Seeking Delightful Pleasures

Images from the Sunroom

2008-06-06T09:48:00.011-05:00

foot stool

antique table

painting from steviewren

The sunroom is one of my favorite places in our home. I love the colors and the simplicity. I hope you enjoyed this small home tour.

Garden Update

2008-06-05T21:14:00.014-05:00

squash, zucchini, and cumber

Our summer vegetable garden is around six weeks old and it is growing wonderfully!

squash blooms are beautiful, but you can only see them in the early morning before the sun's rays hit them

I have plucked this basil back a least four times

a lovely lavendar bloom from our bush beans

our okra are growing very tall and they now have several pods on them

very, very tall tomatoes

I can't wait to eat it!

yummy pole beans

I hope to have some picture of actual veggies on my next update.

My First CVS Trip!

2008-06-03T11:35:00.003-05:00

For the last two months I have been interested in trying to play the "drugstore grocery game," especially after we found out we were pregnant and would be needing lots of diapers. Well today I played the first hand in my new pastime. And I went straight to the "jack-pot."

Transaction #1
1 Pampers Cruisers @ 7.99
1 Pampers wipes @ 2.99
1 Listerine Smart Rinse @ 3.49
1 Listerine Smart Rinse @ 3.49
-------------------------------
-3$/15 CVS coupon
-2$/2 Pampers
-1$/1 Listerine
-1$/1 Listerine
Total: $12.46/ECB (Extra Care Bucks) earned: $6.98 (Listerine 3.49x2)

Transaction #2
2 Pampers Cruisers @ 7.99
-------------------------------
-3$/15 CVS coupon
-2$/2 Pampers
-$6.98 ECB (from above transaction)
Total: $4.60/ECB earned: $5.00 (buy $20 Pampers)

Transaction #3
2 Pampers Cruisers @ 7.99
-------------------------------
-3$/15 CVS coupon
-2$/2 Pampers
-$5.00 ECB (from above transaction)
Total: $6.78

Total spent OOP (out of pocket): $ 23.84

I would have to say that I did pretty good for my first trip, especially since all of the diapers (175) alone would have cost over $50 dollars at Target or Wal-mart!

If you are considering the "drugstore grocery game," here are some helpful links:

- CVS 101
- CVS coupons
- CVS deals this week

Is There Such A Thing As To Much Baby Knowledge?

2008-06-01T20:46:00.005-05:00

Books we have purchased so far, mainly for the excitement of it all!

I'm thinking the answer is yes. Or at least that is what everyone is telling me. Many people say not to read to much. Others say read as much as you can so you will be "adequately prepared." My decision: read as much as I want when I want. I mean it's all fun to read and think about. Who doesn't want to know what is going on in their womb.

A sweet gift from Taylor.

We arrived home from church today and I found this book/journal laying on my bed with a white bow on top. My sweet husband/father-to-be purchased it for me. Honestly I hadn't really thought about keeping a journal (mainly because I am to cheap to buy one), but I am thrilled and blessed to have a husband who is so thoughtful. Thank you, Taylor, you are a wonderful husband and you will be a wonderful father!

This is today's journal entry!

This book/journal is great because it tells you what is going on each day with your baby and you can journal your own thoughts in it.

If anyone has any suggestions for books or other insightful information about pregnancy and babies, please let me know.

Celebrating My Second Month of Coupons

2008-05-31T07:05:00.011-05:00

All of these items were bought with coupons.

Each item cost $.00 cents (plus tax)!

Here is the breakdown: (+ means what I was credited; if I don't have a link to the coupon it means the coupon came from the Sunday paper or online and is now expired)

4 boxes of Live Active Cereal (48 oz) @ +.02 cents per box
25 bars Johnson and Johnson Buddies soap @+.06 cents per soap
6 packages of Huggies Baby Wipes (96) @ +.01 cent per package
5 boxes of Zantac (40 pills) @ +1.02 dollars per box
2 boxes of Scotch Brite toilet scrubbers @ .00 cents
12 boxes of Kotex pads (216) @ .00 cents per box
6 Clean and Clear Facial Scrubs @ +1.01 dollars per tube
2 Clinic Happy Perfumes @ .00 cents per bottles
1 Kashi Go Lean Crunch Cereal (12 oz) @ .00 cents per box
2 boxes of Hello Kitty Band-Aids (20) @ +.01 cent per box
4 All Small & Mighty detergent (8 loads) @ +.01 cent per bottle
1 Herbal Essence Shampoo (trial size) @ +.01 cent per bottle
1 Herbal Essence Conditioner (trial size) @ +.01 cent per bottle
1 Frizz-ease Mousse (trial size) @ +.01 cent per bottle
1 Adidas Deodorant (2.8 oz) @ .00 cents per bottle
1 Joint Juice (16.9 oz) @ +.82 cents per bottle
25 boxes of Royal Jello @ .00 cents per box
3 tubes of KY @ +.40 cents per tube
30 Archer Farms Ground Coffee (52.5 oz) @ +.01 per bag
Total:$ +++15.57
Estimated cost for these items: $ 168.64

Because I actually made 15.57 dollars, I decided to include a picture of everything I was able to buy with the overage money.

All of these items were bought with coupons.

Each item cost .99 cents or less (plus tax)!

Here is the breakdown: ( - means what I spent; if I don't have a link to the coupon it means the coupon came from the Sunday paper or online and is now expired)

3 Ocelo sponges (26) @ -.14 cents per package
6 Flamless candles @ -.99 cents per candle
5 bags of Lays Cracker Crisps @ -.50 cents per bag
4 Degree Deodorant @ -.50 cents per bottle
4 Bushes Grillin Beans @ -.25 cents per can
2 Childrens tooth brushes @ -.38 cents a brush
2 Smucker's Magic Shell @ -.25 cents a bottle
1 box of Couscoss @ -.25 cents a box
Total: $---13.37
Estimated cost for these items: $ 88.57

So you do the math 15.57-13.37=
Total $+++2.2o
Estimated cost for all items in both pictures: $ 257.21

YES, coupons really work ! (Check out my first month of savings here)

If you are now considering using coupons, check out some of these wonderful "Money Savings Blogs" for links to great coupons and tons of free samples!

Money Savings Blogs

I'm Back!!!

2008-05-30T08:43:00.007-05:00

Sorry I have been absent from the blogging world for 13 days. It has been a busy two weeks.

The first week I was trying to finish the school year at work and pack for a fun holiday beach trip.

This past week I have been overwhelmed and excited with some BIG NEWS...

I'm Pregnant!

We found out this past Sunday while on our beach trip. Needless to say, I forgot to take any pictures of the beach. I am 4 weeks! I think this will make my due date around the 6th of February, but we will see what the doctor says.

I hope now that I am off work for summer break, I will be able to keep up with my blogging more consistently. However, there my be a few more posts about babies and children now that they are in our near future!

If you have any tips or advice for a first time pregnant woman, please leave me a comment!

This Week's Shopping!!!

2008-05-15T18:48:00.010-05:00

This is my shopping for the week of May 11-17 th! My goal is to only spend $50 dollars a week. I spent a grand total of $58.23 on all of these items, slightly over budget, but I am simply thrilled at what I was able to buy and stock up on.

Each of these items cost between $2 and 3 per item!

Each of these items cost between .50-.99 cents!!

Each of these items was absolutely totally FREE!!!

Total spent: $ 58.23
Total saved with the help of coupons: $103.15

(Maybe this does not look like a lot of complete meals but because I have been stocking up on food and toiletry items for about four months, I really didn't need any other food items)

I love coupons!

Taylor's Birthday

2008-05-12T22:26:00.011-05:00

My husband's birthday was this past weekend. We had lots of fun. First, I made him a special birthday breakfast. However, I did not have any birthday napkins on hand so I had to make do. LOL.

He requested that we go fishing for a fun birthday activity.

We drove to a nearby lake and rented a small boat. We attempted to catch a fish for about four hours, but instead all we caught was quality time together.

HaHaHaHaHa

A very tall pink strawberry cake for the birthday boy!

I love you, Taylor. I can't wait to spend many more birthdays together!

Supper Sample Sunday!

2008-05-11T22:10:00.004-05:00

These are the free samples that I received in the mail this week!

Go to The Thrifty Soaper to see other people who have received samples this week.

Having Fun with Wedding Gifts

2008-05-06T15:14:00.004-05:00

My husband and I went to a wedding over the weekend. The wedding was for one of Taylor's co-workers. Normally I don't give theme gifts, but this idea just popped in my head and sounded like fun.

Over the last couple of months I have made a tasty dish, Malaysian Chicken Pizza. My wonderful sister-in-law gave me the recipe that was published in Cooking Light.

Taylor's co-worker had a chance to taste the pizza when he took some leftovers for lunch one day. The co-worker loved it and kept asking Taylor when I was going to cook it again. Of course I felt very flattered, although I just followed the recipe. Anyway, I decided to give the happy couple a pizza stone, holder, pizza cutter, two of the liquid ingredients, and the yummy recipe for the pizza.

The pizza is wonderful. Especially if you enjoy ethnic food, which I do! If you try this wonderful dish, let me know what you think.

Malaysian Chicken Pizza

Ingredients

3/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 tablespoons chunky peanut butter
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
Cooking spray
1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded reduced-fat, reduced-sodium Swiss cheese (such as Alpine Lace)
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 (12-inch) Basic Pizza Crust
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Preparation

Preheat oven to 500°.

Combine first 8 ingredients in a bowl; stir well with a whisk.

Heat a nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Add chicken, and sauté 2 minutes. Remove chicken from pan.

Pour rice vinegar mixture into pan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook mixture 6 minutes or until slightly thickened. Return chicken to pan; cook 1 minute or until chicken is done. (Mixture will be consistency of thick syrup.)

Sprinkle cheeses over prepared crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border, and top with chicken mixture. Bake at 500° for 12 minutes on bottom rack in oven. Sprinkle with green onions. Place pizza on a cutting board; let stand 5 minutes.

Yield

6 servings

Nutritional Information

CALORIES 293(22% from fat); FAT 7.3g (sat 2.9g,mono 2.6g,poly 1.2g); PROTEIN 18.2g; CHOLESTEROL 33mg; CALCIUM 151mg; SODIUM 487mg; FIBER 1.8g; IRON 2.4mg; CARBOHYDRATE 38.3g Jill Melton , Cooking Light, MAY 2002

Supper Sample Sunday!

2008-05-04T14:30:00.001-05:00

These are the free samples that I received in the mail this week!

Go to The Thrifty Soaper to see other people who have received samples this week.

Out of State Family Wedding

2008-05-03T02:29:00.000-05:00

The Church

The Doors

The Simple Beauty

The Design

The Sun's Light

Taylor's Reflection

The attire

The Cousins

The Flowers

The Food

Celebrating One Month of Coupons

2008-05-01T21:08:00.016-05:00

All of these items were bought with coupons.
Each item cost .14 cents or was free!

This post is dedicated to my first month of using coupons. For several months, I have pondered over the long debate: Do coupons really work? and Should I even waste my time?

Well the great debate is finally over! COUPONS REALLY WORK!

As I mentioned above, each of these items was .14 cents or free. Here is the breakdown: (+ means what I was credited; - means what I spent)

14 boxes of Honey Bunches of Oats cereal (203 oz) @ +.02 cents per box
9 bars Johnson and Johnson Buddies soap @ .00 cents per soap
10 packages of Clean Team wipes (620) @ -.14 cents per package
15 packages of Ocelo sponges (26) @ -.14 cents per package
6 bottles of Bath and Body Works soap (52.5 oz) @ .00 cents per bottle
2 boxes of Zantac (16 pills) @ +1.02 dollars per box
3 boxes of Scotch Brite toliet scrubbers @ .00 cents
(3 handles and 12 scrubbers) per box

Total: $ 1.18
Estimated cost for all items: $ 151.05

So YES, coupons really work and I should definitely "waste" my time!

If you are now considering if you should "waste" you time, check out some of these wonderful "Money Savings Blogs" for links to great coupons and tons of free samples!

Money Savings Blogs

Rubber Ducky Baby Shower

2008-04-29T06:30:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I helped host a couples baby shower for some close friends. If you haven't already guessed, they are expecting a baby BOY! I had so much fun decorating for this shower. As you can see, we choose a rubber ducky theme.

Simple cupcakes with simple rubber ducky toppers.

Rubber Ducky Punch: lemon-lime soda, white grape juice,
vanilla ice cream, and several drops of blue food coloring.

Top with cute clean rubber duckies.

Rubber Ducky Centerpiece: Baby bathtub, diapers, baby
wash, baby lotion, etc., and a rubber ducky topper!

The happy momma and baby to be.

Congratulations Brandi and Travis!
We are all so excited for you both!

I've Been Tagged

2008-04-28T01:50:00.001-05:00

Me at Christmas!

I've been tagged by Candace at A Garden of Blessings to list 7 random/weird things about myself.

Here goes:

1. At Christmas, my in-laws gave my husband and I this stuffed dog. Normally I do not care for stuffed animals, but this dog just mad me so happy. The dog is rocking on a sled and barking Jingle Bells. Every time I turned it on it made me smile. I hope it does the same for you! Please excuse our Christmas mess. We were blessed with many presents.

2. I am currently a teacher. However, during college I worked in construction almost every summer. I was the low man/woman on the totem poll, which meant I usually spent my days: pushing the buggy at the local hardware store, getting tools out of the van, hauling in materials, sweeping up trash, going to get lunch, getting more tools out of the van, sweeping up more trash, and then hauling the materials and tools back to the van. Having this experience was actually wonderful. I learned a lot about home repair. Now I hardly hesitate before starting small project around the house.

3. I like any tedious job that is detail oriented: peeling wall paper, sorting screws, painting, picking weeds from the garden, and organizing messy rooms or closets.

4. My husband's family and I went to Disney World last summer. I have to admit that I was not that excited (I had been when I was 12 or 13). I guess I thought it was more for kids. Well let me tell you, I was so wrong. I have never had so much fun in all my life! I can't wait to go back!

5. My husband and I have been participating in a lot of market research groups recently. We have tasted biscuits, listened to radio music, and been jurors for a mock trail. It has been very profitable and pretty fun.

6. I have a very long bedtime routine: take out contacts, take vitamin, drink water, put on chap stick, drink more water, put lotion on hands, and turn out light. I know, it is ridiculous. The worst part is that I usually drop on of these items on the floor each night!

7. I really enjoy a clean home. That being said, our home is not clean all the time. But I do try to make a special effort to clean before we have guests over (having people over is a good excuse to get things done). Anyway, because our home is generally clean when people come over, some of my close girlfriends have started calling me Monica (from Friends). I am not sure if this is an insult or a complement, but I will assume the latter.

I tag Beth, Mod Girl, and Steviewren !

My Summer Vegetable Garden

2008-04-27T18:07:00.001-05:00

Here is a quick peek at our garden! I hope you enjoy!

We already have several bell peppers growing!

We have one tomato growing!

If you have posted pictures of your summer garden, leave me a
comment so I can see you veggies!

Supper Sample Sunday!

2008-04-27T17:09:00.006-05:00

These are the free samples that I received in the mail this week!

Go to The Thrifty Soaper to see other people who have received samples this week.

2008-04-20T20:04:00.006-05:00

(In the back: Day Lillies; In the front: Petunias)

Thanks again to all who voted for the type of plants for my flowerbed! The results were tallied a few weeks ago. Now here are the live results!

****

Check out my sidebar to view my recently planted Vegetable Garden.
Has anyone else planted a garden this spring? If so, what did you plant?

Indian Theme Night

2008-04-18T10:24:00.011-05:00

(These two pictures are from Goggle Images)

A few months ago, I posted about our monthly Girl's Night. This month we decided to have an Indian theme.

(This picture of Chicken Tikki Masala is from Goggle Images)

We made several authentic Indian dishes including: Appetizers: Spicy Stir-Fried Mushroom Bruschetta (Cooking Light) and Indian Samosas; Main Dishes: Chicken Tikki Masala, Indian Style-Chickpeas, Indian Style Basmati Rice, and Naan.

(My hand)

(My back, designed by the wonderfully talented, Kate)

After our wonderful dinner, we began our paintings. Well we didn't actually paint on traditional canvases. We used our own bodies as our canvases. Using Henna paint, we each took turns painting traditional and nontraditional Indian designs.

(The cover of my mom's own copy of Monsoon Wedding)

Finally, we watched a wonderful Indian movie. Monsoon Wedding is fun, colorful, and an experience not soon to be forgotten. As Peter Travers from Rolling Stone states, "Monsoon Wedding tackles the chaos that results when a large Indian family, whose members are scattered around the globe, assembles in contemporary New Delhi for an old-fashioned marriage ceremony. Director Mira Nair aims for pure joy and achieves it."

Let me know if any of you have every tried or are thinking of trying some of these wonderful Indian dishes, Henna paint, or the movie Monsoon Wedding.

(These two pictures are from Goggle Images)

Wordless Wednesday

2008-04-16T06:03:00.000-05:00

Who Says You Can't Buy Anything for less than a DOLLAR

2008-04-14T22:07:00.006-05:00

Recently I came across some really great coupons thanks to A Garden of Blessings and More Than Enough.

I purchased all 12 of these items for .82 Cents!!! I know that you may not believe me but it is completely true and I will tell you how I did it. I promise there was no magic or stealing involved.

And for anyone who might be asking what we are going to do with six boxes of cereal when we already have 10+ in the pantry, a wonderful creative woman created a yummy chocolaty recipe using this chocolate cereal.

First, I had a $2.00 off coupon for one box of this new Chocolate Honey Bunches of Oats. I discovered that Wal-mart was carrying this new brand. The first Wal-mart I went to was selling the box for $2.08. I bought the cereal with the $2 coupon and paid .08 cents! The second and third times I went, the boxes were on sale for $1.98. I bought five boxes receiving a total of .10 cents in return. Therefore, all six of these boxes combined cost a total of .00 cents! And I actually received .02 cents in return! Can you believe someone paid me to take six boxes of cereal out of their store!

Second, I had a $3.00 off coupon on any two Huggies Clean Team products. I purchased the refill wipes for $1.64 each. Two packages of wipes @ 1.64 = 3.28. After my $3 off coupon, I paid .28 cents. That's .14 cents per package!

Total: .14 x 6 = .84 - .02 = .82 cents
I love Coupons!

My Giveaway Prize

2008-04-14T22:03:00.000-05:00

My Giveaway prize came in the mail last week. I was so excited when I saw it. Of course I had to take it out of the box and test it out on my kitchen table. I have not had a chance to use it yet, but I'm sure I will in the near future. Thanks again to Beth at In the Lap of Loveliness.

Yard Sale Leftovers

2008-04-12T08:07:00.002-05:00

We had the Yard Sale for my mother last weekend. The weather did not cooperate for us, but the important thing is that the clutter is gone!

These are just some of the items that did not sale.

I hope it all finds a happy home!

Teacher Appreciation Week

2008-04-11T06:03:00.000-05:00

The Parent Organization at our school gave each of us these
cute monogrammed vases.

This week has been 'Teacher Appreciation Week.' Although I don't think my job should be appreciated anymore than anyone else's job, I have enjoyed it throughly. Each day this week I have been given little treats. I have received: flowers, lunch, recipes, snacks, chocolate, bath/body products, and a gift card for sushi!

Stationary for the Future

2008-04-10T06:03:00.000-05:00

I found this stationary at my local Home Goods. I had to buy it and put it in my hope chest for future use.

Preparations for the Vegetable Garden

2008-04-09T07:13:00.001-05:00

We have been busy preparing for our summer vegetable garden. I had an extremely small garden at my mom's house several years ago. I enjoyed it throughly. All of the produce were my little babies. And I tended to them daily.

Anyway, my husband and I our very excited about our summer garden. So far we have only spent two days preparing the garden area.

The first day we had to cut down and dig up a dead bush that was in the middle of where we planned to plant. On that same day, we laid out black plastic over the garden area in an attempt to kill the over grown weeds.

The second day, we bought several bags of dirt and rented a tiller.

My husband tilled the soil and then add the extra bags of dirt to the soil.

This weekend we intend to plant the vegetables. We have not written a finalized list but we are thinking of planting: 3-4 tomato plants (I hope to can or freeze the extra tomatoes), 2 green bell pepper plants, 1 red bell pepper, a banana pepper, 1 cumber plant, basil, parsley, rosemary, oregano, mint (possibly: squash, zucchini, and some type of fruit vine...).

Wish us good luck. If you have any helpful gardening tips, please let me know.

Busy Blooming

2008-04-08T07:13:00.001-05:00

Our yard is in full bloom and I am soaking up every minute.

Since we moved into our house last August, every spring morning has been like Christmas morning. I never know what will be blooming or what color the blooms will be.

I am enjoying the busy blooming season throughly.

Another Trip to the B&B

2008-04-07T00:03:00.000-05:00

Ok, I know what your thinking, 'She's addicted.' Well maybe I am. But who wouldn't be when the deals are this good!

*Pampers diapers (88) for 12.99 (Two Baby Shower gifts)
*Baby wash and lotion 1.99 (Two Baby shower gifts)
*Candy for going to the movies .25
*Pecans .50 x 2
*Makeup 2.00 dollars
*Mouse 1.00 (not the mouse I normally use, but I will try it for 1 dollar)
*Body Wash 1.99
*Lasagna .50
*Wheat Blend Spaghetti .50 x 10 (I stocked up and bought 10 boxes. It is good until 2010!)
*Contact cleaner case 1.00 (This was the best deal I found. This cost 5.00 at Target)

Estimated Cost:86.00
B&B Total: 34.20

Why I love My Mom

2008-04-05T22:05:00.009-05:00

Isn't my mom beautiful? (This is a picture of her and her new presents from Christmas 2007)

Why I love My Mom
(This is only a short list of the millions floating in my head):

Because she is my mom. She gave birth to me, listened to my crying, changed my diapers, and feed me.

Because she once told me that to be a happy old person, you have to start by being a happy young person.

Because she is capable and willing to learn anything she puts her mind to.

Because she taught me how to sew, cook, read, enjoy reading, pray, listen to others, have manners, be a wife, draw, write college papers, paint, be a friend, enjoy watching movies, be a mom, and love.

Because when I answer the phone, she says, "Hello Darling, its Mummy!"

Because she loves to read and listen to books. And continues to educate her mind daily.

Because she once told me no matter what great grades you make in school, if you do not learn to be a great person nothing else will matter.

Because she always let me fall asleep in her bed before making me move to mine.

Because when I was younger, I thought she knew the answers to all my questions. And knowing that simple fact was the only answer I really needed to know!

Because she once took me shopping at Wal-mart during a really difficult time in our lives and we bought a silly doll that made a silly noise just because its silly noise made us laugh during a time when all we wanted to do was cry, cry, cry, cry, and cry some more.

Because she always dried my tears when I was upset!

Because she replays all of her favorite scenes and songs from her favorite movies and CDs at least 100 times in a row.

Because now when I ask her a question and she does not know the answer, I ask, "Why don't you know all the answers anymore?" and she says, "Because now you ask all the hard questions."

Because she always said, "Rae-ch-ell!" in a hi-pitched squeaky voice, late at night.

Because she always brought me Ginger-ale and saltine crackers when I was sick.

Because she was always there to watch Gilmore Girls on Tuesday nights, when I was homesick living away at college. (How much did we laugh and relate to those Gilmores).

Because she took me and my younger brother camping during a hard time in our lives. And that short thrown together camping trip will always have a special memory in my heart (two person tent for three people, cinnamon raisin bread with cheese and grapes, a cot, hot dogs & cheese, a hike, and lots of love).

Because she talks in her sleep and becomes very irrational.

Because she once explained to me that we don't only go to funerals because we were close the the ones that past. But more importantly, we go to funerals to support others who are grieving because they were close to the ones that past. And that is a lesson I will never forget!

Because she taught me how to enjoy coke, popcorn, and random quirky movies.

Because she was/is always available to participate/listen to my sometimes senseless ramblings as a child, teenager, and adult no matter if it was/is 7 in the morning or 11 at night. She never turned/turns me away! She was/is always listening, and responding when necessary.

How can I say Thank You?
There are no other moms like you!
I love you MOM!

I'm a Winner!!!

2008-04-02T16:06:00.005-05:00

I can't believe I'm a WINNER! Thanks to Beth at In the Lap of Loveliness , I am now the proud new owner of a wonderful three tiered serving dish. I have never been so excited about winning something in all my life. I remembered today was the drawing and so I checked her blog about three times this morning until she posted with the giveaway results. When I saw my name, I think I started saying "I won, I won!" and the girl that I work with started laughing at me! I owe many thanks Beth. The serving dish will find a happy home at my house. I will use it as often as possible and I will be sure to post about it's new adventures at my home. Thanks again Beth.

---------

Sorry that it has been a few days since I have posted. I have been spending almost every waking hour in preparation for a gigantic yard sale this Saturday. I am hosting/helping/participating in the yard sale with my wonderful mother. The amount of items that can pile up over decades is quite amazing/terrifying. I hope to post a few more pictures/video of the piles of stuff in our basement very soon. And don't worry, I will also post about the actual yard sale.

$1.99 Find From IKEA

2008-03-29T09:10:00.000-05:00

About three years ago, I took a trip to IKEA with my now husband. I didn't buy very much except this plant for $1.99.

Three years later it is still growing strong!

Deals, Deals, Deals

2008-03-28T06:03:00.000-05:00

If you have read some of my older posts, you know how much I love a good deal. These are some of my most recent "good deals."

Saltine Crackers for .49 cents a box!

Grape Jelly for .53 cents a Jar!

Thank you Target coupons and clearance!

Our Camping Trip: Detailed Through Pictures, Captions, and a Video

2008-03-27T06:03:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, my husband and I went on a quick one night camping trip.

The campground and canyon store

Our campsite name

Our private campsite waterfall

Tay assembling the two person tent.

Tent under overhang of rocks.

Our personal waterfall

Our view as we looked up from our campsite

Our campsite from above

Tay collecting firewood

Our wonderful fire.

Dinner: Hobo Patties (hamburger meat, Dales sauce, water, spices, potatoes, carrots, and onions) YUM!

A rainbow at breakfast

The real waterfall in the canyon

Tay exploring the canyon

Moss and water on bolder

Roots of tree growing on bolder

Canyon basin and stream

It was a wonder trip.

It Finally Came!!!

2008-03-26T06:03:00.000-05:00

For those new to reading my blog, I received a free subscription to Cooking Light for Christmas. I signed-up online to get the magazine around the middle of January. I waited and waited, but there was no sign of it. I had given up all hope that it would come about three weeks ago.

And then with no warning, it arrived in my mailbox yesterday!!! I was so overjoyed with this simple item that I practically ran into the house hopping up and down.

Out with the Old, In with the New

2008-03-25T06:03:00.001-05:00

Our KitchenOut with the old!

We recently bought all new kitchen appliances!

In with the new!

Disclaimer: This post was not written as a complaining tool. I am very thankful that our appliances worked for as long as they did. I like to think of this post as sharing the comical events that have happened to us over the last several months.

We moved into our 1950's home a little over 7 months ago. Our old appliances were just that, OLD! They worked! But, let me give you a description of how they worked.

The Dishwasher

Out with the old!

The dishwasher was the best item in the kitchen. It washed the dishes, except it sounded like a freight train coming through our kitchen, living room, basically the entire house. You know the type of dishwasher I'm speaking of, the only time you turn it on is when you're going to bed or leaving the house. Oh, and the front/face fell off about 3 months ago, but no worries we glued it back on except it fell off again.

In with the new!

The Stove/Oven

Out with the old!

The second best/worst item was the stove/oven. The stove cooked/baked our food. How do you all like your casseroles cooked: done, well done, or black? Over the last 7 months, I have learned how to bake with this stove. First, turn the temperature at least 5-10 degrees lower than the recipe recommends. Second, turn the item halfway through the baking process. Third, if there is a topping, such as cheese, always add it at the very end therefore insuring that it will still resemble cheese when finished.

Oh, and I will briefly mention the midnight, 2 a.m., 4 a.m. wake up calls when the timer on the stove/oven decided it was hungry and needed to be feed. Lets just say that I was not at all amused. Nothing seemed to shut it up. I even went so far as trying Duck tape. In the end, I had to close our bedroom door and turn up the noise maker. It was still buzzing when I woke and when I went to work. On my way home from work, I had visions of beating it with a bat until it stopped buzzing. Fortunately for it, my sweet sweet husband had come home earlier from work and cut the wire to the timer!

In with the new!

The Refrigerator

Out with the old!

The third worst item in the kitchen was the refrigerator. Ok here's the tale of the tarnished refrigerator. The refrigerator/freezer kept our food cold, very, very, very cold! It loved it's job of keeping food cold. Except I think it loved being a freezer more than a refrigerator. The freezer portion of the refrigerator, being jealous, would leak water into the refrigerator and then it would freeze. Therefore not only would huge chucks of ice build up on the bottom of each shelf, all of the items in the refrigerator would freeze: milk, cokes, and vegetables!

But the last straw was...the day that the refrigerator portion decided to retaliate against the freezer portion. I opened the frig door one morning, poured my milk and it tasted cool, but not cold. When I came home from work, the air in the frig smelled stale. I suppose the frig decided to freeze some water in the openings that blows cold air down into the frig portion. I'm sure the frig was only trying to when the frig/frez battle, but in the end, I think we were the only ones that won.

In with the new!

We love our new appliances so much. The dishwasher is so quiet, the stove bakes evenly (and the timer works), and I have not seen any water build up in the refrigerator.

Thank you Lord for new appliances!

Stocking Up at the B &B

2008-03-24T06:41:00.007-05:00

My sister-in-law and her mother introduced me to a local 'bent and dent' back in January and I instantly fell in lust for this wonderful store. I made another visit to the B&B last week. I wish I had thought to take a picture of the store (warehouse). It is nothing glamorous. Actually, I learned to bring wet wipes for my hands due to the overwhelming amount of dust and dirt on the boxes. However, the appearance of the building and the cleanliness is instantly overlooked when I see those orange price stickers.

The stickers read wonderful news such as: Covergirl powder $2.00, Zicam cold remedy $2.00, Covergirl eyeliner $1.00, Planters nuts 2 for $1.00, Baked Beans 28 oz. $.79, Starbucks coffee $3.99, colorful party napkins 3 packs of 20 for $1.00, Nature Valley granola bars $1.49, Covergirl lipstick $1.00, Crest toothpaste $1.00, Bertolli extra virgin olive oil 25.5 oz. $4.99, and Ouchless hairbrush $.50. Most of the items are marked down 50 to 75% off grocery store prices.

My sweet husband suggested we stock up on items we know we will use. So that is just what I did. I bought 10 boxes of cereal, 11 cans of whole tomatoes, 5 Covergirl powders (when you find a deal that good you must buy it all), 5 boxes of granola bars, 3 boxes of oatmeal, 4 pounds of macaroni noodles, 2 100 fl. oz. of laundry detergent, 10 cans of tomato sauce, 3 boxes of pizza crust, 2 boxes of barley..........etc.

I spent a little over 3 happy hours in the store sifting through the piles and piles of boxes trying to find the furthest away dates on the boxes. I estimate these items would have cost around $300-350 dollars at the local grocery store. My cost at the B&B, $142.40.

Easter Sunday

2008-03-23T07:13:00.004-05:00

"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus."
Luke 24:1-3

Tay's Pastime

2008-03-21T08:48:00.000-05:00

My wonderful husband has so many hobbies (he is very good at entertaining himself). One of his favorite current hobbies is XBOX 360. He could play for hours, however he is really good at balancing time with pieces of plastic/metal and time with me.

I love you my little XBOXaholic!

Mom's Candy

2008-03-20T17:08:00.000-05:00

My mom absolutely loves this Sweedish candy from IKEA. She has to buy a bag every time we go. I don't blame her it is a "Daim" good candy.

If you don't already know, mom has started her own blog. Please visit A Little Birdie Told Me So to meet a fun creative inspiring woman, otherwise known as my mother.

My "Not so baby" Baby Brother's Birthday

2008-03-19T19:36:00.003-05:00

My baby brother turned 24 on St. Patrick's Day. I suppose turning 24 should mean that you are not a "baby" brother, but to me he will always be the younger brother.

He requested a German Chocolate Cake. Having never made this type of cake, I turned to "The Joy of Cooking" cookbook. I used a store bought cake mix, but I used the above cookbook to make the icing. I have to admit that besides a lot of stirring, the recipe was easy to follow and tasted very rich.

Happy Birthday, baby brother. I love you!!!

Dinner Party for Eight

2008-03-18T08:23:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, my husband and I hosted a dinner party for eight at our house.

Realizing that I did not have real plates to feed eight people, I purchased these fun white with black swirls, matching plates and napkins.

I made some simple appetizers including: baguette rounds with melted butter and parmesan cheese, toasted French bread with roasted garlic spread, and French bread with slices of roasted red bell peppers. For the main course, I made lasagna. The other dinner party guests brought a Caesar salad, dinner rolls, and a strawberry cake with a strawberry cream cheese icing and fresh strawberries.

The food was wonderful and the company was refreshing!

Inspireco---Surprise Easter Eggs

2008-03-17T11:10:00.007-05:00

If you have not visited Inspireco, you must visit soon. Inspireco recently posted an Easter project that was so cute and creative, I instantly went out and bought the material to make my own "Surprise Eggs."

For the simple directions click here.

For the text/paper strips, I looked around the house and found an old forgotten Cliffs Notes on Pride and Prejudice, which is one of my favorite stories. This makes looking at the eggs extra special. However, I do realize Pride and Prejudice has nothing to do with Easter. I suppose scraps from the Bible would have been more appropriate. I will have to think harder about the true meanings behind my future craft projects.

Inspireco used lovely ribbon, jewels, and buttons on her eggs. I found pastel paper flowers on sale at Hobby Lobby and then chose matching ribbon that was also on sale (I love sales). I already had the buttons on hand.

Laundry Room Makeover

2008-03-16T11:17:00.001-05:00

After nearly three weeks of work, a few dollars, lots of random left overs from college, forgotten belongings from my mom's attic, and a few new items from IKEA...here is the new and improved laundry.

Before: Notice the curtains (excuse me, dish towels)

After: I made my own curtains using fabric and pom poms from IKEA and Hobby Lobby

I have to admit that I was inspired to give the laundry room a fun funky makeover because of a friend's own dreams of giving her laundry room a makeover (Thanks Jennifer).

Before

After

I chose the color scheme randomly. I already had the zebra rug. So I knew black and white would be a necessary theme.

My mom and I went shopping at IKEA and found this great fabric. And then red and orange were established as the other dominant colors.

I bought this chair at the Thrift Store several years ago for $6.98. Before it had a filthy floral cover and it was chipping brown paint. I painted it with a high gloss oil based paint and covered it in this fun material from IKEA.

Before: Our tool wall above the iron (who wants to look at this while you iron)

Before: Peg board without tools
After: Peg board painted with colorful polka dots

BeforeAfter: I plan on covering the ironing board in solid white to match the theme

My main reasons for wanting to decorate the laundry room were twofold. First, I really love to decorate. It 's a great creative outlet. Second, I hated my laundry room pre-makeover. It was so dark and depressing.

Before

After

Before
After

Now it is personalized, bright, and cheery! It's a place that I actually want to spend time in.

Template Change

2008-03-15T23:16:00.006-05:00

Sorry to change my template on everyone. I just got a little tired of the black. It was to dark for my bright spirit! Hope you enjoy this bright white. Maybe some day I will learn how to add a colorful picture to my header.

(Above: Picture taken at IKEA-one of my favorite stores)

Thank you all for reading and commenting!!! I love this little blog world!

Girl's Night--Craft Fun

2008-03-14T20:17:00.001-05:00

Usually, at our monthly Girl's Night we sit around someone's living room, eat dinner, and catch up on everyone's lives---and Girl's Night is complete. Nothing needs to be added or taken away---just great friends catching up.

However, this particular Girl's Night, I decided to provide a craft. I know it may sound silly and slightly pointless, but this craft made me smile.

All you need is a dust pan of your choice and some paint pens and you too can have your very own whimsical dust pan. Who knows, it might just make you smile the next time you are sweeping up your trash.

Flowers Are A Girls Best Friend

2008-03-13T16:53:00.001-05:00

Who doesn't love flowers? While out with my mom this weekend, I came across these cheerful flowers and could not resist taking them home with me.

Flowers have a way of brightening one's home and heart.

God's Provision

2008-03-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

These pictures are a few weeks old, but the experience is not easily forgotten.

I knew we were expected to have some bad weather, but I did not know that it was going to be so close. These houses are less than five minutes from our house. I have never heard wind, rain, and hail so strong and powerful.

I can only say that God is gracious and merciful.

Memories

2008-03-11T16:32:00.000-05:00

I have to admit that I am some what of a pack rat. Well I try not to be, but I think it's in my blood! Yikes!!!

While helping my mom clean out her attic, I came across a box of dried flowers. Not just flowers, all the flowers that my husband had given me while we were dating.

The box of flowers included the first flowers he gave me (our first Valentine's) and the flowers he gave me when he proposed (and several in between).

Although one part of me wanted to take the flowers home and save them forever, the sensible side said, "Take a picture of them, keep the memory, and let the box go." So that's what I did.

One picture can hold such great memories.

25 Years of Accumulation

2008-03-10T17:19:00.001-05:00

Recently, I helped my mom clean out her attic.
It was an adventure...

Full of luggage...

Art work...

Empty boxes...

Chairs....

Toys...

And of course...a wooden sled?

Our mission was a success! We have
eradicated the attic of clutter...well almost.

A Great Way To End A Very Busy Weekend

2008-03-09T22:34:00.004-05:00

We had a very fun but busy weekend---shopping, yard work, house work, and visiting with friends and family.

Tay---relaxing before starting a new week.

With all these activities, having a way to relax is a necessity.

Dried Beans

2008-02-23T08:34:00.000-06:00

In an attempt to save money and make life a little easier at dinner time, I have been buying bags of dried beans, cooking them, and freezing them.

We now have lots of beans and little freezer space! YEAH!

Side Note: Costco sells bulk bags of many staples. This Costco trip we bought a bulk bag of sugar. We only bought the medium size bag, just 25 lbs. That should last us at least 9 months to 1 year!

My Ride Home---Part 1

2008-02-21T16:58:00.005-06:00

One day I decided to start taking pictures of the things I see on my ride home from work. Let me mention that my ride home is not on very heavily traveled roads. In fact, I never knew these roads existed until I looked them up on Google Maps.

Anyway, these are just a few of the random pictures a have taken over the last few weeks. I will continue to try to capture more interesting shots from my daily journey home.

Naturally, the school bus is a reoccurring site I see on my ride.

I guess even the most remote "gas stations" need beverages.

I almost wreaked my car when I saw this couple. How often do you see tandem bicyclists? I am not sure if they knew they were on a dangerous curvy hilly country road.

Got mail?

Buses are everywhere!

I thought this mail truck was so cute with its bright blue exterior.

Tiny Feet

2008-02-21T16:50:00.000-06:00

Recently one of my closest friends delivered a happy smiling baby girl. My friend is naturally an excellent house wife, previously a superb educator, and now a wonderful mother.

This is her little one's tiny foot. I can't wait to be a mother with a little one!

Update: "Light Mail"

2008-02-15T16:32:00.007-06:00

Will "it" ever come? I went out to check the mailbox today..."it" was not there! I am not sure how much longer I can wait.

I surmise that "it" will arrive in the next few days. Fortunately, I am not without entertainment. My dear sweet sister-in-law sent me the latest copy of Paula Deen's cooking magazine for Valentine's Day.

My Favorite "Hot" Drink

2008-02-15T06:37:00.003-06:00

I am sure most people would agree that hot cocoa is a good drink to enjoy on a cold night.

However, my love for this "hot" drink is a little more serious than your average individual. I love hot cocoa. And let me make myself clear, I am not writing about that powdery mix in the paper package. I am writing about real, genuine, sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and lets not forget that dollop of homemade whip cream.

I love it anytime of day or night, all year long.

Please make yourself a cup of this hot cozy creamy drink mix next time you need a simple sweet chocolaty treat.

"Perfectly Chocolate" Hot Cocoa Microwave Single Serving:
The Hershey Company

2 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. Hershey's Cocoa
Dash salt
1 cup milk
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

1. Mix sugar, cocoa and salt in large mug. 1. Heat milk in microwave at HIGH 1-1 1/2 minutes or until hot. 3. Gradually add milk to cocoa mixture; stir well. Stir in vanilla.

Homemade Whip Cream
by Rachel

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (very cold)
1 Tbsp. sugar

Using the whisk tool, Beat whipping cream in mixer on low speed until bubbles form. Turn speed to medium. When soft peaks begin to form, turn speed to high and add sugar. Continue to beat until firmer peaks form. Put a dollop on your Hot Cocoa and enjoy every wonderful drop.

Cinnamon Rolls

2008-02-12T17:24:00.000-06:00

Cinnamon Rolls
Down Home In High Style-Treasured recipes of the Wiregrass

1 package yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup milk,
2 tablespoons shortening
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
3 1/2 cups flour
Butter/brown sugar/cinnamon

Dissolve yeast in water. Let set. Mix other ingredients except flour. When cooled, add yeast and flour. Mix well. Let rise until double. Roll. Spread with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll and slice. Let rise until double. Bake at 400° for 10-12 minutes. Yields 2-3 dozen rolls.

Mrs. Ned Jenne (Jeanette)

(This process of rising and doubling will take several hours.)

Cream Cheese Frosting
Southern Living Cookbook

1 8oz package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 16oz package powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with mixer. Slowly add powdered sugar, beat at low speed until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla.

(This is some of the best and easiest cream cheese frosting/icing I have ever tasted. It is also wonderful on cake or cupcakes.)

Podcasts

2008-02-11T20:42:00.001-06:00

I just found these really interesting and educational podcasts. If you have an iPod, iPod nano, or iPod shuffle, you might want to download some of the casts. Otherwise, you can enjoy them through you PC. If you investigate these or other podcasts, let me know what you think.

Grammar Girls

This website has really fun tips and factual information on grammar.

The Princeton Review: Vocab Minute

This website has great vocabulary words for the day. The cast only last one minute and the information is formated into a fun nerdy song.

"Light" Mail

2008-02-11T06:30:00.000-06:00

Anticipation!!!!!

For Christmas, my in-laws gave me a subscription to any magazine that Southern Living at Home published.

Naturally I choose Cooking Light. A: because I love to cook B: because I love the magazine C: because I knew I would regret it if I choose any other magazine subscription.

Everyday I come home from work with such great anticipation that "IT" is waiting in the mailbox for me. And everyday I am sadly disappointed. "IT," that silky, shiny freshly printed and bound stack of papers containing bits of knowledge that I can't wait to eat up, Is NOT there!

When will "IT" come?

The anticipation is consuming me...

A Sunday Afternoon Ride

2008-02-10T20:27:00.001-06:00

It was a beautiful Sunday. I could not resist a short afternoon ride.

***

Saturday night we hosted a surprise 30^th birthday party at our house for Tay’s cousin. It was tons of fun. We squeezed over 35 people in our small 1950’s house. The party included: excellent finger food, birthday cake, karaoke, and Rock Band.

Colorful Napkins

2008-02-08T20:07:00.000-06:00

I love decorative napkins. I just can't help myself. When I see that stack of colorfully designed paper in that clear wrapping, my fingers start itching and my brain screams, "Buy it, buy it, buy it!"

Besides loving napkins, I guess the other biggest attraction is the price. You can buy these delightful pleasures almost anywhere for almost any price. I love to search the clearance aisle at places like Target, Hobby Lobby, Micheal's, T.J. Max ...

I enjoy using these fun napkin and plate sets for my monthly girls night. I also use some of the napkins for our nightly dinners.

Finding pleasures in the simple things really does make for many happy moments.

Hopes for the Future

2008-02-07T15:59:00.000-06:00

(Bedding from The Painted Cottage. Bedding purchased from Home Goods. )

One day in the near future, my husband and I pray to have children. Of course, I hope to have at least one girl and one boy (and many more).

Knowing this little fact in the back of my head, I suppose it is only natural to be thinking of the future as I shop.

Yesterday, I was browsing the clearance aisle and I saw this adorable bedding at Home Goods. At first, I thought it was really cute to be on clearance. I decided to take a peek at the price...when I saw the tag, I could not believe my eyes. SIXTEEN DOLLARS? Eleven dollars for a twin comforter and five dollars for a pillow sham! I could not resist the price.

Look how cute and girly, yet different, this bedding is.

I know it may sound silly to buy bedding for a future baby girl. Especially when #1) I am not pregnant #2) What if we never have a girl? These were my exact thoughts as I phoned my mom to get her opinion/get her to talk me in to buying it (I mean really it was only sixteen dollars, but if you read my post about the sunroom remix, you will remember how hard it is for me to spend money).

And it's reversable!

Once mom was on the phone, I told her my plan. Plan A) If we have a girl, I will use it for her baby bedding by draping the comforter over the rails, putting the pillow in the bed, and buying some additional sheets to match. As she grows older, she can use it with a real twin bed. Plan B) If we never have a girl, I will use the bedding in a guest bedroom or give it to someone as a present. There, it's settled. I'm buying it! And its going in the hope chest with the "few" other baby items that are all...hopes for the future!

Eraser Eradication

2008-02-06T20:18:00.000-06:00

E...is for Eraser

As you all might know by now, if you have read my profile, I am an educator. I know what most of you who are moms or homeschool moms are thinking: "So am I."

So knowing that most of you are fellow educators, maybe you have experienced this little soap box that I'm about to get on and ride all the way to the drain.

I get so frustrated, no enraged, when I see elementary school children trying their hardest to complete their assignments using pencils without erasers.

I suppose children use their erasers much more quickly than they use the lead in their pencil, because they are still very much learning about "everything" and therefore, writing many incorrect answers and then needing to erase them. This process causes the children to be left with metal stubs. And guess what? They continue to try and use the stubs to erase their mistakes. The metal stub/non-eraser, in turn rips a big hole in their paper!

This is my favorite: Those pencils you find that look like they have been chewed on. Guess what? They have been chewed. But why, you might ask. I'll tell you why: in an attempt to squeeze out the reminder of the eraser that is left in the metal stub.

This is my plea to all other educators out there: Please, Please, Please, Please give these desperate children a chance. Give them an opportunity to write and erase with the proper tools. Please give them new pencils! I mean really, how much do pencils cost?

This is what a pencil should be: long, sharp and containing an eraser.

Stop the Eraser Insanity!

Sunroom Remix

2008-02-05T21:40:00.000-06:00

This weekend I was inspired to give my very white sunroom a colorful makeover. I have known our sunroom would be my favorite room in our house since we moved in over six months ago. However at the time we did not have the proper seating for the room.

Our sunroom after to the remix.

Our sunroom prior to the remix.

Thankfully my husband's parents gave us the most adorable day sofa for Christmas. It is the perfect size for our sunroom (it came from World Market).

Before

After

Anyway, inspiration finally hit me over the weekend. My mom and I were out shopping Friday night and we saw a really cute foot stool/bench. My mom talked me into buying it. And I'm so glad she did. I am never very good at being impulsive, especially when it comes to spending money. So I called my husband to tell him I was thinking about being impulsive and he said, "Do it! Just do it!"

Before

After

I woke up Saturday morning and I was ready to find a few more decorative items to finish off the room. I went to several different stores in our city trying to find just the right combinations of green, white, pink, and yellow. I wanted at least one girly room in our house.

I found some great material at Hancock's Fabric.

Then, I enticed my mom to come to my house and sew two pillows for the day sofa and one for the small air chair.

This room has become what I always envisioned it to be, a beautiful girly retreat!

My mother threading the needle on the sewing machine.

My mom is great at sewing. This is one of her many skills that I hope to become better at one day in the near future.

I want to give a special thanks to my in-laws for giving us the day sofa, Michaels and Hancock's for putting so many items on sale, My husband for letting me spend the money to buy all of these items and allowing me to spend several hours working on the room remix, and finally to my mother for letting me use her as a slave to make these beautiful pillows and for letting me call her over 20 times in one day to ask her opinion on: floral patterns, pillow size, stripes, pottery, canvas size, the color of thread, the size of her big toe, the size of my big toe...any way you get the picture.

Thank you all so much!

Pay Day

2008-02-04T21:33:00.000-06:00

You have to love Pay Day! Who doesn't? I took several pictures to describe how we rung in the new month.

We ordered pizza from Domino's Pizza. We usually get three medium one topping pizzas for five dollars each. Thick crusts for Tay and thin for me.

I don't know that I have ever really read the side of the pizza box,
but this is what it said.

Tay had just received a new movie from NETFLIX. It was an offbeat British film, slightly different but highly enjoyable.

We sat on our big chair 1/2, ate our pizza, and watched our film. Sounds like a good way to spend a Thursday night and a new paycheck.

Sumo Glue

2008-02-04T18:04:00.000-06:00

I laughed so hard when I saw this box. I had to take a picture of it. People will think of any gimmick to sell goods.

My husband at his college graduation party!

Far East Birthday Fun

2008-02-01T06:27:00.000-06:00

Every year for my sister-n-law's birthday we go to the same Japanese restaurant. It's a fun place to eat. They have several special rooms. These rooms contain tables that are nearly on the floor. You sit on the floor and your feet actually go into the floor. My favorite things to eat at this restaurant are the garden salad with a special peanut dressing, miso soup with pieces of tofu, and yummy sushi. It was a fun night with friends and family.

My sister-n-law orders the same cake every year for her birthday. This special sweet treat is a Bavarian cream cake with a fresh fruit topping. Yum!!! I am actually a chocolate lover, but this cake gives chocolate a run for its money.

Cooked Fruit Fun

2008-01-31T16:59:00.000-06:00

I made this fruity dessert mainly because I saw a picture of a blueberry tart in Domino magazine. I realized that I had a left over refrigerated pie crust, some frozen blueberries, and an apple in the fridge. I knew they would all spoil if I did not use them soon. So I decided to be extra domestic and experimental and here are the results.

Fruit Tarts (Blueberry Tart by: Domino, Apple Tart by: Rachel)

Blueberry Tart
(published in Domino's October '07 issue)

Ingredients:
2 packages (14 oz. each) frozen puff pastry
3 cups (1 1/2 pints) blueberries
1 tbsp. all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling
juice of 1/2 lemon
vanilla ice cream

Apple Tart
(by Rachel)

Ingredients:
2 packages (14 oz. each) frozen pastry
2-3 apples (cut into thin slices)
1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling
2 tbsp. cinnamon

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°. On a cookie sheet cut out two 5 inch circles from each piece of pastry. Chill pastry while preparing fruit mixtures. For the blueberry tart: mix blueberries, flour, sugar, and lemon juice together. For the apple tart: mix apple slices, flour, sugar, and cinnamon together. Place blueberry mixture on two chilled pastry rounds. Place apple mixture on two chilled pastry rounds. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges of the pastries are golden brown.

I hope you enjoy this Sweet Treat!

Stockpiling Junky

2008-01-30T18:10:00.000-06:00

Our makeshift pantry in the basement.

Ok. I have decided to share this little secret with the world. I am a stockpile junky! I love the high I get from a great savings and a stocked pantry. My money savings addiction only started a few months ago, but I think I am going to be an addict for life.

Yes, this is what you think it is. Twenty pounds
of Basmati Rice. What can I say, we like rice.

My Mission:
-To save money. Whether it be ten cents or ten dollars, it all adds up to a great savings.

It never hurts to have a few extra packs of saltine
crackers.

My Objectives:
- To have the necessary resources, at my fingertips for making nightly meals
- To eliminate stress caused by not having the items I need

I like to make my own spaghetti sauce and pizza sauce.

My Goals:
- Only buy cold items, fresh produce, and rare boxed items at regular grocery stores at full price
- Make cost effective items homemade
Examples: homemade chicken broth, cook dried beans instead of buying canned, freeze leftover meals to serve at a later date, and in the future make homemade baby food

You counted it right. Over twenty boxes of pasta.

How to achieve these goals:
- First, buy items at discount stores. This includes places like Big Lots and local Bent-n-Dent stores.
- Second, buy items on sale or clearance. This includes all most any store. Most grocery stores have sales or coupons. However, make sure it is really a good deal. Often coupons on name brand items do not reduce the price lower than you can buy the item in the store brand version. One of my favorite clearance stores is Target. They put items on sale anywhere from 15% to 90% off the regular price.
-Third, buy items in bulk. Buying in bulk can take place anywhere-Grocery stores, Target, Costco, Sams, Big Lots... Anywhere you find a good deal, you should buy in bulk. The savings multiply, you will be stocking your pantry, and you don't have to worry about shopping for the same item for many months.

These items will last us at least one year.

Conclusions:
- Stockpiling food or buying in bulk does save money. It also lowers my stress level during regular grocery shopping and nightly meal cooking.

We do not always eat sugary cereal. However, after several weeks of
the ultra high in protein and fiber cereals, I need something nutrition less.

Being Realistic:
- Does all of this mean I refuse to shop at the local quick mart when I am desperate. NO!!! This means I actually feel better about buying about an over priced gallon of milk, because I know I am saving in other places.
-Buying in bulk, to save money may take up a little more time and energy. However, as I have established, it gives me a high and it has become one of my many habits, hobbies, and pleasures.

Peppermint Madness

2008-01-24T22:33:00.000-06:00

I have put an end to milkchocolateaside!!!

I don't know if this happens to you during the holidays, but I was given a ton of peppermint flavored candies. I like peppermint a little. I like it a little more when it is surrounded by white chocolate. However, what I do not like about peppermint is that it inflicts its flavor upon other candies.

Do you know what I'm trying to say? I hate it when my milk chocolate has to co-habitat with my peppermint candy. Eventually it all starts tasting like peppermint. GROSS!!!

I have decided to end the assimilation of these two races. They must be segregated. Therefore, I divided out all the peppermint candy from our gluttonous stash and placed it in this obliging glass jar. Now I have a cute display on my kitchen counter and non defiled milk chocolate.

I have put an end to milkchocolateaside!!!

A Weekend Away

2008-01-24T20:41:00.000-06:00

Our little hide-away in the mountains!

My husband and I were able to get away for a small trip in the mountains this past weekend. I have added several photos below from our trip. They pretty much summarize our trip exactly, because we spent little time on any activities other than the ones you see in these pictures.

We kept a fire burning constantly. We love sitting in front of a
fireplace, but we do not have one in our own home. Therefore,
we had to take full advantage of the cabin's fireplace.

This is another wonderful feature of our charming cabin
(and something we do not get to enjoy at home.) Let's just
say is was fully appreciated.

My husband helping me with my weekend project.

I can't help it. Yes, I am a weird-o. I love puzzles. I do. I will not deny it any longer. I like projects that have tiny details, require lots of patience, and (for me) relieve stress! Laugh all you want...I know you want to.

One of our many beautiful views on the way down the dirt
road to and from our cabin.

Simple, Soft, Elegant, Foam

2008-01-17T15:50:00.000-06:00

It really is the little things in life that often make me happy and content. I adore:

Bath & Body Works™
Anti-Bacterial
Gentle Foaming
Hand Soap
with Aloe Vera
and Vitamin B5

This soap is one of the little luxuries that I allow myself. Bath & Body Works™ foaming soaps leave your hands feeling smooth and smelling wonderful. And the possibilities of scent are endless...

Bath & Body Works™ soap pictured above
from left to right: Wild Honeysuckle, Midnight
Pomegranate, Japanese Cherry Blossom, Tropical
Passionfruit, and Warm
Vanilla Sugar

Graduation Celebration

2008-01-15T16:36:00.000-06:00

Recently I came across some old photos of my husband's Graduation party from college. This celebration took place last May. We wanted to throw a big party because it was such an achievement. My husband took most of his college courses at night while working full-time during the day. I am still so proud of all his hard work and sacrifice for our family. I'm positive that I could not have gone to school full-time, worked full-time, and maintained my sanity. But my wonderful husband did!!!

Anyway, for his party we ordered Sumo Wrestling suits! It was hilarious to watch all of our close friends and family wearing these huge suits, running into each other repeatedly, in the end falling down, and having to have other innocent bystanders help pick them up off the ground. We all had a memorable time!

Seeking Silence In A Not So Silent Fashion

2008-01-14T18:46:00.000-06:00

I recently received an iPod for Christmas. I have to say that until I received the iPod, I was not that much of a music lover. Don't get me wrong, I like music. I was just not obsessed with listening to it all the time. But I have to say that I am now an iPod snob. I love my iPod. I listen to it in the car, while I'm cooking and cleaning, and my most treasured time: during my lunch break.

My lunch break is, let's just say, not so silent! Due to the nature of my job and my work schedule, I have my lunch break with a roomful of noise. Although I love my job, I do not particularly enjoy this portion of my day. To overcome this noisy setback, I simply put my white earphones in my ears, press play, and slide my finger around the slick circle turning up the volume as high as it will go. Then I sit in my own version of silence drowning out all the noise from the world around me.

Girl's Night Out

2008-01-12T13:43:00.000-06:00

A little over a year ago, some of my girl friends decided to meet for a Friday night dinner at my house. You know how it happens. Two or three people want to meet and catch up on all that has taken place over the last couple of weeks, and before you know it two or three people turns in the seven or eight.

That night we all ate dinner, discussed all of the worlds problems (and how to fix them), painted our nails and generally had a wonderful time bonding. At the end of the night, we all decided since we had such a wonderful time maybe we should continue to have a Friday night dinner once and month. And so Girl's Night was born...And I'm so grateful we decided to continue our little tradition.

We don't put that much time into planning. We send a few e-mails. We pick a date and a house. We bring some food, maybe some movies or fingernail polish, and most importantly our selves. But it is the day each month that I really look forward to the most. Spending time with these girls, these woman, these friends...And I would not trade our time together for anything.

Tomato Basil Soup

2008-01-09T20:57:00.001-06:00

Tomato Basil Soup is one of my favorite winter soups. My appetite for this meal only developed over the last year. I have never been much of a tomato soup connoisseur. Although I have to admit that my experience with tomato soup was limited to cans with a Campbell's label. My craze for Tomato Basil Soup (TBS) occurred when I went to a local cafe with my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law. My mother-in-law had raved several times about the cafe's delicious Tomato Basil Soup. For some unforeseen reason, I decided to try the soup. I ordered half TBS and half of a pimento cheese sandwich. Well lets just say, that day I became a fan of two new food items. Enough rambling.

There are many different versions of this recipe. This is just the version I recommend.

Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:
1 onion (chopped)
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
2 tbs. of olive oil
6 sprigs of fresh basil (cut or chopped) ( or 2 table spoons of dry)
2 14oz. cans of chicken broth
2 28oz cans of whole tomatoes (cut into smaller pieces)
1 8oz can of tomato sauce
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional, if you like a kick)

Directions:
Saute onion and garlic in oil on medium heat. Add basil and sir for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, cut tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Continue to cook on medium. Add salt, pepper and cyanne. Bring to boil and lower heat to medium low. Reduce soup by 1/4 (cook for about 30 min). Puree soup in a food processor and re-heat on medium low. Serve with pimento cheese, grill cheese, or your favorite sandwich. Makes 6-8 servings.

I have decided that this soup must also be served with a delicious pimento cheese sandwich or a yummy grill cheese sandwich. As a luxury, I like to buy pimento cheese from the cafe where my appetite for this meal first emerged. However, this time I made it homemade (not because it was easier or much cheaper) just because I was feeling especially domestic. I used Paula Deen's recipe. Paula's recipe produces a very creamy smooth spread.

I hope you enjoy this warm winter delightful pleasure!

Delightful Pleasures

2008-01-09T16:44:00.001-06:00

Enjoying the simple pleasures in life that are so often ignored or over looked.

Often, I find myself going through the motions. Trying to make it to work on time, completing one assignment after another, rushing from one place to another, micro managing every part of my day. And then I realize that I have forgotten to take some time, any time, to soak up all the little enjoyments life has to offer.

I love cloudless or semi-cloudless days.

I just need to remember to enjoy them more often.

Seeking Delightful Pleasures

Images from the Sunroom

Garden Update

My First CVS Trip!

Is There Such A Thing As To Much Baby Knowledge?

Celebrating My Second Month of Coupons

Money Savings Blogs

I'm Back!!!

This Week's Shopping!!!

Taylor's Birthday

Supper Sample Sunday!

Having Fun with Wedding Gifts

Ingredients

Preparation

Yield

6 servings

Nutritional Information

CALORIES 293(22% from fat); FAT 7.3g (sat 2.9g,mono 2.6g,poly 1.2g); PROTEIN 18.2g; CHOLESTEROL 33mg; CALCIUM 151mg; SODIUM 487mg; FIBER 1.8g; IRON 2.4mg; CARBOHYDRATE 38.3g Jill Melton , Cooking Light, MAY 2002writePublicationAppearance();

Supper Sample Sunday!

Out of State Family Wedding

Celebrating One Month of Coupons

Money Savings Blogs

Rubber Ducky Baby Shower

I've Been Tagged

My Summer Vegetable Garden

Supper Sample Sunday!

Indian Theme Night

Wordless Wednesday

Who Says You Can't Buy Anything for less than a DOLLAR

My Giveaway Prize

Yard Sale Leftovers

Teacher Appreciation Week

Stationary for the Future

Preparations for the Vegetable Garden

Busy Blooming

Another Trip to the B&B

Why I love My Mom

I'm a Winner!!!

$1.99 Find From IKEA

Deals, Deals, Deals

Our Camping Trip: Detailed Through Pictures, Captions, and a Video

It Finally Came!!!

Out with the Old, In with the New

Stocking Up at the B &B

Easter Sunday

Tay's Pastime

Mom's Candy

My "Not so baby" Baby Brother's Birthday

Dinner Party for Eight

Inspireco---Surprise Easter Eggs

Laundry Room Makeover

Template Change

Girl's Night--Craft Fun

Flowers Are A Girls Best Friend

God's Provision

Memories

25 Years of Accumulation

A Great Way To End A Very Busy Weekend

Dried Beans

My Ride Home---Part 1

Tiny Feet

Update: "Light Mail"

My Favorite "Hot" Drink

Cinnamon Rolls

Podcasts

"Light" Mail

A Sunday Afternoon Ride

Colorful Napkins

Hopes for the Future

Eraser Eradication

Sunroom Remix

Pay Day

Sumo Glue

Far East Birthday Fun

Cooked Fruit Fun

Stockpiling Junky

Peppermint Madness

A Weekend Away

Simple, Soft, Elegant, Foam

Graduation Celebration

CALORIES 293(22% from fat); FAT 7.3g (sat 2.9g,mono 2.6g,poly 1.2g); PROTEIN 18.2g; CHOLESTEROL 33mg; CALCIUM 151mg; SODIUM 487mg; FIBER 1.8g; IRON 2.4mg; CARBOHYDRATE 38.3g Jill Melton , Cooking Light, MAY 2002