The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle

For 6 days only, more than 75 widely-known bloggers and authors in the homemaking sphere have joined together to offer 97 of their most popular eBooks and eCourses, valued at just over $600, for the incredibly low price of $29.97!

More than anything, our goal for this sale was for it to be, well… ultimate! We firmly believe that you will not find a more comprehensive collection of homemaking resources anywhere on the web, and particularly not in this price range. For this low price, you gain access to every single one of these resources, so that you can customize your own collection to contain exactly the ones you want and know you’ll use.

This library of homemaking helps include topics such as mothering, organization and cleaning, recipes and kitchen helps, home education, spiritual growth for both moms and kids, home décor and DIY, pregnancy and baby care, frugal living, health and fitness, and even work-from-home and financial tools.

To sweeten the pot, we’ve also teamed up with 10 companies to bring you over $140 in bonus offers, giving you an affordable opportunity to get products you’ll use and love for only the cost of shipping, or in some cases, entirely for free!

What’s Included in the Sale?

When you purchase The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection, you will get instant access to any of the 97 eBooks and eCourses listed below.

PLUS over $140 of FREE Bonuses

Each The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection comes with more than $140 of FREE Bonuses from 10 companies that we know you’ll love. More on these bonuses below.

Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered.

Home & Property {Cleaning, Organizing, Decor}

31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae @ SarahMae.com ($4.99)

Getting it Together: Your Guide to Setting Up a Home Management System that Works by Kayse @ kayse pratt ($3.99)

Pulling Yourself Together: Implementing a Cleaning Routine that Sticks by Becky @ Clean Mama ($10.00)

Simple Living by Lorilee @ Loving Simple Living ($2.99)

NOT a DIY Diva by Melissa @ The Inspired Room ($3.99)

One Bite at a Time: 52 Projects for Making Life Simpler by Tsh @ Simple Mom ($5.00)

28 Days to Hope for your Home by Dana @ A Slob Comes Clean ($5.00)

Organizing Life as Mom by Jessica @ Life as Mom ($9.00)

Clean Enough: Simple Solutions for the Overwhelmed by Jenni @ Live Called ($4.99)

10 Steps to Organized Paper by Lisa @ Lisa Woodruff.net($5.00)

Handmade Walls by Jamin and Ashley @ the handmade home ($9.95)

Easy Peasy Chores: An Easy-to-Use Chore System That Brings JOY Back Into Family Chores by Alina Joy @ The Good Old Days Farm ($17.99)

Educational Children’s Resources

Princess Training by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($3.99)

The Armor of God by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($2.50)

My Bedtime Learning Book by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($1.00)

Think Outside the Classroom by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($6.97)

Raising Rock Stars — Kindergarten Bundle by Carissa @ 1plus1plus1equals1 ($10.00)

The ABC’s For Godly Boys Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00)

The ABC’s For Godly Girls Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00)

K4 Curriculum by Erica @ Confessions of a Homeschooler ($15.00)

Write Through the Bible (print) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)

Write Through the Bible (cursive) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)

Balcony Girls (books 1 & 2) by Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer ($19.90)

The Dig for Kids: Luke (Volumes 1 and 2) by Patrick, husband of Ruth @ The Better Mom ($5.98)

Music: An Essential Ingredient for Life by Ryan @ Resound School of Music ($6.99)

Budgeting {Finance & Time}

From Debtor to Better by Barry @ From Debtor to Better ($10.00)

Tell Your Time by Amy @ Blogging with Amy ($2.99)

The Homemakers Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule by Amy @ Raising Arrows ($4.99)

Your Grocery Budget Toolbox by Anne @ Authentic Simplicity ($7.99)

Finding Financial Freedom by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($5.97)

Become a Frugalista in 30 Days by Susan @ The Confident Mom ($3.99)

In the Kitchen {Recipes and Cooking}

Crock On by Stacy @ Stacy Makes Cents ($5.00)

Real Food, Real Easy by various bloggers @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)

Wholesome Mixes by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)

20-Minute Meals by Leigh Ann @ Intentional by Grace ($4.99)

Restocking the Pantry by Kresha @ Nourishing Joy ($9.99)

Money Saving Mom’s Guide to Freezer Cooking by Crystal @ Money Saving Mom ($3.99)

Simply Summer by Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama ($7.95)

Do the Funky Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($4.95)

Real Food Kids: In the Kitchen plus 1 month access to select Real Food Kids eCourse videos by Wardeh @ GNOWFGLINS and Jami @ Eat Nourishing ($20.00)

Seasonal Menu Plans on a Budget: A Month of Meals from My Humble Kitchen to Yours by Diana @ My Humble Kitchen ($4.99)

Just Making Ice Cream by Marillyn @ Just Making Noise ($12.00)

The Curative Kitchen by Susan @ Handy Pantry ($20.00)

Pregnancy & Baby Care

First Bites by Hilary @ Accidentally Green ($9.99)

Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert by Erin @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)

Stress-Free Baby Shower by Sara @ Your Thriving Family ($4.00)

Unbound Birth by Jenny @ The Southern Institute ($2.99)

My Pregnancy Journey by Mindy @ Simply Designs ($9.99)

My Buttered Life Baby Edition by Renee @ Made On Hard Lotion ($5.00)

The Minimalist Mom’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Rachel @ The Minimalist Mom ($5.00)

Redeeming Childbirth: Growth & Study Guide by Angie @ Redeeming Childbirth ($3.99)

Holidays & Special Events

Festive Traditions by Jill @ Modern Alternative Kitchen ($7.95)

Holiday Mixes: Gifts in a Jar by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)

Flourishing Spring by Michele @ Frugal Granola ($5.95)

Family Camping Handbook by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($6.95)

Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda @ Oh, Amanda! ($7.99)

Plan a Fabulous Party by Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect ($4.99)

iPhone Photography: The Visual Guide by Alli @ Alli Worthington($9.97)

Spiritual Growth

Pursuit of the Proverbs 31 by Amy @ Amy Bayliss ($3.99)

The Best of Visionary Womanhood by Natalie @ Visionary Womanhood ($5.00)

God’s Word in my Heart: A Scripture Memory Learning Guide with Verses {all 4 versions} by Jenn @ The Purposeful Mom ($3.99)

Kept: a 13-Week Inductive Study on 1 Peter by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($4.99)

Love Like Him: an 8 week Inductive Bible study on 1 Corinthians 13 by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($2.99)

Marriage & Romance

Rekindling Romance by Jason & Jami @ A Biblical Marriage ($4.99)

Good Wife’s Guide by Darlene @ Time-Warp Wife ($2.99)

31 Days to Build a Better Spouse by Ashley @ Ashley Pichea ($4.99)

31 Days to Great Sex by Sheila @ To Love, Honor and Vacuum ($4.99)

Entangled: Recognize Your Emotional Affair by Amy @ Amy J. Bennett ($4.99)

Motherhood

The Heart of Simplicity by various authors @ The Heart of Simplicity ($9.99)

True Christian Motherhood by June @ A Wise Woman Builds Her Home ($7.00)

Hula Hoop Girl by September @ One September Day ($4.99)

When Motherhood Feels Too Hard by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($4.97)

Mindset for Moms by Jamie @ Steady Days ($4.99)

From Cube to Farm by Heather @ From Cube to Farm ($2.99)

4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions by various authors @ 4 Moms, 35+ Kids Parenting E-book ($7.99)

That Works for Me! by Kristen @ We are THAT Family ($8.00)

Health & Fitness

100-pound Loser by Jessica @ Muthering Heights ($4.99)

Honoring the Rhythm of Rest by Danielle @ Domestic Serenity ($2.99)

42 Days to Fit by Brandy @ The Marathon Mom, Emma @ Real Fit Moms and Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($4.99)

Healthy Homemaking by Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home ($12.95)

Personal ePlanner by Jennifer @ ListPlanIt ($5.00)

Beauty

Frumps to Pumps by Sarah Mae @ SaraMae.com ($4.99)

The Cottage Mama’s DIY Guide by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)

Simple Scrubs to Make and Give by Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($3.99)

The No Brainer Wardrobe by Hayley @ The No Brainer Wardrobe ($7.99)

Embracing Beauty by Trina @ Trina Holden ($9.00)

Reuse, Refresh, Repurpose by Kristen @ The Frugal Girl ($3.99)

Working from Home & Blogging

Your Blogging Business: Tax, Talk and Tips by Nikki @ Christian Mommy Blogger ($4.99)

The Bootstrap VA by Lisa @ The Home Life {and Me} ($12.99)

How to Grow Your Blog and Manage Your Home by Jacinda @ Growing Home ($4.99)

How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($12.00)

Simple Blogging: Less Computer Time, Better Blogging by Rachel @ Small Notebook ($8.00)

Ecourses

Learning in Love: The Preschool Years by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99)

Homeschooling from the Heart by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99)

Grocery University by Carrie @ Colorado Bargains ($24.95)

Vibrant Living Strategies for Moms by Lisa @ Well-Grounded Life ($59)

You Can Do This! The First Five Steps to a Real Food Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($5.00)

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies…

A FREE Two-Month Membership to Fit2B Studio, where their wholesome workouts for the whole family are tummy safe and particularly target Diastasis Recti (split abs). ($19.98 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A $15 store credit to TruKid. With products like their aware-winning sun care, they are dedicated to providing all natural skin and hair care for kids, babies, and now pets. ($15.00 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

Your choice of incredible natural products like sea salt and clay for FREE. Choose from the Redmond Trading Earthpaste Bundle ($24.90 value) or the Facial Mud Bundle ($26.90 value). (Standard shipping applies. Continental US only.)

Your choice of a FREE heirloom sourdough starter or FREE yogurt starter from Cultures for Health, the leading supplier of starter cultures and supplies for making cultured and fermented foods ($12.95 value. US & CAN addresses only. Standard shipping applies.)

Your choice of: a FREE 3-Month Subscription (for new accounts) or 30% off a One Year Subscription. Plan to Eat is an online menu planner that uses your recipes, scheduled for the days you want them. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A FREE Culinary Herbs Assorted Seed Pack Check just in time for spring planting from www.wheatgrasskits.com, a living whole foods company. ($11.95 value. Standard shipping applies to all US states and territories- no international shipping for seeds.)

Get $10 off Union28’s original “my husband rocks” tee. Their marriage apparel lets you celebrate your spouse in style. ($10.00 value. Standard shipping rates apply. International shipping available, but free shipping only available within USA.)

A $10 store credit plus 1 FREE lip balm from Bee All Natural. Their whole body products nourish and heal, and are made using only the highest quality, food grade, organic ingredients. ($13.49 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

A FREE 2 oz. bottle of your choice of liquid herbal formula from TriLight Health. They specialize in fast acting, great tasting natural herbal remedies. ($12.95 value or more. Standard shipping applies, within the USA only.)

Your choice of 3 FREE ePlanners OR a 3-Month FREE Membership to ListPlanIt, whose mobile lists will help to organize your life. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

The fine print:

Bonus Offers

• Each bonus offer can be redeemed once only per eBook Bundle purchase.
• For each bonus offer, transaction numbers or proof of purchase may be required at the time of redemption.
• All bonus offers are free gifts from the bonus sponsors, are their sole responsibility to provide, and are subject to availability.
• All bonus offers expire at midnight on May 19th, 2013 (2 weeks from the last day of this sale).

General

• It is your responsibility to download and back-up your purchase within the 1-month download time-frame. With proof of purchase, we can renew download links up until August 1st, 2013. After this date we will no longer have access to the books and will not be able to provide any new links to download.
• Due to the nature of this sale, there will be no refunds available. However, we would invite you to read our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the file types, the download process, how the bonus offers work, etc.

Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered, so make sure that you get your bundle right away!

Particularly for those wanting to read these ebooks on their mobile devices (iPhones or iPads, Android, Kindle, etc.) you will want to learn more about the file types, how to download them correctly, and how to transfer them to your device.

This post includes affiliate links, and I make a portion of the sale of each ebook bundle. Thanks for your support of this site!

30 Days – Day 16: Master Closet After Pictures

Here are the pictures of the cupboards/draws and how I reorganized everything, I’m quite proud of it and have successfully been able to maintain them for over a month now, so I think it’s safe to say it’s working for us!

 

Yup… Formula fed

As I sit here feeding LO(little one) it dawns on me that soon I’m going to be dealing with a lot of “oh he’s not breastfeeding?” comments ah the joys and damn the social pressure!

If you’ve read my breastfeeding post you’ll know that my children never latch on to my boobs and after several people have stared at them they all go “oh keep trying.” Steups, how that really helps me I have no idea?

So maybe to some I just gave up… But I did genuinely try to no avail and because I refuse to persist for the wave of anger and guilt it causes, I guess I’ll just have to deal with the judgement.

But it doesn’t make me any less of a mother and hey I think this is feminism at play when I say I refuse to be the only means of nourishment for my child! (Lol now this statement may cause some disturbances lol). But hey what the hell! Why must I handle all the feedings – the 7pm, 9pm, 11pm, 1am, 3am, 5am, 7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, 5pm and repeat! Lol doesn’t that just look freaking exhausting!?

God bless breast pumps and formula yes oui! Cause thanks to it I’m not a freaking cow and have a husband who happily helps feed and partakes in bonding with his children too! (I should amend this statement seeing as pumping does make me a cow LOL)

Maybe I have something to justify but that’s only cause of the social pressure that exists courtesy breastfeeding stigmas, I’m certainly no less of a mother nor do I love my children any less just because I made a choice that isn’t socially accepted.

All I know is I’m a formula fed baby and I’m doing just fine! 🙂

My POS General Experience

Now before you even start to cringe or think the thoughts of ‘you good yes’ sometimes decisions are made simply because there is no other choice.

With the rising private medical costs that occur in this country we just couldn’t think of any other way to afford a delivery unless we asked for parents help. Which, unless totally necessary we absolutely hate to do!

We have (and we’re very proud of this) somehow managed to keep afloat despite all the very high cost of living, though we may be ‘just getting by’ at times there are plenty times where we’re doing great and have reason to be proud!

The costs of having a natural delivery are in excess of $10,000, which is money that we just do not have, and even if we did, saving that money towards something more important is more beneficial to us in the long run than any of my short term comforts.

Bearing that in mind, POS General is not nearly as bad as people think, and has had some upgrades (hello a/c’ed wards!) which was quite a welcomed surprise this time around! (Yup this actually my second delivery at POS General)

I have short quick deliveries, which equals me only being there for the one night and I’m home the next day.

You come into contact with many very friendly nurses and people that are all around very great to deal with. My mid wife who delivered me (I believe her name was Maria) was great!

Everyone says oh but you’ll be delivering by yourself. For everyone’s benefit I’m sure you’d like to know that you can actually have someone present with you at the delivery on the condition that you attend 7 Lamaze classes at POS General, when we did it with my daughter it used to be a Wednesday at 1pm now I’m not sure when it happens but it would be great info to find out.

Anyway once this is done you are able to get a letter from the nurses, which you can show when you come in to deliver. Good to note in those 7 sessions one must be a labour and delivery session to ensure you are able to be present.

I have to say that those classes we’re fantastic and extremely informative, my husband and I (at the time he was the bf) learnt so much more from these classes than we did at our privately attended course at Mamatoto. Though we didn’t do the classes at POS this time around (regrettably) so I can’t give any updated info!

You basically go in to be admitted and you labour until you are dilated sufficiently to go downstairs to labour and delivery. Once delivered you remain on wards downstairs (101) until you are transferred to the upstairs wards (201 hmm maybe 202). Where you stay the night, nurses check on you, if you have any questions – you’re able to ask and you’re in a general area, which though not private is sufficiently comfortable.

You have a bathroom right nearby, as you have to pass urine every 2 hours, so it’s no huge trek after everything you’ve been through.

Of course there are strict visiting hours which are from 11am – 12pm and 4:30 – 5:30pm, happily those times came quickly on both days and it was nice to see hubs and everyone else! Of course I had to wait to see my darling when I reached home the next day since children aren’t allowed on the wards (I know that this is true in St. Clair as well, I’m not sure if Westshore has a no kids policy).

All in all, though I always hate the thought of going to POS General but – free equals FANTASTIC and of course knowing that if ANYTHING were to go wrong with baby, we’re in the BEST place as that’s the exact place he/she will be taken to if there is an emergency.

Initially when he was supposed to be a preemie dr. had said instantly you know you’re delivering in POS right? Lol it also helps that my Dr. is a consultant of a unit and as a result also boosts my confidence in going to POS.

All in all I can’t complain 🙂 I’m home with my happy healthy baby and I ain’t doing too bad myself! 🙂

The Countdown

With my 14th January due date the countdown is now officially on! After all of the complications who knew I would even make it this far!

Now sleepiness is kicking in in the highest form… I think my body is trying to tell me something? Perhaps that I need to sleep now while I can? Or maybe this is how you’re going to feel in a couple weeks so might as well get accustom from now! Lol something tells me it’s the latter.

For all the parents with two kids, how was it adjusting to number two? I know I’m scared, especially as I barely cope some days handling one and have serious thoughts as to how I’m going to cope with two! I have to say though I really do strongly believe you are never given more than you can handle, however, I’m shocked that anyone thinks I can handle this much!

Balancing everything – daughter number one, child number two, managing the house getting into cooking wow I hope I get better at all of this!

Boy am I bringing in the new year with a bang!

My Breastfeeding Experience

With my upcomming breastfeeding – which I honestly DREAD! I thought this post couldn’t be more perfect! 🙂

A student messaged me asking if I could answer the following questions for her for a school paper she has to write and I thought the response was something I could share, as you can’t get more real than this! 🙂

Did you breastfeed or bottle-feed your child/children?
I bottle fed my daughter breastmilk for 4 months exclusively, I did at one point try a formula mixed with breastmilk bottle when she was around 2 months to see if it would make her sleep longer, but it didn’t so I continued expressing for her exclusively.

Why did you decide to breastfeed or bottle-feed your child?
My daughter couldn’t latch, so I met with a lady from tibs who gave me a nipple shield, which after reading about extensively on the internet realised it wasn’t the best thing in the world for her and my milk supply so at around 6 weeks I stopped using it totally and just exclusively pumped milk.

Exclusively pumping is something hardly anyone knows they can do or even does down here so I got a lot of support for it online.

Did you feel pressured when making the decision?
You have a certain ‘guilt’ association with not breastfeeding – it’s just everywhere and that whole discussion on trini moms is the PRIME example of it, people make you feel you aren’t giving your child the best just because you aren’t breastfeeding when in fact if your daughter/son is formula fed it’s perfectly fine. I’m a formula fed baby, my husband is a breastmilk fed baby and we are two totally different people – I’m healthy and allergy free and he has TONS of allergies! So it drove my point home even more that breastfeeding really doesn’t make anything that much better! Especially because all the ‘studies’ that they have that make those claims are just unsubstantial and outdated!

Did anyone have an influence on your decision?
My father kept insisting that I tried to breastfeed, I have a 5 year old sister who was breastfed up to the age of 4, they were so pro breastfeeding, but it didn’t take my sanity into account at all.

Breastfeeding HURTS A LOT, and when someone is gnawing away at your nipple and making you bleed no amount of “oh it gets betters” makes you feel any better!

That whole oh you’ll be closer to your baby because your breastfeeding for me was such SHIT I was angry every time I had to breastfeed because it was just horrible! The day I decided no more breastfeeding, I’m pumping only, was the day I was a MUCH happier mother for it!

I did something most people wouldn’t have even tried, pumping exclusively for her so I’m proud of myself for it and also glad that she got the breastmilk which according to everyone was ESSENTIAL for her well-being though I can’t say I still believe it!

If you breast-fed your child, how long did you breast-feed them for and why?
Think I answered this already but breastfed for 4months exclusively, I actually had over 200oz of breastmilk stored in the freezer and for some reason it was never used so I could have probably easily gone a bit longer with it, but not sure why we didn’t and also I stopped pumping because my supply dropped (I actually didn’t realise it was cause I was about to get my period) and so I couldn’t keep up with what she was drinking and stopped.

Christmas Decor

So a while back I was asked to do a post on decor for Christmas Trees, and though I’m feeling the Christmas spirit I really didn’t find anything inspiring to really recommend.

However, I of course now that Divali is over have started looking again and I’m wondering if I can do Christmas on the cheap! 🙂

Using google (my best friend EVER! no seriously ask my husband, babe she has a spot what should we do, he’ll say let me guess google it? lol) I’ve come across some GREAT websites for DIY Christmas decor! (Look we need to find a one the cheap way to do Christmas this year! It really technically isn’t in our budget, but our daughter is sooo excited by everything we can’t put up that 2ft tree we’ve been using for the past 2 years again and expect it to suffice!)

Better Homes and Gardens seems to be the place to be if you want to do some DIY decor!
Here are some links:
Felt Decor
Easy Ornaments Kids Can Make
Easy Christmas Tree Ornaments
Beautiful Handmade Christmas Decorations to Treasure

Here are some General Christmas Decor Ideas
Fresh Christmas Decor Ideas
Simple Ways to Decorate for Christmas
Speedy Christmas Decorating
Holiday Decorating Ideas for Small Spaces
Simple Step-By-Step Christmas Decorations

Ok looking at all of this is making me SO excited! If you only see my folder of picture ideas! Which now will be difficult to post for you guys because I haven’t saved where the hell I’ve gotten them from! Had no idea I could end up with so much or didn’t even think about sharing it!!!

Tip Junkie Cleaning Checklists

These are totally simplified and so cute! Check them out and see if you can put one into action today. The cleaning calendar is usually the most daunting task but like this it looks super easy and more than manageable!

Check out Tip Junkie Cleaning Checklists today! 🙂

Potty Training – Realisations

Potty Training – Realisations
When potty training begins, you begin to realise that asking all the time if he/she needs to wee wee or poo poo equals you spending A LOT of time asking that question. What never dawned on me was that when I asked and got a yes initially it wasn’t that my daughter was getting any better at potty training, but I simply just caught her at the right time. I thought potty training would be something we’d have to initiate and introduce. But what I’ve actually realised is it’s all about them!

He/she will take the initiative when they’re ready to do it all on their own and come to you saying they need to wee wee or poo poo, or actually never come to you at all! Go do their thing and go back to being them.

I thought the peeing on the floor was going to last forever; I tried to keep her diapered as much as I could but then when she’d come out the bath she loved naked time and I couldn’t deprive her of that. So she proceeds (I can’t say proceeded, she still does this!) to go about her playing as per usual in her birthday suit! Ah how I wish I could be a kid all over again! When time came to wee wee she’d go anywhere with no shame or boundary, actually I have to give her credit if she was on the bed, she’d usually climb down and go on the floor to the side of the bed (God bless her!).

What I found particularly entertaining was the time she went on the living room floor, went into the bathroom got the hand towel – she sees me clean up after her every time with one of the cleaning cloths, so hey the hand towel must be the same thing! – and she proceeded to wipe up her mess. I thought well if you’re so smart and can do that, then why can’t you go in the potty! (I kept all these thoughts and comments to myself, her peeing on the floor was never an issue I always just said oops let’s clean it up and did so).

This has been going on for months now, and then just like that a week or two ago, I would go and she’d tell me she needs to as well, we’d do our excited yays and flushing ritual and it’s starting to become a norm. I realised it was time to bring back out the potty and put it so that she had her freedom – as I had packed it away thinking this may never fly, and just used to raise her up onto the toilet instead – and yesterday she must have been naked for over an hour, maybe more, every time she needed to go she proceeded to sit on the potty, wipe, wash her hands and go her way!

I have up a potty chart for her to build excitement for the whole wee wee, poo poo thing so I’d tell her come let’s put a sticker! As the day progressed yesterday she just did it all on her own didn’t even make a big deal or ask for a sticker, and went back to playing with her toys in her room!

I guess it really does just click and happen in weeks/month without even realising! That’s my girl!

How about we MAKE some money instead of trying to SAVE!

Everyone is always talking about how to save money! Well here’s a tip for how to MAKE some money! Over our lifetimes we gather up A LOT of clothing and general stuff around the house that just becomes clutter! Thanks to FlyLady and the Organizing book that I’m reading I’ve been just emptying everything in sight! Usually we just give this stuff away or try to have a Garage Sale which is usually hard to set up and then people end up disappointed when it’s not stuff they need.

Thanks to mom group’s on FB especially TriniMoms who is basically somewhere you go when you have something used to sell or you’d like real life mom opinions on a school/dr etc. it makes it easier to get rid of things because it’s targeted.

A common thing we do when we have something that we’ve paid a lot of money for we try to get rid of it at almost the same cost even though it may not actually be worth the value! It’s something psychological in us that says well I paid $3000 for this I should be able to get back $2000 at least! And then therein lies the problem, when people are buying used they’re looking for bargins and well that isn’t a bargin! So if you said you have this excellent breastpump for $1000 you probably will be a whole lot more likely to get rid of it than at the $2000 you were hoping for.

This brings me to clothing, when baby is new we gets LOTS of clothing as presents so much so we hardly even have chance to use it (unless you’re lucky like me to have this tiny tot who could still fit into a 9 month onesie if it wasn’t for those big cloth diapers!) as a result items are basically in GREAT condition and you have it there packed away cause… it no longer fits.

Then you can’t find someone within the family to give it away, or sometimes you do, but for those who don’t have the family option and need the money anyway why not have a sale! I decided ok it’s sitting there I’d probably just giveaway to the next candidate I find to get rid of it so why not try to find someone who really NEEDS it and is looking for a bargin! Hence the $5 sale! I know that if anyone told me they had clothes for $5 I was running to see what they had! $5 is so easy to spend and it gives people the incentive to just pick up and go, versus if you had it at the $10/$20 people would hesitate more in their purchases. Think about it wouldn’t you? I know I’d hesitate!

So that’s the magic number $5! Why not go through your closet and see what items you can have a $5 sale with!

This applies for so many other things, strollers, toys, baby furniture, stop hanging on to it and expecting to make a buck just get rid of it and you’d be happy for a return and the space!

Happy purging! 🙂