Archive for Tips and Tricks

Stay Off Hoarders: Five Garage Sale Rules to Avoid Clutter

March 6, 2012 Jessi Bargain Hunting, Shopping, Tips and Tricks

I have to admit, mama caught some spring fever today. I couldn’t help but just want to enjoy all the springy goodness! The birds were chirping, the sun was shining and we drove around with the windows down.

All the springlike weather made me start thinking about the garage sales that are sure to start popping up any time now. I LOVE bargains and in most cases, you just can’t beat a garage sale!

The upside to garage sales is how much great stuff you can score for next to nothing. The downside to garage sales is that if you go nuts with the bargain collecting, you’ll soon be a candidate for a special visit from Dr. Zasio, Matt Paxton and the rest of the Hoarders crew! No good. For real.

It’s important to be careful when you go into garage sale mode. You have to be conscious of what you’re buying and where it’s going to go, or you’ll wind up with a houseful of clutter that will either land you on Hoarders or end up in your own garage sale, never enjoyed. And where, ladies, is the fun in that business? Nowhere.

So, to keep your house from turning into a Mama’s Hoard O’ Garage Sale Bargains, follow these rules and get what will make you happy, not hoardy!

1. Make a goal list. Lists are awesome for just about everything, but if you make a goal list for your garage sale treasure hunt, you’re more likely to stick to what you really want. Write down a core list of what you’re really looking for–like baby clothes (in specific sizes), a dresser, some new lamps, etc.–and try to stick to it.

2. Make a budget and keep it. Before you even leave your house, decide how much you can afford to spend and only take that amount with you. If you know you only have $25 in your pocket, you’re less likely to stray from your list and pick up the pile of Hawaiian beach-themed party supplies you know deep down you’ll never use.

3. Check merchandise closely. If you’re considering something, scrutinize it. Take clothes that’s displayed in a dark garage out into the light so you know there are no small stains, missing buttons or broken zippers. If you’re looking at furniture, think about whether it will really fit your home and decor–and if not, whether you’re really likely to do whatever repairs, reupholstering or painting it’ll need to make it into a piece your happy to have in your home.

4. Clear your home of clutter before the season starts. If there are things in your house that are collecting dust, get rid of them. Give your new goodies a home. If it’s something your using, but not in love with, like curtains, keep them up–because you need them until you have new ones–and then donate or pitch them as soon as they’re replaced.

5. If you have to think too long, you don’t need it. If you find yourself staring at the same end table for five minutes…you can live without it. DON’T be seduced by the low price. If it doesn’t have a home in your home, it’s not meant to be. Don’t try to talk yourself into believing you need it, just because it’s available “for cheap.”

Garage sales are great fun and can really turn your home into a cozy palace if you’re shopping with a purpose. Bringing home bags of bargain loot makes you feel all warm and fuzzy in the moment, but if you’ll wind up stressed about where to put it, then it’s not really a bargain. If it’s got a home in your home, bring on the savings, if your husband is going to end up calling Hoarders on you, leave it in someone else’s garage!


Photo: flickr.com/photos/73416633@N00/2751695630

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Tidy Your Grocery Bags with Tissue Boxes

February 23, 2012 Jessi Home and Garden, Tips and Tricks

When I’m grocery shopping, I try to remember my reusable bags, but sometimes forget them or underestimate how many I’ll need and wind up bringing home more plastic bags. I hate just throwing them away, so I try to reuse them when shopping and around the house as much as possible.

I use them to:

  • Toss stinky diapers
  • Pack my kids spare shoes in their backpacks when they wear boots to school
  • Line my wastebaskets
  • Clean up chihuahua doo in the yard
  • Collect trash in my minivan (I even keep a little wastebasket in there.)
  • Dye my hair
  • Replace packing materials
  • Line bowls in the fridge when I’m thawing meat
  • Collect mismatched socks while waiting for their buddies to reappear from the abyss

There are endless ways to get more use out of them, but I hate having them just hanging around waiting for their 15 minutes of fame. They look untidy and take up a lot of space.

Luckily, one of the ideas I found on Pinterest was using empty tissue boxes to store rogue grocery bags. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but I wondered how many one would actually hold and how convenient it would really be.

So, today I tested the tip.

I filled this tissue box with 17 bags, and honestly, if I was neater about it, I probably could have put more in there. It was easy to get them in there and just as easy to pull them out.

I’m in love.

Putting the grocery bags in a tissue box takes up way less space and looks much more organized than stuffing bags inside bags. In fact, as more tissue boxes get emptied, I’m going to fill them with grocery bags and strategically place them where I use them most:

  • The kitchen
  • Garage
  • Minivan
  • Bathroom
  • And one upstairs for our bedroom wastebaskets.

I’m excited that this Pinterest tip panned out. Having a few small tissue boxes holding my extra plastic grocery bags around the house is much more attractive than a big ugly bag stuffed with them. I can slip them into drawers and under my car seat and they’re handy whenever I need them. Plus, the convenience rocks my mismatched socks!

Plastic grocery bags in empty tissue boxes? Jessi approved!

 

Photo: flickr.com/photos/dan4th/2152704346

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15 Uses for Plastic Ice Cream Buckets

January 26, 2012 Jessi Tips and Tricks

Despite my mild lactose intolerance, I still have a weak spot for good, old fashioned vanilla ice cream. So, when I find those gallon buckets of ice cream on sale, I’ll usually pick one up.

Not only do they last quite a while for quick treats for the fam, but I particularly like the buckets themselves. In fact, I always keep them to use around the house.

They’re pretty rad in the versatility department.

15 Uses for Plastic Ice Cream Buckets

1. Small Toys: My eldest son is six and my youngest is two, so some of his toys have small pieces that his little brother shouldn’t have. We sort those toys–like the action figures which come with no less than a bajillion little accessories–into the buckets and then he can put the lid back on and slide them right under his bed.

2. Tub Toys: I poke a few holes in the bottom using a hammer and a nail. The boys can put their favorite bath toys inside and excess water can still drain out.

3. Cleaning Supplies: I have my cleaning supplies sorted into different buckets depending on which room I use them in. Then I can just pick the right bucket and go.

4. Cleaning Rags: I cut up old towels, rags and shirts to clean with, and keep them in a bucket. As I’m cleaning around the house, I always bring a spare bucket along to drop dirty rags into so they don’t touch clean surfaces, bleach won’t get on clothing and I don’t have to keep walking back and forth to the laundry room.

5. Sick Buckets: It’s gross, I know, but every mom will encounter more than her fair share of kids with stomach bugs. It’s sometimes hard for little ones to run all the way to the bathroom in time, and the handles on these buckets make it much easier to grab in a hurry.

6. Art and Craft Supplies: Whether they’re crayons for the kids or goodies for my own side projects, ice cream buckets hold a whole lot. And, because of their lids, they’re easy to stack.

7. First Aid Kits: Those little first aid kits are great for bandages, but fully stocked kits need more room. I keep a kit in my house and one in the back of my minivan.

8. Cookie Cutters: I store my cookie cutters in these handy containers, and since I have so many, I even have them divided by holidays.

9. Dog Food: My kids like to help feed the puppies in the morning, but they have a hard time manipulating the big bags. So, I keep an ice cream bucket filled with dog food and toss a small butter container in as a scoop.

10. Soapy Water and Rag: These buckets work well for holding soapy water and a washcloth when you’re going fishing with the kids.

11. Camping Catch-all: Keep all the little things you’ll need, from matches to extra garbage bags, in there and everything will stay dry and in one easily accessible place.

12. Picnic Place Settings: Tired of trying to hold down napkins and paper plates? Put everything you need into an ice cream bucket and slap a lid on those babies.

13. Plastic Grocery Bags: Cut a small hole in the bottom and line it with duct tape. Then when you get shopping bags, put them in the top and when you need one, pull it out of the bottom. The handle can even make it easy to hang in a utility closet.

14. Extra Buttons, Nuts or Bolts: If you buy a new shirt or piece of furniture that needs to be put together, they sometimes come with extra small pieces. Put them in a little baggy or envelope, mark what they’re for and toss them into one bucket.

15. Toilet Brush or Plunger: I keep my toilet brush and plunger in a closet, because generally I don’t think of them as conversation pieces. I pop them, yucky end down, in an ice cream bucket and when they need to be sanitized, I just pour in a bleach and water solution.

I love reusing plastic food containers in new ways and ice cream buckets are no exception. They can hold a lot of loot, are easy to mark and can be used in any room of the house.

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Wellness Wednesday: Tired of Being Tired

January 4, 2012 Amy Health, Tips and Tricks, Wellness Wednesday


If there’s one thing that drives me nuts it’s that I constantly feel drained lately. Yet despite how I feel, I’ve got to push on through. Having three kids is a full time job in itself, and I can’t afford to be exhausted all the time.

I decided to make some small life changes to help get back on track and amp up my energy levels! Being energized is very important to us mamas if we’re going to make it through the day! So, I decided to come up with a list of simple things we all can do to rev up our internal engines.

Breakfast: Having your morning meal within an hour of waking up jump starts your metabolism. A higher metabolism leads to higher energy levels to keep you go, go, going throughout the day. So, grab something that’s good for you, like a banana, handful of nuts, or a bowl of high fiber cereal. You will be happy you did!

Fish: Fatty acids and omega-3s found in fish fuel your brain, making it sharper and will help you to function better. It will keep you going and prevent you from feeling mentally drained throughout the day.

Sleep: I know it’s hard getting eight hours a night with kids and work. But, getting yourself and your family on schedule, so you can get plenty of rest will help keep you energized and your mind working throughout the day. Your brain can’t function without good sleep, so try to get in your solid eight ladies!

Small Meals: Eating small amounts every few hours gives your body a consistent amount of fuel to keep going. This is because eating every few hours in small amounts helps to keep blood sugar levels stable. In turn, this leads to a more energized and motivated mama.

Vitamins: Believe it or not, a simple multivitamin a day can make a huge difference in how you feel. Your body needs the right amount of nutrients to function each day. Without the proper nutrition your body will grow tired and weak.

Water: I can’t express enough that water is so important. If your body is dehydrated it won’t function well. When dehydrated, your blood thickens, even if you are only a little dehydrated, forcing your heart to have to work harder to distribute nutrients throughout your body. This will lead to fatigue.

I hope that these tips and tricks help you ladies to feel great and spunky! I sure know it’s helped me out a lot!

Photo: flickr.com/photos/stephcarter/405289474

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Saving Dough: Learning to Coupon

January 3, 2012 Amy Coupons, Shopping, Tips and Tricks

I’ve noticed that Extreme Couponing idea has come blazing into the entertainment scene. With my time being so limited, I’ve personally only had the opportunity to watch a couple of episodes, but definitely found it interesting.

Who can deny that it would be awesome to get buttloads of groceries and other various items for literally pennies on the dollar?

Okay, I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve maybe twice in my life actually used a coupon–and that was only because they were taped to the product I was purchasing. I also must confess that I don’t have hours or even days to devote to the couponing process like many of the people on those shows have.

My time with three children and other responsibilities is limited and precious, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t like a little extra cash in my pockets. With this in mind, I decided it would be nice to learn a little about couponing and seeing what it entails in the hopes that I could cut some of my grocery bills down.

Couponing is a great and practical idea when you’re trying to save cash. While I haven’t a clue how to teach you how to do it the extreme way, for those of you just starting out like me, I can give you a few pointers about some of the things I’ve learned.

When it comes to coupons you should stay organized. Get yourself a binder or something to store everything, that way it’s ready to go when you are at the register. You won’t have to juggle all your items while trying to find the right coupons. It’s also helpful to make sure that all barcodes are facing up in the same direction to make them easier and quicker for the cashier to scan.

Also, make sure that before you use your coupon that you’ve checked the expiration dates and terms for the use of that coupon. Each coupon is a onetime use since stores only get reimbursed for one coupon from the company that issues it. Many stores have limits on how many products you can purchase when you have multiples of the same coupons. Reading the terms are important because even if a certain item is pictured on a coupon doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the item you would receive a discount for. It may mean that if you buy that item you get a little off of and additional product, or that you get a trial size item, etc. Always read the fine print.

Because each coupon is one-time use, it’s important to compare the values of similar coupons so you can choose the one that gives you the most bang for your buck. The exception is if you have one store coupon for an item and one manufactures coupon for the same item–then you are able to use two coupons.

If you are looking to save more than what one, or in the exception’s case–two coupons, can give you, then look for clearance or sale items and use your coupons on those. If the cashier tells you that your coupons can’t be used on a sale item or at all when making your purchase, and you know otherwise because you’ve carefully read the terms, make sure to ask for a manager. As much as it sucks to have to do, that’s your cash and you’re entitled to use coupons as long as you’re using them according to the store’s guidelines.

Also, cashiers can flub up from time to time, they’re just human like the rest of us. So, if they over charge you or forget to ring up one of your coupons, just make sure to call it to their attention. The point is to save, and if you get overcharged or your coupon is left out, then it defeats the purpose.

Never try to get more out of one coupon by copying it. This is illegal–and going to the pokey for an extra $.50 off of some margarine is just silly. If you need more than one coupon, then it’s best to pony up for extra newspapers. Sundays being the best ones to get since the coupons in them tend to be more than the weekday papers. The last thing you want is to get in trouble over trying to save some green, so just avoid making your own copies all together.



Photo: flickr.com/photos/pswansen/5683224123

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5 Little Changes to Freshen Up for a New Year

January 1, 2012 Jessi Motivation, Self, Tips and Tricks, Yay Womanhood

New years mean new beginnings, so doesn’t it make sense to freshen things up?

You don’t have to throw out every piece of clothing in your wardrobe and start over or tear apart your bathroom and redecorate on a whim…unless you have the means and understanding spouse to do so.

Freshening things up to gear up for a great year can start small. It’s those little things that bring a smile to your face that add up throughout the day, right?

Give some of these little tricks a try to brighten your day and kick off a brand new year.

Freshen up your computer: Change up your Google themes and choose a new picture for your background. I put up my newest favorite picture of my kids as my background–and for my two iGoogle accounts, I chose Jensen Ackles and Alexander Skarsgard themes. If seeing those hotties every time you check your email doesn’t make you smile, seriously, what will?

Change your home fragrance: Choose a few candle or hot oil scents that really make you feel cheerful. You know? The kind that stop you in your tracks and make you draw in a deep, refreshing breath followed by a slow, relaxing exhale. Yeah. Those.

Stash some special coffee: You may not feel like drinking mocha peppermint java every single morning, but it’s amazing what a sweet effect changing it up and treating yourself can have. If you’re not going to use it on regular basis, keep it in your freezer so it stays fresh and scrumptious longer.

Sass up your hair: Choose a new haircut that makes you feel a little sassy or adventurous. Take your time and look around online for something you really want to try and print it out for your hairdresser. If you wind up not being in love with it long term, no harm done…hair is awesome about growing back! If you’re in love with your current cut, give a new color a shot!

Switch up your tunes: Whether you like Pandora, iTunes or Spotify, they offer nearly a bajillion different songs and genres to choose from. OKAY, maybe not a bajillion…but you get the idea. Try something totally out of the ordinary for your style. Reggae? Salsa? Techno? Go ahead–get crazy with it. You might find something that inspires you in a totally new way!

Making little changes to keep things fresh and exciting can be powerful motivators in other areas of your life. They boost your mood and stimulate your senses. Starting a new year with some little changes will make you feel amazing and open the doors to a bigger, better and brighter 2012!

Photo: flickr.com/photos/watchwithkristin/3612516357

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