A few weeks ago I went to the store that sells everything from toothpaste to paint and bought roman shades for the bay window our bedroom. They were well priced, looked nice in the packaging, and were just what I was looking for. Of course they only had three in the size I wanted, so I bought them, hoping that they would restock the size I needed. I checked every time I was in there, and they never restocked them. So I decided I’d just buy two of the inch smaller size and put them on the two outer windows. I figured I’d take the one oddball back to the store and get my money back. Fast forward two weeks later and I’ve still got the roman shade propped up on the love seat in my living room. I don’t know why, but I just didn’t get around to taking it back. I decided this afternoon that today was the day. I took the roman shade back to the store, got my money back, spent more in the store than [...]

Awhile back, I posted my minty fresh homemade toothpaste recipe. While I still use it and think it’s fantastic, I will admit that in the summer it’s hard to use. The coconut oil melts and is very hard to use.  So I came up with a new recipe not involving glycerin or coconut oil.  It’s much easier, works just as well, and won’t melt on you.  It’s actually tooth powder. Here’s how you make it: 6 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt (I used all natural sea salt and ground it in my coffee grinder) 10 drops peppermint oil (start out with 5 first and then increase if you want) Put it in a small container you can shake before using.  I wet my toothbrush, dip it in, scoop just a little on there, and brush.  The mint is so yummy!  If you don’t like mint, you can substitute cinnamon essential oil or something else.  It works really well, and I’m glad I gave it a try!  Here are some other awesome uses for baking soda. Have you ever made [...]

I’ve never shared our actual “budget” here before.  I use the term loosely, because it’s more of a monthly expenses spreadsheet.  I have shared my envelope system, and that still works pretty well for me.  Thinking about having a real budget where I take into account how much we get paid gives me a headache.  Mr. Money gets paid bi-weekly, and I had made our “budget” on a 1st and 15th pay schedule, so it confuses me to think about switching it.  I really need to sit down and do that. Seriously.  But here are our monthly expenses: Mortgage                               793.19                          1st Energy                                    200.00                         15th Car insurance                     130.00                          15th Escrow                                   205.44                          (new since refinance) Verizon                                  70.00                            1st Cable, phone, internet    115.00                          15th Car Payment                       250.00                          15th Water                                     33.00                            bimonthly Food                                       300.00                          1st & 15th Gas                                          300.00                          1st & 15th Eating Out                            100.00                          1st & 15th [...]