Using Time Wisely

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Archives for 2012

Food on the Table: Lifetime Menu Planning Subscription for FREE

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Photograph Credit: Food on the Table

Wow, Food on the Table extended their free lifetime subscription for another month! If February got away from you, then don’t delay.

Food on the Table is a menu planning service that combines sales at your local grocery stores with your meal preferences. For those busy seasons when you still want to save money, energy, and time, Food on the Table comes to your rescue.

Though I plan our family’s meals by what food I have on hand, I love the inspiration and recipes Food on the Table offers. To sign up for this free lifetime subscription, click on this link for step-by-step instructions. Just enter the new promotional code: MARFREE.

This service normally allows you to plan 3 free meals a month before receiving a $5 charge. With your free subscription, you will get free menu planning for life! Don’t hesitate. Go sign up. Even if you don’t need it now, you might need it next year. Happy savings!

Using Time Wisely: Counting my Blessings (35- 48)

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Amelia Thornton)

Having had a very difficult week, I really need this post. My 81-year-old Grandma suddenly passed away last weekend. In an effort to help my Mom, our family traveled the twelve hours home.

Though hanging out with my Mom was fantastic, the emotional strain was hard to endure.

On top of dealing with my spunky Grandma’s death, I had committed to Blogelina’s 100 Comments Event which began during my visit home.

By the time our family traveled back to our house, I was behind on everything and tired.

Having taken a couple of days to fulfill my commitments and get some extra rest, I am gaining momentum. As I relax and reminisce on the events of the week, I am, continuing where I left off, counting these blessings:

35. A Grandma, who loved the Lord, served others, and lived what she taught.

36. The time I got to spend with my Grandma, talking to her via Skype these last few months.

37. A dependable van, with lots of space, that made the trip as comfortable as could be.

38. My husband’s employer that allows 3 days of bereavement and support during this time.

39. A loving family that came together to celebrate my Grandma’s home-going.

40. Blunt questions from a child’s perspective.

41. My toddler withstanding long periods of quiet and relative-stillness.

42. Hugs from family and friends who understand my loss.

43. Fantastic funeral home directors that handled all elements of the viewing, funeral, and burial with class and professionalism.

44. The comfort of my bed and comforter.

45. Extra rest to recover from the emotional exhaustion.

46. The almost 150 comments from the Blogelina event (half of those are my responses back to the commenters).

47. Connections made through the Blogelina event.

48. Patient readers, who continue to amaze me with your support.

Counting my blessings encourages my heart. No matter how tough life gets, there is always someone who would love to change places with you. We have much for which to be thankful!

Question: For what are you thankful?

Party Ideas: St. Patrick’s Day 2012

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (lookiloos)

Looking at some of these adorable St. Patrick’s Day party ideas almost makes me want to host a play date or small dinner party. Some of my favorites include:

1. Rainbow fruit kabobs

2. Heave-Ho game

3. Easy green St. Patty’s Day centerpiece

4. Lucky You party favors

5. St. Patrick’s Day recipes

Though a St. Patrick’s Day party is not on my schedule, I will celebrate with my family. As we wear our green, possibly eat a green pancake (food coloring in the batter), and enjoy a cupcake, we will celebrate our own Irish holiday together. Happy planning for next week’s holiday!

Question: Does your family celebrate each holiday? 

Decluttering: Week 1 of Project Simplify 2012

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In this quest to declutter my entire house, I am slowly making progress. Between school field trips, family gatherings, and daily life, I am still stepping over, around, and through the clutter.

To focus my efforts, I am participating in Project: Simplify 2012 over on  simplemom.net. Tsh is coordinating this project with the following schedule:

  • Week of March 5: Kids’ stuff—toys, clothes, and the like
  • Week of March 12: Kitchen and/or pantry
  • Week of March 19: Closets, countertops, and drawers (oh my)
  • Week of March 26: Choose your own adventure—you pick your most-needed hot spot

As I finish these projects, I will post my before and after pictures. If you want to join in, you can read Tsh’s post on Project: Simplify 2012 and this week’s challenge Project Simplify, Week 1: Kids’ Stuff.

Be sure to link to or post your “before and after” pictures showcasing your hard work. If you don’t have children, then try your bedroom closet, bedroom, or another area of your home.

Come back next week to celebrate your new organized space and prepare for the next challenge. Happy organizing!

2012: First Credit Report Update

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Photograph Credit: Flickr (Dan Eriksson)

By checking your credit reports, you can verify correct information and current accounts. With identity theft on the rise, taking initiative to check your reports from the three credit bureaus will alert you to any new, unauthorized accounts.

If you are following my recommended schedule for requesting your credit reports, then check the date of your last credit report.

Be sure to wait at least one year from the date of your last report. If you make a second request within one year, you will be charged for the second request. When you ask for your new report after last year’s report date, your new report will be free. 🙂

In using time wisely, I request our reports every 4 months. This month, I requested Paul’s Experian report and my TransUnion report. Though the request options include web site and mail, my preference is by phone. Our reports will arrive by mail on the official letterhead within 2 weeks.

When the reports are in hand, I will do the following:

  • Put file box away until June’s credit check

Running the free credit reports keeps you informed of your active accounts and alerts you to any authorized new accounts. To protect your identity, request your credit reports on a rotating schedule. Happy organizing!

Question: Which credit scores will you request?