Case Lot Sales!

It’s our favorite time of year, case lot sale! And you know what that means, it’s time to stock up the pantry and beef up your food storage until October 14. Now is the perfect time to find the best deals on the key items you use each day; so head into Macey's to save on:

-Western Family Cream of Chicken/Mushroom Soup 10.5 oz. 49¢-$11.76 case of 24.
-Western Family Beef or Chicken Select Varieties Broth 14.5 oz. 39¢-$9.36 case of 24.
-ShurSaving 4 lb. Bag Granulated Sugar $1.78-$17.80 case of 10
-ShurSaving Mandarin Oranges 11 oz. 3 for $1-$8.00 case of 24

It's All in the Routine

I used to wake up Monday morning, unsure where to even begin. The weekend created a whirlwind which left a path of disaster through the house.  I happened to call my sister one Monday morning to voice my frustration.  I felt like I spent the entire week trying to get things in order and keep them somewhat maintained. Over the weekend, family obligations and church responsibilities "forced" me to let things go and by Monday morning I was back to square one.  She suggested a better routine and I balked at the idea. I am, after all, a "free spirit."  I don't want to be tied down to the drudgery of routine.  Then I thought about my routine, or lack of one. I realized her suggestion was incredibly valid.  Here's why:

Routine gives you somewhere to start.  When you feel overwhelmed by everything that needs to be accomplished, you can pull out the old routine and just get started. You don't have to worry about everything, just about accomplishing one thing on your list.

If you stick to a routine, you don't have to start from square one everyday.  When I started my daily routine, it took me the entire day to get through it all. No joke. I almost quit right then, but I gave it another try the following day, and it only took me an hour. Now, I can usually get through my daily routine in 10 to 15 minutes! Really!

We thrive on routine.  My kids love routine. They are happier and kinder to one another when there is a clear plan and expectations for them. As adults, whether we admit it or not, routine feels good.  It makes spontaneity more novel and exciting.

So how do you plan a routine?

Start simple.  Don't overwhelm yourself. If you are able to easily finish your routine you can add more to it, and you'll feel great! That's much better then continuously falling short and eventually removing something from your routine. (But, it's better to do that, then quit completely!)

Be realistic. Look at your situation and think about what works for you. If you are working full-time, and going to school, you aren't going to be able to do as much as someone who is home all day. Take that into consideration as you plan.

Be flexible...but, not too flexible. :)  I don't do my routine in the same order every day. I do what I have time for, when I have time. You may have to re-evaluate when you encounter a life-altering event. But don't quit completely.

Take suggestions from friends/loved ones, but ultimately, you make the decision what works for you.  I've shared this story before, but never hurts to share again. My mother always did laundry once a week, in one fell swoop.  I tried for years, but just felt overwhelmed and frustrated. I couldn't get everything folded in one day so it would sit in clean piles week after week.  My mother-in-law kept suggesting I do a load a day. I tried that for a while and it seemed to work, but then I got so tired of laundry. My mom made a suggestion once that I try to do laundry twice a week, like Mondays and Thursdays. Aha! So simple, but it has worked amazingly well.  Everyone has their own way of doing things, and you may have to try a few to figure out what works for you.

I keep a little checklist in a sheet protector on my fridge. It has my daily cleaning tasks, and my weekly tasks. As I go through the tasks, I mark them with a dry erase marker. You certainly don't have to do this, but I like to check things off as I go.  It feels good. It's also a great reminder if I get distracted or overwhelmed. I just look at the sheet to see where to start again. I use the same checklist everyday.

Here is the list of my daily tasks:

1. Make beds.
2. Wash dishes.
3. Wipe off the stovetop.
4. Wash kitchen counters.
5. Wash table.
6. Wipe off chairs.
7. Clear off Dining Room table.
8. Sweep and vacuum, as needed.
9. Clean toilets and mirrors
10. Wipe bathroom counters
11. Start laundry
12. Neat the house
13. Empty trash cans 

This might seem like a lot, but like I said, it only takes me 10-15 minutes on most days. Especially if I do it everyday.  Sometimes I do the list a couple times a day. If you can only manage 5 minutes before you head out for the day, your routine may consist of making your bed, and washing your breakfast dishes.  That's ok. Just start somewhere!

 If you have any questions, or suggestions, please share them with us!

Food Storage Sale Items

Here are some great food storage items on sale:

Maceys
Pasta.... $0.88
Hunts Pasta Sauce.... $0.99

Smiths
Beef London Broil & Petite Sirloin.... $2.99
Lawrys Marinades.... $0.79
Kroger Tomato Sauce (8oz)...$4.80 (case)  $0.20 (each)

Fresh Market
Taco Bell Refried Beans.... $0.69
Shur Savings Peaches/Pears.... $11.98 (case)  $0.99 (each)

Thanks to Sarah Taylor for letting me know about these!  If you notice a great sale let me know and I'll post it on here!

hh.heiniger@gmail.com

Squirrel it away....again :)

Here are the items you can add to your pantry this month :) Sorry it is a little late! See you next month!

Week 1: 3 jars applesauce, 3 cans peaches
Week 2: 1 bottle vegetable oil, 1 can shortening
Week 3: 3 cans favorite fruit

Squirrel It Away Month #2

Here are the suggestions for building your food storage for the second month! As mentioned in the first post feel free to adjust and modify this list to better meet your family's needs.  See you in Sept!! 

Week 1: 1 jar favorite jam and 1 brownie mix
Week 2: 2 cans favorite canned meat, 1 bottle ketchup
Week 3: 1 large can chicken in broth, 2 cans pork and beans
Week 4: 2 cans beef stew or chili, 2 cans kidney beans

Squirrel it Away! Month #1

Ok!  Lets start building that food storage! Each month I will post different items (food and non-food) that you can purchase each week (or in one big shopping trip) whatever fits your schedule best.  This is just a suggested schedule for accumulating basic food storage.  Obviously adjust it to fit the needs of your family.  Purchase the items listed per member of your family.  Example 3 cans of corn x 4 family members = 12 cans of corn.  If your family does not not eat a certain product, substitute for something similar that you like!  Here we go!

Month #1
Week 1: 1 box instant mashed potatoes, 1 cake mix w/ frosting
Week 2: 1 box oatmeal, 1 jar mustard
Week 3: 1 bottle honey, 1 bottle syrup
Week 4: 4 cans tuna fish, or chicken, 1 jar miracle whip or mayonnaise

**Note**I just realized that it is the middle of the month!  I'm a nerd :)  So this first post will be for a month and a half and then in August I will post month #2.  Ha ha bear with me people :) 

Daily Scripture Study

This post is a continuation of the first Happy Houses post. In that post, I wrote about the importance of inviting the spirit into our lives and homes. When we have the spirit, we can prioritize more effectively. There are two daily activities that will help us to receive the personal revelation necessary to balance our time most efficiently. The first of those activities, is prayer. The second essential daily activity is scripture study.

We need to study the scriptures daily. David B. Marsh says "It is my conviction that one of the most powerful influences in the world is the word of God and when the Lord's words are learned and taught in the right spirit our lives are changed forever."  When we study the scriptures, the spirit of the Lord will fill our homes.

So, again, let’s ask ourselves, how am I doing with my daily scripture study? Is it meaningful? Do I love it? Am I seeking for answers to my prayers in the pages of my scriptures? Am I writing down thoughts and impressions I have as I study? Am I sharing these insights with those I love when appropriate?  

Here are a few more links to talks and articles that I have found helpful:

Successful Scripture Study
My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures
A Discussion on Scripture Study
Getting the Most Out of Your Scripture Study

If we are praying and studying our scriptures EVERY day, we are better qualified to have the spirit with us. We will be able to see clearly what the Lord would have us do.  We will have the ability to better prioritize and we will be able to accomplish the things that are necessary.

A few weeks ago, we had our 4th child. I have felt my world turned upside down adjusting to one more little one. It has been frustrating for me to discover that I really can't control everything that happens in my home. Prioritizing has become even more important to me. There really is only so much I can do! I know that if I pray and continue my daily scripture study, I will be able to feel the peaceful assurance that I am doing what my Father in Heaven would have me do, and I really need that assurance right now!

Anyone want to focus on daily prayer and scripture study for a week or two with me?