Making morning easier (and a bit cheaper!)

I love oatmeal and always have.  The kids and my better half are a bit more neutral, so when selecting oatmeal packets and flavors at the store I don't really take them into account.  Ya snooze, ya loose.

About a year ago, my mom introduced me to "Better Oats".  Have you tried them??  Holy cow, that blueberry muffin flavor is to die for!  They are pretty reasonably priced at around $1.29 a box (has 5 packets).  Spending $0.25 for breakfast is a pretty good deal!

But when I saw homemade oatmeal packets made on No Big Dill, I had to give it a shot!

Source: thedillspiel.blogspot.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Ok, I made a batch pretty close to the original recipe, but 1/2 cup oatmeal is really too much for me in the mornings.  So I altered the plan.

Each of my packets contains:

1/4 cup Old fashion oats (so much heartier than quick oats and it still works great!)
1/4 to 1/8 cup chopped dried apples (or any other dried fruit)
1 tsp. each brown sugar and white sugar
dash of salt
sprinkle of flaxseed (optional)  My original bags do not have any.

To prepare:

Pour contents in bowl.  Add a scant half cup water and microwave for 2 minutes on high.  Voila!

No Big Dill mentions that she did not do any cost analysis on her packets.  Well, I did.  I really couldn't imagine coming out any cheaper that $0.25 a packet.  Drumroll please.....the cost was cut in half!  I took into account the cost of the baggies, oatmeal, and apples.  No bad and they taste pretty good too!

NOTE* If you use 1/2 cup oatmeal you will spend about the same.

New Envelope System Wallet in Shop

Perfect for all you fans of a cash-only spending system!

The Envelope System Wallet features:

1) A covered buttonclosure and one main pocket, in which the envelopes fit.

2)Three lined-envelopes have been made in a coordinating fabric. I transferred labels to each of the wallets for easy reference. I would be happy to transfer a Bible verse, saying or other labels at your request.

3) Last but not least, there is a zippered pouch for coins, driver’s license and pictures of the kids (plenty large enough for up to 15 cards).

4) This wallet could easily also hold your checkbook and deposit slips.
5) Envelopes and zippered pouch are entirely removable for easy access and budgeting. You can remove specific envelopes that are not to be used on your shopping trip to help eliminate "dipping"!

6) Envelope System Wallet would also make a grea coupon organizer!
Check out my Etsy Shop for more styles!

T-Shirt Makeovers

Here is a lovely collection of t-shirt makeovers that I been "pinning"!

Source: busilyspinningmomma.blogspot.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Source: luziapimpinella.blogspot.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Source: cutoutandkeep.net via Mandy on Pinterest

Source: lollyjaneboutique.blogspot.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Source: jaynsarah.blogspot.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Source: mommagoround.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Quick Tip Tuesday - How to cook bacon in the oven!

I despise cooking bacon!  What a yucky mess!  I recently learned how to cook it in the oven!  It is fast and does not cause all the grease splattering mess. 

1. Lay bacon out in single layer on baking sheet pan.
2. Place in oven.
3.  THEN, turn on oven to 400 degrees.
4.  Cook for about 9-14 minutes (depends on how thick the bacon is cut).
5.  Cooking longer, produces crispier bacon.
6. Remove from oven and place bacon on a plate covered with paper towels.

7. Voila! (Bacon looks a little strange, because it's turkey:)

Yay ME!

I am so excited to announce my FIRST FEATURE!!  I want to thank everyone for their kind and supportive comments that have been left on my blog.  For all you Dave Ramsey fans, I am currently working on a fabric envelope tutorial (if you enjoy sewing) and more fabric options for complete wallet sets (for those of you who don't enjoy sewing)! 


I also would like to tell Kristen at Ladybug Blessings thank you!

Gored Skirt Tutorial!

A few calculations are needed before you begin. 

1. Measure your waist and add 1/2 to 1 inch for ease.

2. Divide that measurement by the number of panels you want your skirt to have. (My skirt has 6).

3. Add 1 inch to that number for 1/2 seam allowance on either edge.

4. The resulting number is the width of the top edge of each panel.

5. Now multiply that number by at least 1.5.  I multiplied my number by 3 because I wanted a fuller skirt at the bottom.

6. The resulting measurement is the width of the bottom of each panel.

7. I measured the length of another skirt plushem lenght to get the length of each panel.

8. Sewing right side together, sew entire skirt together. 
9. Turn skirt inside out. Iron all seams open.
10. Place zipper face down on a seam so that the zipper is centered on the seam.
11. Pin in place and sew using a zipper foot.

12. Use seam ripper to open seam in front of zipper.

13. Take a nice deep breath!

14. Make waist band.  Cut a length of fabric equal to waist measurement plus 2 inches.  Width of strip should be 2 inches also.
15. Fold in half length-wise and iron.
16. Open up.  Fold in edges to center crease and iron.

17. Pin raw edges together and sew in the top crease.

18. Flip waist band over, pin and sew very close to folded edge.

19. Take a pic!

Envelope System Wallets!

In case you were not aware, I am a Dave Ramsey Fan!  Following his book, "The Total Money Makeover", really helped me tame our budget and knock out our debt!  A big part of Dave Ramsey's program is using cash for your discretional spending such as, clothing, groceries, dining out, etc. My Envelope System Wallet made its first debute in 2009 and was met with many adoring fans!

The Envelope System Wallet features:
1) A Velcro closure and one main pocket, in which the envelopes fit.


2)Three envelopes have been made in a coordinating fabric. I transferred labels to each of the wallets for easy reference. I would be happy to transfer a Bible verse, saying or other labels at your request. The envelopes are lined with felt to prevent your cash from slipping. Edges and seams have been treated but left raw for a "cottage" look.


3) Last but not least, there is a zippered pouch for coins, driver’s license and pictures of the kids (plenty large enough for up to 10 cards).


4) This wallet could easily also hold your checkbook and deposit slips.


5) Envelopes and zippered pouch are entirely removable for easy access and budgeting. Remove it if its not to be used! (Helps prevent dipping into other funds)


6) This wallet has been used by some customers as a coupon organizer.
Take a look around and let me know what ya think!  You can purchase one at my etsy shop! See ya!

This post is linked to Today's Creative Blog!

Free Fonts

Here is my latest favorite font!  It's called Katy Berry and you can get it here.