Category Archives: Homemaker’s Journal

Jul 12

Coupon Storage

I’m getting back into the coupon game, and keeping my coupons organized is part of the fun.

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I like to store my coupons in my pink coupon organizer, which is broken down into these categories…

  • Diapers and Pull-Ups
  • Baby Medicine and Diaper Creams
  • Baby Food, Juices, Snacks
  • Baby Lotion, Wipes, and Baby Wash
  • Pantry needs and Canned Goods
  • Cereal and Snacks
  • Cleaning and Paper Goods
  • Freezer, Meat, and Dairy
  • Beauty Supplies: Toothpaste, Body Wash, etc.
  • Baking Supplies
  • Beverages and Condiments
  • Local Coupons and Restaurant Coupons

I take it one step further though. I go through all of the categories, and paper clip like items together according to their expiration date.

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About every week or so, I like to go through the coupons once more, and check for any that have expired. I also get in the habit of carrying my coupon organizer with me every where I go. That way if I run into a good deal, I take a little extra time to see if I have a coupon on hand to save a bit more on my purchase.

How do you like to store, and organize your coupons?

Jul 1

Greener Hospitality

Since I’ve got two hostessing events planned this week, I’ve got to get a lot of extra dishes washed. For the dinners, I’m trying to avoid using disposable plastic products as much as I can, so that means I’ll be spending a lot of time busy washing dishes at the kitchen sink.

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For the dessert bar I’m using a set of vintage Blue Willow dishes. I’m also using my cake stand, and two large Blue Willow plates, for all of the cookies and brownies.

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For the dinner (which is Chili) I’m using a mix of brightly colored over-sized coffee mugs, and square bowls.

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I have a mixed set of glassware for beverages too. They might not match, but as long as there is enough, I don’t think that anyone will mind.

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Don’t forget about the spoons. I’m serving  desserts that require no forks, so that saves me a little time there.

I will have a few extra dishes to wash, but it is worth it. Greener hospitality is the way to go!

Jun 30

Getting The House In Order

This week is shaping up to be a busy one that is filled with hostessing duties. This week I’m hosting our local MOPS Steering Team meeting, and I’ll also be hosting the 4th of July BBQ. I’ve got a few yummy meals planned for the events too. First thing first though, I’ve got to get the house in order and cleaned for company.

I’m taking the downstairs room by room, and so far I’ve already got the office cleaned and ready. Today I’m getting the table cloth cleaned, and working on the dining room, and a little bit of the kitchen too.

Time to get to it!

Jun 17

Indoor Day Camp

The kids were up bright and early this morning, 6:15 a.m. at least, and Thade was anxious to get to Day Camp. By 7:30 a.m. there was a call saying that Day Camp had been canceled to high water at the park, so I’ve re-instituted indoor Day Camp for Thade, and Dylan gets to play along too.

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Today’s indoor day camp project is to make wrapping paper for Father’s Day gifts for Dad.

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The kids each have a gift for Dad, and they enjoyed customizing their special wrapping paper.

Indoor Day Camp wasn’t without snacks either, Dad brought us home Donut Holes, Maple Long Johns, and Sausage Rolls  from one of our favorite shops, and it was so good. Now what to do with the rest of the day…

Jun 11

Menu Planning Helpers

It isn’t officially a “not going out in June month”, but I am really trying to cut back on grabbing take-out. I was really lax on the home-cooking in April and still awfully bad in May, now that it is June it is time to get back on track. The best helper that I have to keep on track is my Monthly Menu, and I thought I would share a few tips that help me plan for a month of meals.

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  • First grab a calendar, and split the days into thirds. I have a spot on my calendar for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Make a list of your family’s favorite meals, and ask them if there are any new meals that they would like to try
  • Go to your pantry, freezer, and fridge, and make a list of what supplies you already have on hand. You might surprise yourself with what you find, take a little time to plan a few meals around what is already in your kitchen.
  • Grab a pencil and start planning your meals. I like to start with dinner first, and plan for leftovers. I write  the dinner leftovers down for quick lunches during the week.
  • This is the first month that I am also planning a month of  breakfasts… I’m stocking the freezer with waffles, pancakes, and muffins. I’ll add in Bacon, Sausage, and Eggs to the menu for my hubby throughout the month.
  • Plan for a little flexibility in your menu (hence the pencil)… Keep an eye out for fresh produce to add to your meals, and if you have to skip a home-cooked meal, but you have the supplies on hand, scratch out one dinner and replace it with what you already have on hand.
  • Have fun planning!

I hope that these tips help a bit, and I hope to stay on track for the month of June.