We've been trying to be water conscious in our house this Spring!
Back in February, I let you know that our water consumption was at 206.3 avg gallons/day.
Well, I'm thrilled to let you know that we have made a considerable dent!
In March, we lowered it to 187 avg gallons/day. Great progress!
In April ...
We have gotten it down 154.8 avg gallons/day.
That's a reduction of about 25%!
And guess what? We've actually lowered our bill even more than that because water usage, at least in our area, is on a tiered basis! The less you use, the lower your rate!
It feels great to know that little changes on our part are helping not only our family, but the world around us as well.
What did we do differently? Here are five simple things that we have started doing ...
#1: We just thought about it. We tried to be aware of water and using it.
#2: Stop the running water. Running water is the greatest waste of water, in my opinion. I've tried to not let the water run. At all. I fill a pot, then wash it. Then rinse it. I don't let the water run.
#3: Fill up the laundry loads. We don't run small loads anymore.
#4: If you know that you're going to have a lot of dishes, fill up the sink partially and rinse with the same dirty water before you put it in the dishwasher. It saves rinsing each individual item.
#5: Soaking. Let dishes soak before you scrub them to save water. You would be amazed at what will come off easily if it just has a little time to sit and soak.
The challenge ahead is the summer - when we take more baths and have a yard to tend, but I know we can do it!!
What are you ready to try?
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Monday Mom Sites
Here are some great sites for your Monday to help you Moms out there!
Meal Planning
Check out e-mealz. For $5/month you can get your meal and grocery list planned out for you. Lots of options (gluten-free, low-fat, etc.) and you can pick your family size even!
Food Inspiration
You can always get some great recipes from Giada (de Laurentiis). Flavorful, usually healthy, and hearty all around.
A Little Pick-Me-Up
The ladies over at (in) courage always have an uplifting word. It's a collection of great writers all together in one place encouraging all of us.
Great Outdoors
If you're a homeschooler and are looking to get out and enjoy some of this finer weather we are starting to have, look at the Handbook of Nature Study Blog.
Just for Fun
Ok, sometimes you just need a good laugh to lighten up the day! Check out cakewrecks and feel better!
Happy Monday!
Meal Planning
Check out e-mealz. For $5/month you can get your meal and grocery list planned out for you. Lots of options (gluten-free, low-fat, etc.) and you can pick your family size even!
Food Inspiration
You can always get some great recipes from Giada (de Laurentiis). Flavorful, usually healthy, and hearty all around.
A Little Pick-Me-Up
The ladies over at (in) courage always have an uplifting word. It's a collection of great writers all together in one place encouraging all of us.
Great Outdoors
If you're a homeschooler and are looking to get out and enjoy some of this finer weather we are starting to have, look at the Handbook of Nature Study Blog.
Just for Fun
Ok, sometimes you just need a good laugh to lighten up the day! Check out cakewrecks and feel better!
Happy Monday!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
One Thousand Gifts for Sat, April 9th, 2011
 |
| Dear one on his first day of life ... 5 years ago today! |
Ten things that I'm thankful for in my little man (for his 5th birthday)
#91: His beautiful long eyelashes
#92: Learning from him the preciousness of a great stick
#93: Great love from one little guy for his big sister and little brother
#94: The flash of his smile
#95: Sweet cuddles while reading books together
#96: A little voice singing. What sweetness.
#97: A healthy little guy, after starting out so sick his first few years
#98: He devours fruit and healthy food
#99: Sweet gentle kisses at bedtime for all
#100: Getting to watch him grow up!
Read about the original One Thousand Gifts list from Ann Voskamp HERE.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Crazy Love: Profile of the Obsessed
Challenging quotes from Francis Chan in Crazy Love ....
People who are obsessed with Jesus give freely and openly without censure. Obsessed people love those who hate them and who can never love them back. (p. 132)
People who are obsessed with Jesus aren't consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God's kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain and distress. (p. 133)
People who are obsessed with Jesus live lives that connect them with the poor in some way or another. Obsessed people believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to Him (I John 2:4-6; Matt. 16:24-26) (p. 135)
Obsessed people are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo. A person who is obsessed with Jesus will do things that don't always make sense in terms of success or wealth on this earth. As Martin Luther put it, "There are two days on my calendar: this day and that day" (Luke 14:25-35; Matt. 7:13-23; 8:18-22; Rev 3:1-6) (p. 136-1637)
A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the sin of pride is always a battle. Obsessed people know that you can never be "humble enough," and so they seek to make themselves less known and Christ more known (Matt. 5:16) (p. 138)
People who are obsessed with Jesus do not consider service a burden. Obsessed people take joy in loving God by loving His people (Matt. 13:44; John 15:8). (p. 139)
People who are obsessed with God are known as givers, not takers. Obsessed people genuinely think that others matter as much as they do, and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world (John 2:14-26). (p. 140-141)
A person who is obsessed thinks about heaven frequently. Obsessed people orient their lives around eternity; they are not fixed only on what is here in front of them. (p.142)
A person who is obsessed is characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God, above and before every other thing and every other being. (p.143)
People who are obsessed are raw with God; they do not attempt to mask the ugliness of their sins or their failures. Obsessed people don't put it on for God; He is their safe place , where they can be at peace. (p.144)
People who are obsessed with God have an intimate relationship with Him. They are nourished by God's Word throughout the day because they know that forty minutes on Sunday is not enough to sustain them for the whole week, especially when they will encounter so many distractions and alternative messages. (p.145)
A person who is obsessed with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character than comfort. Obsessed people know that true joy doesn't depend on circumstances or environment; it is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated, a gift that ultimately comes from God (James 1:2-4). (p. 146)
A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the best thing he can do is to be faithful to his Savior in every aspect of his life, continually saying "Thank you!" to God. An obsessed person knows there can never be intimacy if he is always trying to pay God back or work hard enough to be worthy. He revels in his role as child and friend of God. (p.147-148)
Visit Francis Chan's website HERE.
People who are obsessed with Jesus give freely and openly without censure. Obsessed people love those who hate them and who can never love them back. (p. 132)
People who are obsessed with Jesus aren't consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God's kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain and distress. (p. 133)
People who are obsessed with Jesus live lives that connect them with the poor in some way or another. Obsessed people believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to Him (I John 2:4-6; Matt. 16:24-26) (p. 135)
Obsessed people are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo. A person who is obsessed with Jesus will do things that don't always make sense in terms of success or wealth on this earth. As Martin Luther put it, "There are two days on my calendar: this day and that day" (Luke 14:25-35; Matt. 7:13-23; 8:18-22; Rev 3:1-6) (p. 136-1637)
A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the sin of pride is always a battle. Obsessed people know that you can never be "humble enough," and so they seek to make themselves less known and Christ more known (Matt. 5:16) (p. 138)
People who are obsessed with Jesus do not consider service a burden. Obsessed people take joy in loving God by loving His people (Matt. 13:44; John 15:8). (p. 139)
People who are obsessed with God are known as givers, not takers. Obsessed people genuinely think that others matter as much as they do, and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world (John 2:14-26). (p. 140-141)
A person who is obsessed thinks about heaven frequently. Obsessed people orient their lives around eternity; they are not fixed only on what is here in front of them. (p.142)
A person who is obsessed is characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God, above and before every other thing and every other being. (p.143)
People who are obsessed are raw with God; they do not attempt to mask the ugliness of their sins or their failures. Obsessed people don't put it on for God; He is their safe place , where they can be at peace. (p.144)
People who are obsessed with God have an intimate relationship with Him. They are nourished by God's Word throughout the day because they know that forty minutes on Sunday is not enough to sustain them for the whole week, especially when they will encounter so many distractions and alternative messages. (p.145)
A person who is obsessed with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character than comfort. Obsessed people know that true joy doesn't depend on circumstances or environment; it is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated, a gift that ultimately comes from God (James 1:2-4). (p. 146)
A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the best thing he can do is to be faithful to his Savior in every aspect of his life, continually saying "Thank you!" to God. An obsessed person knows there can never be intimacy if he is always trying to pay God back or work hard enough to be worthy. He revels in his role as child and friend of God. (p.147-148)
Visit Francis Chan's website HERE.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
One Thousand Gifts for Sat, April 2nd, 2011
#81: Adventures and plans through the unexpected
#82: A husband who enjoys detours
#83: Droid phones (They come in darn handy when you're in need!)
#84: The Greensboro Children's Museum
#85: Umbrella friends
#86: Learning from Moms who are ministering through cooking (Mom on a Mission)
#87: Extra hands from friends
#88: Grace to start again, each day
#89: New Sonlight catalogs
#90: The hope of a new week - time with friends, warmer weather, preparing for a little man's bday
Read about the original One Thousand Gifts list from Ann Voskamp HERE.
#82: A husband who enjoys detours
#83: Droid phones (They come in darn handy when you're in need!)
#84: The Greensboro Children's Museum
#85: Umbrella friends
#86: Learning from Moms who are ministering through cooking (Mom on a Mission)
#87: Extra hands from friends
#88: Grace to start again, each day
#89: New Sonlight catalogs
#90: The hope of a new week - time with friends, warmer weather, preparing for a little man's bday
Read about the original One Thousand Gifts list from Ann Voskamp HERE.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Free Water Summer Science Kit
In keeping with encouraging learning and conservation ....
Each Summer Activity Kit contains:
- PUR™ Purifier of Water packet
- dirt/contaminant
- stirring spoon
- 2 liquid containers
Each Safe Water Science Lesson:
- Addresses scientific and societal issues related to global safe drinking water problems
- Teaches a method used to solve these problems
- Helps students develop an awareness of safe drinking water issues in our world today
- Addresses National Science Standards
- Contains hands-on activities, cooperative-learning experiences, multi-media resources, and research opportunities
- Uses inexpensive, everyday materials
- Explores social action extensions, allowing students to apply the science they learn to the world in which they live
Thanks to Saving Dollars and Sense for this link!
Frugal Friday: PFTPL Pantry Challenge
This week, for Project Simplify, we've been working on our fridge, pantry, and freezer.
By about Tuesday, though, I realized that what I needed was not a new organization ....
but TO EAT THE FOOD!
Do you know that we have 6 boxes of cereal in our pantry. Six!
Most of us Moms have noticed the price of groceries these days.
How much money is sitting in my pantry and fridge?
Paid for.
FREE FOOD!
So, in an effort to save money, AND clean out our stockpiles .... We're going to start living out of the pantry and fridge. Let's see how many days we can do it! We might be having cereal for dinner, but are we going hungry? NOPE!
If you dare .... join me ....
The details:
** Leave a comment on this post letting me that you are participating
** Live on less than $20 in groceries per week (think milk, bread, etc)
** Use your $20 to buy staples and items that you might need to finish off another food
** If you do not spend all of your $20 each week, then you can roll the change to the following week.
** Fresh fruits and vegetables are excluded. Eat all of those you want!
** Check in on Fridays and comment on the post that I will make for those participating.
The prize:
** The person who can go the longest eating out of their pantry/fridge will get a $5 Starbuck's gift certificate sent/delivered to you.
Good luck!
By about Tuesday, though, I realized that what I needed was not a new organization ....
but TO EAT THE FOOD!
Do you know that we have 6 boxes of cereal in our pantry. Six!
Most of us Moms have noticed the price of groceries these days.
How much money is sitting in my pantry and fridge?
Paid for.
FREE FOOD!
So, in an effort to save money, AND clean out our stockpiles .... We're going to start living out of the pantry and fridge. Let's see how many days we can do it! We might be having cereal for dinner, but are we going hungry? NOPE!
If you dare .... join me ....
The 1st Annual PFTPL Pantry Challenge
The details:
** Leave a comment on this post letting me that you are participating
** Live on less than $20 in groceries per week (think milk, bread, etc)
** Use your $20 to buy staples and items that you might need to finish off another food
** If you do not spend all of your $20 each week, then you can roll the change to the following week.
** Fresh fruits and vegetables are excluded. Eat all of those you want!
** Check in on Fridays and comment on the post that I will make for those participating.
The prize:
** The person who can go the longest eating out of their pantry/fridge will get a $5 Starbuck's gift certificate sent/delivered to you.
Good luck!
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