WFMW: Dirty, dirty lining

Showers get dirty.  Its just a fact of life.  One we resolve ourselves to while donning those attractive yellow gloves and holding our "weapon" of choice.  We aim at those moldy/scummy walls, we spray and we scrub.  At the end of all that scrubbing, we get to stand back and marvel at our work.  Then, suddenly, out of the corner of your eye, you catch a glimpse of that dirty, dirty lining.  That scummy, moldy plastic shower lining is ruining your view! What can you do?  Well, you can do what my amazingly frugal mother does and scrub it by hand.  You could do what my less frugal buddies do and throw it out in favor of a new one.  OR....

WFMW: Holiday Gifting on a Budget!

Works For Me Wednesday is hosted by We Are That Family.  Click on the graphic at the bottom of this post to check it out.

I was hesitant to do this post because there is already just. so. much. good information out there.  But, in the end, I decided that maybe, just maybe one of you would have an "ah ha!" moment, or giggle, or run off and tell everyone what a goober I am... anyway, as long as you're happy, I'm happy.  Right?

Right.

In case you're new here, or you just don't pay attention, I have been a stay-at-home-mom since I was pregnant with Punkin'... what's that, now?  Almost six years.  (oh my! how the time does fly).  So money's been tight around here for awhile.  Living on one income requires some creative thinking, especially when it comes to holidays when over-spending can be very easy to do.  I am now also a full-time student which strains the finances even further.  So, being careful about what we spend at Christmas time is vital in our house.  Here's what works for us.

Calming The Wild-Child: What To Do With Hyper Kids

Ah... those days.  You know those days; when your little ones are running around screaming at the top of their lungs crashing in to things and basically acting possessed.  We all have those days, when our energy is abundant but unfocused.  But, when your child is feeling that way, they seem inconsolably out of control.  Parents (especially SAHMs), need to discover ways of handling those days.

So, I'll show you mine, if you'll show me yours... 

Turn the TV off

If your little-ones are acting possessed more often than not, this is probably your best solution, but it is long-term solution (go here to read another mother's account of life without TV).  Turn it off and leave it off for a week.  (start with a few days if the thought of a week without TV causes a panic attack)  Leaving the TV off increases your child's attention span, and encourages creative play.  (You should know that I'm not very good at this one... my kids are watching TV right now, in fact)

Go Outside

It doesn't matter much what you do when you get out there.  If you have work to be done, let them help... a 3 year old can't mow the lawn but she can certainly sweep the front walk with the proper tools.  Have them help you harvest your garden or water the plants.  Go for a walk. Go on a bug hunt.  Pick flowers.  Have an impromptu science lesson.  Talk about the sun; how big it is, how far away it is, how hot it is, why you can't look directly at it, solar eclipses, etc.  Talk about the seasons, trees, how plants grow, why the sky is blue... The list really can go on forever.  Just make it fun.  Or, send them off for free-play to blow off some steam.  

Forgo The Eggo: Homemade Toaster Waffles

Convenience food is, well, convenient.  But expensive.  We try to make most of our food from scratch around here, but, we're just as busy as the next family.  Most people don't know this, but with a little planning and a little effort, you can easily make your own convenience food... from scratch!  Healthier. Cheaper. And tastier too.  So, go ahead... Leggo That Eggo. 

To make your own Homemade Toaster Waffles, just use your favorite waffle recipe.  (Mine happens to be from The Joy of Cooking) If you routinely use a mix (like Bisquick) that will work too.  I recommend making a double batch... I don't know about you but I hate wasting time! 

WFMW: Kitchen Remedies for Under-foot Syndrome

I love to cook, and bake and well (shhh... don't tell) clean the kitchen.  Yes, you read that right.