Envelope System Wallet and NEW Purse

I wanted to share my newest Envelope System Wallet!  It is perfect for your cash-only budgeting system! 

 

The wallet includes a large zippered pocket (my checkbook , without cover, can fit), three customizeable fabric envelopes and an outer wallet that has plenty of room for addition wallet "things". 

 The little bag is made of burlap and is a cross body bag.  It is so light and airy, you hardly know it is there.  Just large enough for your Envelope System Wallet, car keys, phone and a few other necessities, it is perfect to just grab and go.

 For more detailed information, you can find this wallet and purse for sell in my ETSY SHOP.
Thanks for visiting!

 

New Envelope System Wallet!

I am so excited to introduce my newest shop item!  Please see this post to read the FAQ I receive regarding the Envelope System Wallet.  If you are interested in purchasing, please see my shop at Etsy!  Thanks for taking the time to visit!

New Envelope System Wallet

Here is the latest wallet!  It is perfect for all your Envelope System Budgeting needs.  This wallet includes 3 fabric envelopes (which can be personalized with your budget category of choice) and a zippered pouch large enough for 10-15 cards and coin money.  All of the envelopes and pouch fit inside a velcro wallet.  The wallet itself can also hold your checkbook, receipts, etc.  You can find this wallet in my ETSY STORE! Thanks!

New Envelope System Wallets in Alexander Henry!

I am so excited about my newest fabric stash!! I love Alexander Henry's fabric collection, Willow. I have enough for 8 more envelope System wallets for all you Dave Ramsey fans out there.

If you are interested in purchasing a wallet, you can find it for sale in my ETSY store!

Are you new to my wallets? Read below for some more specifics:

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 to prevent your cash from slipping.

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!

This wallet is in coordinating fabrics by Alexander Henry's Willow Collection.

*Please allow 1 week for custom labels and shipping.

*Additional envelopes may be an option for this wallet. Each additional envelope is $2.00. Please convo me if you are interested. No more than 5 envelopes per wallet are suggested due to inadequate space.

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!

How to Make your Kids Enjoy Their Summer Reading - A Tutorial!

My kids are avid readers.  This is something I am very happy about as thier parents are too. BBBUUUUTTTT, assigned summer reading, well that is another story.  First of all, it's assigned.  Second of all, we would all rather be swimming. 

Out comes the "Reading Bubble"!  Yep, this is my living room and no it isn't a giant jelly fish.  The kids and I actually made this 4 or 5 years ago when I was trying to institute a regular quiet time.  It worked really well then and still works now.  You can only go inside if you are going to read.

 See.  Umm, sorry about the pic of the shirtless boy.  Please excuse.

 Even a tweener likes hanging out in it.  Actually, parents do too.

 BUBBLE ROOM TUTORIAL

1 plastic painters tarp (cheap)

2 rolls duct tape

1 fan (box or round)

1 kitchen trash bag

Construction

a. Fold the plastic tarp in half.

b. Use duct tape to seal around all edges. Just like you are making a pillow. (see pic below)

 c. Decide on where the door will be.  Place a length of duct tape vertical and horizantal to make an upside down letter "T".  (see first pic in post).  Note how the corners were reinforced.

d. Now cut through the center of the duct tape to open a tent=like door.  We also added a mail slot. (see first pic in post)

e. Take your trash bag and cut out the bottom so that your trashbag becomes a tube.  Measure the width of the trash bag.

f.  Use scissors and cut an opening through the duct tape that equals the width of the trash bag.

g.  Duct tape one end of the trash bag to the Bubble Room.

h.  Duct tape the other end of the trash bag to the fan.

Voila!

Project takes about 1 hour.  Younger kids can help hand your strips of duct tape.  Older kids can help place it.  If you don't have room for one this size, simply use scissors and cut the painter's tarp down in size before taping. 

It is really fun to watch the Bubble Room inflate as it looks like a hot air balloon filling.  Small holes  in your room will not matter and if they are large holes, patch them with duct tape.

Throw in pillows and beanbags this room is made for fun! 

Word of Caution:  This is essentually a large plastic bag.  Supervise children at all times when the room is inflated or uninflated.  Do not turn off the fan if people are still inside!

Quick Tip Tuesday

I want to share with you something my husband and I do to save on dinning out cost and calories!
 It's called...Split the Plate! Just think of how many times you eat out and leave food on the plate or leave miserably full.

Mexican and Japanese restaurants are known for their food abundance.  In fact, I am usually one big corn chip before my food even gets to the table. 

Word of caution:  Don't do this at a restaurant you are visiting for the first time.  We did this at the beach last spring and really didn't have enough food.  Had to order more! 

Have a great day!

Sewing Tutorial for a Pillowcase

Hello! It has been a while since I have given my readers something they can really use so I am giving you all a sewing pattern that I wrote several weeks ago.

I used it to teach several teens and pre-teens how to sew. It is a great beginner project as well as a quick gift idea for the more experienced sewers. Not to mention, at the end of the pattern is a way that you can give back to your community by donating one or more homemade pillowcases to your local charities!

I made several of these and gave them out at my daughters sleepover birthday party as party gifts.

Please send me your feedback on this and have fun!

Sleepover Pillowcase Pattern

Multitude Mondays ...on a Thursday!

I am ever thankful because I am FORGIVEN!
* I never have to live with guilt
* I am capable to forgive others
*Guilt cannot not drive my decisions and choices
* Each day is a new opportunity to LOVE!
*I can have peace with God
*I have a great inheritance
* I can have more life in this life! (you were so right Saint Paul!)

Thank you Lord that your forgave my wickedness and will remember my sins no more.
Hebrews 8:12

For more Multitude Mondays (on Mondays) see Holy Experience!

Ahhhh...

I am drooling over my new fabric! Oh weekend, please give me some free time!

Flourless wheat-free COOKIES!

I thought I would share with you one of my families favorite cookies! This peanut butter cookie recipe is fool-proof!

We like ours with oatmeal added, but if your diet does not include oats, no problem! We also will add chocolate chips too! But let me warn you - we like our cookies crunchy on the outside and chewy and gooey on the inside!

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

1/2 stick butter, softened
1 C PB, smooth or crunchy
3/4 C. white sugar
3/4 C. brown sugar
3 T. corn syrup
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla extract
2 C. oatmeal (uncooked)
2t. baking soda
1 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Using a mixer, mix butter and peanut butter together for 2-3 minutes. Gradually, add each of the three sugars and mix well. Add both eggs and vanilla and continue to mix well.

Combine baking soda and oats then stir these into the batter. If adding chocolate chips, stir these in now also. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. bake at 350 degrees for 9-12 minutes. Let cool for a couple of minutes before removing!

So you don't do oats??
Follow recipe above except, do not use any butter, and obviously, do not use the oats!

Need some extra fiber and omega 3s?
Follow the above recipe, except reduce oats by 1/4 cup and add in 1/4 milled flaxseed. I promise that your family will never know that it is there!

Make Me French Toast Til I Tell You To Stop!

My wonderful husband is known for his difficult mornings. They all began when he was a young child. His horrible mother would come wake him up, help pick out clothing and then had the nerve to ask (in her bright cheerful voice), "What would you like for breakfast?". Appalled that she would actually expect him to make a decision like that in the early morning hours, finally resulted in my future husband answering back, "Make me French Toast, til I tell you to stop and don't ask me again!"

Well, she did. She made French toast each morning for his breakfast for almost 8 years. Then one day, he told her to stop (I think this is because he was leaving for college or something).

This statement has become quite famous in our family. It is still mentioned around holidays and all the 13 grandchildren know of its story.

Luckily, my husband's grumpy morning self has mellowed with age as I am not sure I would have been able to see the humor in it! But I thought I would share my mother-in-law's famous french toast recipe with all of you just in case you have a grumpy morning child who doesn't want to be spoken to!

Make Me French Toast Til I Tell You To Stop Recipe
(make enough for 4 pieces of french toast)

3 eggs - lightly scrambled with a whisk
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons of sugar
4 pieces of sliced bread

Place skillet over medium heat and put in a pat of butter to start melting.















In bowl, whisk first 4 ingredients.





























Soak each piece of bread individually for about 3 seconds.














Place bread in skillet and cook about 3 minutes on each side. You may need to slightly pick up a corner to check for doneness, it should be golden brown. Serve hot with syrup.















Around my house, french toast is a Saturday morning affair. To dress it up, I also make strawberry syrup to go on top!

Strawberry Syrup

1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries (in summer I use fresh)
2 Tablespoons of sugar
1/4 cup water


First let me tell you that the proportions mentioned above do not have to be exact in order to make great strawberry syrup. I am sure that sometimes I have a little more of this and a little less of something else, but regardless, it always tastes delicious! Place strawberries in blender (if using fresh strawberries, you can skip this step and just slice them up. Place in pot over medium heat. Add sugar and water.






























Stir occasionally to make sure that it is not sticking. Syrup will come to a boil and slowly thicken. When it is to your desired thickness remove from heat and serve!



Because it snowed, we decided to have an extra healthy French toast recipe, made with Angel Food Cake instead of bread. We served it with the Strawberry Syrup and it was heaven! Just follow basic french toast recipe using store bought or homemade angel food cake insead.



































I am getting hungry just thinking about it!

Visit Organization Junkie for more wonderful recipes and menus!

Cash Only!

Even CNN is noticing the Cash-Only budgeting system!

Judge

It is late.

I have been falling in and out of sleep for hours. Not like the gentle rolling hills of the countryside but like the crashing, choppy ocean waves before a storm.

The phone rings again all too loudly and my stomach tightens.

I hear the man next to me sigh and let the phone ring one more time before answering. It is too dark to see his face.

“Hello?”

That is all I can make out of the hushed conversation. But I know. Quiet tears roll slowly down my face. Emotions flood my heart as we wait for morning light.

He is gone. His job was done and the Maker called him home.

The next few days are a tornado of extended family, church services, emotionally draining decisions, laughter, sick children, tears, well-wishing friends, cards, flowers, baked ham and brownies. The Christmas tree stands only partly dressed with white sparkling lights.

I look at the photograph of him from two Christmases ago. He was reading the Christmas story from the Book of Luke. A family tradition that took place before the mad ripping of paper and flying of bows. You see my son, who was about 5 years old perched on the back of the recliner reading over his shoulder. My sister-in-law artfully shot this photograph. You cannot see any faces as it was photographed from the back, behind my son. I don’t even know if he knew my son was back there.


…but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Deuteronomy 5:10


Precious Savior, thank you for our family ancestors who kept your commandments. For a thousand generations have been blessed and continue to be blessed for their faith and example set before us. May my children pass on the Christian faith to our future family for a thousand more generations. Amen

Thank you to everyone who has prayed with my family these past few weeks. “Judge” was an inspiration to many and he will be missed.
"Judge"

He gives...

He tries to see it as just ...life...responsibility. The kind of responsibility you were warned about when all you could think about was life void of imposed curfews. Only you found that once you achieved this level of maturity, your own folly came at the end of a long list of tending to the needs of others.

He tends to two families. One he chose and the other he was born into. One in the depths of age and one in its prime. It isn't easy. Is it really even possible? That question doesn't really matter, doesn't need to even be asked, because it is his responsibility. There are no other choices. He can only hope that his absence at one dinner table to is appreciated at the other.

You can find him cleaning and preparing breakfast for one family, then cleaning milk from a spilled cereal bowl for the other family. Putting wool socks on old tired feet, then settling an argument between mother and daughter over what is appropriate attire for school. He reads short stories by Ferrell Sams under fluorescent lights, then calls out spelling words on a Thursday night . He helps one stand and walk on wobbly legs, and then teaches another how to swing a bat.

His siblings muse about how sad it is to see their father this way, but he doesn't have the luxury to take time and reminisce.

So I try not to complain when I pick up the water towel off the bathroom floor each morning; a new phenomenon that has only presented itself in the last few months. I try not to huff when he interrupts my thoughts and chores with his own. I try not to do a roll call from my own to-do list when he complains that I need to pick up his work clothes from the cleaners. I ignore it when he leaves his supper dishes on the table, something he expects his children not to do.

Because someone needs to care for him too.

Lord, please help me to fill his cup, so that he can in turn give more of himself to others.

Multitude Mondays - More Than I Need

I am thankful for God's creation....

1. Quiet mornings
2. cracking pecans in front of a burning fire
3. long phone calls with my mom
4. cold rainy days inside a warm house
5. a child's ability to laugh with their whole being
6. intimate conversations with a spouse
7. chocolate dessert with ice cream
8. family movie night
9. sewing time
10. my beautiful home
11. a refrigerator full of food
12. a shiny, clean car (the outside at least:)
13. aprons
14. crisp apples and tart oranges
15. a great smelling candle
16. my wonderfully, and fearfully made family
17. bright, sunny days
18. monopoly with my daughter over popcorn and hot chocolate
19. snuggling with my son
20. time here on earth to experience God's goodness
21. music that makes your heart sing
22. our Sunday School class
23. BSA smoked turkeys
24. Christmas decorations
25. chubby baby cheeks
26. hand-me down furniture


Join me and many others who are counting our 1000 blessings at Holy Experience!

P.A.T.H. - Teaching kids to Pray

If your family is anything like mine, you try to be a good parent and teach your kids great habits that will carry them through like. Praying is one such habit. The difficult part is trying to slowly transition from parent-prayed goodnight prayers to your child initiating prayer on their own. I was really feeling that my kids had hit a plateau and stopped "transitioning". We were stuck in our patterns..."Thank you God for mom and dad"...We needed another boost!

P - Praise

A - Apology

T - Thanks

H - Help (for others then yourself)

The kids and I took four poster boards and wrote one of the above words on each. We arranged them in order all around our backyard ( in order to spell PATH). Quietly and reverently, we walked and encircled a poster. Each person gave praise, apology, thanks or asked from help as we arrived at the designated poster. Do not forget to pull out your Bible and compare the Prayer Path to the Lord's Prayer!

What a difference this has made at bedtime prayers! Good luck and please let me know if you give this a try!

Envelope System Wallet for Debt Free Living!

New for Fall and back by popular demand - The Envelope system Wallet! A huge thank you to everyone who has sent me a kind message about these wallets! I hope you find them useful and fun to KEEP money in! Wallets can be purchased at my etsy store.














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.

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 it not to be used!

Dog Days of Summer - Children's Summer Activities

The best idea that I have ever had came to me about four years ago. My kids were 3 and 6 years old. Since I teach school, we are all home together each day and boredom was already setting in by July. I was also craving some alone time, but was too cheap to find a babysitter.

A good friend of mine owns and runs a dance studio, but like me, spends her summer days galavanting with the kiddos. We organized a kid swap over Happy Meals at the McDonald's playground. We each planned to take all four kids one day a week allowing each mom an entire FREE DAY. Sitting down with our schedules, the entire summer was planned around things like vacation, VBS and camps. Times were also scheduled. Kids arrive at 8:30 am and will leave around 5:00pm.

Theme days quickly developed and the kids would get so excited about them. We have had "Pirate Day", "Colonial Day", "Candy Day", etc. It wasn't long before my kids were helping plan our weekly theme day too (giving us other things to do during the week).

"The Dog Days of Summer" occured last week and I wanted to show you our FUN!

The day started with puppet making around our kitchen table. The puppets were to be dogs to be used later in the day for a puppet show.










The crafts were going so well, that the girls made puppy dog ears on some headbands while the boys went to ride bikes for a while. We then played "Doggie Doggie Who's Got your Bone" (pardon the grammar, but that is the name of the game). Did you play this in school? One person is the dog and sits in a chair with their eyes closed. There is a bone under the chair. Someone sneaks, steals the bone and sits on it then the doggie tries to guess who has it.

Our dogs were in on the act also. Wizzie got a walk through the neighborhood.










We had a few other neighborhood kids join in for the dog races! If you have a pool, you could have doggie paddle races!











We also made doggie biscuits. This proved to be a kid favorite also. By this time, my group of 4 had become 8 so I made them in 2 batches (girls and boys).











Doggie Biscuit Recipe
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup oats
2 tsp beef or chicken bouillon granules
1 egg
1/2 cup hot water
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Stir all together and roll out to about 1/2inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

By this time, mom and kids were exhausted so we settled down to watch Benji (I found this DVD in the $5 bin at Walmart. It brought back a lot of memories).

I hope you have gotten a few ideas to try your own theme day. Have fun and don't be afraid to let the kids help plan it!