having my cake and eating it too

Sharon%25E2%2580%2599s%2BGrown-Up%2BChocolate%2BCoconut%2BSprinkle%2BCookies

2009-11-23T12:46:00.000-06:00

Sharon%25E2%2580%2599s%2BGrown-Up%2BChocolate%2BCoconut%2BSprinkle%2BCookies

I am so sorry!

2009-09-16T07:32:00.002-05:00

I am so sorry for being absent. I didn't realize how much of my time homeschooling was going to take up . It has also been a good break for me. I am not going to promise I will update everyday, but I am going to update as often as possible.

My daughter started her special needs soccer league last night and it is going to be so good for her! She is really concentrating on what the coach is saying. She is so excited for this, I am so glad that this league exist. It is also nice she knows several of the kids already!

I am excited because husband and I are going away for the weekend with some friends. my mom is watching the kids . My husband needs this break so much between working almost 4o hours of overtime and going to school at night he is exhausted!

Love you guys

Back

2009-08-13T06:06:00.001-05:00

I am back!!! yeah, it has been a nice break though. If you have a blog then you will understand, sometimes it gets to feel like a chore and you need to step away for a while. Also we started homeschooling this year , which is new for us, I needed time to figure out what I was doing.

What is so awesome since I have started homeschooling my son seems to be doing so much better in math. He really just needed the extra time to work on it that he wasn’t getting in school. I hope all continues to go well, but so far I am not regretting pulling him out of school!

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2009-08-05T09:13:00.002-05:00

Hey, sorry have been so spuratic with posting. Getting kids ready to start school with one being homeschooled this year. This is my first year homeschooling so there has been a lot of research so I am going to take a bloggoing break until next week and I will be back, just need to get my feet back on the ground!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-03T07:28:00.001-05:00

Monday: Hamburger Helper

Tuesday: homemade pierogis and grilled kielbasa

Wednesday: grilled chicken and a veggie

Thursday: Spaghetti and Garlic Bread

Friday: Homemade Grilled Pizza

for more great menu plans please visit www.orgjunkie.com

Today I ask all of you for your prayers. My mother has to take my grandmother who is 81 to the doctor because something showed up on an chest xray. This was not there the last time but it showed up now. The nurse didn’t say what it was but that it was serious.

None of this really suprises me because she is 81 and has smoked all of her life. She also has alzheimers and my mother was in the process of placing her in a nursing home when this was found. My mother is the one that needs this strength. She is an only child so she has no one but me and my sister to lean on!

Had a good weekend didn’t do much . Got some cleaning out done, still have some more to do. I need to go get my daughter some new shoes for school and a back pack since it starts thursday. I start homeschooling my soon this week so I ask prayers for that one.

Made some banana bread last night and it is so delish! Made one with chocolate chips and one without.

Banana Bread

3 Medium Bannanas mashed

1/2 cup of chopped nuts

1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp of baking powder

1/4 tsp of baking soda

1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon

3/4 cup of sugar

1/4 cup of oil

1 egg

optional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chocolate chips!

In a medium bowl mix flour, baking powder, soda and cinnamon together and set aside.

In another bowl mix egg, oil, mashed banana’s and sugar.

Pour wet mixture into dry mixture and gently fold in the dry ingredients. Do not overmix, mixture should be lumpy! pour into bread pan.

In a preheated 350 oven bake for approximately 60 minutes for a typical sized bread pan!

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Updates

2009-08-01T08:06:00.001-05:00

Last night was my bday party. It was a lot of fun. Had a couple of friends over and my parents. Had grilled chicken, potato salad and then either German chocolate or strawberry cake. It was delish! Got a framed print that I have been wanting.

Today, need to stay at the house and get some cleaning done. I would love to go to some garage sales but don’t really need to spend the money right now.

Start homeschooling my 13 year old this week. This will be his first year and will see how that goes. I need to sit down and start writing out a schedule. Those that homeschool how do you schedule your day?

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Where have I been!

2009-07-30T03:41:00.001-05:00

Where have I been? Facebook! Oh my goodness that is so addictive. I love all those games and there is so much to do. I guess I am really behind in the times. So the last couple of days I couldn’t really pull myself away from page.!

So yesterday was my B-day (33) and It was such a nice day. Started out with my husband taking the day off and taking me and my kids and mother and grandma to breakfast. Then we went grocery shopping. When we got through we stopped at this new gourmet cupcake shop that just opened and I got this strawberry daiqury cupcake YUMMY! We came home and did not do anything!

Speaking of the cupcake shop. I was telling someone yesterday, that is one thing I would love to do. I would love to own a cupcake, cookie, brownie, and bar bakery. I love to bake and would love to make a career out of it.

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Menu Plan Monday

2009-07-27T09:17:00.001-05:00

Monday: Chicken Tortilla’s and Spanish Rice with Homemade Tortilla’s

Tuesday: Black Eyed Peas with Corn bread

Wednesday: Baked Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

Thursday Leftovers

Friday: Homemade Pizza

We had such a great time Saturday night. We went to Outback Steak House for a friends Birthday. She was really suprised. We had the tenderloin with mashed potatoes and stuffed shrimp and I had the chocolate thunder dessert.

This week is going to be tight with groceries. We are really trying to get our budget together so I ask for your prayers that we can stick to this even if it gets tough because I really want to get my debts paid off.

I am really trying to do more of my cooking completely from scratch! Hope it all works out! I have also went back in some archives at org junkie and reading how to organize your recipes and they have some really awesome tips! here is the past recipe organization round up!

Sorry guys no digi freebies today, honestly I just did not see any that I was truly in love with and I don’t want to put down here just stuff to have it, I want to list what I would actually use!

Learn something new!

2009-07-26T07:33:00.001-05:00

I learn something new every day! Sometimes it is good things, but sometimes it is not so good. Today was a disability day at our local children’s museum where local groups that deal with people with disablities can set up tables and pass out information. Our autistic group set up a table and it was very productive.

here are a couple of photo’s

My dear hubby!

What I found out today is that locks of loves have a income cut off for providing free wigs for children. I am sorry but I still think that is so wrong. People donate this hair. Besides that even if their income excedes 28,000 they still have other bills to pay.

It was so cute, there was a group home that was performing today at the get together. They were singing elvis songs and and it was just adorable.

I was able to sign my daughter up for a special needs soccer team. She was so excited and I am too. Especially since I found out a couple of children in her class were on this league. I also made a bunch of new contacts for our group!

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Frugal Friday:Getting Back on Track

2009-07-24T09:02:00.001-05:00

You know when it seems you are doing well with money management and then all of a sudden you fall back off the wagon that is what we have done. We ended up getting credit cards that we don’t need and know we are paying for it. We are making our payments but lately it is a struggle to keep up.

We sat down last night and figured up our bills and we really have some belt tightening to do. We figured though if we tighten our belts up and if nothing comes up, that hopefully we can have things paid off even our car. We decided to really all work together and get this done. If we can’t afford something, then we just won’t do it.

Usually our credit union every Christmas offers a holiday loan and we usually always take it. Not this year we have just about gotten them paid off. Christmas may be smaller this year, but we have gotten away from the meaning of Christmas any ways so this is a way to get us back on track.

I am going to really try harder to make more from scratch ! One thing we have done recently is cut out soda’s we make tea or kool aid and my husband takes water to work! That cuts about 10 dollars out of my budget. I am plan on reading and implementing more frugal ideas.

Here are a few things I want to make from scratch

Tortillas

chocolate syrup

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Facebook

2009-07-23T08:08:00.001-05:00

I guess I am behind in the times, but I am just getting involved with face book! It is a lot of fun but have you tried bejeweled? That is the most addictive game oh my goodness! I can’t seem to pull myself away from it. I have gotten my score to 70 thousand but I can’t get past that and it is annoying me so bad!

I have gotten so lazy about blogging this week. I guess with the summer and the kids being home it is just hard to make time for it. In a couple of weeks things will sort of be back to normal and I can get on more of a schedule!

My groceries for this week are going to be small. I am going to see what I can do with what I have in the freezer. I have some black eyed peas and I am going to get a ham hock and make black eyed peas and corn bread for dinner one night ! I am looking forward to saturday night we are going to a suprise dinner at outback for her! I haven’t been to outback since katrina hit and that is almost 4 years ago!

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Free Yard Sale

2009-07-21T09:32:00.001-05:00

Our church held a free yard sale this past Saturday! I had read this idea about a free yard sale on another blog and so I thought for our church, it would be an awesome way to witness and invite others to church.

I have to say it went awesome. I think people were thinking people would take advantage of it but they did not. Generally people came and got what they needed and we got a chance to witness. I have to say God blessed this yardsale. We put out a donation jar and those that wanted to give could with all donations going to our children churches toys for tots drive. We made 80 dollars in donations and we didn’t even push the donation basket!

I have to say it was a great success and would love to do another one!

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Frugal Friday: Chilli’s Dinner For 2

2009-07-17T08:44:00.001-05:00

I know going out for dinner is not very frugal! I believe once in a while especially when your kids are gone it is fun to go out alone! My husband and I went out last night after he got home from work!

We stopped at chilli’s where they had the 20 dinner menu for 2 which includes 1 appetizer, entree’s and a a dessert to split all for 20.00 . to start we had the fiery Texas cheese fries can you say yummy!! I have to say it was delicious! I had the grilled shrimp alfredo dinner and they gave you a whole plate full. My husband had the fiery grilled steak quesidillas. We had the molten chocolate cake and I am so glad we split that because it was huge, and I forgot how sweet they are. It was worth the twenty dollars plus your drinks!

I said on Wednesday I was going to try to do better with groceries! I busted so bad. I went to Wal - Mart instead of going to Winn Dixie or Rousses and I did terrible! I haven’t been going to Wal Mart but we needed to pick up a few things for school! Wal-Mart has gotten expensive there sugar was almost 3 dollars for a 5lb sack ! I am going to try again next week!

for more frugal friday ideas please visit www.lifeasmom.com

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Works For Me Wednesday: Finding Inexpensive Recipes

2009-07-15T08:01:00.001-05:00

I love to cook! I love to cook a variety of things, but with grocery prices skyrocketing my budget just will not let me unless it is a special occasion! There is no excuse for me not to be able to fix affordable meals since I have the internet!

There are so many blogs that give affordable recipes and plans that I should have my choice. If you are reading this blog than you have at least access to the internet so use it to bring down that grocery bill! That is my next challenge to myself! I know I can beat what I have been doing, but just to lazy to try!

Today is the day I get groceries so I am going to see If I can do better than I have previously! I made a menu plan for the beginning of the week, but I honestly think I am going to change that because we have been spending between 100-150 on groceries a week and I think I can do better than that.

Here are some websites that I have been using to find some new recipes!

5 dollar dinners

org junkie (Menu Plan Monday’s)

bargain meals of the week! gives you recipes you can create from specific store sale ads!

we are that family!

I am going to start blogging weekly to see how well I have done or failed!

for more works for me wednesday tips, please visit www.wearethatfamily.com

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Awesome Finds

2009-07-14T07:37:00.001-05:00

In today’s economy, anything you can get for low cost or no cost is rare , so when I find some deals worth posting I will be sharing with you. I have gotten Martha Stewarts Living Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens Magazine and Women’s Day Magazine for free. Now I am getting real simple magazine!

Today only Long John Silvers is offering 1 free baja fish taco until 2.30 pm. Hey it is a free lunch. Details Here!

Also if you like real simple magazine, you can get a year subscription through Amazon.com for only 5.00 . I used the 5.00 gift card I earned from Swag bucks and so my years subscription is free! I am not sure how long this offer will last but it is an awesome deal! If you haven’t tried swag bucks, I promise they do pay you for searching with gift cards and I think know even pay pal cash! If you haven’t tried it and would like to sign up, I would appreciate you going through my referral link

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Menu Plan Monday

2009-07-13T08:21:00.001-05:00

Monday: Leftover Hot Wings
Tuesday: Pork Loin, veggies and mashed potato
Wednesday: Grilled Apple, Walnut Stuffed Pork Chops (recipe below)
Thursday:Roast, veggies and mashed potatoes
Friday: Chorizo Hamburgers, Homemade Fries
Saturday: Chicken Salad on Homemade Pita Bread!
Sunday: BBQ Grill Cubed Sirloin Steak/ Jalepeno BBQ Sauce

Grilled Apple, Walnut Stuffed Pork Chops (from Better homes and Gardens cookbook)
1/2 cup herb-seasoned stuffing mix
1/2 cup of coarsely shredded apple
3 Tablespoons of Chopped Walnuts
1 Tablespoons of Apple Juice or Water (optional)
4 pork loin chops or pork rib chops cut 1 1/4 inch thick
1/4 cup of apple jelly

1. for stuffing in a bowl mix stuffing mix apple walnuts and if desired juice or water
2. Make a pocket in each porkchop and spoon 3 Tablespoons of stuffing in each pocket
you may need to secure with tooth picks
3. Grill 35 to 40 minutes and for the last 5 minutes occasionaly baste with apple jelly!

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Been Sick

2009-07-12T07:03:00.001-05:00

Sorry about the crazy posting! My husband decided to take the what yours is mine and mine is yours seriously when he decided to share his terrible cold! I am going to try to be posting regularly this week! I also have had my grandmother who has alzheimers here because she will not behave while my sister and her kids are at my mom’s house! Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend!

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2009-07-10T08:55:00.001-05:00

Sorry I am not feeling well, so no real post today! We spent all day at the water park yesterday and today I have a lovely cold that my husband was so gracious to pass on! hopefull tomorrow I will be feeling somewhat better. Have a wonderful friday!

Works For Me Wednesday: Free Mocha Monday’s Mc D’s

2009-07-08T07:45:00.001-05:00

I was reading money saving mom’s blog and she alerted me to a freebie mc Donalds will be having starting July 13th. Every Monday according to Mc Donald’s website they will be giving away free 8 oz samples of there Hot or Iced Mocha’s. This promotion is supposed to run from July 13 to Aug 3. As always you should check your local mc d’s because sometimes they all do different things!

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Lazy Day!

2009-07-07T08:09:00.001-05:00

Today is just a lazy day, I need to get my floors mopped and some dusting done but other than that I am going to be totally lazy!

I have been checking out a few food blogs and came across this monte crisco sandwich! Doesn’t that look delish!

Thursday is my son’s bday. I can’t believe he will officially be a teenager! Uggh were does time go!

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Menu Plan Monday

2009-07-06T07:09:00.001-05:00

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Smoked Gouda Mac N Cheese

Tuesday: pork Loin, baked potato, Roasted Asparagus

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Roast,Yorkshire Pudding, Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Friday: Leftovers

for more awesome recipes please visit www.orgjunkie.com

I am so glad the 4th is over. I love it but I cooked all day Saturday and I was so tired by lunch time, I really didn’t want to eat to much! Everything turned out really well though! I ate way to much dessert! We had lemon squares (I used more lemon for this batch about 1/2 cup), peach crisp, triple berry crisp, and blueberry cobbler!

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My Grill

2009-07-05T06:46:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful and safe July 4

I was watching the neelley’s on food network and I found my Grill! Check this out!

It is a piggy grill, isn’t that the cutest grill you have ever seen! I want one but I know I will never get it. That grill is 1,500 dollars! Oh well it is fun to wish!

Here is my famous BBQ Baked Bean Recipe

1 onion (diced)

1 bell pepper (diced)

teaspoon of prepared mustart

1 lb bacon

1 bottle of barbq sauce

4 cans of baked beans

Brown Sugar to taste

In a skillet fry bacon until crisp, crumble and set aside. Drain all but a couple of teaspoons of bacon fat! Fry onion and pepper in grease until onion and pepper are tender.

In a separate pot on the stove empty cans of baked beans. Mix in mustard, and barbecue sauce , onions and peppers, and bacon. Add enough brown sugar to taste, I probably use about 1 cup! warm through! Place in 9x13 pan and bake for about 45 minutes!

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Happy Independence Day and Lemon Squares

2009-07-04T07:27:00.001-05:00

Happy 4th of July! Hope everyone is really thinking about the true meaning of this holiday besides cook outs and fireworks! We need to thank all of our soldiers and there families for the job that they do!

Oh How I just found out I love lemon squares! I made a batch yesterday for today and honestly I could just eat them for the crust alone!

Here is the Recipe I used!

Lemon Squares

Crust

2 cups unsifted all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsifted icing sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup margarine

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a bowl, stir together the flour, icing sugar and salt. Cream in the margarine until the mixture turns into a pliable dough. Pat the dough evenly by hand into the bottom of a buttered 9"x13" pan.

Bake for 11 minutes. Let cool slightly before adding filling.

Filling:
4 large eggs
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup all purpose flour

While the base crust is baking, beat together all ingredients until smooth.

Pour over the hot baked base. Return the squares to the oven immediately. Bake at 350°F about 25 minutes until pale gold in color. During last 5 minutes, put a cookie sheet below the baking pan to be sure the bottom does not burn.

Remove from the oven. Let cool completely in the pan on a cake rack.

Cut into squares. Store in tightly covered container.

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Frugal Friday: Cheaper Alternatives

2009-07-03T07:08:00.001-05:00

I was reading my free subscription to Woman’s Day Magazine and they were talking about how to save money! One of the things they were talking about was finding cheaper alternatives to what you love! For example one person that loves coffee found that eight o’clock coffee better than name brand coffee and it was only like 4 dollars a pound instead of paying 7,8, or 9. One person found the exact same formula for facial cream she had been paying 16 dollars a bottle for 5 dollars.

I have found that the suave professional hair styling products works wonders and they are under 3 dollars in the stores. What are some of your cheaper alternatives that you have found?

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Works For Me Wednesday: Summer Recipes

2009-07-01T08:29:00.001-05:00

It is berry season and with getting lots of blueberries this year. I love blueberry cobbler! This recipe is so easy!

Blueberry Cobbler

1 cup of self rising flour

1 cup of milk

1 stick of butter

1 cup of blueberries or your favorite fruit

1 cup of sugar

Preheat oven to 350. In a 8x8 pan or a shallow baking dish, melt your butter in the preheating oven. While the butter is melting mix together the flour milk and sugar. When butter has finished melting, take pan out of oven pour in fruit and then flour mixture. DO NOT MIX ! Bake for approximately 50 minutes!

For more summer recipes please visit www.wearethatfamily.com

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