Those Angry Birds

Okay...so seriously..what is the obsession with Angry Birds.  I ask this because I myself seem to waste time away by flinging those silly little birds trying to destroy those little green pig like things.  Over and over again I catapulting those birds away instead of doing something meaningful or useful.  And let's not forget the bird plushies that are now making their way into out local stores.  Angry Birds are everywhere. 

Have a great Sunday all...off to go get E and A ready for church...wish me luck.

readmore »»

Another Try

Let's try this again.  A few things have changed that will let me have more computer time on a regular basis.  Very happy about that as well as some other changes that have or getting ready to take place that will destress my life big time.  Restoring some peace to this household.    All I can say, it's been a crazy last 4 months..I can't even believe the summer is at an end.  I had a lot of high hopes for this summer, but I guess there is always next.  Have I mentioned that I REALLY dislike winter..yup can't stand it.  I would be perfectly happy to live someplace that didn't experience a real winter, no cold, no snow, no ice...perfect.

Shop news..Things have picked up.  I did get a few blankets and burp cloths listed  I also listed a few other things that I had been sitting on.  Who know baby food jars would be a huge seller, I've sold 64 so far with another 24 pre-ordered.  I am waiting on a response from a lady in Singapore that is interested in a crocheted baby blanket as well as waiting on the final details and completion of an order for 50 cloths.  All this with Christmas shopping just around the bend. 

At home, I have been working on a few projects.  I will post pictures of these as they are completed.

1. Spice jars...using of course...wait for it...baby food jars.  I ordered small chalkboard labels (pictured to the left) from this etsy shop  http://www.etsy.com/shop/LetsTalkChalk and have painted and modge podged the lids.  I haven't add the spices yet (been dragging my feet on that one) but I really can't wait to have it all done. 

2. A hair stuff/jewelry box for E...it's a 4 drawer chest that I am painting bright pink and each drawer will be a different color. I hope she will love it.

3. Getting rid of a lot of "convenience" type food and replace with homemade.  I will go more into this in future posts.  I will share my take of creating convenience mixes and such at home.  I picked up an eBook from The Hillbilly Housewife  http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/  that has tons of recipes for these items too.  Next post I will share more on this in the next post. 

I hope everyone has a great rest of the day.  Right now I have a sink full of dishes to wash, some chicken enchiladas to make, and sheets to hang on the line. Hope to talk to you all soon.

readmore »»

Hello Again

Does anyone remember that movie?  I use to love it...in fact I think I might have it in my box of VHS's buried somewhere in the dungeon (aka the basement). 

So, I'm back for a quick hello.  I don't have a lot of computer time right now.  We only have 1 laptop and DH is starting his second book, so my computer time equal a couple quick stolen moments or when he isn't home. 

It's been an amazing last month or two.  God has been raining down blessings upon blessing on us, which has been wonderful.  Although, he has always provided for us, it's been wonderful to not have to worry about where things are going to come from and when they are going to show up.  One off the wall thing, was a serger was purchased for me.  It's been at least a month now and I'm still extremely excited about this.  I will be offering receiving blankets (some with crocheted edges, some without), burp cloths, baby wash cloths, "un" paper towels, and who knows what else. 

So....I tried to add pictures...and it didn't work.....grrrrrr   I will have to get into this and figure out how to upload pictures for you all, but not today.

Anyways...some sales of interest this week.  Aldi has salad mix for .69, mushrooms for .49 (I picked up a bunch of these to slice and freeze), cucumbers for .29 and I think cherry tomatoes for .69. 

That's all I've got for you today.  Well that's not true...I was going to post a favorite throw together meal of mine but....since I can't get the pictures to work..it will wait.  I was a good girl and took pictures last night (although I didn't make it very well, it still looked pretty...lol).

Hope you all have a blessed day, night..week...

readmore »»

Just Another Manic Monday

Okay, so maybe it's not a manic Monday.  Actually it's a very laid back relaxing Monday.  Seems like I've spent the past month go go going.  Not fun.  I long to spend more time at home but it seems there is always something calling me out. Anyways...off of that subject.  It's been a fairly productive morning...sitting here now with A on my chest sleeping and E playing with my hair.  I have also managed to clean the bathroom so far. Oh oh oh...I found the best cleaning product.  Kaboom...AMAZING...it does exactly what the commerical says...I am in love.  I have been trying to switch over to more natural cleaners...but wow...seriously...you can't beat this stuff.  Spray it on, a couple minutes wipe it off and you have a super clean tub.  Yup..love it. 

Speaking of cleaning...do you have any tips for cleaning more naturally?  I have been using vinegar and water for everything (except the bathtub..lol) with a little essential oil in it.  It works great but the smell can still get to be a bit much when I go on an all day cleaning rampage. 

My menu for this week has gotten all messed up so I will post that later in the week.  Also...I know right off the top of my head that you can get super cheap Peter Pan peanut butter this week.  It's $1.67 and there is a .50/1 coupon that can be printed.  Also there is a Meijer Mealbox for $1.00/3.  We go through peanut butter like crazy so it's good to be able to stock up at less than $1.00 each.

Well all...have a great day.  Stay safe.  Now..I think I might run off and make some Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies.

readmore »»

A Sunny Tuesday or maybe The Quest for Shoes

Good Morning everyone.  It looks to be a sunny Tuesday out, which is such an improvement over yesterday.  I know rain is essential..but yuck.  I was crazy enough to venture out yesterday as well.  Not quite sure what I was thinking.  I went searching for shoes, which for some reason for me is never an easy task.  Like most woman, I really do love shoes, but my need to be practical always wins out.  Do I really need those super cute little healed ankle boots?  No matter how cute they are..not really, especially since I rarely dive into the world of heels anymore.  I really do miss them...I love heels..but again..not practical in my jeans and t-shirts mommy world. The only time I get out of that mode is for church on Sunday..then it's jeans and a nice shirt, and even then heels aren't practical when the occasional need to chase a 3 year old comes into play. I did find an really cute pair of black and gray plaid but they don't fit at all...so back to the store they go, and the quest continues.   

So, as promised, the menu for this week...I will start with this past Sunday
 Sunday - Breakfast sandwiches on homemade English Muffins
 Monday - Skipped...E had her first birthday party to go to
 Tuesday - Garlic Chicken and Noodle
 Wednesday - Steak Stir Fry
 Thursday - Chicken Cor'Don Blue and Baked Potato (Aldi has them for .99 each which to me is a good price, definitely cheaper than I can make them)
 Friday - Hot Dogs and Mac and Cheese
 Saturday - Taco's

I also had Baked Potato Soup on the menu...but I think that one will get thrown out this week. 

So..that's it for today.  I haven't even started  to work on a grocery/coupon list for this week...I will try to post later in the week when I get it together. 

 Enjoy the sunshine while it's here. 

readmore »»

I'm Back....I think???

Yup...that says it..I'm back...I think..maybe????  In case you haven't noticed I've changed the name of the blog and we are going to go in a whole other direction.  How about instead of my shop (which is set on vacation indefinitely at this point), we talk for real?  I will share life things...from our monthly dinner plans, shopping lists, recipes, E's crazy antics, A's sweet nature, my crazy ideas and everything in between. 

So, where have I been this past year?  It's been a ride that is for sure.  We started working full time ministry, we got pregnant and had baby A (who is almost 3 months now) and I guess a bunch of other stuff in between. 

At this moment I am cherishing the precious few moments of quiet I have everyday.  Everyone is sleeping...well except A who is multi-tasking eating and sleeping.  I'm looking at my pile of work on the other couch calling my name...April's menu, so recipes, recipe book, and magazines are scattered all over while I strive to achieve the balance of new recipes, old favorites and of course the tolerated. On the menu for tonight? Pizza Empanadas. 



Yup..that totally is not my picture, grabbed it from a recipe, but hey...it sure looks yummy right?

So...I think I'm going to get back with my menu planning.  I will share what I come up with later in the week (hopefully).

readmore »»