Green Toys Review

Since I gave my kids some more green toys for Christmas. I thought it was a good time to write a review from what my kids had to say. First of all they were so happy to be getting something Mommy sells. Their little faces were all excited when they open their presents. My son got the Tugboat and jumped up to hug me. He said this is very cool and I can pour water over my head to get the shampoo out and it will not go in my eyes. So true and great if you have kids that hate having their hair washed.  Next my little girl got the tea set. She has played with it since Christmas day. Every room I go into she has it set up ready for a tea party. Her words were "you told me I would get one for Christmas and I love it. THANK YOU MOMMY!"
Now when you buy green toys you will notice they come straight out of the box. No tags or wires, no kids saying open it, open it. Plus you can recycle the box.

Christmas and the New Year

As 2010 comes to an end. I can only look forward to what 2011 is going to bring. What are your plans? We have almost been in our new (old) farm house for a year. The spring will bring planting and cleaning up under the trees and around the pond.  But before that it will be cold and spending time inside researching new and different ways to help us reduce waste and live off our land.  When we brought this place lots of stuff was left behind. Most of which we have been able to recyle. We still have a long way to go to get it the way we would like. Merino Moms has had a great first year and we are looking forward to finding more ways and products to help you and us out.

  Happy Holidays enjoy your family and friends.

Cleaning Products

You know we all use cleaning products and as long as it cleans the way we want, we don't really think about what we put on that surface or what our skin is expose to. Think about it. If you knew you were eating something that was going to make you sick would you continue to eat it. So why do we continue to use cleaning products that clearly state they have poison in them. We teach our kids to not open bottles or go near those products. However we use them to clean our homes. Why????? I know sometimes people look at the price and think they cost more so I'm not going to try it, but they are designed to let you use less. LESS is MORE and better for you and your kids. Just buy one product and try the difference. I remember the first time I used the lotion and how good my hands felt and how good I felt for not using nasty chemicals. Let me know how it works for you...................

The Holidays

Well I have not been thinking about writing lately. I have been cooking for Thanksgiving and shopping for Christmas.

Are you staying home for Christmas?  This is the first year in our new (old) home.  I hope the kids get a white Christmas as they have lots of hills to sled.  I was watching on the news the other night about a guy that has completely worked out how to run his Christmas lights by the wind. I love it.  He did it to save money but want a good way to help the environment.   It is all the little things we can do to save money and help the environment.  Make sure you turn the light out when you leave the room.  Make a list of all the things you need to do and only make one trip.  Some of this saves money and gas, but I always think we go through life and don’t think about our time. When you make several trips what about the time you are away from your family…………………

Thermal Curtains

Merino Moms went to an open house last Saturday.  It was a great day and almost sold out of the Tea Set. There are going to be some very happy little girls this Christmas.  The recycle truck was also a big item.  

As it gets colder outside and the snow is around the corner……...  I’m looking for ways to make our home warm and cozy.  Buying thermal curtains really helps keep the cold air out and warm air in.  If you don’t believe me hang a blanket over a window for the night and feel the difference.  I did this last night and noticed the difference right away, when I put my hand behind it.  Now if I can just buy thermal curtains for all my windows.  I know they cost more up front but one that needs to happen in my house.  Try the blanket and let me know what you think.

Saving at the grocery store

When I moved back to the country and 20 minutes from the closest food store, I wanted to think about all the ways I could save money and help the environment more. The first thing I changed was I started shopping every two weeks and the savings started right away.  The following are other tips that help.  Remember if you do a little or a lot it all helps your pocket, your time and the environment.

You can cut your food bills by half or more by taking these simple steps.

1. Try cooking at home, from scratch when possible, if only a couple of times a week helps.
2.  Make big batches and use leftovers.  Try making a different meal with the leftovers.
3. Take your own lunches and snacks to work or school four days a week. Remember to make it fun.
4. Learn what is in season and buy produce that is in season and locally plentiful.
5. If possible buy cooperatively, in bulk or directly from producers.
6. At grocery stores, shop the sales and use coupons.
7.  Build your diet primarily around plants and whole grains, eating meat more sparingly and choosing less expensive cuts when you do.

I was at the store today and the lady in front of me saved over $100.00 using coupons from the paper and going online to find some.  I asked her how she does it as I have heard about it but never seen it in action.  She said it takes an about an hour to get ready.  She also said $50.00 in savings is not bad for an hours work.  She is so right.  Something to think about and try, we all say food is getting more expensive but if we try some of what is above…….

Saving a Buck

So I have thought of lots of ways to save a buck. You work all day and make money for every hour. You can make an easy dinner at home for say $10.00 or go out and spend $20 - $60. I know it is fun to go out, but do you really know what you are eating and where it came from.  Plus the gas it takes to get there. YOUR time waiting for a table. Or should you stay at home and see what you can come up with. Today I put chili in the crockpot. It cooked all day and made the house smell good. It took 5 minutes this morning and out the door you go. Makes it easy when you get home from a long day at work and the kids are wanting you to play. Why do we all eat out and not eat better at home sitting around the table talking.........