Showing posts with label Works for Me Wednesday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Works for Me Wednesday. Show all posts
Saving Bazillions of Dollars on Books
Kate

(This is not my library.  I'm so sad.)

I have five different library cards:
  • Smalltownville Library
  • The Town In Which We Used to Live library
  • Cute Historic Town Library
  • Town With the Grocery Store Library
  • Big City Library
Why?  Because libraries really, really Work for Me!  Here's why:

Free Books!  This is obvious, but I think we tend to take this for granted.  Think of it: An entire building filled with books that you are welcome to take home and read, for free!  It's the perfect opportunity to try something new without worrying about the cost.  I currently have about 50 books checked out of various libraries.  Assuming the average book cost is $12, that's $600 worth of books sitting in my living room.

No Clutter!  Sure, some books are worth owning.  You'll read them over and over again, or they're reference books.  Most books, however, are read once and then placed on a shelf to collect dust.  Why not let the librarians do the dusting instead?

Any Book!  If you can't find the book you're looking for, many libraries offer an Inter-Library Loan program.  They'll find a library that has the book you want and will have it shipped to your local branch.  Some libraries do this for free, while others charge a small fee.  (My library will do it for $1 per book.)

Just Pick 'Em Up!  I love this one!  If your library has an online catalog, you may be able to reserve the books you want.  The librarian will gather your books and have them waiting behind the circulation desk.  This is such a timesaver!  No more running all over the library with a scrap of paper filled with call numbers.  It's especially awesome at my Big City library.  It's actually a network of five or six libraries, and I can use the online system to reserve books from any of those branches.  They'll deliver all the books to the central branch without charging me ILL fees.

(Oh, and two final tips: Keep all of your library books in one spot and mark the due dates on your calendar in red ink.)

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(Library photo from Radioher's Flickr photostream.)

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How to Get a Good Night's Sleep
Kate

I tend to have some sleep problems from time to time, whether it’s taking too long to fall asleep or repeatedly waking up at night.  Lately, though, I’ve had a much harder time, so I decided to do some research into getting a better night’s sleep.  I found some great information and wanted to share what I learned, because a good night’s sleep Works for Me!


Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

 

Preparations:

  • How much sleep do you need?  Obviously, if your body needs 8 hours of sleep and you’re only getting 6, you need to make some changes.  However, the opposite is also true: Trying to sleep 8 or more hours when you only need 6-7 will not only be difficult, but can make you groggy during the day.
  • Have a regular sleep schedule.  This means going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning, including weekends.  I’m sorry.
  • The bedroom is for sleeping.  (And, ahem, other things…)  Using the bedroom for working, paying bills, watching TV, etc. can make it difficult to fall asleep later.  You want your mind to associate the bedroom with sleeping.
  • In what condition is your mattress?  If it’s sagging in the middle, or just plain old, you might need to save up for a new one.  Also, take into account whether you prefer a softer or harder mattress.  While you’re at it, make sure you’re sleeping on a comfy pillow that provides enough support.

 

During the Day:

  • Get enough sunshine.  Your body uses the daily cycles of light and dark to figure out when it should be asleep.  (I know, that’s a very technical explanation!)  I’ve found that if I don’t get much sunlight during the day, I don’t sleep as well.
  • Be active!  I can see this very clearly with Chickpea, and I have no doubt it works for us adults, too: Getting plenty of movement during the day helps you sleep better at night.
  • Clean your room, young lady!  Make your bed in the morning, and keep your bedroom neat and clean.  Visual clutter can be stress-inducing, and climbing into an unmade bed surrounded by mess can certainly make it hard to relax.
  • Don’t nap during the day.  I’ve been guilty of this lately, and it’s easy to fall into a vicious cycle.  Sleep poorly one night, then take a nap the next afternoon, and then you can’t fall asleep again that night!  Unless you’re a newborn, daytime is not for sleeping.

 

A Few Hours Before Bed:

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol.  This will be different for everyone.  Maybe you can tolerate a cup of coffee an hour before bed, while someone else needs to steer clear of coffee for at least five hours.
  • Eat a light dinner.  Or at least, don’t eat an exceptionally heavy meal.  It’s no fun trying to sleep when dinner is heavy like lead in your stomach.
  • Don’t snack right before bed.  Same reason as above.
  • Or, have a snack!  Sometimes having a little something (key word: little) can keep you from being too hungry to sleep.

 

30 Minutes Before Bed:

  • Avoid the screen.  This means TV, movies, and (gulp) the Internet.  It’s way too easy to get caught up in it until it’s suddenly way past your bedtime.  Plus, the bright light of the computer screen isn’t exactly conducive to sleep.
  • Dim the lights.  The idea is to get your body to realize that it’s almost bedtime.  Try turning off the overhead lights and just using a bedside lamp.
  • Get the temperature right.  In general, people sleep better in a slightly cool room.  If possible, turn the air conditioning down a couple degrees at night.  Try using ceiling or floor fans to keep the air circulating.  Use lightweight sheets and pajamas.  (In the winter, of course, you’ll want to use quilts and blankets.)  Take a cool shower if you need to.
  • Have a relaxing before-bed routine.  This will be different for each person, but the key is to start winding down in preparation for sleep.  Here are some ideas:
    • Turn on some soft music or hymns.
    • Take a shower or bath to relax.
    • Read a magazine or book (nothing intense, though).
    • Have a cup of (decaffeinated) tea or a glass of warm milk.
    • Work on a relaxing hobby, like knitting or crocheting.
    • Write in a journal.
    • Read the Psalms.
    • Perform some relaxation exercises (for example, yoga).
    • Use aromatherapy: lavender and chamomile are very relaxing.
  • Avoid arguments.  Tense discussions should be saved for another time.
  • Pray! Ask God for help, and pray for a good night’s rest.  Also be sure to thank Him for the blessings He’s given you!

 

At Bedtime:

  • Turn out the lights.  Remember, you want your body to know it’s time for sleep.  If necessary, use a sleep mask to block out light.
  • Don’t look at the clock.  Face it away from you if necessary.  You don’t need to be constantly reminded of the time.
  • Make it quiet.  Get rid of ticking clocks and other noise-makers.  If this isn’t possible, try using a “white noise” machine.
  • Get comfy and relax.  Keep your eyes closed and focus on relaxing all of your muscles.  Try tensing and then relaxing your muscles, starting at your feet and working your way up.
  • Breathe.  Focus on your breathing, and make sure you’re breathing from your stomach and not just your chest.
  • Don’t force it.  Don’t think things like, “If I don’t fall asleep right now, I won’t be able to get up in the morning!”  Trust me: That doesn’t help.  Instead, focus your thoughts on how comfortable you are and how sleepy you feel.  Relaxing, empty sorts of thoughts.  Try pretending you’re somewhere relaxing, like alone on a beach.
  • Find out what’s bugging you.  If thoughts or worries tend to keep you awake, then keep a notepad and pen next to the bed.  Jot down any tasks you want to remember.  If you’re stressed about something, try making a list: “Things That Are Bothering Me.”  Write down everything that comes to mind.  It sounds silly, but it often helps to simply identify what’s on your mind.

 

If You’re Still Having Trouble:

  • Don’t just lie there.  If you can’t fall asleep, get up and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy.  Keep the lights low and stay off the computer.  Even sitting in a comfortable chair with the lights off may help.
  • Write it all down.  Sometimes it’s just hard to turn your mind off!  If you just can’t clear your mind, try stream of consciousness writing.  Grab a cheap notebook or some paper and start writing.  Forget grammar, spelling, and even complete sentences.  Write down your thoughts as you have them.  Don’t worry if it’s sloppy or doesn’t make any sense.  The point is to get it all out of your head so you can relax.
  • See a doctor.  If you’re having consistent trouble falling or staying asleep, it might be best to see your doctor.  Sometimes insomnia can be a symptom of an underlying condition.

 

If you have some advice for getting a good night’s sleep, I hope you’ll share it in the comments!  A lot of people have trouble sleeping from time to time, and it’s really helpful to have a “plan of action” to help get your sleep back on track.


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WFMW: Summer Recipe Edition!
Kate

To me, nothing says Summer quite like ice cream.  I remember, as a kid, getting ridiculously excited when I heard the unmistakable music of the ice cream truck.  It rarely came down our street, so it was always a huge treat when it did.  Sure, the same kinds of ice cream were sold at the grocery store (for a fraction of the price), but it tasted better coming from that truck!

Well, I haven't seen the ice cream man in years.  I know: It's so sad.  But not to worry!  I now own an ice cream maker, and that brings me to my Works for Me Wednesday.  Today's theme is "favorite Summer recipes," and the first thing that popped into my mind wasn't one recipe, but a book of them: The Perfect Scoop, by David Lebovitz.

If you thought treats from the ice cream truck were good, wait until you try making your own with these recipes!  Here are a few of the flavors in the book:

  • Chocolate-Peanut Butter
  • Butterscotch Pecan
  • Chocolate-Raspberry
  • Toasted Almond & Candied Cherry
  • Rum Raisin
Oh, wait!  What about these, more unusual, recipes:
  • Basil Ice Cream
  • Black Pepper Ice Cream
  • Avocado Ice Cream
  • Fresh Fig Ice Cream
Not to mention frozen yogurts, gelatos, and sorbets.  Oh, and the chapter on "vessels," with recipes for brownies, sandwich cookies, ice cream cones, and more.  And then there are the chapters on mix-ins and toppings.  This is my favorite ice cream cookbook ever.

After you make your ice cream, don't forget to sing:
"I scream; you scream; we all scream for ICE CREAM!"

'Cuz, you know, ice cream in summertime Works for Me.

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How to Keep a Child Amused for $1.84
Kate

10 Easy Steps:

  1. Purchase two bottles of bubble solution from grocery store.  (For $1.84.  Plus tax, I guess.)
  2. Make sure one of the bottles is the child's favorite color.
  3. Surprise child with bubble solution and head outside.
  4. Remind child that blowing bubbles is not like blowing out birthday candles.
  5. Game #1: Create as many bubbles as possible.  Try to catch them all.
  6. Fall on the ground laughing.
  7. Game #2: Try to blow the biggest bubble possible.
  8. Game #3: Play bubble catch.  Child blows a bubble.  Parent catches it on her wand.  Attempts to blow it back to child.
  9. Fall on the ground laughing.
  10. Repeat from step 5 until the bubble solution runs out or gets spilled.  Usually the latter.

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WFMW: Printing E-Books Without Using Reams of Paper
Kate

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Here's a tip to save paper when you want to print a multi-page document, like an e-book:

Print four pages to a sheet, double-sided.

I can't give exact instructions, as it'll be slightly different depending on your printer, but you'll probably be able to find a "layout" or "page setup" setting where you can change the number of pages printed to a sheet.  If you choose four pages to a sheet, you can print a 100 page e-book on 25 pieces of paper.

If you're willing to experiment a little, you can go a step further by printing double-sided.  To get this to work, you need to be able to choose the "layout direction."  For example:

  • Horizontal: Page 1 will go on the upper-left of the sheet.  Page 3 on the upper-right.  Page 5 lower-left.  Page 7 lower-right.
  • Horizontal-Reversed: Page 2 on upper-right.  Page 4 on upper-left.  Page 6 on lower right.  Page 8 on lower-left.
Clear as mud?  Here's how it will look.  You first print the odd pages with the horizontal layout:


Then you put those pages back in the printer (with the correct orientation, depending on your printer) and print the even pages on the other side:


If you like, you can then cut apart the pages, hole punch them, and use book rings to make your own little book.  Here's an e-book I printed a while back:


This will take some experimenting.  Once you figure out how to do it with your printer, definitely write it down so you'll remember for next time!  You'll be able to print a 100 page document using only 13 pieces of paper!  (Or 25, if you don't want to mess with double-sided printing.)

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By TwitterButtons.com
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WFMW? Daily Themes
Kate

Check Out More "Works for Me Wednesday"

I'm not sure if this Works for Me, as I've just decided to try it, but even if it doesn't, it might work for you!

Daily Themes

If you've ever tried FlyLady you're probably already familiar with the concept.  (I think she calls it her Weekly Plan.)  It's basically focusing on one task each day.  Here's mine:

  • Monday: Laundry Day
  • Tuesday: Cleaning Day (Basic Housework)
  • Wednesday: Desk Day (Paying Bills, Filing, etc.)
  • Thursday: Fun Day (Fun Projects with Chickpea)
  • Friday: Kitchen Day (Dinner Prep for the Week, Baking)
This doesn't mean I'll spend ALL day on that task; my goal is to be done before 2-3pm at the latest.  It just means that once I do laundry/cleaning/whatever, then I don't even have to think about it for the rest of the week.  I've never tried having a weekly kitchen prep day, but we'll see how it goes!

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WFMW: Multitasking Kitchen Items
Kate

I don't like having lots of little gadgets and appliances in the kitchen, although I love looking at them in Williams Sonoma.  I prefer to have items that I can use for more than one purpose.  Here's one example:

My Gravy Separator



(Yes I know the picture is sideways.  I've never had a problem with this, but Blogger was driving me nuts.  I have groceries to put away, so it's staying sideways.)

I bought it one year at Thanksgiving to, well, separate gravy.  For a while that was its only purpose, until I realized that I could use the mesh strainer on its own.


Now I use it for other things as well, such as...
  • serving the gravy, so I don't need a gravy boat
  • mise en place (holding water or other liquid so it's ready while I'm cooking)
  • sifting powdered sugar (it sifts right into the container so I can measure as I go)
  • dusting my work surface with flour
  • dusting baked goods (like cake or french toast) with powdered sugar
  • straining small amounts of jam or preserves
All that from one little tool!  That definitely Works for Me!

How do you get the most from your kitchen gadgets?

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WFMW: Neurotic Goal Planning (Yay, Free Download!)
Kate

Several of you were interested in the monthly goal tracker form (see my post here), so I made a more generic version to share with you.  It's a Microsoft Word document.  I don't really know what I'm doing, and I have a tendency to "reinvent the wheel," so if you have a problem or a suggestion, please let me know!

With regards to my downloads, I'd like to ask two favors of you:
  • If you'd like to share the download with anyone else, please refer them to my site to download it.
  • Please don't remove the footer at the bottom of the page.  I'm just vain that way.
Thanks!  =)

How to Set It Up

Once you download and open the document, you can customize it with your own goals and projects:
  1. The Date- Click on the month and year fields to fill in... the month and year!  Aren't you glad you have these instructions?
  2. Daily Goals- There's room for twelve daily goals.  Click on each field (labeled "Goal") and type one of your goals.  Try to keep it super-short; just a word or two.  If you don't need all the columns, just click the "Goal" field and hit delete.  You can just leave the columns empty, or mess around with deleting them.
  3. Weekly Goals- You can put up to seven weekly goals here.  Click the "Goal" field and type a goal.    To the right of each goal are five circles, each with a "Date" label.  You can just delete the labels if you want, or you can type in the dates you want to do the goal.  For example, I want to set up a playdate for Chickpea each Friday this month, so my circles are labeled 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, and 5/29.  Clear as mud?  Just delete whatever you don't need!
  4. Reading- Depending on how many books you want to read, I put this in both columns.  The left column has room for two books, and the right column has room for a few more.  (When I did my own goal tracker, I had a bunch of projects and didn't have room for books on the right-hand column.)  You can delete them from wherever you don't want them.  Anyhoo, click on the "Book Title" field and, well, you know.  All the circles under each book are for chapters read.  There are forty circles for each book.  If you read books of that length, you have my praise.  Delete any you don't want.  =)
  5. Projects- There are, I think, ten project spaces in the right-hand column.  Just click the "Project Title" field and enter a quick description of the project you want to work on.  Then just type in your tasks; these are the individual steps needed to accomplish your project.  Just hit "enter" to add more tasks, and delete any project spaces you don't need.  If you can't fit it all on one page, well, maybe you're trying to do too much.  Plus, I didn't feel like designing a two page project planner.  :)
  6. I think that's it.  I've never made something quite as customize-able-ish before, so let me know if you have any problems/suggestions/chocolate.

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WFMW: Change Your Vacuum Bag, For Heaven's Sake!
Kate

Vacuuming with a bag that isn't totally full really Works for Me. I realized how well it Works for Me when I neglected to change my vacuum bag for a Very Long Time. So long, in fact, that the vacuum started turning itself off when I tried to use it. So long that when I finally did empty the bag, I had to do it outside, because it was FULL. As in, dust backing up out of the bag and into the hose. Yeah.

Not to mention it was doing a terrible job cleaning my carpets. Vacuuming is so much more pleasant when your vacuum actually works. While you're changing the bag, you might also want to take a look at the beater bar. Chickpea and I both have very long hair, and an amazing amount of it ends up wound around the bar. Attack it with scissors, a seam ripper, or whatever sharp implement you have handy so you can avoid burning out the motor. (I've almost done that several times.)

You may now shake your heads in disdain. I can only hope my mother-in-law doesn't know I have a blog.

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WFMW: A New Download!
Kate

Planning my week totally Works for Me, and I've come up with all sorts of forms over the last few years to help me do it.

This is something I designed and used for quite a while last year, and it's something I might go back to at some point.  It's a four-page-per-week planner formatted for letter-sized paper.  Below is some info about it.  If you're interested, you can download it for free!  (It's a PDF file.)

  • The first page has a row of squares to write in calendar events for the week.
  • Below that is a section called "Things To Do."  You can write in tasks in four categories.  I usually labeled the categories Homeschool, Blog/Computer, For DangerBear, and General Tasks.
  • The bottom of the first page has a place to record money spent, as well as lines for notes.
  • The following three pages are daily planners.  Each day contains room to record things like your Most Important Tasks, daily chores, menu, Scripture reading, and so on.  I used the daily "theme" to note the day's focus, like cleaning, baking, or laundry.  You could also decide to focus on a certain character quality each day.
  • There are daily sections for homeschool/children and blogging.  I realize not everyone has kids or a blog.  This is just something I designed for myself that I wanted to share.  If you can think of more general categories to replace them, I can probably create a new form and offer that as a download.
I'm always open to suggestions, so if you have some ideas for improving the planner, I'd love to hear them!

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Works for Me Wednesday: Water Pitchers
Kate

My kitchen has a filtered water dispenser next to the sink.  The refrigerator at our previous house had a dispenser (inside the refrigerator, not on the outside of the door).  I love having the dispenser, but it takes 20-30 seconds to fill a drinking glass.  That's not too much time, but when I have to fill all the glasses while I'm trying to get dinner on the table, it's kind of a pain.

Enter the pitchers:


I got them for a couple of dollars at Walmart, filled them with filtered water, and keep them in the refrigerator.  Whenever anyone wants a glass of water, they pour it from a pitcher.  When one is empty, I fill it from the dispenser.

Now we always have plenty of chilled, filtered water handy!  Super simple, but it Works for Me.  =)


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WFMW: Kitchen Timer
Kate
Oh, how I love my kitchen timer!  As someone who is easily distracted (Ooh look, something shiny!) and doesn't have a good concept of time, my kitchen timer is a lifesaver.


Uses for my timer:
  • Track Dishes Cooking in the Oven
  • To Remind Me to Take Action (ex: "In two hours I need to add green beans to the slow cooker.")
  • Convince Me to Start Cleaning ("It's only fifteen minutes.")
  • Time-Outs (Sometimes I forget Chickpea's in time-out because it's so nice and quiet!)
  • Keep Laundry Moving
  • Make Sure I Don't Spend Too Much Time on the Computer
  • Keep Me From Working Too Long on One Project
  • To Race Myself ("Let's see if I can clean the kitchen in ten minutes.")
  • Making a Cup of Tea
  • To Tell Chickpea When It's Time for Bed
  • Multitasking (Task A for 15 Minutes, Task B for 10 Minutes, etc.)
DangerBear gave me my kitchen timer for our first Christmas after we were married.  It's been dropped a few times, and had to be taped back together.


Occasionally it beeps loudly and starts counting seconds, which it's not supposed to be able to do...  But I love my timer!

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WFMW Backwards Edition: Meal Planning & Giveaway!
Kate
So today is backwards day over at We Are That Family!  For this week's Works for Me Wednesday, I get to present a dilemma and ask for everyone's advice.  This comes at a perfect time for me because one of my goals for April is...

To Actually Cook Dinner!!

I'm a decent cook, in that I'm capable of making things DangerBear will eat.  I just don't particularly enjoy cooking, and getting started is definitely the hardest part.

I have two questions for all of you:
  1. How do you make cooking more enjoyable?
  2. What are your tips to planning meals and actually following through with your plan?
Give me your best tips and tricks!  You can even give me your second-best tips and tricks!  I'll take anything, just help me out!  If I can actually make dinner consistently for the month of April, I'll turn cartwheels on the front lawn.

Okay, not really.  But I will do a little dance (inside, where the neighbors can't see).

Now for the giveaway part!

I am giving away two devotional journals.  The first is called "Closer to my Husband" and the second is called "Closer to God."  Here are some links in case you want to take a look at them:





To enter, leave a comment with your cooking/meal planning tips.  One winner will be chosen at random from all the comments.  The other winner will be the one who leaves my favorite tip.  You have one week to enter; I'll choose the winners from those who comment before Wednesday, April 8 at noon (Pacific time, let's say).  Make sure you're signed in or somehow leave me a way to contact you if you win.  =)

(I'm sorry, but I can only do the giveaway for those who live in the continental US.)

I'm really looking forward to hearing what you all have to say!

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Works for Me Wednesday: Accountability
Kate
Want to know something that's really been Working for Me?  It's accountability.  When I started posting about my monthly goals, I started being more consistent in achieving them.  I didn't want to report back here that I forgot about my goals after three days and totally blew it.  That would be embarrassing!

In the past, I've tried asking DangerBear to hold me accountable, but he doesn't have the time to hound me about whether I've cleaned the bathroom this week.  Posting here, however, has been very effective!  I guess there's just something about showing the world my dirty kitchen that motivates me to clean it up...

Are You Interested?
I know many of you set goals for yourselves.  Would anyone be interested in a goal-themed meme hosted here each week?  We could share our monthly goals and our weekly progress toward achieving those goals.  How great would it be to leave encouraging comments for other ladies, and to receive encouragement in return?

If you'd be interested in participating, leave me a comment.  If enough people want to do it, I'll figure out how to use Mr. Linky and get it set up.  =)

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Works for Me Wednesday: One Brick at a Time
Kate
There are so many ways in which I want to change and improve, and so many different areas of my life that need care and attention.  Sometimes I feel totally overwhelmed.  How can I ever get anywhere close to the Proverbs 31 Woman?

Of course, the Proverbs 31 woman is a standard of perfection.  We are to strive to be like her, and to be like Jesus, but it's the journey that's important here.  As sinners, we'll never attain perfection, but we can grow and mature!

That's why I love the analogy of Proverbs 14:1-
"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."

When I think of this verse, I imagine a woman literally building a house, one brick at a time.  That's when I come out of my overwhelmed fog and think, "I can do one brick at a time!"

I pick one thing, something that will have a big impact on my life and my family's lives.  For example, one of my goals for this month is to clean the kitchen before I go to bed.  It's something I've struggled with since I got married.  When I wake up to a clean kitchen, though, it tends to stay pretty clean.  That makes it easier to prepare and serve meals, and I'm also more likely to do a fun baking project.  Cleaning up after meals is a snap, because the dishwasher is already empty.  And DangerBear certainly can't complain about a nice-looking kitchen!

That one change has so many benefits.

Building up my house, one brick at a time, really works for me!


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Works for Me Wednesday: Home Remedies
Kate

I didn't sleep well last night, due to congestion, a sore throat, and general yuckiness.  At about 1:30am, I got up and headed to the kitchen to make myself a cup of tea with honey and to gargle some saltwater.  The latter wasn't quite as enjoyable, but it really helped.


The steam from the tea helped clear me up, at least for a little while.  The saltwater (a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water) was for my sore throat.  I'd never tried it before, and I was surprised at how good it felt.  It also didn't taste as nasty as I thought it would.

Now, I'm not against over-the-counter medication, so I also took some cough & cold stuff I found in the bathroom cabinet.  =)


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Works for Me Wednesday: Keeping My Purse Organized
Kate

Last week, I posted about the new purse that DangerBear helped me pick out.  I usually pick out purses with lots of little pockets, but this one had just a few large pockets.


I knew the secret to keeping everything organized was to have smaller bags inside my purse.  First, of course, is my wallet.  For Valentine's Day, DangerBear bought me this adorable red organizer/wallet:



It has zippered pockets for coins and stuff, plus lots of card slots, pen loops, and a place for my checkbook.  It's so pretty and cute!  Plus, it has this:


A handy-dandy solar calculator that slides out.  There's a mirror on the other side.  I can't tell you how much I adore this wallet, and the calculator was the clincher.  I can't tell you how many times I've been in the grocery store and couldn't find my calculator because it was buried under everything else in my purse!

So the wallet holds my cash and cards, checkbook, pen, etc.

I also have a couple of little bags.  These were bags I already had.  This one, for example, used to be filled with lotions and things:


Now it holds lens cleaner for my glasses, a compact mirror, nail file, hair ties, chapstick, etc.



In this last picture, the bag on the bottom holds wet wipes for washing up when we're on the go.  The case above it is a tiny first aid kit.  I've managed to fit a tube of Neosporin, a few Band-Aids, and a couple of alcohol wipes.  This little baby scored me a few Wonder Mom points with the parents at Chickpea's pre-k last year.  On the way into class, she fell and skinned her knee.  I whipped out my little case and had it all cleaned up and bandaged in a jiffy.

Actually, if I ever come across those little cases again, I'm going to buy a second one.  It has a magnet on the back, so it would make a great little first aid kit to stick on the refrigerator.

I also have a little plastic case that I'm using to hold sewing stuff, but right now it only has a pair of sewing scissors and a plastic yarn needle in it.

So that's my Works for Me Wednesday: No more fishing through my bag for tweezers or a Band-Aid or whatever, because everything is organized!


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