Friday Round - Up

I've searched the world wide web over, and I'm bringin' you some linky love!

• Crunchy Domestic Goddess is having a great giveaway. Head on over for a chance to win your own bottle of the Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate from Shaklee.

• Pennies in My Pocket has an awesome giveaway for a year's worth of Dropps laundry detergent. I will be reviewing this detergent in an upcoming installment of Three R Thursday. Go Check it Out!
  

• Want to calculate how much money you can save by switching your light bulbs? OneBillionBulbs.com is educating people about the cost-saving and environmental benefits of replacing standard incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs.

• I just picked up some CleanWell hand sanitizer at Target this week. It's the first one of its kind - using no alcohol or other harsh chemicals.

• I know switching to organic food can be overwhelming and expensive. Learn why these 5 items: milk, peanut butter, apples, potatoes and ketchup are great foods to start with.

February 22, 2008
February 15, 2008
Swango, Ideal Bite, A Green Ferret Mission, Consumer Consequences
February 8, 2008
Valentine's Edition
February 1, 2008
10 Ways to Deal with Blogger's Block, The Dirty Dozen Chemicals in Cosmetics, The Lost Blog, Blogging Basics 101
January 25, 2008
31 Days to Becoming a Better Blogger, PaperBack Swap, Crunchy Chicken's Book Club

Three R Thursday - Organic Children's Clothing Part 2

If you read last week's "Three R Thursday" post, you know I'm crazy and hormonal in the process of figuring out the world of organic clothing. Based on what I discovered about conventional cotton production, I think it's important to invest in organic clothing (if possible) - and I do mean it is an investment!

After a week of searching the net and being on hold with more customer service departments than I care to mention, here's what I discovered. Last week I was optimistic and hoped to score the "green trifecta" of clothing -- certified organic, manufactured under fair trade practices and local. This proved to be a very tough challenge.

I discovered the following brands/companies are certified organic: Tadpoles at Target, George at Wal-Mart, Pottery Barn for Kids, BabyGap, and Hanna Andersson. For now, I don't think I can consider these companies under Fair Trade practices, but depending on your priorities, I think it is important to mention them because they are made from certified organic cotton. I think these are budget-friendly options for the basics (especially onesies that can get ruined easily). I think finding local organic clothing is going to be near impossible, but one can always hope. If you have information contrary to what I found, please let me know about it.

The following 5 companies are all certified organic and fair trade. The price point is based on one short sleeve onesie.

Price Point: $20
Summary: Speesees' mission is to be fun, fair and organic in their products and the way they conduct business. They are taking baby steps towards creating a more sustainable future for the animal, plant and human speesees on our children's planet.
Top pick: I love these colored animal kimonos.

Price Point: $15
Summary: Kate Quinn Organics features stylish apparel made from the finest 100% certified organic fabrics. They strive to care for the earth and its community without sacrificing fun and style.
Top Pick: For the style, price and colors, you can't beat this set of 7 onesies.


Price Point: $13
Summary: Under the Nile offers an alternative to conventional cotton apparel for infants and children. All products are made from 100% handpicked organic cotton that is grown exclusively in Egypt. Their dyeing process uses metal-free or vegetable dyes.
Top Pick: I love this basic collection of 24/7 items.

Under the Nile's site is very informative and contains great information on the importance of organic cotton.


Price Point: $21
Summary: Sage Creek Naturals is committed to providing families with organic cotton baby clothes and bedding. Their priority is to offer a line of organic cotton clothes that are stylish, affordable, safe and of course, soft! Sage Creek Naturals shares your concern for: the health of our loved ones and of our fragile environment, the quality of life and the value of products and services.
Top Pick: I love all the pieces in this bear collection.

Price Point: $21.95
Summary: Ecoland was started by a mother of two girls. Their first brand for babies, “Ecoland for Angel”, is made exclusively from the highest quality 100% organically grown cotton, which is certified by SKAL. All of their garments are sustainable processed and sewn in a sweatshop-free environment.
Top pick: It doesn't get much better than this shirt & pant set.

Thursday Thirteen #2 - Taglines

As I was redesigning my blog, I asked my husband for his suggestions for taglines. He is much more clever than I am. Although, he occasionally pokes fun at my "bloggy ways", he is my number one fan and a dedicated reader.

1. Knowing love and choosing life.
2. Every choice matters.
3. We don’t know all the answers, but we’re doing the research.
4. When life gives you lemons, find some organic pure cane sugar.
5. I’d always do the right thing, if it weren’t so darn expensive.
6. Thank God my husband works.
7. Trying not to poison our kids one day at a time.
8. God made me. God broke me. God healed me.
9. Trying to do the right thing.
10. Not your mother’s blog.
11. How do Co2 emissions affect the blogosphere?
12. Moms for a well-rounded blogosphere.
13. I asked the Lord for a road map. Now, if I could only read it.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

WFMW: Socks as Swiffers

I decided to stop fighting the "dirty-bottom sock war" and just go with it. Now, instead of wasting spending money on Swiffer disposable cloths, I just use a sock. You know the one . . . . the lonely sock that manages to survive its ride in the washing machine while its partner has disappeared into the laundry abyss.

I found ankle socks work best for the Swiffer mop head. Instead of the Swiffer Mitts, you can use a tube sock to dust - they're great to slip on your hand for getting the baseboards and stair banisters clean. I know socks don't have the "static effect" the Swiffer cloths do, but they still do a nice job of picking up dirt and dust. You can always buy a microfiber cloth and wrap it around the mop head instead. Most microfiber cloths can be washed multiple times and still maintain their charge.

I think this is a win-win situation all around. Socks are more eco-friendly than disposable cloths. When you are finished just throw them in the laundry to use again later. Chances are you have a lot of "single" socks you can re-purpose. Use a mixture of vinegar and warm water to clean hardwoods. You don't have to worry about toxins causing damage to your family's health or your floors!

Learn about more ways to "Hack Your Swiffer" at TreeHugger.

Click here for more great ideas from Works for Me Wednesday.

Tackle It Tuesday #7 - Family Picture Wall

I've been wanting to put up a gallery of pictures in our family room. I received these picture frames for Christmas. After several attempts at ordering the right sizes and ordering a few additional frames, we're ready to hang them!

I used the paper inside each frame to practice arrangements. I like things symmetrical . . . . this really bugs my husband.

This was my first arrangement:













Of course, he thought it was too symmetrical. I'm always willing to compromise. I tried again:













We're a little closer now. With a wonderful cooperative spirit on both our parts and a few tweaks . . . this is the finished product. Of course, if you've been following any of my "tackles" few things are ever 100% complete. I need to order pictures for the triple frame.

Guest Room Conversion Update

Before


Week 1


Week 2


Week 3


Week 4
No change this week in the room. However, I did order this bulletin board and these push pins from some great crafters at Etsy.

• Obviously, clear out the room. Everything from computer pieces to bike parts. I am told all these various parts will eventually turn into a bicycle. I made a little progress clearing things out but still have some work to do.
  

Still clearing out . . .

• Order window coverings. I ordered 3 of these from Target.
  
• Order bedding. I ordered this organic duvet and pillows for the bed. I also order this blanket. I have a thing for pillows: I ordered this one in the sandlewood, this one in the khaki, this one in the ivory, and this organic one. Told you I had a thing for pillows. Can you tell I am going for a natural/neutral look with this room.
• Order lamps. I decided to re-purpose lamps from another room so no need to order new ones. Never mind, I picked one up at Pier 1 for less than $30.
  
• Install window treatments.Two out of Three hung ain't bad!
• Buy comforter for duvet cover.
• Buy mattress - Bob is doing this tomorrow
  
• Come up with something for the walls. I found something I love - a little tribute to my husband. I figured if I won't let him have the real thing stored in here . . . .
  

Thanks to the 5 Minutes for Moms, Susan and Janice for hosting Tackle It Tuesday. Go and check out more Tackle It Tuesday participants.

Previous Tackle It Tuesday Posts:
Paperback Swap
Empty Shelves Syndrome
My Thoughts
Coat Closet

Best Shot Monday - Laundry Day!

Laundry Day

Working hard to keep my children entertained, contained, and in clean clothes.























You can see more Best Shot Mondays here.

Group Writing Project #1 - Favorite Family Product

Does Mommy Love It is hosting their first group writing project. The topic for this month is a favorite product our family can't live without.


If I weren't confident in my abilities as a mother, I would feel threatened by you. You spend uninterrupted hours with our children while they dream. A simple touch from you provides them with comfort and warmth. My children allow you to tame their raging tantrums and cuddle with them as they read their favorite books. You are definitely something our family couldn't live without. You are their blanket, blankie, or beck, depending on which child is asking for you.

Mind you, not just any blanket will do, it has to be a Baby Morgan Thermal Blanket created by the J.E. Morgan Knitting Mills. A blanket that is so soft - bound with two inches of nylon satin. This blanket was once widely available at our local JC Penneys in a variety of colors. In 2003, the J.E. Morgan Knitting Mills closed down causing a little panic attack for this mommy!

Morgan blankets are now a staple for our family. All of our children have had one and loved them dearly. The Baby Morgan blanket production was sold to Bright Future. It has been difficult to find them in our JC Penney. I stalk eBay and patiently wait for the right color to become available. Another baby is on the way so I am on the hunt once again . . . . this time for a green one!

Recently, I found this website that carries the original Baby Morgan Blanket. They'll even monogram it for you. The original is more expensive than the Bright Future one, but I can truly say these blankets last forever and can be washed over and over again.

One word of advice . . . if you decide to purchase one of these wonderful blankets stock up so you can rotate them and always have one on hand!

Stubby Pencil Studio Giveaway Winner(s)

Thanks to everyone that entered the Stubby Pencil Studio giveaway. These products are great! I'm glad you had a chance to learn about them. The winner was chosen by a Random Number Generator a.k.a - my 3 year old son.

And the winner is . . . . Shannon @ God Gave Me You

WAIT . . . that's not all. Kate, the owner of the Stubby Pencil Studio, was so excited and overwhelmed by your comments she has decided to extend this giveaway and offer 10 of you a sample variety pack of coloring cards. The variety pack contains: 2 b-day, 2 thank you, 1 get well, 1 smile, 1 hello, and 2 blank cards. Again, these winners were chosen randomly. Congratulations to the following:

Heather @ Needles-and-Pens
Jaydee
Susanne
Miss Vida
angelaandconnor @ Seven Dogs and a Baby
Life as a Mama
Stacey @ All Because Two People Fell In Love
Megan @ SortaCrunchy
Jenny @ Hoesli House
PS @ The Dirty Work

I will be contacting you all soon for an address to send your Coloring Cards!

Friday Round - Up

I've searched the world wide web over, and I'm bringin' you some linky love!

• If you're like me you have probably wondered, "How many PB&J sandwiches is too many to feed my children?" Well, making a PB&J may not make you feel like a gourmet cook, but take comfort in the fact that you are doing something good for the environment (yes, it is possible to connect everything to "green living"). Check out the PB&J Campaign to learn how these wonderful little sandwiches are helping to slow global warming.

• My Bag & Me is a board book written by Karen Farmer. It's never too early for your child to learn about the 3 R's: reusing, reducing and recycling. My Bag & Me follows a child and his reusable shopping bag on a trip to the grocery store. By the end of the story, your child will say Paper and plastic no more! Includes a FREE reusable Tyvek shopping bag! Children can tote on their next shopping trip to show-off their eco-awareness!

• TerraCycle manufactures affordable, potent, organic products that are not only made from waste, but are also packaged entirely in waste! This company is definitely worth a look - they're doing a lot of great things with waste!

• Back in November, we signed up with 41pounds.org. We paid a $41 fee to stop our junk mail over the next 5 years - so far so good. Another FREE option that's been getting good reviews is ProQuo.
  

• Is your mom the best mother in the world? If so, enter why you think she should win the title 2007 Mother of the Year! She can win some great prizes including $5,000 cash!

• Are you coming to The Ultimate Blog Party? It's a great opportunity to meet a lot of people and have a chance to win some great prizes! The party is for everyone, not just bloggers! Check it out!
  

Giveaways:

Laura Williams' Musings has a great giveaway going on now from Stuck on You. Stuck on You helps parents manage their busy households by offering a variety of products to help you keep track of your family's belongings. Go over to Laura's and check it out - giveaway runs through February 28th.

5 Minutes for Mom is hosting a giveaway for an Oreck XL Ultra vacuum cleaner. This vacuum only weighs 9 lbs. It has a hypo-allergenic filtration system that eliminates 99.9% of all allergens. You have until 2/28 to enter for a chance to win.


February 15, 2008
Swango, Ideal Bite, A Green Ferret Mission, Consumer Consequences

February 8, 2008
Valentine's Edition

February 1, 2008
10 Ways to Deal with Blogger's Block, The Dirty Dozen Chemicals in Cosmetics, The Lost Blog, Blogging Basics 101

January 25, 2008
31 Days to Becoming a Better Blogger, PaperBack Swap, Crunchy Chicken's Book Club

Three R Thursday - Organic Children's Clothing

They’ve been sitting there for over a week.

Lonely. Confused. Free from toxins.

In a virtual shopping cart. Somewhere on the Internet, sits a basket full of organic baby clothes.

Why, you ask?

Because I am a month away from bringing another beautiful baby into the world, and my neurotic mind is trying to justify spending $20 on an organic onesie.

A $20 organic onesie that will inevitably end up with a breast-milk-induced-poop-explosion all over it. A $20 organic onesie stained and in need of some chemical-laden stain remover, totally defeating the purpose of buying organic in the first place. In the end, leaving the $20 organic onesie unwearable.

Have I mentioned the average organic onesie is about $20?

Decisions, Decisions…

Choosing to buy organic food for our family was an easy decision. Many of the things we consume on a daily basis are organic. We are willing to pay a little more knowing what our family is eating is better for us and the environment.

After researching the production of conventional cotton, my decision became a little easier. Just because my kid’s not going to be eating his organic onesie - doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be safe for him!

I decided to empty my shopping cart today. I want to spend a little more time looking for organic products that hopefully hit the “Green Trifecta” – organic, fair-trade and local (or at least made in the U.S.).

Hopefully, the day will come when words like “natural” and “organic” will be obsolete. A day when concerned mothers can safely assume manufactures are participating in safe practices bringing safe products to our families and into our homes.

I’d love any suggestions or comments you may have. I’ll update you with my findings and hopefully my purchases next week.

Below is my little “pros & cons list” I came up with as I was researching. I’m sure there are a lot more “pros” , but the EPA’s findings pretty much sealed the deal for me.

Pros

1. Organic cotton is produced using materials and methods that are better for our environment.

• Cotton occupies 3% of the world’s farmland, but uses 25% of the world’s chemical pesticides and 10% of the insecticides.
• The EPA considers seven of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton in 2000 as “possible”, “likely”, or “known” human carcinogens.
• According to the Sustainable Cotton Project, it takes about one-third of a pound of pesticides and fertilizers to grow enough cotton for just one T-shirt.

2. The production of organic cotton protects the health of people and the planet.

• The toxic chemicals and synthetic pesticides used in the production of conventional cotton ends up in the ground, air, water, and food supply.
• Can lower instances of allergies and asthma

3. Better value over time.

• Organic cotton becomes softer with each washing. It's also stronger and more durable than a lot of other fabrics.

Cons

1. Organic cotton is more expensive.

• I know the market drives prices. It is going to take an increase in demand from families like ours to make these prices drop.

2. Getting what you paid for.

• If you are going to invest in organic clothing, make sure you are getting a certified organic product. Read the labels or ask the merchandiser if the cotton has been certified.

WFMW: Wrap-n-Mat

I am very happy with my new WRAP-N-MAT^TM wraps. The WRAP-N-MAT^TM is a sandwich wrap and a placemat in one. Simply place the sandwich or other snack food on the mat and fold the WRAP-N-MAT^TM wrap from left to right, top to bottom. Close the Velcro tab; it’s that easy. I like to place a napkin at the bottom of the sandwich. These wraps definitely work for me!

Environmentally Friendly:

Daily over 20,000,000 baggies are discarded and added to our landfills. One wrap can be used for an entire school year without having to be replaced. All wraps are LEAD FREE. In addition, the colors on the Eco print are made with vegetable dye.

Manufactured in both USA and China:

Manufactured proudly in both Kansas, U.S.A. and Hong Kong, China. WRAP-N-MAT^TM wraps are made up of cloth and have a lining that is either made of PVC or PEVA. Materials found in both linings are on the FDA safe list for food contact surfaces.

Alternative lining available as well:

Three years ago, WRAP-N-MAT^TM wraps started being manufactured in China with a lining made of PEVA (Polyethylene vinyl acetate). This material contains no “C” chloride compound so it is more ecologically friendly in its production than PVC. WRAP-N-MAT^TM wraps have recently expanded their line of wraps made with PEVA lining to include solid blue, cream, solid green and our ever popular red/white gingham. Wraps made in China are manufactured under Fair Trade Association-approved guidelines.

Healthy:
WRAP-N-MAT^TM wraps always provides a clean surface to place your food. Use them in the school cafeteria, your office desk, the picnic table, a fast food restaurant or in the car.

I purchased my WRAP-N-MAT's from Reusable Bags where I get all of my great sustainable products, like my shopping bags.

Tackle It Tuesday #6 - PaperbackSwap & Update

This morning I completed the quick, easy, and as of now, FREE registration process for PaperBackSwap.

For the rest of today's tackle I'll post 10 books. By posting 10 books, I'll receive 2 credits as a "welcome gift". I can use these 2 credits to request my first 2 books from other members.

Go on over and read for yourself how quick and easy this process is - it's a great way to declutter and save some money!

Guest Room Conversion Update

Before


Week 1


Week 2


Week 3

• Obviously, clear out the room. Everything from computer pieces to bike parts. I am told all these various parts will eventually turn into a bicycle. I made a little progress clearing things out but still have some work to do.
  

Still clearing out . . .

• Order window coverings. I ordered 3 of these from Target.
  
• Order bedding. I ordered this organic duvet and pillows for the bed. I also order this blanket. I have a thing for pillows: I ordered this one in the sandlewood, this one in the khaki, this one in the ivory, and this organic one. Told you I had a thing for pillows. Can you tell I am going for a natural/neutral look with this room.
• Order lamps. I decided to re-purpose lamps from another room so no need to order new ones. Never mind, I picked one up at Pier 1 for less than $30.
  
• Install window treatments.Two out of Three hung ain't bad!
• Buy comforter for duvet cover.
• Buy mattress - Bob is doing this tomorrow
  
• Come up with something for the walls. I found something I love - a little tribute to my husband. I figured if I won't let him have the real thing stored in here . . . .
  

Thanks to the 5 Minutes for Moms, Susan and Janice for hosting Tackle It Tuesday. Go and check out more Tackle It Tuesday participants.

Previous Tackle It Tuesday Posts:
Empty Shelves Syndrome
Guest Room Conversion
My Thoughts
Coat Closet

Our Home is More Than a Structure

Logically I know a house is just a structure, but this house and the memories it holds are precious. I know memories will travel with me to my next destination, but this house - our home - will always be more to me than a structure.

We bought our home in the Fall of 2002. We'd seen a lot of different places, but knew instinctively this was the home for us. Right away we made a few changes, but it felt good. It just seemed to fit. In a little over a year, my feelings would change about our home, and I'd know for sure it was more than just a structure.

After we lost Ellie and Kate we weren't sure if we should or could stay in our house. There's no guide for parents who lose both of their children on the same day - who go from having a house full of life to an broken and quiet soul. There's no one to discuss the pros and cons with. Not many people feel comfortable handing out advice to bereaved parents.

We didn't know what to do - so we did nothing. Grieving is exhausting - just deciding what or if to eat was the biggest decision I was struggling with back then. Through the shock, through the numbness, and through the healing . . . we stayed. The same house, that just a few days prior was full of joy and laughter, was now unbearably quite. And yet, it was still so full of love and memories. . . . we stayed.

For months to come I would find little fingerprints on windows and doors. I would find little toys and "treasures" Ellie tucked away in some obscure place she alone was privy. As I would wander through the house at night in a grief-stricken fog, I could still see them sleeping in their beds. I could picture them playing with their toys and eating breakfast at the table. I wasn't ready to let those memories go. I wasn't willing to let someone else live in my house - the house where I played, cared for, and loved my girls. I was afraid the least little shift in my thinking, in my being would make their voices, their smiles, their spirit disappear from my memory.

I don't remember the exact moment or the conversation, but we decided to stay. Staying was going to be hard. Spring was coming. I knew it wouldn't be long before we'd hear children laughing and playing at the park behind our house. I needed something to drown out those sounds. I needed a distraction. We decided to stay, but needed to make our house different. We decided to remodel. The process was definitely stressful, but the distraction was helpful.

Four years have passed. Bedrooms once providing shelter and comfort to our little girls are now occupied by their siblings. Their brothers and sister - too young to understand now - will one day know their sisters. We'll help them understand there were two little souls, who came before them, that taught their mommy and daddy how to love bigger than they ever imagined. Davis, Meg and Kale remind us how fortunate we are to be parents. We are blessed to be able to provide them with a comfortable home and hearts full of love and hope.

This post was submitted to Scribbit's April's Write Away Contest.

Friday Roundup

I've searched the web over, and I'm bringin' you some linky love:

• Adventures of a Twenty Something Mother introduced me to Swango - the only online clothing swap where everything is 99 cents!

• If you haven't discovered the Ideal Bite yet, you need to check it out. Ideal Bite delivers easy, eco-living tips to your in box daily. The tips are short, sassy and practical.

• My friend at The Ferret Online has found some hip and stylish reusable bags for us to use.

• In the mood for a game? Click here to find out if you're living a sustainable life.

• GreenStyle Mom is having a Sigg baby and adult water bottle giveaway. To enter, just go on over and visit GreenStyle Mom and leave a comment. The contest runs through February 20th.

• Doodlebug Designs is having a great giveaway to celebrate their Grand Opening! Go over and check out the details. You could win a FREE completely customized blog design for a blogger blog!

• Our Blessed Arrows is offering a giveaway for a pair of pedoodles.

This Sunday, Gray Matters will be featured on 5 Minutes Around The Blogoshpere sponsored by 5 Minutes for Mom.

5 Minutes for Mom is a great resource for all moms. You can submit your own blog or read what other mom's are blogging about. Susan and Janice are two moms that have their hands full! Along with running the 5 Minutes for Mom site, they run two toy stores: A Rocking Horse To Love and Pedal Cars & Retro Collectibles.

Check here to see previous Friday Round-Up Posts

Three R Thursday - Recycling Valentine's Day Cards

13 WAYS TO RECYCLE VALENTINE’S DAY CARDS

This is a combination post. In addition to my regular 3 R Thursday post, I am also participating in my first Thursday Thirteen.

By the end of today you may find an abundance of festive Valentine's Day Cards on your kitchen counter. Never fear. Here are 13 ideas to help turn those cards into meaningful projects for your family. If you are not feeling all that crafty, make sure you check out #13 for ideas on where to send your cards to be recycled for good causes.

I also have a giveaway going on - please check details above!

Sewing Cards – Using the front of the card, hole punch around the edges about an inch apart. You could even use some of the fancy shaped hole punchers available now. Let your children use a yarn or shoelace to weave around the card.

Puzzles – With just a few simple supplies you can turn your card into a puzzle the kids will love putting together. Use these instructions to help you create your puzzles.

Gift Tags – Cut out certain parts of the cards or cut them into different shapes. Punch a hole and store them away so they are ready the next time you wrap a gift.

Magnets – Cut out various shapes and glue onto pre-made magnets for instant fridge art.

Placemats – Make a set of customizable placemats for your next family dinner. Use these directions from Kaboose to help you create one of a kind placemats.

Gift Boxes – Use these step-by-step directions from CraftyPod to turn your card into a sweet little gift box.

Bookmarks – Cut them into strips and use them for hip bookmarks. Use different style scissors to cut the edges and laminate for longer use. You can also write special quotations or make notes from the book you are reading.

Mini Journals – Cut the fronts off of 2 favorite cards. Cut lined or unlined paper to size and add a few sheets between cards. You can use a stapler or hole punch and yarn to join all pieces together.

Gift Bags – Cut out different shapes or pictures from your cards. Glue to plain white/brown paper bags to create an instant original gift bag.

Make Confetti – Use different types of hole punchers to punch out various colors and shapes. Store your confetti for the next time you need to decorate a special occasion table. This activity has the potential to keep children entertained for hours!

Postcards - Collect large index cards or use the fronts of cards received and turn them into postcards. The postmaster-friendly postcard size is a minimum of 5 inches by 3.5 inches - maximum of 6 inches by 4.25 inches. Glue or tape valentines to one side or create a collage with lots of different paper bits. Write a special message on the back and send this thoughtful postcard to someone you love.

Scrapbooking – Save your money on cardstock shapes. Use your cards to cut out different shapes for your scrapbooking needs.

Recycle them – Not feeling very crafty? Simply recycle your cards. Better yet, collect cards from all your children’s classrooms and neighbors and recycle them also.

I found two sources for donating your cards to be recycled:

CardsDirect provides a useful and beneficial service for disposing of greeting cards that are no longer needed at the end of the season. Place all unused cards (without personalization), and/or cards being considered for disposal, in a box or envelope.

Address the box or envelope and mail to: CardsDirect 2007/2008 Card Recycling and Re-Use Program 200 Chisholm Place, Suite 220 Plano, TX 75075 866.700.5030

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children also has a recycled card program. The children precision cut the card fronts and glue them to pre-printed card stock. The children receive fifteen cents per each acceptable card made which is divided between their savings and college fund, their cottage fund for special group outings, and to provide the kids with extra pocket money.

WFMW: My iGoogle Homepage

Do you crave organization - a fun way to check on all your favorite blogs, figure out if you need to bundle up before you go outside, think deeply with the quote of the day, or laugh out loud with jokes and cartoons? If so, you should check out iGoogle, it offers all of these features and more. (Editor's note: I am in no way affiliated with Google, just a little bit of a dork who sometimes likes gadgety things.)

I love my iGoogle Homepage. iGoogle simply means interactive google. It's a customizable homepage giving you the capability and flexibility to add great features. It's a wonderful way to stay organized and updated.

It's quick and easy to set up an iGoogle Homepage. Just select a theme to decorate your homepage and drag and drop individual sections to rearrange the page however you'd like.

Some of the features include gadgets, tabbed pages, and themes.

Gadgets allow you to display specific content on your homepage. You also have the ability to create your own gadgets including:

• Framed Photo- display a series of photos to share
  
• GoogleGram - create special daily messages
• Daily Me – share a little of your daily thoughts and feelings
• Free Form- input text and an image of your own choosing
• YouTube Channel- display videos from your own YouTube channel
• Personal List - create a list of items from a To-Do List to your very own Top 10 List
• Countdown – share a countdown timer for a special event

You can create an unlimited number of tabs. Tabs allow you to organize your gadgets only showing you certain gadgets at any time.

There are tons of themes to choose from, some even animated. The themes can change throughout the day as the time passes – for you very tech savvy folks – you can now design your own theme.

iGoogle is free to anyone. If you are already using any of Google’s services that require a sign-in you can create an account with that information.

Be sure to check out other helpful tips at Works for Me Wednesday.

Previous Works for Me Wednesday posts

Tackle It Tuesday #5 - Dining Room Table & Updates

All that stuff from the Study/Guest Room
had to go somewhere. What better place for it to end up than on my dining room table. Thankfully, most of it will eventually have a home (away from this home). Thanks to Goodwill, Craig's List and Freecycle it will hopefully be gone by next week.

Shelves Syndrome Update - 2 down - 1 to go. Thank you for all of your great suggestions. I have found several things I like - who knew it would be so tough to find something less than 4" deep. I'll keep looking . . .



Check out an update on our guest room below.

Guest Room Conversion Update

Before


Week 1


Week 2

• Obviously, clear out the room. Everything from computer pieces to bike parts. I am told all these various parts will eventually turn into a bicycle. I made a little progress clearing things out but still have some work to do.
  

Still clearing out . . .

• Order window coverings. I ordered 3 of these from Target.
  
• Order bedding. I ordered this organic duvet and pillows for the bed. I also order this blanket. I have a thing for pillows: I ordered this one in the sandlewood, this one in the khaki, this one in the ivory, and this organic one. Told you I had a thing for pillows. Can you tell I am going for a natural/neutral look with this room.
• Order lamps. I decided to re-purpose lamps from another room so no need to order new ones. Never mind, I picked one up at Pier 1 for less than $30.
  
• Install window treatments.Two out of Three hung ain't bad!
• Buy comforter for duvet cover.
• Buy mattress - Bob is doing this tomorrow
  
• Come up with something for the walls. I found something I love - a little tribute to my husband. I figured if I won't let him have the real thing stored in here . . . .
  

Thanks to the 5 Minutes for Moms, Susan and Janice for hosting Tackle It Tuesday. Go and check out more Tackle It Tuesday participants.

Previous Tackle It Tuesday Posts:
Empty Shelves Syndrome
Guest Room Conversion
My Thoughts
Coat Closet