Mamanomic$

Too Busy to Save Money….

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:38:00 +0000

No. Never.

As my toddler grows bigger and more adventurous by the day, I find that I am having less time to do / get done the things I used to leisurely do. Most me time waits until he is asleep- napping or down for the night.

<—P with a little swimmer diaper on his head and his beloved cars. He put the diaper on himself.

I am constantly looking for any tool I can use to make life a little easier.

I have started to make weekly menus – set shopping lists and lists of the things that need attention around the house. This includes bill cutting back to save money wherever we can.

I was surprised last month when we got our utilities bill to see that it was double what we had paid in previous months. I studied the bill and then assessed what we had done differently. A few things stuck out.

1. Air Conditioner usage

2. Dryer usage

San Diego gets HOT in the summertime. We thought that since we had the privilege of having an AC that we would use it to combat the sweaty misery of the heat.

<--- Our AC.

I’m still not sure why, but for some reason it doesn’t do the cooling you would expect. Maybe it’s the way the house is split in two- idk.

In an effort to cut our expenses I stopped using the ac. I have placed fans around the house and keep certain blinds closed as the sun beats down on them. If that is not enough I open the doors to the outside to get a cool draft going through to air out the house. I also keep doors to bedrooms and bathrooms closed, turn off any lights or appliances that are not in use- anything to reduce the heat emitted in the house.

I also realized that with the heat in the house, I could seize the opportunity to start hang-drying our clothing. Not only do we save on not using the dryer (electricity and $ since it’s coin operated) but the drying of the clothes in the house makes it smell fresh and adds a bit of moisture back into the air.

<—The dryer I only use for unmentionables.

Currently I am using whatever we have in the house to hang the clothes on. Mainly our weight machine .

I am pleased with the results and will continue to look for ways to save.

Do you have any energy saving tips you live by?

Re-building Life

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:52:00 +0000

Life is totally unpredictable. You never know what is going to happen. Some are prepared and can weather storms and others- totally blindsided.

I have been blindsided a few too many times.

It is my conscious decision to to hitch up my big girl panties and do what it takes to make sure that my family (dogs included) are sheltered from life's storms (as best I can).

I am a self-learner when it comes to budgets and household organization. My mom was in charge of money and bills and never really had a system. We always just barely made it.

Not anymore.

My first step is to create a Home Management Binder.

A simple binder, dividers and lined paper are all I need to get this ball rolling.

What will be kept in here:

* budget and money planning

* projects around the house

* daily schedule

* fun things for Paul calendar

* meal menus

* shopping lists

* appointment reminders and other important events

* birthdays, anniversaries etc.

* Important telephone #’s

You get the idea. It will grow as we grow and help me make sure I don’t miss a beat.

If you are looking to start something like this, stick with me along my journey. I will be continuing this as a series as the HMB grows, sharing links, tips and strategies.

I totally appreciate input too. Please share with us if you have made a system for your house hold. What works for you??

4 Months Later… Mama’s back.

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 04:25:00 +0000

As it has nearly been 4 moths without a post, I feel some catching up is in order.

When I last posted, I was in the middle of a move. A move that has made a huge difference in our lives. We didn’t move far- maybe 15 miles, but that was enough to brighten our moods and let the creative life blood rejuvenate and flow as it should.

Paul is thriving and loving his new bedroom. He is becoming more and more adventurous every day.

He loves Matchbox cars and watching his daddy at the track. We have discovered that our new location brings us super close to Barona Oaks MX – a local motocross park with 2 tracks for riders to practice on.

Joe has been dedicated to his riding and it is starting to payoff. He has raced now twice. The first being on Father’s Day – a special day indeed. Almost every weekend you can find me, Paul and a few of our dogs in the shade under the trees observing or running around the track taking pictures.

I have been busy working on and dreaming up a world of Retro Diva goodness. Make sure you keep up-to-date with the TRD blog. This is a dream of mine and I am hoping that with lots of learning, patience and supreme organization I can bring it all together.

On the Mamanomic$ front- I am working on an online home management system for my household. Its a bit of a project and of course I will be sharing as it develops.

Thanks for sticking with me while getting adjusted to new surroundings, a new town and some new responsibilities.

Much Love.

Helpful Checklists.

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:49:00 +0000

I am a girl that LOVES checklists. I always have. I make a checklist for most everything – just to keep me on track and focused on the projects I am working on. I never have just one project either.

I have moved many times in my life. Most of those moves were relatively simple. I could throw my stuff in boxes, pick up, move and set back up in a few days. Now that I have a family EVERYTHING is different.

I am not just moving myself I have Paul and Joe as well. And since we can’t just pause life so that we may move our home- life has to continue as normal as possible. It is a definite challenge but with help is totally manageable.

While the move was sort of a sudden one, these lists have been been helpful.

Start with this moving timeline.

I started by going through all the little nooks and crannies and getting rid of all things that haven’t been used or looked at in the last year. I’ve noted those who can help with moving and color coordinated the rooms and labeling system.

Each post-it is labeled according to the color of the sign for the room. This is to help whomever is helping us move know where to put boxes when they bring them in.

These Tips for successful packing are great to help keep you organized while the whirlwind of moving unfolds around you.

So far so good.

I am utilizing local grocery and goods stores for boxes. Often if you call in the A.M. they are willing to set aside their boxes for the day for you.

Officially a Mama on the Move.

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:13:00 +0000

On the 3rd- we are going East. Only 10 min. It has been a bit hectic since we were blindsided by a Notice of Trustee Sale on the property we were renting. Having lived here for 3 years we had thought about moving to a bigger place but it had yet become a set decision.

The house we are moving too is beautiful. Hardwood and custom tile flooring, beautiful marble like bathroom, a room for Paul, and ample room for us to be comfortable with the 4 dogs.

View Full Album

I have been using a lot of web resources to help me organize this move as best as possible so the transition smooth and easy and regular life can continue as quickly as possible.

Over the next few weeks I will be sharing the resources I find, the methods I find useful and updates on the progress.

Stay tuned.

Giveaways & The Retro Diva

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:58:00 +0000

I have to say I have been VERY busy this last week. Doing what? Well...
As you know I created RetroChristmas to bring some retro style to everyone's homes for the holiday season. This soon turned into me wanting to bring this concept (in several forms) to you not just at Christmas. SO I have created The Retro Diva. This is me.

When it comes to crafting, I can't sit still. I want to do it all.

And I will. I have started by creating a blog for The Retro Diva.

Please check out: http://www.theretrodiva.com and let me know what you think.

ALSO:
Check out this awesome giveaway on Today's Creative Blog:

A Sad Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:11:00 +0000

There was devastating news from the fashion world today.

Alexander McQueen has past away. He was not only one of our modern fashion icon's but my absolute favorite fashion designer EVER.

So much so that I clipped everything I found of his in magazines and made the clippings into a scrapbook. I even used one of his early 00's look-books to create my entry portfolio into FIDM.

He was definitely loved.

R.I.P

Back Online and with a Mission.

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:13:00 +0000

Hi everyone! Just wanted to give an update on things. As of a few hours ago I am now (once again) the proud owner of a full working/functioning computer! The next step is to get our WiFi working so I may blog from any corner in the house. My <3:

I have been working on my RetroChristmas store as well as a few other projects that I can't yet share. ;)

The last thing I wanted to update y'all on is a new charitable organization that I am helping organize. We are just starting and are fresh with ideas. We are taking one step at a time and learning as we go.

Our goal is to collect clothes, toiletries, and other life essentials for those in the USA who are in need. We are starting local with the hopes of reaching all 50 states. Please check out our Facebook page: The America Helps America Project Please friend the page to stay up to date on our progress and how you can help!

Not Your Mamas Meatloaf!

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 04:36:00 +0000

I am constantly on the lookout for healthier recipes of classic comfort foods. I was skeptical at first but this recipe really hit a home-run in my house. Joe is not a big fan of sweet potatoes or meatloaf and he LOVED this dish!! If you make it let me know what you think!!

Sweet Potato Turkey Meatloaf

Life can be crazy...

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:28:00 +0000

It is amazing the speed bumps life puts before you in the midst of a storm. I try to take those bumps and learn as much as I can from them and move on. That said.. I have been busy getting my ever expanding supply collection organized and my workspace situated so that I may be able to create efficiently. This is my space so far:

Still a work in progress - but SO much better then it was. That is also a sneak peek at a few things that I need to finish and list!

This was my Wed.

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:14:00 +0000

I did quite a bit today! I love being productive. I took care of a few chores around the house (trash, recycling, floors mopped), took care of some home matters online and then focused on RetroChristmas.

Here is a sneak peak at the first RC pin.

Todays Sites Worth Mentioning:

1. Found this awesome freebie site and actually ordered a free "engagement" ring from them.
(Nope, not engaged. It's a cute ring though & who can beat free!!)

2. Posted my first Featured Artisan interview for the SDEC Team blog.

More tomorrow. Night.

I am a WINNER!

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:42:00 +0000

A while ago I entered a Facebook Fan Page giveaway for Bippity Boppity Glue!! So many of my friends fanned the page that I received a $40 gift certificate to the BBG store on Artfire!!

Waiting for me today,when I came back from running errands, was this wonderful box with the great stuff I got from her store!

Brodie was excited too to see what was in the box! The cupcake themed paper is beautiful and the giant clothespin are too cute! They are definitely going to help me in my crafting! All of the lovely clothespins I received are magnets as well!!! The canister and tags are a beautiful addition to my workspace. Thank you all for fanning Bippity Boppity Glue & if you haven't and want to: The BBG Fan Page. I am going to make sure I check back in to the BBG studio to see the new goodies. You should too.

31 Years Ago Today...

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:10:00 +0000

My big sister Amanda Lin was born.

Take it easy but take it! I love you kid.

Happy Birthday Manda!

New RetroChristmas Store @ Storenvy!

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:08:00 +0000

So I spent much of yesterday creating the 2nd of 3 RetroChristmas stores I am going to manage online. Through some hoping around I found Storenvy: Social Shopping and Free Stores.

I have added many items to my new store and am still in the process of learning the ins and outs of the site. I have looked around at some of the other stores and have liked what I have seen! It's free so why not?

Fatastic Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:05:00 +0000

I LOVE handmade. The time and effort people put into their craft is awe inspiring! This is a perfect example of what I am talking about!

Check out this fantastic giveaway from Fireseed!

This lil monkey (which is also a prize ) says it all!

My Cactus is all Grows Up.

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:35:00 +0000

Happy 2010!

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:29:00 +0000

It's funny to think back 10 years. What were you doing? How did you feel. To me it's a little sad- eye opening, but sad. I was 17, a little bored and ready to be challenged. I was SO looking forward to starting college, moving away from home, beginning my independence. I had no idea what blows life would deal or how rapidly they would hit. It was a nice aloof time.

Fast forward 10 years.

Life's stormy weather has calmed down and I am now using the lessons learned to make my life the way I want it to be.

I want this to be the year of change. As my mom used to always say "Gunna do never did anything!" Just do it!

I spent much of my holiday time creating and thinking of things to create. I've made some new frames, a few bookmarks, and a couple wall hangings.

I am looking forward to the progression of my work as well as the new things I am learning through research and reading!

Back to my coffee and listings... until tomorrow.

Holiday Scrapblog! Remembering the Cheer.

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:21:00 +0000

The Holidays are over and it is almost the new year. I cant believe how quickly this year flew by. Our Holidays were very eventful with lots of family, friends and loved ones. RetroChristmas was seen at its first Holiday party thanks to my girls Ashli and Rosemary! We had a ton of fun and hopefully it can be a yearly event!

To share this seasons memories I have made another (my 3rd) scrapblog. Click the link to view my other 2. One is from this years trip to Disneyland with my sister, TwinkieChan and her man Hairy. The other is from Paul's first trip to the beach this past summer.

Here is this years Holiday scrapblog. Press the play button to view. Use the arrows to move the pages faster :) Enjoy!!

And the Winner Is.....

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:28:00 +0000

Thank you SO much to everyone who participated in my first giveaway!! It was a lot of fun and there will definitely be more in the future with more exciting and unique prizes!

At 6pm on 12/17 I used this random number generator to draw a winner based on the number of comments that had been left. The number it generated was:

6

Random numbers generated Dec 17 2009 at 18:00:4 by www.psychicscience.org
Free educational resources for parapsychology, psychical research & mind magic.

So.. CONGRATULATIONS!! Goes out to Jennifer Hopson!!

She happens to be a fellow crafter and a good one at that! Her accessories are SUPER cute and will be in my hair very soon! I am having a hard time narrowing down what I want first, there's so much to choose from!

I encourage you to check out her goodies! They fit all occasions and temperaments.

Here is her shop on Etsy:

Etsy
Buy Handmade
smiss00

And her store on Artfire:

smiss00

Sell Handmade

Thanks again for making the giveaway a success. Keep reading the Mamanomic blog for updates on hot fresh-out-of-the oven goodies from RetroChristmas!

Congrats John Michael and Janine!

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:11:00 +0000

This last Saturday we got all dolled up and headed north to celebrate the wedding of my mans cousin. The venue was nestled in a community of homes - and very beautiful. I would have never assumed that the home would be so unique and beautiful.

The Levyland Estates is a 6,000 square foot home nestled between a lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. Not surprising, this home was featured on the cover of San Diego Home and Garden.Simply breathtaking!! If you have the money and would like some unique stress free vacation time- this is the home to rent.

Here are the few pics I took as it was a family event and juggling a one year old and a camera is next to impossible!! :

Overall, Paul did really well and was happy most of the day. As you can see he wasn't so jazzed about leaving the house. Once there he met some new baby friends and had a ball until everyone started getting loud, banging on their glasses and requesting the bride and groom to kiss. He was over it at that point and we went home.

A RetroChristmas GIVEAWAY!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:54:00 +0000

Every minute that passes is one closer to Christmas!That blessed day when the stress of shopping and gift making is FINALLY over and you get to watch your loved ones enjoy and appreciate all your hard work.

I am SUPER excited to open the RetroChristmas doors for my 1st Holiday Giveaway!

The winner will receive 1 (one) ornament and 1 (one) card of choice!

To qualify:

1. Follow this blog
2. Visit RetroChristmas on Etsy & then
3. Leave a comment (on this post) letting me know what you think about the RetroChristmas Store.

As I will be making ornaments and cards all week, check the store on a regular basis to see what's new!

Giveaway runs from the 13th thru the 18th.

The winner will be chosen by random number drawing on the 18th at 6pm PST.

Until then enjoy and Good Luck.

Thrusday's Outlook

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:45:00 +0000

I have been so busy, I've neglected to post a blog- so here's an update and my to-do list!!

If you haven't already check out my Etsy Store. I posted a bunch of new ornaments yesterday! Very sassy ones. I also have some new cards I have made and need to list as well as some non sassy ornaments.

Today's 7 TO Do's:

1. List items on cragislist- including Nintendo DS and Dress Form (new listings)
2. Make sure all important profiles are up to date and reflect my RetroChristmas store.
3.Set up Paul in front of our "fire place" for holiday pics
4. Make a trip to the grocery store and post office
5.Create a marketing calendar (this I may need help on)
6.Continue research to make my craft business the most successful
7. Start a calendar for local craft events.

My goal is to do at least one in January. I would love/ hope to be able to do one a month- providing that is possible! I have faith and high hopes and that is OK.

Sites 2 Remember: 12/06/2009

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:41:00 +0000

My love for the craft business grows more and more the deeper I delve into it. There are so many facets to it that in order to be successful you have to discover what each of those are and figure out your most creative way to be on the top of your craft (whatever that maybe!)

So far on this journey I have learned that an overwhelming need to have everything around you organized and clutter free is a must to be your most productive.

As a child my mom (who was an artist herself) always had to have the house clean and orderly before she could paint. I hated all the chores then & totally understand the peace of mind a clean fresh house can give versus a messy one.

For me this includes my supplies. I like my things organized by color and size. I have not perfected that by any means. In the next few weeks I hope to change the present state of my work area - the clutter is tragic.

My work space as digital art.

Keeping an organized computer is a must too! Having files and photos all jumbled will never help you list items faster or allow you to use your time efficiently.
Time is precious and you've got to make the most of what you have.

I have started to use StumbleUpon to remember various sites I come across. Those sites are a mix of all my interests. I thought I would keep site sharing on this blog to specifically crafting since that is what a good portion of this blog is about; my journey in the crafting biz.

This link series will be titled Sites to Remember followed by the date the list was made on.

All that said, here is today's list of sites I'd like to remember:

The Church of Craft: How to Start a Chapter

CraftyPod

Craftbits

Swap-Bot

Paul's Plays with his Cousin & Gets his First Haircut

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:24:00 +0000

I have been SO busy lately because things are finally starting to come together :)I have a handful of things to update on. Here they are.

Nov.25th was Paul's first birthday. I didn't have much planned - other then to get his haircut later that evening. Sometime in the afternoon I got a text from my sister-in-law. Her and my brother both had the day off and invited us to hang out. I packed us up and off we went.

My brother and sister-in-law have a 2 (almost 3) year old who LOVES Paul. Now that Paul can crawl and pull himself up on things, it was a lot of fun to watch them interact more.

We had some nice food (she's an amazing cook!) and then Paul and I were off to my mother-in-laws for a lil more food and his first haircut.

I have to admit I was nervous and a lil emotional. It's a mom thing I guess.

How did Paul do? He didn't like it very much.

Since his birthday was on a weekday, and the day before Thanksgiving- we had a small get together at my MIL's on the 29th.

That is his pint-life size Spidey doll and the afraid shocked reaction he had to it! It's his favorite to sleep with now - go figure!

It truly was a great birthday for him!

GRAND OPENING: RetroChristmas

noreply@blogger.com (Didi) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:31:00 +0000

And the story goes....

I was trying to figure out what next to do for the holidays with the mass amounts of crafting oddities I have collected over the years. Then I came across some wooden oval shapes I had received as gift. Next I found an old calendar I had been saving for a special project (that I have never gotten too :/) Then I thought about Christmas and the poor pitiful tree we have that has never had ornaments on it.

Seeing as how this is going to be the first Christmas where Paul is able to participate (he was only a month old at the last one) I thought I should dig up that old Christmas spirit I lost sometime ago and give it a make over. I have decided to take Christmas and give it a Bullygrrl makeover. Then I came up with RetroChristmas.

This is the Etsy store I have designed to sell my unique ornaments and other special Christmas crafts. All items will have a retro feel as that is what I love. I love pin up's, polka dots, lace, and anything else that gives you that innocent seductive classy vibe.

Take a look at the RetroChristmas Store and let me know what you think! I would LOVE and totally appreciate the feedback!!

xoxo