DIY Cleaning Wipes

I LOVE Clorox (or store brand) cleaning wipes! Not so much the price or the amount that I use them.  So one day as I was throwing away an empty container of them I wondered if DIY wipes would be worth it.  After some searching on my go to site (Pinterest of course!) server options were found, played with a few and found one that works for me. 

Do you really save money? YES! Here is a quick break down 

1-6 Pack Bounty Paper Towels (Essentials/Yellow Package)  $5.98 (Makes 12)

1-16 oz Mrs. Meyers Dish Soap 3.99 (Makes 32)

1-32fl oz 90% Isopropyl Alcohol 2.50 (Makes 16)

1 -15ml Bottle Young Living Peppermint Oil $28.95 (Makes 83)

Total for all $ 41.42 

Price per Half Roll of Wipes $1.16

Paper Towels $ 0.50

Dish Soap $ 0.24

Alcohol $0.15

Peppermint oil $ 0.34

I have been using them for over 6 months and WILL NOT go back to store bought again

Resolutions 2019 Challange

As 2018 Comes to a close and 2019 starts many people start to talk about resolutions and things they are thankful for. Well in 2018 I saw an instagram post by Clean Mama and went to her blog for that I am thankful it completely changed my house hold...and going into 2019 I want to share it with you.

** If your looking for the reset, declutter weekly or monthly schedule jump down till you see the **

Don't worry I am not trying to sell you something only share what changed my cleaning routine and has my house always looking nice. Well most of the time.


She has a cleaning system that's easy to Follow and if you do it weekly the amount you have to clean each week gets easier. Her cleaning routine can be found HERE (Free Printable), I did make some adjustments to my cleaning schedule from hers ...here is what I do
(in addition to cleaning kitchen counters nightly and picking up clutter from rooms & making beds daily)


Monday - Bathrooms (including Floors)
Tuesday- Dusting and while dusting I pick up stuff that's been sat down on dust able surfaces and put up.
Wednesday - Floors Except Bathroom and Kitchens
Thursday - Kitchen including Floors
Friday - Laundry including sheets
Saturday - Make menu, grocery list, order my pickup stuff from Kroger...Monday I usually pick it up.


What I have found is that after a few weeks that the amount it takes to complete the tasks takes no more than 15mins.  I don't have to scrub my tub as much or has hard, because it stays cleaner, my stove does not have the gunk it use to because its being cleaned weekly. Dusting/polishing while need weekly isn't much of a chore as it use to be. I do use a spray daily after showering to keep it clean (see below for a list of free DIY cleaner printable). Its part of my daily routine and I do not spend my weekend cleaning. 
Kitchen DIY Cleaners
Floor DIY Cleaners
Bathroom DIY Cleaners

** Reset or Declutter your home in one week or month**

On her website she has these free pintables (below) on a daily, weekly or monthly guide to reset your home or declutter. Each has the same idea in mind but they all take a different approach so go through each and figure out which one will fit your schedule the best. One of the best thing about her approach to cleaning the home is its all flexible!


If you are just starting out or this seems overwhelming start with the one week then pick a monthly.  Once you have done the one week reset/declutter the monthly one does not seem that over whelming. Looking at my monthly I can cross of 6-10 days because I have already done them, while looking for a DVD the other day I cleaned them out (took 30 mins), same with my books when dusting. Holiday décor is already put up because well we do it as soon as Christmas is over lol because we put it up before Thanksgiving.  So the monthly seems less daunting!


You can do this once a year or every 6 months choice is yours! Just because it says January on some does not mean its less effective in August.


30 Mins to Clean - Daily
 One Week Reset
30 Mins/30 Days
Come Clean Challenge One Month
Simply Clean One Month
Clutter Challenge One Month


Clean Mama's Free Printable including the above and lots more can be found HERE
Clean Mama has a Housekeeping Society that is subscription based and very cool. I have not joined yet but its on my to-do list this month...for more info OR to join visit HERE




All of these printable and ideas are the sole product of Clean Mama I take no credit for them, only share what an amazing thing she has done.

Keep Calm and Mommy On!

For us we are staring down the barrel of the last week of school, yes I home school one but the other attends Mothers Day Out /Preschool. My homeschooler does an online program with teachers, assignments I seriously just pay the bill and check to make sure her assignments/grades are good.
We try to mirror a traditional school setting, schedule so if she decides to return to public school that part of the adjustment is taken care of.


I work from home, have a farm and 3 kids. I am exhausted.


My kids are 21,16,3 lol so I have every walk of life and two who can take care of their basic needs with out me helping or reminding them to potty.


I am terrified my carefully crafted schedule will go kaput when schools out, organization and routine is key in keeping this family on track.  I've spent years reading mommy blogs, pinterest tips to keep on track and the below is what I have found to be the most effective.


A Sunday well spent leads to a week of content (my mantra)


Sundays are not for work but for God /Church and getting our week in line, naps, BBQ-ing (is that a real word?) and relaxing.


My Schedule
Saturday Night :
Set Coffee Maker to go off at 6:30am
Everyone takes a bath- If hair must be washed on Sunday morning its the only thing washed (sink or head over tub)
Clothes laid out


Sunday Afternoon
Church 830-12
Lunch 12-1
Nap - 1-4 We all respect this time, either by nap, reading, quietly cleaning (me catching up on DVR)
4pm - All clothes are laid out for everyone for the week, including tops, underwear, jewelry (that goes with said outfit), socks and if a specific shoes goes with out fit those are set with it.
Lunches are made for the week, we have a crisper drawer that's always empty for this purpose
Breakfast if it can be premade, its done
Coffee Maker is loaded  with timer for each day the night before
Dinners are planned, written on white board and Mondays nights dinner stuff set in fridge (if needed)
Planners, Appointments are written down & discussed
School work glanced over and if any thing is required for the little that week its done
(We have this down to a science, it takes maybe an hour to get this all done for everyone)
Dinner 5-7 this varies depending on what we cook, if we play in the yard or relax on the swing


After Dinner slow down, depending on what time dinner is served we either watch a movie, tv show or play a quick game


EVERYONE is in bed by 8:30 Except Mommy and Daddy


8:30-?? That's our time, to be together or catch up on various things we cant do when the kids are around.


Monday? That flows seamlessly most of the time, we do have hiccups but we all try to be up by 6:30 and ready for the day

Best Shave Ever

I hate shaving my legs, dont get me wrong I love smooth legs but I have 3 kids ages 21, 14 & 2. I never have enough time to shower, shave and get out the door looking nice. The moms who can, my hats are off to you! Jealous! A while back i saw a Pinterest post on making your shave last longer, yes it worked but I had some issues with the method and after a while I finally found one that works.

I double tested it this weekend and it gave me a good 3-4 days of smooth legs. Yes about day two i could feel some "prickly" (as my kids say) but its was a very small amount and only in one section. Today is day 4 and I do have hair you can feel but not really see

*** NOTE** You DO NOT have to use the exact same products as pictured or mentioned! I had them handy and found they did work but on occasion I have used other products in their places with same effects. I DO NOT sell these products, work for the companies and finally I am NOT being compensated by them for this post. Actually they have no idea who I am or that this post exists. ***

 Condition! Hair that is softer comes off easier. Coochy by Pure Romance is meant to soften course hair for easier rash free removal. I had this on hand, I have also used hair conditioner. Either works. Leave on for about 2-3 minutes and rinse off with warm water. 

Use shower gel, shaving gel, shaving cream to lather your legs, then shave as normal

Since most of us have some sort of shower gel laying around I decided to use this but I have even used baby shampoo. It all works!

Scrub

Course scrub or just a mild one does the trick, what you want to do is remove the dead skin on your legs. Then repeat Step 2. It provides a much closer shave which leaves legs softer for days. 

REPEAT STEP 2!

 Yes you read that right, after scrubbing repeat step 2

 Extra Tip, if you cut your self apply witch hazel to the cut. Lavender Witch hazel works best in my opinion. 

I love this product! Seriously you apply to wet legs (out of the shower) and pat dry! Legs looks great, feel great for 24hrs. Who could ask for more?! You can use any lotion this is just my favorite 

In the summer lotion feel "heavy" on my skin or i tend to get razor burn. 

I use this and it does give a cooling sensation which is nice for when i put it on and leave out into the hot Texas sun. Its medicated so it helps with any rashes, razor burn and cuts. 

 I detest spending $10 on a razor BUT i love love love Venus razors! So i use my cartwheel app (Target) and purchase the disposible Venus razors on sale.  To keep them sharp and lasting longer than usual I keep the razors out of shower and after every shave I pour alcohol on them. I cleans, dries up any moisture and keeps the blades sharp.  Let air dry and store them until next time.

 

To 2018 Me from 2017 Me



Hello all!


I only blog or post things when I feel led to, not because I need to write a post and its been a few months since I last posted.  I'll be honest in saying I am heart broken and dealing with some things I wish I wasn't; dealing with that I was reading blogs on bible studies and I came upon an intriguing idea.....


Instead of doing a new years resolution, bullet journal or even a list....write your self a letter to read at the end of 2018 from your 2017 self. Write about how you feel, your dreams, goals and most importantly advice you learned from this year and at the end of next year....write a letter to your 2019 self.  The point of it was to see how much you have changed in a year with out setting some silly new years resolution to do so because we are humans we change/adapt to our lifes around us with out thinking about it. Some feelings this year may not seem like something but will make a break through when read next here.


Since I always blog my resolutions here goes.






Carolyn,                                                                                                      December 26,2017


This year has been hard, real hard.  Losing Mary Lou was the surprise we saw coming and the pain we knew we would feel, what we didn't expect was the pain/loss was much bigger than we could have expected. While she will always be missed I hope in 2018 you can say her name, think of her with out tears in your eyes with out the pain sneaking up on you suddenly. Peace with it all is what I  hope 2018 brings you.


Its time to get the blasted ALZ tattoo that's on your pinterest board...do it. You know you want to and you've put it off.


Works been different this year than previous years, Max Lucado Anxious for nothing has helped, hoping that when you read this letter again that you have more peace and the Lords spirit has filled you so you are not anxious for nothing.


Weight, I know you have tried for years... 18 to be exact to lose the weights from the Hashimotos but lets work on that. Goal? 20lbs. You weight (haha not going to put that in the public post) and start that routine you pinned and bought the stuff for.


Open that Etsy store!! List those earrings and try to sell them. Set no goals and be surprised at what you do....its easier that way.


Finally retire from all things livestock, nothing wrong with it just finally let it all go. Who knows in a few years when Charl is older you may have to set up to do it again...don't burn out now (even though I know you are close to burn out as it is)


Bible study don't finish one with out a few one on the horizon, keep your hunger for God.


Chan will have her learners permit...REMEMBER GOD HAS HER DONT FREAK OUT TOO MUCH.


Charl...lol I hope you successfully have him potty trained by next year. hahah




Theres a very real possibly that next year you live in a new town, new home with a ring less finger. Pray and remain faithful in prayer let God guide you.  Keep your friends close


Most of all I hope in 2018 you finally let go of the doubt, self hate and find some confidence. I know you think you are werid, that everyone thinks you are werid and don't like you. Its quite possible that's the truth but who cares what they think...you are designed in Gods image He makes no mistakes.


Look in the mirror and actually like what you see, wear the make up, pull out the perfume/jewelry you been saving for a special occasion and use them. Love you self or find a way to love your self better.


FINISH THAT BOOK!!!


Love,
2017 Me

Thanksgiving 2017

The Houston Parade is on, the turkey is cooking & smells amazing, the kids are fighting but here I sit reminiscing about Thanksgiving past.


This year is a new for us in many different ways, for 15 years all my InLaw family came to Texas, (all 60 of them) and it was incredible.


Mother in law passed in August of this year, it was the surprise we saw coming...we keep telling our selves we had 3.5yrs longer with her than expected. My heart still hurts when I think of her, she wasn't just a mother in law she was a second mom to me.


So this year no in law family in, the in law family that is here decided not to do things with the family....so I am cooking my first turkey, having thanksgiving with just my family and missing my mother in law terribly.


So I am choosing to list the blessing instead of being sad


Gods Grace, Forgivingness and Mercy I do not deserve it, but he loves me so much
My kids- they may be fighting but they are wonderful
My husband  of 15yrs, hes pretty amazing...most days haha
Our Health
Home - No matter that its small and falling apart its home, paid for and provides us with warmth, cool and there is no rain on our heads
Work - I get to work from home and be with my babies
15yrs with my mother in law
29yrs with my granddaddy
Gilmore Girls Marathon
Coffee
Netflix, Amazon Prime TV, HULU
Suddenlink
Food in the fridge
Working Furnace
Water to pay my bills
Ability to raise my kids with a freedom of religion and vaccine choice
Clients- current, past & present
My boss - I pray he keeps me


This is just a few


Happy Thanksgiving to you!

31 Days of Slow Cooker / Freezer Meals - Plans, Recipe Cards, Shopping List and Monthly Plan

31 Days of Yummy Slow Cooker Meals just in Time for Back to School. Who don't like to dump frozen dinner in the crock pot to come home to yummy dinner in the evening? Not to mention after its prepped, it takes only minutes to get dinner in the crock pot or prepared in the evening. Less Dishs, less mess.


I personally do not use the crock pot liners, I put in the dish washer every night and every morning I pull it out. Also depending on the meal I leave our dinner dishes in the washer until I get home (I had washed them the night before) so I can use them for dinner. Again saving me time as I don't have to unload them in the morning and pull them out of the cabinets at night. I know super lazy but with 3 kids and a packed schedule all time saved matters.


I also included some extras besides the 31 day book, all free, no sign ups or ads. Simply click and its free to you.


** Some of the attachments are in other posts, the 31 Day book can only be found in this post, the Muffin and others you may have already down loaded in previous post. I share them again because they are so awesome!***

Click on the hyper link to find a PDF you can save, share and print if you wish

31 Day Slow Cooker Meals HERE

20 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for $ 150 HERE
20 Freezer to Slow Cooker Dinners (Some reason the shopping List is separate from this post)  HERE
Shopping List for Second Plan HERE
Blank Shopping List HERE
Weekly Planner Blank HERE
Monthly Planner Blank HERE
Blank Different Type Shopping List HERE
Planner Guide - This Weeks Goals HERE

Homemade Seasoning Mix HERE

Muffin Mix Recipes HERE


All the Above can be printed, saved or downloaded in one file HERE

* Printables, Recipes and Shopping list are creations of $5 Dollar Mom , I purchased them from her. All Credit goes to her

Two - 20 Freezer / Slow Cooker Meal Plans with Recipes, Shopping List and Extras

Easy to Follow Meal Plans, Recipes, Shopping List and Planning guides for Freezer or Slow Cooker Meals.  I don't like Blog post that put ads, make you sign up or join to get the recipes. So I will make this simple!  Below you will find the recipes and blank shopping list to help.

Click on the hyper link to find a PDF you can save, share and print if you wish

20 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for $ 150 HERE
20 Freezer to Slow Cooker Dinners (Some reason the shopping List is separate from this post)  HERE
Shopping List for Second Plan HERE
Blank Shopping List HERE
Weekly Planner Blank HERE
Monthly Planner Blank HERE
Blank Different Type Shopping List HERE
Planner Guide - This Weeks Goals HERE

Homemade Seasoning Mix HERE

Muffin Mix Recipes HERE


All the Above can be printed, saved or downloaded in one file HERE

* Printables, Recipes and Shopping list are creations of $5 Dollar Mom , I purchased them from her. All Credit goes to her

Make Lunches & Dinners with Pantry Staples Recipes, Shopping List

I don't like Blog post that put ads, make you sign up or join to get the recipes. So I will make this simple!  Below you will find the recipes and blank shopping list to help. Great for when there is too much month and not enough money, or when you simply want to eat down the panty because you stocked up at one too many sales (ummm that's me too often)

Click on the hyper link to find a PDF you can save, share and print if you wish

Panty Recipes HERE

Panty Staples List HERE

Shopping List HERE

Weekly Planner Blank HERE

Monthly Planner Blank HERE

Homemade Seasoning Mix HERE

Muffin Mix Recipes HERE

* Printables, Recipes and Shopping list are creations of $5 Dollar Mom , I purchased them from her. All Credit goes to her

Homemade Dressing, Seasoning Mix Recipes

Homemade Dressing, Seasoning Mix, Spice Mix Recipes

I don't like Blog post that put ads, make you sign up or join to get the recipes. So I will make this simple!  Below you will find the recipes and blank shopping list to help. Great thing about making your own mixes is YOU control what goes in. Yes it can be time consuming but in the long run its better for you and your family.

Click on the hyper link to find a PDF you can save, share and print if you wish

Mix Recipes HERE

Shopping List HERE

* Printables, Recipes and Shopping list are creations of $5 Dollar Mom , I purchased them from her. All Credit goes to her