It's time for Kitchen Tip Tuesday at Tammy's Recipes. Take a trip over there for some great tips and recipes from our fellow bloggers! http://www.tammysrecipes.com/node/1755
I don't have a recipe today, but a tip to keep track of the ones you find on line and would like to try. I used to either bookmark them, which takes up room on my toolbar, or print them out--which is more paperwork in a house already inundated with the stuff.
Solution: a cute little notepad. I bought mine when Target had their dollar deals on sale 75% off, so it cost me a quarter. It's got a chocolate lab puppy on the front.
Inside, I jot down the names of recipes and where to find them on line. The notepad is no bigger than my hand, so it takes up very little space. I plan to keep it right here on my desk, next to the laptop.
After I make a recipe, if I like it, I'll make a nicer copy to put into my recipe folder. In the meantime, having this little recipe notebook helps reduce all the papers around here!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
I'm still here
Just haven't had much to post about. I'm tired all the time. You know I work at a pediatric office, and I honestly think my body is worn out from resisting one sickness after another. Knock on wood, I haven't caught anything yet...and winter is almost over. (I've doubled my vitamins, so hopefully, that will help.)
I did think of something to post about today. It's silly, but one of those 'duh' ideas. I was rearranging some pans, moving them from the bottom of my pantry into a cabinet in the kitchen. (This also involved putting some never-used items aside for the thrift store.) I had my cookie sheets and lasagna-type pans stacked up nicely, but not much room on the side of them for anything else.
Here was the 'duh' moment...I turned the pans around 90 degrees! Instead of the wide part facing the opening, the narrower part faces it. Leaving me with half the shelf empty for other storage! Perfect space for my larger size, rectangular slow cooker.
Most of my ideas are the bolt-from-the-blue type. I could spend hours staring at a problem and never solve it. But walk away and do something else...and it hits me.
So if you are in the rearranging stuff mood, think about turning something sideways and maybe you'll find more room!
I did think of something to post about today. It's silly, but one of those 'duh' ideas. I was rearranging some pans, moving them from the bottom of my pantry into a cabinet in the kitchen. (This also involved putting some never-used items aside for the thrift store.) I had my cookie sheets and lasagna-type pans stacked up nicely, but not much room on the side of them for anything else.
Here was the 'duh' moment...I turned the pans around 90 degrees! Instead of the wide part facing the opening, the narrower part faces it. Leaving me with half the shelf empty for other storage! Perfect space for my larger size, rectangular slow cooker.
Most of my ideas are the bolt-from-the-blue type. I could spend hours staring at a problem and never solve it. But walk away and do something else...and it hits me.
So if you are in the rearranging stuff mood, think about turning something sideways and maybe you'll find more room!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
I can live with this weather!
It's 63 degrees right now. On Long Island. In the dead middle of winter. So you know what I did today?
I hung laundry for the first time in months! I opened the back door to let the dog out and saw my lonely, forgotten clothesline. (Well, okay, lonely but not forgotten. I miss it.) And I thought...the sun is shining, it's way, way above freezing, so why not?
So I just did a small wash of light weight things, mostly aprons and napkins. I figure that, at 63 degrees, things won't dry as fast as when it hits 83.
Boy, what a treat--hanging laundry in the wintertime!
I hung laundry for the first time in months! I opened the back door to let the dog out and saw my lonely, forgotten clothesline. (Well, okay, lonely but not forgotten. I miss it.) And I thought...the sun is shining, it's way, way above freezing, so why not?
So I just did a small wash of light weight things, mostly aprons and napkins. I figure that, at 63 degrees, things won't dry as fast as when it hits 83.
Boy, what a treat--hanging laundry in the wintertime!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tightwad Tuesday: Space Party
Check out the Tightwad Tuesday post over at "Being Frugal." She put on the coolest party for a 'tweenager,' based on the show "American Idol." Things like this make me miss the days when my kids were young and I could throw theme parties for them. I'll tell you about one I did for my son, when he was about six. It was a party based on an Outer Space theme. Sorry, no pictures--this was 20 years ago! (Of course, there are pictures someplace, in some album I scrapped...in the attic.)
I honestly can't remember the cake, but I suppose it was shaped like a rocket ship. That would be easy enough to do. Prior to the party, I collected egg cartons and half-gallon milk containers. These were washed out very carefully, then I wrapped white paper around the milk carton. I glued the egg part of the carton to the milk container. I remember that I cut off the triangular top--so basically, you had a box with a bunch of bumps on it, LOL! What for? Well, the kids decorated these and we called them 'Space Packs,' which was a fancy-shmancy name for a goodie bag!
Two games I remember: one was "Throw the Ring Around Saturn." We had a huge ball, like a beachball, and a hoola-hoop. The kids had to toss the ring around the ball. The second game was "Captain (Put Name Here) Says," instead of Simon Says. I was the captain. Maybe I was Captain Mom. Hey, I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday, let alone something that happened in 1988. I do remember walking very slowly, like you might on the moon, and then jumping up and down like crazy...like you just stepped on the sun. The kids loved it, LOL! (Nobody said it was Rocket Science. I'm perfectly aware you can't walk on the sun.)
One snack comes back to my poor brain: Saturn pops. Basically, I unwrapped Dum-Dums, then put a gumdrop ring around the pop. Then I wrapped them again.
Like I said, I don't remember it all...but I do remember we had a great time!
I honestly can't remember the cake, but I suppose it was shaped like a rocket ship. That would be easy enough to do. Prior to the party, I collected egg cartons and half-gallon milk containers. These were washed out very carefully, then I wrapped white paper around the milk carton. I glued the egg part of the carton to the milk container. I remember that I cut off the triangular top--so basically, you had a box with a bunch of bumps on it, LOL! What for? Well, the kids decorated these and we called them 'Space Packs,' which was a fancy-shmancy name for a goodie bag!
Two games I remember: one was "Throw the Ring Around Saturn." We had a huge ball, like a beachball, and a hoola-hoop. The kids had to toss the ring around the ball. The second game was "Captain (Put Name Here) Says," instead of Simon Says. I was the captain. Maybe I was Captain Mom. Hey, I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday, let alone something that happened in 1988. I do remember walking very slowly, like you might on the moon, and then jumping up and down like crazy...like you just stepped on the sun. The kids loved it, LOL! (Nobody said it was Rocket Science. I'm perfectly aware you can't walk on the sun.)
One snack comes back to my poor brain: Saturn pops. Basically, I unwrapped Dum-Dums, then put a gumdrop ring around the pop. Then I wrapped them again.
Like I said, I don't remember it all...but I do remember we had a great time!
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Thrifty Thursday
It's Thrifty Thursday day over at Thrifty Jinxy!
http://thriftyjinxy.blogspot.com/2009/02/thrifty-thursday-living-on-cheap-feb-5.html
My little donation today is just this: when it comes to being frugal, it doesn't have to be all or nothing!
You don't have to spend an entire Sunday doing the Once a Month Cooking thing. Every little bit you do ahead of time will help you. Examples: brown ground beef and repackage it according to how much you would need for a meal. Then freeze it! You could even add Italian, Mexican or other spices! Can I tell you how great it was to have my ground beef all ready to go last night for spaghetti, especially since I found out earlier in the day I was working in the evening?
Cut up your vegetables when you bring them home (or soon after). Don't cut and wash berries--you probably already know this, but wet berries get all gooky. Nothing like reaching into the produce drawer to make a salad...and all you have to do is throw it together!
I love couponing and spend quite a lot of time on it, but I consider it a hobby that pays me back. You don't have to do this. Think what you would really like to save money on, and concentrate on those items--diapers, for example! (I'm awfully glad I haven't had to buy diapers in years.) We all use shaving products, and the very-high-value coupons for them show up quite often. It is great to get a 9.99 razor for half price by combining sales and coupons--especially if you also get Extra Care Bucks from CVS, LOL!
Speaking of CVS, I've written about this before but it bears repeating. If there is one rule to remember for the ECBs thing, it is this: look at your receipt after each purchase and immediately put the coupons into your wallet! That way, they are there for you next time you shop, not left on the kitchen counter.
Just a couple of little things, but boy, oh, boy, they make life easier!
(BTW, if you like the OAMC on Sunday thing, cool--but I actually like cooking and wouldn't want to do it all in one day. I do, however, like to have some things made ahead of time for those days I'm just not in the mood to put a meal together!)
http://thriftyjinxy.blogspot.com/2009/02/thrifty-thursday-living-on-cheap-feb-5.html
My little donation today is just this: when it comes to being frugal, it doesn't have to be all or nothing!
You don't have to spend an entire Sunday doing the Once a Month Cooking thing. Every little bit you do ahead of time will help you. Examples: brown ground beef and repackage it according to how much you would need for a meal. Then freeze it! You could even add Italian, Mexican or other spices! Can I tell you how great it was to have my ground beef all ready to go last night for spaghetti, especially since I found out earlier in the day I was working in the evening?
Cut up your vegetables when you bring them home (or soon after). Don't cut and wash berries--you probably already know this, but wet berries get all gooky. Nothing like reaching into the produce drawer to make a salad...and all you have to do is throw it together!
I love couponing and spend quite a lot of time on it, but I consider it a hobby that pays me back. You don't have to do this. Think what you would really like to save money on, and concentrate on those items--diapers, for example! (I'm awfully glad I haven't had to buy diapers in years.) We all use shaving products, and the very-high-value coupons for them show up quite often. It is great to get a 9.99 razor for half price by combining sales and coupons--especially if you also get Extra Care Bucks from CVS, LOL!
Speaking of CVS, I've written about this before but it bears repeating. If there is one rule to remember for the ECBs thing, it is this: look at your receipt after each purchase and immediately put the coupons into your wallet! That way, they are there for you next time you shop, not left on the kitchen counter.
Just a couple of little things, but boy, oh, boy, they make life easier!
(BTW, if you like the OAMC on Sunday thing, cool--but I actually like cooking and wouldn't want to do it all in one day. I do, however, like to have some things made ahead of time for those days I'm just not in the mood to put a meal together!)
Friday, January 30, 2009
Frugal Friday: Kraft Coupon Instant Win
It's Frugal Friday today: http://biblicalwomanhoodblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/frugal-friday-how-i-plan-our-menus-part.html
There are so many good ideas over there! Bloggers are just the smartest people on earth, IMHO.
I found an instant win contest on the Kraft site for $15 in coupons. You only get to play once a day...but I tried today and won! The coupons will come in the mail in a few weeks.
I'm always iffy about things like this, so I stick with reliable companies I know. Here's the link to the Kraft contest:
http://brands.kraftfoods.com/sogoodtogether/
This ends February 2nd, btw! (Sorry, I only just found out about it.) Good luck to everyone.
There are so many good ideas over there! Bloggers are just the smartest people on earth, IMHO.
I found an instant win contest on the Kraft site for $15 in coupons. You only get to play once a day...but I tried today and won! The coupons will come in the mail in a few weeks.
I'm always iffy about things like this, so I stick with reliable companies I know. Here's the link to the Kraft contest:
http://brands.kraftfoods.com/sogoodtogether/
This ends February 2nd, btw! (Sorry, I only just found out about it.) Good luck to everyone.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Do Something with Your Leftovers!
Today's assignment, should you choose to accept it, is this:
Pick out a shelf in your fridge.
Take out any leftovers on that shelf.
Check for the following qualities:
1)Pleasant smell
2)Lack of growing/green stuff
3)Identifiable
Should the leftovers in question meet these criteria, your next step will be to either
a)plan a meal around them within the next 2 days
or
b)get them into the freezer for future use. And don't forget to label them!
I just put some sushi rice and some cooked beef in gravy in the freezer. Not sure what will become of the rice, but I made a note on the beef that I could add spices, shred it, and put it in tortillas.
I'm going to finish off some soup broth for lunch today by adding some noodles, which James and Nick will eat.
For me, leftover peanut butter spaghetti, roasted cherry tomatoes and maybe broccoli salad. At the very least, it's our vegetable tonight!
What are you waiting for? Go rescue some leftovers before they turn into science projects!
This blog entry will NOT self destruct in ten seconds...
Pick out a shelf in your fridge.
Take out any leftovers on that shelf.
Check for the following qualities:
1)Pleasant smell
2)Lack of growing/green stuff
3)Identifiable
Should the leftovers in question meet these criteria, your next step will be to either
a)plan a meal around them within the next 2 days
or
b)get them into the freezer for future use. And don't forget to label them!
I just put some sushi rice and some cooked beef in gravy in the freezer. Not sure what will become of the rice, but I made a note on the beef that I could add spices, shred it, and put it in tortillas.
I'm going to finish off some soup broth for lunch today by adding some noodles, which James and Nick will eat.
For me, leftover peanut butter spaghetti, roasted cherry tomatoes and maybe broccoli salad. At the very least, it's our vegetable tonight!
What are you waiting for? Go rescue some leftovers before they turn into science projects!
This blog entry will NOT self destruct in ten seconds...
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tightwad Tuesday
Today is Tightwad Tuesday over Beingfrugal.net. http://beingfrugal.net/
My bit of advice is to pay cash whenever you can. Since the beginning of this year, I've been trying to do just that. It doesn't always work, but I find if I stick to a list, I can do it. Combining coupons and sales helps, too! (Yesterday, I brought home almost $40 worth of groceries for $18!)
The kids pay me cash for car insurance or rent, and I try to use this so I don't dip into my pathetic bank account. (Pathetic because of trying to keep up with bills, like so many others!) If I have $25, I try to aim for spending less than $20.
I've been doing Grocery Game for a long time now, and have a good stockpile that helps keep my list short. On Sunday, I'll print out a list of possible purchases, but then I'll go through it and cross off things I really don't need. I try to save at least 50%. It wasn't easy when I first started, but as I think about what I already have on hand, I can cut things off the list.
I have cashed in change, scratch-off lottery tickets and bottle receipts to get a few extra bucks. It isn't going to erase my debt, but it sure does help with the groceries.
After all, your food bill is probably one of the most flexible expenditures (right word?) in your budget!
My bit of advice is to pay cash whenever you can. Since the beginning of this year, I've been trying to do just that. It doesn't always work, but I find if I stick to a list, I can do it. Combining coupons and sales helps, too! (Yesterday, I brought home almost $40 worth of groceries for $18!)
The kids pay me cash for car insurance or rent, and I try to use this so I don't dip into my pathetic bank account. (Pathetic because of trying to keep up with bills, like so many others!) If I have $25, I try to aim for spending less than $20.
I've been doing Grocery Game for a long time now, and have a good stockpile that helps keep my list short. On Sunday, I'll print out a list of possible purchases, but then I'll go through it and cross off things I really don't need. I try to save at least 50%. It wasn't easy when I first started, but as I think about what I already have on hand, I can cut things off the list.
I have cashed in change, scratch-off lottery tickets and bottle receipts to get a few extra bucks. It isn't going to erase my debt, but it sure does help with the groceries.
After all, your food bill is probably one of the most flexible expenditures (right word?) in your budget!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thrifty Thursday: Adaptation
I haven't participated in Thrifty Thursday for a while, so here I go again. My thrifty advice today is: 'adaptation.' Instead of running off to the store to get the ingredients you need for a recipe, look around and see what you can use instead.
I found a recipe for a Beef and Vegetable Bake in the January issue of Ladies' Home Journal. (Page 109). I have 90% of the ingredients. I'm only missing mushrooms, possibly red wine, and biscuit mix. Okay, I like mushrooms, but since it is only 2 of us eating tonight, they aren't practical. So I'll leave them out. I can increase the beef broth or add water to sub for the wine, if I need to do that.
As far as biscuit mix, well, I looked it up to make my own. But you need shortening, and I don't keep that in the house. So then I remembered I have a can of crescent rolls in the fridge. Instead of biscuits, I'm going to put the crescent dough on top. I think it will work. At the very least, I'm sure the meat part will taste good!
So, always think about what you already have that might be able to do the job. It will save you money!
For more great thrifty ideas, visit "Thrifty Jinxy" soon!
http://thriftyjinxy.blogspot.com/2009/01/thrifty-thursday-living-on-cheap_22.html
I found a recipe for a Beef and Vegetable Bake in the January issue of Ladies' Home Journal. (Page 109). I have 90% of the ingredients. I'm only missing mushrooms, possibly red wine, and biscuit mix. Okay, I like mushrooms, but since it is only 2 of us eating tonight, they aren't practical. So I'll leave them out. I can increase the beef broth or add water to sub for the wine, if I need to do that.
As far as biscuit mix, well, I looked it up to make my own. But you need shortening, and I don't keep that in the house. So then I remembered I have a can of crescent rolls in the fridge. Instead of biscuits, I'm going to put the crescent dough on top. I think it will work. At the very least, I'm sure the meat part will taste good!
So, always think about what you already have that might be able to do the job. It will save you money!
For more great thrifty ideas, visit "Thrifty Jinxy" soon!
http://thriftyjinxy.blogspot.com/2009/01/thrifty-thursday-living-on-cheap_22.html
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tightwad Tuesday: Napkins
I'm not working on any particular sewing projects these days, but want to keep myself 'in the mood.' So I've been looking for little things to do that don't involve a trip to the fabric store. (See my previous post.)
I like cloth napkins, just because they feel nice--nothing to do with the environment. Saving the earth is just a bonus. Saving money and getting something semi-luxurious out of the deal is the real reason I do it.
Today, I'm making more cloth napkins.
This is frugal because it's a)cheaper than constantly buying paper napkins* and b)I'm using up some of my ridiculous fabric scrap stash. Did I say ridiculous? Can any sewist have too much fabric--even little pieces?
*truth: my husband buys paper napkins. I use them, too, but not as often as I use cloth. I only wish I could get the rest of the house on board with me. Oh, well.
For more Tightwad Tuesday fun, visit:
http://beingfrugal.net/2009/01/20/tightwad-tuesday-online-bill-pay/
I like cloth napkins, just because they feel nice--nothing to do with the environment. Saving the earth is just a bonus. Saving money and getting something semi-luxurious out of the deal is the real reason I do it.
Today, I'm making more cloth napkins.
This is frugal because it's a)cheaper than constantly buying paper napkins* and b)I'm using up some of my ridiculous fabric scrap stash. Did I say ridiculous? Can any sewist have too much fabric--even little pieces?
*truth: my husband buys paper napkins. I use them, too, but not as often as I use cloth. I only wish I could get the rest of the house on board with me. Oh, well.
For more Tightwad Tuesday fun, visit:
http://beingfrugal.net/2009/01/20/tightwad-tuesday-online-bill-pay/
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Sewing/organizing Project
My son Nick has a collection of playing cards, in different colors, that usually ends up all over his floor. So I made him this wall hanging to hold them, and other things. I had a big piece of 'ticking stripe' which must have originally been a pillow (my mom gave it to me), because 3 sides were already sewn up. I just finished it off and added some pockets. I sized the bottom row to hold the playing cards, but just used whatever size scraps I had for the remaining pockets. Nick really likes it. I hope it means there will be a few less things on his floor!BTW, when most of the sewing you do is for girls, it's really hard to find 'boy' fabrics in your stash, LOL!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Yes, I Do Have Bananas!
I've got bananas up to wazoo. My boss had a religious gathering at her home the other night. She is Hindu, and part of the ceremony involves fruits and flowers. In fact, my daughter helped her do the flowers. So today, Dr. A asks me if I want some bananas. She gave me 3 big bunches, plus some apples and pears! Free fruit, oh, boy!
I learned something new today. Hindus don't eat onions. At least, not the kind that Dr. A is. (I don't know if there are different groups.) Onions are thought to make you 'hard' inside. I thought that was interesting.
Meantime, here I am with bananas. I chopped up some and am freezing them for smoothies, and I smashed up some to freeze for banana bread. I'm giving a bunch to my neighbor.
I think, maybe, I'll either start swinging from a tree soon or go into potassium overload.
I learned something new today. Hindus don't eat onions. At least, not the kind that Dr. A is. (I don't know if there are different groups.) Onions are thought to make you 'hard' inside. I thought that was interesting.
Meantime, here I am with bananas. I chopped up some and am freezing them for smoothies, and I smashed up some to freeze for banana bread. I'm giving a bunch to my neighbor.
I think, maybe, I'll either start swinging from a tree soon or go into potassium overload.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tightwad Tuesday
I found another awesome "Day" at a cool blog called "Beingfrugal.net." It is "Tightwad Tuesday." Head on over there to check out some great ideas from other bloggers!
http://beingfrugal.net/
Here is my donation. It is a recipe for the most tender, juicy roasted chicken you've ever eaten. I think it was shown on some morning show a while back, but don't ask me to remember where!
LEMON CHICKEN
You need a roasting chicken and one or two lemons. That's it. That's all.
Take a fork and stab the lemon a bunch of times and put it up inside the bird. If it's a big guy, you might need 2 lemons.
Roast your chicken exactly as you would a plain one. The lemon juice will leak out and will both tenderize and flavor the meat.
You can make a lemon gravy from the juices, if you'd like.
A caveat: do NOT put any lemons in the pan, outside the bird. Somehow, they work just fine inside, but I found that lemons outside make the drippings really bitter.
Enjoy!
http://beingfrugal.net/
Here is my donation. It is a recipe for the most tender, juicy roasted chicken you've ever eaten. I think it was shown on some morning show a while back, but don't ask me to remember where!
LEMON CHICKEN
You need a roasting chicken and one or two lemons. That's it. That's all.
Take a fork and stab the lemon a bunch of times and put it up inside the bird. If it's a big guy, you might need 2 lemons.
Roast your chicken exactly as you would a plain one. The lemon juice will leak out and will both tenderize and flavor the meat.
You can make a lemon gravy from the juices, if you'd like.
A caveat: do NOT put any lemons in the pan, outside the bird. Somehow, they work just fine inside, but I found that lemons outside make the drippings really bitter.
Enjoy!
Friday, January 09, 2009
Frugal Friday
It's Frugal Friday over at Biblical Womanhood, and I actually have something to offer!
I love sushi. I crave sushi. I even found a recipe and have 98% of the ingredients to try making it myself (California Roll. I'll eat raw fish, but I doubt I could find/afford sushi grade tuna). I'm only missing the green stuff, which I think is called 'nori.'
But this is not about sushi. It's about those cute little containers that sushi comes in. The tops are clear and the bottoms have a pretty Oriental-floral design. Seemed a shame to get rid of them.
So I bleach-clean them and use them for craft storage! I just let them soak a bit, and there is no smell. Really, if your sushi smells fishy...order the tempura.
I've divided up my ribbons by color and am now starting on dividing up my buttons. They stack beautifully and you can easily see what is inside!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
My Nintendo DS
This was the gift my kids gave to me, and I love it! I cashed in some change for an Amazon gift certificate and got the "Personal Trainer" cooking program. It came in the mail yesterday, and it's so much fun. Tonight I'm making "Bang-Bang Chicken" (don'tcha love that name?) and Chinese Cabbage Salad for dinner. With the program, you can check off items you need, and it makes a master grocery list for you. It also has a calculator that keeps track of how much you are spending. That's a good thing, because I wanted to stay under $30, the cash in my wallet--and I did.
Oh, and you can also ask for substitute ingredients! For each of these recipes, there are some things I don't want to have to pay for (chili oil, for example) and was glad I had substitutes for them here at home.
I don't mind buying something if I know I'm going to use it, but what's the point of having something take up room in your pantry? Case in point is the Malt Vinegar that I've had for years and years, LOL!
So, if you have the DS and you were thinking about this program (I first saw it on a cute TV commercial) I definitely recommend it. BTW, for this item, shipping was free. I had to buy something else to hit the $25 minimum (the program costs about $20), so I bought the latest paperback by Diane Mott Davidson. All paid for with pocket change!
Oh, and you can also ask for substitute ingredients! For each of these recipes, there are some things I don't want to have to pay for (chili oil, for example) and was glad I had substitutes for them here at home.
I don't mind buying something if I know I'm going to use it, but what's the point of having something take up room in your pantry? Case in point is the Malt Vinegar that I've had for years and years, LOL!
So, if you have the DS and you were thinking about this program (I first saw it on a cute TV commercial) I definitely recommend it. BTW, for this item, shipping was free. I had to buy something else to hit the $25 minimum (the program costs about $20), so I bought the latest paperback by Diane Mott Davidson. All paid for with pocket change!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year
I hope everyone has a New Year that is full of health, wealth, love and happiness!
Do you make resolutions? I don't, but I do come up with better ideas on how to do things. Mostly trying to pay off my debt. I'm going to ask my boss to pay me every two weeks, so I have a bigger 'chunk' of money to put towards one of my cards.
I also plan to buy myself an exercise bike. I have the perfect place for it: where my recliner is now. It won't be in anyone's way, and I can pedal while I watch TV. (The kids can have the recliner for the playroom.) I just need to find one with a comfortable seat so I don't kill my back any worse than it is.
BTW, I had a great Christmas. My Christmas Eve party was a hit, and I made way too much food. We had appetizers for lunch for almost a week, LOL!
Mike gave me gift cards that I'll have lots of fun with...especially the $100 one for Joanne's! And the kids gave me a Nintendo DS! My first game is one with lots of card and board games. It's very addictive. Angelina has one, and we were able to play some games with each other. I cashed in a bunch of change at Coinstar for an Amazon gift certificate and have ordered the Personal Chef one and Brain Age. I can use brain exercise as much as I can use physical exercise.
Once again, Happy 2009!
Do you make resolutions? I don't, but I do come up with better ideas on how to do things. Mostly trying to pay off my debt. I'm going to ask my boss to pay me every two weeks, so I have a bigger 'chunk' of money to put towards one of my cards.
I also plan to buy myself an exercise bike. I have the perfect place for it: where my recliner is now. It won't be in anyone's way, and I can pedal while I watch TV. (The kids can have the recliner for the playroom.) I just need to find one with a comfortable seat so I don't kill my back any worse than it is.
BTW, I had a great Christmas. My Christmas Eve party was a hit, and I made way too much food. We had appetizers for lunch for almost a week, LOL!
Mike gave me gift cards that I'll have lots of fun with...especially the $100 one for Joanne's! And the kids gave me a Nintendo DS! My first game is one with lots of card and board games. It's very addictive. Angelina has one, and we were able to play some games with each other. I cashed in a bunch of change at Coinstar for an Amazon gift certificate and have ordered the Personal Chef one and Brain Age. I can use brain exercise as much as I can use physical exercise.
Once again, Happy 2009!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Adorable, FREE Christmas Scrapping Kit!
I found the cutest embellishments that are part of a wonderful kit for scrapbooking Christmas pages over at this blog:
http://karen-karenscreations.blogspot.com/
I think it was very nice of Karen to make so many downloadable elements for us to enjoy, don't you?
http://karen-karenscreations.blogspot.com/
I think it was very nice of Karen to make so many downloadable elements for us to enjoy, don't you?
Saturday, December 20, 2008
I should be doing other things...
...like finishing my Christmas blouse. But you know how an idea strikes you, and you want to try it right away? That happened to me this morning when I was looking at the tangles of wires around this house, mostly associated with computers. So I made up some wire wrappers (for lack of a better name) from scrap fabric. I've only made 3 so far, since I really do plan on doing legitimate Christmas work today, LOL!
Basically, you cut 3 rectangles: 2 of fabric, one of something cushy (I used a scrap of fleece). Sandwich these together, right sides of the 'good' fabric out, and sew around the edges. Then pink or serge the edgegs. Okay, if you want to do this right, you should cut the rectangles a little more evenly than I did.
I used sticky-back Velcro, which I put on the short end. I wrapped it around the looped-up wire, then pulled off the second backing and stuck it together. I just sort of fudged the measurements, which is how I usually do things. But again, if you want to do it pretty and right, try looping up your wire and taking a rough measurement around it.
Regarding the blouse: I did get the buttons (they look like purple and green crystal) and I have the green thread in the machine and the buttonholer on it...so I'm on my way. This might actually end up being my 2008 Christmas blouse, after all.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Cranberry Meatballs
Here's the link to the recipe, which I posted a year ago!
http://sortafrugal.blogspot.com/2006/12/cranberry-meatballs.html
BTW, I don't see any reason why you couldn't make these with ground turkey or chicken!
http://sortafrugal.blogspot.com/2006/12/cranberry-meatballs.html
BTW, I don't see any reason why you couldn't make these with ground turkey or chicken!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Must Be Santa Monday
http://bejollybygolly.blogspot.com/2008/12/must-be-santa-monday-14.html
My donation to MBSM today is my list of appetizers for my Christmas Eve party:
Cranberry Meatballs--half in freezer. I'm making more this week. The sauce gets made the day before.
Coconut Chicken--again, half in freezer. I decided to make more. I have the chicken cut up already and will do that this week, too.
Cocktail Hot Dogs--in a kind of cranberry sauce. I made the sauce a while back, and I can't tell you what's in it because it's one of those 'throw it together with what you have' sauces, but I tried some on another batch of hot dogs and it was yummy. I just froze the rest and will heat it up with another package of mini dogs--possibly in the crockpot.
Shrimp--this is the one time of year we splurge on the really good stuff from the seafood store (our favorite restaurant, btw--Catfish Annie's.)
Celery Cheese Sticks--basically just cream cheese and shredded cheddar in a celery stick with some nuts on top.
Swedish Meatballs--I need to make another batch, plus the gravy.
Cheese Bites--I also plan to make these this week to freeze them
Nacho Dip
Bacon Wrapped Crackers--just bacon around crackers. Intriguing. I think there's a recipe out there that uses parmesan cheese, too.
I might find a few more things to make. I have no qualms about buying some things from the frozen food section, LOL!
The main dish, as I've posted before, is scungilli and sauce over linguini. I'll pass on the snail, but I make enough appetizers to fill up anyone who doesn't want that. My kids (other than Nicky) and my husband love the stuff.
Do you do a Christmas Party? Any suggestions for make-ahead appetizers?
My donation to MBSM today is my list of appetizers for my Christmas Eve party:
Cranberry Meatballs--half in freezer. I'm making more this week. The sauce gets made the day before.
Coconut Chicken--again, half in freezer. I decided to make more. I have the chicken cut up already and will do that this week, too.
Cocktail Hot Dogs--in a kind of cranberry sauce. I made the sauce a while back, and I can't tell you what's in it because it's one of those 'throw it together with what you have' sauces, but I tried some on another batch of hot dogs and it was yummy. I just froze the rest and will heat it up with another package of mini dogs--possibly in the crockpot.
Shrimp--this is the one time of year we splurge on the really good stuff from the seafood store (our favorite restaurant, btw--Catfish Annie's.)
Celery Cheese Sticks--basically just cream cheese and shredded cheddar in a celery stick with some nuts on top.
Swedish Meatballs--I need to make another batch, plus the gravy.
Cheese Bites--I also plan to make these this week to freeze them
Nacho Dip
Bacon Wrapped Crackers--just bacon around crackers. Intriguing. I think there's a recipe out there that uses parmesan cheese, too.
I might find a few more things to make. I have no qualms about buying some things from the frozen food section, LOL!
The main dish, as I've posted before, is scungilli and sauce over linguini. I'll pass on the snail, but I make enough appetizers to fill up anyone who doesn't want that. My kids (other than Nicky) and my husband love the stuff.
Do you do a Christmas Party? Any suggestions for make-ahead appetizers?
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