Scrubby Pads

 There's no need to throw away the mesh bags that fruits and veggies come in. I must say I am very proud of my friend, Christy, for not throwing away her mesh bag. She didn't know why she was saving it, but knew it could be used for something.  So, when she asked me what that something was, I told her,"A scrubby pad for dishes!" It works wonderfully for removing stuck-on food from dishes.  My grandma has crocheted some that worked great! So, here's how I made one. . .

There were two plastic strips I cut off, then I turned the bag inside out. 




 
Next, I gave a loose twist just below the plastic tag. (plastic tag comes in handy when grime has almost become part of the pan)





 Then, I tucked it inside the bag and repeated the process of twisting and tucking.



  


Finally, I tucked and shaped the last little bit until it was the way I wanted it. (A few stitches could be used to help reinforce it from coming undone, but not necessary)

*Looks kinda like ground beef in the pic!! 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Mini Popsicles

If you don't know by now, then I must tell you, I don't see any reason to spend money on something when it's not necessary. I just think it's better to find a way that is more unique and cost effective, even in small ways.  Saving a little here and there can really add up in the long run!!

I almost spent $2.47 on freezy pops. You know, those colorful popsicles in the plastic tubes. If I remember correctly there were about 36 in a package.  I would have spent a whole .14 cents a piece.  Which in reality is not such a bad deal. However, I decided to go with the .20 cent kool-aid pouch instead. I have an ice cube tray especially made for ice that fits into water bottles. The tray works wonderfully for mini popsicles. I've used it several times to make pickle pops for my daughter. 

The tray holds 27 cubes/popsicles. I just pour kool-aid in the holes and drop in popscicle sticks. When they are completely frozen , I removed them from the tray and place them in a storage container and place them back in the freezer for easy access.  Wha-la! Mini popsicles!!  One pitcher of koolaid makes 3 batches of popsicles ~ making a grand total of 81 mini popsicles. One freezy pop equals about 2 mini popsicles. This is great with toddlers because it's just the right size.  They are also refreshing for all ages and you can have more than one and not feel guilty. We made 81 popsicles for .20 cents. (Not including the cup of sugar).

*Any liquid can be used to make these cute little popsicles.

   -Juice is a delicious and nutritious alternative.

   -Leftover pickle juice is sour, fun, and FREE!

*Popsicle sticks come in huge boxes and last a looooonnnggg time!

  -Washing and reusing sticks can cut cost.

Have a FUN and STICKY time!!

Your promises are sweet to me, sweeter than honey in my mouth!

                                                         Psalm 119:103

Learning with Snakes! Yes, SNAKES!

                                 REVIEW THE ALPHABET
                         Using the Hands-On/Visual Approach





If you are looking for a new approach to reviewing the alphabet, you've come to the right place!!!!  I really think most children learn better with the hands-on approach and lots of visuals.  I have also seen several emails within our homeschool group asking for suggestions on how to get little boys to pay attention and learn their letters.  This is the perfect solution.

1. Hunt down a little green garden snake.
2. Chop snake in half or thirds with the tip of a shovel.
3. Using gloves pick up a mid-section of the snake.
4. Hold snake in open palm of hand and watch it wriggle.
5. As snake takes new shape and forms letters, review the alphabet.
6. Alphabet review ends when snake stops moving.

(Snake will not form all letters, but it does form wonderful letters such as . .S,J,C,L,a,and sometimes q & g.)

HAPPY ALPHABETING!

*Notice -This has been tested and although it may work well for little boys, it may not have such 
                good  results on most girls! Keep the "Creepy Factor" in mind!

Nesting Boxes

I am so glad it stays lighter later and it's a good thing it doesn't stay light any later than it does. I have a hard time finding a stopping spot while working on a project. However, the dark does force me to stop. I have been working on some nesting boxes for the chickens we plan to get.  I am so excited!!  The best part is we invested zero dollars!! 

We had a tv cabinet that I transformed several years ago.  I basically chopped the top off and made it into a bench. Then I put casters on the bottom piece so it could be moved around easily.  We used the bottom piece for books and toys.  Because we gained an awesome record player/stereo from my grandparents, we needed space, so out went the toy cabinet. While eating lunch on the porch and staring at the cabinet, (on the porch because it could not be thrown away, as I knew it had potential to become something new) nesting boxes came to mind.  I was able to made six boxes and didn't buy anything for this project!!!

I am almost finished, just a few more screws. I woulda included a picture, but it was too dark. So you'll have to wait to see the final project. :(  Anyway, I have the before and if I can find the before, before when it was a tv cabinet, I will include that also. So, for now you can see the before and use your imagination to how it looks now.

Did I already say I'm excited?  Because I am very EXCITED!!!!

Just a little bit about me!

My desire has always been to live a simple life. The Little House on the Prairie lifestyle comes to mind. However, my husband would never go for it and I do enjoy some modern luxuries. One can dare to dream and they say home is where the heart is . . . Home, home on the range . . .  ok, not range - prairie. (I have a hard time staying focused). 

I prefer to save money. Unfortunately, there are times when it's just not gonna happen, but seriously, why not when you can?! I also enjoy creating new things. Some projects turn out amazing the first time and others not so much. Either way, I keep on keepin' on until it turns out right - at least the way I think it should be.

I don't get bored, ever! In fact, we don't use that word in my household. I just think that because God has given us an imagination, we should never be bored. My daughter has learned there is always something to be done if she is booorrreeed. Aka: toilet scrubbing!! You can see why boredom is no longer in her vocabulary. I try to keep my "water glass" half full instead of half empty. Yes, I do get discouraged, but I have a faithful God to lift me up and help me reexamine my "glass".