In the kitchen: natural lunchmeat

Hormel has a line of lunchmeats with NO MSG, NO NITRATES or NITRITES, and no artificials that make us moms leary. Way to go Hormel! Thanks for caring about what we care about and not charging us an arm and a leg for it! What do you think of Hormel's line of natural lunch meats? Do you have any other favorite healthy alternatives?

school/office: pencil sharpeners

Over the past 6 or so years running a home-based business and homeschooling the kids we have tried dozens of little personal pencil sharpeners as well as battery operated ones and some of the plug-in variety. I am sure we have spent around $200 or so with all these experiments. Frankly, they all sucked! Either the kids couldn't operate them properly, they just didn't sharpen nicely, or in one case, they constantly dismounted from the file cabinet and made a giant mess on the floor. I kept remembering the "old-fashioned" hand crank ones that were mounted to the wall in elementary school rooms from my past. I finally decided to do an internet search for one and couldn't believe that they were actually AFFORDABLE. Much more so than the plug-in ones too...and no batteries to replace! We got one and my husband mounted it right over the garbage can. (That way when the kids take turns opening it to empty the extra can spill right into the can.) It works like a dream! The kids are taking turns sharpening a whole week's worth of pencils at a time! No more, "My pencil is not sharp!" excuse when asked to complete homework! Amazing what a relief it is to find a good product that works and only requires elbow grease! What kind of pencil sharpener do you use? Have you had similar issues finding a good one? This one pictured is less than $20.00! I ordered it from OfficeMax.com

Toys for kids: Activity Tables

Tables like these can be found everywhere in stores and online and can be invaluable when it comes to occupying young children. A friend of mine was recently raving about how much she is enjoying her sand and water table that her children got as a gift this Christmas. Instead of using it as an outdoor sand table, she filled the bottom with dried beans and they play with it in the dining room. She has four young boys and they ALL are enjoying using it. They take their action figures and cars and trucks and make it a big construction scene or jungle or whatever their little minds come up with. What a great idea! What activity table do you like? Do you use yours in a unique way?

Kitchen tools - Chef's knife

I recently got this new Chicago Cutlery chef's knife. I was pleasantly surprised by how sharp it was straight from the packaging. I usually have a hard time finding sharp knives within my budget. This one was very affordable -coming in around $25. I have another knife from Pampered Chef that I also like because it has a semi-locking case. I take that with us camping or to parties where I need to bring a knife with for chopping. The case just makes it so convenient to do so. This Chicago Cutlery Chef's knife is all one piece of stainless steel so I don't worry about particles or water getting trapped in between the various parts and destroying the knife. It fits nicely in my hand and is not too heavy and not too light. It was one of those times where you go "out on a limb" and buy something and actually DON'T regret it. What's your favorite chef's knife and what did it cost?

Health and Beauty - salves

Our family has tried many different health and beauty products over the years. One that we return to time and time again and actually pack in our diaper bag to take when we leave the house is Miracle Salve from www.beeyoutiful.com . It is made from natural herbs and bee products and works like a charm to reduce swelling of bumps and bruises and insect bites and instantly relieves pain. I've used it on those goose-egg welts kids get when they bonk their head on something and watch the swelling go down in front of my eyes. Once my mother was there to see it happen and was so shocked at how well it worked she went home and bought a stock of it for her own medicine cabinet. I bring it with me all summer for mosquito and yellow jacket stings/bites. It works better than anything else we've tried and the kids run for it when they need it because it works so well. We love this product and the wholesome ingredients it contains!

books on... Gardening

One of the best books I have come across so far on the subject of gardening is : The Farmer's Wife Guide to Growing a Great Garden and Eating From it, Too! by Barbara Doyen. She also has one that is delegated primarily to fruits and berries. This book is written in a very simple and clear format that makes the novice gardener feel empowered and assured. It is also divided down by vegetable so is an easy go-to book for trouble-shooting or quick reference. I could never part with my copy and have given it as a gift because I know others will find it useful! Any other suggestions on good gardening books? What makes it a winner in your mind?

toy box/ottoman

We purchased this collapsable toy box/ottomon for our girls' room at Big Lots. It was under 15 dollars. We found it in the college dorm section in late summer early fall when all those type of things are out. It has been a huge space-saving solution for us and I will be looking for another this year. It has a division inside in the toy box part which makes sorting toys a little easier. The cushiony seat top gives the girls extra seating in their small room. It was a way more functional and affordable option for us than anything else I've seen online since.