cup or pitcher under the steam jet. A special frothing attachment produces dense, creamy froth in minutes. The water tank, frothing attachment, pod container, overflow tray, and cup rest grill all remove for easy cleaning.

Color of unit is RED (shown in black)

Features:

Consumer Guides “Best Buy”

Push-button machine brews espresso using coffee pods

Steam nozzle with frothing attachment for creating café lattes and cappuccinos

Removable 50-ounce transparent water tank provides easy filling and cleaning

Removable overflow tray

Cup-warming section on top

Measures 11 x 11½ x 11 inches

120v 60hz 1050 watts

Made in Switzerland

Melitta Coffee Pods are available in many retail stores, plus, Amazon.com and Melitta.com (melitta is a Salton brand)

Packaging: Full Color Retail box with upc

Retail Price listed at $120

PURCHASE THE
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* Deal Alerts are usually limited time / limited quantity only, so if this interests you, check it out before the offer changes or is gone completely.

Sam Feels Better Now, written
by Jill Osborne and illustrated
by Kevin Collier, is an interactive
story for children who have seen
or dealt with something traumatic.  

This post has been moved. 

Continue reading here.  

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It has been a busy couple of days.  I’m finally taking a moment to breathe… and write a little something to post to break up the monotony of deal alert post on the blog.  There’s been a few great deals posted over the last couple of so days, but really… the blog was starting to look like just that, lol. 

Yesterday was our third anniversary!!  I cannot believe it has been three years already.  We had a nice dinner out, sans little one who hung out at Papa’s house and had a great time playing of course.  A storm of sorts blew through and they actually lost power for a little bit!  

I also did a marathon Walmart shopping trip.  I haven’t done any deals in awhile, so that was one of the purposes of the trip.  I also needed to buy a wedding gift and a couple of birthdays gifts for two Michaels, both turning one, LOL!  The shopping for those gifts should have long been done, but I was seriously procrastinating and got a little anti-shopping for a short while and it all piled up on me.  Then there was a little bit of “misc” shopping I needed to do.  A large deals shopping trip (not even counting the checkout ordeal) can take a little while, plus I always take entirely too long trying the find a gift I like that I think the other person will like as well.  I was in Walmart forever.  For. Ever.  I was so happy – and extremely exhausted – when I was done. Oh, and my deals? I paid $30 and saved $100 – woo hoo!!! – and will post about that later.  Maybe the next time I stop to breathe. 

This morning I went to my first MOPS meeting and had a great time, as did B. who got to hang out with the other kids, something new that he really loves.  We’ve started back to church (for all the reasons it is great for me, my main reason was for him) and it is great.  We are attending a church with a very active preschool program, which is very important to me.  In a small town, options (on just about everything!) are limited, so I’m really excited about finding this church. 

We had some good family time today, so truthfully it hasn’t all been rushing around.  I also had a nice nap this afternoon (I love when the Daddy is home and able to take over for a little bit!), but I swear I could nap for a couple more hours.  I’ve also spent some time attempting to catch up on emails. We have been cleaning today, in preparation of tomorrow’s big event.  No, it isn’t a party or anything, so what happens tomorrow well deserves a celebration in honor of it… Tomorrow, the DSL will be installed and I will officially leave the dark ages of dial-up internet. I’m just a tad excited at that prospect.   

To clean like I want to, I really need that shed up so I can do some major decluttering. I want to move some stuff to that shed, take some stuff to Goodwill, have a baby / kids (and stockpile) yard sale, and otherwise toss a bunch of stuff.  Having stuff inside that really needs to be stored elsewhere (this house has basically NO storage options), makes it harder to deal with other stuff. I’ve been removing toys little by little from B.’s room.  He already has too much, which means a lot to clean up each day, plus is overwhelming for him.  Not to mention that Christmas is coming.  So, if you happen to talk to him, shhh, don’t tell… he really has no idea I’ve taken any.

Speaking of Christmas, I have also been hard at work on the Holiday Gift Guide.  Take a little peek at the sponsors list on the left sidebar – lots of great companies and the list is growing!  This will be published here on the blog mid to late October and will give you lots of great gift ideas and there will be prizes!! 

I have also started work on another project of sorts that I can’t quite tell you about yet.  I am working on this with a great group of ladies and we can’t wait to share it..  but not yet.  (Let me say I hope your patience is better than mine!).  :p

I’ve been busy with other stuff as well, small things that just add up (really quickly I might add!) and our Preschool At Home just hasn’t really happened this week.  Fri, Sat, Sun we are going to do a little crash course I guess and just fit in what we can… the learning poster, related coloring sheets & activities, and focus more on the letter B and number 2 more than the Jungle theme, since we will be building on that. 

Bridal Guide is a bimonthly magazine for brides-to-be, with all the information needed to ensure a beautiful, memorable wedding day. Articles address such topics as wedding fashions, decorating, etiquette, and honeymoon travel. Bridal Guide also delves into relationships, marriage, sex, health, travel, and home design.

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