There Is More To Being A Domestic Goddess Than Bon-Bons

The Season of Reason of a Lifetime...

2012-01-31T10:11:00.001-05:00

I woke up this morning... thinking.
Thinking about life, the people in it, the people who are long gone, and those I need to reconnect with. I don't have many people I call friends, but the ones I have are true to the core.

Over coffee, I was talking to my friend who is going through a transformation. No, there is no surgery involved, not that kind of transformation. *giggle*

Ahem... back to the serious sounding thinking voice...

For a while I have watched her get treated like a doormat by people who call themselves her friend. Friends don't set out to make you feel like something you step in just to make themselves feel better about their failing life. Friends don't try to belittle your achievements. Friends will not only stand beside you while you are reaching for the stars, they will toss you on their shoulders so you can be that much closer.

There comes a time to break free from the "ticks" in your life, those who do nothing but slowly and steadily suck away at your life, energy, sanity.

Sometimes the reason is to make you stronger.

Artfully Odd

2012-01-30T08:26:00.002-05:00

I was logging in this morning and noticed that yesterday (my birthday) was a "milestone" post... on a few levels. I like 101, it's more than 100... and it's odd. Life is odd. It's perfect for today.

The morning started out routine -

Elvis off to work - check
coffee perking - check
Diva laying in bed sick *WHAT?* I'm starting to think she's allergic to Shrugs house or something, she came home sick yesterday.

At least it's sunny out!

OR NOT!

(forgive the horrid voice, I'm still not feeling 100%)

Happy Birthday to ME!

2012-01-29T12:48:00.002-05:00

Amazing ~ I've made it another full rotation of the sun! My friend owns an online radio network and this was waiting for me when I logged on to listen this morning. Thank you Mary!!! ~( UBER RADIO )~

I got to sleep in a bit (which was easy since there was nobody home but the cat) and made myself a pot of coffee and headed out to the store to rent a movie.

Barely home an hour and dishes started when Diva came home from the weekend at Shrugs. Sick. Figures! She needed some "Momma Love" and lunch, then off to sleep she went.

My "Don't Ask Me How Old" Birthday Celebration

Dinner - a bucket of chicken, hm shell & cheese, veggies
Dessert - ICE CREAM CAKE!!!!! (it is MY birthday after all)
Movie - THE HELP

(read the book, it's even better!)

Sitting-On-My-Butt Sunny Saturday

2012-01-28T09:13:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is my birthday but Elvis has to work. Today has been dedicated to me. Thing is... I'm not feeling well. Without fail, every January 29th I am sick. Never anything life threatening, but enough to make a person prefer a pillow over a party. He's in the kitchen making me breakfast and then we will watch movies. (That's the end of the catering for me though, I have to make lunch and cook dinner)

People have asked us why we don't have cable. It's a combination of reasons actually. We did have cable about 8 years ago. We must have asked 4 times if it included Nickelodeon and the Disney channels. Of course, they said yes. Guess what? It didn't. For an additional $xx we could upgrade to a package that had those channels and about 100 more that we would never watch. We kept it for a while, but in the end, we saw no point paying all that so we cut back to the local only package. If there is anything we want to watch on a cable station, there is plenty of ways to see them on the computer, for free. Some channels allow you to view them on their websites, and Hulu is pretty good with what they still have for free, you have to wait a week in some cases, but, it's not like the story will change.

The local library rents out dvd's for free. Granted, most of the choices are old, but that works out when we want to share a movie from our past with Diva. Redbox is also pretty good. For $1, you can rent whatever they have available in the boxes. You can rent in one box and return in the other. They have a selection of recent movies with a sprinkling of older ones.

Today we'll watch 3 of the Redbox movies while I knit more dishcloths.

2012-01-27T08:39:00.001-05:00

It's Friday. It's raining. It's payday. It smells amazing out there... which is a good thing since I can't see a damn thing through the fog!

Grocery shopping is on the to-do list and I will get it done fairly early because this is definately a "stay warm and knit" sort of day.

I'm currently knitting a dishcloth - it's simple yet pretty.

CO 31 (or any odd number around there)

10 rows of Knit
9 rows of k1 *p1, k1*
15 rows of Knit
9 rows of k1 *p1, k1)
10 rows of Knit
bind off

Finding Strength DEEP Down

2012-01-26T16:52:00.000-05:00

Early Morning

2012-01-25T07:17:00.000-05:00

Pass the coffee... no... not that little cup, I'm thinking something closer to an oil tanker!

Diva has a doctor's appointment at 8am, oh joy! I've planned it early so maybe, just maybe, she can go to school after. There is about 15 miles between the two, and the majority of that is on the busy side of the highway. -lovely- Of course, she is hoping to be there all day, or at least long enough to stay home.

Diva tells me over and over how she can't wait to start "Momma Academy" (home-school). Things are falling together on that front - note to self, fill out the paperwork!

It's a warm 35f right now (yes, that's warm compared to what it HAS been). Snow coming Thursday, Friday and Sunday... NOOOooo!!!

It's a good thing I have Phoebe to keep me thinking of warmer things. Who's she you ask? Have you never heard of the "Phamous Phoebe"??? There is a 24/7 live feed to a hummingbirds nest. Yesterday she laid the first egg, talk is that she will have the second one on Thursday. This is the second clutch. I missed the first one a few weeks ago.

Live Video app for Facebook by Ustream

*** Note - the stream is in California, if you don't see anything, it's probably too early, lol

Energize!

2012-01-24T10:32:00.001-05:00

I am not usually one to read horoscopes, but a friend of mine reads hers daily and on occasion I will go peek at mine. --

You could power cities with your mental energy today! On the off chance that you're not hooked into the power grid, try instead to do some good for the world at large. You've got all night!

Hmmm... Mental energy seems to be the only sort of energy I am running as of late. I've been trying to harness is for the power of good, what a struggle THAT has been! *giggle*

I have been thinking about everything I need to do this year, and the deadlines some of them have. The majority of things I do ARE for other people. But... is it enough? Is there something more I could be doing? Maybe... most likely... probably... yes.

I'm going to use the day to figure out what else I can be doing. I have to hand it to the person who wrote the horoscopes today... I -do- have a lot of mental energy today.

Nurse Furball Says...

2012-01-23T15:51:00.001-05:00

Domestic Goddess and Diva are too sick to blog today.

Introducing... Our Newest Addition

2012-01-22T10:47:00.000-05:00

About a month ago I had placed an online order of a major store chain. Apparently someone in the programming department is in trouble because the $90 item selling online for $12.50 was a mistake. I knew that it was too good to be true... but sometimes you just have to try!

Imagine my surprise when I got an apologetic email from the store, offering me a $50 online shopping credit! It only took me a minute to figure out what I would apply it towards.

I am sure I will be posting some pics of culinary creations created in this SOON! Right now, I am GIDDY about getting a $99.99 slow-cooker for FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE -- I think it may actually make the food taste better...

On a Stick...

2012-01-21T13:30:00.001-05:00

Today I ventured out in to the snow to return the video rentals and on the way home I stopped at the drug store for a few "snowsentials". Snowsentials, you know, the things you like to have when curled up under a blanket on a cold day. While walking through the aisles I saw it... the pan that makes cake -- on a stick!

It is a well known fact that food on a stick is just BETTER. Maybe it doesn't taste any different than it's plated cousins, but, come on... it's food... on a stick!

I don't know if I will actually get around to making them tonight, I was thinking about surprising Diva with one in her lunchbox Monday and I know that "Elvis + snow + snacks = 0" especially if said snack is of the small and sweet variety.

That being said, for your viewing pleasure (a video I did not create, upload, or lay claim to) the ULTIMATE food.... on a stick -- JOSE!

Another Great Voice, Forever Silenced

2012-01-20T15:38:00.001-05:00

It is common knowledge that I worship the original Diva's... Eartha, Billie, Etta, Aretha. There is something honest, a DEEP DOWN TO THE BONE sort of connection when I hear them sing.

Etta James sang one of my favorite songs, and one that I sing to Elvis often. In honor of Ms. James, I present for your listening pleasures "At Last".

** note, I did not make this video

It's Freaking Cold IN Here...

2012-01-19T14:09:00.002-05:00

So put on all your clothes
With a little bit of brr brr
a little bit of brr brr

I can't begin to tell you how cold it is in the house right now, and the sad part is, we HAVE heat and it IS on! I've never had to turn the heat on ever... until recently. Last year our condo was a constant 80 degrees, not so great for the summer but it was more than welcome come late fall, winter and early spring. The condo association replaced the water heater a few months ago and nothings been the same since. A little birdie in a high tree told me that it wouldn't matter what people turned their dials to, the highest that will come out is 70. Great, wonderful, I would LOVE for it to be 70 in here. Why the heck is it only 64 in here????

It's hot chocolate time. The BIG mugs too, none of that itty bitty teacup stuff today. Elvis and Diva are on their way back from school, stopping at Redbox for some movies. The kettle is already pre-boiling so I can just give it a warm-up when they arrive.

Did I mention... it's snowing?

They said it was suppose to start around midnight, according to my watch, they are 10 hours off. They also said it will be 3" - I hope they are better with accumulations than arrivals! Diva was already wondering if there will be school tomorrow. Everyone is hoping for a snow day Friday. There's something exciting and wonderful about watching the two of them enjoy a snowy day.

I guess having them have fun together in the winter wonderland outside is worth the near frostbite I am dealing with inside.

Say NO to SOPA!

2012-01-18T07:59:00.006-05:00

Cluck-off!

2012-01-17T10:52:00.001-05:00

With a cluck-cluck here, and a cluck cluck there, here a cluck, there a cluck, in my oven goes the cluck cluck...
Can you guess what dinner will be tonight? If you guessed pork chops, sit down before you hurt yourself...

There is something exciting about cooking chicken. Seriously, I'm not making this up. Chicken is exciting! There are so many ways to prepare it that you could do an entire year of chicken dinners and have no repeats. Hmm... a year of chicken. I could do it, not so sure Elvis could.

Originally I was going to cook dinner in the slow cooker, but, the morning got away from me. Just as well, it's a bit chilly in the condo today and the oven heat will help with that. Now, what shall I do with 3 split chicken breasts? Shhhhh... I'm communicating with the chicken... Quit looking at me like that... I'm a Chicken Whisperer!

Pineapple... bbq sauce... pineapple AND bbq sauce? Are you sure? Oh... onion and garlic powder too? If you insist... in the pretty pan? Absolutely!

TADAH - through the magic of the internet, I am back. I bet you didn't even realize I was gone. Dinner is in the oven and now I can focus on other things... like my third cup of coffee!

Chilly, Chilly, Chili!

2012-01-16T11:19:00.000-05:00

No school today! Sometimes I wonder who is more excited about days off, me or Diva. It's cold - beyond cold actually. It's a "wrap yourself in a bunch of blankets and take a nap" 18f. Diva curled up on the sofa next to me with a book. I suspected there wasn't much reading going on when I started hearing snoring...

I was talking to a friend of mine this morning and she gave me a recipe. Perfect for the cold, chilly weather. I won't make it until the weekend (mostly because I don't have a car or canned tomatoes right now) but it sounded like the perfect thing to pass on. I don't know where it came from originally, she got it from a friend, who most likely got it from a friend...

Chunky Veggie Chili

3/4lbs browned ground beef or cooked cubed chicken (I'm going with the chicken)
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup diced bell pepper
3 cloves of crushed garlic
2 1/2 cups diced zucchini
1 cup diced carrot
2 1/2 tbs chili powder
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp hot sauce
32 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
28 oz whole tomatoes, chopped
16oz tomato sauce
~ Combine in slow-cooker, cook high for 1 hour and then low for remainder of cooking time

There's Something in My Oven... and it Smells GOOD!

2012-01-15T13:04:00.001-05:00

Today I decided to get a bit creative in the kitchen. On the menu was suppose to be mac & cheese with ground meat. *yawn* I knew I had to use the ground meat because I had taken it out the the freezer Saturday morning and it was already thawed.

How to get creative with about 1 cup of "meat mix"... Meat mix is what I call my OAMC mix. It's not always beef, actually, it's usually never beef - I start out with about 10 pounds of whatever ground meat is $1.99/lb or less. After I have taken the plain meat I need for burgers or specialty dinners, I use the remaining 5 pounds or so and add a bag of diced onions, green peppers, a large can of tomatoes, garlic, whatever spices catch my eye and whatever filler I am using (breadcrumbs, crushed corn flakes, oatmeal, etc). I bag the meat in 1 and 2 cup batches and toss it in the freezer. This batch came from some I made in the early fall. I use it to "beef up" whatever I am making.

Tonight's invention had to use what I had on hand since I don't have a car right now (well, I do have a car, but Elvis has it until his is back from the shop). I also had to make sure that whatever it was, it could be heated in the microwave since Elvis doesn't have a set workday and in really hectic days, dinner is long overdue because he doesn't even stop for lunch. Kissing him hello and telling him dinner will take "about an hour" is not the words he wants to hear. I also wanted to use the dutch oven. I love my dutch oven.

"Tonights Stuff"
1 cup of meat mix (whatever meat you choose, I think mine is turkey)
1 container of cottage cheese
1 cup of rice - uncooked
breadcrumbs
usual suspects of spices (I used salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and parsley)

~ Don't use the rice uncooked, so, if you haven't already boiled or steamed it, make sure you do that first.
~ Brown the ground meat, drain. Add cottage cheese to pan and stir it around a few times to get it mixed around and it will be somewhat "melted". Toss in the cooked rice. (This is where using a dutch oven comes in handy, only 1 pan needed). Cover with breadcrumbs.

Bake at 350 for 30 mins

Unbox Boredom!

2012-01-14T11:55:00.000-05:00

I wish I had something exciting to post about today. The sewing machine is still jammed with what was to be a napkin, the checkerboard scarf is still being worked on, I am almost finished watching all the Keeping up Appearances videos. I already went to the bank, the grocery store and the gas station. The food is put away. Brunch is being eatten as I type this.

See?

I'M BORED!

I don't even have making dinner to look forward to tonight. Elvis is once again taking over the kitchen to make some chicken dish a co-worker was talking about. It must be a "guy thing" secret recipe because he won't tell me what's in it.

Oh, I know! I'll make some Cake Box Cookies!!!

1 (8-ounce) brick cream cheese, room temperature
1 stick butter, at room temperature
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (18-ounce) box cake mix
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Preheat oven to 350
In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Beat in the egg. Then beat in the vanilla extract. Beat in the cake mix.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up so that you can roll the batter into balls.
Roll the chilled batter into tablespoon sized balls and then roll them in confectioner's sugar.
Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart.
Bake 12 minutes.

Keeping up Appearances with Antifriggatriskaidekaphobia

2012-01-13T11:24:00.000-05:00

I'm not entirely sure if that was a word before, but it is now. Today is, Friday the 13th (start creepy music now). I never understood why people think there is something scary or evil about the date.

I happen to enjoy Fridays and think that 13 is a rather lucky number. Maybe it's because I have a habit of rooting for the underdog. Maybe it's because I like to be different. Maybe it's because I think the number looks cooler than the others.

Today has been a lazy, yet productive day so far. It's payday (although there is a week missing from his check - waiting to hear back on the manager on that one). The bills have been paid for the month, the car is being fixed (and they found more damage than before, but the insurance is picking up the difference) and we should have it back by the end of next week, the roads are wet, but not icy and I don't have to leave the house today. Sounds like a perfect day to me - lounging around in jammies and knitting. (I know I sound like a slug... sitting around in jammies... but, tell me who wouldn't want to be able to lounge around on a cold winters day!)

I haven't been making much progress on the scarf though, I get a row in here or there but my focus has been on Keeping Up Appearances. I really love that show, there is something about Hyacinth. I'm a lot like her in a lot of ways. Always wanting whats best... not always knowing how to go about it. If you have never seen the British comedy series before, you should. Check your PBS listings, or go to Youtube (you have to start with the first episode). I can only imagine the look of shock and disgust on Mrs. Bucket (that's BOUQUET to you) with my "common" leisure attire.

Slip-Sliding Away

2012-01-12T11:11:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning, just like all other mornings before this one. Padded in my slippers to the kitchen to start the coffee and noticed that there wasn't enough sugar for a cup. Scrapped the coffee idea until after I drop Diva at school. Turned on the local news and started the kettle for cocoa.

Little did I know, running silently under the newscasters was the school closing and delay listing! Had I seen it, I would have raced to the window to properly prepare for the days outing... ice skates would have worked.
Twenty-five minutes of sliding, mumbling, white-knuckling, and reassuring Diva that all is well and singing along to the radio - we finally made it, 9 miles away.

This is NOT the Retreat I Planned!

2012-01-11T09:50:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning excited about a craft retreat a few of us on FV are doing from today until Saturday. Elvis is working, Diva is at school... I broke out the sewing machine after cutting material to make the fabric napkins I had been dreaming about all week!

I was 3/4 done on the first one when the rebellious machine ATE the napkin. Yes. ATE IT!!! It's jammed in so good that I had no choice but to cut it away and give up. I have no desire to take it apart right now, so I put it away... little strip of fabric peeking out of the well and all.

Back to knitting.

Birds Nest Pendants

2012-01-10T14:00:00.000-05:00

I've been plugging away at the checkerboard scarf, about 90 rows in to it, I call that a commitment! Knitting is cheaper than therapy, and let's be honest... who's going to harass a woman holding 2 long, sharp sticks???

Last night I decided to give wires a go. I have been coveting the birds nest pendants friends of mine made. *sigh* Oh how I wanted one. I dug out the beads and some wire. After starting to work on the first one, I realized it was a little thicker than I should have used, but, it just meant a little more work.

My camera is AWFUL. I am checking off the days until I can get to the store and get a new one! (Elvis has my car for the next 2 weeks, thanks to the dipstick who hit him... scroll back to read THAT story)
I tried to get a good picture of the ones I made, but the pics are so grainy, it could be anything.

On Second Thought...

2012-01-09T13:51:00.000-05:00

Shortly after taking the photo of the staggering rib scarf, I changed my mind about what I wanted. I was talking to a friend of mine about the scarf I made her last Christmas... she's still talking about how much she liked it.

Well... it made me want to frog the whole thing and start over... So... without further ado (and, I'm not frogging this one, promise)

My Checkerboard Scarf
use 2 strands held together
US13 needles
Cast on 22 and knit a row
Rows 1-5: k6, p5, k5, p5, k1
Rows 6-10: k1, p5, k5, p5, k6
repeat pattern until you get to the length you want
knit 1 row
bind off

Staggering Around

2012-01-09T08:47:00.001-05:00

You may want to brace yourself... are you sitting? Okay, good. I am making something for myself. I was digging through Yarn Mountain last night and put my hands on a beautiful purple. It was originally going to be made in to a hat & scarf gift for Diva's cousin. The more I looked at that yarn, the more I ran my fingers down the soft fiber, the more I was convinced - it's meant for ME.

I grabbed the "yarn bowl" out of the cabinet and some off-white and the newly claimed purple, along with US13 needles. I have seen the fancy yarn bowls, and if I was using expensive yarn on a daily basis, it may be something I would consider spending $40+ on... but then again, if I was buying expensive yarn, who would have the money for a bowl with a hole in it. I also have a "yarn cup" that I use for my kitchen cotton (don't tell it that it's just a recycled peanut butter jar, it feels important).

Now... what to make with it. I wanted something useful. If I am going to make something for myself, it needs to be useful. At first, I thought about a hat. It's winter, hats are useful. I then thought about mittens. I decided on a scarf. Not just any scarf mind you, since it will be purple & off-white, I wanted something a little fancier than a garter or rib.

I was walking in to the kitchen when it hit me. Well, to be honest, I tripped. That little moment made me remember I had a pattern on Pinterest that would work. Staggered Rib! It's subtle, but *I* know it's there. I started it this morning and ignore the craptastic resolution of my camera (I plan on getting a new one for my birthday in a few weeks).

I am hoping to have it finished by Thursday... hey, I have other things to do than knitting you know. I just heard the weather, something about a nor'easter hitting by the end of the week!

No UFO's Here!

2012-01-08T14:52:00.000-05:00

Before you think I've gone off the deep end, talking about visiting aliens or anything. UFO is knit-speak for unfinished objects. I finished the dishcloths for Mom and I finished a hat for one of Diva's cousins. Yes, I am talking about Christmas 2012 gifts - NOW you may look at me as if I have gone off the deep-end. I also finished the mistake rib scarf for my friend.

I popped in to JoAnn's to get the wire I needed, hopefully I will get to make the birds nest pendant this week. Also, I bought some earring hoops. I was feeling creative, but as of right now, I have NO idea what I am going to do with them.

I am technically calling these NON-ufos... they just need to be sewed off, as soon as I can find that itty bitty bottle with all my needles.

That Art of Stout

2012-01-07T11:36:00.001-05:00

I was looking at vintage patterns this morning. I love the look of the clothes but they don't flatter my figure at all. I think that women of the 1950's have been pressed in to some assembly line form or something because there seemed to be only one style of dress. Itty bitty waist.

The ad is from Lane Bryant in 1957 (they have been around forever, and no shocker, even the "stout" model is stick thin! Some things don't change I guess.)

It's no wonder I haven't been able to procure a pattern in my ample size. You simply weren't "fat" in those days. If this is what "stout" looked like back then... I must be orbital!

An "older" friend of mine said "Back in the day, if you were a fat chick..it made the man look good - meant you were content and happy". I can only image how jovial I would be if size = happiness.

So, now back to dream shopping the vintage patterns and comparing them to something modern, preferably from Simplicity. You will know if I manage to devise something.

Duck & Cover - Man in Kitchen!

2012-01-06T18:34:00.001-05:00

It's Friday. Elvis is home. He's in my kitchen - again! I know a lot of people would be happy if someone else did all the cooking. I'm not one of those people - I honestly enjoy cooking. I do have to admit, when he cooks, it's usually pretty good. Granted, we have totally different cooking styles - I, am a Domestic Goddess in the kitchen, able to make everything from abalone to zucchini. He, is a man. That usually means that whatever it is, there is bacon involved. Dinner tonight is no exception.

I should have known that he was plotting his kitchen coup when he asked what was for dinner - before I even had my first sip of coffee. I wasn't remotely caffeinated at that time so I missed the subtle hints. It wasn't until he was asking about peppers, onions, carrots, mushrooms and BACON did I know, he was up to something.

Bacon Bomb - From what I can tell, it's weaved bacon with ground pork, peppers, onions, a bunch of other things... and everything is rolled up and shoved in the oven. I know he's basting it with bbq sauce every 30 mins. I'm sorry I can't post a recipe for you, but I have no clue what he's doing in there!

Sniffle, Sniffle, Cough

2012-01-05T10:20:00.002-05:00

I woke up feeling wonderful. Jumped out of bed and made apple cinnamon muffins for breakfast, which my family ate with difficulty - not because they weren't delicious, but because it's hard to chew with your jaw on the floor. Have I not mentioned before, I am NOT a morning person?

Somewhere between the first and second cup of coffee, it happened. Sniffle, sniffle, cough. I am not going to get sick. I simply will not allow it. Lunch will be another batch of the soup, this time with cilantro. Dinner will be baked potato, onion, pepper, chicken and cilantro casserole.

I know what you are thinking - "What's with all the cilantro?" Elvis went to the store to get the ingredients for his salsa. Yes ladies and gents, Elvis is allowed in my kitchen, on rare occasions, after he submits to request in triplicate. He ended up buying a big bunch but only needs a small amount. I want to use it up before it goes bad. Tossing food = not frugal - not Domestic Goddess approved.

Now, what to do with the extra cilantro, it's going in the salsa, it's going in the soup, it's even going in the casserole - dinner muffins.

I know that look, I've seen you with it before... dinner muffins???

Easy Dinner Muffins

1 c. self-rising flour (bisquick)
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. mayonnaise (nobody tell Elvis, he hates mayo. I take that back, hate is not a strong enough word... loathe)
1/4 cup shredded cheese
3T garlic (love garlic)
cilantro (whatever you have on hand)
~~~~Combine all; mix well and drop in a well greased muffin pan. Bake 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes (or however long your oven takes... mine has been rebelious lately)

Baby, It's BEYOND Cold Outside!

2012-01-04T09:19:00.001-05:00

It's FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZING outside! I think even penguins would be complaining - it's THAT cold! Does he look happy to you??? I know you can't see me (and be thankful for the shield of the internet) but I am wearing my fleece jammies and thick slippers. I know, the Domestic Goddess in her finest.

Weather like this makes me think of wrapping my hands around a mug of soup... not just any soup - Stracciatella! Wait, what? You don't know what that is??? Come closer, grab a pen, I'll tell you.

Stracciatella basically means "torn apart". The soup isn't pretty, but it is delicious!

3.5C chicken broth
1/2C cup water
1/4C small pasta (I use soup pasta, you could use any type)
1T parsley
1/2t nutmeg
1/2t garlic (I put it in everything)
2T grated cheese
1 egg, beaten
Bring broth to a boil, stir in pasta and cook until tender (check your pasta directions for time). Reduce heat and stir in parsley, nutmeg, garlic and cheese. Pour the egg in to the simmering soup, slowly, and stir once.

That's it - pretty simple, right? If I am making it for a dinner, I will make garlic sticks for dipping. Not a drop of this soup is ever left behind.

Enjoy!

"She's Crafty"

2012-01-03T11:55:00.001-05:00

A friend had said that about me. I suppose it could be taken a FEW different ways -- I am going to assume she means that I am good with arts and crafts. Ya, lets go with that.

Martha Stewart, I am not. I don't even have a room dedicated to my inspirations. (Someday, someday) I do have totes upon totes stacked next to hampers full of things... things other than dirty laundry that is!

I've been trying to go through everything in my "crafting stockpile". Thing is, I don't sew as much as I want to. Why? A few different reasons - 1) I don't have a sewing table, yet and 2) I can't sew a sleeve to save my life. I plan on fixing that this year.

In the meantime, I have planned on a few other sewing projects. Fabric napkins being one of them. They are simple, I have the material already, they don't have sleeves!

When I finally get around (hopefully this weekend) to making them, I will post pics of them. Promise you won't laugh. If you do, at least don't point while you are doing it.

For now, I am working on the knitting. I am currently working on a simple, repeat pattern scarf. It's basically a mistake rib pattern. Simple, simple, simple! I enjoy following a pattern, but there are times that I just want to recline on the sofa, watch tv in my snuggie and not have to worry about missing a stitch in a complicated pattern.

My Mistake Rib Pattern

Use any size needle you want - I use a US-10

cast on 27 (or any multiple of 3 if you want a wider scarf, or using smaller needles)

Knit, Knit, Purl, rinse and repeat.

Bind off when you get to the length you want.

I told you it was easy! It makes for a great frugal gift for someone. Don't let the holidays sneak up on you.

Day 2 - In the kitchen

2012-01-02T11:28:00.000-05:00

I am trying to make an entry a day to this little piece of internet that I call mine. Not everything will be fun or educational. A sprinkling of whining here and there where appropriate, which is whenever I, the Domestic Goddess said it is.

Eggnog - just the word brings fond memories of the winter holidays, and about 10 pounds to each hip. So, what to do with about a quart of leftover golden goodness? French Toast! Not just any french toast, deliciously baked to a golden crisp, eggnog french toast!

I am sure there are tons of recipes out there for it, but this is how I make mine (and, it's so simple and yummy, why mess with a good thing?)

2 cups eggnog
2 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
.5 tsp nutmeg
14 slices of full fiber bread (don't look at me like that, fiber is GOOD for you... fine! Use whatever you want)

Preheat oven to 350 and whisk together the ingredients. Spray 2 cookie sheets and proceed with the french toast making. Bake about 20-30 mins, until golden brown. (Flip after about 10 mins to give both sides a good suntan, I hate "squishy" french toast)

When it's cool I cut them in to sticks for a fast, Diva friendly breakfast and pop them in the freezer.

Now that the tummy is full, back to knitting. I finished the peace symbol and smiley face dish cloths. I got about half done on the heart and realized I needed more white cotton (the only color I don't have a ton of). On to the next project!

Peace, Love & Happiness

2012-01-01T08:32:00.000-05:00

Once again, this is the first day of a new year. The neighborhood is about as quiet as my house. Diva and Shrugs went back to his house after a dinner party here last night and Elvis just left for work.

I did a personal year-in-review for 2011, all in all, I am happy with everything that happened. We paid off both cars, booked a cruise for later this year, took Diva on a fantastic vacation, I started knitting more, made scarves for the Special Olympics, got to spend some time with friends, and a lot of hugs and kisses. I love my beautiful and artistic daughter. I love my hard working other-half. Heck, I even like my ex-husband!

I decided that 2012 will be the year of "Peace, Love & Happiness" (I know, the title may have been a give away). The Yule gifts this year will come from one (or more) of those categories. I am also aiming for a 100% Homemade Holiday - since I plan on homeschooling Diva for 6th grade starting in September, I had better get moving!

To start things out, I made the first gift of the year - a peace sign dishcloth. I will make the heart and the smiley face ones later today... as soon as the coffee is done perking. Priorities. Those 3 dishcloths, along with complimentary dish towels, and later some homemade cookies will be given to my Mother.

Reclaiming the condo is also on the to-do list for 2012. We got some things done throughout 2011, but the bigger things still need to be done, such as moving the living room furniture around so the sofa isn't near the draft slider anymore. I am not going to buy anything for the condo, other than what is needed for finishing the remodeling (carpets, molding, spackle & paint) We would like to eventually sell this condo and buying things for this place is low on the list.

We may be heading south this year too, literally. Elvis' mom said she really misses him and would like us to meet at his Grandmothers this spring. It's something we are hoping to do this year, even if it has to wait a few months past that. Diva is excited about getting on a plane and seeing them. She hasn't seen any of them since she was 5. Elvis is just about as excited. He doesn't say it much, but I know he's homesick, and being 900+ miles away from family doesn't help. I'm looking forward to it, mostly because I get to tease Elvis about him having to sleep on the sofa while we are at her house. After almost 9 years of being together, sometimes we may forget that we aren't legally married... but she doesn't.

It's going to be an interesting peaceful, loving and happy year ... OR ELSE!

The "Get it Done in 2012" List

2011-12-19T01:01:00.003-05:00

I have been putting the list together, and it's a work in progress because I will be adding things along the way as I find new things (or finally remember what else it is I wanted to do)

There are things I want to try, like the inside window planter for herbs, etc.

Canning - some for home, some to be used as gifts
tomato sauce
cranberry sauce
pumpkin butter
apple butter
mt. dew jelly
candy apple jelly
grape jelly
salsa
wine jelly
port wine jelly
mock-strawberry jelly
orange juice jelly
garlic jelly
brushetta

Dehydrating (as soon as I get one )
corn
peas
carrots
potatoes
sweet potatoes
onions
peppers

Knitting
mittens http://www.knitting-crochet.com/2nee.html
hat http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/bevsbasichat.html
staggered rib scarf http://itsastitchup.co.uk/patterns/staggered-rib-scarf
afghan http://www.woolworks.org/patterns/hotdamn.txt
baby blanket http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pompom-cuddle-blanket
dishtowel http://gulfcoastgal.wordpress.com/2009/04/08/my-unpattern-not-the-papertowel-haha
kitchen mat http://www.michaels.com/Lily%C2%AE-Sugar%E2%80%99n-Cream%C2%AE-Knit-Kitchen-Rug/e06683,default,pd.html

Misc. Crafts
fabric bookmarks http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2009/01/fabric-bookmarks.html
ribbon trees http://sunshineyellow-stitches.blogspot.com/2011/11/its-beginning-to-look-little-like.html
game gift http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/2010/12/neighbor-gift-idea-game-night-in-bag.html
mod podge dresser http://inmyownstyle.com/2011/03/how-to-update-a-hand-me-down-dresser.html
birds nest necklace http://www.sarahortega.com/2011/05/diy-bird-nest-necklace.html

Sewing
fabric napkins http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/clothnapkins.htm
planket http://www.thecraftersfilebox.com/2010/04/planket-tutorial-from-file-box.html
fabric gift bags http://www.queenoframbles.com/quilting/?p=76

End of a Year -- ALREADY????

2011-12-16T22:48:00.000-05:00

It's really hard to believe that 2011 is coming to a close in mere weeks. I had so much I wanted to accomplish this year. Some things I was able to check off, some... well, some still have a way to go.

I can say we are starting 2012 totally, absolutely, 100% DEBT FREE! Trust me, that was one hell of an accomplishment. What does "debt free" mean exactly? We have no mortgage, no car payments, an emergency fund and the cruise is paid for in full... basically, the only expenses we have are health insurance, electricity, internet, cell phones, groceries and gasoline.

Diva is doing great in school. She still has her moments, but I can tell that she is TRYING, so, I consider that a win. It's her last year at this school and there is going to be a little graduation party in June. It's going to be her last year in a brick and mortar school for a while. Yup, home-school! I don't know who is more excited -- and I am pretty damn excited!

Elvis is still at the same place, which is good because he's gotten another certification, promotion and raise. He's managed to pick up a few extra days here and there, really helping to make our debt-free celebration to happen. Someone hit his car on the way to work last month... by someone, I mean an 18 year old high school senior driving an SUV and music so loud she didn't even know she hit him... meanwhile, in the Yaris, Elvis had to try to pry the door open so he could even get out and look at the $1800+ worth of damage. Didn't know she even hit him - UGH!

I've been keeping busy with my Domestic Goddess duties (apparently, blogging isn't one of them, must work on that in 2012). I've been on a few investigations this year, hope to be on more next year. Investigating is something I enjoy, and I'm rather good at it. I've done a lot more knitting this year - something else I plan on increasing next year.

Well, that's enough catch-up for now, back to my knitting, movie watching and list-thinkin'

The Goddess on the Go

2011-09-20T07:21:00.001-04:00

I could make excuses for not having been here posting as often as I should, but life is already full of excuses (and you know what people say about them).

Always the daring one, I once again started FLYing. Yes dear readers, the Domestic Goddess suffers from a chronic case of CHAOS (can't have anyone over syndrome). Oh, how I wish I had made that up. Alas, no.

http://flylady.net

It's been a week and, I have to be honest. It works for me this time. Why this time and not the other 998 times? I found the chatroom. The concept is at the top of the hour (toth) and bottom of the hour (both) you go off to clean, declutter, do laundry, whatever for about 15-20 minutes, then you come back and chat for a bit. Could I go around cleaning my house without stopping to chat every once in a while. Yes. Have I seen my kitchen counters since the day they were installed? Not until I started FLYing this last time.

What's so different about my day? Nothing -- and everything. -- Let's skip over the fact that I danced around in the kitchen when I opened the box containing the toilet cleaner I ordered.

I am noticing a change in myself. Getting up at 6am (note: I am not a morning person), make bed, shower, wipe down shower, get dressed and put on my shoes (hate shoes, but hey, it's working), worship the coffee pot, wake Diva for school, make breakfast, turn on the dishwasher, wipe down the bathroom and sigh as I wash yet another toothpaste glob down the drain, dash out to drive Diva to school, empty dishwasher, laundry, laundry, laundry, prep dinner, zone clean, work on getting rid of things I no longer feel the world would end if I part with, dash out to pick up Diva from school, help her with her homework, cook/serve dinner, shine my sink.

THAT doesn't look so bad? I'm not chained to the appliances, I can sit down when I want to, I can have a conversation with the outside world. Check email, facebook, play games...

Nock, Nock -- Who's There?

2011-04-12T19:33:00.000-04:00

Okay, I probably could have done a better job coming up with a title, but it's been one hell of a day.First, Elvis smashes open his face and cuts himself from brow to brow. He now resembles a manlier version of Burt. Sexy, yes? Let us not forget how Diva came out from school 15 minutes late, clutching an ice pack to her eye.

Why haven't they outlawed Dodgeball yet????

Now... for the reason of today's real post. Elvis is working Thursday and Friday this week so he can take Sunday off and be my chauffeur to Napanock, NY so I can check out the Shanley Hotel. I was invited to be part of the team based out of Pennsylvania. Elvis had to purchase a ticket, but since he did, he can come along with us -- his first time!

I am looking forward to it - just need to pack the bag for the both of us and maybe hit the salon for some tidying up.

How I Spent $55.39 -or- How I Saved $57.74

2011-03-30T11:39:00.001-04:00

I usually don't shop at Shaw's since it is a LOT more than the local grocery prices. Today I went in knowing I was only going to searching for the deals. I paid regular price on nothing and walked away paying less than half!

Totally avoided anything in an aisle, this was all perimeter (against the outer walls). Aisles can be a dangerous place, especially when they are overpriced to begin with!

Ricotta Cake

2011-03-26T18:37:00.002-04:00

Today has been such a crazy day that we decided to take Diva out for lunch at the local family style Italian restaurant and even ordered dessert. Yes, it was that kind of crazy...

OldMan ordered a tiramisu and he loved it. I am glad he has finally caved in and tried new things. The downside is, once he has something, he wants it again... as soon as we get home!

Okay, I admit it, this is so simple it's almost not a recipe! I didn't have mascarpone cheese or a package of lady fingers hanging out in my fridge (I know, the shock) but I made my version of a tiramisu.

3 egg yolks
1/4 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/8 cups ricotta cheese
1 rectangle pound cake
1 1/2 cups brewed coffee
1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (for topping)

In a medium bowl, beat yolks with sugar and vanilla until smooth and light yellow. Fold ricotta into yolk mixture. Set aside.Slice pound cake in to 'lady finger' size and arrange some of them in the bottom of an 5x9 inch dish. Pour half the coffee over the pieces. Spread half the cheese mixture over the cake pieces. Repeat with remaining cake and cheese. Cover and chill 1 hour. Sprinkle with cinnamon just before serving.

Second Easiest Dishcloth EVER!

2011-03-21T12:09:00.000-04:00

(half way mark)

SECOND easiest only because the #1 easiest is just a square of garter stitch.

I have been doing some 'home prep' and going through the mountain of yarn. My energy level isn't at it's highest today so I wanted to make something simple. This pattern IS simple.

If you are new to knitting you can still manage to follow along. I am far, far, FAR from a knitting expert but this is almost imposable to get wrong... and if you do, big deal, the dishes won't care!

REQUIREMENTS
1 ball of knit worsted weight cotton (I use Sugar 'n Cream or Peaches 'n Creme)
Size 10 needles (You can use smaller but it takes more to make the right size, I use size 10)

DIRECTIONS
Cast on 4 sts.

Row 1: Knit one row.

Row 2: K2, YO, knit to the end of the row.

Repeat row 2 until there are 40 stitches on the needle.

Next row: K1, K2tog, YO, K2tog, knit to the end of the row.

Continue decreasing until 4 sts left. Cast off.

Yes, Yes... I am still alive!

2011-03-05T23:48:00.000-05:00

Just a quick little update from the House of Chaos - all breathing and accounted for.

Someone stole my front license plate - in Shrugs driveway!!! I was in shock to say the least. Long story short, I caught him stealing it but he still got away. The police came and he was very friendly and even sympathetic when he told me that *I* would have to pay for new plates. It made no sense to me either. I was the victim in this... I even gave a description of the car, the driver and the passenger. He did knock me for a loop when he asked if I noticed any body parts in the back seat of the car --- WHAT????

We made some financial decisions that we hope will get us on the right track. Elvis' car loan is 11.99% and no matter what we threw at it, the balance barely budged due to not being able to make principal only payments. I won't bad mouth the credit union, they gave him the loan when others wouldn't. Now, don't get me wrong, we don't have bad credit, we have next to NO credit because we pay for everything on time and in cash. Financing is an evil word in this house!

I managed to get a loan for the remainder due ($8400) for only 2.99%. Yes, it's still evil interest, but it's more of an imp than a demon. I ran the numbers and the final pay-off will be November 4th.

Dance if you want to... I know I do!

Blame the stuffy nose, but being sick has it's advantages. I don't want to go out in public with a "nose-so-bright" so I stayed in all night crunching imaginary numbers. Income vs. Expenses. As long as the first is bigger, I am a happy reindeer. (I tried to find a pic of Rudolph with a stuffy nose, but, lets be honest, who can really tell?)

So, that's where we are right now. Shrugs is still in his cast - the 16th can't come fast enough

2011 Camping Vacation to the White Mountains

2011-02-24T12:00:00.004-05:00

First thing first, we needed someplace close. Airfare is crazy, baggage prices are worse. Add in all the hidden taxes, the parking costs and a rental car at the destination we were looking at big money... let's not forget Elvis hates to fly.

That leaves us with CAMPING!

http://www.countrybumpkins.com/

Now, don't be shocked, it's not tent on the ground roughing it. Country Bumpkins Campground in Lincoln, NH does have plenty of grassy tent areas for those who like 'that sort of thing', a few cabins and 2 trailers for rent.We stayed at this campground last year but in a cabin. The cabin was cute, it was quaint, it was TINY. It did serve its purpose and the memories made there are priceless. It had a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and a porch with tv and futon sofa. Like I said, it worked and if the rental we chose this year wasn't available, we would have gone back to it.

Bill & Alice (the owners)

The campground itself is small, and that's what we wanted. I could sit on the porch and watch Diva play in the playground, or feed the ducks and fish at the pond or even hear her playing games at the rec building. The only thing I wished the rec building had was a ping-pong table. It's a family owned and run business. We saw them popping around the grounds in their little cart, changing out linens, cleaning up after check-out and just spreading smiles as they make sure everyone is having a good time. If you are looking for a party in the woods, this isn't the place for you - very family friendly.

The trailer isn't exactly a pop-up tent (not that there is anything wrong with that) but it's still camping. The roughing it part comes from no dishwasher, but I am sure I will find a way to survive the week somehow! Diva is excited because she will have her own room with a tv and bunk beds. She has always wanted to sleep in one, but hasn't said yes when I offer to get her one for home. It has a full eat-in kitchen, a full bath, living room with tv and stereo, a master bedroom, a wooden patio with lights and a fire-pit. If it is anything like last year, we will be having breakfast by the fire a few times and one every night. The campground sells firewood bundles not only is it the best price around, it's close to the site.

Lots of activities planned, not too many that we are exhausted at the end of the day and not too few that we're bored and climbing the walls.

~DAY 1 (Thursday) Pack up and head out. Brunch will be at the Cracker Barrel in Londonderry, NH. which is about the mid-point. I'll have to let it slip that it's Elvis' Birthday. Diva will get a kick out of it and I am pretty sure he will too, even if he laughs when some poor unsuspecting person has a restaurant sing to them. Check-in at 2pm, unloading the car shouldn't take long at all and a quick pop to the local (and overpriced) market for milk and eggs and I can almost relax.

~DAY 2 (Friday) Bears, bears and more bears!

Clark’s Trading Post - 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Lincoln, NH ($54)

White Mountain's most outstanding attractions featuring trained North American Black Bears, antique Americana, steam trains and a whole lot more. The Clarks have been providing quality family entertainment for over 70 years. An admission ticket will provide fun for any age as you step back in time. Exhibits include a replica of a hook and ladder house, Tuttle's Rustic House and Merlin's Mystical Mansion, which will turn your whole world upside down. A ride on the White Mountain Central Railroad will take you across the Pemigewasset River and the bumper boats in Old Mill Pond are sure to cool you off! ~HOURS: varies ~COSTS: $18

~DAY 3 (Saturday) Is it wrong to want to lick a tree?

The SugarMill Farm - 1296 Glover Road, Barton, VT ($0)

Self-guided tours of the maple syrup-making facilities. The grounds include a maple museum with a 15-minute videotape presentation about the history of maple syrup, a travel information plaza and a fish farm. ~HOURS: 9-5 Daily ~COST: free ~PHONE: 802-525-3701

~DAY 4 (Sunday) When I can I move in????

Castle in the Clouds - 455 Old Mountain Road, Moultonborough, NH ($35)

The Castle's spectacular mountaintop estate offers a 270-degree view of mountains and lakes. The Castle is an iconic, turn-of-the-century 16-room Arts & Crafts mansion perched high on a pristine mountaintop estate overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. Walk or hike 45-miles of trails, stroll the winding paths along beautiful gardens and gorgeous waterfalls and feed the giant trout in Shannon Pond. ~HOURS: 10am-4:30pm Daily ~COST: $15/adults, $5/children ~PHONE: 603-476-5900

~DAY 5 (Monday) Canada, Eh?

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway - Franconia, NH ($35)

Extends from Valley Station to the top of Cannon Mountain. An 80 passenger aerial tram car will take you to the summit where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys of the Franconia National Park and the White Mountains National Forrest. Foot trails lead from the observation platform to overlooks from which on a clear day you can see four states and the province of Quebec. ~HOURS: 9-5 Monday - Friday ~COST: $13 adults, $9 children ~PHONE: 603-823-8800

~DAY 6 (Tuesday) The Doctor is out... so let's touch his stuff!

Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm - 58 Cleavland Hill Road, Tamworth, NH ($9)

The museum preserves the heritage of Dr. Edwin C. Remick and his son, Dr. Edwin Crafts Remick, who practiced medicine in the village of Tamworth from 1894-1993. Farm exhibits interprets 200 years of rural New England domestic and agricultural life while contrasting historic and modern methods. Hands-on summer activities include grinding corn and milking cows. An interpretive hiking trail and live farm animals are also on the premises. ~HOURS: 10-4 Monday-Friday ~COST: $3/each~PHONE: 603-323-7591

~DAY 7 (Wednesday) Oh so beautiful!

The Flume & The Basin – 852 Daniel Webster Highway, Franconia Notch, NH ($36)

A deep glacial pothole at the base of a waterfall. Measuring 20 feet in diameter and 15 feet deep, its sides have been polished smooth by sand, stones and water. Below the basin, the Pemigewasset River tumbles through the Baby Flume, a smaller version of the well-known gorge. This area includes walking paths, hiking trails and a picnic tables. A chasm extending nearly 800 feet along the flank of Mount Liberty. A mountain stream tumbles in a series of waterfalls and pools between its 60-90 foot high granite walls. An optional shuttle bus takes visitors the first .5 mile; it is 1.5 miles back to the visitor center. A well-constructed boardwalk leads through the gorge; there are, however, some steep grades. Within the flume there are two covered bridges, waterfalls and cascades. ~HOURS: 9-5 Monday - Friday ~COST: $13 adults, $10 children ~PHONE: (603) 745-8391

~DAY 8 (Thursday) Time to say good bye...

Packing up and cleaning because check-out is by 10. A quick snack and off we go. There is a diner down the street that we went to last time, but I wasn't all that impressed with it and would actually like to go back to Cracker Barrel in Londonderry proving no one is near faint from starvation.

2011-02-18T19:13:00.001-05:00

I love my daughter. She is artistic. She is a wonderful person. She is caring. She is athletic. She is beautiful. She is the best thing to ever come in to my life. She is LD .

The teacher pulled me aside today to tell me that they don't know if they can take Diva next year. because they don't have enough staff available to help her because she needs more educational help than they can offer. This school has the smallest student:teacher ratio available.

She is already being pulled out of class as much as possible and it still isn't enough. To quote the teacher "At the end of this year, she still won't be at a 4th grade level. Even if we do keep her for 5th, you are going to have to home-school her for 6th just to get her caught up because she will be so behind". She went on and say that Diva NEEDS that one-on-one and to not put her in public because they will not be able to help her, there isn't a private school that can dedicate that much time to one student and if I don't home-school her, she will have to be put in a school for severely learning and physically disabled students.

I went back to talk to the Outlaws... HE said he will just get her a tutor for over the summer. Great, a 1 on 1 encounter for 8 weeks which isn't enough time to catch up a YEARS worth of classes, and then dump her back in to the big pool to let her drown from Sept - June, then went on and on about how she won't be able to go to Harvard. Rinse and Repeat.

When I told them I will be researching schools and if I can find one we will move to wherever so she can go. There are even programs at community colleges for students of severe learning disabilities.

SHE said "Well, what will you do with the condo"?

I looked at her with disbelief. "Fix it up and sell it. It's only property, we're talking about my daughter. She is more important than where we live. OldMan and I will get a one bedroom trailer and sleep on the roof if it is near a school that can help her".

Not being able to go to Harvard and property... they have a skewed set of priorities. It got 'better' when I talked to the ex about it "what about friends, she's an only child".

As if I kept her locked in the closet after lessons when I home schooled her! She had all afternoon to go out and play because she had no homework. Each subject had it's own dedicated hour and SHE EXCELLED! From Dec - March not only did I get her caught up in 3rd grade, but finished the rest of the curriculum. In March we only put her in the private school because we were finished and it was a breeze for her because it was a REVIEW of everything I had taught her.

Diva made a comment out of frustration to the teacher today... "I don't know why I am having a hard time with multiplication. Momma taught it to me and I KNEW IT. I know I knew it, and I use to be good at it".

I have a meeting with the school when report cards come out in 2 weeks. If they decide they can't/won't keep her next year, I need to figure out what we will do -- and don the battle gear if it means fighting with the Outlaws again to home school again...

It took 2.5 years to get them to agree to it the first time, I don't have that luxury... I barely have 5 months to prepare, gather, submit.

Never Underestimate the Power of Sales and Coupons!

2011-02-17T15:25:00.001-05:00

I could end this entry with just the title. Too many times people don't think to clip that coupon, or scan that aisle looking for unadvertised sales.

Check out the reduced shelf at your grocery store as well - a reduced price combined with a coupon is extra extra savings!

I will list today's shopping list. It was not purchased at a markdown/dent/bulk store. Around here, Shaws is one of the more costly stores.

1 stir-fry pan $21.23 **
1 Tex muffin pan $7.43 **
1 regular muffin pan $7.43 **
1.69 lbs red peppers $2.18 **
1.55 lbs bananas .76 **
1.98 lbs tomatoes 2.56 **
6 (7oz) Kraft mozzarella shredded cheese $19.74 **
1 (8oz) storebrand montery jack shredded cheese $2.69 **
6 International Delight liquid creamer $27.54 **
4 Cracker Barrel cheddar blocks $14.76 **
4 Del Monte diced peaches 4pks $13.80 **
2 Prince rotini primivera $2.70 **
2 Prince bowtie pasta $2.70 **
6 Kellogs blueberry muffin mini wheats $22.14 **
3 Cheerios cinnamon burst $11.07 **
4 JollyTime microwave popcorn $8.76 **
5 Aah Bistro chicken gravy granules $22.95 **
1 storebrand childrens vitamins $6.49 **
1 malt vinegar $4.87 **
4 Classico spagetti sauce $11.96
6 Zataran rice $11.94
1 Old El Paso enchilada sauce $1.19 **
1 storebrand hard candies $1.50 **
1 Osem mini croutons $6.50 **
3 Aah Bistro beef gravy granules $14.07 **
1 AngelSoft 12pk toilet paper $7.99 **
1 storebrand carmel popcorn cakes $2.49 **
2 Cambell's healthy select soup $5.58
2 Perdue chicken breasts 5pks $19.98 **
1.69 lbs ground pork $3.02
.97 lb steak $4.54
2 McCormick bearnaise sauce mix $2.38 **
11 McCormick cheesy taco mix $9.79 **
13 McCormick chili mix $11.57 **
4 McCormick one-dish mix $7.80 **
1 organic maple syrup $7.69 **

note: In Massachusetts, we do not pay tax on food (or clothes). The prices for the pans include the tax. ** indicates items at full sticker prices.

So, that's a pretty big list - $331.79 in total.

I did NOT pay that much, not even close! My out of pocket expenses was under $96.00.

Imposable? Not really. I had coupons for almost everything on that list, combined with a sale or clearance price, I was able to save around $235.00 today.

Some examples: I had a coupon for $1 off 3 boxes of Kellogs cereal - the mini wheats were on clearance for $1.50 a box making them $1.17 each instead of the normal price of $3.69. Another big helper was the coffee creamers, shredded cheeses, block cheeses and diced peaches were marked down to $1 each. The McCormicks taco and chili mixes were marked down to .25 each.

That is not ALL the mark-downs and sales, but it goes to show you that it CAN be done... if you take the extra time.

For You...

2011-02-16T22:30:00.001-05:00

I hope you know how much I appreciate everything you do for us. What we have may not be all roses and butterflies.

What we have is forever.
What we have is real!

I love you.

Look what we did... 18 months EARLY!

2011-02-13T22:40:00.001-05:00

Striving for Zero

2011-02-09T21:43:00.001-05:00

Zero. Zilch. Nada. However you say it, that's what I am aiming for. NO DEBT! Some people think it's not possible. It IS, but I won't lie, it is not easy. Being debt-free means discipline. It doesn't mean doing without, just a more careful way to go about things.

Elvis and I have no credit cards. None. We do have a bank debit card with a Visa logo on it that can be used for purchases, but we have to have the money in the bank.

Q: Domestic Goddess, how do you go on vacation? Pay car repairs? How can you be credit card free??
A: Wait until we have saved up enough money and pay cash.

There are a lot of books available at your local library that will tell you how to dig yourself out of debt. Choose carefully, some are geared towards those with champagne tastes and caviar breath. I've never been fond of either - luckily.

Have an 'all hell broke loose' fund set aside for things that seem to happen in life - flat tires, busted pipes. The small things that catch us off guard, but not so small that you think ahead and have cash available to cover it. The popular line of thinking is that the emergency fund should be $1000. No, that won't cover every OOPS moment that can happen, but it sure can make a difference between sinking and swimming that month.

After you have the money set aside, hack away at your debt. People argue about balance vs. interest. I say balance first. Once you have a small debt paid off, a feeling of accomplishment comes over you, and it's one less creditor knocking down your door. Send in the minimum payments to the others and throw everything you have at the first in line.

For Elvis and I, it is our cars. In August of 2006 I bought a brand spanking new car. I made the minimum payments of 271.17 for about the first 36 months, give or take a few. We bumped that up to $400 a month to get it paid off a few months early.

I just sent in $2420 which leaves a balance of $352. I'll have that paid off this Friday -18 months early. I will do a small dance when I send the money over, but not as big of one had I actually thought about paying extra principals 3 years earlier.

How I wish that would be the end of our story. Alas it is not. In June of 2010 we bought a certified pre-owned car for Elvis. Minimum payments of $217.57 and the current balance is $8768.04 *sigh*

The plan -- take the money I was sending in for my car and a wee bit more and put it towards his car. I am HOPING to have his car paid off by New Years Eve 2011 - 42 months early!!!

In the meantime, we still have $150 going to the other account every other week to work towards saving for 3 months of expenses... but, that's another story.

A Lil Something for ME!

2011-02-05T10:21:00.000-05:00

I recently bought a necklace from Marko Creations. It is absolutely STUNNING. Don't take my word on it, look at it yourself!

From the first time I set my eyes on it, I knew it had to be mine. The picture does not show you 1/10th of it's true beauty.

The delivery was quick and I couldn't wait to wear it everywhere.

February is Fun...

2011-02-04T18:44:00.000-05:00

At least that is what I keep telling myself as I am rocking side to side in a fetal position every time I hear the weather person say snow.

I haven't posted much because, quite honestly, there isn't a heck of a lot new in my universe. Still taking care of Shrugs 7 days a week, still getting Diva off to school 5 days a week and still being the Domestic Goddess I am suppose to be... just seems like one in a Twilight Zone episode.

Slacking off on the knitting. I am so disappointed in myself. Let's blame the snow for my lack of focus and energy. Speaking of snow... did you happen to glance at the picture? That's MY car. We had roughly 20" Tuesday-Wednesday. Over 60" in about a month.

Now do you understand why I turn in to a basket-case???

Trying to refocus myself. Time is running out... only 10 months until Yule!!!!

There is Something Special About Today

2011-01-29T19:34:00.000-05:00

Can you guess? Yup, I successfully made it another rotation around the sun!

Today started out much like my other ones - me in a hospital. This year, I wasn't the patient though. Elvis woke up around midnight in a lot of pain. Tossed on my clothes and ushered in the anniversary of my uterine escape in a hard plastic chair of the ER for nearly 6 hours.

After all that fun, I crawled back in to bed until 8am. I jumped out of bed, back in to the clothes I just took off and headed over to Shrugs. I did my morning routine and Elvis made us all blueberry pancakes. Pancakes have become a tradition around here.

Lunch was served and off to the grocery store. I miss shopping for my own house. We are hardly here and it's the little things that I long for. Cooking dinner in my own kitchen, laundry in my own machines. Just being on my own routine. Soon... very soon (crosses fingers).

Elvis surprised me with a card, a gift and my favorite Chinese food. Yes, the outlaws threw me a surprise party at a Chinese restaurant Friday night, but it wasn't MY place. The sweet and sour chicken at the tiny little hole in the wall is the best!

I do have to say, I am so proud of Elvis and Diva. I told him I didn't want him spending a lot of money on a gift this year and Diva knew I wanted a tea set. I am not the Duchess of Someplace, I am me, but I have always wanted a tea set. Elvis bought me the cutest tea-for-one set.

My Frugal Finds

2011-01-27T20:22:00.001-05:00

$1.99 each !!!

Like Sand Through the Hourglass...

2011-01-25T18:26:00.000-05:00

What a month it's been and it's not quite over yet!

Shrugs slipped, broke his ankle and tore 2 ligaments. Translation: I've been at his house every single day since January 5th! Yes, I am tired. The weather hasn't helped either. Rain, shine or 12" of snow, I have to go over there to make sure he has his 3 squares and then some.

I finally have a routine set over there. My home routine on the other hand has been turned upside-down. Seriously counting the days until we go back to the hospital to find out if he needs to remain in the cast on February 16th.

I get to spend yet another birthday taking care of the ex (two years ago it was his shoulder, but he could at least WALK). Valentine's Day is another bonus. It's a good thing Shrugs and I get along so well.

Today I decided to finally get started on one of Diva's Yule gifts. A hoodie sweater. Mentally I am all over that thing, boxed and under the tree. Physically, I will be happy if I finish the sleeves. I think that's why I am starting with those first... as I told a friend, if I lose steam, they make cute leg-warmers!

Today's Adventure

2011-01-05T15:46:00.003-05:00

This afternoon I bundled up, stepped outside and pointed my car in the direction of the local department store. I hate calling that little shopping area a mall since it's little more than 2 stores, a tobacco shop, dry cleaner, dollar store and grocery. A mall? Pfft!

I digress - The purpose of the shopping trip was to buy a vacuum sealer. There were three on the shelves, no, not just three brands, three sealers. One of each. They all looked the same, rectangle, white, stick the bag in and they suck the air out. They also ranged from $50 to $90. Great.

Not wanting to ask "Which one sucks best for the money" I pushed my cart around the store. I was wanting to get a new storage bin for food storage. Window shopping was fun but, it was nothing compared to the glee I experienced when I stumbled on my secret little corner.

Technically, it wasn't a corner. It's not mine. Highly unlikely it's a secret because there was an announcement overhead that some things in that area was 75% off. Christmas has come early. Literally.

Sure, some of the things may be holiday related so don't tell the dirty dishes that the cloth cleaning it has a pointsetta on it! Actually, just about everything I purchased today will be put to immediate use.

All in all, for 28.34 (tax-included) I managed to get 4 rolls of general use wrapping paper (for birthdays), a pack of gift tags (Yule), an 18 gallon storage bin, a much needed large spatula, salt and pepper shaker set, 2 dish towels, 2 potholders, 4 place-mats (Yule), a linen tablecloth (Yule), 8 dishcloths, 2 fingertip towels, a 6-in-1 pocket tool (stocking), 1 t-shirt (gift) and 1 boxer (gift).

I still need to find a food sealer, but there is always tomorrow!

Ya Ya, What is Menu Planning?

2011-01-04T12:42:00.007-05:00

Some of you may have heard of menu planning but don't quite understand what it is, how useful it can be or how it can save you money.

Menu planning is, planning your menu. Sounds simple? It can be. Some people wait until they go shopping and set the menu, some shop according to the menu. Whatever you do, grab a piece of paper, your calendar or do it on your computer, but write it down!

Okay, but how do you DO it?

Go to your kitchen and take a look around. How long ago did you buy something you thought you would use but it’s sitting there collecting dust? What about the freezer? Is it full of things you can no longer identify or is it echo empty because you have no idea what you are making every day. Go ahead, look, I’ll wait.

Do you know what you are making for dinner tomorrow? What about the next day? If you do, jot it down. If you don’t, take a minute and think about what tasty morsel you can make with what you currently have on hand and then… you guessed it… write it down.

Before you go shopping again, think about what you can make for the week. How much will you need? If you are roasting a chicken on Sunday, you can squeeze a mid-week soup out of it. Making a meatloaf on Monday? How about pizza casserole on Wednesday? No, you don’t have to make every meal stretch in to two, but if you know you will make a meatloaf on Monday and burgers another day you can get more for your buck by getting it all at once (I will go over Once a Month shopping/prepping/cooking another time).

Planning out your menu means there is usually no food waste. Every bite of food that is tossed in the trash cost you money. If you are the type who enjoys tossing money, I will give you my address!

See, I told you meal planning can be simple.

How I Do It

In the beginning I used the everyday calendar but moved on to using an online calendar. It was quick. It was easy. It was there! I wrote up the menu and then grabbed the things at the market for the week. I was finding it hard to stick to it because I would get to the store and find a good sale on something that wasn’t on the menu, or worse, overpay for something that was just because it was there.

Now, I shop first and plan around what I have. I buy my meats at a wholesale club. Pork chops can range from $2.49 to $4.50 a pound. Instead of getting several packages at that price, I have them cut a tenderloin piece in to ½ inch slices at the store and only pay $1.99 per pound. Once I get home I bag them for the freezer and know instantly how many meals I can make of it. (The last one was $13.00 and will make 16 dinners for us.) I do the same with beef. I have meals planned for 2 months at a time.

There are times I will need to buy things to supplement what I have because there are some things I won’t buy in bulk – milk, bread and fresh produce – but I know ahead of time how much I need because I have a written reminder of when I will need it.

The best investment I ever made was my planner. I not only write my meal plans in it, but I keep track of all the appointments, activities, bills and cleaning schedule in one place. Best of all, it’s Momma size! I carry it with me everywhere, yes, it’s big, but I have a messenger bag purse so it fits nicely. I like it much better than the online calendar I was using. I can’t carry my laptop with me at all times and if the power goes out, I was lost!

Challenging Myself in 2011

2011-01-02T23:28:00.001-05:00

I am not one to make resolutions. Personal experience has taught me I go hardcore for about 3 days... something happens on day 4. Day 5 is spent feeling guilty. Day 6 is usually when I decide I will try again. Day 7 is usually when I admit defeat and swear off making resolutions!

Since I am a Domestic Goddess, it was time to take a personal inventory and decide what I want to accomplish this year.

Maybe misery loves company but I would like to think that there is safety in numbers. I joined a few online challenges in hopes accountability keeps me plugging along.

Clean and Organized Home Challenge - There are 12 months to a year. We live in a cozy 800 square foot condo. Time to sort through the piles of life and let the not-so-important things go. 2011 is going to be filled with love, not junk!

Change Jar Challenge - See a penny, pick it up! That not so shiny sucker is worth something. The Laundry Gods demand quarter sacrifices, all others go in the jar.

Emergency Fund Challenge - Having an emergency is stressful. Knowing you have some money tucked away keeps you from going bald.

Tah-tah 2010

2010-12-29T16:34:00.002-05:00

Where does the time go? The decorations have been carefully returned to their boxes for the year and preparations to welcome 2011 have begun.

So much to do - shopping, cleaning, laundry, cooking, decorating. The menu for our little New Years Eve party has been set and I plan on going to BJ's in the morning and spend Thursday night getting ready for the all-day Friday celebration.

It's Purple !!!

Elvis and I put our minds together and decided ahead of time, whatever money we get for the holidays will be used to purchase a much needed vacuum. Not fun, I know. I think Shrugs mentioned something to the Outlaws about my needing one because at Christmas dinner we were gifted with a gift card. I did a little dance and sang my thanks. They looked at me like I had 3 heads. Obviously, they never had to sweep a tan Berber rug in winter!

I knew exactly what I was looking for. Bag-less, upright, additional pieces. I finally found what I wanted and I will be fighting Elvis over who gets to use it first - yes, really!

Our little New Years Eve starts off with Diva, Elvis and I having a silver dollar pancake party - banana, chocolate chip or blueberry. I'm not sure which one I want, I may just have to have one of each. Lunch will just be sandwiches. No one is about to starve with all the food I will be serving later.

Around 6, Shrugs will join us for games, movies and the food parade. It may look like I plan on feeding everyone in the building, but I am not making a ton of each offering. Most of the food will be homemade and using things I already have in the house. Anything I have to purchase will have enough left overs for freezing for another time.

This years food choices -
king crab legs with butter sauce
cheese tray with crackers, grapes and pepperoni
chips and salsa
sweet and spicy crock-pot meatballs (hm)
chicken and turkey bacon (hm)
scallops and bacon
pizza rolls
crab puffs (hm)
fried ravioli (hm)
mini quiche Lorraine (hm)
Spanokopita (hm)
vanilla ice cream with pecan praline sauce (hm)
sparkling grape juice

This is the last post of 2010. Have a wonderful and SAFE remainder of the year and see you all in 2011!

2010-12-26T02:57:00.001-05:00

Saying Good-bye to a Well Lived Year

2010-12-19T13:33:00.000-05:00

I would like to start off by saying thank you to those of you who have taken the time out of your busy schedules to read my blog. Life has a way of running us in directions we never considered.

Things I am happy about 2010: Diva is finding her 'self' and developing in to a wonderful and fascinating 'tween. Elvis being gainfully employed and setting out to every work day knowing that while it may be sweltering or bitter cold 60' up in the air, he will eventually come back down, he will be paid, the lights will stay on and his family will be all the better for it.

We are now just days away from tossing out the old calendar and replacing it with a crisp clean 2011 version. The calendar is not the only thing I hope and plan on changing in the near future. I have always been 2 steps behind the chaos. I would LOVE to wake up one day and everything be in it's place, the clutter gone, have a full pantry and an empty sink. The condo is about to get a complete overhaul. There is too much. Too much to do. Too much to clean. TOO MUCH CLUTTER IN OUR LIVES! We do not -need- most of the things we have and having it prevents us from reaching a point of happiness. I -do- have a cleaning schedule worked out for the next year... wish me luck!

November?

2010-11-14T09:54:00.000-05:00

I am not sure what happened between the last post and now. Most of it seems a blur of cooking, cleaning, knitting, teacher meetings, school runs and preparing for the upcoming holidays. I vaguely remember something about leaves turning and falling, rain, pumpkins, candy.... oh and a wedding!

No, I didn't run off and get married. I was asked to perform a wedding on Halloween. It was fun. The couple dressed like vampires and the guests wore costumes. I wore a black gown with a hooded cape. It was a small, at home family event, but I have never seen two happier people. I wish them all the luck and love in the world. Congrats!

Today I have been going over the shopping list for the week and the Thanksgiving dinner menu. We're going small this year. For the first time in known memory - Diva, Elvis and I will be home. Yes! Elvis isn't working... he won't be working Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve or New Years Day. I say this because they happen on his day off. I am hoping the people who are scheduled don't pull a disappearing act forcing him to cover for them.

I will update more soon, I wanted to prove I haven't kicked any rusty buckets. Back to knitting slippers for Diva. Winter has come early around here.

Ohhh... a RAOK.. for... for.... ME !!!!!!!!

2010-09-16T15:33:00.001-04:00

A while back I had put my name on a list to give a RAOK (random act of kindness). Imagine my surprise when Diva came in with the mail and there was an envelope... for me!

They Say a Picture is Worth 1000 Words

2010-09-16T10:13:00.002-04:00

... so this post is worth 2000.

Isn't it beautiful????

Why Is It Called a Skirt Anyways?

2010-09-08T09:28:00.001-04:00

Ain't it purdy?

We have a 3' white holiday tree. Yes, seriously.
We once had the 7' big-o-tree, but one year after Thanksgiving dinner we went to the attic and found out that someone had stolen ALL my holiday things.

That is the downside to living in a condo complex, the shared attic space. We each have our own locked 'storage coop' but it wasn't built so much to keep people out as it was to keep the junk in.

So, there we were... Thanksgiving night. Treeless. The family tradition of gathering all the ornaments, checking the lights and setting up the tree - over.

We didn't want to spend $100+ to replace the tree, since we were afraid it would get stolen AGAIN... so, we bought a tiny tree that we can keep stored in a tote in the bottom of my hall closet. When we got home we discovered that our new tiny evergreen was white! *LOL*

It doesn't look like much right now, but after we string the lights, place the ornaments, lay the garland, place the skirt - it's beautiful!

Speaking of skirts, I made a new one for the tree this year. The old skirt was for the big tree. Glittery, purple, and bigger than our poor little much loved tree.

Click for Pattern

She'll Scream For Ice Cream !

2010-09-07T10:26:00.002-04:00

part of ice cream kit for Diva

I think this is the cutest thing! It doesn't make a lot at one time, but Diva rarely eats more than 1/4 of a cup anyways.

Another Yule gift off the list. Yes, I was aiming for a homemade holiday, but this is the first year Santa won't be bringing his gift. Technically, it is still homemade because I am making an entire Ice Cream Kit with it. I bought the ice cream maker at one store and the bowl at another. I will add a container of chocolate milk powder, jimmies and mint extract so she can make her much loved mint chocolate. I am thinking about making an ice cream designed napkin to go with it. Oh to be a kid again.

Best of all, I got everything at 75% off. The maker was $9.99 (paid $2.49) and the bowl was $2.00 (paid .50)

2 down, a million to go...

2010-09-06T14:57:00.002-04:00

I finished a hat and scarf for Diva!

It Doesn't Get Any Easier Than This

2010-09-04T19:36:00.003-04:00

It was a beautiful day and I wanted to sit out and enjoy the weather - but being me, I couldn't just SIT there, I had to do something!

In an attempt to be both frugal and environmentally friendly, I don't print out patterns. My entire Domestic Goddessness is kept on my laptop. The downside being, I can't do pattern work without bringing my laptop with me.

Diva was playing with the neighbor kids, running, jumping, playing ball... PLAYING BALL !!! I didn't want to run the odds of one of the balls smashing in to my "keeper of all things me"

I had a ball of Red Heart Super Saver in Zebra that has been sitting around wanting to be made in to anything. I decided to go with a scarf since it was on my to-do list for this Yule. After many failed attempts to knit it in to a pattern that worked with the yarn, I decided to start hooking.

Get your minds out of the gutter, it's crowded enough down there!

~~The "It Doesn't Get Any Easier Than This" scarf pattern~~

I am not taking full credit for this. This pattern is so easy I am sure it's been done millions of times.

yarn: any 4ply weight will do
hook: H (smaller will be tighter, larger and you will have gaps - pretty but not very good for keeping warm)

If you want long 'stripes', chain 200 (or however long you need for desired length)
If you want short 'stripes', chain 25

No matter if you want vertical or horizontal, the pattern is the same...

Row 1: SC in 2nd from hook, sc and every chain to end, ch1 and turn
Row 2+: SC in every chain, going through both loops at once, ch1 and turn

Make it as wide/long as you want.

Casting Call

2010-08-31T14:31:00.001-04:00

Wool-Ease Chunky in Walnut

Now that I finished the tree skirt, I feel as if I -can- accomplish something. I cast on for a pair of slippers for Diva. The pattern is simple enough (I hope). I would have loved to make them in a pretty jeweled color, but knowing my reluctant Diva as well as I do, I decided a walnut color would work better for her. I can always add an embellishment to femme it up a bit if they look too... macho.

School starts tomorrow and if I hope I can get more done without worrying about her questioning what I am making. It was a lot easier when she was small and forgot she saw me making things.

Slipper Pattern --- click here

Update: FINISHED !!!

Less than Four !!!

2010-08-30T16:19:00.001-04:00

I have been busy making the tree skirt and scouting out patterns for ornaments. A quick review of the 'to make' list and I realized I am SO far behind. VERY far behind.

I was originally going to make my Mother the 5th Avenue Scarf, but not sure she will like it as much as I do. What do you give to the woman who doesn't have everything and doesn't want to? I will have to put more thought in to it. If anyone reading has suggestions, please chime in.

Staying on the handmade theme, I am still going to make Diva a hat and scarf set, but the pattern has changed. I will be making the Scrunchable Scarf (ETA: slip the first and last stitch - it doesn't say that in the pattern) and Scrunchable Hat in a color to be determined later. The pattern is easy enough that I know I can finish them on time. I want to buy her winter coat first, or do a black/white.

The Harry Potter theme is still on, she loves HP, and so do I. The search for a box the 'Secret Book'. I know that AC Moore has book looking unfinished boxes for a reasonable price.

Shrugs has a way of changing my plans, even if he doesn't know at the time. The one purchased gift Diva asked for was a calligraphy set. I thought it was a wonderful idea... and so did he. He bought her one last weekend when they went to Barnes & Noble. Ugh.

I am looking for a sewing pattern for a sleeping dress. I have a tan plaid one. So comfy, so loved. Diva wants a red one just like it. I am not sure I can find one her size, so I am thinking sewing is the way to go. If I end up sewing it, it has to be a simple pattern. I can sew, but sleeves are my kryptonite.

I have a million ideas in my head for gifts, and I know it's not humanly possible to finish them all - not even for a Domestic Goddess.

2010-08-29T02:59:00.000-04:00

Okay, I couldn't resist myself. I was sitting here crocheting a tree skirt for our small (but loved) mini-tree. There is just something about this song. Maybe it's the trip down memory lane to my childhood. Maybe it's because I watch this movie constantly. Maybe it's because whenever I am working on gifts, I find myself humming it. Whatever the reason, I admit that I love it!

I will post pictures of the tree skirt when I am finished with it. I adapted a pattern I found online. Smaller hooks, 2 different colors. Looks good so far, about 17 rows finished.

Is That the Sound of Summer Ending?

2010-08-23T10:05:00.002-04:00

Here we are, 8 more mornings left before our lazy leisurely routines morph in to the 'school shuffle'.

That's not to say that we haven't had practice runs during summer vacation - basketball camp, tutoring twice a week and this week it's soccer camp. A lousy weather week, rainy and cold. I guess being a little chilly and running around is better than if it was sweltering outside.

My computer died a most painful death. Elvis tried to build me new one from the scattered pc graveyard. All was well, until I tried to reinstall the disc - that came with it - and there is a file missing. How? It's an Emachine disc, ad can't be written over, so -how- is it missing the file???

I feel so lost. I don't have my personal files at the ready. I emailed them to myself so they are not lost, but not available for use until we can fix my frankenputer or breakdown and finally get myself a laptop. Elvis has been after me for over a year now to get one. I have been putting it off because I know that as soon as I buy it something will happen that needed the money more.

Yes, I have a problem spending money on myself. Diva has everything she needs and most of the things she wants - within reason. I try to keep some money set aside for emergencies, vacations, etc. When I had money set aside for my laptop - the fridge died. When we got the refund for the fridge - Elvis needed a car... 3 new tires... $1500 worth of repairs... do I need to go on?

Elvis now has a different car, the fridge has been replaced and yet I still don't have a laptop. I'll get one - someday.

Wow, what a long way around to the point of this post.

Summer is unofficially over. It happened faster than we thought and hoped. School goes back a week from Wednesday. We always thought of Labor Day as the end because school went back the Wednesday after. Oh, how the times have changed.

This weeks weather has been predicted to be in the upper 60's, gloomy, cloudy, rainy. Thursday is suppose to shoot up to 80 so at least the last day of soccer camp will be pleasant enough for Diva. It feels weird not having her home right now.

In an attempt to be occupied I started gathering all the school supplies. I pulled up the list and realized it's NOT the same as the one I posted here months ago. They changed it. Not drastically, but enough to be noticed. Luckily, I have extras.

New School List and Costs - for personal challenge

48 #2 pencils (.10/box = .40)
8 ct. washable markers (.50)
12 ct. colored pencils (.25)
2 highlighters – different colors (.09/each - .18)
2 erasers (white medium) (.19)
5” sharp scissors (0 - had)
1 plastic 2 pocket folder without fasteners (0 - had)
individual pencil sharpener (.29)
1 12” sturdy ruler (inch and cm. marks) (.29)
6 Elmer’s glue sticks (small) or 3 large (.39/each = 1.17)
3 packs of 100 lined index cards - 3x5 (white) (.39/each - 1.17)
2 spiral index cards (3”x5”) (.59/each = 1.18)
3 packs 3-hole wide-ruled paper (100 sheets)* (.99)
1 composition notebook (.50)
1 5x7 spiral notebook (.99)
1/2” 3-ring view binder w/interior pockets (0 -had)
1 expandable coupon holder for flashcards (0 - had)
1 pencil case (0 - had)
2 large boxes of tissues (for class use)
1 old shirt/tee (adult size) for painting projects
2 Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
1 Scotch tape (.99)
On the first day of school, please send in $5.00 to cover cost of plastic folder and a planner book purchased by the school.

Simple Ratatouille

2010-08-11T18:03:00.000-04:00

I am happy to say that my house is rat free! This is so simple to make and can be eaten hot or cold. There are as many ways to eat it as there is to make it... and this is mine.

Ratatouille

1/4 cup olive oil
2 onions, slivered
3 bell peppers, cubed
2 eggplants, cubed
2 zucchini, cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
salt and pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Cut everything up ahead of time to save you from running around with a knife in one hand and a spoon in the other.

Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. If you don't have a dutch oven, use a thick bottom soup pan.

Put each ingredient in the pan separately and cook a little before adding the next.
ONIONS - PEPPERS - EGGPLANT ~stirring well to coat the eggplant with oil. Stir often to keep it from burning while the veggies begin to soften. ZUCCHINI, GARLIC, TOMATOES, THYME ~Stir well and cook 2 minutes.

Turn down heat and cover the pot. Simmer until everything is soft and well blended - about 40 minutes.
Stir in basil and remove from heat.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Turkles

2010-06-29T12:23:00.000-04:00

What the heck is a Turkle? Good question... and since I made the word up I will tell you.

Turkey Turtles

Someone had posted the link to these cuties and right away I knew I -had- to make these at the cabin next month, but with turkey and turkey bacon!!!

Bacon Cheese Turtleburger

Help! I'm trapped under a yarn-slide!!!

2010-06-26T16:49:00.004-04:00

Today I decided it was too hot to be overly domestic. I pulled the curtains closed, turned the fan on and grabbed the yarn stash.

I took a break from the Yule list and wanted to do something fun, easy yet still needed.

Elvis, Diva and I are taking our vacation at the end of July. I plan and plan, and the more I wonder what will be available, the more things I think I need to take with us. Exactly how much -does- a Yaris hold???

~~~ The "What if the cabin doesn't have pot-holders" Potholders

This was super simple, and if I need them I have them, if not... well, they make cute coasters. I used 2 strands of Red Heart Super Saver together (yes, they should pay me for my loyalty) and used size 9 needles.

Cast on 4

Row 1: Knit

Inc: K2, YO, knit to the end

(repeat Inc. until 25 stitches)

Dec: K1, K2tog, YO, K2tog, knit

(repeat Dec. until 4 stitches and bind off)

~~~ The "I don't want to bring my wallet" Wallet
I used 2 strands of Red Heart Super Saver together and used size 10 needles.
Cast on 34
Row 1: K2,P2
(repeat until 8 inches)
(1) K2,P2,Kx,P2,K2
(2) K2,P2,K2,Px,K2,P2,K2
(repeat 1 & 2 - 5 times)
K2,P2,K4,yo,k2tog,Kx,k2tog,yo,K4,P2,K2
K2,P2 (for 5 rows)
Bind off in pattern
Fold-up bottom of the bag to 4"
Sew sides together, sew on button

TADAH!!

Mid-Year Check-in

2010-06-21T21:23:00.002-04:00

Summer Solstice is today. Six months until Yule.

Six months????

When everyone else is thinking summery thoughts, I am focusing more than ever on completing the gift list. My plans for having hand-made items under the tree are coming together.

Slowly.

I had hoped to have more finished by now. I did manage to finish Diva's hat, and more than halfway finished with the matching scarf. The mittens - well, the cuffs are done, and not much more. I have yet to get to start the others.

My list so far --

~Diva - hat (done), scarf (done), mittens, bookworms, HP pencil brooms, HP pencil holder, HP secret book box,
HP bookscarf - All 4 houses, tube socks, fish soap

~Elvis -$94 Neck-warmer (can’t find the pattern anymore, look for another)

~Mom - 5th Avenue Infinity Scarf

~Misc - Christmas dishcloths, cloth napkins, coffee can crafts, dishtowel & dishrag set, fabric drawstring bags, fabric gift bags, knit apron, pillowcases, scrubbers, spicy shortbread cookies, teacup candles

I'd love to stay and chat more, but my knitting needles are getting cold!
(I'll update as I finish)

Vee's Patterned Scarf - Knitting

2010-06-13T14:31:00.004-04:00

I love to make things. Every once in a while I design something and want to share with others.

I use Red Heart SuperSaver yarn mostly, but a thicker yarn would work as well.

size 10 US (or larger)

Cast on 22

rows 1-20 ~ knit

start pattern

10 rows ~ kkbp
20 rows ~ knit
10 rows ~ kkpp
20 rows ~ knit

repeat pattern until scarf is long enough ** end after 20 knit

*pictures will be posted as soon as I finish

Summer Vacation Isn't Just for Kids!

2010-06-11T11:04:00.001-04:00

Today is the last day of school for Diva and I have been looking for fun (and frugal) things for her to do this summer.

First thing is check your local library! There is usually a summer reading program where the kids (and adults at mine) sign up and receive prizes for reading. (cost - free)

TD Bank is having a summer reading program too. Kids under 18 get $10 for 10 books read. The money is deposited in to their Young Savers accounts. They will open one if they do not already have one (cost - free)

National Amusement Bookworm Wednesdays - "Every Wednesday at 10:00 am beginning July 7th for six weeks. A fun and rewarding summer reading program developed to encourage young children to read during the summer months. BOOKWORM WEDNESDAYS entitles kids to free admission to a select children's film when they present a book report at a participating Showcase Cinemas, Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box office. Accompanying parents or guardians and children under six receive free admission and do not need to submit a book report." (cost - free)

AMC Summer Movie Camp - "Looking for a cool getaway for gobs of kids this summer? Bring them to AMC Summer MovieCamp and enjoy the magic of movies! Summer MovieCamp will be offered at 10 a.m. each Tuesday morning this summer at participating theatres, from June 15 through August 10. At only $1 admission, it’s an affordable option for summer fun for families and groups. All admission and concession proceeds will benefit two AMC charities, Variety – The Children’s Charity and the Will Rogers Institute." (cost - $1 pp)

Half Price Books Feed Your Brain - "Kids ages 14 and under can earn a $3 HalfPrice Books shopping card for each week they read at least 15 minutes per day" (cost - varies)

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading - "Earn a free book when you read 8" (cost - free)

Bowling - "Once you register, you will have the opportunity to purchase the family pass. The Family Pass was created to allow for adult family members to enjoy bowling throughout the summer as well. The Family Pass starts from $24.95 and includes 2 GAMES PER PERSON PER DAY. The Family Pass covers up to 4 adult family members. You may have 1, 2, 3, or 4 adults on the family pass." (cost - $24.95 for up to 4 adults, kids bowl free)

Home Depot Build. Learn. Create. - "The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit." First Saturday of the month at 9am. (cost - free)

Lowes Build and Grow Clinic - "From project basics to giving your child the opportunity to say, "I built it!", our Build and Grow kid's clinics are a great way to help build confidence! Bring the kids into any Lowe's store and build a FREE wooden project. Each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project." Saturdays at 10am (cost - free)

Oh Kia, Why Have You Forsaken Me?

2010-06-07T10:03:00.000-04:00

The Toyota Saga has been put on pause while we wait for the title. Our car journey did not end there though, seems as if there is a few new chapters to toss in.

Thursday (I'm starting to think Thursday's are a bad day for cars) Elvis and I jumped in to my cute 2006 Kia Rio Lx. Destination: Local car dealers - sans rats. While we were traveling, we hear a woman yelling in our direction. Seems our brake lights weren't working.

Easy fix, right?

Slight delay as we stop to buy fuses. Neither of us were able to get the old one pulled out, so back in to the car and to the mechanic. He checked the fuses, he checked the bulbs. Diagnosis was a bad brake switch. Since the Kia is still under warranty, onward to the dealer!

When we finally arrived at the dealer, I spoke to the Service Manager, and he thought I was someone else who had the same problem (is a recall in the making?). He assured me that it is covered under the warranty, but the part is not in stock - anywhere. After a few calls, he was able to locate one, but it wouldn't be there until Friday.

Now what? Elvis and I are both at the dealer. Our only car was resting in a bay.

After a back and forth exchange of ideas trying to get us a temporary replacement, I suggested he speak to the Head Manager about it. A few more phone calls and the SM arranged for us to split the cost of a rental until Friday. Finally, something going our way.

Or so we thought.

Fast forward a bit, we now have a rental (same make and model as mine). We were back under way. We checked out a dealer that advertised good cars, and financing. What he failed to mention is the cars are over-priced, and the interest rates if you go through his bank is 21% !!!

Another rat.

Almost giving up, I suggested we stop at the dealer our mechanic suggested. I looked at their online inventory and knew we didn't have the cash to buy one outright, no clue if they financed. At that point I was tired and yes, somewhat cranky. The salesman came over to us and asked what we liked. Point blank I told him he wanted something that wasn't a 2010, but with low miles and a factory warranty. He showed us 2 cars. I wasn't fond of either. Elvis was starting to show signs of fatigue and would accept a horse and buggy as long as the horse had at least 3 legs.

There it was!

Sitting among bigger, more expensive cars was a black 2008 Toyota Yaris. What caught my eye was the stickers on the window. Low Miles (25K), 1 owner, Carfax, Factory Warranty. It was as if the car was dropped from the sky just for us. He signed papers on it and as of Friday afternoon after picking up the loan check from the credit union, Elvis had a new-to-him car. We just needed to get the check to the salesman to make it official.

My automobile pride and joy, my Kia, was finally ready. We returned the rental and left the dealers feeling good. We have my car back, we have another car. The sun and clouds were dancing a tango. We were on our way to drop off the check for the Yaris and surprise Diva with the 'new' car and take her out to celebrate.

The celebration was short lived however.

I jumped on the Connector to take the highway home. I hated taking the Connector, but it was the closest entry to the highway I needed. I missed my jumping on point, I always do. Go north, turn around, go the right way. No big deal, I've done it a handful of times. Usually when I have done this in the past, the car would happily accelerate until I was able to get to the next exit.

Usually.

Of course, when you have something really special and you're happy, something just has to come along to mess things up. How lucky for us that we didn't have to wait long. The car wasn't accelerating. Worse still, I wasn't able to maintain the 60 mph I was traveling. I called the dealer as soon as I realized what was happening to have them meet us with a truck. I can only imagine what it sounded like to the guys in the garage when I started screaming because we were almost taken out by an 18-wheel truck that was traveling behind us. At that point I had had my flashers on and looking desperately for any signs of a break down lane. Even though I was less than 7 minutes from the shop, they told me I would have to call Kia Roadside assistance for help.

Gee, thanks.

I was going 20 mph! There was no place for me to pull off to. The first exit emptied to a rotary, there was no way I was going to try to crawl through it. It was dangerous enough in a car that could get out of the way of the other cars. Finally I was able to get to an exit that I knew would be safe, as long as I could get far enough away from the end of the ramp. I was feeling a bit better now that I was off the highway and heading to a plot-able location. It would have been nice if my brakes worked when I hit the end of the road.

No Acceleration--No Brakes--No Battery--SMOKE

Elvis and I jumped out of the car and ran up the street a bit. We were convinced the car would explode. The pitch black smoke and the loud popping sounds worried me since I was now parked across the street from a gas station. Many calls back and forth to the Kia Roadside people. Shrugs and Diva came up to get Elvis so he could drop off the check and they would meet me at the dealer since the tow truck was on it's way.

THREE HOURS LATER the tow truck arrives.

I won't bore you with the details of my 'stuck on the side of the road woes'. Just know it was hot, I was dehydrated, my cell phone was dead and I was ticked off more than you can imagine. By the time I was dropped off, the garage had been closed for well over an hour. Being Friday, nobody would be in the shop again until Monday morning. I dropped my keys in the box with a description of what was wrong with the car. I think "Dead. Won't move, lucky it didn't blow up" will catch their attention.

Fast forward to Monday

Elvis is enjoying his little Yaris. I am borrowing Shrugs second car. Diva is starting her last week of school. The Kia has been looked at. The SM said that they intend on going over the car with a fine toothed comb because they can't understand why it happened. The calipers locked up. With the brakes locked, I couldn't accelerate. He also said he's never seen anything quite like this.

And, here we are, at the end of another installment of "Car Wars".

The $2400.00 Lemon Aid

2010-06-02T22:46:00.001-04:00

Sit back with a cool drink for the tale I am about to tell is as true as it is long.

Thursday started out like every other day... the sun was shining, the weather was comfortable. The only thing different about that day is that we handed $2400.00 in cash to a rat.

The rat didn't have a tail, but a rat all the same. He was a used car dealer. Now, I don't think all dealers are scammers, but this one was the shining example of why people don't trust them much.

We needed a car - in the most absolute definition of need. Not having a car was putting stress not only on my household, but Shrugs as well because he was having to leave work early 3 days a week to bring our daughter home from school.

We wanted to avoid another car loan. So, with that in mind, we bought what we thought was the 'responsible choice'. The car only had 69K miles on it. It wasn't 'pretty' but we dismissed cosmetics for the extremely low miles.

69K may not seem very low in miles, but it was a 1990 Toyota Corolla. Before we took possession of the car, the dealer changes the oil pan, a router, a caliper and some other 'thingy'.

Elvis took the car to work Sunday and all the guys at work ranked on him up one side and down the other. They pointed out flaws that we weren't properly educated to notice. They all said we should take the car back.

Massachusetts doesn't have a buyers remorse. The only way we would be able to return it was if it failed inspection and the costs to repair the car to passable status was more than 10% of the purchase price. It's Massachusetts' Lemon Aid Law.

Since we didn't take possession of the car until Friday night, we had to wait until Tuesday morning to get the car inspected.

As I was waiting in the line of waiting cars, the head mechanic came over to me. I didn't know why he singled me out, I wasn't next in line... my radio wasn't too loud.

He smiled and said "Ma'am, I just wanted you to know that I don't think your car is going to pass inspection." He looked confused when I responded with an over-joyed "That's the best thing I have heard today". I don't think it's the usual response to failure.

IT FAILED !!!

First thing to fail was the wipers; they didn't 'park' when you turned them off. I honestly didn't realize that was a failing offense.

The next failure actually made me smile. The exhaust had a leak.

The nice mechanic told me to call the dealer and if he was a gentleman (which the mechanic truly is) he would take the car back without a hassle.

I went home, called the 'gentleman' to tell him the car failed inspection and I would be returning it. He said "No, I will fix what is wrong, you can't bring the car back".

CAN'T ???

He made the mistake of thinking because I am a jolly rolypoly that I must also be a complete moron. When it comes to cars, I am still learning. The law, I know!

When he presented himself as the rat he is. I told him I would be getting the estimates for repairs and sending the letter of intent via certified mail and will be pursuing the Lemon Aid Law.

Off to the muffler shop. I explained to them what was happening and they were more than happy to put it up on the lift and give me an estimate.

$819! Everything needed to be replaced. I was under the car. There was nothing to weld patches on to other than rust. Where there wasn't rust, there was holes.

That was MORE than enough to force the return. While we were under the car trying to avoid the rain of rust, he pointed and said "The manifold has a crack in it. The estimate is only for the exhaust. Go to another mechanic and get the estimate for that too".

And, that's exactly what I did. When I returned to the garage that failed the car earlier that morning, they were more than happy to write up an estimate to replace the manifold.

They offered to check everything else for me, but I said no. At that point, I knew I was going to definitely return the car. Over 50% cost for repairs.

If I had not gone for the exhaust estimate, I wouldn't have known about the manifold. I highly doubt the dealer would tell me out of the kindness of his heart.

That brings us to today. Elvis and I brought the car back to the swindler... er, I mean dealer. I think he realized it was the easier thing to do because I came armed with estimates, forms and various printouts. That, and I looked rather bitchy.

We exchanged unpleasantries. Him yelling that he didn't tell us to buy a 20 year old car... me volleying back with how he did not disclose everything that was wrong with the car and had we known upfront, we wouldn't have!

He gave us a check for $1000.00 (which we cashed as quickly as my car could get us to HIS bank). We will get the other $1400.00 when we give him the title. We applied for the title on Friday, I called Tuesday and it is being expedited to us. The sooner we get him out of our lives, the happier I will be.

My $16 Garden

2010-05-30T16:10:00.000-04:00

It's unofficially the start of summer and I am still cleaning the dirt out from under my nails.

My mother jokes that by the way I talk about gardening I have a secret farm somewhere. Sadly, that is not the case.

What is a condo dwelling Domestic Goddess to do you may be asking. Good question. So good in fact that I will tell you.

When you run out of ground, think UP!

Today I was lucky enough to receive Daylillies (Tiger) from a neighbor, thanks to Freecycle. Normally, I don't use the little plot of dirt I have for flowers, but I love the Tiger Lily. How could I not devote a small corner to it's beauty?

On the way back from picking up the flowers, I stopped at the local gardening shop and picked up a few plants. So far I have a 'patio' tomato plant, broccoli, bell pepper, white eggplant and cucumber plants. Just one of each. That came to $12 total, I have $4 set aside for lettuce if I decide to grow some in hanging baskets. If not, I lied and it's "My $12 Garden".

Hidden away in the closet was a TopsyTurvy. No, I am not paid to endorse them. (Hint: Topsy people, I will be willing to praise your glory if you send me 5 of them for next year) This is the first year I will be using them, I have made my own in the past.

Life would have been easier if someone hadn't stolen all my gardening tools. I had to dig it with a shovel about the size of a tablespoon!

Real Men DO Cook... and Other Tales

2010-05-13T14:27:00.000-04:00

I am writing from my sick bed - a place I have been a resident of for the majority of the last 4 days. It started out as a sniffle, progressed to a cough and has morphed me in to looking like an extra from Zombie Prom.

Apparently someone didn't give me the memo that said Momma's aren't allowed to get sick! I have to give kudos to Elvis though for taking care of things in my time of need. Well, he was the one who gave me his cold...

My week has looked something like this --

Monday - *sniffle, cough, sniffle* Ugh, am I getting sick? I probably should just call for pizza delivery just in case.
Tuesday - I'm officially sick, luckily Elvis has the day off and he can drive Diva to and from school today, and since she has her play tonight, we were going out for a post-play dinner anyways.
Wednesday - Elvis back to work, Shrugs will drive Diva to and from school and take her for dinner. Elvis cooked his own dinner with some coughed out directions.
Thursday - Why am I still sick? Enough already! Good thing this is the start of Elvis' normal days off, he can take her to and from school. If he wants food, he knows where the kitchen is. I'm going back to bed - wake me up when it's over!

Elvis went to the grocery store to get a few items we needed for the house. Yes, he knows how to shop. He isn't exactly the frugaltarian I am, but he does fairly well. He made a pepper and onion quiche for brunch. Yes, I said quiche. He made it. It was his idea. Men -do- cook. He even got enough to make one for tomorrows brunch too. Not very creative, but I've been living off cough drops and pastina the last few days, who am I to complain? Dinner is in the crock-pot for when Diva comes home from soccer practice tonight. I would say it smells wonderful, but *sniffle, cough, gag* I can't smell anything. It looks like terryaki pork roast. I will be having my usual garlic heavy pastina tonight.

I am trying to fake myself better - or at least get to a point I can be vertical without looking like I am going to fall over. We're having a birthday dinner for Diva tomorrow night, I can't cancel since the Outlaws arranged it.

Mother's Day Monday Catch-up

2010-05-10T07:59:00.000-04:00

I know it's late, but I was otherwise occupied this weekend. I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day.

Elvis and I started 'the great purge' of the bedroom on Saturday and managed to get the bed on the wall I wanted. There is only so much you can do in a room that has a wall of windows, a wall of closet and a wall with a door. The rest of the purge will have to wait - for today... I am sick!

Originally I had planned on 'sleeping in' Sunday in the 'finally in the right place bed'. I was up at 5:15... in the morning! I kissed Elvis good-bye since he had to go to work (and of course, that's how I got sick).

Diva was up around 6:30, so I made us blueberry pancakes. Normally it was something Elvis and Diva made for me, but she isn't quite ready to tackle cooking on the gas stove alone yet. She gave me a bird house she had painted in school and a drawing she made complete with accolades.

After an afternoon of watching Harry Potter and rounds of 'Go Fish', Shrugs came over to give me a beautiful hanging plant for the patio. I don't know what type it is, but it is a pretty shade of pink. I have to admit, I was surprised to see him here. He isn't a bad man, and we don't have the stereotypical divorce. We actually like each other.

Elvis got home early (around 7pm, after working 12.5 hours) and gave me a cute card, a bag of Lindt chocolates and a Barnes & Noble gift card. He even joked how hard it was to sneak money to buy it because I do too good of a job keeping track of the finances. I took that as a compliment.

My future star is in a play Tuesday - Ants'hilvania. She has two roles, an ant in the opening scene and a bug/dinner in the last. All black clothes was easy... finding lime green tights to wear under her lime green bug suit was difficult. When all else fails... dye it!

Shrugs is on his way over here to bring Diva to school right now, he's been driving her 3 days a week. Being a one car family is starting to weigh on us. Elvis' car needs repairs, yet again and since he needs a car to get to and from work, he wins temporary custody of my car. We're looking at used cars now, but I am unwilling to deplete the emergency funds in order to buy one right now.

Sometimes being financially responsible can be annoying. We could have credit cards, we could go out and buy him a brand new car... but then we would have credit card debit and another car loan.

On a positive note - my new refrigerator was delivered Friday afternoon. I think I stood in the kitchen for an hour just staring at it. It's by no means huge, but it's a heck of a lot bigger than the dorm-size one we've been using for 3 years!

Back to School Spending Challenge

2010-05-06T20:46:00.001-04:00

I was reading a post at Frugal Village about a group of people who have formed a compact and agreed not buy anything new for a year. They allow for some items (food, underwear, etc) , but everything else has to be purchased used.

It got me thinking. How long could I go without buying anything new - at all.

I'm realistic. Diva is growing out of her clothes every time I blink. (I tried not blinking... no luck there.) Elvis and I don't need much in general but things do pop up from time to time. Could I go a year without buying anything "new" (first owner). The simple answer is no.

Don't see it as a failure. I view it as knowing my personal limitations. School clothes could be purchased second hand... school supplies can't. Diva's birthday and party is coming up this month and summer is coming faster than usual around here, so she will need new summer clothes. She has outgrown everything from last year, and I will need to buy her clothes this month.

About now, I am thinking I need a spending challenge.

Back to School Challenge

I already have some things in my school stockpile, I will update the list, along with the final costs. Some of her clothes will still fit for the start of school, so I have not added those to "new" list.

The Rules
- stick to the list
- complete list for as little as possible

The Unofficial List * subject to change as her sizes and seasons
5 pairs of pants/jeans or shorts
5 short sleeve shirts
5 long sleeve/hoodies
2 pair sneakers
5 pair socks and unmentionables
1 winter jacket
1 pair boots
scarf, gloves, hat

The Official List (per the school all things mandatory)
36 #2 pencils
8 ct. washable markers
12 ct. colored pencils
5 blue/black ink pens
5 red ink pens
2 highlighters - different colors
2 erasers (white medium)
5" sharp scissors
pencil sharpener
1 12" sturdy ruler (inch and cm marks)
6 small or 3 large Elmer glue sticks
3 packs of 100 lined 3x5 index cards
2 spiral 3x5 index cards
3 packs 3-hole wide ruled paper (100 sheets)
1 composition notebook
1 5x7 spiral notebook
pencil case
container large enough to hold all supplies
1 1/2" 3-ring view binder w/interior pockets
1 expandable coupon holder
3 large boxes of tissues
3 containers Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
1 Scotch tape
1 old shirt (adult size) for painting projects

Raising a Young Woman

2010-04-27T22:10:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share something we are doing in our home for and with my daughter.

We are starting a 'secret notebook' that only she and I will know about. There are just some things you don't want Daddy to know, and embarrassed to ask Momma... so, she will leave it in a special place we pick out when she has written a question in it for me to answer, and I will replace it in a place she chooses. Nothing she asks about will be talked about verbally unless she comes to me about it again, or I feel it is a safety issue (ie: improper touching, drugs, etc).

I also bought her some books published by the American Girl people. Luckily, I found them at the used bookstore on .19/book day. I can't remember all of them, but it includes these...

The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book - answers all the questions growing girls have about their bodies—from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bra buying, pimples to periods. It offers guidance about basic hygiene and health without addressing issues of sexuality.

Friends: Making Them & Keeping Them This interactive book helps girls learn how to make new friends and to make the most of the friendships they already have. It's filled with quizzes, crafts, thoughtful advice, and true stories of friendship shared by girls.

Smart Girl's Guide to Boys: Surviving Crushes, Staying True to Yourself, and Other Love Stuff - the number one topic of conversation for girls ages 10 and over. Here’s straight talk on what to do when everyone’s wondering "who likes who?" The book explores being friends, going out, getting dumped, being yourself, and much more. Letters from girls and advice on boys, along with quizzes and tips, help a girl get her brain back on track when her heart’s in a wreck.

Smart Girl's Guide to Manners - girls learn proper etiquette for everyday events and tricky social situations. The book is filled with great advice on everything from eating in fancy restaurants and handling troublemakers at parties to regaining composure after embarrassing accidents. Humorous illustrations, letters from other girls, and entertaining quizzes make the lessons fun to learn.

She already asked me to buy another book when she is in fifth grade ...

Smart Girl's Guide to Middle School - Middle school is all about change. This book, filled with tips and quizzes, will help girls feel more confident as they anticipate and adjust to the changes of middle school. Includes insights and information on what to expect, plus advice from other smart girls who’ve already made the grade in middle school.

The books are on her bookshelf, along with other books, for whenever she feels ready for them.

Current listing of Smart Girl's Guide

Not Your Typical Success Story

2010-04-16T14:08:00.000-04:00

... but for US it is!

After nearly 3 years of having only a dorm-size fridge (4 cubic feet, no freezer) we bought a fridge... IN CASH! (success)

~ Backstory: We originally bought a Samsung from Lowes. It was a bottom freezer, all the bells and whistles a Domestic Goddess would want. It cost nearly $1000 three years ago. It lasted all of 13 months! We had the repairmen here 4 times before it was finally carted away and we bought a dorm fridge to "hold us over" until we found one we liked.

We still don't have a credit card... as tempting as it was to get one, we knew as soon as we had a Home Depot CC we would find things that need fixing around the house. (success)

And, we didn't have to touch the"Emergency Fund" at all to buy it! (success)

We got it on sale AND will get a $50 rebate from Energy Star (success)

It's not pretty... but it's paid for!!!!
MY FRIDGE --- FINALLY!!!!

Our 2010 Vacation on the Cheap

2010-03-29T19:40:00.000-04:00

Elvis and I debated for months about a family vacation. We went over what we thought was our "needs" list and realized it was mostly wants. What we NEED is time together, as a family.

We started listing off places to go that didn't require a plane. It had to be fun, it had to be worth the money!

We booked a cabin in the White Mountains of NH for 6 days/5 nights. I have activities planned for most of those days, and some "hanging around the campground" time too...

This cabin is MUCH better than the one we had the last vacation... this one has INDOOR PLUMBING!

So... here is our vacation on the cheapish... (prices are totals for 2 adults and 1 child)

Country Bumpkins Campground & Cabins - $353.98 (incl. taxes)

Elvis and I plan on getting a 1-day fishing license. I think they are $15 each. Diva doesn't need one since she will only be 10. $30 is well worth the cost of a full day of fishing fun. I don't know who loves it more! We'd rather pay for one than get caught fishing out of state without one!

Since there is a full kitchen, I plan on making breakfast and dinner at home everyday, we will only be eating lunch out twice. I am going to bring the non-perishables from home and I already looked up the local grocery store for the perishables. We would need to eat if we were home.

So, other than some firewood and bait, we will be spending the money on...

Clark's Trading Post - $54 (bear shows, circus, train rides, guided tours, museums, etc)

Hobo Railroad - $36.00 + lunch
~Hobo Picnic Lunch - $10/each - Sandwich on bulky, choc. chip cookie & drink (Old Man and Diva only... I'm not a sandwich person)

Hobo Hills Mini-Golf - $24.00

A Love Never-ending

2010-02-21T20:39:00.000-05:00

Tonight Elvis and I watched The Notebook. The movie was wonderful! More than wonderful.

It is what we all hope and dream for... to love and to be loved; honestly.

I won't give away the movie in the event you haven't seen it. Even if you have watched it before - watch it again. Watch it with open eyes and with someone you love.

The movie made me cry. It also made me think about life, and love. I have been lucky to share my life with Diva and Elvis. Diva will always be my daughter and there is no replacing a love for a child just as there is no substitute for real love between two hearts.

One day Diva will be grown with a family of her own, a heart-love of her own. These things I wish on her. I had never experienced unconditional love until the moment I first laid eyes on her laying there sleeping. There is no manual, and I know I have made mistakes but I try to be the best Momma to her that I know how to be.

I loved Shrugs, but it was not a complete love. I will always love her for the person he is, the father to Diva and a very close friend.

I know with my whole heart that Elvis is the one I was meant to be with. When I am presented with emotional scenarios, it is him I think about. He is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, wherever it leads us.

What we have may not be perfect, but it is real.

Random Memories & A Snow Free Weekend

2010-02-05T17:54:00.001-05:00

This is the anniversary of the blizzard of '78, and there is one heck of a blizzard hitting this weekend, but it won't be here!

Yes, I remember 'The Blizzard of '78'. I remember walking uphill, both ways, lugging my sled behind me after a blizzard to the grocery store with my Mom. Sounds like something our parents would say - but unfortunately for me, it's the truth. 

I was young, real young. Fine! I was 6 - go ahead, do the math, I know you want to. We lived near the beach, so we got hit pretty hard. My bedroom was on the second floor and I remember the snow drifts being so high they nearly came to my window. My poor Granpa's bedroom was on the first floor and he couldn't see out at all until my brother and I dug a tunnel. Kids playing in the snow - safe. Kids sitting in a tunnel 15 feet under the snow - the 70's!

Time to take off the bell-bottoms and get back to the now.

Diva and I went to the grocery store as planned. I stuck to my list, and if anyone has ever -ever- shopped with a child with you knows what a feat that is! Okay fine, I bought her a 25-cent cheese-stick. We both made our best guesses as to how much the total would come up to without going over. Hers - $40. Mine - $50. I technically won my personal challenge because I know I will need to buy more milk this week. I give her this victory though because she is 9 - and we were only going by what was in the cart at the time.

Total for this weeks shopping - $45.05 (milk will be an additional $1.49) Keep in mind, I do have a stockpile and I didn't have to buy every ingredient for this weeks meals.

Dinner tonight will be Nacho Squares and veggies. 

Nacho Squares

8 oz. ground meat (use whatever kind you prefer)
1 cup chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
15 oz. tomato sauce
1 can (8 oz.) red kidney beans, drained and slightly mashed
1 T. taco seasoning
2/3 cup shredded cheese
1 can crescent rolls

Preheat oven to 415*

In large skillet sprayed with non-stick spray, brown the meat, green pepper and onion. Add the tomato sauce, kidney beans and taco seasoning. Mix well to combine, Lower heat and simmer, stirring occasionally. 

Meanwhile pat rolls into an ungreased 10x15" baking sheet. Gently press dough to cover bottom of the pan, being sure to seal perforations. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly browned. 

Spread hot meat mixture over crust and continue baking for 10 minutes. Evenly sprinkle cheese over to and continue to baking 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Let it cool before cutting.

My Stockpile, My Meal Planner and My Best Grocery Guess

2010-02-04T23:59:00.000-05:00

Why wait until you have to live on rice and beans before you take a good look at your kitchen and come up with a budget?

There are a few easy things you can do that can help not only keep your kitchen kingdom organized, it can organize your spending!

Stockpiling - Finding the best deals on the non-perishable things and then buying not one or two, but as many as you feel comfortable buying at the super deal price. I am not saying run out and stockpile everything on sale, but a few items here and there, things you use anyways. A 20 pound bag of rice for $10.00 may be a great buy for me, but if the only time you eat rice is when it is accompanied by Kung Pao Chicken, you may want to pass. Don't limit it to just groceries, I admit it - I have a toilet paper stash!

Meal Planning - Plan what you will be making for a week, or a month, or a year if you really want to be that ambitious! No need to go out and purchase anything special, any calendar will do. Mine is the Google calendar. I had been slacking when it came to a meal planner. Had. It's something I have been trying to stay ahead of once again. Now that I am back to making out my meal planner, I spend less time and money at the grocery store.

Now that I can put the chalkboard away, back to me.

I am going to make a 'best guess' when it comes to how much I will spend to feed my family of three for a week. I do have some things already on hand, basic staples - flour, sugar, spices, veggies and rice. After planning out the week, I am going to say I will spend $50.00 - total.

Happy Birthday -- to ME!

2010-01-29T12:54:00.000-05:00

Yes, a bit unorthodox, but it's my birthday and I can do what I want!

I woke up to the Diva serenading me. It was cute. Before you ask, I am only as old as I look and it BETTER be younger than I really am!!! I've gotten past the need for birthday celebrations, or so I thought. I knew Diva and Elvis wouldn't be home today so we had 'birthday ice cream' on Tuesday, the last day of the week I know we will all be home at a reasonable time to do something, but somehow it wasn't the same.

Today I woke up and decided to make this my day. I whipped up a cake and even had orange juice pancakes for brunch (nothing fancy, pancakes with oj instead of water). My little birthday gift to myself.

I could have made a regular cake, but not today! I dug deep for this one.

Domestic Goddess' Applesauce Birthday Cake

1 cup sugar
1 T butter
1 cup applesauce
2 cups flour
2//3 cups raisins
1 t baking soda
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t cloves
1/4 t salt
1/4 t nutmeg

Sift together the soda, spices, salt and flour. Cream the butter, add sugar, applesauce, dry ingredients and raisins. Put the mix in a spring-pan. Bake in a moderate oven (350*F) for about 40 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean.

Don't be afraid of making risotto

2010-01-23T19:06:00.000-05:00

Stand tall, grab your skillet and let's get cooking!

Yes, you can make risotto too. It's so simple and is a nice change of pace. If you don't have a box of risotto rice at home - and who really does - use regular long grain rice (sorry, not instant). You're cooking in Your Kitchen, not Hells Kitchen, get creative and enjoy.

This is a recipe for an easy cheese risotto - you can change it around by adding things such as different spices or vegetables. Other than the cheese, don't omit anything I have in my recipe, or it won't be risotto anymore.

Cheese Risotto
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/3 cups uncooked long-grain rice
4 cups water
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
3/4 cup grated cheese

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat (*), then add the rice. Cook and stir for a few minutes to toast rice. Stir in water, and season with chicken bouillon and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, keep covered, and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in the cheese.

(*) if you want to add 1/3 cup vegetables (ie: onion or mushrooms) now is the time to do it

The Not-So-Domestic Goddess Bread

2010-01-18T01:19:00.003-05:00

I love the smell of bread baking... but, I don't always have time to prep it.

(I know, I heard you gasp, you can't believe it either!)

This is a super simple bread recipe and it's less than 2 hours from pantry to table. No fancy ingredients. No expensive equipment.

The Not-So-Domestic Goddess Bread

3 cups flour

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 tablespoon salt

2 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast

1 2/3 cups warm water

~ Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add the water.

~ Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.

~ Cover the dough with a tea towel and let rise for an hour.

~ Bake in a 400F oven for about 45 minutes.

That's it!!

Easy Bagel Pudding

2010-01-15T20:18:00.000-05:00

I made this tonight with left over blueberry bagels and it came out SO good that I had to share it. Yes it has calories. No, I don't know how many... Quit looking at me like that!!!!

5 regular-sized bagels (torn into bite-size pieces)
2 cups milk
3/4 cup sugar, more if you like it sweet
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
3 large eggs, beaten

optional - fruits (like blueberries)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
Generously, butter 9 x9 inch glass baking dish

Place torn bagels in large mixing bowl; pour milk over and let absorb for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt butter and let it cool. When cooled, mix with beaten eggs and remaining ingredients.

Combine with bagel mixture (add any fruit you had now)

Pour into prepared baking dish; place in center of oven. Bake uncovered for about 35-40 minutes or until knife inserted in center come out clean.

2010-01-13T18:46:00.002-05:00

I've been keeping myself busy. I crocheted a few things... a few 'bowls' and a bunch of tawashis. I also made a hat for Diva and Elvis wanted one too, so now I am making him a
Balaclava.

Pictures of everything to follow, but I thought I'd share.

Elvis' Balaclava

Size G (4.25 mm)

2 skeins Vanna's Choice (if you use a chunkier yarn, use a bigger hook. Elvis loved the blue/white look of the yarn I had in my stash)

Directions:
Worked in BACK LOOPS ONLY - all stitches are HDC

~1: chain 3, 8 hdc in the third ch from the hook
~2: 2 hdc in each stitch around (16)
~3: *1 hdc, 2 hdc in next stitch* x8 (24)
~4: *2 hdc, 2 hdc in next stitch* x8 (32)
~5: *3 hdc, 2 hdc in next stitch* x8 (40)
~6: *4 hdc, 2 hdc in next stitch* x8 (48)
~7: *5 hdc, 2 hdc in next stitch* x8 (56)
~8: *6 hdc, 2 hdc in next stitch* x8 (64)
~9: *7 hdc, 2 hdc in next stitch* x8 (72)
~10: *8 hdc, 2 hdc in next stitch* x8 (80)
~11: *9 hdc, 2 hdc in next stitch* x8 (88)

Work over 88 sts until piece measures 8 inches (or until comes to eyebrows)

Chain 26 ,skip 24 sts, continue working around until piece measures 10 more inches (or until bottom of neck). Fasten off and weave in ends.

Sweet and Savory Stew

2010-01-03T03:07:00.006-05:00

Watching the snow fall, I decided that I am going to make this versatile stew on Monday night. I like it because there is little prep and I can already imagine the wonderful aroma filling my house. Pop it in the crock pot and you're good to go. I am going to use turkey and squash this time, but any meat and veggie will work.

This is an adapted version of a recipe printed in Family Circle

1/3 cup flour
2 teaspoons paprika
2 pounds 'meat' trimmed, cut in 1" cubes and blotted dry
1 tablespoon & 1 teaspoon olive oil
1 scallion bundle (or 1 large onion) chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 1/4 cup broth
1 pound veggies, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon brown sugar

* 3 cups cooked rice (side dish)

~ Combine flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika in a large resealable bag. Add meat to bag in two batches, shake to coat with flour, then remove from bag. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook meat for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, or until browned. Place meat in slow cooker.

~ Reduce heat to medium, add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add scallion and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each paprika, salt, pepper and cinnamon. Cook 4 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, cook 2 minutes. Place in slow cooker. Add tomatoes and broth to skillet, bring to a boil, pour into slow cooker.

~ Cover, cook for 5 hours on high or 7 hours on low.

~ When there is 1 1/2 hours cook time remaining add veggies.

~ Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon each paprika, salt, pepper, cinnamon and brown sugar just before serving.

~ Serve over rice.

Merry Christmas and Joyous Yule

2009-12-25T10:58:00.004-05:00

My gift to you is a story about a little girl who woke up to nothing under the Christmas tree --

She never noticed there was nothing, and I mean NOTHING under the tree except a pair of mittens and hat for her and her brother, wrapped in red paper and green ribbons from their mother.

What she did notice was the beautiful tree, the music and her Mom crying. She didn't understand why her mother was crying because it was Christmas and she didn't think she (or her brother) had done anything wrong to make her mother cry.

The mother, recently divorced had depended on the father to keep to his promise and buy all the presents that year as the mother was suddenly a single mom to 2 small children and had spent what savings she had to enroll in business school so she could get a job and keep a roof over their heads.

None of that mattered to the little girl, all that mattered to her was that her mother was crying.

The next year, the mother was determined not to have nothing but a skirt under the tree. She scrimped and saved and Santa bought EVERYTHING the little girl and boy wanted.

That year it was the little girl who cried. The mother was the one confused... the children got everything they ever said they wanted that year. The mother asked why the little girl was crying because Santa got her everything she wanted.

The little girl looked at her mother and said... "Santa got me presents, but you didn't get me anything. Why didn't you get me mittens and a hat this year?"

The mother had given Santa all the credit... and all that went through the daughters head was, her mother had forgotten about her.

That night, the little girl understood that her mother WAS Santa. That her mother had been the one to do everything, and she understood now why the mother didn't have a winter coat. Living in New England, a good winter coat is a NEED. She understood why her mother had gone without a LOT that year.

The little girl curled up with her mother that night and told her that she loved her and she promised not to tell her baby brother the 'secret' and wanted her mother to bring back some of the things, so her mother could have a winter coat.

What's For Dinner?

2009-12-20T00:20:00.003-05:00

I've been trying to figure out what to make for the 25th. Diva will be with Shrugs and the Outlaws until noon and Elvis is working and we have NO idea when he will be home. As of right now there are only a few jobs scheduled, but that can change that day.

The Outlaws have also invited us all to come over around 5 or so. I know it's just because they want to spend more time with Diva, I can't fault them for that... I don't know if we will go or not yet. Shrugs passed the invite, but I haven't heard from either Outlaw about it.

Whatever I make has to be somewhat easy to make because I don't want to spend all my time in the kitchen. Of course, I asked what they wanted... Diva wants cheeseburgers, Elvis doesn't know what he wants, but wants something 'fancier than burgers'.

FINE !!!

Poor Man's Turkey Wellington

1 pound ground turkey
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 large egg
2 tablespoons water
Mashed Potatoes
3/4 cup diced smoked Gouda
1 cup grated sharp cheddar
2 sheets puff pastry

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large skillet, cook the turkey, stirring, over high heat until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add the onions, garlic, crushed red pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and cook, stirring, until the onions are soft and lightly caramelized, about 7 minutes. Add the tomato paste and heavy cream and cook until the cream is evaporated, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and spread on a plate to cool.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the thyme, Worcestershire and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, until most of the liquid has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and spread on a plate to cool.

In a small bowl, beat the egg and water to make an egg wash.

On a lightly floured surface, 1 at a time, roll the puff pastry sheets to an 1/8-inch thickness, about 11 inches square. Cut each sheet into 2 rectangles. Spread 1/4 of the cooled mashed potatoes along the lower third of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on 3 sides. Top with the turkey, then sprinkle the Gouda cubes over the top. Brush the sides with egg wash and fold the pastry over the filling to completely enclose. Press to seal the edges and with the tines of a fork, press to seal tightly. Transfer to a large baking sheet and paint with the egg wash. Cut 5 small steam vents in the top of the pastry. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Bake until starting to turn golden brown, 15 to 16 minutes. Sprinkle the top with the cheese and bake until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 4 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer to a large serving platter, slice and serve hot.

I'm Hooked

2009-12-18T11:08:00.005-05:00

Okay, not really, but I thought it was a cute title...

I've been working on Diva's blanket. It's Spring Green and Boston Rose (so far).

I still need to buy more yarn, I forgot how little you get when you crochet and the frugalista in me is screaming "Next time KNIT because it goes farther!"

I think another 2 skeins should do it, but, I am still prepared to force myself BACK to the yarn department if I need another 2 skeins after that (hehehe)

Update: I have added another 2 skeins of Deco (fancy way of saying white) and it still looks too short. I have another skein of Spring Green but I bought the last one. I will have to try to track down another one, or just order it online.

Starting Yule Gifts for 2010

2009-12-05T15:00:00.003-05:00

Yes, you read that correctly -- I am going to start working on the gifts for next Yule.

I decided that 2010 will be a COMPLETELY home-made holiday. If I didn't make it, I'm not giving it. I have a small list of people we give to every year and none of them need anything !!!

As I find the projects, I will post them here. I have so many skeins of yarn and totes of fabric just sitting here, begging to be made in to something that someone can love. The hardest part is thinking of tokens that the recipients will appreciate.

On the list are 4 kids (age at holiday)- Diva (10), Pepsi (9), Ballerina (4), Dribbles (2)
Adults - Elvis, Shrugs, Out-laws, GodMother, GodFather, UnkiAunt, Mimi

Autumn Harvest Soup

2008-09-21T15:36:00.004-04:00

I was in a rather good mood today. The weather was a beautiful 76, not a cloud in sight.

Then just one little breeze brushed my face and I realized this was the eve of the Autumn Equinox.

Living in New England, the coming of fall is more than just a season change, it is a life change. Our shorts are replaced with pants, tank tops are worn under a sweater and nourishment is heartier.

In celebration of welcome I made what I call "Autumn Harvest Soup". This is my own creation, feel free to change it to suit your personal tastes.

Ingredients

1 small sugar pumpkin
1 small butternut squash
4 apples
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
3 tbs brown sugar
4 tbs butter
1 pint cream
1/2 c water

Preheat oven to 350

Cut the pumpkin, squash and apples in small cubes. Add the pumpkin,squash and water to a 9x13 pan. Sprinkle with pumpkin spice and bake for about 90 minutes or until soft.

After baking, add butter and brown sugar to a soup pot and heat slightly until the sugar starts to melt. Add all ingredients but cream. Mash everything together and let simmer on very low for about another hour. If the soup is too chunky for you, toss it in the blender. Add cream before serving, mix well.

**** I like to taste the tarty goodness, but once in a while, I will add 1 cup of sugar to the pot and caramelize before adding the rest of the ingredients and omitting the cream to make more of a sweet dessert, great over vanilla ice cream!