Consignment Shops

Twice a year, I go through the kids clothes. The ones that are really stained, I either try to figure out a way to use them or throw them away (usually a handful of items). The one that are either a little to worn or a tiny stain, I put in a bag to give to a friend who passes them along to others. The rest I take to a nice consignment store who go through and get the items they want. The leftovers go to a the friend mention before. I get either 40 or 50 percent of the sale. They hang and price the item. I then have an account which builds as my items sell. I then buy items that my kids need to keep them clothed. The last two Christmases, I have bought all of my nieces and nephews presents.

If you have not tried to consign clothes, I strongly encourage you to. You are selling items you no longer need and if you purchase from a consignment shop, you are saving yourself money and helping the environment by reusing clothes.

*** Today I bought... for Jackson two pairs of jellybean shorts for 3.50 each, a pair of adjustable Gap shorts for 4.50, a pair of The Children Place Linen pants for 5.00, and a pair of real Crocs for 4.50... for JC a pair of Jellybean capris for 5.00 and a pair of adjustable Old Navy shorts for 5.50... a book for 1.25 and a Diego Backpack with other things for 5.00...I think I luck out because I only paid 1.80 out of pocket for all...

One Big Reason to Make Your Own or buy Organics..

This was post on Planet Green.... There are links so if you would like to read the real article check it out... http://planetgreen.discovery.com/fashion-beauty/cancer-shampoo-toxins.html


There's Going To Be a Little Less Cancer in Your Shampoo
Clairol's Herbal Essences line is making it nice and easy to avoid 1,4-dioxane.

By Virginia Sole-Smith
New Hamburg, NY, USA | Tue Mar 16, 2010 12:30 PM ET

Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Shampoo for Long Hair contained a 1,4-dioxane level of 14 parts per million in a 2010 test by the Green Patriot Working Group.
Copyright 2010 Procter and Gamble. All rights reserved.
READ MORE ABOUT:
Cancer | Green Personal Grooming | Hair
If you track toxins in personal care products like baseball fans track box scores, then you'll remember the hubbub last year when the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics announced results from lab tests finding a pesky little contaminant called 1,4-dioxane in a whole host of children's bath products.

Just in case you're saying "one, four, what?" let's review. 1,4-dioxane is a contaminant produced when manufacturers mix up batches of sodium laureth sulfate and other chemicals that give soaps and shampoos their foamy suds. The EPA considers it a "probably human carcinogen" and California includes it on the Proposition 65 list of chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer or birth defects. This isn't to say that lathering up with your favorite bubble bath or shower gel is going to cause cancer. But using these products does add a teensy dose of potential carcinogens to your average bath, which is already something of a toxic soup.

Here's the rub: since sudsy product makers didn't intend to put 1,4-dioxane into their formulas, they've been having a heck of a time trying to get it out. Which is why it's such exciting news that Proctor & Gamble has said it's reformulating its entire Clairol Herbal Essences line to be 1,4-dioxane-free by the end of 2010 in response to pressure from environmentalists. Herbal Essences has long been the scourge of the eco-beauty movement, since it sounds so green (remember those coy commercials about having a "totally organic" shower experience?) but actually wasn't. Even a little bit.

So, kudos P&G and let's not stop there. "We're glad Proctor & Gamble is reducing the levels of 1,4 dioxane in its Herbal Essences line, but the company clearly has a much bigger problem," says Lisa Archer, national coordinator of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics from the Breast Cancer Fund. "Proctor & Gamble needs to show it cares about all its customers by eliminating this carcinogen from all its brands." In fact, when environmentalists announced the P&G news at a press conference on Friday, they also released new testing that found several P&G brands of laundry detergent (Tide, Tide Free and Ivory Snow) still contain pretty high levels of 1,4-dioxane. Oops.

Meanwhile, if you want a truly green shower experience, check out our top green shampoo picks and learn how to make your own shampoo and conditioner at home.

Natural Face Scrub

I just found this. I will do it in the morning.

How to Make Your Own Natural Face Scrub
I love the fresh feeling of the cold morning air on my face each day. Since I can’t ride my bike to school (the roads are too icy and bike lanes are now snowbank lanes), I started walking to school. It’s the most beautiful way to start my day.

Unfortunately, my skin doesn’t think so.

The constant, drastic changes in temperature and humidity have me finally understanding the disaster that is dry skin in the winter. That’s why I love a homemade scrub. It’s the perfect exfoliation, and because you can make it yourself, it’s cheap and fun to mix up in different combinations.



The following recipe is adapted from one of my favorite books, The Green Beauty Guide, which has all sorts of recipes and tips on hair products, makeup, and – best of all this time of year – moisturizers. I love this recipe because it has three of the simplest ingredients that we all have in our kitchens!

The author, Julie Gabriel, also adds a little rose oil if you have it around.

This recipe doesn’t have a shelf life, so you have to mix up a little batch each time you want to use it. At first, it seems counterintuitive to massage oil onto your face. Conventional skin care has led us to believe that all oil = bad. Of course, we are learning that some oils (like the natural bacteria-fighting oils on our faces) are actually good for us. Olive oil happens to be the really good one in this recipe… it just feels a bit different. I’ve been using this recipe for just under a year, and the idea of olive oil still feels weird. But it hardly keeps me from turning to this recipe over and over.

I love handmade, especially when it only costs pennies. Don’t you? Julie writes, “There is a commercial product just out on the market that has sugar and olive oil as the only ingredients. The cosmetics company is charging $32 for a 10-ounce jar.”

Wow. Just like that, you already know 2/3 of the recipe. You liking the sound of it? Here’s the rest:

* * * * * * * * * * *

Homemade Sugar Scrub

1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon olive oil

1 drop vanilla extract

1. Whisk the ingredients together.

2. Massage on your face and neck directly over the sink, as some of the product will fall as you massage.

3. Rinse with warm water and a wash cloth (to remove the oil) or step into the shower. You can continue with your traditional face wash and toner if desired. Then moisturize.

Found at http://www.makingthishome.com/2010/01/29/how-to-make-your-own-natural-face-scrub/

Sewing Blog

I started a blog about just the things I have sewn. I have only put things up that I have already made and had pictures of. However, I will be posting currently and future projects. http://colbyrileydesigns.blogspot.com/

I have food burnt to my pan...

Most morning I cook eggs which stick to the pan. When I am done, I add about 1/2 inch to an inch of water, add some dish soap, and baking soda. Let it sit for a little while, then it is an easy clean up. This works for just about everything. Brian made a roast in the oven without tin foil on the bottom of the pan. I did this but let it sit overnight. The burnt on stuff was a snap to clean.

Thrift Stores...

I am love going to the local thrift stores. I do not go offend because I have to really look and to keep up with two kids is a little hard. However, my oldest and I went yesterday because I was looking for some t-shirts that I could turn into St. Patrick's Day shirts. I did not find those but I did walk away with a little kimono that I will turn into a baby present by redoing it, a pair of knitted slippers for my daughter, and a beautiful handmade dress with butterflies. I paid $2.50. There is no way I could have even made the dress for that.

Money is tight but I need to make a gift....

I have found several sites over the past year on the Internet that shows you how to make gifts for people. In the past year, I have found jar mixes at www.budget101.com and found adult and baby slippers, baby kimonos, and vanilla flavored sugar at www.marthastewart.com.

Now I have found another website. If you look on the left hand side of www.oneprettything.com, click on homemade gift guide. Here you will find different categories for men, babies, edible, kids, girlfriends, etc. There are lots and lots of ideas. Some are easy and some are a little more difficult. Can anyone guess where I will be getting my ideas for my next batch of presents from? :)

Two websites/blogs I found today.

Earlier today, I was on the hunt for how to make your own wipes. I found this website... http://www.make-your-own-baby-stuff.com. On here I found lots and lots of how to do your own baby stuff... making your own baby food, keepsakes, clothes, and lots of other cool things. I was looking at the clothes when I found a super cute newborn gown made from a t-shirt. So I click and found another amazing website/blog called http://thismamamakesstuff.com. Oh my, I was in heaven. She shops at thrift store and remakes items into something different. This woman is amazing. I am now wanting to start sewing all kinds of stuff and wanting to head to Atlanta to some cool thrift stores to find some finds...

Baby Wipes...

We are close to being out of wipes therefore I thought today would be a good day to make my own. I am trying to completely get away from all the chemicals in cleaning products and baby wipes are one of those things. I still have some wipes for those really horrible diapers that the boy likes to make but will mostly use the ones I make.

I reused the wipe tub that I have been refilling with wipes but put cotton squares (you can use reuse cloths or paper towels) in it instead (purchase for 1.98). In a spray bottle, I put 2 cups water, 2 Tablespoons of baby shampoo (currently using Burt's Bees but will need to find something else because they are now owned by Clorox)and 2 Tablespoons of Oil ( currently using Burt's bees Oil, it smells wonderful but will find something else). Mix each time you use. I just spray it on his hinny but you can spray it on a the wipe replacement. Wipe as usual.

Cost was 1.98 total because I was using everything I have at home and the bonus is his hinny smells pretty good.

Butter...

I know what you are thinking because I was thinking the same thing but I thought I would try this one out. I LOVE IT!!!! It is really simple to make. Get 16 oz of heavy cream but I bought heavy whipping cream, they maybe the same thing but I do not know. Then poured into a blender, pressed whipped button (if you have one, my blender is really old), and walked away for 10 minutes. If you have liquid then you will need to press the liquid out from the butter but I did not have any. I put in a seal container and refrigerated. You can also use a food processor instead of a blender. If you need salted butter just add 1/4 teaspoon of salt, then blend. It turns out whipped, light, and beautiful. I thought I would use this if I have company over that need to impressed. I used it this morning for cookies. The cookies were the lightest cookies I have ever made. You can add seasonings to it if you would like such as honey, cinnamon and sugar, garlic, Italian seasonings, the ideas are endless.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Homemade-Butter-2/Detail.aspx

Preventing and treating diaper rash

My baby gets REALLY bad diaper rashes even if I clean him up within minutes, so off on another mission I went. I did some research and found that many moms recommend just sprinkling some baking soda in the bath water. If the diaper rash is really bad, then give the baby a bath twice a day. I did find a homemade diaper rash medicine that I am going to try and if I like it I will write about it later.

Foaming Hand Soap...

As JC was learning to potty, we were washing hands A LOT. At home, I started using the foaming soap instead of gel hand soap because it was easier for her to wash her hands by herself. About the same time one on the segments on GMA was about saving some money. The lady that was on GMA stated that instead of buying refills for the foaming soap buy the refill for the hand gel soap. To refill the container that you have already purchase, put about two tablespoons of gel soap in with about 8 oz of water (leave a little bit of room). Then put the lid back on it and shake. I used Method which I know can be purchased at Target and Ingles. The refill bag, which contains 34 oz, will last over a year in my house and that is filling up three containers. I will try to use it with the homemade dish soap but that will be a while because I still have over half a bag left.

Easter Egg Dye...

I am going to use homemade dye to color eggs this year. I have not decided if I am going to use food coloring or dye made from food (a natural dye)

Make your own food color dye.
Combine 1/2 to 1 Tablespoon of food coloring with 2 tsp. vinegar in a
cup that is deep enough for the eggs. Add water to about the half way point. Gently place the eggs into the cups. I use a soup spoon to place
my eggs in the cups, to avoid cracking. The longer they are left in the dye, the darker the color shade. Experiment with different combinations of colors When you remove the egg from the dye, pat dry with a paper towel and place in a holder.


or


Natural Easter Egg Dye
Use the color chart below to create all natural tones. Try using natural dyes. Combine the dye source with 1/2 Tablespoon of vinegar with some cold water in a saucepan. Add raw eggs (make sure there's enough water to cover the eggs) and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. The longer you simmer, the darker the color will be, but simmer
at least 8 minutes so that the eggs cook thoroughly.

Another Natural Method...
This will create a beautiful marbled effect. Wrap the uncooked eggs in
onion skins both white an purple, spinach, or fresh saffron.
Use white string to secure the wrap and then place the eggs in the foot
of an old nylon stocking and tie a knot. Then gently boil the whole shebang, using the cooking time above...don't forget the vinegar. Leave the eggs
in the wrap for awhile. When you unwrap them they will all look different.

Color chart:
Brown - the outer layers of onions, tea or coffee
Yellow - turmeric or saffron
Red - cranberries
Purple - beets, purple onion skin
Green - spinach
Blue - blueberries

Here is the website I was looking at. It has lots of other ideas... http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/holiday_eastereggs.htm

Laundry Soap....

I use powder clothes soap and we go through a BUNCH of it between the winter, kids, and a husband.... Here is the recipe that I have been making.


2 cups Fels Naptha Soap (finely grated – or you could use these bars of soap...Ivory soap, Sunlight bar soap, Kirk’s Hardwater Castile, and Zote )
1 cup Washing Soda (I found with the powder soaps. It is called Arm & Hammer Washing Soda)
1 cup Borax (I found with the Oxy Clean)
Mix well (I have to use my hands to break up the grated soap into finer pieces by mixing it with the Washing Soda and Borax) and store in an airtight plastic container.
Use 2 tablespoons per full load.

There are more recipes found at http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/

A friend from H.S. named Sharon posted on her blog the liquid clothes soap that she uses.

1 bar grated Fels-Naptha soap
1 quart water
1 ½ cups Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda
1 ½ cups 20 Mule Team Borax
4 gallons hot tap water
Cheese Grater
5 gallon bucket with lid
Smaller container to store soap

Grate all the Fels-Naptha bar soap. Add to 1 quart of water in a large sauce pan and cook until soap is dissolved and mixed well. Pour into the 5 gallon bucket, add borax and washing soda. Whisk until mixed well. Add 4 gallons of hot water and mix again. Let sit over night, stirring occasionally; detergent will be jelly like the next day – stir again. Pour some into a smaller container for easier use, or use directly out of the bucket. If you use jugs, leave enough room to shake it up before each use, or stir in the big bucket.

Put vinegar in the last rinse cycle, downy ball, or the cup in the washer for fabric softer. Vinegar does the same thing as fabric softer for alot less.

At our local grocery store, they carry a soap called Clearly Natural. It comes in Peppermint smell and a vitamin E form. I will use this instead of Ivory from now on. I use the Peppermint in the Laundry. I like the clothes smell when they come out of the wash.

Have fun and Enjoy... Happy Savings...

My All purpose cleaner...

When I need to scrub down the kitchen, I do the following...

fill the sink about a quarter of the way with warm water
add dish soap (today I started using my homemade dish soap)
add about 1/2 cup of vinegar
add about 1/8 cup baking soda

When the baking soda is added, it will react to the vinegar and fuzz.

Wipe whatever you want to clean with a rage or washcloth.

If you would like for it to have a nice scent, add a couple of drops of essential oil.

Pancake Mix

At least once or twice a week, we have pancakes. Here is the recipe that I use. I found it in a kids magazine from Martha Stewart. My kids love it.

1 3/4 cup flour (I use 1 cup bread flour and 3/4 cup whole wheat flour)
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 Tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
mix well, then add
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs
3 Tablespoon of oil.

Mix well and use 1/4 cup to measure out pancakes on griddle. This makes about 12 pancakes. If you work during the weekend, double the batch. After pancakes are cooked, put them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze. Then after they are frozen, store in a container in freezer. To reheat, place in toaster oven and toast.

Ten Things Needed

Tonight I will tell you the ten things to have for cleaning around your house. There will be more posts about other ways to use them but here are some examples.

1. White Vinegar
A natural disinfectant and deodorizer, white vinegar can be used as an all-purpose cleaner on most surfaces around your home. Try mixing a solution of half water and half vinegar in a spray bottle, and use it to cut grease and remove mildew and other stains from all your bathroom and kitchen surfaces. Vinegar can also be used as an effective and hypoallergenic fabric softener; add 1/2 cup to every load during the rinse cycle.

2. Baking Soda
Baking soda has already earned its reputation as a great natural deodorizer, but did you know it can also be used as a gentle and effective household scouring agent? For instance, to treat hardened stains on easily scratched surfaces like stovetops or refrigerator shelves, try sprinkling baking powder directly on top of the stain and scrub with a damp sponge until clean. You can also use baking soda to deodorize and remove some of the buildup from a dishwasher's interior; simply pour a cup of it into the machine and run the rinse cycle.

3. Lemon Juice
This natural disinfectant and bleaching agent has a variety of uses both in and out of the kitchen. To sterilize wooden cutting boards, rub the cut side of a lemon half over the entire surface of the board, then rinse with hot water. If you need to tackle a stain (on clothing or another surface), try mixing lemon juice with baking soda to make a paste and apply it to the spot; wipe away after 10 minutes. Due to its highly acidic nature, lemon juice can even be used to dissolve soap scum, hard water deposits, mold and mildew. Plus, even the peel can be put to good use; grinding the peel of an entire lemon through a garbage disposal will freshen its blades and the drain below.

4. Borax
Valued for its deodorizing and disinfectant properties, Borax (sodium borate) is an excellent multipurpose cleaner that's especially well suited to cleaning painted and wallpapered surfaces. For an effective floor and wall cleaning solution, mix 1/3 cup of Borax into 1 gallon of warm water, then add one tsp of liquid dish soap. To use the substance as a tile grout cleaner, combine 1/4 cup of Borax with 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 spoonful of hot water to form a paste; apply to the grout, scrub and rinse thoroughly. Borax can most likely be found in the cleaning aisle of your local supermarket.

5. Washing Soda
Available in the laundry aisle of most supermarkets, washing soda not only boosts the power of regular laundry detergent (add ½ cup to each load of laundry along with your regular detergent), it can also be safely used to clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces, cookware, plastic appliances and concrete floors. (Do not use this substance on fiberglass or aluminum surfaces, as it may cause discoloration.) Simply dissolve 1/3 cup of washing soda into a gallon of warm water, and apply to the desired surface with either a sponge or scrubbing brush as appropriate.

6.Isopropyl Alcohol
Who knew this medicine-cabinet staple could have so many practical uses around the house? Use it to disinfect and clean grime from often-handled phones, computer keyboards, doorknobs and switch plates, as well as to remove dust from decorative candles (alcohol won't ruin the wick, as water might). Rubbing alcohol is also effective at combating fresh ink stains on clothing or carpets; try using a soaked cotton ball to blot away the spots. (Isopropyl alcohol may not be safe to use on all materials; do a test on a discreet area of the item before tackling larger stains.)

7. Cornstarch
An excellent oil absorber, cornstarch can be mixed with water to form a paste to clean grease from stovetops, vent hoods, cabinetry and other grease magnets around the kitchen. You can also use cornstarch to deodorize and refresh carpeting; sprinkle a liberal amount over rugs or carpets and wait 20 minutes before vacuuming away.

8. Mineral Oil
Put down the Pledge! This all-natural substance can be used to give all your furniture a good shine; use it straight, or add a few drops of essential oil or lemon juice to add a pleasant scent. You can also use mineral oil to rehydrate wooden cutting boards and prevent splits and cracks, which can harbor dangerous bacteria. Simply use a clean cloth to rub the oil into the board, working in the direction of the grain; let it absorb for several minutes, then wipe off excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.

9. Coarse Salt
This natural abrasive is ideal for scouring dried- or burned-on food from your cookware; it's also an effective polishing agent for copper pots and pans: Just sprinkle salt on the cut side of a lemon half and rub on the copper surface until shiny. You can also use salt to clean up fresh spills in the oven; sprinkle some on stains to absorb grease and moisture, then wipe off with a damp cloth.

10. Toothpaste
Good for more than polishing up your pearly whites, toothpaste can also be used to remove tarnish and restore shine to silver. Discover a water stain on your wooden coffee table? Dab a bit of toothpaste on the spot, allow it to dry, then wipe away to eliminate the mark.



Here is the website... http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Shelter/Organizing-Cleaning/10-Alternative-Household-Cleansers.html?node_name=ChannelHome

Things Tracy Kittrell Fontenot learned from her Grandfather

I dont know where he came up with these ideas but a couple that my grandaddy taught me were ... Using salt to clean dog food and water bowls. The salt wouldn't hurt them and it rinses clean and acts as an abrasive. For baby bottles that have dried up milk, put some rice in the bottle and add a little water. Shake until it breaks it up and rinse well. This also works for vases that have the dried up plant pieces in it or the tea pitchers they make with the little pour spout. I always get the residue around the handle part and the rice tricks works every time.

Thanks Tracy for sharing

Homemade Pizza Dough

If you have about an hour and half to make dinner that is all the time you need. I spend about 20 minutes making the dough, letting it rise for about an hour, then about another 30-40 minutes rolling and cooking the pizza. My family loves this pizza. I still buy frozen pizza but that is usually when we are coming back from a long trip and we need to eat quick but I don't feel like it or have the time to make it.

Ingredients
1 1/4 c warm water (105-115 degrees F)
1 envelop (.25 oz) active yeast
1 t sugar
1 T Olive Oil
1 t salt ( use galic salt)
3 1/2 c all-purpose flour (I use 2 cups bread flour and 1 1/2 cups whole wheat)
2 t cornmeal (I dont measure this)
1 c pizza sauce (I dont use this much)
Whatever Toppings you would like to use.

Step One
Place 1/4 c warm water in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over water; stir in sugar. Let stand 5 minutes ( I walk away and do something else). Add remaining water, oil, and salt. Stir in flour until dough pull away from side of bowl.

Step Two
Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth, 8-10 minutes. Coat large bowl with cooking spray; place dough in bowl, turning to grease to. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise in warm place until almost double size, about 45 minutes.

Step Three
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Punch down dough. Coat 2 12 in pizza pans (I only have one so I make the second when the first is done) in cooking spray; sprinkle with cornmeal. Divide dough into half. Roll dough to fit prepared pans; press dough against edge to form rim. Bake crust for 10 minutes (I do not do this; I tried this and did not like the end result)

Step Four
Remove crust from oven and top with pizza sauce. Add the toppings and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until cheese is melted. 15-20 minutes longer. (I just completely prepare the pizza then cook it on a stone for 15 minutes).

Dish Soap

Today I was on a mission to find dish soap. I found three different recipes but I think I am going to use the third which I will include here and post the website so that if so chose to look at you can. There are a total of three recipes here... http://www.diylife.com/2009/08/03/how-to-make-your-own-dish-soap/

Recipe #3: Solid Soap Shavings
You can save even more money by making dish soap from leftover pieces of bar soap! Just be sure to chop them into very fine pieces first.

1. Place 2 cups of soap shavings into a large bowl(such as Ivory, Fels Naptha, or any other kind of soap you would like)
2. Add 2-3 cups of hot water and let it sit overnight (I let it sit all day) to soften.
3. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth(I had to use my fingers to mash some of the big chucks and a large mesh strainer). Add more water to reach the desired consistency.
4. Add 1/2 cup of lemon juice or white vinegar to help fight grease.
5. Shake well before using.

This is a HUGE batch (I made about 75 oz) that cost the price of a bar of soap and lemon juice. I will store them in plastic containers that I have kept instead of throwing them away.

Dishwasher Soap

Yesterday, I was thinking "Man, I need to buy dishwasher soap already?" So I thought there has to be a website with a recipe for making your own. Well there is... http://tipnut.com/homemade-dishwasher-detergent-recipes/

I used to buy the three in one blocks that gets 16 loads of dishes done per bag for around 5 dollars. Today, I bought a box of baking soda for $.57 and a box of borax for $3.72 for 4 lbs and 12 oz.

I use Powder recipe #2
1 1/2 cups Baking Soda
1 1/2 cups Borax
For the above recipe:
Mix thoroughly and store in a plastic container, use approximately 2 TBS per load.
Use vinegar in the rinse compartment as a rinse agent to help prevent residue
Try adding 2-3 drops essential oil

I can now wash 24 loads of dishes for about a dollar. I have already washed dishes and can not tell a difference in the store bought or homemade.

I did read that if your dishes are still a little cloudy you can add a drop of dish soap with each load.

Hot Cocoa

This past Christmas, I made jar mixes for family and friends. As I was looking on the Internet for recipes I can across www.budget101.com. Here I found black bean soup, an Italian dinner night, Pizza dinner night, and cookies. I have not tried any of them but have been told by the receivers that everything was great. Every bag got a jar of hot cocoa mix. This is the only thing I have had and it is one of the best I have tried.

Hot Cocoa:
1 cup powdered coffee creamer
1 cup dried milk
1 cup sugar (I did make several with a sugar alternative)
1/2 cup cocoa

1 Tablespoon per 1/4 cup of hot water or 5 Tablespoons to 1 mug. I use milk instead of water, it makes it more creamy...

When I purchase the items to make it, I buy the largest container that I can. I am saving money because I am buying in bulk and using less packaging because I am not buying several little containers multiple times.

Getting Started...

I am writing this blog to share some of the cheap ways to do everyday things and websites. Over the past year on Facebook, I have posted several things I have found to save money and have received a great response from them therefore I thought I would start a blog.
First and foremost, I try to make a good deal of the items my family needs. If we need clothes for a special occasion or a holiday, I will make them. I shop at thrift stores and consignment stores. A great deal of the food I prepare for the family is made from scratch.
I hope you will find some of the information useful. Some ideas maybe a little extreme for some but I hope all will find something that can be used. Enjoy !!!