Learnings at 25

As I celebrated my birthday yesterday, I feel happy about it. I look forward for the day to come but then there's also this part of me which is nervous thinking "oh no, I'll be 30 soon enough".  For some that may be vain and shallow but is just how I am feeling.

As I woke my son up for school, he sang "Happy Birthday Mommy, Happy Birthday Mommy. Happy Birthday dear Mommy, Happy birthday to you". Then he kissed me and said "mommy I love you. You're my number one". As sleepy and out of tune as he was, that was more than enough for me to say "Thank you Lord" for I have been blessed.

As I look back how my 25th year was in this world, it's been a tough one. I felt like I've been through it all, I've experienced the hardest and the worst but the harder the climb is, the more I reach out for Him. Every year, I feel like He is testing just how strong I can be - knowing He is always there to guide me through - I made it. It's not easy but I made it in one piece somehow.

Last year, I lost two best friends - one died one the friendship went down the drain. I was grieving. I was mourning. And yes, I was hurting. Why do both of them have to be taken away from me right after the other? For six months I cried over it. For six months I was not myself. For six months I taught of what ifs and what could have beens. I blamed myself. I hated myself. I just feel alone. I feel lost. All that keep me going day by day are my boys - they are the ones who held my hand tight when I was at the brink of losing my sanity over the ordeal.

Then, Thanksgiving came. Hubz asked his mom for help, so she took me to the doctor. I had depression. I was prescribed with meds to keep me calm and was told I needed to talk to have sessions with a "coach". I refused to take the meds, I refused the sessions. I told them to give me enough time to mourn and heal.

My mom-in-law took me to town and we had a heart to heart talk. She basically told me not cry over spilled milk. What happened happened and there's no reason for my world to stop just because I lost two important people in my life. I must go on with my life not only because there are more people who are there for me but God loves me. What His purpose is, I am yet to fully understand. I have faith.

Now, at 26, I learn to put my family first - I am wife first, mother second and everything else follows. I learn to prioritize after realizing that my family are the ones I am living with, they are the ones who know me better than everybody else. Though we may have misunderstandings at times, at the end of the day, they have my back and they will always be there.

Finally, I learn that I cannot get everything I want or everything I prayed for, but I will be given what is best for me. With that, I am very thankful. I am lacking in many ways as His daughter but He continued to bless me much more than I deserve. I am very grateful.

Let me end this by saying, "Thank you Lord for the gift of life. Thank you for family, Thank you for friends. Amen."

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Kmart Double Coupon Days

I was out in Kmart earlier today with a friend, trying to check out that camera I've been wanting. Then I saw this. Imagine my excitement, I only read about "double" coupon days in blog sites but I actually am seeing it now in my area! I am so trying it! :))

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Walgreens 2/28: Paid 1.97 tax

Okey, I take it back. Walgreens is now tied with  CVS in my book! I was putting my foot in my mouth again! Oh well, it's just that in my previous transactions with Wags, I just did not have a pleasant experience - today, I did! Though it is on the other side of town, I will gladly go back there since the Manager clearly knows what he was doing and the cashier was very nice. If I must say, they are not only accomodating and friendly, but well informed with their job as well!

I did three different transactions.

Transactions #1:
2 On the Go Vits @ 8.00 each = 16.00 + 73cents tax- 16.00 RR = 73cents
This is where I messed up, I did both in the same and the machine printed only one 8.00 coupon, so I asked why. Then the cashier explained that I am not allowed to do that. So the Manager came and help. To cut the story short, they made this into two transactions and I end up having two 8.00 Register Rewards in which I was relieved!)

Transaction #2.
Scrubbing Bubbles One Step Toilet Bowl Cleaner @ 8.99 -  4.00 MC = 4. 99
Belvita Breakfast Biscuit @2.99 - 1.00 coupon = 1.99
2 Kitkats@.69 cents  = 1.38 (fillers)
Paid with 8.00RR
Total : 62cents and I made 6$ RR

Transaction #3.
The same with transaction #2, only I got Resse's instead of Kitkat for fillers
Paid with my 2nd 8.00RR = 62 cents and I made 6$ RR


My total without the Register Rewards and coupons is 42.72
The total after Register Rewards and coupons is 1.97 
My savings in this trip is 40.75 plus I made 12.00 in RR's


I am going back to Wags to see if they have the Glade Expressions air Freshener Kit.
All in all, I had a great trip in Walgreens! It's not official yet but I think I am starting to get wild with Wags. We'll see on my upcoming visits :)
That is all for now, hope you all will have a great shopping trip. God Bless!

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

"Little" Help Counts

On a weekend, we are a family of four. On weekdays, we are a family of three.

As a stay-at-home mom who does not know how to drive, I have all the time in the world to do all the house chores a wife and mother is "supposed" to do. But as most stay-at-home moms know and can relate to, it is not easy as it sounds. There's more to that. As easy as it looks, there's more responsibility involve and thus at times wears you off.

It's surprising how the mess is endless.  Sure enough I clean up but clutter always catches up with me. So I made a rule with the two kids in the house - the 12 year old and my 5 year old - all they have to do is clean up their bedrooms. And they are doing it. Maybe not as clean as it would be if I cleaned it myself, but close enough :)

Now each of them is cleaning their rooms since I stopped doing it. I have to put a foot down to implement the rules and this is one of them. Once they get the hang to this, I will go to the next one.

I can't do a before and after since this blog was not planned. As always, I randomly press the keyboard  :)D

Here's how the rooms look now. 

The 12-year old's room and desk. She did well. A 90% change! I am very proud of her for keeping her room tidy. 

. 

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

My 5-year old's room. I gave away toys he does not play with anymore. And I see to it he pick up his toys before bedtime and make up his bed before or after school.

 

Couponing Pessimist, Now an Enthusiast

Call me a prejudice but I thought couponing before as a waste of time and energy. I mean really, what can a few cents or dollars do? Those coupons are just a bunch of trash the mailman drops into our mailbox! I was so adamant how useless couponing was, not to mention embarrassing! Of course you want to show your friends you can pay and that you're not poor. We may accept it or not, we all have that kind of crocked mindset (in the beginning)!

One day, Hubz and I were bored, flipping channels until we saw Extreme Couponing. We taught it was ridiculously entertaining. Then, as the woman got to the register with two carts full of goodies, about 600.00 worth, she only paid 20+ dollars tax! Hubz joked if I do that I don't have to work, and I can save up enough for a trip to Phillippines. From then on, that has become an inside joke.

Weeks later, a friend started posting goodies she got for less, some even free because of couponing - it caught my attention for sure! Every weekend, I look forward to see what she's got until I told myself to give couponing a try -and I did.

Hubz taught I was kidding in the beginning but he gave in to me, while discouraging as often as he can. Just to see, how it really works, we experimented and made a bet, so I read books and blogs to have an idea of what I am getting myself into. If I can save 20.00 that weekend then I can proceed with couponing - which I did! I saved 27.00 that day! Not bad for an experiment so Hubz was left no choice, he has to let me.

That was the start. Weekend after weekend I am saving. Today, Hubz finally give me his heartfelt go signal. As long as I only get the things we need, then that is okay with him.

So what have I learned with couponing? It's that couponing is bigger that it is - for many it is a lifestyle. It's like treasure hunting. You get good deals, you stock up. With today's economy, it helps to save -every penny counts! As a stay-at-home mom, it gives me much joy and pride to be able to help out as little as I can through couponing. It is rewarding! It feels good to walk out of the store with goodies in hand for a whole lot less.

I am proud to say I am not officially a converted couponer. The old coupon pessimist is now a coupon enthusiast who looks forward for new deals. 

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Only Paid 1.52 Tax This Week

Okay, so it has been a month since I started couponing. As I go every weekend, I learn a little bit more. I made mistakes into using coupons but not reading the fine print so I end up paying more than I should if I have used my coupons right.

As I looked at the deals this week, there's not much I liked really so I just shrug my shoulders off ( I am careful not to hoard since we will be moving in 3 months). Besides, I only go on Saturdays which means most of the good stuff are gone. Since I started, I only go to CVS or Walgreens. I compare prices for both pharmacies and I go to where I feel has a better deal - which is CVS - mainly because I love the Extrabucks! And also I finally learned to "roll" it. At long last I learned to remember to have different transactions and use the Extrabucks from the previous transaction.

On post-Valentines Day weekend, I found out that Rite Aid has the best deal for the KY Intense. I bought one from CVS where I recieved 15$ worth of  Extrabucks and of course I thought that was a great deal. Right Aid's deal was buy 25$ worth of KY Products, get 25$ gift certificate from www.restaurants.com. So yaph I missed that one. Needless to say, another lesson is learned - I need to compare the three pharmacies.

Today, I went to CVS not really looking forward to anything. I just walk in their with my coupon binder without a purpose. Then I picked up these:

Transaction #1.
Coldcalm @6.99 get 6.99 ecb = FREE
2 Sally Hansen nail polish @3.41 each
                  - used BOGO (allyou feb issue), and 1.00/1
Total was 38cents. (The cashier and I were both surprise for that result. Then she said "well as long as it works, it works" , and that I agree! Must be a lucky day for me.)

Transaction # 2 (Using my old CVS card, with my old address)
Coldcalm @6.99 get 6.99 ecb = FREE
Advil Congestion Relief @4.99 (20ct, regular price is 10.49)
                 - used the 3.00 coupon from the printing machine
 Total was 41 cents. ( Another wide eye for the cashier and me. But hey it's what the register says so we went ahead with that!)

Transaction #3.
4 Right Guard Deodorant @1.14 (regular price is 7.49)
                 - use 2/3.00 coupons krazycouponlady blog
Total was - 27cents ( They don't give overage but that is okay after all, the register was "helping" me.)

So that was it for this week's deal. I am overjoyed to get close to 60$ worth of items and only pay for tax. It's fulfilling!

I have been getting ideas from the couponing blogs. One thing I noticed is that the prices are not always the same ,so does the unadvertised deals and the printing machines. All the same if you can save and you need it go for it!

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

           

CVS Trip This Week : I saved 50$+

This is my 3rd week of couponing. I learned a little bit more about taking advantage of deals and using coupons than from two weeks ago.

I am proud to say, I just saved 50$! Here's what I got:



Transaction #1: 

KY intense for 25$ = get 5$ ecb
= I used 7.00 coupon from KY facebook, so I paid 18.00

 * KY has movie night deals where you get 10$off for movies. Since My local CVS did not have that, they gave me 10$ ecb instead.
* Also that 9.99 tote with umbrella which I was so psyched to get? Well, I am heartbroken because it was not as good as expected. Needless to say I did not get it.

Transaction #2:

Nivea = spend 10$, get 3$ ecb

Nivea lip care @ 2.50 each  = 10.00 - 6.00 coupon ( used two 3$ off two NLC ) = 4.00

WYB Colgate @ 2.75, get 2$ecb (limit 2)
                            2.75 - 75cents coupon from Sunday paper insert = 2.00

*My total is  $6.00 + tax, I use 5$ecb (from KY purchase) ,which gives me $1.00 +tax total plus I made 5$ecb


Transaction #3:


Kotex pads (28-44ct) @2/$10 = 3$ecb
I have 2 1.00/1 coupon from kotex website, so kotex is now 2/8.00
Bought anothers colgate = 2.00
*Total is 10.00 minus 10.00$ecb from KY purchase = tax plus I made another 5$ecb


Transaction #4:


3 Nivea body wash @4.00each = 12.00 - 4.50 coupons(3/1.50 body wash) = 7.50
glade sense and spray @6.00 each - 3.50coupon(Sundaypaper &coupon.com) = 2.50 x2 = 5.00
Total is 12.50 +tax, minus 10$ ecb (from transactions 2&3) = 2.50+tax
*I did not really save much with transaction 4 but my family uses them so I went ahead and get it. :)


All in all, I spend 21.50 +tax out of 74.50 +tax worth of purchase. Not bad! I am proud of myself with this!

As a couponer, I am still  growing. So every week, you'll see my couponing "victories" and "defeats" , and with those experiences, I will continue to learn until I become a diva couponer ",)

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Hubz

Hubz

What more is left to say

When I have said it all to you

But then again

I won't get tired letting you know.

You're my best friend,

My partner, my lover, my man

Name it whatever,It all sums up to this

You're mine and I am yours.

I can't thank you enough

For all and each thing that you do,

For being my husband

Of course for being the father of my son!

As your woman,wife, friend and lover

Hope I make you happy as much you make me.

Do know, you are very much appreciated

And most of you, you are loved!

Happy Valentines Day My Dear!
I love you then, I love you now
With each passing day, I love you more
I will love you for always
Or even until tomorrow maybe...


Wanna know Why?
I's because tomorrow never ends silly!
Te amo Mi amore!
Te amo My Dear!


•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Somebody told me once,
Love is the key of all happiness
Yes it is! And Yes it's true!
For in loving and being loved
Is one true pure bliss!

Love is a river ,
It can wash away the pains,
The sorrows, and the miseries,
Even the petty jealousies
Love is the glue which unites all ties.

This Valentines Day,
All I wish for is not flowers
Balloons or chocolates
But for a heart which is pure
Free from greed and of  pride's lure.

May this day open up many doors,
Heal many wounds,
And free many hearts,
It's time to let the love in
And have a trusting heart once more!

Happy Valentines Day!
Happy Hearts Day!
Whatever you call it,
All the same, it is a Happy Day!
So let's celebrate and be happy today!



•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Say good - bye to a toxic friend

My mother-in-law has been bugging me into buying All You magazine and she finally convinced me. As we went to our local Wal-mart to buy some ink for the printer (drained the ink from printing coupons!), I happen to see the magazine and bought one.
Then I read this in stress buster section . This made me ponder on my own friendships and find this worth sharing. Drama queen or not, in one time or another, we all go through this. So read, enjoy and learn!

Say good-bye to a toxic friend:

* Try the slow fade - Start the RSVP-ing "NO" and not returning her calls a promptly. When you do see her, ask fewer questions about her life. Eventually she will get the hint. Just be careful - there is a fine line between letting a relationship lapse and stringing along a friend. Even with the best intentions, misleading someone is cruel and even cowardly.


* Make a clean break - This approach works when you suffered a betrayal of trust. Say "I don't see us as part of each other's lives". If she reacts negatively, stand your ground by remaining calm and rational. You don't have to sever ties in person: calling or e-mailing is acceptable ( texting, which is rude and abrupt, is not ).


*Take stock - Think about past failed friendships and ask yourself : Did your friend change over time or did you? By dissecting relationships, you might begin to see why you're attracted to Mrs. Wrong. Maybe you're always drawn to drama queens. When meeting potential new friends, stay mindful of what qualities have lured you in the past.


I am easily lured into "friends" who I thought have the same personality as I am. But what happen is, we may have similarities in the surface but deep within we are different. Growing up in  different environments and  going through different experiences lead to different ideas and  different levels of maturity.  So what I have learned is to observe. Until proven worthy for a lasting friendship, put an invisible gap  or a  limit of how much you're willing to share to the person. I have been burned so I am very cautious now. Luckily my true friends are there to stand by me - not physically ( since they are in the Philippines) but by heart. IT feels good knowing there are people who truly know you, understand you  as a person  and have  stayed with you all these years. I've been friends with these girls for over a decade now and I am so very happy that we get to Skype and catch up. It feels good to have friends but having real friends is the greatest!
 Hope you had fun reading while picking up a valuable lesson as much as I did. Thank you!

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Lemon Magic For Beauty 2

Here's more lemon magic for beauty. Oh I so love these! Way to go "natural" and save a few extra bucks!

1. Low-cost manicure
2. Moisturizing dry skin
3. Nail cleaner
4. Nail whitener
5. Plaque and tartar remover
6. Tooth whitener
7. Wrinkle remedy

Will update this blog pretty soon :)

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Life Lesson 2

"The difference between a good day and a bad day is simply your attitude"

Ellen Casaba-Capiral

I met Ellen through her cousin who is also one of my best friends, Corrie Casaba. I don't really know her then. We barely spoke then. I remembered thinking “this girl is so refine" especial she spends her summer in a convent because she wanted to be a nun. I find her too good. Too nice. Too quiet. And I was the opposite - rough, bubbly, noisy and loud. I go to church but not as religious as she is!

Months later, we graduated high school and happened to see her again outside the registrar's office. Apparently, we were enrolled in the same university - not only that, we also have the same course and obviously, the same classes! And mind you, we were both lefty too! What a coincidence!

I was with my mom the but she called me out. We chatted like we've known each other for so long. It's just one of those times where you clicked with someone. It felt like that! To my surprise we complement each other and bubble our way through the day. Until the next day. And the next day. And the next day. I found another bff right there!

Even when we became as close as we can be, I still see differences. She has quiet moments - I don't. She liked to study in the library when we're free; I like to stay in the shed and "study". She wore skirts, I wore pants. We differ in so many ways but I believe those differences bring us closer to one another. We came to a point where you can't see one without the other. I had a blast with her!

Then my brother got into an accident and we need to sell our house for his hospital fees. My parents wanted me to stop my schooling but I never did. I worked in the dean's office, the clinic and the guidance office just so I have enough to bring home and help out with the finances at home. All through the whole ordeal, Ellen was there. When there was nobody else to turn to, she has there - sharing me her food, taking me to their house, etc. She was my source of strength during those days. I am very thankful to her for all she's done and the memories she created with me.

 During my darkest and gloomy days, she was there to brighten me up. She has helped me a big deal how to trust in God. Without her positivity, I've given up already. It's all thanks to her that I made it through.

The lessons I've learn from her is that attitude makes a big difference! And every time I am mad or sad, I remind myself of her words. In doing so, it has helped me a great deal staying positive, hopeful and cheerful, with whatever life throw in front of me.So, we don't need to have many friends. All it takes is one person who accepts you as a whole - both your good and bad attribute and who have positive influence in your life. Life is too short to spend with negativity. Let's embrace and live life in a positive manner only then will positive things come our way!

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Lemon Magic For Beauty 1

Let's face it, most beauty products are expensive. Even with coupons (at least for a beginner couponer like me), it is still a little pricey.  What I want to do is stretch up my dollar as much as I can that way I can save more...yes "I" because Hubz is giving me however much I saved as a reward! Now you see why I really want to save! It feels good to eat out and pay our meal from "my" money :))

Here's the lemon way for beauty:

1. Age spots - lemon is acidic enough to safely peel off the upper layer skin and will remove or lighten age spots. Rub lemon juice on the age spots with a cotton ball twice daily, and in 6-8 weeks, they should begin to fade away. 
2. Blackhead remedy - rub lemon juice over blackheads. Wait until morning to wash if off with cool water. repeat procedure several evenings in a row and you'll see a big improvement in your skin. 
3. Callus remover - put a thin sliced lemon directly on the calloused area and secure it with a band-aid. Leave lemon on overnight. Lemon works to soften the callus because it is weak acid and helps break down the thickened dead skin that forms callus.
4. Dandruff Relief - use lemon as a natural scalp restorative. Squeeze the juice of one lemon and apply half to your hair. Mix the other half with two cups of water. wash your hair with a mild shampoo, then rinse with water. Rinse again with lemon and water mixture. Repeat every other day until dandruff disappears.
5. Fighting facial blemishes - lemon works as all-natural acne fighter. Apply lemon juice to the skin with a cotton pad by lightly dabbing the affected area a few times a day until blemish disappears. The acidity of the lemon will help your skin to rid itself of pimples and other blemishes that mar the surface!
6. Facial cleanser - boil 1 quart  water in a pot and put it in a table or in the kitchen  or bathroom sink. add the juice or peel of half a lemon and a handful or herbs -rosemary, basil, thyme, mint, whatever. Then cover you hair with a shower cap and drape your head and the pot while keeping your face above 12 inches from the water. Close your eyes and let you face steam for 15 minutes. rinse with clear water to close your pores. (Note: Don't use this method more than once a week or you may deplete your skin of too many natural oils.)
7. Hair conditioner - combine 3/4 cup olive oil (regular cooking oil will do), 1/2 cup honey and lemon juice, and set aside. rinse your hair with water and towel-dry. work in a small amount of conditioner (store what's left over in the fridge) and comb through to distribute the mixture evenly. then cover with a plastic bag for 1/2 hour. follow up by shampooing and rinsing thoroughly.

More lemon magic for beauty coming up! I am really amazed with how many uses lemon has when it comes to beauty.

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Today's Couponing Adventure

I had my list ready and went to CVS and Walgreens. As far I have observed, CVS cashiers are much friendlier and helpful compared to Walgreens. Told them to bear with me since I just started couponing - my 2nd week,  and and don't really know much what to do. They guide me through and was of great assistance!


 I've read in a blog somewhere that  Walgreens is not a place when you just started couponing and boy that blogger sure is right! So here's my experience today:

CVS
Transaction #1. Tried to purchase Zarbee's Cough Syrup but they were out, so I asked if I can get a raincheck and I sure did! (thank you couponing bloggers for the raincheck trick!)

Transaction #2. The deal: Get 10$ worth of Nivea products, get 3$ ecb
Bought 4 Nivea lip care @ 2.50$ each which equals to 10.00, then I used my Nivea lip care coupons worth 5.00 plus 5.00 ECB from last weeks transaction. I end up paying just the tax.

Transaction #3. Get 12$ worth of Suave products, get 6$ecb
Bought 2/6$ Suave lotion, 2/4$ hair styling spray, 2/3$ kids shampoo. I used my 6$ raincheck, 3$ ecb from the Nivea products and 4$ for providing my e-mail. I end up paying a few cents for tax.


My skeptical husband was impressed to see me walk out of CVS with these items . I got all my stuff pretty much for free and I made 6$ ecb for next week's purchases. I think I did a pretty good job and I get to say " in your face" to Hubz! He then say, he will drive me around as long as I'm saving like that lol!  :))




Walgreens
Bought 3 Aquafresh toothpastes for 99cents each and a dozen egg for 99cents.  Also their 80 loads Sun laundry detergent was BOGO@5.99 so I went ahead and grab some. I paid about 10$ for all. Not bad.

My household is not picky with the detergent brand. As long as we have Downy fabric softener, my Boyz don't itch so we are good! :)

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Lemon Magic in the Bathroom

This I am psyched because I hate those cleaning sprays. They give me headaches! So let's learn together the lemon way :)

1. Removing toilet rings - add enough lemon juice to borax  to get a nice paste. Let the paste sit for 2 hours. To remove toilet bowl rings, flush first to wet the sides of the bowl and apply lemon juice borax paste to the stained area. Let the paste sit on the sides for 15-20 minutes and finish up by scrubbing with a toilet brush then flush.
2. Removing rust stains on porcelain tubs and sinks - IF the porcelain surface is lightly stained, try rubbing it with a cut lemon until the stains disappear. IF is is a deeper stain, make a thick paste of borax and lemon juice (in my case, baking soda and lemon juice), and rub it on the rust stains. Repeat if necessary until stain is gone and the porcelain is again clean and white.
3. Removing shower curtain mold - combine 1/3 lemon juice to 1/3 cup borax to make a paste and scrub this paste to the shower curtain using a sponge. Rinse well & let the curtain hang dry.
4. Old mirror restorer - do you have an old and cloudy mirror? Well then, apply a thin coat of reconstituted lemon juice to the stained portion of the mirror and then rub until the stain is gone and the mirror is dry. 
5. Cleaning shower door tracks - mix the juice of half a lemon, 1tbsp of bleach and a cup of water and pour into a spray bottle. spray it on the mildewed area, being careful not to inhale the mist. Let the solution stand for a few minutes and rinse with warm water.

* I personally don't know what borax is. I have heard about it but have not tried, so I will substitute borax with baking soda. I know baking soda works wonders!

* In cleaning our toilet, shower, mirror and counter tops, I use baking soda and dish washing detergent mixture. I also use the same in my stove top and kitchen sink.

Well, whatever works! The lesser chemicals we use, the better - not only it is better for our health, we are also helping the environment! Feel free to share your ideas. Thank you! :)

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Lemon Magic in the Laundry

I am very interested in these uses. This will surely save me a few $$$ in a year from buying lint remover, stain remover and bleach! I am excited to give these tips a try!

1. Removing Ink Stains - lemon juice and cream of tartar will do the trick. Cover the stain with cream of tartar and then drizzle a few drops of lemon juice over the stain. Rub the mixture into the stain in a few minutes  and then remove the powder with a clean brush or sponge immediately with warm water. Repeat if necessary.
2. Lint Remover - add 1/4 cup lemon juice to you cycle to prevent lint from sticking to your white or lightly colored clothes.
3. Fabric Whitener and Bleach Substitute - add 1/4 cup lemon juice to the cycle. Wash and rinse as usual. For brighter, fresher-smelling results, air- dry in the sun! 
4. Rust stains - cover the stained area with salt and squeeze lemon juice on the top. Let stand for an hour. Brush with a scrub brush and then wash and dry as usual.
5. Whiten dull socks - Boil a pot of water, add two slices of lemon or 1/2 tsp lemon juice and soak for 10 minutes. 

* Lemon juice is an old-fashioned yet an effective and safe whitener and mild bleach. It's natural whitening properties can be enhanced if the item can be air-dried in the sun.

Okidoki let us all start doing laundry the lemon way. It's is not only  natural but also smells good! Have a happy laundry day! :)

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Organizing Ideas

Our lives and homes are filled with little challenges and puzzles that need to be solved. Here are some organizing solutions that I have learned. It's more on creating a different "identity" to things you already have at home.

1.  Wash the dishes before going to bed - Nobody wants to wake up in the morning with dirty dishes waiting!
2. Pick up - Spend at least 10 minutes a day. You'll be surprise the difference it makes!
3. Reinvent flower vases - Water in vases is common and buying fresh flowers adds up in a year (that is if you don't have any in your backyard!)  Why not change it up by putting coins or shells instead? Whatever you like - put it in!
4. Reinvent your bookshelf - You can use it as your pantry (like I do!) or put it in the bathroom and to your towels and bathroom stuff in!  (That is if you have enough space).
5. Reinvent your dish rack - If you like to use your dishwasher like I do that leaves your dish rack unused. Try putting your pot covers instead of plates!  Or you can do it the way I did and use it as a file organizer. It's different and you can see your files easily!
6. Reinvent your silverware organizer - Use your silverware organizer as a desk drawer. That will help make your desk clutter free!  I love how the little compartments give space for paper clips, staples, etc.
7. Use plenty of containers - You can use clear or colored - whatever works for you! I always get mine in dollar stores. I use pink and purple for my 14-year old, and then blue and orange for my 5-year old. Gotta match the containers to their bedroom colors for a wow factor you know! They are inexpensive and the kids love it!

Creating order out of the clutter and chaos of daily life is hard to do. For the lucky few who have a natural knack for organizing, everything has its place - labeled and coordinated. But for most of us, it's a constant battle and the "fight" never ends. It's the little "victories" that really count and make our lives easier. Hope these ideas help you as much as it did to me. :)

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Life Lesson 1

Life has a funny way of teaching lessons. Unlike school where you learn before the test, life has it's ways - a different one at that!  You have to experience and go through the test in order to learn.  Here's what I've learned in :

1.  In a world where there's a lot of fakes, all  you can do is to be true to yourself and your love ones.
2.  When we are truly confident and secure, the opinions of others cannot control us.
3. Once a story has been into many ears and many mouths the whole story changed - words has been added and words have been subtracted.
4.  You can never win if you are fighting with a liar. Might as well hands off and walk away.
5. You can't please everybody. If they like you, they will accept you. If they don't like you enough they will always find fault in everything you say and do.

Every time you fall, get up, brush the dirt and pick up a lesson. Ignore those who point their fingers and laughed at you. You can't fault them for laughing from your misfortune . Don't be discouraged! Stand up and move along! Never mind the talk and the  knowing eyes. We all have the freedom to express - sadly that happen to be theirs. Often enough, they jump in thinking you're a klutz and that you were not careful enough . And just because they have heard or seen what happened, does not mean they know everything! They don't know any better - they don't know how you're hurting , how much pain you're feeling or just how badly you need for someone to be there and offer you a hand. What can we do, that is human nature right their...


Remember though, be careful how you react in occasions like this. Sometimes things go out of hand because we react double or even triple from what exactly happened. Knowing and experiencing the pain upon falling is  part of the learning process - and may serve as a reminder not to trip on the same pebble again!. Don't be afraid of falling, you can always bounce back -  stronger and better. 
Don't fret, don't sweat, if you sleep well at night then you know you did right! :))

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Lemon Magic In The Kitchen

So I borrowed this book called Lemon Magic written by Patty Moosbrugger. It is from our local library and I enjoyed it so much! It is very helpful. Never thought lemons have that so much uses.


In this blog, I will post the uses of lemon (not everything from the book though!) in the kitchen aside from putting it in tarts and pies. Here I go:

1. Aluminum cookware Cleaner - fill the discolored pan with water and lemon juice. Add one table spoon lemon juice per quart of water and simmer until discoloration is gone.
2. Kitchen Counter top Cleaner - Apply lemon juice to the entire counter top or cabinet front. Let it soak in the surface for about half an hour. Then sprinkle baking soda on a clean cloth and gently scrub the affected areas.
3. Chopping Board Stain Remover - Rub the lemon juice to the chopping board until stains come out.
4. Microwave Oven Cleaner - Add juice of half a lemon to one cup of water and microwave it on high for one minute. Then keep the door closed for a few minutes. Finally, wipe the interior dry.
5. Removing Fish Odor in Your Hands - After preparing your fish dish, rub your hands with a  piece of lemon dipped in table salt then rinse it with water.

Will post more about lemons usage in the laundry, bathroom, anywhere in the house and of course beauty! Will update soon! :)

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Finding Coupons

As I have said in my profile, I am a newbie couponer. I've been couponing for two weekends now. Have I mastered it? No I have not but I am learning a little bit. So if you are a newbie like me, feel free to give me your inputs that way we can learn together.  If you are one of those who have mastered couponing, your advice is very much appreciated and needed.

Anyway, here's what I've learned so far: 

Make use of printable coupons websites such as the following:
http://www.redplum.com/
http://www.smartsource.com/
http://www.couponaholic.net/
http://www.allyou.com/

Also, the are blogs about couponing and deals. My favorites are:
http://www.pocketyourdollars.com/
http://passionatepennypincher.com/

http://moneysavingmom.com/

You can also go to manufacturer websites, grocery store websites , retail and pharmacy websites (CVS,Walgreens, Rite-Aid) , store circulars and newspapers.

•♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

My Frugal Ways

This year, I made a commitment to living a more frugal style. Our economy is in bad shape and as much as we want to, we don't have the luxury to live in luxury. I am stay at home who is continuing her education through Learn on Demand so my motto this year is “live within your means". Here are some of the things I did and will continue to do in order to save:

1).Stop using your cards - Since we paid off our credit card debts early last year, my husband make it a point to NOT use cards IF possible. IF not, then use it less and pay the entire amount of your expenses when you receive the bill. Make a budget and stick to it!  His reasoning is this - If you have a card, the more you are tempted to pick up things because you can slide it! As much as he oppose to it, my husband let me keep one card for emergencies-real emergency only! Sure it is hard to stay on a budget and it takes a lot of self-discipline and courage to stop you from the urge of temptations!

2.) Recycle your milk container - Wash it and fill it with water. Then put it in your toilet water tank. We have two bathrooms, so in every flash, we saved a gallon of water. Not only we are helping the environment, we are also helping our pockets.

3.) Stop ordering books or magazine subscription - I am such a bookworm and I love ordering books. Books are expensive. Even if we get them for a cheaper price, that can still add up. So, go visit your local library. Oh I love ours! They have tons of books, magazine and DVD’s. They even have craft, reading programs from toddlers to tweens even adults! They also have family fun nights!

4.) Eat out less - When Fridays come, I don't take meat out for dinner since we have pizza night. Then we go for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Now, we don't do that anymore. We eat out once a week (even so that is still a lot, but we are learning) and I am using my coupons!

5.) Never shop without a list! - My husband is very good with reminding me that. Once you have a list - STICK TO IT!  You'll spend less money on impulse purchases. This is especially helpful to impulsive buyers like me.  This also applies for the couponers (omg I'm talking like a pro hahaha bear with me people!). With store deals plus coupons, we tend to get carried away so it is best to plan ahead.

6.) Turn it off -Turn off all electronics that are not in use and if possible unplug them. I've been making a routine every night now doing just that. Don't forget to turn vents and doors off to rooms that are not in use. Also, I am bad with turning lights on wherever I go in the house and leaving them on. So I started turning lights off when I leave the room. At night, if the kids’ night lights are on, I turn the TV off. Same goes in our bedroom.

7.) Conserve Water - In the mornings when we all rush to get ready for school or work, we tend to forget and leave the faucet dripping. Turn it off! If you can't, get it fixed! You may pay upfront but you can save in the long run. Also if you are a bath person, don't fill the water all the way full. If you are a shower person, try to make it 5minutes shorter.

8.) Double grocery bags - Double your grocery bags and makes them into trash bags. For the longest time I get annoyed with my husband saving and using these bags because I find it annoying in the kitchen! I look at them as clutter. But now that I am "awake" with frugality, I see his point. Have you even looked at the price of trash bags in stores? Try to multiply how many times you buy them in a month. Afterwards, multiply the total by 12. You'll be surprise to see the result!

9.) Lower the Temperature - I keep the house on 75 the whole day. When Hubz is home, I lower it to 70. Now, we keep the house on 68 degrees and dress warmer. Same thing was done in the shower or bath.

10.) Cut off my phone cards - My family is in the Philippines so I spend 50$ in phone cards to them. Now, we stick to chat.

The month of January alone we saved 10$ in water, 50$ for books, 100$ eating out, 30$ in electricity and 50$ in phone cards. I was shocked to have over 200 dollars in savings! I couldn't be any happier. I change my ways and my husband is proud of me! :)

Let us all live simply and be debt free!

 •♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

A Story...

One day, my son came home and told me a story which make me reflect in many ways.Here it go:

There was once a hungry lion that captured a rabbit for lunch. Then he saw a deer - thinking the deer is bigger than the rabbit -he changed his mind, surely the deer would fill him up. He gave chase. The deer is bigger alright but is also faster. The deer ran and ran. The lion chased and chased. Finally the deer got away. So the lion came back to where he left the rabbit. To his surprise, the rabbit was no longer there.

The moral of the story? Don't get busy chasing BIG things when you can have the LITTLE ones. It may be little for now but it can save you for a while, DO IT! Big things happen after doing little things. That's how we learn!

No matter in which field of study or work we belong, we always start from the beginning. We can't go up the ladder without the first step - same goes with life and relationships. We will always have lows and make many wrong decisions along the way. We will experience defeat and humiliation but only from learning from the mistakes and bouncing higher from every fall we will reach our goals. If things do not work out today, there is always tomorrow. Tomorrow never ends so we must not give up! Let us keep our faith in God. Things happen for a reason. No matter how badly we want to get or want something, if it is not meant to be, it's never going to be ours.

Remember to not be greedy in decision making. Don't rush. Think in order to make the right choices. With right choices comes a right thing!

 •♥♥•LUVINMAHBOYZ•♥♥•

Respect Others Opinion

We all have different views and beliefs. We all have different backgrounds and ideas of things.

 And just because someone may have stated a cause which you feel strongly about does not mean that you should retaliate. Accept this to be the individual's opinion and leave it at that. Respect ones' opinion as you want yours respected. 

Learning to experience to see other's point of view - this does not mean you must accept it as your own - just accept that every individual has their own opinion and beliefs.






  •♥♥• LUVINMAHBOYZ •♥♥•

Things Are NOT Always What You Think They Are

This really cracks me up!OH boy, I wonder how this man felt when he found out it was not a sexy lady after all. I'm sure he's heartbroken!

 Oh well this may serve a lesson to us all, not everything is what they seem to be. Let us all be careful! Let us not fall victims into the  lair of deception laid by many. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then chances are they might not be. If you have second thoughts about a thing or a person, follow your instincts. I am not cynical, I just learned. Even so, I still believe in the goodness of human nature.    

  •♥♥•  LUVINMAHBOYZ  •♥♥•

Letting Go

Letting go of your old self and the process of letting the new you emerge can be one of the scariest experiences in your life. But by leaving behind your old self and taking a leap of faith into the unknown, it might just reveal what you are truly capable of becoming.

  •♥♥•  LUVINMAHBOYZ  •♥♥•

Trust

"Trust is not about how much you trust one person or another to do right or wrong. How much you trust another person is a function of how much you trust yourself to be strong enough to deal with their imperfections."

  •♥♥•  LUVINMAHBOYZ  •♥♥•

Household TIPS

Here's the FIVE things that I did  and is STILL doing:

Household tip #1. If you have not worn or used an item in one year, GET RID OF IT. Chances are, you won't be wearing them again. Consider donating the gently used clothing and other items to local charities.

Household tip #2: If a towel has a hole in it, cut it into square pieces and add them to your cleaning rag bag.

Household tip #3:  Anyone one who helps to get a house dirty SHOULD also help to get it sparkling again! Yes!yes!yes! EVERYBODY in the house should help out so mom can also relax. Kids can "clean up" their rooms - it does not have to be our idea of clean but at least let them do it. They will help out more without even you telling or reminding them. this has worked with my son and my 14 year old step daughter. My house rule is simple: Clean your room!

Household tip #4: Though pretty much everything is done electronically nowadays, there are still a "few" that we need to mail so it won't hurt to keep a roll of stamps in your kitchen or desk drawer at all times. This will save you a trip to the post office.

Household tip #5: Use sanitizing wipes on surfaces such as toilet seats and countertops. This will help your home germ-free.

  •♥♥•  LUVINMAHBOYZ  •♥♥•

Decluttering: The Real Deal

"A Mother's job never ends but it is the most fulfilling of all since the pay is love and kisses!"

Over the years, I have learned about cleaning, organizing and decluttering from my mom in law plus I’ve read books too. Let's face it; we have "hidden" clutters in our house - in the basement, the attic or behind doors. For years I have struggled to keep our house in order - not that it's filthy but it is unorganized. We have bills in the dining table or clothes and toys in the floor - don't even start me with those Legos! They sure hurt!

One day, a neighbor came over. She caught me by surprise and of course I have not even cleaned. Toys are everywhere in the floor, clothes that needs to be folded are in the couch, and Hubz' work clothes are hang in the doorknobs! Oh what an embarrassment! From then on, I made a vow to spend time cleaning even if it is just 10 minutes a day. Pick a toy here, pick a toy there and before you know it, the house is looking a whole lot less chaotic.

I bought containers from dollar tree so they can separate their toys into categories. I put them in each of the kid’s bedroom. We also see to it that they pick up their toys before going to bed that way mommy and daddy don't end up stepping those Legos or dinosaurs. So far I have maintained the kitchen, living room, bedrooms and the bathrooms but the problem is our basement. Yes the basement! Our most cluttered space and the most ignored. Why? It is because cleaning it is not a priority. Visitors don't check down there and also we fall trapped into “I will clean that tomorrow" or "I will clean that next weekend”, another day, another week came and twas never done.

So, 2012 came and I was pumped up. I feel like a different person. More enthusiastic, more energetic and more optimistic! It's almost like there was a button in me that was switch on! It so feels weird! Anyway, I IGNORED Facebook turned my cellphone to silent and started cleaning up. It took me two-three weeks to really organize my house from the upstairs to the basement - yes the basement is included this time! I gave away all the baby stuff that I've been holding on for 5 years - clothes, toys, high chair, crib, car seats. All the cups and glasses that is not a complete set anymore, the clothes that have not been worn they all went bye-bye. The books I accumulated over the years they went to the local library and my son’s book were donated to his classroom.

How did I feel afterwards? Exhausted of course! But I was filled with joy knowing I was able to help somebody and I got everything emptied. Now all I have to do is keep it up.

  •♥♥•  LUVINMAHBOYZ •♥♥•

Decluttering and Realization

For weeks now, I have been reading about how to de-clutter and organize my home. 
I just want to live with less clutter hiding in every corner of my house. 


First up was my closet, yes my unorganized closet - not that I have tons of clothes! It took me two days to clean it up. It was so hard to let go of my favorite things. And of course I was living in denial. I kept thinking I am still a 0-1. One day I went to Kohl's and found really great deals. I love to wear short shorts even when I have cents and dimes (scars) in my legs. I just feel comfortable in them so who cares what others think right? So yeah,without even trying to put them on,  I bought 4 shorts and  2 tank tops - to mix and match later on. To my surprise, I can't even fit in them! I took the measuring tape, put it around my waste and 30 shows! Imagine how horrifying it was for me to have 24-26 waistline. Well I am only 5ft tall so I am concern - of course I don't want to look like a cut off hotdog! To my defense, I am not vain, it's just that I am not used into a body like I have now.  Reality hits me hard - it's time to let go of my flirty little skirts, short-shorts, my nice fitting tops  - aaahhh my wardrobe in general. IT was a wake up call for me! 


As I think about it, my closet is just like my life - there's a lot of stuff I don't need but I just keep stacking them in a pile. All the good ones are under the heap so what I end up seeing are junks. Even with all the rubbish, it is hard to decide which ones to throw or keep because each has a story.... but I have to do so in order to put my closet -and my life- in an organized manner!


There are times when we want to hold on the good ones. There are people we  badly want in our lives . Truth is when we grow as a person, our idea of fun or interests change and that is how we grow apart from people we care  about. No matter how we try to work it out, the closeness that once was there is gone. No matter how we force to "fit" in, it just will not. At a time like this, as hurtful as it is, we have no other choice but to let it go.

  •♥♥•  LUVINMAHBOYZ  •♥♥•

Live Drama Free

We are curious by nature - and that is a good thing when it is about ideas. However, in most occasions, we are MORE curious about people. We browse magazine racks, watch E-news or search the net to check the "updates" about favorite celebrities’ .We go to Facebook or twitter and see what is new with our friends, family, friblings and freenemies. Sometimes we don't mean to pry but their lives are there for everybody to see. Then we see it, curiosity comes up and we do a little more "digging". Without realizing, time flew and we have not done a single thing aside from sitting in front of the computer screen "reading". At times, when posts somehow hit us, we start to think and analyze the situation, which leads to over thinking, over analyzing and misunderstanding. With that, drama begins! Whew!

Just thinking about drama gives me a headache so let's proceed to ideas. Come to think of it, how many minutes or hours have we spent venting to friends about what we've read or what we've seen in Facebook or twitter posts? How many times a day have we thought of what others think or might have said about us? IF we only think of ideas  of how to improve ourselves or how to get our life better - ways of organizing the house, cleaning up the clutter, cutting our utility & grocery bills - then we wouldn't be in trapped in this web of she said and she said. Come on, we all hate drama but don't we think we are bringing it to ourselves the moment we open our mouth to somebody else? INSTEAD of that, why don't we talk about HOW to save up to pay credit card bills or talk about WAYS to discipline our kids? Why don't we exchange recipes or exercise together? WHY don't we START doing productive things and aim for a GOAL? Think about it, isn't that worth doing? We will not only see progress but also, we will live drama free at that  - come on, who doesn't want to live life free from all the crap?

Start NOW! Remember, life is about choices. If we make good choices then we get good results.

  •♥♥•  LUVINMAHBOYZ  •♥♥•