From Cindy's Heart

Purposeful Planning!

9:07 PM, Feb. 2, 2008 .. Posted in Organization 911 .. Link

Join us for our NEW SHOW with Phyllis Sather, from http://www.PhyllisSather.com.

Purposeful Planning

Need some time with your spouse uninterrupted to dream, talk, plan? Planning weekends give you time to dream, to talk together about what you wish, or want, at a time when the other person is really listening. Do you need a plan to keep your family moving in the direction the Lord is leading you? Perhaps you don’t know where the Lord is leading you. Phyllis takes you step-by-step through the process of planning a time together for your family to help determine the path the Lord is choosing for each area of your life. Her family has followed this format for over 12 years and has found that it provides the compass they’ve needed to plan and stay on course. This time-tested method of planning will give your family new direction for the future. Start today! Choose the dates for your planning weekend, read her book which has the entire “how to” included, and go for it! Want to get a head-start? Make plans to join us for our “chat” on this topic this week. Don’t miss it!

Download by Mp3

 

Show Notes:

See  Phyllis  Online:
http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com 

Email Phyllis:
Phyllis@Phyllis-Sather.com 

Get Your Copy of Purposeful Planning!
http://www.cindyrushton.com/purposefulplanning.html

So, You Want to be a Writer Seminar Set
http://writers-nook.com/onlineseminars.html 

Our Super Sweet HALF OFF Sale just for Attendees!
http://www.cindyrushton.com/HalfOffSale.html

See Cindy Online!
http://www.CindyRushton.com
http://www.Talk-a-Latte.com
http://www.CindysDesktop.com
http://www.MomtoMomRadioShow.com
http://www.Playmasters.info
http://www.Writers-Nook.com

http://www.UltimateHomeschoolExpo.com

http://www.RomanceToolbox.com



Saving on Your Grocery Budget When You’re Tired by Jill Cooper

3:39 PM, Jun. 5, 2006 .. Posted in Organization 911 .. Link


Saving on Your Grocery Budget
When You’re Tired.
By Jill Cooper
 

Robbi writes: I have fibromyalgia and a host of other ailments, most of them chronic. There are days when I just want to grab the first things I see and get out of the store and back home to rest. How do you get your shopping done for the week without killing yourself and destroying your budget in the process?
 

Jill: I know it can be very hard to go to the grocery store when you are sick. My daughter Tawra and I both have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and once went, parked in the store parking lot and had to turn around and drive right back home because we were too exhausted after just making the short drive to get there. Boy, did we feel dumb. Here are a couple of ideas that may help a little.

First, always keep a list. That may be hard because for me, by the time I find a pencil, I usually forget what I was going to write down. HA!HA! The list helps you not only to remember things, but also helps you decide what to buy. I am usually so sick at the store that nothing sounds good, so making myself buy just what is on my list helps.

I also go to the smallest grocery store in my area. Walking up and down long isles just kills me. I like Aldi's because it not only helps me save money but is smaller.

You may find it easier to buy a month's worth of staples all at once. Then, just go once a week to buy the fresh items. The fresh items are on the outside wall of most grocery stores so I can sometimes walk that distance if I don't have to go up and down each isle where the staples are.

Make a floor plan of your store. When you buy items that always seem hard to find (for me it is syrup), make a note of the location on your floor plan. Then you don't have to wear yourself out wandering the isles aimlessly.

Price Match- Some superstores will match the prices of their competitors ads.  I take my ads in and purchase all my loss leader sale items at one store.  Then I don’t have to go from store to store purchasing the exceptional deals. I can get the sale price all at one store. Ask if your store will do this and it can save time and money.

To help save money, ask your butcher when he marks down the meat. The same goes for produce and bakery items. That way you can plan to do your shopping when the bargains are right there. You don't have to go hunting for them.

Keep you meals simple. Don't feel guilty if you get to the grocery store and only have the energy to buy milk and cereal. Guilt drains you. Once I stopped fighting and feeling guilty about what I couldn't do and what other people would think about what I wasn't doing, I actually started having some good days.
 


About Jill...

Jill Cooper and Tawra Kellam are frugal living experts and the editors of www.LivingOnADime.com
. As a single mother of two, Jill Cooper started her own business without any capital and paid off $35,000 debt in 5 years on $1,000 a month income. Tawra and her husband paid off $20,000 debt in 5 years on $22,000 a year income.

Want to learn MORE about living on a dime? Listen to Cindy's interview with Tawra at Mom-to-Mom Radio Show! You don't want to miss it!




10 Garage Sale Shortcuts

5:42 PM, Mar. 28, 2006 .. Posted in Organization 911 .. Link


10 Garage Sale Shortcuts
by Tawra Kellam and Jill Cooper
http://www.livingonadime.com/

1. There are two kinds of garage sales – the ones where people want to make money and the ones where people want to get rid of stuff. The object is to find the ones where people want to get rid of stuff.

2. Get a map and newspaper and map out your route. Photo copying maps from a phone book works great.  Using this method, you can easily visit 25 sales an hour. If you're a beginner you might hit neighborhoods you are familiar with first.

3. If at all possible leave the kids at home. If you must take them use a baby backpack or an umbrella stroller to make it easier. Give older children 25 or 50 cents and let them see what good deals they can get. Kids love picking out gifts for grandparents, siblings, parents and other family and bargain hunting helps them learn about money. Bring snacks (animal crackers, cearals, crackers in plastic bag works well) and cold water for everyone and plan ahead for potty breaks. If you have children with you, it's best only to plan on hitting about five sales until you see how they do.

4. Wear  cool, comfortable clothes. Bring lots of change and one dollar bills. Put your money in your pockets so you don't have to worry about carrying your purse. Also bring a tote bag in which to carry your finds as you walk.

5. When you find something you're not sure you want, pick it up and carry it around while you continue looking. Otherwise someone else may take it while you're trying to decide.


***********************************************************************
Dining On A Dime: 1,000 Money Saving Recipes and Tips. (formerly Not
Just Beans) Dining On A Dime will help you shop smarter, by cooking
simpler meals and by making your own basic cleaning products and
beauty aids.
http://www.livingonadime.com/ordering.htm
***********************************************************************


6. Always ask politely if they will come down on the price. Most of the time they will. Every once in a while some things are so reasonable that I do not feel right asking for less. Finding women's sweater's at $1.00 each isn't bad, but I still ask if they will take 50 or 75 cents. If I find a name brand sweater in perfect shape for 25 cents, I don't ask for less.

7. If there is something you really want, but the seller is asking more than you want to
pay, offer them a lower price. If they say no, leave your name and number and ask them to consider selling it to you at your price if they still have it at the end of the day.

8. Always check items well for hard to see tears, stains, or breakage. Remember it is a garage sale so everything won't be perfect.

9. It is best to go early, but don't panic if you can't. Sometimes you get the best buys after lunch when sellers are tired and don't want to have to drag everything back into the house. It's great to go on the last day of a sale because most sellers will almost pay you to take things so they don't have to keep them.

10. If you don't have success in one part of town, try somewhere else the next time.
Sometimes the best garage sale neighborhoods are the ones you don't expect.


Don't be embarrassed about buying at garage sales. Some of the wealthiest women in the world love garage sales   Martha Stewart and Oprah are among them! When you're done, go home, put up your feet and have a nice glass of ice cold lemonade. Grab the phone and call someone who will share the excitement and appreciate your good buys. Garage sales are like old fishing stories. Die-hards always brag about the one that got away!

**********************************
Check out our Not Just Beans discount bin! It's now only $8! That's
over 55% off the retail price.

To order Dining On A Dime or our discounted Not Just Beans go to:
http://www.livingonadime.com/ordering.htm

**********************************




Time Saving Tips by Tawra Kellam

10:06 PM, Mar. 16, 2006 .. Posted in Organization 911 .. Link

TIME SAVING TIPS...
By Tawra Kellam

 

-->  Make simple meals. One-dish meals can contain your meat, your
vegetable and your bread.


-->  Things to do the night before:

*Plan your meals.
*Put things in the refrigerator to defrost.
*Pack lunches.
*Set the table for breakfast. Prepare breakfast foods the night before.  For   pancakes, mix
dry ingredients the previous night. In the morning, add
wet ingredients and cook.


-->  Cook Once, Cook Big:

*Make large batches of beans and store in 1- or 2-cup portions.
*Make large batches of granola and store in an airtight container. If used or lunches or snacks, divide into single-serving plastic bags or containers
*Brown  a large portion of ground beef and store in 1-cup portions. This could also be done with roast, pork and round steak.
*Cut up extra ingredients for another meal when using onions, green  peppers, etc.
*Cook double batches of rice or pasta to be reheated later in the week.


-->  Buy staples that you use often in quantity.

Make double or triple the amount when you prepare main dishes. Freeze.  Label with the name of the dish and cooking instructions. Later when you are too busy to cook, put in the crockpot on low or set the timer for the oven to start dinner before you get home.


-->  Place all pre-made meals in one part of the freezer. 

That way your husband and kids can easily find the meals when you aren't at home.


-->  Try exchanging meals with another family.

Cook double the amount and take half over to them. Later, they cook double and bring it to you.  That is one less night you have to cook and it brings variety to your menu.

 

-->  Have family members help.

There is no reason why the kids can't help out with the cleaning, including dishes and other chores, so that you have time to prepare meals. Have everyone remove his or her own dirty place setting from table and put away 4 or 5 additional items. The table will be cleared quickly using this method. Wash your dishes right away. If you don't let them sit, the food will not get stuck on them.  This will save you a lot of time-- you have to clean the kitchen before the next meal.

 

-->  When unloading the dishwasher, set the table for the next meal.
           

-->  Put away containers and clean up as you cook.


***********************************************************************
Love Tawra's ideas??? You will love her book DINING ON A DIME: 1,000 MONEY SAVING RECIPES AND TIPS. (formerly Not Just Beans) Dining On A Dime will help you shop smarter, by cooking simpler meals and by making your own basic cleaning products and beauty aids.

http://www.livingonadime.com/ordering.htm

_____________________________________________________________
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SPRING CLEANING? READY TO GET ORGANIZED???


Need a friend to help you plan it out? WE CAN HELP! Check out Cindy's NEW 
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See it here: http://www.cindyrushton.com/OrganizedMomSuperSet.html


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Share Your Secret Organizing Tip???

2:35 AM, Mar. 10, 2006 .. Posted in Organization 911 .. Link

Yep!

 

That is the question that inquiring minds would like to know!

 

Share YOUR Secret Organizing Tip????

 

Can't wait to get FRESH and NEW ideas! :D

 

Love,
Cindy

 

 

Leave an answer and we will enter you in this week's drawing for a FREE E-book of your choice! Isn't this FUN????

 


Oops! I am afraid that the other post might be lost! Soooo, jump in here!



Do You Have a Secret To-Do List???

2:52 PM, Mar. 8, 2006 .. Posted in Organization 911 .. Link

I just posted this on a Discussion board...thought somebody might want to know a SECRET...

 

To Do Lists!

 

I LIVE by my to-do lists! :D

 

I try to make a list for my next week during my quiet time over the weekend or over any meals out over the weekend (we like to go out for dinner on the weekends). I keep my weekly lists in a journal in my purse. It also includes my yearly goals--so I can look back over them to add in at least ONE THING to do over the week from my overall goals (helps me work on the big things PLUS the every day/week stuff!).

 

Either the evening before or each morning (at the latest) I try to look at my list over my breakfast time and see what I will do for the day. I try to have the regular stuff...and I try to work toward a big goal bit-by-bit. For example, this week, my big goal for my health this week was to De-caffeinate (is that a word?) and for my business it was to release our online Mp3 Audio Downloads. I have worked on these bit-by-bit for a few weeks. Now I am already working on another health goal...and my business goal has been accomplished and it is only Wednesday! After I got my daily stuff done Monday and Tuesday, I worked for several hours each day wrapping up the details for release. Voila! Now, we have that done AND I have orders ready to ship, kids homeschooled, and the house--NOT cleaned! ha! Ok...THAT might be the next goal....

 

I find that a list gives me some accountability. If I am not getting it done for a while, I re-evaluate to see what is up--not writing everything on the list (especially when I WANT to know what all IS getting done!)...planning too much and needing more focus...or ugh...wasting time on unessentials that need to get pruned...etc.

 

So far, I think I am going to have to expand my New Year's Resolutions! I should have most of my resolutions and goals accomplished by June! :D

 

Makes me happy!

 

Woohooo! To Do Lists!!!



Ready to MAKE YOUR OWN Home and Family Organizer?? by Cindy Rushton

10:30 PM, Feb. 22, 2006 .. Posted in Organization 911 .. Link

Ready to MAKE YOUR OWN Home and

Family Organizer??

By Cindy Rushton

 

Excerpted from Time for Tea Magazine. We added this to your Menu Planner so you would have even more ideas for making your Menu Planner great! ENJOY!

Check out our SPECIAL on our Menu Planner HERE

 

 

Ready for a bit of help getting it all together and KEEPing it all together for your home?  Well, my friend this companion may be JUST what you have been looking for!

 

Whether you are struggling with having information around you—ALL AROUND YOU… Or you are struggling with the stress of trying to remember details—ONLY to find yourself slipping on some days…  Or you have had your information organized for some time, but it is simply breaking your back to carry it with you every day… THIS is for YOU! Today, we will make our own Home and Family Organizers!

 

Wondering what the deal is? Why ONE MORE binder? I found that I have SO much information that I cannot lug around in my “BRAIN-IN-A-BINDER” (aka—personal organizer).  Much of it needed its own “place.” So, here I introduce you to one of my personal helpers!  My Home and Family Organizer!  Mine holds those wonderful details, helps, plans, and ideas that I need close at hand when I am at home whether cleaning, planning, preparing a meal, or even sending out Christmas Cards!  In the middle of our building project, this ONE notebook has kept my head on straight!  I simply do not have the time to run down lists and menu plans while I am helping to run the family ministry AND building supplies!

 

Talk about a PRICELESS companion! My brain does not need to hold one more piece of information!  This notebook takes the load! And, best of all!  As I add my treasure house of ideas and information, it is there for keeps!  RIGHT where I can find it!  I use this notebook to store away cleaning tips and how to’s.  This binder will become the place set aside for your shopping lists, gift lists, cleaning lists.  You can include your family prayer lists, your family vision, your family wish lists, and your family goals!  Oh, you can include anything else that helps you to manage your home and needs its special spot: menus, organization plans, schedules, travel plans, personal records, OH everything! Best of all, YOUR Home and Family Organizing Notebook CAN hold ANYTHING that helps make your job easier and more fun!  So, ready to set yours up??? Here are the quick steps to Make YOUR OWN today:

 

Þ Decide on your type of notebook… Everyone has their own preferences. Think through yours. What do you like? What size works nice for you? What type fits your budget…preferences...basic needs?  Since we use vinyl 8.5 X 11 inch 3-ring binders with presentation covers for most of our homeschool studies, we had extras on hand when I needed to set up my notebook. I made my own cover pages on my computer and made it completely “mine!”  One quick hint! Mine is about packed full. I am almost ready to take out those pages that seem to be developing into a notebook of their own. This is FINE! As it fills, divide off the pages that seem to need their own notebook. For example, menus/shopping lists/baking hints may eventually divide off into their own binder. Or…you may be like me and quickly find that your home management section grows and grows with your chore lists, cleaning tips, or organization plans. There are NO rules! Just let this tool be your personal assistant!

 

Þ Choose your style of dividers… So far, my pick has been the see-thru plastic dividers with indexes for each section. You can mark on them with your Sharpie or print your own set of nice printed labels.  I love these because I can easily thumb through to the sections that I needed. Oh, one more thing! I chose the tabs that are colored so each of my sections could have the “color” that would remind me of that section. Other options include printing card stock pages, laminating, and 3-hole punching.  On those printed pages, you can include neat checklists, prayer lists, bible verses, etc.

 

Þ Set up your divisions and set up your dividers… Begin by brainstorming through your needs. Think about those papers that are desperately needing a home! Think about those areas that are constantly creating stress. Don’t forget about those areas that you are working on right now. Finally, begin to keep lists that you may make only every-so-often such as travel lists…shopping lists… addresses for family, friends, business associates, or companies…school supply lists… etc.

 

Þ Add your forms, information sheets, and personal information… Add those goodies that are waiting for their new home. Feel like a never-ending job? It is OK! You will have this helper from now on, so as you find more, add them!  Find information without a spot? Add more divisions/dividers! Make it yours! Let it continue to grow!  Do you need forms to make your notebook more orderly?  We have a whole line of great printables that you may want for your notebook. You can also find great printables in magazines like our magazines, or online at sites like www.donnayoung.org, www.organizedhome.com, http://www.getorganizednow.com.

 

Þ Find the perfect place for your notebook’s new home… Find the best place for your notebook. Considerations: Be aware of spills…where your information will be utilized the most (by the phone, in the kitchen, at your desk.)…

 

Þ What goes in it?  Again, make it yours! Here are some thoughts: family calendar, family goals/vision, address book; emergency information, telephone and message section; a divider for church and outside activities; family memory ideas (Christmas, Birthday, Easter, etc.), travel lists and details (we keep our information EVEN after we have gone places so we can always go back for directions, hotel information, or contacts that we may need later); home management (chores, cleaning plans, organization lists, daily/weekly/yearly schedules, etc); finance (taxes, credit card information, banking information, etc), monthly menu plans, pantry lists, grocery shopping lists, medical information for you and your family members (and pets!), gift lists, clothing size charts;  home and vehicle repairs/maintenance, etc! 

 

Ready? It’s just THIS easy to get it all together and keep it all together! This tool will help you to compile and organize that information that has been right there, but sometimes just, well, out of place! No longer! Your information will now be in its OWN spot…right when you need it!

 

 

 



Destressing the Stressed Out Mom... by Cindy Rushton

12:40 PM, Jan. 14, 2006 .. Posted in Organization 911 .. Link

Destressing the Stressed Out Mom...
by Cindy Rushton

 

Stressed? Been stressed a little too long? Too often? Need some help? Well, try the following and see if they don’t help a bit!

 

Go on a Prayer Walk—regularly! Praise and worship the Lord. Pour out your heart. Talk to Jesus the whole way! Listen to His sweet “conversation” with you! Be refreshed!

 

Use a Daily “To-Do” List to operate from. List your TOP FIVE things. Keep in your own “Brain-in-a-Binder” so you can rest your mind…find your list as you need it…and keep everything else in a spot!

 

Turn on Praise Music—LOUD!

 

Begin a new hobby! Learn something new each and every day!

 

Organize ONE thing each day! Make a list of all you want to see done. Keep the list so that you can add to it as you find other needs. As you work through it, mark off what IS being done. This will show you how much you ARE doing. Continue to work on one thing per day. The difference will not take long!

 

Do ONE thing each day JUST FOR YOU! Yep! You read right! How long has it been since you have done ANYTHING for you? There is one common denominator in the lives of many who are totally stressed out—they RARELY do anything for themselves. For real! You are created with a need for a daily quiet time…with a need to be nurtured, encouraged, inspired…with a need for something to look forward to. YOU need something special just for you each day! What are you doing? What fills your cup? Are you operating from a very dry, parched vessel? Do just ONE thing today just for you. Then, do just ONE thing tomorrow just for you. Just a little thing. Maybe spending 5 minutes reading from your Bible. Maybe adding bubbles to your bath water. Maybe going for a quick 15 minute walk. Maybe taking your children’s lessons outside to just bask in the sun for a few minutes while they work through their math lessons. Maybe join Curves or a local fitness gym. Maybe get a bottle of bubbles and go outside to play! Do SOMETHING each day for you! See the stress levels lesson!

 

Purpose to laugh more and more each day! I read a quote a few years ago in a devotional by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. It has become one of my personal life goals. In fact, it is ONE thing that we can do to de-stress every day! Here it is: “Laughter is the medicine intended to cure the disease of self-importance. It’s hard to puff yourself up to weather balloon size if you can deflate yourself with a good prick of self-directed humor. How many laughs are you having--some at your own expense? Have you, as a couple, claimed the promise, “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.” (Job 8:21) Before the wedding ceremony, many couples need to have a bold objective for their first year of marriage: Over the next year, we will be found guilty of having too much fun rather than too little fun. That is not a bad objective for any year of marriage.” So, what about you? Will you laugh more today than yesterday? Tomorrow than today? Purpose to laugh more and more…the stress will run away!

 

Declutter! Don Aslett, famous organizing expert, says that 80% of what we own, we don’t even use. It is only clutter. I completely agree! In fact, I step out on a limb and make a completely un-researched assumption, but I would also imagine that 80% of what is on our schedule is clutter as well. We are sooo bogged down in clutter! Clutter can never be organized. Clutter can never be managed. It simply must be exterminated from our lives. So, why not de-stress a bit by getting rid of the “stuff” in your life. Stuff has a tendency to bring on unneeded stress! Go ahead—get rid of it! Simplify! Simplify the clutter in your schedule! Throw away that stuff in the house! Copy quotes from those magazines and get rid of that bulky mess—journals are more precious than that clutter anyway! Jot down ideas in your journal. Get rid of those old clothes—you know that if you lose weight you will want NEW clothes then anyway! (HOOT!) Over-run by cookbooks? Begin a “girl-time” to copy those that you love or those that you want to try into a special cookbook of your own. Sell or donate the rest! You very own cookbooks will be more helpful and way more special anyway! So, get busy getting rid of that clutter! Talk about instant de-stressing!

 

Get On PJ’s…Cuddle Up…Watch Old Movies or a Comedian! Pull out the chocolate…popcorn…old fluffy quilts! Make a sweet memory just “jelling” out with your precious family!

 

Read a book! It is amazing the power in a great book! Pull out a book with your little ones—something neat like Winnie the Pooh, Make Way for Ducklings, Dr. Seuss. Or…dig into a classic like The Hiding Place, The Little Preacher, Clean Your Boots, Sir, etc. Or read an old biography on someone neat! See if a family read aloud doesn’t breathe life into your home. BUT! That is not ALL! How long has it been since YOU have read a book JUST FOR YOU??? Grab something inspirational…something helpful…or something fun. OR ALL THREE! Just 10 minutes in a book will relieve some of that stress that can wipe you out!

 

Simplify! Simplify everything! Simplify stuff (yep, I said that again!)…commitments…curriculum…housework…meals! Completely simplify! No one will remember later all of those hours you spent on the stuff. They will remember your spirit.


______________________________________________________________________


Need Help AND QUICK???????

 

We have a DEAL for you THIS WEEK! Check out our E-BOOK! We now have our MAKE YOUR OWN BRAIN-IN-A-BINDER available as an E-Book! AND...it is JUST perfect for those of you who are ready to get control of those messies! Yep! It is my PERSONAL ASSISTANT that I can actually send TO YOU! For real!

 

For years I battled with planners and paper and messies. While I still battle messies (should see my kitchen floor right now! UGH!), I do have a system that works for keeping the busy homeschool mom organized and prepared! Yep! And, I can send it to you BY EMAIL TODAY!

 

Check out our special on this new E-BOOK: http://www.cindyrushton.com/MYOBIBEBOOK.html PLUS! We are offering it for this week with our LET'S GET ORGANIZED E-BOOK for FREE!!!!  Both for just $25.00! OR you can buy with a friend for both of you to get BOTH books for $40.00! Isn't that great??? PLUS! Mention you heard about this special here and we will ALSO send you our LET'S GET ORGANIZED AUDIO E-WORKSHOPS for FREE when you order!! (see about them here: http://www.cindyrushton.com/OnTheRoadwithCindy.html

 

Ok, without much more a-do, just go for it! You will love it! See more about it here: http://www.cindyrushton.com/MYOBIBEBOOK.html

 

 



Ready to MAKE YOUR OWN Home and Family Organizer??? By Cindy Rushton

9:41 PM, Dec. 14, 2005 .. Posted in Organization 911 .. Link

 

Ready to MAKE YOUR OWN Home and

Family Organizer??

By Cindy Rushton


 

 

Ready for a bit of help getting it all together and KEEPing it all together for your home? Well, my friend this companion may be JUST what you have been looking for!

 

 

Whether you are struggling with having information around you—ALL AROUND YOU… Or you are struggling with the stress of trying to remember details—ONLY to find yourself slipping on some days… Or you have had your information organized for some time, but it is simply breaking your back to carry it with you every day… THIS is for YOU! Today, we will make our own Home and Family Organizers!

 

 

Wondering what the deal is? Why ONE MORE binder? I found that I have SO much information that I cannot lug around in my “BRAIN-IN-A-BINDER” (aka—personal organizer). Much of it needed its own “place.” So, here I introduce you to one of my personal helpers! My Home and Family Organizer! Mine holds those wonderful details, helps, plans, and ideas that I need close at hand when I am at home whether cleaning, planning, preparing a meal, or even sending out Christmas Cards! In the middle of our building project, this ONE notebook has kept my head on straight! I simply do not have the time to run down lists and menu plans while I am helping to run the family ministry AND building supplies!

 

 

Talk about a PRICELESS companion! My brain does not need to hold one more piece of information! This notebook takes the load! And, best of all! As I add my treasure house of ideas and information, it is there for keeps! RIGHT where I can find it! I use this notebook to store away cleaning tips and how to’s. This binder will become the place set aside for your shopping lists, gift lists, cleaning lists. You can include your family prayer lists, your family vision, your family wish lists, and your family goals! Oh, you can include anything else that helps you to manage your home and needs its special spot: menus, organization plans, schedules, travel plans, personal records, OH everything! Best of all, YOUR Home and Family Organizing Notebook CAN hold ANYTHING that helps make your job easier and more fun! So, ready to set yours up??? Here are the quick steps to Make YOUR OWN today:

  • Decide on your type of notebook… Everyone has their own preferences. Think through yours. What do you like? What size works nice for you? What type fits your budget…preferences...basic needs? Since we use vinyl 8.5 X 11 inch 3-ring binders with presentation covers for most of our homeschool studies, we had extras on hand when I needed to set up my notebook. I made my own cover pages on my computer and made it completely “mine!” One quick hint! Mine is about packed full. I am almost ready to take out those pages that seem to be developing into a notebook of their own. This is FINE! As it fills, divide off the pages that seem to need their own notebook. For example, menus/shopping lists/baking hints may eventually divide off into their own binder. Or…you may be like me and quickly find that your home management section grows and grows with your chore lists, cleaning tips, or organization plans. There are NO rules! Just let this tool be your personal assistant!
  • Choose your style of dividers… So far, my pick has been the see-thru plastic dividers with indexes for each section. You can mark on them with your Sharpie or print your own set of nice printed labels. I love these because I can easily thumb through to the sections that I needed. Oh, one more thing! I chose the tabs that are colored so each of my sections could have the “color” that would remind me of that section. Other options include printing card stock pages, laminating, and 3-hole punching. On those printed pages, you can include neat checklists, prayer lists, bible verses, etc.
  • Set up your divisions and set up your dividers… Begin by brainstorming through your needs. Think about those papers that are desperately needing a home! Think about those areas that are constantly creating stress. Don’t forget about those areas that you are working on right now. Finally, begin to keep lists that you may make only every-so-often such as travel lists…shopping lists… addresses for family, friends, business associates, or companies…school supply lists… etc.
  • Add your forms, information sheets, and personal information… Add those goodies that are waiting for their new home. Feel like a never-ending job? It is OK! You will have this helper from now on, so as you find more, add them! Find information without a spot? Add more divisions/dividers! Make it yours! Let it continue to grow! Do you need forms to make your notebook more orderly? We have a whole line of great printables that you may want for your notebook. You can also find great printables in magazines like our magazines, or online at sites like www.donnayoung.org, www.organizedhome.com, http://www.getorganizednow.com. You may also want to check out our Ultimate Mommy Menu Planner. It is loaded with forms that are designed by a mom FOR moms!  Also, see our Make Your Own Brain-in-a-Binder. 
  • Find the perfect place for your notebook’s new home… Find the best place for your notebook. Considerations: Be aware of spills…where your information will be utilized the most (by the phone, in the kitchen, at your desk.)…
  • What goes in it? Again, make it yours! Here are some thoughts: family calendar, family goals/vision, address book; emergency information, telephone and message section; a divider for church and outside activities; family memory ideas (Christmas, Birthday, Easter, etc.), travel lists and details (we keep our information EVEN after we have gone places so we can always go back for directions, hotel information, or contacts that we may need later); home management (chores, cleaning plans, organization lists, daily/weekly/yearly schedules, etc); finance (taxes, credit card information, banking information, etc), monthly menu plans, pantry lists, grocery shopping lists, medical information for you and your family members (and pets!), gift lists, clothing size charts;  home and vehicle repairs/maintenance, etc! 

Ready? It’s just THIS easy to get it all together and keep it all together! This tool will help you to compile and organize that information that has been right there, but sometimes just, well, out of place! No longer! Your information will now be in its OWN spot…right when you need it!

 

 


 

 

What's for Dinner? Well, ugh...want some FRESH IDEAS for dinner? Check out our ULTIMATE MOMMY MENU PLANNER! NOW available in E-BOOK!


Bored with the same old, same old meals? Just wish you could get just ONE fresh idea? What if you could link up with over 40 other moms for menu plans...meal ideas...recipes...shopping lists...and even planner pages? Well, YOU CAN! THE ULTIMATE MOMMY MENU PLANNER includes over 280 pages full of great recipes, meal ideas, and menu plans from over 40 REAL-LIFE moms, printable planning sheets, tips sure to make managing meals easy, plus much, much more! It goes BEYOND a typical cookbook...planner...idea book to be the

ULTIMATE menu planner for the busy mom!

 

 

Inside This Book:
Develop Your Own Plan for Easy Meals!
Our Favorite Easy Recipes!
Cindy's Tea Time Recipes!
Easy Candy Recipes!
Our Cookie Favorites!
Our Holiday Favorites!
Our Holiday Meal Menu Plan!
Our Bread Recipes!
At Home with our TIME FOR TEA Gals
(recipes, menu plans, meal ideas, and shopping
lists from over 40 other moms!)
Websites You're Going to Love!
Printable Pages for YOUR OWN Menu Planner!
How to Make Your Own Family Organizer!
Quick Tips To Help Make Managing The Kitchen Easy (Well, Easier!)!
PLUS Much, Much More!

 

 


You will LOVE IT! So, whether you are struggling with those blank stares into the refrigerator...wondering about how to make meals more nutritious and yummy...needing some practical tips for managing your kitchen...or just needing a little help making your own menu plan, this is your book! In this book, you are guaranteed to find your ULTIMATE Mommy Menu Plans!ay! We think that you will turn to this book for years!! Order your copy here:
http://www.cindyrushton.com/UMMPEBOOK.html

 



Toward Your Own Lifestyle of Learning! by Cindy Rushton

9:40 PM, Dec. 14, 2005 .. Posted in Organization 911 .. Link

 

Toward Your Own Lifestyle of Learning!
By Cindy Rushton

 

Special Note…I thought that this part of a chapter in our new book Homeschooling…Digging Into ALL of the Options might be a big help for some of you as you begin organizing your homes for another big Homeschool Year. My challenge is for you to really think out your own approach JUST for your family. This will make planning easier…day-by-day implementation easier…and continuing the journey for the “long-haul” much, much easier. Hope you enjoy!

  • Go to God… God really cares about what we do in our homeschools. No matter where we are…what our needs may be…or where we are in the journey, we can listen to hear the Lord gently beckoning to us, “Come to ME, all you who labor and are heavy laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take MY YOKE upon you and learn OF ME, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief, ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For MY YOKE is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and MY BURDEN is light and easy to be borne.” (Matthew 11: 28-30 (Amplified) The first thing is our foundation. All begins by going to God, seeking Him and His way. When things get to going awry, the first thing I do is compare all to this passage. This simplifies what I am doing. If what I am doing becomes a labor, heavy, or overburdening, it must go! If the yoke I am carrying begins to feel harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, I immediately begin to re-evaluate. It may be that what I am doing is ok, only going at an unreasonable pace (slow OR fast). It may be that what I am doing is not ok…it must be sacrificed so we can have the best that God has to offer. The only way I can know which way to go is to come to the Lord and let Him give me His perfect plan! This has been key in finding just the right way for me and my children.

 

  • Make homeschooling a lifestyle! As I have come home--all the way home--to teach my children, I have found that God has riches in store for the family teaching their children as a lifestyle. Those riches can be missed if we do not take the time to be a family. Oh, there are the sweetest memories that directly result from learning together as a lifestyle. It is so much more than just the lessons. The sweetest memories are built around the relationships, with one another and our studies. However, this doesn’t just happen. It takes time for relationships to be built. This time is only available as we set up learning as a lifestyle not a block of “school.” But, this can only happen when we begin to view education as a lifestyle of discipleship…all of the time, with all of life. A legacy. How? Seize every moment. Teach your children along the way. Develop a lifestyle that passes down to your children a deep love of learning and most of all, a deep love of family.

 

  • Take the best of ALL the approaches to weave together a FULL education! One thing that I loved about homeschooling was that I could weave together the best of all that is available. I loved the thought of using the best books. I have found some of the greatest treasures through recommendations found throughout all of the different approaches. This really helped me since I had no idea what I should read to my children when we first began homeschooling. I loved the thought of using original source documents. I love how they are right at your finger-tips courtesy of some of the different writers for homeschooling! I loved the easy tips for teaching children. As a Mommy who had NO idea where to begin as I began this journey of homeschooling, I have treasured the writers who have walked me through each step of how to teach language… math… history… geography… nature studies… art… music… so on! It has been priceless help so that I could get on to enjoying my little ones! These are only a few of the ideas that we have taken into our homeschool, but I recommend this to you as wll. You don't have to do it all today. Just take a look at where your greatest need is and hunt down that help that will breathe life into your Homeschool.

 

  • Develop YOUR Philosophy of Education! This was one of the things that has been most beneficial in setting me free to enjoy the journey of homeschooling. It was not until I could see God’s ways, God’s will, and God’s plan for education that I was completely free to enjoy the little things along the way. Until then, I felt guilty when we got lost in a great book. I would feel so defeated if we took longer on a lesson than I was expecting…forget how FUN it was! As I drew closer to the Lord, I found that all began to fall into place. I began to devour studies that I only dreamed of pursuing. Did you notice that “I” devoured studies? As I continued my learning, my children caught the passion! It was contagious! Not to mention as I dug into studies, I began to find easier ways to learn topics. I found neat ideas just from the way that I learn (Notebooking, research techniques, writing techniques…) that helped my children to find practical ways to learn their lessons. This was what brought an ease and relief to the pursuit of education in our family.

 

  • Keep discipleship for the call as the primary focus! It is so easy to turn our hearts away from the MAIN thing. I believe that it is easy to lose our first love. For this reason, we constantly evaluate our focus to make sure that our heart is turned toward God and our home. This comes by staying in the Word, letting it constantly renew our minds, purify our hearts, and renew our vision for discipling our children. How do we disciple? It first begins with being COMPLETE in our call. There is a battle waging for the heart of our home. So much hits us, tempting us to go after the allure of the world or condemning us for the commitment to our family…but we must be strong. We must know that there is NO greater call! Our children do not need the best education affordable…nor do they need all of the possessions that we can provide for them…nor do they need all of the opportunities for lessons and socialization that we can uncover. Our children need to know and love God. He has the only answers to their deepest questions. He has all that they need to meet ay need of their lives. AND He cares about any and every thing in their life. Our children need to know WHO we are and WHAT we know. In other words, they need to know US! God made no mistakes placing our children in our home. He wants for us to pass on WHO we are! Our children need for us to focus more on ministering to THEM than teaching them. They need those disciplines that will bring them to true greatness. They need for us to get back to the simple call of discipling them along the way!

 

  • Center ALL around the family. This is one of the first things I noticed about our family as we began to homeschool. I remember one day as I sat at the park watching Matthew and Elisabeth play. He was 5 and she was 2. I watched them giggle….I watched her follow each and every one of his steps…I watched him gently help her up the slide…I watched them plan every move--together. As I sat there in that park, I began to well up in tears. I had a dream life. They loved each other so deeply. At that age, if Matthew had been in school, he would have been TOO cool for a little sister to follow along. She, and He, would have missed a relationship that God intended for them to have for life. Homeschooling affords the opportunity for all to center around the family. Our focus has been to learn as a family…all ages together…learning together…having fun…having adventures…building memories. My belief has been that if something is drudgery for my children, then I must evaluate why I am doing it. If we don’t enjoy it as a family, it goes! This has developed a deep love for learning, but even greater a deep love for family. Not to mention, we build relationships with one another that are priceless. We will always have sweet memories of great books that we have read together…those great discussions that we have shared together as we have digested great ideas through literature, art, music, and poetry…those fun family days on the boat, at the creek, at the beach, at the museums, or just in the woods in our own backyard…those late night giggle sessions over those family stories that we tell over and over and over again! When we come to the end of this homeschooling journey, I am in prayer that we will have a storehouse full of great memories that can only be afforded as we say “NO!” to all of the temptations to divide up our family and our family time.

 

  • Develop skills to learn and allow the process of learning to take place rather than focusing on subjects and certain studies. If there is one thing that has helped us the most, it has been the season that I spent re-educating myself about what education really is. During that time, I finally learned what education really is. Things have never been the same. I never understood that education is a process in every area that we want to learn about. The main thing is not the “subjects” that are studied. It is teaching the skills of how to learn for oneself and giving a love for learning. If our children are equipped with the skills to learn, then they can learn any and all subjects. If they develop the idea that learning is delightful, then they will never stop learning because they will become hooked on mind-food! Then, all we have to do is slow down for the process of learning to take place. Slow down so they can soak in all that is before them.

 

  • Encourage delight-directed studies. Coming from the idea that parents really needed to have a direct influence on training up their children, you can imagine how I struggled with the idea of letting my children go on their own. I prayed and prayed to seek out God’s view of education and how He would have me to teach my children. He took me back to my life…and those of many of His greatest servants. I began to see that it was not until a person develops a passion for one topic that learning takes off. We can pour into our children for years and years, but until they begin to LOVE a topic and make it their own, they will not choose to learn for life. I also began to see that a deep passion for one topic ALWAYS leads to another…and another…and another. But, there is ONE difference. If one has studied one particular topic in depth, they will not be able to let another topic just breeze through their life…they will want to devour it with the same passion. This is so key to becoming that person God wants for each of us to be AND for beginning a lifestyle of real education. The neatest thing is that somewhere in all of those studies the Holy Spirit take over and gives us the preparation that is needed for our call. Encourage your children to take the time to learn o deeply that they LOVE learning. Let them have enough free time that they can freely dig into a study deep enough to become intimate with people throughout History, beauty in God’s world, and ideas that have shaped the world!

 

  • Give direct contact and influence with great people! This has been a main-stay in our home. I am thankful that I was influenced early in our journey to treasure the great people in our lives, past and present. Real people influence our children. I have sought to provide my children with relationships with great people…through real life and real literature. Those people are part of shaping the lives of our children. We have taught our children to listen…really listen to others. To learn from their lives. To glean wisdom from their mistakes and successes. How have we done this? We love to have meals and fellowship with great people. Our children simply devour their time with missionaries, writers, great teachers, and even those quiet people who really shape the world! We also make it a priority to read each and every day. I remember listening to Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn as they shared the importance of having a family reading time for a minimum of 2 hours each day. I sat there thinking, “OH, Lord! I would LOVE that, but how??” God stepped right up to my aid. He showed me a time of the day that was perfect for our family to curl up, uninterrupted to devour books. For us, this was at the end of the day. We could curl up from 10 PM until we could not read any more! This was perfect for those books that we simply have to continue reading until we are done (in the wee hours of the night!). We did not have the rest of the day pounding on us beckoning us to move on to do more, we could relax and enjoy. This has been one of the greatest tools for discipleship and ministry to the heart of our children. I believe that the influence from great people will be an anchor in the lives of my children throughout whatever they may face in their lives!

 

  • Use the VERY BEST resources in this short time! We all know how fast life passes us by. This week my son becomes a teenager, a young man (NOTE! He is now 18! . MY how time passes by!) As I look at this young man who is now taller than I am (did not take him long on that one!)…who will soon be shot forth into our culture to minister for the Lord, I am overwhelmed by how little our time to shape and disciple them really is! Because of this, I am highly convicted that ALL that we do each and every day must seize each and every moment. We weigh out all that we do by this. The great thing is that we usually make well-thought out, wise decisions. The sad thing is that sometimes we don’t! When I think that in the 8-12 hours of reading a book, I am either influencing my children to greatness and encouraging them onward toward their call…OR I am tearing down my own home and my own teachings, I am completely humbled. I begin to step slowly and listen intently to the Holy Spirit’s leading! This simplifies my focus…my choices…and the options for our time!

 

  • Develop family ministry. God kinda had us in the middle of ministry before I realized how much He could use it for educating our children. I had no idea that all of those sweet character lessons I would teach my children were really better taught by my example as I ministered to my family and others that God brought into my circle of influence…right before the eyes of my children. I had no idea that I was blowing it on those days when I was rushed, too rushed to take time to minister a sweet encouragement or smile or simply listen to others along the way. I had no idea they were watching. But they are. We, nor our children, need to go away to a foreign mission field to be in ministry for the Lord. We, nor our children, need to have a “public ministry” on the streets passing out tracks or behind a pulpit teaching our hearts out. In fact, if we really want to maximize our influence, we must minister in the little things. Little things all along the way! This influence will be contagious to our children. It will help them to begin to minister from their toddler years. It will become one of their greatest treasures of life as they continue the legacy!

 

  • Relax and enjoy the journey! So often, we get to thinking that WE have to make this education happen. God has a better way! He wants for us to walk with Him in faith, letting Him directly lead and teach our little ones. If we can just realize how much more HE can do as the Teacher of our children, we could relax more. We could see that He really is the only One Who knows exactly what our children need…who they will become…and what they need to minister for Him with their life. We can trust Him to direct us, for one thing because He WILL and for another because He loves our children EVEN more than we do! Trust Him. Give Him a chance. Let Him direct all in your homeschool. Then, you will find that the burden will be light and easy…and you will have rest, blessed rest for your journey! You will have fun. You will enjoy the journey!

 

“Come to ME, all you who labor and are heavy laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take MY YOKE upon you and learn OF ME, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief, ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For MY YOKE is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and MY BURDEN is light and easy to be borne.”

Matthew 11: 28-30 Amplified Bible


Need More Help?

See Our Webpage: http://www.CindyRushton.com

OR

Join us at our Discussion Board: Mom-2-Mom Discussion!

Just bring a BIG CUP OF TEA!



UGH...Just HOW Do Ya Choose Curriculum (That You Will LIKE Monday?!?!) by Cindy Rushton

9:37 PM, Dec. 14, 2005 .. Posted in Organization 911 .. Link

UGH...Just HOW Do Ya Choose Curriculum

(That You Will LIKE Monday!??)

Tips by Cindy Rushton...

 

As you spend your time praying and deciding on curriculum, here are some things that JUST might help you make decisions...Decisions you will like Monday!  

 

  • Is it designed for a MOM or DAD to use in the home? Is it designed to be "home-friendly" for the user? Is it written especially for the home? Is it written by parents or by “professionals?”  What do you prefer? Make sure that the materials meet YOU where you are! Make sure that they are designed to be used around the demands that you face as a PARENT in REAL LIFE!
  • Is it easy to use? Do you have to have a teacher’s manual or is the work easy to understand in the book itself? 
  •  Are the lessons short and concise or does each lesson demand time that you do not have each day? Ideal situations do not work on Monday morning. In fact, for US they didn't work for a whole year! We needed something as our "helpers" that could work in the midst of our busy home.
  • Does it encourage the children to learn on their own? To become interesting in the whole subject... possibly later as a profession??
  • Would your children choose to study this in their free time?  Would YOU?  If this book is NOT tempting for you or your child, ya just might want to scrap it! There are SO many great resources! GO FOR THE BEST!
  • Would this material give you a balance between the children working independently, alone with you, and with the rest of the family? Can your husband pick it up while you have the flu and teach? 
  • Does this curriculum equip the child to learn on their own or does it make them (and you) dependent upon only this curriculum sequence (except for Math which really needs to be on a sequence!)


Need more help? See our website!

Http://www.CindyRushton.com

 

 

 



Setting Up Your Home to Learn! by Cindy Rushton

9:31 PM, Dec. 14, 2005 .. Posted in Organization 911 .. Link

Setting Up Your Home to Learn!

 

 

     Homeschooling? Thinking about Homeschooling? BUT…do you have to turn your home into a school? No, my dear friend, you do not need to turn your home into a school. Your home can still be a HOME. A home ready to learn! Ready?

    

Ready? This is EASY as ABC...

 

©       Find a good nook! It does not have to be huge. Certainly does not need to be expensive.  All that is needed is a place that invites your children (and YOU!) to think, work through the studies (writing, reading, studying, proofreading, projects, experiments…). Ask yourself, “Where do they gravitate toward to read...to research...to write...to print?” Keep in mind that each and every student in your family will be very different during the learning process, but most will appreciate having all of the supplies and equipment in a safe, quiet, comfortable place to study. When deciding on a spot, make sure that the spot has good lighting and a good, solid, clean, work surface.  Make sure it is a good spot to think AND work on lessons.” Set up the area with a nice table or desk with plenty of work area...comfortable chairs...limited distractions…shelves for books and notebooks...space for a computer and printer...convenient power supply...space for you to sit down and work with them during their lessons…and a specific spot for organizational bins that will hold supplies.

 

©       Get supplies together! You probably have supplies ALREADY in your home. Use our list to remind you of which supplies you will need to gather for homeschooling. Gather them and organize them so they will be ready to use when your children can snatch time to dig into their studies.

 

©       Easy access to materials and supplies! Don’t just gather supplies, give your children easy access to those supplies! Nothing else can encourage your children to dig deeper into studies like having the materials needed to learn AND free reign to use them. Gather the supplies you will need and store them in clearly marked plastic bins and containers. There are SO many options available. Find what will work for you and your family. Get paper and printable pages together. I have always stored ours in our school materials so the children had their materials on hand as they needed it. A quick glance can remind me that we need more. I buy all of our paper, ink pens, pencils, 3-ring binders, etc in bulk at Sam’s Warehouse. During the school breaks, many stores have supplies and paper in bulk for better prices than all year round. That is when we also stock up. We store it on our school shelves and have what we need as we work.

 

©       Invest in the best tools! It may seem to be an added expense, however tools make all of the difference in the world! For example, you can buy a cheap stapler for under $5.00 OR you can buy a long-arm stapler for $29.95 at an office supply store. The difference? Well, we have bought SO MANY cheap staplers. They simply do not last. Plus, they are limited in what they can do. Now, contrast that with the long-arm stapler? They are built to last. You can use those for making any size booklet and for regular stapling. Just watch your most reluctant writer when they figure out ALL that they can do with one stapler! $29.95 will be the best investment ever! J Buy the best as you can. The investment is more than just for equipment, it is investing in your child’s education!

 

©       Set up a Library! </