I have a friend that is planning a tropical vacation soon, and would like to sport a golden bronze hue along with her suit. We were giggling because, this being the pacific North West, we are more likely to mold than tan, so she bought an unlimited tanning package at a local salon. I casually asked her if she had heard about the girl that baked her guts before the prom the very same way. (who hasn't heard this--and where, may I ask, does this crap come from??) I couldn't remember if it was true or not, but it seems doubtful, even though I am pretty afraid of the sun and it's damaging UV rays, so we decided that I needed to "research" it on snopes. Now if you haven't heard about snopes, it probably means you haven't sent me any ridiculous emails that you got directly from Bill Gates or the Gap promising you money or who knows what other forms of untold wealth....if you did, (and some of you have) then I most likely sent you a link to the snopes site, along with direct instructions to never forward this type of garbage again--I have kind of strong feelings about it. This website is so cool, I have spent hours there looking through urban legends, email hoaxes, and just, well, gossip. It gets addicting: do those Disney movies really have naughty things written in the clouds and dust poofs and things? Are microwaves going to bake your brain? Do people really find hypodermic needles in the pumps at the gas stations? Is that cell phone tower going to make my babies rabid? You know--the stuff you wonder about anyway. I have saved myself from many a heart attack by heading straight to snopes to check stuff out, and let me also concede this--lots of things are true that I thought were just a load...Scary stuff some of it, but always the information is good to know, kids really die from drinking hand sanitizer, huffing canned air and drugs that look and taste the the candy "Nerds". Without further ado--the website is www.snopes.com you can bookmark it for yourself and do some "investigation" of your own.
Just in case you're paying attention, the tanning bed/roaster oven story is completely false, there have been a couple of tanning bed related deaths, but no one was baked, one got freakish burns (due to some medication she had been taking) and another got skin cancer from her frequent visits (imagine that!?!)--nothing as exciting as cooked organs or smoke shooting out of someones ear-holes, I have to admit I am a little disappointed, life is rarely as exciting as movies/books/urban legends would lead us to believe. My friend will be glad to hear I won't bug her about baking her guts, although I'm sure she will be expecting me to sniff the air and ask her if she's barbecuing when I see her next--she wouldn't really know me at all if she didn't.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
getting cultured
I did great last week with my budget and even came in under my 1/2 previous budget budget-wow! This week I'm worried, I had to get gas. It has usually cost about $70 to fill up my car (it is huge and has a taste for premium gas--gulp) I decided that I wasn't going on any road trips and since my budget is by the week, I wasn't going to fill up, so I put in $40 and it got me about 10 gallons (argh). Next on the list was groceries for the week.
I had to forage in the freezer, but I found some seitan (wheat meat sub), shrimps, "meat"balls and fish sticks. I decided to plan around these items to save money, so here are the menus I came up with for the week: Fish stick tacos, seitan lo mein (this is so tasty!), lemony lentil spinach stew, sneaky broccoli soup, veggie pancakes, stir fried shrimp with cabbage, red peppers and black beans, and the standbys of spaghetti (how have I been neglecting this family fave for so long??) and chili fries (or tots). I also wanted veggie dogs for mom's day, so that was on the list too. I decided that Wal-mart was too far away to drive to actually save me any money, so I opted for Fred Meyer (which is my new favorite place because they have FREE playland for the kiddos-woohoo!). I was a little nervous because Freddy's prices are quite a bit higher than Wal-Mart, but lower than Wild-Oats, which, along with Trader Joes are the usual places I get my groceries. I get a little frustrated sometimes because we have a special diet and I can't find all of the foods we eat at one place, so I have to go to 3 different places (and order from the co-op, this also got cut this month-boo) to get everything we need. Today at Fred Meyers, they actually had most of the specialty items that we frequently use, so I felt renewed hope. I had a few items on the list that were budget breakers--these are the things that make me uneasy, I could totally do this budget thing if it weren't for the incidentals: medicine, laundry stuff, car maintenance, hygene items etc...you know, stuff you need, but it costs a bundle, and I was fearing it would do me in--I want to win every week, I'm a little freakish about losing (don't tell). Long story short--I ROCK!! My total today for food and stuff was $66.65, and this included organic produce, eco friendly fabric softener, soy ice cream and cough medicine for the baby-I even impressed myself. One new thing we're trying is making our own soy yougurt--the kids love it and it's a healthy snack--although kind of a deal breaker at $1 a pop. I found a recipe on a website I just found (last week) http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/ I got vanilla ingredients and we're going to try home made vanilla soy yogurt--I'll let you know if it turns out. I have tried yogurt making in the past with less than stellar results, although it was dairy yogurt and the gal says this usually turns out better. (just a note, I poured my un-successful yogurt down the drain last time and when we had the septic pumped they were really impressed with our healthy amount of bacteria, I'm pretty sure it survived the trip and took over our septic system). All in all it was a successful trip, I was less than impressed with the produce section though, the prices were high and the quality was not. This is my favorite part of the store, so I was disappointed, but I got over it since I got to browse by myself--the kid care thing has me hooked. They also have a pretty good health food section that includes bulk bins-you can hardly find bulk bins anymore-and I love them. If a store stocks vital wheat gluten and nutritional yeast-I am all over it, so Fred, you passed, and you even set the curve--Wal-Mart, not sure I'll be back........until next time
I had to forage in the freezer, but I found some seitan (wheat meat sub), shrimps, "meat"balls and fish sticks. I decided to plan around these items to save money, so here are the menus I came up with for the week: Fish stick tacos, seitan lo mein (this is so tasty!), lemony lentil spinach stew, sneaky broccoli soup, veggie pancakes, stir fried shrimp with cabbage, red peppers and black beans, and the standbys of spaghetti (how have I been neglecting this family fave for so long??) and chili fries (or tots). I also wanted veggie dogs for mom's day, so that was on the list too. I decided that Wal-mart was too far away to drive to actually save me any money, so I opted for Fred Meyer (which is my new favorite place because they have FREE playland for the kiddos-woohoo!). I was a little nervous because Freddy's prices are quite a bit higher than Wal-Mart, but lower than Wild-Oats, which, along with Trader Joes are the usual places I get my groceries. I get a little frustrated sometimes because we have a special diet and I can't find all of the foods we eat at one place, so I have to go to 3 different places (and order from the co-op, this also got cut this month-boo) to get everything we need. Today at Fred Meyers, they actually had most of the specialty items that we frequently use, so I felt renewed hope. I had a few items on the list that were budget breakers--these are the things that make me uneasy, I could totally do this budget thing if it weren't for the incidentals: medicine, laundry stuff, car maintenance, hygene items etc...you know, stuff you need, but it costs a bundle, and I was fearing it would do me in--I want to win every week, I'm a little freakish about losing (don't tell). Long story short--I ROCK!! My total today for food and stuff was $66.65, and this included organic produce, eco friendly fabric softener, soy ice cream and cough medicine for the baby-I even impressed myself. One new thing we're trying is making our own soy yougurt--the kids love it and it's a healthy snack--although kind of a deal breaker at $1 a pop. I found a recipe on a website I just found (last week) http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/ I got vanilla ingredients and we're going to try home made vanilla soy yogurt--I'll let you know if it turns out. I have tried yogurt making in the past with less than stellar results, although it was dairy yogurt and the gal says this usually turns out better. (just a note, I poured my un-successful yogurt down the drain last time and when we had the septic pumped they were really impressed with our healthy amount of bacteria, I'm pretty sure it survived the trip and took over our septic system). All in all it was a successful trip, I was less than impressed with the produce section though, the prices were high and the quality was not. This is my favorite part of the store, so I was disappointed, but I got over it since I got to browse by myself--the kid care thing has me hooked. They also have a pretty good health food section that includes bulk bins-you can hardly find bulk bins anymore-and I love them. If a store stocks vital wheat gluten and nutritional yeast-I am all over it, so Fred, you passed, and you even set the curve--Wal-Mart, not sure I'll be back........until next time
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
viva Mexico!
we LOVE Mexico, the food, the people, the atmosphere, the food, the drinks, well that about covers it, we love it all, especially every bit of it. Yesterday was the 5th of May, no big deal around here (unless you need a reason to celebrate-which of course we always do!) so we got all international and turned it into cinco de Mayo. (this is not an original idea, they actually have the 5th of May in Mexico every year and it is also called cinco de Mayo, however, not a huge holiday there as we like to think it is, mostly Americans just like to drink coronas and tequila and think they are all diversified--which by the way I think is great, so we participate) The budget for the week has been going really well (a little surprising actually) and I had a few pesos left so I bought a box of tecate (cheap Mexican beer--this is the authentic way to celebrate-real Mexicans don't really drink corona, they just triple the price and sell it to Americans--actually in Mexico we like to drink XX or modelo--but hey, this is a tight budget remember) and made taco soup and tortillas and we had a feast.
(sorry for all of the run on sentences-it's just that I get all excited when I talk about Mexico, and I can't help it)
My parents are actually in Mexico, and have been there for some time now, I'm trying not to get nervous that they won't come back. I think they are due back tomorrow, so I'll let you know if they show up, or if I have been left an orphan (not that I could blame them, but still). next issue:
We had a big day yesterday, on the 4th of May, Maggie wasn't potty trained, but yesterday, on cinco de Mayo, she was. Dry diaper all day, even pooped in the potty (I KNOW!!!!) I'm thinking it might be a magical day--there was enough money for beer, and I didn't have to change any diapers........she was even dry last night and woke up dry and is still dry this second. This is a big deal because we've been working on this for quite some time. Her game has been to ignore me, play with me, do what she wants anyway, pretend she doesn't get it, make a mess, sit on the potty for 40 minutes and play and then pull up her dipe and pee in it-you know, pretty typical stuff I think, but very tiresome for mama. And then--yesterday, that was that. Could this be for real do you think--is it crazy to hope? Her new game is to hop up there, toot and demand a chocolate egg (payment for deposit), she gets all irritated when I tell her it doesn't count--I'm tired.
Big birthday week for my family this week. I have a few friends with birthdays too, but it is both of my grandparents birthday--my sweet grandma is turning 80-WOW, she is one hot granny (I will absolutely get busted for referring to her as granny) I can't believe she is holding up so well, now that I think back on all of the shenanigans we put her through in our younger days, add that to raising my dad and his brother and I think she is possible a miracle herself. My grandpa is not far behind, and my little sister is turning 23 (I think). My family is headed down to California this weekend to celebrate together, and I am jealous. To celebrate without them, I am going to drink from the box of tecate and sprinkle grass seeds into dirt in a celebration of life ceremony--haha. Ok-really I just have to plant my lawn and am hoping there is a beer or 2 left, in case the sun is out and it is warm.
But is is mothers day and I have requested veggie dogs and tater tots, so I am excited to think I may get just what I ask for. A good rule of thumb is to keep it simple and cheap (dollar store choices are the best) and you can count on getting what you want. Today is the last day of my first week of the budget and I have stayed well within my goal, so this weekend I get (are you ready for this?) to pick the movie from the redbox, a foot massage, take out dinner, and a bubble bath-woohoo-I AM a princess! I can't wait for Friday.
and now, since you've been so patient--I give you:
Janina's taco soup (carnivore recipe)
1 onion chopped
3-4 carrots, chopped
4-5 celery ribs chopped
1 red bell pepper chopped
1 can of mild diced green chiles (not jalapenos)
4 cloves garlic pressed
1lb raw chicken breast cut into small pieces (OR NOT)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
3 cans of chicken broth (or veggie or water)
1 lg can diced tomatoes
1 can beans (I like black)
2 cans refried beans (or just one for a thinner soup)
top with your choice:
grated cheese
avocado
sliced olives
green onions
chopped cilantro
sour cream
get out your big pot, and put some olive oil in the bottom. Put the first 7 ingreds in there and cook it up for about 5 minutes or so. Dump in the seasonings (I sometimes sub taco seasoning-it is easier and comes out yummy) add the tomatoes, broth and beans. Simmer 1 hour (or whatever) you may have to squish it up with your potato masher if the beans are clumpy. Break up tortilla chips into your bowl and pour the soup over the top, and top it with your choice of above. (the important part is in bold-let's be honest, you could serve up a bowl of those and it would be great, so don't skip this part)
We LOVE LOVE LOVE this recipe, it was stolen from Sarah, and is a fave in all of the local kitchens-it is yummy and easy and cheap, and you can't screw it up-yay! Enjoy!
(sorry for all of the run on sentences-it's just that I get all excited when I talk about Mexico, and I can't help it)
My parents are actually in Mexico, and have been there for some time now, I'm trying not to get nervous that they won't come back. I think they are due back tomorrow, so I'll let you know if they show up, or if I have been left an orphan (not that I could blame them, but still). next issue:
We had a big day yesterday, on the 4th of May, Maggie wasn't potty trained, but yesterday, on cinco de Mayo, she was. Dry diaper all day, even pooped in the potty (I KNOW!!!!) I'm thinking it might be a magical day--there was enough money for beer, and I didn't have to change any diapers........she was even dry last night and woke up dry and is still dry this second. This is a big deal because we've been working on this for quite some time. Her game has been to ignore me, play with me, do what she wants anyway, pretend she doesn't get it, make a mess, sit on the potty for 40 minutes and play and then pull up her dipe and pee in it-you know, pretty typical stuff I think, but very tiresome for mama. And then--yesterday, that was that. Could this be for real do you think--is it crazy to hope? Her new game is to hop up there, toot and demand a chocolate egg (payment for deposit), she gets all irritated when I tell her it doesn't count--I'm tired.
Big birthday week for my family this week. I have a few friends with birthdays too, but it is both of my grandparents birthday--my sweet grandma is turning 80-WOW, she is one hot granny (I will absolutely get busted for referring to her as granny) I can't believe she is holding up so well, now that I think back on all of the shenanigans we put her through in our younger days, add that to raising my dad and his brother and I think she is possible a miracle herself. My grandpa is not far behind, and my little sister is turning 23 (I think). My family is headed down to California this weekend to celebrate together, and I am jealous. To celebrate without them, I am going to drink from the box of tecate and sprinkle grass seeds into dirt in a celebration of life ceremony--haha. Ok-really I just have to plant my lawn and am hoping there is a beer or 2 left, in case the sun is out and it is warm.
But is is mothers day and I have requested veggie dogs and tater tots, so I am excited to think I may get just what I ask for. A good rule of thumb is to keep it simple and cheap (dollar store choices are the best) and you can count on getting what you want. Today is the last day of my first week of the budget and I have stayed well within my goal, so this weekend I get (are you ready for this?) to pick the movie from the redbox, a foot massage, take out dinner, and a bubble bath-woohoo-I AM a princess! I can't wait for Friday.
and now, since you've been so patient--I give you:
Janina's taco soup (carnivore recipe)
1 onion chopped
3-4 carrots, chopped
4-5 celery ribs chopped
1 red bell pepper chopped
1 can of mild diced green chiles (not jalapenos)
4 cloves garlic pressed
1lb raw chicken breast cut into small pieces (OR NOT)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
3 cans of chicken broth (or veggie or water)
1 lg can diced tomatoes
1 can beans (I like black)
2 cans refried beans (or just one for a thinner soup)
top with your choice:
grated cheese
avocado
sliced olives
green onions
chopped cilantro
sour cream
get out your big pot, and put some olive oil in the bottom. Put the first 7 ingreds in there and cook it up for about 5 minutes or so. Dump in the seasonings (I sometimes sub taco seasoning-it is easier and comes out yummy) add the tomatoes, broth and beans. Simmer 1 hour (or whatever) you may have to squish it up with your potato masher if the beans are clumpy. Break up tortilla chips into your bowl and pour the soup over the top, and top it with your choice of above. (the important part is in bold-let's be honest, you could serve up a bowl of those and it would be great, so don't skip this part)
We LOVE LOVE LOVE this recipe, it was stolen from Sarah, and is a fave in all of the local kitchens-it is yummy and easy and cheap, and you can't screw it up-yay! Enjoy!
Friday, May 2, 2008
carbs are good
well, kind of. I am noticing that they are about the cheapest form of food, so this month, at least, they are my friend. Next month when I have my regular budget back and have to work off these extra soft bits, I might not think so. (next random issue--and quit laughing about the working out--it could totally happen--it could!)
I was talking to my sister today on the phone, this is new because I usually only talk to other moms, the conversations go like this..."how have you guys been; don't put mud in your sisters hair; yeah, us too, it is good to get outside; I said that stick is not a weapon, it is a magic wand; we are staying home this weekend, I'm so glad to have a few minutes to relax: STOP THAT RIGHT NOW!" this is completely normal to other moms, you figure that only about 1/4 to 1/3 of the things that are said are actually said to you, the rest is (well, let's just call it) parenting-haha. My sister is cute and young and kid-free and was completely lost during the whole conversation. At one point she laughed and said, "I bet you never get bored do you?" Ah-to be bored again, man, what a treat that would be. (give me a brief minute to imagine it-mmmm...almost as good as chocolate--but not quite because I can actually attain chocolate) We had a laugh and I had to admit that the one super things about kids is the constant (we're talking every single second) entertainment. Well, sometimes it is called other things--like last night for instance. Let me paint a picture for you, imagine if you will, it is past 9 o'clock and I'm exhausted. I did like a weeks worth of dishes (leave me alone--sometimes if I leave them long enough they actually do themselves!) and dinner and dessert and we made mothers day cards and various random other little activities, and I need a break. We get the girls to bed--well, Maggie has been going to bed in our bed lately, so she's in there, we get survivor rolling on the tivo, and put my feet up. Then we heard it. What was that? Was it coughing, choking, hmmm--Alan is up and across the room in record time (possibly not land speed record, but close I'm sure) Did you guess? We opened the door and poor baby is sitting in the middle of (MY) bed in a gigantic lake of vomit. It is red on account of all of the strawberries she had just eaten. Here's the weird thing, you eat, say, 1/2 cup of berries, and then puke about 3 cups of yuk--how does this happen?? (IN MY BED!!) She had eaten a big dinner, and then had, oh, I don't know, about 3 or 4 cupcakes with berries, didn't think anything of it at the time. (they were angel food and so it didn't really count anyway) So, I'm on again-bath, laundry, bed time the whole bit-but now it's over an hour later and I'm a little grumpier (haha-a little). For the record--Alan picked up most of it, and I was actually the helper--just a small disclaimer incase he reads this or for those of you that know how it is around here :)
well, you probably didn't miss me, but I was just gone for about 40 minutes. Maggie walks up to me and all shy asks if she can have a bubble bath. (she is already wearing jammies and ready for bed) I sniff the air--not so sweet. Where is her diaper? I check her out-she has definitely just made a deposit--and there is poop on her foot. YIKES!! Now I'm no Nancy Drew, but if someone shows up with poop on their foot, this means that somewhere (probably hidden-fun times) there is a poop trail from where they started the journey. Long story short, I am now doing a huge load of laundry that includes all of the towels and rugs from the bathroom------and she got her bubble bath after all. Now, truthfully, I'm a little bit edgy, but I bet you are entertained-see-I told you.
I was talking to my sister today on the phone, this is new because I usually only talk to other moms, the conversations go like this..."how have you guys been; don't put mud in your sisters hair; yeah, us too, it is good to get outside; I said that stick is not a weapon, it is a magic wand; we are staying home this weekend, I'm so glad to have a few minutes to relax: STOP THAT RIGHT NOW!" this is completely normal to other moms, you figure that only about 1/4 to 1/3 of the things that are said are actually said to you, the rest is (well, let's just call it) parenting-haha. My sister is cute and young and kid-free and was completely lost during the whole conversation. At one point she laughed and said, "I bet you never get bored do you?" Ah-to be bored again, man, what a treat that would be. (give me a brief minute to imagine it-mmmm...almost as good as chocolate--but not quite because I can actually attain chocolate) We had a laugh and I had to admit that the one super things about kids is the constant (we're talking every single second) entertainment. Well, sometimes it is called other things--like last night for instance. Let me paint a picture for you, imagine if you will, it is past 9 o'clock and I'm exhausted. I did like a weeks worth of dishes (leave me alone--sometimes if I leave them long enough they actually do themselves!) and dinner and dessert and we made mothers day cards and various random other little activities, and I need a break. We get the girls to bed--well, Maggie has been going to bed in our bed lately, so she's in there, we get survivor rolling on the tivo, and put my feet up. Then we heard it. What was that? Was it coughing, choking, hmmm--Alan is up and across the room in record time (possibly not land speed record, but close I'm sure) Did you guess? We opened the door and poor baby is sitting in the middle of (MY) bed in a gigantic lake of vomit. It is red on account of all of the strawberries she had just eaten. Here's the weird thing, you eat, say, 1/2 cup of berries, and then puke about 3 cups of yuk--how does this happen?? (IN MY BED!!) She had eaten a big dinner, and then had, oh, I don't know, about 3 or 4 cupcakes with berries, didn't think anything of it at the time. (they were angel food and so it didn't really count anyway) So, I'm on again-bath, laundry, bed time the whole bit-but now it's over an hour later and I'm a little grumpier (haha-a little). For the record--Alan picked up most of it, and I was actually the helper--just a small disclaimer incase he reads this or for those of you that know how it is around here :)
well, you probably didn't miss me, but I was just gone for about 40 minutes. Maggie walks up to me and all shy asks if she can have a bubble bath. (she is already wearing jammies and ready for bed) I sniff the air--not so sweet. Where is her diaper? I check her out-she has definitely just made a deposit--and there is poop on her foot. YIKES!! Now I'm no Nancy Drew, but if someone shows up with poop on their foot, this means that somewhere (probably hidden-fun times) there is a poop trail from where they started the journey. Long story short, I am now doing a huge load of laundry that includes all of the towels and rugs from the bathroom------and she got her bubble bath after all. Now, truthfully, I'm a little bit edgy, but I bet you are entertained-see-I told you.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
I've missed you!
so it looks like it has been just over 3 months since I last blogged. Well.........life was pretty rough there for a while, my mind was gone and the winter was very long, BUT I'm back! woohoo! Spring is trying to chase away winter, so far, winter is having none of it. (Maggie actually made a snowman on her birthday last weekend-wow!) My new house is done and we have moved back in, it is beautiful and huge (well, not really, but it feels huge and I have my own bedroom with a door and a lock!!) We are still getting settled and learning how to live here, it's really hard to get everything just how you want it. I LOVE everything about my new house (well except for these tiny stupid cabinets that flank my sink-I hate those, and wish they were different) but mostly everything, and we are so happy here. I went on my cruise and had an absolutely fabulous time--the weather was warm (mostly), we ate fantastic healthy food (mostly) and slept tons and came home happy and rested (mostly), all in all a great time was had by all.
Well then, off on our next adventure, which this month is paying the bills-haha. So it was wierd living in the garage, I used to joke, "we aren't poor, it just seems like it." Well, now that we live in the new fancy house, there are some bills coming due and so I have challanged myself to a bit of a game. (If I call it a game it sounds fun and not desperate right?) I used to spend a certain amount of money every month on things (food, gas, bandaids, hair pretties, socks, etc, you're getting the picture) but this month I am attempting to cut that amount in half. That's right-in half (crazy I know) so in order for me to want to play, I have made incentive amounts and the prizes are cumulative, so if I do in fact meet my goal, I will have a nice night off at the end of each week. (then possibly continue the game to save up for my hottub...yeah right) The plan is to buy as little pre-packaged things as possible and make tons of stuff to save money. The funny thing is, this is generally the plan, but apparently some things don't count. Alan needs snacks for work, and doesn't like my oaty, nutty concoctions that so often grace our goodie jar, he prefers granola bars (store bought) and pop tarts (don't even ask, I know these are evil, but it is something we have agreed to disagree on) among other high calorie, high fat, preservative filled "treats". Well come to find out--these things can get really expensive. He has agreed to play along this month and eat the (wierd) things I come up with instead of his usual fare, but will be happy to go back to "normal" as soon as this is all over.
So today was payday, and we were out of everything, so I had to hit the stores. I was pretty excited to see if I could actually pull this off, so headed in with high hopes. I had to pick up some picutres of the girls first thing, and they had printed some extra prints (really cute) I spent $14.06 before I had even totally entered the store. (not so good) But all in all, after all of my stops, I had spent a little over half of my budget for the week. Not bad considering I have the menu for the whole week planned out, and will only have to get fresh fruit and veggies with the rest (hopefully!) It is amazing the price difference in some things--store brand graham crackers and vanilla wafers are half the price of the name brand-wow, that's a huge difference. I almost got some cheaper bread, but when checking out the ingredient list noticed that high fructose corn syrup was the second ingredient-YIKES!-guess I will be saving that dollar some place else-we got our favorite brand like always, some things are worth the price. It looks hopeful for me, but it also looks like we will be coming up due for a lot of things next week--gas, diapers etc, I am wondering if I should go ahead and get one or 2 of those this week, so I don't get slammed all at once--we'll see how it goes. (also hoping for a few $$ left for beer money)
here's some recipes I'm going to try this week:
*brown rice crispy treats
*fruit and oatmeal bars
*vegan chocolate chip cookies
and dinners with noodles and potatoes (haha-like in college but a little fancier and more nutrients for the kiddos) I'm off for a nap before Alan gets home and I have to boil up some veggie dogs (gourmet I know)
Well then, off on our next adventure, which this month is paying the bills-haha. So it was wierd living in the garage, I used to joke, "we aren't poor, it just seems like it." Well, now that we live in the new fancy house, there are some bills coming due and so I have challanged myself to a bit of a game. (If I call it a game it sounds fun and not desperate right?) I used to spend a certain amount of money every month on things (food, gas, bandaids, hair pretties, socks, etc, you're getting the picture) but this month I am attempting to cut that amount in half. That's right-in half (crazy I know) so in order for me to want to play, I have made incentive amounts and the prizes are cumulative, so if I do in fact meet my goal, I will have a nice night off at the end of each week. (then possibly continue the game to save up for my hottub...yeah right) The plan is to buy as little pre-packaged things as possible and make tons of stuff to save money. The funny thing is, this is generally the plan, but apparently some things don't count. Alan needs snacks for work, and doesn't like my oaty, nutty concoctions that so often grace our goodie jar, he prefers granola bars (store bought) and pop tarts (don't even ask, I know these are evil, but it is something we have agreed to disagree on) among other high calorie, high fat, preservative filled "treats". Well come to find out--these things can get really expensive. He has agreed to play along this month and eat the (wierd) things I come up with instead of his usual fare, but will be happy to go back to "normal" as soon as this is all over.
So today was payday, and we were out of everything, so I had to hit the stores. I was pretty excited to see if I could actually pull this off, so headed in with high hopes. I had to pick up some picutres of the girls first thing, and they had printed some extra prints (really cute) I spent $14.06 before I had even totally entered the store. (not so good) But all in all, after all of my stops, I had spent a little over half of my budget for the week. Not bad considering I have the menu for the whole week planned out, and will only have to get fresh fruit and veggies with the rest (hopefully!) It is amazing the price difference in some things--store brand graham crackers and vanilla wafers are half the price of the name brand-wow, that's a huge difference. I almost got some cheaper bread, but when checking out the ingredient list noticed that high fructose corn syrup was the second ingredient-YIKES!-guess I will be saving that dollar some place else-we got our favorite brand like always, some things are worth the price. It looks hopeful for me, but it also looks like we will be coming up due for a lot of things next week--gas, diapers etc, I am wondering if I should go ahead and get one or 2 of those this week, so I don't get slammed all at once--we'll see how it goes. (also hoping for a few $$ left for beer money)
here's some recipes I'm going to try this week:
*brown rice crispy treats
*fruit and oatmeal bars
*vegan chocolate chip cookies
and dinners with noodles and potatoes (haha-like in college but a little fancier and more nutrients for the kiddos) I'm off for a nap before Alan gets home and I have to boil up some veggie dogs (gourmet I know)
Monday, January 28, 2008
things I love
chocolate
Alan
tequila
my ugg boots
camping
girls night out
reading
jeans that fit
my family
chick flicks
my friends
salty snacks
a day off
Mexico
sleeping in
salad
Valentines day
Blochtoberfest
wool
gnomes
natural stones
jewelry
vacation
when you are feeling down, make a list of things you love, and it will make you feel better. (especially if you love tequila and you have a little of that)
Alan
tequila
my ugg boots
camping
girls night out
reading
jeans that fit
my family
chick flicks
my friends
salty snacks
a day off
Mexico
sleeping in
salad
Valentines day
Blochtoberfest
wool
gnomes
natural stones
jewelry
vacation
when you are feeling down, make a list of things you love, and it will make you feel better. (especially if you love tequila and you have a little of that)
Friday, January 4, 2008
merry new year
howdy one and all, hope the new year is treating you right so far. We are doing well still hanging in studio "G", and watching the new house take shape.
If you are like most americans, you have probably decided to do a few things differently this year, you know, all the stuff you screwed up in 07, or whatever--the new year is a great time to make a fresh start. Yesterday I took the girls for a big walk in the rain. It was great! the fresh air felt cool on our faces and it smelled fantastic and clean. We decided that we wanted to do this everyday-no matter what. (well, barring some things of course, but for the most part--you know) We met a llama that lives down the road, his name is Buster and he is a watch llama. He watches a herd of sheep and protects them from coyotes, I guess he can get pretty vicious if you are threatening his heard--how cool! A llama with a job-who would have guessed! We also spotted some of our favorite birds, and noticed how high the creek is getting that runs by our house. Then today, the power went out, and we had to leave home (for emergency phone calls and a mexican soy mocha) and the new pact got left behind. I guess resolutions are mostly for good days, when you get a nice hot shower first thing in the morning, and the day isn't frigid, and when your home doesn't happen to be a cold and dark garage; but then again, maybe that's when you need one the most.
I am trying to stay on track, I want to feel great, and walking is a fun easy way, and it's FREE and I can take the girls (most important). Oh-I guess I forgot to mention that I am going on a cruise soon, it is for my birthday (and because I deserve it). We leave on March 29th, so I need to be looking and feeling my best for my holiday at sea. I will be joined by two of my very favorite people ever (my Aunties!!) and am having a hard time waiting. Alan says he thinks I look and feel great (heehee) so if cold wet walks in the rain get too tiresome, I guess I'll just have to go shopping for leisurewear instead--now that is a great resolution and I'll bet one even I can stick to!
If you are like most americans, you have probably decided to do a few things differently this year, you know, all the stuff you screwed up in 07, or whatever--the new year is a great time to make a fresh start. Yesterday I took the girls for a big walk in the rain. It was great! the fresh air felt cool on our faces and it smelled fantastic and clean. We decided that we wanted to do this everyday-no matter what. (well, barring some things of course, but for the most part--you know) We met a llama that lives down the road, his name is Buster and he is a watch llama. He watches a herd of sheep and protects them from coyotes, I guess he can get pretty vicious if you are threatening his heard--how cool! A llama with a job-who would have guessed! We also spotted some of our favorite birds, and noticed how high the creek is getting that runs by our house. Then today, the power went out, and we had to leave home (for emergency phone calls and a mexican soy mocha) and the new pact got left behind. I guess resolutions are mostly for good days, when you get a nice hot shower first thing in the morning, and the day isn't frigid, and when your home doesn't happen to be a cold and dark garage; but then again, maybe that's when you need one the most.
I am trying to stay on track, I want to feel great, and walking is a fun easy way, and it's FREE and I can take the girls (most important). Oh-I guess I forgot to mention that I am going on a cruise soon, it is for my birthday (and because I deserve it). We leave on March 29th, so I need to be looking and feeling my best for my holiday at sea. I will be joined by two of my very favorite people ever (my Aunties!!) and am having a hard time waiting. Alan says he thinks I look and feel great (heehee) so if cold wet walks in the rain get too tiresome, I guess I'll just have to go shopping for leisurewear instead--now that is a great resolution and I'll bet one even I can stick to!
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