Flank Steak with Stuffing

This is one of my ALL TIME favorite meals. I would beg my mom for days to make this. Same with my brother and now .... its one of my husband and daughters favorite meals. Guess you really cant go wrong with this meal! I always thought it was major labor intensive, but the first time I made it I was really suprised how easy it was .... And as usual I serve with rice (the dressing and they sauce goes great over almost anything. My mother always served with canned green beans (ick) but its good with frozen veggies!

FLANK STEAK 1 flank steak, about 2 pounds

Sauce:
1 c. hot water

1 bouillion cube

1 T instant coffee

1 T red wine vinegar

1 dash Worcestershire sauce

This is what the original recipe says. I usually use 3 – 4 c. of water and increase the rest proportionally, because I like lots of juices over the rice.

Stuffing:
6 slices bread, torn up

1 tsp. poultry seasoning

1 tsp. onion salt 1 or 2 eggs, beaten

1 stick butter or margarine, melted

*our family loves the stuffing so much we usually make double (once in awhile triple) .. any extra wrap up in a cheese cloth and just pop it in the pan next to the steak cooking.

Mix ingredients together. Place the flank steak flat, with 4 pieces of string or twine UNDER it. Lay the A string down first, then the B strings on it, then the flank steak on top of that. Place the stuffing on top of the steak, roll it up from B to B', and tie the strings, the B strings first and then the A string.

Salt the bottom of a large frying pan generously, place the rolled-up steak in the pan and sear on all sides. Sprinkle the top of the steak with paprika and dried parsley flakes, if desired (I don't). Add the sauce and cook over slow heat, just at the simmer, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Serve with rice and green beans.

Diebetic Meal - (check with your doctor for your guildlines!)
Measure out your protien 1 oz cooked meat is one serving (for dinner I am allowed 3 servings of protien so that 3 oz cooked for me)
The stuffing is a starch/carb, my dietician said that I could substitue the dressing for my fruit serving. So I would be allowed 1 serving of stuffing (1/3 cup) instead of a serving of fruits for this meal.
Can't have the peas with the rice, so I would recomend keeping the rice and eating your recomended serving of rice (1/3 c is 1 serving for a startch) and bake some dark green veggies in the oven, I would choose zuciini and onions, maybe a carrot - 1/2 cup cooked veggies is one serving of veggies or 1 cup raw. (I am supposed to have 2 sservings of veggies for dinner. That means 1 cup cooked veggies or 2 cups raw veggies for me.)

These are some pictures that my mom took to help me make it the first time ... the diretions were a bit too confusing so maybe these pictures will help you too!

Turkey Time - Leftovers!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving day! (US residents!) Now what to DO with all that left over turkey?? I personally am not a fan of the turkey, growing up we had Cornish game hens every year ... but that is a recipe for a different post!

Hubby loves the turkey - so he cooks the turkey every year. I am in charge of left overs. Never having had it growing up - this was hard for me. So I asked around. Here are some of the recipes I received. If you have more, please feel free to post them in the comment section!

This is my favorite one. I don't each much soup but this has so much yummness in it ... that is more like liquid dinner. Just YUMM!

LEFTOVER TURKEY SOUP (this ones all me!)
1 or 2 carcasses with lots of meat
water (cover bones)
1-2 c. chopped celery
1-2 c. chopped carrots
1 c. white rice mostly cooked rice (or leftovers if you have them)
Use all leftover vegetables you have in your refrigerator
Use all leftover gravy and dressing (I leave this part out - but it part of the original recipe so I include it for you to try)
Break up carcass and place in a large pot. Cover with water and simmer until all meat is off the bones. Skim off fat and remove bones and skin. Now, add all the above ingredients to the pot and let simmer for an hour or so. Add salt, pepper, and favorite spices to your taste. Freeze leftovers - they're good anytime (use before 3-4 years).

TURKEY ENCHILADAS: (just like my Chicken Enchiladas - but with turkey leftovers, this is hubbys special once a year treat!)
Ingredients:
Corn tortillas
Shredded Turkey
Jack Cheese (grated – big pile)
White medium sized Onion (coarsely chopped)
Green Enchilada Sauce (I like LaVictoria best) – Big can-

Layer-
Sauce
Tortillas
Onions
Turkey
Cheese
Sauce
Tortillas
Cheese
Sauce
Tortillas
Sauce (pour the rest of the can out here)
Cheese-add sliced olives on top and maybe sliced avocados!
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 mins to 45 mins until cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling on the side
Let cool and serve with a side salad, vanilla ice-cream would follow this meal good if looking for a dessert.

TURKEY WRAPS- (from Leanne)
Left over turkey
Mayo
Cranberry sauce
Bacon
Lettuce
and Cheese

Throw it all in a tortilla, roll and they are yummy!

TURKEY PIZZA- (from Heather)
1 Boboli pizza crust
1 can of whole berry cranberry sauce
left over turkey
shredded Monterrey jack cheese
chopped green onions
Spread cranberry sauce on Boboli, top with turkey and green onions. Sprinkle on cheese and bake at 350 degrees until the cheese is hot and bubbly!

GRILLED TURKEY AND CHEDDAR SANDWICH (from Mairia)
I like to use a thicker whole wheat bread for this. My personal fave is Roman Mean Sungrain Bread.

Sprinkle skillet with salt of choice or even better sprinkle with Ranch Dressing Mix Powder from Hidden Valley (I cook with this a lot in place of salt)
Lightly butter one side of two pieces of bread.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the buttered side of the bread.
Lay one piece of bread in skillet butter side down.
Add a slice of cheddar cheese on the bread.
Now add your turkey either thinly sliced or in small chunks.
Add another slice of cheddar cheese to bread then lay 2nd piece of bread over it butter side up.

Cook in skillet until bread is golden brown on the bottom then turn. If you have a lid for the skillet use it for a minute to help melt the cheese.
The sand is done when both pieces of bread are browned to taste.
Serve with desired condiments! (I personally like mustard!)

- We make sandwiches, turkey noodle soup, BBQ Turkey sands, Grilled Ranch turkey sands or salads, turkey and cheese omelets.. well as you can see.. just about anything!

TURKEY LOGS (from Lanna)
Mix two cups turkey with half a package of cream cheese (or light cream cheese). Add 1 cup grated cheese (any kind) and ½ cup bacon bits. Add spices to taste (garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash, basil, oregano, rosemary, etc.).

In Pillsbury crescent roll dough, place 1/3 cup scoop in each triangle and roll into a ball, sealing the openings so the turkey mixture is entirely encased in the dough. Bake according to crescent package directions (about 425 for 13-15 minutes, I think). Top with melted cheese sauce, if desired. Serve with pilaf or wild rice.

Do NOT put lemon pepper in it. It doesn’t taste good. And, don’t add all the above-mentioned spices. Taste as you go and remember the flavors will get stronger as it sits and melds.

TURKEY SLIDERS (from Tracy)
Left over rolls (I had Hawaiian sweet rolls and regular white)
Left over turkey
Left over cranberry sauce
Dijon mustard (I used honey dijon)

Cut the rolls in half add some turkey and mix cranberry sauce with dijon mustard to taste and spead it on the roll. YUMMMM!

TURKEY QUICHE (from Louise)
4 eggs
1 ¼ half & half or heavy cream
Chopped turkey meat
½ cup cheese of your choice
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Small can of diced green chilis (optional)
Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)
¼ of a medium onion finely chopped (optional)

You can even use some frozen vegetables if you have them on hand. Quiche is so versatile.
Also you can make your own pie crust, buy a frozen pie crust, I prefer the homemade but the Pillsbury roll out ones in the refrigerator section of the grocery store are good too.
Bake at 400 for 40 minutes, yum!!

Protecting You and Your Family from the Swine Flu

Ok these are just general things you can do to keep healthy and protect against most sicknesses. Its also just a lesson in good old plain hygiene But the Swine Flu also know as the H1M1 virus is deadly and killing healthy people, not just attacking the weak.

#1 – Don’t touch your face! Teach your kids not to touch there faces.
#2 – Use a hand sanitizer, send one to school with your kids (if the school permits it) and carry one in your car, purse and at your work place.
#3 – Disinfect high traffic surfaces in your home, cars and your work places.
#4 – In the pubic restrooms … dry your hands with a paper towel and then use the paper towel to grab the door handle and open the door and then take that paper towel and throw it out at the nearest trash can.
#5 – When you come home from a place with a lot of people – baths or showers for everyone, wash all those strangers germs off. This includes daily bath’s/showers for the kids as they come home from school! Remember there are parents there who send there kids to school sick cause that cant afford to take the time off work!
#6 – Have the whole family take there vitamins daily.
#7 – Find a preventative medicine or something like it to start giving your family. (Make sure its ok for there age rang.) Examples are: Echinacea, Vitamin C, colloidal silver, extracts with high amounts of antioxidants in them, or just a glass of OJ or grapefruit juice in the morning (I can’t stand straight grapefruit juice – so we buy Ruby Pomegranate – YUM!)

I am sure there is more – but these are the basic’s for you to think and about and to get you going. If you know of anything else, please feel free to comment.

And if all that fails and someone in your family gets flu symptoms take them to the doctors immediately and stop contact with everyone you know! Please don’t spread this virus!

Interesting tidbit!!! I got an email about how a doctor had hear that you put an onion, cut in half, in the bedroom of a person with the flu and in the morning the onion was brawn/black and he took it in and tested it the onion had soaked up the flu germs! The person was feeling better by the morning (not cured but better). I haven’t tried it – but what do you have to loose to try it, just the cost of the onion!?

Its Time to Start the Christmas Shopping List!

OK its the beginning of the school year. Time to make your list of who you need to buy for. Then decided what you are going to buy for them. Then look for just those things on sale and stick to the list! It will keep you from over buying, and don't make impulse purchases - you cant buy too much!

Christmas is about giving, it not about the cost of the present, its the thought. Time to teach our children that now.

I am in charge of all the shopping and wrapping in my house. My husband doesn't get into the shopping, so I do his share. The kids are too small to do there shopping so its all up to me. Here is what we do.

Everyone gets some thing from Santa
Everyone get something from the parents
Everyone gets something from the rest of the kids.
We get something for my brother and his wife (they have any kids so that simplifies it)
We get something for both our parents

Just those things add up. When I was growing up my parents had more money then we do and it was only my brother and me so everyone got something from everyone else. I tried doing that and if we have time and money this year we will do that again. But I don't expect to have the money to do that. And that is OK. We will just teach the kids more about the given then the receiving at Christmas time.

Also this Christmas will be a lot less toys and more things they need. Like we all need a new sheet set, that will probably be arranged by Santa. My husband needs more work pants. My girls will probably get something to play with outside in our backyard. If we can we will get a toy as well, but they have enough really, and hardly play with what they have.

Then about a week before christmas we spend 2 days cooking treats and divide them up on Christmas plates and drop them off at friends homes on the second night.

OK so sit down and make you list - check it twice and have a happy Christmas season and don't spend more then you have. (the list helps A LOT and keep it in your wallet or purse until its all checked off)

Aunt Lisa's Meatloaf

OK I have to start by saying I detest Meatloaf. And this one I was able to eat for dinner. I can't say that its a favorite of mine, however it is my husbands favorite (and his Aunts recipe). So I made this for him. I hope that our children grow to love it too, its really easy and not to expensive, I got the lean ground beef so it cost a bit more, but I think lean beef just taste's better. One of the problems I have with meatloaf is whenever I have had it its always dry and people tell me to put catchup on it. This is moist and has so much flavor on its own there is no need for any catchup!

Aunt Lisa's Meatloaf

Ingredients:

1 1/2lbs ground beef

2 eggs

2 T water

1 T Worcestershire Sauce

1 envelope Dry Onion Soup Mix

Breadcrumbs (add till you get the right texture)

Combine eggs, water, Worcestershire sauce, soup mix and mix together. Add bread crumbs (stirring into the mixture) until the mixture becomes the same consistency of the ground beef. Add ground beef to the mixture and mix well with hands.

Spray and glass loaf pan (I use one with a lid) and put the mixture in the pan. make sure its about the same height all around.

Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hrs (until the thermometer shows the middle of the loaf is at 170 degrees or above.

You may want to drain it 1/2 way through (if you are not using the lean meat). If you are not using a pan with a lid and you notice the top getting too done they you may want to put tin foil on the top.

Leftovers!

My husband loves leftover meat loaf sandwiches. 2 pieces of bread, spread a little mayonaise on the bread and slice the meatloaf for the insides! Poof, another meal done!

Texting and Driving

This is a PSA (Public Service Announcement) made in the UK. Its to wake people up to the danger to texting while driving. Please everyone, watch it, share it. And most of all don't text while driving, or talk on cell phones while driving. Concentrate on the road and get home to your family safe that night. Everything else can wait.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF0_7qC6YFo

I listened to a new broadcast about this, in the film 4 people died including the baby, while the driver lives to remember it.

Recycling - you should do it too!

OK yesterday I needed milk and I did not have a lot of money, so I took our recycling out to the car and packed it. My mom called at the same time and suggested we go over and pick up there recycling too. Daddy had mentioned it that morning. What timing – it was meant to be.

So we go to Ralphs (Kroger in other places of the USA) and fill up two grocery carts with recycles and wait in line in the sun. 4 big bins later … we have $18.92 to spend on groceries! WOOHOOO

So we go inside and water is 2 cases for $7 (reg 5.99 each), this is something I keep in the car at all times during the summer but not so much during the winter. We needed 2 gallons of milk, it was 1.99 (reg 2.99), milk never lasts long around here. We passed the peanut butter isle and the small jars of Skippy were .99 each limit of 4 – we got all 4 (reg 3.39 each) peanut butter is a treat cause its kind of pricy so this was awesome. Then I figured we had a few more dollars left so we stopped by the cereal isle and got the big box of Cheerios for 3.99 (reg 5.19) again another treat cause it cost so darn much and doesn’t last long at all.

We put everything up on the check out line and my 2 year old was acting up and distracting me a bit so I look up and the total says $39.11 and I about have a heart attack! LOL But then I remember I needed to give them the club card … off came $17.78, WHEW! Then I gave them the recycling slip and off came another $18.92, for a total of $2.41 left for me to pay. That much I could afford and happened to have that much change on me. The stupid CRV recycling fee for BUYING water threw off my total it was 2.40 – without that I would have had to pay one penny! LOL!!

Not a bad days shopping for someone who was worried about beening able to afford milk! Just wanted to share my very happy shopping experience. Even if you are not struggleing as much as we are, think of how much money you might save your family by recycling things your family uses anyways. Not to mention that it is good for our Earth.

Our 4th of July Dinner!

We didnt do anything huge, my parents came over and we BBQed and sat around and ate some good food. We had a great evening. So I just thought I would share the food!
These are Baby Back Pork Ribs. We chop them rack up into about 3 rib segments each. Then toss them all in a pot cover them with water and sprinkel Lawerys season salt and garlic salt. Bring the water to a boil and then cook for an hour.

THEN walk them on out to the BBQ and brushyour favorite BBQ sause on it nad let them soak in the flavor for about 7 mins aside (med heat) ALL DONE!

This is our favorite salad. Strawberry's with a garlic dressing!

Garlic Dressing ;

(taste's best when made a day ahead and refrigerated - last about 2 weeks in the fridge)

1/2 c vegatable oil

1/3 c sugar

1/4 c red wine vinegar

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 t salt

1/4 t paprika

pinch white pepper

put in a jar with a tight fitting lid and shack well.

Lettus, sliced strawberries, shredded Monterey Jack Cheese and chopped walnuts

This is a lemon bread. Goes great with the above salad and we used a lemon fresh off the lemon tree in our back yard. YUMMM

Lemon Bread;

preheat oven to 350 degrees.

grease bottom and sides of 8x4x2 inch loaf pan

In a med bowl combine 1 3/4 c flour, 3/4 c sugar, 2 t baking powder, 1/4 t salt stir and set aside.

In another med bowl combine 1 beaten egg, 1 c milk, 1/4 c butter melted, 2 t shredded lemon peel, and 1 T lemon juice, stir well.

Pour egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir untill just moisten the batter should be lumpy, spoon into the greased pan.

Bake for 50 to 55 mins, use the tooth pck trick ... it needs to come out clean.

In a small bowl stir together 3 T lemon juice and 1 T sugar. After the bread has cooked but is still in the pan pour it over the top of the bread. Let sit 10 min and then move loaf to a wire rack to cool before serving. *I cook this in the afternoon so its totally cool by dinner time and I am not backing in the dinner rush ... you can even cook it in the morning and let it sit all day, but I loveit to much ti wait that long to eat it! heeheehee

Grilled Veggies! You can use any ones you want, I just happned to have these on hand. Zuccinii and Sweet Maoui Oninions. Cut them big enough that they wont fall through the grill. So place your veggies on the grill and brush on some olive oil on each and sprinkle with Lawyers season salt. BBQ till soft or squishy depends on who you like it. They are great.

Price Shopping

I was just shocked the other day when I went and did my shopping at a new store. I went to a store called Smart & Final, it’s a bulk store that isn’t quite as big as Costco or Sams Club. (you also don’t need a membership to shop as S&F.)

I can’t afford a membership to both big ones, so I have a Sam’s Club membership. I get whatever I can there and then I head off to the local grocery store and pick up all the things I couldn’t get at Sam’s Club. When I have time I also got to the local farmers market and pick up what I can there.

I tell you this because I want you to know that I do try to spend wisely. So when I bought my spices at Smart & Final last week I was astounded and realized I need to do a SERIOUS price check of local stores and write down what to buy where.

Normally I buy McCormick brand spices. But I needed ground Cumin for diner that night and Smart & Final had a sale that was soo good I had to go there and by the time I was through I was too tired for the grocery store. So I went looking in the baking section at Smart and Final. For $6 I got the Trade Wind brand cumin. The McCormick one next to is was $5!!!!!!! (yes I know the McCormick one is ground oregano – but as this story says .. I was out or cumin!)

The Cream of Tarter was just as surprising. The large Trade Wind brand was $12 and the small McCormick was about $6.50!!!

So now I need to go and make a list of items I use a lot. Basics or staples they are often called.

My bell peppers and cucumbers are cheapest at Sam’s Club. The rest of the veggies are cheapest from Farmers Market along with fruits. Now I am going to have to see what Sam’s Club and Smart & Final have in the spices, flour and sugars. See where it’s the most cost effective for us. I won’t tell you where to shop – your area may be different, I just urge you to sit down this next week and spend extra time in the stores to find out what you need and the best place to get them. I live close to all 4 stores – so I can shop at any with out worrying about gas. If you have to think about gas that's OK just plan ahead and have a freezer handy and maybe turn a hall closet into a storage pantry. Just remember when storing food you want a mostly controlled climate so it doesn’t go bad. Also an interesting note I just found on some Smart & Finals except WIC (Women Infant and Children) checks here in California.

Self Esteem

I got this on one of those email forwards and the reason it up on my blog is that this is a blog for happiness and a better life. Most people have low self esteem for reasons that even there friends don't think of. We need to remember our own self worth everyday. We need to understand that we all have flaws, and there are people who like and love us anyways, as we also love them. Keep these in mind, put them up somewhere in your home to remind you when you are down or look at it everyday as a way to keep from getting down.

Remember our mind is a powerful tool. If you say and think "I am worthless" (or whatever negative thing you say and think to yourself) soon you will believe it. Start off by by NOT saying it. OK you may still think it - but don't say it out loud. Once you are out of the habit of saying it out loud, now try not to think it. Soon one day you will find that you have gone awhile with out thinking that bad phrase

On other thing everyone needs to learn to do, is to take and receive compliments graciously. If someone give you a compliment, smile and say "thank you" weather you believe them or not. It is incredibly rude when someone gives you a compliment and then you disagree with them.

-Suzie

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.

2.. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

10.. When you think the world has turned its back on yo u take another look.

11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing

Mama’s Enchilada Casserole Recipe

I love enchiladas – but they are SOOOO labor intensive. So I invented this recipe, all the ingredients and less of a hassle. I had some avocado so I just topped the casserole with it (once it was cooked and on our plates).

Mama’s (thats me) Enchilada Casserole Recipe

*if you want the onions to be sweeter ….
-1 Tlb olive oil in a pan
-cook onions until a bit soft.
-set aside in another bowl


Cheese Enchiladas:

Ingredients:
Corn tortillas
Cheader Cheese (grated – big pile)
Jack Cheese (grated – big pile)
White medium sized Onion (coarsely chopped)
Red Enchilada Sauce (I like LaVictoria best) – Big can

Layer-
Sauce
Tortillas
Onions
Both Cheese’s
Sauce
Tortillas
Both Cheese’s
Sauce
Tortillas
Sauce (pour the rest of the can out here)
Both Cheese’s
-add sliced olives on top

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 mins to 45 mins until cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling on the side

Let cool and serve with a side salad, vanilla ice-cream would follow this meal good if looking for a dessert.

Chicken Enchiladas:

Ingredients:
Corn tortillas
Shredded chicken (about 3 [2 if you are being frugal] breast for a family of 4)
Jack Cheese (grated – big pile)
White medium sized Onion (coarsely chopped)
Green Enchilada Sauce (I like LaVictoria best) – Big can

-Boil Chicken for about 30 mins – until the juices run clear and no pink on the inside
-While its still hot – shread the chicken with two fork’s

Layer-
Sauce
Tortillas
Onions
Chicken
Cheese
Sauce
Tortillas
Cheese
Sauce
Tortillas
Sauce (pour the rest of the can out here)
Cheese
-add sliced olives on top

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 mins to 45 mins until cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling on the side

Let cool and serve with a side salad, vanilla ice-cream would follow this meal good if looking for a dessert.


Beef Enchiladas:

Ingredients:
Corn tortillas
1 lb ground beef
Cheader Cheese (grated – big pile)
White medium sized Onion (coarsely chopped)
Red Enchilada Sauce (I like LaVictoria best) – Big can

-Brown beef in a pan on the stove.
-Drain off grease and set aside in a bowl

Layer-
Sauce
Tortillas
Onions
Beef
Cheese
Sauce
Tortillas
Cheese
Sauce
Tortillas
Sauce (pour the rest of the can out here)
Cheese
-add sliced olives on top

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 mins to 45 mins until cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling on the side

Let cool and serve with a side salad, vanilla ice-cream would follow this meal good if looking for a dessert.

Saving With Coupons

i got this from a very good site that emails me once a week with savings tips. I highly recomend you sing up (link at the left of my blog ...) - Suzie

In light of the current economic crisis, take advantage of every savings opportunity available. Get in the habit of using coupons to save money on many of the items you purchase. With the popularity of print and online coupons on the rise, retailers are offering more deals with better savings. Here are some tips to ensure you find the best deals and maximize your savings.

Start your coupon search in the Sunday paper’s circulars and on the internet for stores where you usually shop. Many online coupons can be printed out for use in the store.

Time the use of your coupon wisely. Most retailers allow you to use your coupon for items that are already on sale — this can add up to additional savings!

For each coupon, read the fine print to make sure it's still valid and accepted at the stores you frequent.

If you need to buy 2 or more of an item to redeem a coupon, make sure you can use the items before the expiration date.

Cutting coupons is just one of many ways to save money each day. Continue to employ a variety of savings techniques in your daily life. Remember, small changes can add up!

Read more on reducing your spending.Visit www.FeedthePig.org for more money-saving tips.

Buying and Selling on Craigs List

Buying on CL!

Oh how I love buying on CL. I have found so many a deal. They are hard to find - but you can do it. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to get it, but worth it in the end because you can save a lot of money.

I got a matching set of couches (reg couch and a love seat) for $125 for BOTH! The guy had started listing them at $500 but he was moving by small hatch back cross country on Monday ... so the Friday before the move ... he dropped it to $125 .... I had wanted them at $500 but couldn't afford it - so at $125, we snatched them right up. These couches were less then 2 years old. He was a bachelor, with no kids and no pets and he didn't smoke. So they were like new!

That is how you get the great deals - they people who just need it gone and are willing to take any amount of cash.

Altogether we have gotten the couch set ($125), our TV stand and 2 matching chairs (all 3 from the same lady for $100), 2 bookcases that match the IKEA bookcase we had gotten 7 years ago when we got married and they didn't make anymore ($100 for both - orig cost was $500 for 1), my sewing table ($100), my serging table($60), and my husband and my bedrooms set $200 (9 drawer dresser with mirror - two 3 drawer dressers and a head board we don't use because we had already bought a different headboard ($100) off CL) house by CL at a fraction of the price. And all of this is in mint condition and wood furniture. Mostly vintage because I love mid century modern!

Selling on CL!

If you want to make good money .... you have to be patient. Be willing to relist your items a few weeks in a row. (listings only last 7 days) Ask a fair price for what you have. Don't be the most expensive and only if you NEED it to move fast list it as the cheepest.

Honestly most people will try to bargain with you. So I always ask more then I feel I need. Then if I get extra cause they pay the full price, then I have more money for my family. All is good.

CL lists you put up 4 pictures. Take 4 pictures, the better the pictures the more likely to sell. make sure the background is clean and nice looking. If I see something in a dirty room, I assume that these people didn't take good care of the item and I don't even bother calling on it. So make sure it looks like it was kept in a place that was well kept.

Be as detailed in your description as passable. People always want measurements, include those. Include any major landmarks or roads you are buy so they have an idea if they are willing to drive that far before waisting your time.

I sold some baby stuff that folds up. I included pictures of it standing and folded so they know how it moves or will fit where they want to put it.

I like to know why people are selling and how often it was used and thins like that. I realize that people can lie about these things, but CL is really a place where we need to trust. So include the life of the item or at least all you know.

I sold a lamp recently, the house we are living in was built into the 50's. I believed it was from that era. I also know that it was working when I took it down. I was doing an Estate sale, so I had a lot to list and didn't have time to clean everything. I mentioned all that in the listing. They knew all I knew about it.

Always clean it first, you are more likely to get the higher price. (If you have time anyways!)

*When I shop... I shop slightly above my price range, if I want something I cant afford I will email a person and offer what I can afford. Sometimes they take it sometimes they don't.

*When I sell I list slightly higher then I want, sometime it sells for that, sometimes it doesn't.

SCAMS: be careful, if it sounds like a scam ... it is! Cash only, they come and pick it up (if you are selling) If you are buying .... Cash only! don't send Cash and expect it to be delivered later no matter what they promise.

Free Stuff: CL also has a section you can list things for free. Sometimes your item doesn't sell at all - but you still want it gone. List it in the free section. Pretty much someone will take just about anything for free!

Here are the LISTING pictures of some of the items we bought on CL ......

Our couches
This is the vintage concole our TV sits on.
The 2 chairs we got with the console.
My serging table.

My sewing table
A rug we got to go with the couches...

This is the headboard we love ....

This is our dresser set. There are 2 of the 3 drawer dresser. And the long dresser with the mirror and the headboard that we wont use. I knew that if they were sold wood they would clean up nicely and I also knew that alot of people wouldnt call on this set because the pictures were bad and it looked dirty. However when I went to look at it - it had been sitting in a vacant house house for 9 years. These dressers cleaned up wonderfully! And we got a sweet deal and solid wood furniture!

Weenies Potato’s and Cheese (oh my!)

This is a family favorite and easy and inexpensive!

So you take a pack of Hot Dogs and boil them. Get about 3 cups finished dehydrated mashed potatoes. And ½ lbs of grated cheddar cheese. Put the hot dogs in the backing dish and cut them down the middle lengthwise (but not all the way threw) and spread it open. Then scoop up some potatoes and fill the middle of the hot dogs. Now evenly cover the mashed ‘tatoes with the grated cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 mins at the min to melt the cheese and for crispy cheese about 30-40 mins. Add frozen microwave green beans and poof dinner is done.

This is really a kid pleaser!

10 Suggestions for Successful Parenting

1. Take time to always be at the crossroads in the lives of your children, whether they be six or sixteen.
2. Take time to be a real friend to your children.
3. Take time to read to your children.
Remember what the poet wrote: You may have tangible wealth untold; Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be— I had a mother who read to me.
4. Take time to pray with your children.
5. Take time to have a meaningful weekly family nights. Make this one of your great family traditions.
6. Take time to be together at mealtimes as often as possible.
7. Take time daily to read the scriptures together as a family.
8. Take time to do things together as a family.
9. Take time to teach your children.
10. Take time to truly love your children. A mother’s unqualified love approaches Christlike love

-Ezra Taft Benson

Making your own Jewlery

OK this is so on the wants only list - but anything to help save money on the wants is a good thing! I warn you that while this can save money - you can also get addicted, so keep your spending in check. I could easily spend $100 in a bead store in under 10 mins. And since I don’t have $100 for beads - it takes me about 1 hr to pick which ones are going home with me! :)

If you want to start up jewelry making it will cost a bit to get the tools that you use and some good storage for the beads and findings that you don’t use. You will always have leftover’s (that is better then being one short on a project!)

Why I like to bead for myself. #1 I get to make it and for some reason this just makes me happy. #2 I get exactly what I want. #3 I pick every color and shape #4 It matches what I want perfectly! Also my FAVORITE reason for making my own jewelry, I can make matching earrings, necklace and bracelet all at the same time. I feel like a million bucks when I wear it! "I love it when a plan comes together" - Hannibal Smith

Depending on what type of beads you buy it can be cheap or expensive. I recommend the middle ground. Its nice but won't break the budget.

Here is what I have made so far this year, for me to keep anyways - the stuff for others has already gone to its new home(s).
One night a church we had an activity to make some bracelets, and that is where I got the above and below bracelet. It was a wonderful activity!

I actually made this bracelet first for my grandmother for Christmas, but loved it so much made on for me with the leftovers. :)

I Made this to go with an awesome pair of shoes I own that needed something to match it! The shoes are an awesome metalic green pair of flats that match the center bead.

I found a black and white dress with one small line of red that looked good on me, and needed to be altered to be perfect. I figured if I was going to all that trouble with a dress I might as well make jewelry to match. I call this my custom dress outfit.

The Find

I added a link to the right side ... its a web site called "The Find" Its pretty neat you go there and type in your keyword and they bring up that search in TONS of stores ... so you shop a lot of stores at once. I found it on accident shopping for jewelry findings and google keeps pulling up THERE results and sending me there. I figure if that is where google is sending me, why don't I try it? And it has some stuff I didn't find on google. SO next time you are online shopping try it - you may get what you are looking for faster!

Instyle.com's Insider (secret) Cheapies

I was going to post the link, but I am not sure how long they will keep the info up ... So here it is.

Tight times demand smart moves, right? So we asked three bargain-hunting beauty experts to show us the best drugstore choices for our dollars

Ken Paves, Hair Stylist
When given the task of stocking his kit with inexpensive styling essentials, Ken Paves hit the ground running -- straight to beauty emporium Ulta. "Some of my favorite products I discovered as a result of lost luggage and my tools not getting to a shoot," says Paves, who works with Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Simpson. Before you shop, he suggests taking inventory and making a list. "If not, you might waste money on things you don't need."
Paves's Picks1. VO5 Hot Oil Treatment, $4 "A cheap treatment that has always screamed luxury to me. It guarantees a great hair day."
2. Vidal Sassoon No Crimp elastics, $3 "They give you just enough hold without damaging your hair."
3. Ulta Ultimate Size travel blow-dryer, $25 "Enough abusing your hair with a dryer that's professional grade! This is lightweight and gets the job done."
4. DCNL Organics Natural Wood hairbrush, $9 "It gives lift and volume without creating static."
5. Woody's Big Stick Style Stick, $18 "Great for defining layers and adding texture to your blowout."
6. Ken Paves Healthy Hair Try Me kit, $34 "The perfect travel sizes for your weekend getaways."
7. Karina small claw clips, $5 each "I find these tiny ones are easier to use than pins when securing updos."
8. Bellissima headband, $10 "This gives a chic, classic look that can instantly transform limp hair."
9. DCNL Porcupine Cushion hairbrush, $25 "Works just as well as other mixed-bristle brushes that are far more expensive."
10. Göt 2b Defiant Define + Shine pomade, $6 "A little goes a long way to smooth flyaways. One tub will last until you're 115."
Doesn't Scrimp On…
Shampoo: "Some inexpensive ones give that squeaky-clean feeling that isn't always best for your hair. Look for sulfate-free formulas; they are less aggressive."
Conditioner: "This is the foundation of your hairstyling. The best products make hair smoother but don't coat it with heavy silicones."
Defrizzer: "Anything that contains a high amount of dimethi-cone is worth the splurge. Otherwise, you end up with a watered-down version that doesn't perform as well."

Kristofer Buckle, Makeup Artist
Kristofer Buckle, who works with Lindsay Lohan and Renée Zellweger, isn't shy when it comes to declaring his love for drugstore products: "The packaging isn't fabulous, but that doesn't mean you won't get a fabulous lipstick or mascara inside." Shopping the Wal-Mart beauty aisles, he stocks up on old standbys and new favorites.
Buckle's Picks
1. Johnson & Johnson Lavender baby oil, $5 "Gives skin a gorgeous high-gloss look. I love that it doesn't smell tropical."
2. Maybelline N.Y. Colossal Volum' Express mascara, $8 "Gets right to the point, making lashes thick, black and long with just one coat."
3. Max Factor Color Genius Mineral bronzer in Sun Kissed, $9 "Not heavily pigmented, so you can really layer it without turning the color of a penny."
4. L'Oréal Paris Infallible lip gloss in Dulce de Leche, $10 "I can use this on everyone, from Christina Aguilera to Mary J. Blige."
5. Dove Deep Moisture Foaming Cleansing cloths, $7 "Perfect for removing makeup at night."
6. New York Color Cheek blush in Riverside Rose, $2 "This shade creates a natural-looking flush."
7. Max Factor Lipfinity 3D in Midori Glam, $9 "The color stays put but doesn't dry like house paint on your lips."
8. Cover Girl Eye Enhancers 1-Kit in Shimmering Onyx, $4 "It's iri-descent, so you can do a charcoal eye without it looking too harsh."
9. Alcon Naphcon A eye drops, $9 "They make you feel like you've slept hours, even when you haven't."
10. L'Oréal Paris True Match Blendable makeup, $11 "A versatile formula with a wide range of shades for every complexion."
11. Burt's Bees Beeswax lip balm, $3 "I love a balm that's not shiny. This one is moist and nourishing—and there is a bonus: It tastes like peppermints."
Doesn't Scrimp On…
Makeup Brushes: "The first thing you should do when you buy a blush or shadow is toss that little nylon brush. It's too small and won't blend well."
Translucent Powder: "A finely milled formula gives even the quickest makeup job a professional finish."
Eyelash Curler: "I've never found a cheap one that I love. Either the shape is wrong or the mechanism doesn't apply enough pressure."

Doris Day, Dermatologist
With all the ritzy ingredients turning up in skin-care jars (diamonds to brighten; gold to stimulate collagen!), most women think they have to spend a fortune to clear up their complexions. Not so, says New York City dermatologist Doris Day, who likes to stock up at CVS and gives her patients a shopping list that doesn't require a platinum card.
Day's Picks1. Olay Pro X Hydra Firming cream, $42 "It contains retinol, pentapeptides and niacinamide. I wish I could dip my whole body in it!"
2. Neutrogena Healthy Skin SPF 30 Glow Sheers, $13 "Two steps in one: sun protection and light coverage."
3. Aveeno Positively Radiant cleanser, $7 "Cleans skin without drying it. And it has soy, which helps even out skin tone."
4. Nature Made Vitamin D liquid soft gels, $11/90 "Vitamin D has been shown to be important in helping to prevent sun damage and calcium loss."
5. Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting serum, $22 "Its amino peptides and humectants improve fragile skin around the eye."
6. Revlon Colorstay Undereye concealer, $10 "With SPF 15 it assures adequate daytime protection for delicate skin."
7. Cerave moisturizing cream, $15 "The ideal texture: rich and creamy. But it sinks in very quickly."
8. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Rejuvenator, $42 "Exfoliation is an essential step in an anti-aging regimen. I like the consistency that using a device provides."
Doesn't Scrimp On…
Scrubs: "Exfoliators with natural particles like nutshells can be too abrasive and cause microscopic scratches that make your skin look dull."
Peels: "The problem with buying a peel at the drugstore is that you don't know what concentration you're getting. Chances are it will be too mild."
Mineral Makeup: "Check the ingredient label for talc -- some products use it as a filler, which makes it less expensive but can clog pores."

My verdict on Stenciling t-shirts

OK I had fabric spray paint that I tried on the turquoise shirt and I thought it might have bleed because the fabric was too stretchy, so I tried it on a regular t-shirt. NOPE it bleed again. I say 100% do not waist your money on fabric spray paint it doesn't work!

Notice how light the black gets after just one wash (the actual design!) the shirt on top has only been washed once!

This is after one washing too. The turquoise shirt has a stencil by paint brush on top (I don't like the looks that much) and the fabric spray paint on the bottom. ICK ICK ICK!

This is the Krylon indoor/outdoor flat black spray paint, after one wash! PERFECT!
This is the Krylon indoor/outdoor flat black spray paint, after two washes! STILL PERFECT!

And this is the whole reason I started this journey ... I wanted to make this t-shirt. And after all that I messed it up! LOL its OK it was a good lesson. Because the stencil is so intricate the plastic is thin. I needed to spray MORE adhesive to the back of the stencil so it would stick better to the t-shirt AND it was windy when I was taping off the shirt with newspaper and it got folded and wasn't flat and that pulled the t-shirt just enough to lift the stencil and allow the over spray that you see instead of a crisp line. So I am OK with this boo boo cause I learned a very good lesson! And the t-shirt is a craft one, so its not totally expensive! I will remake it right the next time!

The moral of this story is use indoor/outdoor spray paint, take your time with the adhesive and make sure that all you paper lays flat while you are taping it down. Be patient with the many coats you have to do .. and then it will come out alright!

To Buy Real or Fake’s?

OK I am assuming that I am talking to people who are struggling to pay for the things in life that they “want.” I will start this out by saying that most of us think we need things that are really wants, myself included.

I live in SoCal, that is snobbish fancy talk us Southern California-ners call ourselves. I live in a city where we have down on 1st street homeless shelters, and government housing/section 8 housing. By 30th street getting closer to the beach the houses start going for close to a million depending on your lot size and view. And with in 5 miles up the coast houses, check that … town homes, in a golf course on a cliff next to the ocean are “starting at the low 2 millions”.

So I see the whole spectrum of income levels around me. Before getting my degrees in firefighting I was pursuing a degree in fashion design (huge switch I know). So I have a better then average knowledge of fabric/clothing and the industry.

And I observe the people around me. Do you want to know what I see? I see the poor people saving up to buy really nice name brands. I hear them in the discount stores saying, “Oh that is an expensive name brand, you should get it” Then on the isle over I see some people with quite a bit more money, also shopping for discount name brands.

Also a lady I used to work with would bring in catalogs of her moms for me to look at. Her mom has TONS of money and VERY rich snobbish person and I always admired her jewelry. Well one day one of the catalogs she brought in was her jewelry catalog, I was overjoyed to just look at it. Guess what?? It’s all FAKE! I asked her about it and her mom always buys fakes whenever she can find it and it doesn’t LOOK fake.

So I want you all to think about that thing you want. Name brand – sometimes they are good because you will get quality. Sometimes you are just paying more for a label. On day I bought something from Victoria’s Secret (a sweater) that night I went to Target and saw the exact same sweater for 50% less at Target! Even the brand label was the same! SHIESH!

Also consider that in down town LA we have the clothing factories that make the clothes. And it’s not for special brand, the shoppers for that brand go around and pick out what they want, buy it take it to there business and sew there label on it and then sell it to you! So a big name brand (VS) and a cheaper company (Target) will be buying the same thing and selling! Every company is different but do some research on the brands you are buying; know what you are buying and where it made

I know a jeweler, he was telling me that most couple are buying CZ’s for there big stone in there wedding rings. Then on a later anniversary they replace it with a real one. Then on the other hand I know a few friends who have spent big money on nice rings … then after a few years of abuse being a stay a home mom they hit it just right and the lost the stone. And what did they do? Replaced it with a CZ because its just too expensive to replace.

So think about it the next time you “want” something. First do you really need to buy it? Second can you get the same thing/ quality some other way? Know how the “rich” people could afford it? Because they hold onto there money too!

Home Made PJ's

Well I am not sure if this is time saver or a money saver. But why I made home made PJ pants is because #1 I think they are much higher quality then store bought ones (I hate it when the fabric start to pill) and will last threw more then one kid (have you notice how thin the fabric gets after a few washings?) or at least a lot longer on that one kid and #2 I think they look a lot better and #3 they are more comfortable then store bought PJ's (the seams always feel to tight on me for some reason – PJ’s are supposed to be super comfortable!)

So our family likes Snoopy/Peanuts fabric and that is what I used on this lot O PJ's. That fabric is sort of expensive even with the 40% off coupon. But you can find 100% cotton fabric on clearance and make it a deal. Then I buy the craft t-shirts in matching colors (on sale naturally) and use the left over fabric from making the PJ's to appliqué something on the front to match the theme of the pants. And I always make the pants bigger, like 3 sizes bigger, then the person, this makes them extra comfy - even if I have to shorten all the pants cause they are too long. I do the elastic at the right length and they will fit just fine. Same with the t-shirt we go bigger for comfort. Also I look for the PJ patterns that make each leg out of one piece of fabric (instead of 2) ... So I only have to cut 2 pattern pieces out of each pair of pants (instead of 4!)! Less work for me! If you need more help on how too, just comment and I will do another post about it!

My Stenciling Journey!

Well the other day I saw a stencil that I loved in my favorite magazine. Altered Couture. (I know you have heard that one before!) LOL Anyways ... So I found the exact stencil I fell in love with but didn't want to do it on the shirt I wanted on the first try .... I wanted some practice.



Ok the teal shirt is try #1 and try #2 neither of which fared very well. The flor de lit on top was done with a stencil brush. It came out dark in places and lighter in others with a thinker line around the edge of the stencil. Not even at all. So try #2 is the row of Flor de lit's with a fabric spray paint and 1) I don't think it works with super stretchy t-shirt 2) i sprayed too close to the fabric and didn't let it dry enough between sprays. So it didn't work out. I will be trying the fabric spray paint again on a different kind of T using better coverage with more time in between sprays. See how it comepairs to my next try ........
Try #3 is this lovely design. I looked all over the web to fine what people use to make there own t-shirt. I was very surprised to find that most people used reg spray paint. And why not ... you have to wear grubbies when you work with it because it doesn't come out! But how to make it look nice! Well i was patient this time and used a regular T-shirt. I think that helped. I will post again when I try with the fabric spray paint one more time.

Upcycling - your kids cothing

OK I saw this upcyced or altered jean jacket in my favorite magazine called "Altered Couture". I fell in love with the swirlies on the sleeves. I have a jean jacket like that an I never wear it becuase its not on the favorites list. I firgured I would enjoy wearing it more if I tried this. Only problem was that I had never really painted much freehand stuff before on any medium. But I was determind.
So I went to the thrift store with my dad one evening and he bought my 2 year old these overalls. I figured - what better way to try it out then on a 2 year old who doesnt care one whit what they look like - so I was under no pressure to be perfect. I did my own desing and just went for it. And I really like it.

and the back .....

So $1.25 for the overalls. $2.00 for the paint. $3.50 for the brushes. Viola! Chic Baby! What do you think?

An Easy Budget to make.

Well some of my friends and I were talking about food budgets. And most people said they didn’t know. They didn’t know because they don’t have a budget. We are in some tough times and over 1 year ago I made this budget, it’s not down to the penny – but its close and it works for us.

First thing we did that I strongly suggest, we have 2 bank accounts. One where we receive our paychecks and one we transfer the money into and pay the bills out of that one only. What is left in the first bank account is what we have for food, car gas, house hold supplies, clothing and entertainment and everything else. We do this so that if we forget to write down a purchase and our account goes negative (when you live paycheck to paycheck this happens unfortunately) non of our bills will bounce.

Second thing we have done is pay a partial of every bill on each paycheck. We get paid every week. So I divided all our bills by 4. Each paycheck I deposit ¼ the amount of the bill into the household account. We used our taxes to pay 1 month in full on all our bills and from that point on we put ¼ into the account each time. Its hard to do the switch but worth it in the end. That way you don’t pay rent and have no money left on that paycheck – every paycheck is the same.

Third I round everything up. If a loan payment is $45.15 a month, I pay $50 every month. I am not overpaying so much my family looses food, but I feel good paying more then the min and I am sure it helps a teeny tiny bit. It’s also easier to track in my check book. I find with whole numbers I make mistake’s less often. I round up the amount I transffer into the household account for monthly bills too, and the extra just sits in the Household account, but when we have once a year things come due we have some padding in the account and it wont hurt us too much. An example of a yearly bill is a Costco or Sams Club membership, AAA auto club membership, Car registration and even if you owe on taxes.

Also we never take the household debt card or check book out of the home. So we are never tempted to use it, because it almost always has money in it – since we deposit so often saving up for the due date.

I made up a chart in word … very simple just columns, don’t even need to know excel! Here is what one column might look like … I changed the $ amounts of what we pay, so this is only an easy to follow example.

3/15/09 $1000 Date and check/deposit amount
$100 Tithing
$250 Rent
$30 Water and Power
$25 Phone/internet
$30 House Gas
$25 Car/house insurance
$25 Hubby’s Credit Card
$25 My Credit Card
$50 Hubby’s Student Loans
$130 My Student Loans
$150 Car Loan
total transfer to household account = $840

$25 Co-pays into savings account

Leaving = $135

So with this budget I transfer $865 every time we get paid into the Household account and savings, and then when a bill comes due I sit down and write out the check and I keep the balance in the check book added up correctly. Sometimes it takes people and business awhile to deposit the checks, but I know exactly what I have paid for.

This leaves $135 for food, car gas and any other things we might want.

Most people would not consider putting aside extra each paycheck for co-pays. We have a very high co-pay and would not be able to afford them when they come up if we did not. Also we use the co-pays section for eye and dental exams since we do not have this kind of insurance. Be sure to tell your doctors you are paying cash for the visit and often they charge you less for the visit then they would charge the insurance for the same exam. I don’t put the co-pay money into the household account so it sits away from bill money and we just transfer it back into our food account when we know we are heading to the doctors office. This makes it easy to see what we can afford medically – with out having to subtract it from the household account. There is no money available to save at this time, so it’s a good place for it to wait.

Also if you do not make a lot of money contact your insurance company and see if there is an assistance program to lower your co-pays if you make less then a certain amount. This is usually biased on how many members of your family there are and income.

When we had our 2 year old the insurance paid for everything but $2000. When we got PG we looked at the insurance and how much would be out of our pocket when we went to the hospital. It was $300, but 9 months later they had changed and we were now required to pay 20% of the total hospital bill. This was a shock as we had only been prepared for the $300. We talked to the hospital and had to submit papers for a review board to look at with our finical info, and they chose to write off our 20%. And if they don’t write off because they think you can pay for it, talk to the billing department and they will often work with you up to 6 months worth of payments.

If my easy budget wasn’t easy for you to understand and you really want to know, please comment and I will try again to describe it in a different way. You really need a budget, and this is the easiest one I have ever used.

Lets talk about credit card debt.

I got a sheet in college about credit card debt with a few examples, to get “us” college kids to start thinking about finances and money. It was a real eye opener and I have never gotten rid of this piece of paper, so I can look at it every so often and try to not buy anything on credit cards anymore.

Say you owe $1,500 on your credit card and pay the $25 a month min on time all the time. How long would that take you to pay off at that rate? How much more would you end up paying in interest charges?

If you had a 10.8% interest rate (yea right what college student gets that kind of rate?) It would take 7.3 years to pay it all off with a total cost of $2,300!!!!!

If you had a 13.8% interest rate (again, yea right what college student gets that kind of rate?) It would take 8.5 years to pay it all off with a total cost of $2,700!!!!!

If you had a 16.8% interest rate (still not a normal rate) It would take 11.0 years to pay it all off with a total cost of $3,500!!!!!

If you had a 19.8% interest rate (yea this is more where I was at back then and I notice more CC are going to now.) It would take 23.5 years to pay it all off with a total cost of $7,800!!!!!

If you had a 22.8% interest rate (this is where most of the younger generation would be) It would NEVER get paid off!

Did you ever imagine that? I sure didn’t. It also says that a “general rule of thumb” is that your monthly payments on your debt should amount to no more then 20% of your income. Debt in this case would be cars, appliances, furniture, credit cards, bank loans and student loans.

So that was scary and quite honestly depressing for me. But its good to know. Stop buying on credit unless you pay it off every month. And always pay more then the min due, even if it’s a few dollars. We have started paying every week a ¼ of our monthly payments and have seen a huge improvement in just under 4 months. By paying weekly or bi-weekly you are cutting down on the amount of interest you accrue.

Crock Pot Salsa Roast

The name says it all! Some time in the morning (around 8am) put a pot roast in your crock pot. Turn it to the low setting. Get a 1 lb jar a salsa and dump it on top, covering the roast. (Mild for kids but if your family is more adventurous get a hotter jar!) Put the lid on the crock pot and leave it until about 5pm. Serve. The roast just pulls apart doesn't even need a knife, it comes out almost shredded! And to add to time savers ... microwaved peas and rice made in the rice cooker! How easy it that?