Ok, so sometimes life gets in the way of good intentions and things get off kilter and that has happened in my life lately.
We have been planning a vacation (our very first ever) and so a lot of my time recently has been planning and getting things ready. I have to make sure we have everything we need, plus make sure grandpa has food and clothing ready to go too.
I've only flown once before and the kids never so figuring out what to take and how much we can fit into a carry on has been a interesting task. Talk about paring things down to essentials!
Anyway when I get back I am going to attempt to do my first giveaway to EcoStore.
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Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Garden Flowers
I was taking some pictures of the flowers in our flower garden yesterday. I think they turned out pretty neat. I'm working on figuring out aperture on my camera, and I think I have it set pretty good for this type of shot.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Much Better Dinner
Ok here is my dinner from last night. I had much better results than the last dinner I posted about!
Here's where it all began....grilled chicken.
Then topped with some Montery Jack cheese and sauteed mushrooms, side with new potatos and a green salad. Yum!
Here's where it all began....grilled chicken.
Then topped with some Montery Jack cheese and sauteed mushrooms, side with new potatos and a green salad. Yum!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Dinner was a flop
So last night's dinner was a flop. I tried to use up some things I had in the fridge and I ran across a recipe - well not really a recipe more like basic instructions for a quick dinner idea. I had the meatballs (the premade ones from the freezer) and crescent rolls, and some marinara sauce which were all that was required.
Basically I wrapped up the meatballs in the crescents and made a little "roll". Baked it according to the roll instructions and then served it with the marinara to dip it into. They weren't the most horrible things on the planet, but they were flavorless, boring and even my son didn't care for them. He's a human garbage disposal so that was a shocker. And grandpa didn't want any seconds - which is a surefire way to know if what I cooked was decent or not.
So that recipe will definitely be scratched off the list of "easy things to make for dinner" unless I can come up with a way to make them better tasting. Any thoughts on how to make it better tasting? I thought about stuffing some cheese in them too, but figured that would end up being super messy to try and do.
Basically I wrapped up the meatballs in the crescents and made a little "roll". Baked it according to the roll instructions and then served it with the marinara to dip it into. They weren't the most horrible things on the planet, but they were flavorless, boring and even my son didn't care for them. He's a human garbage disposal so that was a shocker. And grandpa didn't want any seconds - which is a surefire way to know if what I cooked was decent or not.
So that recipe will definitely be scratched off the list of "easy things to make for dinner" unless I can come up with a way to make them better tasting. Any thoughts on how to make it better tasting? I thought about stuffing some cheese in them too, but figured that would end up being super messy to try and do.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Samples
First I want to warn you. If something looks too good to be true it probably is, so you have to be careful before starting your search for free stuff. A lot of sites will state they give away free stuff (they are usually high dollar/full size products), but they have sponsor requirements that have to be fulfilled before you get the free things.
If you want to do that type of thing I suggest you peruse my friend Brenna’s website for some details about doing that type of thing. NaturallyFrugalMomma She does a really good job at explaining how to do this type of thing and just scored a $500.00 gift card from IKEA.
My other recommendation before starting is to set up a “junk” email account. Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Hotmail whatever you like best works fine. You will use this email account only when you are filling out forms for the free items so you don’t get inundated with spam. Also I rarely use my real birthday. I have chosen a special day that I use for this. I don’t know why I’m uncomfortable posting my real birthday, but I just am. And make up a new password that you us only for this type of thing too. That way you can remember it easy and it doesn’t give away your password for other more important places (like bank accounts, etc.) in case the information is compromised for some reason.
After all that, the sites I visit most often are:
Wal*Mart
Kraft First Taste
http://www.nojunkfree.com/
Start Sampling please use "amazeofgrace" as you referrer when you sign up!
Slick Deals
Fat Wallet
FreeFlys (sign up then close the window to ignore all the referring stuff, go into the email they send you and you can skip all the referral sites)
Other ways to get freebies are:
Check out product websites directly for freebies and coupons/deals. Sometimes you have to sign up for their newsletters etc, but it is worth it. Dove, Oil of Olay, Tide etc are always giving away free samples of their products. A good one is Proctor and Gamble…they send out free stuff through their newsletter often.
As always use SWAGBUCKS to search for free samples or free stuff while earning money that can be redeemed for awesome stuff. I LOVE this website and recommend everyone sign up!
Here are a few samples I came across on the internet today while writing this up.
Free MaryKay Sample
SoftSheen Hair Products
Tide
Splenda
FlixSticks
Playtex Sport
Always remember though the items you get are usually just samples…so don’t expect huge bottles of products for your time. I’ll tell you though I have used the samples when traveling and for an emergency kit in my car that have really saved me some money. Plus I have found some great products that I now use on a regular basis.
Things I'm working on...
I've been busy around the home and haven't posted much recently, but I've been working on some things that I think you might like. I hope to have some really cool things coming here shortly, here is a teaser of some of the things I'm working on.
1. Give-a-ways. I have a few things in the works so stay tuned.
2. Some product reviews. You know you want the info!
3. More content. Yes I am working hard at trying to do this on a more regular basis. Of course as you all know life sometimes gets in the way of the best laid plans but I will do my best.
1. Give-a-ways. I have a few things in the works so stay tuned.
2. Some product reviews. You know you want the info!
3. More content. Yes I am working hard at trying to do this on a more regular basis. Of course as you all know life sometimes gets in the way of the best laid plans but I will do my best.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Sample Mania
Ok, I haven't finished my spring cleaning yet - life and kids get in the way all the time. Which is no wonder my blog is titled the way it is. Anyway no pictures yet of the finished product.
Part of my issue is that I need to come up with some creative storage solutions for a couple problem areas. I live in my grandparent's basement at the moment and storage is hard to find. One problem is I have lots of samples. I use them for travel, in the car and such, but until I need them they fill up a box in my bedroom. They really are valuable so I don't want to just trash all of them, but I have to find a way to corral them at least. I will be getting rid of a few though, there's some stuff that I won't ever use, so Flylady would want me to get rid of it!
I'm working on my menu for next week. I think tonight will be a crockpot meal, since we have track and football practice. I'm going to head over to either Hillbilly Housewife and Kraft to come up with some ideas.
Part of my issue is that I need to come up with some creative storage solutions for a couple problem areas. I live in my grandparent's basement at the moment and storage is hard to find. One problem is I have lots of samples. I use them for travel, in the car and such, but until I need them they fill up a box in my bedroom. They really are valuable so I don't want to just trash all of them, but I have to find a way to corral them at least. I will be getting rid of a few though, there's some stuff that I won't ever use, so Flylady would want me to get rid of it!
I'm working on my menu for next week. I think tonight will be a crockpot meal, since we have track and football practice. I'm going to head over to either Hillbilly Housewife and Kraft to come up with some ideas.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Spring Cleaning for Clothing Article
Decluttering your clothes is as easy as 1 2 3
By Marcia Francois
Wherever you are in the world, the seasons change every three to six months and it's either warming up or cooling down. Whatever your situation, take the time to sort out your wardrobe.
Pareto's Principle states that 20% of your efforts result in 80% of your results.
Did you know that this principle also applies to your wardrobe? That's right - you only wear 20% of your clothes 80% of the time.
The aim of your wardrobe is to have clothes you love, that look good on you and that flatter your body shape.
I've been reading up a lot on clothes websites and blogs and I gathered some tips for everybody:
* If you wore the fashion the first time around, you shouldn't be wearing it this time.
* Even if it still fits you, the styles and colours will have changed.
* Pleated and tapered pants are out for all body shapes. Aren't you glad?!
Now let's get busy purging and organising your clothes.
1. Put on some upbeat music and call a friend or professional organiser to help you.
2. Set aside an afternoon and remove everything from your wardrobe.
3. Make 3 piles:
* Clothes you don't love, don't suit your lifestyle or don't look good on you
* Clothes you love and that fit you properly
* Clothes that you're not sure about, for whatever reason
4. Action the piles
* Donate or throw out
* Organise in your wardrobe or on your shelves according to your personal preferences - by colour, style (smart, casual, etc), or season/ sleeve length, etc.
* Move to another place in the house or to a storage container. Diarise a to look at again date (I think of this as a pending file for your clothes).
When you look at this pile again, fit everything on. You will then be able to look at the clothes unemotionally and decide whether they deserve to take up space in your wardrobe (you want to keep them) or whether they need to be donated.
Rather have half the amount of clothes and be able to wear everything than a full-to-overflowing wardrobe where you can only wear some items.
Marcia Francois is a time management and organising coach who empowers small business owners and other busy professionals who want to make the most of their time. You'll get simple, practical organising and time management secrets to help you work less and enjoy life more! Visit http://takechargesolutions.org for your free Organising Success Pack.
By Marcia Francois
Wherever you are in the world, the seasons change every three to six months and it's either warming up or cooling down. Whatever your situation, take the time to sort out your wardrobe.
Pareto's Principle states that 20% of your efforts result in 80% of your results.
Did you know that this principle also applies to your wardrobe? That's right - you only wear 20% of your clothes 80% of the time.
The aim of your wardrobe is to have clothes you love, that look good on you and that flatter your body shape.
I've been reading up a lot on clothes websites and blogs and I gathered some tips for everybody:
* If you wore the fashion the first time around, you shouldn't be wearing it this time.
* Even if it still fits you, the styles and colours will have changed.
* Pleated and tapered pants are out for all body shapes. Aren't you glad?!
Now let's get busy purging and organising your clothes.
1. Put on some upbeat music and call a friend or professional organiser to help you.
2. Set aside an afternoon and remove everything from your wardrobe.
3. Make 3 piles:
* Clothes you don't love, don't suit your lifestyle or don't look good on you
* Clothes you love and that fit you properly
* Clothes that you're not sure about, for whatever reason
4. Action the piles
* Donate or throw out
* Organise in your wardrobe or on your shelves according to your personal preferences - by colour, style (smart, casual, etc), or season/ sleeve length, etc.
* Move to another place in the house or to a storage container. Diarise a to look at again date (I think of this as a pending file for your clothes).
When you look at this pile again, fit everything on. You will then be able to look at the clothes unemotionally and decide whether they deserve to take up space in your wardrobe (you want to keep them) or whether they need to be donated.
Rather have half the amount of clothes and be able to wear everything than a full-to-overflowing wardrobe where you can only wear some items.
Marcia Francois is a time management and organising coach who empowers small business owners and other busy professionals who want to make the most of their time. You'll get simple, practical organising and time management secrets to help you work less and enjoy life more! Visit http://takechargesolutions.org for your free Organising Success Pack.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Frozen Burritos
I've been asked a couple times how I cook the burritos after I freeze them. See Mass Cooking Day
If I have time/remember ahead of time I pull out a bag the night before and then microwave them for about a minute. I have a real strong microwave so it might take a bit longer in other microwaves.) If I forget I usually defrost them (50%power for 2 minutes) then do the minute on high power. I only cook one at a time so they cook more evenly. If you cook them much longer the ends can become a bit tough.
I'm just about set to do another batch though. I'm down to my last bag. They have been quite a hit with my grandpa, so I need to make some more.
If I have time/remember ahead of time I pull out a bag the night before and then microwave them for about a minute. I have a real strong microwave so it might take a bit longer in other microwaves.) If I forget I usually defrost them (50%power for 2 minutes) then do the minute on high power. I only cook one at a time so they cook more evenly. If you cook them much longer the ends can become a bit tough.
I'm just about set to do another batch though. I'm down to my last bag. They have been quite a hit with my grandpa, so I need to make some more.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Spring Cleaning Sunday
I think I'm going to use the lists I posted earlier and do a couple of rooms tomorrow. I usually use the "Flylady" style of cleaning (you can do anything for 15 minutes she says). So I'm getting my timer out and going to plug away tomorrow.
Anyone want to join me? I'm going to start in the bedroom and the bathroom.
I'll hopefully remember to post pictures when I'm done.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Spring ....or is it?
It has been so cold here recently you wouldn't even realize it was spring. I think our area's fruit crop is going to be pretty bad this year due to the cold. I just want a nice warm day so I can throw open the windows and get some fresh air in the house. Because nothing feels better than a light spring breeze blowing through the window. It clears out all they yucky winter feeling and just makes things feel fresher.
That always gets me in the mood for spring cleaning. But WAIT, I don't like spring cleaning! Ok, well I suppose that's not entirely true, but I dread the fight I get to have with my kids about what jobs they get to do or what clothes they need to get rid of or throw away because they are just too small or worn.
But I'll do it anyway. My favorite spring cleaning tool came from here. The printables are pretty enough to hang on the fridge or wall, and are detailed enough to cover pretty much any task that spring cleaning should cover.
So hopefully in a week or two things will warm up and I can get in the mood for spring. And if you have any ideas about sorting winter to summer clothes let me know or any other spring cleaning tips you'd like to share. I can always use the help!
That always gets me in the mood for spring cleaning. But WAIT, I don't like spring cleaning! Ok, well I suppose that's not entirely true, but I dread the fight I get to have with my kids about what jobs they get to do or what clothes they need to get rid of or throw away because they are just too small or worn.
But I'll do it anyway. My favorite spring cleaning tool came from here. The printables are pretty enough to hang on the fridge or wall, and are detailed enough to cover pretty much any task that spring cleaning should cover.
So hopefully in a week or two things will warm up and I can get in the mood for spring. And if you have any ideas about sorting winter to summer clothes let me know or any other spring cleaning tips you'd like to share. I can always use the help!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Free Meal
One way I stretch our meal budget out is immediately after cooking a meal, and before it even gets near the table (or the kids will instantly suck it in like a vortex) is to put a portion in a Ziploc container, freezer bag or other freezer safe container and put it in the freezer.
Later on I use these meals are used in a variety of ways.
1. Frozen lunch, grandpa and I use these instead of the ones from the freezer section of the store that are bad for you anyway. I've noticed that it's much easier to get the kids and Grandpa to eat leftovers a week or two later that it is the very next day.
2. Sometimes I pull out a couple and have a "pot luck" style dinner where people can choose a bit of this and a bit of that for dinner, add some veggies or a salad and we have a meal in a hurry on a busy night.
3. Soups, I throw into the crock pot, and heat it on low all day for a hot meal that is ready when we get home. Or just heat it up in the microwave when I forget to put it in the crock pot in the morning!
None of these cost me anything additional in time or money since I already made the dinner, plus it leaves a bit less on the dinner table to curb the helpings of seconds and occasionally thirds - which also helps the waist line in the long run also not only the pocketbook!
Later on I use these meals are used in a variety of ways.
1. Frozen lunch, grandpa and I use these instead of the ones from the freezer section of the store that are bad for you anyway. I've noticed that it's much easier to get the kids and Grandpa to eat leftovers a week or two later that it is the very next day.
2. Sometimes I pull out a couple and have a "pot luck" style dinner where people can choose a bit of this and a bit of that for dinner, add some veggies or a salad and we have a meal in a hurry on a busy night.
3. Soups, I throw into the crock pot, and heat it on low all day for a hot meal that is ready when we get home. Or just heat it up in the microwave when I forget to put it in the crock pot in the morning!
None of these cost me anything additional in time or money since I already made the dinner, plus it leaves a bit less on the dinner table to curb the helpings of seconds and occasionally thirds - which also helps the waist line in the long run also not only the pocketbook!
Vacation from my vacation
So we are just now recovering from our vacation trip...most of the clothes washed and put away, suit cases ready to be stored and personal care items back in their storage areas.
But I'm way behind on menu planning and so that's been just flying by the seat of my pants these last few days. Luckily enough I've had some extras in the freezer that we have been able to heat up and eat in a hurry.
But I'm way behind on menu planning and so that's been just flying by the seat of my pants these last few days. Luckily enough I've had some extras in the freezer that we have been able to heat up and eat in a hurry.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Menu Plan Monday
Menu Plan Monday
A bit late tonight but done:
Monday
Sloppy Joes
Salad
Tuesday
Crockpot Vegetable soup
Homemade rolls and butter
Wednesday
Cheesy Beef Spirals
Garlic bread
Salad
Thursday
Crockpot Porkchops (from a Fix-it and Forget-it cookbook)
Mashed Potatoes
Salad
Friday
Orange Roughey (baked)
Salad
Corn
Saturday
Tacos
Cheesy Mexican Rice
Sunday
Will have to come up with later - it's the only day "off" I have this week.
Simple Vacation Tips
Somethings I did during my vacation that I thought would be helpful:
- Snag all those free shampoo/lotions they give you at all the hotels since they're rarely a type that I like so I dump them out (or use them to replace shaving cream) and then I refill them with my own products. Saved me ton's of money on "travel sizes". Also refill them immediately when you get home from your trip and place them all in a ziploc bag and into your overnight bag. This way you always have a ready "overnight" bag, and you don't have to remember what you need to pack the next time.
- Definitely use a ziplog bag - just in case things spill. I will usually put like uses in smaller ziplocs and then place them all into a larger one in my suitcase. Double coverage that way, plus it's easy to pull out the shower items when you are ready to shower, etc.
- Call ahead and make sure the pool is open at the place you are visiting. There is nothing worse than disappointed kids because the pool isn't open. You know that is the one thing they look forward to the most.
- For longer trips I usually pack 2 or 3 garbage bags for dirty clothes. I separate colors into the different bags before they are put back in the suitcase so that when I get home and I'm exhausted it is easier to just dump a bag in the washer and not have to worry about sorting them out. Plus this way it is easier to keep track of what is dirty or clean in your suitcase and eliminate washing the clean stuff too.
- Snag all those free shampoo/lotions they give you at all the hotels since they're rarely a type that I like so I dump them out (or use them to replace shaving cream) and then I refill them with my own products. Saved me ton's of money on "travel sizes". Also refill them immediately when you get home from your trip and place them all in a ziploc bag and into your overnight bag. This way you always have a ready "overnight" bag, and you don't have to remember what you need to pack the next time.
- Definitely use a ziplog bag - just in case things spill. I will usually put like uses in smaller ziplocs and then place them all into a larger one in my suitcase. Double coverage that way, plus it's easy to pull out the shower items when you are ready to shower, etc.
- Call ahead and make sure the pool is open at the place you are visiting. There is nothing worse than disappointed kids because the pool isn't open. You know that is the one thing they look forward to the most.
- For longer trips I usually pack 2 or 3 garbage bags for dirty clothes. I separate colors into the different bags before they are put back in the suitcase so that when I get home and I'm exhausted it is easier to just dump a bag in the washer and not have to worry about sorting them out. Plus this way it is easier to keep track of what is dirty or clean in your suitcase and eliminate washing the clean stuff too.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Mass cooking day
I now have 24 breakfast burritos getting freezer burn in my freezer. I spent all last weekend cooking potatoes, sausage, eggs, peppers and onions and putting them all together with cheese into tortillas.
The are the best though for a quick, avoid the drive-thru type breakfast though. Just over a minute in the microwave and I have nice warm portable breakfast.
Today I will be making my homemade Bisquick mix since I didn't realize how long it would take me to make so many burritos.
I have a blanket to make for a baby due in about a month too so I need to get on that as well. I'm leaving for Vegas on Monday also so things are crazy at the moment.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sick day!
Ok, I took a sick day today. YES I am truly sick! I've got a bit of a head cold. That sniffles, sneezes, sore throat and a massive headache kind of cold.
But I just can't stay away from the computer. It calls me, drags me in and holds tight. I have lots of things I could be doing...cleaning, resting, cooking. But no, I find myself drawn here to this silly thing. I think it is magnetized some how to the DNA in my body.
Anyway I need to be planning for my freezer cooking day on Saturday. I am going to make a whole bunch of breakfast burritos to put in the freezer for those days I just don't have time for breakfast, plus it will save me from stopping at Bocaza in the morning too! I'm also planning on making a large batch of my homemade "Bisquick" mix as well.
I'll post pictures and recipes when I'm done.
But I just can't stay away from the computer. It calls me, drags me in and holds tight. I have lots of things I could be doing...cleaning, resting, cooking. But no, I find myself drawn here to this silly thing. I think it is magnetized some how to the DNA in my body.
Anyway I need to be planning for my freezer cooking day on Saturday. I am going to make a whole bunch of breakfast burritos to put in the freezer for those days I just don't have time for breakfast, plus it will save me from stopping at Bocaza in the morning too! I'm also planning on making a large batch of my homemade "Bisquick" mix as well.
I'll post pictures and recipes when I'm done.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
To Do list
List of to do's for the weekend:
1. Make menus for the next week
2. Shop for items for the weeks
3.Prepare for our mass cooking day coming next Saturday.
4. Clean Clutter and Chaos' rooms.
5.Laundry
6.Nephew's Bday party
The others will have to wait for Sunday I suppose
1. Make menus for the next week
2. Shop for items for the weeks
3.
4. Clean Clutter and Chaos' rooms.
5.
6.
The others will have to wait for Sunday I suppose
Friday, February 20, 2009
Duggars Tater Tot Casserole
(modified for our family size!)
1 lb ground turkey cooked, seasoned, drained
1 bag tater tots
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can evaporated milk
1 can cream of chicken
cheese (optional)
Brown meat & place in large casserole dish.
Cover with tater tots. Mix soup & milk together.
Pour over top. Bake at 350 for 1 Hour.
(I like to sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top for the last 10-15 minutes or so)
Makes 1 - 9”X 13” pan
1 lb ground turkey cooked, seasoned, drained
1 bag tater tots
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can evaporated milk
1 can cream of chicken
cheese (optional)
Brown meat & place in large casserole dish.
Cover with tater tots. Mix soup & milk together.
Pour over top. Bake at 350 for 1 Hour.
(I like to sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top for the last 10-15 minutes or so)
Makes 1 - 9”X 13” pan
So since I spent all afternoon getting this silly thing set up I got nothing done at the house! *Sigh*
And I wonder where they get it from...
Anyway I need to go figure out what's for dinner tonight. We are off to a city rival basketball game tonight and I have to feed Grandpa before I leave.
List of to do's for the weekend:
1. Make menus for the next week
2. Shop for items for the weeks
3. Prepare for our mass cooking day coming next Saturday.
4. Clean Clutter and Chaos' rooms.
5. Laundry
6. Nephew's Bday party
Eek.
And I wonder where they get it from...
Anyway I need to go figure out what's for dinner tonight. We are off to a city rival basketball game tonight and I have to feed Grandpa before I leave.
List of to do's for the weekend:
1. Make menus for the next week
2. Shop for items for the weeks
3. Prepare for our mass cooking day coming next Saturday.
4. Clean Clutter and Chaos' rooms.
5. Laundry
6. Nephew's Bday party
Eek.
Welcome to my world
Hello, and welcome!
My little world consists of myself, Clutter (my daughter) and Chaos (my son) . This is a world of frustrated perfectionism, organized chaos and occasional burnt dinners.
I hope you enjoy your visit to my world and visit often.
Let me know if there is anything you are looking for tips, recipes etc that I can help find or give ideas about.
My little world consists of myself, Clutter (my daughter) and Chaos (my son) . This is a world of frustrated perfectionism, organized chaos and occasional burnt dinners.
I hope you enjoy your visit to my world and visit often.
Let me know if there is anything you are looking for tips, recipes etc that I can help find or give ideas about.
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