CHANGES

Im addicted to saving money

2010-01-19T14:29:00.003-05:00

Saving money was not always a hobby of mine. In 2008 I made the decision to quit my job and return to school. This was a big change for my family as it caused our income to be cut by 50%. I knew that despite this change I would still want to shop, enjoy life and do little things here and there without having to always just "say no". So, I began looking into ways to save money on the things that I had to purchase. This included groceries, clothing, utilities, etc. Anything that required me to use my debit card was under review for a cost slash.

One of the first things I had to do was to be more conscious about the money we put into the cost of utilities. I found that a few little things caused our bills to go down a great deal.

UTILITIES
1. Wash dishes a few more times a week vs. running the dishwasher
2. Making sure that the kids turn off lights when they are not in the specific room.
3. Unplugging items which are not in use (stereo, radio, lamps, etc)
4. Knowing what you want out of the refrigerator / freezer before you open it (My kids have a bad habit of just standing there as if the food is going to start talking to them at some point)

Groceries
1. Coupons, Coupons, and more Coupons : I usually just purchase the Sunday newspaper. I also check the local paper that is delivered to our subdivision for free.
2. Sign up for grocery store frequent shopper cards. (They can save you a ton of money, plus some stores will send you coupon books ever few months that are made specifically for you based upon the types of items that you normally purchase. Kroger is good for this)
3. Sing up for online coupon sites. ( I like to use cellfire.com and shortcuts.com. They both add additional coupons automatically to your frequent shopper card. These coupons can be used in conjunction with store sales and also with paper manufacturer coupons.)

Retail Stores
1. Check your local paper for store coupons. (Macy's, Hobby Lobby and Belk have paper savings all the time)
2. Sign up for store mailing list online
3. Be sure to check your paper mail before just throwing advertisements away
* This is a biggie. I almost made the mistake of throwing away a few advertisements that I received from Kohl's. I normally don't shop at this store so when I saw the large postcard I headed towards my trash can to toss it. Well something told me to check it out, it was actually a coupon for $10 off of ANY purchase. So I was able to use it on a baby item that cost $9.99 which ended up being FREE. They sent me 3 of these same postcards over a period of 1 month. I used every single one of them.

Swag Bucks.....its pretty neat!!!!

2009-12-11T23:24:00.003-05:00

You basically search using their search engine, earn points, then redeem the points for prizes. Its actually pretty easy. Im all about earning something for nothing. Give it a try!!!

1st thing down...A million to go...

2009-12-11T23:19:00.005-05:00

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, hubby and I finally decided on a crib. We went with the 4 in 1 Storkcraft in Espresso. The crib was a great buy (IMO), considering that this bed can last throughout the crib stage, toddler stage and older kid stage, as it converts into a full size bed.

Were now left with the task of going out to locate furniture to match. Hopefully it will be as easy and locating the crib.

We've not made any other purchases, so I definitely have to get on the ball. I'm dedicating this weekend to purchase a few items. I'll be sure to report back as to any bargains or sales that I come across that are worthy of a post.

2009-12-11T23:19:00.002-05:00

The 1st of many shopping trips

2009-11-02T07:27:00.005-05:00

Hubby and I decided to go crib shopping yesterday. Well of course I haven't done anything like this in over 14 years so I wasn't as prepare as I thought. There are so many different options these days. Convertibles, 4 in 1's, mini cribs, Ebony, Cherry....my goodness! What happened to the days of plain white cribs or oak? Needless to say, no decision was made, were still looking. I have to do some research on the few that I've found and are interested in. I want to ensure that there have been no recalls, complaints of substance, etc.

WOW

2009-10-19T18:56:00.008-04:00

Wow....Its been so long since I've taken the time to update my blog.

I am once again going to try and make a conscious effort to do a lot better.

There have been so may major changes in my life since my last post.

My life has had somewhat of a two-fold curve ball thrown right it.

I say two-fold because the situation is so bitter sweet.

The Bitter:

On September 9, 2009, I lost one of the greatest loves I've ever known...My Daddy.

It was very sudden and unexpected. Thats all I can muster up for now.

The Sweet:

In August, my husband and I found out that we are expecting. Yep...this mid 30's diva is having a baby. We now know the sex but have not yet shared that information with many.

Unfortunately my daddy passed away before we found out the sex of the baby. He did get to share in the joy of knowing that he had a grand baby on the way.

I know he's watching over our family, smiling upon us, laughing at my husband and missing my mommy.

For now...ill leave with just the words. R.I.P. Daddy

28 days and counting

2009-07-20T01:25:00.000-04:00

YES!!! 28 days and counting.
To what you say????
my annual "Girls Trip" and also to lose about 10 pounds.
Im looking forward to both.

Update to follow soon.

I promise this time : )

Eat right, Live Right, Feel better

2009-03-29T21:56:00.004-04:00

Thats my motivation. I want to eat right, I want to live right, and I definitely want to feel better.

When I decided to lose weight for the wedding, it was mainly because I refused to look like a pillow in my wedding dress. What I found was after losing the weight, I felt so much better. I had energy, I felt younger, and I was overal in a more health place. Now that ive gained a good deal of that weight back, I dont feel as great anymore. So now im committed to feeling better and getting my sexy back.

I must stay motivated!!!

ohhhh...back to where I started

2009-03-12T10:14:00.006-04:00

So I completely understand that you are supposed to eat to live, I get that! However I love to eat...LOL. I love to cook food and I love to eat it. Thats my problem.
Last year I was on a mission to lose weight prior to my wedding, well after the wedding, I hubby and I would dine out (all the time), pick up sweet treats in the middle of the night, and now, im back right where I started.
So with that im on a mission to lose the weight again, but this time im determined to keep it off, all while still enjoying food. We'll see how this works. Ive joined the gym, im being selective about what I eat, and im doing this daily.

There are a couple of websites Ive found that have been really helpful.
http://www.sparkpeople.com/

http://www.thedailyplate.com/

Ive also decided to go grab a pedometer today. Im going to make an effort to keep track of my steps taken . Im setting a goal of 10k per day (Ha....should be easy just from walking across campus daily but we will see)

Im also going to go out and buy the new version of

Althought they say its best to make your own foo, ummm realistically, for me thats just not going to happen. Im always on the run and just dont have time to always fix the perfect low fat / low cal meal. So Im going to need a little help. I have the older version of the book and I love it, so now its time to upgrade.

Do you know what your kids are playing?

2009-02-19T16:00:00.004-05:00

My kids, like most, love video games. They have so many different gaming systems its just ridiculous. ( All thanks due to their grandparents)

Often times, were in the mall and my kids will ask me to purchase a game for them, and I normally will, but the truth of the matter is, I have no idea what some of these games involve.

Well now there is a website that you can use to get the inside scoop regarding its content.

Check it out. You need to know what your kids are playing!

Make sure you know what games your childen are playing!!

Why dont they get it

2009-01-24T17:00:00.002-05:00

Am I the only one who ever needs just a little bit of time for themselves???
Day after day, I'm the first one up in the morning, and the last one to bed. I make sure everyone is up on time, ready to head out for the day and I make sure they are fed and ready for bed each night. So when Saturday rolls around and I want to just relax and not be asked " are you cooking", or "can we go somewhere", don't get mad at me. Everyone seems to their ME time except for me. If I say "Hey, I just don't want to be bothered right now" In their eyes, it mans I have an attitude.
They just don't get it!!!!!!

It just aint right!

2009-01-24T10:36:00.005-05:00

I'm convinced that the cycle of life is all about keeping a sister broke! I'm telling you, it truly feels that way. OK, you go to school (it cost), you get there and you need books (they cost), you take out loans and other things to help pay for this stuff (it cost), you're grown and out on your own (it cost), you purchase a home - yeah that American Dream they flaunt in your face ( it cost), you have children (they really cost). When does it get easier???? I guess never.
This is more of a "get things off of your chest" post for me.

So, I'm in school, and I need someone to answer a question for me, why is it that they know college students are broke, but they want to charge you a arm and a leg for everything?Everything from your books, to a pencil and pen out of the campus book store. Its just not right. The other day, I realized that I left my pencils at home so I go over to the campus bookstore to grab a pack. A pencil, almost $2. WTH. Not a bag full of pencils. Just one stinkin regular, sharpen while youre standing at the wall type of pencil.
Now I know, I could've gotten in my car and driven down the street to a local Family Dollar store of something but hey, I needed to get to class and also I didn't want to lose my good parking spot.
Anywho, there was no way I was giving up the same thing it cost me to feed myself at Wendy's (some chicken nuggets and a fry) for a pencil.

Im done now, I just needed to get that off of my chest.

Were Back!!

2009-01-23T20:46:00.008-05:00

The trip was great and very much needed!

The kids had more fun than you could imagine, Herb took advantage of what he never gets at home, sleep, and I ate till my cheeks started to hurt.

We did everything from touring the forts of Puerto Rico to floating on the waters of St. Thomas.

Some days were spent just laying around enjoying the sound of no telephone ringing, no door bells ringing, just peace and quiet. I was going to say no Internet, but of course, I had to sneak off for few minutes to see what all I'd missed on my 2 favorite websites.

Right now the economy sucks, big time and money is tight, but, if you can put aside a few dollars just to get away with your family, its so worth it. Even if its a small weekend trip within your home state, just get away. The thought of just being away from home and the every day hustle and bustle put me in relaxation mode.

Now, I'm off to think of where our next adventure will take us!!!

2 Days To Go

2008-12-30T16:19:00.005-05:00

Yes, I am Super X-Cited. (didnt have time to spell it all out)

OK...so I made good on my promise to myself and didnt go out to buy a bunch of stuff. Im using clothes that were already in my closet.

Well, except for 1 thing.

There are 2 formal nights on the ship. For one of the nights, im using a dress that I already have, for the other....Well I found a GAWGEOUS dress! I normally dont do cocktail length dresses but this one, I just couldnt resist. Ive been eyeing this dress for a while. It was being sold for $185 (ummm you know my saying...NOT GONNA HAPPEN)

OK so I decide to stalk Belk until it goes on sale. Well after 2 months of stalking and the store being down to only 3 left, my favorite word appeared on the top of the rack it had been sitting on today ........"CLEARANCE"

Ahhhhh how I love the word clearance. My dress, yes the $185 dress, was purchased today for what ...$19. ( Please hold down your applause) I cant wait to put it on with my bronze / gold fierce heels. Such simple things bring me pleaseure..LOL

12 Days to Go

2008-12-22T11:02:00.002-05:00

So most of you all are probably thinking..what is she talking about, Christmas will be here in 3 more days. Well...urrr raaaa ummmmm I know this man!!! However I'm still on the countdown to my vacation! Herb and I decided that this trip is out Christmas gift to one another and I'm super siked. I'm heading out today to grab a few more things but mostly ill be taking things with me that I already own. (I'm going to try hard not to over pack). I did go out over the weekend and purchase a super cute tankini for my daughter. OK please explain to me why is it that they only sell little kids bathing suits that look like they come out of Victoria Secret??? Yea...I was having issues with that. So I was happy when I found the still girly looking suit.

I'm still on the hunt for a formal dress. I think Ross is going to be my saving grace. They have several cute dresses for less than $20 so ill have to make a decision on that soon.

Now I'm about to head off to Old Navy to grab a few of their door busters for Christmas Stocking Stuffers (see...I didn't forget about Christmas)

19 DAYS TO GO

2008-12-15T14:13:00.006-05:00

Yea Yea Yea I know its been like forever since ive updated this thing but Hey...A sista has been busy.

The semester is finally over and im so glad. The break were on right now is so badly needed. My family has been feeling the raft of me being stressed out about my finals and also about needing money for tuition, but as usual "God is Good"and all that has been taken care of.

Grades...ummm Im hoping for all A's but im not sure that, that is going to happen..LOL
Our grades are going to be posted online tomorrow so Im saying a good prayer and keeping my fingers and toes crossed that I somehow came through and worked it out!

The holidays are quickly approaching and although im looking forward to enjoying every day of it I must say that Im also looking forward to my upcoming vacation. My family including my parents will be sailing on Carnivals Splendor out of Fort Lauderdale. YES...19 more adys to go and were sailing the smooth seas.

I cant wait to report back the good /bad/ugly. Actually I already have the ugly but im reserving those comments for post upon my return.
I plan to update my blog daily ( ok let me not lie...every few days) with my planning and preparation for the cruise.

19 days to go and I need to find a 2nd dress for formal night. There are 2 formal nights on the ship. I have 1 dress already that I will be using but I need to find one more. I saw this one dress online that I fell in love with but havent had any success locating it in any stores around here on for purchase online. I want this dress soooo bad. I havent given up looking for it, hopefully I can find it PRIOR to me leaving for my trip.

I also need to find something for my son to wear. He needs a new suit. I plan to make my way over to Burlington this week and hopefully they will have something sharp..that fits him nicely and doesnt need to have a ton of alterations.

My daughter.....ha ha. Thats another story. She has NO CLUE at all that she is going on this trip. She thinks that she is not going and has to stay with cousins while we are away. I cant wait to see her face as we pull up to the cruise port. I will make sure we have the camcorder rolling to capture the loook in her eyes when she finds out we Punk'd her..LOL

Im so behind

2008-08-18T20:02:00.004-04:00

Dang...Its been a while since ive taken the time to update my blog.

Well...here goes

Today I started back at school. It was very interesting to say the least.
I felt old enough to be some of the students parent...lol
I'm a little nervous about getting into the habit of studying again, taking notes, hell, just overall paying attention.

My food porn has not decreased, well at least not physically. I just haven't taken the time to add new recipes to the site.
I'll be sure to add a few in the upcoming days.
I may need something to drool over myself if the classes get too tough.

Homemade meals may begin to dwindle down (shhhhhh...don't tell Herb though)

LEMON CAKE PIE

2008-06-19T21:38:00.007-04:00

*This dessert ends up with a cake like texture on the top and pie filling texture underneath

Now this was an experiment that went 2 ways

Looks: OK

Taste: Awesome

The next time I make it, ill be sure to fill-up my pie crust a little more with the lemon filling. I was scared that it would bubble out so I left a little room. Well it pretty much baked in place without a lot of rise or bubbling so next time...I'll end up with a much thicker filling.

Anyway, this treat has the came cake-pie because once its done baking the top of the pie ends up with a cake like texture and the bottom is more like a pie filling. It does this separation on its on.

If you love a lemon treat...you will definitely want to try this.

I served it with French Vanilla Whipped Cream.

ohhh and my hubby loves sweet tea so I made some tea and sliced my extra lemon to place on top

The filling will make more than enough for 1 pie. I just used it to make 2 pies ( I have the other to my neighbor)however I should've only made one and used the rest to make a few individual treats.

Lemon Cake Pie

1 9" deep dish pie crust (no need to defrost or prebake)

1 1/2 Cups sugar

2 tablespoons melted butter

1-3 cup all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon grated lemon peel (takes approx. 2 lemons)

6 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (not concentrate...use the real stuff)

3 eggs, separated

1 1/4 cups milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In medium size bowl stir melted butter and sugar, then add flour, salt, lemon peel and lemon juice (be sure there are no seeds) stir

In a small bowl, beat egg yolks with milk until well blended, then stir this into the lemon mixture

In a med. size bowl (best to use a cold glass bowl) beat egg whites with electric mixer until they have some peaks.

Fold the egg whites into the lemon mixture (don't over mix it )

Pour the filling into the pie shell

Bake for 30-45 minutes ( this will vary depending on the amount of filling used)

Pie is done once the top has browned and the center jiggles just a little

Cool before serving

So Filling!

2008-06-19T20:55:00.011-04:00

I decided that I wanted to fix some easy (as usual ) for dinner, but filling.

In addition to my normal ( What do you have the taste for tonight? ) to my hubby...I also said...how about some dessert?

Well of course, he was game for whatever.

I went through the freezer to figure something out based on what was already stored away. That's what you do when going to the grocery store is not on your to do list.

So with a pack of frozen chicken, some rice and vegetables in tow, I was able to create something super easy, filling, nd delicious for dinner.

Dinner: Cucumber Salad and Chow Down Chicken n' Rice

Cucumber Salad

2 Cucumbers (sliced)

1/2 medium onion thinly sliced

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped garlic

1/2 tablespoon sugar

Combine sliced cucumbers and onion in a medium sized glass bowl.

In a small glass bowl mix, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, sugar and olive oil until well mixed

Pour over cucumber and onion mixture and stir being sure to coat all of the cucumbers

Cover the bowl with plastic and place in the refrigerator for at least 30minutes.

Chow Down Chicken n' Rice

1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast

1 med size onion

1 celery stalk

2 cups water

1 teaspoon of butter

Adobo Seasoning or Lawry's season salt (to taste)

pepper (to taste)

chopped garlic

Chow mein noodles

Rice (white or brown)

3 packs Chicken Gravy

This is the easiest meal ever.

Place chicken breast in large deep skillet pan with water, seasoning salt, and pepper.

Cook till chicken is done. Remove chicken from broth. Pour out remaining broth reserving about 1/4 of it.Finely chop onions and celery. Add butter to pan with broth and then add chopped vegetables and chopped garlic. Cook til vegetables become tender. Cut chicken into shreds (I used my food processor for this) and set this aside.

Mix 3 packs of chicken gravy with the sauteed vegetables, the add the recommended amount of water ( per the packaging) Once this is done stir constantly on med heat until gravy just starts to thicken. Then pour shredded chicken into gravy and vegetable mixture. Mix well, place on simmer and cover for 10 min.

Boil rice.

Serve with chicken mixture over rice and then top with the chow mein noodles.

Its a hit!

2008-06-17T20:28:00.002-04:00

So the Shepherds Pie was a hit
Hubby loved it. He loved it so much that he ate another plate of it for breakfast (ummm not sure that I liked it that much) and then took some to work for lunch.

He just mentioned that he wants to take the remainder of it for lunch again tomorrow.
One thing I know...is that the man appreciates a good meal.

Its late tonight and I havent started cooking.
I plan to keep it simple tonight.
Maybe a little baked chicken for him...fish and scallops for me.

We will see.

Easy as Pie Shepherds Pie

2008-06-16T21:22:00.013-04:00

I absolutely love to cook!

I make up dishes (some turn out good, some turn out not so good). I like to make things easy on myself. Some recipes may require a lot of work. I normally try to find a way to simplify them.
In any event...I just love to cook.

My hubby will pretty much try anything
Well with that being said, I'm able to put a twist on old favorites and also try new things that I'm sure he will pretend he likes although his face tells the true story.

We frequent a well known restaurant here in Atlanta and Shepherd's Pie is a dish on their menu that Herb order often. I kept thinking to myself...I have to be able to make that at home...and I know it will taste better.

Well..here goes.

I cant vouch for the taste just yet as he has not made it home to pencil in the score card, however It sure looks good!!

Easy Shepherd's Pie

1 Tbsp Butter
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Sm Onion Diced
1 Bag of Frozen Peas and Carrots (1 - 1 1/2 cups)
1 Stalk of Celery Diced
1 Clove Garlic
1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
1/4 C Ketchup
1 - 1 1/2 Lbs Lean Ground Beef
2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 c Beef Broth
Salt / pepper
Shredded Sharp Cheddar
Mashed Potatoes

Ok Here are all of my ingredients. After starting, I decided against the homemade mashed potatoes. I just couldn't bring myself to peel the amount that I would need for this dish, so I went the instant route.

Saute the veggies (chopped onions and celery) in olive oil and butter until just about tender
Then thrown in your carrots, peas, and garlic...continue to cook.
Now add your Ground Beef...cook until only slightly pink
Add your tomato paste, ketchup, and worcestershire sauce ( I used garlic and oregano tomato paste)
Continue to cook until ground beef is done (be sure to season your beef with salt and pepper)

Prepare your mashed potatoes ( I used instant)
You will need 4c of mashed potatoes
Mix in 1/2 Cup Sharp cheddar Cheese

Pour Ground beef mixture into a casserole dish ( Be sure to spray with non stick spray first)
Spoon Mashed potatoes over the beef mixture

Bake uncovered, on top rack in oven for 20 minutes

Top dish, with 1 cup ( or more if you like) sharp cheddar cheese
Return to oven just until all of the cheese has melted

Here's the final product

Making use of time

2008-06-16T12:45:00.004-04:00

I must...stop this procrastination

My husband has ruined me (just kidding)

Ive become a member of the procrastinators club and need to get it together quick.

Today has been pretty productive for me so far

-cleaned a little

-washed and folded some clothes

-made a list of TTD

Ok so now ......whats next

Well I really need to focus on school. The purpose of me quitting my job was so that I could focus on school.

I need to make it a priority to make sure the school has all of the necessary documents so that I can work on this thing called "getting an education"

A New Start......

2008-06-14T13:00:00.001-04:00

Well this is a new beginning for me.
-Ive started my Blog (I have soooo procrastinated on this one)
-Izz married now!
-I quit my well paying job after 10 years (very scary)
-I'm going back to school
-I'm following steps ordered for me by my heavenly father

This is why Ive decided to name my blog Changes.
There have been so many new and positive changes within my life.
Some things scary, some fun, some questionable.
All in all, life is grand.!

I'm excited to see what happens and comes my way.