Helpful by Accident

I needed to make a shopping list for our upcoming vacation and I didn't have any paper nearby, but I did have an empty envelope from the mail received that day. I started writing my list as usual, and marked the items that I had a coupon for with a (c) and the items that were on sale with a (s).

Then a beautiful thing happened; I realized I could simply tuck the coupons that I planned on using on this shopping trip into the envelope! I took it a step further and wrote down the meals I needed to prepare and other tasks to be complete to get ready for the trip to avoid several different lists (which I am known for).

Shopping was so much easier! Well, as easy as it can be with a 4 and 1 year year old. Once I marked off the item on my list I put the corresponding coupon on my wallet in my purse.

I have tried countless methods of streamlining my list making, coupon using, shopping ordeal and this is my favorite to date. Next time I will put a paper clip on the envelope to hold the used coupons.

I even felt good about 'recycling' an envelope! (hey, it's the little things, right?)

$ store cookie sheet turned magnet board

I have a slight obsession with $ store cookie sheets. I am not sure when it started but I just keep coming up with ideas on how to use them. I will share with you just one of those ways right now.

Drill or nail small holes on the corners of the cookie sheet.

Place cookie sheet with bottom facing outward on wall.

Hammer in nails.

Repeat with as many as you want to make as large of a surface as you desire.

Done.

Other options:
- Paint with chalkboard paint for magnetic chalkboard!
- Hang with ribbon or twine instead of nails.
- Place clear contact paper over the flat part and now it's a dry-erase board, too!
- decorate this 'til your hearts content. (paint, glitter, jewels, etc). Mine is plain because it hangs by my sons art area.

Thanks for reading!

Cutting Up Food Made Easy

Having small children means lots of time spent cutting up food into bite-size pieces. I got tired of fighting with a fork and knife, and after relishing in the ease of cutting pizza with a pizza cutter, I realized pizza cutters didn't have to just be for pizza cutting!

Use a pizza cutter (rolling or slicer style) on waffles, pancakes, French toast, sandwiches, quesadillas, burritos, spaghetti, meat... The list goes on and on and on! If it needs cutting- try a pizza cutter. This also works great on brownies, pies and cakes!

Bath time knee protection

Problem 1. My baby is so squirmy there is no other position I can sit in while giving him a bath except my knees.

Problem 2. The boys' bathroom is tiny and I don't have the room for one of the (expensive) bathroom kneelers sold in stores.

Problem 3. I don't like using a folded towel to protect my knees because it gets too wet (I have some pretty skilled splashers on my hand and while I can close the shower curtain with my older son I can't with my younger), same problem with bath mat.

SOLUTION- use a gardening knee pad! It can withstand the water and fits nicely under the sink when not in use. With lots of color choices and price tag around $2 how can you go wrong?

This works great for those long mommy prayers as well. Just keep one under your bed.

No more achy, bruised knees!

Letter Trays to Organize Puzzles

Want an inexpensive way to organize children's puzzles (which could result in the puzzles being used more often)?
Stack up some letter trays and slide on the puzzles.
There are many different styles of letter trays which will accommodate almost any puzzle; letter size, legal size, front load, side load, etc.
Happy Organizing!