Organized Chaos

  • Organized Chaos: Lunch Box Items

    I found a great spot for lunch box items in our kitchen!

    Since the majority of our family packs a lunch for school and work nearly everyday of the week it is important that the items for packing lunches are accessible as well as our time spent putting them together is used efficiently.  As I was brainstorming the different ways to make the lunch packing task more streamlined for our family I came up with a solution that has been really successful for our family.  I found a perfect location for all the non-perishable lunch box items in our kitchen and before long had a lunch box making system that has worked really well.

    Even though these drawers are organized in our kitchen the kids do not get something from each drawer every day. The idea is to keep a small stockpile of items necessary for lunches handy so when I need something to put in their lunch I can get to it easily.  I purchase items for the drawers only when they go on sale so it stays within family’s grocery budget.

    The majority of the week they get fresh fruits & vegetables, water bottles, and no dessert.  I do however try to give them one snack item every day in their lunch whether it be a granola bar or pretzels or something similar in their lunches.  Every day I make a lunch I use these drawers for something whether it is to grab a sandwich container, lunch bag, granola bar or another item!

    Below are the labels I have for the drawers as well as  pictures to show you what I put in them:

    • Granola Bars / Snacks
    • Sandwich Containers / Bags
    • Cookies / Desserts
    • Fruit Snacks
    • Drinks
    • Miscellaneous Snacks

    Granola Bar & Snack Drawer

    I put all the sandwich containers and brown bags into the container drawer.  Even the two new ones I picked up fit well, we had the perfect number of sandwich containers for the drawer!

    Toy Story brown lunch bags (picked up at the Dollar Tree) are  fun to occasionally use for your kids lunch plus they fit nicely beside the sandwich containers in the drawer.

    Sandwich Containers & Bags Drawer

    Cookies & Desserts Drawer

    Placed the fruit in the drawer (applesauce, raisins, cup of fruit).

    Fruit Snack Drawer

    Placed lunch box drinks (with exception to their water bottles) in this drawer (Chocolate Milk, Gatorade, Juice Bags, Juice Bottles, etc…).

    Drink Drawer

    Miscellaneous Snacks Drawer (includes items like pudding or jello cups, teddy grahams, pretzels or other bagged snack item)

    The last several months we have been using this system and it has been very beneficial for the entire family.  Plus if the kids want a snack they can grab a granola bar from the drawer instead of digging through the pantry trying to find a snack.  I do try to keep the drawers stocked and rotate (the newer items go in back so the older items get eaten first) the products in the drawers.

    My best piece of advice is that you find a system that works well for you, if what you are doing is not going smoothly or you want to find a better way to do it try something different and you may be surprised at how more efficient it is for your family. I already had the items on hand all I did was pick up the two containers on clearance around the beginning of the school year.  I would love to hear your tips on keeping all your lunch box items organized and accessible. 

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

     With all the traveling for the conference and  time spent time with our family out in the Midwest last week we are hitting this week with both feet running.  It is a crazy week with a lot of upcoming events and projects to get done, despite the busy schedule I want to make it a propriety that we eat dinner together as a family.  One way to help that stay a priority is to make the menu.    Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef Entree):  Spaghetti & Meatballs, Garlic Bread
    • Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree):  Ham & Potatoes Au Gratin, Steamed Vegetables
    • Wednesday (Chicken Entree):  Chicken Noodle Soup, Bread & Crackers
    • Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree):  Blueberry Pancakes, Fresh Fruit
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef entree, Tuesday a seafood or pork entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • Book: “Dining On A Dime” Cookbook by Tawra Kellam and Jill Cooper

    If you could save $10,000 a year on food without cutting coupons would you be interested?  I had the privilege of receiving Tawra Kellam and Jill Cooper’s newest edition, November 2011, of their Dining On A Dime Cookbook Eat Better, Spend Less!   The authors packed in more than 1200 great recipes and money saving tips in this cookbook.   One of the challenges they gave is to see how much you could save in one year by cutting out just one thing.  For example, by reducing the amount of meat you eat each week by 1.5 pounds you could save over $400 a year.  They cover a variety of recipes and tips in their book, here are a few:

    • How It Adds Up
    • Basics of Frugal Cooking
    • Beverages
    • Breakfast
    • Breads
    • Soups & Sandwiches
    • Vegetables, Beans, Pasta, & Rice
    • Salads, Dressings, Pickles, and Dips
    • Meats & Main Dishes
    • Cakes, Pies, Candy, Cookies, & Desserts
    • Mixes, Gift Baskets, & Jars
    • Kids
    • Cleaning Cents
    • Pretty for Pennies

    The authors challenge you to take small steps to change your life.  Whether you start with planning your meals, organizing your home, or saving money it is the little steps over time that give you results.   Their menu planning ideas include recipes you can make for picky eaters or quick dinners for those busy days.  I like that they have sections on using up your leftovers, making your own cleaning & beauty supplies, gift baskets, and more.    They use a good mix of great information and light hearted humor.

    Here are a couple of quotes / tips that made me smile:

    If you want to see a cup runneth over, let a child pour his own soda.

    When your house looks like a bomb hit it and company calls from a block away set your vacuum by the front door and say, “Come on in! I was just cleaning”

    You have two choices for dinner. Take it or leave it.

    The problem – how to get 2 pounds of chocolate home in a hot car. The solution – eat it in the parking lot.

    Some of the information and recipes made me laugh out loud…..”Elephant Soup” simply hilarious!  One of my favorite non-food recipes was their “Recipe for a Happy Marriage” (loved that one).  While they may not have convince me to try “Liver and Onions” again  Tawra and Jill did a wonderful job putting together a useful and entertaining cookbook to have in your kitchen.  The best part is their recipes only require a handful of ingredients and most (if not all) of the items you will find in your kitchen pantry.

    At the end of the book they have separate indexes for looking up tips, leftovers, and recipes making it easy to look up what you want.  I look forward to trying more of the recipes, tips, and seeing if these help our family save even more.   This cookbook would be a great wedding gift or birthday gift for those who are beginning to cook or a novice.  It offers practical tips, great recipes, and may even make you smile!

    Please visit Dining on a Dime Cookbook’s website if you want to learn more about this book.

    Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher.  The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

  • Versatile Blogger Award!

    I was excited to receive the Versatile Blogger Award from Save Green Being Green. Thanks!  Please check out Jessica’s great blog when you have a chance!

    The rules for this award are:

    1. Thank the person that nominated you with a link back to them. (see above)
    2. Tell 7 things about yourself. (see below)
    3. Pass this award on to 10 newly discovered blogs and let them know that they’ve received an award.
    Seven Things about Bridgette:
    1.  I started my first business Junior High School and second business in College.
    2.  I grew up on a farm in Kansas (the closest Walmart was an hour away).
    3.  I saw ocean for the first time in Aruba when I got engaged to my handsome man!
    4.  I love traveling around the world but my favorite place is to be home with my family.
    5.  I have fraternal twin daughters who light up my world.
    6.  I know how to drive a Combine Harvester.
    7.  I love playing board games with family and friends.

    10 Blogs that I have awarded the Versatile Blog Award are….

    The Savings Momma

    Close to Home

    MichiGal

    Rachel Ferrucci

    Be Your Best Mom

    Blogging Babies & Bayou

    Coupon Clippin Texan

    Confessions of an Overworked Mom

    Mom Knows Best

    Fun Being Frugal

    Take a minute to check out these neat blogs!

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    I made some progress last week on my goals!  Thankful for the opportunity move forward on my goals despite a busy 2012 first quarter.  Since I have a conference for part of the week the list will be shorter.

    Here is the update on last weeks goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
    2. Read a book to the girls everyday
    3. Have each girl read 1 book to myself or Jake 5 days this week – the girls were sick this week
    4. Go on my Date Night with Jake (we got free movie tickets so excited to enjoy some time away together) – We gave away our free movie tickets because we had to cancel our Date Night, the kiddos got sick.  🙁 I am hoping to get it rescheduled soon.
    5. Get the girls Birthday Party Details Started

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week – I did it again (victory dance).  It has helped give me more energy throughout my days too!
    2. Go to bed by 10:30 pm or earlier Monday to Thursday – was bad about this one, it was after 1 am one night
    3. Finish reading Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk – still working on it
    4. Read and listen to the next section of  Desiring God: Finding Complete Satisfaction and Joy in God by John Piper (our church Community Group is going through this book together).
    5. Get my Travel Visa Application Sent

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by Monday
    3. Spend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house
    4. Dinner ready by 5:30 PM (Monday through Thursday) – it was closer to 6 pm a couple of days
    5. Spend time re-organizing and de-cluttering the office
    6. Update Family & Friends Contact Information – glad to have this information updated 🙂

    Business Goals

    1. Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
    2. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    3. Spend 10 minutes a day cleaning and organizing my desk
    4. Plan new implementations for blog
    5. Start working on 2011 business taxes – gathered the information and paperwork but nothing more yet

    Ministry Goals

    1. Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests
    2. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses – moving forward on this goal
    3. Start working on our personal 2011 taxes

    Here are my goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
    2. Read a book to the girls everyday
    3. Spend some time with extended family

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week
    2. Read and listen to the next section of  Desiring God: Finding Complete Satisfaction and Joy in God by John Piper (our church Community Group is going through this book together).

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by Monday

    Business Goals

    1. Attend the Pro Ag Conference
    2. Pay all bills that come in the mail this week

    Ministry Goals

    1. Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests
    2. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses

    I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.  I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true.  When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals.  Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick).  Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.

    Why Share My Goals?

    • To keep me accountable
    • To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
    • To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
    • Create healthy habits in my life
    • To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn

    How did you do this week on your goals?  Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.

    The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results

  • Game: Wits & Wagers by North Star Games

    In an earlier post I mentioned the Wits and Wagers by North Star Games that we received as a gift.   On the box it says “The Most Award Winning Party Game in History.”   This game quickly became a family favorite.  We have played this game many times since receiving it and have shared it with several other family and friends as well.  The game is based on facts, however, you don’t need to know all the answers in order to enjoy, participate, or even win the game.

    Our family enjoys having games nights and are excited about finding great games we can play together.  If you are looking for a fun family game you should check this one out or better yet come on over and play a round with us.  The rounds go pretty quickly and you will be surprised at how much you’ll learn.  You may just have a little fun along the way! 🙂

  • Family Outings: A Walk in the Park

    Brina and Karlie pausing “briefly” on our walk so I can snap a picture!

    Every once in awhile when the girls are off school and it is a beautiful day we get to meet Daddy for a quick picnic and walk in the park.  Legacy Park is pretty close to Jake’s work so he can pop over and meet us over his lunch hour.  I think the girls get more excited about going for a walk around the park then eating, ha!

    Legacy Park has paved paths for walking, biking or jogging plus a playground for the kids, beach volleyball, and a big open field perfect for flying kites or playing soccer.  On those hot days they have plenty of shade and restrooms (which are very nice for little kids).  I treasure these moments when we get get together over the lunch hour to grab a bite to eat, walk, talk, and play together as a family.  I think it is important to have some relaxing times built into our schedules.  Not only do we get a few extra minutes together as a family we get fresh air and some exercise which is beneficial for all of us!

    Do you have a park you enjoy going to for a picnic or to play?

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    Last week was busy with  Jake having a couple travel days with work and everyone fully back into the regular schedule with work and school.  As we move into the middle of the first month of 2012 I am reminded of all the goals that I want to accomplish this year.  The best part about staying on top of the goals (weekly check ins) is it points me back to my true priorities and provides stepping stones to where I want to be in the next year, 5 years, and more.

    Here is the update on last weeks goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
    2. Read a book to the girls everyday
    3. Have each girl read 1 book to myself or Jake 5 days this week – we did four nights so not quite 5 this week
    4. Set up a Date Night for Jake & I and a Date Night for the Kids – got Jake’s set up but need to get a date on the calendar for the girls
    5. Thank You notes written and sent for the Christmas Gifts – written, stamped, and addressed will go in the mail Tuesday 1/17

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week YAY! I stuck with it this week and did it!!! 🙂
    2. Go to bed by 10:30 pm or earlier Monday to Thursday – need to work on getting better on this one
    3. Finish reading The 60-Minute Money Workout by Ellie Kay
    4. Read and listen to the next section of  Desiring God: Finding Complete Satisfaction and Joy in God by John Piper (our church Community Group is going through this book together).

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by Monday
    3. Spend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house
    4. Dinner ready by 5:30 PM (Monday through Thursday)
    5. Spend time re-organizing and de-cluttering the office

    Business Goals

    1. Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
    2. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    3. Spend 10 minutes a day cleaning and organizing my desk
    4. Plan new implementations for blog – just didn’t get to it this week with all the other activities
    5. Schedule client meetings at least 2 weeks in advance

    Ministry Goals

    1. Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests
    2. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    3. Write and send out Meeting Notes from our January Alms & Legs Team Ministry meeting

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – went over $40 budget but had enough cash to cover the groceries
    2. Emergency Fund – start saving 3 months worth of living expenses – started working on it this week but not completed yet

    Here are my goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
    2. Read a book to the girls everyday
    3. Have each girl read 1 book to myself or Jake 5 days this week
    4. Go on my Date Night with Jake (we got free movie tickets so excited to enjoy some time away together)
    5. Get the girls Birthday Party Details Started

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week
    2. Go to bed by 10:30 pm or earlier Monday to Thursday
    3. Finish reading Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk
    4. Read and listen to the next section of  Desiring God: Finding Complete Satisfaction and Joy in God by John Piper (our church Community Group is going through this book together).
    5. Get my Travel Visa Application Sent

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by Monday
    3. Spend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house
    4. Dinner ready by 5:30 PM (Monday through Thursday)
    5. Spend time re-organizing and de-cluttering the office
    6. Update Family & Friends Contact Information

    Business Goals

    1. Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
    2. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    3. Spend 10 minutes a day cleaning and organizing my desk
    4. Plan new implementations for blog
    5. Work on 2011 business taxes

    Ministry Goals

    1. Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests
    2. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses
    3. Start working on our personal 2011 taxes

    I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.  I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true.  When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals.  Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick).  Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.

    Why Share My Goals?

    • To keep me accountable
    • To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
    • To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
    • Create healthy habits in my life
    • To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn

    How did you do this week on your goals?  Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.

    The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results

  • Family Fun: Rocket Sprinkler

    One of the benefits to living in South Carolina is you still have warm days even in the Fall and Winter. Yes, last week it got down to 14 degrees at night but the by the end of the week we were enjoying 60 to 70 degree weather.  To help everyone think “warm” thoughts this cool winter I decided to post a fun warm weather activity that you can look forward to doing with your kids before long.

    Rocket Sprinkler blasting off!  Jake had a sprinkler similar to this one growing up (his was a clown).  At the end of summer we bought this rocket.  Since we have a girl that LOVES rockets when this sprinkler went on clearance for a couple dollars I decided it was worth trying it out!

    The rocket sailing through the air!  The girls love spending time outside playing.  The sprinkler provides a great source of entertainment (when it is warm enough).  It might be a few more weeks….

    Brina and Karlie running around in the sprinkler and getting ready to shoot the rocket off again.

    The girls have a fun time playing in the yard splashing around in the water, climbing on the jungle gym, running around with Skipper (our black lab), drawing with chalk, riding bikes or many of the other fun outside activities.  I am thankful to have a yard were they can run and play.  I am looking forward to even more fun activities as we move closer to Spring and the weather continues to warm up, maybe even a couple “snow” days too. 

  • Family Activities: Enjoying Time with Extended Family (Part 2)

    There are so many things I have to be thankful for in my life with family being one of the top on the list. As a child I had the privilege of knowing and having wonderful memories with all four of my Great Grandma’s.  All four of my Grandparents are still healthy and are now able to be a part of my girls lives.  It is exciting to see my girls spend time and with their Grandparents and Great Grandparents because I know these precious times together are memories they will cherish.  I posted a few other pictures in an earlier post.  Here are a few pictures from our most recent visit with our Grandparents, Great Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles in South Carolina.

    Great Grandpa CE reading books to Karlie and Brina.  The girls were super excited about all the fun playing and book reading while everyone was visiting us. 

    Uncle Josh helped the girls put together a huge marble mazes!  They were quite impressed with his building skills and loved racing the marbles through the maze.  Karlie is racing her marbles while Uncle Josh helps Brina put hers together.

    Grandma Penny coloring with Brina.  Thankful for a time to relax and enjoy spending time with family.  Brina’s was thrilled to have some time coloring with Grandma Penny.

    Karlie is quite pleased with the lego, marble maze, and horse farm that Uncle Josh helped her put together.

    We had a blast with everyone visiting for several days.  The time flew by quickly and before we knew it everyone was leaving.  The girls did pretty well with saying goodbye to everybody but as they watched the car drive away they started crying…..  When asked why they were crying Brina said “I had so much fun I wasn’t ready for them to go yet.” and Karlie said “It went by too fast…I don’t think it was really 4 days…”  I am thankful for the opportunity to spend time with family; these moments spent together become treasured memories for the entire family.