WFMW no.9

The best anti-frizz, non-greasy spray. ever.

I have hair that is half wavy/half curly and dries something like this:



I'm exaggerating.

Only just a bit.

'Cause it dries huge, and curly/wavy/frizzy.

When I need to tame it and I don't feel like using the straight iron I use my best bud.

Meet Cyclomethicone.





I put this stuff in a spray bottle and while my hair is damp, I spritz away without a care that it'll leave my hair greasy or feeling heavy. It stops the frizz and gives my hair a bit of shine as well.

{Many moons ago, back when my mom & I had our own handmade bath & body company-- we'd add fragrance and use this as a dry body oil. This stuff is fabulous!}

You can't find this on the store shelves, though. It has to be purchased from a bath and body products supply business. {The above link is where I've purchase mine from for years.}

It's worth the trouble to order, though. Especially if your hair dries something like mine.


Works for me. =)



Visit We are that family for more Works-for-me Wednesday ideas, tips and inspiration.

Happy Wednesday!
-Jen

WFMW

F.F.D.F.




What's this you ask?

It's our family fun day fund.

This favorite jar of mine sits out collecting extra change and dollars thrown in here and there, which gets added up for a family fun day/night once a month.

Sometimes, it funds a night of bowling.

Sometimes, it funds a day of picnicking with friends or cousins we bring along.

Sometimes, it funds movie tickets or dinner.

Or sometimes, when the funds are a wee-bit on the small side, we'll buy all the goodies to make banana splits & sundaes.

Now, I realize that there are a lot of families that do this kind of stuff all the time, but when you're on a budget {like we are}-- trips to dairy queen, eating out at restaurants or a trip to the movie theater for a family of four can really put a kink in the budget, know what I mean?

So this little set-up we have...

It works for us!


Visit We are that family for more Works-for-me Wednesday ideas, tips and inspiration.

Happy Wednesday!
-Jen

WFMW

Grilled Banana Boats!


Yummy summertime dessert!

Our power was out for the most of the day into the evening yesterday, so we put this on the grill and enjoyed it al fresco. Works for me! =)

What you need:
Bananas
chocolate chips
marshmallows
chopped nuts {optional}
aluminum foil
grill

How to put them together:
Slice bananas down the center and leave the peel on. Place marshmallows and chocolate chips down in the center of the banana. Wrap in aluminum foil and place in warm grill for 10 minutes or so. {The banana peel will turn black- this is okay, it's supposed to.} Eat and Enjoy!

If I would have remembered, crushed pecans {my favorite!} would have been put on top of them.






Visit We are that family for more Works-for-me Wednesday ideas, tips and inspiration.

Happy Wednesday!
-Jen

WFMW

Homemade Fudge Pops!

Perfect treat for the kids on those hot summer days!!



3/4 c. sugar
3 T. all-purpose flour
3 T. baking cocoa
4 c. milk

1- In a saucepan, combine the sugar, flour and cocoa. Gradually stir in the milk until smooth.

2-Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 min. or until thickened. Cool slightly.

3-Pour 1/4 c. into a popsicle mold or 3 oz. plastic cup; top w/holders or insert popsicle sticks if using cups.

4-Freeze until set.

Makes 10 servings.

Mmmmm. {Hubby especially loved these.}

Works for us. =)


Visit We are that family for more Works-for-me Wednesday ideas, tips and inspiration.

Happy Wednesday!
-Jen

WFMW

Homemade Taco Seasoning

2 tsp. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. oregano
dash of ground cayenne pepper {optional}
freshly ground black pepper & salt to taste

Stir seasoning with 1lb. browned meat and 1/2 cup or so of water. Simmer for 10 minutes.

No more buying the taco seasoning packets from the grocery store?

Works for me.

Visit We are that family for more Works-for-me Wednesday ideas, tips and inspiration.

Happy Wednesday!
-Jen

WFMW

Does your family eat lotsa pasta like we do here in the K house?

Well, you may have the same problem I did.

Boxes and bags of opened leftover pasta.

You know, the 1/4 box of farfalle or 1/2 bag of ditalini sitting in the back of the pantry just waiting to be added to some soup or tossed with some garlic & olive oil. But, always overlooked for a new unopened box/bag?

Yeah, I needed to solve that problem. Here's what I came up with...



Put the pasta in wide mouth mason jars.



They are lined up in the pantry and I know what leftover pasta I have and how much.

Works for me. =)


Visit We are that family for more Works-for-me Wednesday ideas, tips and inspiration.

Happy Wednesday!
-Jen

WFMW

Frugal Edition. {This week we were asked to share our frugal tips.}

Here's a few of my biggest $$ savers.

* Meal plan, meal plan, meal plan!
Yeah, it's not always the most fun you'll have writing up your menus, but it pays off in so many ways...

1- You don't find yourself staring into the fridge at dinnertime wondering what to cook.
2- You've planned your meals so you know what you need to buy at the grocery store. And, the list helps you stick to your grocery budget so you don't overspend.
3- It helps to keep you out of that cooking rut that many of us can fall into. You know, making the same things over and over and over. When you sit down to plan your menu for the week (or month) get out all those recipes you've always wanted to try and pencil one in here and there. You'll be amazed at the variety of meals you make.

* Let vinegar become your best bud.



I mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water. That's it. That's my cleaner. I even use it as a hard wood floor cleaner. Love it.
I also use vinegar to clean for my rinse agent in the dishwasher and I clean the coffee pot by running some vinegar & water through it.

I also have my homemade laundry soap recipe here.


* Join your local Freecycle .
Freecycle is all about re-using and keeping things out of landfills. Look at this little gizmo I picked up Saturday from a freecycler.



Almost-new HP photo printer! It works great, too.


For most frugal folks these tips are old news, but these oldie but goodies work for me.

Visit We are THAT family for more Works-for-me Wednesday ideas, tips and inspiration.



Happy Wednesday!
-Jen

WFMW

How do I display my two year-olds artwork?







Thanks to some Pottery Barn inspiration, two wooden star hooks ($1 each),
a bit of blue paint, wooden clothespins, and some leftover wire hubby had,
I made this art display for my little guys room.

I love how simple and inexpensive it was to create. It adds such charm to his room, and I can change out his artwork as often as I'd like.

Cheap and cute? Works for me. =)

Visit We are THAT family for more Works-for-me Wednesday ideas, tips and inspiration.

Happy Wednesday!
-Jen

WFMW

What do you do with leftover chicken?



Make chicken & rice salad!

Mix together:

1 c. or so of cooked brown or white rice
1 c. diced or shredded cooked chicken
1/2 c. frozen peas thawed
1/2 c. finely diced veggies & such. I use onion, celery and black olives
Salad dressing of your choice - I use ranch most of the time.
Salt & pepper

Voila-- Lunch! Works for me. =)

Happy Wednesday!