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Archives for 2011

Don’t Like It; Shape It Up!

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At the end of the day, I enjoy getting my journal to record my thoughts, the things my children say and do, and the events of the day. This evening ritual gives me an outlet to release my day’s adventures, and then I can get a great night’s sleep. On nights I do not journal, I can lay in bed thinking of the day’s events or mauling over a problem, which is less restful for me.

Recently, I noticed that I was not writing often. Being in the habit of writing for the past 6 years, I wondered if had lost my desire to write. As I considered my change of heart, I reached for my journal. Immediately, I became discouraged. As I looked at the journal, I began to understand why I had not continued to write.

My journal was no longer inviting to me.

When I completed my last journal, I went to my cabinet to find that I had used my last pretty book. So, I went to the school supplies cabinet and chose this black and white composition book.
Though very practical, this book did not fit my preferences. With an uncomfortable and uninviting journal, I had distanced myself from recording my daily events. Once I realized that my lack of writing was not because I had lost interest, I quickly found this journal (inexpensively) that works for me.
I love my new journal, let me tell you why:

1. Small size. Unlike the composition book, I can put this journal in my purse. When I am waiting or resting, I can whip out my journal and write for a few minutes. I love having my journal with me.

2. Spiral bound. Where I had to crease the composition book to keep it open, I can flip the pages in my small journal to the page I need.

3. Colorful. The cheerful coral color makes me smile, unlike the black and white print on the composition book.

4. College-ruled paper. My little journal has the college-ruled sheets. Since I have very small handwriting, I prefer the college ruled paper. The smaller lines give me enough room to write without lots of empty space. The composition book had wide-ruled sheets, and my handwriting became very messy as I filled the white space.

5. Holds my pen. With the spiral bound rings, I can slip my pen on the end to keep with my journal. With the composition book, I had to keep a pen handy. But with a 17-month-old running around who is curious about everything, I did not keep a pen with that book. To write, I had to go to my desk and get a pen when I wanted to journal.

Now that I have replaced the black and white composition book with my little, spiral bound, colorful, college-ruled journal that holds my pen, I am back to recording all these great memories. I only wish I had discovered my preferences a few months ago. 🙂

By identifying my dislike and shaping up my journal, I have been using my time wisely getting caught up with little bits of spare time. Though you may not have an issue with your journal, you might discover a dislike to a household task like laundry. If so, try shaping up with a new laundry basket. If you struggle with menu planning, find pretty paper on which to plan. Whatever your struggle, identify what it is you do not like, and shape it up. The results are worth it!

Question: What item have you disliked and shaped up (or will be shaping up)? Add your answer by clicking on the Leave your Comment link.

Home Ownership: Property Survey

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After taking a slight detour from Suze Orman’s Protection Portfolio’s Checklist, I will return without anymore turns in this category. 🙂

The past three weeks, we have concentrated on our home ownership documents which are housed in our filing system. This third category of our Box 1 items currently holds our deed(s), insurance (homeowner’s or renter’s), and property tax documents.

The fourth item housed in this category is a survey of our property. If you have numerous properties, then you might consider making a separate category per address. With multiple properties, you will have these documents for each property. Keeping them organized will be extremely beneficial for you.

Our survey is a one-page document showing a scaled diagram of the property we have purchased. The drawing includes where on the property our house is located, easements, and property lines. This document also includes a small location map, book identification where the survey is recorded, and a raised seal deeming this survey official.

Having setup this filing system before we built and purchased our house, I went into our closing ready to ask for a copy of our survey. Now, the survey may already have been packaged with our closing documents. I am not sure if this is standard practice or not. However, I purposefully asked for a copy and received it before our closing session was complete.

If I had skipped preparing the home ownership category of my filing system, then I would not have known to ask or looked for our survey.

If you cannot locate your survey, you can contact the Register of Deeds Office in the property’s county for instructions. Each county has different regulations, so there is not a standardized request form to obtain your survey.

If you have closed recently on your home, I would check with your mortgage lender or closing attorney (if you had one) to obtain a copy. Usually the mortgage company and attorney’s office will be able to locate your survey quicker than the county’s government office.

In my file, our survey is located behind our property tax documents. It is a small document, but one I will be glad to have should we extend our home or add a shed to our property.

Next week I will share another document in our home ownership category. In the meantime, keep using your time wisely to stay organized.

Question: Was your survey included in your package of paperwork at your closing?

Back-To-School: J. C. Penney 2-Day Sale – ENDS TODAY

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Photograph Credit: Ebates

In preparing for a new school year, I took an inventory of my son’s closet. Since my child has grown at least another inch since school dismissed in May, I am in need of more school uniform items for his wardrobe. Knowing what items he still needs, I have been keeping my eye on the sales. When I received J. C. Penney’s promotional code for $10 off any $25 purchase, I snagged a great deal.  If you are in the market for clothing, you can snag this deal, too. Here’s how:

1. Go to www.ebates.com. This business pays you a percentage of your on-line purchases at one of their affiliate companies. Do you mean someone’s going to pay me for items I will purchase on-line? If Ebates has a link to that store, then, yes! The process works like this: the stores give a commission to Ebates, and Ebates passes along their savings to you. Registration is free, and Ebates will pay you up to 4 times a year via check or Paypal (your preference.).

Ebates is currently offering new subscribers a $10 gift card to select stores for registering and making a $25 purchase. To register, get more information, or log in to your account, go to www.ebates.com.

Disclosure: The Ebates link in this post is Using Time Wisely’s referral link. If you register (for free) through my Ebates’ link and make a purchase (using promotional codes, of course) of $25 or more, then Ebates compensates me.

Though you can access your free registration through the Ebates web site, your support of Using Time Wisely is greatly appreciated. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

2. Access the J.C. Penney web site. Once logged in to your Ebates account, search for “J.C. Penney.”  In the list, you will see that you will earn 3% back on your purchase. Click the “Shop Now” button, and you will be directed to the J.C. Penney web site.

3. Add items to your shopping cart. To maximize your savings and stretch your dollars, get your total to $25 or a little over. Since I purchase the IZOD brand for my son’s school uniforms, I chose KIDS from the menu, then SCHOOL UNIFORMS. I selected a pair of pants ($29.99, on sale for $14.99) and a pair of shorts ($16.99, on sale for $11.99) for a total of $26.98.

4. Checkout. Choose CHECKOUT + PROMO CODE from your shopping bag. In the promotional code box, type MEGASALE. (Note: You can only use one promotional code per order with J. C. Penney. There are free or inexpensive shipping codes as well as 10-15% codes. However, the $10 off is the best offer to stretch your dollars.) This promotional code ends today, July 30, 2011.

5. Review your order. After creating an account, logging in or just checking out, check to see that $10 was removed from your total. When choosing a shipping option, I opt for store pickup ($4.99) verse at home delivery ($6.95).  With the $10 off, my subtotal came to $16.98. After adding shipping and tax, my total was $23.29 (or $11.65 each – a total savings of 50% off the original retail total price + $.70 earned through Ebates). 🙂

6. Select payment. Chose your payment and complete your order. You can then print your receipt and close out of the J.C. Penney site and the Ebates site.

Anytime you will be making an on-line purchase, start with Ebates. Log in and search for the company you plan to shop. When you find the store, click “Shop Now,” and continue to earn money back on the items you purchase online.

Question: What is your favorite cash back reward site? Add your answer by choosing the Leave your Comment button below.

Michaels: Back-to-School Events in August 2011

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Here are some more craft projects for kids during August. Michaels’ Craft Stores are offering the following back-to-school events in August. To keep updated with these activities, come connect with me on Facebook.

August 13: Three Make and Take Activities

Photograph credit: Michaels

Title: Clay Pot Event

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (while supplies last)

Ages: 3 and up

Requirement: Purchase a clay pot.

Activity: Transform your clay pot into a bookworm.

                                                                                                          

Photograph Credit: Michaels

Title: Collaborative Painting Event

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (while supplies last)

Ages: 3 and up

Activity: While working with other painters, you create your own masterpiece.

                                                                                                          

Photograph Credit: Michaels

Title: Duck Tape® Folder Event

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (while supplies last)

Ages: 3 and up

Activity: Make a fun folder to keep you organized.

                                                                                                          

August 21: Two Make and Take Activities

Photograph Credit: Michaels

Title: Artist Trading Cards Event

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (while supplies last)

Ages: 3 and up

Activity: Personalize a free artist trading card.

                                                                                                          

Photograph Credit: Michaels

Title: Foam Print Event

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Ages: 3 and up

Activity: Create your own free foam stamp.

                                                                                                          

To find a participating location near you, please visit the Michaels Craft Store web site. Enjoy all these great family “bonding” activities. 🙂

photographs credit: Michaels

A.C. Moore: T-Shirt Event on July 30, 2011

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Photograph Credit: A. C. Moore

On Saturday, participating A.C. Moore stores are hosting a T-Shirt Event. If you purchase a t-shirt, you can use their supplies and decorate it for free.

Date: Saturday, July 30, 2011

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Location: Check A.C. Moore’s web site for participating locations.

Looking for more craft activities? During the summer on Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 -5:00 p.m., A.C. Moore offers free Make and Take projects for children. The August calendar lists the following scheduled crafts:

August 3: Royal Brush Colour by Number Minis (ages 4 and up)

August 10: Perler Biggie Bead Charms (ages 4 and up)

August 17: Janlynn® Cool Cords Bracelet Maker or Revell® SnapTite Space Shuttle (ages 6 and up)

August 24: Melissa & Doug® Name Sign (ages 4 and up)

August 31: Duck Tape® Pinwheel Pencil (ages 6 and up)

To find a participating location, please visit A.C. Moore’s web site. Happy crafting!