This past week we were challenged by Kim Gilbert with Editing our home!! A great morning with some fabulous insight into how to overcome our clutter! Kim had some great tips for us to take home to try to apply to how we EDIT our home.
~Think about the people and event that represent your things. How would you like to 'honor' those people/things with your treasures?? This will help you in knowing what you are meant to keep. Is it honoring by keeping the items in a box downstairs??
~All those things from our kids, whether they are clothing items or crafts from school..lay them out on the floor and take a picture of them for your scrapbook. This is a great way to have memories of those items and not feel guilty in Editing them out of your home.
~Enjoy good magazine articles?? Take out that page, and put in a binder.
~There are many great organizations that are happy to take the items that we want to share...Value Village, Aids Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Institute on Community Living as well as donating any good, used clothing to our own Lakeview Church Clothing Exchange!! (just call them before hand to make sure they can take what you are willing to donate)
There are 4 key items to think about while you are in the process of Editing your time/life...
1. Tasks or projects that are important/urgent
2. Tasks that are important but not urgent
3. Tasks that 'feel' urgent but really are not important
4. Tasks that are clearly both not important or urgent
When you are focused on getting things done, think about where your time is spent...you can edit out alot in your schedule just by putting those things into categories.
I have to admit, I have a hard time in letting things go, but this past few months I have realized that when you have a busy schedule, the less 'stuff' at home, the easier it is to keep the home clean and tidy!! So, this weekend, I am going to go thru some more 'things' and Edit my home so that I can Edit my life!!
Happy Editing Everyone!!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Feel the need to organize???
Coming soon to a Theatre near you...
Lakeview MOMS presents...
ORGANIZING 101
with Kim Gilbert
Our home... a place where we come to after a busy day...looking to
...unwind, relax and spend time with our families. When we are organized in our home, there is a better chance of that happening.
This week, join the MOMS in the Theatre to find out different ways to organize your home and your life!!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Tis' the Season
So who went to church this weekend?
I just did a mental tally of how much we spend on Christmas gifts every year. We buy for our parents (4 = $100.00), our kids (3 = $400.00), nieces/nephews (5 = $125.00) and each other ($200.00). Christmas tree ($50), extra food over the Christmas season (I'm gonna be generous here and say $200.00), teachers gifts (we bake so that's included in the food surplus), Christmas cards/pictures inserted/postage ($100.00 - might be over here, might be under, depends on whether or not your pics are professional and how big your list is) and there may be travel expenses for some of you (we stay home). Oh, and there is also Ryan's sister/husband and my brother/wife - thankfully we decided to just buy for the kids last year.
So I suck at math (seriously, I had a tutor all through grade 12 (once a week ALL year) and I still barely passed) but I do know how to use a calculator. Take a good look at the number below:
I just did a mental tally of how much we spend on Christmas gifts every year. We buy for our parents (4 = $100.00), our kids (3 = $400.00), nieces/nephews (5 = $125.00) and each other ($200.00). Christmas tree ($50), extra food over the Christmas season (I'm gonna be generous here and say $200.00), teachers gifts (we bake so that's included in the food surplus), Christmas cards/pictures inserted/postage ($100.00 - might be over here, might be under, depends on whether or not your pics are professional and how big your list is) and there may be travel expenses for some of you (we stay home). Oh, and there is also Ryan's sister/husband and my brother/wife - thankfully we decided to just buy for the kids last year.
So I suck at math (seriously, I had a tutor all through grade 12 (once a week ALL year) and I still barely passed) but I do know how to use a calculator. Take a good look at the number below:
$1075.00
Let's think about this... say we downsize that number to average $800.00 on the off chance that I over estimated in a few areas and some of you spend more or less. Now let's take a look at our MOM's group. I just talked to Rachel and she thinks we have about 48 Moms... I'm not sure of the exact number myself but let's go with 45.
I'm the first one to admit that I don't know everything... but I do know that we (we being my husband and I) can't afford Christmas but every year we spend the money.
So let's get back to the service at Church this weekend. It made me sad and it made me think. Before I started blogging I went to the Hands at Work in Africa website just out of curiosity (well, not totally out of curiosity cause I wanted to tell you something in this post).
That is how much it costs to provide one child with basic healthcare, food security and education for one year. My first thought? I can't afford to give away $180.00. That's 3 sets of swim lessons, 3 months of Taekwondo and a whole season of Rhythmic Gymnastics. It's groceries for a week, gas for 3 weeks, RRSP's for 3 months... anyone else thinking the same things?
BUT... what if I spend $10 less on each parent, $5.00 less on nieces/nephews, send out an e-card instead of mailing cards, buy one less gift for each of my children and spend $50 less on Christmas treats?
I'm going to be generous and average that number out at $200.00. Multiple that by the 45 Mom's in our group every Tuesday morning.
Let's think about this... say we downsize that number to average $800.00 on the off chance that I over estimated in a few areas and some of you spend more or less. Now let's take a look at our MOM's group. I just talked to Rachel and she thinks we have about 48 Moms... I'm not sure of the exact number myself but let's go with 45.
$36,000.00
I'm the first one to admit that I don't know everything... but I do know that we (we being my husband and I) can't afford Christmas but every year we spend the money.
So let's get back to the service at Church this weekend. It made me sad and it made me think. Before I started blogging I went to the Hands at Work in Africa website just out of curiosity (well, not totally out of curiosity cause I wanted to tell you something in this post).
$180.00
That is how much it costs to provide one child with basic healthcare, food security and education for one year. My first thought? I can't afford to give away $180.00. That's 3 sets of swim lessons, 3 months of Taekwondo and a whole season of Rhythmic Gymnastics. It's groceries for a week, gas for 3 weeks, RRSP's for 3 months... anyone else thinking the same things?
BUT... what if I spend $10 less on each parent, $5.00 less on nieces/nephews, send out an e-card instead of mailing cards, buy one less gift for each of my children and spend $50 less on Christmas treats?
$240.00
I'm going to be generous and average that number out at $200.00. Multiple that by the 45 Mom's in our group every Tuesday morning.
$9000.00
$180.00 per child.
You do the math.
$180.00 per child.
You do the math.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tip of the Week
Ladies, Halloween is just around the corner and this means pumpkin carving. This is a great activity for your family to do together. So I thought I would use this theme as my topic. Here are a few tips. More bang for your buck so to say!
Instead of buying your pumpkins in a grocery store, check your phone book and newspaper for local pumpkin farms. Make a week-end trip with your kids and let them pick out their own pumpkins! Also, pumpkins are usually less expensive at farms and stands. After carving your pumpkins, try lighting them with battery powered LED lights. They are much safer with children around, and they flicker just like a real candle!! Then when your pumpkin has served it purpose instead of throwing it away, why not start a tradition of burying your pumpkin and giving it a proper fare well for sacrificing itself. It is also good compost for you!
Instead of buying your pumpkins in a grocery store, check your phone book and newspaper for local pumpkin farms. Make a week-end trip with your kids and let them pick out their own pumpkins! Also, pumpkins are usually less expensive at farms and stands. After carving your pumpkins, try lighting them with battery powered LED lights. They are much safer with children around, and they flicker just like a real candle!! Then when your pumpkin has served it purpose instead of throwing it away, why not start a tradition of burying your pumpkin and giving it a proper fare well for sacrificing itself. It is also good compost for you!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Happy Pantry
We had a great show today and for anyone who missed it or has forgotten the top 8 list already here is a brief recap!
Tiffany Banow, a registered dietitian and nutritionist came and shared with us what she thought every kitchen should be stocked with. Here is the top 8 in no consectiative order:
8. Black Beans
> can be added in many dishes, or substitute meat
> great source of fibre
7. Convenience Dairy
>Mini Yogurt (low fat for adults and regular for children)
> Cheese Strings (low fat or part skimmed)
6. Canned Fish
>ie. Tuna or Salmon
5. High Fibre Cereals
>should contain 3-4g of fibre per serving
>less than 10g of sugar
>mix in all bran buds for a fibre boost
>watch out for sodium!
4.Frozen Fruit
>power fruit "Blueberries"
3. Milled Flaxseed
>mix in anything
>be sure to get the milled because it is broken down to give us the benefit of the oils, whole flax does not give us much benefit
2. Barley
1. Fresh Produce
>Wash and ready to go!
There you have it! Hope this leaves you inspired! If anyone is interested in further education feel free to contact Tiffany Banow.
Phone: 380-1008
e-mail: tiffany@happypantry.ca
web: http://www.happypantry.ca/
As a last note I came upon this quote at my chiropractors office this afternoon and I thought it was fitting with our morning!
"Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands- and then eat just one of the pieces."
-Judith Viorst
Tiffany Banow, a registered dietitian and nutritionist came and shared with us what she thought every kitchen should be stocked with. Here is the top 8 in no consectiative order:
8. Black Beans
> can be added in many dishes, or substitute meat
> great source of fibre
7. Convenience Dairy
>Mini Yogurt (low fat for adults and regular for children)
> Cheese Strings (low fat or part skimmed)
6. Canned Fish
>ie. Tuna or Salmon
5. High Fibre Cereals
>should contain 3-4g of fibre per serving
>less than 10g of sugar
>mix in all bran buds for a fibre boost
>watch out for sodium!
4.Frozen Fruit
>power fruit "Blueberries"
3. Milled Flaxseed
>mix in anything
>be sure to get the milled because it is broken down to give us the benefit of the oils, whole flax does not give us much benefit
2. Barley
1. Fresh Produce
>Wash and ready to go!
There you have it! Hope this leaves you inspired! If anyone is interested in further education feel free to contact Tiffany Banow.
Phone: 380-1008
e-mail: tiffany@happypantry.ca
web: http://www.happypantry.ca/
As a last note I came upon this quote at my chiropractors office this afternoon and I thought it was fitting with our morning!
"Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands- and then eat just one of the pieces."
-Judith Viorst
My Pantry
I would like to interupt this program for a review of my pantry. Quick... name the four food groups... was ketchup one of them? Well it is in my house! First things first... you need to know that I have nothing against the Happy Pantry lady - I quite enjoyed this morning's show - but she would probably have a heart attack if she came to look in my pantry.
Cheerios are good - great... ours our Honey Nut. Oatmeal is another good one - okee dokee we buy the Maple and Brown Sugar and sometimes add MORE brown sugar. Rice Krispies - excellent, but most of the time mine are mixed in with melted marshmallows. I was sooo happy to hear that cheese strings are good - at least I had something in my fridge that was on the table!
I try. I really do try. My kids have to pack one fruit or veggie in their lunches and cheese is always included... I also try to remember to tell them they have to have fruit first when they come home from school and there are always cold carrots/cucumbers on the table at supper. So that's three servings down... and how many to go???
So please tell me, what do you pack in your kids lunches for snacks (other than fruits/veggies)? The regulars around here are bear paws, crackers, granola bars, cookies, etc. What can you buy for snacks and lunches that is healthy, tastes good (this is a key requirement) and is relatively inexpensive... because let's face it... healthy foods are more expensive.
I was actually inspired by this morning's show... I would like to take some steps (we'll start with baby steps) to making meals a bit more healthy around here. I would like you all to take a moment and share some healthy eating tips with everyone - you don't have to sign up to make a comment on the blog and you can even leave "anonymous" comments. I hope to hear from all of you!!!
Cheerios are good - great... ours our Honey Nut. Oatmeal is another good one - okee dokee we buy the Maple and Brown Sugar and sometimes add MORE brown sugar. Rice Krispies - excellent, but most of the time mine are mixed in with melted marshmallows. I was sooo happy to hear that cheese strings are good - at least I had something in my fridge that was on the table!
I try. I really do try. My kids have to pack one fruit or veggie in their lunches and cheese is always included... I also try to remember to tell them they have to have fruit first when they come home from school and there are always cold carrots/cucumbers on the table at supper. So that's three servings down... and how many to go???
So please tell me, what do you pack in your kids lunches for snacks (other than fruits/veggies)? The regulars around here are bear paws, crackers, granola bars, cookies, etc. What can you buy for snacks and lunches that is healthy, tastes good (this is a key requirement) and is relatively inexpensive... because let's face it... healthy foods are more expensive.
I was actually inspired by this morning's show... I would like to take some steps (we'll start with baby steps) to making meals a bit more healthy around here. I would like you all to take a moment and share some healthy eating tips with everyone - you don't have to sign up to make a comment on the blog and you can even leave "anonymous" comments. I hope to hear from all of you!!!
Monday, October 5, 2009
So Glad to be back!
Well ladies I'm so excited for the morning. Being gone for 2 weeks, I have really missed the fellowship and the coffee! I'm so glad to hear the the Lisa Rendal morning and the Reitmans morning were a success! We are going to have a great time with Happy Pantry tomorrow!
While I had many hours in the truck to reflect and pray one thing that I came across was a quote. I apologize that I can not remember who it was by, but he said that
"Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God"
I loved this thought and I hope to hear lots of laughter in the morning!
Also sharpen your brains as there will be questions to answer to decide which table gets to eat first!
See you all in the morning!
-Teri
While I had many hours in the truck to reflect and pray one thing that I came across was a quote. I apologize that I can not remember who it was by, but he said that
"Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God"
I loved this thought and I hope to hear lots of laughter in the morning!
Also sharpen your brains as there will be questions to answer to decide which table gets to eat first!
See you all in the morning!
-Teri
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Tip of the Week??
Do you have a great 'Mommy Tip'?? Let us know what your tip is and it just might be displayed on our MOMS Blog!! Share your Mommy smarts here!!
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