Like I was talking about before, organizing your life can be complicated and....unorganized to say the least.
As a mom, I try and juggle all my family's needs and be attentive to things that are 1) almost gone, 2) needing replacement, and 3) need fixing.
For example, when I have a spare moment (while the baby is napping), I like to go around the house and take 'inventory' on our family's things. For example, let's start with clothing. I am a HUGE rummager/thrift store junkie. I've done away with purchasing a lot of things new (except for underwear, socks and other undergarments). I've saved hundreds of dollars by doing this. I've got a men's green winter Timberland jacket for 75 cents, a women's Patagonia fleece for the same, a pair of Hanna Andersson tights for 25 cents, a Restoration Hardward duvet for $8, three men's Calvin Klein dress shirts for a total of $1, and the list could go on. I find many name brand items for nearly 99% off of their original prices.
I start off by making a list. I go through closets and write down things that are getting low or are in need. I also do this for areas of the house. Let's say the mattress you have is on it's last year. Start looking NOW for new mattresses. Need a new kitchen cutting board? Start looking now at rummage sales. Bring your list with you to the garage sale (keep it in your bag at all times) so you have a purpose when you shop.
Other areas to take 'inventory' are bathroom goods: shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, razors. I frequently coupon, but let's face it, who has time to spend scouring and stacking ads/deals? I have a tip! I use Craig's List and in the search button, I type stockpile. Many times, coupon-ers will sell what they call 'stockpiles'. They sell their items, which they've purchased for what you'd probably pay with your double coupons. I call it one stop shopping, baby!
If you're looking to save your family money and you buy a lot of 'new' items, I encourage you to get into rummaging. Craig's List (for those followers in the United States), is a great place to start. You can look under the 'garage sale' category and type in your city/suburb and search. I will warn you, I believe that you should try to bargain before settling on the sticker tag. Another tip: if the item is not priced, don't ask how much they're asking. Make your offer confidently. You will be amazed on what you can get for a few bucks. I recently purchased eight pieces of toddler clothing for $2. Brands included were Talbot kids, Land's End, Gymboree and Gapkids.
I will be neglectful of my duties if I did not leave you with a great recipe!
Starting off the weekend, why don't you make your family some pancakes for breakfast tomorrow morning-
Kathleen P. Storey's Pancake recipe
1 egg
1 cup milk (can be subbed for soy)
1 cup flour (I used whole wheat pastry)
1 T oil
1 t baking powder
1 t sugar ( I used honey)
1 t salt
Mix ingredients together. Ladle onto griddle and wait until the bubbles appear to flip. Serve with 100% real maple syrup.
"Your first kid is like the first pancake..it doesn't always turn out how you wanted it"-Tom Storey
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