Double your pantry space

I have this old oak bookcase that doesn't really seem to fit anywhere in my home.  It was a gift from my parents when I graduated college so I didn't want to part with it.  As a result, it has resided in my formal dining room for years... empty and unused.

I love our home and there are really only a few things I'd change about it.  The main thing that frustrates me is the small pantry.  Small pantry, meet empty bookcase!  After bolting the bookcase to the wall, I filled it with excess pantry items which freed up tons of space.  Next, I went to Home Goods and picked up a set of neutral curtains. A quick run through the sewing machine to take a little length off and a tension rod did the trick.

What pieces of furniture are in your home that could be re-purposed?  I took an old changing table and used the shelving for games, the top for assorted craft items and paper files.  What about an old dresser?  Remove the drawers, place boards across the supports and it makes for a nice shelving unit.

Here's the panty project.  The curtains will be ironed soon =)

 Adjustable shelving makes this great for canned goods and taller items as well.  I've used the bottom portion for larger decorations, my cupcake holder and maybe my mixer.

Curtains that have grommets allow for easy access because they slide back and forth with ease.

I used a very neutral panel because I host holiday events in this room.  For a less formal area, consider a fun print or bright color. A shower curtain might work well depending on the height of your shelving unit.

Sunscreen- things to know

It's a beautiful day here in Seattle which means everyone is showing quite a bit more skin than normal.  Many will have trouble sleeping over the next few due to sunburns.  Do you know everything there is to know about sunscreen?  I certainly do not but I recently read an article in Real Simple that was "Real Helpful."  If you're like me, you're lucky if you find the time to read the January issue of your favorite mag by June.  Here are the key points I found most helpful.

SPF- What does it all mean?

• SPF (Sun Protection Factor) refers to the protection the sunscreen offers.  Consider the time it would normally take your unprotected skin to burn.  For me, it's as little as 15 minutes... my red headed daughter even less.  Take that 15 minutes (or whatever your skin can handle) and multiply it by the SPF.  That's the average number of minutes the SPF will offer protection.  So, if it takes me 15 minutes to burn normally, an SPF will offer (15x15= 225 minutes or 3 hours and 45 minutes) of protection.  

If you're doing errands and won't be out in the sun for extended periods of time, consider a lower SPF.  Don't forget there are advantages to sun that us Seattleites can forget after 9 months of grey.  If you live in predominately overcast climates, chances are you're lacking this vitamin.  If you're going to the beach or sunbathing, go higher.  Remember that as the SPF increases, so does the amount of chemicals in your sunscreen.

How high should I go?

• Research has shown diminishing returns on SPF's higher than 30.  Some studies have shown only a 1%-4% increase in protection between an SPF of 30 versus one 40 or higher.

Now, don't forget that sunscreen isn't really waterproof.  Resistant?  Yes.  Not waterproof.  Researchers say that if you're in the water for 40 minutes, it's time to reapply.  In the water for 15 minutes?  You can take 2 more 15 minute dips before the sunscreen has likely worn off.


UVA/ UVB and Broad Spectrum:

• You can get bogged down in detail on this so I'll keep it simple.  UVB rays burn (B=Burn).  UVA rays are not to be ignored as they can also lead to skin damage and cancer.  UVA will also add a few years to your skin so be sure to get a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.  To protect against skin cancer, premature aging and other harm, buy sunscreens labeled "Broad Spectrum."  This means the product blocks against both UVA and UVB rays.

Is there a difference between sunscreen and sunblock?  

• Cosmetic physician Dr Jamuna Pai says, "Sunscreens allow a little filtering of UVB rays in the skin,      whereas sunblock contain zinc oxide that deflects the UV rays from the skin altogether."  
• Conflicting information says that no product will actually block sun rays 100%.  According to a recent Marie Claire article, companies are banned from calling their products "sunblock" for this reason.

REAPPLY!!! 
My poor daughter looked like a tomato when we went to Cabo.  We couldn't figure out why an SPF of 60 wasn't sufficient.  The trick is to reapply every couple hours, even more if you're in the water.  For the average adult, a shot glass amount will usually suffice.

The little things matter!
Talk to any dermatologist and he or she will tell you the most common places for skin cancer are on the lips, nose and the tops of the ears.  Why?  People forget to apply sunscreen to these areas.  My dad had his entire bottom lip removed because of normal sun exposure to his lips.  It doesn't take much!  Buy a lip balm with an SPF of 30 to get the most protect.  Reapply consistently as it will wear off quicker from eating and drinking.


Happy Summer!

 

Dishonest pricing practices

A recent article on Komo uncovered dishonest pricing strategies by Kohl's.  Apparently, Kohl's has been raising prices before placing items on sale.  While you're still getting a discount from the original price, the savings are inflated.  Many readers commented about similar prices at grocery stores and other clothing retailers.  I though it was common knowledge that these sorts of practices are used everyday but apparently some are still quite surprised by these findings. 

It's all a mind game.  Companies spend millions on pricing strategies.  That's why colleges offer degrees in marketing, advertising and supermarket science.  What it really comes down to is the intelligence of the consumer.  Sales encourage impulsive behavior. 

So many people fall victim to these sales traps:

1.  "It's such a great deal, it would be a shame to let this go.  What if I need it someday."
2. " This must be a good deal if it's on sale.  I don't need to compare."
3.  "I must buy this now before the sale ends.  I can't afford to take time thinking about it."

I imagine stores are getting more creative and dishonest as cellphone technology emerges.  A simple bar code scan or amazon search often tells you if the product is a good deal or not.  Furthermore, that cheaper priced product is a click away. 

To avoid these traps:

1.  Think about it.  If you still want it in 24-48 hours, it might be worth it.
2.  What is the genuine value of this product?  Think about what you would pay before even checking the price.
3.  Will you genuinely use this product?
4.  Do you need this product right now?  Can it wait?  How will it impact your current cash flow?
5.  How else might you use the money you're spending on this sale item?  Do you really NEED it?
Emotional buying is rarely a good idea.  Putting it on your credit card is never a sale... it's usually 15% more expensive.

We all know credit cards use the same games to encourage spending and debt building.  So many people, sometimes myself as much as I hate to admit it, brag about the miles they're racking up by using their credit card.  Other companies offer rebates, points, etc.  My husband and I used to buy into this strategy, paying off our credit card every month.  The problem started when unexpected expenses hit us one month and we weren't able to pay off the entire balance that month.  Debt builds quickly and before you realize it, it gets out of control.  Most of the time, using a debit card will offer many of the rewards that a credit card will.  There are some situations that a credit card MIGHT make sense.  A call to your credit card provider will help clear these up.

1.  Does your credit card offer extended warranty protection?
I've taken advantage of this service 3 different times and have been very glad to have it.

2.  Booking a hotel or car?  Does the rental company deduct additional funds to cover accidents, cancellations or other unforeseen events? 
I've heard of more than one person having their debit card frozen by a rental car company.

3.  Are you purchasing from someone you fear might take advantage of you? 
The simple answer is to not make the purchase.  If it's unavoidable, a credit card might give you recourse if you are the victim of fraud.

4.  Will you be reimbursed before your bill is due?

It's very easy to become obsessed with saving money, budgeting and debt pay-off.  While it's important to plan for these things and be responsible, it's also important not to obsess.  Idolizing material goods or money is sinful.  Idolizing your debt pay-off strategies and budgets is also sinful.  Remember balance in everything you do.

What if it's cancer?

I've been known to play "google-a-disease" fromtime to time.  You might too if you werein my shoes.  My mother died at age 56from stomach cancer (originally diagnosed at age 14), her mother died at age 57from ovarian cancer and her mother's sister died at age 57 from uterinecancer.  My maternal great grandmotheralso died of some kind of female cancer but I've lost track... According tothese odds, I'm in the golden years of my life. That's one of the reasons I'mwalking in Relay For Life this June.

A few months ago I started having strange symptoms... I'llspare you the details.  I went to mydoctor and she said it was likely stress from the fundraiser I had just beenworking on.  I absolutely loved my last fundraiser and I have experienced episodes of far greater stress and have beenjust fine.  She ran blood work, did sometests and everything was fine.  Then thenext month rolled around and more symptoms. I went back in for follow-up last Tuesday and the doctor started to getworried.  She performed a uterinebiopsy... a blast let me tell ya, and said it would be up to a week before Iknew the results.

A week?!  Wow... I didnot know how I'd get through that.  Sheoffered up a bottle of xanex which I quickly accepted.  I couldn't stop thinking about my husband and my kids.  My kids are 6 and 8... nowhere near raised.  It's them that Iworried about.

My mind started racing and my fingers flew as I sped throughevery internet site out there.  I learnedone of the first places uterine cancer spreads is to the lungs.  Yikes... I had pleurisy this past January...could it be?  Then God spoke to me andsaid to get off the internet and into His Word. To stop talking to people that "knew it all" and to talk toHim.  I immediately turned to the book ofJonah and started working on my current Bible study.  I got a pencil and started to write.  Here's what came to me:

Slow Down! Listen.  Study the Word.  Simplify. Calm Down.  Limit the noise andinput in my life.  Serve as  Christian example in everything I do whetherby faith, action or Word... a tall order I know!  I continued to read and came across a pieceof scripture I've never read before.

2 Corinthians 12:9

"... My grace is sufficient for you, for my power ismade perfect in weakness.  There for, Iwill boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power mayrest in me.  That is why, for Christ'ssake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutors, indifficulties.  For when I am weak, then Iam strong."

It's easy to praise God during the good times.  Do you praise him the bad times too?  Do you see a storm approaching in your lifeand wonder what great purpose God has in store or do you get on a boat and sailas far away as you can?  We may neverknow why we face the difficulties we do. It still leaves me completely speechless when I see a baby on chemo,when I see marriages end, when I find out a loved one is seriously sick, whenthings like 9-11 happen or why I had to lose my mother at such a youngage.  Nothing that we can imagine makesany of this okay... our thoughts are not His:

Isaiah 55:8 ""For my thoughts are not yourthoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD."

As I read the story of Jonah, it was incredible to readabout the pagans that turned into believers when Jonah told them to throw himinto the ocean because God's storm was for Jonah and not them.  They told Jonah to pray to his God so theirlives might be spared.

Who is watching you?  What are you going through right now?  Are youhandling it with grace or are you running scared?  Are you listening to God... slowing down,studying and waiting?  Are youconsidering those around you or just yourself?

Facing a death, a serious illness, injury or other difficulttime may cause you to turn inward and think of only yourself.  It's natural and not something to feel guiltyabout.  However, think for a moment aboutthose that love you.  Those that supportyou.  Have you thanked them?  Have you dropped a note in the mail to tellthem how much they mean to you?  Have youresponded to the emails and phone calls of those reaching out to you?  Are you concerned with their well being orjust your own?  Are you taking more thanyou're giving?  Are you acting in a waythat you want to be remembered, living or not? 

What will you do today thatwill shape the way you are remembered?

This experience was scary and stressful.  I am incredibly grateful that it's over andthat I am healthy.  Those that reachedout to me and offered up their prayers mean the world to me.  Thank you!

Teacher Appreciation week sweet treat ideas

My daughter's teachers listed jelly beans and dark chocolate with almonds as their favorite treats.  Rather than give them a boring candy bar or bag of beans, I thought I'd dress things up a bit.


Teacher Pills

Supplies:

Small jar with a lid (Target).  Try to get one with a smooth finish.

Candy filler

Shipping Labels (3 1/3 x 4 works well)

Publisher or other program to make labels and import clip art.

On the back of the jar, attach a fun label listing active ingredient, directions, uses and warnings.

Directions:  Turn your back to kids, shove into face

 

Active Ingredients……………………………….Jelly Bellies

Uses:  Temporarily relieves aches and pains due to: Whining, crying, pouting, drama, Mondays, Halloween, Christmas, Easter and the days following, separation anxiety, difficult parents, headache, paper cuts, field trips & conferences.

Warnings: Run and hide if symptoms persist.

I also added "Brought to you by the co-creators of (Insert child's name here)."

Here's what I did for the chocolate lover.  It's silly but fun and memorable.

These were easy to create in publisher.  I measured the candy bars and sized my document accordingly.  Next, I printed them off, cut them to size and ran them through the xyron.  I stacked 3 Godiva bars and wrapped them in plain white computer paper, placing the stickers/ label on either side. 

Teacher Appreciation Week made simple

Teacher appreciation week is upon us once again! It's time to show our teachers how much we love and appreciate all the work that goes into teaching our children.  If you're asked to chair this week, it can seem quite daunting and overwhelming.  Here are some important things to consider when planning your week:

 

1.   Delegate!

2.  Will you do one large event or something little every day?

3.   How large is your child's class, grade and school?  What are the cultures and demographics of your school? What is reasonable to complete?

4.  What are your teacher's favorite things?  What would mean the most to him or her?

5.  Change is good.

6.  A proper tool box makes all the difference!

Delegation is key.  I'm not saying this to be lazy, it really does make for a special week.  If the entire class is involved, the end result will mean more to your teacher.  Not only that, parents are more likely to take on small tasks rather than being the chairperson.  Combining ideas results in a more creative and diverse experience.  Here are some ways to delegate the week:

Have a different theme every day of the week.  Have children bring in a special item relating to the theme each day.  Here are some ideas: 

• Flower Day (one flower from each child makes a nice bouquet)
• Fruit Basket (combine to make a nice fruit bowl or basket)
• Something sweet 
•  Feed the teachers/ BBQ (have a sign up sheet for each item needed)
• Raffle
• Take the day off or have a quiet lunch to yourself: parents volunteer to supervise during the teacher's time away.
• Small gifts or combined class gift
• Class craft for the teacher: quilts, painted chairs, ceramics painted by the student, gardening stones, apron, flower pot filled with colorful flowers or plants (also good for flower day), cook book filled with family favorites and accompanying photos of the kiddos, photographs, picture frames, mural, tiled tables or trivets, posters, scrapbook, stationary.
• Themed baskets
• Books (for the teacher or the classroom).  Have your child sign the book.
• School supply restocking
• Handmade card or craft
• Recipes
• Interviews: Ask each child questions about their teacher and record them.  Their answers can be quite funny depending on their age.

Plan several events and have different parents help with each one.

Have each parent contribute money towards the event if you will be doing it by yourself.  Be sensitive to financial hardships.

Preparing food?  Consider hiring a caterer that will cut you a deal.  Go through the PTA to give a tax deduction to those businesses wishing to donate food, services or other products.  Most businesses ask for a formal request written on letterhead.  Be sure to include the 501 C 3 tax ID number.

Ask your school for help with advertising.  Try to keep it a surprise if possible.  Use their paper (if allowed), email resources, etc.

Don't take on too much.  Really... your teacher will be happier if you don't spread yourself too thin.  Doing too much one year might discourage parents from chairing or contributing in following years because the task will seem too difficult.  Keeping things simple will be easier and most appreciated.  It's also important to consider what your students are able and willing to contribute.

If your child attends a public school, consider financial hardships!  Our local public school has a large percentage of free and reduced lunch families.  Many aren't able to donate money or special items.  I couldn't figure out why I was getting tons of Papa Murphy's gift cards donated for teacher appreciation week.  There were so many of them!  A few weeks later, I drove by the pizza chain and saw a sign that said "Now taking food stamps."  Duh... I was humbled by the number of families that gave even though they didn't have much. Be sensitive to financial hardships!  If your school has their fair share of poverty, base your themes around class crafts, handmade items, food, etc.  Make sure you allow families to donate items and not just cash.  I learned that lesson the hard way.

A great way to make the week special and personal is to create a staff questionnaire.  Find out what your teachers' favorites are:  hobbies, stores, restaurants, foods (breakfast and lunch), fruit, flower, color, scent, book, candy, Starbuck's order, game, movie, way to relax, symbol of significance (cross, rainbow, butterfly), season, etc.  Don't forget to ask about allergies, dietary restrictions and foods the staff doesn't care for.  Consider the surprises you have in store for the week when making your questionnaire.  It's best to do this a few weeks ahead to allow for proper planning and consideration.

Change is good!  I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "It has to be that way because it's always been that way."  I love tradition... I really do.  However, if the way it was done in the past is too big, too old or doesn't really fit your staff anymore, consider something new.  A lack of volunteers, or lack of volunteers that aren't burned out, might indicate a need for change.  Don't compare what you're doing to what others have done in the past.  Change can be scary but things can get pretty boring if they're ALWAYS the same.  Thanks to Pintrest, change is easy!

Over the years, I have found that a collection of tools makes chairing Teacher Appreciation week so much easier.  Here are some lifesavers in my toolbox:

• Publisher/ excel/ word
• Catering/ chaffing dishes with sterno
• Cooler
• Bulk envelopes
• 2 reams of computer paper hidden in my underwear drawer where my kids can't find them
• At least 1 extra ink cartridge (black and colored)
• Brightly colored copy paper and cardstock for fliers and signs
• Cheap vases
• Baskets (thrift stores are great for this)
• Disposable table cloths
• Napkins, disposable plates and utensils
• Digital camera
• Thank you notes.  Always thank your volunteers no matter how small the job.
• Class lists with email, phone and addresses
• Individual photos of each child in the class.  Digital format.
• Donor lists (Create a master spreadsheet of local businesses that might donate goods and services).
• Learn mail merge!  Great for asking for donations for food, raffles, gifts, etc.
• Pintrest... who didn't know that?
• Your sense of humor!!!

Have fun!  This week doesn't have to be stressful if delegated and planned properly.  Your children spend a significant amount of time at school.  A good teacher can feel like part of the family. Show them how much you care!

Easy Squeegee Window Film

Being the daughter of a father in law enforcement, I grew up quite paranoid.  My Dad always told me how dangerous it was to have glass in your front door or anywhere near the door frame.  I remember staying at my Uncle's house and I was absolutely sure someone was going to break in because there was a window right by it.  Unfortunately, that did happen a number of years later.

When we were building our home, I asked the builders to adjust the door frame so we didn't have windows anywhere near it.  They weren't able to make the changes so I've learned to live with the windows.  Surprisingly, I really enjoy the light that comes through and I'm glad my builders didn't cooperate with my original request.  Still, I do wish I had more privacy.

I ran some girl scout cookies over to my neighbor yesterday and noticed she had changed the glass in her front door to a more smoked texture.  I was surprised to learn that it was a large window film that can be easily applied and removed.  I'm sorry Jennifer but I copied you!

Home Depot carries a line of widow decals and textures called "Light Effects." 

I ended up paying about $20.00 for this product.  It came in a 36x24 sheet with instructions and a squeegee.  The instructions were wrapped in with the product itself so I didn't see them right away.  The process was fairly simple:

Tools needed: 

• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Cutting Surface
• Exacto Knife/ Scissors work too
• Yard stick or metal ruler
• Spray Bottle with water and a couple drops dish soap
• Included Squeegee

1.  Measure the window you wish to cover.  A 1/16 inch margin will insure your window film doesn't become bunched up.

2.  Using a yard stick to mark the size of your window on the film's paper backing.

3.  Cut the film out, leaving the paper backing attached.

4.  Prepare your window by washing it to remove and debris or lint. 

5.  Spray a light mist of the water and soap onto your window.

6.  Peel away one corner of the backing from your window film and apply it in the upper corner of your window.

7.  Work your way across the window, peel gradually and press the film onto the window.

8.  Adjust as necessary to remove wrinkles and to position it properly on the window.

9.  Spray the newly attached film with your water mixture to allow the squeegee to slide easily.  Use the squeegee to remove any bubbles.  Be sure to check both sides of the window for bubbles.

I love how the window looks.  It's not solid coverage but enough for some privacy.  It will be very obvious now if someone is deliberately trying to see into my house. 

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive when compared to glass replacement
• Easy to install and remove
• No glue
• Reusable
• Easy to reposition

Cons:

• A YouTube link for installation would be very helpful
• Odor when you first put the product on your window
• Somewhat difficult to place on the window because it rolls up
• No grid lines on the paper backing
• Would love to find one that was completely opaque

Suggested uses:

• Decorative touches
• Bathroom windows where privacy is necessary
• Apartments and dorms
• Doors and surrounding windows
• Offices
• Classrooms

I rate this 5 stars for the finished product.  4 stars for ease of application and 3 stars for provided instruction.