this is just me and my little world

Target trip...

2011-05-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

OOPS I totally forgot to post this last week!

Nivea Body was $3.19 (used $3 off coupon on each)
Sally Hansen nail polish 2.04 (used $1 off target coupon and $1 off printable coupon)

Total OOP: $.87 (most of it was tax)

Have you found any good deals lately?

Have a great day!
Angela

Harris Teeter Triples----MY TRIP with LINKY

2011-05-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

Yay for Triples!

Total retail: $57.47

Total OOP: $15.87

Coupon Savings: $35.50

EVIC savings: $6.10

I did buy blueberries (BOGO so rang up 1/2 price) $2.49

Eggs $1.79

Bleach $.99

but everything else had a coupon

How did you do? Post your link below.

Angela

My Rite-Aid Trip and savings

2011-05-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry the picture is so dark.. I am not sure why it came out so dark.

Transaction #1
Kotex U Tampons (2ea) @2/$7
Kotex U Panty liners (2ea) @2/$7
Kotex U pads (2 ea) @2//$7
Used $1/1 on all of the above.
Total before coupons: $21 (without tax)
Total after coupons: $15 (without tax)
Total OOP including tax: $16.05
Recieved $5 +up reward on next transaction...

Transaction #2
Kotex tampons (2ea) @2/$7
used $1.50/2 coupon and $5 +up reward from transaction #1
Total before coupon/+up: $7 (before tax)
Total OOP: $.98 ($.35 of that was tax)

On transaction #2 I received a code on my receipt for me to take a survey and save $3 off my next $15 purchase!

So Total before coupons and +up rewards: $30.03
Total OOP: $17.03 ($14.03 if you want to count that I got $3 off my next purchase)

How did you do?

Angela

Menu Plan Monday 5/15-5/22

2011-05-16T04:33:00.000-07:00

It's been a while. I've been doing my menu plans, just haven't been diligent about posting.

Monday: Baked Wacky Mac (like baked ziti but with wacky mac) and a salad and rolls (making 2 freezing 1)

Tuesday: Lefovers

Wednesday: Dirty rice and greens (making 2 freezing 1)

Thursday: leftovers

Friday: Chicken and rice

Saturday: Grilled Chicken, grilled baked potato and veggies

Sunday: Leftovers

Have a great week everyone. Have you made your meal plan yet?

Angela

What I saved/made this weekend

2011-05-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought about how much money you are saving your family by doing things yourself?

This crossed my mind today and I like to think of it as money I made my family. I think of it that way because I would do these things regardless and by doing them myself, therefore, I made money :) The way I see it, the more money I save my family, the more money we have to do FUN things.

This is me putting a price on my time for this weekend.

Saturday:
Highlights: $85 at LEAST for just foil highlights and a wash.
What I paid: $0 I used the stuff I have, I buy at Sally's and it lasts me a LONG time

Pedi/Mani: $30 is the least I have seen this combo for and that's on Groupon and Social Living
What I paid: $0 I have everything I need including the razor thing for the dead skin on my heels!

Rented a Movie from RedBox: $1
What I paid: $0- I had a free code

Watched 2 new movies we have not seen before $2 at least to rent from Redbox
What I paid $0- got them from the library

Sunday:
bought a New vase with seashell filler decoration for my living room: $53 at least for the "model" I loved at Pottery Barn
What I paid $2 -$1 for each the vase and filler from Dollar Tree

Birthday Card, Hats, party favors, and cookie mix and tin to finish off hubbies birthday care package: $10 roughly
What I paid: $5 -dollar tree and outlet store

Mcdonald's Frozen Strawberry lemonade for K: $2 roughly
What I paid $0- coupon from today's paper

Not to mention cooking all meals all weekend and the Uncle Ben's rice I got FREE. $2.30 value.. (my coupon was expiring)

Total I would have paid: roughly $185
What I actually spent this weekend: just under $16
what I saved/made this weekend: $169

So how much did YOU make this weekend? Our time is Money ladies.

Oh and later this week I will be waxing myself.. I don't see paying all that money for stuff I can do myself :)

Have a great Week..

Angela

Harris Teeter TRIPLES! Wed 5/18 match-ups SO FAR

2011-05-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

Starts at 7am Wed 5/18
POLICY:
only 20 coupons per person per day (tracked by EVIC card)
Triple up to $.99 (IE $.75 coupon is worth $2.25!)
Only one coupon per item
Can only use 1 coupon on BOGO items
For more policy info go HERE

I am not an OFFICIAL match-up blog, however, I did do the work on the coupons I have (Including today's newspaper) under $.99. If you have others please feel free to let me know and I'll add it.

I haven't confirmed if HT does overages or not*

Overage*/FREE

French's Spicy mustard or honey mustard dipping sauce $1.99
$.75/1 (5/15 insert)
= FREE or $.26 overage

Franks Hot Sauce $1.45
$.50/1 (5/15 insert)
= FREE to $.01 overage

Kikkoman Soy Sauce $1.45
$.55/1 (5/15 insert)
= FREE to $.20 overage

French's Worcestershire sauce $1.69
$.75/1 (5/15 insert)
=FREE to up to $.56 overage (I also priced for the next size up at $1.99)

Band-aid Travel Pack $1
$.50/1 (says ANY neosporin OR Band-aid product travel pack is cheapest- older paper)
= FREE to $.50 overage

Uncle Ben's Ready Rice $2.25
$/75/1 (coupon I got in the mail along with a FREE one)
FREE!

UNDER $1

Ortega Season mix (taco or fajita ect) $.99
$50/2 ortega products
=$.48/2 (older paper insert)

Heluva Good dip $2.49
$.55/1 (5/15 insert)
= $.84

Sunsweet D'nior Prunes Dried $2.99
$.75/1 (5/15 insert)
= $.79

Dole Parfait pineapple&cream or apples & cream $2.79
$.75/1 (5/15 insert)
= $.54

Frank's REDHOT, sweet chili, Thick, or Wing Sauce $2.99
$.75/1 (5/15 insert)
= $.74

Zataran's Rice Mix $1.59
$.75/2 (older insert not sure what one)
=$.93/2

Band-aid butterfly closure (MED) $1.69
$.50/1 neosporin or band-aid product
=.$.19

OVER $1

Yoplait Gogurt $2.50
$.75/2 (older instert or ALL YOU I forgot)
=$2.25/2

DOLE Gel $2.79
$.75/2 (5/15 insert)
=$3.34/2

SHOUT Stain Remover WIPES $2.69
$.55/1 ANY Shout laundry product
= $1.04

French's Classic Yellow Mustard $1.99
$.30/1 (5/15 insert)
=$1.09

Sister Schuberts Rolls (frozen) $3.99
$.75/1 (older insert)
=$2.49

Totino's Pizza Rolls $2.19
$.40/2 (older insert)
=$3.18/2

Scott Wipes $2.65
$.75/1 (older insert)
$1.16 ea

Schick Hydro Shaving gel $3.89
$.75/1 (5/15 insert)
=$1.64 ea

Nature Valley Granola Thins $3.49
$.75/1 (older insert)
=$1.24 ea

Those are just the coupons I had under $.99 that weren't ridiculously still expensive.

Of course the circular isn't out yet. These are based on the prices posted online.

If you have other match-ups or see I've made a mistake please let me know.

ALSO after you finish shopping on Wednesday, post a picture and your retail and Out of Pocket (OOP) and don't forget to come by here and post your link. I want to see how everyone did! I'll be posting mine :)

Happy TRIPLES!

Angela

BLOOM- Super Doubles

2011-05-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

I am a couponer, but I am NOT an extreme couponer and I do NOT buy things I don't use with coupons just because they are FREE or CHEAP.

I am happy with my recent haul at BLOOM today. Here is what I got:

Whole Bean DD coffee $8.99-$3.00 ($1.50 coupon doubled x2) =$5.99 still pricey but I LOVE this and you can't find it that cheap anywhere!

Wacky Mac x2 $1.59 ea $1/2 doubled to $2 = $.59 ea

Northern White Beans (no coupon but I need them for minestrone soup and beans and cornbread-I have a hambone I need to use) $1.32

Banana's $.55 lb $1.52

Green Pepper $.79

Yoplait greek yogurt cups x4 $1 ea $.60/2 (doubled to $1.20/2) $.40 ea did I mention GREEK!!!

Lysol Toilet cleaner x4 $1.50 each $1/2 ($2/2) = $.50 ea roughly

FINISH powerball dishwashing stuff $.3.99 $.75/1 (doubled $1.50/1) =$2.49 a bit pricy but cheaper than any other and I NEEDED it. I ran out last night

WOOLITE 50oz HE detergent $8.39 used $3/1 = $5.39 pricey but it's WOOLITE!

Greased Lightning multipurpose spray x2 2/$5.00 on sale. Used $1/1 ($2/1)= $.50 each

Reach Floss $1.49 used $1/1 ($2/1) Looks like I made $.51 on this one. They usually don't give overages but I guess they just rolled it over.

Total before Breeze Card and coupons: $63.05

Total OOP: $28.21

Total Saved! $34.84

How did you do??? Post a link and I'll check it out :)

Happy Shopping

Angela

Frugal Use what you have home spa treatment

2011-03-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

Saturday is My BIRTHDAY!! I'll be 33 years young!!!

To celebrate here are some tips I have for treating yourself to a spa weekend at home. Using what you already have at your house!

Full Spa workup: Facial, Hair treatment and body exfoliant and moisturizing.

Facials:
Cucumber astringent:

1 cucumber- peeled and puree'd

apply to your face with a cotton pad, rinse with cool water--Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.

Oatmeal Exfoliant:

2 heaping tsp oatmeal -breakup in food processor so it's fine
1 tsp baking soda
lukewarm water

mix into a paste consistancy-rub onto clean face, gently scrubbing, wash face and pat dry

Facial Cleansing Mask (good for oily skin)

1 pk dry yeast
3 drops lemon juice
1 tsp water

mix vigorously into paste, pat on face, let sit for 10-15 min, rinse with warm water

BODY CARE TREATMENTS

Creamy Citrus Moisturizer:

1 egg yolk
2 tbs lemon juice
1 cup olive oil

wisk together, massage into skin, making sure to get fingers, cuticles, toes, feet--entire body--RELAX let soak in for 10-15 min (can do while you have your mask on!) wipe away and shower.. can refrigerate leftovers up to 2 days

Almond Exfoliating Body Scrub:

1/4 cup sea salt (must be coarse)
1/4 cup baby oil
1/2 tsp almond extract or vanillia, lavendar etc

mix salt and oil well, stir in extract, use in the shower.

Simple Sugar Scrub (for dry skin):

1 cup brown or white sugar or a mix of both
1/2 cup olive oil
2 drops extract (any kind) -OPTIONAL-

Mix and use just like the other scrub, can store in refrigerator in GLASS air tight container for 6 months to a year.

HAIR CARE:

Salad Dressing Conditioner

2 tsp olive oil
1 tbs lemon juice
1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 egg

mix together in blender or food processor, use the entire batch after shampooing. Leave in for 10-15 min, rinse clean.

Dandruff Treatment:

2 tsp dried rosemary
2 tsp dried thyme
2/3 cup Boiling Water
2/3 cup cider vinegar

Place herbs in ceramic bowl, pour boiling water over, seep covered 15-20 min, strain liquid into a 10 oz bottle, add vinegar-shake-store in cool, dark place

after shampooing, rinse hair, massage mixture into scalp. Between shampooings, massage into scalp at bed time.

There you have it.. a frugal spa weekend at home!!!

I do not credit myself with coming up with these recipes. I had help.. :)

"Homemade-how to make hundreds of everyday products fast, fresh and more naturally" by Reader's Digest.

I checked this book out at the library and LOVE it.. You name it, it's in there.

Have a great weekend.. Happy Birthday to ME :)

~Angela

ps don't forget to let me know you want one of my "Support Troops and Families" magnets!!!

Custom made banners and signs... product review and giveaway

2011-03-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

Megan from BuildaSign contacted me about doing a product review for her company. Of course being a military family I jumped at the chance to be able to make the above banner. It will always come in handy. It is such high quality both my self and my daughter we so excited when we actually opened it. It is thick and will last a long time, and is HUGE.. it's as long as ME, I LOVE it!!!

Buildasign offers these Welcome home banners for FREE, to get yours go HERE they have many designs to choose from and you can customize with names and photos even! OR you can customize a banner for your business or anything you may need a banner for. Design your own or choose from the designs they offer, Check out all of the banners they offer.

Megan, also gave me the opportunity to choose anything they offer and customize it for myself and YOU my readers. I chose Bumper Magnets I prefer these to bumper stickers because you can remove them no problem. Here is the Bumper Magnet I designed.

I absolutely LOVE my bumper magnets they turned out great! If you want one of my bumper magnets just leave me a comment make sure to include your email. I will not use your email for anything other than to contact you for this giveaway. Also when you leave your email use the following format so you won't be spammed. afr_kar at yahoo dot com or afr_kar (@) yahoo (.) com either works.

I have 18 bumper magnets to give away (I have 20 but I am keeping one and a giving one to a family member). If I have more than 18 people that enter I will chose randomly using a random counter online.

Buildasign.com offers many more products than the banners and bumper magnets, they offer signs, window clings, bumper stickers, license plates and so much more, ALL customizable, you can use your own design or chose from one of the many they offer. If you need help one of the employees with help you design something. Great for Birthdays, grand openings, yard sales, promoting your blog or business and so much more.

Join me in supporting our troops and families by getting one of my bumper magnets for FREE..

again just leave me a comment and make sure to include your email so I can contact you.

Have a great day

~Angela

FREE 8x10 canvas from the Canvas People..

2011-03-08T12:34:00.000-08:00

The Canvas People are having a promotion right now. You can get a FREE 8X10 canvas (pay shipping) or $55 off of any size! You can also get other canvases on your order 50% off.

Deal idea:
Get your first 8x10-FREE ($14.95 shipping)-Check out- I got a cute picture we took this winter, it will either go in my daughters room or in one of the bathrooms.. it's a snow heart on a tree in our yard.

Go back to the website, do the same thing for the 8X10, at checkout use PROMO CODE: FAMILY55, get $55 off your order.. pay ($14.95) shipping. This one is a picture of K playing guitar for my parents for Christmas.

There you have it 2 quality canvases (all be it small but great for mothers day, christmas, etc for bathrooms or kids rooms or in a collage), for less than $30 out of pocket (for shipping).

I am thinking about going back and doing another picture I took that turned out great.. I think I will want that on a bigger canvas though so I'll wait..

Enjoy
Angela

Menu Plan Monday

2011-03-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

I'll admit I am not very organized this week. I am going to just throw together stuff I have and use up leftovers. My Birthday is Saturday and Hubby will be home late Friday YIPPEE! (all be it short lived before he deploys *SAD FACE)

Monday: Pasta with red sauce (maybe meatballs if I feel like making them) and garlic bread with fresh baked bread and salad

Tuesday: Leftover pasta and garlic bread and salad

Wednesday: Leftover Pasta E Figioli

Thursday: Pork Chops, rice, veggie or salad

Friday: Leftovers if we have them or Sandwiches or home made pizza

Saturday: SUSHI going out for my birthday

Sunday: Grill something, brats, hotdogs, burgers, steaks, whatever hubby is in the mood for... or kabobs :)

Have a great week.. PS Don't forget to "Spring Forward" before you go to bed Saturday (MY BIRTHDAY).. so not fair that my birthday is cut an hour short... lol

FREE beauty bag with $25 worth of products and coupons in it From Target

2011-03-06T15:17:00.000-08:00

HURRY go HERE while supplies last. Thank Michelle at Military Wives Savings for the heads up!

~Angela

Gardening on a budget and practically FREE

2011-03-06T05:03:00.000-08:00

Gardening can be expensive, however, if you are willing to be patient you can save a LOT of money by joining a local Plant Swap/Exchange. These are groups of people that get together at least once a year and bring what they have to swap ( say you grow Basil and you have a LOT of it and maybe some extra bulbs leftover) You can in turn take home for FREE some flowers/plants of your choosing for your yard or house. Some also support local Charities and if you bring some items for the charity you still get to choose items you want even if you have nothing to bring to exchange!

If you keep up with the message boards on some of the sites you may find,you may even find that some people are just giving away some items and wanting/asking nothing in return. Plant and flower lovers would rather give away ones they can not use as opposed to throwing them out and letting them die!!

I found a local flower swap/exchange message board through a google search. Just search Plant Swap (an your area).

ALSO If you live in my area-Southeast Virginia- and would like to participate in a plant swap with me leave me a comment and your email and I'll contact you!

*note* I have even seen people giving away plants/flowers on craigslist. However, please be cautious using websites like this..

Have patience and grow your garden over time for FREE or almost FREE!

~Angela

FREE Chick-Fil-A Waffle Fries TODAY ONLY

2011-03-04T05:34:00.000-08:00

Today ONLY!
Oz\
On Friday, March 4, 2011, from 2 to 4pm get one free medium order of Waffle Potato Fries™ when you mention you're there to try the new Heinz Dip&Squeeze ketchup.

~Angela

2 american troops killed at Frankfurt Airport--pray with me

2011-03-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

For details you can check out any news website. CNN has a good video you can watch.

I am writing this post not to give details but to ask for my readers to pray for and keep the family members of those troops in your thoughts. As well as all of the other troops, that are in that area and/or going to that area for any reason.

We sometimes lose sign of the troops in the "friendly" nations and concentrate on the ones "deployed". Lets take this time to think and pray about our troops everywhere.

Thank you for Supporting our troops and their families.

Angela

Busy days...Spring is on the brink--make your own greenhouse

2011-03-02T08:31:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy lately. Spring brings new things:
-Longer days
-more sun shine
-ALLERGIES
-time to plants
-Spring cleaning
the list can go on and on and on.

Lets start with Allergies.
K has had an awful cough going on 2 weeks. I took her to the doctor Monday. She took one look at her and said "she has allergies". She could tell by her eyes. I don't have allergies so I don't know this stuff. She was also running a low grade fever. However, the doctor is treating the allergies for now and if her fever spikes or the cough gets worse of not better, we need to go back.

Last night was the first night in 3 nights that BOTH of us have been able to get a full nights sleep! YAY for SLEEP!

Have you started your garden?
I have since I do a container garden (plant everything in pots) and I am starting from seeds this year, I have already planted. I just transplanted the other day :)

TIP:
How to make your own greenhouse and recycle while you are at it.

You will need the bottom of an egg container (I used a 1 dozen one and the cardboard one instead of the Styrofoam one)
Starter soil (or peat) I got a bag at walmart for $2 (I will last you a long time)
Seeds
Plastic sealable storage bag

Fill each of the "egg holders" with the peat-starter soil
Add 3-4 seeds in each and barely cover up (I used an old christmas card cut up to label what seeds where where)
water well but not flooding the seeds (this is best done with a spray bottle)
Put inside a plastic storage bag, seal.
Put it in the sun during the day and leave it alone.
No more watering or anything, the condensation is all it needs.

Transplant when you have 3-4 good leaves on the seedlings, make sure to water well when you transplant.

Here is my current one-- I just transplanted my seedlings from my first batch and I am growing more. :)

Have a great day!

Angela

Frugal meals and charity

2011-02-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

I am always looking for ways to stretch our dollar for my family. I also have a giving heart. I currently give to our local SPCA-BTW we went this morning and I was so teary eyed seeing all those babies that need homes!- Hopefully the dog we fell in love with is being adopted today FINGERS CROSSED! His name is Shiloh and he is a Pyranise mix.. That dog weights more than I DO! lol..

Anyway, here are some of my tips and a couple recipes for frugal meals for your family.

I like to cook a few batches of items about once a month and freeze them. This offers us a meal when I am too tired to cook, or just don't feel like it, or we have something planned and I won't have time to be in the kitchen cooking. Most of these I take from the freezer straight to the oven, (I preheat with the dish in there so it slowly warms and less likely to break), preheat to 350 and cook for 1.5 hrs.. just stick it in and forget it until the timer goes off.

The meal I did this week is Shepherd's Pie = 2-3 meals for a family of 4 (more for my family)

Ingredients:
5lbs potatoes ($2.50)
1/2 onion ($.25 roughly)
1 pd ground meat/turkey ($3.50)
1 can or package of frozen green beans ($.65 for can $1 for frozen bag)
15 oz can of crushed tomatoes ($.98)
$7.88 (if canned veggies are used) $8.23 if frozen
roughly $3.94 per meal (if you only get 2 meals out of this) less if you get more meals.

Boil whole potatoes in large stock pan until fork tender (you can use instant if you prefer)-mash in mixer using milk and butter like normal.
while potatoes are boiling soften onion in a sauce pan, add ground meat, cook until browned, drain.
add crushed tomatoes stir together, let simmer for about 10 minutes, remove from heat.
Mean while, cook green beans according to package directions.

once everything is done, layer in a casserole dish that is sprayed with cooking spray:
Meat mixture
Potatoes
greenbeans
top off with potatoes
Freeze

If you want when you cook it you can add some shredded cheese to the top before you put it in the oven.

Pasta Sauce enough for 1-2 lbs of pasta- 2-3 serving for a family of 4.
Pizza Sauce enough for 4-6 medium to large pizza crusts (more if you like less sauce on your pizza)

Large Can crushed, whole, or diced tomatoes- doesn't matter which ones. Crushed are fastest, if you use the others you will need to use the food processor to crush them. But I use what is cheapest. ($1.10)
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp Dried oregano
1 tsp dried parsley
(you can use fresh if you have it use slightly less since it's more flavorful fresh) (Free because you most likely have in your house) $0.00

1 cloves of garlic minced ($.25)

1/2 onion ($.25)

Olive oil $0.00 -you probably have already as well
salt/pepper
----1 tsp of sugar if you are making pizza sauce (brown or white) unless you like your pasta sauce sweet. $0.00
Total: $1.60 for the can of tomatoes, garlic and onion if you have everything else on hand!
$.53 for pasta sauce per serving (freeze what you don't use)
$. 40-$.26 per serving for pizza sauce (freeze what you don't use)

cook onion and garlic in olive oil until tender
Mix in the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 30 min - 3 hours (the longer the more tasteful)

You can make a few batches of this and/or double/triple the recipe to freeze so you can have ready, or can them if you can stuff. This make is cheaper and healthier than store bought and just as fast!

I also bake my own bread and freeze it as well. I'll post more about that at another time.

GIVING TO CHARITY on a budget

Our favorite Charity to give too, is the SPCA. We are animal lovers!

I chose to give food rather than monetary donations. How I do this is with coupons and sales. I combine the 2 when I can and get free/cheap dog and cat food and cat litter.
Today we just dropped off 3 bags of Hills Science Diet food we got $1.41 a bag (regular $9.99-$11.99)! Petsmart had a sale and Hills Science Diet website had coupons! It can be done you just have to do your research.

If you have frugal meals you want to share or how you score deals for your local charity please let me know. I am always looking for more ideas!

Have a great Week

~Angela
The same can be done to donate to a local food bank.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-02-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

I have had a busy morning. But here is my menu plan for the week. We have a busy week and it's just me and K still sooo..

Monday: Pasta Carbonara (I made the bacon already when I made breakfast this morning)

Tuesday: Leftover Pasta Carbonara

Wed. Shepherds Pie (I made 3 batches of this, this morning and put in the freezer)

Thurs. Leftover Shepherds Pie

Friday: Pasta with red sauce (using the rest of the sauce from the Shepherds pie)

Saturday: Leftover Pasta with red sauce

Sunday: any leftovers we may have or soup and sandwiches

Have a great week!

`Angela

Free Family Activity this weekend

2011-02-18T15:24:00.000-08:00

Watch your back yard for at least 15 minutes today - Monday and record the birds you see. This gets a real time snapshot of where the birds are currently in the country. Fun for all ages and Free.

Click Here for more information.

Have Fun!!!!

Angela

Menu Plan Monday

2011-02-14T04:45:00.000-08:00

It's just me and K this week, so not much planning need be done.. Since we eat about the same amount :) we are going to have leftovers like crazy!

Monday: Leftover Tuna Steaks, Mashed potatoes and Mustard Greens (our Valentines day dinner from Yesterday)

Tuesday: Leftover Tuna Steaks or Smoked Chicken, mashed Potatoes and Mustard Greens

Wednesday: Pasta Bolognese and salad or greens if there are still some

Thursday: Leftover pasta

Friday: Brinner (breakfast for dinner) if there aren't any pasta leftovers

Saturday: Soup (I made stock from the chicken carcass from Saturday) and sandwiches

Sunday: Pasta Carbonara

Have a good week :)

BLOOM super doubles and Farm Fresh cereal deal before it's gone!

2011-02-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

I went shopping early this week since BLOOM had super doubles and I wanted to get the cereal deal at FF again.. and I needed some snacks for SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!!! :)

I know the picture isn't great quality but I can NOT find my camera and had to use my cell phone.. ugg

Produce

Clementines -$1.99

Apples: $1.99

Bananas:$1.41

Lettuce: $.85 ea

Coffee Mate x3 $.50 each after coupon

Kotex tampons x2 $.39 ea ($1.50 coupon for 2 doubled)

Kotex panty liners x2 $.39 ea ($1.50 coupon for 2 doubled)

Lubriderm lotion $.79 after coupon ($1.50 doubled)

Tums $.99 after coupon

Marrow Bone dog treats $1.50 after coupon

I got a few more great deals but can't think of them now.. the receipt is hard to understand lol

Total before coupons: $93.64

Total OOP: $46.42

total saved: $47.22

I am SOOO Happy!!!!!! This is the best I think I've EVER done!!! LOVE SUPER DOUBLES!

OK and here is Farm Fresh

They still had the cereal deal, and I used the get a free single serving MILK coupon when you buy 1/2 gal or gallon of milk.. They still had grapes, cucumbers and bell peppers on sale!

Total before coupons: $42.92

Total OOP: $35.60

Total Saved: $7.30

not as good as BLOOM but it's Tuesday and FF only doubles up to $.99 :)

How did you do?

Angela

Farm Fresh Trip

2011-01-26T08:44:00.000-08:00

So I was only going to get some produce and the great deals on cereal and the oatmeal OOOPS :)

Total OOP: $53.12
Total Saves: $19.20
27% savings

I think I did well even thought I got a few extras.. awesome deals I scored with coupons
Cereal $.65 a box combined store promo and coupons
Tortillas $.19 coupon
Salsa snackers $1 coupon
Oatmeal $1 coupon
skippy peanut butter $1 each (store promo)
Suave body soap $1 each (store promo)
the grapes were $1.48 a pd cheapest in a long time!
cabbage was $.48lb so I need to find a recipe! :)
Fruit cups 2/$5 I had a coupon for $.75 ($1.50 doubled) so I got 2 pkg for $3.50
Dole fruit jar $2.95 (-$1.50 coupon-$.75 doubled) = $1.45
Ball Park Turkey hotdogs $1 after coupon
Celestial Camomile tea $1.79 after coupons (normally $3.79)

I also bought lentils so I need for find a recipe for those as well :)

How did you do?

~Angela

Menu Plan Monday

2011-01-24T04:36:00.000-08:00

Menu Plan 1/24-1/30

Monday: Hamburger (turkeyburger) Pizza (homemade)

Tuesday: Stuffed Chicken breasts (stuffed with dill cheese and bacon), green beans and either rice or mac and cheese

Wednesday: Pasta with red sauce

Thursday: Pork Chops, twice backed potatoes, veggie (didn't have last week)

Friday: Potato Soup

Saturday (drill weekend for me) so Leftovers

Sunday: (Drill weekend for me) so Sandwiches or leftovers unless hubby cooks :)

Have a great week everyone!

Wordless Wednesday- Happy Birthday to my mom-circa 1969/70

2011-01-19T07:46:00.001-08:00

50% off Amazon gift card $10 for $20 gift card

2011-01-19T07:32:00.001-08:00

AWESOME... Perfect for gifts or books.. anything.. who doesn't love Amazon and today only 50% off..

click HERE for the deal.

~Angela

The moments I realize I am rearing an independent child

2011-01-18T05:25:00.000-08:00

Talk about mixed feelings!

I love that K will is independent and isn't a "follower", I love that she has her own opinions and ideals. I love that she already has a plan for her life... Go to college, become a Vet, Open her own veterinary clinic, hire ME to run the business side of it (and answer phone and book appointments). Marry a veterinarian who will also work at HER vet office, hire at least 2 vet techs, oh and the best part--never mind that mommy and daddy are going to pay for college, and probably help her buy the building she will use for her vet office and help fund the opening and all it involves-- she will give us a "discount".. ha!! Again.. she is independent and isn't giving out freebies... However, I beg to differ, the way I see it the investment we will be making will secure us FREE vet care the rest of our lives! ha!

However, having said that. It breaks my heart that she doesn't need me as much.. I remember when 10 year olds were still kids. They played with dolls and played cops and robbers, or cowboys and indians.. NOW they all have cell phones and computers.. (my 10 year old doesn't) why can't we just let kids be kids?

All of this because she chose to go to the bus stop "by herself" in the rain, instead of me driving her. Maybe I'm jumping the gun a bit, but I feel like I'm losing my babygirl already :(

Have a great week all and love the moments your kids WANT to be with you!

~Angela

Menu Plan Monday (errr Tuesday)

2011-01-18T05:14:00.000-08:00

I am a day late I KNOW :)

Monday: We had leftover pasta, fresh dill bread and salad

Tuesday: Crockpot chicken leg quarters (I put in some red potatoes, apples, rosemary, tyme, salt and pepper and a can of cream of chicken)

Wednesday: leftover crockpot chicken

Thursday: I'll make pizza dough and make extra and make chicken pot pie out of any leftovers

Friday: Pizza (using the pizza dough from the day before and homemade pizza sauce and fresh mozzerella)

Saturday: Pork Chops, twice baked potatoes and veggie or salad

Sunday: leftovers if any, if not probably potato soup

I'll admit I was a skeptic....

2011-01-13T06:30:00.000-08:00

*this is a personal post I am not reviewing a product*

I'll admit I was a skeptic when I bought 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels. I am not a fan of her, nor do I watch the show Biggest Loser. I have heard it was a good workout and it was on sale so I bought it.

I want to tone up more than lose weight so I was looking for something that incorporated strength training and cardio because I love to sweat I feel like I've really worked out when I sweating :)

I am on day 9 and I am on level 2 and it is STILL kicking my butt... usually your body will get used to doing the same thing everyday. I am still sore in the mornings in some spots (apparently the ones I need to work!) I was only on level 1 for 4 days only because i am already-well I thought-in pretty good shape.

I have come to the conclusion that Jillian Michaels is a pretty good trainer, at least she kicks my butt for 20 min a day! However I am still skeptical that I will be "shredded" or "cut" after the 30 days. as you see in this picture (I took it this morning before I shredded) My arms still need ALOT of work!!!

I took it with my cell so it's not the nicest picture.

Are you doing the 30 day shred as well? Comment me with your link and follow me on Twitter and we can do this journey together!!

Awesome Farm Fresh deals via BLOOM ad

2011-01-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

I know I have been so bad at blogging lately but I just have to share this!

I received my BLOOM ad in the mail today. And if I am correct in assuming Farm Fresh matches competitors ads Here is a deal for you!

Totito's Party Pizza's 4/$5 and get one FREE (so 5/$5)
use $1 off of 5 HERE
Final 5/$3 at Farm Fresh or 5/$4 at Bloom (assuming you go to Farm Fresh Wednesday for double $1)

and

Yoplait Yogurt 20/$10 (basically $.50 each)
Use $.40 off 6 HERE
Final $.33 each

I also found a $1 off Hillshire Farms Lunch meat HERE
I believe these run around $3 each so at Farm Fresh tomorrow they will be $1 each!!

Also REDPLUM has coupons for Quaker oatmeal ($1 off) and Hefty trash bags ($1 off) however it wouldn't let me print the trash bags and only let me print one oatmeal :(

if you find any good coupons let me know.

Have a great 1.11.11 (my anniversary!!)

~Angela

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-04T05:23:00.000-08:00

I have been MIA on my blog for a couple weeks. I took some time off to focus on the holidays.

I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and New Year!

We definitely enjoyed our Christmas and New Year at home.

Now that everything is back to "normal" it's time to look forward.

2011 is going to hold soo much for us.
For starters, hubby is going on a deployment-- I am not looking forward to that. I know it's going to be stressful and most likely K's grades are going to drop and she will become MORE strong willed, it's how she reacts to the stress. At least I know these things and I can try to HELP the situation.

On a better note. Our anniversary is 1-11-11 I love it when the numbers work out! I really want to make this one special. I am trying to think of romantic stuff to do on a budget. If you have any suggestions let me know.

I also turn 33 on 3-12

K will be 11 this year.. and we all know what THAT age brings... I try talking to her about the stuff that she will be going through soon, but it embarrasses her. I can tell she is curious but at the same time embarrassed.

I am also signing up for Muddy Buddy this year. It's a race you do with a friend. You do obstacles together, one on foot one on a bike and you switch throughout the course. And in the end you run through a mud pit together. HOW FUN DOES THAT SOUND!!! I am so excited about that.

I also plan on signing up for some 5 and 10k's when the weather is a bit better.

I also want to take K on a cruise. She has been wanting to go. Maybe that is something she and I can do while hubby is deployed. Maybe we will go with family :)

Although I know 2011 will be a challenging year, I plan to make the best out of it.

Happy 2011!!!!

~Angela

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

It's all fun and games until.............

2010-12-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

How many times do we tell our kids not to jump on the bed, or run in the house, or horseplay. Because "It's all fun and games until SOMEONE gets hurt."

What better way to prove your point than to show them first hand!

Yep that's right... I was the one that got hurt!

I was jumping on my bed, frog style just my legs going up, singing and playing with K. And I jumped off the bed at the end of the bed legs first.. We recently got new a new bedroom set and I forgot we have a footboard... OUCH.

YEP, It's all fun and games until SOMEONE gets hurt!!!

I can't put pressure on my leg... it throbs.. I may have cracked something..
HOW ELSE DO WE TEACH OUR KIDS LESSONS, right?! HA!

Have a great day,
Angela

Menu Plan Monday--Christmas week!

2010-12-20T07:48:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas Week!!

Monday: Pasta Marinara with meat sauce and salad

Tuesday: Homemade Pizza, salad

Wednesday: Omaha Steak Burgers, French Fries and green beans (my parents got us Omaha Steaks for Christmas BEST GIFT EVER!)

Thursday: Cod, rice and green

Friday: Omaha Steaks, Twice baked potatoes and veggie

Saturday: CHRISTMAS DINNER-- Smithfield ham, greenbean casserole, mashed potatoes/gravy, Stuffing, homemade bread, homemade cinnamon rolls and Birthday cake for Jesus :)

Sunday: Leftovers!

Happy Christmas Week!!!

Angela

T

Christmas Break Came 2 days early this year

2010-12-17T04:09:00.000-08:00

We got a ton of snow yesterday and school was closed. K was genuinely upset, as she was to have "Colonial Days" at school. They were going to spend all afternoon having snacks and hot chocolate and learning about kids and how they played and learned in the Colonial days.

However, around 11:30 while we were still laying in bed in PJ's watching the 6th Harry Potter movie (I KNOW LAZY LOL) the doorbell rang and it was a classmate of K's. There went my time with my little girl yesterday :( she and her friend played outside all day, only coming in for a bit to warm up and have hot chocolate or snacks.

I did realize however, that I really need to cherish the time I spend with her because I really missed her yesterday and was super happy when she came back home (after playing at her classmates house for a few hours).

We had a feeling today was going to get cancelled as well, after all, snow on the ground/roads+freezing temps overnight=ICE on the roads. We kept checking online and the phone last night hoping we would hear before we went to sleep so we can turn off alarms and SLEEP IN! No such luck. This morning at 6 am the phone rings.. OY...

I hope everyone has a great Christmas Break!

Commissary Freebies-Thanks Military Wives Savings

2010-12-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

Everything listed is FREE or has an overage, as you know the commissary gives you the full value of the coupon even if the product is less.

Thanks again Military Wives Savings
Click HERE to see the match ups!

My Farm Fresh Trip 12/15

2010-12-15T09:39:00.000-08:00

I spent more than I wanted but I NEEDED some things.

Here are the deals I got!

Tall Starbucks brewed Coffee:
FREE- I had an empty coffee bag, if you take the empty bag back you get a free tall brewed coffee.

Tic Tac's: $1.29 each
$.75 off coupon
Final: FREE (I got 2-had 2 coupons)

Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate: 10/$10 or $1 each
$1 off 3 coupon
Final: 3/$1 or $.33 each

Success Brown Rice: $2.39
$1 off coupon (all you magazine)
Final: $.39 each

Hunts Canned Tomatoes: 10/$10 or $1 each
$1 off of 3 cans
Final: 3/$1 or $.33 each

Hertz Clean and Crunch Dog Biscuits: $3.99
$1 off coupon
Final: $1.99

Sponge Bob Nabisco Cheese Nips: $2.19
$1 off 2 boxes
Final: 2/$2.38 or $1.19 each

PeterPan Peanut Butter: $1.69
$1 off 2 coupon
Final: 2/$1.38 or $.69 each

Domino Sugar: $3.99
$.40 off coupon
Final: $3.19 (too expensive, I should have bought store brand but I didn't realize this was so much since the price wasn't marked.. MAD about that!!)

Carnation Cocoa: $2.39
Kraft Mini Marshmallows: $1,49
Coupon for $1 off when you buy both
Final: $1.88 for both! or Marshmallows FREE and and cocoa for $1.88

Crest Toothpaste: $2.99
$1 off coupon
Final: $.99

Colgate toothpaste: $2.19
$1 off coupon
Final: $.19!!

Northland Cranberry Juice $2.99$1/2 Northland Dark Fruit Juice, exp. 12-31-10 (SS 09/26/10)
Final: 2/$3.98

The Potatoes were BOGO or $1.99 each for 5lb bag

I also received 10% Military Discount on all of the store brand items including the potatoes!

Final OOP: $50.90
Total Saved: $25.89 or 34%

How did you do?

Wordless Wednesday--First real SNOW of the season

2010-12-15T06:28:00.000-08:00

I have found a new place to buy my bread!

2010-12-14T07:45:00.000-08:00

5 loaves of Natures Pride bread
2 packages of Cherry Sweet Rolls
Total $5.07!

AWESOME

Monday's in Military Appreciation day so I'll be going on Monday's from now on. ALl of this would have cost me $4.57ish!

We go through so much bread in our house and I buy 3-5 loaves at a time usually and freeze it so it doesn't bother me that this breads date is a few days away!!! It's in the Freezer!!

~Angela

"Keeping up with the Jones'"

2010-12-14T05:49:00.000-08:00

Do you feel like you need to buy the best/newest electronics, car, or gadgets for your kids for Christmas?
Why do we have to get Suzie an IPOD touch just because Cindy and Jim are getting Bobby one?
How much do you really think you 7 year old will NEED a cell phone? Yet you feel obligated to get him one because his cousins, or friends are getting one.

I say NO.. Just say NO!!! My child doesn't need a TV in her room, or a cell phone (how often is she not with ME that she would need one?-never), she doesn't listen to music enough to actually have an IPOD let alone a touch, after all she would just play games and there are cheaper ways for her to play those games like on MY Touch, and she does not need a computer. SO I say NO, I am NOT wasting money on those things just because "The Jones'" are getting them for their children.

Chances are your kids can not tell you what they got for Christmas last year anyway.

So this year I chose to LISTEN to her. Ask her what she wants and only buy that stuff (she did ask for the electronics and phone, but we spoke to her and told her not yet she it too young).

Sometimes you can get caught up in Sibling rivalry, you feel you have to get Jimmy something because you got Andy that thing. But Andy is older and Jimmy really doesn't need it but to stop fights you do it anyway.

Why oh Why is this time of year so commercialized?

Can't we just sit back, be still and quiet and remember the reason for the season? JESUS

When my grandparents we kids they got fruit and maybe a piece of candy, and maybe ONE gift. and they cherished and appreciated it!
When my parents were kids they got a few toys, fruit and candy and they very much appreciated what they got
When I was a kid we got more presents than candy or fruit, we appreciated maybe a couple things we got.
Now our kids are getting the entire electronics section of Target and they EXPECT it!

This year I chose NOT to "Keep up with the Jones'" and focus more on Family and Jesus!

How about you?
How do you feel about "the Jones'" :)

Have a great Week
~Angela

Menu Plan Monday 12/13-12-19

2010-12-13T05:33:00.000-08:00

My hubby is away for work this week so K and I are going to have a easy peasy dinner week :)

Monday: Brinner (breakfast for dinner-it's a tradition K and I always do when daddy is TDY)

Tuesday: Leftover Salmon, sweet potato fries and edemame

Wednesday: Pasta Carbonara

Thursday: Leftover Pasta Carbonara

Friday: Chicken Schnitzle, rice and veggie

Saturday: Fish, rice, veggie

Sunday: Pasta Marinara

Have a great Week

~Angela

Molasses Sugar Cookie Recipe--The taste of Christmas

2010-12-10T04:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I could not decide if I wanted to bake Sugar Cookies or Gingerbread (men) cookies. So I searched recipes and ran across Molasses Sugar Cookies. I thought "Humm I do have that molasses I bought on accident instead of maple syrup and we have only used for BBQ sauce"

These Cookies are soo yummy and to me are the epitome of the "taste of Christmas".

Enjoy... let me know if you end up making these and how you like them :)

~Angela
FYI the ingredients are normally the "fatty bad for you" stuff I shy away from. However these cookies are only 95 calories each so 1 or 2 with a warm cup of coffee or tea in the evening are perfect. Besides the holidays aren't a time to be "dieting" anyway. Right?!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups shortening
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup molasses
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Melt the shortening in a large pan on the stove, and cool.
Add sugar, eggs, and molasses, beat well.
In a separate bowl, sift dry ingredients together and add to the pan. Mix well and chill 3 hours or overnight.
Form into walnut-size balls. Roll in granulated sugar. Place on greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 8-10 minutes.
Store in an airtight container to keep from getting overly crisp. If they do lose their softness, an easy way to restore it is to place one slice of fresh bread in the container with the cookies for a couple of hours or overnight and they will be soft again!

Wordless Wednesday--I'm a hoo from hooville

2010-12-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

Military ONLY coupons from Military Wives Saving

2010-12-07T12:54:00.000-08:00

Thanks Military Wives Saving for this.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-12-06T06:01:00.000-08:00

I actually have my menu's planned for the next 2 weeks. But I'll just post this weeks.

Monday:
Last of the leftover roasted chicken/ potatoes and veggie

Tuesday:
Crockpot roast with potatoes and onions and a veggie or salad

Wednesday:
Leftover Roast

Thursday:
Roast Beef Sandwiches, apple slices and a veggie

Friday:
Fish, Rice and veggie

Saturday: (K is having a friend sleep over)
Pasta Marinara or we will make pizza

Sunday:
Fish, sweet potato fries, veggie (we may change this one since hubby leaves for a few days for work)

Happy Menu Planning.. don't forget to enter my giveaway! $20 Chili's gift card!!

``Angela

Chili's Shout out to Eat out gift card giveaway(CLOSED)

2010-12-06T04:44:00.000-08:00

The winner is

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:9Powered b

AubreyLaine said...

I follow you on Twitter and tweeted about your giveaway as Aubrey Fick.

aubreyfick@yahoo.com

DECEMBER 7, 2010 11:50 AM

While out shopping Saturday my daughter and I decided to swing into Chili's for lunch. Since we were out Christmas shopping we really didn't want to spend a ton on lunch. Luckily Chili's has a 2 for $20 deal. You get one appetizer and 2 entree's for $20!

We Chose the Chips and Salsa for our appetizer (of course I am the one who drips salsa on me!)

For out entrees' she chose the bacon cheeseburger and I chose the Chicken Fajita's.. YUMM

We had more than enough food. For $20 we were able to fill up on yummy food so we can finish a long shopping day.

(*note: We ordered water to drink, and the beans/rice were $.99 extra, so drinks and tax and any extras will be outside the $20)

Enter to win a $20 gift card from Chili's, a perfect stocking stuffer or for date night :)

-Give away ends at 7 PM EST Monday December 13th.
-You can enter daily
-please leave your email with each comment so I can contact you if you are the winner. In this form afr_kar(AT)yahoo(DOT)com so you won't receive spam.
Please leave a different comment for each qualifying entry. I will be using Random.org to choose the winner.

How to Enter:

1. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment with your twitter name and comment the following I want to win a $20 Chili's gift card from @angela312 http://bit.ly/gPfOKE #win #giveaway #shoutouttoeatout

2. Enter Chili's Shout out to eat out for another chance to win (US residents only) go Here (leave me a comment telling me you entered and who you want to take with you)

3. Post this giveaway on your blog (leave me a comment with your blog URL)

4. Add my button to your blog (Leave me a comment with your blog URL)

Good Luck.. You may do all or some of the above to enter. I will contact the winner by email and twitter.

*disclaimer: Chili's provided me with a $20 gift card to use for myself along with one for this giveaway. However all opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Fresh Air Fund--helping inner city kids

2010-12-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

Whether you are looking for a charity to give to this holiday season or want to learn more about helping inner city children by donating to a program that helps them get participate in programs and camps they otherwise would not be able to attend.

Help give kids a brighter tomorrow with Fresh Air Fund

Please take a moment to click on the above link and pass it along if you believe all kids no matter their socioeconomic status deserves a brighter future.

Thanks :)

Angela

Wordless Wednesday -- Making Thanksgiving Dinner

2010-12-01T04:32:00.000-08:00

My first giveawy coming soon!

2010-11-30T05:46:00.000-08:00

YAY I am so happy to announce my FIRST ever giveway coming soon!!!

Chili's contacted me and I am able to give away a $20 gift card.. PERFECT stocking stuffer!

Stay tuned.. I'll be doing a review for them soon and holding the giveaway.

Happy Tuesday all..

Angela

Wordless Wednesday-Fieldtrip

2010-11-24T07:18:00.000-08:00

Importance of Early Childhood education

2010-11-24T04:50:00.000-08:00

Recently I was contacted by Emily Patterson, she asked me to review this article and post it on my blog if I agree. Although I agree with us mothers raising our own children, I believe that pre-school age children benefit from a pre-school type setting. They are expected to know so much going into Kindergarten these days and I also believe it helps them be able to socialize and follow basic rules of school. Thank you Emily for this article.

Early Childhood Education – Certified Early Childhood Education Fills the Gaps

If you have the ability to stay at home with your children, you truly are among very fortunate. With thirty years of economic policies that have decimated the middle class, the majority of American households today require two incomes, meaning that young children must usually be relegated to child care facilities or preschools.

Those who are fortunate enough to stay at home to raise their children naturally wish to take full advantage of this opportunity by attempting to give their children a head start on learning; reading to them, engaging in educational play activities, and socializing them so they're ready for schooling. Unfortunately, very few parents can do it all.

This is where young children can greatly benefit from attendance a certified preschool, operated by trained, certified early childhood educators. The experience of learning in a school setting during the early years can be a valuable supplement to a child's experience at a time when the brain is being shaped and developed.

SPICE

While the parent-child relationship and daily interactions are of course help to develop a child, scientific methodology has an important place as well. This is where trained, certified early childhood educators can "fill the gaps" when it comes to a young child's development. For example, were you as a parent aware that there are five equally important areas of a young child's development? These are summed up by the acronym, "SPICE" – Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative and Emotional.

Social development relates to the way a child interacts with others and functions in a group setting. While it is clearly important for those coming from a home where they are an only child, it is still important for those with siblings. The importance of socialization in a structured environment becomes apparent during this early age.

Physical development refers to building motor skills, from the gross movements (such as walking and running) to the fine (including holding a writing utensil).

Intellectual development is achieved through structured play, and of course means development of language and math skills as well as the child's innate sense of curiosity and wonder; Intellectual development is central to success in school later on.

Creativity is the foundation of self-expression and problem solving. This development addresses artistic talents in visual arts, music, storytelling and even theatrics.

Emotional development is at the center of a child getting a sense of self, including self confidence and the discipline to deal with one's own emotional responses. Of course leading as well to the functioning in society later in life.

The Professional Advantage

It is likely that most parents are aware of these developmental domains on an instinctive level. However, certified preschool educators are trained in the scientific theory and methodology that can make the difference between a child succeeding – and succeeding brilliantly.

Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas

Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the network of Austin child care facilities belonging to the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose educational child care schools. Primrose Schools are located in 16 states throughout the U.S. and are dedicated to delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum throughout their preschools.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-11-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

My goal is no leftovers Mon-Wed!

Monday: Pasta Carbonara (Hubby asked me to make this for his potluck tomorrow so I'm going to make it for dinner as well)

Tuesday: Sandwiches, soup (I am going on a field trip with K all day so dinner is easy peasy tonight)

Wednesday: Clam Chowder

Thursday: TURKEY DINNER!!

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday: Leftovers

Sunday: Turkey pot pie ( may make this Saturday and have leftovers Sunday)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Angela

What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?

2010-11-22T05:41:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a time of thankfulness, and family and FOOD... :) Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. Today I was thinking about memories I have had as a kid. I have a couple favorite memories:

1. it was always my job to cut and take the seeds out of the grapes (for this apple salad my mom always made AKA Waldorf salad).

2. Once year we some how got a projector (yeah remember those) and got Mary Poppins on film and watched that.

What are your favorite Thanksgiving Memories?

Wordless Wednesday--FALL

2010-11-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

My recipe is Featured

2010-11-05T11:42:00.000-07:00

I am honored to announce that I received my very first blog feature today! Head over to Chic Style Modern to see it, it is my new favorite recipe, Orange Potatoes.

Free Family Fun--become a tourist

2010-11-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

The weekend is here, if you are like me you are beginning to wonder what you are going to do to entertain the kiddos this weekend, but you don't want to spend money since the holiday's are coming up and you need to buy gifts, extra food, even plane tickets or gas for travel if you are one of the lucky ones that gets to visit family in another state or country this holiday season.

I suggest you do what we are doing this weekend. Become a tourist in your own town. Go to your town (or the nearest town to you if you are a country bumpkin :) ) tourist website and explore. Take a walking tour of old homes, free museums no matter how small, go downtown and walk along and look at all of the shops, visit a military museum in honor of Veteran's day this week. There are many things to do that you may not have done or haven't done in a long time.

We, however, are lucky enough to live in a state that is rich in history and history is one of my favorite subjects :)

Enjoy your weekend... and if you do decide to become a tourist in your own town let me know how it goes :) I'll post pics next week.

Angela

Harris Teeter super double and Bloom BOGO shopping trips

2010-11-03T08:52:00.000-07:00

I had a couple pretty successful shopping trips:

Harris Teeter:

You can't see all of my veggies, they were 10/$10 I got 10 and one was free (I had a $.50 coupon)
The Juniper Berries (we have been searching for them for weeks) were $6.49 OUCH!
The coffee ended up being $3.75 after my $1 coupon (doubled to $2)
Coffee Mate-FREE
4 glade holiday candles-FREE
2 Kotex liners-FREE
4 cream of mushroom soup 4/$3 (had a $1.50/3 coupon)-FREE
Goldfish-$.89 ($1.99 before $.55 coupon doubled to $1.10)
2 Carbona Carpet cleaner-before coupon $8.50 for both, I have 2 $1.50 coupons for $6.00 in coupons=$2.50 for 2 or $1.25 each!!!

Total OOP: $27.58

Total coupon savings: $41.97!!!!
total VIC savings: $18.72

BLOOM:

Bloom had BOGO on some things I needed!
Swanson Chicken broth can-4/$2.16 or $.54 each
Arm&Hammer laundry detergent for HE machine (50 oz)-4/$10.96 (2/5.48) or $2.74 each
Borden cheese singles-2/$4 plus FREE dozen large eggs!
Grapes $.99 pd
Pinapple chunks-$.69 ea

Total OOP: $21.73
total savings: $20.42

How did you do today?

Thanks to The Coupon Challenge for the match ups!!!

frugal and toxic free

2010-11-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been looking for ways to save more money. Not that we spend a lot now, I just would like to save more money. If I can make something that does just as good of a job as something you buy in the store then when I buy it, I feel like I am wasting money.

Another upside to making your own cleaning products, they are chemical free and non-toxic to your family and the environment.

I have decided to make my own Laundry detergent, Dishwashing soap and rinse aid and I am trying out a spray air freshener. Not that we need an air freshener, but from time to time, say when we cook fish or something like that, there is an odor.

I have been using water/vinegar solution for years to clean mirrors and windows.

Do you make your own cleaning products?
What are your favorites?

What else do you do to live frugally and environmentally savvy?

~Angela

7 nights of dinner done! Freezer cooking pics and recipes

2010-11-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

Whew I just finished making my freezer meals. It took me almost 2 hours, including kitchen clean up.

Here is what I made:
Chicken and Chive Dumplings

This made 3 nights worth of meals for my family. I stored it in smaller batches.

Recipe Here

I omitted the celery and carrots, my family does not like cooked celery and carrots. I'll make a veggie to go along side or a salad when we have (we may have tonight)

Meal 2:
Spanish Chicken and Rice

I only made 1/2 the recipe, this will feed my family 2 nights at least.

Recipe Here

I used a little extra liquid (chicken stock) so it won't dry out when I re-heat it. I'll make a veggie or salad to go with this or maybe some home made bread.

Meal 3:
Shepherds Pie

I made one batch of this as well. It will feed my family 2 nights. You can put whatever veggies in this you want. I chose broccoli because it's very hard to get my 10 year old to eat broccoli when it's mixed in stuff it's easier to get her to eat it..

Recipe:
5 idaho potatoes
2 tbsp of butter/ margarine
1/2-1 cup of warm milk
1 pd ground meat (I used turkey)
1/4 cup flour
1 tbsp ground ginger, paprika, chili powder, or cumin (you get the picture a combo of them or just one or two, taco seasoning may be good as well)
1/2 onion
frozen veggies of your choice
salt and pepper
olive oil

Prepare mashed potatoes the way you normally do using the potatoes, butter, milk, salt and pepper.
brown the meat, in a skillet with some Olive Oil, when its brown add the flower and seasoning and salt and pepper mix together, cook about 30 seconds. Add water, cook until thickened.
Transfer meat into a dish
In the same pan you cooked the meat, add more olive oil and cook onions until caramalized, add the frozen veggies.. cook until the veggies begin to cook. Pour over meat.
Last add your mashed potatoes on top and smooth out, cover with foil and freeze.

To heat, let thaw for about 30 min to an hour, pre heat oven to 350 and bake uncovered until the potatoes start to brown about 40 min if completely thawed longer if not.

My family has not yet tried any of these freezer meals. I will let you know how we like them after we do.

If you have a favorite freezer meal please share. I am always looking for new meal ideas. I love freezer meals because it's pretty much all ready for you and clean up is easy and no preparation! Also it stretches the dollar a bit more.

Have a great Week...

~Angela

Been busy

2010-11-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

WOW has it really been over a month since I've last blogged?!

WOW!!

Things have been so busy around here.

Where do I begin?

Well my hubby had a close friend pass away that was a crazy couple of weeks.
We have been getting ready for Halloween, school pictures, hostesing a party for a friend, getting new furniture, I've been running a lot, up until last week when I took it easy because of my knee, which still is bothering me :(

WELL... Halloween is over I hope everyone had a happy and safe day :)

Here are a few pics from our neck of the woods...

Why do you do this to me?

can I have 1 more?

No, I said ONLY 2 it's bedtime!

Oh I would never.............

2010-09-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

It's Friday, and this is my week-in-review. I don't know why ever it would be implicated that I would ever take short cuts.. I'm sure I wouldn't know what they were talking about...

I do NOT clean the downstairs of my house top-to-bottom 1 to 2 times a week, but the upstairs every other week.

I do NOT clean the downstairs bathroom 1-2 times a week and the upstairs bathroom only 1 time a week, especially since it's K's bathroom and we all know how sinks look after kids brush their teeth.

I do not occasionally do NOTHING all day, but shortly before hubby gets home, dust the downstairs to make it "smell" like I cleaned.

I did not leave leftovers in the fridge all week only to take them out this morning so hubby wouldn't sing happy birthday to the taco fixin's when he gets home.

Hubby does NOT sing or say Happy Birthday to leftovers if they are in the fridge for a week..

I am NOT taking today off from working out because I work this weekend and I HAVE to workout both days.

I do NOT think it's gross to clean MY hair out of MY shower.

I do NOT only vacuum my stairs 1-2 times a MONTH.

I do NOT secretly hate that we have a split stair case for the previous reason.

I do NOT see that grime left in the coffee cup and ignore it and keep drinking more.

I do NOT have to drink a small amount of ginger ale at lunch daily so I don't get sick in the afternoon and it's NOT because of my coffee addiction.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

~Angela

Fall Into Reading

2010-09-23T06:12:00.000-07:00

If you are a regular reader of my blog and especially my TWITTER then you know I LOVE LOVE LOVE to read. I ran across This Fall Into Reading theme over at Callapidder Days I am not sure why the button turned out odd looking.

My Fall Reading List:

1022 Evergreen Place(currently reading)

A Scattered Life

When Night Falls

Talk of the Town

Once a Cowboy

and maybe--- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (classic love it!)

I am also in the process of writing my own book.. so I think Fall reading will be slow this year. I may or may not get trough all of these :)

Happy Reading.. I am looking forward to checking out everyones lists.

If you want to join checkout the details and add your "mr. linky" HERE

~Angela

It is really happening?

2010-09-23T05:29:00.000-07:00

My tomboy is turning into a girl! YAY! She came to me this morning and asked me which of her necklaces she should wear.. WHAT?! My baby girl is wanting to wear one of the various necklaces, myself or family members have bought her over the years, that she has discarded and hung over her various t-ball, little league and cheerleading trophies!!! Not only is she currently wearing 1, but she is wearing 2 of them because she couldn't decide!

I knew this day would come. In fact, I was a tomboy growing up as well. I do not remember what age or when I turned into a "girl" but it happened. I am sure it also coincided with the observation of the opposite sex... OY! NOOO

I am not ready for my little girl to be into boys for many reasons. The most being of course I am scared of her being hurt, it happens to everyone at some point! Also the moment kids start noticing the opposite sex, they stop caring about school and care more about what they look like, who to impress, who is cool, and so on. I do not like drama and am not ready for her pre-teen drama yet! She isn't even 10 yet, I have 9 days before she is a 10 year old!! I am not ready for her to be a "tween" yet.

I think I am going to write out her goals and thoughts and interests at this milestone of a decade of her life. If not for her for me. I think it will be fun to look back on it in a few years and see if she is still the same little girl :')

Happy first FULL FALL DAY!

~Angela

Recipe: Minestrone Soup

2010-09-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Now that fall is here it's time to start making soups to warm us up!

This soup is so yummy and healthy. If your kids love soup like mine THIS is a great way to get them to eat veggies without even realizing! And around 100 calories a bowl you can't beat it..

1 tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 small onion (minced)
1 large can of crushed tomatoes with juices
1 can of spinach
1 can of kidney beans
1 package of frozen (or canned) green beans
1 cup of uncooked pasta (I used whole wheat penne, you can use penne, small shells, elbows, whatever you have)
1 32 OZ container of chicken broth (you can use vegetable instead)
1 tbsp italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 bay leaf

In a large pot pour in the olive oil, add the minced garlic and onions (I mince using a zester right over the pot), let them cook for a short bit while you open everything else. Add in everything else. Mix together, bring to boil, simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove Bay leaf and Enjoy.

Use What you have:
Use frozen veggies instead of canned, use whatever green veggies you have
Use fresh veggies, just cook a smidgen longer.
Use Vegetable broth instead of chicken to make in 100% vegetarian
Use fresh tomatoes (I would boil and remove skins first this is what I do for my pasta sauces)
use fresh seasonings instead of canned, canned is usually easier to come by in the colder months
use garlic powder or onion powder instead of fresh (I prefer fresh but if you don't have it use 1 tsp of each to taste)
Use white beans instead of kidney beans, any kind will work, I prefer canned beans since dry ones take too long to cook

This soup is really good in a bread bowl or with a baguette or by itself.

ENJOY.

~Angela

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-22T07:00:00.001-07:00

Love Fall

2010-09-21T05:03:00.000-07:00

What are you most excited about for the Fall?
The leaves changing?
Cooler temperatures?
Halloween, Thanksgiving?
Wearing long sleeves?
Shorter days?
redecorating your house?
picking apples?
baking apple pies?

What excites you most about the Fall?

I love everything about Fall!

Do you have any traditions you do in the fall?

Happy Tuesday.
~Angela

"Make a difference this Christmas!" (guest post)

2010-09-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

This isn't officially a guest post. But I would like you to head over to Mama4Real and check out the links she posted today. I plan on using these sites for my Christmas shopping. How about you?

The excitement of the new school year has worn off...

2010-09-20T05:07:00.000-07:00

It's ONLY the beginning of week 3 of school and already the excitement has wore off. K was dragging this morning. So much I had to threaten a 7:30 bedtime. Her normal bedtime is 8pm but I let her read for 30 min. The more and more she gets up dragging I'm moving up her bedtime.

However, the end result was success, she is fed, dressed, hair and teeth brushed and on the bus! WHEW this morning took more energy than it should have.

Hubby is on an airplane heading out of town for the week for work. I won't be doing a Menu plan this week. When hubby is gone, K and I just wing dinner. Sandwiches, Brinner (breakfast for dinner), tacos, pasta carbonara ect.. all of her favorite things and easy on me to make :)

I hope everyone has a great Monday!
~Angela

I just don't understand people..

2010-09-17T05:20:00.000-07:00

First let me start by saying.. WOW 2 blogs in one day.. I must have a lot to say today.lol

Did you hear on the news about this lady that was attacked and another lady threw acid in her face.. the "victim" was going on Oprah but cancelled, she was on all of the morning news shows. She even had a sketch of her attacker.. an african american lady with short hair and 3 ear rings in one ear...

WELL it was a HOAX!!! She threw the acid in her OWN face.. What is wrong with people.. There are so many things about this story that tick me off.
1. She wasted our time and the police and tax money
2. She was a white lady and said her attacker was a black lady.. why do people do that?!
3. She was all in the media, was even going on Oprah.. she is a LIAR
4. She was saying it was divine intervention that she bought sunglasses like 10 minutes before the "attack" happend. And that she never wears sunglasses so it must have been God... That makes me mad because she even lied on GOD!!!

Why are people crazy..

Just like the Balloon by story and the guy that wrote that book and went on Oprah saying it was his story and it was made up!

What is wrong with people?!

I also saw on the news today that a dad got on a school bus to confront his daughters bullies. His daughter has Cerebral Palsy and was being bullied.
1. I don't blame the dad .. did he do it the wrong way? YES
2. I am ticked at the bullies parents, who doesn't teach their kids to accept everyone especially those with disabilities, they didn't choose to be that way. Everyone has feelings!
3. Usually if kids are being bullied the parents can help the kids through it and teach them how to stick up for themselves, in this case the girl couldn't, she has limitations. So was her dad right in sticking up for her YES!! I am so glad this little girl has a dad that loves her so much! However he should have went to the school and/or bus driver and not yell and curse at the kid (bully).

Ok I am going to remove myself from my soap box now.

I just don't know what is wrong with people?

~Angela

What are you looking forward too?

2010-09-17T05:03:00.000-07:00

I recently got one of those emails where you fill in things about yourself and fwd it to everyone you know.. you know the things I'm talking about, they are rampid on Facebook and Myspace (although I haven't had either for a while now so I'm not sure if they are so popular).

Well one of the questions was 3 things you are looking forward too... hmmm this one stumped me..

I did however love reading what everyone else was looking forward too.. that got me curious. I want to know what YOU are looking forward too, it could be 1 thing for a handful.. but I want to know What are YOU looking forward too?

I would have to say K's 10th birthday in 2 weeks, and Fall... AND being able to use the fireplace and drink some hot chocolate and relax in front of it...

Happy Friday!
Angela

motivation or lack there of....

2010-09-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

I have been so faithful with my workouts lately. But I skipped yesterday (I had to buy groceries and do yard work) that is ok it's not like I sat on the couch and ate brownies all day..lol but it set me into a spiral.

Today I was NOT motivated to run. I had to give myself a pep talk and the fact that I knew I'd feel awful later in the day if I didn't go.. because I know whether I run or not I'm going to eat the same amount!

I forced myself out to put on my workout clothes and running shoes.. picked music (Journey today, not usually running music but it's what I wanted to listen too) and just did it... I went farther and longer today than normal. Sometimes we can get our best workouts when we are not motivated...

Note to self: just get out there and do it, even if you don't feel like it

I would love to go to Starbucks and get another Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte and I would in fact, if I hadn't been to lazy to put a bra on after showering... lol yes that's right ... I hate bra's and being the size I am.. I need one..

Happy Thursday all
~Angela

It's the little things that make me happy

2010-09-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

*Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte (had my first of the season today after buying groceries)

*grocery shopping early at a store that is NOT the commissary so there aren't many people there and it's not stressful

*Double Coupons!

*Saving money on gas for just buying groceries

*fall weather

*my quiet time that I can choose how to spend it

*deciding NOT to weed and trim bushes today, because it's starting to warm up and I can do that tomorrow!

*the smile on K's face (anytime)

*did I mention Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte... lol

Seriously I love them.. The store is 6 miles from my house, my grande was GONE before I got home! I am thinking about going back after 2 and get one for $2!!!!

I hope everyone has a good day!

~Angela

Things you rarely think about... until you need too

2010-09-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

There are somethings you just don't think about until you need too.

One of those things is trash pickup. You don't think about it.. you make sure the can it out when it needs to be and bring it back around when it's empty. Usually taking it to the street is my job bringing it back in is K's or hubbies.. who ever sees it empty first.

Well for 2 weeks we haven't gotten ours collected. Last week we chalked it up to the holiday, since none of the neighbors had theirs collected either.

This morning I notice the garbage truck drive right past our FULL garbage can.. WHAT IS THE DEAL.. I made a few calls and still need to go see the lady for the Home Owners Association (trash collection is included in our dues). Moving can be a pain in the butt, I often wonder why people submit themselves to such unavoidable stress!!

Fingers crossed we get our garbage picked up this week!!!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-09-13T05:16:00.000-07:00

I haven't done this in a while. I've just been cooking whatever we have, whenever.. But this week I will need to go to the grocery store for a big trip.. so I am going to plan some meals to help me with that :)
I am not planning weekend meals. I never stick to them, often we go out for a big late lunch and don't eat a big dinner or we will go buy some fresh seafood, or hubby raids the freezer and grills a ton of meat :)

Monday: Baked Chicken Ziti I was planning on making Ziti tonight and saw this today.. I am going to freeze the 2nd one :)

Tuesday: Leftovers from Monday

Wednesday: taco's

Thursday: cheeseburgers and homemade french fries

Friday: Homemade Pizza or leftover

I am craving a big pot of chili as well, now that the weather has turned a bit cooler. I may replace on of my nights with chili. :) Probably Thursday or Friday.

more menu plan ideas HERE and HERE

have a great week all :)

~Angela

The days of summer are gone...

2010-09-10T05:25:00.000-07:00

I am kind of sad summer days are gone. I miss K while she is at school, but also love that I can relax after the house is clean and enjoy a clean house for a few hours, that I can eat or not eat lunch when I want, and that I can go to the grocery store by myself. However, I am going to miss our spontaneous trips to the zoo, or farms, or Aquarium, or Parks, or canoeing ect...

On another note we are mostly moved into our new house... this is my favorite room and view in the house

We never have to worry about anyone moving in behind us because it's "protected wet lands". LOVE THAT.

I do miss living across the street from the Bay that was an awesome view and not to mention our neighbors caught a ton of crabs and gave us some.. I'm all about FREE crab for dinner :) but we are in a better school district and do not have to have the hassle of going and coming on the base anymore!

BUT Fall is upon us.. and it IS my favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather, changing of the leaves, K's birthday, Halloween and Thanksgiving which lead into the HOLIDAY'S.. Time goes by so fast the older you get.. some days I wish life was a TIVO and I could pause and rewind!

Have a great Friday and Happy Weekend..

~Angela

Farm Fresh trip for this week

2010-09-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

I will say I did my research and was very organized before this trip.. Resulting in my BEST savings YET!

Here is how it added up (btw all my coupons said to NOT double and thankfully they DID double YAY!)

also I took my delights and fiber one yogurt out before I took this pic.. I almost forgot to take the pic that's why they are empty containers here. :)

Cinnamon Toast Crunch- $2.00
used $1 off of two (2 of them) also the GM promotion gave me $.50 off each for $2 more off.
Paid: $2 for 4 boxes or $.50 each box

Milk-$3.39 (didn't have a coupon but needed milk)

Grands Biscuits-$1.50
used $1/2 coupon
paid: $2/4 or $.50 each

Kraft Cheese-2/$4.00
used $5 off coupon
Paid: $5/5 or $1 each

Yogurt-fiber one, delights and yo plus
I bought 2 packages of each at $2.50 each minus the $.50 promotion so $2 each
used $1 of one
FREE!!!! 6 packages of yogurt FREE!!!

Total before: $42.39
total savings: $30
Total OOP: $13.07
savings of 71%

I also got 50 bonus box tops
$1 off my next shopping trip
$2 off 5 GM cereals
$1.25 off yocrunch 100 cal packs
and a discount on gas

go HERE and HERE for Farm Fresh match-ups and to see where I got all of my good information and also info about the promotions going on right now.. buy 10 General Mills items get $5 off instantly at register and 50 bonus box tops... there is also a Kelloggs one where you can get $10 on your next shopping trip. I didn't do that one. Also these blogs link up to the coupons as well!

Happy Shopping.. Thanks ladies for the information..

~Angela

Back to school, time to blog again? Maybe..

2010-09-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

I have been such a bad bad blogger lately! I just didn't have the TIME!

Week before last we moved into our new house! We LOVE LOVE LOVE it. But it is so much work. We are mostly finished. There is a bit of unpacking left to do, mainly because we got rid of all of our old bedroom furniture.. both ours and K's and bought brand new stuff. We are waiting on it to be made and then delivered! SO we still have clothes and bedroom stuff that we need to unpack. Our hang up stuff is in the closets but we need drawers! lol.. Those are one of those things you don't think about until you don't have. :)

Today is the first day of school for K. She is in 4th grade.. WOW they grow up so fast. It's hard to believe summer is over already. I am glad to get back to some sort of routine though! I already have my errands ran that I needed to run today and my cleaning done I wanted to do today! The Direct TV guys will be here soon to hook up our satellite YIPPEE!!!! Hubs is going to head home from work soon to meet them here to make sure they do everything right I suppose... He has been off for over a week.. SO today everyone is back to business :)

I hope to have more time to blog about the randomness that is my life. More importantly I hope to have time to read YOUR blogs regularly!!!

Have a great day..

~Angela

Mexican Dirty Rice Recipe

2010-08-14T15:17:00.001-07:00

I couldn't figure out what I wanted for dinner.. K picked out the meat today and picked ground turkey.. she didn't want meat loaf, I don't have any buns for hamburgers or tomatoes left for marinara sauce or tortilla's for tacos.. sooo I go through my cabinets and came up with this.. it was awesome!!! Hubs had 3 helpings and we have NO leftovers!! I think he would of had more if there was more.. K liked it but said it was spicy.. she doesn't do spicy..

I call it Mexican Dirty Rice... (and super cheap too!)

Ingredients:

1 pd ground turkey (or beef whatever you have)

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp creole seasoning (like Tony Satcheres or Zattarans)

1 package of taco seasoning

1-1.5 cups of rice

2 cups water

I ground the turkey with the garlic powder and creole seasoning... (in a sauce pan)

after it's browned add rice and taco seasoning mix together

add water stir, bring to boil, cover put temp on low and cook until rice is cooked (20-30 min)

YUMMM...

Thursday Blog Hop

2010-08-12T10:02:00.001-07:00

my first ever blog hop! YAY I'm so excited.. :)

I'll follow back, just leave me a comment telling me you are a new follower from the blog hop :)

Happy Thursday and blog hopping :)

Angela

Wednesday Farm Fresh Trip

2010-08-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

I didn't do great but didn't do too bad either. I don't have any coupons over $1 I want to use so I didn't go to Harris Teeter for super doubles (it's a longer drive than FF)

Total OOP: $32.31
Total Saved: $19.00

grapes were $.98 lb and bananas $.49 lb I couldn't pass that up! Also I should have only gotten one fruit chillers I would have gotten it free (I had 2 coupons)

Happy Wednesday!

Angela

ps I also went to the commissary for meat and frozen veggies and the rest of my produce and cereal.. I spent $77 there YIKES.. but it was meat!!!!

fleas and ants.. really?

2010-08-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

UGGG So not only does my dog have fleas, my kitchen has ants...

SO PESKY!!!

I have been searching for non-toxic ways to rid the house/dog of fleas... don't want to hurt K or the dog in the process of de-fleaing...

In the mean time I have used a powder on the carpet and a spray on the dog (just today) we also shampoo her but they keep coming back the frontline and flea colors are not working.. This stuff stinks I literally have a headache...

And the ants, K noticed them on the back door a couple days ago.. I sprayed antibacterial spray and they were gone.. to only appear on my kitchen counter.. I can't figure out where they are coming from.. they are tiny tiny ants.. I go in and spray every hour or so.. and kill the ones I see.. I AM SO READY TO MOVE! lol

Happy Monday all..

Tips on getting rid of these pesky critters welcome :)

Angela

C'mon admit it, you've done it as well...no? Ok maybe just me.

2010-08-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

Setting the scene.

It's 9pm on Saturday night. K and I just finished watching Rescue Highway on Animal Planet. It's her bed time. I put her to bed and go to bed myself. Hubs is in there watching a movie, I know I've seen. I see Mel Gibson and a corn field IMMEDIATELY in my head I'm saying "Field of Dreams". I go brush my teeth, wash my face ect. Come to bed and stare watching "Field of Dreams" with hubby..

This is me for at LEAST an hour--saying to myself..

"Huh I don't remember their being Aliens in this movie"
"I really don't remember this movie being 'scary'"
"Wow it must have been FOREVER since I've seen this movie because I'm not remembering this"
"Where is the field, and his dad as a baseball player, they aren't even going outside, they are hiding in a basement"
SERIOUSLY this goes on for an HOUR at least.. Then Mel Gibson's character turns to his brother in the movie and says something about stuff being "SIGNS" OH MY GOODNESS I am such an idiot.. This movie is "SIGNS".....

HA! Hubby then realizing I realized what movie I was watching and laughed at me.. YES he did let me believe for an hour I was watching the wrong movie...

Have a great Monday...

Angela

wordless Wednesday---relaxing before a stupid jellyfish ruined it!

2010-07-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

how do you handle stress?

2010-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have been so stressed this week.. I do not know what my deal is!!

I feel I need to be the perfect SAHM/Housewife. Since it's summer the house seems to never stay clean.

I have always worked and I think it's so much less stressful when I do work. Then all of the house stuff doesn't just fall on me.

Do you feel you have to be the prefect housewife? That your house has to be in perfect order? If you are "caught" taking a break (IE laying in bed with coffee watching morning news when hubby comes home to get something he forgot, while you kid(s) still in PJ's playing playstation) That happened to me this morning. SO NOW I feel all the things I have planned for today that WILL get done, will not be seen in hubby's eye (as if the daily stuff I do ever is--thinking of the mom's that go on strike).

I really need a vacation because a day off doesn't exist. I have tried to do days off before but I"ve always got to cook or clean something!

SOO STRESSED!!!!

I am so glad I have this to vent too!!! thanks for listening/reading :)

~Angela

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday--- holy hair batman

2010-07-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

after bleaching (not long enough ORANGE)

after Toning (toned down orange)

and Today after I'm DONE! I put dark brown over it.. Much better!!

PS Sorry for my hideous no makeup look LOL

Menu Plan Monday

2010-07-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

I am back with a menu plan for this week. I took last week off since hubs was out of town for work. I knew K and I would just have whatever :)

Monday: Leftover Salmon, steamed turnip greens and fennel salad

Tuesday: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes and veggie

Wednesday: Chicken Breast with Lemony Thyme marinade, Zucchini salad and rice or roasted potatoes

Thursday: Pasta Carbonara and spinach salad and garlic bruschetta

Friday: Stuffed Flounder Florentine, and rice

Saturday/Sunday: We are planning to grill out this weekend so we will do that one day the other we will have leftovers.

Have a great week.

Wordless Wednesday---SPCA visit

2010-07-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Summer reads and Big Brother

2010-07-09T04:52:00.000-07:00

What are you reading right now?

I personally really like to read seasonal books, summer themed beach books in the summer, winter snowy settings in the winter.

Right now I'm reading Nancy Thayer books, she is from Nantucket and her books are set there. (the 2 I've read).

Do you watch Big Brother? It started last night! I am so excited, I love that show... Who do you think the Saboteur is?

TGIF!

Have a great weekend.

Wordless Wednesday--Weekend adventures

2010-07-07T04:45:00.000-07:00

Click HERE and HERE to see more Wordless Wednesday posts and link up yours.

Happy Wednesday!

SAHM when do you take a "day off"

2010-07-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

Some may think that SAHM's get EVERY DAY OFF... ummm NO we don't get ANY days off. We always have to clean up after someone, cook something and make sure everyone is where they need to be when and where they need to be there. If you have more than one kid you are a referee as well! 7 days a week!

I was lucky enough to have my hubby slow roast a chicken last night and we had leftover potato salad from our holiday BBQ. SO I didn't really have to cook dinner but I still had to clean the kitchen after!

When do you take a day off and what do you do?

I can't take a FULL day off, but today K is at day camp (Long day they are on a field trip today!) hubby is back at work. I did my housecleaning top to bottom yesterday! So today is my "day off"

Here is my agenda:
read (did that will probably do more in a bit)
clean up my computer, free some memory-DONE!
clean up my inbox-DONE!
absolutely nothing but veg out in front of the TV for a bit-Still working on this one LOL

I do have to get some produce, and razors at the grocery store, take some stuff back to the library and check more out, and check on the neighbors cats, bring in their mail and water their plants. All of which I will do after I pick up K. She loves playing with the cats while I change the water, check on food, ect...

What do YOU do on your "day off"?

~Angela

Should SAHM's send their kids to camp?

2010-06-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

What do you think? Should a SAHM send their kids to summer day camp?

I felt bad this morning dropping K off. Partly because she was crying this morning and didn't want to go. She wanted to stay home with me. It was just nerves because she wouldn't know anyone. And partly because I don't work and I'm sending her off to daycare camp. It makes me feel like a bad mom, like I'm wanting to get rid of my kid. I'm not HONESTLY!

I know she will have more fun playing games and taking field trip with the camp (it's only 5 weeks mon-thurs) than she will here with me. I would put her to work cleaning and organizing and sorting out stuff. We are buying a house and will be moving SOON and I hate packing! SO I am going through everything (one room a day) and throwing out stuff, the more we throw out the less we have to pack. :)

That makes me feel a bit LESS of a bad mom knowing here she would be working or watching TV or playing video games. I am so busy getting ready to start packing that we won't be going many places. I am setting aside Fridays for Fun days! She doesn't have camp on Friday's so that is the day we will go swimming or to the beach or aquarium or simply out to lunch or a movie :)

So what is your take? Should SAHM send their kids off to day camp?

~Angela

Menu Plan Monday

2010-06-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted... SORRY been very busy :)

Here is this weeks menu for me and my family.

Monday: Pork Chops Alla Salvia from "Skinny Italian" by Teresa Giudice, whole wheat stuffing and green beans

Tuesday: Crock-pot Red Beans and Rice with turkey sausage and jiffy corn bread (yumm!)

Wednesday: Leftovers, pork chops, red beans and rice or meatloaf from last night...

Thursday: pasta of some kind or leftover red beans and rice if we aren't tired of it LOL

Friday-Pizza (home made)

Saturday-Sunday: Grilling for the holiday.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY EVERYONE!!!!!!!

For more ideas click HERE

~Angela

Wordless Wednesday--Art Gallery

2010-06-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

Which Kitchen Appliance can you NOT live without?

2010-06-15T04:16:00.000-07:00

Which Kitchen appliance can you NOT live without? Toaster, Blender, Food processor...........

For me aside from my coffee maker, which is a given! It's my bread maker... I make bread a couple times a week.. I make Italian Bread, whole wheat bread, pizza dough REGULARLY, french bread,, rosemary bread etc. I've made dough for garlic knots, cinnamon rolls, and soft pretzels. I love this thing. I use my home made bread to make panini's, sandwiches, toast for bruschetta and garlic bread. It's all natural no preservatives and I know what goes in it.

Happy Tuesday...

~Angela

2 pounds away--- pics

2010-06-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that I am 2 pounds away from my goal weight! I have to say it feels GREAT not just because it's a goal, but physically!! It is like I have a whole new wardrobe and haven't had to buy a thing!! All of my clothes fit me great, some are even big a little.. I don't feel uncomfortable in anything. I LOVE THIS..

BEFORE:

This is me and my BFF.. This is LAST summer.. (I'm the big one LOL)

This is a recent pic of me...

YAY..

Have a great day...

~Angela

Blood Mary

2010-06-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

WOW I've been so busy this week that it hasn't even dawned on me I haven't posted since Monday :)

I have been reading many of your blogs though, I just haven't posted. Mainly because time has gotten away from me and also maybe because I haven't had anything to say..

K has been freaked out over the stories she is hearing from kids at school about Bloody Mary, Candyman and those fake scary stories we all learn when we are younger and try over and over and fail to work ALWAYS. You know why? Because they are NOT true!! She wouldn't tell me what was bothering her at first because she was afraid with all of the mirrors in the house.. finally in the car one day she told me. I squashed that and told her it's just myths and stories made up. She finally was getting some sleep. My poor 9 year old was too scared to sleep! She was so scared one night she was getting sick!!

WELL last night, after her being ok for a good couple of weeks. She comes in and asks if she can sleep with us. NOW her friend has brought a book of hauntings to school.... are these people TRYING to give my baby a heart attack? THIS one however, I will skirt for a while and comfort her and pay attention to what I say. I do believe in hauntings. I told her our house isn't haunted and she is perfectly safe. Needless-to-say she slept with us last night LOL....

I was totally opposite from her. I was the one wanting to know more about all of that spooky scary stuff. I LOVE LOVE LOVED scary movies!!! I watched Candyman when I was about 10... it scared the crap out of me... but I loved it.

My daughter just isn't like me at that age. That is going to be a tough obstacle for me, I don't want to scare her, but this is normal kid stuff and I think in a way she does have to deal with it.. LUCKILY school is out next Friday!!!

We did sign her up for camp though... lets hope no one there scares her.. lol

Menu Plan Monday

2010-06-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

I think this is my first Menu Plan Monday! Mainly because I don't plan per day, I plan weekly or daily :) Since I was getting my coupons ready and grocery list together for the store Wednesday, I decided to make a menu. I go 2 new cook books this weekend and wanted to try new stuff. Luckily I don't need to buy much for them.

Monday-oven fried chicken legs, mashed potatoes and green beans

Tuesday-leftovers

Wed- homemade pizza (Italian style)

Thurs-Pasta Al Burro from Skinny Italian

Friday-taco's or leftovers if we have any from earlier in the week

Saturday- low-fat pasta carbonara from The Skinnygirl Dish

Sunday- taco's if we didn't have Friday, or Mozzerella, Spinach & Sundried tomato Panini and baked french fries or hubbs will grills something.

For more Idea's check out OrgJunkie

ok I don't know why my hyperlinks aren't working sorry.

Low-Fat Pasta Carbonara Recipe

2010-06-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

*DISCLAIMER* I am not sure if it's legal to post a recipe like this but since I bought the books I think it's ok*

Hey, you know me when I try something new I HAVE to share if it was a 10! K had 2nds she NEVER goes back for 2nds!!

Yesterday K and I went to the book store and I bought "The Skinnygirl Dish" by Bethanny Frankel (Real Housewives of New York but she is actually a chef) this is the book the Pasta Carbonara came out of.

I also bought "Skinny Italian" by Teresa Giudice (Real Housewives of New Jersey-I'll admit these shows are a guilty pleasure of mine!)- I made a garlic sauce for the bread out of this book tonight another 10! I recommend this book it has a ton of helpful information in it. I read it cover to cover already.

Low-Fat Pasta Carbonara

16 oz whole-wheat spaghetti- I just used 13 oz and you can use regular pasta if it's made with real semolina flour, it's just as good for you.

3/4 cup unflavored soy milk- I just used regular low-fat lactose because that's what I had, you can use any low-fat milk that is unflavored

2 whole eggs

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan -this is k's job.. she's great at it.

1 tsp of garlic salt, divided - I used a clove of garlic minced, I think garlic salt is too salty.

1 tsp of black pepper, divided

2 tbsp butter- i used unsalted

8 slices organic turkey bacon cooked until crispy, and crumbled or chopped- I used regular turkey bacon but you can use regular bacon too, it's not much more on calories

1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes - I just put the container on the table so hubby and I could add, K won't eat spicy.

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, Parmesan, half the garlic salt (or the whole clove minced) and half the pepper.

2. When the pasta is done, drain it and quickly put it directly into the bowl with the egg mixture. Toss to coat. The hot pasta will cook the eggs. When the pasta is coated with the egg mixture, mix in the butter, bacon, red pepper flakes (unless you are adding them later) and the remaining garlic salt (I skipped this one) salt (skipped this one too) and pepper. Serve Immediately

*** It's so easy and quick to make it takes less than 15 min start to finish including boiling the water and cooking bacon (I put in microwave for 5 min to make it crispy.)

to go along side of it. I made garlic bread. I used the ends of the bread cut in half and put directly on the oven rack and toasted on 425 for about 10 min. The recipe is for the "sauce" I used on it.. It was soo good and not garlicy at all!

Balsamic Garlic Bites - from Skinny Italian

6-8 plump, firm garlic cloves, peeled so they remain intact- recipe calls for 24 but that is for a bigger batch than I needed, 8 was perfect for us.

1 cup balsamic vinegar, as needed- you probably wont need that much if you only use 6-8 cloves

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil - fyi ONLY ever buy Extra Virgin Olive oil, if you get the book you will see why :)

1. Place the garlic in a small saucepan, and add enough vinegar to cover.

Bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the garlic is tender, about 15 min.

2. Drain the garlic cloves (they will have dark purple spots on them from the vinegar), and let cool. Transfer them to a small serving bowl, (I kept them in the pan) Drizzle the olive oil over the top and serve.--- I actually mashed it up with the oil and spooned it on the bread and spread it out. IT was sooo good!!!

Like I said K had 2nds... I should have made more bread as well.. I will know for next time... :)

Enjoy...

Free Donut day---- I got mine :)

2010-06-04T06:16:00.000-07:00

Have you went to get a free donut from your local shop yet?

I went with a friend and neighbor this morning after our girls got on the school bus. FYI If you go to Krispy Kreme get your receipt because it has a code for you to take a survey and then you get a FREE DOZEN of glazed donuts with the purchase of a dozen! SWEET..

I think it's finally HOT and here to stay. I think it's a pool/beach kind of weekend. Does anyone else have big plans?

Happy Weekend.

~Angela

wordless Wednesday--what's up dawg....

2010-06-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

there is always a reason.. isn't there?!

2010-05-26T05:59:00.000-07:00

Isn't it true? Can't we always justify a purchase? I feel so bad when I spend money on myself, but when all the "stars line up" and things are too good to pass then I do splurge on me.

Yesterday I received the Victoria Secret "semi-annual sale" catalog in the mail. Lately I've been throwing them out because we have one income and I can no longer afford VS. WELL I do NEED bra's and like my friend says "once you go VS you don't go back" so true.. I bought Target bra's and may as well threw the money out the window, they don't fit right so I've been wearing sports bras (yes I'm uniboob) for comfort. My other bras are too big (since my losing over 20pds).

I figured I'd get 2 bra's (on sale for $13 ea) and while I was at it, the swim wear was on sale and I LOVE this cover up. SOOO I got the swim suit style above, I got the leopard print on my bottoms (the top in my size was sold out) and a blue top. And I got the above cover up in this blue LOVE IT...

So back to what I was saying there is always a way to justify a purchase. My excuse/reason: It's on sale! and I've lost over 20pds I DESERVE a new swim suit!!!!!!! besides the swim suit was $14 for the whole thing! Can't beat that!!!!!

Have a good Wednesday.

Angela