This is just a brief post - because I’m pretty excited about it I had to say SOMETHING, lol. (OK, who am I kidding? I can’t write a brief post!) I feel I am actually making a little bit of progress getting a handle on clutter, etc.

My desk always seems to collect EVERYTHING.  It is in the Living Room and is a convenient place to drop the mail and anything else we might find in our hands that needs to be sat down somewhere.  I did a clean sweep of it and only added back items that REALLY needed to be there - there are still things I am going through.  I’ve also added a little bit of organization to it for paper clips, pens, etc, etc that is out of the way, yet easy to access (the desk has no drawers because I wanted something small for the Living Room).

ALSO - because the loveseat is near the desk, I have a bad habit of sitting stuff on the loveseat as I’m working as well as using part of the loveseat for clean laundry as it comes out of the dryer before being folded.  Both of those issues are also resolved and the loveseat is no longer a “hotspot” either.

I discovered a great laundry system that has revolutionized the whole way I feel about laundry and has eliminated the pile up (both clean and waiting to be washed).  More on that in another post.  Since I cleaned up the desk, I eliminated the need (and the bad habit!) of using the loveseat as an extension of my desk.

Finally, I found a template for a daily planner page that I have been tweaking as well as paying more attention to, and also tweaking, my morning routine / morning to do list. 

All in all, piece by piece and step by step, it is progress.  Things have gotten to a point of being chaotic, unorganized, and cluttered to a certain extent and it feels really good to finally start moving in the opposite direction!

I love couponing and getting the deals.  I buy 6 papers each week for the coupon inserts (if you get coupons & don’t want them, feel free to send them my way, lol!), which means I’m able to stock-up on great deals.  That stockpile has to go somewhere, preferably somewhat organized. That presents somewhat of a challenge for me because space, especially storage space of any kind, is very much at a premium here.  Confession: I do not have a pantry.  My cabinet space is sparse, but admittedly not as well utilized as it could be. 

I have a goal this year (well, not a goal persay, but I’m taking little steps in all areas making improvements) to really get all the “stuff” organized.  I discovered Sterlite’s clear bins (lid colors vary by season) in 3 sizes that are really working for me: shoebox size, 16 qt, and 56 qt.  I love that the clear bottoms helps me know exactly what is inside & the lids are very flat and simple, no extra bulk. 

I discovered that the 16 qt fits nicely between the dryer & water heater in the laundry room, which is just off the kitchen.  We put in a few shelves in the laundry room, some of which I’m using for food items (need to add more to maximize the space).  Putting like items together in a bin makes it very easy when looking for something specific and I’m loving the organization. It is a small step, but it is working for now. Still have much to organize, even with just the food items.

The bottom bin is full (crammed full!!) of different types & brands of cookie mixes.  The next bin up holds a wide variety (also crammed full) of Homemade Gourmet mixes. Bin #3 from the bottom has 12 bags of Chex Mix (and there are another 7 bags that wouldn’t fit - what can I say? It was an awesome deal!). On top of the Chex Mix bin, there are 3 shoebox size bins: (1) packets of seasonings, gravy, marinades, etc; (2) (can’t see in pic) unopened spices; and (3) cornbread mixes and Crystal Light packets.

I am using the spare room’s (was the office when my computer was in there, but is basically a storage room / dump zone) closet for stockpiling all the non-food stuff, but it is in need of desperate reorganization, so I hope to work on it soon and possibly add in a few more shelves.

For more Tackle It Tuesday, click here.  For more Tuesday Toot, click here.  For more Works For Me Wednesday, click here.

I did it.  I bit the bullet, jumped in with both feet and did it.  I’m starting a garden!!  This afternoon I marked off an area and started digging!  I dug around the perimeter as a start.  This is hard work, folks.  I had a helper though!  I’ll continue to post my progress… feel free to jump in anytime with advce or suggestions.  I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m going to fake my way through so don’t tell anyone, mmmmmkay?  It is fun to know I’m not going at this alone, though. 

I’M COMPOSTING!  Last night I started my composting pile…. it is a plastic container on my dryer consisting of LINT, but it is a start! 

  (If you are starting your garden, or having any gardening or composting posts, I welcome a full onslaught of linky goodness, heehee.)  

The “before” pic…. 

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

Breast is best, it goes without saying (though the catchy phrase makes it easy to convey the message). It was my first choice when Lil Roo was born, but certain circumstances prevailed and by several months old, he was completely on formula. 

We then used Enfamil until whole milk became the drink of choice.  We used formula checks and coupons, sometimes stacked together, to help offset the high formula cost. Wanting the best of the options that were on the table (as the absolute best was now off the table), we chose a well-trusted name brand.

I’m frugal and not always brand loyal, but like many parents I did not even think of considering a more frugal, non-name brand, option.  As a first time mom, I took my responsibility of this very precious person very seriously and believed there was a quality difference in brand and “generic” formula and wasn’t taking any chances. 

I’ve since learned a little bit more on the subject of baby formula and that while store-brand infant formula may be gentler on your budget, it is not at the expense of quality.  Whether name brand or store brand, there are standards that must be met before it could ever land on the store shelf.  Recently, advertising by a name brand infant formula company claiming store-brand infant formula was a lesser quality was proven false, so the facts show they are of an equal quality.

We know there’s a substantial savings to be had by purchasing the store-brand option, but were you aware there were also coupons available for store brand infant formula to sweeten the deal? 

Get a $3 coupon by taking a Baby Formula Quiz (seven random baby formula questions). You can also get a store-brand formula coupon by completing the name-and-address form. 

Personally, if/when we have a younger sibling for Lil Roo, and if breastfeeding was again taken off the table, I would give serious thought to store brand formula. Knowing I can make an affordable choice without sacrificing quality makes all the difference in the world to me. 

What’s your thoughts? If breastfeeding was not an option for you or not your first choice, would you give your baby store-brand formula over the name brand formula? 

It has been awhile since I wrote a more “personal” / daily life kinda post, so this is much overdue.  Unfortunately it’ll probably come across as blah as I feel.  Today has just been “one of those days” and not just any “one of” but a real gloomy, not at all feeling it (it being just about anything and everything) kind of day.  Have you been there?

My house is in a state of what I consider shambles. Kitchen needs some attention, dishes to be done, laundry to be washed, general straightening up needed, but I can’t even talk myself into caring.

It could be the weather. We had a harsh January winter and February isn’t looking much better.  I know there’s harsh winter going on everywhere, but for Florida it just isn’t how we do the winter months.  February is our “winter” and we usually suffer through several days or so each year of a harsh, cold freeze.  We aren’t known as “The Sunshine State” for nothing, but it was nowhere to be found today.  So, maybe the overall, non-typical gloominess of today played a part in this overwhelming blah feeling today.

Perhaps a poor night’s sleep could have lended to it as well.  I went to sleep at a decent time for me, but was awakened by the little guy during the wee hours.  Technically hubs unconsciously nudged me because of the little guy calling out for me, which meant I was really out cold because I tend to stir at any whimper he may make.  After waking to discover he was still asleep, I couldn’t go back to sleep for a couple or so hours.

And there’s a chance that my Dad going to the ER yesterday and currently being in ICU (should be moved to non-ICU room tomorrow though) may be weighing on my mind and heart even more than I realize.

We went outside this afternoon for some fresh air (mainly wanted to let Lil Roo run wide open and burn off some energy, lol) and even that didn’t shake me out of this.  Hopefully it passes during the night and tomorrow I can wake with a better perspective, some energy, and shaken from these blahs.  

We will be taking our three year old on his first cruise and will be stopping in Nassau.  I’ve been several times, but never with a child.  I’ve done excursions and I’ve taken my own path, but again… never with a child.  So, I’m fishing shamelessly for ideas.  We are thinking of foregoing the pricey excursions.  One major concern we have is the crazy cab rides, which is almost required to get anywhere - especailly to the “nicer” side. (I’ve walked that once and will. never. do. it. again. LOL!) 

We’ll have about half a day (the latter half) in port.  Ideas, please?  Kthxbai. 

Lil Roo (herein referred to as Chef Roo, lol) and I had a great New Year’s Eve.  Daddy was working, so it was just the two of us.  We ordered pizza (technically a pizza, oven roasted sandwich, and pasta bread bowl - and the smorgasbord was yum-o! lol!), watched Handy Manny’s Motorcycle Adventure, made banana bread, then watched Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure.  HAPPY NEW YEAR SWEET PEA!  We found our recipe for banana bread HERE. 

I evidently need a little practice recording & handling video, but this is a start for me and he’s cute even with my faulty video skills, lol.

Banana Bread With Chef Roo

Ingredients:
1/3 cups shortening (some use olive oil or lard.)
3/4 cup sugar (white)
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups flour (white or whole wheat)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl, cream together shortening and sugar.

 Bake for about 50 minutes or until done.

Heard around our house this morning…

Daddy to Lil Roo (3 yrs old) after he’s dressed to go to the movies: Go show Mommy how good you look.

Lil Roo (after brief convo w/me about how nice he looked & while I am busy trying to get ready): Mommy doesn’t look good yet.

Then a little later…
Getting in the car, Lil Roo spies Daddy’s purple ribbon he wore for Somer Thompson (Daddy had previously talked to him about what happened, vaguely and in bits a 3 year old could understand).

Lil Roo: Is Jesus going to make her feel better?

All in one morning little ones can make you laugh at loud and then tug at your heart strings.  I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

It is Wednesday (Happy Hump Day, y’all! Check out our new kitten in the Wordless Wednesday on Savvy Frugalistas!) and I haven’t yet devoured the weekly ads or coupon inserts. One of those weeks, I guess.  It does beg the question on whether I’ll be doing the deals this week though.  I’m sure I’ll hit one or two before the week is out though.

I’ve been working on Savvy Frugalistas, getting stuff added to the site and the blog design is underway!  I can’t wait for the big design reveal and then for all the fun tweaking that I get to do after (have a better layout in mind already for the sidebars stuff!). 

I still haven’t fixed my computer, which I really need to do. *sigh*  I’m assuming it is the video card.  The monitor works fine, so I know that isn’t the issue.  I may post the pic I took and get a little feedback from hardware techys, LOL! 

BTW, check out all the Halloween ideas at Homespun Preschool, a lil blog I’ve been working on with Kim.   There’s some fun stuff, plus we have something exciting planned for November, including lots of giveaways (think gifts for your kids!). 

How goes your Wednesday?

It is three am and Lil Roo is awake. He apparently had a nap lasting about three-and-a-half hours when he went to bed at eight, because he woke up around 11:30 and. was. awake.  I let him hang with me for about an hour and then put him back in bed. I was getting pretty sleepy, and since I wasn’t sure if he was or not, I let him watch a Thomas & Friends DVD (he specifically asked for the Percy / chocolately mess one… it has a proper title but I can’t at all think of it in my current sleep-deprived fog).  I watched a little tv on the couch and dozed off there… only to be awaken by this small creature a little while later. If he dozed himself at any point between 1 and 2, I couldn’t tell ya… but around 2 he made it clear he was (still) awake.  I’m on my way to try sleep again, praying he gets some as well. I listened in at his door (which was pulled to but not actually closed) and heard him quietly tinkering with his toys. Seriously? At three am? {sigh}

A prayer request if you have a moment.  My dad went to the hospital this am to have a stint put in his kidneys (one was a little worse & they were going to see if they would do stints in both or just one).  During pre-op, it was discovered a previous test/procedure caused further damage. They will be running tests to determine if meds will assist the situation or if he will need dialysis. He’s older, but still works & is in mostly good health. Prayers would be much appreciated. 

Did I mention I fixed my computer? But you can’t tell?  I know, I know… I’ve only posted on a couple of days or so since I repaired the memory issue that shut my computer down.  Not so good for traffic, but we’ve been having lots of fun around here.   

We’ve taken Lil Roo bowling, to the movie theatre for the first time (we saw Ice Age 3) and he did so well & enjoyed it so much that I think we are going to take him to see Up today (he and Daddy were watching the trailer on the computer last night and he seemed pretty excited about it). 

The Fourth of July was also a pretty big day for us.  We visited my sister and nephew and during that visit, my brother, his wife, my niece and my great-niece all came to visit.  My brother (one of four brothers actually) lives locally but I don’t get to see them often and my niece and her daughter live out of state.  Her daughter is about 3 months older than Lil Roo. 

Later that day, Lil Roo had his first boat ride.  He, Daddy, myself, and our pup met up with Lil Roo’s Uncle Paul, two of his older male cousins (and one of their girlfriends) and “Maw”  (hubs’ mom).  He’s been talking about going our in the boat, but had only been in a boat on dry land, so we weren’t exactly sure how it would go.  He loved it.  We watched the fireworks display from the middle of the river.  He fell asleep on Maw’s lap on the way back in.

We planted a few sunflower seeds the other day and they’ve sprouted!  I can’t wait to see his reaction as they keep getting bigger and bigger and bigger!!   

The little bit of computer time I’ve had, I have been busily preparing Shake The Salt’s Back To School ’09 Guide and working on the upcoming Launch Party at Simply Sensational Divas Review.  Both events will be in August and you do not want to miss either of them.  If you are a review and/or giveaway blogger, you’ll want to get listed at SSDR – but you’ll have to wait for the details on that.  

I’m pretty excited at all that is going on – online and off – but my recent blogging has paid the price a little.  I’m working on a few things that I’ll be sharing and I will be updating the Freebies megalist.  If you know of a great freebie, deal, or coupon, pass it along to me and I’ll be sure to give you credit / link love. 

Now I’m off again to start getting ready for our trip to town.  What are your plans for the day… and for the upcoming weekend?

Whew!  There’s a lot going on right now.  I’m sure you’ve noticed there hasn’t been a whole lot of blog posting this past week, so I’m gonna owe ya big time on freebies & deals!  I had 4 giveaways lined up for this week, but I’m going to have to push most of them back and just run one. 

Lil Roo’s birthday party is this Sunday, and although I’ve been working on it, there are still tons of little last minute details to be seen to.  I’m preparing a Back To School Guide to run in August here on Shake The Salt, plus Shake The Salt’s sister site, Simply Sensational Divas Review, will be having a launch party August 1-31, with lots of giveaways & a Twitter bash.

I’ll be announcing the winners to the two giveaways that ended last night shortly, and will be posting the Frugal Deals Roundup as well as a pretty sweet Boca Beth giveaway (if you have kids, don’t miss that!).  But otherwise, I’ll continue running low key on the blog for a bit.  The giveaway for the Tiny Prints $50 gift card is still running, so be sure to enter for that. 

Annnd…. I’m still tweaking and such. Please keep sending your thoughts on what you like, don’t and what you would like to see around here. 

……………..
see more Lolcats and funny pictures

I am in the midst of setting up my son’s computer in the living room.  It is an older one, nothing spiffy, but I think it’ll work just fine for him.  He’ll be 3 in a few weeks and we are giving him the complete Comfy Easy PC system (shhhh) with both sets of software / games (ages 1-3 and ages 3-5) for his birthday. 

We received a card from Disney with a download link for a free Disney computer theme as a thank you for our recent visit, so as soon as I have the computer all set up (and figure out where I put that thing, lol!) I’ll download & install the theme for him.  He’s off with Daddy visiting “Maw” so it’ll be a nice surprise when he gets back.

Of course, that is all dependent upon the computer acting right, LOL!  I probably should have it all checked out and all the non-essential files removed before I start adding more.  That would just give me a reason to procrastinate though, and I don’t need any help in that area!!

The kinda sad part is that I haven’t found a table that I want for it yet, so it is sitting on the floor. I know, I know. The monitor is on a stand, so that helps some… but again about the procrastination thing.  What I’d really like is one of those large, chunky plastic, square kids tables – I want something super sturdy and large enough to fit the monitor and keyboard (and not have him too up close and personal with the screen).  Being an older monitor it is about a hundred feet deep, rofl! OK, at least it seems like it is, but you know the style I’m talking about. It certainly isn’t a flat screen.

I have some of the stuff plugged in and once I turned it on, it started running the scandisk, so I left it.  I need to figure out how to run the cord for our internet over to it…  that might prove to be a little tricky, so I guess I better get to work on it! 

I can’t believe it.  Where has the past three years gone?  I could swear to you it was just a few weeks ago that I was sitting in his room in the glider, holding his tiny being, nursing him.  Except it hasn’t been weeks, it has been years. 

He rolled over, then sat up, then crawled, then walked, and then ran.  He cooed, he said his first word, then two words together, then three, and now full sentences, and more than one phrase or sentence together and otherwise can talk non-stop if he feels like it (which can sometimes make me crazy, lol).  He learned shapes and colors (including brown and gray), he learn to count, he recently learned left and right, and is now crazy about letters (mostly thanks to WordWorld since he is crazy about that show right now). 

I can’t keep up with all the new things he is learning, doing and saying each day.  And this is without an older sibling and without being around other kids a lot. I’d probably really be blown away if either of those were true, LOL!  I know this may be typical, but to me it just reinforces that he is getting older everyday.

We’ll be having his party in a couple of weeks and he will officially turn THREE on the 29^th.  If I’m wondering at the time passing so quickly as he turns three, what am I going to do when he turns 16? Aye yi yi!  LOL!!