The "Get it Done in 2012" List

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

End of a Year -- ALREADY????

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Goddess on the Go

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

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

http://flylady.net

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

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

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

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

Nock, Nock -- Who's There?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ricotta Cake

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

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

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


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


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

• 
  

Second Easiest Dishcloth EVER!

(half way mark)

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

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

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

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

DIRECTIONS
Cast on 4 sts.

Row 1: Knit one row.

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

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

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

Continue decreasing until 4 sts left. Cast off.

Yes, Yes... I am still alive!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011 Camping Vacation to the White Mountains

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

That leaves us with CAMPING!

http://www.countrybumpkins.com/

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

Bill & Alice (the owners)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~DAY 5 (Monday) Canada, Eh?

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

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

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

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

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

~DAY 7 (Wednesday) Oh so beautiful!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Never Underestimate the Power of Sales and Coupons!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For You...

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

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

I love you.

Look what we did... 18 months EARLY!

Striving for Zero

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Lil Something for ME!

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

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

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

February is Fun...

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

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

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

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

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

There is Something Special About Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Frugal Finds

$1.99 each !!!

Like Sand Through the Hourglass...

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

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

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

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

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

Today's Adventure

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


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


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


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


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

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


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

Ya Ya, What is Menu Planning?

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

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

Okay, but how do you DO it?

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

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

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

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

See, I told you meal planning can be simple.

How I Do It

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

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

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

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

Challenging Myself in 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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