Organizing and My Lola

Recently I've been wanting to redo my pantry shelf. It's just 2 bookshelves that I got for FREE on craigslist a few months ago. In our cozy condo, we needed more pantry space so God provided us with bookshelves. Just what we needed.

Here's a picture of the one of the bookshelves before...

Not too bad but I wanted to spruce it up a bit. Yes, we are a snacking family. Yes a couple of containers are empty cuz' I didn't get to refill them before I took the picture. Oh well.

On a recent trip to Target I went to the dollar section and found these...

I immediately knew what I wanted to use them for. So I snatched up a few, after all they were only $1 each and off I went to "fix up" my shelves.

I used Mod Podge and "wall papered" them to the backing. I originally planned on covering cardboard that was cut to size but couldn't get my hands on enough cardboard to cover both shelves so I just stuck them right on. It really didn't take long at all. I did one shelf in under hour. With a break in between I completed the project in 2 hours.

Sorry I don't have a tutorial for you, but it's pretty simple:

1. Once I cleared the shelves I took on of the removable shelf and used the length of that and measured each piece of wrapping paper. 

2. Then I applied a thin layer of mod podge directly to the backing of the shelf, starting with one corner then working my way out. I know that it's best to start in the middle but honesty, I started in the corner to save my sanity. LOL.

3. I ended up layering some sections because I didn't want to have to cut the paper and add more steps. Besides with the pattern and once everything was back up you can't even tell.

4. I put a thin layer of mod podge on the "seams" of the paper to make sure they stick.

and voila! There you go.

Gotta get my hands on a few more containers but I'll do that later. Oh and yes, I still need to get more pasta and sweet rice. Hahahaha.

Here are a few close ups...

You may recognize that calendar. I had to redo our command center (click here to see what it looked like before) because the needs of our family changed. Now the kids school files are stored in their school binders. I would still like to implement the school file once we have more space but for now, this will work.

As many of you know, one of the things I love to do is organize. I learned it from my mom. Who learned it from her mother-in-law, my Lola Fely. "Lola" is Tagalog for Grandmother. My Lola passed away last week. I miss her. I've always missed her. My Lola is one of the strongest women I know. I have many fond memories of her. I wish I could be there with my family to say my final farewell.

 Lola, thank you. Thank you for always loving me. Thank you for teaching my mom, who in turn taught me all your tips and tricks. Now it's my turn to teach my children. Although your gone, Lola, you will continue to live on through all of us. We love you. Aloha!

This post is dedicated to you, Lola Fely. I love you!

Felicidad Ancheta Paculba

March 7, 1925 - March 16, 2013

35,000 Prayers

My friend, Sharon, from The Good Woman posted this video and I'd love to share it here. What an incredible testimony of the freedom we have in Christ!

New Series: Tip Tuesdays

Ever wonder what paperwork to keep and what to get rid of?

Today's tip: Paper Purge Tip - Docs to Save and How Long to Save them (from storables.com)

Moms...just chill out

Here's a great post I came across Facebook a few months ago. I hope that it'll encourage you as much as it did me.

Repurpose

I've been thinking a lot about this poor abandoned blog of mine. Honestly, I've been on Facebook more often than I should be. I've been thinking about closing this blog but just can't find the heart to do it.

After a recent trip back to California, I was able to talk to lots of my friends who are now young moms or moms with more young children and I come to realize that God has given me such a burden to minister to them. Not just my sisters on the mainland but those here on the island as well. I remember going through so many ups and downs as a young mom, as many of us do, and thinking, "How in the world do these moms do it?" By the way (BTW), I still say that and I probably will keep saying that as my kids get older and our lives change.

We had a Mom's Club back in our old church in Cali and I've got to tell you how much it ministered to me. Just to be under those godly women, encouraging us moms how to love the Lord with all our heart and be managers of our home without going crazy along the way really helped to give me a godly perspective to my purpose as a mother and wife. I would love to share little bits and pieces of what God taught me through those mom's clubs.

So instead of closing my blog, I want to encourage my mom friends with real life experiences, tips, how to's. There will be times I'll post things that "Really worked" and things that "Oh well, didn't work but it's OK". I'll share encouragements through the Bible and also some struggles I'm having. I want to be real as I possibly can.

I hope that those who read, if any, will find encouragement. And if not, at least I'll have an archive for my own children to look back on.

E Malama Pono (Take Care)

I'm back!!!

Food for thought...

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School File **Tutorial**

As promised, here's the tutorial for the school file I made for our command center.

Step 1:
Gather your materials.  Unfortunately I didn't get to take a picture because I was so eager to put it together. Once I realized I should have take a picture, it was too late. But here's a list:

1. Pocket files (I found mine in the clearance section at Walmart. They sold for $2.50 for a pack of 12)
2. Hot glue gun
3. Glue sticks
4. Paper fastener brads
5. Nail Polish (yes, nail polish. I used quick dry polish)
6. File Labels
7. Hole punch
8. 3M Command Hooks or Heavy Duty Magnets (depends on how you want to hang them)

Step 2:

Place 3 pocket files on top of each other in a staggered formation. Then hot glue gun them in place.

Step 3:
Paint the top of your brads whatever color you choose. Let them dry completely.

Step 4:
Make your labels or simply write them out on file folder sized labels. Then place them on your pocket files. My labels say

• MOM and Dad: Sign / Review
• Bring back to school
• Field Trips / Reminders / Announcements

Step 5:

Punch holes in the top corners. If you want to hang this on your fridge, then make sure you use heavy duty magnets.

Step 6:

Hang then near your command center.

Tada! That's it! Pretty easy, yeah?  If I can do this, so can you!

Happy Organizing!

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Car Snacks

I'm lovin' this really great tip from a great gal over at "Choose to Thrive" blog who uses what she's got to make what she needs!! I love that! You can go to her blog for more details but here's a sneak peak to her great idea....



Cool huh?

School File for the Command Center

I've always wanted one of these:

It's called a Fridge File. It's a pretty cool organizing too but I can't bring myself to purchase one, let alone 3 (I wanted one for each child).  So, I decided to make my own version of this brilliant idea!

Here it is....

...and here they are with our family Command Center...

I'll post a tutorial soon (**UPDATE: Tutorial is up!).  I'm so thrilled to have finished this up just in time too. School started today in Hawai'i! I know it's the beginning of August but...oh well...that's just how it goes!

BTW, I strongly disliked our circuit breaker right on our kitchen wall so I made it part of the Command Center. We post the kid's school lunch menu there along with our dry erase marker and eraser. Yay!

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82 Tips to Get & Stay Organized from Simply Organized

We have a store on the island that I have yet to visit. Mainly due to the fact hubby takes our only car to work and the store is kind of "far". Anywho...back to the store...

Simply Organized...don't you just love the name?!  This morning I received my weekly email newsletter from them. It's really just a list of some items they have on sale but I went ahead and jumped over to their site.  I stumbled on some great tips on organizing and thought I'd share it with my friends :D

You probably already do a lot of these but I'm sure you'll find at least one thing new!  I especially like #8!

82 Tips to Get & Stay Organized
By Kelly Galvin, Organized in Paradise

1. If you don’t use it don’t keep it.
2. To maintain organization and order, do a daily pick-up and put-away session. 
3. Clear your desk when you finish working so it will be a useful workspace when you return.
4. Do not use your countertops for storage.  Only keep appliances that you use daily (coffee maker, blender, toaster).
5. File papers unfolded, face up.
6. When processing the mail – throw away envelopes immediately.
7. Things tend to grow roots where they are planted.  Therefore, only set down an item where you want to live for a long, long time.
8. Forget perfect, aim for progress.
9. Eliminate junk mail – get off lists if you don’t want their mailings.
10. Keep a wastebasket in every room.
11. Quit bringing in new stuff.
12. Write things down.
13. Just because you’ve always done it that way… does not make it the best way.
14. Every household needs a desk (or even an office).
15. Use vertical storage whenever possible.
16. Put things you use often within close reach. 
17. Stop buying single use items.  Warning:  if it is labeled “AS SEEN ON TV” don’t walk, run!
18. Move things you use sparingly out of the way.
19. Create zones.  Most rooms have multiple functions and therefore should have multiple zones.
20. If you have not used it (or worn it) for more than one year, let it go.
21. Make a conscious decision about what to keep.  Don’t just keep everything (this is critical for all the paper in our lives).
22. If you buy an item to replace one which is worn out, toss the old one. 
23. You are not the maid, teach the other members of your household to keep your home organized.
24. Keep a memory box for each child.  Keep only the best paintings, crafts and art projects. 
25. Keep art projects on the fridge for one month take a photo of the collection.  Keep the photo, toss the items.
26. Go through your toiletries and toss out any that you never use because you never liked them. 
27. An organized home is orderly, not sterile.
28. Organize clothes by type:  pants, skirts, dresses, jackets, sweaters, etc.
29. Organize your dresser top to bottom in order of the clothes you put on.
30. Add a valet hook outside the closet or on the door.  This is great place to hang items you’ve brought in from the dry cleaner, or your outfit for the next day.
31. One in, one out.  Once you’ve done a full wardrobe organization, use this policy to stay organized.
32. Add risers to cabinets to enhance accessibility to cabinets.
33. When organizing a space, remember your goal is not to pack in as much stuff as possible.  Simply store items you use in a way that makes them easy to access and put away.
34. Drink water to keep yourself hydrated.
35. Empty the trash regularly.  A full trash can is a “stop” sign to tossing things out.  Keep this road open.
36. Use bins inside drawers or cabinets to hold a collection of small items.  The bin creates a limit on how much of certain items may be stored and keeps one type of items separate from another.
37. Use online banking to reduce the amount of paper you have read, process and file.
38. When packing for a trip, take fewer clothes than there are number of days on the trip. 
39. Take your own reading material when you will have waiting time.
40. Use project folders and magazine files to keep papers of an “active” project together and visible.
41. Furniture can be storage container.  Look for pieces that offer storage.
42. Consider whether open or closed storage is appropriate for a space and items to be stored.
43. Email is great, but limit the undesired messages by “unsubscribing” to mailings you are not interested in reading.
44. When you get rid of “stuff” you don’t need, you are making more room for the things you use and love.
45. Size matters – too many small bins or of all different sizes is simply more clutter.  Use a container or bin of sufficient size to hold all needed items.
46. Use a spiral notebook to record your phone messages.  If necessary, you can transfer needed information to another place, but the spiral notebook will always have the original info.
47. When you get your photos developed, toss out any that are obvious duds.
48. Stock your pantry and freezer with meals which can be prepared without a trip to the supermarket.
49. Get items off the closet floor – install shelves or bins for shoes and accessories.
50. Organize your computer files the same way you organize paper files.  Create category folders and keep the files in the appropriate category.  A messy computer desktop looks as cluttered at a messy desk.
51. Fold a complete sheet set together.
52. Put the fold side out to it easier to retrieve a single towel
53. Create a record of your medical history (and each family member). 
54. Let there be light.  Add stick-on lights in cabinets and closets so you can actually see what you have.
55. Kids are short – put items they should be able to access low enough for them to reach.
56. Stop on occasion and take a deep, relaxing breath.
57. Books – once you’ve read it, donate it to the library.
58. Use labels, especially for storage bins and boxes.
59. When deciding on a color for a storage space, go with white.  It looks cleaner, reflects more light so you can see better when searching for an item.
60. When kids tire of a toy or game, let go of it.
61. Keep a “donate” box going at all times.
62. Use hooks on your closet rod to hang handbags and totes.
63. Create an in/out place for the keys, purse, etc.
64. Use pictures as labels (shoes, accessories).
65. Teach your kids to be organized by having them participate in part of the daily clean up.
66. Bend your knees when you lift things.
67. Stop stocking up on gifts you give “one day”. 
68. When displaying photographs, use the same type of frame for all in the collection for a cohesive look.
69. Toss out the condiments and sauces in your refrigerator or cupboard that no one likes.
70. Create a resource binder with the contact info of service people you use.
71. Set aside at least 20 minutes twice a week to do administrative tasks – including filing.
72. Prepare an emergency plan for your family.
73. Buy containers and bins ONLY AFTER you’ve decided what you will keep in them.
74. Edit your rooms.  Look from left to right, top to bottom.  Remove any item that does not belong or can be tossed.
75. Writing things down.  Do put unnecessary pressure on yourself to remember everything.
76. Avoid time wasters.  A few minutes of a computer games is a fun relief, hours at the screen is just a waste.
77. Be aware of the difference between tidy (“a right angler”) and actually organized.  A tidy space might look good; an organized space will help you get more done.
78. Keep a few thank you notes on hand to be ready to send when appropriate.  Don’t keep an entire stationary store.
79. When you entertain, make it fun and a production.
80. Create a place in your file system for Important Documents such as passports, birth certificates, immunization records, etc. 
81. A place for everything and everything in its place.  Pay attention to both parts of this saying.  Does everything in your house have a place?
82. Use clear tubs for kids – they can see what’s inside without using any labels.

Happy Organizing!

Couponing Tip: shelf life & proper stockpile rotation etiquette

The Krazy Coupon Lady has a great article on her blog about the shelf life and rotation of the everyday foods we buy. It was a very insightful article so I thought I'd share it with you. If you ever get a chance, go and visit her site.

Salty Snacks

Chips, corn tortilla                                          3 months
Chips, potato                                                   2 months
Crackers                                                           3 months
Nuts, shelled                                                   4 months
Popcorn, kernels                                           18-24 months
Popcorn, packaged/ microwave                 12 months
Pretzels                                                             3 months
Snack mix                                                         3- 6 months

PB & J

Jams/ Jellies/ Preserves                             12 months
Peanut Butter                                                   9 months
Nutella                                                               8 months

Fruit

Applesauce                                                        12-18 months
Fruit, canned                                                      12 months
Fruit, dehydrated                                                8- 12 months
Raisins                                                                6-12 months

Vegetables

Beans, canned                                                   24 months
Beans, dried                                                       12 months
Beans, refried                                                     24 months
Lentils, dried                                                       12 months
Olives                                                                   12 months
Pickles                                                                 18 months
Pumpkin, canned                                               24 months
Tomatoes, whole or diced                               12- 18 months
Tomato sauce                                                    12-18 months
Vegetables, canned                                           24 months

Pasta

Pasta, dry                                                              24-36 months
Pasta sauce, tomato based                              18- 24 months
Pasta, white                                                          12-18 months

Soup

Bouillon                                                                 24 months
Broth, canned                                                      12 months
Chili, canned                                                        18-24 months +
Dry soup mix                                                        12 months
Soup, canned                                                       24 months

Baking

Baking powder                                                     18 months
Baking soda                                                          24 months
Cake/ Brownie mix                                              12 months
Chocolate chips, semisweet                             18 months
Coconut, shredded                                             12 months
Cornmeal                                                              12 months
Cornstarch                                                            18 months +
Corn syrup                                                            24 months +
Flour, all purpose                                                8-12 months
Flour, whole wheat                                              6 months
Frosting                                                                 3-8 months
Gelatin                                                                  18 months
Honey                                                                  indefinitely
Marshmallows                                                     3-4 months
Milk, condensed                                                 12 months
Milk, evaporated                                                  12 months
Milk, non-fat dry                                                   6 months
Molasses                                                              24 months
Oil, canola/ vegetable                                        18-24 months
Oil, olive                                                                24 months
Pudding mix                                                        12 months
Salt                                                                        Indefinitely
Shortening                                                          18 months
Sugar, brown                                                      4-6 months
Sugar, powdered                                               18 months
Sugar, white granulated                                   24 months +
Vanilla extract                                                     24 months
Yeast, active dry                                                 Exp date on pkg

Breakfast

Cereal                                                                    12 months
Fruit snacks                                                            9 months
Granola bars                                                          6-8 months
Oats, old fashioned or quick                              12 months
Pancake mix                                                         6-9 months
Pop Tarts                                                               3-6 months
Syrup, pancake                                                    12 months

Prepared Sides & Rices

Bread crumbs, dried                                             6 months
Rice, brown                                                             6 months
Rice, minute                                                           18 months
Rice or pasta, herb/ seasoned                            6 months
Rice, white                                                               24 months+
Instant potatoes                                                      12 months
Stuffing mix                                                               6-12 months

Condiments and Toppings

Ketchup                                                              12 months
Mayonnaise                                                        4-10 months
Mustard                                                               24 months
Parmesan cheese, grated                             10-12 months
Salad dressing                                                 10-12 months
Salsa                                                                  12-18 months
Soy sauce                                                           24 months
Steak sauce                                                       24 months
Syrup, chocolate                                               12 months
Vinegar                                                                24 months +

Drinks

Coffee, ground                                                12-24 months
Coffee, instant                                                 12 months
Creamer powder                                             18-24 months
Drink mix, powdered                                     18-24 months
Hot cocoa mix                                                  8 months
Juice, bottled                                                  12 months
Soda pop                                                         3-9 months
Sport drinks                                                     9 months
Tea, bags                                                        18 months
Water, bottled                                                12-24 months

Baby

Infant Formula                                                 Exp date on can
Jarred baby food                                             12- 24 months
Rice cereal                                                      12 months

Meat

Chicken, canned                                            12-36 months
Tuna, canned                                                  24-48 months

Shelf lives listed are for unopened products stored in a cool, dry environment and are commercially canned, bottled, or packaged. Dates are approximate and may vary by brand. Always look at the product’s Best By or Use By date and discard any food that exhibits a change in odor, color, or taste. Once products are opened, shelf life decreases substantially.

Happy Couponing!

Say What?!

SayMmm...that's what!

SayMmm.com is what I'm talking about.  One of the gals that started attending our church with her soldier husband and their two cute girls, introduced me to the this really well done website.  I've searched and tried many meal planning sites and have attempted to create my own (which in both cases defaulted back to pen and paper) and this has to be the most well thought out site, really catering to busy people everywhere.

It's a MEAL PLANNER. Save time and money by planning your meals.  Plan everything from Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and even a snack!  Don't feel like cooking? No problem, click on the "Dine" option and choose from your list of favorite eateries.


It's a RECIPE ORGANIZER.  You know how much I love organizers!  This is a really awesome option!  If you're like me, you search the web for all sorts of recipes.  Instead of printing them and hanging it on the fridge, just input the recipe here. All your favorite dishes will be stored in one place. No more lost recipes. No more wasted paper and ink!  Another added option is to share recipes with your friends and family. This is really cool too, especially since I don't get to enjoy my mom's cooking every week.  You can also group recipes together and create Meals. For example, let's say you want to have a Mexican dinner, you can choose your chicken enchilada recipe, your Mexican (Spanish) rice, and your grilled veggies recipe and you'll have your "Enchilada Night" meal ready to be added to your week. Neat huh? If you're short on recipes, they have lots of suggestions for you to choose from.

It's a SHOPPING LIST. Once you have added your recipes, saymmm will create a shopping list according to what you need for your meals that day, week or month (depending on how often you shop).  You can even add items to your list, just click on an item from their list and it'll automatically be added to your shopping list.

Did I mention that you can view everything from your phone too?

Gosh I tell ya, this has helped me so much these past few weeks I've been using it.  If you haven't checked them out yet, please do! It takes some time to familiarize yourself with the site but once you're used to it, it's really simple to use.

So if you ever forget just remember...say what? SayMmm that's what!

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COU·PON·ING

[koo-pon-ing]

–noun

1.

the practice of distributing discount coupons  to consumersas a form of product promotion.

2.

the activity of seeking out or saving discount coupons  tosave money on food or household purchases.

I'm going for definition #2!  Coupons have been around since (believe or not) 1887. That's when the very first coupon was invented by Asa Chandler (you can read more about it here).  For generations frugal moms (& dads) have been cutting coupons to save a buck or two.  In our days of internet and smart phones sometimes there's no need to clip your coupon. Some stores allow you to take advantage of their coupons right from your phone! Pretty cool...and saves our trees too (my Coco will be so happy about that. Ever since her class did a study on Reduce, Reuse & Recycle, she's been quite environmentally cautious and reminds us to apply the 3Rs.  I'm really proud of her for being a good steward of what God gives her but if she starts lecturing me about reusing that paper towel, we're going to have some issues.).

OK...sorry, I got a little side tracked.

Back to coupons...

I personally didn't really cut coupons when my children were little.  Maybe just for diapers, wipes and those baby essentials but never really took advantage of the savings! BOY....did I MISS OUT!!

Now that we really need to watch our spendings, I'm going really start using them little money savers as much as possible.  If you type in coupons in your browser you'll be bombarded with tons of links, blogs and sites full of coupons.  This can get overwhelming for sure!  There are sites out there that do the coupon watching for you already (like The Krazy Coupon Lady).  I'll put some of my favorites on the sidebar to left pretty soon.  

You know what's also big....coupon binders!!! BINDERS....yay! Seriously, what is my fascination with binders?! Anywho, here's one of my favorite videos from YouTube that explains what a coupon binder is.  If you do your research, there's lots of variations of this wonderful money saver.

**Don't forget to turn off the music before you watch the video. Just scroll down and pause it.**

Hope this encourages you to grab your scissors or other cutting contraption and start saving some money!

HAPPY COUPONING!!