Archives for 2011

Show and Tell: File Box 1

June 19, 2011 by Tracy

Up until now, I have only explained my accordion filing system. Realizing that I have failed to show you my file, I apologize and deliver a show-and-tell session of Box 1 of my accordion filing system.

The closed accordion file box. When purchased, the file had a string to close it. But after sliding the box on and off the shelf with the string getting caught on the other files, the string broke. Since the file still functions properly and I like this system, I have kept the “broken” file box.

The opened accordion file box. This box, purchased inexpensively at Wal-mart, has 13 gaps or slots. I have not labeled each slot, but the categories are written on the tab inserts. For me, having each slot labeled would be a sea of clutter. I prefer to spend my time keeping the file simple by just notating the categories to guide me to the document needed.

Up-close look at the file tabs. In this file, I have used four tabs to identify the four categories. To make the tabs easy to read, I have placed them in a row from left to right. The four categories identified in this box are:

This concludes the pictorial tour of my accordion file box. Now as I explain where I have placed named documents, you will have a visual image of my document organization.

What about you? What filing system are you using? Was this post helpful to you? I welcome your feedback.

CVS: Using Extra Bucks

June 18, 2011 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: CVS

Since I have been a stranger to most stores in the last month, I am getting back on track. Having gone grocery shopping this week, my family now has food to eat. Yea!

By spending the time getting my coupons cut and matched up with the store sales, I was able to spend less than $100 to re-stock my kitchen and freezer. Though I still need to complete my menu plan and make an Aldi run, I have used my time wisely to get back on track.

After spending the day at the pool with my kids, I have another shopping list to make. My CVS Extra Bucks expire on Saturday, and I am not about to lose the savings I have worked hard to obtain. The Extra Bucks are store credit to help stretch my dollars. I will definitely be making a stop by CVS today.

The best time to shop at my CVS is after noon on Saturdays. My CVS activates the next week’s sales on Saturday morning which allows me to shop the current week’s sales and next week’s sales in one shopping trip.

Instead of making a trip today for this week’s sales and returning on Monday morning for next week’s sales, I can use my time wisely and shop both sale weeks at my CVS on Saturday afternoon.

I found this neat tip by asking the CVS supervisor when the new sales were activated at my store. By befriending and communicating with the store employees, I have learned a few extra tips and tricks to saving money, energy, and time.

My day is set with a free family activity at Home Depot and a shopping trip to CVS using my Extra Bucks. How are you planning to use your time wisely and stretch your hard-earned dollars?

Home Depot: Lil Toolbox

June 17, 2011 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: The Home Depot

Tomorrow, Saturday, June 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Home Depot is hosting a special Father’s Day workshop. The project is a toolbox for Dad.

My kids love attending the FREE Kids’ Workshops at Home Depot. They get to build a project, earn a certificate of achievement, and receive a pin to adhere to their orange Home Depot aprons.

In the 2-3 years our family has attended these workshops, our Home Depot has never run out of projects.

If you will be near a Home Depot in the morning, then stop in to attend this event with your kids. With no registration needed and all supplies included, you can enjoy a fun family event for the price of gas to get you there. Enjoy your family this weekend!

Michaels: Father’s Day Crafts

June 17, 2011 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Michaels

Today and tomorrow, Michaels Craft Stores have free Make-It Take-It Father’s Day projects for children ages 3 and up. The projects are different for each day, and the supplies are limited.

When our family attended the Thomas and Friends Make-It Take-It event (about 2 years ago), we arrived early and received the last wooden train 2 minutes into the event. Of course, the Thomas event was well attended, but the supplies really are limited.

If you are planning to be out, then you might want to stop by for the event. For me, I would not tell my kids about the event to avoid any disappointment that may be had. 🙂

If you can make it, here are the details:

Friday, June 17 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Father’s Day Card Event FREE Make-It Take-It

Create a thoughtful card for Father’s Day. Make it extra special with words of loving encouragement. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up.

Saturday, June 18 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Father’s Day Key Chain Event FREE Make-It Take-It

Create a handmade keepsake for Father’s Day. Design your keychain creation with lots of love. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up.