Fresh Eyes

Every once in a while, it's important to look at your home with fresh eyes. I did that yesterday, and with the kids, did some decluttering, some vacuuming and just took a fresh look. There are now things on my list, a few that need a chunk of time, but some small changes I can make that will freshen our space and renew it.

Drugstore Game

I've done a few Drugstore Game (see also, Money Saving Mom) trips recently, stocking up (yes, dangerous words for me) on items we use frequently. Hair conditioner and body lotion, various medicines (it's cold season), paper towels, facial cleanser. Boring stuff like that.

I use the tips from websites like those I link to above, and clip the coupons from the paper. It's easy. I have six bins for personal care supplies in my linen closet. They're labeled and I re-organize them every few months. They stay stocked, thanks to Drugstore Game trips.

Today, I got three packages of Theraflu for -$3.00. That's three dollars back. Once I receive my rebate check, Theraflu will have paid me for buying their product. Nice, eh?

Unfortunately, I'm stuffy and have a sinus headache. So, I do actually need to take some Theraful sinus.

Finding that which is lost

I kept my sewing tools in the big purge. My rotary cutter, my good scissors. I know I kept them. And yet, they are not to be found. I've gone through bin after bin, and box after box and have not found them.

I fear they may have been mixed in with items that were donated. That would be frustrating and painful. I need to sew accessories for the big one's Halloween costume. I want to make some simple scarves for the girls' school's holiday bazaar. I can't without my sewing tools.

The fear of every hoarder is that a needed, valuable item will be inadvertantly, accidentally donated. This is why it is so hard to accept help. Because we don't know if the helper will be as cautious as our fragile psyches need them to be.

Please send "rotary cutter come home" thoughts my way.

Reduce what comes in

into the house, that is. Take fewer trips to the store, bundle errands together. Shop at one store versus four.

Reduce the input, increase the output and soon balance is achieved. With balance comes peace and serenity.

Back from Vegas!

Well, I'm back from Fabulous Las Vegas. We had a great time, came out money ahead in our gambling. We saw three shows, visited many of the casinos, and my sweetie got to play BlackJack for the first time (he left the table up, good for him).

As I've mentioned before, I travel light. We both went carry-on only for the flights and I love doing that. It's so great to not have to get to the airport super early just to check your bags. It's great to get off the plane and go straight to the cab line, no waiting for baggage. We both have carry-on size rolling bags. Sweetie had to bring a laptop for work, so his computer bag was his "personal item" and I brought a small tote with book, iPod, and my Vegas purse tucked inside.

Our favourite thing? The Star Trek slot machines at New York-New York. We didn't sit down and play them 'til our last day, but we sure had a blast with them. The sound effects are amazing, and they save your progress if you create an ID, so you can play for a while and come back to the level you left off at.

Gems from the Archive: The Vestfrost started it all

I still love my Swedish fridge!

The Vestfrost started it all

Gems from the Archive: Thinking about excess

Here's a post on parenting and clutter, a two-for-one bonus!

Thinking about excess

Gems from the Archive: The threat of Christmas

My post is short, but there are great, thoughtful comments to read.

The Threat of Christmas

Gems from the Archive: Trixie out of the arkd

An update to this post! Lately, my older daughter has been reading Trixie Belden books and enjoying them. Random House has republished the first 16 in the series, complete with the original illustrations.

Trixie out of the dark

Viva Las Vegas!

Sweetie and I are taking a little trip to celebrate our birthdays. We'll spend the next few days in fabulous Las Vegas.

For your reading pleasure, I'm going to post some of my earlier essays you may have missed. Something new each day. Enjoy!

A Very Special Post: The Wood Stove

Rain Rain Rain

Here in the NW, you know autumn has truly begun when the rains begin. First the drizzling. Next the occasional shower. Then, full on downpours.

I actually love rain. I love the sound it makes on the roof or against the windows. I love the way it makes my skin feel fresh. I love how the humidity makes my hair puff up and curl.

Friday Five

It's alliterative, ok? Here are five things you probably don't know about me.

1. I know how to play Pokemon
2. I drink my coffee black
3. I watched Iron Man four times in the theatre
4. I love Starbucks, but rarely go there
5. I chew my thumbnails

Goodwill drop off!

I dropped off five bags and one box of donations at the Goodwill yesterday. I cleverly timed it so I had just enough time to drop off the donations and drive to school to pick up my kids--no time to browse!

Today is for mundane catch-up work. I've got dishes running, changed the dining room tablecloth, laundry is in progress. Bills need to be paid and I have a few phone calls I've been putting off.