vacatioin

I will be taking a few days off for a much needed break. I will be back shortly.

Facebook Day

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Note from the sickly's

All week my little ones have been fighting a cold. Started with one, then slowly infected all of them. Poor girls. Mr Fever never visited thankfully! We choose to do the all natural healing as much as possible and will only resort medicines if those will not work. Most of the time the all natural methods work thankfully. Over the years we have tried things, researched things, and friends or family have told us of things that have worked for them. This week my girls just have yucky nose's, congestion and horrible coughs.

This week we have been using the following idea's to help us out. Try them yourself. These have helped us out and saved us some money. Over the counter medicines can get expensive and most these things we already have in our home.

Cough

1 tsp of honey every hour. I recommend using natural honey, not the store brand if possible. If that's all that is around, certainly use it. This will help coat the throat which helps to reduce coughing.

Tea works well. We use decaffeinated tea especially for the girls. Any all natural tea will work. Chamomile is our favorite.

Traditional Medicinals has a line of tea's just for kids. Pictured above is what we use for our girls when they have nasty coughs. Each tea bag has Organic ingredients like marshmallow root, safe leaf, calendula flower, licorice root, cinnamon bark and wild cherry bark. They make this tea to be safe for your child, with mild herbs in child-size amounts. We usually will add a tsp of honey to sweeten it and they drink it when its warm. Within 15 minutes their coughs will start to go away. My girls love this tea and would drink it each day if I allowed it. Traditional Medicinals carries a great kids line of tea's. From organic tummy comfort, cold care and for night time they have nighty night tea. Each box comes with 18 tea bags so this one box should last for a few colds.

Retails $3.99-$5

Yucky Nose

I have a few things I do to help out my girls in this section. To start, I recommend buying Aura Cacia 100% essential oils which are available at Whole Foods or New Seasons. You can use any brand , just make sure they are 100% essential oils. I always keep lavender, Eucalyptus, and Tea Tree oil in my home at all times. One bottle of each will last you for years. You can them so many ways. From soap making, candle making and even to help ease colds.

Warm bath-simply put 2 drops of lavender to relax, 2 drops of both Eucalyptus and Tea Tree oil to suppress coughs and helps them breath easier. Just let the kids pick some toys and let them play for 20 minutes.

Natural Vapor Rub-You can simply buy a small bottle of all natural lotion and add a few drops of each essential oils listed above. Just rub some lotion onto their chest and under the nose area. This should also help with breathing more clear through the nose. I recommend small bottle because over time lotion separates.

Cough Drops-I usually buy honey cough drops but will only allow them to have a few a day. Most are pure sugar so try to find them sugar free. My girls will eat them like candy which makes me sick just thinking about it.

Sleep-I usually put the girls to bed 30 minutes earlier than their normal bedtime. I find that if my girls get plenty of sleep, they will usually get better quicker.

And of course we eat very healthy. No treats until we are all better. Lots of soups with plenty of vegetables. We double up on our vitamins and drink plenty of water and orange juice.

Now I am not a doctor and you should do what works best for you. For my family this works. Rarely do we ever have to go to the doctor which saves us money. Our $20 co pay will make us go broke if I had to take all of us in to see the doctor. That's a $120 doctor visit. Obviously we would have to go in if the girls had an ear infection or something major but for small common colds and ailments we choose to be all natural.

Update: Only one sickly in our home currently now. Yahoo! Hopefully this cold goes away soon.

Samples and what to do with them

I know when I first started signing up for free samples, I could not imagine what I would do with all these small freebies. Really, can this one small thing help me out? How are these things gonna save me money? Well I have come up with some great uses for these items and have learned to pass up on certain things. I have received a ton of free things in the last 2 years, some weird and some normal.

Toilet Paper-I swear I found a whole roll of toilet paper in my mail box thanks to Walmart. Having 4 daughters in my home, its always in need.

Seasonings-Some of these come in handy and some do not. I found that I used these more when we were camping. This way I didn't have to pack all my spices.

Perfume/cologne-These usually come on a postcard and you can only use them once. I found that if I keep them in my purse, I am more likely to use them. Never know when you need a little extra freshening up.

Candy/bars/etc-These I usually will stash away for special times. Our family is a soccer family so were constantly on the go. These items come in handy when we just do not have time to make a snack. Recently I received 2 whole organic candy bars in the mail, wonder who will get these as a gift? Hmm I wont tell!

Lotions/etc-I get so many of these. These I will usually give to my older girls. They will put them in their rooms and their purses for later use. Both my girls have eczema and they constantly need to moisture their skin. Plus if my two younger girls get into it and squeeze it everywhere, I am not out any money.

Over the counter-Everything from tummy ache's, gas, head ache, etc. You name it, I have received it. These have saved me so much money! I have a basket in my closet just for these items. Great for anytime and perfect for camping. I pack an emergency kit with all my freebie goodies in it. I do not sign up for medicines though. Anytime were sick we do the all natural thing. No alcohol filled medicine's in our home. Honestly we try to do the all natural thing when it comes to any ailment but the freebies come in handy when those don't work.

Clothing-Really? Yes! This summer I received a free tank top from JC Penny, and socks from Hanes. How? The tank was a promotional item sent for free. Unfortunately it did not fit me but my neighbor was able to fit it. The socks (if my memory is right) I filled out a small survey stating why I liked my best friend. I did and was able to get 2 pairs of comfy socks for free! I have acquired a free Carhart hat for the hubby, free shirt for my dad (Marlboro) , and much more.

Pads/Tampons- Rarely ever do I ever have to buy myself any of these. I get so many freebies sent to me, plus each one usually comes with a great value coupon. Kotex is an amazing brand when it comes to their freebies. Always is another one that I see a lot. I never pass down any of these samples. My mother (who is in no need for these, sorry mom!) also signs up for them and gives them to me. I am stocking up on these, remember I have 4 daughters and one of which is just about that age. Yikes! These things can get expensive and these freebies are a great way to get them for free or super cheap.

Magazines-I used to sign up for any free magazine just because its free. But thinking about it and how many tree's have to be cut down for my 5 minutes of entertainment, I no longer do this. I only sign up for a magazine I will truly read. Or if I know someone who will love it, I will sign them up for it. Magazine subscription's are great gifts too. I keep an address book just for this. Just 2 days ago I signed up my old neighbors for free Golf Magazine 1 yr subscription. She can tell her husband it was from her. I was so happy to help out.

Cosmetics-I received a free lip gloss last week that I still have not figured out when or where I signed up for it. Unexpected surprise! I received a few Carmex for free just for signing up with them and answering a few surveys. Once I bought a eye shadow that broke the first time I used it, emailed the company and they sent me a free replacement. You never know what you will get when you sign up for newsletter's.

Condoms/etc-Yes even those can be free. I see condom offers, lubricant, etc. These too can get expensive so if you need them, sign up for them.

Toothpaste/etc-Never refuse toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss. Having 6 people in my home, we use a ton of toothpaste. I have recently stopped signing up for toothpaste because we are switching over to all natural toothpaste but I still sign up for floss and tooth brushes.

Organize your freebies

I have a hall closet with a whole shelf specifically just for my freebies. I organize them ever so often so I know what I have. One basket for teeth care items, one for medicine's, one for lotions/body wash, and everything whole product size is behind them.

This came in handy when my best friend was traveling to Europe soon and needed small sized items. She knew I would have everything she needed. Saved her a bundle for sure. Just remember to think before you sign up for something for free. "Will I use it?" "Do I need it?". Just because its free, doesn't mean you need it. I pass down freebies for candy, junk food, and soda's because we just do not need them and they are unhealthy. Yes they are free but that does not matter. This rule is a hard one to go by and took me a while to realize it.

Until next time....

How to have a frugal Holiday

Each year people run around trying to get the best deal, spend their money and money they don't have, and by the time Christmas gets here they are broke. Whats the fun in Christmas when you cause yourself all that stress? I have my mother to thank for giving me such a great attitude about everything. We have little or no money most of the time and my mother had to get creative. Memories of Christmas boxes being delivered to us come to mind. Each box was filled with food to last a few weeks, and gifts all wrapped up. Although I really did not appreciate it all back then, I surely do now. Those horrible ugly grandma boots I received came in handy later. I learned that even though we didn't have much, you always appreciate what you do have. We had each other and that's all that counted. It didn't matter what you had. Yes I wanted many things, A Jem doll comes to mind, but its not what you want but more about what you need. This was a lesson I learned very early and still go by now.

So a big THANK YOU to my mom. I love you for this and appreciate you even more.

Over the years I have come up with some creative gifts. Some are super simple and some take a little planning. But the common thread here is that they are frugal. Here is a list of things I have given over the years. Use any idea's you want or just pass on the info.

Baskets-this is my favorite thing to do. You can get baskets in thrift stores all year round and save them for when you need them. Just stick to a theme and do one theme a year. This will save you money and time. Here are a few theme's I have done.

-Candles. Can be bought on clearance all year and saved. Simply wrap some ribbon or a string of beads around with a tag. Maybe throw in some candle holders. Throw in some cookies you have made and that's it. Each basket cost about $5

-food. One year I made my own pancake mix and put it in a pretty bag. Threw in some wooden spoons (dollar store), small honey pots (Grocery Outlet) , and knit some pot holders. Simple and easy to do. Each basket cost about $5.

-Pamper. I made some bath salts for the parents using essential oils and used cocoa for the kids. I decorated girls with muffins and the boys with trucks (cocoa being the mud). Threw in some bubble bath with some cookies of course. Each basket cost around $3 to make.

-Soaps. Buy soap and a mold from the craft store. Make your own just using your microwave. Use a coupon (Michael's has a 40% off one all the time) and make it even cheaper.

Meals-one package of noodles, 1 jar of pasta sauce, one wooden spoon, etc. You get the idea? Throw together a simple meal and throw it in a basket. Done!

Thrift shop finds

Some people have a problem with thrift shop buying on holidays. To me, I encourage it. Have a friend who loves a particular type of glass ware that you cannot buy anymore? Thrift stores have it. My girls love Raggedy Anne and Andy but they do not sell them anymore. Thrift stores here I go! Its just as fun hunting for the item as it is giving it to them. Last year my daughter was into tea parties. I found an amazing old set of clear glass tea cups and saucers. Then I found a vintage set of tea gloves at a barn sale. She screamed so loud when she opened her present. She still plays with it all the time. Just think of what each person loves and try to give a gift around that idea. Not only is this a personal gift that you took the time to find, but it will also save you some money.

This year my 5 yr old twins bought their sister books from the thrifts shop. They were so proud to buy their sisters books that they will love. They even used their money they made from doing chores all year long. Little bits of change really do add up. They are super excited to see their faces when they open them up.

Sales and clearance

I usually buy for gifts all year long. If I find an amazing sale that I cannot pass up, I buy it and stash it. You never know when a birthday sneaks up or your in the need of a thank you gift. Example: When I was still working, I was a P.I.C (price integrity coordinator) which meant that I would be the first to see all clearance, mark them, and be in charge of setting them up. Lucky me! I found cotton yarn only 25 cents each. When I clocked out that day I ran back to the yard and snatched it up quick. I think I bought about 20 of them. All my knitting friends and family received yarn, knitting needles and a pattern I printed out that was simple and easy to do. Oh yeah also I put them in a basket of course. So keep an eye out all year for things you know your family or friends would love. Pay little now, save big later.

Homemade. One year my sister in law made cute little snugly girls out of the most wonderful fabric. Simple but adorable. She also gave my older girls each a stationary set. She printed out paper with their initials on it, threw in matching pencils and put it all in easy to sew bags she made to match the set. Simple and frugal gift that my girls loved! This year I'm making fire starters for those who have fire places. Using egg cartons, lint, and wax left over from used up candles. Might even throw in some oils to make them smell good. I'm also making a basket full of cookies galore. This year its homemade everything. Another year I made beautiful frames out of dollar store frames, ribbon and pretty buttons.

Brown paper bags. Yes, I said it. Brown paper bags. These are super cheap and can be bought for less than a buck. I would say this would be a perfect gift for co workers or neighbors. Have the kids decorate your paper bags. They will love this. I usually make a super easy dry coffee mix (or cheat and buy it done already) . Simply put them into bags, throw in a candy cane, and top it off with some ribbon. Super easy and cheap gift. Also super fast! Remember to write on the bottom or remind each person to recycle the bag!

Coupons. Yes, just like you did as a child. Maybe you have a friend that watches your kids or you watch theirs. Make a coupon booklet with a few coupons in it they can use all year long. One free day care date night. One free house cleaning. One free hour just for mommy. One kid free grocery shopping day. Get creative! I would love this gift!

Need vs want. This year we decided to give gifts to our kids that they needed. Yes they all have wants, but there are things they simply need more than want. I asked my girls to make a list of things they wanted for Christmas. I have yet to get a list from any of them. They could not think of any toys they wanted. So this time I asked them to tell me what they needed. I was amazed by my girls. No toys were on the list. So this year, there will be no mass produced toys under out tree. None! Instead things like jackets, slippers, handmade dolls, and things like that. I cannot wait to see their faces. They will be so happy. So I encourage you to get things for people that they need. Maybe dad needs a pair of gloves because he keeps wearing his holey ones. Or maybe your daughter needs a winter jacket. Or maybe its something simple like undies or socks. This is especially helpful when it comes to friends gifts. My friends know that I love coffee so sometimes I get gift cards to Starbucks or other coffee shops. I take that gift card and go buy coffee grounds. I choose 100 cups of coffee at home over 3 specialty coffee's from the store.

Just get creative. Your friends and family will thank you for thinking of them and saving them money.

Decorating Yes even decorating can be frugal. Take your kids to little out of the way thrift shops and let them pick out some decorations. Everything we have decoration our home was either given to me from friends, received from free from the "free box" at a thrift shop, bought super cheap from Goodwill, or bought on super clearance after the holiday. Most are vintage which I love. Or if you do not have a thrift shop around you, hit up your local dollar store. I have 2 cone Christmas tree's I bought for a buck. Just saw those at a store for $20 each. No thanks, I will keep that $19 in my pocket. Ornaments can be bought used too. This year I bought a large bag of ornaments for $4. It was so much fun going through the bag and deciding which ones to put on the tree. Our tree is filled with some Ive made, some from childhood, kids have made, gifts, or thrift store finds.

I hope Ive inspired you to have a frugal holiday. You really do not have to have very much money or any at all to have a good holiday. Just the idea that you put that much thought into each person is enough. I will take that over any brand new marketed gift anytime.

Simple Frugal Gifts *Ginger Soak*

Ginger Soak

Treat yourself to a restorative soak, or assemble the ingredients for this natural blend to give to friends or family. Combine 2 cups baking soda, 1 cup Epsom salts, and 2 tablespoons ground ginger.

Attach instructions:Add to a tub of warm water and soak for 20-30 minutes.

Packaging:For gifts, put the ingredients in cellophane bags: tie with ribbon and add tags. To make this gift eco friendly, put the ingredients into a wax sandwich bag(found at Whole Foods) and then put that into a paper bag with ribbon. Simply add to the instruction tag-throw bag into garbage and it will compost naturally. Or to skip paper all together, find a vintage glass jar or use a mason jar. Just keep an eye out for cute spoons.

Goodies for Giving *Blondies*

This is a great snack for those who do not like to eat brownies. Just like them but minus the chocolate. Super yummy and healthy. Buy organic whenever possible. Use little or no salt to cut back on sodium.

Blondies with Almonds

1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup all purpose whole wheat flour
1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp butter
3/4 cup + 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
1 lg egg
1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup slivered almonds, divided

350 degree's 8x8 pan with cooking spray and lined with foil.

Whisk together oats, flours, baking powder, and salt in small bowl. Set aside.
Melt butter in small saucepan over low heat. Stir in sugar and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook, stirring until smooth, 1-2 minutes. Pour into large bowl, add egg, vanilla extract, and reserved dry ingredients and mix well. Fold in 1/4 cup of almonds.
Pour batter into prepared pan, spread evenly with spatula, and top with remaining almonds.
Bake 18-20 minutes.

Nutritional info per bar:
137 calories
2 grams protein
18 grams carbohydrates
1 grams fiber
6.5 grams fat
3 grams saturated fat
25 milligrams cholesterol
88 milligrams sodium

Now if you are not worried about the sugar and fat, throw in some butterscotch chips and these would be super yummy! If you do this option, forget about the nutritional info above, your on your own!