Everything's Amazing, Nobody's Happy

This video clip from Conan O'Brian is right on. As a generation, we have become so spoiled and discontented. My friend, Jessica, just posted about some great steps to work toward contentment here. It's a short read, but about a 5 minute video. It wouldn't let me embed the video into the post or I would have...it's funny. Go watch it then read Jessica's post.

Who wants to Swag?

Has anyone else heard the buzz about SwagBucks? It's a search engine, similar to Google, that gives you points (or "Swag Bucks") every time you do an internet search. You turn the Swag Bucks in for gift cards to Amazon, Starbuck's, places like that. For doing what you would normally do...web searches...just on a different site.

Well, apparently today is Swagbuck's birthday and they're giving away higher points and bigger and better prizes. Good publicity stunt, because I finally signed up! Why not - I love free stuff.

I haven't read the fine print, but apparently you also get points for referring friends, so if you DO sign up, I'll get some Swag Bucks for it...not sure how many or what it all means.

Click here to start swagging with me!

It pays to behave

Literally. In my house, it pays a dime.

I'm so sick of repeating myself that I decided to start paying my kids to behave. Judge me all you want...it's working. I could have done a sticker chart or marbles in a jar, but no. I'm paying my kids a dime each time they listen and obey something I say the first time. Without arguing. Or getting distracted and deciding to strip down and put on a Spiderman costume before clearing their plate from the table. (hypothetically speaking of course...)

Ryan is doing beautifully with this and has caught on right away. Kaylin is seeing how often he's getting paid for following instructions the first time and has made it into a little game of her own. This has to work.

I just needed to do something drastic to kick start my kids back on a positive track again. They love the *plink* sound that change makes when it hits their piggy banks and they also love taking their coins to Target and buying a toy out of the $1 bins with their earnings. I'm even having them pay for treats like gum or lollipops now instead of getting them freely.

Today was a good day. I'm not sure how broke I'll be at the end of this little experiment, but it has to be cheaper than therapy, right?

100s of FREE pictures!

A few weeks ago, I heard about a new photo processing website called ArtsCow.com. When I signed up, the site gave me 100 free 4x6 pictures and 50 free 5x7 pictures every month for 6 months. I love me some free pictures, even if I have to pay shipping!

I am so glad I waited to post about it because NOW they're offering new members 100 free of each size every month for a YEAR. 1200 free pictures!!! That's more pictures than I would ever print (and I'm a scrapbooker!!!) so for most of you, it's basically free pictures for a year.

I just put in my first order for 100 4x6s and a handful of 5x7s and the shipping was around $8.50. More than most online printing services, but it worked out to less than 8 cents a print; half of what I'm used to paying at Costco. So I still think this is a smokin' deal.

Even if you don't print lots of pictures, consider signing up for the free prints at Christmastime. I usually include a picture in my Christmas cards and if you're getting free prints for a year, that covers November/December! (not for me because I got overexcited about their first freebie offer, but I'll get over it...)

They also have a referral program where you can earn 200 free prints for referring friends, but with 100 free 4x6 each month, who needs 200 MORE?!?!?

Tuesday's Time Saving {Grocery} Tips

I recently developed the most amazing grocery list EVER! I got the idea from my friend Erin.
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When I'm not store hopping for specific super-sale items, I tend to go to the same stores and buy the same stuff over and over again. So I typed up a printable grocery list with each store and the items I usually buy from that store. I've been printing off the list every week or two and as I need an item, I check the box next to that item on the list.
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I used to shop at Trader Joe's weekly, but since we reduced our grocery budget, it's more like every other week now. And I make a Costco run every 3-4 weeks as needed, so I hate forgetting a staple item there. And for the locals, did you know that Wednesdays are "Double Ad Day" at Sprouts? Their ads run Wednesday to Wednesday, so on Wednesdays (I'm getting sick of typing that word!) you get last week's sales AND next week's sales. It's the only day I shop there.

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What's even MORE efficient (this makes me feel like a genius) is that I listed the items in the order that I usually walk through each store. That way, when I'm shopping, the grocery list is in the logical order of where I'm going next.
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On this list is pretty much everything I buy regularly, at the stores where I've found that the non-sale prices are the cheapest. Please feel free to steal this idea...it's been an amazing time saver for me!

Olive Oil Bread

This recipe is from Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook and tastes a LOT like the foccasia bread at Macaroni Grill. It's delicious dipped in a little olive oil, but just as good plain. The salt content is perfect...I once tried to brush the top with olive oil and dust with kosher salt, like Macaroni Grill does, but it was way too salty. Then when I made it most recently, I accidentally left out the salt and it was very, very bland. So don't forget to add that in the middle of the process!

The recipe calls for making it with a Kitchen Aide mixer, but I'm sure you could make this if you didn't have one, too. Just adjust the instructions, if needed. Also, if you've never made a Martha Stewart recipe before, pay attention to the details! If she says, "mix for 3 minutes" or "let rise 20 minutes" - just do it. You'll be surprised how her over-controlling instructions change the result of the end product.

Olive Oil Bread

2 cups water, room temperature

1 1/2 pounds (about 4 cups) bread flour (actually buying bread flour makes a huge difference!)

1 ounce fresh yeast

3/4 cups extra virgin olive oil

1 Tablespoon course salt

cornmeal for dusting, if desired

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the water, flour, yeast and olive oil; stir with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are incorporated. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. (It's so dry here in Phoenix, that I usually turn my oven on to about 200 degrees, then I turn the oven OFF, place a cup of warm/hot water in the oven with the dough, and let it rise that way...it creates some moisture and warmth and it rises nicely. FYI: in this picture I forgot to put the dough in the mixer bowl, but it easily transferred.)

Attach the bowl to the mixer fitted with the dough hook. Add the salt and mix at low speed to combine. Raise the speed to medium and mix until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but is still sticky, about 3 minutes.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Fold the bottom third up, the top third down and the right and left sides over, tapping off the excess flour after each fold and pressing down the seal. Flip the dough on the work surface, with the seam side down, and cover with oiled plastic wrap. Let rest for 15 minutes.

Dust a baking stone with cornmeal (you could use a cookie sheet) and set aside. Transfer the dough to a clean work surface (if the dough is overly sticky, lightly flour the surface). Shape the dough into a tight round, rolling it in a circular motion with your hands. Transfer the dough to the stone (or cookie sheet) and cover with oiled plastic wrap. Let the dough rest until slightly puffed, about 30 minutes.

* I usually make this into 2 loaves and freeze one after baking OR I use a bench scraper to divide the dough out and make rolls. If you make one loaf, it's BIG...plenty for company.

With a sharp knife, make four slashes on top of the loaf to make a square, so the dough can expand evenly in the oven. Bake at 450 degrees for 45-50 minutes (or 20 minutes for 16 rolls). Allow bread to cool slightly before serving.

Carnival Party

Oh. My. We went to a birthday party today unlike any I've ever seen. I've heard of the parents that spend gobs of money on parties, but I've never attended one before. You know what though - I can see how this type of party can be insanely over the top (with a clown, pony or balloon animals) or done very frugally (homemade games and cheaper prizes). I have to share these ideas because I know someone out there will LOVE to steal borrow this concept, whether frugally or extravagantly.

I'm totally doing this someday. For one of the kids...we'll see who. My kids have never had a themed party, and parties like this make me feel like I'm cheating them. Isn't that bad??? Personally, I think we might do the "big party ever other year" idea and do something simple on the off years. This would be a BIG year idea.

I knew this would be something special when I saw the invitation, pictured below. (the date, time and address were on the other side) For food, they did hot dogs on the grill, chips, juice boxes, fresh popcorn, nachos and cotton candy.

There were tables set up all over the backyard with games in front and prizes (for the winners and non-winners alike) on top of each table. "Non-winner" prizes were simple things like candy or Oriental trading company type stuff, "winner" prizes were higher-dollar items like stuffed animals.

Games included a bean bag toss (which a handy dad could totally make), a ring toss, a kiddie-sized basketball shooting game, balls thrown into a big milk jug, a spinning wheel (similar to roulette in Vegas - Ryan had to play that a LOT to win his little stuffed monkey - I hope he learned a lesson about the odds of gambling!) and the randomly numbered floating ducks in a pool game.

The party favor was a jester hat for each child...even siblings! I think this party was pushed into a whole new level because all of the little details. Also, it was so organized: there was an adult at each game station accepting tickets for the games (which were handed out to each child at the beginning of the party), each child got a bag to hold all of their goodies, lunch was served right in the middle to give everyone a break from the games and over-stimulation, cupcakes and ice cream bars were already individually packaged and passed out easily...it was just a really well-planned party.

The kids had a blast and Kaylin was so hyper that it took her over an hour to fall asleep. Ryan crashed immediately - you can see the glossy eyes in the picture above. It was such a fun day!

#41, #52, and #99

I've accomplished a few less-than-exciting things on my 101 Goals in 1001 Days list that I wanted to jot down before I forget. None deserve their own post, so I'm combining them:

#41 - (2/19/09) Buy more memory for the computer - After being laughed at by our computer genius friend, we learned that our dinosaur computer couldn't hold the amount of memory that computers need these days. So intead of buying more memory, we bought a new computer. And I have to say, we got quite a deal. We found one on eBay for $299, offered the guy $200 (his fault for showing a picture of dozens of computers he had stacked up on shelves) and he totally accepted it! We didn't need any of the accessories, but many thanks to this same computer friend who took pity on us and found this deal.

#52 - (2/18/09) Pray for Mike every day for a month - I found that this is easiest to do first thing in the morning. I was in a wonderful little habit of sitting up and praying (for Mike, the kids, my attitude, my patience level, etc) for about 10 minutes before I got out of bed each day. Then my weak pregnancy bladder began encouraging me to go to the bathroom before praying and the habit was quickly broken. Curses! The point in doing this for a month was to develop a good habit that would stick, so I kind of feel challenged to start this one all over again.

#99 - (2/18/09) Floss daily for one month - Could it get any more boring than this? I did get myself in the habit though, partially out of fear that we have no dental insurance. The only person responsible for these pearly whites is ME!

500th post

Really? I've written 500 posts? I hardly feel like that's possible, but yet, here we are. As a celebratory gesture, I've decided to make my blog public. Up until now, I haven't allowed the search engines to crawl my site, but since I've tailored the content of this blog away from personal details about me and my family and more toward my ideas for frugal living, parenting and all things homemaking, well, I'm going to give the public thing a try.

Yesterday I had 193 individual visitors...by far my highest day yet! Lately, I'm around 100, but I linked the french toast casserole recipe to The Happy Housewife and she gets some good traffic on her blog, so I'm sure that was the reason behind the spike in my numbers. If it gets too crazy too quickly now that I'm "searchable," I may un-do that feature. I'm not sure why, but it still freaks me out a little bit.

On a more personal note (didn't I say I'm trying not to be as personal anymore?), I am having another a rough day. Again, I have NO idea why, but I'm overtired, cranky and every little thing is getting on my nerves.

It could have started yesterday when Kaylin was really whiny all day. And clumsy, causing more whining and crying. And PICKY about every little thing. It wasn't until she was headed to bed that Mike suggested that maybe she's getting molars? It would explain a LOT.

The kids have continued their fighting. I know my post earlier this week was funny, but seriously...I feel like I'm losing my mind. I'm going back to "nasty Nazi witchy Mom." I think maybe I've loosened up so much that the kids don't know what to expect from me anymore. There's nothing worse for kids than an inconsistent parent. So from now on, I'm sticking to my guns and going back to some of the hard-fast rules that have applied in the past. I'm cracking down on just a few things for now and will see if my tension level reduces as a result...

- When the kids fight over a toy, it's being taken away, period. I don't care who had it first.

- If Kaylin screams (this always sends me over the edge)...everyone gets in trouble. I'm no longer concerned with whose fault it is. Ryan knows her hot buttons and can avoid them if he chooses to. It will give him good practice for being a husband someday!

- When I say, "No" to something, that's the end of the discussion. No more attempts to negotiate a different answer out of me! Ironically, I don't change my mind after I've given my answer, but they continue to ask again and again. NO MORE!

Over the last few days/weeks, I couldn't figure out why I was doubting my parenting and questioning every little decision I made. Why was I being so insecure? Then it hit me: I have been feeling really, REALLY bad about my body. No seriously, people. This 10 (okay, 15) pounds that I've been joking around about as being my "unemployed look" is getting old. Mike has a job. The holidays are over. How am I continuing to make excuses for eating this way? Even as I sit here, there are rolls in places I'm not used to having rolls. I feel like I'm in somebody else's body and I'm SICK of it.

I'm reminded of this new, fluffier version of myself every morning when I get dressed. Because, you see, I refuse to buy bigger, comfier clothes. I refuse to get comfortable at this size. This is temporary, now I just need to decide to DO something about it. And I have, but it's a slow process.

I've lost 3 pounds in the last 2 weeks, which doesn't feel like anything. Especially since I am conscious of this desperate desire to lose weight every time I make a food choice in the kitchen. And believe me...I have the appetite to prove it. I've completely stretched my stomach to be used to bigger portions and much more food than my body needs. I'm hungry all the time, it's awful. I'm chewing a lot of gum and snacking on a lot of apples to cleanse my pallet after meals and tide me over in the afternoons. I hate losing weight...HATE it.

Anyway, I told you all of that to vent, but also to keep myself accountable. I'm ready to shed these pounds. They are unwanted and unwelcome and arrived WAY too quickly!

On to another irritation: our computer has been having tantrums for weeks and finally...FINALLY...we have a solution! We were going to get new memory until I was informed that our computer will only hold 768 MB and nowadays, you need 1GB at the LEAST, preferably 2GB of memory to run the programs we use. That meant upgrading our 2001 computer, which I didn't think Mike would go for. But our I.T. genius friend, Erik, found a great deal on eBay. This guy is selling a bunch of refurbished Dell computers for $290, no shipping or tax, and it's perfect for the limited purposes in which we use our computer. (PS - if you're interested, the link to the auction is here. The Buy It Now price was $290 and we offered $200 - which I thought was low-balling the poor guy - but he totally accepted the offer!!!) I'm so excited to get our new computer and put this OLD thing in the craft room for Ryan to play his little online Disney games on.

I have to jot down that Kaylin finally got her first piece of gum this week. She asks (relentlessly) every single day when Ryan asks for gum. Last week, I almost let her try a piece, but we were in the car and if she choked and I couldn't pull over, she'd probably die and I am not in the mood for that. But on Tuesday, Ryan asked for gum at home and when Kaylin asked, I agreed. She chewed it without swallowing and has had a piece each day since. She feels so grown up and gets so excited that she does a lap of skipping around the house after I give her the gum. It's quite cute.

Tonight is a Daddy/Daughter Dinner Dance at our church. While Mike and Kaylin are on their date, Ryan and I are going to have some fun of our own. If I can find the 50% off pottery painting coupon that I know I have around here somewhere, we'll go do that. Otherwise, I heard that Madagascar 2 is at the $1 theatres. I'm looking forward to some bonding with my boy. It was so sweet...I asked what he wanted to do for our special date and he said, "I want to go to a Mommy/Handsome Little Boy dance." Aw, buddy...they don't have those! I'm sure I will cherish those words someday soon when he refuses to hug me as I drop him off at school.

Orange-Pecan French Toast Casserole

I posted about this recipe last year, but it's so good that it has to be shared again. I wanted something that I could make the night before and just stick in the oven for the Mother's Day brunch we have for our parents each year. I got the recipe from the Cooking Light website, so you know it's healthier than some similar recipes, but still AMAZING and full of flavor. I always look for the french bread loaves on the day-old rack at the grocery store and freeze them specifically for french toast. Thicker bread makes a HUGE difference!

Orange-Pecan French Toast Casserole
1 cup packed brown sugar (you could use less)
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons light-colored corn syrup
Cooking spray
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup fat-free milk
3 Tbs granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large egg whites
2 large eggs
12 (1-inch-thick) slices French bread (or however many will fit in your baking dish)

- Combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup; pour into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over sugar mixture.
- Combine rind and next 7 ingredients (rind through eggs); stir with a whisk. Arrange bread slices over pecans in dish; pour egg mixture over bread. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or up to overnight.

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- In the morning, carefully turn bread slices over to absorb excess egg mixture. Let stand at room temperature 20 minutes.

- Preheat the oven to 350° and bake for 35 minutes or until lightly browned.

The Happy Housewife has a Hot Breakfast Challenge going on right now. She has me convinced that I'm over-spending on breakfast by doing cereal most days. Check out some other hot breakfast recipes on her site here.

Sibling Banter

I'm an only child, so this bickering between my kids is very foreign to me. Here are conversations that have happened in the last couple of days:

Kaylin - "Why aren't you wearing a shirt, Ryan?"
Ryan - "Because it got sweaty during my nap."
Kaylin - "I'll go get a new shirt for you..."
Ryan - "NO...don't! I don't want a new shirt."
Kaylin - "Don't worry 'bout it, Ryan. I'll get you a new shirt."
Ryan - "Kay-LIN! I don't WANT a new shirt!"
Kaylin - "Oh, don't worry 'bout it. I'll get your shirt..."
(and the fighting begins...he grabs her arm to keep her from going upstairs, she tries to squirm away and screams, he grabs on with both hands, I intercede...)
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(in the car)
Kaylin - "Ryan? Ryan??? Ry-YANNNNNNN?"
Ryan - "Can I have some space, please?" (a phrase I've taught them)
Kaylin - "Ryan - hey Ryan?"
Ryan - "Can I have some space, puh-lease?!?!?!"
Kaylin - "But I wanta tell you somethin'."
Ryan - "I don't want to talk right now."
Kaylin - "But I wanta tell you someTHIN'...right NOW."
Ryan - "Okay fine."
Kaylin - "I love chickens." (Seriously, that came out of her mouth...as an only child, I think, "WHY? Why did she have to say that? Just leave the boy alone!")
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(again, in the car, where most of the antagonizing occurs...)
Kaylin - "Stop it!"
(silence)
Kaylin - "Ryan, STOP IT!"
(I look back in the rear view mirror and see nothing)
Kaylin - (screams with a whiney undertone) "Mom-mEEEEEEE! Ryan is looking at me!"
(I look back in the rear view mirror and see Ryan staring at her)
Me - "He's not doing anything wrong, Kaylin."
Kaylin - "Ryan, would you PLEASE stop looking at me?"
Me - "Ryan, even though you're not doing anything wrong, she asked you really nicely to stop looking at her. Could you please be a good example and stop looking at her?"
Ryan - "Sure."
Kaylin - "STOP IT!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Me - "Now what?"
Kaylin - "Ryan's looking out my window! Please stop it - please stop it PLEASE!!!!!!! Please, I said PLEASE!"
Me - "Kaylin, stop being picky. He's not doing anything wrong and he already stopped looking at you. Ryan, any chance you can look out your own window so Kaylin will stop screaming?"
Ryan - "No. I like what I see out her window better."
Kaylin - "Please stop!"
Me - "Everyone's in time out. No talking till we get home."

Then there are the moments where everyone is agreeable. Like the picture below...I was looking up a recipe online and Kaylin wanted to work on "her" computer. Then Ryan tried to steal it, which didn't go over well, until he remembered that we had yet another computer given to us by a neighbor. This was the scene on Sunday...everyone happy. Everyone peaceful. Everyone QUIET...everyone working on their laptops.

So I could use some advice from moms with multiple kids. HOW on earth do I get them to stop fighting? Kaylin is doing as much of the antagonizing these days as Ryan and I need to stop the insanity. It's getting out of control and I won't be able to type very well with a straight jacket on, so if you like my blog and want me to continue posting...HELP. Ideas. Words of encouragement, even. (as in, "Oh, don't worry, that will stop on March 1st because that's the day all kids will begin behaving this year.")

Anyone?

Bowties with Broccoli & Sausage

This recipe has very little "sauce" and is healthy and really delicious. I forgot to salt the water pot for the pasta and was worried that the dish wouldn't be flavorful enough, but the sausage made a HUGE difference once it was added. Mike raved and there were no leftovers.

Bowties w/ broccoli & sausage

1 head broccoli, cut into small florets

Salt & pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

4 Italian sausages (I often find turkey sausages on "Manager's Special" for $1.99 then freeze them until I am going to use them - breakfast sausages even work well for this recipe)

1 lb whole wheat bowtie pasta (I found these at Albertson's - their store brand)

1 red pepper, diced or 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes

½ cup parmesan

½ cup pureed, cooked vegetables, optional (I used butternut squash - I make sure we can't taste the hidden veggies when I add them in)

- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions. Add the broccoli florets to the pasta water with 5-6 minutes left before the pasta is done. (*If you're not adding pureed veggies, keep ½ cup pasta water before draining.)
- Cook broccoli till tender. Either keep the florets whole OR add salt, black pepper and oil to broccoli and roughly mash, depending on your family's preference.

- While the pasta is cooking, remove casing from sausages and crumble into large skillet. Add ¼ cup water and cook over medium-high heat until water is evaporated and sausage is no longer pink. (10-12 min)

- Add red pepper (or sun dried tomatoes) to the sausage with 3 minutes to go.

- Drain pasta and return to pot. Add broccoli, sausage mixture, parmesan, and either the pasta water or the optional pureed vegetables. Toss and enjoy.

Tuesday's Time Saving {Paper} Tips

Does anyone out there have paper clutter? I totally do - I'm not the best resource for telling you how to completely change and organize all of your paper, but I have a handle on a few of the sources of paper clutter. There is a great section on conquering paper clutter in Donna Otto's book, "Secrets to Getting More Done in Less Time." Check that out to hear from the expert...but know that the first versions of her book didn't include this chapter because even SHE didn't have a handle on her own paper issues.

* Mail - my rule is simple: don't bring in the mail if you don't have time to go through it immediately. We open our mail with the recycle bin nearby. Junk mail, ads and opened envelopes go directly into the recycle bin. Bills go in a pile to go upstairs to the office (though most are automatic withdrawal, so they just get filed, not paid). Magazines are put in a particular spot for easy access when I'm headed to the gym. Also, I used to have a huge problem throwing away magazines and would always give them to someone else to read. After I'd read through it and it was ready to be passed on, I'd put a checkmark by the label so I wouldn't accidentally grab a magazine I'd already read. I know it sounds anal, but I was SO sick of looking through the same magazines and have a tendency to get behind on my reading sometimes, so it worked for me.

* Coupons - I have a few places I keep coupons. I have one of those stackable letter trays with a shelf dedicated to magazines, paperwork that needs to go upstairs and two spots for coupons. Before they're put "away," I put coupons that need to be looked through and clipped in one tray and coupons that are clipped but need to be filed into the right envelope in another tray. Grocery coupons are put in a cheapy accordion file pocket that fits in my purse. Other coupons for meals, services (car washes, oil changes, hair cuts for Mike) and ALL of those Bed, Bath & Beyond coupons that come in the mail each go into envelopes dedicated to that category. That way, when I need something from BB&B, I just grab that envelope on my way to the store and figure out the best coupon to use when I get there. Same thing goes when we want to go out to eat: we'll look through the "dining" envelope. Most recent coupons go in front and whenever we go through the envelope, we'll pull expired coupons.

* Backpack Papers - I haven't yet entered the era of homework, but I have made it a habit to go through Ryan's backpack every school day while the kids are eating lunch. After I make their sandwiches, the backpack gets emptied, artwork goes on the fridge for a few days, the monthly newsletter is put with my magazines (it's a long read) and the weekly letter from the teacher is read while I eat my own lunch. Things that need to be signed or completed are done right away and put back in the backpack. Also, at the end of the week, artwork gets hidden put in the recycle bin...I know it sounds heartless, but he'll have a LOT of art over the years. One idea I can share is that if the picture touches me specifically or he's especially proud, I'll take a picture of it and I scrapbook the photos of his art into a 2 page spread at the end of the year.

* Receipts - In our house, we track our spending by entering all of our receipts into Quicken. I have a spot on my desk for receipts that need to be entered and immediately afterward, the receipt either gets shredded (gas, dining, etc) or filed (clothing, household items, other things that may need to be returned later). I have whole file folders for those little receipts (kids clothes, our clothes, household, gifts given and gift receipts received) and every once in a while will grab the back 1/2 of the stack and shred them. I always know where a receipt is if something breaks or needs to be returned for some reason.

* Bills - I don't do the bills in our house, but we have a spot for them in our office. I've heard some good ideas for paying them on time, including buying an accordion file with 31 pockets and putting bills in the corresponding day that they need to be paid.

Now don't get me wrong...I still have paper clutter in my house. It's just in piles. I'm the queen of piles! Stuff that needs to be PUT in one of the above areas is either in a pile next to our kitchen phone on the little counter by our microwave or it's in a pile on our desk in the office. If something isn't where it should be, look in a pile. :) I go through them weekly (or so...) to make sure everything is put in it's place.

I think I covered most of the paperwork nuisances. Did I forget anything? If you have other ideas for how to tame your paper clutter, please leave a comment!

Happy V Day

Camera HELP needed, please

This post is for those of you with big, cool, bulky, amazing cameras. I'm ready to start researching a big girl camera. I hate the delay that I get with my current digital camera and need help finding the right camera for me. My goal is to figure out which camera I want and to buy it gently used. I don't need the latest and greatest camera on the market today. Someone else's sloppy-seconds-so-they-could-upgrade is fine by me!

I also don't need to analyze this thing to death, but I don't want to make a rookie purchasing mistake, either. That's why I need your help...here's my list of preferences...

- I won't be using this to start a professional photography business, but I'd like a camera that will take GREAT pictures, specifically the ability to control my own aperature.

- I like the "hold down the shutter and take a succession of pictures" feature - or at least taking several shots back to back while pressing the shutter repeatedly.

- I don't need 10MP or anything crazy like that. Mine is currently 4 and it prints perfect 12x12 pictures just fine.

- I really need the ability to recharge the battery - I am so OVER buying batteries for my camera that I have now. 2 batteries last for about a week for me...this hobby is expensive without rechargability as an option.

- Canon or Nikon - is there a price and/or quality difference? Pros and cons to each?

- I don't want so many functions that I need to take a class to learn how to use the camera.

- I'd like something lightweight-ish, if possible.

- I know I'll want a zoom lens but what KIND of lens would be enough for my purposes? I don't want too much or too little...

-Last question: all in, how much do you think I'm going to have to pay for the camera and lens(es) I want?

Thanks for the help, friends! Every time I use my camera and miss a great picture of my kids, I feel SO ready to cross #61 off my list of 101 Goals in 1001 Days.

My Husband Rocks - All about us

1. Where did you meet? At a 4th of July party for our singles group at church. I overheard him talking about the Plaza in Kansas City and stopped dead in my tracks since I had just moved to Phoenix. He thought I was hitting on him. We didn't run into each other again for 7 months.

2. How long did you date before you were married? Hmmm...this is a tough question. Mike thinks we started dating a couple of months before I considered us "dating." (I'll save that story for another post) According to his idea of our first date of March 27, 1999, we dated just under 11 months. My idea of our first date was in May, so by my time-table, we only dated for 9 months. 6 months after my first date, we were engaged, then 3 months later we were married. I know, I know. That explains a lot, doesn't it?

3. What does he do that surprises you? As much as he hates helping me with household chores, he takes great care in doing a good job.

4. What is your favorite quality of his? His integrity and his commitment to our family. Oh wait, that's two...

5. What is your favorite feature of his? His beautiful blue eyes

6. Does he have a nickname for you? Honey and "Hon" (which the kids have started calling me, especially when calling up the stairs)

7. What is his favorite food? all things Mexican

8. What is his favorite sport? college football, by far

9. When and where was your first kiss? Mike took FOREVER to kiss me. The poor guy - I totally freaked him out by admitting that I've laughed during 100% of my first kisses. I don't remember when it was, but we were hanging out at his house talking and I remember thinking, "Just KISS ME already!" When he finally did, I didn't laugh. That was his goal, the little stinker.

10. What do you like to do together? Hike, watch movies, work out at the gym, hang out at an outdoor shopping center and people watch, we're pretty relaxed.

11. Do you have any children? Ryan, 4 and Kaylin, 2.

12. Does he have a hidden talent? Yes - in an argument, he can completely change the subject in a single bound! I call him the most subject-changingest person ever to walk the earth. (I know that grammar was nails on a chalkboard to some of you!)

13. Who said "I love you" first? Me

14. What is his favorite type of music? Christian music, more Air One than K-Love, but he listens to both.

15. What do you admire most about him? His commitment to our family. He

16. Do you think he will read this? Doubt it - he doesn't check in on my blog very often anymore! If you're reading this...HI HONEY! (and I'm sure I'll get a comment arguing about the definition of our first date)

If you want to play along with this Q&A about your husband, attach the link to your blog below. It's a great post topic, just in time for Valentine's Day tomorrow!!!

A Valentine Challenge

I realize Valentine's Day is WAY over-commercialized, but you can still have fun with it without breaking the bank. I thought I'd throw out some fun ideas for you to do with your husband and/or kids this weekend for Valentine's Day to make it a little extra special. Don't be overwhelmed by this list: pick one or two things that sound do-able and DO them.

For the family:
- Have the kids cut out (or help color on) hearts out of red construction paper. You can decorate the house with them or make a Valentine for Daddy or their teacher.
- Add red food coloring to everything you eat or drink all day (or for one meal): pink milk, pink yogurt, pink mashed potatoes, or make a dinner that contains spaghetti sauce or something else red. Click here for other food-related ideas.
- Buy heart-shaped cookie cutters and make sugar cookies or a heart-shaped cake pan and make a pink heart cake for dessert (more food coloring). You can also make your own cookie cake by putting cookie dough in a huge heart shape, then decorating it with your own frosting and message.

- Have your kids tell you what they love most about Daddy and either make a list or write it (for the younger ones) in a card or heart cut out. I also cut our sandwiches into hearts at lunchtime. My kids love that kind of stuff, so I try to do little things to make it fun for them!

- Click here for tons of kid-friendly Valentine's crafts to do with your kids.

- I always make pink and/or heart-shaped pancakes for our Valentine breakfast. No need to make perfect hearts...some will turn out better than others!

For your husband:
- Write on a note on the bathroom mirror with lipstick. (suggestion: use a free sample lipstick or a color that you don't wear) Dry erase markers are MUCH easier to clean off of the mirror, but they're not nearly as sexy.
- Put a love note in his briefcase or on his steering wheel before he leaves for work.
- Write a "top ten" list of things you appreciate about him.
- Make homemade coupons containing items like, "One free back/foot massage" or "Free night out with the guys" or some other act of love, fun, romance or general time off from being Dad.
- If your husband won't be embarrassed by this, send him a balloon bouquet, cookie bouquet or Edible Arrangements to work.
- Buy him a card and explain how much you admire respect him and why (actually USE THOSE WORDS)...men need to feel respected MUCH more than they need to feel loved. He wants to be your knight in shining armor, so give him the incentive to step up to the plate! And whether you know it or not, the burden of financially taking care of you and the kids weighs heavily on him. Let him know that you appreciate how hard he works.
- Consider exchanging gifts with your husband sometime next week. Everything will go on super sale on Sunday, so you can spend a lot less and get a lot more for your money. Not as romantic as celebrating on the "right" day, but don't get so stuck in tradition that you overspend when you could be a little flexible until the economy turns around. If you're in a bind financially, take the pressure off of your husband to buy you expensive flowers or a nice gift. Ask him for something cheap...like a day off from your daily responsibilities...including the kids! (that's my favorite gift idea...)

- If your husband's not the type (or even if he IS and you want to give him a break) take the initiative to plan a night out to celebrate Valentine's Day. Whether it's actually Saturday or one night next week. Hire a sitter or call your parents, make reservations and slip on that little black dress.

Feel free to add a comment if you have other fun and frugal Valentine ideas!

Tuesday's Time Saving {Closet} Tips

I was just going to post one tip today, but in thinking about my bedroom closet, I realized I have a few more I could share. But the first one is the BIG tip of the day:

* Keep a "donation bag" on the floor of your closet. A kitchen-sized trash bag works perfectly. When something doesn't fit right or you realize it's time to give it to Salvation Army or Good Will, put it in the bag. That way, when you get the little notification in the mail that they'll be in your neighborhood, you don't need to scour the house for items you need to get rid off. I use the bag in my closet for all donation items, not only clothes. There are shoes in there, a plastic tea pitcher, it all goes in the bag!

* Get rid of clothes that you haven't worn in the last year. (UNLESS you've been pregnant for the last year) Seriously people - by the time you fit back into "those pants," they'll be out of style. And when you DO lose the weight you gained during the Christmas of '06, you'll want to go shopping for things that fit your new, slim, everything-shifted-during-labor body anyway! Get rid of it - unless it fits and you love wearing it, it's clutter.

* When you put clothes away, put them where they belong. If you're in a hurry and you just shove a bunch of pants, shirts and sweaters in the wrong area, you will spend WAY too much time looking for them when you want to wear them. It's so not worth it! Take the extra 3 minutes and put the pants together, the skirts together, the sweaters together...you get the idea.

* Contain things in baskets. The types of things I'm talking about (aside from dirty clothes, of course) are:

- Dry cleaner items - Do you go to the dry cleaner often? Have a basket or handled bag to toss clothes that need to go to the cleaner.

- Clothes to be ironed - Somehow things always make it from the laundry room to my closet that have huge wrinkles in them.

- Stray shoes or socks - Sometimes the lost sock reappears after you've thrown away it's mate...how frustrating is that? Consider keeping it around for a few weeks to see if the pair shows up.

- Lingerie - It took me about a year to realize that I get dressed in my closet, but all of my underwear, socks and sports bras were in my dresser in my bedroom. Yet there was a perfectly handy, unused shelf between the top and bottom racks of my clothes; it just sat there collecting dust bunnies. So I bought some baskets and put my socks, bras, sports bras and underwear in them. Now all of my clothes are together - ingenius!

That's all I came up with for the closet. Do you have any brilliant ideas for keeping your closet tidy?

Don't...

A little Monday morning humor to start off your Valentine's week...

Meal Plan - 2/8/09

Breakfast
Cereal
Oatmeal
Heart-shaped Pancakes with strawberries for Valentine's Day

Lunch
Chicken Salad and PB&J sandwiches, carrots, fruit
Salads for me

Dinner
Monday - Crock Pot Chicken Taco Stew
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Lasagna Soup
Thursday - Our NINE year anniversary!
Friday - Vegetable No-Noodle Lasagna
Saturday - Happy 30th Birthday, Jessica! (party food for dinner)
Sunday - Rachael Ray's Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and veggies

100 Years Ago...

THE YEAR: 1908

************ ********* ********* ******
The average life expectancy was 47 years.

Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.

The average wage in 1908 was 22 cents per hour.

The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year .

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000/year, a dentist $2,500/year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000/year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000/year.

More than 95 percent of all births took place at home.

Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!

Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as 'substandard.'

Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death were:
1. Pneumonia and influenza
2. Tuberculosis
3. Diarrhea
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke

The American flag had 45 stars.

The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30.

Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.

There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.

Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.

Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, 'Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health.'

Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.

There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE USA.

These amazing statistics are from the year 1908; one hundred years ago.
Where will we be in 2108?!?!?

Black Bean Brownies

People! I am a believer. These flourless brownies with black beans are GOOD. Don't expect them to taste like Martha Stewart's homemade brownies or anything, but you could make these for company and your guests will never know they are healthy. You have to try them. I adjusted the recipe just a little from the original to add baking powder for a more cake-like consistency. Next time I might try to substitute the oil for applesauce, as one of the commenters suggested. Here it is:

Black Bean Brownies
1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 eggs
3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 pinch salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease an 8x8 square baking dish.
- Combine the all ingredients (except chocolate chips) in a blender; blend until smooth; pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the top is dry and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 30 minutes. Yields 16 brownies.
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 127
Total Fat: 5.3 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg
Sodium: 142 mg
Total Carbs: 18.1 g
Dietary Fiber: 2.6 g
Protein: 3.3 g

Tuesday's Time Saving {Kitchen} Tips

In addition to the Lunch Tips I posted last week, there are several general Kitchen Tips that I use every day in our house. As I was writing this, I realized that I tend to use my freezer. A lot. I don't buy traditional "frozen dinners" so we have plenty of freezer space for spare meals and other prepared foods that I make all at once.

Last year, I posted some tried & true cooking, baking and food prep tips that I found on another blog. Below are some of MY most-used time savers, but still read the old link for additional ideas...there are some great ones in there, too!

Time Saving {Kitchen} Tips

* Shredded chicken - I rarely stress over chopping cooked chicken. Every few weeks, I'll stick several chicken breasts in my crock pot with a little water and turn it to "low." (it doesn't need any seasoning unless you want to add a can of green chilies if you know you'll be using the chicken for Mexican dishes or a can of diced tomatoes if it will be used for Italian meals...you get the idea, but I don't do anything to it so I'm not limiting myself later) By the end of the day, you can take 2 forks and shred the chicken perfectly. I portion it into small storage containers and freeze them in 2 cup portions. You can use the ready-to-go shredded chicken for quesadillas, enchiladas, tacos, casseroles, soups, chicken salad sandwiches, the possibilities are endless.

* Grilled chicken - I'll use this same concept when Mike makes dinner on the grill. I'll have him throw on a few extra chicken breasts, chop them up and freeze them to put on top of my salad, in quesadillas or to make Chicken Pesto Pizza. (pizza crust, pesto sauce, chicken and mozzarella cheese, in that order...it is DELISH!)

* Cook once, eat twice - You can use this concept for doubling a recipe, then eating one meal fresh and freezing the other OR you can use the leftovers for a different meal. For example: use leftover roast for beef enchiladas, toss leftover taco meat into chili, leftover meat and veggies can be made into Shepherd's Pie or chicken pot pie, and there's a whole list of soups you can make using leftovers here.

* Bake once, eat twice - I usually double my batches of waffles, pancakes or french toast and stick the leftovers in the freezer for a quick breakfast. I do the same with cookie dough: I'll scoop the dough balls onto a cookie sheet and freeze them, then put them altogether in a freezer bag. No need for Nestle's "break and bake" cookies when you have a stash of your own ready-to-make dough. (though cookie dough seems to disappear from my freezer...I have a husband with a sweet tooth who's a dough addict)

* Prep once, use twice...or more - When I'm chopping an onion (or peppers, for that matter), I go ahead and chop 2 or 3 and freeze them in portions of 1/2 onion/pepper each. I do the same when making ground beef or ground turkey: I cook twice as much and freeze half of it for a future meal. When I make meatloaf, I usually make meatballs at the same time and use them in a later meal, or vice versa. Everything gets a label with the contents and date, of course. :)

* Convenience foods - I try to use fresh food as often as possible, but I definitely keep "convenience foods" in the house. Trader Joe's has some great, healthy options for convenience foods. Minced garlic that you keep in the freezer, shredded carrots, ready-made pizza dough that can be easily frozen and defrosted, all at reasonable prices. I keep some of these items on hand to make life easier. I also usually have a can of beans, chicken broth and 3-minute microwavable bagged brown or white rice handy for when I'm in a hurry.

* My final suggestion...MEAL PLAN - this is the best time saving tip EVER. If you write out your meals for the week, you won't need to make special trips to the store for one more thing and you'll know what to pull out of the freezer in the morning for your dinner recipe. Last week, I wrote about how to get started if you've never planned your menus.

Money savers that only take a little fore-thought:

* Homemade breadcrumbs - I hate wasting food, can you tell? I make homemade breadcrumbs using the heels of my bread. When the rest of the loaf is gone, I'll stick the heels in in the freezer, wait until there are 6 or 8 of them and spend a few minutes chopping them using my food processor (you can also use a blender). You can either use them as-is or if you prefer a crisper breadcrumb, lay them on a cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until they're dry and crunchy (but not burnt). I re-freeze the breadcrumbs to use later for Chicken Parmesan, chicken fingers, meatloaf or for a crumbly top on a casserole.

* Dried beans - I used to dread dried beans, until I heard you can soak them overnight on low in your crock pot. You wake up to perfectly constituted beans every time and it is significantly cheaper to buy a bag of dried beans than a dozen cans of beans. Once soft, they freeze well or you can keep them in the fridge to throw on a salad for extra protein and fiber.

* Produce that's past it's prime - Another food-waste tip here: avoid throwing away produce! If you know it's going to go bad and you won't be using it in the next day or so, freeze it. Hull strawberries, peel bananas and slice peaches for smoothies, save bananas for banana bread and grate zucchinis for future zucchini bread, cook and puree squash, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, cauliflower and broccoli to sneak into sauces, soups, stews and casseroles (your family will never know) - you'd be surprised what can be frozen. Mashed potatoes don't freeze well, in my opinion, and apples need to be frozen in a simple syrup, but I've had good luck with everything else.

* Check the "last chance" bakery items - There are usually perfectly good items on the day-old cart at the grocery store. Bread that still has a few good days left, cookies and muffins that can be frozen and served at a play date in a few weeks, pies that you can save for company, pastries as a special treat for a weekend...keep all of those things in mind and peek at that cart next time you're at the store. I usually grab the $.79 french bread loaves and freeze them to use for french toast the next week. It's cheaper than regular bread!

I posted another whole list of useful food storage and kitchen tricks here, just in case you're not sick of reading yet! Do you have any kitchen tips you swear by? Leave a comment and share!

Guilt-Free Bran Flax Muffins

These taste great are really good for you: so high in fiber and protein and notice that there's NO butter or oil! Because they are somewhat of a process with all the shredding (I use my food processor), it's worth it to make extra to freeze them. You can find flaxseed meal and the 5 grain cereal in the health food section of your grocery store, the breakfast aisle or the baking aisle, depending on how your store is organized.

Guilt-Free Bran Flax Muffins

1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

¾ cup flaxseed meal (or grind flax seeds in a coffee grinder)

¾ cup 5 grain cereal (old fashioned oats also work well)

¾ cup brown sugar (or Sucanat for a more natural sugar)

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

2 tsp cinnamon

1 ½ cups shredded carrots

2 shredded apples

½ cup raisins

1 cup chopped walnuts

¾ cup milk

2 beaten eggs

1 tsp vanilla

* Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix together flour, flaxseed meal, cereal, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl.

* Stir in carrots, apples, raisins and nuts.

* Combine milk and beaten eggs with vanilla and pour into bowl. Stir until moistened.

* Fill greased muffin cups. (or line with paper muffin liners if you're out of spray like I was!) Bake for 15 minutes or until a tooth pick comes out clean.

#42 - Add ads to my blog to help bring in a little income

Well, I did it. #42 on my list of 101 Goals is done. I'm not a sell-out, I promise - but the more I hear about people earning a few extra bucks on their blog, the more intrigued I become. I can't imagine this turning into anything substantial, but if I can earn $30 a month from some ads on my blog, hey - that's a date night or a pedicure!

A few weeks ago, I began researching this whole idea and I added a Google Sense ad to get started, but this week, I saw this post on The Happy Housewife's blog and it spelled it all out for me. And a fellow blogger sent me this post explaining 101 ways to earn income from your blog. After all of that reading, I got some ideas worth using. Halla!

I sincerely hope my ads don't clutter up my blog page, but I've finally added a few. The first one listed on the sidebar is for your benefit, mostly...it's a link to print coupons. I don't think that one is a big money-maker, but I've seen it on other blogs and always find great printable coupons on there. Scroll through to find coupons for stuff that you buy for your family. (Tip: if you hit "Quick Print," it will print all three coupon items that are visible at the time, but if you hit "See All Coupons" at the top, you can go through and select which coupons you want to print. Once you've maxed out how many times you can print a particular coupon, it will not show up anymore.)

When I added the "Christian Books" deals for Amazon, the first book that came up was The Shack. (I don't think I have control of what books appear) This week, I just read on Jessica Leigh's blog about that book and had planned to buy it soon - no joke! Now I'll buy it through my blog so earn/save a little bit of money.

Here's how it works: some of the ads will pay me a few cents per "hit" on their site (or for each time you click on it) while others (like Amazon) will give me a small percentage of sales made for people linking through my blog to make their purchases. So by all means...if you buy one of the items on my Amazon scroll list, please go through my blog to do it! I'm pretty sure I have to recommend the item to get "credit" for it, which makes sense to me. Also, if you see something interesting in the other ads, click on it to read more...I may get paid for your interest, even if you don't buy anything!

I've always been a big fan of Amazon and am kicking myself for not looking into this last year, considering Mike's mom purchased most of our Christmas gifts through Amazon because I recommended it! (apparently you can put your Wish List on your blog, too, so you'll see that on my sidebar when the holidays come back around) Purchases over $25 on Amazon have free shipping, so it's totally worth it.

See now, this is where my big mouth can come in handy. When I believe in something, I'll tell the world. And so far, I've been telling the world for FREE. If I could just figure out a way to earn a percentage of the money you're spending at the grocery stores...I'd be a rich woman!