WFMW: Picture Labels for Pre- Readers

My Children: Princess (4) and Superboy (3) have been keeping their room organized and putting away their own clothes since they were 2 and 3. How? With the aid of Picture labels, I labeled all their dressers with clip art of Panties, Socks a car for "by-bye clothes" and a swing for "play clothes". As far as toys I "right clicked" many things from the Toys R Us Site to make those labels. When laundry needs to be put away I make piles near their dresser and usually point out the "play clothes" pile and the "bye-bye pile" they do the rest!
This works wonders! Picture Labels work for me!

Visit: Rocks in My Dryer for more ideas!

Sunday Treats and Chore charts

My Children ages 3 and 4 have Chores every day except Sunday. Sunday is their day off and treat day, because they are too young for an allowance on Sunday they get to pick something from the treat box. They alternate daily between this list:
Clean up toys from everywhere but the room, Vac cum,clean bedroom (they share a room), dust, help put away dishes, clean the glass on the front door,help with trash. They also put away their laundry. Some of these are on a as needed basis. They know that they are not doing their job correctly if they complain or whine (I usually have to gently remind that that God says to do everything without whining or complaining. So teaching character and responsibility Works for me!

PS- If you would like to see our chart or for some links to some others please e-mail me :)

Be sure to visit Rocks in My Dryer for more ideas!

WFMW: Bento Lunches- quick and easy prep!

Bento is the Japanese tradition of packing lunches to go into small portions in a Reusable container- This can be any small plastic container with or without dividers. The Japanese have made this into a art form by using egg molds, hot dog cutters,rice molds , decorative dividers and creativity. Now I have not gotten too fancy but I have always packed lunches, yes it is easier to eat on the run at McDonalds drive through but I have found that if I keep a few basics on hand it is not a problem it takes little time and effort, we save money and make better choices. So if I am going out I always pack food and drinks. If we don't need it then I just bring it home for later!

My staples:
cheese sticks, baby carrots, pre-cooked grilled chicken strips, small pretzels, animal crackers, grapes,dried fruits, small refillable "sauce cups" or condiment packs from the occasional drive through trip, already cut celery and other fresh veggies (fill a small container at the grocery store salad bar). Refillable water bootles, ice packs, juice pouches or boxes and a small lunch box cooler. Be sure to look at the "ethnic food aisle for cool candies and cookies!

Be creative- use leftovers that are not messy.

Now if you want to be traditional or just plain cute then by all means buy a bento and the tools. However if you are like me and have a hubby who would rather chew off an arm than to eat out of a Hello Kitty box then pick up one of the Rubbermaid divided plates.

If you are inclined to be cute- you do not have to spend much! You can use cookie cutters as "stamps" or to cut foods, paper muffin liners as dividers, Reuse small containers for sauces. I have even seen where people reused the mini bubble bottles from weddings for sauces 9by cutting off the wand)! Me I just use small tupperware containers, I reuse medicine cups from liquid meds. and yard sale tupperware!


Be sure to check out more Works For Me Wednesday ideas Here!

Here are some of my favorite links to help you get creative:

Bento TV
Check out her archives

Bento Lunches

Lunch in a Box

Cooking Cute

Laptop Lunches

WFMW: Homemade Yogurt without a yogurt maker!

My Family LOVES yogurt but there are four issues here:
1. We are ALL Lactose intolerant
2. The amount we consume is tough on the budget
3. I like to control ingredients and eat as healthy as possible.
4. I did not need or want another appliance (yogurt maker)that I would have to store in my tiny kitchen.

My Solution- Homemade yogurt- so easy- and fits the above criteria!

Before I share the recipe, here is the link for Rock's in My Dryer - please visit there for more tips!


And Now the recipe:

Yogurts

Materials:
1/2 gallon milk (can be any kind)
3/4 C. instant dry milk
2-3 tblsp. yogurt with ACTIVE CULTURES Please read the label and make sure this is active yogurt
several sterilized jars (can be glass, ceramic, metal or plastic)
You will need a candy or meat thermometer
Sweetener( see the notes below)

Sterile mixing spoon and jars by immersing them in boiling water.

Bring milk to 180 degrees F, remove from heat and cool to 110- 115 degrees F and add the cup of yogurt WITH ACTIVE CULTURES, remove a bowl full and mix in dry milk . Add back to pan and stir. Please read the label and make sure this is active yogurt. It will say on the label. Mix well with sterilized stirring spoon. Pour into sterilized jars and cap loosely. Hold at 100-110 degrees over night. ( at least 8hrs. how o below) But remember 100-110 Degrees are the magic numbers. Over 110 and the yogurt culture dies. Under this and it "sleeps." By morning you should have nice yogurt for breakfast!


Suggestions below:

I always use prepared yogurt as my culture. I buy a large container of plain store brand yogurt from the store. I bring it home and scoop it into a couple of ice cube trays. Then I freeze it. When it is completely frozen, I take the frozen yogurt cubes and pack them in a plastic freezer bag. Each time I make yogurt, I use one cube as the starter. You can use your own fresh yogurt as a starter too, but eventually it loses it's power due to the introduction of foreign bacteria, usually after using it about 3 or 4 times. I like to use a new frozen yogurt cube each time I prepare yogurt. I've had my best results this way.
Sweeteners and flavors: If you plan to use this as a substitute for sour cream then leave plain, Or add flavors and sweeteners as you serve. Flavors: Use any extract or Davinci syrup flavor or use jams and preserves. jams and preserves would be added as you serve, the syrups and extracts can be added while heating or when served. I prefer vanilla. Sweeteners: can be added while heating or as you serve add to taste: Sugar, Splenda, honey, Maple syrup, molasses.

There are lots of ways to incubate your yogurt:
I prefer to do it in my electric oven. I set the stove dial half way between OFF and 200°, or at approximately 100°. The light which signifies the oven is on, pops on for a moment, and then pops off when the temperature is reached. I set my jar of yogurt in the oven and leave it for between 6 and 8 hours, usually overnight, or while I'm out for the day. I take out the yogurt when it is thick. This method works for me*. My yogurt has a very mild flavor.
Some people pour the warm milk combined with the starter, into a large thermos and let it sit overnight.
Another friend uses a medium sized picnic cooler to incubate her yogurt. She places the jars inside the cooler and then add two jars filled with hot tap water, to keep the temperature warm enough. After 4 hours, check the yogurt to see if it is thick enough. If it isn't then refill the water jars with more hot water, return them to the cooler, and let the yogurt sit another 4 hours. When I tried this method, it worked very well. It took a full 8 hours, but the yogurt was perfect, and I liked not having my oven tied up during the day.
Other folks set the yogurt on top of a warm radiator, or close to a wood stove.
In a gas stove with the pilot operating.
On a heating pad set on low. You set it on low and then cover the heating pad with a towel, place the yogurt on top of it, and put a large bowl or stew pot upside down over the yogurt. This makes a little tent which keeps the heat in. I don't have a heating pad, and have never actually used this method myself, but a good friend swears by it.
Sometimes I have placed the jar in a pan filled with warm water, to keep the temperature even. This worked pretty well when I incubated the yogurt next to the wood stove. It kept the yogurt at a uniform temperature, even with occasional drafts from the front door opening and closing.

*Now in the event that it does not turn out as thick as you like, DO NOT THROW AWAY!
I have had only 2 batches turn out a little thinner than I like (in 8 years) I just used these for smooothies and as "drinkable yogurt!

WFMW: Keeping Notes on the Number

I (heart) WFMW- and lately there have been so many post that I now get to enjoy it all week! In order to keep up with were I left off - I write the next number down on a post it and just change it as needed. Write it down works for me! Visit Rocks in My Dryer for more wonderful ideas!

WFMW: Mommy's Power Naps

Bear with me this is a long Intro!
This Is the Parenting Edition of WFMW, Believe me- Mommy's Power Naps make me more patient and sweet as a mommy :)
I have been burning the candle at both ends for some time now. I have worked at least PT (up until this year) every since my babies were little. My hubby and I have always worked this out so that we work opposite schedules so there would be no need for child care. The hardest was the Mid night shifts! This year I have been in Real estate school and plan to start working again in Jan. I am taking classes on line so that my hubby could pick up a PT job (along with the FT job ) to supplement my loss of income. How did we work it out? In order that the schedule would not interfere with my home, I get up before everyone else ( at 5am and do 2 hrs. of classes daily.) I do not have the luxury of getting to bed before 10pm , so usually right after lunch I am worn down. I take a 30 min. POWER nap even though my 3 and 4 year old do not nap. How? I put in a 30 min. kid tape, turn down the volume and curl up on the couch. My oldest is in charge of waking Mommy after the movie! Mother Of The Year? Probably not, but it works for me! Be sure to visit Rocks in My Dryer for more great ideas. Oh, and if you did not know - Check out the Dog Days Of Summer Bloggy Giveaways she is hosting here.

Works for me: Replacement parts

When My children (they are 3 and 4) started to out grow the sippy cups, I decided, instead of buying brand new "big kid cups", I would order the lids with straws and change the lids

from the regular sippy lids. I plan this month ( my new budget always starts on the 1st) to order the Coolster tumbler spill proof lids - they look like grown up coffee cups! What savings! I am still using the original 9oz insulated cups they started with! When I do decide to pass these along, the next person will have lids to take them from beginning to end! My favorite is the Playtex brand because the lids are always interchangeable! Buy the way, these cups were from a yard sale and I only paid 50¢ each because they did not have lids! So when my babies were ready to start using a cup, I called the Playtex company and asked could I order some lids. Customer Service sent 3 free Baby sipster lids. These are the the ones with a soft spout and handles. I ordered the lids I needed from then on. I also have done this with used baby bottles, parts for a toddler bed, a bottle warmer and other items. You can find replacement parts and even manuals for almost most anything for babies and some household items. I suggest that you always contact customer service even it is available on the web site sometimes they will send the parts or manuals for free.

Here is the web page for playtex:
http://www.playtexstore.com/cgi-bin/category/PTXP-22

for Gerber (24 hrs) Call for parts:
1-800-4 Gerber

Munchkin :
http://www.munchkin.com/products/browse.php?section=prodCategories&ID=10021
or call 1-800-344-2229
e-mail- cserv@munchkin.com






Visit Shannon for more great ideas!

WFMW: Food coloring

My kids (princess 4 and Super boy 3 ) can be picky eaters, so once in a while I will change the color of their food and let them choose the color . Surprisingly they don't like regular eggs but they love red or green ones! Oatmeal and Cream of Wheat always taste best in shades of pink and blue, even spaghetti is better if it is purple!

Coloring your food works for me!

Visit Rocks in My Dryer for more WFMW ideas!

Peanut, Peanut Butter... peanutty

I love the plastic Peanut butter jars-They have a wide mouth, they come in custom sizes (I buy the sizes I need) and they can be frozen! I use these to store and mix salad dressing, to store and mix just a cup or two of powdered milk, as freezable storage for Stock (pre-measured) , to hold small home school items, craft supplies, and more. They fit just right inside of DH's lunch box I add a microwavable bowl and spoon and send his soup in a jar. They are great for road trips and picnics. Store water and freeze overnight to have a sealable glass of drinking water. I have stored leftover tea and coffee for cold coffee drinks. Leftover pancake and waffle mix and can be pored strait from the jar. I usually have 6-8 jars at hand all the time and can easily replace as needed! I could go on but you get the idea.
Be sure to see Shannon's site for more great ideas!

getting free manuels for garage sale finds

Several times I have either purchased items at a garage sale or been given something from Freecycle. Without instructions I would not be able to get the full use of the item . SO here is what I do:
You usually can get a free copy of the manual on the manufacture’s web site, sometimes they have a downloadable PDF , if not call customer service, they can send you one. I have done this with several used items that I wanted a manual for and never had to buy a Manuel or pay for postage! I have done this with everything from Baby strollers to TV's . Usally you can even get replacement parts for a few dollars instead of buying a brand new item replace a small part.
This works for me! Visit Rocks in My Dryer for more useful tips!

WFMW- Save A File- free hosting for your PDF'S and E-books!

Save A file Works for me. If you want to share or even sale a e-book or other pdf file. You can store it with them for free! They even give you a FREE link for people to download your file. You don't even have to register! Take a look at their FAQ page. For an example of how it works, take a look at my free downloads (in the left side bar).

Visit Rocks In My Dryer for more WFMW ideas!

WFMW -The busy box and the busy shelf

My kids are young still- Princess is 4 and Super Boy is 3, So our Mom I'm bored moments are usually when I am either on the phone, trying to have a quiet moment,cooking, or some other task that needs my attention . You know the days when you seem to have a million calls to make and the temptation is to set them in front of the TV and let them watch PBS Kids all day because you can feel LESS guilty if it is somewhat educational right? WHEEEEEWWWWWW What a sentence!
Well in a stroke of desperation/ inspiration I came up with the idea of .... Drum roll here... The Busy Box! Which has evolved into the Busy shelf :) Inside the original Busy Box you will find three or four of the following: a small chalk board and chalk (dollar store), coloring books and SPECIAL crayons ( they are no different but are special because they are in the Busy Box) , Magnets, A 88¢Wal-mart Magna doodle wannabe, homemade Goop , a couple of cheesy hand puppets, Lacing cards, 88¢ Wal-mart silly putty wannabe or homemade silly putty , stencils and small dollar store toys. I usually rotate the busy box items about once every week or so. Now, as I said, this eventually evolved into an entire BUSY shelf-, which contains the tub of play dough toys with homemade play dough, Leap Frog Fridge phonics, some homemade folder games (free ideas on line) , read along books on tape and a cheap tape player with HEADPHONES, activity bag games* and some Mom approved videos. These items can only be used with permission or at my ummm "suggestion" :) Whenever I announce "THE BUSY SHELF IS OPEN" , you would think it is Christmas at the Acosta's. It usually assures me about an hour of time and sometimes more to be able to finish my task without interruption. There are three rules: YOU must share ,YOU must clean up the one item before taking another and NO FIGHTING.
The Busy shelf works for me.

*e-mail or include your e-mail with your comment and I will share this :)

Visit Rocks in My Dryer for more ideas.

WFMW- Homekeeping Notebook

My Home keeping Notebook

I have been keeping a home keeping notebook for about 3 years now . It changes and evolves as my life does. There are new things added , updated and even removed a the children grow, we move, We get a dog, buying and selling house and car, new jobs, Home schooling. Well you get the idea. I love seeing what others do with their notebooks, so before I ask you to share, I thought I would open mine for you. First let me tell you that I have went from one notebook to three! The main one is the most important. I have my main homekeeping notebooking, My homeschool binder and my lesson plan binder. Please leave me a comment or e-mail me if you would like to share your notebook(s) with me or if you want a copy of my forms :)

Be sure to see Rocks In My Dryer For more ideas!

Want to see more? Read below:

Dolly’s Home keeping Notebook (2 inch binder~ photo follows)
Inside there sections:


1. A current to do or notes( just a handwritten sheet ( I Love List)

2. Cleaning notes and schedules- Daily, Weekly, once a quarter schedules for life and cleaning,
And a Library Log that keeps track of when borrowed items are due. I don’t keep my calendar here anymore because it is on my computer and the “family one” is a desk calendar on the fridge.

3.Monthly Menus- blank and Current menus and a month’s worth ( so I can avoid too many repeats) , My Butcher shop price list, and a list of Breakfast and lunch ideas

4. My wonder dog’s and the Kid’s Dr. and schedules for vaccines- We order the vaccines for wonder dog online and give them at home.

5. Funny stories, poems and cute things- Mostly copies of clippings that I have found that I like to keep and share sometimes.

6. Blank Note paper for list and notes




















My Homeshcool Stuff ( 3 inch binder~ photo follows)
Inside there sections

1,2 &3.A section for each subject that I need extra notes for Ie- Sazon Math K has A ton of worksheets- these are in a section of their own. Bible , and Spell to Write and Read.

4. Legal stuff-the laws and a notice of intent form

5. Tips and notes - Things and Ideas
























Lesson Plans and Notes (1 inch binder~ photo follows)

Inside-
Zippered Pouch with scissors pens and pencils because this one is used away form my office .

and 3 sections:

1. Calendar and schedules- a full calendar- year at a glance and a detail of the kid’s home school schedule

2. Curriculum - The curriculum key that explains my Abbreviations in the lesson plan and my current years curriculum plan that includes what plans we have for the current year.

3. Lesson Plans- Daily plans for two kids one page for each. I have to explain because this coming year my DH and I plan to share HS duties so I can work PT- He is a Firefighter and works one 24 hr. shift and then has 48 off continuously.

Free Movies - (In the Theatre)!

Ok. This one is so good that I posted it twice! This was 1st posted this past Wednesday ( 5-23-07)on another web site carnival.

Regal Cinemas are again offering free movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the summer. Free Movies- a chance to have a special "date" with my kids that only cost me gas and time?! Now that really works for me!

http://www.regmovies.com/freefamilyflicks/index2.jsp

See more great Frugal Friday Finds at Biblical Womanhood!

Posted by Doll at 1:20 PM

WFMW-Free Movies in the Theatre!

Ok. This one is so good that I plan to post it here and at another site on Friday as a frugal Friday idea- I hope this does not break any rules!

Regal Cinemas are again offering free movies on Tuesdays and
Wednesdays during summer.
This Works for me!

http://www.regmovies.com/freefamilyflicks/index2.jsp

Be sure to visit Rocks in My Dryer for More ideas!

WFMW- Homemade NO Fleas! Dog Biscuits (Treat)

osted by Doll at 12:30 PM 0 comments

I have always used all-natural non-toxic cleaners and personal things like soaps and Shampoos. So when Wonderdog joined our family- I searched for a natural flea preventative. Not only does this work but Wonderdog loves this! He sits in front of the refrigerator every morning and waits for it! Works for Me!

NO Fleas! Dog Biscuits (Treat)

This recipe will help control, reduce or eliminate dog fleas. It is a great medicine against dog fleas of all kinds. Give them one everyday or increase the amount until you see that it is effective for your size dog. Very versatile!

(If your dog has a yeast allergy, I would not suggest making this)
basic recipe:
2 cups All-Purpose Flour (use wheat, white or unbleached)
1⁄2 cup Brewers Yeast
1 tsp Salt
Choose one form of Garlic: 2 each Cloves Garlic, minced or 2-3 Tsp. Garlic powder or if you use 3 Tsp. Garlic salt just omit the extra 1 tsp. Salt
3 tbs. Vegetable, canola, or bacon fat, or Olive Oil*
1 cup** Chicken Stock (or any flavor you wish to use)

Optional add ins that are not necessary but give variations on flavors and textures:
- 2-3 tbsp. Peanut butter creamy or chunky is fine , 2-3tbsp chopped apples run the scraps in the food processor to make mushy, Oatmeal, a well beaten egg, 2tbsp. Wheat Germ, apple sauce, shredded carrots, a jar of meat baby food.You can also use food colors to distinguish different types or flavors

Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease two to three baking sheets. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, Mix wet ingredients except stock in another bowl. Slowly stir flour mixture and stock alternately into wet mix, beating well, until the dough is well-mixed. * *You may need to add more stock if dough is dry- it should be similar to play dough. Shape dough into a balls or other shapes you like ( I let the kids help and they make shapes) .*** Bake 20-25 minutes or until well browned. Turn off heat and allow biscuits to dry in oven for several hours or over night. Store in refrigerator or freezer. Makes about 26 biscuits.

***Note: There have been times that it came out sticky and still worked just fine. I have done these in balls and Even used a mini muffin pan- shape them any way you want.

Be sure to visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer for more great WFMW ideas!