Reuse the back of junk mail envelopes and the envelopes you remove bills from. I use the backs of them for my note paper to makes lists: Grocery lists, to do lists, or jot down things I need to remember. I never buy cute/fancy note pads, although I have been known to receive a few as gifts.

I admit it. I’m a list-maker. I like to make lists of what’s for dinner, l what I need to do today, what I need to pick up at the store, what I want to do in the future. You name it, I list it ~grin~

I wanted to share with you about Motivated Moms planners. I have heard of these before, but had not purchased it. I know… I’m cheap. $8 for a planner seemed like a lot. Ha! It really isn’t, though, at least not for this planner.  AND…. it’s half off because the year is half over! So, if you are interested in taking a peek at her other items, this may be the time to give them a spin. Then you’ll know if you want to go back and spend the extra $4 later.

She has check off boxes for daily and weekly tasks. They rotate week to week.  These are a great starter kit for anyone wanting to jump start their daily schedule.

Some items she has are:

• Full Size Planner
• Half Size PlannerFull Size Planner with Bible Reading Schedule (I wish I had tried this one out)
• Half Size Planner
• Half Size Planner with Bible Reading Schedule

Let me know if you end up purchasing one of these that I don’t have. I’d like to know what you think… or if you already have one that I don’t have, would love to hear.

This is for teachers and administrators.

http://rochester100.com/index.jsp?action=show_teacher

Filling out that form got me to wondering…. Do you have a name for your homeschool? If so, what is it? Ours is Home of Higher Learning. I’d love to hear yours!

Have I shared with you about Azure Standard? They specialize in natural, organic, earth-friendly foods and products. They deliver directly to customers, buying clubs and retailers by semi truck and UPS.

Let me spend a few minutes sharing about Azure. Maybe you’ve never considered using something like this for your groceries and other items.

I have been a member of Azure Standard since the mid 1990′s. They are out of Eastern Oregon, but truck their products all over and ship UPS to just about anywhere.

Some of the items I like to buy are pop corn, herbs and spices for the kitchen, baking powder, liquid aminos, oats, honey, etc.

Azure requires that you telephone them and set up an account, which requires that you pay for your first purchase BEFORE they ship it. After you have established a relationship with them, they will let you pay for your merchandise after you receive it, which is nice, because sometimes an item is out of stock and did not come out on the truck. If you have prepaid, you will be credited.

If you order on your own, you must have an order that totals $550, minimum; but if you order in a group, your individual order must be $50, minimum. In some areas, there is a three percent shipping fee for the truck. If you order via UPS, that’s a whole ‘nuther ball game.

I have a Yahoo Group, in which I coordinate our drop point. There are about 21 families in my co-op.  Not everyone orders each month. As a matter of fact, since Azure recently raised the minimum for the group to $550, we plan on ordering less. I digress.  I use the Yahoo Group calendar feature to send out reminders when the upcoming deadline is for ordering. I also communicate the coordinating of when we will be meeting the truck to get our merchandise.

It only takes moments for the truck to unload. Often, they drop at homes in residential areas, businesses, or in a parking lot. It is recommended that if you need to use a parking lot for your drop point, that you ask permission from the lot owner first.  The driver calls ahead of time and lets you know when he will be there.

I doubt if I have covered everything you might want to know about Azure Standard.  This link is a great place to read about getting started with Azure from their website. One of the first things that must be done is to find out if they deliver in your area and if there is already an established drop point.

Tomorrow, I will share with you some of the items I really like and use often. If you have questions, please feel free to ask and I can address them.