Happy Labor Day!

Recently, I was at a party where a friend visiting from London asked what Labor Day was a holiday for, I was stumped. Maybe it was the feeling of being on the spot, but I couldn't think of the answer. I mean, the thought of laboring or working came to mind but for some reason I thought that was too easy, that couldn't be it.

So for anyone out there that is wondering why we celebrate Labor Day, check out this article from Wikipedia.

Originally posted on September 5th, 2011.

{How to Balance Your Checkbook}

This morning I went to balance my checkbook and as I scrolled down my e-statement, I realized that it no longer has the reconciliation table at the end. You can't print it to reconcile (aka balance) your checkbook. So as I struggled to remember what it says and what order things go in I thought I'd write a post on how you balance your checkbook.

The first thing you need to do is pick a quite time with as few distractions/interruptions as possible. This can be rather challenging but if you don't it will take you much longer.

Next, gather the things you'll need:

• Your checkbook register
• The statement
• Pencil and Eraser
• Calculator
• Something to drink

Take your statement, find the ending balance and transfer it to your reconciliation form or write it at the top of your page. Then go down your statement and one by one put a check mark by them in your checkbook register. Here, you are checking to make sure that the amount and the vendor match, that they didn't charge you more than you thought (this will sometimes happen if you add a tip at the end or if you or they transpose numbers). After you have checked off all matching items, use the form (below), or make two columns one for the withdrawals/payments and one for deposits/credits. Put items in there corresponding columns and then find the sum of each column. After you've done this, subtract your withdrawals/deposits from your deposits/credits. Then add your ending balance to the total from deposits minus withdrawals. This total is your current balance, it should match what your checkbook register says. It will not always match what your bank says your balance is, especially if you use your account a lot. 

Here's an example:

Click the Image below for a {free} form you can save or print (no download required):

{Font}: Everytime I Miss You downloaded from: kevin {&} amanda

Natural Mothering E-book Bundle!

Looking for some natural mothering information. Look no further, check out this awesome e-book bundle! 

Click here to visit The Natural Mothering E-Book Bundle.

~This collection provides passionate, intelligent, and practical information to equip mothers to make informed decisions along their parenting journey and provide them with the resources they need to raise their children joyfully and naturally.~

Topics include:
~herbal remedies for children
~non-toxic beauty care for moms and children
~dealing with cavities and remineralizing teeth
~childbirth & breastfeeding
~a non-biased guide to thinking through the contentious topic of vaccines
~nutrition for babies, toddlers, children, and in the prenatal period
~diapering and pottying options
~dealing with trauma and depression
~teaching children manners, how to cook, and caring for others
~fertility
~meal ideas & homemaking helps for busy moms
~attachment parenting

Authors include a number of well-known bloggers, holistic health care professionals, and fertility experts - including Pinky McKay ICBLC, Ramiel Nagel, Gabriela Rosa ND, Wardeh Harmon, Natalie Kringoudis, and Will and Susan Revak of Orawellness.com. 

Click here to visit The Natural Mothering E-Book Bundle.

Just Say No to Honey Boo Boo

I am not a fan of Honey Boo Boo. I don't think that beauty queen scene has anything good to impart to youngsters. And its just plain annoying. So today's cartoon on the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists site was perfect. Enjoy!

(click here to view)

Terry Wise Ratland Ink PressApr 3, 2013 EditorialCartoonists.com

No SPAM Please!

Dear Anonymous Spam Commenter,
   Please stop leaving random, spam comments on my blog. Just because I don't post all the time doesn't mean its not still active and that I don't moderate the comments. Your comments don't get posted without approval so no one has seen any of your comments or wierd links. Your wasting your time and mine. Please stop. Thank you!

Anyone else out there have this problem? Do you have a solution?

Christmas Bazaar at Vineyard Christian Fellowship

This weekend I'm participating in my first ever Craft Bazaar at the Vineyard Christian Fellowship! There will be Live Music, Warm Food, and Beautiful Handmade Gifts from over 60 vendors.

November 16th, 2012 12pm-8pm
November 17th, 2012 9am-4pm

Vineyard Christian Fellowship
4950 N. Bradley Ln.
Garden City, ID 83714

There will be over 60 vendors offering a wide variety of handmade items including crocheting, photography, woodwork, scrapbooking  jewelry, home decor and so much more! There will be live music and delicious food available both days.

{Copied almost identically from the Vineyard Christian Fellowship Invitation card: created by Kim Collingham}

I'm bringing cute little crocheted owls! Hope you'll come and enjoy the festivities with us!

Update (11/18/2012): The bazaar was a lot of fun. We had moderate traffic. I think it was too hard to compete with a Boise state game weekend. I sold one owl and use a few others to trade for things around the bazaar that I wanted to buy. Looking forward to new crochet projects and planning different things for next year. 

Nutiva Coconut Oil

Just want to let everyone know that we got a great deal on Nutiva Coconut Oil yesterday at the Boise Costco. 1 (78 oz) jar for $21.99. The closest comparison I could find on Amazon was 2 (54oz) jars for $51.97 if you signed up for subscribe and save. So if your local Costco doesn't carry it, I'd ask for it and tell all your friends to ask for it. Since Costco supplies it to certain stores you just might get it at your local store.