Organizing for Everyone

3M coupons

2012-02-02T11:40:00.000-05:00

Go here to print coupons to save over $5 on 3M products, including Command Hooks and Post-it products.

My deals this week

2012-02-01T10:20:00.000-05:00

I mentioned in this post that I'm trying to get back into the drugstore game.

I didn't see much in the Rite Aid ad, so I stuck with Walgreens again this week. I'm starting to get back into the drugstore game with those two stores because they are close to me. I have to go a little out of my way to go to CVS.

WALGREENS

2 14.2 oz. bottles of Head & Shoulders shampoo – used coupon from Sun. newspaper for $1 off two; generated $2 Register Reward

.5 oz. bottle of blink eyedrops – used $1.50 coupon (printable, but no longer available); generated $8 Register Reward, making this purchase a money maker

I aid $15.65 and got back $10 in Register Rewards to use on my next purchase.

BIG LOTS

I also took advantage of the 20% off day Big Lots offered to Buzz Club Members on Saturday (it's free to join -- go here to learn more).

I purchased three non-stick cookie sheets, a non-stick 12-count muffin pan and a non-stick 12-count mini-muffin pan. I really needed new ones, so I was happy to find these reasonably priced and then get 20% off! I paid $12.81.

Clutter-free home

2012-01-31T08:00:00.003-05:00

My house is fairly organized and clutter-free. But there's still room for improvement! So I've set myself the goal of decluttering a section of my home-- small or big, depending on time -- each month. It can be a drawer, a room, a cupboard, anything I feel like needs it. I thought about doing it every week, but I just don't think that's doable for me. I want to set myself up for success, not failure.

For this challenge, I have two rules -- I have to organize the space AND get rid of at least one thing in the space.

I've actually been working on a large decluttering project this month -- my laundry room. That area of the basement had become a catch-all that I never wanted to be in. So I decided to clean it up! Iv'e made great progress, but I'm at a standstill until the shelves I ordered arrive.

As I was working on it, I found some towels that really belong in the bathroom. But my linen closet was kind of full and they wouldn't fit. So I decluttered the top shelf of the closet.

I put the sheets we no longer use in my "donate" pile; discarded out-dated medications; moved the bath mats to the second shelf, next to the towels; moved the "extra" shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, etc. to our stockpile shelves in the basement; and cut up the old towels to use as rags.

Now it's neat and tidy and everything fits!

Containing clutter

2012-01-30T09:30:00.000-05:00

I tend to keep a few small items on my dresser and nightstand. Things like eye drops, blistex, lipstick... I want them where they're handy, and they are. But it also makes my nightstand and dresser look a little cluttered. So I "shopped my house" and found these pretty little dishes. They're perfect!

My deals

2012-01-27T13:14:00.001-05:00

In this post I told you that I'm trying to get back into the drugstore game.

I only went to Walgreens this week. I'm trying to get back into the deal shopping, but I'm trying not to overwhelm myself.

2 12-inch Red Barron pepperoni pizzas

2 tubes of Blistex

1 25-square feet aluminum foil

1 10 oz. Barbasol shaving cream

3 100 count boxes of Kleenex

1 4 x 6 photo reprint

My total was $13.10. Not bad!

Making a soap dispenser look like new

2012-01-25T09:31:00.000-05:00

I bought this soap dispenser a while ago. I loved the colors and the flower and the way it looked in my bathroom.

But the gold color on the pump started coming off -- and I had only had it for less than a year! Needless to say, I wasn't very happy.

But a couple of coats of black spray paint and it's good as new! And on the plus side, the black actually works better in my bathroom anyway.

Inexpensive Kindle books

2012-01-24T07:23:00.000-05:00

Go here for a list of Kindle books that are $3.99 or less.

This post contains my affiliate link.

My ebay deals

2012-01-23T18:32:00.004-05:00

In this post I told you how I've been scoring some deals on ebay and I promised I'd share some of my deals. So here's that post!

My oldest really wanted a Vera Bradley purse for Christmas. But the price on those bags is a bit steep. I wanted to get it, if possible, so I decided to check ebay. I was very surprised at the amount of brand new Vera Bradley items listed!

I found this bag in Twirly Birds pink (one she'd admired in the store) for $29.95. With shipping, it came to $37.95. It's regularly $74, without shipping.

I also wanted to get both of my daughters Vera Bradley lunch bags.

I found this one for my youngest daughter. I paid $19.24, including shipping. Regularly, it's $21 to $28, without shipping.

I found this one for my oldest daughter. I paid $17.94, including shipping. This one isn't on the Vera Bradley site, but all of the lunch bags on the site retail for $19.20 to $34, without shipping.

I was fortunate to receive a Kindle for Christmas and I wanted a cover to protect it. When I priced them, they ran anywhere from $20 to $40 -- more than I wanted to spend! I found a basic black cover on ebay for $11.51, including shipping. Staff writer Holly did better than me, though! She scored one for $7.95 shipped!

My kids have gotten into ebay shopping, too. They both wanted new cell phones. They wanted the Virgin Mobile LG Optimus V. It retails for $129.99. They didn't want to pay that! They both found brand new phones on ebay. One was $83, including shipping and a car charger, and the other was $75, including shipping.

So we've done really well and plan to continue using ebay to get deals on the items we want!

Organize my room sweepstakes

2012-01-20T13:36:00.000-05:00

Go here to enter the $3,000 Organize My Room Sweepstakes from Rubbermaid, The Clutter Diet and Better Homes & Gardens. The grand prize is a home organization consultation and a customized storage makeover. The deadline to enter is April 6. Good luck!

Free personalized art

2012-01-19T08:46:00.001-05:00

My daughter created some free art for her room that I love!

On our computer, she typed words that meant something to her. She just typed them all on one line, leaving a little space between each, until the page was full. Then, using a frame we had on hand, she cut the page down to fit the frame. She used some zebra duct tape that was a gift from her grandparents to cover the frame. She's starting to use zebra accents in her room, so it was perfect.

I love it! And did I mention it was FREE?!

Post-it coupon

2012-01-18T18:46:00.000-05:00

Go here to save $1 on any $3 purchase of Post-it Tabs products.

2012-01-18T08:04:00.001-05:00

Displaying my kids' art

2012-01-17T08:49:00.001-05:00

I'm glad I made my bed before I took this picture!

Over the years, my daughters have made me drawings and written me little notes. I cherish them all! But I hate tucking them in a box -- I want to see them! It's difficult, though, to find room in the main parts of the house to display them all. I like art and photos on my walls, but I don't like clutter.

A few years ago, I started hanging some of them on the inside of my closet door, around the mirror I have hanging there. This way, I get to see them every time I open the closet door!

More free Kindle books

2012-01-16T09:10:00.004-05:00

I'm still loving my new Kindle! There;s only one weird thing to me -- needing to turn my "book" on and off! In this post, I mentioned a site that lists free Kindle books. There's another one here. Enjoy!

US Legal Life Documents Personal Planning Package for $29

2012-01-15T11:17:00.000-05:00

Mamapedia is offering a US Legal Life Documents Personal Planning Package for $29 ($60 value). Included are a last will and testament, power of attorney, living will, health care directive, estate planning worksheets and personal planning information. Go here to learn more.

My deals this week

2012-01-14T16:43:00.004-05:00

I mentioned in this post that I'm trying to get back into the drugstore game. I'm going to try to get my deal shopping posts done earlier in the week, but this week I couldn't make it to the store before today. I'm starting slow -- I only went to Rite Aid this week. And the deals I scored aren't the best I've gotten, but I'm back in the game!

2 64-count Kotex pantiliners - on sale 2 for $7 and I got $1 UP Reward to use on my next purchase
2 18-count Stayfree pads - on sale $2 for $5 - I used an in-ad coupon for $1 off and the $1 off coupon found here (thanks, Money Saving Mom!)

I paid $10.81 out-of-pocket and got $1 UP Reward.

I wanted to get the one-count Therma Care wrap that was on sale for $3 and generated a $3 UP Reward, but naturally, by Saturday, those were gone.

Chance to star in a Command products commercial

2012-01-14T07:52:00.000-05:00

Do you love Command products? They're looking for real-life customers to star in their next commercial! The winner also has the chance to try new products first. They want to hear why you love Command products. Go here to learn more and enter (info is on Facebook). Entering also gives you the chance to win a Command products prize package.

Clutter-free home project

2012-01-13T12:52:00.001-05:00

For this challenge, I have two rules -- I have to organize the space AND get rid of at least one thing in the space.

Anybody want to join me? I'll report every month on what I've done and would love to hear what you're doing, too!

Shopping on ebay

2012-01-12T12:00:00.001-05:00

Recently, I've found great success with shopping on ebay. I've found a few things in the past, but never seriously used the site. But my kids have wanted some big ticket items lately, so I decided to give it a try.

I've learned a lot and made some rules for myself, so that I stay organized with my shopping and so I don't spend too much.

I always know the regular price of the item I'm searching for. It's not necessarily a good deal just because it's on ebay.
Know if I'm willing to buy used, or if I'm looking for new. When I was looking for a Palm Pilot, used was fine. For the Vera Bradley purse my daughter wanted for Christmas, I wanted new.
Know how high I'm willing to go. I base this on two factors -- the amount of money I have to spend and what I know the regular price of the item to be. I don't want to go higher than that! This is a very important step -- it's very easy to get caught up in the excitement of the auction and keep bidding. And ebay makes it easy to do and encourages it!
Read the fine print. For example: Is the item real leather? Or does it say "synthetic" some place? The price tag might be good for leather, but too high for pleather.
Factor in shipping costs. The buy it now or final bid price might be a good deal -- but after adding in shipping and handling, the final total price might not be. I always know the shipping price before I bid.
Keep a folder in my email for my orders. I want to track what I've ordered and I want to make sure I'm not bidding on the same item in more than one auction.

*Watch for a post soon about some of the deals I've scored.

Chance to win organization makeover for someone you know

2012-01-11T07:43:00.000-05:00

If you know someone who gives all their time and energy to helping others, you can enter them for a chance to win an organization makeover ($5,000 value) from Rubbermaid and a professional organizer. Go here to learn more and share their story.

Post-it Super Sticky Notes coupon

2012-01-10T12:18:00.001-05:00

Go here to save $2 on a Post-it Super Sticky Notes purchase of $10 or more.

Chance to win pantry staples and pantry system

2012-01-09T15:02:00.001-05:00

Go here for a chance to win pantry staples for a year from Whole Foods Market and a customized elfa pantry system from the Container Store. The deadline to enter is Jan. 31.

Deal Shopping

2012-01-09T14:38:00.000-05:00

For various reasons, I haven't been doing much deal shopping this year. I've shopped for deals on gifts and big ticket items, but haven't been doing the drugstore game.

Well, it's time to get organized and get back to it! To keep myself accountable, and hopefully help my readers get organized to find deals, too, I will post the deals I score each week. So watch for those posts!

Easy and inexpensive solution to towel storage problem

2012-01-05T09:09:00.000-05:00

We have four towel hooks in our bathroom -- one for each member of our family. Most of the time that's plenty. But when we have overnight guests it's just not enough. So we end up with towels hanging all over the bathroom -- which is messy and often they don't dry well.

So I picked up this hook rack at Target for $2.50. I'm going to keep it in my linen closet when we don't have guests, and pull it out and hang it on the linen closet door when we do.

A perfect solution for only $2.50!

Free products from Vistaprint; just pay shipping

2012-01-03T21:32:00.000-05:00

Vistaprint is offering six FREE products to start the New Year. Choose from 250 free business cards, a free photo wall calendar, a free photo desk calendar, 10 free folded note cards and more. The products are free -- just pay for shipping and processing.

Starting Shipping Costs:

- Free Business Cards: $5.67

- Wall Calendar: $5.67

- Desk Calendar: $3.49

- Sticky Notes: $4.57

- Note Cards: $4.68

- Stamp: $6.31

Click the logo below to order.

This post contains my affiliate link.

Free Kindle books

2012-01-03T13:42:00.000-05:00

I got a Kindle Touch for Christmas and I love it! I will still read traditional books, of course, but I love the portability of the Kindle and that it can be used for other things, like checking e-mail and playing games.

I found a great site that lists free book offers for Kindle. Check it out here.

2011-12-31T08:04:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

Amazon year-end deals

2011-12-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

Amazon has a lot of year end deals. Check them out here.

This post contains my affiliate link.

Free Family Tree Builder download from My Heritage

2011-12-30T08:48:00.000-05:00

If you want to organize your family tree, My Heritage has a free Family Tree Builder download. Go here to check it out.

Make resolutions and keep them by using a free worksheet from Vocalpoint

2011-12-28T07:15:00.000-05:00

It's almost that time of year again -- the resolution making time! Vocalpoint has a great tool to help you keep those resolutions. It's a Resolution Worksheet. It includes questions to ask yourself, such as Is this goal reasonable? It also includes a strategy section, a breakdown into monthly goals section, a supplies needed section, and more.

Go here to print this free worksheet.

Making handmade Christmas ornaments

2011-12-24T10:41:00.000-05:00

I was feeling crafty one day recently, so I decided to make some new Christmas ornaments. They were pretty simple and inexpensive, and I love how they came out.

I used plain glass bulbs and stained glass paint. I found them both in a craft store. I used pieces of yarn to apply the paint.

I used plastic food container lids for paint trays. I started with one color of paint. I dipped a piece of yarn, about 2 inches long, into the paint and used it to make streaks in a random pattern all over the glass bulb. I hung it to dry and then repeated the process with the other color. (By the way -- stained glass paint does not look like the final color when it's wet -- the "Christmassy" red and green I used were pink and seafoam green when wet).

That's it! I love the stained glass look.

Software deals at Amazon

2011-12-23T07:38:00.001-05:00

Need a last minute gift idea? Amazon has quite a few software deals under $10. Included are Scrabble Champion Edition, Zoo Tycoon, The Print Shop v23 and more. Go here to check them out.

This post contains affiliate links.

Get your holiday cards done by sending an e-card

2011-12-22T17:28:00.000-05:00

If you haven't had a chance to send holiday cards yet, it's not too late to send an e-card. I always send e-cards that I create myself, but there are lots of free pre-made options. I've listed some below.

Oriental Trading

Hallmark

Real Simple

A Christmas to-do list

2011-12-20T14:40:00.000-05:00

Christmas is just a few days away, and while I'd like to say I'm done -- shopping, wrapping, etc. -- I'm not. But that's OK. I try to enjoy the season, not rush it. And this year I'm working more hours than I have in past years.

To stay calm and get things done, I made an appointment for last Sunday with my husband to shop for the rest of the gifts we needed. The kids knew we had had it "scheduled" and it was going to happen. And it did. We already had some gifts purchased, we just needed to finish up. So that was done!

But there are always a few things that get forgotten or need to be purchased after my last shopping trip. So I made a list of the things I need to get done before my Christmas Eve. I included wrap presents, purchase wine, that type of thing. I keep the list -- and a pen -- handy so I can check off and add as needed.

The list makes it easier to prioritize, pace myself and most importantly, make sure it all (OK - most!) gets done.

Neat 12 Days of Giveaways

2011-12-17T10:11:00.001-05:00

Neat is sponsoring a 12 Days of Giveaways. Your entry gives you a chance to win organizing supplies, and it helps the environment, too -- for every entry, the Neat Company will give a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation.

They're currently on Day 6. Go here to enter.

Free shipping from many merchants

2011-12-16T13:36:00.001-05:00

Today is free shipping day! More than 2,500 merchants are participating in the fourth annual Free Shipping Day. Get free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve. Go here to see participating sites merchants.

Free standard shipping from Oriental Trading, today only

2011-12-16T07:22:00.000-05:00

Today only, Oriental Trading is offering free standard shipping on any order. Use code WCE2706 at checkout.

7 day shipping for $1 from Vistaprint

2011-12-15T16:28:00.002-05:00

Right now, Vistaprint is offering 7 day shipping on your entire purchase for just $1! Design customized Photo Books, Calendars, Mugs, Tote Bags, Mouse Pads and more and get them in time for the holidays for just $1 more! Stock up and pay only $1 to ship your entire order! Plus, save 25% sitewide and up to 50% off select items!

**Note: This offer is not valid on Free products.**

Desk Calendar – Price: $3.49

Shipping: $1

Total Cost: $4.49

Tote Bag: $6.99

Shipping: $1

Total Cost: $7.99

T-Shirt: $6.64

Shipping: $1

Total: $7.74

All 3 purchased together: Desk Calendar: $3.49

Mug: $6.99

T-Shirt: $6.64

Shipping: $1

Total: $18.12 – that’s under $20 for 3 personalized gifts shipped in 7 days!

Click the box below to order.

This post contains an affiliate link.

2011-12-14T19:23:00.001-05:00

Making gift dollars go farther

2011-12-14T06:44:00.000-05:00

I try to make my dollars go farther when shopping for holiday gifts. Below are some of my favorite ways to stretch my dollars.

Magazines.com - My kids love to get magazines in the mail each month. I signed up for emails from magazines.com and they regularly send me deals. Each year, I'm able to get my kids a magazine at a very reasonable price.

Swagbucks - I use Swagbucks as my search engine all year long. I earn points that I redeem for Amazon gift cards. That's free money for gifts! And most items ship for free if you spend $25, so I wait until I have $20 to $25 and order everything I want at one time. Click the Swagbucks logo to sign up, if you aren't already using this search engine.

Note: This is my affiliate link -- thank you if you use it!

My Points - I signed up for My Points and simply read emails they send to me and click through to earn points. I also shop through My Points, at times. I book my travel through them, for example, and earn extra points for doing that. The points can be used to "purchase" gift cards for stores like Walmart. Again, free money for gifts.

Photo sites - I find that photo gifts are always appreciated. Many photo sites offer deals near Christmas. One of my favorites is Artscow. They regularly offer photo gift products at nice prices with free shipping, and the quality is great.

Deal sites - One of my favorite deal sites is Hip 2 Save. I pay particular attention this time of year, watching for Collin to post free shipping codes. Often there are great deals offered online, but shipping can raise the price so much that it's no longer a good deal. Free shipping is great!

$1 off any Post-it® Super Sticky full adhesive note purchase of $4 or more

2011-12-13T07:46:00.000-05:00

Go here for a coupon for $1 off any Post-it® Super Sticky full adhesive note purchase of $4 or more.

Chance to win classification folders with Wallet and SafeSHIELD® Coated Fasteners from Smead

2011-12-13T07:41:00.001-05:00

Vote/comment on Smead Organomics Facebook poll for a chance to win classification folders with Wallet and SafeSHIELD® Coated Fasteners.

Free mug from Vistaprint; just pay shipping

2011-12-06T11:44:00.001-05:00

Today only, Vistaprint is offering an 11 oz. custom mug for free. You can customize your mug with your choice of design and text. You must pay shipping, which starts at $5.79. Click below to order or learn more.

This post contains affiliate links.

2011-12-06T07:48:00.001-05:00

Free stool (now table)!

2011-12-05T07:59:00.003-05:00

I brought this stool home from my parent's when we visited at Thanksgiving. They've been cleaning out some things and asked if my sisters or I wanted it. It's an old piano stool I remember from my childhood (we didn't have a piano!). My sisters didn't want it, but I looked at it and thought, "That's the table I need to go next to my loveseat!"

I have an antique loveseat that was my grandmother's, then my mothers. A few years ago, my mother gave it to me. It's a piece I've always loved. I've been wanting a small table to sit next to it in our living room. But, of course, the frugal DIYer in me has been looking for a deal, rather than hitting a furniture store. And what better deal is there than free?!

I love the feet on the stool, but it clearly needs a new coat of paint.

I'm not sure what color to go with yet. I could strip it and stain it, but there's a lot of wood-tone in the living room already. I'm thinking maybe a creamy color? And then I could paint the (cheap!) tv and stereo tables to match... they need something, too, but I haven't been sure what, so I left them alone until I decided. That might lighten things up a little in the living room. Or I could go black on the three pieces... my cd holders are black, and there's not much else black in the room.

tv table (stereo table matches)

If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

Monday deals at Staples

2011-12-05T07:42:00.001-05:00

Every Monday, during the holiday season, Staples will be offering one day deals. Go here for more information.

Two reusable snack bags and one sandwich wrap/placemat from Earthswag for $14

2011-12-04T07:58:00.000-05:00

Mamapedia is offering two reusable snack bags and one sandwich wrap/placemat from Earthswag for $14 (a 50% savings) with free shipping. Go here to learn more.

$5 magazine sale at Amazon

2011-12-03T08:45:00.000-05:00

Right now Amazon has 16 magazines for $5, including House Beautiful, Smart Money and Popular Mechanics. Magazines make great gifts!

Go here to order.

This post contains affiliate links.

Old Navy sale

2011-12-03T08:37:00.003-05:00

Old Navy has $10 sweaters for the family and $8 critter hats for kids and babies. If you're ordering online, you can get an extra 30% off by using code ONGIFT30 at checkout.

Go here for more information.

Decorate your desktop for the holidays

2011-12-03T08:31:00.000-05:00

Kim Komando has a list of sites that allow you to decorate your desktop for the holidays. When I saw the list I thought it was a fun idea! I downloaded a Christmas tree and it's twinkling away on my desktop. It's so festive! Now I just need to get the real tree up...

Want to decorate your desktop for the holidays? Go here.

2011-12-03T08:15:00.002-05:00

Separating private time and work time, when you work from home

2011-12-02T10:07:00.002-05:00

Since I work two jobs from home, it's easy to feel like I'm always at work, and always working. So I've come up with a few ways to separate private time and work time.

I set up an email account just for work. This way, when I log on to check my private emails I don't have work emails staring me in the face saying, "Answer me! Answer me!" I check the work e-mail when I'm working, and no other time.

I have caller id and voice mail -- and I use them. If I'm busy with something else and not on the clock, I check the caller id. If it's a work-related call, I let it go to voice mail. Of course, sometimes I answer -- for example, when it's someone I've been trying to get a hold of. But the caller id and voice mail give me the option of letting it go if I'm not on the clock or don't need to speak with the person immediately.

I combine work errands with my own errands. This week, for example, when I went to Staples to make copies I also went to the Walmart right next door for my own shopping.

Remind myself that, as much as I love my jobs, and want to make money, family is more important and always comes first.

Winter and holiday theme templates from Avery

2011-12-01T17:04:00.001-05:00

Avery has added some new templates -- with winter and holiday themes -- to their site. Included are labels, cards, name badges and more. Go here to learn more.

Free holiday planning calendar from Smead Organomics

2011-12-01T09:34:00.000-05:00

Go here to download and print a free holiday planning calendar from Smead Organomics.

Simple decorations

2011-11-30T08:30:00.000-05:00

I love simple decorations. They don't create visual clutter and they're easy to set up!

I found this stocking with an S -- for our last name -- at The Christmas Tree Shops for $2.99. I love it! The dark green is beautiful, and it's simple but festive. I snipped off the price tag, lintrolled the fuzzes that collected in my luggage (I bought it when I was visiting my family for Thanksgiving) and hung it on my front door.

It was that easy and cheap to create a festive welcome that I love.

2011-11-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

Cleaning up my computer clutter

2011-11-29T06:30:00.000-05:00

Last night, while I watched tv, I cleaned up my computer.

I deleted files in my documents that I no longer need and organized the ones that were stacking up in my generic document folder. For example, I put PTA documents in my PTA file (sometimes when I'm in a hurry, I save or download to the generic folder).

I also cleaned out my Internet bookmarks. I deleted the ones that no longer interested me and the ones that I had saved for temporary use, such as a Website associated with a story I was working on for the newspaper. The story is done, so I no longer need the site bookmarked.

It's just like cleaning up my house -- the lack of clutter and being able to easily find what I'm looking for makes my life better.

AboutOne's new AcornPoints rewards program for a chance to win a Kindle Fire

2011-11-28T20:41:00.002-05:00

Sign up to try AboutOne's new AcornPoints rewards program, free online organizer and be entered to win a Kindle Fire (must refer friend(s) to enter). This is a fast, easy way to organize your busy life. Its a calendar-based, online organizer that's completely private with bank-level security.

Click the logo below to learn more.

This post contains affiliate links.

$20 worth of personalized holiday stickers and labels for $9

2011-11-28T19:31:00.000-05:00

Mamapedia is offering $20 worth of personalized holiday stickers and labels from StickerYou.com for $9. Go here to learn more.

Free antivirus software programs

2011-11-28T08:09:00.000-05:00

Staples has six antivirus software programs that are free after rebate. Check them out here.

2011-11-28T08:02:00.000-05:00

Check out Amazon's Cyber Monday deals here.

Free shipping at Kohl's

2011-11-27T22:11:00.001-05:00

Right now, Kohl's is offering free shipping. And use code CYBER20 for 20% off your order. This offer expires Nov. 28. (Thanks, Hip2Save!)

Free Christmas music

2011-11-26T12:26:00.000-05:00

Looking for some new free Christmas music? Kim Komando has a link to free downloadable Christmas music here.

Chance to win a $200 Art.com e-gift certificate

2011-11-26T10:21:00.005-05:00

Go here to enter for a chance to win a $200 Art.com e-gift certificate good towards any purchase on Art.com (approximate retail value $200). There will be five winners. Deadline to enter is Jan. 21. (Entering signs you up for a trial subscription to Woman's Day magazine, but you can cancel at any time.)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T16:56:00.000-05:00

Hope you're all having a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Free 8 x 10 at Walgreens

2011-11-23T20:20:00.000-05:00

Use code RGIFT2U to get a free 8 x 10 at Walgreens. Expires Nov. 25.

2011-11-22T17:26:00.001-05:00

Chance to win a Martha Stewart Craft Station

2011-11-22T06:55:00.002-05:00

Go here for a chance to win a Martha Stewart Craft Station for card-making, paper-cutting, tracing, stenciling and more from Woman's Day (approximate retail value $165). There will be six winners. (Requires sign-up for trial subscription to Woman's Day -- can cancel at any time). The deadline to enter is Jan. 18.

Free products from Vistaprint; just pay shipping

2011-11-21T10:57:00.005-05:00

This post contains affiliate links.

Senior Pictures

2011-11-21T09:09:00.001-05:00

My oldest daughter is a senior this year. It's hard to believe! And it's also expensive. I want to make sure she has a great year, and makes some great memories. After all, you only graduate from high school once -- and she's doing it with a great GPA, great friends and great activities. I'm so proud of her! And we both want to remember it all. But I want to do it so we keep costs down. And that, of course, takes organization!

The first item we've saved money on is senior pictures. The studios in our area charge a fortune! She agreed to let me try taking her pictures for her, so when we were on vacation in the Outer Banks, NC, with my sister and her family this summer, my daughter brought some cute outfits with her and we had a few photo shoots. It was fun! And the pictures came out great.

I used Picasa photo software (free download from google) to add her name and graduation year to each photo.

I ordered wallet-size pictures from mpix.com. I am very happy with the prints I get from them. And 60 wallet-size prints were $10.50 (not including shipping)!

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Chance to win a starter-kit of Command products

2011-11-17T17:39:00.001-05:00

Go here for a chance to win a starter-kit of Command products (Facebook offer). Giveaway ends Dec. 8.

Command product coupons

2011-11-17T17:35:00.000-05:00

Go here for various Command product coupons. These might be helpful for decking the halls!

$1 off any Post-it ® Flags, Tabs or Pockets purchase

2011-11-16T14:53:00.000-05:00

Go here for of $3 or more. $1 off any Post-it ® Flags, Tabs or Pockets purchase

2011-11-16T09:55:00.001-05:00

50% off at Snapfish

2011-11-14T07:53:00.001-05:00

Use coupon 48HOURS at checkout to get 50% off sitewide at Snapfish. Expires Nov. 15.

Rubbermaid coupons and special offers

2011-11-14T07:25:00.000-05:00

Go here for coupons and special offers on Rubbermaid products.

$10 off $20 worth of photo books and gifts

2011-11-13T09:12:00.000-05:00

Go here for $10 off $20 worth of photo books and gifts at Walgreens.

Gift ideas and deals

2011-11-13T09:09:00.003-05:00

It's the time of year for gift-giving -- which I love to do! I like to get something the person will really enjoy, not something I picked up just to get them a gift and check them off my list. And I want to keep costs to a minimum. How do I do that? By being organized, of course!

This time of year I keep my eyes open for deals and take advantage of them as they come along. Not only do I check people off my list, but I spread out the cost. I'll be doing a post on some of my favorite ways to save money on gifts this time of year, but I'm also going to start posting deals I see that others might want to take advantage of. So when you see the logo above, look for a deal opportunity!

2011-11-11T08:16:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Veterans.

Chance to win a one-room home makeover

2011-11-10T18:23:00.001-05:00

To enter for a chance to win a one-room home makeover from designer Annie Selke, author of Fresh American Spaces, send an email titled “American Makeover” to wdmakeovers@womansday.com. Include your name, age, phone number, why the room needs a makeover, and two to three images of the space. There will be five winners.

Staying on top of cleaning

2011-11-09T15:36:00.000-05:00

Since I’ve been working more, I’m finding it harder and harder to keep up with housework. I’ve always felt that getting a little done here, a little there, is the best way to keep things under control, and I’m finding that’s even more true the busier I am.

Yesterday, I cleaned my stove top. The day before, I scrubbed my shower. The day before that, I changed bed sheets. In between, of course I need to wipe down counters and sinks, sweep, vacuum, and do similar things, but the deeper stuff, like cleaning the toilet (which hubby did earlier this week -- yeah!), are easier to stay on top of if I do one thing with an extra 15 minutes here and another thing with an extra 10 minutes another day.

How do you stay on top of deep cleaning?

2011-11-09T15:00:00.000-05:00

Decorating my new office by shopping my home

2011-11-08T06:20:00.001-05:00

When it came to decorating my new office, I didn't want to spend a lot of money. I created this area to tack up some photos, ticket stubs and similar small items. But I needed art for the other walls.

I'm not finished yet, but I've made a good start by shopping my house.

The shells on this shelf were on my dresser in my bedroom. My husband and I picked them up on the beach on our honeymoon, so they're pretty special to me. They're great in my new office! The clay pot is something I made in elementary school. The frame on this shelf and the shelf below were my daughter's and she no longer wanted them. I know what pictures I'm going to put in them, I just have to get them printed.

The vase on this shelf was in my living room, but it looks better in the office.

These paintings were made by my daughter and me. We were looking for a project to do together one day and she remembered she had two blank canvases. She suggested we make art for the new office. Mine's OK (on the right), but I love hers!

This photo is one of my own art pieces. I had framed it for a show, and now it looks great in my new office!

And this last picture is a piece of a collage my daughter made years ago. She was just bored and looking for a project to do. When she cleaned out her closet to move her stuff to the basement, she put the collage in the discard pile. I thought it was perfect for the office. I trimmed it down to fit in a frame I already had, but wasn't using, and it's perfect for the small wall by the closet.

So I've made a good start on decorating my office! I've spent nothing for the items on this list, and when I'm done I'll have only spent under a dollar for two 4 x 6 prints for the frames on the shelves.

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

Like Pendaflex on Facebook for a chance to win prizes

2011-11-07T11:27:00.000-05:00

"Like" Pendaflex on Facebook for a chance to win prizes every Monday. Go here to learn more.

Chance to win neon folders from Smead

2011-11-07T11:24:00.000-05:00

Vote/comment on Smead Organomics Facebook poll for a chance to win Smead's neon folders.

Google Chrome

2011-11-06T15:03:00.000-05:00

One day I was downloading something (can't remember what) and I "accidentally" downloaded Google Chrome with it. I didn't think too much of it, just kind of let it sit there on my desktop.

Then came last week. I was frustrated with the web browser I was using -- not sure if it was Firefox or Internet Explorer because I use both and both have been frustrating me. They've been working very slow.

So I decided to give Chrome a try.

I. love. it. It is super fast and super easy to use. I was able to import all my bookmarks and browser history, so that was helpful. Websites and email load very fast. I use a lot of Google products already, and I am loving this new one.

Check Google Chrome out here.

Holiday card, label and engraved pen deal from Vistaprint

2011-11-03T07:46:00.000-04:00

Get 20 holiday cards, 140 labels and 1 engraved pen for $4.99 from Vistaprint. Shipping not included and starts at $6.84. Click the logo below to learn more and order. Offer ends Thursday, Nov. 10.

This post contains affiliate links.

Free sample of Post-it® Necessorize™ organizing accessories

2011-11-03T07:26:00.000-04:00

Go here for a free sample of Post-it® Necessorize™ organizing accessories for organizing planners, calendars, notebooks and more with Post-it® Tabs, Pockets and Flags.

Inexpensive framed art for gifts

2011-11-02T06:41:00.001-04:00

Hip 2 Save posted this deal from MyPublisher yesterday. I used the code last night and it worked. I'm not sure when it expires, but it's for 10 free (of the same) holiday card.

One of the great things about this offer is that the cards are 5 x 7, so they fit perfectly in a standard frame. I made one (from Tiny Prints) for my husband for Father's Day and he put it on his desk at work. I'll definitely be using some of these cards, paired with an inexpensive frame, for holiday gifts.

I used the one below (those aren't my pictures and I didn't personalize it with words). I think it's festive, but will be fine all year once it's framed.

Thanks, Hip 2 Save!

2011-11-02T06:20:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T15:30:00.001-04:00

Just like decorations, we tend to keep costumes pretty simple in our house.

My oldest is working this year, so she's not trick or treating. But she went to a party over the weekend -- dressed as Taylor Swift. She styled her hair like Taylor's, wore her homecoming dress, added a pair of black tights ($5.50, and she can wear them again) and a dollar store microphone. Instant teen country star!

My youngest is trick or treating as a ladybug. We purchased wings and antennae for $6. She's borrowing a black skirt and the Taylor Swift black tights from her sister and wearing a black shirt. Instant ladybug!

The only exception I make to being organized and prepared is when I purchase Halloween candy. I always wait until close to Oct. 31, or it gets eaten! : )

Enjoy your evening!

2011-10-31T14:00:00.001-04:00

Winter supplies I keep in my car

2011-10-27T09:10:00.002-04:00

Lately, some of our days have been cold. Here in northeast Ohio, it'll soon stay cold, and be snowy, for months. So it's time to make sure I have the proper supplies in my car.

Of course, I always have the obvious -- a snow brush.

I also make sure I have a pair of gloves. I normally wear a pair or have a pair in my pocket, but sometimes I forget, or it's colder than I thought, or the pair I'm wearing gets wet. With an extra set in the car, I'm prepared.

In the trunk, I have a blanket. Just in case I get stranded some place. (And it's good for picnics in the summer.)

I also keep a set of jumper cables in the trunk. These come in handy if my battery dies. I keep these in the trunk year-round, but they're particularly important in the colder months.

And I make sure to always have my cell phone with me!

What do you put in your car to be prepared for winter?

2011-10-27T09:05:00.000-04:00

Rubbermaid® coupon

2011-10-27T08:28:00.000-04:00

Go here for a coupon for $1.50 off any one Rubbermaid® Glass with Easy Find Lids™ food storage container.

Simple decorating: centerpiece

2011-10-25T06:50:00.000-04:00

I love to decorate my home, but I'm not big on decorating for holidays or seasons. I do like to add a touch here and there, though, but I always go for simple.

To add a bit of fall to my decor, I cut some autumn jo sedum that was in one of my gardens and filled a vase with them. Easy peasy, but lovely!

2011-10-25T06:48:00.001-04:00

Chance to win FasTab® Hanging Pockets

2011-10-24T12:47:00.000-04:00

Vote and leave a comment on Smead Organomic's Facebook poll for a chance to win FasTab® Hanging Pockets.