Simple Ratatouille

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

Ratatouille

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


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

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

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

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

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Turkles

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

Turkey Turtles

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

Bacon Cheese Turtleburger

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cast on 4

Row 1: Knit

Inc: K2, YO, knit to the end 

(repeat Inc. until 25 stitches)

Dec: K1, K2tog, YO, K2tog, knit

(repeat Dec. until 4 stitches and bind off)






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

TADAH!!

Mid-Year Check-in

Summer Solstice is today. Six months until Yule.
  
Six months????

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

Slowly.

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

My list so far --

 ~Diva - hat (done), scarf (done), mittens, bookworms, HP pencil brooms, HP pencil holder, HP secret book box,
HP bookscarf - All 4 houses, tube socks, fish soap
 
~Elvis  -$94 Neck-warmer (can’t find the pattern anymore, look for another)

~Mom  - 5th Avenue Infinity Scarf 



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

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

Vee's Patterned Scarf - Knitting

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

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

size 10 US (or larger) 

Cast on 22
 
rows 1-20 ~  knit

start pattern

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

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


*pictures will be posted as soon as I finish

Summer Vacation Isn't Just for Kids!

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh Kia, Why Have You Forsaken Me?

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

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

Easy fix, right?

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

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

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

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

Or so we thought.

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

Another rat.

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

There it was!

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

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

The celebration was short lived however.

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

Usually.

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

Gee, thanks.

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

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

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

THREE HOURS LATER the tow truck arrives.

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

Fast forward to Monday

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

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

The $2400.00 Lemon Aid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IT FAILED !!!

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

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

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

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

CAN'T ???

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My $16 Garden

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

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

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


When you run out of ground, think UP! 

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

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


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

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

Real Men DO Cook... and Other Tales

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


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


My week has looked something like this --


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

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

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

Mother's Day Monday Catch-up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back to School Spending Challenge

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


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

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

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

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

Back to School Challenge

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

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

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

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

Raising a Young Woman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Current listing of Smart Girl's Guide

Not Your Typical Success Story

... but for US it is!

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

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

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

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

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


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

Our 2010 Vacation on the Cheap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hobo Hills Mini-Golf - $24.00

 

A Love Never-ending

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Random Memories & A Snow Free Weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dinner tonight will be Nacho Squares and veggies.

Nacho Squares

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

Preheat oven to 415*

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

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

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

My Stockpile, My Meal Planner and My Best Grocery Guess

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday -- to ME!

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

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

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

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

Domestic Goddess' Applesauce Birthday Cake

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

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

Don't be afraid of making risotto

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Not-So-Domestic Goddess Bread

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

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

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

The Not-So-Domestic Goddess Bread

3 cups flour

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 tablespoon salt

2 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast

1 2/3 cups warm water

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

~ Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. 

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

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

That's it!!

Easy Bagel Pudding

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

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

optional - fruits (like blueberries)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elvis' Balaclava

Size G (4.25 mm)

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

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

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

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

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

Sweet and Savory Stew

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

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

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

* 3 cups cooked rice (side dish)

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

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

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

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

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

~ Serve over rice.

Merry Christmas and Joyous Yule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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