Rocks In My Dryer

Works For Me: Easy Growth Chart

I'm hosting WMFW once more while Kristen is in Kenya. (I hope you're following her amazing posts. You absolutely MUST read this one--be sure to watch the video at the end.)

I'm actually dusting off a very old WFMW of my own to share this week, because it's especially relevant in my house even as we speak. At this very moment, my oldest son (almost 13) is officially as tall as I am. I have absolutely no idea how it happened; hence, this tip...

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When I was a girl, my parents regularly charted my growth by marking my height on my closet door facing.  It's a lovely idea, of course, with one big hitch--when my parents moved out of my childhood home a few years ago, my mom was devastated to leave those measurements behind.  That prompted me to come up with a more permanent solution for our family.

I bought a long piece of lightweight lumber at Home Depot (about 2 inches wide, and six feet tall--it looks and feels like a very tall yardstick), and divided it into three long columns on the front, using a Sharpie marker.  Each boy has his own column, and we mark his height that way.  When Corrie entered the picture, we began marking her height on the back (you could easily mark up to six or eight kids on one stick this way).  It's portable, stored away in a closet and pulled out every few months.  Best of all, I will be able to keep it always, mounting it to the wall in my nursing home someday, when I am old and gray and need to be reminded of the fast-growing little monkeys that lived in my house all these years.

Here's a full-length shot of our growth chart (the mystery stains on the carpet are included simply for your viewing pleasure).  You can see where the boys' names are written at the bottom of each column:

This has been such a fun thing to have--very cheap, and a real treasure.

Have a WFMW tip you'd like to share? Please enter your link below (if you're a newbie, you can read the WFMW guidelines here). Please note that this list will be closed to new links after a few days, to ward off spammers. 

Works For Me: Medicine Spoons

The regular hostess of WFMW, Kristen from We Are THAT Family, is (as we speak!) en route to Kenya with Compassion International. Don't miss her trip updates at her blog--I know she's about to experience some powerful things.

 This week and next, I'll be temporarily hosting Works-For-Me Wednesday--let's see if I remember how to drive this bus!

My tip is a quick one. Not too long ago, I was scrounging around for a measuring spoon. In this house, the measuring spoons all mysteriously migrate to the bathtub or the sandbox, so I couldn't find one. Instead, I grabbed one of these dealies out of the drawer:

Thanks to the revolving door of ear infections in this family, we have just a few (dozen) of these spoons. You know what? It turns out they measure spices/oil/etc much better than traditional measuring spoons, because the overflow doesn't come spilling over the sides, as in a spoon.

(In fact, the last time my mother-in-law was in town, she saw me doing this in my kitchen and said, "You should post that on the Wednesday thing on your blog." So hi, Gego--this one's for you!)

Have a WFMW tip you'd like to share? Please enter your link below (if you're a newbie, you can read the WFMW guidelines here). Please note that this list will be closed to new links after a few days, to ward off spammers.

Works For Me: Strawberry Pie

Kristen is hosting a themed edition of Works-For-Me Wednesday today, and she's asking if we'd like to share a summer recipe.  Mine is for strawberry pie, and I will happily share the recipe, but I WILL NOT SHARE THE PIE.  If you don't believe me, ask the eight-year-old boy I tackled this afternoon when he approached my fridge.

I made this for a church picnic over the weekend; it makes two, which means I could take one to share and I could keep one at home for my family me.

So here it is, the pie which all other pies want to be when they grow up:

STRAWBERRY PIE

2 containers fresh strawberries, sliced and washed
2 pie shells (homemade, if you're fancy, store-bought if you're me)
17 oz Sprite or 7-Up
1 pkg strawberry Jell-o
1 1/2 cup sugar
5 tbsp cornstarch

Bake pie crust, set aside to cool.

In a sauce pan, bring Sprite, sugar and cornstarch to a bowl.  Cook over low heat until it thickens (5-10 minutes).

Remove pan from heat.  Stir in Jell-o until dissolved.  Mix in sliced strawberries.  Chill mixture in fridge for 20 minutes.

Remove from fridge and pour into two pie shells.  Cover with saran wrap and chill for at least three hours before serving.

For more great summer recipes, visit Kristen at We Are THAT Family!

Works For Me: Mom, I'm Bored!

Today We Are THAT Family is hosting the "Mom, I'm Bored" edition of WFMW, which came not a moment too soon.  We are on our third day of summer break, and I've already heard the word "bored" once.  (At which point I ever-so-graciously offered the "bored" child a scrub brush and some shower spray and told him of an upstairs shower in need of a 30-minute scrubbing.  It's amazing how quickly he became unbored.)

My best boredom-buster is popsicles.  You know, the long, skinny ones in the clear plastic wrappers?  The ones that are so outrageously cheap that a part of your brain wonders what's in those things, but the rest of your brain says, "Shhh, it keeps them out of the house"?

I supply the popsicle habit for my own kids and half the neighborhood.  Command Central is the deep freezer in my garage.  Because I would prefer not to have scads of children tracking in and out of my house all day, I've set up a quick way for them to open and dispose of the popsicles outside.  I keep an empty grocery sack duct-taped to the front of the freezer, along with a pair of kids' scissors attached with a piece of string. 

(I've found that whenever one can inject a little duct tape into one's home-management practices, one ushers in an entirely new level of finery).

The kids are able to get their popsicle, snip off the end, and throw away the plastic (DID YOU HEAR THAT KIDS? I SAID THROW AWAY THE PLASTIC!) all in one place, without tracking the popsicle/sandbox slush into my kitchen.  And they're happy.  Or, if not happy, they're sugared up, which is pretty much the same thing.

Have a WFMW tip you'd like to share?  Visit We Are That Family for more great links.

Works For Me: Backwards Edition

It's Backwards Day over at Works-For-Me Wednesday, in which bloggers pose a question and invite readers to respond.  It's perfect timing, because I have a quandary.  A laundry quandary. 

*groan*

You know sometimes you'll see advertisements for laundry detergent, and they'll boast that they're "free of heavy perfumes"? 

I would like to know, when did heavy perfumes become a bad thing?  I know, some people are allergic, but a lot of us aren't.  Furthermore, a lot of us have pre-adolescent sons, which means there is no amount of "heavy perfume" that could be too much, if you know what I'm sayin'.

I love for my laundry to have a strong, clean smell.  I love for it to be so strong that you smell it when you walk in the laundry room.   I love for people to walk past my kids and take a big whiff and say, "Ooo, what's that smell?" and have them not mean it in a bad way.

I have experimented with nearly every product out there, and I can't quite find the solution that works best.  Best I can tell, it's not so much the detergent that leaves the nice scent, it's the fabric softener, and for best results, it's a good idea to use liquid softener and dryer sheets.  Has that been your experience?  And if so, what brand?  So far, I've found Snuggle to have the strongest scent, but it's not my favorite scent.  What do you think?  Basically, do you have any tips on how I can get my laundry to smell so obnoxiously clean that you can smell it from across the street?

Thank you.

For more good tips, check out Works-For-Me Wednesday over at We Are THAT Family.

Oh, Hello, Wednesday

Our friend Works-For-Me Wednesday has moved her spunky self over to We Are THAT Family.  (If you missed the details last week, you can read about it here.)

Please, go over and join Kristen's WFMW--she's going to be an excellent hostess!

This Works For Me Quite Nicely

**UPDATED: Links at end of post!** 

You know what works for me?

(And I know, this is Tuesday, not Wednesday, but bear with me and let's just live on the edge.)

What works for me, it turns out, is a measley 146 things.  That is (to the best of my estimation powers, which are questionable, and if you don't believe me ask our tax guy) the more-or-less number of editions of Work-For-Me Wednesday posts I've written since I started the whole deal in April of 2006.  I started it on a complete whim, never imagining it would last three weeks--certainly not three years. 

But so many of you showed up and played along, and you turned it into something clever and wonderful.  You--certainly not me--are the reason it has been so successful, and I'm just tickled I got to be a part of it.  Thank you for that.

As much as I have enjoyed WFMW, I've also reached a point where I'm needing a rest from it.  You might be surprised how much work it generates behind the scenes--and every bit of it has been happily worth the effort.  But lots of swirly little things are bumping around in my heart and my head these days, some important realizations and convictions about rest and balance.  (I'm thinking I'll probably have a thing or two to write on the subject, in the coming weeks, unless I just get so flat-out full of balance I can't pull my horizontal self off the couch.  A girl can dream, right?)  I've been thinking and praying and looking for some ways to simplify and trim back on some things that are very good but not, in fact, urgent.

I went to BlissDom a couple of weeks ago with the vague intention of shutting down WFMW altogther.  I thought, perhaps, it had run its course.  But, to my great delight, I met so many women at the conference who told me how much they had gained from WFMW--how many good ideas they'd learned and (my favorite part) how many new friends they'd made.  I realized I'd be a real heel to shut down something that might still be of benefit, somewhere.  

So I decided to hand it off to someone else.  It would keep the community still going, and it would be a fun opportunity for another blogger.  I thought through the options without telling a soul.  I wanted to pick someone who would, I knew, handle it graciously and well.  I wanted someone, of course, who had been a faithful participant in WFMW in the past.  And it would've been icing on the cake if I could've met her in real life.

One name just kept floating to the top of my mind.  She seemed like such an obvious choice.  And when I got to spend some time with her at BlissDom, I knew we had our girl.  So, my friends, please meet your new WFMW hostess, beginning next week:  Kristen from We Are THAT Family.  She has graciously agreed to take this on, and I encourage you to participate there just as faithfully as you have here.  I've told Kristen to run with this and do it her way, and I expect she'll make plenty of clever changes.  She has my full blessing.

And I'm not dropping off the WFMW train altogether.  I'll still be around, helping Kristen if she needs it, maybe posting my own WFMW here and joining her Mr. Linky (Wouldn't that be fun?  What do you bet I mess up and don't use the permalink?).  And Kristen and I haven't ruled out the possiblity of working together in the future for even bigger things for WFMW...say, Works-For-Me Wednesday: THE MOVIE! Starring Reese Witherspoon, who cleans her shower with vinegar and sprays her hairbrushes with Static Guard, all while controlling paper clutter by using envelopes! 

I'm just sure it would be a hit.

Kristen will be a hit, too--you're going to love her, if you haven't already met her.  Bear with us over the next couple of weeks as we get everything transferred and she gets up to speed.  In the meantime, tonight at 8 pm CST, I'll host a Mr Linky here (I didn't want to leave you high and dry if you had a post already written!)  So check back later tonight to leave your link.  Starting next week, you'll leave your links at Kristen's blog.

And if I may say it one more time...Thank you for making this little carnival something special.  I have enjoyed it so much.

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Have a Works-For-Me Wednesday tip you'd like to share?  I'd love for you to join us!  First timers, check out the guidelines here.  Please note that the links will close down at 8 pm CST tonight, in order to keep away the spammers.

Was your link deleted?  CLICK HERE.

1. The Happy Housewife ~ Blogging Tips 2. The Diaper Diaries (say uncle) 3. It Feels Like Chaos (time with kids) 4. Kate: Purse Organization 5. Amy @ Finer Things (cutting brownies) 6. Lisa@ Elbows (soup shots) 7. Susan @ Practicing Thrift (safely cut baby costs) 8. We are THAT family (WFMW tips) 9. Muses of Megret (postal time saver) 10. Julie From Inmates 11. HealthBeginsWithMom (Sneaking Vegetables) 12. MamaMay (Dry Earse Markers) 13. Jeni (More Restful Sleep!) 14. Innkeeper Seely 15. Mother Hen (free laptop stand) 16. A Simple Walk (blank notebooks & cheap calendars) 17. songbirdtiff (the gift that keeps giving) 18. Dawn@PSHelovesyou(cupcake idea) 19. ElizabethG (finding substitutes) 20. Anne @ teaching two (play time) 21. Kristen (recipe organization) 22. Nichole @ A Call to Higher Places (HELP with Cloth Diapers!!!) 23. Happy To Be At Home (dating your children) 24. Mom2ThreeAdoptedSibs 25. steadymom (historical preschool books) 26. Sonshine (loaves to muffins) 27. Musings of a Housewife (firefox extensions) 28. Elizabeth (Organizing the Kitchen) 29. Hooked on Houses (stainless out?) 30. Traci (Cheap Easy=GIVEAWAY!) 31. OVERWHELMED! Kelly the Kitchen Kop 32. Such The Spot {Hostess Gift Ideas} 33. Kate\'s kitchen: Clean green with Norwex 34. jodi @ bpr (easy Bible reading) 35. Erin (medicine cabinet organization) 36. Upstatemomof3 37. Heidi @ Blue Eyed Blessings (baskets!) 38. Phyllis (onions) 39. Creative2xmom (great kitchen tool; using it tonight) 40. Julie Stiles Mills (pda & pc cookbook, menu planner, shopping list) 41. Julie Stiles Mills (Disney World in the Summer) 42. Amy Andrews (14 best baby tips) 43. Amy @ MOMSTOOLBOX (no more high heel pain) 44. Margot (One Weekend = 60 Servings) 45. Julie @ The Clark Chronicles - Fun WIth Popcorn! 46. Dear Abbi (homeschool help idea) 47. Maya (From Nature Direct) 48. Kristie (keeping homeschool interesting) 49. Tracey @ Girls to Grow (no-sew help) 50. mombrud (prepare to leave the kids) 51. Maria D. (Handy Recipe Holder) 52. Milissa - cooking seafood with no "fishy" smell 53. Miss Mommy...It\'s Written at the Top..) 54. JA@Gravity of Motion (Free Magazines) 55. Alison - BKF Rust Removal 56. Home School Dad (WFMW) 57. Many Little Blessings (Best Gift for Families with New Babies) 58. Cooking Up a Family (the unmenu planning) 59. Rhen @yestheyareallmine 60. Maren - Word Whammer 61. oh amanda (saving lives) 62. Betty Beguiles 63. Fairion - Adoption 64. Real Life (GUACAMOLE!) 65. Cindy (kids clothes organizing) 66. Kayren (getting ink out of dryer) 67. Kristin (telling stories, not lying) 68. Miche@CoordinatedChaos(edible poster paint going up wed) 69. Angela@NineMoreMonths(making dinner easier) 70. Kim&HerCoffee (Soup & Stew Recipes) 71. The Cozy Country Home (computer security) 72. Liz @ Working Mom 73. MemeGRL (what to do with old records) 74. "Cents"able Momma (Rotate Toys to keep them FUN) 75. Heather (cheap crafty present) 76. Carolina Mama (She Homeschools! Giveaway) 77. Carol @ I Throw Like a Girl - How I saved my pants. 78. Fried Chicken and Cheesesteaks (move over Cinnabon) 79. Emily @ Little Home (generous Etsy artisans) 80. Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam(curing the economy - couponing) 81. Kirsty @ Momedy (Steel Cut Oat Review) 82. Rina (Finding Reputable Online Merchants) 83. TrentTribe (Sweet n\' Sour Chicken at home) 84. Chief Family Officer (Easier invites and thank yous) 85. Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers (Mom Binder) 86. PASS THE TORH (family travel Ft. Myers) 87. Sandwiched (Quick healthy weeknight meal) 88. Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers (NO sweets for the SOUR) 89. Kat @ New England Saving (Valentine\'s Day) 90. Becky (Free Workout Video) 91. Hillary @ Dunham Diaries (Pizza with a healthy twist) 92. Condo Blues (save $ stop fireplace drafts) 93. Happy To Be At Home (stocking your pantry) 94. Cooking During Stolen Moments (sweet & sour ham) 95. Rachel (Family Organization) 96. Homemaker Barbi (Baby Gifts to Forget) 97. Pam - produce bags 98. Joy @ Five J\'s (Whole Wheat Pizza Crust) 99. Lisa@BlessedwithGrace(quick,easy,no mess meal) 100. Penny Pinching Diva (Blog Organization Chart) 101. At A Hen\'s Pace (kid-friendly baked potatoes) 102. Little Catholic Hedge (Fast & Easy Way to Brown Ground Beef) 103. Olivia 104. Michele @ Frugal Granola (Homemade Natural Lip Balm) 105. Taylor at Household Management 101 (how to find books at right reading level) 106. Megan (sleepytime tea) 107. NerdFamily Food (Mashed Potatoes tips) 108. Gina (Free/Low-Cost Paint) 109. Milehimama (invisible clutter) 110. Natalie (Travel Tip) 111. Katie @ Making This Home 112. Gennaro 113. Kaycee (Doing Homework in the Car) 114. BooksnBoys (Keeping the Romance Alive) 115. My Charmed Life (Washable Crayons) 116. Apples and Jammies (score!) 117. e-Mom @ Chrysalis (Devotional: Flag of Surrender) 118. Joanna @ Grace In The Home (Bulk Spices) 119. Thrifty Jinxy (Save on Phone Service) 120. the Animator\'s Wife (Valentine Tradition) 121. Joyful Johnsons (rotating chores) 122. Heather@JustDoingMyBest (keeping information handy) 123. Amanda@MomofFaith isABelt 124. Jean Stockdale (Multi-tasking) 125. Making Money Keeping Money (Samples) 126. se7en (beyond babies - se7en tips) 127. Sandra @ A Lot of Savings *Grocery Shopping with Kids* 128. mub (Cheap phone service) 129. Dot (surgery prep) 130. NerdFamily Things (Scanalog software) 131. Ann @ Holy Experience (Handling Stress) 132. FishMama @ LifeasMOM (life w/ 2 babies) 133. Not So Perfect(cupcakes) 134. Michelle @ Saving Some Green (Uses for cooked cubed chicken breast) 135. JanMary (baby {breadbasket} gift!) 136. Don\'t Start None (Slow Cooker Liners) 137. The Extreme Housewife (Organizing Your Craft Room) 138. Broke Girl (Vinegar: better than "The Bachelor") 139. Krisi @ Mom & Dad to R Kids (declutter calendar) 140. Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates (Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix Packet) 141. Leanne @ SeetheWoods Giveaway 142. Lisa @ Stop Eating All The Chocolates (Low-Cal Garlic Bread Substitute) 143. Sarah (goodie bags) 144. Tara @ Feels like Home (homemade octopus) 145. Sarah (Professional Headshot Photograpsh

146. Trixie (Money Help) 147. whimsy (easy twitter buttons) 148. Girls in White Dresses (Motivating Kids to Clean Up) 149. Shannon (low-carb coconut bread) 150. Suzanne (sneaky healthy eating) 151. Aunt LoLo (Better pics with a point n\' shoot) 152. Bailey\'s Leaf (Glove Box Extras) 153. Buffie - Pizza Oven Uses 154. flexible dreams (peanut alternative) 155. Common Cents Mom - Accountability 156. Allyson @ A Heart For Home (Green Smoothies) 157. Jennifer @ Joyful & Graceful Living ( Dryer Sheets on the Cheap) 158. exhale. return to center. (our book nook) 159. Mom24@4evermom (sewing fabric tip) 160. Happy Momma (cutting back on plastic bags) 161. Newlyweds (dogs) 162. KLee (Love Dare) 163. Alicia (love your husband) 164. Keren (How to Get a SWEET Mug AND 3 Boxes of Coffee for $3!) 165. *Michelle* (free works for me!) 166. Karen @ Living Well on Less (Reducing stress a little at a time) 167. Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet (Quiet Time) 168. Carol @SheLives (medicine cabinet) 169. Christy (Make money online) 170. Phoebe @ Cents to Get Debt Free (USING UP CANDLES) 171. Molly Green (longer-lasting candle fragrance) 172. JB (Giving from the stockpile) 173. Drop The Baby Weight: Veggie Piggybacking! 174. Jill ( Reality TV Family Fun) 175. Brooke (unqiue budget column) 176. Life with Three (Making Cute Hair Clips) 177. Scott (Cheap Framed Art) 178. Lynn (ww overnight coffee cake) 179. Suz@ FamilyMakesCents (Don\'t need it?) 180. Organizing mommy (favorite game) 181. Heather Lessiter (Paper clutter fix & giveaway) 182. Raise Them Up (Party: BYOB!) 183. Houstonmom (72 hr kits) 184. Becky@ Living Out Loud (when you need an extra dish) 185. pennypinchinmomma ( a real mom\'s guide to once a month cooking!) 186. Kim (List Making) 187. Everything Moms (organizing kids medicines) 188. Michelle (tutorial on paperback swap) 189. Havingfunathome (pregnancy letters) 190. Tasha @ Hectic Calm (OAMC for Smaller Families) 191. Lori (memes) 192. suzannah ($ for BPA bottles) 193. Candace (head strong preschooler) 194. Valerie at Home (posting the menu) 195. Anne (e-cards) 196. melissa * 320 sycamore (hand soap) 197. Katie (paper clutter tips) 198. Abbi (family meals) 199. Teal coring apples 200. Petersonclan (Seed Starting) 201. Paula@ Organizing Tips (Label Your STUFF) 202. A Frugal Housewife (Targeting Debt Problem Areas) 203. Donna @ The Frugal Mom Blog- (Website full of Redbox Rental Promo Codes) 204. Erica (Time saving Mixes) 205. Janet (Special Needs Resources) 206. Tanna (Organized Purse, Butler Bag) 207. Lindsay @ Passionate Homemaking (truly natural mascara options) 208. Keri (Ever heard of borax?) 209. Southernseven (battle of detergents!) 210. Amy @ Our Bumpy Road 211. Jennifer @ Lirazel (kitchen cleaning tip) 212. The Prudent Homemaker (Potato Cheese Soup) 213. The Prudent Homemaker (Free American Girl Doll Clothes Patterns) 214. Missy@Simply Red(two ingredient biscuit recipe) 215. Bring on the Lloyds...(Streching Choc Syrup) 216. Bring on the Lloyds...(Stretching Choc Syrup) 217. Parenting the Tiniest of Miracles (tap water) 218. Tips & Treasures (Repurposed Baby Food Jars) 219. Katie @ Endless Day (Chore Wars) 220. Beth@sportsmomma (Sleep timer/iTouch-iPhone) 221. Holly@Homebody(Taming the Paper Trail) 222. Nichole (cough relief a Giveaway!) 223. Sandra (loving my husband) 224. AliAnn (organizing kids artwork) 225. Kendra @FamilyMgrKendra (get rid of rust stains in toilet) 226. Linda\'s Lunacy(Laundry Detergetnt Tips) 227. Joni (Vinegar in Smelly Laundry) 228. Heather of the EO (lifting the funk) 229. Jerri@Jerri\'s Journey (Cheap Substitution) 230. Veggiemomof2 (combining IM programs) 231. Kara(Paying Our House Off Early) 232. Hotomom 233. michelle 234. Rachael @ Beans & Rice (sinus pain relief when you can\'t take meds) 235. Rona - Decorating with Words 236. Michelle (identifying toys) 237. Penny Raine 238. Stacey-the perfect cup for preschoolers and beyond. 239. Domestic Chicky - Easy Dijon Chicken 240. Lynette3boys - oven prep 241. April @ Doggie Bloggie (HCFSA) 242. ChickyMama (teaching kids their phone number) 243. Crayl (cheese saver) 244. Becky 245. mom2my9 (Being a Vegan) 246. ilovemy5kids (how to get your kids to take yucky meds) 247. Alisa-The Sweet Life (easy baby shower decorations and gift) 248. Counting Sprinkles (Swagbucks) 249. Cyndi Lewis 250. momsfrugal (learning frugality from others) 251. LANA: kids-and-chores 252. Wani (free food for your b-day!) 253. The Masked Mommy (staying on my diet) 254. Ranee @ Arabian Knits (Picking Good Asparagus) 255. My Treasure Hunt (Yummy cutout cookies!) 256. Dena (Attitude/Inspiration) 257. ChickyMama FIXED LINK (teaching kids their phone number) 258. Free 2 Be Frugal (envelope system) 259. Day (Frozen Cookie Pucks)) 260. Saver Queen (homemade pretzels) 261. lomagirl (gift of the month) 262. Jenna (easy homemade breakfast sandwich) 263. Lizzie (Vit. C for the yuckies) 264. Jerri @ Simply Sweet Home (giveaway) 265. Hi! It\'s me, Jen 266. Jessica @ Finding Joy in the Journey 267. Melanie (frugal Valentine 2010) 268. Audra (Cleaning Glass Top Stoves Easily) 269. onemotherslove (coupon shopping) 270. Jessica @ Who Left The Light On? (Meal Planning) 271. Alice@supratentorial(Teatime) 272. Melissa 273. Lynne(White Vinegar-wonder-household-cleaner) 274. livingtoworship 275. livingtoworship (ROOT your cut roses and dry the blooms!) 276. Ginger (Recycled Candy boxes for Facts-vs-Opinion-game) 277. Stephanie @ The Coupon Game (1-Minute Bathroom Sink Clean!) 278. Elizabeth (kids bible program) 279. Kristin -The Goat (New use for Address Labels) 280. Polly (CVS shopping tips) 281. Saving Money Ideas (crock-pot chili) 282. BusyMom (canned goods organization) 283. Jenny Lynn ("go bag") 284. News from the Zoo (How we use journals in our homeschool) 285. Christine (How I had sex for a week) 286. Kirstin: iphone application 287. Mozi Esme (kid "U" crafts) 288. uppervalleymom (kid friendly emergency procedures) 289. lynn @queenofthecastlerecipes.com (fantastic lemon cookies)

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Links are now closed.  Join in next week at Kristen's blog!

Works For Me: Canker Remedy

Two weeks ago I developed a canker sore.  Those are always painful, but this one earned a spot in the Canker Hall of Fame.  It was excruciating, made worse by its location just under my bottom lower lip.  Plus, it was a huge one.  ("No it wasn't," says Hubs.  "Yes, it was," says I.  "No, it wasn't," he says again.  He's just fussy because for seven days, anytime he even walked in my general direction I held up my hands and shouted "DON'T KISS ME!  DON'T KISS ME!") 

Cankers are, according to Dr. Google, only supposed to last a few days.  When mine kept going for a full week, I started to get desperate.  I talked to friends, both the real-life and the Twitter variety.  I browsed the pharmacy.  I tried all the faithful stand-by remedies, including all the over-the-counter options I could find.  Hubs, who, it turns out, seems to have a background in medieval torture, insisted I should just cover my finger with salt and pinch the fire out of the sore.  My middle son offered his best advice:  "Mom, you just have to be tough.  Don't think about it. Play with pain."  (Really?  Interesting advice from someone for whom I endured childbirth, but I digress.)

Just before having my lower lip removed altogether, I stumbled on a remedy.  Well, two remedies, actually--I started them on the same day, so I can't be positive which one worked.  One friend recommend L-lysine tablets, a supplement said to promote both skin and immune-system health.  Within only a few hours of my first dose I noticed a difference.  Additionally, I swished my mouth several times a day with liquid Maalox.  It tasted horrible, but it immediately offered some relief from that intense, burning pain that comes with cankers.  Finally, after two full weeks, Friday morning (mercy!), just in time for my BlissDom panel, it went away.  (And hey, my BlissDom friends, if I smelled like chalky mint, now you know why.)

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Have a Works-For-Me Wednesday tip you'd like to share?  I'd love for you to join us!  First timers, check out the guidelines here.  Please note that the links will close down at 8 pm CST tonight, in order to keep away the spammers.

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1. Gretchen (Juice for kids?) 2. Light Part 2 3. How To Overcome Fear (Kat) 4. Blue Castle (Light Part 2) 5. Mother Hen (Ants) 6. Becky (1 Ham 12 Meals) 7. Musings of a Housewife (twitter blissdom notes) 8. A Simple Walk (valentine\'s ideas for the kids) 9. Alison (Cleaning with Flylady) 10. LETTING GO OF LOW-FAT MENTALITY 11. Tasha @ Hectic Calm (Healthy Ground Beef Mix) 12. Kim @ Forever Wherever (Meal Planner) 13. The Happy Housewife ~ Successful blogging 14. Hooked on Houses (2-story fam rms) 15. Happy To Be At Home (mattress matters) 16. My Treasure Hunt (Birthday Cupcakes) 17. Tonya(Eczema Remedy) 18. Julie (Weight Loss Tips) 19. Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers (I SEE you!) 20. Margot (Nana Learns To Recycle) 21. Nicole @ Here\'s The Diehl (Redbox tip) 22. Cindy (keep track of doses given) 23. Mari (Febreze fabric refresher) 24. This Side of Eternity (coupons) 25. Amy @ Finer Things (Valentine Play Dough) 26. Erin - homeschool PE ideas 27. Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet (Uplifting) 28. Amy Roller (Help for reluctant writers) 29. cyn(kids\' responsibility checklist) 30. We are THAT Family (DIY home decor) 31. It Feels Like Chaos (Great Children\'s Books) 32. Stretch Mark Mama (Geekin\' out with geography) 33. FishMama @ LifeasMOM (Maple-Oat Heart Scones) 34. Audra Krell (Blogtalkradio) 35. Homemaker Barbi (Declutter Your Life) 36. The Diaper Diaries (pilates) 37. Megan (Netti Pot) 38. SortaCrunchy (new mom book - giveaway!) 39. Lisa@ Elbows (stove top cleaner and recipe link) 40. Kristen (complete proteins) 41. Tracey (Math Resource) 42. Holly@Homebody (get rid of hard water film) 43. Sarah (Kids & Veggies) 44. Christine at Hometeam Wins (Almost new dining chairs) 45. Missy (kid friendly,easy,cheap meal) 46. "Cents"able Momma (Get free money for searching with Swagbucks) 47. Rina (Romance on a budget) 48. Katie @ Making This Home 49. Kim @ Beanish - Keeping Bugs Away 50. Kirsty @ Momedy (Getting What You *Really* Want) 51. Lee (low cost fitness ideas) 52. Condo Blues (stay up shower curtain rod) 53. Carol @SheLives 54. Jenni @ grueling homeschooling (preschool help) 55. Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlam(bulk baking-marvelous muffins) 56. Fizzy Clean Soda Shaker 57. Studio M Designs(using red tastefully) 58. Daiquiri (teach baby to sleep thru the night) 59. Donnetta (Making Freezer Jam) 60. Joyful Johnsons (15 min. a Day) 61. Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home (financial resources we LOVE) 62. Heather@JustDoingMyBest (shopping for free) 63. Rachel (freezing baby food a different way) 64. Dodge & Weave 65. Kaycee (The In and Out Basket) 66. Many Little Blessings (Generating Blog Revenue) 67. Rosie (Easy Pet-A-Cure) 68. momsfrugal(RED-tomato salad) 69. Lisa (Freebie for Kids) 70. Innkeeper Seely (rug cleaning) 71. Mrs. Organic (great skin, naturally) 72. Insert crazy here (Stuffy drawers and closets) 73. The Trysting Place (Valentine\'s gift that lasts) 74. Lynne(E-Coupons) 75. Making Money Keeping Monday(Farmer\'s Markets) 76. Lynne(Missions) 77. Raise Them Up (Valentine\'s Day Opportunities 78. Gennaro 79. Arleen (attending Blissdom09 virtually) 80. Suzanne (Keeping iTouch organized) 81. Carolina Mama (Community Matters) 82. Crayl (Information Exchange for sick loved ones) 83. Nicole (Not cutting coupons....) 84. Headless Mom-Homework tips 85. The Extreme Housewife (Why I want to homeschool) 86. NerdFamily Things (Craft Organization) 87. Krisi @ Mom & Dad to R Kids (food storage dating) 88. Kristine (Free Valentines) 89. Not So Perfect(Kids Vitamins) 90. Catherine (Travel tips) 91. mom2my9 (Vegan Substitues for Whole Wheat Rolls) 92. Grocery Cart Challenge (GIVEAWAY Save $250 per year) 93. se7en (se7en things I wish I knew about new siblings) 94. Donielle @ RaisingPeanuts (Pregnancy Survival) 95. Leanne (Great Easy Bread Recipe) 96. Leanne (Valentne Hearts Tutorial) 97. Heidi @ Blue Eyed Blessings (organizing gift wrap supplies) 98. Faith (Making Valentines) 99. Stephanie in France (travel memories) 100. Beth (Laundry Helper) 101. Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates (Honoring Hubby) 102. Anne (The store in the closet) 103. Sarah....wedding organizer on a budget 104. Kerry@ramblings (local milk) 105. HealthBeginsWithMom (Egg a Day?) 106. BusyMom (the invaluable library) 107. Kate\'s Kitchen: Cinnamon Hearts 108. Keeping It All Together 109. Sarah (traditional birthday picture) 110. Trixie @ Farmhomelife (Huge Coupon Booklet) 111. Fairion 112. whimsy (search blog feeds) 113. Tara @ Feels like Home (bath paints) 114. Fairion - Relay for life 115. Fiddledeedee (Computer Passwords) 116. warillever (home preschool part 2) 117. Jolanthe (Movable Chalkboard Panels) 118. Camian Academy (art wall) 119. flexible dreams (kid kabobs) 120. Girls in White Dresses (organize kids\' books) 121. MC (Making the Library Easier) 122. Molly Green (cheap, personalized wedding present) 123. Everything Mom (Bargain valentines ideas for your love) 124. REPURPOSED (repurposing a window blind) 125. Alice@Supratentorial(Dry Foot Remedy) 126. Chris (5 week menu plan) 127. Alice@Supratentorial(Dry Foot Remedy) 128. Working Mom (WII FIT) 129. Carlyn @ CJ\'s Place 130. Renee @ FIMBY (Garlic for Ear Infection) 131. Sandra (chore chart) 132. Liz@Frugally Blonde (Decorations for a Dollar) 133. Shannon (crock pot chicken stock) 134. Bailey\'s Leaf (Heirloom Seeds & Gardening) 135. Kat @ New England Saving (Coupon clipping methods) 136. Alicia @ CrazySubmarineLady (Romantic Valentine\'s Date Idea) 137. Anne @ TeachingTwo 138. Kristin (cute *cheap* craft storage) 139. Moms by Heart (CAST YOUR CARES BOX) 140. Mom\'s Marbles (5 Valentine\'s Day Activities) 141. Katie (quick cleaning for guests) 142. Kim ( Who Knew?) 143. Allyson @ A Heart For Home (fabric giveaway) 144. Wildwood Mama (Uses for glass jars) 145. Allyson @ A Heart For Home (Easy & Impressive Valentine\'s Main Dish) 146. Buffie - Sugar Dispenser 147. Allyson @ A Heart For Home (Free Valentine\'s Gift from the Heart) 148. Chief Family Officer (Cook w/ your toaster oven) 149. TrentTribe (better cornbread) 150. Sonshine(grocery shopping & saving) 151. Counting Sprinkles (Vaseline) 152. RealLife (The best GUACAMOLE ever) 153. UnfinishedMom (Laundry Day)

154. BooksnBoys (DIAPER deal) 155. Lynn (whole wheat rolls) 156. Nichole (a fix for failed cakes) 157. lizzykristine @ Uplifted Eyes (controlling paper clutter) 158. Olivia 159. Phoebe @ Cents to Get Debt Free (Paid to Search Online!) 160. Deni (fun, free photo editing) 161. Allyson @ A Heart For Home (4 Designer Fat Quarters of Your Choice) 162. Allyson @ A Heart For Home (FREE "Valentine\'s Day on a Dime" eBook) 163. Susan @ Practicing Thrift (asset allocation wizards) 164. Scott (Cheap Bathroom Makeover) 165. emily (baby play idea) 166. Bring on the Lloyds....(Easy Photo Editing) 167. Allyson @ A Heart For Home (FREE Gift Cards) 168. Joanna @ Grace In The Home (Natural Remedy for Eczema) 169. Karen @ Mommy, I\'m Home (yummy WW recipe) 170. Paula (Tips to Save Time) 171. Maren - Diaper Rash Cure 172. Laryssa @Heaven In The Home (Romantic Strawberries)) 173. Traci (States Study Helpers) 174. Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers (reading bingo) 175. Lana (Carpet Stain Remover) 176. Amy (Mary Kay--free shipping) 177. pinkcamojeep(watching for God in the everyday) 178. Mommy-fied (how to lower high fever) 179. Bree @ Living a Fulfilling Life at Home 180. Havingfunathome (cheap toddler climbing wall and slide) 181. exhale. return to center. (our $12 thrift store bench) 182. Muses of Megret (best online recipe sites!) 183. Janet (Blog Post Organization) 184. Abbi (free family activities) 185. Jean Stockdale (Study Bible) 186. Jerri@Jerri\'s Journey (Easy Chicken and Rice) 187. Christine (DEPRESSION) 188. The Cozy Country Home (Consignment Shops) 189. songbirdtiff-the easy way to keep out clutter 190. Sandwiched (Peeling garlic) 191. Tanna (Laundry Penalty) 192. Allyson @ A Heart For Home (Free Coupon Booklet) 193. Tifffany (T.G.I. Friday\'s Coupon) 194. Jennifer @ Lirazel (make-up remover) 195. Such The Spot (brown sugar pound cupcakes) 196. Such The Spot (brown sugar pound cupcakes) 197. Lindsay @ Passionate Homemaking (developing a bedtime routine) 198. Lisa@BlessedwithGrace(Severe weather prep) 199. Rhen @yestheyareallmine (conditioner) 200. Bitty (tea recommendations) 201. Michelle (valentines tea party) 202. Tiny Blessings (homemade hand lotion) 203. Dawn @ Baby Addiction (Potty Training) 204. Whosoever Believeth (Hot Breakfast vs. Poptarts) 205. Crystal (making baby food) 206. Kristine (Homemade Key Covers) 207. Jennifer (stay at home days) 208. Gloriana (Netflix Tips) 209. Mulberry Spot (natural skin care) 210. Eden (A Non-Housekeeper\'s Routine) 211. Heidi (morning surprise) 212. Taylor@ HM 101 (when you can ignore laundry symbols and tags) 213. samvach 214. Amanda@BetterIsLittle (Milk-Money Wallet) 215. samvach (Middle Ages Board Game) 216. Sara @ Twice as Nice 217. Crystal @ News from the Zoo (Vinegar in the Laundry) 218. Teal self check out tip 219. Michelle @ Saving Some Green (Make your own jello snacks!) 220. Natalie (Getting permanent marker off skin, yes skin) 221. All Things Cherished (new uses for rubber bands) 222. angie (cleaning of summer shoes) 223. Kara (spray paint magic!) 224. Milehimama (Bloggy Business) 225. Runningamuck (my fav recipe source) 226. Sarah @ Ordinary Days (Getting Sponsored) 227. Ashley (*nearly* spill proof juice boxes) 228. Sandra *Mr. Clean Magic Eraser* 229. Jessica @ Who Left The Light On? (Bucket of Shoes) 230. Pagan Homemaking (complete mouth care) 231. Daily Delights (Tough Love) 232. Rachel R. (ironing) 233. Alisa-The Sweet Life (laundry love) 234. Trixie @ Farmhomelife (Free Flooring) 235. ChickyMama (Storing sheets) 236. Shoebee(sorting socks) 237. Cara (washing cups and jars) 238. Maria (homemade instant oatmeal) 239. Betsy (inexpensive Teacher Valentine Gifts) 240. Amanda (a good laugh) 241. Christy (GF & Frugal) 242. Monica (help for the reluctant speller and stressed mom) 243. Wani (bad news/good news) 244. Suz (Upromise) 245. Jeni (Don\'t Answer Phone) 246. Samantha (angel catcher for kids) 247. Amyswandering (Household Notebook Printables) 248. Rachel - Frugal tips 249. Cathy (re-use those leeches *giggle*) 250. pennypinchinmomma ( quick hot breakfast) 251. Penny Raine 252. Amber(Homemade cleaning and pampering) 253. Miss Mommy (Sharpie Will Remember!) 254. Candace (Mashed Potatoes) 255. Sabrina@Raising Oaks of Righteousness (Financial Freedom!) 256. \'Becca (group decision making) 257. Elizabeth ($1 Store Tools) 258. BumbleBabyMommy - storage idea 259. Keeslerchaos (pet sharing) 260. Suz@ FamilyMakesCents (Valentine\'s Day) 261. hotomom (learning letters/ABCs) 262. Day (Computer on the kitchen Counter) 263. April 264. LFinn (My secret (makeup) weapon) 265. Jill @ MoneySavinDiva (Finding Storage in Unlikely Spaces!) 266. Julie @ The Clark Chronicles (Clothespins are very useful housold items!) 267. Susan @ Feeling Frugal (Easy Exercises) 268. Amy @ Buffaloes&BW (freezing meat) 269. Julie @ The Clark Chronicles (Jell-o as a science lesson) 270. The Well-Rounded Woman (beautiful designer) 271. Joy(red lobster cheddar biscuits!) 272. Kristen 273. Kara(To Give or to Sell?) 274. TuTu\'s Bliss (Photo Tip) 275. Diane free books and free time 276. Linda\'s Lunacy (Coupon Binder) 277. Homefront Mom - coupon binder 278. Teri @ the Infertility Chronicles - Healthy V-day treat! 279. Monica @ Daily Dwelling (scrabble tile pendants) 280. the o\'Brien Family (Teaching Through Life) 281. Lori @ enjoy the process (glasses) 282. Jennifer@theapplegrove 283. Totallyscrappy (Prayer journal for kids) 284. Simply Sharon entryway organization 285. Recovering Noah (teaching spelling to LD kids) 286. Alexandra(Recycling Orange Peels) 287. What\'s Cooking (Flylady) 288. What\'s Cooking (safe cleaning products) 289. The Mommys Place 290. The Prudent Homemaker (Frugal Bean Recipe) 291. EmilyV @ Random Ramblings (Using the Library) 292. Momma & More (handy towels giveaway) 293. Kate: Icing a Cake Neatly 294. Martia (Port A Potty) 295. Confessions of a Third-Rate Gift-Giver 296. Grateful for Grace (moving tip) 297. Em. @ Gratitude. Simplicity. Frugality. 298. Nichole @ A Call to Higher Places (Free Savings Forum and Target Coupons!) 299. Mammarino - (Checkout Line Pastime) 300. Mozi Esme (V kid crafts) 301. Photoqueen (My Cold Remedy) 302. Julie Stiles Mills (taking ACTION) 303. Ginger (100th Homeschool Day Ideas) 304. Kirstin: Medium scoops 305. Katie (Closet Tips) 306. lynn @ queenofthecastlerecipes.com (Valentine\'s Day garlic toast)

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WFMW: Nada, Zilch

I'm taking a WFMW breather this week.  Between recovering from the chaos of last week's ice storm and preparing for BlissDom (I fly out tomorrow), I'm running in about 4,892 different directions.  So y'all post your own links, while I finish packing (and praying for skies free of killer geese tomorrow afternoon).

Please feel free to leave your WFMW links below.  First timers, check out the guidelines here.  Please note that the links will close down at 8 pm CST tonight, in order to keep away the spammers.

Was your link deleted?  CLICK HERE.

1. Online Book Club 2. We are THAT family (personalized art giveaway) 3. BlueCastle (recycled candlelight) 4. The Diaper Diaries (packing list) 5. Homemaker Barbi - Carry On Checklist 6. Kerri (Bible in a Year) 7. Can you wear stilletos? 8. Amy @ Finer Things (We a Team!) 9. Traci (Homeschool Planning 09\'-10\') 10. Home School Dad (Swim Lessons) 11. THE COSTS OF EATING HEALTHY - Kelly the Kitchen Kop 12. 3 Bay B Chicks: Google Tips! 13. Daiquiri (ear wax tip) 14. Land of Lovings (Getting Kids to Sleep) 15. It Feels Like Chaos (Ways to Save Money) 16. Raise Them Up (Birdfeeder on the"Cheep!" 17. This Side of Eternity (Making Extra Money) 18. Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers (Butter-Fingers) 19. Carolina Mama (Boost Baby Brain Power) 20. Liz @ Working Mom (Storing fabric) 21. Christine (natural deodorant) 22. Stretch Mark Mama (Care Package for Homeless Men and Women) 23. mombrud (organize your magazines) 24. Alison (Babesafe Mattress Cover) 25. A Simple Walk (shedding my martyr\'s cloak) 26. Kristen (dressing kids with no fights) 27. Cooking During Stolen Moments (feeding my family foods I don\'t like) 28. Mother Hen (Bible reading) 29. So Thankful (use up old herbs) 30. The Happy Housewife ~ Cavity Free Kids 31. "Cents"able Momma (Get Free Photos) 32. Happy To Be At Home (training kids to be helpers) 33. Mammarino - (Cheap Capris!) 34. Laryssa @Heaven In The Home (Romantic Valentine\'s Day At Home) 35. Tonya(smalltownlagirl) 36. FishMama @ LifeasMOM (Kids\' Chores) 37. Holly@Homebody (repurposed kitchen island) 38. Amy loves Bud (chores - help me!) 39. Kristin -The Goat (Customized free images) 40. Mari (Shark steam mop) 41. Margot (Bread in My Crockpot 42. Condo Blues (Stay Put Draft Dodger) 43. Mulberry Spot (Cloth diapers) 44. Anne @ teaching two (kids craft) 45. Musings of a Housewife (gloves/hat organization) 46. Joy @ Five J\'s (Kids Questioning Authority) 47. Broke Girl (Tips for Saving Energy) 48. Colleen - Mommy Always Wins (cold weather activities GIVEAWAY!) 49. What is it Now (ColorStay Lip Gloss) 50. Chief Family Officer (Minimalist skin care) 51. Daily Dwelling (glass marble magnets) 52. Homeschool Classroom (Preschool at Home) 53. Kansas Mom (don\'t spill salt) 54. Joyful Johnsons (Popsicle Stick Chores) 55. Parent Wonder (Food for Toddlers) 56. Nicole (Best Bible ever!) 57. Lee (preschool Valentine\'s project) 58. Crystal@ News from the Zoo(Economical Cleanser) 59. Reading Rosie (Through Golden Windows) 60. Kimi @ The Nourishing Gourmet-Curried Sprouted Lentils with Cilantro Sauce 61. Many Little Blessings (Homemade Recipes for Disinfectant) 62. Michele @ Frugal Granola (Homemade Liquid Hand Soap w/1 Soap Bar!) 63. NerdMom (Cough Solutions) 64. Heather (frugal "xerox") 65. Kristine (Easy Valentine Gift/ Craft)) 66. Sarah 67. Donna@Way More Homemade (The Baby Years-Homemade Baby Food) 68. Lindsay @ Passionate Homemaking (bulk grain storage) 69. Angela @ Diapers & Stilettos (Mommy Lunch) 70. Audra Krell (ReCreate) 71. Ewokgirl (Unmounted Rubber Stamp Storage) 72. mom2my9 (The Family Bed) 73. Lisa @ The Owl\'s Nest (cleaning without "help") 74. Headless Mom-Loose 5 Pounds 75. Tina in Thailand (easy Thai food) 76. se7en (se7en do laundry) 77. Trekaroo (kids. trips. tips) 78. Extreme Housewifeing (Grocery List Generator) 79. Lizzie ~Some of our favorite games 80. momsfrugal (Xylitol) 81. Tara@Not So Perfect(Wii Exercise) 82. Krisi @ Mom & Dad to R Kids (calendar) 83. Extreme Housewifeing (Free Toys) 84. col @ life by muse (How to Feel Good) 85. Runningamuck (RV packing list) 86. Kim @ Stretching a pot roast for 3 (or more) meals 87. Heidi @ Blue Eyed Blessings (organizing card making scraps) 88. Our Life Upstate 89. MollyGreen(simple kitchen trick) 90. Bonnie (Kids Journals) 91. flexible dreams (shoelace solution and giveaway) 92. Alice@supratentorial(Morning Sickness) 93. Drop the Baby Weight (hot breakfast meal plan!) 94. The Prepared Family (prep for power outages giveaways!) 95. Jennifer, Snapshot (naptime) 96. Kim ( More Homemade Valentine Decor.) 97. Lori (Breakfast made easy!) 98. Nicole @ Here\'s The Diehl (setting the timer 99. pinkcamojeep(super easy & yummy sticky buns) 100. *Michelle* @ not so random mom (*free* homeschool resources) 101. Megan (help for super dry hands) 102. Kate\'s Kitchen: Memorizing Scripture 103. Momma & More (fun with yogurt) 104. Stephanie @ The Coupon Game (Swagbucks is getting me THIS!!) 105. Sarah (free books) 106. Shannon (stock up, freeze meat) 107. Sarah (CurlyQ Cuties) 108. Jolanthe (Stop Coughing) 109. Trixie @ Farmhomelife (How to Earn Free Gift Cards and $) 110. Beth @ A Mom\'s Life (Swallowing Pills) 111. Amy Andrews (28 healthy snack ideas) 112. warillever (preschool at home) 113. Callapidder Days (housework motivation) 114. BusyMom (Dining out ... at home) 115. Girls in White Dresses (organizing clipped recipes) 116. Stop the Ride! (Amazon sale code) 117. whimsy (nap better) 118. Susan(CheapEasyTubCleaner) 119. Heather @ Just Doing My Best (double duty cleaning) 120. Muses of Megret (wholesome website for kids!) 121. Life At The Circus (cookie tips) 122. Counting Sprinkles (Keeping Kids Occupied) 123. Newlyweds (Biting) 124. Jenni @ OneThing (homemade wall art) 125. Fairion - budget jars 126. Jenni @ grueling homeschooling (phonics) 127. MC (Easy, Low-Cal Pumkin Muffins) 128. Bailey\'s Leaf (Recycled, Homemade Valentines) 129. Leigh Ann @ Momma Roar (personalized notebook tutorial) 130. Camian Academy (School Drawer) 131. Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet (Brinner?) 132. jodi @ bpr (perfect mom watch) 133. PASS THE TORH (affordable fam travel/condos) 134. Allyson @ A Heart For Home (Navigation Bar) 135. Kathleen (vacuum sweepers) 136. Brittany (Fun Party Snack) 137. jen (yummy dip) 138. lizzykristine @ Uplifted Eyes (controlling paper clutter) 139. Amy @ Tiny Blessings (coupon sources) 140. JB (Couponing) 141. JessieLeigh (Speaking Up for Those Who Can\'t) 142. Sheila ~ To Love, Honor and Vacuum (Jump start your libido!) 143. Emily @ On the Road Again (Used Books 144. onemotherslove (my homemade detergent story) 145. Heidi and Gretchen (homemade laundry detergent update!)

146. Scott (Dressing the Kids) 147. Erin (easy memory keepsake) 148. Mary Ann(cleaning schedule) 149. Jeni (Better Bacon) 150. Carol (Easy Corn Shucking) 151. Jean Stockdale (Fast Eggs) 152. LFinn (Discounts for newspaper subscribers) 153. Houstonmom (finding quiet time) 154. Olivia (snow pants) 155. Kirsty @ Momedy (Surprising Stain Remover!) 156. oh amanda (valentine\'s) 157. Suburban Saga (decorating with toddler art) 158. Shauna - Amazing Tacos 159. Veggiemomof2 (timer) 160. Jacki (how to make kid-friendly turkey on a stick) 161. songbirdtiff (hanging heavy stuff) 162. Kim @ Beanish - protecting your floor while cooking 163. Ranee @ Arabian Knits (Clean Microwave) 164. Totallyscrappy (save $) 165. Photoqueen (skincare routine) 166. Michelle (oatmeal uses) 167. My Treasure Hunt (Valentines with kids) 168. Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers (charger drawer) 169. TrentTribe (freezermeals/BQribs) 170. Rebekah @ Diagonally Parked 171. LANA (Free Meat) 172. Organizing Tips (Stop the Morning Rush) 173. REPURPOSED (the hard work of FASTING) 174. Elizabeth (Clean Monitors) 175. Donnetta (Pillow cases into throw pillows) 176. Jennifer @ Lirazel (dryer balls) 177. Tara (non-slip toddler barrettes) 178. Rebecca (pare down magazines) 179. Taylor @ Household Management 101 (stain removal tips for families with kids) 180. Karen @ Living Well on Less (electronic financial organization) 181. Gina @ MMM (Swagbucks for Free Amazon stuff) 182. Organizing Mommy (morning devotions) 183. Janet (visual schedule) 184. Jen@Beauty and Bedlam (bulk baking days leading to Blissdom) 185. Michelle @ Saving Some Green (Cooking Ahead) 186. Alice Cantrell 187. Thrifty Jinxy (Very Easy Biscuit Recipe) 188. Christy (cleaning pans 1) 189. Jennifer (living w/food allergies) 190. FamilymakesCents (free coffeepot w/ coffee purchase) 191. Tanna (DIY Drawer Organizer) 192. BeyondJustMom (stop the nagging) 193. Free 2 Be Frugal (after-holiday sales) 194. MamaHall (easy craft for kids) 195. Leanne - Soda Bread Recipe 196. Penny Pinching Diva (My Daily Planner Download) 197. Amy @ By His Grace (Taking Away the Obvious) 198. Julie From Inmates (Deployment Communication) 199. Missy@Simply Red(chocolate surprise sundae cups) 200. Shannon (roasted cauliflower) 201. Stephanie in France (biscuit idea) 202. Susan @ Practicing Thrift (always read before signing!) 203. Penny Raine 204. TexasTanya (No More Exploding Drink Boxes) 205. PHOEBE @ CENTS TO GET DEBT FREE (HOMEMADE TORTILLAS) 206. Daily Delights (shop vac) 207. petersonclan (Saving Money at the Dentist) 208. Mandy @ N\' Stitches Designs(a healthy supper for everyone!) 209. Jerri (winter & valentine links) 210. Annie Jones (Food Service Film) 211. Christian Kids in Public Schools 212. Day (No small animals) 213. angie @ shopannies (saving money idea) 214. Sandra *Frugal Gift Baskets* 215. Andrea Holloman--Digsby 216. Farrah @ Wife & Mom of 3 (Digital Org) 217. Kara (beach towels and giveaway 218. Rachael @ Beans & Rice (Jars and Lids: a frugal toy) 219. Milehimama (get paid for web writing) 220. Mrs. C (garlic & onion) 221. Erica Burgan (Birthday Freebies) 222. Melissa (weight loss tips) 223. mannequin(it\'sNOTworking) 224. Havingfunathome (snowday idea) 225. Amy @ MOMSTOOLBOX (Chocolate and Wine) 226. Keeslerchaos (number line hop) 227. EightAtOurTable (bartering) 228. Kara ("Hearing" Angels) 229. Laura (VIP medical files organized) 230. What\'s Cooking (homemade instant pancake mix) 231. What\'s Cooking (easy/fancy appetizer) 232. The Things We Do (praying with my family) 233. Amanda (shopping cart cover) 234. Becky (kid food prep sanity) 235. thesimpleme (Planning Dates w/ My Husband) 236. Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting 237. Superchikk (Dimmer Switch) 238. Lisa@BlessedwithGrace(Boxed Cards for any occassion) 239. Wendy (breakfast dilemma solved) 240. Elastigirl ( Reuse ziploc bags) 241. A Bright and Happy Home (Costco Pizza) 242. ChickyMama 243. Lynne (Working on working for missionaries) 244. Everything Moms ( Toy Storage) 245. Jen @ Mommay\'s Mayhem (Art fun & giveaway) 246. Vickie 247. jennwa(kid made Valentine\'s) 248. Amyswandering (getting marker off a doll) 249. Miss Mommy (Asking 4 Recipies) 250. The Simple Life of the Boreings (Hulu/Boxee) 251. BooksnBoys (easy baby gifts) 252. His Girl (Homeschooling High School History) 253. Michelle@Momstoppable (washing and storing grapes) 254. Jerri@Jerri\'s Journey (Easy Chicken and Rice) 255. Chic Critique (Personal Posture Coach) 256. Who Left The Light On? (Reheating Popcorn) 257. Kaycee(Taking Time Off) 258. Julie @ The Clark Chronicles (talking to littles about divorce) 259. Joanna @ Grace In The Home (Cheap Fun) 260. kitchendoor (five saving strategies) 261. Tappy Bear 262. Ginger (Workboxes for homeschooling) 263. Rachel - Sandwich Fun 264. Becca @ the Stanley Clan (Pillow Talk) 265. Susan (A Few Cooking Time-savers: Pre-chopped and pre-packaged mixes) 266. Jill @ MoneySavinDiva (Makeover Your Leftovers) 267. BumbleBabyMommy - attracting & keeping polinators 268. Blogaroni and Dees (taking care of Husby) 269. Rookie Mom 101 (Momarazzi) 270. Aunt LoLo (Good for you cookies!!) 271. Judy-surviving your first home school convention 272. Rachel R. @Titus 2 Homemaker (time management) 273. MrsScotsman (Celebrate Recovery) 274. Martia (Get Pee Off Mattress) 275. Lynne(Free Museum Admission) 276. The Messy Mom (soothing your babies irritated skin) 277. Suzanne (Natural Free-Range Beef) 278. NJP (Copycat Drinks) 279. Suburban Matron (Slacker homemade dip) 280. Mozi Esme (Z kid crafts) 281. Simply Catholic (Bathroom Bliss in a Box) 282. Lisa@Elbows (Mega memories- Mini price 283. Saving Money Ideas (save$ on framed art) 284. Elena @ My Domestic Church (when someone dies) 285. Eden (School Birthday Treats) 286. Recovering Noah (Cheap Letterboards for Nonverbal Kids) 287. Shelby (Keeping kid\'s outfits together) 288. Sandra (life without cable) 289. Alexandra(Kitty Litter Facial Mask)

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Works For Me: Sports Mom Tips

I'm a sports mom.  I have two soccer players and a swimmer.  And it's a little amusing to me that life has taken me down this path. I've never been much of a sports fan and certainly not a sports player--I have just enough physical coordination to pack Gatorade in the ice chest, and not a bit more.  But it's a different ballgame (no pun intended) to watch my sons play sports--after a lifetime of athletic indifference, I find myself throwing around words such as "off-sides" and "full volley" like a pro.

I'm glad we're on this path.  I know there are plenty of parents who aren't fond of competitive sports for their kids, but my husband and I aren't among them.  We've seen our kids develop self-confidence as a result of their sports involvement, and the fitness benefits are unmistakable.  They've had hands-on experience learning how to be a team member, how to push themselves and how to lose (and win) graciously.  It's been good.

With spring soccer season starting to gear up (and by the way, how is that already possible?), these issues have been on my mind lately.  I've learned a few things in my years as a sports mom, some of which I wish someone would've told me at the outset. 

1.  Be involved.  When you or your spouse are the coach, you generally have much more say in vitally important issues, such as making sure practice times don't conflict with Lost.  Best of all, you can set a tone for the entire team, a tone of positive attitudes and encouraging affirmation.  It's an excellent way to invest in a kid's life.  If coaching isn't a viable option for you, do remember to...

2.  ...Choose your coach carefully.  The coach's attitudes and methods set the tone for the entire season.  If you detect a win-at-all-costs attitude, this should be a red flag.  Steer your family toward coaches who are as interested in what kind of people these kids are, not just what kind of athletes they are.

3.  Avoid the drama.  As kids get older, and things get more competitive, a certain element of drama and politics can sometimes enter the sports parent scene.  My best advice?  Lay low.  Smiling and nodding politely goes a long way to diffuse drama (this is when being raised a Southern girl comes in handy), and when you continually deflect drama, you'll usually find that  less of it will come your way.

4.  Remember why you're doing this.  A wise parent will see competitive sports as a chance to build a kid's confidence and teach him or her some important life lessons.  It is rarely--I hate to break it to you--the springboard to a fabulous athletic career.  I think a lot of the bad wrap that comes with kids' sports could be avoided if parents involved their kids for the enjoyment of it, not because Junior is the next Michael Jordan, Mia Hamm, Michael Phelps or Kristy Yamaguchi.  Do it for the right reasons, and along those same lines...

5.  ...It's okay to take a break.  Kids get burn-out, too.  If you sense they're feeling too much pressure, there's nothing wrong with taking a breather.  An injury last fall forced my middle son to sit out of the winter indoor soccer season, and it has been a healthy break.  He remembered why he loves soccer, and he's more energized than ever to hit it in the spring.

So, all of those tips are pretty theoretical, but there are some more practical things I've learned, too:

1.  Bags, bags, bags.  In our house, every sport and every kid has its own backback or duffel bag.  That bag is the permanent repository of all the necessary equipment, which cuts down on mad dashes out the door on game day.  When I launder the soccer uniform, I put it in a large Ziploc bag (to avoid Gatorade spillage, trust me on this one!) and put it directly back in the soccer bag.  Everything stays together!

2.  The dishwasher is your friend.  A lot of smelly sports equipment can be sanitized in the dishwasher.  I regularly run swim goggles and shin guards through the top rack, but there are probably more uses you could find.  Check manufacturers instructions (and proceed at your own risk), but I'm a big fan of disinfecting that smelly gear however I can.

3.  Make the kids responsible!  In this family, a big part of sports involvement is being responsible for your own stuff.  If a kid is old enough to play sports, he's old enough to help gather the gear, get the water bottle in the dishwasher and fold the socks.  This takes a load off mom, and, even better, it gives kids a chance to be responsible.

There are bound to be plenty of sports moms reading this, and I'd love to hear your best tips too!

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Works For Me: Cleaning Pots

I recently scorched a big soup pot so badly I almost threw it out.  Even after soaking overnight, the crusty gunk wouldn't budge.  I tossed the question out to my friends on Twitter, and I received several good tips.  Many people said they use spray-on oven cleaner, which wasn't especially helpful, since it assumes there has ever been a single moment in my life in which I have cleaned an oven (I haven't.  My general oven-cleaning philosophy is that you should just gunk it up really well for five or six years and then move).

I pulled together a few of the pot-cleaning tips and tried my own method, filling the pan with about two inches of water and a generous amount of dishwashing liquid mixed in.  Then I brought the soap and water mixture it to a boil on the stove top, and would you believe that with only a few scrubs, the gunk came right off?  I've since tried it several times, with the same results every time.  Works for me!

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Works For Me: Vintage Family Photos

If you have any old, yellowed family photos, don't just toss them in a box--use them!  I love framing old family photos and using them to decorate--it's beautiful and meaningful.  (You might consider scanning the photos and keeping the originals somewhere safe.  You can decorate with the copies.  Then spread a little familial good will and e-mail the digital copies to other family members, so they can use them too!)  Hang them in your house, and tell your kids about those relatives from long ago.  Things like this help families build a sense of history.

Thanks to a family with a long history of pack-ratting old photos, I have these treasures all over my house.  Below are a few of my favorites.

This is my dad, in 1949.  I don't normally post pictures of my kids' faces on this blog, but you know what?  My son Joseph's face looks exactly like this:

This is my great aunt Irma with her best girlfriends in 1921 (someday I'm going to have to post their whole story, because let me tell you, these girls knew how to have fun):

Here's my great grandmother at the turn of the last century, grouped with my husband's great grandparents (in front).  Hubs got his great-grandfather's handsome genes:

That's a sweet, affordable and lovely decorating idea that works for me!

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Works For Me: Keepsake Boxes

I realized a long time ago that the paper/ keepsake/Very Important Document deluge each year had to be managed.  I have four kids; that's a lot of Thanksgiving turkeys made out of paper plates and construction paper.  I needed to get on top of it.

I came up with a system that has been miraculous:  first, because it may be the only organizational system I've stuck with for longer than 15 minutes, and second, because it really works.

Every year I get a plastic bin with a lid (roughly twice the size of a shoe box).  I keep it in the floor of my pantry.  Every year, as important papers float past me, I stuff them in the box. 

At year end, the box is invariably flowing over the sides.  I sort through it, culling away the things that really aren't keepsake-worthy.  With the right amount of stuffing and sorting, I'm able to get each box to the point that the lid will snap on.  If it won't snap shut, it means I have to do more culling.   (And I also need to find more reasons to use the word "culling", because seriously, what a great word.)

(And no, I don't have the stuff sorted by kid.  Everyone's keepsakes--all six of us--go in the same box.  After my funeral someday, my grieving offspring will just have to sort and fight amongst themselves for the construction paper turkeys.)

The box then heads to the deepest recesses of my daughter's closet, to join its cohorts from previous years:

I hesitate to show you that picture, because it seems a little misleading, as if all my closets are neatly stacked and labeled.

They're not.

In the interest of transparency, here's the other side of that same closet:

And here (brace yourselves) is the floor of the closet:

That stuff you see on the floor is dried acrylic craft paint, the result of an incident that easily tops my list of Worst Parenting Moments, a moment so heart-stopping and terrible I still cannot, a year later, discuss it in detail without inducing an anxiety attack.  There was paint involved, and carpet, and a very cheeky three-year-old girl.  Let us never speak of it again.

Anyway, my main point is that limiting myself to one box of keepsakes per year has been a very manageable way to control all the stuff. 

(And my secondary point is that you shouldn't inadvertently leave acrylic craft paint within reach of a three year old.)

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Works For Me: Static Guard

Brace yourself for today's Works-For-Me Wednesday tip; it's pretty profound.

Are you ready?  Here we go.

If you don't put stamps on your Christmas cards, the post office won't mail them.

Would you like to know how I stumbled upon this ground-breaking information?  It would be because I've been so flustered and distracted these last few weeks that I mailed a big chunk of mine without postage. 

Yep.  For real.

And now, every single afternoon, it's just like a twisted little potluck at my mailbox, as I wonder which(!) letters(!) are coming back(!) to me today(!)  And also, I am now hiding from my mailman, because I am too embarrassed to make eye contact.

This high degree of absent-mindedness might indicate I'm in need of a little breather, so I decided to dig back in the archives and throw up an old WFMW post. 

(Did I really just say I wanted to "throw up" a post?  You're welcome for that lovely visual.  Enjoy your breakfast.)

I thought I'd run a post (much better!) from my WFMW archives; feel free to do the same, and link up here.  Anyway, this particular tip has been so life-changing for me, it bears repeating.  Not as life-changing as postage, but still important:

I have a head of very fine, straight, thick hair--the perfect recipe for some nasty static.  As a result, when I blow-dry my hair (as I do most days, or at least the ones where personal hygiene manages an appearance toward the top of my to-do list), I end up looking much like a troll doll.

Now, I am a Southern woman who is also a child of the '80's, and as such, I have a very special place in my heart for big hair.  But not troll big.

And so my life was forever changed a few years ago when I learned that spraying a spritz of Static Guard on your hairbrush gets rid of that nasty fly-away hair.  And it even smells really good. 

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1. We are THAT family (Letters) 2. Blue Castle (DIY XLG Wreath) 3. Everyday Becky (Finding Deals Online) 4. Memarie Lane (Free Anti-Virus Software) 5. Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers (A HOPPY New Year!) 6. Homemaker Barbi (Holiday Party Tips) 7. Melissa Lee (What Brown Can Do For YOU) 8. kitchendoor (packing light) 9. Queen mother blog (Photo Editing) 10. Rainy @ More Gravy (Christmas treats with kids) 11. Buzzings of a Queen Bee! (Cheap and Cute Christmas Cards!) 12. PASS THE TORCH (teacher gift chai tea) 13. Kimi @ The Nourishing Gourmet-Russian Gingerbread Thumb Print Cookies 14. A Simple Walk (make ahead first course) 15. The Diaper Diaries (christmas ideas) 16. Heather (toddler lamp) 17. Cooking During Stolen Moments (kitchen improv) 18. Lorie @ Be Different...Act Normal (Dinner in Minutes) 19. Smockity Frocks (Super Simple Gingerbread Houses) 20. The Happy Housewife ~ Organized in 2009 21. Raise Them Up (Personalized Book Marks) 22. Janelle (Easy quick breads) 23. Happy To Be At Home (cookie exchange) 24. Amy @ Finer Things (Dessert for Salad) 25. Muses of Megret (lightly spiced gingerbread men) 26. Kirsty@Momedy Frugal but Fabulous gift wrapping 27. Lisa@BlessedwithGrace(identical twins) 28. Gina @ Six in the Country (Beautiful Bows) 29. Christine (use your dryer heat for good) 30. Amy @ MOMSTOOLBOX (NPR Holiday booklist) 31. Liza\'s Eyeview (Christmas Letter) 32. Life At The Circus (sugar cookies) 33. ilovemy5kids (Just for wash - RAGS) 34. Many Little Blessings (7 Ways to Get Exercise, iPod Giveaway) 35. Tonggu Momma (Advent Calendar Activities) 36. Lisa@ Elbows (Wrinkle Treatment!) 37. Nicole @ Life in Progress (uses for old dryer sheets) 38. Joy @ Five J\'s (Eczema relief, OTC!) 39. Julie From Inmates (Roll It Up) 40. Colleen - Mommy Always Wins (EASY Xmas cookies) 41. Working Mom (Snowflakes) 42. READING ROSIE (ANGEL COOKIES) 43. Joanna @ OneKrustyMama (Easy Way to do Laundry) 44. tina in thailand ( baskets, garbage, counters and cupboards) 45. ForeverWherever - Easy Reindeer Cookies 46. Milehimama(cheaper diabetes supplies) 47. Stretch Mark Mama (Taking Kids To See Christmas Lights) 48. Luanne @iwantmk (pick a number, any number) 49. Alisa-The Sweet Life-3 ingredient treats 50. Daily Dwelling (Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast) 51. Margot (Long Distance Flowers) 52. Rachel (Easy Baked Apples) 53. Melissa @ Miss K Cooks (Coffee Cup Cozy & Felting) 54. Herb of Grace (Frugal, Earth-Friendly Gifts) 55. Heidi @ Blue Eyed Blessings (snowman gift bag) 56. Mrs Organic (christmas crafts) 57. Carolina Mama (Gift & Giveaway) 58. Ann Kroeker (both print & online devotionals) 59. Lainie@Mishmash squeezy bottles 60. se7en (Kids love to cook) 61. heidi @ Sacred & Profane (denial) 62. Tammy-PinkStinx (Packing) 63. Smellyann (Facebook) 64. At A Hen\'s Pace (quick, delicious, no-bake cookies) 65. Abel (If Your Children Fight Over Things, Do This) 66. Carol (Scaling Down Christmas) 67. Kristine (Gift Ideas for 1 year old) 68. Wilton Chocolate Melter 69. Holiday Treats 70. Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates (Make Your Own Newspaper Clipping) 71. The Gluten-Free Homemaker (decorative calendar holder) 72. Thrifty Jinxy (Cookies) 73. Make Your Holiday Goodies Easier 74. Michele @ Frugal Granola (Homemade Popcorn- Better than Microwave!) 75. Totallyscrappy (Quick Christmas Cookies) 76. Smellyann (Eating out cheaply!) 77. mom2my9 (Fam of 10 making Sugar Cookies w/ Glaze!) 78. Chocolate Caramel Covered Apples 79. cool dad (How NOT to get a job) 80. Jen (Pregnancy Pangs) 81. Will (when to change jobs) 82. Kathy~Bona Vita (photo program) 83. Lily On the Fly (Control the Coupons) 84. flexible dreams (Crayon Hack) 85. Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet (Traveling with Older Children) 86. Kim (freezing cookie dough) 87. Trixie @ Farmhomelife (Great Coupon Source!) 88. Troye (I Cor. 13 Christmas Style) 89. Mom24@4evermom (contact lens savings) 90. Sarah (Vlogging) 91. Sarah (reindeer snack bags) 92. TrentTribe (edible playdough) 93. Stephanie @ The Coupon Game (Fast & Easy Breakfast! 94. Counting Sprinkles (installing car seats the easy way) 95. Susan (keeping track of kids\' ornaments) 96. Bailey\'s Leaf- Handcrafted American Girl Wardrobe Box 97. Anne (Chocolate-covered pretzels) 98. MC (Cheap, Delicious Coffee) 99. jen (Card Display) 100. Stephanie @ The Coupon Game (Fast & Easy Breakfast! - Revised) 101. Tara @ Feels like Home (overcoming toddler fear) 102. A Frugal Housewife (Christmas Tree Alternative) 103. Beth/Mom2TwoVikings (mini time capsule) 104. Kate\'s Kitchen (Decorating Cookies) 105. Andrea @ rAndom issues (Tie Organization Tip) 106. Kara (Cheap Window Insultaion) 107. Camian Academy (Neti Pot) 108. "Cents"able Momma (End of Year Tax Tips) 109. Stop the Ride! (can stew meat) 110. Vickie@PursuingSimplicity(Travel Size Air Freshner) 111. Stephanie ($25 gift certificate for $1.40!) 112. Kay (fabric ribbons)

113. Chief Family Officer (Brown bag lunch tip) 114. Lynn (easy holiday appetizer) 115. Tons of Sons ~ birthday cake tradition 116. Allyson@ A Heart For Home (Handmade Gift Bow from Recycled Magazine Tutorial) 117. Amanda (from Ew! to New! Christmas Decor) 118. Sheila ~ To Love, Honor and Vacuum (4 kinds of alternate wrapping paper!) 119. Paula (Christmas Card Form) 120. Jen @ JenuineJen (John Walsh) 121. Kristen @frugal antics (bulk pie crust) 122. Day (Family Organizer) 123. Petersonclan (Children\'s Shoe Storage) 124. Phyllis (Chanukah book) 125. Flax Seed Chocolate Chip Cookies (Angie) 126. Life with Three (Easy Gingerbread Houses) 127. Lori @ enjoy the process (Christmas book) 128. Kay-gift wrapping tips 129. Sarah (easy breakfast- yum!) 130. Mother Hen (free tv) 131. Amy (Special Paper Chain) 132. Lori L. (pack rat solution) 133. suzannah (refresh stale cookies recipe!) 134. Ryann (Casual Holiday w/ recipes) 135. MamaHenClucks(Because You Need Another Craft) 136. Sonshine(festive holiday salad) 137. emily (sourdough starter uses) 138. Donnetta (Gift of Puppy Chow) 139. oh amanda (scrapbooking just ONCE a year) 140. Cyndi @ One Day More (kitchen scissors) 141. Delighted Mom (Must Have Toys for the Holidays) 142. Andrea (extra freezing space) 143. Nichole (easy Christmas dinner) 144. Janelle (teacher gift fund) 145. Margie (easy teacher gift) 146. Michelle @ Saving Some Green (Folding Towels) 147. Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers (Angel Food) 148. The Prudent Homemaker (Meals from the Pantry) 149. Superchikk (Video Baby Monitor) 150. Occupation: Mommy (easy, cheap, yummy lunch) 151. Jen 152. MemeGRL (75 stocking stuffers) 153. Heather (Free Gift Cards!) 154. What Moms Want To Know (2 Story House w/ LOs) 155. Sarah Mae (Adoption) 156. Jewel (Crafty Tip, Folding Fabrics Alike) 157. Col @ gigablonde (redefining perfect) 158. Karen {simply a musing blog} 159. Frugal Carol - The other tree..... 160. Amy@GrowingLikeTrees: Cold Flu prevention/remedies 161. Finding Normal (easiest Christmas candy ever) 162. Gin, Good Morning World! (Crocs) 163. Sarah @ Short Stop (25 Days of Cookies - Baking with Tiny Tots) 164. Jerri @ Simply Sweet Home (spreading Christmas cheer with less $) 165. Kara(pretty, cheap pots with spray paint) 166. Hadley (freezer paper) 167. Fiddledeedee (Easy/Fun Christmas Gift "Labeling") 168. Kistin (setting realistic goals) 169. Michelle (make lights FUN) 170. Blog O\' Beth (peppermint bark) 171. TexasTanya (More Cookie Baking Tips) 172. Martia (All-Natural Deodorizers) 173. Waking Frugally (Count Your Blessings) 174. mombrud (rednecks, go "green" or need snowpants?) 175. Amy (Christmas presents from God) 176. Jen (Best Teen Crafts Ever) 177. Rachael @ Beans & Rice (using up leftover mashed potatoes and recipe) 178. EmilyV @ Random Ramblings (Using up Leftovers) 179. Overwhelmed Mom (buy CHEAP keyless remotes) 180. An Help Meet ~ Clip ARt 181. Kim (sibling conflict resolution tool) 182. Michelle (Cheap,easy,practical waterbottle) 183. Perfectly Provident (Unique Gift Ideas) 184. Rachel 185. Miss Mommy- Gift Wrapping Early 186. Condo Blues (Make & Use Cloth Napkins) 187. What\'s Cooking (homemade dryer sheets) 188. Tara@NotSoPerfect(wrapping paper) 189. justanotherdayinparadise (alone time, wrapping party) 190. Lynn@ queenofthecastlerecipes (quick breakfast idea) 191. Suburban Matron (tip the mailman) 192. Diana @ Holes in My Shiny Veneer/Ladybug Limited (Saving Handmade & a giveaway, 193. Tina (simplified laundry!) 194. mzzterry (EaSY CHRISTMAS gOoDIeS) 195. Upgrade Your Holiday Goodies 196. Wani (big mac for $1 - anytime!) 197. Keeping Up With the Kays (cereal boxes for wrapping gifts) 198. Suburban Matron (classic Xmas cartoons on Youtube) 199. Munchkins and Music 200. Munchkins and Music (Music Toys for Christmas) 201. Free 2 Be Frugal (a To NOT Do List) 202. Brooke - Working out 203. Dodge&Weave (batteries) 204. Hotomom (Displaying Christmas Cards) 205. mub (crystallized ginger & citrus peels) 206. Living Locurto (Fun way to display Christmas Cards) 207. Teal - Christmas Cards Display Ideas 208. Its All for the Best (Dry skin tips) 209. Angela (cookie dough) 210. Jacquelyn @ Because I Said So! (Dear Diary—the perfect gift) 211. Sarah (unusual cleaners) 212. Julie Stiles Mills (pragmatic cookies) 213. Sandwiched (Painless splinter removal) 214. Kristine (don\'t forget to use the coupons!) 215. Catherine (Calendar) 216. Rina @ Laundry & Laughter (easy sewing instructions) 217. Sassy Mom {BACKUP BLOG} 218. Sam (Christmas Gifts) 219. Jennie (child\'s apron) 220. What About Mom (Simplify Christmas -- or not) 221. Joanna @ Grace In The Home (Get Kids To Eat Anything) 222. Saving Money Ideas (Christmas Lists) 223. angie 224. BusyMom (Birthday Bear)

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Works For Me: Simple Gift Wrapping Tips

I really love gift wrapping.  I love it so much that I wish I could do it for a living.  In fact, shortly after college, I had a brief (and mostly unsuccessful) stint in retail, which was so lovely--I handled all their gift wrapping for the store.  Unfortunately, I also bungled the cash register and never could figure out sales tax and broke out in hives when I had to make change.  You know, math.  But with the scotch tape?  I was a wizard.

Here are a few fun (and cheap) gift-wrapping tips I've learned over the years, especially for Christmas, when you're gift-wrapping on a large scale.

Consider using only one style of wrapping paper.  This is mostly a matter of personal preference, but I think it's lovely when all the presents under the tree match.  Plus, it makes it easier to piece together leftover scraps when you get to the end of the roll.

The dollar store is your friend.  Those stores where everything costs a dollar are great places to buy wrapping paper, though if hyper-frugality is your thing, you might want to check the amount of paper you're getting for your money (i.e., it would make more sense to pay $3 for 75 sq. feet of paper than to pay $1 for 10 sq. feet.  Thank you, math.)

Use address labels.  I slip a sheet of plain white address labels into my printer, and I type up one page with every label I expect to need this season.  For a custom look, you can use a pretty font, colors, and even clip art, and, best of all, all your labeling is done.  Slip the sheet of labels into the place you keep your wrapping supplies to use all season.

Let kids wrap the gifts they give.  This requires a little deep-breathing if you tend to be particular about how your gifts look, but it's a satisfying thing for a kid to be involved the process.  Especially if the gift is from them.  (And, incidentally, the dollar store is another excellent place for kids to buy gifts for siblings.)

Make your own paper!  One year I wrapped everything in plain brown shipping paper and let the kids go crazy with stickers and markers all over the packages.  It's a fun activity for them.

Tulle is cheap, easy and pretty.  Tulle--you know, the type of fabric netting you might see on a bridal veil--is incredibly cheap.  I bought some last week, on sale at the fabric store, for only 75 cents a yard.  Cut a strip about 6-8 inches wide, and tie up your gift with that, instead of some other kind of ribbon.  I wrapped a gift yesterday to demonstrate:

Have a marathon wrapping session.  I know plenty of people who gift wrap throughout the month, as they go.  True, this helps keep your gifts concealed, if nosy little creatures go snooping.  But I find it to be a real handful to be constantly lugging the gift wrap supplies in and out.  I hide my gifts, and then I have one big gift-wrapping session (with the door locked!) when I'm finished with my shopping.  If you are inclined to wrap as you go, though...

...consider keeping all your supplies in one place.  Find an out-of-the-way corner and stash everything together: scissors, tape, ribbon, paper, labels, pens, etc.

What am I forgetting?  Have you stumbled across any helpful giftwrapping tips over the years?

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(Christmas Party Hostess Gifts!) 23. Happy To Be At Home (fewer gifts more thought=nicer Christmas) 24. Here\'s The Diehl (Slow Down Already) 25. "Cents"able Momma (Celebrating CHRISTmas) 26. mzzterry (EZ Christmas KIDS Craft Ideas) 27. Rainy @ More Gravy (Christmas tree tip) 28. The Happy Housewife (Christmas shopping for kids) 29. Kimi @ The Nourishing Gourmet-A Guide to Natural Sweeteners 30. Joy @ Five J\'s (No Health Insurance) 31. The Diaper Diaries (gift ideas) 32. Lorie @ Be Different Act Normal (Christmas Decorations) 33. Michele @ Frugal Granola (Simple Christmas Gifts) 34. Sources of Joy (3 ingredient cookies) 35. Julie From Inmates 36. Land of Lovings (Save at Christmas!) 37. What About Mom (Tips for Featherbrains) 38. Sandwiched (Banana Bread) 39. Queen mother blog (Coupon codes) 40. Liza\'s Eyeview (Easy Gingerbreadhouse) 41. anhelpmeet(star wars coupon) 42. Sarah (Best ever Christmas cookies!) 43. flexible dreams (time out hack) 44. Amy (Cheap & FREE Gift Tags) 45. BusyMom (saving money at the holidays) 46. Julie Stiles Mills (Husband who enjoyes cooking xmas dinner!) 47. Tamara (eating out with children) 48. Janelle (Mystery Shopping) 49. Kimi @ The Nourishing Gourmet-Sprouting Grains 50. Judy (yogurt container snowman craft) 51. Julie From Inmates (Ice Cream Sandwich Cake) 52. e-Mom (How to Make English Trifle) 53. Cooking During Stolen Moments (merging Christmas food traditions) 54. Chief Family Officer (removing little sticky hairs) 55. Lisa@BlessedwithGrace( a good book to read) 56. Mother Hen (free music) 57. Shelley (cutting brownies without crumble!) 58. Jolanthe (learning US Geography) 59. Lynn@queenofthecastlerecipes (instant hot spiced cider) 60. Julie @ TheClarkChronicles {How to make a classy (EASY!) photo keepsake ornament 61. An Iowa Mom - CHORES - The Value Of A Ticket 62. Bailey\'s Leaf (Christmas Cookie Recipes) 63. Sliding Down The Stairs (keep ribbon from fraying) 64. At A Hen\'s Pace (pantyhose snow boots) 65. Joelle (what to do if you get sick) 66. Rachel (alternatives to gift tags) 67. Tammy-PinkStinx (Laundry) 68. mom2my9 (How to do Laundry With 9 Kids!) 69. MemeGRL (vertical tree lights) 70. Stretch Mark Mama (Homemade Hot Chocolate - Allergen Free) 71. Carolina Mama 72. marina 73. Christine (boys and their undies) 74. Christmas Shopping List Planner Budget Spreadsheet: Printable & Download 75. Rita @ My Precious Pennies (Foil that stove!) 76. TrentTribe (Monkey Bread) 77. Marina (FREE music downloads) 78. Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers (cake decorating tips) 79. Nicole Ross (The Gift Shelf) 80. Tortilla Roll-ups (Angie) 81. Monica @ DailyDwelling (celebrating advent) 82. Sarah (Phone Interviews) 83. Lindsay @ Passionate Homemaking (natural bleach alternatives) 84. Sprittibee 85. Green Baby Guide (Best Etsy Gifts) 86. Moms by Heart (RISING OUT OF A RUT) 87. Stephanie (FIrst WFMW) 88. Lizzie (easy ornaments~repost from last year) 89. JanMary, N Ireland (baubles & bells) 90. Amy @ Living Locurto ( Gift Ideas) 91. FishMama @ LifeasMOM (Ice Cubes & Xmas Trees!) 92. Mishmash Maggie (mixer attachments) 93. se7en (Kids Christmas Craft Party) 94. Jen (Photo Editing Tips) 95. Smellyann (GoodSearch) 96. One Mom (holiday tablecloth) 97. Fiddledeedee (Awesome Organizing Tip) 98. kitchendoor (a Christmas plan) 99. Stop the Ride (jerky) 100. Sandy Toes(Garage Sales) 101. LIly On the Fly (Big Griddle) 102. brandiandboys (lunch notes basket) 103. Thia(recording meds) 104. Tara @ Feels like Home (teething fix) 105. Susan - Personal Hymns for your Kids 106. Fairion - Ghiardelli 107. Sarah (displaying kids art) 108. Annie Jones (kids\' clothing) 109. LooneyJen(Awesome Exersaucer Alternative) 110. emily (remember blog ideas) 111. Christa (Custom Digital Christmas Cards) 112. Denise (Advent Calendar & Chocolate) 113. Karen@Living Well on Less (monthly planning) 114. exhale. return to center. (getting a little messy!) 115. Christa (Salt Dough Ornaments) 116. Stacy (keeping littles busy) 117. Counting Sprinkles (How to read the Bible in three months) 118. Petersonclan (Scrapbooking the easy way) 119. Carol (Finding a little more time) 120. Camian Academy (401duk) 121. Amblin(Parenting with Intention) 122. jen (Christmas Cupcakes) 123. Sheila ~ To Love, Honor and Vacuum (FREE household organization charts!) 124. Frugal Carol - Home Made Gift Tags... 125. Kathy ~ Bona Vita (homeschool resource) 126. Ginny (passwords) 127. Trixie (Great Gift Idea: Fancy Soap Super Cheap) 128. Hadias (Homemade Freezer Omlettes) 129. Repurposed (Free Christmas Carol downloads)

130. Hadias (Organizing Coupons) 131. Traci @ The Sullivan Sitcom 132. Organizing Mommy (sand art brownies) 133. Julie ("GREEN" wrapping idea) 134. Katie (planning a holiday brunch) 135. Emily @ Little Home (how to eat oranges) 136. calina (Quitting Time) 137. Edi (Mittens from a sweater) 138. Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet (Great baking and Chocolate Caramel Thumbprints) 139. Lynn (easy peanut butter candy) 140. Sin for Joy-The perfect and easy combination of sweet and salty 141. Cyndi (sneaky Christmas delivery) 142. Amanda (foot mask) 143. Heather @ Not a DIY Life (ground beef help) 144. Nichole (getting up on time) 145. Julie at Elisharose (recycled from Antique Mommy\'s Carnival) 146. Candace (under the tree) 147. oh amanda (make a bow from gift wrap!) 148. Tonggu Momma (Simplify Christmas) 149. Leaving Excess (Battery Organization) 150. Michelle (date night tip) 151. impress your kids (jesse tree for preschoolers) 152. CaraM - The Household Helper (cooking spray) 153. Rachel (Canine Christmas Cookies!) 154. Sarah W. (10 fashion tips) 155. JessieLeigh(Taking An Accurate Temp) 156. Christy 157. Chic Critique (Last-Minute Gift Ideas) 158. Kaye (Artificial Trees Come to Life) 159. BB (Grocery list) 160. Elena (My domestic church) housebreaking a puppy and a toddler in the same week! 161. Homefront Mom - pay cash for gas 162. IfOnlyIHadSuperPowers (Rethinking Christmas) 163. Liisa -Mitten Liners 164. Peggie (sewing with a 2 yr old) 165. suzannah (cutting cable bills) 166. Susan (Scandalously Easy Meal Planning) 167. Having Fun at Home (Christmas presents idea) 168. Luanne @iwantmk ($Free0$10 gifts for teachers & such) 169. Brooke - gift swap 170. Donna @ The Frugal Mom Blog ( Free Holiday Project Downloads @ CK.com 171. Melanie (Welcoming Guests) 172. uppervalleymom (kids party tip) 173. The Gluten-Free Homemaker (Christmas letters) 174. Bree @ Living a Fulfilling Life at Home 175. Lisa (Starlight~Christmas Eve~Cookie Mix recipe) 176. Thrifty Jinxy (Free Calendars for 2009) 177. Kristen @ frugal antics (edible decorations) 178. Cheri (Keep true meaning of Christmas) 179. Abbi (Making music) 180. Jill-gift solutions 181. Thrifty Jinxy (Corrected link!! - free calendars) 182. ilovemy5kids (EASY/Cheap on the go food for travels) 183. TexasTanya (Sample Spoon) 184. 5intow (freezer pack to go) 185. Carolina Mama (Gift Tips & Giveaway) 186. What\'s Cooking (homemade laundry detergent) 187. What\'s Cooking (using up leftovers) 188. Martia (Gift Tags) 189. Kara(something neat to do with Christmas cards you receive) 190. What\'s Cooking (cinnamon ornament recipe) 191. Jack\'s Mommy (Getting Your Avatar to Show in Comments) 192. Kristine (put a bag in it!) 193. Totallyscrappy (Entertaining Tip) 194. Amy (dumpling wrappers) 195. Rachel Anne (motivation!) 196. Jeni (Free DVD rental) 197. Vickie@PursuingSimplicity(Simplifying Gift Giving) 198. Jill @ MoneySavinDiva (giving back this holiday season) 199. Joanna @ Grace In The Home (Christmas Organizer Notebook) 200. Ryann (book list resolution) 201. LisaQ(traditions) 202. Miche @ Coordinated Chaos(staying organized) 203. Tidymom(Use your camera to decorate) 204. Keeslrmom (picky eaters) 205. Kirstin: (drawing names & extending the holiday) 206. Kendra (Editable 2009 Calendar) 207. Teal - Santa Crackers for kids 208. just another day (EZ Christmas Breakfast) 209. PHOEBE @ CENTS TO GET DEBT FREE (GETTING FREEBIES!) 210. Sarah Mae (Marriage is hard - Wisdom from Titus 2 Women) 211. What Moms Want To Know (Meal Planning Tip) 212. Wani ( cheap restaurant gift cards) 213. Michelle @ Saving Some Green (Universal Bisquick Pie) 214. Amy@GrowingLikeTrees: Jesse tree activities for preschoolers 215. Sing for Joy-The perfect and easy combination of sweet and salty 216. Kolfinnas Korner (ink refills) 217. Amanda (mom\'s plan-it calendar) 218. chanelireli(Count down to christmas) 219. My Best Cookie Baking Tips 220. Ginger (Annie\'s at it Again!) 221. Dawn (Snowman Soup Recipe) 222. Cheri (Collecting Christmas books) 223. View From The Glen (Safer Winter Travelling) 224. Sonshine(homemade pedialyte) 225. Melissa @ Miss K Cooks (Good Punctuation & Grammar!) 226. Working Mom (recipes on hand) 227. Kate\'s Kitchen: freezing garlic? 228. Cherilyn (shopping with kids) 229. $5 Dinners -"Perfect" Muffins 230. Ameda 231. Libby@Thrifty Victorian Home (Charlie Brown Christmas) 232. Miss Mommy (Crayon on the Wall...) 233. Garibay Soup (Christmas Traditions) 234. Saving Money Ideas (organize books) 235. http://domesticadventure.blogspot.com/2008/12/works-for-me-wednesday-december-10 236. Krisi - Smoothies 237. Diana/Ladybug Limited (a grass roots effort-- please help!) 238. Janelle @ Now Play Happy (Homeschooling Christmas) 239. Jewel 240. Kat (Amazing FREE Christmas Music) 241. Jane Anne@Gravity of Motion (Holiday Planning) 242. Lizz @ Yes, and So is My Heart (Decorating Cookies with Little Hands) 243. Brandi (Fast, healty,kid friendly lunch) 244. Kara (Below Zero Projects) 245. Alisa-The Sweet Life- (just one pan) 246. Elizabeth Sue (Clean the Dish Sponge) 247. Heart at Home (Vegy Beef Soup) 248. Mrs Organic (A Plinko Christmas) 249. Reading Rosie (Recycling Christmas Cards) 250. Jaime (self serve snacks) 251. Beth - Holiday Shopping Help 252. Amyswandering (Elf Yourself) 253. Jenna (4 easy cleaning tips) 254. Julie @ Coupon Saving Family (Cleaning with Fuzzy Fingers) 255. Mrs. June @ A Wise Woman Builds Her Home (Encouraging MOMS during the holidays) 256. Amy (Keepsake Handprint Ornament) 257. Dodge&Weave (rolling out dough again) 258. Paula (Wrapping Checklist)

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