Saturday, June 25, 2011

If I Had More Time

The other night, I was feeling in my being if I had more time,
I could get more sleep
and then I could wake up
and exercise
and have more energy.

If I had more time,
I could get the garden in.
I could clear out the garage,
I could clean up the basement.

If I had more time,
I could write on the blog,
I could write my brother,
I could finish reading these books.

As I was feeling this, the thought came to my mind,

"If I had more time, I could be perfect!" 


Well, that stopped me in my tracks. Oh, so that's what this is all about? I chuckled.


Did you know that we have the same amount of time as God? We just measure it differently. We have the same amount of time as a fly. But we value it differently. The fly has but a few days, so it doesn't waste time surfing Facebook before he decides it's time to sleep again or eat again or buzz around again.

How we measure time determines how we will spend our time.
How do you measure yours?

Friday, June 24, 2011

Frugal Friday: Diaper Rewards

Who likes paying for diapers? Maybe an expectant mommy, but the cuteness wears off soon after realizing each one-time use is a dime to more than a quarter down the toilet.

If you're buying Huggies or Pampers brand diapers or wipes, you might as well summit the codes that come in each package and earn codes for free product. I threw away codes with my first baby, and I'm honestly a little sick about it. Check the rewards catalogs every so often to see if there is anything you want or need since the prizes change every so often.

Summit your Pampers codes at Pampers.com



I rarely buy Pampers brand items, but I have a nice little stash of points I have not spent yet.



Summit your Huggies codes at EnjoyTheRideRewards.com



I use this program most since they tend to include free diapers and wipes in their catalog more often.

Other ways to collect additional codes and rack up points quicker:
~ If your friends aren't using the codes, you can ask them to give you theirs.
~ Google "Pampers codes" or "Huggies codes" every once in a while to find blogs that post limited-time public codes. Make sure to sort your Google-generated list by date ("past two weeks" or "past month", depending on how often you will look for codes).

I have really enjoyed redeeming my Huggies points. I have received several free packs of diapers and wipes and some cool insulated Melissa & Doug lunch bags! If you have to change diapers anyway, why not reward yourself a little for doing so?

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Scripture Sunday - Proverbs 6:6-8

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; 
consider her ways, and be wise:
Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
Provideth her meat in the summer,
and gathereth her food in the harvest.


Proverbs 6: 6-8

Friday, June 10, 2011

Frugal Friday: Hire Local

Sometimes, the best deals are right under your nose. Or next door.

When we need services done at home, it is common to look in the phone book or Google online, but depending on what you need done, it may be easier to ask a neighbor. Paying a neighborhood boy to mow lawns is the most common way people do this, but consider other ways you can "buy local".

When I was about 8 months pregnant with my first child, I realized I could no longer comfortably scrub the inside of my bathtubs. I posted on my personal blog asking what housekeepers my friends recommended. To my surprise, my Relief Society president at the time, who also lived just two houses away (still does), saw the post and said she wanted the job. She did it for a lower price than a professional housekeeper charged and she appreciated the extra spending cash!

I've also paid neighbor women to watch my children and paid my sister to make frozen meals for us when I was pregnant with my second child. My husband traded computer services with a neighbor who is a roofer so we could have the shingles on our roof inspected and secured.

What other services can you pay a neighbor to do?

  • Do you need someone to walk the dog?
  • Have you considered paying the neighbor kids in lollipops to pick the dandelions from your yard or weed the garden?
  • Who can diagnose and fix your computer issues? Or design your website?
  • If you work, is there someone you trust to be your daycare provider?
  • Who is a painter or a plumber?
  • Do you have a neighbor who is a lawyer and can help you set up your will?
  • Is there a fantastic seamstress in your neighborhood you could pay to make your daughter's prom dress?

Not all neighbors will be excited to take on more work after getting through a work day, but a lot will be grateful for the extra cash or for the service or product you can give in return. Get to know your neighbors. Save money, and hire local!