Essential Family Living [Fun & Game Night and Frugal Living Tips]

Recipes for General Housecleaning Products to Make from Home

2008-06-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

I recently found several great recipes for homemade general housecleaning products and that I would share them.

Store bought cleaners contain many harsh chemicals that are bad for the family and for the surfaces we are cleaning AND they typically cost more than making them at home.

Super Duper Window/Glass Cleaner

1/3 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
3 1/2 cups water
1 clean 32-ounce spray bottle

Mix all ingredients together and then put into the spray bottle. Shake well before using.
Spray on glass window or other glass surfaces.
Dry with crumpled newspaper. (these are cheaper to use than paper towels and help prevent streaking)

Multipurpose Cleaner

1 1/2 pints

1/3 cup rubbing alcohol

1 tsp clear household ammonia

1 tsp mild dishwashing liquid

1/2 tsp lemon juice

1 clean 32-ounce spray bottle

Combine all ingredients and place in the spray bottle. Shake well before each use.
Spray on countertops, kitchen appliance surfaces, and fixtures. Also works on tile, vinyl flooring, and painted surfaces.
Wipe down with a clean cloth or damp sponge.

AP Column: How Consumers can cut their Grocery Bills

2008-05-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

APColumn:

How consumers can cut their grocery bills

Tuesday May 13, 5:15 pm ET By Anne D'Innocenzio, AP Business Writer

Strategic shopping can help consumers lower their supermarket bills despite soaring prices:

Q. The price of milk, rice and other food basics is soaring. How can I reduce my grocery bill while still providing my family with nutritious food?

A. With staples like milk now selling for almost $4 a gallon and the price of eggs at more than $2 per dozen, Americans' household budgets are being squeezed. And some analysts predict food inflation could double this year, lifted by the rising costs of fuel, corn and soybeans. But families can take steps to limit the impact of higher prices.

"Overall, you can control what you spend even in an environment where food prices are escalating fast," said Goutam Challagalla, associate dean and associate professor of marketing at Georgia Institute of Technology. "You can save without sacrificing quality."

First, Challagalla and other experts recommend that consumers make a list of food items the family needs before they go shopping and stick to it. Walking aimlessly up and down the aisles will encourage shoppers to pick up extra items like cookies and other munchies.
It's also a bad idea to go shopping when you're hungry. Consumers tend to be more impulsive, and pick up unnecessary items when they're shopping on an empty stomach.

Here are more tips to keep your food budget in check:

-- Buy store brands. The quality of store branded food items has improved dramatically in recent years, and many now compete with major national labels, according to Tod Marks, senior editor at Consumer Reports magazine. Some consumers may want to stick with name brand detergents or soaps, for example, but buying store brands for a broad array of products from fruit cups to cereals and pastas can save anywhere from 20 percent to 50 percent, Marks said.

-- Evaluate unit prices. Buying in bulk is traditionally more economically, but that's not always the case, Marks says. So he and other experts recommend shoppers look at the item's cost per unit, which is found on the shelf sticker next to the item. Marks added that when items go on sale, shoppers should always compare the cost per unit on both the big and small packages to see which is a better deal.
But experts also say shoppers should keep in mind how much their families are going to consume. It's not economical to buy a big bag of fruit if it's going to end up rotting in the refrigerator.

-- Compare prices of the same product in different areas of the store. "Where things are placed in a store can make a big difference," says Challagalla. For example, cheese is often cheaper in the dairy aisle than the deli because shoppers have to pay extra for it to be sliced.

-- Clip coupons. Shoppers should look through circulars for special deals, but Marks warns them not to assume that all items in a supermarket's weekly flyer are on sale. He noted that manufacturers could have paid to have the item featured.

-- Obtain a store card. These loyalty cards allow shoppers to get extra discounts on items without having to clip coupons.

-- Consider frozen foods. Frozen peas, fish and other items are cheaper than fresh because they have a longer shelf life.
"Anything that is perishable, shoppers are going to have to pay higher prices because stores have to build it into their (profit) margins," said Challagalla.

-- Ignore precut fruit or vegetables or other prepped items. While it's nice to have that pineapple cut up in chunks, that extra convenience costs money.

-- Avoid items displayed at the checkout counter. Stores feature single serving pies, cans of soda and other items at the checkout that are often more expensive, but can be tempting to shoppers, particularly hungry ones, Marks said.

On the Web:
http://www.consumerreports.org

Essential Financial Coaching PRESS RELEASE

2008-04-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

Contact: Amy L. Strong
Personal Financial Coach
www.essentialfinancialcoaching.blogspot.com
Phone 402.657.1426
Fax 402.934.4052

Essential Financial Coaching

Press Release

Essential Financial Coaching works with clients to provide them with a realistic plan for Financial Independence

Bellevue, NE May 1st, 2008: Amy Strong, an accomplished accountant holding a BA in Accounting with Management emphasis and 14 years as a controller for a publicly traded company, has started a personal and small business financial coaching firm.

What is a Personal Financial Coach? A Personal Financial Coach is someone that will come alongside an individual, a family, or a small business and works with them one-on-one to develop a written financial plan to eliminate debt, save for the future, and to reach their financial goals. During this time of economic instability many people are looking at their financial situation and wanting to make a change. More and more individuals and small businesses are falling further into debt and do not have a plan for their financial future.

Essential Financial Coaching is designed to work with clients one-on-one during a series of telephone coaching sessions with follow up support through telephone calls, instant messaging, and email. The principles of personal coaching include education, information, financial tools, and accountability to keep clients motivated and moving toward their financial goals.

Clients will receive support while preparing their Financial and Risk Management Statements, developing a budget and monthly cash flow plan, setting goals for future debt reduction and retirement planning, and general education on how to achieve their financial goals. Essential Financial Coaching will provide suggestions and workable solutions to the identified financial problems that the clients currently face.

Other services that Essential Financial Coaching provides are Pre-Marital Money Management Sessions, Career Coaching, Goal Setting Exercises, Life Coaching, and Full Bookkeeping Services.###

Organizing Tips

2008-04-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

This Friday I am featuring some wonderful organizing tips and suggestions from a fellow blogger and work at home mom. Enjoy!

One thing I did this year that I love is I got banker's boxes, numbered them
on the outside, and then put just about EVERYTHING that I don't use every
single day into them. Then I took a recipe card box and index cards, and an
ABC divider set, and wrote on the cards what was in the boxes, each thing
going on it's own card. Then I was able to put the boxes in the closet or
around the edge and when I need something I just look in the file box to see
which box it is in. I am also organizing the kids' room this way.

My next best tip is to get a good "paper sorter" to put papers you use
regularly. This works out much better for me than filing things since the
papers lay flat and I can easily see when I am running low on something. I
labeled each "cubby hole".

One more thing I do is I have 3 stacking open bins to the right of me, one
says "Inbox - look and take action," one says "To file" and one says
"Assistants - stuff to prep" which are things I can delegate (the kids are
my assistants LOL!). This way I can to an initial sort right from my seat.

I think it is important to start and end your day with a clear desk -
everything should have a place other than your computer, your planner and
your phone! Those are the only things that need to be out. It is so much
easier to get right to business when your day starts out with a cleaned off
desk!

PS: I am no expert at this, my office is a mish mash of hand me down
furniture and too-full bookshelves, I share it with my husband the packrat,
and the kids' computer. So I just do whatever I can to not go nuts in here!
--
Karen Clark, Executive National Director with
Story Time Felts Celebrating Our 20th Anniversary
Join my team and come with us to Walt Disney World in 2009!
http://www.funfelt.com1-877-643-5521 karen@...
See what I¹ve been up to lately: http://www.karen-clark.com

10 Fun Outdoor Things to do with Your Children this Week

2008-04-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here and we are all wanting to spend more time outside! Here are 10 great ways to spend fun family time together with the kids outdoors.

Using sidewalk chalk draw a map on the front driveway. Plan it to be used with either cars and trucks or small action figures. Include buildings, roads, and signs.
Using sidewalk chalk make a hopscotch pattern. Be creative and make it fun for all.
Play 2 liter bottle bowling. Paint 2 liter bottles a fun color (spray painting works well) and weigh down the bottles with sand, beans, or water.
Make a volcano and erupt it outdoors. Plan a mountain using sand or dirt. Don't forget to make a hole in the center. Fill the hole with baking soda (2 or 3 tsp) and then pour vinegar into the hole and "look out"!!
Plan an outdoor picnic. Walk to the park or have it in the backyard.
Make a bird feeder. You could be creative and build one of wood OR just take a pine cone or large nut and roll it into peanut butter than bird seed. Hang on a branch with a piece of string.
Take a bike ride.
Take a walk or hike. Pick up nature items along the way (twigs, leaves, flowers) and make a collage/ piece of art when you get home.
Read aloud outside as a family.
Plant a vegetable or flower garden. We like to plant herb gardens in a large pot and place them on the deck.

Enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise, and spend that much needed quality time with your family!

Shortcuts.com: The Next Generation In Coupon Clipping

2008-03-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

I discovered this new website today and signed up right away! It is a newly launched website that allows you to load your grocery coupons onto your favorite grocery store loyalty cards. Then when the card is scanned at the store, the coupons will automatically be taken off of the price of the product.

Once you set up a profile it will keep track of your active, redeemed, and expired coupons. All you need to do is log into the site and your information will be available for review.
This is a fantastic alternative for those of us who love to shop frugally, but just can't seem to keep track of those coupons.

Try it out today!

Upcoming Virtual Baby Shower March 27th - 29th

2008-03-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

Little Ladybug Designs is hosting a Virtual Baby Shower March 27th-29th and you are invited!

An adoptive mother to be, who was picked by a contest, is being showered with baby gifts from numerous sponsors including Essential Family Living.

Not only is the mother being showered with gifts but all of the guests who attend this Virtual Baby shower get the chance to win these same prizes! Simply visit Little Ladybug Designs on March 27th-29th, visit the party page, enjoy games, entertainment, baby tips, music and more, then sign the guest book after taking a peek at all the great prizes that are offered.

And of course, Little Ladybug Designs is offering a free card set for the adoptive mother to be and free return address labels for a guest, and free shipping (insurance not included) for EVERYONE! What a fun way to congratulate new mommies!

Kid Quotes

2008-03-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

I found these cute 'words of advice' from elementary ages children in our town!

Enjoy!

1. "When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair."

2. "If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second one."

3. "You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk."

4. The best place to be when you are sad is on Grandma's lap."

5. You can't trust dogs to watch your food."

The Ultimate Blog Party 2008

2008-03-06T15:04:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the Essential Family Living blog and the 2008 5MinutesforMom.com Ultimate Blog Party!

I am so excited to have you here. I am a WAHM who has a passion for family fun nights and frugal living!

Please take your time to explore this blog and my website Essential Family Living for more family fun, organizing, frugal living, and other family related ideas and topics.

Now what would a good party be without party favors? Leave a comment by Friday and you will be entered into a drawing to receive my newly revised printable Spring Cleaning List and 52 family fun time weekend ideas!

Thank you for stopping by and ENJOY THE PARTY !!

Qassia - Free Website Marketing Network

2008-03-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

Join Qassia today and enjoy the benefits of free ad sharing and backlinks for posting to the community.

It is completely free with no limit to the number of website links you post AND there is no reciprocal link exchange required!

Qassia also has an ad revenue sharing feature that is unique to the networking community.Run over to Qassia today and increase your website or blog exposure.

Essential Family Living Design Updates

2008-02-29T17:55:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Mandie at Hollyberry Corner I have a new look to my web header, banners, and the background of both my website and blog. Mandie has a wide variety of free and for purchase backgrounds, buttons, tags, and clip art.

I had Mandie work with me to redesign my signature house and company logo. She is very creative and easy to work with. I highly recommend checking out her sites!

Thank you Mandie for sharing your expertise and in such a quick and profession manner!

KidsSave- Download Kid's Savings Software

2008-02-28T12:04:00.001-08:00

From Kidnexions:

Are your kids saving savvy? Discover KidsSave, a kids' savings and money management program, where kids make deposits and withdrawals, receive allowance and Rewards, set and track goals, view their savings history, and see their savings grow into the future. KidsSave is a fun and appealing program for kids and parents. Its never too early to get your kids on the road to becoming saving savvy.

Version 1.1 allows longer account names and adds new special effects for a completed goal.

Click Here to download a FREE 35 day free trial today! ($29.95 to buy)

Tackle It Tuesday - Email Inbox

2008-02-26T07:46:00.000-08:00

Our family has been struggling with the late winter colds and flu over the past week. To be honest, it has me feeling run down. So I decided that I am going to sit on the couch with my laptop, pop in a movie, and work on cleaning up my email Inbox.

If you are like me, you have an email Inbox full of items that you either planned to respond to or thought you may use in a blog post or share with a friend. My plan is to add an "In Progress" folder for any items that I want to deal with but cannot take care of immediately. Then I will clean out this folder one day each week. If I haven't dealt with it within one week then it isn't as important as I originally thought it was.

All other emails will either be forwarded to the appropriate individual or deleted after reading.

Another thing that I have done is set up a Google Gmail account. The way Google has set up the Inbox all messages within a thread are included in one line of the Inbox. This cuts down on the number of messages in the Inbox and keeps all of the posts within one thread together for easy access. The negative about Gmail is that there is not a good storage program set up for emails that you may want to keep. There is a flagging system, but no sub-folders.

Please reply to this post with your best suggestions to keep your email Inbox organized and current. I look forward to hearing from you!

Visit http://www.essentialfamilyliving.com/ for more tips, ideas, and suggestions for family fun nights, frugal family living, organizing your family & home, and so much more.

Begging for Bargins

2008-02-25T09:45:00.000-08:00

Today I would like to introduce a new blog site that I have the privilege of being associated with. It is called Begging for Bargains.

This blog is all about providing a central location for you to find bargain specials, frugal living tips, sales, coupons, and many more great ways to save money and time.

I am excited to say that I am one of the Assistant Administrators of this terrific blog. It is a great sister site for my frugal family living friends to find additional ways to put our family first by being thrifty with our pennies.

So, if you haven't yet subscribed to my feed be sure to do that today. Then stop over to http://www.beggingforbargins.blogspot.com/ and check out the great deals, coupons, and advice.

If you find any specials, coupons, freebies, or contests that I haven't advertised at Essential Family Living or Begging for Bargains be sure to email me so we can get the word out!

Visit http://www.essentialfamilyliving.com/ for more tips, ideas, and suggestions for family fun nights, frugal family living, organizing your family & home, and so much more.

5 Tips to Cut Expenses when Dining Out

2008-02-18T11:06:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do after a long day is to go out to eat a nice meal with my family. But the cost of an upscale restaurant does not normally fit into my frugal living budget. I have learned that there are many economical ways to keep the cost down while still enjoying a nice evening out.

1. Look for restaurants that advertise a "early bird" discount - If you are willing to eat early there are many menus that offer a substantial discount on their evening entrees.

2. Look for restaurants that advertise "kids eat free" - If you are taking the kids, many restaurants will offer a free kids meal with each adult meal purchased.

3. Order water to drink. Ask for a lemon or lime wedge if you would like a little added flavor to your water.

4. Take advantage of discount coupons. There are many restaurants that advertise in the newspaper, online, and in local coupon books. Many sit down restaurants will offer a 2 for 1 coupon.

5. Split a dessert. I have found that most desserts are much too large for one person to eat, especially after an entire meal. So order a dessert and ask for 2 spoons. Every restaurant I have been to willingly and happily accomodate this request.

Enjoy your next dinner out without the financial stress!

Visit http://www.essentialfamilyliving.com/ for more tips, ideas, and suggestions for family fun nights, frugal family living, organizing your family & home, and so much more.

Thrifty Thursday - Amy's Chili Soup

2008-02-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

One of my family's favorite frugal meals on a cold winter night is chili soup and cinnamon rolls. It is great for me because it is easy to prepare and the clean up is quick! On top of all of that it is a very inexpensive meal per person and ranks a 9 on my frugal living with a little flair scale.

Here it is. Enjoy!

Amy's Chili Soup with Cheese Garnish

1 to 1.5 lbs of hamburger
48 oz bottle or can of tomato juice
29 oz can of tomato sauce
15.5 oz can of chili beans (including the liquid)
1 to 2 tsp of chili powder
salt & pepper

Brown the hamburger. While the hamburger is browning place the tomato juice, tomato sauce, and beans into a slow cooker or crockpot. Once the hamburger is brown season with the chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 8 hrs. or high for 3 to 4 hrs. [alternative preparation: include diced onion and green pepper for a richer flavor. Garnish with fresh cut chives].

I serve with freshly grated chedder cheese, crackers, and gooey cinnamon rolls.
Servings 4 to 6 persons.

COST ANALYSIS:
hamburger -$2.27
tomato juice - $1.99
tomato sauce - $.89
beans - $.79

Total cost for this dish is $5.94 or $1.49 per person for a family of 4.

Add'l cost not included above:
cinnamon rolls, cheese, and crackers.

Visit http://www.essentialfamilyliving.com/ for more tips, ideas, and suggestions for family fun nights, frugal family living, organizing your family & home, and so much more.

Using Games to Express Love to Your Family

2008-02-13T09:29:00.000-08:00

Since today is the day before Valentine's Day I am going to skip my typical Wordless Wednesday post and share some creative and fun Valentine's Day activities to do with your children. There isn't a more perfect time then February 14th to show your family in many ways how very much they are loved.

Valentine's Day Fun

#1 Colored Hearts Game

Buy a bag of colorful candy hearts. Then have your family gather around the table.

1. Pour the candies into a bowl.
2. Decide what each color signifies. Write it down on a piece of paper everyone can see. For instance:

PINK = Name ONE reason why you love each person at the table
PURPLE = Choose ONE positive word to describe the person to your right
GREEN = Choose ONE positive word to describe the person to your left
YELLOW = Hug the person to your right
RED = Hug the person to your left
WHITE = Make up and sing a silly love song about your family

You get the idea…

#2 Love Story Quiz

How much do your kids know your dating days and marriage? Let them quiz you with questions like:

- Where did you and Dad meet?
- What was a typical date like for you and Dad?
- How long did you date before you got engaged?
- What did your parents think about the two of you getting married?
- How did Dad propose?
- How many people were at your wedding?
- Where did you go on your honeymoon?
- What was your first house like?

#3 Name Game

Write your child's first name vertically, on a card. Then, for each letter, write something you love about them. Like this:

CLARA
Cuddly
Loveable
Adorable
Really sweet!
A dream come true

"For more family-strengthening resources, go to FamilyFirst.net."

"Reprinted with permission. © 2007 Florida Family Council, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks of Florida Family Council, Inc."

Visit http://www.essentialfamilyliving.com/ for more tips, ideas, and suggestions for family fun nights, frugal family living, organizing your family & home, and so much more

Tackle It Tuesday - What is on Top of the Fridge?

2008-02-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

Ok. I am finally going to break down and do it. I am going to tackle cleaning and organizing the top of our refrigerator. It has long been our "medicine cabinet" and a few weeks back I did organize all of those essential Rx products into plastic containers with snap on lids. However, there is still a mixed clutter of vitamins, small appliances, and who know what else just sitting there collecting dust.

I read an article this morning about a woman who believed in taking the time to give every workspace and living area that special touch. Her rules for her office were simple yet unique. All pictures, family artwork, flyers, etc. must be in frames on the walls (no tacking it up with a push pin), drink soda out of a glass not the can, and no eating at your desk. I love it!

This gave me the inspiration to make the space on top of my fridge something peaceful to look at. So away with the clutter and hello to a peaceful serene little area of my kitchen!

I would love to hear what project you are tackling today.

Visit http://www.essentialfamilyliving.com/ for more tips, ideas, and suggestions for family fun nights, frugal family living, organizing your family & home, and so much more.

Great Websites & eStores to Visit this Weekend

2008-02-08T18:36:00.000-08:00

Check out Tamara's blog at "A Peek at the Life of a Work at Home Mom". This is a great place to share the experiences of your week and make new friends as well.

If you are a WAHM or SAHM check out WAHM_addicts. This is an excellent place to network, advertise your business, and get advice & support from a great group of moms who are dedicated to making their work from home experience both enjoyable and profitable.

Kaboose has a fun and lucrative contest going on called Valentine's Craft Contest. The prize is $500 and the contest ends on February 14th, 2008.

Check out Peddler's Kitchen online. This is a very unique made to order company with a niche market in sample sales and Table for One (dinner for one) menu items. They also have darling gift baskets and much more!! [They also have an affiliate program for those of you with Mom run websites looking for something new and unique to feature].

One of my favorite blogs is 5minutesformom.com. They are always running great contests for a chance to win new items. I have won several books through them, so can promote them with confidence.

Finally, run over to Essential Family Living and read the latest tips and ideas for creating an intentional family fun night with a frugal living flair. While you are there check out the Family Resource eStore for our recommended reading.

Visit http://www.essentialfamilyliving.com/ for more tips, ideas, and suggestions for family fun nights, frugal family living, organizing your family & home, and so much more.

Frugal Friday - 10 Household Uses for Baking Soda

2008-02-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

Prior to this week, I had only 2 uses for baking soda - stick it in the fridge to absorb any odor and adding a teaspoon to scratch baked cookies and cakes. Little did I know that there are many other uses for this natural and economical product. In addition to being inexpensive and natural, it is safe on most surfaces and has no fragrence.

Here are my top 10 favorite alternative uses for the common household product baking soda:

Sprinkle baking soda onto a damp wash cloth or sponge and use in the kitchen to clean counters, cutting boards, sinks, stoves, and other kitchen appliances. Because baking soda is chemical free there is no worry about residue being left on a surface that will be coming into contact with food.
Use to clean combs & brushes - combine 2 tsps baking soda with 2 cups of warm water and soak the brushes for 15 minutes.
Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle of the washer to give the clothing a just washed, fresh smell.
Put out a stovetop grease fire with baking soda. Scatter the baking soda over the fire by the handfull to quickly contain the fire.
Wash fruit with 1/2 tsp of baking soda immediately prior to eating. Rise thoroughly after washing.
Clean the coffeemaking using 1 tablespoon of baking soda and running it through a complete cycle. Be sure to rinse the coffee pot throughly to eliminate any leftover residue.
Polish silver with dry baking soda on a damp cloth. Rub completely, rinse, and then dry.
Sprinkle baking soda in tennis shoes, boots, or slippers to eliminate odor.
Combine baking soda & water or baking soda & vinegar and place on bug bites or bee sting.
Sprinkle on carpet before vacuuming to eliminate food, pet, or other odor.

*Please note - do not mistakenly use baking powder (which contains cream of tartar and sodium aluminum sulfate) in place of baking soda*

Visit http://www.essentialfamilyliving.com/ for more tips, ideas, and suggestions for family fun nights, frugal family living, organizing your family & home, and so much more.

Wordless Wednesday - Young Patriotic Americans

2008-02-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

Visit http://www.essentialfamilyliving.com for more tips, ideas, and suggestions for family fun nights, frugal family living, organizing your family & home, and so much more.

Family Fun Activity - On the Go Books

2008-02-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

One of my family's favorite ways to pass the time when traveling is to listen to audio books. The Complete Chronicles of Narnia has been played in our vehicle over and over again! But it was so expensive to purchase that we have not invested in any others.

I was excited today when I found this company you can join to rent audio books. Sign up for a monthly plan to rent from 1 to 4 titles at a time.

There is a free 2 week trial that you can use to see if it is really something that your family would utilize. Click on the picture below to sign up.

Visit http://www.essentialfamilyliving.com/ for more tips, ideas, and suggestions for family fun nights, frugal family living, organizing your family & home, and so much more

Tackle It Tuesday - Boxes of Books

2008-02-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

We are a family of book readers and book collectors. Everywhere you look in our home there are shelves of books, boxes of books, book stacked uniquely as part of the home decor, and books stacked on the floor that need to find a home. Today my Tackle it Tuesday goal is to go through our children's books, organize them and give away those that we no longer use or do not have senimental value.

I have a few suggestions for those of you who also have books that you no longer need or want:

1. Give them to a local private school. The majority of the private schools that I have toured have only a meger library for the children to use. I have found that they usually have an adequate selection of younger children's books (k-2nd grade) but the selection becomes thinner for the older grades (3rd-6th).

2. Advertise to give them away on a local Freecycle or other group. Many people are willing to take a box of books even if they really only want a few of the titles.

3. Start a book exchange with family or friends. Trading books is a great way to get your family exposed to new stories.

4. Sell them on Amazon.com. Amazon has a program that you can join for free to sell any book titles that you no longer want or need. The payment program runs through the Amazon.com website and you have no contact with the end purchaser. The one catch is that you have to send the book(s) to the buyer and so will incur the shipping expense.

I am interested to hear what you are planning to tackle today. Please leave your comments below.

Visit http://www.essentialfamilyliving.com/ for more tips, ideas, and suggestions for family fun nights, frugal family living, organizing your family & home, and so much more

Frugal Living Friday - Spa "Cents"

2008-02-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

After a long week of work, planning family fun time activities, keeping up with household chores, and managing all of the other things in our busy lives it is important to take some time to unwind and relax.

Today I am sharing several frugal ways to give yourself a mini spa experience using fruits, vegetables, and herbs that you already have at home.

Begin by creating an atmosphere of serenity by adding water to berry potpourri and simmer in a mini potpourri pot while you read or take a bath. The berry or fruity fragrance is known to take away sad or depressed feelings and replace them with a happy mood.
Prepare a homemade cucumber facial. The cucumber has a clean, cool fragrance and will give the feeling of calming or soothing emotions. Apply the mask to your face and let it dry while taking a warm bath. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.
Take a foot spa or a large bowl and give yourself a pedicure. Mix a tablespoon of body wash, some Epsom salts, and warm water into the bowl. Soak your feet for 15 minutes then massage a moisturizing body lotion into each foot.
Make a special hydrating drink to enjoy while relaxing in the tub or foot spa: Pour a glass of sparkling water into your favorite clear glass then garnish with frozen strawberries and fresh lime.
Don't forget to play some soft orchestra or classic music while letting the stress of the day go and replace with serene relaxed feelings.

Tip of the Day: If you are having trouble sleeping, spend some time reading with a vanilla scented candle glowing and drink a cup of warm mint tea.

Take care of yourself with 30 minutes of downtime once or twice a week to revitualize your body and help you look your very best!

Visit http://www.essentialfamilyliving.com/ for more tips, ideas, and suggestions for family fun nights, frugal family living, organizing your family & home, and so much more.

Reminder about Valentine's Day Contest Book Give Away

2008-01-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to reply to this post to enter for a chance to win!

This Valentine's Day I am giving away a copy of the children's book "The Ballad of Valentine". The contest will run from January 25th through February 6th. The book will be sent out to the winner on February 7th to ensure a February 14th arrival date.To enter the contest go to http://www.essentialfamilyliving.com/blog/php or http://essentialfamilyliving.blogspot.com/ and reply to the Valentine's Day Contest post. The winner will be randomly drawn on February 6th and notified via email. I will list the winner on my blog on February 7th.

Book Review: From School Library JournalKindergarten-Grade 3-A story told in the rhythm of the folk song "My Darling, Clementine." A bashful gentleman sends love messages to his sweetheart, but his proclamations of love never arrive. A homing pigeon flies to Madagascar instead of to Valentine's door with a letter; smoke signals are lost in a cyclone; and a mail car derails, "leaving letters strewn behind." The pages alternate in perspective, portraying the prolific, poetic fellow as well as the plucky lass who goes about her chores and even has time to bake a pie for a special someone. At the end of the book, even though she never receives his messages, Valentine travels from her home across a canyon to deliver her luscious-looking treat to him. Jackson has created a lovesick fellow who, despite his best intentions and for reasons out of his control, just can't seem to do anything right. Valentine is a strong character and readers will feel that her darling will be safe as long as she's with him. Tusa's quirky watercolor illustrations portray a simpler time, when folks communicated by Morse code, an airplane was a modest machine, and a homemade apple pie signified true love and devotion. Without ever being treacly or melodramatic, this fun book is ideal for Valentine's Day programs.Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WICopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.