Laurie's Everyday Notions

I'm always trying new things as I search for what works best for us as we school at home. This year, instead of buying a "Well Planned Day" planner which I've used for the past two years, I decided to try an online planner. Online calenders just don't work for me. I miss the mornings of opening up my planner with pencil in hand and plotting out the day/week/month. This week I realized that I need a planner I can hold, write in and carry from room to room with me. Thankfully the online planner that I was using was not purchased yet as my trial period ends today and another big "Thank you, Lord!" as my favorite planner is now on sale! Looking for a planner? I love this one as it gives me space to plot out my son's school day, budget planning, meal planning, month-at-a-glance feature and week-at-a-glance. It also has space for recording grades, goals, and materials/curriculum used. I can't wait to get mine! Sale ends tomorrow (9/7)

I'm not a coupon clipper, although the thought intrigues me. It seems when I do look for coupons I only find coupons for processed foods. I'd rather save my money in other ways. I've also found that being frugal can naturally lead to living green and eating healthier. 1. No paper products except baby wipes and toilet paper because, to put it into simplest terms, I don't like dealing with poo. Which means I still haven't switched to cloth diapers for my daycare babes. I use cloth napkins and washable hankies made from old t-shirts . For day care licensing the kids are to have "single use" towels to use after washing hands. Instead of using paper towels I have a basket of wash clothes that are used for "personal" hand towels. If I entertain for a crowd larger than my supply of dishware, I do buy paper plates and napkins but otherwise I try to make do with my washable stock. 2. No canned foods (or limited). I make my own "cream of...