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!