How to Be a Super Mom: Part 3: Growing, Growing, Grown!

The following is the second in a guest post series by Krystal Taylor my good friend and “Super Mom” of three...

A few months after her second and third children were born (surprise, twins!), her husband got laid off so she had to go back to work. Here are a few of the life saving tips that she uses to balance work and home life.

Growing, Growing, Grown :-(

Somewhere along the line of being a parent I started to become crafty. I also realized by me being crafty, I could save money and have something fun to do. I decided one say that I wanted growth charts for my kids. Well, we got paper ones and they were ripped down the first week. I need something more durable. I looked on Etsy.com but to buy three I was going to pay close to $300.00! So I made my own! I

1.        I purchased three pieces of wood from a local hardware store

2.       Then purchased about 10 samples of paint (the small containers at the store with the paint samples, that’s all I needed) its latex paint I paid about $2.75 per container. If you don’t want to buy paint, you could also use leftover paint from painting your house.

3.       Then I went to town! Painted whatever I wanted! The kids love them and so do I! We measure every six months! I can keep these forever and I only spent about $10.00-15.00 per chart  : )

That’s a savings of over $255!

Tips:

-          Don’t forget when adding the inches on the side to start at two feet. Then hang it two feet off of the ground.

-          I also take pictures every time we measure. I keep a zip lock bag on the back and put the dates on each picture. It’s fun to see how much they grow in just six months!!!

Krystal's Other Guest Posts:

How to Be a Super Mom: Part 1: What's For Dinner?

How to Be a Super Mom: Part 2: Morning Routines

How To Set Up A "House Account" Guest post by Krystal Taylor 

Looking for some more money saving How-To's? Check these out:

How to Save Over $3000 A Year On Groceries

How To: Make A Wishing Tree Vase

How to Peel Fruit to Save Citrus Rind

How to Make Cheap Fruit Cleaner

Want to hear more from Krystal? Look out for the next installment of her guest posts and check out her blog at: Quest Of A Crazy Mom!

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Hobby Lobby 40% Off Printable Coupon Plus Sales Ad!

Here's the weekly sales ad.... The link for the coupon is below.

Click here to get your 40% off coupon good until February 23rd!

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17 Ways To Use Bread Tabs

Bread tabs. I know you have a handful of them stuck in a junk drawer. Here are a few ways to use those babies...

Organize your cords

Source: thedailydigi.com

Store spare hair pins 

Creative Commons savingwithselena.blogspot.com

 Stitch marker

Source: http://pjsallday.com/2012/04/wfmw-knitting-trick/

Reusable quilt marker

Source: http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2010/04/tool-time-tuesdayanother-freebie.html

Label spare keys

Source: http://wholelivingdaily.wholeliving.com/2010/06/10-re-uses-for-those-little-bread-tags.html

Wall art

Source: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AoDuU-2RUrmoLqXffY9-LDpETjShzj62LsXYUxYJ9Q8?feat=embedwebsite

Source: http://www.kapshow.com/pinkos/archives/2007/03/bread_tab_debs.html

Source: http://www.greencricketsalvage.com/2011_08_01_archive.html

Guitar Picks

By DaGoaty

Make these mini monsters for Halloween party bags...

Source: http://planetforward.ca/blog/tag/bread-tabs/

Wine Glass charms for parties- you'll never mix your drinks up again

Source: http://www.yeswecoupon.com/frugal-projects/wish-i-would-have-thought-of-that-1-5-uses-for-bread-tabs/

 Bingo Chips

Source: http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/2010/09/reuse-plastic-bag-ties-play-bingo.html

Make this necklace

Source: http://www.michlinla.com/2011/04/slap-another-post-with-dueling-crafters.html

Or these earrings

Source: http://earcandie.com/recycled.html

Source: Wizzy Bliss Jewellery. Earrings.
www.wizzybliss.com/breadtag_earrings.jpg

Make a dress

Source: http://johannachambers.deviantart.com/art/Bread-Tab-Dress-53838523

Fix your flip flops

Source: http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/bread%20tabs

Mark the end of the tape without wasting it.

And of course.... ;)

*Original sources are unknown for all photos above without sources listed. If the above are yours, please let me know and I will gladly add credit where credit is due.*

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You Will Never Look At A Toilet Paper Roll The Same Way Again

Beleive it or not, although there is a snow storm in the North, it is almost seed starting time here in the South. This life hack got me looking for more ways to recycle and reuse toilet paper rolls. I didn't realize there were so many ways to reuse something I tend to toss!

As a seed starter... 

 

Impromptu iPhone holder...

 For organizing cords...

 

For keeping wrapping paper from unrolling...

For wrapping small presents... 

Source: http://factorydirectcraft.com/factorydirectcraft_blog/upcycling-toilet-tube-gift-box/

Add fabric for a jewelry tray...

Source: http://blah-to-tada.blogspot.com/2012/04/jewelry-tray.html

For the birds...

Source: http://fortytworoads.blogspot.com/2012_02_01_archive.html

To manage bathroom appliance cords... 

Source: http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2010/05/from-the-tips-box-security-questions-bathroom-cords/

Fun for  your little pets...

Image source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305171903.htm (Credit: Image courtesy of University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio)

For Teh lulz...

Source:

http://www.yousaytoo.com/glove-gun-4-teh-lulz/2804068

Now that we've looked at the practical, what about the beautiful?

 Yuken Teruya has some very beautiful paper craft works of art...

Source: http://www.yukenteruyastudio.com/projects via http://senseandgrace.com/?p=2429

So does Anastasia Elias...

Source: http://www.anastassia-elias.com/view-album/10

What about mini masks by Junior Fritz Jacquet?

Source: http://www.boredpanda.com/weird-toilet-paper-roll-art/

How about something a little less refined but just as fun for the kids? Make a circle or heart stamp for Valentines Day! Use the stamp to make cards and wrapping paper from newspapers!

Source: http://www.aprettycoollife.com/2012/02/weekly-pinterest_18.html

Source: http://www.parenthacks.com/2012/02/toilet-paper-roll-heart-stamps.html

Source: http://creativecarmella.blogspot.com/2012/07/toilet-paper-roll-paintinga-diy-project.html

Christmas Poinsetta Wreath!

Source: http://www.darkroomanddearly.com/2012/12/10th-day-of-christmas-poinsettia-wreath.html

Another crafty option... Everybody loves owls!

Source: http://www.tonyastaab.com/

Just because...

Do you have any awesome ways of reusing paper rolls?

*Original sources are unknown for several of the above photos. If the above are yours, please let me know and I will gladly add credit where credit is due.*

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How to Be a Super Mom: Part 2: Morning Routines

Krystal's three beautiful children...

 
The following is the second in a guest post series by Krystal Taylor my good friend and “Super Mom” of three...

 A few months after her second and third children were born (surprise, twins!), her husband got laid off so she had to go back to work. Here are a few of the life saving tips that she uses to balance work and home life.

Getting ready for school…..the battle of the sleepy kids! My son, like most five year old children, much rather play then to get ready for school. Since I realized (late in life) that being organized and managing time is important I wanted to start teaching him the same thing. I made him a chart he is responsible for each and every morning. Every day he completes his tasks he gets a sticker. He can use them for small rewards (choosing a movie on movie night) or save them up for larger ones (getting a new game or book)

Karson and his morning routine chart

Other Posts By Krystal: 
 Miss How to Be a Super Mom Part 1? Check it out here: What's For Dinner?
Here's some sound financial advice: How to Set Up a House Account

Check out Krystal's Blog: Quest Of A Crazy Mom

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How to Be a Super Mom: Part 1: What's For Dinner?

The following is the first in a guest post series by Krystal Taylor my good friend, “Super Mom” of three, and blogger…

Krystal, and her beautiful family. Photo courtesy of questofacrazymom.com 

Our family first began with one beautiful little baby boy. We were blessed and happy, life was easy. Around the time our son, Karson, was about one, my husband and I decided we were ready for another baby. Boy, oh, boy did life change! All I can remember from the day of the ultrasound was my doctor saying, “Congratulations, you are having twins,” and my husband saying, “Now we need a minivan.” All I wanted to do was cry! I was happy, sad, overwhelmed, and scared all at once; what a rush of emotions. Time went on and I soon go to meet my two precious babies. Life was good, staying at home raising my children.

Then a few months later, my husband got laid off! As if life with three children was not time consuming enough, I had to go back to work. This meant I had to do everything at home and manage a job. Well, to my pleasant surprise, my husband was a big help.  I also learned that in order to be somewhat successful at this parenting thing, I was really going to have to get organized and manage my time better. Every parent knows how hard being a parent is…. but I thought, “What if I can make my life easier?” so I tried. Here are a few things I have learned along the way. They may not work for everyone, but they sure are life savers for me. J

Krystals DIY Meal Planning Chalkboard

What is for dinner!!?!?!?  
Even if you don’t have children, this is something most people don’t know until a few hours, or even one hour before its time to eat. So I decided to plan ahead with a menu for the whole week. It’s easy…no thinking necessary! I first shop for whatever meat is on sale (I buy in bulk). I then plan my meals around the sales and figure out side dishes! I cannot tell you what I lifesaver this has been for me!

To help keep my family organized and informed, I made a chalkboard to hang in my kitchen so everyone knows what’s for dinner- and it helps me!

Here's the best part: I made it for only $10.00!!!

I bought a cheap framed picture for $6.00 from the store. Used chalkboard paint to paint over the glass. I simply use the kid’s sidewalk chalk to write on it ;)

~__________________________________________________________~

Want to hear more from Krystal? Look out for the next installment of her guest posts and check out her blog at: Quest Of A Crazy Mom!

Looking for other posts like it?

How To Set Up A 'House Account' - Guest Post By Krystal Taylor

Saving Money Saving Seeds

February seed starting is just around the corner!

Now is the perfect time to start a seed train!

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How To Set Up A "House Account" Guest post by Krystal Taylor

The following is a guest post by Krystal Taylor, my good friend and “Super Mom” of three...

Here is one of her life saving tips that she uses to balance work , money matters, and home life.

Oops, I forgot to pay the bills!!

Yes, I have done this many many times! Thankfully we still have good credit, lol! Anyway, I have since changed that! Here is my plan…..and it has worked miracles for me! One less thing I have to worry about!  This works easiest if you have direct deposit.

1.       Open a separate bank account (at the same bank you already bank at). It is always nice to wait for those coupons they send- the ones where you get $100.00 for free just for opening an account! Chase does them, not sure where else does.

2.       Figure out all of your bills for the month.

3.       Divide those bills by how many times you are paid per month (ex: we are paid twice per month. Say your bills are $3,000 per month your total will be $1,500…etc.

4.       Have that $1,500 AUTOMATICALLY transferred into that other account (we labeled ours "house account") at every pay period.

5.       Set up as many things as you can on auto bill pay.

6.       DO NOT USE THIS OTHER ACCOUNT FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN BILLS!

7.       Every month your bills will automatically come out of your “other” account. The money will already be there because it was AUTOMATICALLY transferred!

8.       Honestly, you have no idea how much time, stress, and phone calls this has saved me, not to mention money….because my bills are being paid on time!

Suggestions:
- Make sure to load the account with the full amount for the first month to avoid any overdraft fees!
- Remember to read the fine print! Make sure the new account you are adding does not have any additional fees.
- Is it too late? Need to talk your way out of a late fee? Here's how to talk your way out of any late fee!
- For an easy way to build your credit and earn rewards from your credit card, stack Krystal's idea with the credit building idea to see the most rewards while still saving you a ton of time!

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Always Read The Fine Print + DIY Magnifying Glass Project

While reading my friends Facebook updates today I noticed one of those dear to my heart posted this:
“I wonder if there is such a thing as an honest realtor??? Found out today that we have to vacate our house on the day of closing instead of getting the 10 days we agreed to. I will never listen to anyone again who tells me.. “Just sign here, it’s like all the other addendums you’ve signed.”

Which brings me to my savings tips for today… always read the fine print, especially for anything relating to money changing hands. If you are signing a lease, read the fine print. If you are confirming a job offer, read the fine print. If you are submitting a rebate, read the fine print. Not only will this help ensure accuracy, it will help you make sure that everything you thought you were getting is what you are actually getting out of the deal.

It broke my heart to see something like this happen to someone I love, and it could have been prevented quite simply by reading the fine print.

Reading Takes Time:

If you can, take the paperwork home to review at your leisure. Ensure you read both your copy and the copy for the person with whom you are entering a contract, and that your copies are identical so there's no bait-and-switch going on.

Consider The Buddy System:

If you are aged, or have poor eyesight, always bring a trusted friend to read your paperwork to you or for you. If that is not possible, ask for the file to be sent digitally and use a text to voice program.

Try Your Hand At Sleuthing:

Use a magnifying glass. Not only will it help you read the fine print, it will make you look cool. Ok, maybe not, but it will be fun… While you are at it, wear a trench jacket and chew on a fat pretzel stick as if it is a cigar (sorry, no real cigars- lung cancer is expensive). You can find fake mustaches here, to complete the look.

DIY Magnifying Glass:

To really romanticize poor eyesight (you know you want to), make a cool yet affordable magnifying glass. Buy a cheap metal one and transform it with bake-able clay and some bronze colored paint.While the clay is soft, mold it to your liking. Add texture with fishnet, tulle, or a toothpick. After baking is complete, rub some green paint into the creases and wipe off for that antiqued look. Let dry.
Of course, if your eyesight is that bad, creating a custom made fine art magnifying glass is probably not at the top of your list… so humor me. I’m the humorous,Sherlock Holmes fangirl romantizing-poor-eyesight creative type.

***Nerd Warning*** 
(Mental image: Can you hear the sirens? Sorry, I watch too much sci-fi and I'm envisioning red flashing lights and an annoyingly repetitive beeping signalling something like a nuclear reactor preparing to blow or a ship full of aliens flying through a Stargate... please continue...)
This link will be useless to you if you have poor eyesight, but it's really cool if you have kids: Make your own water magnifier.

If that doesn't work for you, you can always request a digital copy to view zoomed in on your computer, them print at home to ensure it is the same thing you are signing.

Consult A Lawyer:

Is the legal-eze just above your head? Legal documents sometimes seem like they are purposefully written to confuse you. If you are low income and cannot afford a lawyer but have the need for one, consider visiting www.lawhelp.org or Google search “free legal advice.” Depending on your case, there may be professionals in your area willing to help for a small fee or pro- bono (volunteer).

Moral of the story: Don’t let yourself become the victim.
Have you ever had any issues understanding the legal paperwork of rebates or contracts?