Hey Mama.
Hey Cakes.
I look up from the computer and notice that she's wearing nothing but her undies.
Why aren't you wearing any clothes?
I'm a Spinosaurus, mom. Spinosaurus' don't wear clothes!
Of course! Silly mom.
This makes my life easier!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Lowering Thermostat Saves Money, Energy, and More
It's the time of year when we begin lowering the thermostat at our house. As the temperature begins to drop outside, so does the temperature inside. We do it gradually, so we hardly notice the change. In the summer our thermostat is set to 74 degrees, and in the winter, 67 degrees.
Why do we do this? Well, of course, to save money...and energy!
Lowering your thermostat just 1 degree for 8 hours reduces your fuel bill by 1 percent. So, by keeping our thermostat set at 67 vesus say, 70 we are saving approximately 9 percent off of our bill. The average U.S. single family household spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills. Using this as a reference point, if you drop your thermostat 3 degrees, you could save over $170 per year.
Not only will you save money, you will save energy, and the environment as well.
Conserving energy is always a good thing, of course. But do you realize that each year, electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single family home produces more carbon dioxide than two average cars?
If that's not enough motivation to drop your thermostat a few degrees, how's this. It will help you lose weight! Seriously. To keep you warm your body will burn more calories, which in turn helps you lose weight. It also improves your general health. So basically, you will be healthier in a cooler home.
Not only is turning your thermostat down Eco-Cheap, it's healthy too!
So, turn that thermostat down. You probably won't even notice, except for that shrinking bill and waist line! :)
Why do we do this? Well, of course, to save money...and energy!
Lowering your thermostat just 1 degree for 8 hours reduces your fuel bill by 1 percent. So, by keeping our thermostat set at 67 vesus say, 70 we are saving approximately 9 percent off of our bill. The average U.S. single family household spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills. Using this as a reference point, if you drop your thermostat 3 degrees, you could save over $170 per year.
Not only will you save money, you will save energy, and the environment as well.
Conserving energy is always a good thing, of course. But do you realize that each year, electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single family home produces more carbon dioxide than two average cars?
If that's not enough motivation to drop your thermostat a few degrees, how's this. It will help you lose weight! Seriously. To keep you warm your body will burn more calories, which in turn helps you lose weight. It also improves your general health. So basically, you will be healthier in a cooler home.
Not only is turning your thermostat down Eco-Cheap, it's healthy too!
So, turn that thermostat down. You probably won't even notice, except for that shrinking bill and waist line! :)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Everyone Loves Awards!
It is great when a blog friend gives you an award! Some might think it is just a silly little virtual award, but I think it means a lot! It feels great to know that there are people out there reading your blog who think you deserve to be recognized. And who doesn't want to be recognized?
Two weeks ago, Erin over at The Mother Lode, decided I was worthy of this award.
It's no wonder why she received it. I really enjoy reading her blog and you will too, so be sure to check her out. I've seen this award on all of the great blogs I visit, and The Mother Lode definitely deserved it! Thank you Erin for awarding it to me!
Now to pass it on!
There aren't any rules for this particular award so I am awarding it to one of my favorite bloggers, Sara Lou and her blog, Maybe Baby. She is super smart, witty, honest, and a fantastic writer. She most definitely gives good blog!
Two weeks ago, Erin over at The Mother Lode, decided I was worthy of this award.
It's no wonder why she received it. I really enjoy reading her blog and you will too, so be sure to check her out. I've seen this award on all of the great blogs I visit, and The Mother Lode definitely deserved it! Thank you Erin for awarding it to me!
Now to pass it on!
There aren't any rules for this particular award so I am awarding it to one of my favorite bloggers, Sara Lou and her blog, Maybe Baby. She is super smart, witty, honest, and a fantastic writer. She most definitely gives good blog!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Troubleshooting
Internet connection and computer hardware issues have been messing up my weekend! Arg! I am so sick of troubleshooting.
I'm tired of waiting for the next available service representative after having had to enter too many number prompts...Press 1 for English. Dos para espanol. Enter your account number. Blah, blah, blah.
I am tired of rebooting my slow @ss desktop. Unplugging and re-plugging the modem. Waiting for my slow @ss computer to restart while on the phone with a service rep who refuses to have a conversation with me. Come on! Help me pass the time. Talk to me. Feel sorry for me. Laugh at me. Say something. Anything other than restart your computer!
What makes all of this even more frustrating (as if it can be any more frustrating) is the fact that I got a new laptop Thursday and I haven't gotten to play with it until today.
But it's all good now. It better be, after all of the time and money I've spent on resolving my issues! So in addition to the new laptop, I have a new modem, and a new wireless router. Good as new now...I hope.
Now it's time to have some fun on my new, super fast, shiny, awesome laptop!
I'm tired of waiting for the next available service representative after having had to enter too many number prompts...Press 1 for English. Dos para espanol. Enter your account number. Blah, blah, blah.
I am tired of rebooting my slow @ss desktop. Unplugging and re-plugging the modem. Waiting for my slow @ss computer to restart while on the phone with a service rep who refuses to have a conversation with me. Come on! Help me pass the time. Talk to me. Feel sorry for me. Laugh at me. Say something. Anything other than restart your computer!
What makes all of this even more frustrating (as if it can be any more frustrating) is the fact that I got a new laptop Thursday and I haven't gotten to play with it until today.
But it's all good now. It better be, after all of the time and money I've spent on resolving my issues! So in addition to the new laptop, I have a new modem, and a new wireless router. Good as new now...I hope.
Now it's time to have some fun on my new, super fast, shiny, awesome laptop!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Breastfeeding - Natural, Economical, and Green!
Before I get started, I just want to say that this is in no way an attack on parents that formula feed their babies. We all, as parents, try to do what is best for our child/children and in some situations formula is the better option but, in my case, breast milk is best!
I feel fortunate that I have been able to successfully breastfeed both of my children. My 3.5 year old daughter was nursed for 18 months and my son, who is 13 months old, is still nursing and I don't see him weaning any time soon. Breastfeeding has been great for their health, and mine too. It has also been a fantastic money saver.
The cost comparison of breast milk and formula is quite shocking to me. Since I have never bought an ounce of formula, I did not realize how much money I was saving by breastfeeding. The average cost to feed a baby formula for 1 year is approximately $1450-$2150. I can't even imagine spending that much money on something that I can supply for essentially free. The cost of breastfeeding for me was about $200, for breast pads and a few nursing bras.
Not only are the savings in the actual cost of formula, you must take into consideration the health care savings as well. Studies have shown that formula fed babies have 50% more ear infections than babies that have been exclusively breastfed for the first 4 months. Breastfed babies are generally healthier and have less visits to the doctor.
In our house, this seems to be the case. Neither of my children have ever had an ear infection. My daughter has had 1 minor cold, and 1 minor stomach bug. My son has had 1 minor cold. The only time we've been to the pediatrician for anything besides a well baby visit was once for a crazy rash.
Some people may argue that they don't get sick because they are not in day care. Perhaps, but my kids are not sheltered in our home. We are a very active family and we are out and about on a daily basis. They are exposed to germs and other children all the time. I believe that my kids don't get sick because they are healthy and have strong immune systems from being breastfed!
The health and economic benefits of breastfeeding were obvious to me, but I never really considered the environmental impact. Is Breastmilk Green? Of course it is! There's no packaging, and no production or delivery costs. My babies get their milk straight from the source.
The production, packaging and shipping of formula, on the other hand, requires large amounts of water, fuel, paper, glass, plastic and rubber and produces large amounts of waste. In the US alone, over half a million women formula feed their babies from birth. If just these mothers breastfed for a full year (with solids introduced after six months), these valuable resources would be saved:
Breastfeeding is a no-brainer for me. I believe breastfeeding is best for my children, my wallet, and the environment. Not only is breast milk the perfect food for my babies, it is essentially free, very green, and it is the ultimate in Eco-Cheap!
I feel fortunate that I have been able to successfully breastfeed both of my children. My 3.5 year old daughter was nursed for 18 months and my son, who is 13 months old, is still nursing and I don't see him weaning any time soon. Breastfeeding has been great for their health, and mine too. It has also been a fantastic money saver.
The cost comparison of breast milk and formula is quite shocking to me. Since I have never bought an ounce of formula, I did not realize how much money I was saving by breastfeeding. The average cost to feed a baby formula for 1 year is approximately $1450-$2150. I can't even imagine spending that much money on something that I can supply for essentially free. The cost of breastfeeding for me was about $200, for breast pads and a few nursing bras.
Not only are the savings in the actual cost of formula, you must take into consideration the health care savings as well. Studies have shown that formula fed babies have 50% more ear infections than babies that have been exclusively breastfed for the first 4 months. Breastfed babies are generally healthier and have less visits to the doctor.
In our house, this seems to be the case. Neither of my children have ever had an ear infection. My daughter has had 1 minor cold, and 1 minor stomach bug. My son has had 1 minor cold. The only time we've been to the pediatrician for anything besides a well baby visit was once for a crazy rash.
Some people may argue that they don't get sick because they are not in day care. Perhaps, but my kids are not sheltered in our home. We are a very active family and we are out and about on a daily basis. They are exposed to germs and other children all the time. I believe that my kids don't get sick because they are healthy and have strong immune systems from being breastfed!
The health and economic benefits of breastfeeding were obvious to me, but I never really considered the environmental impact. Is Breastmilk Green? Of course it is! There's no packaging, and no production or delivery costs. My babies get their milk straight from the source.
The production, packaging and shipping of formula, on the other hand, requires large amounts of water, fuel, paper, glass, plastic and rubber and produces large amounts of waste. In the US alone, over half a million women formula feed their babies from birth. If just these mothers breastfed for a full year (with solids introduced after six months), these valuable resources would be saved:
- 25 million pounds of steel from formula cans
- 2.5 million pounds of paper
- 2.5 million pounds of HDPE from plastic milk containers
- 27 million gallons of milk, requiring 465 million pounds of dairy feed to produce
- 6 million gallons of oil for production, transportation and refrigeration
- 135 million pounds of carbon dioxide produced by the use of those 6 million gallons of oil, requiring 35,000 acres of forest to absorb
Breastfeeding is a no-brainer for me. I believe breastfeeding is best for my children, my wallet, and the environment. Not only is breast milk the perfect food for my babies, it is essentially free, very green, and it is the ultimate in Eco-Cheap!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Rambles, Rants, and Raves becomes Eco-Cheap Mom
If you hadn't noticed, I have changed the name of my blog from Rambles, Rants, and Raves to The Eco-Cheap Mom. I have been contemplating a change for a while and finally figured out where I want to go with my little 'ol blog.
I am thrifty by nature and in my attempts to cut costs and save money over the last few years, I have unleashed my inner green. I have discovered that ECONOMICAL and ECO-FRIENDLY sometime go hand-in-hand.
So...I am very excited to begin sharing my tips on how you can actually save money and the environment at the same time.
Stay tuned for upcoming additions and changes, including a total blog makeover, Eco-Cheap Tips, giveaways and product reviews.
I am thrifty by nature and in my attempts to cut costs and save money over the last few years, I have unleashed my inner green. I have discovered that ECONOMICAL and ECO-FRIENDLY sometime go hand-in-hand.
So...I am very excited to begin sharing my tips on how you can actually save money and the environment at the same time.
Stay tuned for upcoming additions and changes, including a total blog makeover, Eco-Cheap Tips, giveaways and product reviews.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Barn Girls
And now, 27 years later, I still love being at the barn. Unfortunately, I don't get to spend as much time there as I want, but when I am there, I am home. It is exactly the place I need to be. It appears that my daughter feels the same way, too.
I have struggled with the idea of her becoming involved in the whole horse thing. It's not that I didn't want her to ride horses. It's that I know how expensive and involved it is, and I'm not sure I want her to get started in something I don't feel that I can afford.
When I am there with my daughter, it feels right. Like we are exactly where we are supposed to be.So, we are putting our boots on and walking through those barn doors. We are barn girls an we can't deny it!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Road Racer
Three months ago I decided it was time to finally get back in shape. I was done having children, so it was time to lose the baby weight I had accumulated over my 2 pregnancies. But the thought of actually trying to get fit and lose weight was not too appealing.Then I came across the Fit by Labor Day Challenge sponsored by Samantha at Mama Notes. It was just the motivation I needed to get started.
I knew that the best way for me to achieve my goal was to start running. So, I began running following the Couch to 5K running program, a nine week program designed to take you from not running to being able to run a 5K. I followed it to a tee and ran my first 5K on September 19th, 10 weeks after I started.
I was nervous and anxious, but did not have any real expectations. I just wanted to finish in 30 minutes, and I did. I finished in a time of 27:20. I was really proud of myself! I did it, and did it faster than expected.
I hate to admit it, but I almost cried. Seriously. What is wrong with me?! I just ran my first 5K in over 18 years and I was upset that I didn't get a medal.
I quickly came to my senses and began to feel proud of my accomplishment again. There was a lot to be happy about. I finished 5th in my age group, 19th out of all the women, and 69th overall. Not bad for only 2.5 months training. And in the back of my mind I was thinking about the next race and what I needed to do to run faster.
The next race was 2 weeks later on October 4th. My original plan was to run a 5K a month to help keep me motivated to run. I did not plan on running another one so soon, but it was held about 10 minutes from my house so I had to do it.
This time I went in with higher expectations. I wanted to improve my time and I was secretly hoping to get in the top 3 for my age group. I wanted a medal!
It was the perfect day for a race...cool and calm. I was ready to run. I was calm and cool. The course was moderately flat so I knew I could improve my time. I ran it hard and gave it my best and I improved on my time by almost 2 minutes! I finished in 25:34. My hopes were up again for a medal. I felt I had a chance.
But I didn't make the top 3. I was 4th in my age group, 12th out of all the women, and 47th overall. Not bad. And this time, I was not disappointed. Seriously. I may not have won a medal, but I was close. I will win one eventually. I think I can. I think I can.
And with my parents, my hubby, and my kids cheering me on, there's no stopping me!
My Fan Club - Mom, Hubby, Dad, Cakes, and Bubby
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Cloth Diaper Giveaway Event
Beth over at Happily Domestic is hosting a Cloth Diaper Giveaway Event! One whole week of cloth diaper reviews and giveaways. That's right, seven reviews and seven giveaways!
Head on over there and get 10 bonus entries for each giveaway by posting the button and blogging about the giveaway. Or don't...less competition for me! :)
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Busy Body
I'm tired, very tired and I'm sitting here staring at my laptop wanting to type something, but I don't know where to even start.
It's been a busy week and an even busier weekend, and it's not yet over. One more day, and it's not going to be a day of rest. We're always busy, so what was different about this week?
For starters, I have a lot of work I'm trying to catch up on. It's never ending. Seriously. I keep the books for my family's business, so the work I do is never finished. Every month it's the same stuff. Bills come in, bills get paid. Payroll. Sales receipts entered. Taxes filed and paid. Repeat. Every. Month.
On top of that, the hubby and I sell stuff on eBay. We took a break from it for a few months but we've started back. We have so much to sell between now and Christmas. So. Much. Like a hundred NFL jackets, and a walk-in closet full of collegiate apparel. And soon we'll be getting more. Hundreds of New Era Hats. My head is spinning just thinking about it.
Our busyness didn't just have to do with work. We had quite a bit on the activities calendar, too. Cakes had gymnastics on Monday, like usual. Wednesday, I took Cakes and Bubby to the barn so that Cakes could ride. Last night(Friday), we attended the 2nd annual top of the neighborhood party. This morning we went garage sale-ing and then had lunch out. Tonight we went to a friends birthday dinner. Now we are watching some football.
And tomorrow...I run another 5K!
Luckily it's not until 2:00 so I'll get a chance to "rest" before the race. Yeah, right! I have 2 kids under 4. There's no such thing as rest!
And to think I'm considering taking on another job.
Whenever I go to the barn I get the itch. I can't help it. I have been out of the horse business for over 4 years now but I will always be a horsewoman. Always. And I'm hoping to start riding horses again, professionally. Yep, getting paid to ride horses! Complete awesomeness! Surely I can committing to a few hours one day a week. Surely.
Our life may be busy, but we are happy and, surprisingly, not crazy!
It's been a busy week and an even busier weekend, and it's not yet over. One more day, and it's not going to be a day of rest. We're always busy, so what was different about this week?
For starters, I have a lot of work I'm trying to catch up on. It's never ending. Seriously. I keep the books for my family's business, so the work I do is never finished. Every month it's the same stuff. Bills come in, bills get paid. Payroll. Sales receipts entered. Taxes filed and paid. Repeat. Every. Month.
On top of that, the hubby and I sell stuff on eBay. We took a break from it for a few months but we've started back. We have so much to sell between now and Christmas. So. Much. Like a hundred NFL jackets, and a walk-in closet full of collegiate apparel. And soon we'll be getting more. Hundreds of New Era Hats. My head is spinning just thinking about it.
Our busyness didn't just have to do with work. We had quite a bit on the activities calendar, too. Cakes had gymnastics on Monday, like usual. Wednesday, I took Cakes and Bubby to the barn so that Cakes could ride. Last night(Friday), we attended the 2nd annual top of the neighborhood party. This morning we went garage sale-ing and then had lunch out. Tonight we went to a friends birthday dinner. Now we are watching some football.
And tomorrow...I run another 5K!
Luckily it's not until 2:00 so I'll get a chance to "rest" before the race. Yeah, right! I have 2 kids under 4. There's no such thing as rest!
And to think I'm considering taking on another job.
Whenever I go to the barn I get the itch. I can't help it. I have been out of the horse business for over 4 years now but I will always be a horsewoman. Always. And I'm hoping to start riding horses again, professionally. Yep, getting paid to ride horses! Complete awesomeness! Surely I can committing to a few hours one day a week. Surely.
Our life may be busy, but we are happy and, surprisingly, not crazy!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Feeling the bloggy love!
Wow! Not only did I get my first blog award this week, I got my second award the very same day! The sweet mama behind Two Toddlers and Me thought I was worthy of this "Love Ya!" award. Awwww! Thank you! I think I'm blushing! :)
The Love Ya! Award! comes with a few notes:
* This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming.
* These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends.
* They are not interested in self-aggrandizement.
* Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.
* Please give more attention to these writers.
* Deliver this award to six bloggers who must choose six more and include this text into the body of their award.
I am so feeling the bloggy love and am excited to pass it on! So without further ado, the award goes to...
A Woman's Life Stages
Hot Piece of Sass
Mama Notes
Frantic Mommy
Baby Signs with Elizabeth
I Choose Bliss
All of these fabulous ladies share the bloggy love on a daily basis. They put themselves out there with their blogs and are the first to comment, show support, and offer encouragement. Thanks, ladies! I'm glad to have you as my blog friends!
Love ya!
The Love Ya! Award! comes with a few notes:
* This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming.
* These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends.
* They are not interested in self-aggrandizement.
* Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.
* Please give more attention to these writers.
* Deliver this award to six bloggers who must choose six more and include this text into the body of their award.
I am so feeling the bloggy love and am excited to pass it on! So without further ado, the award goes to...
A Woman's Life Stages
Hot Piece of Sass
Mama Notes
Frantic Mommy
Baby Signs with Elizabeth
I Choose Bliss
All of these fabulous ladies share the bloggy love on a daily basis. They put themselves out there with their blogs and are the first to comment, show support, and offer encouragement. Thanks, ladies! I'm glad to have you as my blog friends!
Love ya!
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