We are headed off to the coast again. A relaxing 3 day weekend of camping in the rainforest and plenty of beach combing to celebrate Vern's birthday. This time it will be Vern and I and our 3 kids. Our first family vacation with the 5 of us and I am so excited! Chipper and Maxine just adore their big brother Trevor and I am also hoping Vern and Trevor have some much needed guy time. As for me,I just need to get outta here..see some new scenery. I need a few days of naps in the afternoon and hot showers in the rain. My feet and toes need the softening touch that only miles of barefoot beach combing can provide. I have promised myself I will bring out my Nikon and quit taking all my photos with my cell phone for a few days. Usually Spring gets me in the photography mood after a long drab winter but this year my mood has been as delayed as the warm weather.
I will pack a huge duffle bag of sweatshirts and comfy pants,all my favorite things to wear,long socks and rain coat and boots. Matching or not,I really don't care. I might bring my blow dryer...for the dogs lol! But seriously,they get really wet and cold on the beach...;) Worse than that..I am hoping Maxine has enough outfits with matching hair accessories for 3 days. She has grown out of most of her baby clothes and her hair is so long I have to put it up every day so she can see. Besides,she just looks so cute :) A bag for me,a bag for the dogs,extra clothes for Trevor and extra sweatshirts for Vern (because they never pack enough)..and they wonder why women pack so much...ha ha
So if I don't find time to blog before we go,I hope you all have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend! :)
Monday, May 23, 2011
1st Test C+
I survived my grocery shopping adventure at Winco on Friday. I spent THREE HOURS there. I got all the deals I was hoping for and I few I didn't expect. I spent $213.00 on a grocery cart FULL of groceries. I had 5 store coupons and 20 manufacturer coupons and I saved a total of $24. Now,6 months ago if I had saved that much with coupons I would've felt like the Queen of the Coupon World. BUT,thanks to my new knowledge of this "new" trend and the extremes people go to.... I feel defeated. My savings wasn't 40%. I know I shouldn't feel disappointed,we needed a lot of groceries I had no coupon for and Winco's prices are MUCH lower that most stores...but still,I have worked so hard and I was hoping for bigger results. All in good time I suppose. A first lesson in couponing learned-even if you stick to the rules,groceries cost money. LOL! Until I can stock my pantry with enough goods to last me a few months I will have to buy some things as I need them and I won't always have a coupon. When my stockpiled pantry is complete I will be able to wait and buy things at their lowest price...or maybe even free!
This week I got 5 Sunday papers and it has taken me 2 evenings to cut and organize them all in my coupon binder. I continue to learn as much as I can and I keep my faith I will be able to turn this new "part time job" into a way of giving to others as well. Today I mailed coupons to Idaho! My friends there don't get many of the great manufacturer coupons I get here and I am happy to share any I don't use. Any of you reading this that would like coupons let me know. I have a ton for dog and cat food,asst OTC medications,snacks etc.
:)
This week I got 5 Sunday papers and it has taken me 2 evenings to cut and organize them all in my coupon binder. I continue to learn as much as I can and I keep my faith I will be able to turn this new "part time job" into a way of giving to others as well. Today I mailed coupons to Idaho! My friends there don't get many of the great manufacturer coupons I get here and I am happy to share any I don't use. Any of you reading this that would like coupons let me know. I have a ton for dog and cat food,asst OTC medications,snacks etc.
:)
Friday, May 20, 2011
Couponing 101: The Test
I am pretty sure I have the cutest coupon helper in the world..
Tomorrow is the big day.
The day I venture out on my first large couponing adventure.
I have a pink Trapper Keeper full of coupons.
Almost every coupon I could get my hands on for the last 4 weeks.
The coupons are organized and categorized.
The lists are all printed,3 hole punched and filed in front.
So neatly in fact,
that I am still in amazement that I created it.
I am headed to Winco.
Mostly because I have yet to check their everyday prices on the things I buy most.
So we will call it research.
I am pretty sure that Winco prices plus coupons will make for a fun trip.
Now that's what I call shopping!
My rules:
*Stick to the list
*Sales and coupons only. Patience pays off with sale prices elsewhere or at a later date!
* $20 allowance for "Pennies On The Dollar" purchases. (buying things not on the list because they are super cheap with a coupon AND in an attempt to create stockpile of my dreams he he)
*Check expiration dates.
*Keep a tally and stick to the budget.
*Check and double check coupons
*Make sure everything is scanned properly
Wish me luck!
Tomorrow is the big day.
The day I venture out on my first large couponing adventure.
I have a pink Trapper Keeper full of coupons.
Almost every coupon I could get my hands on for the last 4 weeks.
The coupons are organized and categorized.
The lists are all printed,3 hole punched and filed in front.
So neatly in fact,
that I am still in amazement that I created it.
I am headed to Winco.
Mostly because I have yet to check their everyday prices on the things I buy most.
So we will call it research.
I am pretty sure that Winco prices plus coupons will make for a fun trip.
Now that's what I call shopping!
My rules:
*Stick to the list
*Sales and coupons only. Patience pays off with sale prices elsewhere or at a later date!
* $20 allowance for "Pennies On The Dollar" purchases. (buying things not on the list because they are super cheap with a coupon AND in an attempt to create stockpile of my dreams he he)
*Check expiration dates.
*Keep a tally and stick to the budget.
*Check and double check coupons
*Make sure everything is scanned properly
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Happily Ever After
When our relationship began,
it felt like we were just us two.
Then as time went on
A little family grew.
I added a dog,
You added a son,
Sometimes we wanted to scream,
Sometimes it was pretty fun.
Then an angel arrived.
A furry gift from above.
Our little girl Maxine,
Filled our house with so much love!
Here we are 3 years later,
And it is still just me and you.
Parents of 3 beautiful children,
And so happy our family grew.
A boy became a man,
A dog became a brother,
Maxine melted Daddy's heart,
As for me..
I became a Mother.
Sometimes life can feel like a fairy tale,
(I really like this chapter!)
I'll keep praying my family keeps living,
Happily ever after.
Monday, May 16, 2011
And A Few More..
Here's a few recipes I have found in magazines I am wanting to try. If you beat me to it,let me know what you think!
Thai Chicken Tacos
http://www.bhg.com/recipe/chicken/thai-chicken-tacos/
Thai Chicken Tacos Prep: 25 minutes
Marinate: 1 hour
Cook: 5 minutes
Ingredients
1 lime, halved
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch pieces
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 large shallot, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. fish sauce
2 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/2 to 1 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/2 to 1 tsp. hot chili sauce (such as Sriracha)
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
16 corn tortillas, heated
1 recipe Cabbage Slaw
Directions
1. Juice one lime half (about 1 Tbsp.); cut remaining half in wedges. In bowl stir together chicken, cilantro, shallot, garlic, the 1 Tbsp. lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, pepper, and chili sauce. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour. In large skillet cook chicken mixture in hot oil over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked, stirring occasionally.
2. To serve, layer two tortillas. Top with chicken and Cabbage Slaw. Serve with remaining slaw and lime wedges. Makes 4 (2-taco) servings.
Cabbage Slaw: In a bowl toss together 2 cups shredded napa cabbage, 1/2 cup shredded carrot, 1/2 cup sliced green onions, 1/3 cup sliced radishes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 cup coarsely chopped peanuts (optional). Add 1/4 cup rice vinegar; toss.
Nutrition Facts
Calories454, Total Fat (g)11, Saturated Fat (g)1, Monounsaturated Fat (g)5, Polyunsaturated Fat (g)4, Cholesterol (mg)66, Sodium (mg)596, Carbohydrate (g)55, Total Sugar (g)4, Fiber (g)9, Protein (g)34, Vitamin C (DV%)54, Calcium (DV%)17, Iron (DV%)18, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Watermelon Salad-
http://www.bhg.com/recipe/salads/watermelon-salad/
Watermelon Salad Prep: 25 minutes
Chill: 3 hours
Ingredients
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
2 cups watermelon juice*
1-1/2 cups white grape juice
1 tsp. shredded lemon peel
1-1/2 cups assorted chopped fruit (such as peeled peaches, nectarines, pears, and/or green grapes)
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Mint leaves
Directions
1. in a medium saucepan sprinkle gelatin over watermelon juice. Allow to stand 5 minutes. Cook and stir until gelatin is dissolved. Stir in grape juice and lemon peel.
2. With a ladle or cup transfer half of the watermelon juice mixture to a 2-quart square baking dish. Cover and refrigerate about 1-1/2 hours, or until thickened to the texture of egg whites (keep remaining watermelon juice mixture at room temperature). Add fruit. Carefully spoon remaining watermelon juice over set mixture. Cover and refrigerate 1-1/2 hours more or until all layers are set.
3. Top with feta and mint leaves before serving. Makes 9 servings.
*Puree seeded watermelon chunks in blender; strain to remove any excess pulp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories92, Total Fat (g)1, Saturated Fat (g)1, Cholesterol (mg)5, Sodium (mg)68, Carbohydrate (g)18, Total Sugar (g)16, Fiber (g)1, Protein (g)3, Vitamin C (DV%)38, Calcium (DV%)4, Iron (DV%)2, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Potato Cauliflower Salad
http://www.bhg.com/recipe/salads/potato-cauliflower-salad/
Potato-Cauliflower Salad Prep: 25 minutes
Chill: 1 to 24 hours
Microwave: 13 minutes
Ingredients
12 small fingerling or round new potatoes scrubbed
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
1 small onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced
1/3 cup sour cream chive dip
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. salad oil
1/4 to 1/3 cup blue cheese
1/4 cup fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
2 slices bacon, crisp cooked and crumbled
4 crisp breadsticks, broken
Sea salt or salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions
1. Arrange potatoes in a single layer in microwave on clean white paper towels. Microcook on 100 percent power (high) for 5 minutes. Turn potatoes, microcook until tender, about 3 minutes more.
2. Place cauliflower and 2 tablespoon water in a 1-1/2 qt. microwave safe casserole. Microcook on 100 percent power (high) for 5 minutes or until crisp tender, stirring once. Drain. Cool slightly.
3. In a large serving bowl combine potatoes, cauliflower, onion and celery. In a small bowl stir together sour cream dip, lemon juice, and salad oil; gently toss with potato mixture and fold in blue cheese. Chill up to 24 hours. Just before serving, top with parsley, bacon, breadsticks, sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories152, Total Fat (g)7, Saturated Fat (g)2, Monounsaturated Fat (g)3, Polyunsaturated Fat (g)1, Cholesterol (mg)12, Sodium (mg)299, Carbohydrate (g)18, Total Sugar (g)3, Fiber (g)3, Protein (g)5, Vitamin C (DV%)74, Calcium (DV%)7, Iron (DV%)6, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Thai Chicken Tacos
http://www.bhg.com/recipe/chicken/thai-chicken-tacos/
Thai Chicken Tacos Prep: 25 minutes
Marinate: 1 hour
Cook: 5 minutes
Ingredients
1 lime, halved
1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch pieces
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 large shallot, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. fish sauce
2 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/2 to 1 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/2 to 1 tsp. hot chili sauce (such as Sriracha)
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
16 corn tortillas, heated
1 recipe Cabbage Slaw
Directions
1. Juice one lime half (about 1 Tbsp.); cut remaining half in wedges. In bowl stir together chicken, cilantro, shallot, garlic, the 1 Tbsp. lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, pepper, and chili sauce. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour. In large skillet cook chicken mixture in hot oil over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked, stirring occasionally.
2. To serve, layer two tortillas. Top with chicken and Cabbage Slaw. Serve with remaining slaw and lime wedges. Makes 4 (2-taco) servings.
Cabbage Slaw: In a bowl toss together 2 cups shredded napa cabbage, 1/2 cup shredded carrot, 1/2 cup sliced green onions, 1/3 cup sliced radishes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 cup coarsely chopped peanuts (optional). Add 1/4 cup rice vinegar; toss.
Nutrition Facts
Calories454, Total Fat (g)11, Saturated Fat (g)1, Monounsaturated Fat (g)5, Polyunsaturated Fat (g)4, Cholesterol (mg)66, Sodium (mg)596, Carbohydrate (g)55, Total Sugar (g)4, Fiber (g)9, Protein (g)34, Vitamin C (DV%)54, Calcium (DV%)17, Iron (DV%)18, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Watermelon Salad-
http://www.bhg.com/recipe/salads/watermelon-salad/
Watermelon Salad Prep: 25 minutes
Chill: 3 hours
Ingredients
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
2 cups watermelon juice*
1-1/2 cups white grape juice
1 tsp. shredded lemon peel
1-1/2 cups assorted chopped fruit (such as peeled peaches, nectarines, pears, and/or green grapes)
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Mint leaves
Directions
1. in a medium saucepan sprinkle gelatin over watermelon juice. Allow to stand 5 minutes. Cook and stir until gelatin is dissolved. Stir in grape juice and lemon peel.
2. With a ladle or cup transfer half of the watermelon juice mixture to a 2-quart square baking dish. Cover and refrigerate about 1-1/2 hours, or until thickened to the texture of egg whites (keep remaining watermelon juice mixture at room temperature). Add fruit. Carefully spoon remaining watermelon juice over set mixture. Cover and refrigerate 1-1/2 hours more or until all layers are set.
3. Top with feta and mint leaves before serving. Makes 9 servings.
*Puree seeded watermelon chunks in blender; strain to remove any excess pulp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories92, Total Fat (g)1, Saturated Fat (g)1, Cholesterol (mg)5, Sodium (mg)68, Carbohydrate (g)18, Total Sugar (g)16, Fiber (g)1, Protein (g)3, Vitamin C (DV%)38, Calcium (DV%)4, Iron (DV%)2, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Potato Cauliflower Salad
http://www.bhg.com/recipe/salads/potato-cauliflower-salad/
Potato-Cauliflower Salad Prep: 25 minutes
Chill: 1 to 24 hours
Microwave: 13 minutes
Ingredients
12 small fingerling or round new potatoes scrubbed
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
1 small onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced
1/3 cup sour cream chive dip
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. salad oil
1/4 to 1/3 cup blue cheese
1/4 cup fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
2 slices bacon, crisp cooked and crumbled
4 crisp breadsticks, broken
Sea salt or salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions
1. Arrange potatoes in a single layer in microwave on clean white paper towels. Microcook on 100 percent power (high) for 5 minutes. Turn potatoes, microcook until tender, about 3 minutes more.
2. Place cauliflower and 2 tablespoon water in a 1-1/2 qt. microwave safe casserole. Microcook on 100 percent power (high) for 5 minutes or until crisp tender, stirring once. Drain. Cool slightly.
3. In a large serving bowl combine potatoes, cauliflower, onion and celery. In a small bowl stir together sour cream dip, lemon juice, and salad oil; gently toss with potato mixture and fold in blue cheese. Chill up to 24 hours. Just before serving, top with parsley, bacon, breadsticks, sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories152, Total Fat (g)7, Saturated Fat (g)2, Monounsaturated Fat (g)3, Polyunsaturated Fat (g)1, Cholesterol (mg)12, Sodium (mg)299, Carbohydrate (g)18, Total Sugar (g)3, Fiber (g)3, Protein (g)5, Vitamin C (DV%)74, Calcium (DV%)7, Iron (DV%)6, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Yummy New Recipes
Tis the season most women are on strict diet preparing for swim suit season...not me. There are just too many good recipes to try and SOMEBODY has to do it...right? he he So here by request is a few fun new recipes we have loved this month..enjoy!
EZ Peanut Butter Balls
2-3 cups of cereal,Wheaties,Chex or Rice Crispies are best
1 Tablespoon of butter
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 cup of creamy peanut butter
1 bag of chocolate chips
Pour the cereal into a Ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin ( I used a big plastic cup) ending up with bits that look like sand or rice.
Measure out 1 1/4 cups of crushed cereal and pour into a large mixing bowl.
Melt butter and add to crushed cereal and mix.
Stir in 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix well.
Mix in 1 cup of peanut butter (use your hands if needed,it will be thick and needs to be well blended)
Roll final mixture into balls approx 1 inch in diameter (I use a small melon baller,works great!) and place on a cookie sheet.
Place cookie sheet in freezer for 2 hours.
Melt chocolate chips in microwave or double boiler.
Dip peanut butter balls into chocolate and place on greased cookie sheet to cool.
Ta da! So yummy and so easy!
Mounds Candy
5 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups of powdered sugar
14 ounces flaked sweetened coconut
24 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
Mix together condensed milk and vanilla
Add the powdered sugar a little bit at a time,stirring in between each addition until smooth.
Stir in the coconut,the mixture will be thick.
Roll mixture into balls ( I use my Pampered Chef small melon baller and I love it!) and place on greased cookie sheet OR pat into a greased 9X13 pan and refrigerate overnight or for at least 3 hours.
Melt chocolate in double boiler and stir until smooth.
For 9X13 pan method,cut cooled bars into 1X2 inch pieces.
Add an almond to bars or balls for Almond Joy if desired.
Dip the balls into melted chocolate and return to greased cookie sheet to cool. Bars can be drizzled, dipped or brushed with chocolate depending on what you prefer.
Allow to sit and air dry until the chocolate is set.
Store in an airtight container.
Warning:Addicting!
EZ Peanut Butter Balls
2-3 cups of cereal,Wheaties,Chex or Rice Crispies are best
1 Tablespoon of butter
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 cup of creamy peanut butter
1 bag of chocolate chips
Pour the cereal into a Ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin ( I used a big plastic cup) ending up with bits that look like sand or rice.
Measure out 1 1/4 cups of crushed cereal and pour into a large mixing bowl.
Melt butter and add to crushed cereal and mix.
Stir in 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix well.
Mix in 1 cup of peanut butter (use your hands if needed,it will be thick and needs to be well blended)
Roll final mixture into balls approx 1 inch in diameter (I use a small melon baller,works great!) and place on a cookie sheet.
Place cookie sheet in freezer for 2 hours.
Melt chocolate chips in microwave or double boiler.
Dip peanut butter balls into chocolate and place on greased cookie sheet to cool.
Ta da! So yummy and so easy!
Mounds Candy
5 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups of powdered sugar
14 ounces flaked sweetened coconut
24 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
Mix together condensed milk and vanilla
Add the powdered sugar a little bit at a time,stirring in between each addition until smooth.
Stir in the coconut,the mixture will be thick.
Roll mixture into balls ( I use my Pampered Chef small melon baller and I love it!) and place on greased cookie sheet OR pat into a greased 9X13 pan and refrigerate overnight or for at least 3 hours.
Melt chocolate in double boiler and stir until smooth.
For 9X13 pan method,cut cooled bars into 1X2 inch pieces.
Add an almond to bars or balls for Almond Joy if desired.
Dip the balls into melted chocolate and return to greased cookie sheet to cool. Bars can be drizzled, dipped or brushed with chocolate depending on what you prefer.
Allow to sit and air dry until the chocolate is set.
Store in an airtight container.
Warning:Addicting!
Friday, May 13, 2011
6 1/2 Months
A wild and crazy toddler,
Eats anything she can get in her mouth.
She is all girl,
She tolerates her daily hair dos,
Loves her dresses
And looks gorgeous in pink.
We love her so much :)
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