Featuring wonderful ways from around the web to waste not every Wednesday... repurposing, upcycling, recycling, repairing... being frugal means learning how to make life fabulous by consuming less and reusing more.
This week's post features a simple recipe
holder and a sponge holder, too.
Both are examples from OFM's own kitchen!
 I found this beautiful Madonna and child pottery piece at a yard sale for 50 cents. She's meant to hold flowers natch, but I knew she'd be fabulous perched next to my sink, holding sponges and the sink stoppers. And guess what. She is.
 I have older recipes written down on cards and when I use them, I pluck them between the tines of a fork and rest the fork in a jar. The recipe is now close enough for me to read and the card is out of harm's way on the counter.
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Q: My older kids (9, 12, and 15) refuse to do their chores. Do you have any secrets for keeping your kids motivated?- anonymous, Covington, GA
A: If you Google chore charts or "how to make kids do chores," you'll find a ton of advice on the subject. If you search Pinterest, you'll find all kinds of clever ways for motivating, inspiring, and otherwise forcing children to do the chores you think they ought to do. When my Littles were younger, I often employed such shenanigans to help me help them do what needed doing. Some of those ideas may work for you as well, but I'm going to tell you what works for me now. I hope it helps, friend. Peace, B.  We are a dictatorship working towards a democracy in this house. What exactly does that mean? I don't have to motivate anyone to do anything. My Littles are expected to complete their chores to my satisfaction because that is what is expected of her. Doing chores is just part being in our family. Doing what is expected of you is a responsibility inherent to belonging to our super mega awesome fabulous clan.
 Now, before I get emails telling me how terrible I am (and by all means, bring it), let me explain that I do not stand over my Littles with a whip and demand that they do their chores. I do not withhold praise. I do not work them like servants. I give my Littles chores to do and they are expected to do them well. We have always explained chores as a responsibility, a job. Completing your job means you are rewarded. In other words, clean rooms fuel cell phones.
 You read that correctly. Clean rooms fuel cell phones. You don't get the perks of being a part of this family unless you do what needs doing. Cleaning the kitchen on your night means you get to continue using that fabulous laptop of yours. Keeping your dirty clothes off the floor means Mama will continue to wash, dry, and fold your laundry. It's a give and take. I don't give allowances in exchange for doing what is expected. That's like giving an award for perfect attendance.
 What can you do if chores have never been viewed as a responsibility, an expectation, in your house? You can start by making sure that you are the parent and the children are the children. That means, you set the rules and expectations. The rules need to be fair and consistent just as chores need to be reasonable. My job as a parent is to give my Littles opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. Expectations need to be realistic. Children grow best when they are taught that they have value, when they know that they have worth, and when they are surrounded by love. Love is not the same thing as indulgence. I think it's high time we stop indulging our children (and ourselves) and start doing what needs doing.
 Let's say you decide that you are going to have your child clean up after dinner every other night. That's reasonable. You can show him how to do it the first time. Model the behavior. If he is having trouble staying on task or completing the chore to your specifications, model that behavior again and control the environment. Is he wandering away because the television is on in the next room? Turn off the television. Is he not wiping down the counters because he doesn't know where the cleaner is kept? Show him where the cleaner is.
 If he doesn't complete the chore to your satisfaction after you are certain he understands what is expected of him, you can remove some of his privileges. What works for one child may not work for another. For example, the most effective way to motivate the Teenager is to remove the privilege of a cell phone and laptop. I know, I know. Positive reinforcement is better than punishment, but honestly, friends, we don't look at what we do here as punishment. It's just a consequence of not doing what is expected. If you don't do your job, you don't get paid. Wouldn't it be a wonderful world if more children were taught this?
Every Little in my house has a responsibility chart (or a list), so she can be reminded of what needs doing on any given day. This isn't a suggestion. This is what is expected. I don't assign a value to each job or offer a three strikes and your out option. This is your job. Do it to the best of your ability. And that, my friends, is that.
"At this point, friends, you may be asking yourself why I don’t scream and yell and punish with harsh words and a heavy hand. That’s just not how we roll here at the Hallmans. We have good kids. Kind kids. Respectful, tolerant, smart kids. And they didn’t get that way because we beat them or made them fear us. They may also be kids that don’t do their chores, but I like the privileges versus responsibilities approach rather than the bully them approach to parenting. We’re a dictatorship working toward a democracy here. Not a monarchy, ruling with the divine right of God. "
Do you have a question that needs answering? Just email OFM at mamabee@OneFabulousMama.com! For more Magical Monday Q&A fabulousness, go here!
It's true, friends. The Dollar Tree will begin accepting coupons this Sunday, August 26, 2012! I'm soooo excited! Copied below, you'll find the coupon policy. You can go here as well. Peace, B. IN-STORE COUPON ACCEPTANCE: GUIDELINES & LIMITATIONSDOLLAR TREE WILL ACCEPT COUPONS IN STORES BEGINNING SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012 - Only original and intact manufacturers’ coupons will be accepted. Retailer-specific coupons will not be accepted.
- Coupons are void if copied, scanned, or if they have been altered in any way.
- Only two (2) print-at-home Internet coupons may be redeemed per transaction.
- We are unable to accept coupons for “Free” items with no purchase requirements or where the amount for the product is blank.
- Coupons can only be used in stores and must be presented at time of purchase. Coupons cannot be redeemed for cash at a later time.
- Coupons will not be accepted without the purchase of the item specified and are subject to the terms listed (e.g. expiration date, size, limitations, quantity, etc.).
- Coupons cannot be redeemed for more than the purchase price of the item.
- Only one (1) manufacturer’s coupon will be accepted per item.
- Management has the right to refuse any coupon or otherwise limit quantities.
Make your own body wash for a fraction of the cost!  One day, I was chitty chatty on the OFM Facebook wall with some readers about some such frugal busy-ness involving bar soap. A reader shared how she had made a bunch of body wash using 2 bars of bar soap. I filed that away under "stuff that needs investigating" and went about my frugal busy-ness. Meanwhile, I keep collecting the empty bottles of body wash and other containers for our homemade shampoos.
See, I'm a sucker for Bath & Body Works honeysuckle body wash. Only problem is, they stopped making that scent. Booooooo. Now that my favorite scent is no longer available, I can't justify the expense of $8 body wash. (Hush. In my mind, that makes sense.) I decided I'd try making some liquid soap once my stockpile dwindled down to a few bottles of the expensive stuff and I'm so glad I did. It's super easy and it's super good stuff, too.
Thanks to OFM reader, Brandy, for sharing this idea with me. Peace, B.
PS
The picture above is of a half batch of the body wash described below.
You'll need the following ingredients to make one gallon of body wash:
1 gallon water
8 ounces grated bar soap
Seriously, that's all you need. Some folks might tell you that you have to have glycerin to thicken the liquid. You don't. If you want thicker body wash, just add more grated soap to the mix. I like this soap to water ratio just fine.
I used a scale to weigh my grated soap because I was using bulk purchased pieces of soap. If you use a bar soap, just go by the ounces of the package. How to make your own body wash:
1. Grate the soap.
2. Boil the water.
3. Add the soap to the boiling water.
4. Stir until the soap dissolves.
5. Let that sit for 4 hours or so. The soap will congeal.
6. Run the body wash through the food processor or blender.
7. Pour the body wash into containers.
8. Be amazed by the fabulous-ness you just made and the amount of money you just saved.
I used the bulk Zest I purchased at Bell's for super cheap in this first batch. This batch will be for the mister who thinks all soap smells the same in that man way of his. I'm doing a second batch with Yardley's soap because I like the scent so much. I figure I spent around 25 cents for this half gallon of body wash. That's spectacular. The next batch using the Yardley's soap will cost more like a dollar, but that'll be for a whole gallon. I know. It defies reason! Here's a cute (but long) tutorial on making body wash by cheap geek. You will find a ton of tutorials on doing this. I like this one because he sings about peanut butter at the beginning and end and that made me giggle. homemade frugal and fabulous goodness
Featuring wonderful ways from around the web to waste not every Wednesday... repurposing, upcycling, recycling, repairing... being frugal means learning how to make life fabulous by consuming less and reusing more.
This week's post features a cookie sheet turned tray and spoons turned garden markers.  This tutorial by Martha Stewart for upcycling an old cookie sheet is super easy and super sweet. Cloth is adhered to the tray using spray adhesive.
 I love, love, love these spoons turned garden markers by Domestic Simplicity. The website offers a step-by-step process. Featuring unique artwork, this is a project that the whole family can get in on!
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I was making this casserole to take to a friend in need and realized, I've never shared it here. You know Southerners have a whole arsenal of casserole recipes for all occasions- potlucks, births, deaths, sickness, housewarming, and on and on and on. We show up bearing a covered casserole dish at the first sign of joy or trouble. If you are living in a place where folks don't cook for you during your highs and lows, you should move into my neighborhood. I'll take care of you.
Anyway.
This casserole came about like most casseroles do- on accident. I was throwing together supper and decided I'd give what I had on hand a little south of the border twist by adding in my homemade taco seasoning and canned nacho cheese. That was delish, but then I decided I'd add some bacon. Why? Because bacon makes everything taste better. I bend my never use canned chicken rule for this recipe as well. Don't judge me, heifers. This is a winner at potlucks. I always leave with an empty dish.
Peace, B.
PS
This freezes well covered for up to two months. Just don't add the cheese and chips to the top until you're ready to bake it.
Sometimes, I add a small can of chile peppers and black beans.
This feeds my family of five with enough leftovers for lunch the next day. You'll need the following ingredients to make a 13X9 casserole: one 12 ounce can of chunk chicken breast, drained one 14 ounce can of petite diced tomatoes one 15 ounce can nacho cheese* 2 teaspoons taco seasoning4 cups cooked rice one 15 ounce can chicken broth add enough water to the broth to make four cups 1/2 pound cooked bacon 1 minced bell pepper 1 minced onion 2 cloves minced garlic 2 eggs 1 cup milk 2 cups shredded cheese 3 handfuls of crushed tortilla chips *You can find this in the ethnic food section of your grocery store. You may be tempted to use the cheese soup stuff. Don't. It doesn't taste nearly as faboo as this.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare rice in chicken broth and water. (Bring broth and water to a boil, add rice, and cook on low heat covered for 20 minutes.)
Meanwhile, fry bacon and drain. Crumble into small pieces. Saute onion, pepper, and garlic in bacon grease. Veggies cooked in bacon grease are the bomb, yo.
In a small bowl, mix together the milk and eggs. In a 13X9 glass casserole dish, mix together chicken, tomatoes. nacho cheese, and taco seasoning. Add rice and mix well. Add crumbled bacon and veggies. Mix well. Add milk and egg mixture. Mix well. Top with shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips. Bake for 45 minutes. I serve this beside a bed of lettuce topped with pico de gallo and sour cream and some tortilla chips.
Q: I'm new to being a stay at home mom (not new to motherhood, just this part of it) and it's killing me. Do you have any tips or tricks to share so I don't end up crazy and drunk?- anonymous
A: This is officially my favorite question in the history of ever. It's honest. It's real. And sister-friend, believe me, I have been where you are. I could be a smart ass here and remind you I'm both crazy and drunk, but really, I'm not drunk that often. I gotchoo, friend. You're gonna be fabulous at this.
I don't know if this is by choice or circumstance that you find yourself at home, friend. I've experienced both. I just want you to take a second, regardless of why you are a stay at home mama, and remember that you are winning at your life. Right this very second. You are like the Grand National Champion of being YOU. Keep rocking that magic.
Below are five tips that help make my life as a stay at home mama joyful. This is what works for me. Try some or all of them. Keep what works. Toss the rest.
 1. Be an early(er) riser. The greatest gift I give myself is the precious time before my house rises. I use that time for meditation. You can use it for whatever you want. When it's time to rouse my Littles, the smell of coffee is going and I am centered. Now, it might seem silly to some folks that a woman who has the house to herself all dang day makes a point of rising before everyone else for "alone" time. The point of getting up early isn't so I can be alone. It's so I can start my day with intent and peace. It's so I can say to both mySelf and the Universe, "I'm here. I'm present. Let's do this thing."
 2. Find joy in what you do. How does one find joy in washing yet another load of clothes, preparing yet another meal, and wiping yet another snotty nose? Well, friend, it's possible. When I worked outside the home, I took pride in what I did. Same goes for here. Am I the best housekeeper in the world? Hell, no. I suck at that part of it, but clothes get cleaned and the house does as well. (Eventually.) I really like the cooking part of my job so I focus on that part, but the other stuff is important and it gets done. Just remember- The highlight of your day doesn't have to be doing the thing that sucks.
 3. Knock out the chores as quickly as possible to make room for the fun stuff. Seriously. It's a finite amount of space. Do what needs doing so you can get to something you consider fun. I like to read and garden. That is what makes me happy and is all mine. I may have a "to do" list that's a mile long, but it eventually has an end and I can do the things I enjoy doing.
 4. Don't compare yourself to anyone else. Just because your sister, cousin, and neighbor seem like they are all hard wired for being a stay at home mama, doesn't mean you are failing at this. If you compare yourself to other people, odds are you're gonna find fault with your life. Just quit it. This is about you and what you do. Not about what anyone else is doing. What works for your sister/cousin/neighbor may or may not work for you. You know why? Because you aren't them. You're you. Get busy being you, boo-boo.
 5. Find other mamas and form a tribe. I don't care if you aren't much of a people person. Shut up and make some friends. You know why? Because when you make mama friends, you aren't alone in this. No matter what stage of mamahood you're in, you need other mamas around you. Not to use as a basis for comparison, but to support and love you. Don't fall into the "play group" trap where you feel like you have to be someone you're not. I want you to seek out people who lift you up, who have either been there or are going to be there in their own mama journeys, and who will drink a cup of coffee or down a margarita.
People say that being a stay at home mama isn't for everyone. Women will line up against one another quick as that to defend their own choices. Mamas who work outside the home will point out that they do everything a stay at home mama does AND they hold down a paying job. Mamas who stay at home get defensive about their worth. When mamas fight over who works harder or who's doing it right, it just tears us all down. Why would we want to do that?
I'll leave you with this, friend. I describe being a stay at home mother as a great and terrible beauty. Motherhood in general is hard, but making it your main thing can be terrifying. This is your journey. You're gonna be really good at it. Does that mean your whites will be whiter and your children will be angels? Nope. Does that mean that folks won't secretly think you're eating bon bons and watching stow-rees everyday? Nope. Does that mean you won't be a little cray cray from time to time? Nope. It means you are going to learn the lessons that need learning, climb the mountains that need climbing, and laugh in all the right places, too. Why? Because this is your journey. You got this.
Peace, B.
Do you have a question that needs answering? Just email OFM at mamabee@OneFabulousMama.com! For more Magical Monday Q&A fabulousness, go here!
Make your own carpet freshener!  When I saw that a Parmesan cheese top fit on a mason jar (TYVM, Pinterest!), I think I was a little too happy. For years, I've been making carpet freshener and using recycled spice jars. This was a pain to me because the container wasn't exactly the right size to hold all of the homemade carpet freshener goodness I made at one time and it wasn't nearly as cute as it could be. Usually, I don't mind when things don't look precisely how I want them to look, but I digress. The spice jar just wasn't the thing to hold all that awesome-ness. Once I put a Parmesan cheese lid on a mason jar, I was all "It's time to blog about homemade carpet freshener now!" Crazy people are so much fun to watch, aren't we?
What I like most about making my own carpet freshener is that I control the scent. I like that I can use my favorite smell in the whole wide world, honeysuckle. This is reason alone, but I use lots less of the powder that I make than the store bought kind. I think the cost is less, but I've never done a to the penny comparison. In the end, it's the results. I like the way my house smells when I use the carpet freshener I make.
Peace, B.
You need the following ingredients for 1 & 1/2 cups homemade carpet freshener:
a box of baking soda
essential oil(s) of your choice To make: 1. Pour the baking soda into a mixing bowl.
 2. Pour in drops of essential oil. I use 10 drops and the scent isn't overpowering, but it is strongly present.
3. Use a fork to mix in the essential oil. If you have any clumps, use your fingers to break them apart.
 4. Use a funnel to pour the carpet freshener into the mason jar.
5. Secure lid on jar. To use: Sprinkle a small amount onto carpets and let sit for up to an hour. Vacuum up completely. On less used areas of the house, the scent lingers for a few days. Definitely present everywhere for the next 48 hours! Holiday fabulous-ness: During the winter months, I usually add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the baking soda and omit the essential oils altogether. My house smells like happy-ness! Warning! Now that I am using the Parmesan lid on a mason jar to store my carpet freshener, I've noticed my Littles tend to be heavy handed when sprinkling the freshener onto our carpets. I taped down the spoon side of the top just to avoid any mishaps and warned them to be careful with the sprinkle side. Treat your carpet freshener like you do your other homemade cleaning products. It's gold, friends. Don't waste any of it!
I love when the calendar from the Emory College of Arts arrives. Yes, yes, the Candler Concert Series is fabulous. You can subscribe to the full series for $180 and that's a mighty fine dealio, BUT I like attending the FREE events that dot the calendar throughout the year. They make for some spectacularly fun and frugal trips to the city. Whether I'm taking the whole family or spending time with my man on a date night, I'm really grateful to have these events that are open to the public at Emory. Below you'll find a list of cool concerts and screenings of old movies happening in September. See if anything appeals to you for your family! Peace, B. PS You can access the full calendar of events at Emory University, here. A Trip to the Moon (1902), with Sherlock Jr. (1924)WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2012, 7:30PM White Hall, Rm. 208 For more information, go here. Bach Live! SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2012, 4PM Schwartz Center for Performing Arts For more information, go here. Metropolis (1927) WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012, 7:30PM White Hall, Rm. 208 For more information, go here. "Musical Fireworks," Vega String Quartet and William Ransom, pianoFRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012, 12PM Reception Hall, Michael C. Carlos Museum For more information, go here. King Kong (1933)WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2012, 7:30PM White Hall, Rm. 208 For more information, go here. "A Night at the Opera - Without the Singers!" with Eroica Trio and Vega String Quartet SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2012, 8PM Schwartz Center for Performing Arts For more information, go here. The Invisible Man (1933) WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012, 7:30PM White Hall, Rm. 208 For more information, go here. Defiant Chamber Music SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012, 3PM Marcus Hillel Center For more information, go here.
Featuring wonderful ways from around the web to waste not every Wednesday... repurposing, upcycling, recycling, repairing... being frugal means learning how to make life fabulous by consuming less and reusing more.
Today's post features a wallet made from a carton
or a purse from a plastic bottle.
 Check out this easy peasy, super mega awesome fabulous video tutorial from Family Fun magazine. You can make a wallet from an orange juice carton!
 Or you can make this adorable purse from a plastic bottle! Detailed instructions can be found here courtesy of Zitta Schnitt.
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