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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

What I have learned so far

When I began this blog I said that I hoped to learn from you, as well as share what I've learned.
I've only been publicly blogging for 2  1/2 months (the first couple of weeks I was just getting things set up and I kept my blog private until about the 1st of May). Learn I have.

So, for just 2 1/2 months, I've learned quite a bit from you. Here are a few of my in-use-now, favorite ideas.

From Pamela from Feralhomemaking, freezing coffee. Pamela freezes it in cubes to pour milk over for a refreshing cold coffee drink. And from Shara, at Mama's Mission, using leftover coffee in cold coffee drinks -- some cold coffee, milk and sweetening. These ideas inspired me to salvage leftover coffee from our church recently.
While working at our church for VBS, I discovered that cups to quarts of brewed coffee were being dumped daily. I quickly grabbed an empty apple juice bottle, rinsed it out, and took home all this coffee. I poured it into 24 oz. containers and froze it all. This gave my husband and me coffee for about 10 days.

From Kris, using 2 used teabags to get a 3rd good cup of tea. I now save the used one in the fridge, until I have a 2nd one, to make my 3rd cup. I'm sure the family thinks I'm a bit foggy, seeing my teacup  empty, except the bag, sitting in the fridge!

Making my bed every morning. Not something I enjoy doing. But as Kris pointed out, the bed is the largest thing in the bedroom. By making it every morning, it gives the room a tidy look. 3 minutes making the bed is a lot quicker than 10-15 minutes tidying the rest of the room.

And speaking of homekeeping, Sarah from Everyday Life on a Shoestring shared her motivation technique for getting the housework done -- thinking of herself as a paid employee in her own house, what she'd expect out of a paid housecleaner. And that thought has stuck with me as I tidy the kitchen in the AM. I get it all clean in record time now.

Again, from Sarah at ELoaS, I learned of a treat in the UK called Tiffin. I haven't made it yet, but I've been dumping crumbs and broken bits from cookies and graham crackers into a jar in the kitchen for just such purpose, when I have enough to make a batch.

Some good, solid ideas from a bunch of you on how we can finance our 2 youngest kids' university educations. We're just 1 year away from the two of them graduating high school and beginning university work.

Some turkey tidbits from Carol at CT on a Budget, that I'll employ this November (we finished off the last of our 4 turkeys this past month.  Ooops, that sounds like we cooked up the family pets. I should rephrase to the "last of our purchased 4 turkeys").

These ideas and a whole lot of inspiration and motivation from all of you who comment, make being the keeper of this blog worthwhile to me. You have my deepest thanks.

(paraphrasing Walt Disney) "To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Creative Savv is your blog." Okay, so I changed the wording slightly, but the sentiment is the same.

8 comments:

  1. Lili, you make my heart sing! I gave you some love on my blog today...and then I cruised here to see what's going on at your place. You write about things I wish I had thought of. Good thing we have one another so we can learn and grow together. Really, you inspire me.

    Hugs
    Mother Connie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Connie,
      Thanks! You always have such kind words.
      The zucchini recipe on your blog today is making me wish my garden would hurry up! I went out and gave it an extra watering just to spur the plants on.
      Thanks for dropping in!

      Delete
  2. Wow, these are great tips. BTW, I'm going to make your rhubarb lemonade for a girls' afternoon nosh and horseshoes fest this Sunday. :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Pamela,
      Horseshoes and lemonade -- now that sounds like fun! Have a great weekend, and thanks for the comment!

      Delete
  3. The paid housekeeper comment is a great one. I have to admit that I'm rarely motivated to do housework if I can get away with it. I have found that putting my distractions (cell phone, computer) in another room and zeroing in on what chores need to be done helps me focus and finish more quickly. When I can get them for free, I also like to have a little vase of flowers in my room. Having something bright and special reminds me to treat myself and my space that way too!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Alicia,
      I may never want to do housework, but with some of these tips to get me motivated to do it and get it done, at least it doesn't drag on. I try to keep the distractions out of sight, too. I do like your idea of keeping a small vase of flowers as a reminder to take care of yourself and your surroundings. I usually cut flowers for the kitchen or living room. I should do that for private rooms as well. Thanks for the suggestion!

      Delete
  4. It's always a pleasure to visit your blog Lili! I hope you enjoy lots more happy blogging!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sarah,
      I shall say, likewise, I enjoy visiting your blog as well! And I appreciate your comments. I really am planning on making the tiffin. (I've got about 1/2 cup of bits and pieces of cookies so far.) What I'd like to know now is, what is bonfire night? When I was reading up on tiffin, several sites said that it was a treat often eaten on bonfire night.
      Thanks for your well wishes!

      Delete

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