Laundry Saving Tips

Along the way I have picked up a few ideas that help save money while doing laundry. I am by no means an expert, but I thought I would share what is working for me.

I have found that using a powder detergent works best for me. I find that when I use a liquid detergent I am lazy and will hold the container over the washer, push the button and just drop some in. I am sure that I use to much detergent this way.


Instead of using the scoop that comes with the detergent and recommended amount of detergent I use a 1/8 measuring cup. I find that my laundry comes out just as clean using this little bit. If I have an extra large or dirty load I will add an extra scoop and use 1/4 cup.

When I was working and we had more wiggle room in the budget I would go to Sam's and buy this container of fabric softener.


Now that every penny counts more then ever I buy the least expensive fabric softener. I am able to get twice as much from the bottle by pouring it into my large container and then filling the bottle up with water and adding to the large container. Just be sure to shake the large container well to mix the water with the fabric softener.

I am also to able to double my fabric sheets by cutting them in half.


The only time I find that I need more then half a sheet is when I dry blankets during the winter. I don't know why but the static is terrible on a load of blankets.

I love coming across money saving tips and hope that this helps you save a penny or two.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Ordinary Days

The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest. ~Thomas Moore

After an extremely busy weekend it has been wonderful to have ordinary days. To many my days and life may seem boring, but the simple hum of my days make my heart sing.

Tuesday was a day full of laundry.

Without a packed schedule there was time to play.


I feel that it is so important for children to have time to play. Time to explore, use their imaginations and just be. I don't feel children need to be constantly entertained or in planned activities.

I made my first purchase on Craigs list a week or so ago.


This table and chairs was purchased for $20. I bought it to add two chairs to my existing table.

Here are the chairs around my existing table.


I wasn't loving this. The chairs didn't slide under the table enough and although it looks okay in the picture once the baby pulled up on a chair or Megan tried to push one up to the table it looks crowded and messy. Last night I convinced Chuck to bring in the other table to try out.


I am liking this much better. The quality of the table isn't as good as my other one, but this one will meet our needs. We usually eat dinner while the boys I watch are still here and this makes it a much better experience for everyone.

One of the things I like most about ordinary days is gathering around the dinner table.


Enjoying some fresh green beans from my garden and even better company.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Blogger Comment Problems?

I don't know about you, but I have been having some major problems leaving comments on some blogs. I get stuck in an endless cycle of logins and comment verification codes. Here is a fix for the problem.

1. Close all web browser windows but one.

2. In that window, clear all of your cookies, cache, passwords, everything (in my IE browser, I go to Tools, then Internet Options, then under Browsing History I click “Delete” and leave all boxes checked and click “Delete” again).

3. Then go to www.blogger.com and login, but here’s the catch, make sure you DO NOT check the box for “remember me.” If that box is checked, you must uncheck it.

4. Then you can go to any Blogger blog and you’ll be able to comment as yourself again.

I was getting very frustrated and am happy to now be able to comment.

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Party Time!

Friday was Megan's birthday and we had a little party for her. We started out with the grandparents and my sister's family joining us for dinner at Olive Garden.


We hadn't been there in a long time and it was such a treat!

Everyone then came back to our home and we were joined by some good friends for cake.



Megan requested a pinata.


The kids had lots of fun! Since I did this I didn't make treat bags. I had some little treat boxes to hold their goodies from the pinata.

There were presents.


Lots of craft items were received. Yes! Not only does Megan love crafts, but it isn't something I have to store for long term.

The weather was wonderful and the kids were able to run and play; just as kids should!


The party was small, simple and relaxed. I think it was my favorite of all the parties.


Happy Birthday, Megan Moo! We love more then you will ever know!!

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

In the Bean Business

The green business that is. Last week mom and I were talking and she said that we wouldn't have green beans by the fourth of July. Ha! The green beans showed her. This is her garden and it has eleven rows of beans that are about 25 feet long.


She started picking and was shocked by the amount of beans she was getting. She picked 2 1/2 rows and ended up with 11 gallons of beans!! That is when she called me and I went over to help out.


I snapped and snapped until I thought my fingers would fall off.

So far 56 quarts have been canned.


When it is all said and done it looks like there will be over 100 quarts from the first picking of her garden. Wow!!

It looks like the beans in my garden will be ready in a day or two. I think we are going to be in the bean business for a while!

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Lightening Bugs & Fireworks

What a great weekend! It started out with staying up late and chasing lightening bugs.


Look Mama, I caught one!


Plenty of sunshine and some time spent in the pool.


Made even more fun with cousins to play with.

There were cookouts to attend. I was introduced to a new hot dog topping...


Baked beans on the dog. Yum, yum!

Of course there were fireworks.


Grandma (Chuck's mom) and Megan waiting for the big show.


A little town close to us host the fireworks on the 3rd. We love this for many reason. For one it is on the 3rd and that means that we are not out late on the 4th and then Chuck has to be up for work the next day. It is small, close to home and the traffic isn't bad compared to going into the city. All good things in my book.

On the actual fourth there was more swimming, cooking out and sparklers.


I have traveled and lived out of our country and I have seen first hand how great we have it in America. I may not be happy with everything that is happening in our country, but I am proud to be an American! Happy 4th of July!!

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!

Five!

Four!


Three!


Two!


One!


Happy Birthday, Megan!

I hope you are taking time to enjoy the simple moments!