Household Project List 2016 - July Update

 

We were finally able to move back into our apartment after 6 weeks of renovations.  A few of the things I had on my list got crossed off during those renovations, plus I was able to get a few other things accomplished as well.  I am starting to pick up steam, which is great!  It is so exciting to see things getting crossed off the list!  August will probably be fairly unproductive since we will be on vacation for most of the month.  So I will pick things back up in September and hopefully get everything crossed off before the end of the year.  Here are how the list is looking so far this year...

• Bedroom: 
• Declutter 2 Dressers, 1 Chest of Drawers, 2 Nightstands, 1 Closet, and Under the Bed -- Finished in February
• Steam off the crappy boarder - I'm hoping to get to this in October or November.
• Re-glue the wallpaper seams - This is on my to-do list for August.
• Change the wall art - I am still on the hunt for a shelf.  We've gone to quite a few yard sales and flea markets, and we've hit up the thrift store a number of times, I just haven't found what I want yet.  

• Hall: 
• Declutter Hall Closet, Desk, and Coat Closet -- Finished in February
• Sell desk, and move in a bench -- Finished in April
• Build another shelf in the hall closet -- Unneeded, crossed off in February

• Bathroom:
• Declutter the Bathroom Cabinets and Drawers  -- Finished in February
• Touch up the paint - Finished in June.  Completed during renovations.

• Living Room:
• Declutter 8 Cube Baskets, 1 End Table, and 3 Dresser Drawers -- Finished in March
• Finish adding pictures to our 'mural' wall - Finished in June/July.  

• Paint the letter 'R' on our 'mural' wall -- Finished in January
• Find new art for behind the futon - I have found the picture that I want, but it's pricey.  If I can find something similar at a yard sale for less money, I will scoop it up for sure.  If not, I'm in the process of saving up so I can get it as a birthday gift to myself.

• Kitchen:
• Declutter 35 Cabinets, 1 Pantry, 1 China Cabinet, and 11 Drawers -- Finished in March   
• Get a new trashcan -- Finished in February
• Steam the wallpaper off our microwave table, and repaint it - Since this table was damaged during the renovations, and it wasn't in the best shape to begin with, we've decided that my loving husband is going to built me a new one and I'll stain in when he's finished.  I am hoping that he will find time this fall to get this completed, but it probably won't get done until January - but we'll see, maybe I'll get lucky.
• Paint the windows/sills/trim - Finished in June.  Completed during renovations.
• Clean out the chest freezer and defrost it -- Finished in March
  

• Nursery/Office:
• Declutter the Closet, Dresser, Desk, Chest of Drawers, Bookcase, Sewing Table, and Cedar Chest -- The cedar chest is also on my list for August.
• Go through the CD 3-drawer organizer and combine into a large CD case - Finished in June.
• Install new curtain rods and tie backs; Hang new curtains - Done.  Finished in July.

• Make a new curtain for the closet; Hang - Have not started yet.
• Buy new Lamp/Shade for the Dresser -- Finished in April
• Re-glue wallpaper - I have this on the August list as well. 
• Bring in new chest of drawers (#2) - I still need to vacuum the drawers out and put Finish Feeder on the outside.  I'm planning on September for this. 
• Build new shelf (or two) above the desk; Add books to shelves -- We won't be able to build shelves above the desk the way I wanted to, so I am on the lookout for a small, mostly decorative, shelf at the thrift stores and yard sales.
• Paint the windows/sills and the closet door frame - Finished in June.  Completed during renovations.

• Laundry Room:
•  Declutter Desk, 3 Drawer Stand, Bookcase, and Closet (including stored Christmas decorations) -- Finished in March
• Touch up paint from renovation - I am planning to start this in September.
• Hang art -- Crossed off in May.  I decided that this isn't necessary.  Plus I am working on Joe to get me a hanging clothes line for in the laundry room, so I will need all the wall space I can get. 
• Wash box of new-to-us toys - Finished in July.
• Buy an IKEA cube system, assemble, and organize -- We are waiting until the renovations are complete to purchase this since I will need space to assemble it; we'll also need to move the desk in the laundry room out before we can move this in.

 Are any of you working on some household projects this year?

What are you getting accomplished? 

Menu Plan Monday: 07/25/2016

 

This week we are leaving to go on our 'working vacation.'  We are heading to a steam show - we help out with set up to get free electric and water for our RV during the week, and the money we make at our flea market stand pays for our fun vacation to OC at the end of the month!  It works out SOOOO... well!  Because we will be back in the RV for 12 days and out in the heat working during the day, I kept things super simple and light.  I cannot wait to try out the walking tacos recipe - if they turn out well, I'll be sure to share the recipe with you all.  Below is what I have planned for this week...

• Breakfasts: Fruit, Mini Bagels with Cream Cheese, and/or Luna Bars for Me; Pop-Tarts or Bagels with Cream Cheese for Joe; Turkey Sausage Links, Mini Muffins, Fruit, and/or Fruit and Grain Bars for Howard 
• Lunches: Egg Salad, Roast Beef, Tomato and Bacon Sandwiches, Chips, and Veggie Dippers with Ranch for Joe and I.  Howard will have Turkey Sausage links, Cheese Slices, Mac and Cheese cups, and/or PB Waffles and Fruit.  We will also eat at Jimmy Johns twice - I LOVE their sandwiches!
• Dinners:
• Sunday - Wendy's while running errands
• Monday - Chinese Take-out
• Tuesday - Pizza  

• Wednesday - Sandwiches or Subs while driving
• Thursday - Walking Tacos (recipe coming)
  
• Friday - Walking Tacos Leftovers
• Saturday - TBA

Weekly Spending Report: 07/17-23/2016

This week I had a LOT on the to buy list.  Next week we are leaving for our 'working' vacation, so I decided to split things up and buy some stuff this week, and the rest next week.  We'll also have to pick up a few fresh items once we get there.  We were finally able to move back into the apartment on Friday - the renovations are all complete, for now.  There is still plenty to be done, but the bathroom looks fabulous!  There were a few great deals this week that I wanted to take advantage of, like the Zantac - only $1.66 each, yes please!  Also, it's tomato season, need I say more?  Any way, here is how my spending broke-down this week...

• Monday's CVS Trip: $12.37 oop, Earned $6 ECB's (Zantac x 3), $4 Saving Star Rebate (Zantac), and $0.10 Mobisave Rebate (dish soap)

• Monday's ALDI Trip: $21.58 oop (included, but not pictured are 4 gallons of H2O)

• Monday's Giant Trip: $36.71 oop (included, but not pictured are 7 Powerades, a 35-pack of bottled H2O, and 5-6 packs of various sodas), Earned $1.50 Ibotta Rebate* (Luna Bars)

• Monday's Baugher's Trip: $5.98 oop

• Saturday's Dollar Tree Trip: $18.72 oop

Total OOP: $95.36
Total Earned: $11.60
Total Remaining for July: $133.59
*Use this link to sign up for Ibotta and get a $10 bonus!

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Crock-pot Pork, Sauerkraut, and Mashed Potatoes

I hesitated to post this or not since this is really a non-recipe, but then I decided that it might give someone some inspiration, so I would be selfish not to share.  So, anyway, below is my recipe for Pork, Sauerkraut, and Mashed Potatoes all done in 2 crock-pots...

As you can see from above, the pork and sauerkraut part is as easy as dumping both into a crock-pot (I use the liners, because having less dishes to wash is never a bad thing).  I have used a pork roast, pork tips, pork chops, and pork loin in this recipe, so which ever you have on hand or use the one that your family prefers - it's totally up to you, they are all yummy options.  If you have some chicken stock or broth, add a splash of that too for flavor (but it's definitely optional).  Just to give an idea portion-wise, I used 5 small pork chops in the crock-pot above and 2 cans of sauerkraut for my family of 3, and we had leftovers.  I put the 2 ingredients in the crock-pot, and let it cook away on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is done. 
Now, as for the mashed potatoes, you can cook them in the crock-pot as well.  I will do a different post outlining that recipe, but I do want to share another option with you today.  I buy the Simply Potatoes pre-made mashed potatoes in the refrigerator section at the grocery store when they are on sale and I have coupons, and then, I stick them in the freezer - shhh...  I know it says not to on the box, but I have NEVER had a problem doing this.  The night before I want mashed potatoes I stick them in the fridge.  In the morning I dump them in a lined crock-pot and add a splash of milk.  That part is important for nice creamy smooth mashed potatoes.  I let them warm on low for 4-6 hours, stirring here and there to get any lumps out and to make sure they heat evenly.  I'm not sure if the stirring is necessary, but I do it anyway. 
Below is the finished product - delicious pork, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes:

 What's your favorite way to eat sauerkraut?

Have you tried a two-crock-pot meal before?

Let me know in the comments below!

Frugal Finds: July 2016 Edition

This month Joe, Howard, and I were able to sneak out to the thrift store, and we scored BIG time!  I can almost always find something to purchase, but this time there were s-o m-a-n-y great deals to be had.  We always go on Wednesday which is half price day, so everything we purchased was half off!  Howard has moved into 3T clothing, so I was on a mission to find 4 and 5 T items, and I hit the jack pot.  I was very pleased to find so many pairs of pants without zippers and snaps.  

Part #1:
4T Blue Camo Pants for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
4T Green Camo Pants for Howard $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
4T Navy Striped Sweats for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
4T Jeans for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
4T Overalls for Howard $4.99 - 50% off Sale = $2.49
5T Gray Pants for Howard $3.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.99
Blue and Gray Floral Skirt for Me $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
5T Gray long-sleeved Robot Shirt for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
4 or 5 T (no size in shirt) Long-sleeved Tractor Shirt for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
5T Long-sleeved Football Shirt for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
5T Long-sleeved Sweater for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
5T Long-sleeved Blue Pocket Shirt for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
5T Long-sleeved Gray Mustache Shirt for Howard $1.99 - Did not get rung up = Free!
3T Lightweight Blue Sweat for Howard $1.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.99
Belt for Joe $0.99 - Not rung up = Free!

Part #2:
2 Board Books for Howard $0.99 each - 50% off Sale = 2/$0.98
1-6 pack of Books for Howard $0.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.49
1 set of Coasters $0.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.49
 1 Melissa and Doug Chore Chart for Howard $2.99 - 50% off Sale = $1.49
1 Digital Thermometer for the Tub for Howard's Baths $0.99 - 50% off Sale = $0.49
1 Tub of Legos for Howard $5.99 - 50% off Sale = $2.99
1 HUGE Rolling Box of Legos for Howard (not pictured) $7.99 - 50% off Sale = $3.99
 + $0.71 Tax
Total OOP: $31.49
(would have been $62.77 before 50% off sale!?)

Menu Plan Monday: 07/18/2016

This weekend marked week 6 in the RV - renovations take F-O-R-E-V-E-R!  We are making due.  My back is killing me, but Howard and I are loving all the time outdoors.  When your living area is super small, it really pushes you into the wide open spaces outside!  I also have teas this week at work, which completely drain me of any and all energy I have, so there is some take-out on the menu.  Here's what's cookin' this week...

• Breakfasts: Fruit, and Luna Bars for Me; Pop-Tarts for Joe; Turkey Sausage Links, Mini Muffins, Fruit, and/or Fruit and Grain Bars for Howard
• Lunches: Leftovers, Canned Soup, Salad, Misc. Frozen TV Meals, PB and J Waffle Sandwiches, and/or Egg Salad or BLT Sandwiches
•  Dinners:
• Sunday - Friendly's
• Monday - Ice Cream for Dinner :-)
• Tuesday - Chicken Tacos
• Wednesday - Leftovers
• Thursday - Crock-pot Chicken Fajitas, Mexican Rice, Salad

 

• Friday - Pizza

• Saturday - Take-out

Weekly Spending Report: 07/10-16/2016

This week I was able to stock up on some AWESOME deals, including Benefiber, frozen TV dinners, and fresh produce!  We didn't really need a whole lot this week, just some breakfast, lunch, and snack items, so I decided to take advantage of a few sales while I was out.  I spent a little more than I like to, but I am VERY pleased with what I was able to walk out of the stores with.  Here's how the week went...

• Sunday's CVS Trip: $17.30 oop, Earned $12 ECB's ($10 Benefiber, $2 Powerade)

• Sunday's ALDI Trip: $24.53 oop

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $32.66 oop, Earned $0.25 Ibotta Rebate* (Luna Bar)

Total OOP: $74.49
Total Earned: $12.25
Total Remaining for July: $228.95
*Use this link to sign up for Ibotta and get a $10 bonus!

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Menu Plan Monday: 07/11/2016

This weekend marked our 4th week in the RV.  The renovations should be completed this coming weekend, so I am hoping that by next week we are moved back in.  However, I am growing accustomed to our trailer and living there full-time.  It is so nice to spend the afternoons outside in the quiet while Howard naps - it is very rejuvenating for me!  We are staying busy with outings and time at the playground, plus my work schedule.  I am still keeping our menu on the simple side since I don't have a ton of space to cook in.  Here's what's cooking this week...

• Breakfasts: Fruit, and PB Toast for Me; Pop-Tarts for Joe; Turkey Sausage Links, Mini Muffins, Fruit, Fruit and Grain Bars, and/or Peanut Butter Fiber Bars for Howard
• Lunches: Leftovers, Canned Soup, Salad, Misc. Frozen TV Meals, PB and J Waffle Sandwiches, and/or Egg Salad or BLT Sandwiches
•  Dinners:
• Sunday - Crock-pot Pork Chops and Mushroom Gravy, Jasmine Rice, Steamed Broccoli

• Monday - Chick-fil-a at the playground
• Tuesday - Leftovers
• Wednesday - Crock-pot Chicken Fajitas, Mexican Rice, Salad

• Thursday - Pizza

• Friday - Take-out after a day working at Pap's house
• Saturday - Crock-pot Taco Salads

  For more AWESOME Menu Plans, visit Org Junkie!

Weekly Spending Report: 07/03-09/2016

My shopping was a little all over the place this week.  I was running late on Sunday so I didn't get to go shopping until evening, and by then ALDI was closed.  I also hadn't planned to go to CVS this week, until I looked at the amount of diapers I had left in my stock-pile.  We are waiting until the renovations are done in the apartment and we are out of the RV before we start potty training Howard.  So after dinner, throughout the week, the three of us made short outings to stores.  It worked out pretty well actually.  Here's how my spending broke-down over this past week...

• Sunday's Giant Trip: $29.51 oop

• Tuesday's ALDI Trip: $28.76 oop (included, but not pictured are 7 gallons of H2O)

• Wednesday's BJ's Trip: $33.64 oop (sorry no picture, but it included 2-4 packs of apple juice, 3 packages of Crystal Light sticks, and a large bag of potato chips)
• Saturday's CVS Trip: $17.48 oop, Earned $10 ECB's

Total OOP: $109.39

Total Earned: $10

Total Remaining for July: $303.44

Linked to Couponaholic, I Heart Publix, and many more... 

A Toddler Diaper Bag - Deconstructed

Our diaper bag is a Vera Bradley computer tote that was given to us when we found out that we were expecting.  I loved the beautiful bright colors, the shoulder strap, and all of the pockets that were inside and out.  Plus it was free!  This bag has served us well over the past two year, and is still going strong.  I thought it might be fun to show what I keep in the diaper bag for our now two-year old.  I know there are many moms who look forward to ditching the diaper bag, but I LOVE knowing that I have everything that I need, for any kind of mishap, within arms reach.  Knowing that I have the supplies I might need gives me confidence when I am out and about with my little one; I know that I am as prepared as I can be.  I have found that preparedness is one of the keys to having a smooth outing with a toddler. 

On the outside of our diaper bag we have a zip pocket on one side and a snap pocket on the other.  Here's the snap side...

Because this side snaps, and can easily be opened, I tuck the items below in the little slots and pockets on the inside of the pocket so I don't accidentally lose them.  In this pocket I keep some crayons, a slinky, and some baby nail clippers.

Here's the outside zip pocket...

In this pocket I keep a spare outfit - pants, tee shirt, and socks, as well as a Ziploc bag with some baby Motrin, baby Tylenol, gas drops, the dispensers for each medicine, and some sunscreen.  It is very important to use a zip-top bag for your medicines.  Do not ask me how I know this.  But I will share that baby Tylenol is super sticky, and incredibly hard to clean out of a pocket.

The inside of the diaper bag is super roomy.  There are two pockets on the one side, a middle section, and a pocket on the other side with a Velcro closure.  Then the whole thing zips shut, so you can cram that bad-boy full of stuff and it all stays inside.

Inside the Velcro side we keep diapers, some stacking cups, sunglasses, and a light up toy that Howard just loves.  Yes, we keep a LOT of diapers in our diaper bag.  Joe, Howard, and I have the tendency to go away for 10 or 12 hours at a time, so Howard will sometimes use all 10 diapers that I keep packed . 

On the opposite side there are two pockets, one pocket holds some Clorox wipes for dirty tables and high chairs, baby wipes, and baby powder.

The second pocket holds a bib, toddler fork and spoon, and of course, snacks.  I always carry two different kinds - something salty and something sweet.  Today it was pretzels and apple puffs (which are from the Dollar Tree and Howard LOVES them).  Snacks are another important item to have on hand to avoid toddler meltdowns in the middle of the store. 

In that open middle section I keep the changing mat - which is the best $11 I think I have ever spent (this one is similar*).  The changing mat has a holder for bags.  I buy the doggie bags at the Dollar Tree and they work just as well for stinky diapers as the more expensive diaper-specific ones they sell at Target and Walmart.  I also keep the coloring pack there as well.  I found this at the Dollar Tree, and it has been a wonderful addition!  There are 8 large crayons - perfect for toddler hands - and 72 pages to color, for a buck, and everything is contained!  

 

Here's a peek at the inside when it is all nicely packed and ready to roll.

 I hope that there is something beneficial that all you diaper bag-toting parents can glean from this post. 

Let me know what item you find most beneficial to keep packed in your diaper bag in the comments below...

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Menu Plan Monday: 07/04/2016

This past weekend marked our third week in the RV.  We are hoping that the renovations will be complete this week, then we can move back into our apartment and stop eating 'RV-friendly' foods, but only time will tell.  I had to work today, but with all the rain, the museum decided to close early.  Not only do I get the evening off, but I still got to enjoy some of the fun food they had here at the event - that's what I call a win-win!  It's been warming up here in Maryland, and the humidity has finally decided to stay I think, so I kept my menu fairly 'light' for this week.  When it's sticky and hot out, I really don't feel like eating or cooking heavy foods.  Here's what cooking in the Rogers' RV this week...

• Breakfasts: Fruit, PB Toast, and/or Luna Bars for Me; Pop-Tarts for Joe; Turkey Sausage Links, Mini Muffins, Fruit, Fruit and Grain Bars, and/or Peanut Butter Fiber Bars for Howard
• Lunches: Leftovers, Canned Soup, Salad, Misc. Frozen TV Meals, and/or PB and J Waffle Sandwiches
•  Dinners:
• Sunday - Buffalo Wild Wings while running errands
• Monday - Joe and I shared a free Pit Beef Sandwich and French Fries; Howard would only eat French Fries because he was being grumpy.  I also got a vanilla custard when I got off work :-)
• Tuesday -Take-out while running errands - part 2
• Wednesday - Crock-pot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Baked French Fries
• Thursday - Leftovers or Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Veggie Dippers
• Friday - Subs from a Steam Show we are going to for the day.  Or Country Ham sandwiches.  The place we buy them from does both, we eat some for lunch and take the rest home for dinner. 
• Saturday - Pizza Night!

For more AWESOME menu plans, visit Org Junkie!