Hey all!
I've been gone a while, but now I will hopefully post a bit more often. My idea today was borrowed from "Simple Mag" and my friend Danyelle Fergusen.
My dvd's were taking up a ton of space on the coveted book shelf, so I opted to try something new. You simply buy a 3 ring binder (I would recommend buying one that is a higher quality), cd/dvd sleeves (I bought mine at amazon, but you can get them almost anywhere), and paper for lableing.
Simply remove all paper from the dvd case, remove dvd. Place according to category: Mine are: Church/Kids movies, Action/Adventure/drama, Romance/comedies. You can adjust as needed.
Make sure to put the name of the dvd in the same slot as the movie, so you know when it's missing.
We have been doing it for about 2 months now, and it is SOOO handy! It is a all or nothing commitment, especially if you cut the titles out of the covers. We love it!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Back to School Back Pack Decor
Hello!
Having 5 kids, I am always looking for ways to save a little for back to school, and thanks to Down East Outfitters, I found an inexpensive simple solution!
They carry (check first) perfectly fine back packs (which I bought for $5 and $7 each), they just have embroidered names on them that maybe were misprinted.
ex.
Then all we did was take some coordinating material and embellishments to cover the writing. (I wish I had the before for this one :( )btw- I did stitch this one on, but the rest were liquid stitch and zigzag all over the material, 'cause it was too hard to get it to work!
Until next time!
Hillary
Having 5 kids, I am always looking for ways to save a little for back to school, and thanks to Down East Outfitters, I found an inexpensive simple solution!
They carry (check first) perfectly fine back packs (which I bought for $5 and $7 each), they just have embroidered names on them that maybe were misprinted.
ex.
Then all we did was take some coordinating material and embellishments to cover the writing. (I wish I had the before for this one :( )btw- I did stitch this one on, but the rest were liquid stitch and zigzag all over the material, 'cause it was too hard to get it to work!
Until next time!
Hillary
Monday, August 9, 2010
Traveling this summer
Hi kids-
With my big move upcoming, I have been scouring the web and the library for some fun things for my kids to do in the car.
Check out www.momsminivan.com- this lady has activities for all ages and free printables including battleship, bingo, and scavenger hunts. She also includes general tips and overall good ideas such as this:
*Use plenty of zip lock bags for everything
*Use them to store small parts of games, toys, for clothes, food, individual snack packs, wipes, and for storing dirty diapers when you can't find a trash can at the rest stop.
*Keep a box of baby wipes or travel wipes in the car -- helps with everything. If you don't have room for a whole box, put some in a quart sized zip lock baggie!- for each row
*Bring a Travel Potty in the car
For those toddler emergencies when you can't find a clean bathroom anywhere! ALSO - You can line the bottom of a little potty with a disposable diaper so that nothing spills out -- especially helpful if you aren't able to rinse it out
*Use a plastic "toy leash"
Keep stuff within reach with a child-safe plastic leash. Attach one end to car seat strap, the other to cup handle or favorite toy. Your child can retrieve what he drops without you having to hunt for it in the back seat (while you are trying to drive!).
*Big black trash bag
*Pack a handy change of clothes for mom and the children that is easily accessible in the car/ hand santizer.
*Bring pillows and blankets for comfort.
*Lay towels or old sheets on the seats to keep the car clean. Makes it easy to dump out all those crumbs that seem to get everywhere during a car trip!
Leave really early in the morning. Traffic is light, kids are sleepy and you can usually drive several hours without stopping. Make your stop for breakfast your first stop.
*Pack your car the night before
*Make at least one stop last an hour or two right before bedtime if you are traveling late into the night. Let the kids run around outside and wear themselves out so they will sleep and you can keep driving
*Paper towels
*Cookie sheets with vinyl on them for drawing and for magnets
*Color wonder = no mess
Let's hope for a seamless move!
Until next time!
Hillary
With my big move upcoming, I have been scouring the web and the library for some fun things for my kids to do in the car.
Check out www.momsminivan.com- this lady has activities for all ages and free printables including battleship, bingo, and scavenger hunts. She also includes general tips and overall good ideas such as this:
*Use plenty of zip lock bags for everything
*Use them to store small parts of games, toys, for clothes, food, individual snack packs, wipes, and for storing dirty diapers when you can't find a trash can at the rest stop.
*Keep a box of baby wipes or travel wipes in the car -- helps with everything. If you don't have room for a whole box, put some in a quart sized zip lock baggie!- for each row
*Bring a Travel Potty in the car
For those toddler emergencies when you can't find a clean bathroom anywhere! ALSO - You can line the bottom of a little potty with a disposable diaper so that nothing spills out -- especially helpful if you aren't able to rinse it out
*Use a plastic "toy leash"
Keep stuff within reach with a child-safe plastic leash. Attach one end to car seat strap, the other to cup handle or favorite toy. Your child can retrieve what he drops without you having to hunt for it in the back seat (while you are trying to drive!).
*Big black trash bag
*Pack a handy change of clothes for mom and the children that is easily accessible in the car/ hand santizer.
*Bring pillows and blankets for comfort.
*Lay towels or old sheets on the seats to keep the car clean. Makes it easy to dump out all those crumbs that seem to get everywhere during a car trip!
Leave really early in the morning. Traffic is light, kids are sleepy and you can usually drive several hours without stopping. Make your stop for breakfast your first stop.
*Pack your car the night before
*Make at least one stop last an hour or two right before bedtime if you are traveling late into the night. Let the kids run around outside and wear themselves out so they will sleep and you can keep driving
*Paper towels
*Cookie sheets with vinyl on them for drawing and for magnets
*Color wonder = no mess
Let's hope for a seamless move!
Until next time!
Hillary
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
paper pockets
Hello Friends!
Today I bring you my latest creation (insert evil laugh here- :) )
I got this idea off of Studio 5, here in Salt Lake http://studio5.ksl.com/?sid=9432701&nid=61 . If you are looking for one place to put you birthday cards and a place to put people's birthday's, then it's your lucky day!
Here is my version!
Today I bring you my latest creation (insert evil laugh here- :) )
I got this idea off of Studio 5, here in Salt Lake http://studio5.ksl.com/?sid=9432701&nid=61 . If you are looking for one place to put you birthday cards and a place to put people's birthday's, then it's your lucky day!
Here is my version!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Vince Lombardi Quote
Hey Kids-
Lovin' this quote today:
"The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary"
Until next time-
Lovin' this quote today:
"The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary"
Until next time-
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Ode To Costco
Dear Costco my friend-
How I love your wide aisles and boxes of baby wipes.
I love the sweet smell of the veggie burger samples in the frozen food section.
And am always pleased when the food sampler person says, "sure, you can have another!"
I love that your prices on bread are consistently lower than Walmart,
And how your rotisserrie chickens call my name like a gentle breeze as I gaze longingly at them.
I love the 500 trash bags I bought the other day as they stretch fabulously,
And that the gas at the pump was a full 10 cents cheaper than anywhere else.
Dearest Costco, I'll love you forever.
How I love your wide aisles and boxes of baby wipes.
I love the sweet smell of the veggie burger samples in the frozen food section.
And am always pleased when the food sampler person says, "sure, you can have another!"
I love that your prices on bread are consistently lower than Walmart,
And how your rotisserrie chickens call my name like a gentle breeze as I gaze longingly at them.
I love the 500 trash bags I bought the other day as they stretch fabulously,
And that the gas at the pump was a full 10 cents cheaper than anywhere else.
Dearest Costco, I'll love you forever.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Haggling- not for the faint of heart
Hello friends-
I had my first experience haggling. It was definitely an experience.
I had seen an ad on t.v. the night before that an antiques store in Salt Lake was going out of business. The bargain hunter in me went "Woohoo!!" the other half went "oh crap, it's snowing and I would have to go down town and where would I park"-you know what I mean. So after wrestling it out in my head for a bit, I decided to go.
I managed to talk my mom into going, and after getting babysitting covered, we took off.
We managed to circle the street twice and found the parking spot we needed, the snow stopped and it looked like all was well. So in we walked.
The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the noise of dripping water. After a bit of looking, I saw buckets with water in them and water dripping from the ceiling. Hmmm. In my naive little head I'm thinking "Maybe they'll lower a price or two for me to prevent damage." It was a nice idea until I saw an interesting chair, and glanced at the price tag and about tipped over $550!!! WHATTTTT???? It was a cute chair and all, but seriously?? So, then as I meandered and walked over to other items, I caught bits and pieces of conversation of other customers:
"I usually only collect from the Victorian era, but this is architectually sound, and priced right."
Uh oh. I looked at the same piece a bit later, and "priced right" was around $1500 for a small chest- I am not only out of my price range, but out of my league!
So, after chatting with the sales clerk, I learned that the prices could potentially be negotiated. I took hope with that. I found some stained glass windows that I have been considering for my bedroom walls for a while. I was so excited to find them until I learned that they were retailing at $65 a piece (for a small one) and they were on sale for $40. Wowza. Clearly I know nothing about antiques. So, literally after standing there for what felt like 20 minutes, I chased the guy down and said, "How do you feel about $30 per window." he looks at me and says "Nah, I just can't do that.". In my head I'm screaming "WHY NOT, DUDE! HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THE PLACE??" Instead, I say, "hmmm. The highest I can go is $35 each." He rubs his chin and says, "deal".
You know, I saved a whopping $10 in windows. And I know perfectly well that that is not a fabulous deal. And that I probably could have gotten them cheaper somewhere else. But for this girl, who is all bark and no bite, it was a good day.
Until next time!
I had my first experience haggling. It was definitely an experience.
I had seen an ad on t.v. the night before that an antiques store in Salt Lake was going out of business. The bargain hunter in me went "Woohoo!!" the other half went "oh crap, it's snowing and I would have to go down town and where would I park"-you know what I mean. So after wrestling it out in my head for a bit, I decided to go.
I managed to talk my mom into going, and after getting babysitting covered, we took off.
We managed to circle the street twice and found the parking spot we needed, the snow stopped and it looked like all was well. So in we walked.
The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the noise of dripping water. After a bit of looking, I saw buckets with water in them and water dripping from the ceiling. Hmmm. In my naive little head I'm thinking "Maybe they'll lower a price or two for me to prevent damage." It was a nice idea until I saw an interesting chair, and glanced at the price tag and about tipped over $550!!! WHATTTTT???? It was a cute chair and all, but seriously?? So, then as I meandered and walked over to other items, I caught bits and pieces of conversation of other customers:
"I usually only collect from the Victorian era, but this is architectually sound, and priced right."
Uh oh. I looked at the same piece a bit later, and "priced right" was around $1500 for a small chest- I am not only out of my price range, but out of my league!
So, after chatting with the sales clerk, I learned that the prices could potentially be negotiated. I took hope with that. I found some stained glass windows that I have been considering for my bedroom walls for a while. I was so excited to find them until I learned that they were retailing at $65 a piece (for a small one) and they were on sale for $40. Wowza. Clearly I know nothing about antiques. So, literally after standing there for what felt like 20 minutes, I chased the guy down and said, "How do you feel about $30 per window." he looks at me and says "Nah, I just can't do that.". In my head I'm screaming "WHY NOT, DUDE! HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THE PLACE??" Instead, I say, "hmmm. The highest I can go is $35 each." He rubs his chin and says, "deal".
You know, I saved a whopping $10 in windows. And I know perfectly well that that is not a fabulous deal. And that I probably could have gotten them cheaper somewhere else. But for this girl, who is all bark and no bite, it was a good day.
Until next time!
Monday, May 24, 2010
It's me, Hillary
Hello friends!
Welcome to my first ever post on "It's me, Hillary" blog. If you have read any of my book reviews on LDSWBR.blogspot.com, then you know that I have a very laid back, informal style. I have no plans to change that :)
A little anecdote (sp?) to start the day off right. I was driving in my car with munchkin #2. We were following behind a vehicle which had new plates. The person driving perhaps was on the cell phone, maybe reaching down at the moment, or maybe even yelling at her kids to get the stupid sucker out of her hair (not that I would know). Anyway, as this person was swerving, my darling munchkin said, "You know mom, that's got to be a teenager in front of us, and I think they only got 90/100 on their driving test. Sheesh".
Lesson learned: even 9 yr olds are aware of bad driving. Watch yourself people!
Welcome to my first ever post on "It's me, Hillary" blog. If you have read any of my book reviews on LDSWBR.blogspot.com, then you know that I have a very laid back, informal style. I have no plans to change that :)
A little anecdote (sp?) to start the day off right. I was driving in my car with munchkin #2. We were following behind a vehicle which had new plates. The person driving perhaps was on the cell phone, maybe reaching down at the moment, or maybe even yelling at her kids to get the stupid sucker out of her hair (not that I would know). Anyway, as this person was swerving, my darling munchkin said, "You know mom, that's got to be a teenager in front of us, and I think they only got 90/100 on their driving test. Sheesh".
Lesson learned: even 9 yr olds are aware of bad driving. Watch yourself people!
Friday, April 2, 2010
haggling- not for the faint of heart - June 1
Hello friends-
I had my first experience haggling today (well a little bit ago). It was definitely an experience.
I had seen an ad on t.v. the night before that an Antiques store in Salt Lake was going out of business. The bargain hunter in me went "Woohoo!!" the other half went "oh crap, it's snowing and I would have to go down town and where would I park"-you know what I mean. So after wrestling it out in my head for a bit, I decided to go.
I managed to talk my mom into going, and after getting babysitting covered, we took off.
We managed to circle the street twice and found the parking spot we needed, the snow stopped and it looked like all was well. So in we walked.
The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the noise of dripping water. After a bit of looking, I saw buckets with water in them and water dripping from the ceiling. Hmmm. In my naive little head I'm thinking "Maybe they'll lower a price or two for me to prevent damage." It was a nice idea until I saw an interesting chair, and glanced at the price tag and about tipped over $550!!! WHATTTTT???? It was a cute chair and all, but seriously?? So, then as I meandered and walked over to other items, I caught bits and pieces of conversation of other customers:
"I usually only collect from the Victorian era, but this is architectually sound, and priced right."
Uh oh. I looked at the same piece a bit later, and "priced right" was around $1500 for a small chest- I am not only out of my price range, but out of my league!
So, after chatting with the sales clerk, I learned that the prices could potentially be negotiated. I took hope with that. I found some stained glass windows that I have been considering for my bedroom walls for a while. I was so excited to find them until I learned that they were retailing at $65 a piece (for a small one) and they were on sale for $40. Wowza. Clearly I know nothing about antiques. So, literally after standing there for what felt like 20 minutes, I chased the guy down and said, "How do you feel about $30 per window." he looks at me and says "Nah, I just can't do that.". In my head I'm screaming "WHY NOT, DUDE! HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THE PLACE??" Instead, I say, "hmmm. The highest I can go is $35 each." He rubs his chin and says, "deal".
You know, I saved a whopping $10 in windows. And I know perfectly well that that is not a fabulous deal. And that I probably could have gotten them cheaper somewhere else. But for this girl, who is all bark and no bite, it was a good day.
Until next time!
I had my first experience haggling today (well a little bit ago). It was definitely an experience.
I had seen an ad on t.v. the night before that an Antiques store in Salt Lake was going out of business. The bargain hunter in me went "Woohoo!!" the other half went "oh crap, it's snowing and I would have to go down town and where would I park"-you know what I mean. So after wrestling it out in my head for a bit, I decided to go.
I managed to talk my mom into going, and after getting babysitting covered, we took off.
We managed to circle the street twice and found the parking spot we needed, the snow stopped and it looked like all was well. So in we walked.
The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the noise of dripping water. After a bit of looking, I saw buckets with water in them and water dripping from the ceiling. Hmmm. In my naive little head I'm thinking "Maybe they'll lower a price or two for me to prevent damage." It was a nice idea until I saw an interesting chair, and glanced at the price tag and about tipped over $550!!! WHATTTTT???? It was a cute chair and all, but seriously?? So, then as I meandered and walked over to other items, I caught bits and pieces of conversation of other customers:
"I usually only collect from the Victorian era, but this is architectually sound, and priced right."
Uh oh. I looked at the same piece a bit later, and "priced right" was around $1500 for a small chest- I am not only out of my price range, but out of my league!
So, after chatting with the sales clerk, I learned that the prices could potentially be negotiated. I took hope with that. I found some stained glass windows that I have been considering for my bedroom walls for a while. I was so excited to find them until I learned that they were retailing at $65 a piece (for a small one) and they were on sale for $40. Wowza. Clearly I know nothing about antiques. So, literally after standing there for what felt like 20 minutes, I chased the guy down and said, "How do you feel about $30 per window." he looks at me and says "Nah, I just can't do that.". In my head I'm screaming "WHY NOT, DUDE! HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THE PLACE??" Instead, I say, "hmmm. The highest I can go is $35 each." He rubs his chin and says, "deal".
You know, I saved a whopping $10 in windows. And I know perfectly well that that is not a fabulous deal. And that I probably could have gotten them cheaper somewhere else. But for this girl, who is all bark and no bite, it was a good day.
Until next time!
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